For some, the idea of volunteering their time sounds like a chore. Modern society tells us that we should be paid for our work. But, as good stewards, we know that isn’t true. We all have talents that we should give back to the parish. Bob and Pam McLellan believe that any opportunity to serve is a blessing. There is no shortage of ministries to get involved with here in our faith community. Take your pick — there’s something for everyone.
Pam has been a part of St. Paul’s since she was born. Bob was confirmed at St. Paul’s in 1974. Both have been very involved over the years. They both currently serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and have attended Eucharistic Adoration for about 10 years. They love the beauty of the new chapel, while fondly recalling the previous chapel’s location in the former convent.
“There was something so special about our first adoration chapel at the convent, sitting there in silence and thinking about all the sisters that prayed there over the years and praying for all of them,” Pam says.
The couple has also organized annual Matthew Kelly CD and book giveaways for St. Paul’s and Our Lady of the Angels. However, that ministry has been on hiatus since the pandemic. They have also co-chaired the coffee and rolls after Mass at St. Paul’s. They are both also involved with the Teen Intercessory Prayer Ministry, and Pam is on the Prayer Chain.
“All of the ministries I do hold special meaning, but having the privilege of serving our Lord in the sacrament of Holy Communion to fellow parishioners is most important to me,” Pam says.
Bob has also helped with Alpha sessions and has been involved in men’s groups.
“Being able to share my faith with others helps me gain confidence in stating the reasons for the hope that I have,” he says.
Pam has sung with several music groups since the 1980s. When their children were younger, the couple helped out with youth ministry. Bob and Pam were group leaders for the Renew Program in 1984. They were previously on the Liturgy Committee, and Bob was on the Stewardship Committee with Fr. Todd Schneider.
“Our Catholic faith is most important to us, and being involved gives us the opportunity for more prayer, staying connected with people, and being closer to Jesus,” Bob says.
Throughout his involvement over the years, what stands out most to Bob about St. Paul’s is the many ways a person can be active in parish life. There’s a place for everyone — single, married, young or old. Pam, who served as a Central Minnesota Foster Grandparent up until this school year, loves to see the involvement of the children and youth.
“I love to see the kids’ involvement, whether it be youth group, the children’s choir, serving Mass or lectoring,” she says. “They are the future of our church.”
Bob and Pam have been blessed with three children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandson, and a puppy. They love to play golf, spend time outdoors, and be with family. During the school year, they spend a lot of time attending their grandchildren’s sporting events. Pam enjoys flower gardening. Bob loves spending time in winter drawing and painting. He also volunteers at the care center weekly.