Make a Difference at End of Life: Volunteering With Our Lady of Peace
What does it feel like to sit with someone at the end of their life — and why do Our Lady of Peace volunteers say it changed theirs?
Becoming a hospice volunteer in Saint Paul and across the Twin Cities is one of the most meaningful ways to give your time. Hospice volunteers provide companionship, presence, and practical support to patients and families — extending the care team’s reach and offering the gift of time to those who need it most. At Our Lady of Peace Hospice, this is quiet, purposeful work, and it welcomes people of every background and faith.
What It Means to Volunteer in Hospice Care
Hospice volunteering is simpler — and more profound — than many people expect. You are not asked to be a nurse or a chaplain. You are asked to be present.
Much of the work is the gift of time: sitting with a patient, sharing a conversation, holding a hand, or offering a family member a chance to rest. This is what many people are searching for when they look for meaningful ways to volunteer within the Twin Cities, serving neighbors near the end of their journey.
It’s important to be clear about one thing. Volunteers complement — they never replace — our clinical care team. Nurses, aides, and social workers handle medical needs. Volunteers walk alongside patients and families, adding warmth and companionship to the professional hospice care that surrounds them.
The gift of time is the heart of hospice volunteering — being present is the role, not fixing or curing.
The Roles OLP Volunteers Play
There are many ways to serve, and we help match your gifts and schedule to the right role. Common hospice volunteer opportunities at Our Lady of Peace include:
- Patient companions who offer a gentle, steady presence at the bedside — conversation, reading aloud, or simply sitting together in comfortable quiet.
- Family support for loved ones who need a break, an errand run, or someone to listen.
- Life-review and legacy help for patients who want to share stories, letters, or memories.
- Administrative and event support for our office, community programs, and fundraising gatherings.
- Bereavement and grief support roles that extend care to families and community members after a loss.
Whether you are a retiree, a college student, or a working professional, there is a place for you here. You can learn more about our mission and history on our about page.
What Volunteers Tell Us About the Experience
Our volunteers describe the experience as life-affirming — a word we hear often. Their words say it better than ours ever could.
“I love being here. This is the greatest place on earth.” — John C., OLP volunteer
Being a patient companion means providing a gentle, steady presence at Our Lady of Peace. Michelle H. is one of those companions.
“It’s wonderful. Our Lady of Peace is a very life-affirming place. It’s a wonderful group to be a part of. I can sit down and say: ‘We’ve got you. We’ve got a whole team of people — your friends, your family.’ I can say with total sincerity.” — Michelle H., patient companion
For many, volunteering becomes a meaningful rhythm in a new chapter of life.
“When you retire, it’s important to find something purposeful to do, and volunteering has become part of my routine.” — Tom N., OLP volunteer
How to Apply to Volunteer With Our Lady of Peace
Getting started as a hospice volunteer in Minneapolis or anywhere in the Twin Cities is easy, and we walk with you every step of the way.
Here is what the journey looks like:
- Reach out. Call us at 651-789-5031 to share your interest.
- Talk with our team. We’ll discuss your interests, schedule, and the roles that fit you best.
- Complete orientation and training. We prepare every volunteer with the support and guidance they need to feel confident.
- Begin serving. You’ll be matched to a role and welcomed into a team that has your back.
Prefer to support our mission in another way? You can also make a gift to Our Lady of Peace to help sustain care for patients and families across the community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hospice Volunteering
Do I need medical experience to be a hospice volunteer?
No. Most hospice volunteer opportunities are non-medical. Patient companions offer conversation and presence, while our clinical team handles all medical care. We provide full orientation and training before you begin.
How much time do I need to commit?
We work with your schedule. Some volunteers give a few hours a week, others help with occasional events. During your first conversation, we’ll find a rhythm that fits your life.
Where do volunteers serve?
Volunteers serve throughout the Twin Cities — in patients’ homes, in our St. Paul residential hospice, and in the community. We’ll match you to opportunities near where you live and work.
Can college students or retirees volunteer?
Yes. Our volunteers range from students seeking meaningful experience to retirees looking for purpose. Everyone brings something valuable to the people we serve.
How do I get started?
Call 651-789-5031 to begin. We’ll answer your questions and guide you through orientation.
Interested in volunteering with Our Lady of Peace? Call 651-789-5031 or visit our volunteer page to learn how you can make a difference.
