Volunteers from near and far
Ace Acuna with the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage work to beautify the garden at Catholic Charities Fort Worth on June 6. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
On June 6, a unique group of volunteers arrived at Catholic Charities Fort Worth to help the nonprofit. Perpetual pilgrims, those traveling on the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, completed two tasks: revitalizing the prayer garden and organizing the advancement storage closet.
“They did an amazing job. The volunteers got right to work and powered through all the tasks assigned,” said Kelly Smith, CCFW’s volunteer specialist. “We are so appreciative of this group’s help. What a wonderful opportunity for these young individuals to grow in their faith and serve others along the way.”
One of the pilgrims, Stephen Fuhrmann, is a parishioner at St. Peter Church in Lindsay. A senior at Texas A&M University, Furhmann has participated in several projects during the pilgrimage to serve the poor and marginalized.
“It’s a constant receiving and pouring out,” he said. “We can receive infinitely from our Lord and go back to Him to pour into all these different outlets in our life.”
Fuhrmann has observed a deepening of humility within himself through service. “It’s about getting on our hands and knees and getting dirty in places we wouldn’t want to be in our everyday lives, but people are there in their everyday lives.”
Father Malachy Napier, CFR, is one of two priests accompanying the pilgrims on their journey. “Love can only grow when it’s given away. We grow by sharing the gift we’ve received,” he said. “Service is our response to the free love God has given us. Loving them is giving back what has been given to me.”
The gift of service
The mission of CCFW is significantly facilitated by the generous outpouring of volunteers’ time and talent.
According to Smith, volunteer hours at CCFW average 1,600 per month. In 2024, 668 people served 26,211 hours. “Our volunteers consistently show up to make a difference in someone else’s life,” she said. “Being of service to others is a way to show God’s love for us all.”
“As followers of Christ, we are called to serve others,” Smith said. “Our volunteers are the hands and feet of Jesus and can serve others by being a listening ear for a community member going through a tough time or by walking alongside a pregnant mom in need.”
CCFW welcomes new volunteers and offers a variety of opportunities to help such as answering phone calls from community members in need; providing rides for clients to doctor’s appointments and work; mentoring moms with Gabriel Project; and assisting the front desk of its dental clinic.
Volunteer, contribute to, or learn more about Catholic Charities Fort Worth by visiting CatholicCharitiesFortWorth.org.