Volunteering Experiences: Meet Janice
Janice volunteers at after-mass teas and coffees, baking cakes, setting up, and making sure everyone leaves with a full stomach and a smile. But her journey to St John's is as warm as the spread she puts on. Here's what she had to say.
1. What do you do as a volunteer at St John’s?
Here at St John’s, I volunteer on after-mass teas and coffees. There are several of us who take turns leading the morning, setting up, serving and clearing up. Beforehand, I bake some cakes, and with the other wonderful bakers, we normally have a good spread for all those hungry mouths after mass. I work with the loveliest of people and have a sense of true belonging. I think God made me a feeder, and I get a buzz out of seeing people happy.
2. Why do you enjoy volunteering?
I was with my last church 43 years a Catholic Church and most were extremely happy but the last few years I lost my connection I felt unhappy, I tried other Catholics Churches in my area but felt the same and gradually went less and less, I was invited to St John’s Christmas Carols by a friend and loved the warmth of the church, shortly after I met Father John away from the church where I had a problem, and he didn’t know me but took the time to help me with such warmth and wonderfully and then when all was sorted and I was about to thank him he said no no he wanted to thank me, I had helped him, he is so kind.
After that, my daughter and I began attending and very quickly got a real sense of belonging. What I was looking for and helping with the catering just feels so right. Father John joked with me when I started helping- how had I got in the kitchen? It normally takes years, but I feel I’m meant to be there! I keep coming back because of the lovely people I’ve met through the catering and the lovely people we serve. St John’s is very special!
3. What’s one memorable moment or highlight from volunteering this past year?
Over my time helping, there have been endless happy moments, but a particular moment that lives with me was at my daughter’s wedding at St John’s when I looked around, all my family and friends in my church, I got a feeling of overwhelming peace and belonging, and I knew God had wanted me to find St John’s.
Feeling inspired?
There’s a place for you at St John’s.
Whether you love baking, chatting over a cuppa, or simply want to be part of a community that feels like home, we'd love to have you. Drop us a line at office@sjun.org.uk or come along one Sunday. We'd love to meet you.
