Ken Craig Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Knights of Columbus, Lector, Parish Council, St. Vincent de Paul Society
Parishioner since 1994
Personnel and Facilities Management, Tammadge Market Research Inc.
In what ministries have you been involved with in the past?
If you consider a Parish Advisory Team, I was on Fr. Jamie Misko’s PAT when he was a seminarian here. Otherwise, I have managed to not get kicked out of any ministries (yet).
What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the Cathedral?
The ability to be a part of the parish community in a very tangible way. Saint Mary Cathedral parish is my spiritual home. This parish, which is truly informed by the Holy Spirit through the parishioners, helped me find my way back to Christ and recognize His blessings, so it is especially rewarding to be able to, in some small way, contribute to the life that may be a welcoming physical and spiritual place for others. Oh, and the snacks.
What do you get out of it?
I am by nature very shy around people I don’t know. Being involved in ministries has “forced” me start overcoming that shyness and begin to benefit from the wealth of the diversity of people who, as the saying goes “drive past at least three churches” to be Cathedral parishioners. On another level, I get to experience my shortcomings and missteps and am blessed to work through them in a loving faith community. Oh, and the snacks.
What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as a Cathedral volunteer?
Becoming, with my friends/mentors, more aware of the blessings of God, such as the gift of the Eucharist, the opportunity to incorporate the gift of the Beatitudes and the realization that by serving others we allow them to be the masters who can then bestow gifts, which through providence fosters an ever lifting communal dance toward holiness.
Why does volunteering matter?
I do not believe that we are necessarily called to sit in idle silence waiting for the Kingdom of God to arrive. I believe that one facet of the Good News is that the Kingdom is at hand and God became fully human in order that we as His children on Earth may know ways in which to build the Kingdom here. It is a tremendous gift and we miss so much if we do not actively receive and share it.
What are your other interests?
Gardening, camping, the Astros, “Law and Order” re-runs, snacking
What advice would you give to a parishioner new to volunteering?
Start with small steps, or dive in, but do get involved at your comfort level and in time, perhaps push your boundaries. Most importantly, do it with love and the understanding that ministry should enhance all aspects of your life, not be a burden or detraction. Oh, and check out the snacks.