Alexandra Budziszewski
Ave Maria Gift Shop, Christian Faith Formation, Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, Pro-Life Activities Committee, Rosary leader, Taize Ministry, Volunteer Appreciation, Worship Environment
Parishioner since Easter 2005
UT Student, Art and Dance Teacher
- In what ministries have you been involved with in the past?
I have previously been a guest speaker for adult RCIA and a Vacation Bible School activity station leader.
Currently, I am a catechist for RCIA-Adapted (for children), an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, a member of the Pro-Life committee, one of the Rosary leaders before daily Mass and a singer in the Taize music choir. I also volunteer as needed for activities such as cleaning the Cathedral before Christmas or helping Linda Amey with the Ave Maria bookstore. I am also helping with the Volunteer appreciation committee.
- What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the Cathedral?
When you love someone, you want to give, and volunteering is my way of expressing my love for God and for His Church.
- What do you get out of it?
Volunteering is also a way to experience God's mercy and grace. I begin to see the Church in new ways and experience firsthand the truths that we are taught. My priorities are put into their proper place, and my love for God and for His Church increases as well.
- What was one of your most rewarding experiences as a Cathedral volunteer?
I would have to say that leading the Rosary has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. Instead of just reading and listening to the gospels, the Rosary gives me a chance to pray the gospels. I write my own meditations for each decade, and this gives me a chance to grow in my own spiritual life. Putting together meditations from the truths that are conveyed through the Mysteries is sometimes hard, yet it encourages me to really listen to God and to trust Him more.
- Why does volunteering matter?
Volunteering is loving our Father in Heaven, for, "whatever you do to the least of our brothers, you do unto me." The apostle James said that faith without works is dead. Volunteering keeps our faith alive, our Church alive and our eyes off ourselves and onto others.
- What are your other interests?
I love to sing and dance and perform in community, or regional, theatre whenever I can. I also play ultimate Frisbee, knit scarves for family and friends and participate in regular book clubs. A little known fact about me is that I regularly track meteorology reports!
- What advice would you give to a parishioner new to volunteering?
Aristotle said, "We become just by performing just actions, temperate by performing temperate actions, brave by performing brave actions." I believe that volunteering makes us better people and puts into practice virtues that we as Christians try to attain.