In this assignment you are asked to reflect on an experience of service in which you have participated and that involved (directly) helping those in need. Your focus point should be service that occurred in the not-too-distant past.
Recall the theological concepts that have been introduced [elements of various perspectives of religion, approaches to the dynamics between reason and faith, your own thoughts about your faith and how it applies to reason or science or culture, the existence or non-existence of the Divine, etc], the principles of Catholic Social Teaching (including working for the common good), persons and stories or perspectives from Scripture, and other key figures that you have studied, such as Francis of Assisi and Romero. You should also consider the topics that have been part of our weekly reflections. Do not use scripture quotations.
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Part One: (1/2 page; one paragraph)
Recall and reflect upon a service that you have performed. Include:
Ø A brief description of the service that you performed, to include: what/when/where/why
Ø How you felt about doing this service (energized, reluctant, happy, upset)
Ø How the person/s you served benefited from your act
Ø How you benefited from this experience
Ø What did you learn from those you served or served with?
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Part Two: (3/4 page; one to three paragraphs)
Connect your service to class concepts.
Describe how your personal experience connects with and helps you to understand better three specific theological themes, figures, stories, or reflection readings studied this semester. You must address at least one biblical story, theme, or figure. [Application of the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching counts as one theme.]
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Part Three: (1/2 page; one paragraph)
Consider insights gained through reflection. Respond to one of the first three prompts AND prompt 4:
Ø 1) In light of this theology course, how do you now see God in the service that you performed? What do you think God might have been communicating to you through your service experience?
Ø 2) How does your service experience help you to understand your spirituality, faith, and/or sense of the sacred in new ways?
Ø 3) What insights did you gain about yourself, God, and your relationship with God from this service experience? [If you do not accept the existence of God, you can indicate this and describe insights gained about yourself and your worldview.]
Ø 4) What has your service experience taught you about your responsibility to others and about where you find meaning and purpose in life?
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Part Four: (1/2 page; one paragraph)
Think about the reflection process you have just completed. Respond to each of the following prompts:
Ø Reread what you wrote. Summarize what completing the reflection process for this paper was like for you.
Ø How did this reflection process help you to see the service you performed in a deeper or broader context? Did it make you aware of anything that you might have overlooked prior to doing this paper?
Ø How might this paper affect your future choices? AND/OR How might you use this process in the future?
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Ø Grammar; sentence structure; spelling; proper use of pronouns; pronoun agreement (singular=singular, plural =plural), followed instructions as to paper format; no use of jargon, e.g. OK.
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