May 11, 2022

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of our Diocese, parishes and Catholic organizations are invited and encouraged to participate in the Octave of Service from May 19th through May 26th. The Octave of Service is an opportunity to carry our various forms of outreach in their communities while living out the Gospel values of encounter and accompaniment, journeying together as disciples in mission.

MEANINGFUL SERVICE
Octave of Service projects should focus on supporting and improving your community as well as cultivating relationships with others, including through prayer. These opportunities could be new initiatives as well as initiatives with which your parish has already been involved.
Parishioners who are unable to join in in-person projects may be able to join as prayer support, or provide service behind the scenes from home.

EXPECTATIONS
While the Octave of Service is an eight-day event, parishes are not expected to carry out service every day of the week. At least one day of service, though, should be planned.

The following are possible schedules a parish can use throughout the week:
• One day of service with everyone participating in the same project.
• One day of service with different groups at various sites throughout the community.
• Multiple days of service with different groups participating in different projects.

Each day can be dedicated to a particular group or issue, whether it is through service or prayer, such as:
May 19: Hunger and Homelessness
May 20: Racial justice
May 21: Addiction
May 22: Youth
May 23: Care for Creation
May 24: Incarceration
May 25: The Sick and Dying
Ascension Thursday: Displaced Persons (immigrants, refugees, asylum-seekers)

OPPORTUNITY FOR COLLABORATION
The Octave of Service is a great opportunity for collaborative efforts among different groups, or even with those closest to you. Consider if the following groups offer feasible opportunities for partnership.
• Other parishes or churches in your area
• Community organizations such as food pantries and community resource centers
• Campus ministries or schools
• Within families

NECESSITY OF PRAYER
The Octave of Service allows us to put our Catholic faith into action, but any project or activity should be rooted in prayer and spiritual reflection. Consider including the following opportunities throughout your week of service:
• Starting and ending each service project in prayer or the daily readings.
• Including those that you are serving in your Mass intentions.
• Scheduling a rosary or prayer service during the week for vulnerable populations.
• Asking the homebound and those who may not be able to participate in person, to pray for the project(s).

NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT
What follows from the Octave of Service is just as important as the week itself.

The Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg’s commitment to walking with those in our communities who are most in need should, and must, continue long after the projects have concluded. Consider this week not as a one-time event, but as an opportunity for your parish to kickstart a growing effort of outreach and justice.

For more information and resources, visit 150.rcdony.org.