Want to Volunteer?
Volunteer Days
The Franciscan Life Process Center schedules several days throughout the year so volunteers can help with projects on the land from 9:00 am – noon. Volunteers are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a water bottle.
Volunteers will be notified via email if we need to cancel due to weather.
April 1: Easter Monday, Celebrate New Life with Us!
April 22: Earth Day! Get in touch with the earth!
June 26: Summer is Here!
August 6: Feast of the Transfiguration
September 23: Let’s get running: Trail prep for our 10th annual Franciscan Rhythms Trail Run
October 7: Celebrate St. Francis with apple picking!
Community Work Days
Community Workdays provide an opportunity to work with the Sisters, Franciscan Apprentices and other volunteers on service projects at the Center. Community Workdays are generally held the second Saturday of the months of April through November. Projects include land maintenance, harvesting, canning produce, farm chores, and a variety of seasonal tasks.
The program, inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi’s philosophy and practice, helps individuals accept each other as unique beings as they learn about life on a working farm. Working alongside the Franciscan Sisters, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of nature, of the Catholic faith and God’s place in their lives.
Workdays are open to individuals, families, and church and business groups. Lunch is served for all who wish at noon. No childcare is available.
Community Work Day Sign Up
Dates: April 13, May 11, June 8, August 10, September 14, October 12, and November 9
Please note:
- While it helps us plan when volunteers register online, please know you are also welcome to “drop by” the day of the event. We can always use your help!
- If you or your group would prefer to volunteer on a different day or time, please contact critsema@lifeprocesscenter.org.
- Call 616-897-5220 the day of the event if there is a question regarding the weather.
If you or your group would like to know more about Community Workdays, please call 616-897-5220 or 616-897-7842 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST to schedule or email skelly@lifeprocesscenter.org.
Eagle Scout Projects
For many years, groups of Boy Scouts have come to the Franciscan Life Process Center from various troops for overnight retreats, meetings, and service hours.
Between 2007 and 2021, 18 young men have completed Eagle Scout projects. Each has profited personally from the experience and the Center has benefited greatly from the work each has done. Projects have included construction of benches, picnic table, chairs, bluebird houses, flower beds, raised flower beds, a disc golf course, fire pit, entrance signs, and a portable stage.
Prospective scouts can choose a project from a list that is available or suggest one in which they are particularly interested. Inquiry can be made by calling the Center at 616-897-7842.
Franciscan Friends
Franciscan Friends meet once a week to work on specialized projects and discuss future endeavors. An integral part of the Franciscan family, these volunteers donate their time and skills in a wide variety of areas from programming needs to out-reach projects.
Since many of the Friends are skilled in sewing and needle crafts, they often turn materials donated to the Center into into items needed at local charities.
Ongoing projects include
- prayer shawls
- caps for chemo patients
- caps for neonatal babies
- quilts for children at St John’s Home
- pillows for hospice patients
- stuffed “mice” for cats at animal shelter
- pants for the clothing bank at St. Alphonsus
- dolls and quilts for Santa Claus Girls
In addition, special projects are completed as requested such as weighted blankets for the music therapy program, walker bags, and pillowcases for a low income school.
The Franciscan Friends invite knitters, sewists, crafters, quilters, and others to join them. All skill levels are welcome.