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Colorado 1994 Vincentian Volunteers est JOURNEY Autumn 2017 | Denver, Colorado | Vol 23, No I n t h e s p i r i t o f S t V i n c e n t d e Pa u l , t h e m i s s i o n o f t h e C o l o r a d o V i n c e n t i a n Vo l u n t e e r s i s t o i n v i t e y o u n g a d u l t s into a process of transformation through companionship with those who are poor and marginalized Love: Harsh and dreadful Learning to love differences can be interesting and tough By Naoki O’Bryan I CVV Year 23 Volunteer accepted the invitation to spend a year with CVV on the morning of Holy Thursday, shortly before being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter vigil I knew I did not want to receive the sacraments without embracing the love within them, and that a year of service would be a good way to keep walking with God I figured that, after emerging from the Jordan, I should spend some time in the desert I’ve been in the “desert” for more than a month now This particular patch of desert is two buildings on Pearl Street, two blocks from the Basilica and a 20-minute walk from the St Francis Center, where I’m working this year Much like the desert where Jesus spent his 40 days, our home has no wifi Unlike that desert, it has bags of bagels and pastries gleaned from Panera bread, a fridge full of produce and milk, and comfortable beds in spacious rooms It also has, most importantly, 19 friends to spend the year with We have a lot in common, as all of us are setting aside comforts and ambitions for a year spent “walking with the poor and marginalized.” But I’d like to focus here on our differences, as the way we respond ▲ CVV volunteer Naoki O’Bryan, right, works with fellow volunteer, Faith, at St Francis Center to those reveals much about the practice of community life As I got to know everyone, I became keenly aware of my differences, which from some angles seem a lot like shortcomings All of my fellow CVVers have at least a bachelor’s degree, and some have professional credentials on top of that, while I only have a high school proficiency certificate and less than a year of college credits Every mention of college and graduate school, or the sight of a Ziploc bag of GRE practice cards on the breakfast table, reminded me of what I didn’t have And as a convert, I had found myself attracted to parts of the faith like the social conservatism of Catholic teaching and the solemnity of more traditional liturgies for which some of my fellow CVVers did not share my enthusiasm “Love in practice These differences could is a harsh make for interesting conversaand dreadful thing tion, but they could also hurt After one particularly difficult compared to question about a particularly love in dreams.” difficult issue, I sequestered Fyodor Dostoyevsky, myself and questioned my The Brothers Karamazov vocation: Am I really meant to a different way, has a name and a face and a story, just like you To so doesn’t require a sacrifice of certainty, and it certainly doesn’t require an irreverence toward truth Rather, it requires a sacrifice of self-certainty; I need to recognize that the relationship can continue without my being right all the time I’m looking forward to the 20 of us finding common ground, and those differences that are easier to celebrate But I’m also ready for the difficulties that inevitably arise and the sacrifices they will require But such sacrifices are never done alone, as Love has not only been given to us but modeled for us perfectly in the life of Jesus Naoki O’Bryan works spend a year here? at the St Francis Center I’ve thought and I’ve prayed, and I’ve decided yes We are Inside enriched by each other’s differA simple can ences, even when they are difficult of flavored Dorothy Day, who spent much of water … her life trying to love people who combined both mainstream society and many with the fellow Catholics had deemed generous unlovable, was fond of a line from heart of a CVV Dostoevsky: “Love in practice is a volunteer harsh and dreadful thing commakes for pared to love in dreams.” a beautiful Sometimes community life story and means making a sacrifice of pera meaningful lesson sonal preference or convenience for all Page This might include listening to someone talk about their day when you’d planned on taking time for yourself, or cooking din- Annual Report Page ner with different seasoning than you prefer so that everyone can enjoy it But sometimes community life means breaking bread with people who see things in an entirely different way than you This is where things get harsh and dreadful This is where love hurts and gets a chance to grow deepJoin us at Holy Family Church er You don’t have to agree But on Sunday morning, you have to know that the person Oct 22, 2017 next to you, the person who thinks It’s Pancake