Each year, National Volunteers Week provides an opportunity to highlight the important role of volunteers in our community and invites people not currently volunteering to give it a go.
From May 20-26, 2024 we have the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the vital work of volunteers and to say thank you and this includes people in our parishes and agencies.
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is “Something for Everyone”. It is an invitation to explore the myriad of opportunities available, emphasising that there’s a place for everyone in the world of volunteering. Whether you’re drawn to environmental causes, community outreach, education or beyond, there’s a place where your unique skills and interests can flourish.
Ruth Hoffmann from the Timboon Parish reflects on being a volunteer:
In this diocesan anniversary year, some of us recall a time when the parish priest did almost everything. Or that’s the way it seemed. Maybe he had a housekeeper, but no paid parish secretary.
When our Timboon Parish no longer had a Parish Priest, we became a “Community Led Parish “with a volunteer Parish Leadership Team and one of our own as Moderator. Parishioners stepped up so the parish could continue. We still gather for Assembly of Word and Communion on two Sundays of the month and Holy days.
In a small community we must wear multi hats. Some duties are rostered: others have no retirement date.
The list includes – Communion to the housebound, hospital visitation, home visits and food to the sick, weekly altar preparation, linen care, weekly bulletin, roses pruned, church cleaned, main and side altars decorated for special feasts, bins out & in, music and responses chosen and downloaded to a laptop, money collected, counted and banked, attention to grounds and buildings, assembly leaders, sacramental and funeral preparation, finance committee, Christmas crib and Advent wreath, organising morning tea after Mass or social gathering, Plenary Council and Lenten discussion leaders, Ecumenical gatherings and Anointing Masses organised AND, this year, finding a way to celebrate the 150th Anniversary.
At this juncture I pay tribute to members who supported groups when we were a larger congregation – Centracare, Catholic Womens League, Knights of the Southern Cross., St Vincent de Paul, Religious Education catechists.
As one of the volunteers I hope I speak for all, when I say I never feel alone. There is always a generous response when back up or extra assistance is solicited. Shared talents and expertise means everyone benefits.
I’m certain all give their best effort in any position. We would aim to have all services and occasions run smoothly. If this means being pushed beyond our comfort zone, then we grow in confidence for next time. I must add that no-one seems to be judged. People often express thanks and gratitude.
It takes a united approach to present as a well oiled, welcoming group, which is keeping our church doors open. May we continue to gather, support and celebrate as a unique community of believers. May the Holy Spirit guide us.
On behalf of St Joseph’s Volunteers,
Ruth Hoffmann
Bishop Paul and Fr Dan Arundell in the Timboon Church
Diane Kierce and Anne McIntyre from All Saints Parish Portland offer the following reflection:
All Saints Outreach Shop in Portland is a vital part of our Parish. We have about thirty volunteers who support us enthusiastically and bring their different skills and interests to our shop – they may love ironing or rag cutting, others bring artistic skills to dressing our mannequins or setting up displays of jewellery, and then there are our book lovers and furniture specialists.
We have a great and dedicated group of men who drive the Ute and do pick-ups and deliveries of furniture and other items.
Our volunteers can work as many, or as few shifts as they like. There are not many jobs where you can select your own hours and take leave whenever you choose.
There are benefits to volunteering at our Op Shop. We feel good knowing that we are contributing to our community and to our world. Funds raised by our efforts are distributed locally as well as to overseas charities.
Other benefits are the social interaction. We get to chat to customers who come into the shop. We get to know our fellow workers better than we would normally, and of course we always have a few laughs, often at our own expense. Some of us love being on-hand to buy the bargains when they first come into the shop.
Volunteering in the shop also teaches you patience as every volunteer has their own ideas about how things should be done. And be warned, you can turn your spare bedroom into a mini-Op Shop when you take home things to wash, repair and sort.
The Executive Management Committee is made up of six parishioners who also volunteer in our shop and our Parish Priest. We can always use more volunteers as age and ill-health takes its toll, but it is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding jobs you could take on as a volunteer.
Diane Kierce and Anne McIntyre, All Saints Parish Portland
L: Margaret, Jeanette and Mandy at the front counter R: Colleen sorting donations at the back.
The Volunteering Australia website has National Volunteer Week resources, certificates of appreciation, volunteer thank you gifts and merchandise available.