At Catholic Charities St. Augustine, we are called to serve our neighbors and provide light where it is needed most. As those in need rely on us for our services, we greatly depend on our community and its generosity to help us facilitate our programs. This connection forms the basis of our organization and outlines how the seven social teachings of the Catholic Church guide us in all we do.
April is also National Volunteer Month – a time to celebrate volunteers and encourage volunteerism – which lends itself to the next teaching we are highlighting.
In the Catholic Church, the “Call to Family, Community and Participation” social teaching states that by our Creator’s design, each person is both sacred and has a unique social responsibility. Marriage and family help an individual grow, but those components do not fully encompass what is needed for a full life.
In the eyes of the Church, it is not only a right, but also a duty to participate in society and seek common good – especially on behalf of those who are vulnerable. At Catholic Charities St. Augustine, we have seen firsthand how great the need is in our community, both throughout the initial effects of COVID-19 and even now as we reel from the impacts the pandemic has left in its wake. This moves us to focus even more strongly on living out the Church’s teachings on this topic.
As the number of people needing assistance grows and our available resources become less robust due to increased distribution, we are relying on our volunteers more than ever. While not all of our supporters are in a position to give monetarily, we feel so blessed for those who are able to give their time, as it is truly a priceless gift.
Currently, our organization is seeking volunteers both within our food pantry and for administrative assistance. From picking up donated food, distributing items during our pantry hours, answering phones and more, there is a place for you here – which is a constant reminder of the message of 1 Peter 4:10:
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
Giving back to those in need is essential to the foundation of the Catholic Church, but it is an act we do not take for granted at Catholic Charities St. Augustine. Each day, we are reminded that the blessings we provide would not be possible without a community that supports and encourages us in all we do.
To learn more about our organization and how you can get involved, please visit ccbstaug.org/help-us/#volunteer.
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