The Heart & Mindset of Volunteers!

A huge number of the voluntary activities which occur in our parishes and villages are run by people who are retired. I see this in the parish centres in Lucan and Palmerstown, where I have direct contact and know the same to be true in every other place also. Many had originally intended to 'take it easy' on retirement, but after a little time doing so, wished to step into something which provided a purpose and function in daily living. Some seek employment in an organisation or activity which connects with personal interest.

Considering the generally increased longevity and good health, retirement has changed for many, if not most. The retirement moment is a stepping out into a gap in life to look at a completely new set of possible routes for the next phase of life. For some, there is a real choice and for others they fall into responsibilities not necessarily chosen. One thing which becomes very clear, at this stage, is how short life is and how important it is to live every moment well and intentionally!

We are very fortunate that so many retired people volunteer so much time and highly valuable skills to keeping the engine of parish and community working like clockwork. Skills and interests honed through personal interest or professional work experience are pumped into all communities making much needed services available to us all.

Most who volunteer in latter years, were also volunteering in younger years and even in childhood and I include myself in that number. Volunteering provides an opportunity to be a real part of one’s community and to have a safe landing of supportive friendship at times in life that can be challenging. It is different to the workplace, as while it becomes a place of work of a different nature, it is very much about connection with people and bringing one's own personality and passion into a nurturing place.

Recently, the wonderful celebration of the Special Olympics took place. This was all organised and managed by volunteers and happened so efficiently and gracefully, that only the Olympians took pride of place in all coverage. The glory of the volunteers was in seeing the smiling faces of the participants. The joy of the volunteers was sharing in the teamwork that made great things possible for thousands of Olympians.

Volunteering at the heart of one's community is a joy and one that I would wish for all to experience. Friendship grows along with opportunity for social experiences that can keep one from being overcome by clouds of any form through which one might walk at times in life. Volunteerism, like being able to sing in a choir or play an orchestral instrument, provides one with an easy link into any community in which one finds oneself. I would wish that every young person would find a way of volunteering to experience the joy it is and to nurture a mindset which brings them to expect to be part of some community, particularly local community, throughout life.

Cathy Burke,
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes