Celebrating the good – what to carry forward in 2026

As 2026 begins,  many of us are thinking about the last 12 months, what was good and what could have been better.  

It’s very usual for people to ignore the good and focus on the things that we’d like to change in this brand new year.  

It’s important though, for us to celebrate the good and want to carry these things forward with us. Living our faith intentionally means seeking to continue to work for the common good, identify gaps or areas of improvement, and to act to change things in our community.  

For many years now, our charity has been running a volunteer programme to support parishes across the Diocese of Salford, to find a meaningful way to do just that. 

Here, Matt, our parish, communities and volunteers officer, tells us more… 

Caritas parish volunteers are an essential part of our mission to engender love in action in our communities.   

Underpinned by the Church’s social teaching, our parish volunteers uphold the dignity of every person, build the common good, and stand in solidarity with people who are marginalised and disadvantaged.  

They focus their support and interests in different ways – some by spreading the message of our work, which helps to raise much-needed funds, some by acting  as a catalyst for social action, and others by focusing on advocating for increased inclusion and accessibility in the parish and beyond.   

Parish volunteers put our Christian values into action in practical ways, such as speaking-up alongside someone experiencing accessibility barriers to participate in parish life.  They may support finding positive solutions by signposting to our charity or to other local support services.

Some work to raise awareness of social justice issues and current Caritas campaigns, while some have taken on projects  such as setting up a  warm hub or holding a community event.  Each small act of Christian service is a loving expression of our call to share Christ’s love through compassionate action. 

Could you take forward some of this positive action in 2026 by becoming a Caritas parish volunteer?

Parish volunteer roles are designed to be flexible and fit around busy lives.  

They can be tailored to the time you have available, whether that’s a few hours a month or even less, the role is shaped around you. Full training and ongoing support are provided too, so you will feel equipped and confident in your role. We’ll be accompanying you every step of the way. 

But don’t worry. If you can’t currently volunteer in this way, you can still support and connect with Caritas by finding out if your parish has a Caritas parish volunteer in your area so you can signpost anyone who may need their support.  Also, you can encourage people to enquire about the role if they may be interested in volunteering too.   

Parish volunteers are helping to build positive communities rooted in hope, dignity, and love – one encounter at a time. 

“In the deserts of poverty and loneliness, little gestures of freely-given service make the shoots of a new humanity flourish – that garden that God dreamed of and continues to dream of for all of us.” Pope Leo XIV 

Read more or apply to become a parish volunteer by clicking here now.