Blog

By Rachel Denzer 

Volunteering is not just about giving our time or talents, it is about giving hope, lending a helping hand, and making a difference where it is needed the most.   

At Catholic Charities, we recognize we could not make the impact we do without the continued support and dedication of our volunteers. Each service we offer is made possible by the generosity of people in our community.  

Every volunteer, every hour given, and every kind gesture extends a lifeline to those who may be struggling. Offering support to the neighbors in our communities not only helps them in gaining access to resources they may be needing but offers them a sense of hope they may have once lost.  

Imagine the joy of a family being able to enjoy a meal together around the table or a struggling individual receiving a listening ear during a challenging time—these are the moments our volunteers create every day. 

Volunteering with us gives individuals the chance to see, firsthand, our mission of providing compassionate care and creating hope. 

We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that cater to diverse interests and skills.  

For those passionate about fostering community integration, we have opportunities to volunteer within our refugee services program. 

If education is your strength, you can contribute by teaching English to individuals and families, empowering them with language skills crucial for daily interactions and growth. 

For those who love working with the younger generation, mentoring refugee children provides invaluable support and guidance during their adaptation to a new environment. 

Additionally, if you love hospitality, greeting clients and neighbors at our front desk gives you the opportunity to create a welcoming environment for them as they enter our offices. 

Finally, for those who enjoy a little bit of it all, our food pantry is the place for you. Here you can interact with our neighbors, assist in sorting donations, scan, and bag food items, and ensure everyone’s shopping experience goes smoothly.  

Whatever your passion or skill set, there is a fulfilling volunteer role waiting for you to make a meaningful difference in our community. 

This year, Bishop Shawn McKnight has made a bigger push for the Church’s stewardship efforts. This push encourages all members to be engaged in the Church’s life and ministry and to live out its teachings.  

What better way to contribute to the stewardship efforts of our diocese than by volunteering your time to help our neighbors in need and witness the fruits of your labor firsthand. 

Engaging with our community in meaningful ways not only enriches their lives but deepens the purpose of our own. It is a chance to step outside ourselves and our day-to-day routines to experience the joy of giving. 

Going through the motions of our daily routines can leave us wondering if there is anything more to life. God wants to give us more than we are searching for; all we must do is say yes to Him. 

When individuals say “yes” to the opportunity to serve at Catholic Charities, they find themselves changed and excited to come back, driven by a desire to continue their meaningful work. 

Through these experiences, our volunteers affirm that through the giving of ourselves, we receive far more. 

How to Volunteer 

We invite you to join our volunteer community, where together, we can support our neighbors in need and sow seeds of hope in our community. 

To begin your journey as a volunteer, please visit our www.ccnmo.org and navigate to the ‘Serve’ tab. 

Once clicking on it, scroll down to find the ‘Log In’ button beneath our service listings. Clicking on it will allow you to fill out your volunteer application. 

Afterward, you will receive an email outlining the next steps of our onboarding process, and I will personally reach out to assist you. 

Should you have any questions or need help with the process, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Rachel Denzer, via email (rdenzer@cccnmo.org) or phone (573)-415-7388.