Service-Learning in Catholic Higher Education: Dialogue and Vocation Formation in the Unity of Academic Knowledge and Community Service

Abstract

The study presents the theoretical foundations of servic- learning, the model of social responsibility at Catholic universities and the role of the spiritual dimension in this context. It argues that programmes integrating community service and academic learning through continuous, structured reflection cultivate essential knowledge, skills, and cognitive capacities for addressing complex social challenges. The paper outlines the theoretical foundations of service-learning, the social responsibility model of Catholic universities, and the significance of the spiritual dimension within the head, heart, hands, soul framework. A case study of mentoring activities by teacher and psychology trainees from Pázmány Péter Catholic University at the Taléta Learning Centre illustrates service-learning as a formative space for vocation development, intercultural competence, and prejudice reduction.