God has given each of us unique gifts and talents. As Saint Paul teaches, “You together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it” (1 Cor 12:27). Saint Peter explains that God has given us these gifts for a purpose: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Pet 4:10). By serving others with our gifts and talents, we imitate Jesus, who served us by giving us the gift of His life: “As I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34).
One of the most spiritually rewarding ways to put your gifts at the service of others is through volunteering. Volunteering is truly Christ-like because it is a way of giving without seeking a financial reward.
Corio Lara Parish is blessed with many generous volunteers who use their gifts to serve others. Even so, we are always looking to welcome new faces and talents to our team.
Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and espcially to those who are of the household of faith.
Volunteering Drive 2025
Over the last twelve months, Fr Marcus has identified areas within the parish where you can put your gifts and talents at the service of fellow parishioners. Now, during February, we are inviting you to pray and think about whether you can contribute in one or more of these areas. Take the next two weeks to think over what interests you. Then, in the third and fourth week of February, we will invite you to make a pledge of your time and talents.
How you can help
Parish Social Committee. We need 4-6 people to run 3-4 social events each year i.e. trivia nights, parish picnic, dinner dance. The Social Committee would work in collaboration with Fr Marcus and the Mission Team.
Church cleaning. We need 6-8 people to clean St Anthony’s church. Volunteers would work in two teams of 3-4, each team cleaning the church once a month. We also need 3-4 people to clean St Francis Xavier church once a month (Burmese parishioners already help with cleaning the church on the 3rd Saturday).
Piety stalls. We need a coordinator to purchase and shelve stock. We also need ‘sales assistants’ for each of the weekend Mass times.
Office data entry (ad hoc). We need 1-2 people to assist with data entry in the parish office from time to time. Computer skills necessary.
Church café/Parish BBQ/Saturday Supper. The more the merrier! We need people who can cater and people who can serve food and drinks. We especially need 3-4 people to cater and serve Church Café on the first Sunday of the month after the 11am Mass at Corio (the team cater food, arrive around 10.30am to set up, then serve from 12pm-1pm).
Musicians. Can you sing or play an instrument? We are especially keen to recruit pianists. All levels and abilities welcome across all Mass times.
Counters. We need 3-4 people to help count the collections 1-2 times per month. Counting takes 60-90 minutes and is held in the Parish Office on Tuesday mornings.
Gardening. Do you love to garden? We need people who can help maintain and improve our gardens on a weekly basis, weeding, watering, pruning and feeding.