Working in a homeless shelter in the Bronx, NY comes with its fair share of challenges. I love working at Siena House, a transitional housing shelter for young women who are pregnant or have a child under the age of three, but some days can be pretty discouraging. It’s difficult to watch these women try to navigate the homeless shelter system. They can easily fall through the cracks and become just another statistic. Sometimes it is their own doing, sometimes the system fails them, but in any case, it is hard to see day after day. Many of the women come from broken homes, abusive relationships, and other miserable circumstances. They have been failed in so many ways in their life already, so it’s difficult to watch them struggle for the seemingly standard things I have always had in mine – food, shelter, stability, and supportive friends and family. And what is most unfortunate is that in many ways, these women are their own worst enemies. Often, the residents cannot maintain jobs or finish a G.E.D. program because of the impermanence of their living situation and their lack of education, work ethic, and sense of responsibility. These poor habits and low expectations of themselves and others are usually the result of a tumultuous upbringing and lack of support from family and friend; and the government systems that are in place to help do not seem to be effective. On top of all this, these women have infants and toddlers to raise in a generally unstable environment. Some days, it can all seem a little hopeless. 

Luckily, most days can actually be really great. Despite the ongoing frustrations, Siena House is a beneficial place for the women and children to live. The house staff and case workers are from the neighborhood and are perfect examples of people working hard day in and day out to make a life for themselves. Employees at Siena House do not have easy or glamorous jobs, but they remain positive, supportive, and helpful to the women, even when they do not get the appreciation they deserve. I feel lucky to be the Activities Coordinator at Siena House because I get to do a little bit of everything. I have been able to help with many aspects of Siena House and experience some of the responsibilities of each staff member; I can see how hard everyone works to keep Siena House nice and to keep the residents moving forward. Knowing what the directors and case managers deal with, I am grateful that I am not in a position of authority with regards to the residents. Because of my unique position, I am able to get to know the women and their children and become more of a friend--it seems easier for the women to listen to a peer. I'm happy to help make resumes, plan educational workshops, or aide the women with job searches. It's fun to meet the residents and over time discover their personalities, talents, and interests, because in many ways, it is easy to see them as just another case number. I also think my position is great because I get to make the house a little more like a home. I throw holiday and birthday parties and am able to plan fun activities like baking or arts and crafts for the women. I understand my task here as being with these women in the most human way possible--simply living with them--which is unfortunately missing in so many other parts of their lives.

Siena House works hard to help and support its residents and it's not always apparent if it actually makes a difference. I think that when everyone does their part, though, it does all add up. More often than not, former residents will call or write to express their gratitude for how Siena House helped them and their children. In a world full of governmental agencies, this gratitude is a wonderful thing to witness. Siena House truly helps these women, even if small, seemingly unapparent ways. While agencies promise big changes, Siena house is here doing its very best to be with these women in a human way, never treating them or their children as numbers or statistics, and in that lies the most hope of all.

Rebekah Coleman

Bronx, NY 2011-2012

Kairos is supposed to bring you closer to your own self and to God and get you to treat each other the way Jesus would treat us. So when one of the guys steals another kid’s notebook, in which the kid wrote a letter to his dead father because it brought him comfort, and then berates that kid that he’s crying about losing something stupid, you question the retreat’s whole process. And by questioning the whole process, you question God’s presence on the retreat. But then you see what happens after, the whole rest of the group rallying behind that kid and telling him, “we will find your notebook.” And then they go and find it. And one of the cool guys stands up to that other cool guy who called the boy a whiner, and says, “I don’t care if it’s just a notebook, it was important to him.” You see God in that person who stood up for the other. You see God in those boys who stopped being tough and cool and started being someone. And you see it in all those other troubled boys who needed this retreat for guidance. They were the ones who began living up God’s image. That’s how my spirituality has grown. It’s grown from one kid who has had a history of struggles coming up to me at the end of the last retreat, giving me a hug, and saying, “thank you.” Kairos is much deeper than just being away from school and sharing your feelings. It focuses on opening yourself up to God, and when that happens, God really does work miracles. Miracles are people being an example for each other. For all the negative things I hear about the students at my school, when it comes down to it, they really do care about each other. Every day at school something good happens. The guys make me happy. My favorite part of the day is standing in the hallway in between classes. And I especially like seeing at school those guys I had on Kairos, for they show that going away for 4 days is worth it. Through my relationships with them, I’ve been able to be a part of God’s work in the world.

