Serving Others
For this expression, parishioners self-reported a frequency of Often (57%) in this area of discipleship behavior. When it comes to Serving Others, they indicated that they most often express their discipleship in the following ways: welcoming those from diverse backgrounds, working to overcome your biases and prejudices, and treating others with respect and kindness even when you may disagree with them. These are some of the many ways that parishioners live out their discipleship through service to others.
Behavioral Statements on Serving Others
Below is a summary of parishioner responses ranked from the highest average frequency to the lowest.
| Statements Ranked According to Avg Frequency (0-100% Scale) | Avg Frequency (%) |
Almost Always/Always |
|
| I welcome those from diverse backgrounds and help them feel included. | 76% |
Often |
|
| Because of Jesus' teaching, when I dislike or disagree with someone, I treat them with respect, fairness, kindness, or generosity. | 71% |
| I work to overcome my biases and prejudices. | 69% |
| I strive to be a peacemaker when there is conflict. | 66% |
| One of the ways I express my faith is through service to others. | 63% |
| I go out of my way to comfort those who are suffering or mourning a loss. | 61% |
| I promote causes or movements that reflect the values of my faith. | 60% |
| I take action to live out the Catholic Church's teachings on social justice, solidarity, and peace. | 58% |
| I speak up for the needs and rights of those who are marginalized, isolated, or discriminated against. | 58% |
| I extend friendship to people who seem left out and/or troubled. | 58% |
| I am able to move beyond my comfort zone to "welcome the stranger." | 57% |
| I volunteer my time to help others in need in my local community. | 55% |
| In an effort to live according to God's Word, I am willing to take actions that might be unpopular with others. | 55% |
| My discipleship influences how I do my job/career. | 51% |
| I seek and pray for Christian unity and understanding among all faiths. | 50% |
Sometimes |
|
| I make efforts to work for justice in society and challenge systems of injustice and oppression. | 49% |
| I take action to address the needs of the poor. | 49% |
| I take action to live out the Catholic Church's teaching on the sacredness of life from conception through natural death. | 44% |
| I support efforts of missionaries to bring faith to others and other cultures. | 38% |
| I reflect on what missionaries to other countries and cultures are trying to accomplish. | 28% |
What does the expression of Serving Others include?
A disciple participates in building the Kingdom of God on earth through acts of justice and mercy. Our faith inspires us to care for the needs of others. Disciples reject injustice and indifference and witness to the teachings of Jesus both systemically and personally. Discipleship can involve living out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, as well as practicing radical hospitality and inclusion. It can also be expressed by living justly and advocating for greater care and concern for those who are most vulnerable, in our own communities and around the world.
Reflection
Note: If you prefer to type in your responses, download the PDF version of your profile report where you will find a space under each question to type in your answers.
As you look at this area of Serving Others, invite parish leaders to discuss:
What in these results affirms our parish's experience of discipleship? What surprises us?
What conclusions can we draw about our parish's general practice of discipleship in this area?
When we look at the highest and lowest ranked statements in this area, what does this say to us as a parish?
What are some aspects of "Serving Others" that our parish would like to grow in the next year?
