"Dedicated Lay Volunteers"

July 21, 2009

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As a pastor in the parish, I was always aware of the many things to be done on a daily basis in order to maintain the necessary services people expect at so many levels. Sacramental services top the list and many of those, of course, require the special and unique attention of the priest. More and more, however, we see additional spiritual and social service needs being addressed by the diligent care of so many faithful lay volunteers.

During many of our Archdiocesan Pastoral Council meetings, in preparation for Archbishop Dolan’s declaration of Vision 21, much time was devoted to the acknowledgement of the numerous contributions made by lay volunteers in the day-to-day activity of parish life.  Not only are their contributions a tremendous source of life and support for the work that needs to be done; but they are also a response to the Gospel in our everyday lives.

The spiritual and corporal works of mercy are Gospel mandates that require all of us to see and minister to Jesus in our everyday actions, no matter what we do or where we do it.  Baptismal response to the Gospel imperative fulfills the mission of the Church and contributes to the building up of the living Mystical Body of Christ.

While new plans are being made and pastors and parish councils are starting to gear up for the year ahead, I want to tip my hat to all of the lay volunteers who make so many of those plans become a reality in our parishes and diocesan ministries.  Thank you for your good work!

The Hudson Institute, based in Washington, D.C., released some good news for us to ponder as we consider the impact of volunteers on the world stage.  The report noted that despite “… the loss of assets in 2008, giving abroad by foundations, corporations, charities, churches, and individuals is not expected to take a sharp downturn in 2009.” The Global Report further noted, “New models of philanthropic giving, being championed in the United States, are being taken to new heights by companies and private organizations.  U.S volunteers gave approximately $3.5 billion worth of volunteer time for development aid abroad.”

As new parish budgets are being put into action here in our own backyard, we are conscious of the thousands of hours contributed, in service, to the Church of southeastern Wisconsin by our dedicated lay volunteers.  Thank you so much for your diligence.  This is what we mean when we talk about “Living Our Faith!”

God be with you.
 
Faithfully in Christ,

Most Reverend William Patrick Callahan

Archdiocesan Administrator
Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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