Church seeks volunteers from youth sector

MANILA, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Manila is in need of younger volunteers for church services as elderly or senior citizens are still prohibited from going outside their homes as part of health protocols laid down by the government so check the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, who is also apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila, said elderly faithful are not allowed to leave their homes to render voluntary service for their parishes in compliance with the requirements of the Department of Health (DOH).

“My dear elderly parish volunteers, even as we appreciate your willingness and good intention to serve, we are also concerned about your health and the health of your family. Please make this sacrifice, and I know for many it is a sacrifice, not to serve in the liturgical services until this pandemic is over,” Pabillo said.

“In many of our communities, a good number of lay volunteers are among the elderly. So we sorely need younger volunteers. I would appeal to our elderly parish volunteers that if you truly love your parish, you will recruit one or two young volunteers to take your place in the church,” he added.

Pabillo said that they need younger volunteers who will help the Catholic Church in manning recently opened offices such as the Health Ministry and the Social Communications Ministry, created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Health Ministry will take charge of maintaining health protocols in the Catholic Church, while the Social Communications Ministry will work on holding virtual or online masses while the situation in Metro Manila has yet to normalize. 

“We will have to bring communion to the sick and to the elderly near their homes. We will need people to help keep the proper physical distancing and to regularly disinfect our churches,” Pabillo said.

He added that the call for younger church volunteers will help in the preparation for the resumption of physical mass gatherings, including the gradual resumption of church activities soon.