Sturgis 1

Brooke Sturgis
Mr. Campbell
Religion 10
4/30/18

Service is defined as a charitable work done through the community that benefits others.

Doing service gives one a sense of humility and teaches you many life lessons through a Christ-

led lifestyle. The services I performed this year included being a counselor for Vacation Bible

School, working a church fair, and being in a musical that raised money for charity. For Vacation

Bible School, I was an authority over kids ages three to ten. I had to opportunity to guide them in

games, storytelling, and crafts. I enjoyed this service project because I love kids and I got to

connect with them through Christ and his teachings. The next service I did was working two fairs

through churches. I worked the game booths where I collected money and gave out prizes while

running the specific game. At one of the fairs, I was a waitress for the dinner that was being

served to the parishioners. I did this because I love being involved at my parish that I grew up

with and giving back. Waitressing especially allowed me to interact with the people in my

community and meet new members of the church. The last service project I was involved with

was the St. Sebastian CYO musical. In this musical we spent five months preparing to perform

“Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.” The show raised over $17,000 and goes to the mission

in Chimbote, Peru and Project Hope in Appalachia. I chose to participate in this because I got to

do what I love while benefitting others at the same time. Being on stage was so moving because

when I thought I would forget a line, I thought of the people I was helping and it pushed me to

keep going. Hearing stories from the people who participated in a mission trip that went down to

these charities was very moving because I felt connected with the kids who were struggling.
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In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus states how you should see him in every person on Earth. If

one does this, they will act justly and perform service. If one does not dedicate a part of

themselves into others, they will not receive eternal life. Trying to comprehend this passage was

very difficult for me when I was younger because I did not know what I could do to help others

through my faith. As I grew up, I found more opportunities to volunteer, however I did not see

its’ effects until this year. As I was performing, there was a part in the show where we had to

find somebody in the audience and have them come up and dance with us. During opening night,

there was a woman in a wheelchair that I found in the crowd. I held her hands as we danced and I

saw her singing every word. In that moment, I saw Christ and it was as if I had this revelation. I

saw the joy in her eyes and I fell in love with the feeling of knowing that I got to make

someone’s night just a little better. After the performance, the bishop came up to our cast and

told us how we were doing God’s active work and, “putting a smile on His face.” Raising money

for two amazing charities always gives me motivation when I am having a bad day because it

makes me realize how lucky I am to have the life I live. Reflecting on this passage helps me to

be less selfish and inspires me to focus my life towards the works of Christ. In regard to the other

service work I did, volunteering at my parish activities was also very heart-warming. Working

hands on with the kids and brining them into a Christ-centered life with personal experiences

brought me closer to my faith. There were times where I did not see Christ in others, but I saw

Him work through me. I felt empowered as I spread His word and grasped onto the feeling of

spreading that love. I found my home in Christ and it was truly influential as led others on the

same path. When I waitressed, I got to serve others who have the same beliefs that I have. It was

moving to see them smile, and also seeing God’s smile through them. I felt more connected to

my parish and served them as if I was serving Christ.

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I believe that it is important for Christians to perform service because they are able to

strengthen their faith and become a disciple of Jesus. God put us on this earth with a driven

mission in all of us, and as a Catholic, part of our mission is to help others. By doing this, we

represent the church and inspire others to join the church and follow Christ. In the Ten

Commandments, God states, “love thy neighbor as thy self.” The bible brings historical events

into the modern world where we can be inspired and act through what the disciples in the Bible

saw. Commitment to others is a commitment to Christ. There are children of God who do not

have the same privileges as we have. They are our brothers and sister through Christ, therefore

we need to care for them with our whole heart and lift them out of oppression. Performing these

works keeps us actively involved in our faith and ensures that we stay connected through Christ,

preventing us from drifting away from our faith. Going out of our way takes us away from our

struggles, anxieties, or worries, and places us in an environment surrounded by love. We are then

more focused on leading a positivity driven life where we can focus on our end goal, eternity

with Christ.

In conclusion, service is extremely important in the life of a Catholic Performing,

guiding, and waitressing proved to me that service is more than just an act required by the

school. It truly connects us with the world that God created and gives us the opportunity to do

His work intended for us.