Christian Service-Learning is a concrete way of putting into action the Gospel values espoused by Ursula Frayne Catholic College.
Catholic schools are communities of faith whose main task is evangelisation through education: they are ‘important means through which the Church proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ’. Throughout history, serving others has been the mark of a great person. There are everyday examples like Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and Oscar Romero and many unnamed people who serve this community and the wider community in so many ways.
Christian Service Learning is a flexible student-centred program that provides students with an opportunity to develop empathy, compassion and a sense of justice through meaningful and active citizenship. It will enable students to demonstrate competencies in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, self-reflection, community and environmental responsibility and cultural awareness.
Ursula Frayne Catholic College is a community ‘inspired by the example of Ursula Frayne’ to make the world a better place, a place where everyone can be free to develop their full potential. We are all gifted in some way and the challenge for each student is to use their gifts in the service of others.
The Christian Service Learning program will give students the opportunity to explore many ways to serve in the footsteps of so many Christians and will help the individual student discover new talents and interests as they participate.
Students participating soon discover that not only the people they are assisting are benefiting, but so are they. It requires the student to be creative, to find things to do that will be fulfilling and helpful and that they will feel rewarded and experience a sense of satisfaction as a result of being involved. Christian Service Learning thus enables students to interact with others in the spirit of the Gospel, to live and serve as Jesus commanded. Students identify areas in their communities where they can help develop a Gospel vision of society.
How will this relate to your Religious Education Course?
The Christian Service Learning Program at Ursula Frayne Catholic College enables students to have the opportunity to further achieve the following Religious Education Outcomes:
Outcome 2 – Drawing on Human Experience
Students understand the content of the Christian message and its significance by relating it to examples drawn from human experience. Students analyse how to relate Catholic beliefs and practices to real life situations and experiences.
Outcome 3 – Knowing Jesus
Students know the person of Jesus, the model for living out the Christian mission in the world. Students understand that, in the Gospels, Jesus taught about and demonstrated the commandment of love. They know that this commandment today can be shown through the Christian values of justice, compassion, truthfulness and respect. Students understand what it means to develop a gospel vision of society. They examine practical examples of how this vision can be developed in Australian society and the world in which they live.
Outcome 4 – Living Like Jesus
Students understand that Christians are empowered to live like Jesus, the Saviour, as they draw on the power of God’s spirit. Students appreciate the call to faith in Christ. They understand that Jesus reveals the truth about what it means to be human and how to live as God wants. They understand discipleship and the Christian call to discipleship. Students understand the meaning of Christian vocation and how people can live out their vocation.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
RIGHTS
You have a right to:
- Worthwhile and stimulating activities, using any special skills you may have.
- Have input into choosing the activities you do.
- Be adequately trained in regard to the activity you will participate in.
- Protection through insurance should anything happen while you participate in the program.
- Be given feedback.
- Know to whom you will report.
- Say NO if you are uncomfortable.
- Safe working conditions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
When participating you have the responsibility to:
- Be dependable.
- Be willing.
- Ensure that confidential information is respected.
- Be open to other peoples’ points of view.
- Seek assistance.
- Work as a member of a team.
- Deal fairly with all people.
- Abide by the rules of the organisation.
- Employ necessary precautions to ensure your own safety and the safety of others.
The College’s requirements and expectations are described in the Christian Service Learning Workbook.