Service projects are a very important part of the Confirmation process. They are a great introduction to helping others both in our parish and local communities. Our hope is that the candidates will continue to engage in these opportunities to give back to others and becomes part of your life; especially through your high school years.
St James Parish has many opportunities for you to experience different aspects of volunteering. All of the projects are supervised by volunteers and these ministries would appreciate your commitment to their projects.
You will be responsible for contacting the person organizing the project, having your Service Project Form signed on the day of the event and completing the reflection section on the form.
Post the date and time on your calendar! (using your cell phone is a great way to have your schedule at hand)
Your sponsor is welcome to participate in any of the projects of your choice. It is a great way to include him/her in your preparation. (Please note: not all projects require parent/sponsor participation).
Take time to talk with your sponsor about a project you can do together such as: "Walk/run/bike for cause". Your sponsor may already be involved in something at their own parish, community or workplace that you can participate in.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY SERVICE HOUR OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH SAINT JAMES PARISH:
Mrs. Dolansky coordinates food packing in Rahway monthly, please contact her for details 973-376-5194 or pdolansky@saintjamesparish.org
Children's Liturgy of the Word.On the 2nd Sunday of each month children in Grades K-5 go to the Convent to hear the Good News of Jesus in words written for them. Confirmation candidates are welcome to help please contact Ms. Caputo if you are interested. ncaputo@saintjamesparish.org
Saint Joseph's Social Service Center in Elizabeth is looking for volunteers during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Please check their web site and news letter "Cornucopia" for information. http://stjosephelizabeth.org/
Springfield Knights of Columbus - Family Breakfast, needs volunteers on Sunday, December 18th from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM to help serve breakfast. Please contact Patti Dougherty at 908-277-1083 if you are available.
Eucharist Family Retreat Help needed with set-up, Friday March 2nd from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. Volunteers needed the day of the Retreat - March 3rd from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Candidates will help younger children with crafts, moving from one activity to another and clean up. Please contact Ms. Caputo with your availability ncaptuo@saintjamesparish.org
Home Study Middle School Retreat: Sunday March 25th, start at 12:00 noon Mass to 2:00 PM, help younger Religious Education Students with a Stewartship project. Please contact Ms. Caputo with your availability ncaptuo@saintjamesparish.org
Interested in being an aide in a Religious Education Class, contact Ms. Caputo. Volunteering in the classroom will complete your service hours for the year!
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE COMMUNITY:
Activities / Fundraisers: in your own school or community
Library: Can always use volunteers
Knights of Columbus: If parent/grandparent is involved there may be an event they are holding that requires additional help.
Scouts: If you are a Girl or Boy Scout some of your events can be counted.
Hillside Food Bank: Organizing and collecting items during the year.
Student Council: If you are involved with your student council there will be causes/events for you to serve at your school.
Helping thy Neighbor: If you have an elderly neighbor who can use some help, that is great. However, we would like to see you help on more than one occasion, not just for the “big snowstorm”.
Springfield Hope/Community Conference: Can always use volunteers packing collected itmes, especially during their Thanksgiving and Christmas collection.
In the past Candidates have:
Filled bags of toiletries for both the homeless and Veterans groups
Coordinated food collections in connection with St. Joseph's Social Services
Filled boxes of supplies for our troops
Back Pack Food collection
Tutor a younger student
Clean a park on Earth Day
