Volunteering

Since I lost a part time job which I truly enjoyed doing, I found myself with some time on my hands. I would have continued driving cancer patients for the American Cancer Society but some new executive in the Boston area decided to stop funding the program, thus eliminating two part time positions. That must have looked good on her list of accomplishments for the year and it probably earned her a bonus which would have gone to serve a needier person. What they eliminated was a service that provided rides to people who had no means of getting back and forth to their treatments.

Many of the people I drove, along with a woman in the North Shore that did the same, were going for radiation treatments, that meant going to a hospital or clinic for an average of six weeks straight (30 – 33) days. For others it meant going to chemotherapy treatments that left them very weak and rendered them useless to drive even if they had a car.

These people came from all walks of life, elderly, young, some on fixed incomes, others who were professional people – I even provided this service to a doctor. For me the decision was definitely one that would fall under the “Penny wise, pound foolish” category. That’s what happens when you have executives making decisions that are totally removed from the realities of the world. They are called executives because they EXECUTE.

My need to give of some of my time would not go away until I found a flyer at church asking for volunteers. I must say the priest scandal situation had shaken my trust in the clergy but it never shattered my faith. I decided to attend another church where I felt comfortable, The St. Anthony Shrine on Arch Street. For some reason, I always connected better with the Franciscans than the Jesuits even though I’ve been around Jesuits since I was small. Maybe it’s because I like St. Francis of Assisi better than St. Ignatius of Loyola the respective founders of both orders, or maybe I like the outward appearance of a Franciscan friar or brother dressed in their simple garb.

Whatever the reason, I decided to take the step to do some volunteer work and it’s proved to be very rewarding and fulfilling. The church is only a building and has very little significance without the people that run it and attend it. It’s even better when the people that attend have a lot of say in the way it’s run. There are approximately 150 volunteers who help out in the various ministries of the church. Many including myself are lectors, Eucharistic ministers, and acolytes.

Unlike many of the parish churches, St. Anthony Shrine is open all day long and very accessible to all since it’s in the heart of downtown Boston. For a schedule of daily and weekend masses and confessions go to http://www.stanthonyshrine.org/.

I have volunteered for a number of things, such as signing up people for a blood drive, as a greeter for the various functions that take place in conjunction with various holidays and feast days, to work at the front desk, and to help with the seniors program.

Whenever I volunteer my time, I find that I receive at least twice in return. Where could you invest and get double in return? I’m not talking about money but the intangibles of life, feeling good about helping someone in much greater need than you, the satisfaction felt when you know you made a positive contribution to a total stranger. I need it most when I’m most vulnerable and start feeling sorry for myself. In just 10 minutes working at the front desk, I forget all my supposed troubles, as I interact with people that are carrying such a heavy cross. Just looking at the pain and suffering on some of the faces makes you want to reach out and help them with their load thereby realizing how light you load is.

At the front desk, I can see everything. I watch people that come to Mass or just to drop in the chapel to pray or light a candle or to go to confession. I can see people going by me heading for the various programs that are available. I’m amazed at the number of people from all walks of life that attend the AA program; as you look at their faces you could almost tell at what stage they are. I have a lot of admiration and respect for anyone that’s trying hard to free themselves from the chains of addiction. I see people that avail themselves of the Wellness Center and the various services they provide for free.

The Wellness Center is staffed by nurses who volunteer their time in order to provide some basic health screenings that might save someone’s life who simply can’t afford to see a doctor. They are constantly expanding their services and recently have conducted a Dental Screening.

I have also recently assisted Sr. Margaret who runs the Senior’s Program. Every Wednesday, she along with Gary Convertino put together a program that starts off with Mass at 10 AM followed by a presentation of some sorts which includes a hot meal around noon time. You can tell by the looks on the faces of the seniors that they appreciate the time spent with others and to have the opportunity to talk and have someone listen to them. This past week they watched the movie The Robe and I found it interesting that at the end they all clapped. I couldn’t help but think that I was with seniors but they were children at heart. It reminded me of the passage in the Bible where Jesus said "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”

I enjoy giving a few hours a week, serving lunch to a group of mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers who have served others throughout their life. I receive so much knowledge and wisdom from people who have seen and experienced a lot more than me. I recently met a sweet old man, who spoke seven languages and I was able to practice my Italian on him.

I’ve only touched on a couple of the many programs that are ongoing at the Shrine. If you want additional information you can access the web site up above.

Keep in mind of what we are reminded in Matthew 25: 40, 'To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'