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A Look at Our School Volunteer Ministry: Supporting Faculty, Staff and Students to Ensure Excellence
Last year was atypical for volunteers at St. Benedict Cathedral School, as only essential volunteers, like those in the cafeteria, were able to be physically present.
As we prepare for the new school year, welcoming more community volunteers into our school is one of the many things we’re excited about.
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“We’re looking forward to being able to bring all our volunteers back into the building,” says St. Benedict Cathedral School principal Kari Ford. “This year they’ll be back in our classrooms working with students and helping support teachers.”
The volunteers at St. Benedict Cathedral School serve our school community in a variety of ways.
“We have volunteers who come in and support office staff and run our fundraising committee,” says Mrs. Ford. “We have volunteers who help get things organized for school Masses as well.”
Throughout the school year and over the summer, the “Tuesday Crew” comes in every week to support the students, teachers, and administration as needed.
“Right now, they’re helping in the classrooms and getting things organized as we get ready for the next year,” says Mrs. Ford. “Throughout the year, they also help with maintenance projects.”
Susan Jones taught science at St. Ben’s from 2000 to 2018, and shortly afterward, she was visiting the school and noticed another teacher needed support as she set up her classroom.
“Then I started volunteering once a week in the school office,” says Susan. “I was coming in whenever School Secretary Ami Patti needed me. It’s easy for me to do, and we’re both very organized people.”
When she stopped teaching, Susan wanted to continue supporting the school community, but she wanted to try something different.
“I’m still in the school environment, which I love,” says Susan. “The eighth-graders who just graduated were the last class I taught.”
The school is a big mission for our parish, Susan shares, and it needs all kinds of helpers to run smoothly. She also emphasizes that giving your time at the school won’t take away from your evenings or weekends.
“There are a lot of opportunities to do different things as volunteers at the school,” says Susan. “Some volunteers read to the kids, and some help out in the cafeteria on certain days. You could help in the office or be a substitute teacher.”
Volunteers participate in background checks and the school’s youth protection program. All men and women are welcome to serve the school, and our volunteers include not only parents but also grandparents, retirees, and other faith community members.
“We’re very appreciative of all our school volunteers and all their efforts,” says Mrs. Ford. “They’ve given so much support to our staff, students, and school community.”
The Tuesday Crew volunteering at St. Benedict Cathedral School
