Inspired to make an impact in your community? Here are some ideas to get you started:

– See if your parish needs volunteers for lay ministries, to coordinate or kick off a special event, to help with clerical work, assist in the parish food pantry or faith formation program. Or ask your pastor how your individual skill set can best serve the church.

– Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ) changes lives and builds communities as it serves neighbors in need with mercy and compassion. CCBQ offers volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups and corporations.
To find an opportunity that best fits your availability and interests, visit bplusq.org/volunteer. Or call 718-722-6175 to customize a volunteer opportunity.

– Providence House, a ministry started by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., helps transition women and children who are homeless and recently released from prison back into society. Volunteer projects have included helping in the childcare center, household repairs, leading cooking and yoga classes, tutoring and professional mentoring. Individual and group projects. Visit www.providencehouse.org (click on “Volunteer”) or call 718-455-0197.

– Hour Children, a ministry started by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, helps incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their children successfully rejoin the community. Hour Children needs volunteers for its children’s and women’s mentoring programs. Visit www.hourchildren.org or call 718-433-4724.

– Do you have a background in education, finance, marketing or fundraising? Consider offering your services to your local Catholic school or academy as a consultant or board member.