Thank you for your interest in volunteer opportunities at Bon Secours Spiritual Center. As Bon Secours continues to grow in its mission of providing "a retreat and conference center for people of all faiths" where they "can come to wholeness through enrichment of mind, body, and spirit" the need for support becomes critical. An estimated 23, 000 people come to the Center every year for our sponsored programs, retreats, conferences, therapeutic massage, reiki, labyrinth walks, fine art exhibits, or to simply walk the grounds and enjoy the scenic beauty of the campus. The atmosphere of the Center is one of caring and hospitality, which continues to draw people year after year. As you might expect, with the volume of people and the variety of offerings, keeping things running smoothly is a challenge. With the support of a group of dedicated volunteers, willing to share their time and unique gifts, the staff would have more time to concentrate on the "big picture" and ways to make the Center even better.

The opportunities for volunteer support extend to almost every department of the Center, but particularly in the administrative offices where details are so important and the need is the greatest. Please take a few minutes to review the possibilities listed below to see if there is something of interest to you.

Once you have located an area that may be of interest to you, contact Linda McGinn at 410-442-1320 (ext.301) to discuss details and your availability. We are flexible and not necessarily looking for a long-term commitment. Hopefully, you will find an area that interests you, where your unique talents will be utilized, where you can enjoy yourself and feel part of a meaningful ministry, and fulfill a need all at the same time.

We look forward to talking with you.

Registration & Greeting - Working with Front Office staff, volunteer would greet incoming guests, answer any questions incoming guests may have, assist in locating room keys, explain the layout of the Center, assist guests in locating their rooms, and maintain a presence of hospitality for incoming guests. Patience and ability to provide quality customer service is essential for this position.

Guest Room & Conference Room Preparation & Maintenance - Working with Housekeeping staff, volunteer would check on rooms making sure that all the necessary preparations have been made for incoming guests, that each room has a complete Spiritual Center information packet, and that all is in order for incoming guests. Arrange "ambience" table or podium area in conference rooms for sponsored programs.

Mailings - Working with Retreat Team Staff/Development Office staff, volunteer would operate photocopying machine and folding machine to prepare letters or brochures for stuffing into envelopes, stuff envelopes, label envelopes, and otherwise assist in all aspects of the Center's direct mail campaigns. In the fall of each year there is a need for many volunteers to assist in the mailing of the Center's annual appeal which is several thousand pieces. Willingness to do repetitive work quickly is necessary for this position.

Filing - Working with the Front Office staff, volunteer would be responsible for filing of group registration folders, invoices, and various office documents. Accuracy and an eye for detail are necessary for this position.

Data Entry - Working closely with Front Office, Development Office, and Accounting Office staff, volunteer would assist in entering information into various database software programs. Basic computer skills and typing accuracy are required for this position.

Telephones and Client Contacts - Working with Front Office staff, volunteer would assist in monitoring and transferring incoming telephone calls, answering basic questions about the Spiritual Center and program offerings. Additionally, volunteer would contact clients who were recent guests at the Center to conduct a follow-up interview making sure that they were satisfied with their accommodations and the service they received during their stay. Patience and pleasant telephone demeanor necessary for this position.

Library Maintenance - Volunteer would organize and maintain library, be responsible for keeping books shelved and in order, discarding old newspapers and periodicals, establishing a lending system for guests, keeping track of library's holdings and advising on the purchase of new books. Organizational abilities are necessary for this position.

Friends' Bookstore - Working closely with Sister Jean Aulenback, volunteer would assist in the sales of books, cassette tapes, CDs and other items on display in the bookstore. Volunteer would also assist in taking inventory, straightening up items, re-shelving books and answering the telephone. Ability to handle retail transactions required.

Grounds/Facility Maintenance - Working closely with Maintenance and Housekeeping staff, volunteer would assist in keeping grounds and facility clean and free of debris, weeding flowerbeds, planting flowers, and watering gardens around the campus.

Special Events - Working closely with Development and Programs Directors, volunteers would assist in all aspects of planning and executing a special event.