We are Thankful ~ Part 1

SSND sisters and associates are thankful for the blessings in their lives. How do they “pay that forward”? Many participate in service projects through their parishes, ministries, local communities or on their own.

Here are just a couple stories of services to others. More will be posted in the next few weeks!

Recently, Texas has seen an influx of unaccompanied immigrant children. Sister Leah Couvillion works with children from Central America as a volunteer at a shelter for children run by a Catholic agency in San Antonio. They share Bible stories or explanations of a devotion, such as the rosary. They also engage in crafts, learn to make rosaries, play guitar and more. “We are a small team. It is a great joy to be there,” Sister Leah says.

SSND Associate Kate Fontanazza volunteers at an English as a second language (ESL) program at St. Michael’s Parish in Milwaukee, Wis. The program helps Karen and Karreni refugees who left their homes because of the genocide in Burma (Myanmar). As a volunteer, Kate and another ESL student are teaching three blind men. “Working with the refugees is a life-giving experience,” Kate shared. “We talk, laugh and experience together. The refugees have come through such hardships and their interest in learning English is inspiring.”

Cathedral Parish in Belleville, Ill., has several ways they help the poor in the parish and neighborhood. One service they have provided for at least 10 years is a Saturday morning breakfast that serves approximately 100 people. Sisters Joan Markus and Tess Markus are two of many volunteers at the breakfast. “One important thing we try to do is to serve them at the table rather than have them go through the food line,” Sister Tess explains. “It provides us an opportunity to be with the poor, talk with them and serve them as Jesus did.”

Sister Ann Carol Kaufenberg writes to two prisoners, one who has had no contact with his family, who are incarcerated in Missouri. She tries to write every six weeks to give them some outside contact. She also holds a prayer service at the jail with women who are awaiting trial or serving time. “This experience certainly has given me an insight into the value of time away from a bad environment where change can begin to take place.” Sister Ann says. “I have no idea if the change is permanent, but most of the people I connect with are grateful.”

How do you help others? How do you pay it forward?

>>Link to We are Thankful ~ Part 2
>>Link to We are Thankful ~ Part 3
>>Link to We are Thankful ~ Part 4

Photo credit: Linda Behrens