National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer Month is celebrated each April to honor the contributions and impact of volunteers around the country. We are especially grateful for our own volunteers! Throughout the month, we’ve been proud to spotlight a few of them, sharing their reflections on what they do and why they choose to serve alongside the sisters. Read their reflections below to learn more about their experiences.
Tom Wolterman
“After attending Sunday Mass at the monastery a few times, it was amazing and very evident how hospitable and welcoming the sisters are. The next thing you know, I had an appointment with Sister Jean Schwartz, the monastery’s volunteer coordinator, and soon was driving the EZ-GO.
While waiting for the phone to ring, Sisters Jean, Dorothy Manuel and Philip Zimmer soon found other things to keep me busy. I record monastery car usage. During the growing season, I help Sister Elizabeth Theis weed and harvest her flowers and vegetables. S. Dorothy asked for assistance in her rose garden. Together we prune and protect her roses while controlling the beetles, and I also keep the birdfeeders full outside of Marmion Hall. My last duty is to bring copies of The Record, the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University’s student newspaper, from Mary Hall to the monastery.
It’s so easy and rewarding to volunteer at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. The sisters are very appreciative and quick to say, ‘Thank you.’ Plus, ‘payment’ in cookies, bars and prayers are greatly appreciated. Another EZ-GO driver said it best: ‘I think I would pay the sisters to let me volunteer.’ I agree!”
Karla Becker
“After retirement, I looked for volunteer opportunities and was offered a role as an evening receptionist at Saint Scholastica Convent. The responsibilities include managing phone calls, transferring as needed, miscellaneous light clerical and recording duties and facilitating the end-of-day shut down. From the very beginning, I was welcomed warmly into this community of amazing women who have dedicated their lives to helping others and religious service. Each have such remarkable and varied backgrounds, and each are so appreciative of the time donated by volunteers.
I quickly came to realize what makes the convent so special and that I give far less than I receive: the many “thank yous” with smiles that light their faces, witnessing the camaraderie and concern for one another, listening to their joyful voices in song during Evening Prayer, the many blessings and commitments to prayer requests for my own family and friends that bring tears to my eyes and warms my heart, and so much more. I love my Friday evenings at the convent and am forever blessed.”
Danny Gust
“Sister Michon Lanners, my wife’s aunt, invited me to volunteer following my retirement in 2014. After Sister Jean Schwartz, the monastery’s volunteer coordinator, gave me a grand tour of the campus, I began working with Sisters Margaret Wurm and Sister Philip Zimmer on the grounds, as well as Sister Elizabeth Theis in the flower garden.
I truly enjoy working outdoors; gardening and yard work are a perfect fit for me. I feel like I am doing God’s work when I spend time with the sisters, helping to keep the grounds and gardens looking their best. All the sisters are so kind, and it is a pleasure to contribute however I can.
In the spring, I help prepare the flower garden for planting, lay rugs on the walking paths, and sow the seeds and plant seedlings. This is followed by plenty of weeding as we watch the plants grow. It is a beautiful experience when everything starts blooming. The flowers and grounds bring so much joy to everyone who shares in the wonders of the Lord’s creation. Volunteering at the monastery every week is a wonderful way to give the gift of time.”
Lois Lawson
“The Benedictine monastery has been part of my life since early childhood. Living just four blocks away, I played on the monastery grounds and went to St. Joseph Elementary School until our family moved to St. Cloud when I was in fourth grade. Living in St. Cloud, I attended Cathedral High School and volunteered and worked at the St. Cloud Hospital. Candy striping and working at the hospital kept me in touch with many of the sisters until I moved to the Twin Cities to complete my college degree and start my family. When my husband and I returned to the area in 2005, reconnecting with Saint Benedict’s Monastery happened very naturally. My volunteer path has included doing mailings, evening receptionist at Saint Scholastica Convent and currently as a seamstress. Soon, I was sewing/mending for both the monastery and convent until SSC projects were enough to keep me busy.”
Kathy Frank
“In my volunteer roles with the Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict, I have the honor of getting to know many of the sisters and volunteers on a more personal basis. Since retiring five years ago, I’ve held several roles including garden partner, EZ-GO driver, office assistant, 3G Camp helper and driver for both Saint Benedict’s Monastery and Saint Scholastica Convent. Being a member of the Volunteer Advisory Board is also an honor as our ideas/suggestions are welcome. I am also an usher for Sunday Mass.
These roles have provided an opportunity for me to work side by side with many of the sisters. It is truly a blessing to have friends who share the same spiritual beliefs and who also follow the Rule of Benedict. Some of the volunteers and I have become oblates of Saint Benedict’s Monastery which has also provided an opportunity for meaningful relationships.”
Laurie Keene
“A Saturday morning visit to Saint Scholastica Convent is one of the best parts of my week. It started this past June with a conversation with my daughter, Bella, who was working with the sisters as a certified nursing assistant. She encouraged me to look into volunteering because she felt it was such a special place, and she knew they needed volunteers. I called up Sister Marina Schlangen, SSC’s volunteer coordinator, and she welcomed me, gave me a tour, introduced me to every sister we encountered, and the rest is history.
