“The Volunteer Connections ministry was looking for someone with Excel spreadsheet experience, says parishioner Rebecca Widden.  “I felt comfortable with the request, given my professional skills and career. I wanted to participate in a volunteer job that had a flexible time commitment.”

Rebecca is connected with the ministry that brings Communion to the homebound and the sick. She is assisting with the scheduling of the Sunday Communion visits. She works to coordinate the Eucharistic Ministers that go to five local retirement homes after the 8:30 Mass each Sunday.

Using her expertise, Rebecca establishes a volunteer schedule once a quarter. Eucharistic Ministers usually go alone to the care or assisted living centers. At some locations, a Communion Service is held. At others, the volunteer goes room to room. Occasionally, an EM takes a family member or a trainee EM along.

West Linn locations are Rose Linn Care Center and Tanner Springs Assisted Living. In Lake Oswego, EMs goes to The Stafford Retirement Center. Tualatin has two destinations: Brookdale at River Valley Retirement Center and Tualatin Marquis Rehabilitation and Assisted Living.

“The ministry is looking for more Sunday volunteers. I may serve as a sub volunteer with another volunteer. There will be a Homebound Ministry booth at the Ministry Fair.” Rebecca encourages parishioners to come by and to learn more about the ministry. The Ministry Fair will be held November 4^th and 5^th after the Masses.

Rebecca recently retired after a professional career in finance in both healthcare and retirement housing. She is looking forward to her volunteer work. “I am glad I saw the Volunteer Connections article in the bulletin.”