In order to encourage your own safety and the safety of those being served, I recognize that there may not be many options for traditional service projects available right now. The purpose of the service requirement by the diocese is to give teens the opportunity and encouragement to discover their own gifts and charisms and use them to serve the Body of Christ. It is meant to encourage self-discovery and a lifelong desire for service. It is Not meant to add an undue burden to those already suffering under the strain and stress of a global pandemic.

For this reason, those Confirmed in 2020 will only be asked to complete one service project prior to Confirmation rather than a set number of hours. They will still be required to submit both the Verification and Reflection Forms by August 31st.  Additionally, those registered for Confirmation in 2021 will be exempt from their first year service requirement. 

This is an unprecedented situation and my hope is that these adjustments will still afford teens an opportunity to encounter Christ in those outside of their day-to-day life while relieving an unneccesary pressure. 

For those unable to participate in the PRAISE 2020 Service Project, there are still plenty of ways to serve your neighbor safely during this time. Service projects are simply "uncompensated and pre-approved activities that benefit those outside of your home and directly address a spiritual or corporal work of mercy." Check out this website for some suggestions! Please note that not every project on this list is approved. In order to be sure that the service project will be accepted, please be sure to notify Madeleine Vuyk prior to selecting an at-home service project.

"Mercy is love when it encounters suffering... and reaches out in compassion to help."
- Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC

While every Christian is called to do acts of service throughout their life, there is a special emphasis on service during the time of Confirmation preparation. This allows candidates to identify and develop their own personal gifts and charisms and grow in connection with the larger Body of Christ. Service encourages us to step outside of ourselves and encounter Christ in the other. It allows us to come to know Christ more intimately by challenging us to recognize the sufferings of others as the sufferings of Christ.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Works of Mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities" (CCC2447). All members of St. Clare Youth Ministry are welcome and encouraged to do works of mercy, but only Confirmation candidates will be required to submit hours for credit. All those who plan to attend service opportunities must fill out the proper paperwork beforehand. Both Year 1 and Year 2 Confirmation candidates must fill out and submit a Works of Mercy Verification & Reflection Form by their respective deadlines to receive credit. 

Events at St. Clare for Works of Mercy Credit-

• PRAISE Retreat 2020
  • This day-retreat hosted at St. Clare's on 6/25-6/27 will blend both service and prayer and will thus satisfy both the total Works of Mercy requirement as well as the retreat requirement for the 2020 Confirmation Class. 
• Living Stations
  • While 2020's Living Stations was cancelled due to COVID-19, this service opportunity will total 10 hours. 
• Service Saturdays
  • Dates & times are currently TBD but these service opportunities will not start until Fall 2020
  • Once a month throughout the semester, these optional days of service will be an opportunity to come together as a St. Clare Community serve our neightbor in the greater Houston area. 

• contact CIA
  • Christians in Action is a wonderful service organization right here at St. Clare's!
• The Houston Food Bank
• Loaves and Fishes
• Visit your local hospice center, nursing home, or hospital
  • Be sure to check their volunteer polocies and to fill out the appropriate forms.
• For socially distant ways of serving, check out this helpful link! (Please note that not every project on this list is approved. In order to be sure that the service project will be accepted, please be sure to notify Madeleine Vuyk prior to selecting an at-home service project.)
  • https://www.signupgenius.com/nonprofit/social-distance-service-project-ideas.cfm