          |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the goals of the Tau Volunteer Program?
What does the word “Tau” refer to?
Where might I serve as a Tau Volunteer?
What is the length of service?
What are the requirements to be a Tau Volunteer?
What are the financial arrangements?
Where would I live?
How big is the Tau Volunteer Program?
What training is provided?
How can I apply to be a Tau Volunteer?
Where can I get more information?
What are the goals of the Tau Volunteer Program?
The Tau Volunteer Program offers an opportunity for women to live in community with sisters or associates of the SSSF, sharing in our Franciscan spiritual tradition while serving the poor in various ministries. Growth in the awareness of Franciscan values related to serving the poor, working for peace, and respecting the integrity of creation, are important aspects of the Tau Volunteer Program. While School Sisters of St. Francis recognize our responsibility to work for justice and peace, we are equally interested in helping to place Tau Volunteers in ministry situations that foster personal and spiritual growth. Applicants identify ministries in which they would like to volunteer, as well as skills and strengths they possess.
What does the word “Tau” refer to?
The Tau cross has been a Franciscan symbol ever since St. Francis used it as his mark or signature. For the School Sisters of St. Francis, the Tau cross signifies one’s belonging to God: consecrated, commissioned, committed. For the Tau Volunteer, it signifies reaching out to people in need and activating new growth by uniting with our sisters and associates who see the “needs of the times” as the will of God.
Where might I serve as a Tau Volunteer?
Tau Volunteer service opportunity sites
What is the length of service?
Short-term, full-time service opportunities range from four to twelve weeks. Service begins in October (for 2nd term elementary school tutors), January (between semesters for college students or 3rd term for elementary school tutors) or in the summer. There are several opportunities available at any time during the year.
Opportunities for internships in Milwaukee for Alverno, Cardinal Stritch, Mount Mary and Marquette students are available in the fall and spring semesters and in summer.
What are the requirements to be a Tau Volunteer?
Service-oriented women of faith with good relational skills, age 18 and older, are accepted in the Tau Volunteer Program. An application, references, interviews, and a signed release for a background check, are required. Functional Spanish may be required for some sites.
What are the financial arrangements?
Room and board, local transportation and all other living costs consistent with a Franciscan philosophy of simple living are provided by SSSF. Volunteers provide their own personal expenses, health insurance and transportation to and from the volunteer site.
Where would I live?
Volunteers live in community with sisters or associates of the School Sisters of St. Francis and share a simple, prayerful lifestyle in the Franciscan tradition. For example, Tau Volunteers might live with a group of five sisters in a parish house in El Paso, Texas, sharing morning prayer and meals with them, participating in their volunteer service activities and local meetings, and also sharing responsibilities for household tasks.
How big is the Tau Volunteer Program?
There are three to six volunteers in the program in a given year, with one or two volunteers at each site.
What training is provided?
On-site orientation includes background about the mission of the School Sisters of St. Francis as well as policies and procedures related to the local living group and ministry site. Additional on-site training is provided as needed. Ongoing support is given by the local sisters and/or associates.
How can I apply to be a Tau Volunteer?
Applications should be submitted via the U.S. postal mail or by e-mail at least six weeks before the desired starting date. Priority will be given to applications in the order in which they are received.
Where can I get more information?
Contact:
Sister Nan Pfefferle
School Sisters of St. Francis
1515 S. Layton Boulevard
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Phone: (800) 873-1515 X 5269
E-mail: npfefferle@sssf.org