Appreciating Our Live The Good Volunteers

Appreciating Our Live The Good Volunteers

Maddie and John Sumnar

Every day, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur are grateful for our ever-growing community of volunteers who join us in making God’s goodness known. Personally, I think I have the best job in the world! I experience pure joy bringing people together and working alongside Sisters and volunteers doing all kinds of different things like packing diapers, sorting recyclables, cutting honeysuckle, or hauling mulch. The best part is gathering for discussion and reflection at the end of our time together. I hear sleepy, reluctant teens talk about how they are glad their parents dragged them out of bed on a cold Saturday morning. People speak of feeling a greater connection to their faith. I talk with folks who pull me aside afterward and ask how they can do more.

Imagine my excitement at having the opportunity to host Skyline with the Sisters, a casual dinner and time to thank Live The Good volunteers for all they do for others. Covid kept us from gathering in this way for far too long, making it even more special to finally bring a large crowd of Sisters and volunteers together.

Sister Kim Dalgarn, Archivist, strolled down Heritage Hall, sharing the history of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for folks interested in learning more. Sister Ann Ralston graciously agreed to open the gift shop, offering an opportunity for people to purchase an assortment of items, including afghans knitted by Sisters and unique Catholic gifts.

 

 

L to R: Chuck Schnell, Sister Jo Depweg, SNDdeN, Chris Schnell, and
Sister Betty Ann Zengel, SNDdeN

 

 

Opening Prayer with Sister Carol Wetli, SNDdeN

As the evening unfolded, a palpable sense of community grew. Connection is so vitally important! We all need a place of belonging—a place where we can just be ourselves and soak up the goodness of others. It is a true treasure to sit among Sisters and get to know them, and to sow the seeds of friendship with former strangers.

If you haven’t experienced the joy of participating in a Live The Good Opportunity, we hope you will soon. There is so much to be gained by getting involved.

Please know how grateful we are for each of you, and for all the ways you make God’s goodness known every single day.

Be well. Do good.

 

 


Holly Schlaack
Director of Volunteer Engagement