At the core of Mike's volunteerism is his faith. His hunger and thirst for Christ is palatable. Barred from receiving Communion during a pandemic he jumps at a chance to stand on sacred ground to celebrate by giving of himself to the Church.

An opportunity arose on the west side of church grounds that had been neglected since the fall of 2018. Embedded weeds, debris, building infrastructure resembled more of a landfill than sacred ground. Without hesitation Mike took on the project to manually level overgrowth and to unearth debris while placing no design upon the ground he cleared. The vision of a transept holds promise there.

Mike carries both blessings and curse of his commitment. He was hartily chastised by his peers for taking on the large project at an inconvenient time. He was confronted by lack of support from those he believed once loyal. Others indicated he was doing too much, he received offers of support that did not equate to his standard of care. Grateful for the opportunity he entrenched his position, deepened his commitment and embraced the goal.

Resolved, he adds to his service care of the landscape at the Rectory. At his own expense Mike seeded, fertilized and watered the front lawn of where Father resides. As a neighbor to Father Marek Mike promises to tend the Rectory lawn to his satisfaction voluntarily and unconditionally.

Additionally Mike volunteered at a homeless shelter as a chef during a lockdown when volunteers abandoned service to the poor. He left an indelible mark on how a shelter kitchen needs to operate. He is remembered there with great favor from those in need of shelter and who are treated as guests in a restaurant.

Mike Igoe is easy to honor as a volunteer because he presents himself transparent. It's all about his faith in salvation. Mike believes his abundance in life of talent, skill and interest is a grace from God.

Father Marek has said, "Heaven is the Limit" in what can be done by volunteers. It can be said Mike Igoe co-founded Seeds of Charity as well as exemplify of what a mustard seed is capable and a heart bursting with charity can accomplish. Mike raises the standard  for volunteerism at St Margaret parish to a privilege when service to the Church becomes nothing more than giving back the abundance God gives each of us to do so.

Would you like a volunteer featured? If so, contact Michele FitzGerald @ [email protected].