Daniel Madden

Chicago, IL 2011-2012

Community. The word initially brought to mind vague images of a town, a church, an organization. It now brings to mind the faces of my five community members, the faces of the greater Augustinian Volunteer network, and the faces of each person we’ve served. I now define community as a support system of love.

Our community of six eats together four to five nights per week. In addition, we formally pray together two nights each week. Meals and prayer provide ample opportunity for each of us to share stories and triumphs. Each gathering also enables us to seek advice on daily challenges.

I work at Hogar Infantil La Gloria—a full-time home for neglected, abused, and orphaned children on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico. My job is twofold: 1) Assisting in fundraising, accounting, and administrative efforts & 2) Working directly with the children at Hogar. Working with the children has been a blessing, for I have truly come to love the kids as if they’re part of my own family. I have to admit, though, that I struggled upon arriving at my worksite. It was clear that mornings would be spent in the baby room, while afternoons would be spent aiding the older children with homework. I am a very goal-oriented person, however, and I had trouble grasping the importance of my role and what I’d actually achieve by showing up each day. My community didn’t allow me to fall prey to my frustration.

In fact, each member of my San Diego AV community contributed to the clarity I gained regarding my role this year. A member of my community shared with me the words of Teresa de Avila,

Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours.

It’s difficult for anyone to fully grasp the idea of a children’s home. The grounds often appear as any schoolyard does at recess. Children run happily and freely about with few cares. My community reminded me, though, that these children aren’t able to go home at day’s end to receive personal attention from family. My role was starting to make sense.  I needed to find triumph in the small victories each day. Each time a child reaches for my hand, laughs with me, or hugs me—We’re winning together. We’re controlling those things that are within our control and overcoming a situation that could be looked at as unfortunate. It’s my role to love the kids as I love my family—as I love my community. Each child wants a hand to hold, a smile to brighten the day, a friendly hug that shows I care. Sometimes you need a community to point out the obvious, and I thank God for mine.

Paddy Welde
San Diego 2011-2012

Recently, my wife and I were walking around a Costco in San Diego, and to our amazement the store was bombarded with everything Christmas. It seems like every year Christmas décor and bargain sales start earlier than the previous year, and because of that Advent becomes one of the most underrated seasons in the life of the Church. That’s a pity because the importance of Advent calls us to focus our intentions and actions in order to prepare for and celebrate His coming at Christmas and beyond.

The season of Advent marks a key moment in the life of the Church. Advent begins the Church’s year and marks the period when we begin to look forward to the coming of Christ once more in our lives. This impending visit by Jesus invites us to take seriously the call by Isaiah to “prepare the way” by reflecting on the past, praying in the present, and hoping for the future. Life as an Augustinian Volunteer calls all of us to participate in that preparation in real ways. And so, I would like to take some time and reflect on the ways in which we have prepared ourselves for what we have already experienced, as well as what is to come in the remaining months of the volunteer year.

Prepare your mind. Even before arriving to AV orientation, you have been preparing for this volunteer year. Whether that is at a logistical, emotional, mental, or spiritual level, preparation was vital for your arrival. You left your family, friends, and comfort zone to embark on an adventure open to mystery. Your life has led you to this point. The choices you have made, the prayers you have prayed, and your trust in God has called each and every one of you to where you are. This preparation is crucial to the life of the Augustinian Volunteer because through it, each volunteer commits himself/herself to the mission of the program fully. But your preparation doesn’t stop there.

Prepare your heart. Besides the logistical and psychological preparation, there is also a need for a preparation of your heart. Jesus meets us where we are and that is most commonly in the people we interact with on a daily basis. Thus, by living as an Augustinian Volunteer you are embodying the preparation needed for Christmas.  Jesus is in your community members, He is in your co-workers, He is in the friars, He is in your neighbor. And because of that, the heart needs time to prepare for all that will be experienced. You have already had great experiences of joy as well as challenges, and these will continue throughout the year. What is important is how we receive these experiences. Is your heart open to where God is leading you? Advent calls us to embark on this road of preparation in order that we may see Christ in others and welcome them into our heart. And yet, there is still more preparation needed.

Prepare your spirit. By preparing your mind and heart, you have allowed yourself to take seriously the call as an Augustinian Volunteer to live faith-filled lives in community and for others. But all of this aims at something more: growing intimately closer to God and bringing others with you. If all we did was show up and serve, that would be great, but being an Augustinian Volunteer calls us to take that experience and use it to grow closer in our faith, hope, and love. In preparing our spirit for Christmas, we acknowledge that in order to give to others what we have, we also need to refresh ourselves with the presence of God. It is our constant prayer for our community that roots us in the hope that Christ’s coming will transform the world in a real way.

