The leadership skill of accepting responsibility is one that can be practiced by all students, not just a select few. The sense of ownership that results from such projects is a substantial source of community within the school. Other Catholic schools have developed a variety of volunteer service opportunities for their early adolescents, including classroom aides, playground and lunch monitors for younger children, safety patrol and office aides. Young teens feel valued and appreciated when their services are tapped for helping others. Whether working with young children, senior citizens or their peers, early adolescents help to build school community whenever they are encouraged to serve others.
Early adolescents can be responsible and effective in a variety of liturgical ministries.
Teaching students how to lead prayer, how to proclaim the scriptures, or how to plan liturgies are experiences which encourage greater involvement of early adolescents. Such experiences build deeper appreciation for the rituals and traditions of our faith. Many Catholic schools encourage early adolescents with musical talents to lead song or provide instrumental accompaniment at mass. Retreat experiences for early adolescents can promote individual spiritual development as well as enhancing positive relationships with peers and with adults. Middle school students can be very effective partners with the school in helping to create a positive school climate.