Christian Service Serving our Neighbour in Year 8
Mrs Marya Stewart Director of Christian Service
What responsibility does a thirteen year old boy have to care about the people who he lives and interacts with every day; in his family, his neighbourhood, his parish and his school?
This is one of the concepts that Year 8 students at Trinity College are asked to explore through the Christian Service program. As a student of a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, each one of them is challenged to put their faith into action by using their time and energy to help other people in real and practical ways. At the final Middle School Assembly for the year some of the Year 8 students shared their reflections on Christian Service. Nicholas Monisse said, “Helping out around the house may not sound like such a big thing or you might not think it makes a huge difference. Through my Christian service this year I soon learnt that every little thing that you do does make a difference. On one particular occasion I decided to help my Mum out around the house more than usual because she was very busy. I hung out the washing for her, dried dishes, swept, cleaned, cooked dinner and hung out more washing. I found out that doing all these things really did help because my Mum was able to achieve all she wanted. Doing just a little bit more than usual and making a bit more of a contribution can make a big difference overall”. Adam Clarke told us that one of the activities he decided to do, was to go calling for Red Cross with his Mum. This resulted in him getting to know neighbours who he had never even heard of before. The Christian Service project was the most rewarding thing that he accomplished this year. Matthew Richards decided to spend some time at a local aged care facility and he really enjoyed the experience because he knew he was helping someone in need. Playing simple games to help keep the residents mentally and physically active, listening to them sing their favourite childhood songs, or just chatting with them were all fun activities and they even gave a farewell party for him when he left. He experienced sad moments too, such as when he realized one of the residents he had seen every day had passed away when he saw her room all packed up. His final comments were. ”It was kind of sad to be leaving them, I wanted to stay longer. So I plan to go back for another week or two at the end of this year.” Christian Service can teach you many things and Robert Hortin had some interesting thoughts on the program. “One of the main things I have learnt is that even though you think fifteen hours of service takes
forever, it doesn’t really. I mean, you spend more time than this playing PS2 or going on the Internet. So when you think about it, it isn’t that long after all and when you spend time with others, nothing feels better than to know you made someone happy”. This year Christian Mr Ray efficiently
Christian Service
the preparation and reflection process for Service in Year 8 was coordinated by Kosovich who has enthusiastically and organized the program.
Restoring Relationships in Year 9 Three Year 9 Classes had the opportunity to participate in the “Restoring Relationships” program this year. The program is designed to involve the students in an experience which builds healing relationships between people and with the earth. There are four specific projects. At Cityfarm in East Perth the boys were involved in activities which taught them how they could use natural methods to develop an ecologically sound garden. Environment House organized a program of planting native grasses along the riverbanks at Maylands where they have been eroded away, also weeding out noxious plants. Both these activities were very hands-on experiences of caring for our environment. Another group of students helped out at Tranby Primary School which has a breakfast program run by volunteers, to feed children who otherwise would have very little to eat before school. Trinity boys were able to assist with the preparation and serving of food and to play some games with the children before school. One of the most rewarding projects was “Bears with a Mission.” By the end of the year, eight teddy bears dressed in Trinity colours had been given to people who had suffered some loss or distress in their lives in recent times. Year 9 boys made the final touches, such as knitting straps and sewing on buttons, to the clothing for the bears, which were knitted by a group of very generous parents and friends. Thanks must go to the many staff that have assisted with the Year 9 projects, particularly Ms Kellie Carnaby, Mr Gerard Theseira, Mr Leo Murray, Mr Phil Smith, Mr Paul Presser and Ms Kerrie Fraser.
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