Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in serving the Body of Christ and volunteering to participate in any of these St. Columba ministries, please contact the person listed after that Ministry:

Existing St. Columba Ministries

St Columba Manna Soup Kitchen Teams

St Columba Manna teams work the first Monday and Wednesday of each month. The team helps prepare food for the takeout window at the Manna Soup Kitchen. They also package meals to send out and help to stock Manna's food market.  If you are interested in assisting in this ministry, please contact Mary Janis mjanisdurango@gmail.com.

St. Columba Food Pantry

The St. Columba Food Pantry strives to provide free nonperishable food to those in need in our community. During these challenging times the St. Columba Food Pantry remains open for those who are in need of food.  Each family visiting the Food Pantry will receive a bag of nonperishable food designed to help feed a family of four for a week. The St. Columba Food Pantry is located at 1833 E. 2nd Ave. Hours of operation are on Wednesdays from 9-11:00 am and on Fridays from 11:30-1:30 pm. The Food Pantry has initiated strict sanitation and distancing precautions to protect both the community members coming for food and our volunteers. All are welcome. The St. Columba Food Pantry receives 100% of its support from our very generous parishioners. This ministry is operated by the following 26 volunteers who strive to ensure that the hungry in our community have access to free food. If you are interested in assisting with this ministry, please contact either Mary Poillion 14h2otree@att.net and Diane Wagenhals dmwirish@aol.com.

Volunteers of America Homeless Shelter

Since 1991, the Durango Community Shelter has served families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Each year the Durango Community Shelter provides over 9,000 nights of safe shelter to 500 individuals, 40% women and children. The Durango Community Shelter continues to be the only 24/7/365 shelter service in Southwest Colorado and the only option for families and individuals trying to get back on their feet and regain self-sufficiency. The facility has sleeping quarters for men, women, and families as well as communal living spaces including a kitchen, living room, laundry facilities, and dining room.

On the second Tuesday of each month, a group of St. Columba volunteers purchase at their own expense, cook at home, deliver and serve food to the residents. If you are interested in joining this ministry please contact Jolleen Myers jolleen@animas.net. 

Jail Ministry 

The jail ministry, a partnership of St Columba Parish and Sacred Heart Parish, provides Communion services to La Plata County Jail every Wednesday from 12:30pm to 4pm. Each service includes discussion of the readings from the previous Sunday's Mass, and Eucharist is provided to those Catholics wishing to receive. It is a special time for inmates to pray, share, and receive the Body of Christ. They are very appreciative of this time. If you would like to participate in this ministry, please contact LeRoy Rheault leroyrheault@gmail.com or Tim LaFrance @ lafrance7@gmail.com

St. Columba Alzheimer’s Support Group

We reach out in solidarity to both dementia patients and caregivers to support all those involved in this progressive, long-term disease. We meet one Wednesday a month for prayer, lunch, discussion and education. We offer fellowship, understanding and fun.

The group consists of patients, primary caregivers AND secondary caregivers - volunteers willing to occasionally assist primary caregivers. If you know someone who would like to participate please contact Bob Moskaitis  bmoskaitis@aol.com .

Service and Justice

The Service and Justice Ministry supports outreach efforts of parishioners through a multitude of ministries and appeals, offering opportunities to share God's love through gifts of time and/or treasure. Some activities of this ministry include: working in solidarity with those in need, recommending allocations for Parish Outreach Giving during the year, providing education for parishioners about Catholic Social Teaching, planning and implementing the annual Lenten Appeal. The Service and Justice Committee welcomes help in discerning the best way to reach out to the St Columba Parish community. To learn more about this ministry or to get involved, please contact Donna Rheault at donnarheault@gmail.com

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

EM's are lay persons who serve at the table of the Lord by distributing the precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ either during the mass or as an outreach of the church to sick or otherwise homebound parishioners. The gift of wonder and awe in the closeness that is felt to Christ through the sharing of the Body and Blood with their brothers and sisters in faith is a humbling experience.  EMs say that they feel the presence of Jesus very deeply in that moment when they are distributing the precious Body and Blood, and that they have grown in love for Jesus through this wonderful ministry.  If you are interested in finding out more about becoming an EM, please contact Kris Kehrer kkehrer@stcolumbacatholic.org or Julie Romero jromero@stcolumbaschooldurango.org.

St Columba Ushers

Ushers provide a welcoming atmosphere at St Columba. While carrying out their specific responsibilities, ushers greet all church attendees as they arrive at the back of the church and let them know that our church is a place of joy and warmth where those in attendance share in the worship of our Lord.  If you are interested in finding out more about this ministry or joining us, please contact Kris Kehrer kkehrer@stcolumbacatholic.org or Susie Hopkins sushopki9@gmail.com. 

