Welcome our new Coordinator of Volunteer Services!

When Sarah Knoblock’s sister was an intern for White Violet Center for Eco-Justice in the early 2000s, Sarah wanted to come and help.

“I volunteered a few days with her at White Violet Center and had spent the night in Guerin Hall with her,” Sarah said. “I loved that Guerin Hall felt historical and had some of the beautify of European-style buildings.

“I also volunteered at White Violet Center in 2019 when I moved back to Terre Haute. I mostly did a lot of weeding. I loved the peace and quiet of the Woods while working outside.”

Sarah’s love of the historical aspect of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, as well as the natural beauty of the Woods, never left and in August this year, she became the Sisters of Providence Coordinator of Volunteer Services, replacing Sister Becky Keller, SP, who ministered in that role for 15 years.

Big Shoes to Fill

“No one could ever replace Sister Becky, but I am happy to try and fill her shoes,” Sarah said. “Sister Becky is a very fun and energetic worker who all of the volunteers seem to love. Sister Becky grew quite close to the volunteers. That kind of rapport cannot be instantly created but develops over time with trust and consistency.

“I hope that I can work to the point of being worthy of the esteem and appreciation of our wonderful volunteers, as Sister Becky was esteemed and appreciated.”

Sarah was born in Montana, but her family moved to Terre Haute when she was a toddler. She graduated from Terre Haute South High School and attended college in New York, receiving an Associate’s Degree in baking and pastry arts as well as a Bachelor’s degree in professional studies, baking and pastry arts management.

Following her stint in college, she worked in Terre Haute for two years in the baking industry but felt her heart tugging her toward working with non-profit organizations. In 2012, she moved to Denver and began working with various non-profits, including Volunteers of America and the St. Francis Center.

“During my seven years in Colorado, I worked in a day shelter for people who were homeless, was a coordinator for Meals on Wheels, and a service coordinator for a low-income housing program,” Sarah said. “I moved back to Terre Haute in 2019 to be closer to family.”

Coming Home

After moving back to Indiana, Sarah started working at Chances and Services for Youth as the Vigo County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coordinator before joining with the Sisters of Providence.

“Through the years when I’ve lived in Terre Haute, I have always been a parishioner at St. Margaret Mary,” Sarah said. “I started the Creation Care Team there in 2019 and I’m part of the funeral luncheon committee. I also participate and assist with St. Joseph’s Franciscan Young Adult Ministry program.”

Since coming to the Sisters of Providence in August, Sarah said she hopes to continue and grow the Congregation’s expanding volunteer program.

“Now that we are recovering from COVID-19, I am seeing many volunteers who are ready to come back and use their time and talent assisting the sisters,” Sarah said. “There is always a great need for volunteers. I would love to see a revival of people of all ages getting involved in volunteer work.

“Being a lifelong volunteer, I know the joy of giving back and knowing that I am bringing glory to God by caring for others.”