Do you ask yourself, how can I help?
If so, you have begun to share in the experience of 25,000+ people who CHOOSE SERVICE every year with Catholic Volunteer Network programs. At the beginning of this journey, you may find the possibility of full-time service a bit daunting. You will likely face the need to choose between pursuing your career, continuing education, fulfilling ministry roles, or spending time with family and friends. We are here to help you with many aspects of this important decision-making process.
The Benefits of Service
Volunteers make a huge impact on the world for their contributions to alleviating poverty, addressing injustice, and providing comfort to those who suffer. In addition to this, the volunteers themselves experience a great deal of benefit from the service experience. Click on the tabs below to learn more about how volunteers benefit professionally, personally, spiritually, and practically.
How to get started
With over 180 different programs in the Catholic Volunteer Network community – you have a wide variety of service opportunities to choose from. Whether you are looking for a post-graduate service program, a summer volunteer experience, lay mission opportunity, a way for your family to serve together, or something to do in your retirement – we have what you’re looking for! Don’t be overwhelmed by all these options, we are here to help you find the right program for your needs.
Complete a Volunteer Profile
Our volunteer profile resource is a great way to share about your skills, experiences, and interests so that volunteer programs can contact you directly if you are a good match for a placement that they have. This is a great way to narrow down your options and begin conversations with our volunteer program staff.
Search Full-Time Service Programs
Our RESPONSE directory is the most comprehensive resource available for people interested in faith-based service. RESPONSE will help you navigate through your many different options. This resource is available in three formats:
- Online Database
- RESPONSE 2022 - Downloadable e-Book
- RESPONSE 2022 - Print Edition - order your free copy
Online Database
We can help you sort through programs based on the criteria that is most important to you. You can filter programs by location, type of ministry, length of service, and much more! Click on "Search Programs" below to get started.
You may also decide that you want to serve wherever there is the greatest need. In that case we recommend that you check out our Urgent Opportunities.
Join the Catholic Volunteer Network Community
Want Programs to Find You?
One great way to learn more about faith-based service is to post your profile on our website. This feature enables you to share about your interests and experiences with our network. After registering, you will be tapped into our Network. CVN will be able to share about resources to aid your discernment process, events taking place in your community, and program staff will reach out to you directly if they have a placement that seems like a good fit.
Our Stories
2025 Annual Appeal
Illuminate the Path of Service: Your Gift Makes a Difference This Advent As Advent approaches,… Read more »
2024 Annual Report
We’re excited to share our 2024 Annual Report with you! This year has been filled… Read more »
Voting as an Act of Service and Solidarity
Dear CVN Community, As this year’s election draws near, we are reminded of the profound… Read more »