Offering volunteer opportunities for meaningful involvement.

The selfless dedication of volunteers is essential to the work of Catholic Charities as we seek to provide help, create hope, and serve people of all faiths who are in need. Programs such as Emergency Services: Food, Clothing, Financial and Senior Dining as well as the Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent Program, the La Cruz Community Center and Life Transitions Services could not function were it not for the generosity of its many giving volunteers. Sometimes volunteers are needed for one-time events such as Mardi Gras, the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail Ride, or the Burg Golf Open. We also offer many volunteer opportunities helping on-going projects.

Check our current listings

Volunteer application

Now that you have chosen your volunteer opportunity, please complete and send in the necessary application forms. If you have questions, call the Volunteer Coordinator listed on our contacts page. You are also welcome to fill out an application in person at Catholic Charities, 911 18th Street North, St. Cloud. We are located in the Doctor's Park neighborhood of St. Cloud, just north of the St. Cloud Orthopedics building on Northway Drive.

Not every Catholic Charities program can accommodate a large number of volunteers at one time, but some certainly welcome groups. Contact the Staff Recruiter / Volunteer Coordinator to learn about our current volunteer opportunities for church groups, families, service groups, clubs, and businesses.

Benefits of volunteering

If you are not completely certain that volunteering is for you, please consider the following benefits:

• Meet new people.
• Socialize with others in the community who share your interests and desire to make a difference.
• Utilize existing skills or learn new ones.
• Gain a new perspective.
• Fulfill service-hour requirements for a class or program.
• Gain a sense of satisfaction at accomplishing something meaningful and worthwhile.

Testimonials

Our local organization utilizes over 2,300 volunteers that contribute over 84,000 hours of service each year. Here's what a few of them had to say:

• "Being of service to others and the sociability as I am ableto meet new people and enjoy being with others." — Deb*, a Business Office volunteer.


• "What I like best about being at the food shelf and clothing program is the spirit of those with whom I work, including most clients. I am often inspired by the faith and sense of hope of many clients who have nothing." — Margaret*, an Emergency Services: Food, Clothing, Financial volunteer
• "By volunteering my time at the La Cruz Community Center, I have learned how to develop many valuable skills that will eb helpful in the future. I have learned the importance of volunteering and how donating a few hours a week can make a large impact on so many people! I feel that La Cruz is a great place to meet new people and learn to interact with others from many difference backgrounds." - Mitch, a La Cruz Community Volunteer
  
  
• "Meeting new people and having fun is why I volunteer at Senior Dining!" - Fred*, a Senior Dining volunteer


• "Seeing the satisfaction, seeing the looks on people's faces - just to know that you made a difference in their life, that you made it better for them, that's what I enjoy about volunteering with Catholic Charities. I couldn't care less if anyone ever said 'thank you'. I am not doing it for the 'thank you's' or the pats on the back. I am doing it because it's the right thing to do." — Wayne*, a Share the Spirit Project volunteer
  
  * not the individual's real name

Thank you for volunteering with Catholic Charities. "We couldn't do it without you."

A message from Executive Director Steven P. Bresnahan…

Dear friends of Catholic Charities,

Thank you for your interest in volunteering in support of our programs. By volunteering, you join countless others in serving those in need in our community where, without you, our work would not be possible. In spite of the difficulty of our times, I'm confident in saying that the spirit of love is alive and well and moving throughout the Catholic Charities organization and those we touch. Our mission remains one of taking care of each other. This we are doing and will continue to do for as long as the need is there, the support is given, and the willing hands are available to do the work.

I am proud of our staff and thankful to our many volunteers and friends who continue to hope and work with us. Together, we can meet the challenges of these difficult times and transform our world.

Sincerely,
Steven P. Bresnahan
Executive Director