The following are specific duties of the ushers:

Opening the church windows and doors when appropriate

Check/clean pews

Greet attendees and hand out the parish bulletin

Ask for assistance with the collection

Assist/guide those going to communion

Keep an eye out during mass for anyone who may need assistance.

Lectors

Lectors proclaim the word of God as an integral part of every mass. Regular training is offered for both new and veteran lectors in recognition of their important function. Those involved in this important ministry consider it an honor to participate in the liturgy. Lectors convey the spirit of the reading through clear speaking, emphasis and cadence. If you are interested in becoming an amazing lector at St. Columba, or you have a question about lectoring, please contact Kris Kehrer kkehrer@stcolumbacatholic.org or Bob Moskaitis bmoskaitis@aol.net. 

Altar Servers

​​An altar server is a lay assistant to a member of the clergy during the liturgy. An altar server attends to supporting tasks such as carrying the cross or incense, helping to receive the gifts, assisting in setting and clearing the altar, and holding the missal, among other tasks. Regular training is provided for new and returning altar servers. Altar servers have to receive their first communion prior to serving. If you are interested in becoming an altar server at St. Columba, or you have a question about serving, please contact Deacon Chris Peterson cpeterson@stcolumbacatholic.org. 

Sacristans

St. Columba Sacristans prepare the church for mass by setting the sacred vessels and vestments, arranging the liturgical books, lighting the candles, turning on the lights and the baptismal font, plus anything else that is needed to celebrate the mass. Sacristans enjoy the early quiet in the church before mass. The quiet time allows them to prepare with reverence and prayer, which not only prepares the church for mass but prepares the sacristan’s heart and mind for the celebration of the mass. After mass, sacristans get everything cleaned and put away for the next celebration. If you are interested in being a sacristan or have further questions, contact Kris Kehrer kkehrer@stcolumbacatholic.org or Catie Bird catie@durangoharley.com.

Greeters

A greeter offers a “Good Morning and Welcome to St Columba!” and a welcoming smile to everyone who comes to mass at St Columba. A greeter is a minister of hospitality willing to serve the people of God reflecting their response to their baptismal call. Greeters are reverent, prompt, visible, accessible, and willing to answer any questions a worshiper may have or be willing to direct them to the appropriate person. Greeters may be asked to assist the sacristan in preparing the church for the mass. If you are interested in being a greeter or have further questions contact Kris Kehrer kkehrer@stcolumbacatholic.org or Janet Wallace jjagkmwallace6@gmail.com. 

Video

The video minister sets up the live stream on YouTube and starts the streaming process, then they control the camera from a computer in the choir loft during Mass.  After the Mass they shut down the stream and turn off the equipment. Complete and very detailed instructions are provided, including a “Camera Operators Order of Mass”.  Video ministry is vitally important as our continued outreach to those who are homebound or may be ill or otherwise unable to attend Mass in person. If you are interested in getting trained for this ministry, contact Kris Kehrer kkehrer@stcolumbacatholic.org. 

Projection

The Projection ministers use a small remote control (that we’ve come to call “the clicker”) which controls the slides in the sanctuary. Projection ministry is also very important because the projection minister is in charge of projecting the song lyrics and all the prayers (such as the Nicene Creed and the Discipleship Prayer) at the correct time so that we can all sing and participate as the Body of Christ, the Church. Projection ministers are not scheduled. Rather Kris just finds someone before Mass, but anyone is welcome to do it.  It’s easy to do but requires some concentration to do it well. The people who have done it have told me that it makes them much more focused on the Mass and makes them feel more a part of the liturgy. If you are interested in getting trained for this ministry, contact Kris Kehrer kkehrer@stcolumbacatholic.org. 

St. Columba School

St. Columba Catholic School is the largest ministry that St. Columba Catholic Parish supports. Over 280 students attend Pre-K-8 grade. The school is always in need of volunteers to help in the kitchen or to assist in classrooms, for special activities and on field trips. Additionally, St. Columba is in need of teacher substitutes who enjoy working with wonderful, respectful and intelligent young people. Subbing at St. Columba is a way to help the school community carry on its critically important mission: Teaching Gospel truth and moral value in an environment of academic excellence according to Catholic tradition. It is truly an immensely rewarding way to serve as a disciple of Jesus. If you are interested in any of the above-mentioned ministries at St. Columba school including subbing, contact the school principal Kevin Chick kchick@stcolumbaschooldurango.org.