Time! Page CVV JOURNEY Autumn 2017 So many stories, so little time Everybody needs something whether real or imagined By Jasmine Jacquay CVV Year 23 Volunteer She was stumbling around the middle of the road, shouting hysterically to no one in particular It was a.m on a Wednesday and I had arrived to Stout Street Clinic early, trying to get a bit of reading in before my shift began I had occupied the bench in front of the clinic for all of two seconds when I first heard her She instantly got my attention as curse words shattered the morning’s peace A horn blared and the woman reluctantly dragged herself to the sidewalk, trailing profanities as she lugged her bags out of the way of impatient cars As she walked closer to me, we made eye contact, and I did my best to offer a sympathetic smile She looked exhausted and upset Her hair was wild, her clothes unkempt, and she seemed to be holding back tears All of a sudden she asked me, “If someone sleeps with you and they don’t tell you they got AIDS, it’s rape, huh?” Without giving me a chance to respond -and I’m not sure how I would have she dove into a story about an encounter she’d had the night before I listened and nodded, doing my best to string together bits and pieces of her story The more she explained the situation, the faster she spoke The faster she spoke, the more freely tears streamed Entirely surprised, pretty angry at last night’s partner and honestly a bit judgmental about the whole and said, “That water saved my life!” I quietly smiled in relief Not only did she want that drink; she enjoyed it much more than I would have Looking back, I wouldn’t have wanted that precious drink to be consumed for any less worthy cause Since arriving in Denver, I’ve heard quite a few stories Stories that are hard to stomach and often have no fairy-tale ending Stories that leave me feeling heavy, uncomfortable and on the verge of tears Stories of pain, addictions, sleepless nights, anger, confusion and broken relationships things ▲ CVV Volunteer Jasmine Jacquay on the that I can’t fix As my path unexpectedly and bench outside the Stout Street Clinic sometimes painfully intersects with others, I’m slowly learning what it means to acsituation, I felt so much for her as she spoke knowledge and embrace the ugly situations Finally, she stopped to take a breath “I’m within which we occasionally find ourselves thirsty,” she stated, matter of factly Some people want money, some bus Just the night before, I had made a trip passes, some marijuana … some merely a to my neighborhood grocery store with drink It seems that, mostly, people want to the sole purpose of purchasing a La Croix be sat beside and listened to I don’t have the flavored water to enjoy with my lunch the next day I could feel its coolness through the capacity to solve the circumstances of these people’s lives, but I can offer a listening ear bag on my lap that morning I had no intenand a cold La Croix, which surprisingly takes tion of parting with it, but I knew I could no a great deal of surrender Trusting that God longer enjoy its yummy and bubbly goodis holding that woman’s situation in His hands ness if I did not offer it to the thirsty woman is more difficult than trying, fruitlessly, to in front me So I presented it to her, hoping she would decline Not only did she accept it, take care of things on my own I’m finding that God’s invitation into she immediately popped open the can and someone else’s story is a beautiful thing, drained it Impressive, I thought to myself regardless of the role I play in their lives Not only was it carbonated, it was extremely Sometimes just sitting on a bench with a cold I could nearly feel her experiencing cold drink can be enough … next time I’ll that good sort of pain, as it slid, icily, down bring two her dry throat As she wiped away the melon/grapefruit-flavored goodness dripping Jasmine Jacquay works at Stout Street down her chin, a smile spread across her Health Center face She sat down next to me on the bench What’s up By Sammy Eckrich CVV Year 22 Alumnus ▲ CVV Volunteers from Year 22 have gone on to busy lives and careers; eight have remained in the Denver area as they begin new lives Last night I gathered with a few fellow CVV alumni for a night We reflected on how natural it felt to be with one another Despite our diverse identities, the past year has provided an intimate knowledge of one another Even the language we used carried its own vocabulary: love language, enneagram number, gleaning This intimacy comes from a year of intentional relationships and conversations, of patience and sacrifice Even though there is a sense of sadness at the physical distance between many of us, I know the impressions we’ve made on one another will be carried to all the places and people meeting us in the future I’m excited to share the adventures