The Catholic Church across the world is one of the largest organizations doing good in the world. In fact, she is the largest private entity providing social outreach to people in need. And she accomplishes this not by means of taxation or by way of conscription, but rather through Charity and Christian volunteerism.

Feeding the hungry. Providing healthcare to the sick. Stocking food pantries, providing mental health care to teenagers and young adults or to married couples and abused adults; job training, education at the primary, secondary and college-university level, and so much more—are some of the “practiced hallmarks,” i.e., the Corporal Works of Mercy, of our faith.

And the Church does this at all levels—at the local parish level through many and varied ministries, at the diocesan level by way of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal here in Hartford; and, globally through the Vatican, Pope’s Peter’s Pence, CRS and CCI to name a few. And she does it through donations, volunteerism and God. That is amazing. Volunteerism.

Volunteerism, according to the professionals, is down in America. Once the hallmark of local communities, people are less and less inclined to give of themselves. Perhaps people are too busy with so much on their schedules—sporting events nearly every day, scheduled “playdates,” and so much more. Are we losing some of that power of the “Greatest Generation” as they are aging-out of our lives? Perhaps we need to bring that spirit /faith back into our country’s DNA. This week we celebrated Veteran’s Day, a day we honor Americans who serve their nation in uniform. We need to thank that small percentage who have provided for our daily freedoms on the battle grounds of the world as well as in the peacetime of our Nation. We need to inspire and build up the common good as an extension of their selfless service to us.

Our parish has been blessed by wonderful volunteers since it was founded. These folks are all people of faith for sure, but, of equal import, they are people who feel blessed and want to give back or build-up the community that is the conduit of their blessings from God. Being a volunteer makes you a part of our faith community, an active participant who is working to build-up the Kingdom of God right here in our local area.

Being a volunteer puts you at both the service of others—those in “need,” and sometimes the need is to feed the hungry or care for the lonely but it also means being inservice to Christ, therefore passing on His Message of love, hope and mercy. What could be better than that!

Being a volunteer means you take ownership of this parish and her messages. Sometimes it may involve a great deal of work and sometimes it means a one-time event. Either way, it is service to God and His Church, His People, His Love. And the more we take ownership of the Love of God, the more we will become His Love to others.

Have you considered being a volunteer here? What stopped you from following through? I would like you to consider some type of service to our parish and help me to reinvigorate our parish volunteerism. Consider being a Eucharistic Minister, lector, join our choirs, altar servers but also consider being part of our prayer shawl ministry or bereavement ministry; maybe join the Men’s or Women’s Ministries, serve as a catechist in our elementary or Confirmation program, join our Prayer Ministry from your home, and, we can always use folks to run those “one-day” events that bring so much joy and community to our parish: Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Santa’s Visit to St. Catherine of Siena, the Alleluia Party, and more.

St. Catherine of Siena Parish is an amazing place not because of the pastor or staff members, she is a warm and welcoming community of faith because of her people who seek the Lord. Be one of the many who follow Him and work beside Him. Consider yourself invited. Give me a call: 860 658 1642. Thank you!