Jen Kobza, has been a parishioner for 8 years and gives her time and talent primarily as a School Volunteer and EMHC. Jen and her husband Ryan have been married for 17 years and have two daughters, Keslyn and Malia, both at St. Stephen the Martyr School.

How did you get started volunteering at St. Stephen the Martyr? 

I started volunteering when my oldest daughter started kindergarten at SSM. I work full-time and around that time I started telecommuting and was able to carve out my schedule to help with field trips and class parties. Once you start, then you realize that volunteer opportunities are endless and I started facilitating Junior Achievement, coaching Girls on the Run, and becoming active in Home and School. After I attended the first Women’s Welcome Weekend at SSM, this also inspired me to become more involved on our parish side. I became an EMHC, a Seven Sister for Fr. Dave, and attending daily adoration and mass.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering? 

It’s really a selfish thing on my part. I love the people I volunteer with and I love helping with the school and church. However, my ALL TIME favorite has to be when teaching or coaching kids and you can tell when something you said clicks or resonates with them. It’s seriously the best thing ever!

What does St. Stephen the Martyr mean to you?

I moved to Omaha after graduating college. I grew up and lived in central Iowa my entire life up until that point. We bounced around to many parishes trying to find the right fit and finally found SSM. SSM is now considered my home away from home!

Do you have any advice to other parishioners looking to volunteer? 

There is an opportunity for EVERYONE! The most important advice I have is if you feel the tug in your heart to give of yourself, then just take the first step and START. It could be as simple as praying for our priests or opening up our bulletin and learning about a group that interests you. Then 8 years from now you can reflect back on where you were and think about all of the amazing people you have met along the way, just like I am doing now. 🙂