Monica Vanorny

I have been working at St. Boniface Church for a year as of this past July, and have assumed several additional responsibilities since starting. I am the first person you see when you come into the parish office, and I am usually the person that answers the phone at the parish. This job has been a wonderful experience for me, and I feel very honored and blessed being able to work at my church.

Q. What impact does your work have or that you wish it to have on the parish?

A. Being a part of a community is a wonderful thing and working here provides this. I enjoy the social aspect as well as working and helping others.

Q. Give an overview of your daily tasks at St. Boniface?

A. Most of my tasks are parishioner oriented. I assist with baptism and the newcomers schedule and preparation, Mass Ministry, clerical duties, and ordering supplies. I assist with any questions that volunteers have when they are involved with CHRP, Bonifest, and the Fall Dinner.

Q. What activities or volunteerism of others at St. Boniface have inspired you and why?

A. In the past I have volunteered my time at St. Boniface as a catechist and I continue to coordinate Grace Within. I have been a catechist for seven years, and I enjoy teaching and children. It is rewarding for me to see how children have fun when learning. It is extremely rewarding for me to have my own children involved with helping teach and willing to help volunteer their time with other activities within our church. I have been coordinating our Grace Within group and their practices and presentations for four years.  Every young lady that has been and is a part of Grace Within is a true blessing. They are wonderful youngsters and they all try their best. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this group. It is wonderful to see that a lot of the participants have been a part of the group for more than six or seven years. The young ladies that have been volunteering their time make me feel honored and proud. I could not run this program without all of their help. It is a privilege to be part of this wonderful group, and when they present at church it shows how great they all are. I view all the youngsters as I see my own daughter. It is a beautiful and blessed feeling.

Q. Give an example of something associated with your volunteerism that was a feel-good moment.

A. When I see former children that have participated in Grace Within at Mass or in our community. It is a wonderful feeling to see them so excited and for them to want to say “Hi” or just want to “Hug”.  When this happens it makes my heart happy and encourages me that I am doing a good job.

Q. If someone asked you to describe St. Boniface Catholic Community in just a few sentences, what would that be?

A. St. Boniface is a very welcoming place my family calls our second home. There is always something for any age group to be in a part of in the church in which they can volunteer their services. I love how family orientated we are.

Q. What are you favorite hobbies or activities away from church?

A. I love spending time with my family and friends, and I have a great support system with these people. We spend most of our weekends cooking with family and friends no matter what the season. When we are not in the Waukee area we are probably visiting our families in North Dakota and Texas.