Inquiry Questions:
What does Jesus call us to do through service? (P)
How is ‘serving’ others different to ‘helping’ them? (S)
KEY: (P) = Primary activity | (S) = Secondary activity
1. List down names of people in your local community who live service each day.
2. Research how NAIDOC Youth Award Winners are living service and making a difference in their communities. Invite one of them to speak to your peers.
3. “Life is like a tennis match; you can’t win without serving.” Discuss Arthur Ashe’s quote with family/friends. What is the real meaning to them?
1. Unpack the Scripture Link verse. What is it saying?
2. Pauline Jaricot said, “I was created to love and act.” What does a life filled with service mean to you?
3. Participate in a Mission Workshop in class. How does this inform your view on serving others?
1. Become a Mission Ambassador for Catholic Mission and share the story of those in Timor-Leste in your local parish over World Mission Sunday 2023 – 21st & 22nd October. Ask your school how to get involved.
2. Learn and master a new soccer skill. Teach someone how to do it.
3. Profile a Service Champion in your school newsletter.
Scripture Link
Matthew 25:40
“And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’”
In this passage, Jesus teaches about the final judgement, where he identifies himself with those most in need, saying, "Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family*, you did it to me." This verse underscores the importance of compassion, kindness, and service to others. It teaches us that acts of love and mercy towards people in need are, in fact, acts of service to Christ himself.
*alt: my brothers and sisters
Catholic Social Teaching
1. Common Good - A true community is one where the common good is reached when we work together to better the wellbeing of all people in our community and the wider world.
2. Human Dignity - God made each person, so every life is important and should be protected.
3. Solidarity - God created all people, so we are all brothers and sisters in God’s family, wherever we live.
4. Participation and Subsidiarity - God made us to be part of communities, families and countries, so all people can share and help each other. No one community should have dominance over another or interfere in their lives.
Additional Activities: primary
📚 READ...
- The article in Mission Today – ‘Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move’ as part of your guided reading in class. Highlight key words and phrases. Record these in your workbook.
- Sr Alma’s story in Mission Today. Write a paragraph that explains how she lives a life of service.
- The lyrics of the ‘Servant Song’ by Richard Gillard. Research this song writer to find out the meaning behind the song.
...and be inspired!
📺 WATCH...
“The Boy and the Crocodile” – a Timor-Leste legend. Can you think of other stories that give messages of helping, showing kindness and being of service. Borrow them from your school or local library.
...and be moved!
🎧 LISTEN TO...
‘Kindness Makes us Strong’ by Sophie Beer. How do you show kindness to strengthen your family and community?
...and reflect!
🎨 DO...
- Practice juggling your sockball like Jose from Timor-Leste. How long can you keep the ball up?
- A line in the song, ‘Basin and Towel’ says, 'Day after day we must take up the basin and towel.’ What does this mean to you? What ways do you take up the basin and towel each day?
...and make an impact!
Additional Activities: Secondary
📚 READ...
The article in Mission Today (2023 Autumn/Winter, p. 5), and identify key words that demonstrate Catholic Mission being of service to the people of Turkey & Syria.
...and be inspired!
📺 WATCH...
The TEDx talk ‘The unexpected outcomes of volunteering’. Identify ways this already happens in your community. What other things could you do?
...and be moved!
🎨 DO...
- “The greatest honour and authority is reserved for the one with the heart of a servant.” What does being counter-cultural look like in 2023?
- Create a visual that reflects the Pope’s World Mission Day 2023 Message. Share this with your family and peers. Invite your peers to do the same and display them to showcase the theme and the work of Catholic Mission.
- Write an article for your school newsletter, highlighting the work of Catholic Mission, and showing how the community can support the people of Timor-Leste through the Socktober platform.