Prayer Ministry

“The best way to express our love for God is by spending time with him, talking to him, in other words, praying. So in the quest to love God, prayer necessarily comes first. “ Jeannette Flood, Eight Ways of Loving God

What a great way to lift up our community and parish by praying for all the special needs that are present. Whether it be an emergency or a concern, requests are submitted by those in need and our prayer partners will receive the request, on a spreadsheet, to pray for thirty days. If you are interested in joining this ministry, contact Marti Garcia megwriter73@gmail.com. 

Catholic Daughters

Court St. Anthony #1248 of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas (CDA) is a group of supportive and spiritual Catholic women from St. Columba and Sacred Heart parishes who participate in social and charitable activities. The national organization was founded in 1903 by the Knights of Columbus and our local court was started in 1936!  We are dedicated to our patroness, the Blessed Mother, and our motto is “Unity and Charity”. We meet on the 1st Saturday of the month, at 3p, unless there is a conflict w/school or parish events. Some of our activities include annual College Scholarships, Education Contests for Students, a Baby Shower for the Pregnancy Center, Memorial Candle Sales, a cookie sale at the St, Columba bazaar, Mother Daughter Brunch, and a Priest Appreciation Celebration. This last year we gave donations to Lifeguard, the Heritage girls for their Greenmount Cemetery living rosary, the Newman club at FLC, and Manna Soup Kitchen. We strive to be spirit-filled women who love Christ, His Church, our country, and all humanity. Our chaplain for 2022-2024 is Monsignor Jim Koenigsfeld and our dues are $30 a year. To join our local court contact Cathy Simbeck, Regent, at (970) 946-6302 or simbeck_c@fortlewis.edu 

Knight of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternal service order founded by Michael J. McGivney on March 29, 1882. The modern Knights promote the ideas of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism by participating in church activities, advocating for social reforms, working with youth and promoting family, cultural and social activities. The Durango Council of the Knights of Columbus is Council 1408. The council currently has 79 active members. If you are interested in finding out more about the Knights of Columbus contact Bob Gallegos bandbgallegos@gmail.com. 

NEW MINISTRIES



Thanks to all of you who have answered the call to help with activities at the church and in our community. The Parish Council is in the process of forming some new ministry groups to address some needs that the church has, as we continue to develop new programs and activities. It really is true that we are stronger together than we are alone, and many hands make light work. We are asking that you and your family look over the attached list, and if you feel that you can help, in any of the following areas, or you have further questions about what volunteering for a ministry may entail please reach out to Michele Hilberth at michelegober@yahoo.com.   

Youth Ministry 

Persons are needed to help with various tasks associated with the high school and middle school youth ministry. Several parents have started this ministry in the church but may need additional help with cooking and serving for events or providing snacks. If you like working with young people in grades 5-12, this may be the ministry for you.

Set-up 

There is a need for volunteers in helping to set up for events at the church (outdoor masses, picnics, indoor events etc.) 

Tear down 

There is a need for volunteers to help put away items and clean up after parish events.

Funeral Ministry 

There is a need for volunteers to prepare meals for families and friends of the deceased after the funeral. The church will provide the main course, but volunteers are needed to make/cook and bring side dishes, help serve, clean up, and put on coffee. If you are interested in this ministry, you do not have to be available to do all of these tasks each time. If you are only able to cook, or only to serve, your assistance is appreciated.

Servers

Volunteers are needed to serve food at various church functions such as the back-to-school mass and potluck or family activities at the church.

Snow shoveling

Volunteers are needed to shovel the steps of the church and other areas around the front of the church.

Flowers 

Many thanks to Joan Heil who currently designs, purchases and arranges the flowers for the altar. Joan tells me that even though she completely loves, and feels called to, the ministry of helping the church look beautiful and inviting through her flower ministry, she would welcome some help from those who enjoy flower arranging and working with house plants (especially before holidays). If you are interested in joining this ministry or have questions, contact Joan Heil at joanmarieheil@gmail.com. 

Linens

Thank so much to Diane Wagenhals who is currently the only parishioner who is preparing the linens for mass. She could use some assistance if this is something you are interested in. Please contact Diane at dmwirish@aol.com and she can tell you what all this ministry entails. There are several steps involved in the preparation of the linens, maybe you could help with one or two of them. 

Cook

Volunteers are needed who would be willing to cook and/or barbeque at various church functions.  Food would be provided by the church. 

Honey-Do Ministry

Father has stated that many gracious people have indicated to him that they would be available “wherever he needed help”. If you are one of these people, who would be interested in volunteering wherever you are needed, this ministry is for you.