On February 16th, as volunteers of St. Mary’s Parish Family gathered for our Annual Volunteer Appreciation Supper, voices were abuzz as to who would be the recipient of the Msgr. Feehan Faithful Servant Award this year. As the night came to a close, Msgr. Gene presented this award to a most deserving   recipient: Mr. Ernie Vollan.
     Ernie and his wife, Patty, have served St. Mary’s as greeters/ushers for many years; serving as head usher in the past.  Ernie welcomes people to St. Mary’s, helping them become comfortable in our community, and enhancing our Eucharistic worship.  He has also assisted in the hot lunch serving line and is endeared by the children of St. Mary’s Grade School.  He is known for reaching out to children with special attention well beyond requires of parish ‘ministry.’ Ernie is a faithful participant in St. Mary’s Eucharist life and has participated in parish retreats and missions.
     Ernie has not only served as usher/greeter, he also models faithful service to St. Mary’s in numerous ways as a long time custodian and maintenance specialist for the parish, grade school, day care, and apartments.
       In addition to his model of service, Ernie has been a faithful member of our parish Maintenance Committee, has served as an organizer for special facility projects and managed the parish-owned apartments on 9th Street for 10 years.
     Thank you, Ernie, for your years of dedication and service to St. Mary’s Parish Family! What a great model of living the life of stewardship!