Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton has reminded volunteers across the Archdiocese that their commitment to helping others is deeply connected to their identity as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Celebrating the Volunteer Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday 23 May at St Mary’s Cathedral, Bishop Sproxton said the quiet, generous, faithful service of volunteers strengthens communities and reveals the presence of Christ among us.
Referencing the Gospels, he said there were numerous examples of the humility and service of Jesus – washing the feet of His disciples, welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry and healing the sick.
That same apostolic spirit, he suggested, remains alive in the Church today through the service of volunteers.
From catechists to musicians, choir members, altar servers, acolytes, special ministers, readers, youth leaders, sacristans, cleaners, and the many who work anonymously behind the scenes, he said their service helped to sustain the life of parishes and communities.
So much of what the Church does depends upon people quietly giving their time, their gifts, their talents and their commitment, he said. No gift is insignificant. Each person has something valuable to offer and the Church flourishes when people recognise those gifts and generously place them at the service of others.
Importantly, he added, volunteering does not only change the community; it also changes the person who serves, for when people place their gifts at the service of others, the Holy Spirit works within them.
Notwithstanding, volunteering also requires a degree of sacrifice he suggested, as it requires time, patience and commitment, and can sometimes go unnoticed. The Lord however sees every act of generosity, every hidden act of kindness, and every moment given in love, he said.
On behalf of the Church, Bishop Sproxton thanked all volunteers for their fidelity, generosity, and witness of faith, and reassured them that their service is never taken for granted. Through their dedication, he said the Gospel continued to be proclaimed, communities were strengthened, and Christ becomes visible in the world.
He also welcomed others to consider how they too might become involved. National Volunteer Week reminds us that every person and every contribution matters, he said, and that every act of service, offered in love, becomes part of God’s work in the world.
In concluding the Mass, Bishop Sproxton offered a special blessing for volunteers before joining those present for morning tea in the parish centre.
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering.
The theme Your Year to Volunteer is an invitation to recognise the invaluable contributions volunteers make, and to encourage others to discover the joy of giving themselves in service.
It also aligns with the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development – a reminder that volunteering not only helps to build stronger communities, but also a more hopeful, compassionate and sustainable future.
