10 Volunteer Opportunities Every Parish Can Add to Unison
A Directory Page in Unison makes it easy to bring every ministry and signup together in one place. But where should you start?
Here’s a list of the most common (and most loved) volunteer opportunities across parishes — complete with short descriptions you can copy straight into Unison.
Use this as inspiration to build out your signups and help more parishioners discover where they are called to serve the community.
1. Fish Fry
Description: A beloved Lenten tradition that draws the whole community together.
Jobs: Cook, Server, Dessert Table Attendant, Cashier, Setup Crew, Cleanup Crew.
Create separate shifts for each area to keep things organized.
2. Giving Tree or Angel Tree
Description: Collect Christmas gifts for families in need through an Advent giving program.
Jobs: Tag Organizer, Gift Collector, Gift Sorter, Delivery Driver.
Use Unison to fill all volunteer shifts and make sure every family receives their gifts..
3. Pancake Breakfast
Description: A simple and social fundraiser or parish family event. Perfect for Knights of Columbus, family weekends, or Breakfast with Santa before Christmas.
Jobs: Cook, Server, Coffee Station Helper, Setup Crew, Cleanup Crew.
Spread the word to youth or family ministry groups.
4. Parish Festival or Picnic
Description: The biggest community event of the year — games, food, music, and community fun.
Jobs: Food Booth Volunteer, Game Attendant, Raffle Ticket Seller, Welcome Team, Setup Crew, Teardown Crew.
Assign leaders to each area. Unison makes signing up as easy as the Cake Walk!
5. Community Meal or Soup Kitchen
Description: Serve a hot meal and warm welcome to neighbors in need.
Jobs: Meal Prep Cook, Server, Dishwashing Crew, Donation Organizer, Cleanup Crew.
Rotate shifts for weekly or monthly meals.
6. Food or Coat Drive
Description: Collect essential items for families and shelters during key seasons.
Jobs: Collection Table Host, Donation Sorter, Delivery Driver.
Keep recurring events organized in Unison for ongoing needs.
7. Parish Garden or Grounds Cleanup
Description: Keep your parish beautiful and welcoming year-round. Schedule volunteers for spring planting, fall cleanup, or regular weeding days.
Jobs: Gardener, Planter, Mulch Spreader, Weeding Crew, Setup Crew, Cleanup Helper.
Great for families or Confirmation service hours.
8. Bake Sale
Description: A sweet way to fundraise for ministries or outreach.
Jobs: Baker, Packaging Helper, Sales Table Volunteer, Setup Crew, Cleanup Crew.
Add a “Drop-off” slot for donated baked goods.
9. Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Description: A week of faith, fun, and creativity for parish children. Even if religious education staff lead the program, Unison can organize all the moving parts.
Jobs: Group Leader, Craft Helper, Snack Helper, Registration Table Volunteer, Setup Crew, Cleanup Crew.
Use Unison to manage shifts across multiple days.
10. Outreach Programs
Description: From packing blessing bags to partnering with local nonprofits, these small projects make a big impact.
Jobs: Packing Volunteer, Donation Organizer, Driver, Setup Crew, Cleanup Helper, Photographer.
Ideal for both one-time and recurring signups.
Getting Started
Each of these examples can be its own Opportunity on your Directory Page, with the jobs listed in each.
Start with just a few familiar events and add more as your community grows. The clearer your opportunities are, the easier it is for parishioners to say yes — and Unison keeps it all organized, ad-free, and ready for everyone to serve.
Want to see how all these opportunities fit together? Read more about Directory Pages and how to display them beautifully in one central place.
When parishioners can see all the ways to volunteer in Unison, participation grows naturally — and so does community.
