A message from Fr. John Williams

“During this National Volunteer Week 2022, we celebrate the contributions of our volunteers: their actions, their understanding, and their genuine concern not only for the Basilica but for our community of faith and above all, for the world around them.”

April 24th to April 30th, 2022, marks National Volunteer Week in Canada. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the foundation Board to extend a heartfelt thank you to all those who have contributed so much to the Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Foundation and our beloved Basilica through their volunteer efforts.

 For most of us, time is our most precious commodity and the gift of time, and the sharing of talent and experience has a profound impact on the work that we do. The theme for National Volunteer Week is Volunteering is Empathy in Action; Volunteers Bring Heart to Canada’s communities. The empathy, compassion and generosity of Foundation volunteers creates a common focus on the rejuvenation of the Basilica, building connected communities and providing a clear focus on the future.

The National Volunteer Week theme for 2022, Volunteering Is Empathy In Action, affirms the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy. This profoundly human connection is at the heart of healthier individuals and stronger communities.

Empathy is a quality that can help people relate to others and build awareness around different experiences. It connects people in ideas and actions and helps create bonds forged in common goals and aspirations. 

During this National Volunteer Week 2022, we celebrate the contributions of our volunteers: their actions, their understanding, and their genuine concern not only for the Basilica but for our community of faith and above all, for the world around them. 

Volunteering, putting empathy into action, is a wonderful concept and is helping build not just the Foundation, or our Basilica but entire communities where people feel happier, healthier, and more welcome – creating a stronger, more connected community. To all our volunteers, Thank You. 

Yours in Christ,

Fr. John Williams
Chair
Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica Foundation.