Parish News
Small acts with lasting impact – recognising the volunteers behind St Michael’s Catholic Church Wycheproof.
The saying ‘many hands make light work’ rings especially true in small rural communities, where the efforts of a dedicated few often become the foundation upon which vibrant and resilient organisations are built.
At St Michael’s Catholic Church, Wycheproof, volunteers play an integral role in parish life, contributing countless hours to ensure the church remains not only a place of worship and reflection, but also a valued contributor to broader rural, farming community life.
From sharing Holy Communion with the sick and elderly, maintaining the church grounds and facilities, cleaning and preparing the church for services, coordinating Mass, events and holy days, and offering a welcoming presence to parishioners and visitors alike, volunteers are at the heart of everything that St Michael’s does.
In recognition of National Volunteer Week 2026 (May 18-24), which carried the theme ‘Your Year to Volunteer’, St Michael’s incorporated a special focus on volunteering into its monthly Mass via utilising visual images, a welcome sign, and acknowledging the contribution of volunteers both within the parish and across the wider Wycheproof community in the Prayers of the Faithful. All highlighting the important role volunteers play in strengthening community connections and supporting those around them.
The Mass also provided an opportunity to formally recognise the contributions of parishioner Jacinta Miller, whose commitment to St Michael’s and the broader East Wimmera Parish community has spanned many years and countless acts of service – from audio-visual planning, finance and banking, Mass preparations, funeral co-ordination, fellowship, communications and more.
Fr Gerry Prunty, Parish Priest, together with one of St Michael’s most longest serving volunteers, and most respected parishioners, Mrs Sheila Powell, presented Jacinta with a certificate of appreciation and a token gift (appropriately shaped chocolate confectionary depicting the word ‘Thanks’), in recognition of her dedication and service.
The presentation was warmly received by those in attendance, with parishioners acknowledging not only Jacinta’s contribution, but also the collective efforts of the many volunteers who quietly give their time and talents throughout the year.
While individual recognition is important, the occasion served as a timely reminder that the ongoing vitality of St Michael’s is made possible through the generosity, goodwill and commitment of volunteers. Their contribution ensures the Church remains a welcoming place of prayer, fellowship and support for parishioners and the wider community alike.
As communities across Australia celebrated National Volunteer Week, St Michael’s proudly joined in recognising the volunteers whose efforts, often undertaken behind the scenes, continue to make a meaningful difference every-single-day.
Jackie Noonan
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