And so, this season of Advent I invite you to live the season out in its entirety. Allow this time to continue to form and prepare you for Jesus’ coming. Christmas will come soon enough, but Advent grants us the grace and time to become receptive to all that God has to offer us: faith, hope, and love.

Andrew McMillin

AV Alum, Lawrence 07-08

The blessings and challenges of this year have each taught me a new lesson about the human condition. Many of these are products of my responsibilities in Merrimack’s Campus Ministry, but the most notable are found in simple, every day behaviors. Specifically, I find that engaging in conversation is the most human activity in which we can partake. It is an art form in its own right. In many ways, conversations have generated some of the greatest joys at my service sites. In others, they are the source of my greatest challenges. I have conversations with my colleagues, Merrimack students, people I work with at our weekly service sites, my community members, and complete strangers, but their value is always the same. It is immeasurable.

At 58 Newbury Street in Lawrence, Massachusetts, visitors are greeted at the door by a sense of home. Bread & Roses is a restaurant style soup kitchen that serves those who are most in need in our community. In this intimate setting, the dining room prays before every meal to show thanks for the day God has given us. Plates are then brought from the assembly line in the kitchen to hungry hands and hearts. Through my service there, I have come to know Bread & Roses as a place where bodies are nourished, friends are made, and human dignity is restored.

At dinnertime, I see both old and new faces. There are two faces in particular, however, that I anticipate every Tuesday around 6:30pm. Two brothers, Frenchie and Lionel, have been my companions at Bread & Roses since my first week. As soon as I see them walk in, I am overjoyed. My first instinct is to drop what I am doing, but my responsibility to the kitchen paralyzes me. Instead, I raise my voice to them from where I stand and I am always greeted with a smile. Their presence draws me to sit with them because I find consolation in sharing a conversation. Whether it is about their father who recently passed away or about our favorite kinds of movies, I feel most like myself when I’m hanging out with them.

In many ways, these conversations have reminded me of the value of telling one’s story because the truth is a very powerful tool. Not only does the story-teller feel a burden taken from them in sharing, but the one listening is changed by the human emotion of the story. It is impossible not to feel the freeness that is inherent to the truth.

Of the biblical sisters Mary and Martha, I think Mary really had it right. In taking on her attitude, I find myself drawn closer to God. My conversations with others have a direct impact on my spirituality. The sensitivity and self-awareness that this requires is not an easy practice, but it is worth the effort. As I continue to embrace the blessings and challenges of my volunteer year, I look forward to the rest of my Tuesdays with Frenchie and Lionel.

Meg Costantini

Lawrence, MA 2011-2012

Rejoice.  Rejoice in poverty for it is all around.  Rejoice in homelessness for many are without shelter.  Rejoice in death for some are left orphaned.  Rejoice in AIDS for it causes great suffering.  The 2^nd reading tells us  “Rejoice always.”

When some people see poverty they see laziness; when they see a homeless man they see a drunk; when they see AIDS they see irresponsibility.  As an AV, past or present, our eyes have been opened.  God has given us the gift to see beyond the stereotypes and unveil the mask of poverty, homelessness, death, AIDS; and sitting behind the injustice and sorrow is a man, a woman, a child, a human being.  That God has chosen you, just as he chose John to baptize, is something to rejoice in.  He has handpicked you to be an instrument of His love.  Do not take despair in what is not present (food, shelter, health), but rather rejoice in what is present: You, and your student, client, co-worker, patient, or friend.  Rejoice in the relationships and bonds that have formed; rejoice that you are willing and capable of sharing stories, laughter, tears, hugs, hands, of sharing your love with another.

Sure, it’s a daunting task to feel all happy and glad when constantly faced with situations we can’t understand, but we must look a little deeper and open our eyes a little wider.  

And so “Rejoice always:” in the opportunity to help a hungry child read or have a conversation with a struggling mother of three; in sharing a meal with a lonely stranger; in a life lived and a soul that becomes an angel; in unwavering faith and hope despite desperate situations.  And do not stop rejoicing; and do not keep the soul-filled moments of rejoicing to yourself.  For your eyes have been opened, but many are still blind.  What a blessing it is to have the responsibility granted by God to reach out, take the hand of someone who does not see behind the mask of injustice and show them what it means to rejoice in the goodness of humanity of all God’s precious people.  This Advent and always, Rejoice.

