“Gratitude is a huge part of my personal experience of faith, and it drives me to volunteer in a variety of ministries,” says Mae Villanueva. As a school parent and frequent ministry volunteer, Mae is a continuous presence around the St. Francis campus. In response to the love, grace, and blessings that she says God has poured out upon her, she does all she can to help others experience that same love and grace. As a volunteer in the Stephen Ministry, she walks alongside struggling people who need to feel extra love and grace. Mae has loved facilitating JustFaith and KBL groups and volunteering with VBS to help people of all ages grow in their relationship with God. She has also taken on various leadership roles within the parish, saying, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on several councils (preschool, pastoral, and finance) and the strategic planning committee.”
Although involved in various ministries, Mae has a specific role that stands out. “Being a facilitator/interviewer for the Called and Gifted spiritual gifts discernment program is the favorite ministry I have ever participated in. It is a blessing to help people understand that the Holy Spirit empowers them in a particular way and to discern what those gifts are and how the call goes out for them to use them.” Many people carry around so much anxiety about not being or doing enough in some way. She enjoys watching people embrace the idea of us all being the Body of Christ; we all make up the many parts and are not individually responsible for everything. She says, “As they begin to let go of anxiety, fear, and guilt, it opens up new ways for the Holy Spirit to be able to move through them and use them.” God’s work doesn’t have to feel like drudgery and can be the most natural, joyful experience. She finds that watching people realize that awakening is beautiful and rewarding.
Her advice for those seeking to become more involved and feel joy in serving others involves going through their own process of discerning their spiritual gifts. “Spend a bit of time reflecting on what you love to do and what makes you feel alive and full of joy, and then have that in mind as you explore our ministries. Pay attention to the voice of the Holy Spirit as you consider what you might like to do.” Then, she suggests, just try one thing. “If you can’t decide on a thing,” she says, “reach out to someone you see actively participating in ministries or reach out to a member of staff. Most of all, remember that we need you! Our parish, church, and world all need your unique contribution!”