Making the mission: The vital role of volunteers
Encounter at Catholic Charities
A natural part of human development is the innate desire to seek purpose — to find meaning in life.
For Catholics, the search for individual fulfillment is influenced by the universality of our shared values and guided by our biblical call to love through faith and works.
Acts of service and justice are an integral part of living our faith, allowing us to be models of Christ’s love in action.
During the 2025 Jubilee Year, Pope Francis specifically invited us to be “Pilgrims of Hope,” so that “Through our witness, may hope spread to all those who anxiously seek it.”
We have just ended the season of Lent, a 40-day journey of spiritual renewal. We celebrated spreading hope by serving those in need and recognize the vital role of our volunteers as “Pilgrims of Hope,” who regularly serve as witnesses of faith and make the mission of Catholic Charities come alive.
As we celebrate this Easter season, let us continue the journey of spreading hope and serving those in need.
Almsgiving: an avenue of faith in action
The Catholic Church considers almsgiving “a witness to fraternal charity” and “a work of justice pleasing to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 2462).
While almsgiving is closely associated with Lent, charitable giving is meant to be practiced year-round as an opportunity to practice justice toward neighbors and show solidarity with the poor.
When combined with the pillars of prayer and fasting, serving those in need helps us live our faith with authenticity and intentionality throughout the year.
As stated in James 2:14-17, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? …faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
As the social services outreach arm of the Diocese of Jefferson City, it is the mission of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri to provide care and create hope for the lives of the vulnerable through compassionate social services that respect the dignity of each person and engage the local community in our mission.
Volunteers are fundamental to this mission, regularly incorporating practices of prayer and self-sacrifice into acts of service.
Sister Susan Renner SSND, who regularly serves in the Catholic Charities Food Pantry, shares, “Every time I volunteer, I pray before coming that I will have the grace to welcome each neighbor with a smile. I want to reflect Christ’s love for them and to be open to recognizing Christ in each person. I want them to know they are valued and important.”
From serving in the pantry to assisting with building maintenance and grounds keeping, every act of service provides an avenue to be a Pilgrim of Hope and witness of Catholic faith in action.
All are welcome
Individuals and groups of all ages are invited to care for our neighbors in need by engaging with the work of Catholic Charities.
There are many ways to volunteer — everyone is encouraged to find a role that matches their availability and interests.
Helias Catholic High School senior Cam Hillen began volunteering with Catholic Charities to fulfill flex class requirements.
Typically, students use the flex class to report to work; however, Cam’s basketball schedule impacted his ability to work a traditional job during the winter sports season.
As an alternative, Cam has found a “good way to give back.”
When asked about his experience, Cam shared, “[Catholic Charities] is easy to get to from school and staff make volunteering fun and rewarding.”
He spends most of his time in the pantry, stocking shelves and breaking down boxes.
While these tasks may seem small, Cam recognizes the importance and impact of his time.
“It lightens the load on staff, making it easier for them to help serve the [neighbors].”
With a variety of volunteer opportunities (including evenings and weekends), we love finding ways for young people to support our work on their own or as part of a group.
Students aren’t the only ones who enjoy variety and flexibility when serving.
Seasoned volunteer Paula Nordstrom is no stranger to serving her community, volunteering with several local agencies (past and present) such as CASA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Salvation Army, Birthright, and St. Mary’s Hospital, in addition to Catholic Charities.
When asked about her volunteer experience, she shared that she enjoys supporting Catholic Charities.
Whether she is greeting visitors, stocking shelves, or assisting staff with outreach and education, Paula is committed to caring for her neighbors in need.
“It’s fun,” she shared, “I like that there are always opportunities [to register] but I have the flexibility [to sign up when I’m available]. Especially in the pantry, staff are really good to work with. They provide careful, clear expectations and make sure that [volunteers and neighbors] have a positive experience.”
Answering the call
Answering the call to serve not only helps those in need, but can be a truly transformational experience for the volunteer.
When asked to share what she has gained from serving, Sr. Susan stated, “I have made relationships with the neighbors that are mutually caring and built on respect. It has been a great gift in my life, and I have learned so much from the folks I serve. It has deepened my faith.”
This year alone, volunteers have contributed over 600 hours to Catholic Charities, each person playing a vital role in ensuring our neighbors receive the dignity and care they deserve and making the mission of Catholic Charities come alive.
We invite you to consider what contribution you are called to make as a Pilgrim of Hope.
“Serving at Catholic Charities is a wonderful opportunity to grow and come to know the gift that those who are vulnerable and marginalized in our midst are to us,” explains Sr. Susan.
On behalf of Catholic Charities, we look forward to serving with you!
Ready to get started? Email serve@cccnmo.org or visit cccnmo.diojeffcity.org/volunteer/ to learn more about volunteering with Catholic Charities.
