OCIA Session 27 Supplement -Life of Service - Finding your gifts and joining ministries

When we receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil, the journey does not end. In many ways, it is only the beginning. To be Catholic is not only to believe, pray, and worship - it is also to serve. Every baptized person has been given gifts, and those gifts are meant to be shared. Service is not an optional “extra” in the Christian life. It is at the heart of discipleship. Jesus Himself said in Mark 10:45, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” If service defined the life of Christ, it must define the life of His followers too.

The beautiful truth is that every single person has a role in the Church. St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Some people serve by teaching or proclaiming Scripture. Others serve by hospitality, making newcomers feel welcome. Others serve by music, prayer, organizing, cooking, or hidden acts of kindness. The Spirit gives gifts not so we can keep them for ourselves, but so the whole Body of Christ can grow.

The parish is the primary place where these gifts come alive. Ministries exist for every personality and strength. Perhaps you feel called to lector, proclaiming the Word of God at Mass. Maybe you love children and could help in religious education. Maybe your gift is compassion, which could lead you to visit the sick or help with a meal ministry. Maybe you have practical skills and could serve by maintaining the parish grounds. There is no gift too small or unimportant. As St. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:21, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’” Every part of the Body matters.

Here’s a humor break: Catholics sometimes joke that 10% of the parish does 90% of the work. Imagine if that flipped! If everyone stepped into one ministry, no one would be overburdened, and the Church would overflow with life. Service is not meant to burn people out - it is meant to build people up.

Service also expands beyond the parish walls. Jesus calls us to serve the poor, the hungry, the lonely, the imprisoned, and the marginalized. In Matthew 25:35-36 He says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” To serve others is to serve Christ Himself. When you look into the eyes of someone in need and extend love, you are encountering the face of Jesus.

Take time to reflect: what are the gifts God has given you? Are you a good listener? A teacher? A helper? An organizer? A creative thinker? Do you feel drawn to music, to prayer, to acts of charity? What do others often affirm in you? These clues can point to the gifts the Spirit wants you to share. Ask yourself: am I currently using my gifts for the good of others, or am I keeping them hidden?

Here’s your practical challenge: pray this week with 1 Peter 4:10 - “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Then, take one step of action. Speak to your parish priest or ministry coordinator about ways to serve. Choose one ministry that excites you and commit to exploring it. Or, if you are unsure, start small - volunteer for one parish event, help serve coffee and donuts, or bring food to a parish collection. Every act of service matters.

In closing, remember this: to be Catholic is to be a servant. Christ washed His disciples’ feet and told them to do the same. When you use your gifts, no matter how simple or hidden, you are building up the Body of Christ and spreading the Gospel. Next time, we will talk about ongoing formation - how to keep growing in faith after OCIA, through study, prayer, and lifelong learning. Until then, discover your gifts, step into service, and remember that every act of love, no matter how small, echoes into eternity.