
Serving Those Who Serve
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...On Sunday, January 12, 2025, the clergy, staff, and ministry leaders of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills made a special effort to offer appreciation to those who give their time and talents to serve the parish and larger community.
On Sunday, January 12, 2025, the clergy, staff, and ministry leaders of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills made a special effort to offer appreciation to those who give their time and talents to serve the parish and larger community.
“Our volunteers are giving back to God through our parish,” shared Father Allan Tupa, Pastor of St. Joseph Parish. “God appreciates this service, and now they know how much we appreciate them too.”
After the 11am Mass with Bishop Parkes, approximately 175 attendees enjoyed fellowship with each other, and being served by parish staff and ministry leaders. In addition, they also received a blessed St. Joseph medal and a musical performance by parish youth.
Volunteers at our parishes and Catholic schools often offer services and assistance that bring local outreach, programs, liturgical celebrations, and hospitality to life. Without them, many of the services parishioners and families have come to expect would not be possible. Knowing volunteers are integral to their parish, St. Joseph leadership had a long history of thanking their good stewards through this type of appreciation event. However, the decision was made to stop the large event when the shutdowns began due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This appreciation event has not taken place since 2020,” said Beverly Burgess, parish manager. “We found during COVID, many volunteers moved away or paused their in-person participation. It has taken us 5 years to rebuild, and it makes us so happy to be able to do this for everyone.”