VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SALT VOLUNTEERS
We are in need of volunteers to provide dinner to the SALT homeless shelter on Mondays. St. Columban's participates in this with other local organizations. Volunteers would need to call ahead and determine the number to be served before providing and dropping off the meal. This is a tangible opportunity to provide assistance to the less fortunate we encounter. [913 Webster; 660-530-7351]

GREEN HILLS' WOMEN'S SHELTER - New staff team needs volunteers. Even 30 minutes is enough to help make a difference! Please contact Pam Hull, Volunteer Coordinator at PO Box 1115, Chillicothe MO or email ghws.hullp@yahoo.com.

OPERATION HELP
Operation Help is in need of more screeners. Screeners need to be willing to work one morning a week, every week. They need to be compassionate, fair, non-judgmental, and have the ability to not get caught up in the client's story while they keep it confidential. Operation Help screeners always work in pairs. Since we do help with rent, screeners should not be landlords. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please contact Barbara Keller during the day at First Christian Church, 646-2602. Operation Help is a ministry of the Chillicothe Ministerial Alliance.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Senior Ministry to do grocery shopping, drive seniors to Mass or light work around the house. Contact Maureen Erwin if you are interested at 660-646-5521.

SUPPORT LOCAL BIRTHRIGHT CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER
703 Webster St. Chillicothe, MO 707-0268
Toll Free Helpline 1-866-981-3182
At Birthright, we understand the challenges related to unplanned pregnancies. We know that it can be an overwhelming and often scary situation. However, we also know that there is hope for the mother and her child. Birthright believes that "It is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth, and the right of every child to be born." Birthright is here to be the friend that a pregnant woman needs as she navigates an unplanned pregnancy. Birthright is available to women for as long as they need us. We offer love, friendship, and support to women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. Birthright services are always free, non-judgmental and confidential. We can also provide information, referrals, and resources to help the woman help herself. Birthright is unique, and available 24/7 through our toll-free helpline. Birthright is not involved in any religious movements, political activities, or lobbying. Birthright's focus is on loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope and ensuring she is not alone. Our local Birthright is always grateful for all contributions. The parishioners of St. Columban parish have always opened their hearts. If you would like to volunteer in any way, please contact the local office at 707-0268. Donations can be placed in the envelope marked BIRTHRIGHT in your new envelope packets and placed in the collection basket. Make checks payable to Birthright. If you would like to volunteer your time and services call 660-707-0268. BIRTHRIGHT needs volunteers! If you have been thinking about volunteering for Birthright, now is the time. If you have any questions call Jeanne Hinkebein at 660-646-6227 or Joe Timmons at 660-646-6136.

BISHOP HOGAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL
Please keep in mind that Bishop Hogan Memorial School is still looking for volunteers to come read with the students, help in the classroom, and help in a few other areas. If you're available and looking for somewhere to donate some time, we'd LOVE to have you help! Just call the school office, 660- 646-0705.

PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN
Anyone that volunteers or works for parishes in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is required to attend a session of Protecting God's Children. Protecting God's Children is intended to raise awareness of child sexual abuse. Adults who attend the 2-hour sessions will come away with practical information about the warning signs of child abuse, ways to prevent abuse, strategies for handling suspicions of abuse, and ways to respond. The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph requires all parish and school employees and all volunteers in children's programs (SOR teachers, catechists, Youth Ministers, Confirmation leaders, school and childcare volunteers, coaches, chaperones, classroom volunteers, drivers for field trips, etc.) to take this workshop to help raise awareness about child sexual abuse and create safer environments for all of our children, but all persons interested in making our world safer for children are welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Brenda O'Halloran to learn more about PGC.

SEXUAL ABUSE
The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to combating sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, of is you observe or suspect sexual abuse:
(1) Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and (2) Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and (3) After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the Diocesan Ombudsman at 816.812.2500 if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph. The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please contact Victim Advocate Mary Bultmann at 816-714-2387 or bultmann@diocesekcsj.org for more information.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Rick O'Halloran
Rick O'Halloran mows and helps take care of our beautiful Mary Garden. Rick also opens the church every morning.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Rhonda Oesch and Joe Timmons
Rhonda organized the Vacation Bible School this summer which was very successful. She organized the volunteer teachers and the events of the week. I'm sure she would agree that without the help of those volunteers, VBS would not be possible. Joe Timmons also played a part in Vacation Bible School by seeing that the children were fed every night. Joe's volunteerism does not stop there, though. Joe is active all year long. Besides his work with the Knights of Columbus, he teaches CCD class, RCIA class, helps with the Youth Groups, is involved with the Inviting Catholics Home program. He is an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and ministers to the homebound. He also helps with maintenance around the parish and does much more - if there is a need, he is usually the first in line to help.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Mary Triplett
Mary uses her creative talents to decorate the bulletin boards in the entryway of the church and at the north door. The bulletin boards are always beautiful and informative. Please take a minute to look them over as you enter and leave church. Thank you Mary for your efforts. We plan to make this a weekly feature in the bulletin.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Chris Shearer / John & Donna Sizemore
These individuals have spent countless hours working in the Mary Garden and keeping it looking beautiful. All of their hard work is greatly appreciated by not only the parish, but the community who use the garden for a backdrop for senior portraits, etc. Please keep in mind that more help from the parish is needed during the growing season to pull weeds and keep the plants under control.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Delores Devaul
Delores is whom we call when a funeral is being held at St. Columban's and the family would like a dinner after the burial. She organizes the ladies to serve the meal and calls to parishioners for donated dishes.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: John & Mary Taylor
John and Mary have been in charge of the parish Confirmation Classes for many years. They also help coordinate the High School Youth activities. These are but only two of their volunteer specialties, John serves on the Parish Council and takes Communion to shut ins and Mary is active in pro-life and the Respect Life Group. John and Mary help with many things around the parish from work nights to driving on school field trips. They are always ready to do what they can to make St. Columban's an active parish. Thank you John and Mary for ALL that you do!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Alice Van Dyke
Alice has helped in about every capacity in the school for many, many years. She has done everything from office work to classroom aide to cafeteria helper. Alice is also active in the community with Church Women United and has coordinated the Mobile Meals for our parish in the past. Within the parish, Alice begins the prayer chain and is Eucharistic Minister for Mass and to the shut ins. We have probably left something out, and for that we are sorry, but we would like to let Alice know that we truly appreciate all of her help around the parish!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: Music Ministry
Our music ministry of the parish is led by our school music teacher, Mary Garr, and long-time organist, Brenda Lauhoff. So many times we hear the beautiful voices praising God and wonder who is the face behind the voice. Louise Tate and Brenda Fellhoelter lend their voices to lead us at Mass and Marla Laidler gives us her musical ability playing the keyboard. A variety of people help us with special holiday (Christmas & Easter) Masses. Thank you!

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