The Volunteer Outreach Wage (VOW)

Holy Cross’ Outreach Policy seeks to distribute outreach monies in a manner that enhances individual discipleship. This is accomplished through two programs: the Volunteer Outreach Wage, and matching loose plate offerings.

Holy Cross will grant, from the Outreach Fund, $5.00 per hour to any member working in an outreach ministry. The member decides where to direct his or her outreach wage earnings—either to the same agency at which the member volunteered, or to anywhere else in the world that meets the outreach criteria.

What does the VOW accomplish? It honors the outreach that each individual parishioner feels the Holy Spirit leading him or her to do. It helps to create an environment where every member of Holy Cross can participate in outreach. It encourages the whole as we see the breadth of ministries in which members are engaged. It provides avenues for individuals to hook up with other members that have similar interests or are interested in a particular ministry. In short, it enables you to help direct where Holy Cross sends its outreach monies without ever having to attend a committee meeting!

When wondering if a given ministry is “outreach,” ask yourself these questions:

• Is this benevolent Christian ministry? Am I doing that Jesus would do?

• Does this enhance my life as a disciple of Jesus Christ? How does this work help me grow in Christ?

• Is my work directed outside the Holy Cross community? Am I reaching out to the wider world for Christ?

Some examples of outreach include:

• Volunteering at social agencies: food bank, crisis line, shelter, soup kitchen

• Volunteering at a hospital, nursing home, or care center

• Raising money for a good cause by walking, biking, running, swimming, etc.

When in doubt, ask the three questions above, and remember that it is better to ask the Outreach Committee than to lose the opportunity to raise funds for others. Please contact Fr. Jim Eichner for clarification.

Application

To participate in the Volunteer Outreach Wage program, simply fill out a Volunteer Outreach Wage Form and submit it to the office.