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Always there to help

St. Leo woman named 2019 CUF Volunteer of the Year

ST. LEO — Shirley Jelen has dedicated her entire life to the St. Leo Catholic Church and her town. That is a literal fact, and she’s done it all within walking distance of her house.

After decades of service to her church and community, Jelen, who’s currently 88 years old, was recently named the 2019 Volunteer of the Year after being nominated by the local Catholic United Financial Council No. 99 group. On Tuesday afternoon, along the street in between her house and the church, Shirley was recognized for her volunteering commitment with a brief virtual award presentation by Catholic United Financial before dozens of cars drove by and showed their support with a parade.

Jelen was stunned by the turnout and support.

“I can’t believe it. I just never expected anything like this,” Jelen said. “I thought maybe there would be a few people coming or so, but I never expected this. It’s awesome.”

Paulette Jelen, who helped nominate Shirley for the award, said typically there is a much larger celebration that happens, but they had to reduce it because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With COVID-19, it’s a lot different because usually it’s a big deal and there’s a celebration and everything, so this is kind of small-scaled but they wanted to get it done,” Paulette said.

‘A shining light of selflessness’

After restarting it a couple of years ago, Shirley is the second winner of the Volunteer of the Year award that’s given by Catholic United Financial. The award helps recognize a “Catholic community member — whether a member of Catholic United or not — whose superlative service serves as a shining light of selflessness,” according to a press release from Catholic United Financial.

Within the regional CUF groups, there are five states that make up the region, including North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. Shirley was also chosen among 19 applications from those five states.

“When we think of the type of service we set out to honor with this award, it wasn’t to celebrate the big events or one major headline,” Catholic United Member Engagement Director Nate Lamusga said in the release. “It was to seek out the unsung heroes of our Catholic communities who are always there no matter how unglamorous the job. Shirley is the quintessential Catholic who will never turn down an opportunity to help.”

In recognition of her efforts, Shirley received a check for $500 in addition to another $500 that would be donated to a charity of her choosing. She will be donating it to the American Cancer Society in memory of her husband, who died from cancer in 1989. CUF Council No. 99 also gave Shirley another $200, a thank you card and a framed certificate as a local gesture.

An everyday leader

Throughout her life, Shirley has done just about everything as a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church. Shirley was born, baptized, confirmed and married at the church and has been an everyday leader for the past 42 years as a Catholic United member.

Shirley helps set up the church for Mass, makes sure there are servers and gift carriers and will greet you until an usher arrives at the church. She cleans the parish, the school, the bathrooms, takes out the garbage and does the church laundry. She helps decorate and paint the chapel. And when she isn’t able to do the job herself, she relies on the aid of her community and fellow church members.

Shirley added of all the things she’s done to help the church, one of her favorites has been bringing communion to the shut-in, sick or needy or being a minister.

“I really enjoy taking communion to the shut-ins,” Shirley said. “At one time I think we took about 10 a week but now I’m down to one but I really enjoy it. I also did enjoy being a minister, but I had to quit because my legs didn’t always want me to stand that long.”

Bright community spirit

Not only has Shirley done several volunteering efforts within the church, she’s also done a tremendous job going above and beyond for her community. Shirley helps out at the American Legion as a treasurer of their Auxiliary and is also a member of the VFW. She’s also involved with organizations such as the Council of Catholic Women. Twice a month, she helps at a non-denominational quilting group for various missions, veterans, babies as well as those who are less fortunate or sick. On Wednesdays, Shirley sets up and keeps tally of the towns “rummy” tournaments at the Community Center.

Then there are the more daily routine efforts. Each morning, Shirley will unlock the church at 7 a.m. before locking it back up at 5 p.m. She brews and helps serve the coffee at the Community Center at 9 a.m. and sets and breaks down other food or beverage areas. When needed, she also does the yardwork at the Community Center, mowing the lawn or shoveling snow in the winter.

In addition to her daily routine, she’s delivered Meals on Wheels and donated to Birthright and area food shelves. Come election time, she will set up the voting machines and sits with the election judges. She also attends several local and area functions such as festivals and fundraisers, all to make sure that her town is represented in some way.

The next time you’re in St. Leo, there’s more than just a good chance you’ll witness Shirley in action, doing something to help.

“I’ve just been with it all of my life,” she said. “But I really enjoy it.”

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