GIFTS IN OTHERS
Goals:
Method:
use the Gifts in Others questionnaire with high school seniors in Catholic high school and parish youth ministry settings.
In a Catholic high school setting the typical Gifts in Others Program would include:
Responsibilities:
Vocation Office: The bulk of the responsibility for the program lies with the Diocesan Vocation Office. The office is responsible for all preparation of materials, the prayer and presentation on affirming gifts in others, facilitating the day of completing the questionnaires, and sending follow-up letters.
Religion Department / Teachers: The religion teacher sets the date for the class presentation and story writing. The teacher should also introduce the presenters conducting the day.
Guidance Office or Religion Department: The guidance office or religion department works with the Vocation Office in providing an accurate and complete list of all students in a given class. This is important for providing student codes for each member of the class.
How does Gifts in Others work?
(It is probably easier to understand the process by having one of the questionnaires available to see what students are asked to do.) We simply ask the students to think about their classmates and name students who best fit certain qualities and behaviors.
Gifts in Others is intended to be a follow-up to the Story of My Life process, but can also be done as a stand-alone project in a school or youth group setting. The Story has the students look at their own qualities and themes, whereas Gifts has the students look at positive qualities in others.
Using a computer scoring program, the students’ questionnaires are compiled and reports are prepared. If a student wishes, he/she will receive a letter indicating which characteristics classmates recognized in him/her.
The questionnaire used at any given school can be adapted somewhat to reflect other areas of talent that might be desired to identify. The thrust of the questionnaire, however, should be towards leadership, relationship, and spirituality.
Like the Story of My Life, the process for Gifts in Others is one of affirmation of students’ talents. The philosophy is that talent should be developed and nurtured early on. When people operate from and develop their talent, they can become excellent in those areas and more productive in life, and will ultimately find greater fulfillment.
For more information please contact Father John Regan, Diocese of Joliet Vocation Director, St. Charles Pastoral Center, 402 S. Independence Blvd., Romeoville, IL 60446; 815/834-4004.
[Below is a sample Gifts in Others Questionnaire Form]
GIFTS IN OTHERS QUESTIONNAIRE
Relationship, Leadership, and Spirituality
School: _____________________________ Year: Fr. So. Jr. Sr.
DIRECTIONS: The purpose of this questionnaire is to obtain your thoughts about the gifts your classmates have in relationship, leadership, and spirituality. Please think about the classmates you know and print the names of two students (with their student code) who best fit each of the following qualities. You may print the same name for as many qualities as you want. If you cannot think of a name for a quality, just put an "X" in the blank and go on. Your responses will be held confidentially and only shared anonymously.
1. Who reaches out to you in friendship?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
2. Who is very caring and compassionate?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
3. Who always maintains trust and confidences?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
4. If you had a personal problem, with whom would you like to discuss it?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
5. Who always has a positive attitude and has a way of lifting people up?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
6. Who is a leader who can make things happen?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
7. Who has a close relationship with God?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
8. Who has the courage to stand up for what they believe?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
9. Who is respected most by his/her peers?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
10. Who by their actions reminds you of Jesus?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
11. Who has a strong desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
12. Who enjoys being around people and has a good sense of humor?
a. _____________________ _____
b. _____________________ _____
Thank you for your cooperation!
[This is included on the back of the form or on a second sheet of paper.]
The results for your school’s Gifts in Others Questionnaire will be available to individual students. The student’s results report will indicate up to the top three qualities a student was named as having by their classmates. Reports will only be sent to those who request it.
To request a copy of your report please complete the form below:
I would like to receive the feedback from the Gifts in Others Questionnaire. The results will list the qualities listed on the questionnaire that my classmates recognized in me. I understand that the results will be sent to me through the mail.
Name: __________________________________
Address: _________________________________
City: _______________________________ Zip Code: __________________
School: _________________________________
Your Student Code: _______
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