The annual survey on Catholic voluntary service at federal level has confirmed high levels of personal fulfilment and satisfaction among those who opt for it. The majority of volunteers in Germany who commit themselves to a year of Social Voluntary Service (FSJ) or to the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) – either through one of the 40 Catholic dioceses or a national association – say it is a positive experience. “What volunteers learn is important as it will guide their steps in the future. And Catholic organisations benefit from the voluntary commitment of many people”, reads a joint statement from Mgr. Peter Neher, president of Caritas Germany, and from the national head of the German Catholic Youth Federation (BDKJ), Fr. Dirk Bingener. The document highlights that participation in voluntary service is open to all people of all ages in any field of social work. There are over 10,000 volunteers of all ages in Germany. And among young people, those who choose volunteering as a way to explore their future professional field is extremely high”. “Our duty is to continue to pay attention to the quality of support we provide to our volunteers who, through a year of voluntary service, will gain important training and guidance”, Fr. Bingener said, as he presented the study.