Christian service learning in Catholic schools

Authors

Shane D. Lavery, University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow
Chris Hackett, University of Notre Dame AustraliaFollow

Publication Details

Lavery, S. D., & Hackett, C. (2008). Christian service learning in Catholic schools. Journal of Religious Education, 56 (3), 18-24.

Abstract

This article sets out a rationale for implementing Christian service-learning in Catholic schools. The article initially explores Jesus' Gospel call to serve. A brief summary of Catholic social doctrine is then presented and the concept of service-learning is discussed.

Four categories of community outreach by Catholic schools are outline, these being community service, Christian service, service-learning within a Christian context, and faith-focused Christian service-learning. Finally, various implications for promoting Christian service-learning in Catholic schools are considered in the light of the principles of charity and service as outlined in the encyclical letter Deus Caritas Est.

Keywords

Peer-reviewed, catholic education