How Do Service Hours Work?

What are the service requirements?

Complete 30 hours of service in preparation for the sacrament. The work you do should fall under the category of one of the Corporal or Spiritual Works of Mercy.  Perform service from at least 4 different Works of Mercy.

Why should I do service during Confirmation prep?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that preparation for Confirmation should help enable a Christian to assume the apostolic responsibilities of the Christian life (CCC #1309). Further, it is the Church’s responsibility to discern whether or not a person is responsive to God’s grace and suitably prepared to receive Confirmation by looking for signs in that person’s life; one of which is manifested by our acts of charity and serving those in need.

How are these service expectations different?

These service expectations are different because the service you perform must help someone in need by fulfilling one of the Works of Mercy. Christian service is about deliberate moments of compassion performed out of love for those who are in real need. In this way we encounter Christ in those whom we serve and bring the love of Christ to them through our actions. For this reason, each act of service you perform should fall under one of the Corporal or Spiritual Works of Mercy in some way. Volunteering to pick up trash at a local park is nice and should be done, but it’s not a Work of Mercy. On the other hand, taking time to sit and visit with an elderly neighbor who may be lonely would definitely qualify!  The Works of Mercy are things that we should naturally do as Christians. This is meant to help you recognize and reflect, and act upon those things in your life. 

What are the Works of Mercy?

Corporal Works of Mercy
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit the imprisoned
Bury the dead

Spiritual Works of Mercy
Instruct the ignorant
Counsel the doubtful
Admonish the sinner
Bear wrongs patiently
Forgive offenses willingly
Comfort the sorrowful
Pray for the living and the dead