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Tag: volunteer
St. Vincent de Paul honors volunteers at drive-in
On a beautiful, if blustery, fall evening, more than 130 volunteers, conference members, and staff of the District Council of Madison, Inc., Society of St. Vincent de Paul gathered September 30 at the Madison Mallards’ Duck Pond to celebrate the work of volunteers who serve neighbors in need in our community.
Volunteers needed at The Beacon
The Beacon, the homeless day resource center operated by Catholic Charities in downtown Madison, has a need for volunteers.
Care Team volunteer builds relationships through home visits
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| Mary Nellis (right) and her husband, Bob (center), visit Betty Bormett (left) at Bormett’s home in Madison. The Nellises are part of the Parish Care Team through St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Madison and Catholic Charities Madison. Care Team members volunteer to help the homebound or those living alone to preserve a rich and independent lifestyle through home visits and other means. (Contributed photo) |
MADISON — “It’s a very personal ministry, taking care of people.”
For the past 10 years, Mary Nellis of Madison has been involved in that “personal ministry.”
She is one of two team leaders of the Parish Care Team at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Madison.
Nellis said the mission of the care team is “to be able to keep [those homebound or living alone] as independent as possible with a little bit of support from the parish and from fellow parishioners.”
Team members offer friendly visits and phone contacts; assistance with shopping, errands, and household tasks; along with emotional support, prayer, and home Communion visits.
“We will go in and bring the Eucharist to them and visit with them,” said Nellis, “and share something from the Mass the previous weekend, or just do a social visit with somebody who is lonely and who would appreciate somebody within the parish coming and just being a friend.”
The team also offers respite, relief, and support to family caregivers so they may rest and relax.
Catholic Charities Madison partners with the team to provide training and on-going consultation.
Getting involved
Nellis said she comes “from a long line of volunteers in my family,” and saw a need to get involved in the care team ministry as her own parents eventually needed respite care and realized some people don’t have anyone to come and check on them.
Her husband, Bob, got involved with the ministry first, and she soon followed.
One of her first partners was a wife suffering from dementia and nearing death.
Thank you to all volunteers!
When I’ve helped prepare and serve a meal at the Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) in Madison, I always come away with a feeling of satisfaction.
I’ve played a role in providing a nutritious meal which the guests appreciate. And I have spent some time volunteering in our community. Hot meals are served every day of the week at the CMC, thanks to hundreds of volunteers who supply the food, get it ready, and serve it to the guests.
The CMC — like so many Church organizations — depends on volunteers. Volunteers are essential in our Catholic parishes, schools, hospitals and health care facilities, and other agencies such as Catholic Charities and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
How will you answer the call?
About five years ago, I left a wonderful job in corporate America to join the nonprofit sector and have not looked back.
I can’t tell you exactly what it was that compelled me to make such a drastic move. Over the years I had worked with many nonprofits, mostly as a volunteer, and loved the work and people involved. It just felt like it was the right thing to do. Almost like it was a calling.
Durward’s Glen to host Fall Festival
BARABOO — Durward’s Glen will host its 2014 Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at W11876 McLeisch Rd. in Baraboo.
Vendors will be set up in and around the Main Lodge and Artist’s Cottage, allowing visitors a look inside these historic buildings. Vendors can still register for outside spots by contacting Cathy Lins at 608-356-8113 or emailing theglen150@gmail.com
Plan 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign
MADISON — It’s time to start planning for the 40 Days for Life 2014 Fall Campaign.
“Vigil for Life is pleased to report that since last year’s 40 Days for Life prayer vigil campaign, God has blessed us with many graces by changing hearts and minds and by saving lives,” said Gwen Finnegan, director of Vigil for Life-Madison.
“Through our daily peaceful and prayerful presence and with God’s grace, we have been able to send many women over to the Women’s Care Center, where they are given the support needed to choose life for their baby. We are seeing the fruits of our labor due to sacrifice and God’s guiding hand.
Plan 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign
MADISON — It’s time to start planning for the 40 Days for Life 2014 Fall Campaign.
“Vigil for Life is pleased to report that since last year’s 40 Days for Life prayer vigil campaign, God has blessed us with many graces by changing hearts and minds and by saving lives,” said Gwen Finnegan, director of Vigil for Life-Madison.
“Through our daily peaceful and prayerful presence and with God’s grace, we have been able to send many women over to the Women’s Care Center, where they are given the support needed to choose life for their baby. We are seeing the fruits of our labor due to sacrifice and God’s guiding hand.