Quotes from Our Volunteers
We thought you would like to hear what some our volunteers have to say about their experiences.
"I enjoy voluteering at parties held at DeWitt Nursing Home because they are joyful events for the residents. It is wonderful seeing the expressions of happiness on their faces. The Valentine's Day party is my favorite because it conveys to residents that they are remembered and loved."
"Being a Eucharistic Minister at the DeWitt Nursing Home is a constant reminder of how fortunate I am to be able to bring not only the Body of Christ to those who are lonely, in pain or forgotten but also, at times, the gift of compassion and comfort. We all are nourished and strengthened in the breaking of bread. It is a very rewarding ministry."
"Volunteering at the dances for the developmentally disabled is a unique experience. The residents who come from the various group homes look forward with great excitement to these dances. When they come into the Hall, with the music playing, they start dancing and some never sit. This is a ministry I truly enjoy, and I also look forward to the Dances!"
"Spending an evening with the developmentally diabled is a special time, and it has to be experienced to really understand that 'We are all God's people.' I think of these words at every dance and thank God that I have the opportunity, in some small way, to bring fun and a good time to those who have so many problems, but have the Grace to have a good time."
"I became a Eucharistic Minister because it is a very meaningful way to participate in the central aspect of our weekly liturgy. It's an opportunity to imitate the example of Christ through service and selflessness of the communion ritual. It also enables me to build a much deeper relationship and understanding with the miracle and mystery of communion."
"Being a Eucharistic Minister enables me to fulfill my obligation to serve the members of the church communitiy by helping to distribute the extraordinary and awe-inspiring gift of Jesus himself -- his body and blood as food and drink. I cannot know what grace this brings to the communicant, but I am privileged to serve in a small way as a conduit of the peace and joy that only Jesus can give."
"We had always had an interest in volunteering at soup kitchens as part of a personal mission. What we did not know was the dramatic need of people and families that were struggling to put food on their tables. Our first visit to the Yorkville Common Pantry's Saturday morning distribution opened our eyes. First, it allowed us to put faces on the people the Pantry serves. Second, it broke any stereotypes we might have had. These are proud, hard working people trying to make ends meet. We are proud to be St. Stephen's representatives on the Pantry's Board and to be part of this important ministry."
