Volunteer Spotlight
Here at St. Ignatius, our ministries depend on and thrive because of the service of our generous volunteers. We’ve started a new volunteer spotlight feature in our bulletin and email newsletter where our volunteers share part of their personal story of service and the impact it has had on their lives and on the lives of those in our community.
We are continuing to compile their stories on this page. While you are here, take a look at our many ministries and outreach programs—you may find a new opportunity to create your own story of serving others.
Volunteer Spotlight: Molly Johantgen
Liturgical Ministry, Stephen Ministry
A parishioner for 21 years, Molly joined St. Ignatius in 2005 and continues to serve in many parish ministries. Serving others has been a lifelong vocation for her, both in the parish community and in the medical field. Thank you, Molly, for taking the time to answer our questions and for the positive impact you have on our community.
Which ministries do you serve in, and how long have you been involved?
- Eucharistic minister for 21 years
- Lector
- Sacristan for Fr. Umberg
- Worship Commission for 1 year
- Stephen Ministry leader since 2022
- Communion to the Homebound
- CPR trainer
Why did you feel called to join these ministries? Did someone from the parish encourage you to join?
As a retired critical care nurse, I’ve always been called to serve. It’s a comfort to me to serve. I can do this at a slower pace as a second vocation. I love to do it. It is not a burden to me.
What do you enjoy most about serving in these ministries?
I get more out of helping people than I give. I don’t do much talking during my visits with the homebound. They need to talk, and they need someone to listen because they are lonely. The people I see teach me how to suffer well.
What is the most challenging part of these ministries, and how do you work through it?
It’s challenging because I’m not really sure that I’m doing it right. I pray to the Holy Spirit to lead me.
How have these ministries brought the love of Christ to others?
I hope that people enjoy my visits and that they see that I’m trying to do God’s work.
How has serving in these ministries strengthened your own faith or spiritual life?
I see God more and more every time I go to Mass. I do not see this as just a box to check. I get to go and see Him and receive Him.
What would you say to someone who is considering joining these ministries or any ministry at St. Ignatius?
You’ll get more out of it than you’ll ever give. If you’re depressed or lonely, this will help you.
Volunteer Spotlight: Michelle Korte
School Library
Michelle has spent the past 14 years serving in the school library, beginning as a volunteer when her daughter Anna was in 1st grade and later taking on the coordinator role. After working with several co-coordinators over the years, this is her first year leading on her own.
All three of Michelle’s children were students at St. Ignatius: Anna is now a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati, Bobby is a junior at St. Xavier High School., and Matthew, a current 8th grader, will attend St. Xavier next year.
Michelle has loved helping students find books they enjoy and also connecting with families. The library holds a special place in her heart, and she will miss it greatly after this year.
Volunteer Spotlight: Kevin Byrum
St. Peter Upendo
Kevin has been an active parishioner for over 15 years and served in several ministries at St. Ignatius. Currently, he is involved in the outreach mission to St. Peter Upendo. Thank you, Kevin, for sharing your story with us.
When did you first join the St. Ignatius community, and how long have you been a parishioner?
My wife and I joined the St. Ignatius community around 2009/10. We were originally members of Little Flower Parish, but when Little Flower’s school merged with several others, we decided to transition to St. Ignatius to have a more local school experience. We officially joined St. Ignatius about a year before my daughter entered kindergarten.
Which ministry do you serve in, and how long have you been involved?
I have served in several ministries. I served on parish council for four years and finance council for an additional four years. I was also part of the original outreach mission to Guatemala. I am currently involved with the outreach mission to St. Peter Upendo in Molo, Kenya. I joined the ministry about two years ago when they were planning the first mission trip to Kenya.
Why did you feel called to join this ministry? Did someone from the parish encourage you to join?
I fell into the St. Peter Upendo outreach ministry for selfish reasons. When I originally joined the outreach mission to Guatemala, I had the opportunity to join a mission trip there. At the time, I thought mission trips were all about going to a remote location to labor on a project—something I thought I would be good at. It didn’t take me long to realize the outreach missions are all about becoming one community separated by great distances. That trip proved to be healing for both my soul and my faith. I had so much to learn from people with so little, but tremendous faith and a positive outlook on life. When the opportunity arose to join the mission to Kenya, I jumped at the chance for a little more healing of my own faith and soul.
What do you enjoy most about serving in this ministry?
Besides the healing nature of it, I like being involved with a ministry where the return on investment is so high. A little truly goes a long way. The impact you are having on our twinning community leaves no doubt as to how you are not just moving the needle, but changing the game.
What is the most challenging part of this ministry, and how do you work through it?
There are a couple obvious challenges with this ministry: distance and communication. How do you communicate with parishioners in Kenya that may not have access to power, much less the technology and skills necessary for the in-depth communication we need for coordination? Luckily, we have two parishioners—the Odipos—that still have deep ties and family in the Kenya community. We can leverage those connections to achieve the communications we need.
How has this ministry brought the love of Christ to others?
In this case, I think the more appropriate question is, how has this ministry brought the love of Christ to us? This is a rare opportunity where the target of our ministry probably has a stronger faith than we do. While it is true that we are providing the vital resources that they need, the payment we receive is a deeper faith, a stronger understanding of God’s love for his people, and a healing of the soul.
What would you say to someone who is considering joining this ministry or any ministry at St. Ignatius?
There are many reasons to join ministries. Some join because they are called. Some join because they think they have the right skills. Some join because they think it will be easy. Some join to strengthen their faith. Wherever you land, the important thing is to try. It may not be a good fit. You may not mesh well with the ministry, but you can always step back if it is not working for you. The important thing is that you give it a try.
Volunteer Spotlight: Chris and Pat Kief
St. Vincent de Paul
Chris and Pat Kief have been members of St. Ignatius Parish for 13-plus years and have been members of the St. I’s Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for three years. Chris shares their story.
Why did you get involved?
Tony and Louise Redden asked us after Mass one morning. Pat was newly retired and was looking for something meaningful. I was on the search for spiritual deepening.
What is your favorite thing?
Our involvement gives us a community of good people to surround us and support us in faith, knowledge and some good times.
What is most challenging?
Putting ourselves in our neighbors’ shoes. Listening to their stories of struggle and hope. Finding a way to make a change in their lives that helps their situation, and trying so hard to share the love of Christ and hope it sparks a flame.
How do you bring your faith to neighbors?
Humbly.
How has involvement changed you?
It has broadened my local view on poverty and its existence. I wasn’t aware of how much it is surrounding us.
How would you encourage others to participate or donate?
Pray on it. Join us for a meeting, or go on a home visit with us. It will open your eyes and your heart. Know that any donation you made goes to help a neighbor in need – every penny of it.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your involvement with SVDP?
There are so many unexpected things… the spiritual deepening is continuous. The friendships within our conference are beautiful. This is a whole new way to experience God’s love and mercy in so many ways. You should check us out!
Learn more! Ask Chris or Pat – or send an email to svdp@sainti.org!