Mary Dillon

AV Alum, Lawrence 04-05, South Africa 05-07

Living in community provides a rich opportunity to put Christ at the center of your life.  I remember conversations and prayers with my community members causing me to see certain situations in a new light.  Sometimes there were stressful moments at work when I would take a deep breath and re-frame my thinking in a more spiritual way.  Other times, I would come home upset and one of my community members would offer a new way of looking at things and offer a suggestion for the next day.  That shared reflection was a crucial part of my experience, allowing me to grow spiritually and recognize God’s presence in new ways.

The first reading today calls us to give comfort to God’s people and prepare the way for the Lord. I must admit, my first glance left me feeling uneasy.  This advent marks two years since my return from Peru, and regrettably I seem to have lost my sense of urgency.  I wonder how many AV alumni have returned from full time service and faced a similar experience.  The second reading is of some reassurance, reminding us that God is patient and wishes the best for us.  But the fact remains that the clock is ticking.  

In light of this reminder, I propose the following:  

Current AV’s: Take advantage of all you have been given. Trust your community members and challenge one another in specific ways to live in a more purposeful, Christian way.  Re-evaluate what simple living means or discuss how your ideas of solidarity have progressed or changed throughout the year. Set personal goals for prayer and how you interact with others. Your time as AV’s will move quickly, so I encourage you to take advantage of one of your greatest resources- each other.

AV Alumni: Don’t forget to reflect upon how your AV experiences have changed and shaped your perspective. Identify which forces in your life are motivating you to live as the Gospel demands, prioritize those influences, and seek out new ways to challenge and motivate yourself.  Reach out to a community member to share your thoughts and perhaps challenge each other to set new spiritual goals.

Regardless of your situation, I invite each  of you to consider the following passage as a challenge:

God can be found and glorified in any situation. Is there an area of your life where you might reach out to another in need? Have you tried to rely only on yourself in difficult situations?  Take a moment to envision the whole world preparing for the coming of the Lord. What is your role going to be?

Volunteers, especially those living in community, are blessed with constant reminders of the need for prayer, compassion, and acts of service. It takes patience and persistence to respond to those needs, but support systems make it possible. Advent is a special time of preparation to reflect on the fundamentals of our faith.  It is through our care and concern for others that we may begin to prepare ourselves.  May we all experience a blessed Advent and hold onto or recapture a faithful sense of urgency for Christ.

Liz Farrey-Jette

AV Alum, Peru 2009

Isaiah 63 speaks of the act of us wandering from the Lord’s intentions. Caught up in the busyness of everyday life, we often do not acknowledge our own imperfections unless we take the time to reflect upon them. Just as the people beckon for God to return to them for guidance and support, we are called home during the holiday season to be present to our families and communities.

If we allow it, Advent can become an opportunity for reflection, self-improvement and spiritual closeness with God. As Isaiah states, “we are the clay and you the potter; we are all the work of your hands,” and we have the power to utilize our unique gifts and talents to serve the Lord. As volunteers, you are realizing the power of your God-given talents to serve those in need. You have been called to be Augustinian Volunteers so that you can be the work of God’s hands. 

Our second reading from 1 Corinthians speaks of thankfulness, a word that is repeated most often during the time of Thanksgiving. As we approach Christmas, let us give thanks for the many blessings in our lives that we often take for granted. Reflect upon God’s grace, for which we are asked to give thanks. As Corinthians states, it is God’s influence that has enriched our lives, and as volunteers, the impact of your work is so clear. It can be seen every day in the faces of those you serve: the children in the schools, the hungry to which you serve meals at the soup kitchen, the homeless to which you bring hope through your work. 

As we enter the Advent season, let us recall our motivation to be Catholics in service. We are the work of God’s hands, so act in accordance to God’s will. While our vision can sometimes become clouded by distractions of material worth as Christmas approaches, let us remember our reason for gathering in celebration, and use this to do good work with God’s hands.

Alex Gallucci

AV Alum, Lawrence, MA 2009-2010

More than a year ago my busy college self had to start really thinking about what life after graduation would hold. I knew I wanted to do a year of service but after reading through the numerous brochures I struggled deciding what was right for me. I had heard about the Augustinian Volunteers through friends and was immediately drawn to the program after learning about its intimate community life and spiritual involvement. At this point I had to be selfish and really think about what the Augustinian Volunteers had to offer me while at the same time recognizing what I could offer in return. 

