Volunteering

The call to volunteer within the Catholic community is deeply rooted in our identity as the Body of Christ. When we offer our time, talents, and energy to our parishes and the wider Diocese, we are not merely filling a volunteer role; we are answering a baptismal call to discipleship and co-responsibility. Every talent shared strengthens our community, deepens our faith, and extends the healing, teaching, and loving ministry of Jesus Christ to those around us.

St. Paul reminds us that “there are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord” (1 Cor 12:4-5).

Whether you can give one hour a week or several hours a month, your unique gifts are needed to help our spiritual home thrive.

Explore the many ways you can serve and make a meaningful difference today.

Leadership and Advisory Councils

Parish and diocesan governance relies on the wisdom, professional expertise, and spiritual discernment of the laity. Consider sharing your leadership skills in these critical advisory roles:

• Parish Pastoral Councils: Collaborate with the pastor to envision, plan, and guide the strategic and spiritual direction of the parish community.

• Parish Finance Councils: Provide stewardship, oversight, and transparency for the parish budget, facilities, and material resources.

• Diocesan Committees: Serve on regional or diocesan-wide boards, such as finance councils, building commissions, pastoral planning, or strategic planning committees.

Liturgical and Worship Ministries

The liturgy is the source and summit of our Christian life. Serving during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass enhances the worship experience for the entire community:

• Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Assist in distributing the Precious Body and Blood of Christ during Mass.

• Lectors: Proclaim the Word of God clearly and reverently during the Liturgy of the Word.

• Altar Servers: Assist the priest at the altar during the celebration of Mass and other sacred rites.

• Music Ministry: Share your vocal or instrumental musical talents as a cantor, choir member, or musician to elevate our liturgical prayer.

• Ushers and Greeters: Welcome parishioners and visitors, assist with seating, coordinate collections, and cultivate an atmosphere of Christian hospitality.

• Altar Guild and Art & Environment: Care for the sacred vessels, vestments, and linens, or help decorate the sanctuary according to the liturgical seasons.

Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation

Passing on the faith to the next generation and supporting adults on their faith journeys is a vital mission of the Church. You do not need to be a professional theologian to share the joy of the Gospel:

• Catechists and Aides: Teach children in parish catechetical programs.

• Sacramental Preparation Teams: Support parents and children preparing for First Reconciliation, First Communion, or Confirmation.

• RCIA Sponsors and Catechists: Walk alongside adults as they learn about the Catholic faith and prepare to enter the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.

• Youth Ministry Leaders: Mentor elementary school and high school youth through fellowship, service projects, retreats, and prayer.

Parish Life and Community Outreach

Parishes are centers of community care and fellowship. These ministries build community bonds and provide tangible aid to those in need:

• Parish Ministry to the Sick and Homebound: Bring the Holy Eucharist, companionship, and the prayers of the community to parishioners in hospitals, nursing homes, or those confined to their own houses.

• Social Concerns and Outreach Committees: Coordinate food pantries, clothing drives, respect life initiatives, or homeless shelter meals to serve the vulnerable in your neighborhood.

• Parish Fellowship Groups: Help organize parish missions, coffee donuts socials, funeral luncheons, holiday festivals, or welcome ministries for new parishioners.

Diocesan-Wide Volunteering Opportunities

If you feel called to serve beyond your immediate parish boundaries, the Diocese offers numerous opportunities to impact the broader regional community:

• Diocesan Events and Conferences: Assist with the logistical planning, registration, hospitality, or production of major Diocesan events.

• Tribunal and Chancery Support: Offer administrative assistance or professional expertise to diocesan offices, archives, or marriage tribunal services.

How to Get Started

Discerning where to serve is a prayerful process. Reflect on your unique gifts, your professional skills, and the amount of time you can realistically commit.

To take your next step:

• Contact your local parish office directly to see which ministries are currently seeking volunteers.

• Complete a parish or diocesan volunteer interest form online.

• Check out the Volunteer Screening Process. To ensure the safety of our children and vulnerable adults, all volunteers must complete a background check and standard safe environment training before beginning their service.
• Complete the online VOLUNTEER SCREENING.

Thank you for your willingness to be the hands and feet of Christ in the parish and the Diocese. Your stewardship builds up the Church and brings the light of Christ to the world.