Even in retirement Sr still giving back

July 22, 2024

Sr. Barbara Molloy at Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) Nagle Residential Care Home at Sutherland

After dedicating more than five decades to Catholic education, Sr. Barbara Molloy could have easily chosen a quiet retirement.

Her lifetime of tireless service is now woven into the fabric of the schools she has nurtured.

However, stepping away from active ministry has not dimmed her light but ignited a new one — one that resonates with her Presentation Sister’s charism: “Not Words, But Deeds”.

A few times each week, you’ll find her stationed at the front desk of her Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) Nagle Residential Care Home at Sutherland where she assists the administration staff by answering phones, managing visitors and handling the mail.

During quieter moments, her nimble fingers knit jumpers and beanies for anyone in need of some warmth.

Her eyes twinkle with purpose as she greets each person walking through the door or delivers a letter to a fellow resident.

“Just because I’ve retired from active ministry doesn’t mean I’ve retired from helping others,” she said.

“I guess it’s all about giving back where you can, and I do thoroughly enjoy volunteering here and if that means sitting at the front desk so one of the staff can take a lunch break, then I’m very happy to do it.

 “I actually lived here when it was my Order’s convent, and I was the principal at St. Patrick’s Primary School next door so it’s lovely coming back and living here and being part of the community again.

“My first job before entering religious life was answering phones and admin work so I’ve come a full circle. The Lord really does have a good sense of humour.”

Sr Barbara is one of an army of volunteers who gives their time and skills across Southern Cross Care’s services which includes anything from driving buses, playing musical instruments, tending gardens, teaching crafts, answering phones or just lending a listening ear.

Latest research shows that those who are happiest in retirement are those giving back to others and discovering a new sense of purpose.

In Australia, nearly 50 percent of the population volunteers at some point in their lives, discovering it’s not just about giving; it’s also about receiving.

Southern Cross Care Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager Vanessa Ogborne believes volunteering is woven into the very DNA of communities.

“Volunteering is the thread that holds our communities together,” she said.

“It’s the desire to make the world a better place without financial reward and probably one of the most common things I hear said by our volunteers is that they get more out of it than they give.

“We are also increasingly finding that even many of those in aged care like Sr Barbara still have a need to give back to the community and contribute.

“Most people I meet who volunteer in aged care do so because they either have a connection to an older person or they want to connect with one. It forms bonds that transcends age which is just beautiful.”

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) email volunteer@sccliving.org.au