The roots of S.E.R.V.E. can be traced to a document written by the Redemptorist Commission for Vocations in 1988 - the "Vienna Document" - which challenged Redemptorists to open their communities to laity, particularly young adults, to share with them their prayer, lives, and charism. Seen in this light, S.E.R.V.E. is fundamentally an opportunity for spiritual growth in the context of Catholic community, an opportunity for young adults to deepen their Christian life through an experience of the Redemptorist way of life and vision of church, which emphasizes preaching the Gospel to the poor and most abandoned. 

S.E.R.V.E. offers participants an experience of daily prayer, which normally includes Divine Liturgy, Vespers, and evening prayer. The educational component includes introductory classes in Byzantine Christian and Redemptorist Spirituality. In addition, participants are assigned to volunteer at various agencies (inner-city missions, soup kitchens, nursing homes, etc.) that are in direct contact with the poor and disadvantaged. Of course, there are extensive opportunities for community recreation, or in other words, fun!