Worship Commission: At the Heart of Your Faith

I joined St. Ignatius parish in its very earliest days:  my daughter was part of the first First Communion class!  And, like many busy but active parents, I started volunteering at my new community of faith. Accustomed to service at my children's schools, similar opportunities presented themselves to me here: helping at the hospitality hour, cooking and serving an occasional shelter meal, making calls for the annual phonathon, etc.  Gradually, I took on longer-term, more complex tasks and leadership positions, organizing events such as the Celebration of Service and Bingo Night or getting involved in outreach to new parishioners and seniors. 

And the more you become involved, the more you care, the more you learn, the more friends you make, and the more your faith and commitment grows. 

But, after almost 30 years of volunteering at St. Ignatius, I realized that most of this work, although worthwhile, could have been done almost anywhere else.  I had never really participated in activities that defined my Catholic faith or my special Jesuit parish.

So when the opportunity to join the Worship Commission came up, I actively lobbied to be nominated and considered.  This was a chance to learn about and shape the central part of my spiritual life at St. Ignatius -- the Mass itself throughout the seasons of worship at our church.  And, being part of the Worship Commission has been the single most rewarding volunteer commitment in my years at the parish. It has given me the chance to think deeply and discuss the ways our parish and its liturgies can be more meaningful and inclusive and respond to the spiritual needs of our faith community.  There are no deadlines to meet, no volunteers to round up, no mountain of tasks to be climbed.  It is a chance to get at the heart of your faith.

I urge anyone who wants a more multi-layered volunteer experience to consider the Worship Commission and its diverse team of dedicated parishioners and staff.  You won't be disappointed!"

Carola Shepard
Worship Commission