News Archive

RMC Volunteers:  End of the year reflections 2005-2006

Marie Coraggio

(Marie served at Holy Redeemer Hospital in the Pastoral Care Department and in the Hospice unit through the VNA – PA)

“A time filled with unforgettable experiences” is how Marie described her volunteer year.   Marie has had the privilege of journeying with so many people in a very personal and spiritual way through many joys and challenges.  She served at Holy Redeemer Hospital in the Pastoral Care department and in the hospice unit through the VNA – PA.  Through her ministry, co-workers, community and friends, she has learned so much about people and living and knows this learning will continue for years to come. 

Prior to beginning her ministry, Marie shared,  “I chose to join RMC to put my faith into action.  I hope to be a companion to those in my ministry sites, the Sisters of theHoly Redeemer, the Angelus community and God.  I am excited to explore my faith and spirituality further, live simply and develop friendships.”  She credits the love and support from a countless number of people for helping her fulfill her mission this past year.  

Marie will renew her commitment with RMC and continue her nursing ministry with the hospice unit through the VNA – PA three days a week.  She will also take classes at Chestnut Hill College. 

We thank Marie for her commitment this past year and look forward to journeying with her for a second year.

Petra Dankova

(Petra served in several capacities at Drueding Center/Project Rainbow)

“I hope to discover new things, both within and around me…  I want to stay open to everything that will come my way and I trust the Lord that He will lead me where I need to go.”

Reflecting back on her mission statement, Petra shared , “the many people who have supported me, opened up to me, or challenged me during the RMC year made a lasting mark on my heart – my fellow volunteers, the sisters, the women and children at Drueding Center/Project Rainbow, my coworkers and those who have accompanied me in a special way.  I could never make this journey without God guiding me along, reminding me to keep my eyes open and always being there to catch me when I stumbled…”

One of the important things that Petra has “figured out” is that she will never run out of things to learn and thus life will never be boring or predictable. 

She sums up her year of volunteering as, “a time of wonder, discovery, and many new beginnings.”

Thank you, Petra for journeying with so many people. 

Petra will return to the Czech Republic to reconnect with family and friends and look for employment.

James McShane

(James served as a case manager at Bethesda Project, Inc. at Bainbridge House)

 “When you experience how unlikely some  outcome is, know that God loves that kind of situation.  No matter the situation that I have faced, I believe that something positive can come out of it.  By taking a risk in believing that homelessness can be overcome, not only will I gain friendships, share myself and recognize someone, I will be able to receive the same.”  The 36 men who have lived, are living at Bainbridge House, the Bethesda Project staff, Fr. Mark, family, housemates and God have all been a part of helping James fulfill his mission statement. 

From this year of service, James takes with him the learnings that God is in everyone, no matter how easy or difficult it may be to “see” this fact.  The most challenging experience for James this past year was trying to be a part of the Holy Redeemer Health System while working outside of it.

James described his volunteer year as, “Learning how to be a respectful, compassionate, hospitable, holistic, collaborative steward of justice who cares, comforts and heals.

We are grateful to James for taking on the challenge that his ministry presented and being an advocate for the homeless.

We wish James all the best with his full time employment at Bainbridge House.

Beth Merlini

(Beth finished her time of service in June 2006 to prepare for medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine)

  “My faith has always been central to my life, and I have always been taught to put my faith in action, especially through service”, were the words Beth shared during the missioning liturgy in August 2005.  This past year, Beth was able to fulfill her goal at two service sites:  at Lafayette Redeemer as a certified nursing aide and at the Drueding Center/Project Rainbow as a clinic liaison.   She gives credit to her community, family, co-workers those she served, all the Sisters, Eileen and her friends.

From her time with the RMC program she shares, “I have gained invaluable experience working at Lafayette and Rainbow that will make me a better physician and Christian.  The most rewarding experience has been the relationships that I have developed in ministry, community and with the Sisters.

Beth described her volunteer year as “challenging and rewarding; an opportunity to experience the indescribable and cultivate relationships.”

We wish Beth all the best in her studies and in her career as a physician.  THANK YOU!

Kimberly George

(Kim finished her time of service in March 2006 to begin Physician Assistant school at Drexel University)

“As an RMC volunteer, I hope to continue to grow spiritually and emotionally, to share my joy and spirit with those around me and to experience things that will push me out of my comfort zone…”

Kim discovered that just living life this past year has been extremely challenging but also very rewarding.  She is very grateful for the love and support of those around her as well as the gift of God’s loving presence.

Kim also took on the challenge of balancing two ministries:  Nurse Aide at St. Joseph’s Manor and teacher assistant at the Holy Redeemer Child Care Center.  Both, she said have helped her grow as a person and provided her with a great learning environment filled with loving and supportive people.

Some of the life lessons she takes with her are:  be flexible!  Having a plan is great but not always possible, live for and enjoy the moment because everything is constantly changing and never forget to show those around you how much they mean to you!

Kim described her volunteer year as  “a time in my life I will always remember.”

We thank Kim for her hard work and dedication and wish her the best in the future.

 

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“Everything in God, with God, and for God.”
– Mother Alphonse Maria Eppinger