They will see their money being used to fund the running of their church and will help them feel like they belong. We can help along this feeling of belonging by explaining to the child what it takes to run their church and what the priest does with the money. This idea can be directed at children of junior high and high school ages. Instruction in church structure will not only increase understanding but will prepare the youth for a position they all too soon may hold, the leadership of the church. The children can also be encouraged to give of themselves in volunteer work.
Many agencies hire junior high and high school ages.
However, the younger children can volunteer to visit with older people in the parish who have no one to keep them company. This type of activity will help both the child and the elderly. The child will learn many things about life from one of our greatest sources of knowledge, the elder citizen, and the older people in your parish will find a new source of hope and enjoyment in the youth of our parish. Several students in a particular class might even arrange to do the weekly shopping for a shut-in or handicapped person. Whatever activity you direct your child toward, two things should be kept in mind.