From the Editor’s Desk

Mar 14, 2025

By Patricia Pereira
In every corner of the Church, volunteers play an essential yet often overlooked role. From organising parish events to preparing the church for significant liturgical celebrations, volunteers are the backbone of the Church’s daily life and mission. Their selfless service sustains not just the physical and organisational aspects of parish life, but also reflects the very spirit of Christian discipleship. As Pope Francis often reminds us, the heart of the Church lies in service to others, and the spirit of volunteerism is not just an activity — it is a vocation.

On March 8 and 9, Rome became the centre of the world for a weekend, hosting around 25,000 pilgrims from over 100 countries for the fifth major Jubilee event dedicated to the World of Volunteering. This event served as a reminder of the immense contributions volunteers make, not only in the Church but across the globe.

The event also highlighted that volunteerism has been a part of the Church since its very beginning. Even during the time of Jesus, volunteers — most notably women — ensured that the needs of Jesus and His disciples were met. In the Gospels, we read about women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, who “provided for them out of their resources” (Luke 8:3). These women were not only companions but also unsung heroes who made sure the logistical needs of Jesus and the apostles were taken care of, allowing them to focus on preaching, healing, and spreading the Good News. Their ministry exemplifies how volunteerism is woven into the very fabric of the Church’s life from the start.

Today, volunteers in the parish continue this tradition, contributing to the fulfillment of the Church’s mission. Whether it’s setting up for major feast-day celebrations, preparing for Holy Week observances, cleaning the church for Easter or Christmas, or assisting during crises like floods, volunteers embody the spirit of service Christ calls us to. Parishes rely heavily on volunteers, especially during special liturgies, to create an environment where the community can gather in worship and prayer. The Church is transformed — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — by the time, effort, and devotion of those who serve.

Behind every beautiful liturgy, every flower arrangement, every lit candle, and every prepared altar, countless volunteers are at work behind the scenes. It’s not just about preparing the church building; it’s about ensuring that liturgical events unfold smoothly so the community can focus on prayer and reflection. This is a labour of love done not for fame or recognition, but out of love for Christ and His Church.

During difficult times, such as when a parish is affected by floods or other crises, volunteers step up in a more urgent way. They clean up, support affected families, and provide practical assistance to ensure the parish remains a place of hope and healing. It is in such times that the Church truly shines — not only in its ministry but in its ability to rally together in both spirit and action. Pope Francis has repeatedly called for a Church that is “a field hospital after battle,” one that responds to the wounded not with grand gestures, but with humble service.

True volunteerism is not about seeking recognition or personal gain but about embodying the love of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). In this way, each volunteer becomes a reflection of Christ’s own service and love.

In Church documents, volunteerism is recognised as an essential expression of the Christian vocation. The Second Vatican Council’s Apostolicam Actuositatem emphasises that all members of the faithful are called to participate in the mission of the Church, including through volunteer work. This call to serve is not just a practical necessity but a spiritual calling. Volunteers help create a living witness to Christ in the community, making the Church a place where people experience God’s love in action.

However, it’s important to remember that volunteerism is not about seeking fame or recognition. St Teresa of Calcutta once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Volunteers, whether during times of crisis or in regular parish activities, do not seek accolades but the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to the greater good. The act of giving without seeking recognition is, in itself, a form of holiness.

As we reflect on the importance of volunteers in the life of the Church, it becomes clear that the Church cannot function without these selfless men and women. Whether during special liturgies, in times of difficulty, or through every day parish life, volunteers are essential to the mission of the Church. We are all called to serve, and it is through volunteering that we, like the women in Jesus’ time, participate in God’s mission of love, healing, and hope.

So, let us ask ourselves: How can we serve our parish? How can we offer our time and talents to build a vibrant community of faith? Let us not wait for recognition but respond to the call of service, as volunteers have done for centuries in the life of the Church. In the words of Pope Francis, “When we serve others, we are truly serving God.” In doing so, we become the hands and feet of Christ in the world today.