the CVV22 alumni have already begun www.covivo.org CVV JOURNEY to mental illness, trauma, abuse, or neglect The first day I started work, the kids curiously observed me, trying to figure me out Within a few days, they were pulling on my arms, asking me to help them with their schoolwork, and knocking me over with love and hugs As much as I thought I was going to teach these kids about life, they have been the ones teaching me From the start, I assumed these children would be different from most kids However, they are still the ▲ CVV Volunteer Allison Duber, left, with a student at Mount St same playful, lovable kids even Vincent though they have been through horrible circumstances They are still children who beg me to play house with them, and convince me to cuddle with them on the couch As I interact with them more By Allison Duber love as I was physically and emo- and more, I notice that we are CVV Year 23 Volunteer tionally capable of giving Before more similar than I thought We efore I left for CVV, this year, I surrendered all of my both just desire to love and be friends told me that it loved, and that is what it all comes own hopes and dreams about would not be in my acdown to I may only be present in helping these kids and promtions alone that the kids ised myself to have open hands, these children’s lives for a short I work with would be changed year, but I trust God with the end hands willing to hold, hug, wipe Before I left, I was hoping that the tears, and love result, because I am ultimately children could encourage me to It wasn’t long after I started planting a seed that I hope grows be joyful and willing to give and flourishes working at Mount St Vincent Before I left, I anticipated The beauty I see in these that all of my predispositions that the kids who not have the were turned upside down I children mirrors the beauty I most lighthearted outlook on life had so many misconceptions see in the mountains as I drive view the world with anxiety and about the children at Mount St to work every day Both views brokenness I decided my best Vincent, and now looking back, make me look forward to going plan of action was to live every I didn’t know any better Mt St more out of my comfort zone moment with a childlike attitude Vincent is a treatment center for and taking on a journey I want I was unsure what to expect, but children with severe behavioral to walk with the kids side-byI knew I wanted to give as much and emotional challenges due side and hand-in-hand, loving Changing B with CVV Year 22s Eight of us could not get enough of the Mile High city Theresa, myself (Sammy), Mack, and Abby stayed at our placement sights (Urban Peak, Arrupe Jesuit High School, Stout Street Clinic and The Gathering Place) in new capacities Kalyn now works at Earthlinks and Emily has shifted her talents to a financial firm Brigid is a savvy waitress, discerning careers while taking advantage of various professional opportunities (including a period as a life coach!) Beauclarine is pursuing a Master in Public Policy at DU and working in international development research Also bettering themselves and the world through education are Marco, aka “Mr O,” teaching high-school math/science in Los Angeles during his first year of ACE and Smalls (Teresa), getting her Master of Counseling Psychology while working at a school in Massachusetts In the application process for grad studies, Molly is currently a nursing assistant and barista-extraordinaire in Illinois, and Triscuit (Miranda) is an instructional assistant at her local community college in Texas Unable to stay away from the realm of higher education, Anna works as a Resident Minister for John Carroll’s Campus Ministry Department Pursuing her passion with seniors, Bailey is in Nebraska working for Home Instead Senior Care as their Relationship Enrichment Coordinator Katherine is in Nashville, applying her medical-field experience at Walgreens as a pharmacy technician Kristina returned to New York to discern her next steps while working the front desk at a gym Coincidentally in the same city at the same time, Maggie and Brian moved to Portland; Maggie is teaching pre-K, and Brian works at a housing nonprofit Maintaining that Vincentian spirit of serving God through serving others, Nolan moved to New York for a second volunteer Page … all of my predispositions were turned upside down them with every part of my being All of us will walk out into the world, stronger in Christ from having shared this time As I continue to surrender my fears, I can give more of myself to these kids, who desperately want to be heard and known They are hurting and struggling and broken, but if I can fill their hearts with love and guidance from God and the Holy Spirit, it will be so rewarding As I learn from them step-bystep, I can empty myself of any