Meet Parishioner Shalon Wilber:
Taking Ownership and Sharing Talents with the Parish
W
e may never know how many talents are hidden within our parish, but what a blessing it is when a parishioner steps up and offers their unique skills for the benefit of the parish family! When COVID-19 led to the need for Masses to be streamed online, Shalon Wilber went to Fr. Greg with a simple question — “How can I help?” Shalon didn’t come empty-handed. As a Broadcasting Coordinator for Arvig, with experience in videography, he had the skills and ideas needed to improve the livestreaming of the Mass. “Using exactly the talent I know I have is not super intimidating,” Shalon says. “I’m just trying to see if there is a gap I can fill. If I had to get up and speak in front of a group, I’d probably be a lot more nervous.” Shalon used the skills he already had to improve the audio for the livestreamed Mass. When the church capacity was increased to 50
percent, Shalon continued to help so that those who needed to stay home could have the best possible experience with the Mass. Shalon and his wife, Kate, were married in 2011 and have been involved with St. Paul’s for many years along with their children, Adelane and Jay. Kate even grew up in the parish. Although the family had moved, they came back to St. Paul’s, and their son, Jay, was baptized there. When they were dating, Kate was part of the choir at St. Paul’s. Shalon, who also had an interest in and a talent for music, joined her. Shalon and Kate often work together. Kate makes meals for new moms as part of Martha’s Meals, and Shalon is there to help. “There are so many benefits from getting involved with the church community,” Shalon says. “You come and do one thing, and soon you consider doing things more out of your
The Wilber family — embracing stewardship in our community
comfort zone. Once you start, it’s kind of a waterfall and you want to do more.” Since volunteering has brought him closer with the parish and Fr. Greg, Shalon finds that he has a deeper appreciation for the parish and what it continued on back cover
“There are so many benefits from getting involved with the church community. You come and do one thing, and soon you consider doing things more out of your comfort zone. Once you start, it’s kind of a waterfall and you want to do more.” — Shalon Wilber 7