Sister Stephen Kurpiers and I were paired up, and what a true blessing! She is 96 years old, and we have such fruitful visits. We talk about the past, the present, and the future. We pray in the little chapel, go for walks, share prayer needs and attend Mass together in the Louise Lounge. I have learned so much from her, and I love her stories. I feel like I know everyone in her family by name.
As a result of being at the convent each week, I have also made many other special connections with the sisters. I have been asked “How do you know sister so-and-so?” I say, “Once I know who you are, I’ll never forget you!” To be honest, most everyone knows me as Bella’s mom, but that’s OK with me!
My schedule allows for me to assist driving sisters to doctor appointments on Friday afternoons. I have met several sisters this way and we have developed friendships such as Sisters Marius Hiltner and Stephanie Mongeon. Every interaction is a joy!
I came to Saint Scholastica Convent to help fill a need for them. What I have received in return is a gift — a sacred place of connection and love. I can feel the community’s prayers for me just as I pray for each of them. When I leave, I always feel lifted up and lighter. I hope by shining Christ’s light to each sister I greet that they also receive that gift and feel that love.”
Mary Kay Hoeschen
“I began volunteering in January 2020 as an EZ-GO driver at Saint Benedict’s Monastery. Each Monday afternoon, I help in many ways from transporting sisters who need assistance getting from one place to another, to supporting administrative tasks like creating spreadsheets, making copies and organizing supplies. I keep the birdfeeders filled. In the summer, I care for the grounds by planting flowers, watering and weeding, while the Christmas season brings special joy as I help wrap gifts, decorate their Christmas tree and prepare for celebrations. I organize cupboards and keep spaces orderly. I also enjoy making desserts for the sisters I work closely with to celebrate their birthdays.
I chose to volunteer at the monastery because I feel called to serve in a place grounded in faith, peace and community. Volunteering at the monastery fills me with deep gratitude, giving me purpose, connection and quiet joy. Along the way, I have developed many meaningful and lasting friendships with sisters, which has been one of the greatest blessings of my volunteering.”
Margo Dold
“One day, while walking at Saint Benedict’s Monastery, we began visiting with Sister Jean Schwartz, the monastery’s volunteer coordinator, who suggested we consider volunteering. We were happy to get involved, and S. Jean assigned us to garden work with Sister Elizabeth Theis. This was a perfect fit for us as we both deeply appreciate the outdoors.
Working in the garden with S. Elizabeth has been a truly rewarding and enjoyable experience. She has shared not only her extensive gardening knowledge but also her wonderful insights on life and religious life. We value the opportunity to assist the sisters in any way we can while enjoying the peace and tranquility of the monastery.
Volunteering in other areas of the monastery has been equally fulfilling. The sisters are consistently kind and appreciative, making our time there very special.”
Al Thomes
“I was encouraged to start this journey through my wife, Judy, who worked in the Archives and deeply loved it there. She’s passed away now, and I’m carrying on her love to the sisters who deeply touched her life and now mine. I feel there is nothing greater in my life right now than to have the relationship I have with the sisters at the monastery. They’re loving, supporting and concerned for my well-being after my wife’s passing. They continuously offer up their prayers and concerns for me daily. I’d gladly give more of my time because they’ve touched me so deeply.
I’m a volunteer driver of the EZ-GO (golf cart vehicle) at the monastery. I provide the sisters with transportation around the monastery and College of Saint Benedict in good and sometimes not-so-good weather conditions. Keeping the sisters safe is a rewarding job for me. I’m also privileged to be a driver for them when they need a ride to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport if other monastery transportation options are not available. I provide delivery donations of clothing, shoes and other reusable items that cannot be used by the monastery. I deliver to multiple donation businesses in Waite Park and St. Cloud including Treasure Chest, WACOSA, Goodwill, Catholic Charities, Savers and Schueller Shoes. I’m on the Volunteer Advisory Board that meets three times a year. We provide our verbal input to ensure services for the sisters is confidential and cover some services to ease the burden on sisters for celebration preparations and activities. I assist with directing parking traffic for funerals. I attend Sunday services, where I’m privileged to be a Eucharistic Minister and cross bearer for services as needed. I assist with the care of two rose gardens, one at the monastery and one at CSB. I frequently assist with keeping the sidewalks and steps clear of snow in the wintertime to prevent potential falls and keep the EZ-GO clean for the sisters and other staff to use. I help with the weeding of the garden and assist with transportation of food items and flowers to the kitchen staff and monastery. And lastly, I do any other services that are requested of me.
It’s a real privilege for me and all I do is greatly appreciated. It’s an honor to serve those who also serve others, always with a smile and always with a thank you — always!”
Thank you, volunteers!
We welcome volunteers at each of our two sites: Saint Benedict’s Monastery in St. Joseph, Minn., and Saint Scholastica Convent, our retirement and assisted living facility in St. Cloud, Minn. There are opportunities to fit various skills, interests and schedules. Reach out to learn more about volunteering with us!