burden, and be free to share with my community the hard days and the good days, every day, yearning for those precious smiles and big hugs from my little buddies at Mount St Vincent Transitioning into this new phase of life was a leap of faith, but it was comforting and still is to know that these kids and I can journey together, hand in hand Allison Duber works at Mount St Vincent year doing service and evangelization River El Rio is in Louisiana starting the Jesuit novitiate by performing apostolic work in local communities Even with distance I believe there’s a common thread of mutual experience and intentional relationship that still ties us all together We are people formed by many finger-prints All the struggles and joys of CVV life will be carried along to the doors we continue to open, the paths we forge, and the lives we hope to touch It can feel like a vast abyss of the unknown before each of us, but I know we can trust in this mantra I used to navigate community life: God is present in the messiness, in the conflict, and amidst it all, trust the process Page CVV Bringing his critical thinking skill, along with a strong faith, Michael Bruno comes to CVV from Texas, but but he grew up in the state of Washington Michael’s work site is Samaritan House, an overnight shelter The folks he encounters find a passionate and caring person His Criminal Justice background from Eastern Washington University gives him an understanding of systems that will help him in his future work “Individuals who are ignored by society often have a series of events that led them to be there…they just need another chance to feel human again.” Julie Medenwald chose to use her Masters education in Speech Pathology and Audiology by serving at Sewall Child Development Center here in Denver Julie’s studies were at Marquette University, and now she is supporting children with unique needs who learn together with children with typical needs Integration is what Julie is about: work with faith, community with values, and studies with experience, all done with a positive outlook “I hope that through community, prayer, and reflection, I will be nourished in my desire to live my faith to better the lives of those around me.” Mirka Gallo has found a cultural home at Aurora Community Connection, a family resource center serving the needs of the neighborhood Mirka studied Social Work at Xavier University and hopes to combine that education with her cultural understanding so that she can serve those who have fewer resources available to them Her passion, confidence and commitment guide her and inspire others “I feel that living simply means living in the moment and satisfying your most basic needs…I’m hoping to be more present and to value the basic needs I take for granted.” San Francisco, California is home for Naoki O’Bryan, and he also has he has also found a home in the Catholic Church, having recently experienced RCIA and baptism How refreshing it is to hear the passion for his faith as he continues to learn and form his spirituality, deepening his education through reflective questions The folks who come to St Francis Center where Naoki works and his community will challenge him on this journey, as he will the same for all of us “All of us, whatever our differences, are defined by our creation in the Divine Image…There’s plenty to celebrate in human accomplishments and abilities, but those are the fruit, not the root, of our humanity.” Sunny weather is no stranger to Palos Verdes, California native Lauren Franklin, affectionately called Frankie After finishing her degree in English at the University of San Diego, Frankie is putting her belief in a faith that does justice to practice with the Jesuits at Arrupe High School as an assistant in the work study program Frankie brings a wealth of questions and thought-provoking insights into discussions The students at Arrupe find a compassionate friend and supporter in Frankie “I want a firm foundation…which is unshakable love, a love which is not contingent upon anything It is my desire to be a woman who grows upon that kind of love.” JOURNEY Autumn 2017 Twenty volunteers! A desire to serve people with developmental delays led Michelle Maskeri to her current placement site of Laradon Her degree in Biomedical Sciences is from Marquette University, not too far from home in Winfield, Illinois Michelle’s interests are wide and her gifts many, including a love of playing piano Her sweet disposition brings joy and peace to those around her, and she enters CVV with high hopes and conviction “Joy is my favorite word Not only I allow myself to express joy at every opportunity, but I also aspire to be a vehicle of joy for others in every aspect of my life.” It’s been a leap from Belgium, where Miguel Fojas attended school, and a leap of faith as well, to Denver