By Emilie Ng
VOLUNTEERS of parish-based ministry Care and Concern received “nourishment, reflection and revitalisation” at a spirituality day on Saturday, March 1.
Forty-five volunteers from Maroochydore, Nambour, Upper Mt Gravatt, Inala, Sunnybank, Camp Hill and Rochedale attended the reflection day at Manly.
Care and Concern are parish-based volunteer services that offer hospitality catering, Communion at Home, visitation-social support, emergency home help and transportation to appointments.
Presentation Sister Mary Franzmann led the retreat which focused on Matthew 20:28, “I came to serve not to be served”.
St Mark’s, Inala, parishioner Doris Heffernan is one of 1074 volunteers who regularly serve the wider community in Brisbane archdiocese with Care and Concern.
She makes up a team of nine parishioners who regularly take Communion to the sick and elderly.
Mrs Heffernan, who has volunteered for more than 10 years, said after each visit, she came away “feeling so loved”.
“It’s very rewarding,” she said.
“One thing in visiting the elderly is they want to tell you their story.
“They are just grateful to have someone listening to them.
“They appreciate you being there, as most people live on their own and go weeks without seeing many people.”
A highlight of her work in the ministry was taking Communion to those who cannot regularly attend Mass.
“They just love the Eucharist,” she said.
