The gift of service
Love is not just something we feel. It is something we do. Each day at Catholic Charities, our volunteers put love into action through their…
Apr 15, 2026
Love is not just something we feel. It is something we do. Each day at Catholic Charities, our volunteers put love into action through their hands and hearts.
Catholic Charities relies on volunteers across many of our programs. These caring individuals offer support, guidance and compassion to assist in our day-to-day operations, providing vital sustainability so that, together, we can meet the basic needs of our neighbors, uphold dignity and inspire hope.
Last year, more than 200 volunteers generously shared their talents and time, contributing 12,999 hours of service. They offered clerical support, preparing meals, organizing donations, assisting with donation pickups, providing childcare, shopping alongside pantry patrons, stocking shelves and more. Their presence allows our trained staff to remain on the front lines, walking closely with individuals and families facing difficult situations.
At its heart, volunteering is an act of stewardship. Stewardship is often associated with financial giving, but it is much more. It is recognizing that all we have is a gift from God entrusted to us for the good of others and giving back in gratitude. As Scripture reminds us: “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10
We see that love in the:
- Volunteer who takes time to listen to someone who feels alone;
- Family that spends a Saturday morning serving a meal together; or
- Individual who quietly stocks shelves so others can shop with dignity.
You do not have to look far to practice stewardship in your own life. As a family, it can be as simple as setting aside time to serve together, donating items, checking on a neighbor or offering your skills to a local organization. Each act, no matter how small, reflects care for one another and gratitude for the gifts we have been given.