Volunteering is part of my family history. I learned through the example of my parents, especially my mum, Norma Williams, who did all sorts of volunteering and received a Premier’s Award through local government for her efforts.

When the time came in my life when I was able to give back, I just put my hand up. I started off volunteering for the Parish with Sister Elsie on the RCIA team in 2002. I did this for about 14 years after work, once a week, for those people wanting to become Catholic. I loved it!

Then Melissa Antram who was a sacristan, was retiring, and she asked me if I would become a sacristan during the week. I said yes, so she trained me, and I took over her role on Wednesdays. And then I just put my hand up to do other things… reader, commentator, Eucharistic minister and choir.

My auntie, Helen Byrnes, was a member of the Catholic Women’s League so I joined that about 10 years ago. It is really rewarding to be part of this group.

We keep ourselves informed about what’s happening in the parish, what’s going through parliament, what’s happening in the world on topics like the plight of refugees. It’s about women being together and learning together.

I enjoy taking part in the meetings. We study a country and do an ethics report each month. As part of the Catholic Women’s League, I also contact and welcome new parishioners. I share information about the parish with them and they have the chance to ask any questions they may have.

Often, when people come to a new parish, they don’t know where to start to make connections with the community. We have a little welcome pack that we give people to help them get to know the parish and what it offers. We often meet up for coffee, particularly with young families who may have more specific questions. They get to put a face to the name, which is good.

I have a deep faith, which is my main motivation for volunteering. I just find it so rewarding to be able to give something back to the parish. Whatever I put in, I always get so much more back, in terms of connection with our community and personal satisfaction. I really enjoy being part of this community, part of the services, part of the rituals of our parish.

The parish, to me, is like an extended family that offers great opportunities to develop relationships. The more you get involved in doing things, the more you find out what’s happening around the Parish, the more you feel connected to the community. For example, the recent Art Exhibition at Emmaus Village, I found out it was happening and was happy to help when they needed volunteers to be there for a couple of hours on a few different days.

I have some physical limitations so there are some things I can’t do, but I do what I can when I am able.

It is wonderful to be part of the Parish team. Everyone has their role to play.