After re-introducing myself to the Augustinian order I quickly became sold on the idea of living together in a way to become closer to God. The way of life those in the order live is admirable and I knew I wanted to volunteer and live in their likeliness. The Augustinian website read, and still does, “live together in harmony being of one mind and one heart on the way to God”. The Augustinian volunteers fully encompass this and I knew I found what God had in store for me after graduation. 

Now three months into my service I could not be happier with my decision. Not only do I wake up every morning excited to serve at my work site, I wake up with a rewarding feeling of belonging. I am now part of the Augustinian family and have already been impacted greatly from my community and the great new people I continue to meet. The Augustinian community here in San Diego is overwhelmingly hospitable and friendly. It is hard to put into words the gratitude I have for all the priests and deacons we have had the pleasure of meeting. Their willingness to quickly accept us into their lives is something beautiful. Every Tuesday night my community members and I are invited to the monastery at St. Augustine’s High School to have dinner with the priests. This Tuesday night ritual has quickly become one of my favorite experiences. The food is amazing but it’s the conversation and company that really makes these nights special. They have really made me feel home here in San Diego and are always helping us get involved in different activities along with providing us great insight into their Augustinian way of life. 

The Augustinians have really impacted my spiritual life as well. We were lucky enough to spend one of our community prayer nights at the monastery receiving reconciliation. Their eagerness to help us in any way they can while leading through example is really wonderful. Spending time at the monastery is a weekly reminder for me to slow down and remember the greater community that I am now part of. I have quickly come to enjoy the recognition of being an Augustinian volunteer, I am proud to tell people about my service, the Augustinian community and how they are positively impacting my life. 

Megan Coughlin

San Diego, CA 2011-2012

God is in the people with whom I share 30 minutes every day, whose stories I don’t know: He is present in every person riding the subway who stares at the wall or the floor, anywhere but at his or her fellow passengers. He is present in the man walking through subway car after car, repeating his request for food or money in a monotone, perhaps in an attempt to retain what dignity he can. God is with the woman prompted by the Spirit and a courage I do not possess to tell her captive audience that God loves them, and we don’t have to wait till Christmas to tell Christ we love him too. God is in the midst of the people gathered in Grand Central terminal to pray a rosary before their commute home. God is present every day in people I ignore because it’s just easier that way.

God is present in the United Nations, no matter how much everyone ignores Him or denies His relevance. God is present in everyone who wants to prove that we don’t rely on old-fashioned beliefs in some mystical being, but instead base our opinions and actions solely on provable fact and logic. He is in the meetings, the debates, the consultations, briefings, and conferences: in short, in every gathering of His people. God is present in every person arguing who should make a good-will gesture first, who should admit they are wrong and lay down their weapons before their adversary. God is there for every empty promise, every minute spent on words instead of actions, every twisted political maneuver.

But God is present, too, in every consultation about the best way to end extreme poverty and hunger. He is there in every conversation about treating and preventing diseases that have become the scourge of populations ill-equipped to handle them. God is in the midst of discussions of promoting human rights and protecting the people who defend them. God is present in every person on this international soil who came to make the world a better place. He is present in every effort to remember the vulnerable, every voice that speaks for the voiceless.
The question now, I suppose, is whether I actually see God in these people and places. Interesting question. Sometimes I surprise myself when I explain to someone that Augustinians International is “the NGO of the Order of St. Augustine, a Catholic religious community.” Oh! That’s right! I’m Catholic, and I work with other Catholics! That means…we do good things for people, right? Yeah, we’re concerned about the dignity of the human person…and…there’s something else…oh! We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who became man to save us from sin and death. Now I remember!
That sounds pretty sarcastic, but periodically I do have to go through this thought process as I remember why I’m here. I’m not here to prove the might of a particular government, or to represent a particular State’s interests. I am here to witness to the love God has for each of us, the love He calls us to have for each other.

It really is awe-inspiring that this international organization functions as well as it does, and continues to set such lofty goals. Every delegate, minister, advocate, and intern at the UN knows what the problems are, but the prevailing atmosphere is still one of hope and determination: there is a way to make life better for each and every person, and together, we will find it.

I see God in this hope and determination. I see God in the people reminded by a stranger that they are loved. The question now is: what will I do about it?

Susanna Seibert

Bronx NY, 2011-2012