Grace and peace, I hope this note finds you well.

On 9th of March 2025, we celebrate and give thanks for the contribution of the many Volunteers, past and present, who have and continue to animate the Gospel in the life of the Archdiocese of Adelaide. 

This is a special time for us to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible contributions of each one of you, particularly those who have generously served as volunteers in our communities. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I write to thank all of our volunteers for the time, talents, and love you have poured into the work of the Church.

Volunteering in a ministry of the Church, is a natural extension of the commitment made through baptism. It allows us to live out our faith in tangible ways, serving those in need and strengthening our faith community. Baptism calls believers to be actively engaged in building God’s kingdom, reminding us that our lives are not only our own but are given by God to be shared with others. In the spirit of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, you, our faithful volunteers, have shown what it means to walk with Christ by your side and reflect His love through your actions. Whether you have been involved in our parish outreach programs, social justice initiatives, liturgical ministries, or care for the elderly, sick, and marginalized, your commitment has been a beacon of hope to all who have encountered you.

In the Gospel, we read that Jesus said, "Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). Indeed, it is through your acts of service, large and small, that you exemplify the true meaning of discipleship. Your hands are the hands of Christ, your voices echo His compassion, and your hearts reflect His mercy. Your service not only touches the lives of those you help directly but also inspires others to join in this holy work of love and charity.

This Jubilee of Hope is a time to acknowledge and celebrate how your actions, motivated by faith, transform our communities and the world. It is through your dedication that we, as a Church, live out our calling to be a sign of hope and healing in a world that so desperately longs for peace and unity.

I urge you to continue in your ministries, knowing that your efforts are never in vain. As we continue to reflect on the mercy of God and the blessings of this Jubilee, let us remember that all of us are called to live as servants of the Lord. Let us support and encourage one another, and together, bring the light of Christ to every corner of our world.

To all Volunteers, I offer my deepest thanks. May God continue to bless you abundantly as you serve in His name. Your willingness to give of yourselves is a living testament to the faith and hope that we share as the Body of Christ.

With renewed thanks,

In Domino,
Archbishop Patrick O'Regan DD