JULY'S VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT IS ON RICH LAVECCHIA

The St. Monica Academy School Board recognizes that so many of the events that are run through our school and our parish are successful because of those who volunteer their time to make them happen.  Each month, the School Board will shine a spotlight on a randomly selected volunteer to share their story and spread the message that volunteering is done by all of us in many ways!

June’s Volunteer Spotlight is on Rich LaVecchia

July's Volunteer Spotlight is on Rich LaVecchia

Rich LaVecchia is a St. Monica parent and parishioner with over 10 years of volunteering experience under his belt!  He’s active both within our parish, volunteering routinely during Mass and throughout the Parish, including as the Parish Council Vice President, as well as at SMA in a variety of positions.

We recently reached out to Rich to learn more about him and how he incorporates volunteering into him busy schedule.

VS:  Hi, Rich! Thanks so much for agreeing to be our June Volunteer Spotlight!  And thank you for taking the time to share your story!  We know how busy you are, and not just here at St. Monica’s!   Can you tell us a little bit about yourself outside of volunteering at St. Monica’s?

Rich:  Sure thing!  My name is Rich LaVecchia and my wife, Audrey, and I have been parishioners of St. Monica’s since 2004.  Our two boys – finishing in 6th and 4th grade – have attended St. Monica’s since preschool.   In addition, my three nephews, now in their 20s, attended St. Monica’s so before joining the parish we attended many St. Monica events.  

VS:  Wow!  What a fantastic family connection you guys have to the parish!  And with two growing boys, you guys must be busy!!  But from all you’re doing within the parish, it’s clear that volunteerism is an integral part of your family life.  Knowing, that, what’s your favorite part of volunteering at St. Monica’s?

Rich:  My favorite part of volunteering is simply  “getting involved.”  I think it is important for people to actively participate in our parish – both at Church and School.   Being part of a community means to become involved.  Being part of a community means that you should be looking for ways to help and serve.    Too many times people just want to sit “in the sidelines” and watch instead of “getting in the game.”   At St. Monica’s there are so many ways to participate.   And when I participate –regardless of volunteer opportunity - I feel I am helping to make a difference in building the community/family at St. Monica’s.

VS:  You’re right that sometimes folks aren’t comfortable jumping into the mix when it comes to volunteering.  And for others family and work commitments can seem like an insurmountable obstacle to pitching in.  What’s the biggest challenge you face in volunteering?

Rich:  The biggest challenge is probably wanting to do too much and learning that is okay to occasionally say “no.”   However, note that I said “occasionally” and not “usually.”   In cases where I can’t help,  I try to help identify those that can.   I think the best way to think about this, is to think of St. Monica as part of your extended family.   And if I can’t help, I try to recommend others that can.  

Let me give you an example, I love my parents very much, and do a lot for them but as they advance in age, I cannot be there for all their requests.   However, when I can’t help…..I call my brothers to see if they can assist my parents.   So even though I sometimes say “no,”  I still try to find others who can help them out.

VS:  It’s true that volunteering needs to be part of your life and not take over your life, still there are lots of ways to pitch in that can be incorporated into even the busiest person’s life.  And the enjoyment of being part of the team and making our community a fun, safe place for our kids definitely make it worth it!  So if you knew someone who was on the fence about volunteering, what would you say to them? 

Rich:  I would say three points:

1. As the Nike commercial once stated, “Just Do It.”   Don’t think about it and just volunteer.   Many people, including myself, can find many ways to rationalize “ways/reasons to say no” if we try hard enough.   Instead of saying “no we should be looking for places/opportunities to say “yes”.   I am not a psychologist, but I feel many people short change themselves and their abilities and as a result say far too often:   “I can’t do that.”  My answer, would be simply “why not?”  
2. It feels good when you volunteer and know you helped out and contributed in helping something/someone
3. I would also say be aware.   Look for opportunities where you can best help both in official and unofficial ways

VS: All great suggestions, Rich!  So tell us, what will you be volunteering at next? 

Rich:  Hmmmm…….after answering the previous questions, I am anxious to volunteer for some more things.   I think some additional areas I will be volunteering in are to become more involved with……

• Boy Scouts: maybe become an official “assistant leader”
• Coaching 5th grade boys basketball
• Bringing Holy Communion after Sunday Mass to the homebound / sick  
• Perhaps helping teach CCD
• Additional fundraisers…..I hear a “rumor” that St. Monica may be holding a Oktoberfest this year
• Boy Scouts: maybe become an official “assistant leader”Coaching 5th grade boys basketballBringing Holy Communion after Sunday Mass to the homebound / sick  Perhaps helping teach CCDAdditional fundraisers…..I hear a “rumor” that St. Monica may be holding a Oktoberfest this year

…..the sky is the limit at St. Monica’s! 

VS:  Well said, Rich!! Good luck with all the projects you’ll be working on over the summer and into the next school year!  And thanks so much for sharing your story and your time with us, Rich!