El Retiro Relaunches Volunteer Program - Integrating Our Faith and Joyful Service
- Jesuit Retreat Center
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Things have rebounded and have started to flourish here at El Retiro- almost a full recovery from the disruption caused by the pandemic. One great need has been to revive the Volunteer Program and with such a tiny, full-plate staff, who could do it?
My name is Tere (pronounced Terry) Allen, and I am a fond acquaintance of the El Retiro- Jesuit Retreat Center; it has always held a special place in my heart. I have been the recipient of many blessings from several retreat experiences and the mission is one in which I deeply believe. A few weeks ago, my friend Lorraine Shepherd, one of El Retiro's board members, invited me to engage in a volunteer position. She said they needed a little help reaching out to volunteers and it seemed like a relatively temporary need. But it quickly developed into much more and I accepted the ultimate volunteer gig- to be the Volunteering Volunteer Coordinator! Sometimes the Spirit calls us in surprising ways.
I hope that you will also feel called to bring your labor of love to the ministry of El Retiro. Being able to touch, feel and see the impact we can have here is fulfilling and a blessing.
There are multiple and diverse volunteer opportunities available now and the list will grow without a doubt. So, if nothing calls to you yet, please check back often and remember, sometimes the best volunteer opportunities are those that you help create once you are here.
San Iñigo Award Gala on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Volunteers
Of immediate and critically important need, is volunteers to help every aspect of our first-ever, annual Gala- the San Iñigo Award Gala on May 22, 2025, honoring our inaugural award recipient, Father Greg Boyle, S.J. There will be various activities leading up to the event and then that night many more ranging from registration volunteers, auction bid talliers, greeters, guest service, etc.
We especially need a skilled PowerPoint volunteer to help create the slide show cast to all screens during the Gala.
El Retiro Grounds and Gardens Volunteers
Father John and Father Chanh will have some upcoming gardening opportunities. So, if you have been waiting to get your hands in the dirt, this is your moment. The gardens serve as one of our favorite gathering places and are always in need of trimming or sprucing up as the seasons roll by.
Personal Touch- First Impression Volunteers in the Main Lobby
Our office would love to have the addition of your welcoming smile to greet our visitors as they come through the door. There are also mailings that often need the slightest of human touches that you might provide.
Retreatant Registration and Check-In Volunteers
Ashley, our Retreat Coordinator, could always use extra help as she welcomes our retreatants, most often on Friday afternoons. You get to meet and greet visitors from all around the country and even internationally. Making their arrival and first impression feel loving and helpful makes you feel great.
Do you hear that? That’s a calling happening in real time as you read this!
Come join the team that changes lives every day here at El Retiro. I can’t wait to meet you and work together to live out the mission of our retreat center. Please email or call me.
Blessings to you and yours,
Tere
Tere Allen
Volunteer Coordinator
Office: (650) 917-4000
Mobile: (408) 823-5335
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