Volunteerism - the hidden power in parishes

Every parish has a reach far beyond what is visible at weekend Masses. On Sunday, when the parking lot and pews are full (or even Covid-reduced), it’s easy to see how impactful our churches are. The presence of worshipers proves the importance of faith sharing among believers. However, when Monday comes and the crowds are gone, the ‘hidden’ work of a parish continues. Sacraments are taken to shut-ins, maintenance and grounds-keeping is done, the poor are fed, refugees are sheltered, music is practiced, small group fellowship thrives in a dozen different ways. All this, and much more besides, is largely achieved by volunteers.

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” 
​Helen Keller 

Like any charity or not-for-profit, the work of our Catholic parishes is borne as much by unpaid supporters as by paid staff. Indeed, the staffs’ role often includes recruiting and coordinating volunteers to help them. It takes many hands and minds to do God’s work. So many, that we can be unaware of how much is actually being done within our parish boundaries. As a step towards recognizing the impact of volunteers we would like to highlight a few individuals from around the diocese. We hope you will recognize yourself among these people or even be inspired to assist in a different capacity.
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Every volunteer is a star in their parish universe and we wish we could name and praise them all. Unfortunately our pages are limited, but our gratitude is boundless. Readers are welcome to identify the volunteers closest to their hearts by leaving a comment below.         

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Sharron Robinson

Sharron Robinson, ​Ascension Catholic Parish, Calgary
​​To say Sharron is busy is an understatement. She works five days a week as the parish volunteer coordinator, which is itself a volunteer position! When her parish was fully functioning Sharron proudly claimed almost 1000 volunteers. Even now, there are several hundred and Sharron is always making connections with parishioners in hopes of matching them with the perfect volunteer opportunity. “Our volunteers really enjoy being here and they pass the word to other people,” Sharon said. After ‘office hours’ Sharron volunteers some more in a myriad different ways. “I’m here to serve the Lord,” she said, “and it keeps my brain active.”

Rafael Pucut

Rafael Pucut, ​St. Michael Parish, Calgary
​​Rafael began volunteering in the sound booth when he was in Grade 11. He has since become adept at every aspect of audio-visual support during Mass. “I love technology and wanted to contribute my tech skills,” he said. ​Despite being in his final year of an intensive University degree, Rafael stressed, “Nobody’s ever too busy (to volunteer). It’s an opportunity to give back and to learn something new.”

Patrick Ries (right)

Patrick Ries, ​Holy Family Parish, Medicine Hat
​​Pat chairs Pastoral Council, sits on the Planning and Maintenance Committee and is financial secretary of his Knights of Columbus group. He is also active in the men’s fellowship program ‘That Man Is You’ and ushers at Mass. In the past he and his wife Denise have volunteered in many other capacities too. They spoke about carrying on the “legacy of volunteering” that their parents instilled when they were growing up in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. Patrick believes, “Having a gospel of action is much more meaningful than a gospel of words.” ​

David Cavilla

David Cavilla, ​St. Martha’s Parish, Lethbridge
​David has volunteered in many areas over the years, notably on pastoral council, as a Knight of Columbus and in Youth Ministry leadership. In 2019, he and his wife Mona joined the group sponsoring a Syrian refugee family. They were recruited because Mona speaks Arabic. ​Throughout the past year David has befriended the father of the family and, together with other members of the parish, helped him to find employment, housing and a sense of community. “I see him on a weekly basis,” David said, “We go for coffee or talk on the phone.” 

OLOR Parish Cleaning Team

Lorraine Eckstrand, Our Lady of the Rockies, Canmore
​​Lorraine was instrumental in gathering a group of volunteers to do “whatever needs to be done”. This might be cleaning the church, weeding the property or handing out Easter eggs after Mass. Lorraine explained that though she is a 19-year veteran of the parish, their church is brand new. To create a sense of investment, Lorraine encourages parishioners to step forward when they see something that needs to be done. ​She said, “When I first retired (volunteering) was a way to fill time and to continue to feel useful. Now it regulates my week,” adding cheerfully, “Along with skiing three times a week!”

Juliana and Matthew Reeves

Juliana and Matthew Reeves, St. Anthony’s Parish, Drumheller
​​Juliana and Matthew have been cantors at Mass since the diocese permitted the singing of propers (at the reintroduction of public Mass. Propers are scriptural texts which are sung at prescribed times during the service. The Reeves describe the sound as similar to Gregorian chant. They learned the skill while attending Latin Mass at their previous parish in Edmonton. Today they sing in English. “Sacred music is something of a passion of Fr. Lukas’ (their parish priest),” Juliana explained, “So he organized a workshop for chant and now there are a number of other volunteers.” Juliana is also active in CWL (Catholic Women’s League) and has just started a mother’s book study. Matthew teaches baptism and reconciliation sacramental prep and is a Knight of Columbus. The couple credits parish volunteering with helping them meet people when they arrived in Drumheller. But their primary motivation is simpler. “If we can help with the sacred liturgy, there’s nothing more important.”

Catarina Avila, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Calgary
​Pre-Covid, Catarina trained altar servers and began a church youth group for teens aged 15-18 with the help of her friend Lisa Rodrigues. The group is temporarily paused but Catarina is as active as ever in her ministry with youth and young adults. She is a Group Youth Commissioner with Scouts Canada, participates in CCO (Catholic Christian Outreach) faith study, and is involved with the St. Francis Xavier Chaplaincy, a Diocesan outreach to young adults. As she navigates university life, Catarina credits these connections with creating lifelong friends. She speaks fervently about her desire to grow faith among youth and has an admirable goal for her own life: “One of my passions is to achieve sainthood, not for my own glory but to reciprocate God’s love for me.” 

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Written by Alice Matisz for Faithfully. ​Alice lives in Lethbridge with her husband Don. She is a member of All Saints Parish where she volunteers to bring the Eucharist to a long term care home (pre-Covid). She enjoys reading, writing, baking and painting. ​