In the Service of Love and Mercy Hospitality
By By Ann McGovern, RSM, Director of Mission Integration and Hospitality
Posted on
This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week. We will honor our 56 volunteers at a luncheon on Wednesday, April 10. But how can we fully express that volunteers are always needed and forever appreciated at Mercy by the Sea?
As with many nonprofits, volunteers at Mercy by the Sea fill numerous roles: They answer our telephone and staff our front hospitality desk; they work in our bookstore; they assist staff with various administrative tasks; they work on special events and help in the dining room. One volunteer faithfully comes in once a week to water our plants, and others serve on various committees, including our Board of Trustees.
In addition, a group of Master Gardeners, who secure their own funding through a Master Gardener grant from the University of Connecticut, volunteer here on most Tuesdays, overseeing the planting and harvesting of an organic vegetable and herb garden. A significant portion of our produce, used during the summer months, comes from their sweat equity and dedication.
I sense that our volunteers work in service of Love and mercy hospitality. For our staff, they are light-bearers sent our way to relieve us of the mundane duties that sometimes interfere with our ability to perform our job responsibilities in a timely fashion. While some of our volunteers have been with us for many years, some are brand new in their role at Mercy by the Sea. I recently asked a few of our volunteers why they commit to volunteering here at Mercy by the Sea. Here are a few of their responses:
“To give back to the community.”
“Because Mercy by the Sea is a source of spiritual peace for me.”
“For me, the attraction is the atmosphere and peaceful spiritual experience here.”
One volunteer shared: “I feel that I am a small part of the ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. At Mercy by the Sea, there is a sincere sense of respect for all aspects of creation. I find joy in so many things from the smiles on different faces to the colorful signs of growth on the grounds to the sounds of the living Long Island Sound. Best of all, all are welcome in this place.”
Obviously, the benefits of volunteering are mutual! We are always in need of committed individuals who feel drawn to our mission and ministry. If you are interested in joining our dedicated group of in-house volunteers or our committed gardeners, please email me at amcgovern@mercybythesea.org., or call me at 203.245.0401, extension 111.