• What drew you to this ministry and what special talents did you have that might enhance your skill in this ministry?

• How long have you been with Saints Peter and Paul?

Sts. Peter & Paul has been my parish since 2002.  It took a couple of years before I started to participate in any ministries, because I was not sure I had anything to contribute.  However, over the years, I have become involved and have grown more spiritually than I had ever expected..
Outreach:  My first involvement was with the Thanksgiving food drive; then, the Sunday Bulletin requested new volunteers to assist in the pantry. I called Geri and Ann Carlsen, Ellie Baribault, and I created our own team. We work one Thursday a month from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM assisting with food stock and distribution of food to members in our community in need of assistance. The opportunity to assist Geri in the ministry is very rewarding. This involvement  has made me realize that I have never been hungry or homeless and what a gift and blessing that is.

Prayer Garden: Our Church Bulletin asked for volunteers and I was assigned Our Lady of Majorgi.  After one year, I realized it was more than I could physically handle alone. A fellow parishioner, Ann Carlsen, offered to share this ministry and we have been gardening together for four years. When we arrive to weed or plant, there is a visible indication that the garden has been visited.  We have found flowers, a rosary, a drawn picture, and a few coins.  This is a very special place to come and pray.

Pastoral Council: Father John McGratty invited me to participate and I could not refuse.  The twelve members of this council, under the guidance of Father Bruce Powers, are challenged to grow, share and learn about our parish. My job is to take the meeting minutes.  This is my monthly penance, ( written communication is not a talent), but again I called upon a friend to help.  Ellie Baribault is the proof reader and editor of our monthly meeting minutes and she makes them look good.  I would encourage members of Sts Peter & Paul’s to consider The Pastoral Council as an exceptional opportunity to become involved in the future of our Parish.

Money Counter:  Finance is a part of our church and since I worked for a bank, my talent is that I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide up to $100.00.  This ministry is fun and the people are great. We volunteer about once every four or five weeks.  Ellie Baribault and I are a team of two.  There are about five teams altogether.

• Why do you volunteer?
It is always hard to say no when a friend requests your assistance. 
Volunteering can be daunting.  We are not sure if we have something to offer, or if we can make the commitment of our time. 

Other comments that you would like us to know.
I plan to continue my participation in the future.
Every ministry understands there will be times we cannot commit and there is always  someone to cover for you.  The amount of time you choose to dedicate is up to you.  Just try to DO SOMETHING. Start on a small scale. I contribute about 5 hours a month and these are the examples.  Outreach - 2 hours a month, Money Counter  - 1 hour a month,  Pastoral Council - 1 evening a month (2 ½ hours), Prayer Garden - 2 visits per week in season.
I spend more time watching TV.   

• What do you gain from this ministry? What other ministries have you been involved with and why?
Assisting Geri in the Outreach program is the most rewarding.
The Prayer Garden is the most joyful.
Money Counting gives the opportunity to share banking knowledge
Pastoral Council provides the challenge to grow, learn and share.