OCIA Session 27: Life of Service – Finding Your Gifts and Joining Ministries

Welcome back, friends! Last time we talked about Living the Mass and why Sunday worship is the heart of Catholic life. Today we take the next step: Life of Service. Because here’s the truth: Catholic life is not just about receiving - it’s also about giving. Jesus Himself said: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45). If that’s true for Him, it must be true for us.

So today we’ll explore:

Why service matters.
How to discover your gifts.
Where to serve in parish life.
How service strengthens both you and the Church.

Why Service Matters

The sacraments aren’t just private blessings. They launch us into mission. At Baptism, you were given a share in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king. That means you’re called to worship, witness, and serve.

Service matters because:

It reflects Christ’s love.
It builds up the parish family.
It uses your gifts for God’s glory.
It helps you grow in holiness.

Humor Break

Someone once said: “Church is not like a cruise ship with passengers. It’s like a battleship with a crew. Everyone has a job.” The Catholic Church doesn’t need more passengers. It needs more crew!

Discovering Your Gifts

St. Paul reminds us: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Cor 12:4).

Some people are natural teachers. Some are encouragers. Some are organizers. Some love hands-on service. Some are prayer warriors.

A few questions to ask yourself:

What do I enjoy doing?
What do others say I’m good at?
Where do I feel most alive when serving?

Those clues point to your gifts.

Interactive Reflection

Take three minutes. Write down two things you enjoy doing and two ways you’ve helped others in the past. That may reveal a gift God wants you to offer in your parish.

Where to Serve in Parish Life

Every parish has ministries, and they fall into a few big categories:

Worship ministries: lectors, choir, altar servers, ushers.
Faith formation: teaching children, youth ministry, adult Bible study.
Outreach: food pantry, visiting the sick, prison ministry, social justice.
Hospitality: greeters, coffee and donuts, parish events.
Prayer ministries: rosary groups, prayer chains, intercessory prayer.

There’s something for everyone.

Humor Break #2

Yes, even making coffee counts as a ministry. In fact, some Catholics claim the ministry of donuts is the most effective evangelization tool in the parish!

Why Service Strengthens You

When you serve, you don’t just help others. You grow. Service teaches humility, patience, teamwork, and compassion. It keeps your faith from becoming self-centered. And it connects you to the parish family in a deeper way.

Parish Connection

Think of your parish as a body. Each member has a role. If one part doesn’t function, the body suffers. But when everyone contributes, the parish thrives. Service is how you move from being a “consumer” of parish life to being a “contributor.”

Interactive Activity

Pair up. Share one ministry in your parish that interests you - even if you’re not sure you’re ready. Listen to each other and encourage one another to take the next step.

Action Step

This week:

Pray: “Lord, show me how You want me to serve in this parish.”
Talk to your parish staff or pastor about available ministries.
Choose one small way to serve - even just volunteering for one event - and commit to it.

Closing

Life as a Catholic is not passive. It’s active. It’s about worship and service. The sacraments strengthen you, not so you can sit back, but so you can step forward and serve. Next time, we’ll talk about Ongoing Formation - Study, Prayer, and Catholic Learning Resources. Because service is important, but we also have to keep growing in knowledge and love of the faith. Until then, remember: you don’t need to do everything. Just do something. God has given you gifts, and your parish needs them.

next class:
OCIA Session 28: Ongoing Formation – Study, Prayer, and Catholic Learning Resources