“Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are… Do not settle for less” – Pope Leo XIV
We are deeply blessed by the dedicated volunteers who grace us with their time, kindness, and efforts. Just yesterday, a remarkable youth group from Our Lady Queen of the Americas Parish, compromising 13 spirited young souls, aged 10 to 18, along with Kevin Arevalo, the Coordinator of Communications & Evangelization, and Fr. James Morrison, their Pastor/Párroco, joined us as part of their Service Week, from June 22-26, 2026. Throughout this enriching week, youth generously volunteer at various Catholic sites across the Archdiocese of Washington.
Fr. James shared “We often struggle to find service opportunities that young people can easily engage in, just jump into. Here, the Catholic spirit is tangible, and the presence of the Little Sisters is a blessing. Thank you for having us and welcoming us so warmly.” At the heart of the youth group’s mission lies the transformative goal of leading young people to an encounter with Christ, accompanying them in their faith, nurturing authentic community, and sending them forth on mission within the Church and the world.
Upon their arrival, Sr. Frances Catherine greeted the young people in our lobby. She took special time with them before their work began, to share the mission of the Little Sisters, the inspiring story of our Foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, and our steadfast reliance on Divine Providence.
As Little Sisters of the Poor, we are devoted to caring for the elderly poor in the spirit of humble service entrusted to us by St. Jeanne Jugan. We welcome every Resident as if they are Christ Himself, serving them with love and respect until their final breath.
The impact of our volunteer program in meeting the demand for service is priceless. These young volunteers brought their compassionate hearts, boundless energy, and can-do spirit to each task. They scrubbed patio chairs and tables in preparation for our July 4th celebration with the Residents and helped Sr. Frances Catherine and Sr. Jacintha tackle the challenge of removing stubborn ivy roots clinging to a hillside in our courtyard, to prepare for new plantings. Armed with pickaxes, shovels, gloves, and raw determination, the team from Our Lady Queen of the Americas pulled a large tarp’s worth of roots, some exceeding three inches in diameter, leaving the hill cleared for planting and the patio furniture spotless and ready for festivities.
Every day, friends and volunteers assist us in caring for our Residents, contributing more than 5,000 hours each year to various day-to-day tasks, from yard work and maintenance to transportation and meal service. When you consider the talent, energy, and thousands of hours individuals and groups generously dedicate to support our mission, that represents an enormous value and blessing for which we are so profoundly grateful.
While the social and economic value of volunteer work to our Home is beyond measure, it is notable that according to the Independent Sector and Do Good Institute’s report on the Value of Volunteer Time, the estimated dollar value of a volunteer hour in Washington, D.C. is estimated to be $54.77, significantly higher than the U.S. national average of $36.14. This distinction reflects the local cost of living and wage levels in the metropolitan area.
Last year, more than 75.7 million people in the United States formally volunteered through organizations such as food banks, nonprofits, churches, and community groups. Their collective efforts demonstrate the power of community and the profound impact that serving others can have.
As the Little Sisters of the Poor, we are inspired by our volunteers’ commitment and compassion, which support our mission and bring joy to our Residents.
