DISCIPLE: Volunteers Bring Gifts, Energy to StMCS
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January 17, 2024This article appears in the Winter 2023 edition of the DISCIPLE newsletter. If you are not receiving DISCIPLE in your mailbox, contact the parish office at 763-497-2745 to register as a parishioner or update your contact information. Pictured at right: an incognito father visits St. Michael Catholic School as St. Nicholas in early December.
Our Catholic school teachers and staff are fueled by many things, including weekly Masses, daily prayer, deep faith, and coffee. But perhaps the most important secret to their success is a small army of dedicated volunteers who show up day after day to provide support to St. Michael Catholic School (StMCS), free of charge.
Cory Sommer staffs the church parking lot on Wednesday mornings before the school Mass, no matter the weather. He also helps in the kitchen and cafeteria whenever he’s needed.
“I don’t mind being outside,” he says. “And I chose lunch helper when my oldest first started school and have done it ever since.”
Cory knows the school needs volunteer help, but his underlying motivation is pure dad.
“It is the easiest way to watch your kids and see who their friends are, so you get to know them and they get to know you,” he says. “Our kids have always appreciated seeing us at school, and we really build relationships with them and their friends. They know we are involved and care about their lives.”
StMCS mom Maria Gayken volunteered because, once her kids were all in school, the house got a little too quiet.
“I started volunteering three years ago as my son entered kindergarten,” she says. “Personally, I was struggling with the ‘empty nest’ feeling. The school welcomed me with open arms, and each teacher has become a dear friend. I know it takes time and energy to prepare for volunteers and so I do not take the opportunity for granted. It allows me time to connect with all four of my children.
“My best pitch to anyone considering volunteering is this: ‘In giving, we receive,’” Maria says. “I have built relationships with the students and staff. I have gotten a bird’s eye view into the inner workings of the school and have a peace in my heart with the Catholic education my children are receiving. I believe anyone who has time to give to StMCS will come away not only feeling fulfilled, but feeling gratitude for the experience.”TEACHING ASSISTANT
Teachers typically prepare a list of ways in which I can be helpful to them on that particular day. It might include making copies, putting together future projects, assembling assignments for the students, or working on displaying beautiful artwork the students create. Another area in which I assist is with students who have been absent. I work with them to help get caught up on what they missed. I also work with all students on reading and taking reading tests. I really enjoy all aspects and look forward to what might be in store for me each week. – Maria Gayken
Lifelong parishioners and StMCS moms Theresa Eicher and Angela Lenneman have each volunteered at the school for more than 20 years, planning Grandparents Day among numerous other volunteer roles. Both gain as much as they give from their service to the school.
“So many rewards come from volunteering—in particular, the happiness of our students,” Theresa says. “I’ve met so many people while volunteering at the school and on different committees. Also, the old saying, ‘Many hands make light work’ is so very true! How wonderful it is to see people pull together to make sure our school community blossoms!”
“As an alum, I remember my parents volunteering—they taught religion class for the public-school 8th-graders, and my mom always attended field trips,” says Angela. “I have never thought of volunteering as a sacrifice: The school is my second family, and volunteering at our school has brought me great friendships. I am grateful beyond words for the wonderful people I have met.”
While they are no longer chairing Grandparents Day, they will continue to serve at the school.GRANDPARENTS DAY
I remember Grandparents Day being the highlight of our school year! We would gather for Mass, bring our grandparents to lunch, and show them our classrooms. I desired my children to experience the same precious memories, so Theresa and I asked if we could chair it. The day is filled with complete love. You can feel and see the joy on everyone’s faces as they walk down the hall hand and hand. – Angela Lenneman
“Our family values Catholic education, and we realize that we have to do a little more than pay tuition to keep the school operating at its best,” says Theresa. “The school depends on all of us to keep it the amazing community it is!”
StMCS parent Kasandra Vorderbruggen is one of the next generation of parents dedicating themselves to the school’s volunteer needs. She chairs the annual Marathon fundraiser alongside Ellie Anderson and loves to serve in her children’s kindergarten and second-grade classrooms.
“I volunteer because my presence at the school shows my children, peers, and the community how important it is to keep the school alive and vibrant,” Kasandra says. “Part of our Catholic faith is to share our time, talents, and treasures. Volunteering is one of the greatest gifts I can give the school, as well as my kids. I love being Catholic; I want to shout it from the rooftops, but instead of shouting, I get to be present. And that is a gift.”
Most, but not all, StMCS volunteers are parishioners and parents. Kate Zietler, who helps out for a couple hours every Tuesday, is not.MYSTERY READER
I love volunteering in my kid’s classroom. New this year is “mystery reader,” which is so, so fun! We send in three clues about ourselves, and the students try to guess who is coming before we pop our heads in and—SURPRISE!—read a book that we bring from home. I read Monsters Love Underpants to my daughter’s kindergarten class, and man, that will get five-year-olds giggling. Sharing in the joy of the students is so fulfilling! – Kasandra Vorderbruggen
“I started volunteering in the local schools a few years ago at the urging of my neighbors,” Kate says. “I am retired and have always enjoyed the kids in the neighborhood. Helping in the schools was a good way to maintain a connection. I also believe that helping the teachers is good way to help kids.
“One neighbor is now a first grader at the Catholic school. When I stopped by the school to ask about volunteer opportunities, they said the person doing the laminating had moved and asked if I would take over that responsibility. Obviously, I said yes. Now I get to bring my neighbor to school one day a week and help out! I have also helped [grades 5-6 language arts teacher] Leah Perish with Celebrate Minnesota papers. What fun to assist her students with the process and lighten the load!”
The bottom line is that everyone has something to contribute to the school.LAMINATING DUTY
Laminating is a putzy activity that requires a little skill and, sometimes, a lot of patience. It also requires some problem-solving and handyman skills—I recently replaced the motor on the laminating machine! I tried different techniques to make sure the books we laminated can withstand the winter and wear and tear of little hands. – Kate Zietler
“We all have skills and talents we can share,” Kate says. “Taking the time to do it is an easy and rewarding way to make things a little better for others in our community.”
“When I speak to others about our school, I realize I always say ‘our school’ not ‘the Catholic school,’” says Angela. “That’s because we should always feel part of the school. We all have special gifts we can give, and no gift is too small. There are so many opportunities. If you see a need, maybe God is calling you to fill it with you!”
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Contact St. Michael Catholic School office at 763-497-3887 to learn more about volunteer needs and requirements.
