Why Catholic Schools Promote Community Service
Catholic schools encourage students to participate in community service projects with their peers. This often extends to parents and other members of the school community. Local charity organizations tend to benefit from this, finding Catholic schools to be reliable sources of support. Serving others is a core tenet of the Catholic faith, one that Catholic schools take very seriously. Here are some of the reasons why:
Spreading God’s Love
In the Catholic faith, volunteering is seen as a way of showing God’s love and spreading it to others. Throughout scripture, the apostles spent time giving of themselves and their resources, freely sharing with others what God gave to them. No one had to be “worthy enough” for those good deeds or kindness. Faith-based education is built on a belief that every person is a unique child of God and thus worthy of experiencing kindness, grace and goodwill. This goes for students and their families, as well as community members in need. Everyone is worthy of God’s love, no matter their place in life.
Showing Solidarity
By showing God’s love to everyone and reserving judgment, children learn to show solidarity. Pope Francis says of solidarity: “Solidarity means much more than engaging in sporadic acts of generosity. It means thinking and acting in terms of community.” While giving back on Thanksgiving and Christmas helps at times when families need it most, solidarity is a year-round tradition of the Catholic faith.
Putting Others First
Children are often told “You think the world revolves around you.” And, to children who haven’t learned otherwise, it does. Teaching children about service when they’re young will help them learn to put others before themselves. They will begin to see the world from other perspectives and remember that everyone they meet is part of God’s family. Eventually, putting others first will feel like the natural thing to do.
Learning Compassion
It’s easy to turn away when you see suffering. No one wants to be uncomfortable or feel pain. Serving the community shows children the power of compassion in the lives of people who are hurting. Committing time and energy to helping others shows that you care. Children who learn to do this early in life often carry the spirit of compassion with them throughout their lives.
At our Titusville Catholic school, we believe a spirit of service is essential for children of faith. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop their full potential. Teachers foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and equip students for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.