A message from the Volunteer Team at the Catholic Diocese of Cairns
As National Volunteer Week 2026 invites Australia to honour those who give so generously of themselves, we – Rhiana, Anita and Emma from the Diocesan Volunteer Team – are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary volunteers who shape our diocese.
Over the past year, we have met volunteers in parishes across the diocese, sharing conversations, stories, and often a slice of homemade cake — a simple but heartfelt sign of the generosity that defines our communities.
When the updated volunteer requirements were introduced, we knew they might bring uncertainty. Change is rarely easy. Yet what we witnessed was a remarkable willingness to listen, to understand, and to walk with us through the transition. Volunteers showed patience, compassion, and a genuine desire to ensure our communities remain safe, welcoming, and vibrant.
What has stood out most is the generosity of spirit that runs through our volunteer community – in the quiet acts of service, the support offered to fellow volunteers, and the faith-filled commitment that underpins every ministry. This generosity is not just something our volunteers do; it is who they are.
National Volunteer Week reminds us that volunteering is a gift of time, but in our Diocese it is also a gift of faith, hospitality, and heart. The depth and richness of the people who serve has been a joy for us to witness.
As we celebrate this national week of recognition, we offer our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer across the diocese. Thank you for your openness, your kindness, your humour, and your unwavering dedication. You have shaped this year of change with grace, and you continue to shape the life of our Church in profound and lasting ways.
It is our privilege to walk alongside you.
