What would you like to know about St. Joan of Arc? Do you have a story about our parish or of general interest that you think others would like to hear? For story ideas, contact Jeff Rholl, jeff@stjoan.com.

Parish Registration Duty -Why would you do that?

As I was putting the sign out, I almost bumped into Mary Campbell as she and her husband Allan were heading for the registration office. After seeing Mary’s brilliant smile and feeling Allan’s strong handshake after our introductions, I was so happy I had

Newcomer Tracey registers

volunteered for this job of being the person representing St. Joan’s when people want to become members of this community. What a joy it was meeting the Campbells and what a shame it would have been to miss that experience.

As Allan dutifully took the registration forms from my hand and got down to business filling out the ordinary details that registration forms are known for, Mary and I began chatting back and forth. After the usual, children, grandchildren exchanges, the obvious question is always, why did you decide to join St. Joan of Arc and how long have you been attending mass here?

Her answers were so delightful it sent chills down my spine and reminded me once again why I joined St. Joan’s those many years ago. She said they had attended a funeral here awhile back in the church and was so impressed by the feeling she received from the people that she and her husband began to come regularly to the gym mass for the past year. That answered the “how long” question, but what about the “why join” question?

Volunteer Gen is one of several regulars who staff the Registration Office.

She said that last week at some point they were sitting on their front steps discussing the homily given by Dan Niziolek at the previous Sunday’s masses. Mary said then that she and her husband looked at each other and said, “I wonder how often we or anyone we know has actually sat down and discussed a homily heard at mass? I think we need to become official members of that church.”

And so, Mary and Allan Campbell are now official members of great standing of St. Joan of Arc and we all are better because of that fact.

I have substituted a few times in the past for Pat and Craig and have always come out of that little room feeling elated and with spirit renewed because of meeting some fine person. I usually like to “push” my favorite volunteer activities such as the Prayer Partners or the St. Joan of Arc choir or suggesting they volunteer for hosting on Sundays as a good starting point, but I have no doubt the Campbells will know which end of the pool to jump into without hesitation.

The Parish Registration Office is located in the school hall just beyond the hall exiting the gym - the directions often given are: it is in the school hall not far from the women’s restroom. Everybody knows where THAT is! Note: Effective Sept. 16th, 2001 the Registration Office will move into the lobby of the new Parish Center. Stop in and visit with those dedicated people who volunteer for this very important ministry, that of being the person who really welcomes a new member into the fold so to speak. Whether it be a young couple with children asking about the programs available or seasoned visitors such as the Campbells.

Joann Potts is a retired music and English teacher and 30 year member of St. Joans. She enjoys working with Anna Vagle each week. She is "in charge" of doing those slides you see at church each Sunday and for preparing the music sheets for the musicians. JoAnn and her husband Jim will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001 and are proud of their family of five children and eight grandchildren. Her hobbies include singing, playing her digital piano, writing her memoirs, reading, writing poetry, entertaining friends, visiting the North Shore and ballroom dancing with Jim.

These dedicated volunteers are “on duty” every Sunday after both the 9 and 11 services all year around to answer questions, hand out circulars, handbooks and forms and be the one to say for the first time to that person, “I welcome you wherever you are on your journey and by the way, we are so glad you are here!” Perhaps you might even enjoy being added to the list of faithful volunteers that do this job that may seem unimportant or trivial. Now you know differently!

Registration must be done in person. You can complete the process after every Sunday Mass with the volunteers or during business hours at the Parish Center.

Janice LaMere is a self-professed (and sometimes publicly acknowledged) girl-geek. She does computer technical support and training, and is a writer, college student, mother of three and grandmother of two. She likes to read, learn, listen to music, walk with her dog (Lady Isabella Augusta, AKA Auggie Doggie) and watch old movies. She can be found on the Internet atwww.janissima.com, or email to lamere@janissima.com.