320 363 3304
Welcome to Saint John s Abbey Volunteer Program. The success of the Saint John s Abbey Volunteer Program depends on you, our volunteers, as well as on knowledgeable and dedicated Team Leaders. This collaborative work of service contributes to the ongoing ministries of the Abbey. History of Saint John s Abbey Saint John s Abbey was founded in 1856 to minister to the German Catholic immigrants in Central Minnesota. The number of monks peaked in 1963 with 404 Abbey members. Currently the community numbers about 125 with more than half over the age of 65. The Abbey is returning to a more self-sufficient life style with monks engaging in gardening, woodworking, arts and crafts and offering retreats at the Guest House. For a more in-depth account of the history of Saint John s Abbey, visit the website SJAbbey.org. Mission of Saint John s Abbey We, the monks Saint John s Abbey, a community of Catholic Benedictine men, seek God through a common life of prayer, study and work, giving witness to Christ and the Gospel, in service to the church and the world. Called together by Christ, we support each other under the Rule of Saint Benedict and our abbot. Our life together encourages learning, creativity in the arts and trades, and care for God s creation. We serve the Church and the wider community through our prayer and work in education, pastoral ministry, the missions, publishing, and in hospitality to people of all faiths. Mission of the Saint John s Abbey Volunteer Program The monks of Saint John s Abbey are active in diverse ministries throughout the community. The mission of the Volunteer Program is to invite lay people to partner with the monks in a collaborative effort. By complementing each other s skills, it is hoped that volunteers and monks alike will be rewarded through these experiences. The Vision The vision of the Volunteer Program is to be recognized as a source for connecting Saint John s Abbey with the wider community and assist particular Abbey departments and individuals with specific services or tasks.
Goals To provide a service experience that is mutually enriching and beneficial to volunteers and members of the monastic community. To encourage the formation of meaningful relationships between the monks and lay people by offering opportunities for volunteers to share their skills. To invite lay people to the monastery in the spirit of hospitality so that they may partner their talents with the monks in order to construct a stronger community. Benefits of the Program Contribute to the ongoing ministries of Saint John s Abbey Receive an open invitation to participate in monastic prayer Socialize, network and meet new friends Use your talents and skills as well as learn new ones Receive recognition through events and awards Volunteer Opportunities St. Raphael s Retirement Center Vegetable gardens Flower gardens Lawn Cemetery Guest House Woodworking Shop Church Archives Gift Shop Oblate Office Events Computer Tutor School of Theology Liturgical Press
Rights of Volunteers Be treated with respect, appreciation and recognition. Receive assignments on the basis of ability to perform the job, dependability and reliability. Receive orientation and training, clear expectations and directions, supervision with positive feedback and constructive criticism. An opportunity to change to another position at an appropriate time and as a better match arises. Express dissatisfaction related to their volunteer service with either their Team Leader or the Volunteer Coordinator. An annual review of performance through informal conversation or written responses, based on assignment description and related experience. A workplace that is free of all forms of discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive or disruptive. Consistent with the respect shown by the monks of Saint John s Abbey for the rights and dignity of each employee and volunteer, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected by law will not be sanctioned or tolerated. The organization encourages volunteers to bring any incident of offensive behavior or harassment to the immediate attention of the Volunteer Coordinator. Responsibilities of Volunteers Be reliable, on time and ready to work. If your schedule changes unexpectedly and prevents you from volunteering, please notify your Team Leader or the Volunteer Office so we may reschedule: abbeyvolunteers@csbsju.edu or (320) 363-3304 Check in with your Team Leader or sign the Volunteer check-in sheet. Wear your volunteer (photo) badge during your volunteer service. Maintain respectful and responsible behavior during volunteer service. Wear neat, clean and tasteful clothing. Unless assigned to work in the gardens, shorts should not be worn. Be willing to submit to a background check, if required for the volunteer s area of service. Record hours for each period of service and sign a time sheet each month. Inform the Volunteer Coordinator, Team Leader or staff of any accident or injuries that occur while volunteering and willingly complete the accident form needed in the situation. Be attentive to maintaining the privacy of the monks residential areas of the monastery. Refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol or illegal drugs during volunteer service. On-campus parking. Meet with Life Safety Services for parking instructions and permits. Inform Volunteer Coordinator or Team Leader of intent to resign. Participate in exit interview.
Volunteers are always welcome to join the monks in their daily communal prayer. The usual schedule is as follows. The abbey bells ring ten minutes before services in church. Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 12:00 p.m. Midday Prayer 5:00 p.m. Mass 7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Saturday 7:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 11:30 a.m. Mass 7:00 p.m. Vigil of Sunday Sunday 7:00 a.m. Morning Prayer 10:30 a.m. Mass 5:00 p.m. Evening Prayer Phone for updated information about liturgical services in the abbey church: (320) 363-3566 Or www.saintjohnsabbey.org
Saint John s Abbey Volunteer Program Room 112 Health Center P.O. Box 2400 Collegeville, MN 56321 (320) 363-3304 Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for further information at: AbbeyVolunteers@csbsju.edu or (320) 363-3304 Important Phone Numbers: Life Safety: (320) 363-2144 Emergency: 911 Information Desk: (320) 363-2011 (off campus; 0 on campus) Events Office: (320) 363-2240