where he now works with youth studying for their GED at Urban Peak Miguel bursts with energy and his positive outlook is contagious He grew up in New Jersey, and graduated from Providence College As he enters the CVV program he hopes to “live the dream,” and to find his calling “An old Dutch saying, ‘laughing at myself is the beginning of living a full life,’ means having a sense of humble humor … which can facilitate meaningful discussions on the deeper levels of life.” Christin Seward’s love of nature makes her an ideal fit for The GrowHaus, a neighborhood-based food system that is healthy, equitable and resident-driven Christin attended Aquinas College, where she received a degree in Environmental Studies and Geography She is ready, willing and able to help anyone, and she does it with joy and humility She is originally from Bay City, Michigan “My mission is to experience and learn what it really means to live with a preferential option for the poor through my work and through the work by my fellow volunteers.” Coming to CVV has been a return “home,” in a sense for Jasmine Jacquay, who recently returned from Guinea, though her original home is in Florida Volunteer work is not new to Jasmine, who has worked with refugees in Georgia, children in Guinea and seniors in assisted living It demonstrates not only her concern for others, but her ability to respond always with gentle kindness Now she serves as a nurse at Stout Street Health Center “The refugee friends that I made there (resettlement area) challenged my way of thinking and reminded me that relationships are far more important than money.” Angela LaVecchia has come from her home in High Bridge, New Jersey to the mountain views in Denver Her degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services from the University of St Joseph has prepared her to engage with folks at Senior Support Services, where she connects the members with needed resources Angela always has a smile, even when she is not feeling well Her energy and enthusiasm brighten the day for all of us “To respect someone is to dignify their humanness and essence, so in giving someone the sense of dignity they deserve we are not only doing the kind thing, but the right thing.” www.covivo.org CVV Meet CVV Year 23 Justin Dimase joins CVV from Albany, New York He studied at The Crane School of Music of the State University of New York at Potsdam, where he also earned a degree in Literature Justin is eager to serve seniors, and so has chosen to work with St Francis Center’s Cornerstone housing for those who were homeless He brings a sense of groundedness and shares great listening skills with others in community “One of the most palpable things I’ve learned as Albany tries to become an agefriendly community is that issues faced by the elderly affect more deeply than one may realize.” From Olmsted Falls, Ohio to Hillsdale College in Michigan to Denver, Allison Duber is not only crossing the country, but also cultural norms, as she finds herself working with children with severe behavioral and emotional challenges at Mt St Vincent’s Her deep desire to connect work to her faith serves as her starting point Her major was Sociology and Social Thought, which planted seeds of insights and questions that she shares with her community “I want to get my hands dirty, experience more of the hard truths in this world, and be humbled by this experience.” Loyola Marymount University offered Mariana Ugalde an initial understanding of Political Science and French (and she speaks Spanish, too!) Now her work at Annunciation Catholic School will deepen that understanding Mariana lives paradox as a very sweet and gentle person whose strength is grounded in her faith Her openness to risk and try new adventures encourages others to the same She came to Denver via her home in California “I view integrity as acting ethically, by your morals and your values, not because you have to, but because it is what your heart says.” Stephanie Darby is making her way north from a childhood spent in Austin, Texas Darby (her preferred name) graduated from St Edward’s University with a BA in graphic design She now works at The Gathering Place, a day shelter for women and children Some of Darby’s life experiences have led her to see beauty and life in all things Her belief in the presence of the Holy Spirit colors her world, and therefore, ours as well “Through service, I have discovered and reinforced my own belief that we must look past ourselves in order to grow; the collective potential we possess when we come together to lift one another up is infinite.” Though Carlo Castillo spent the past years studying Chemistry, he also has a great love of music and plays many instruments He originally hails from Lisle, Illinois and earned a degree from The Ohio State University When you first meet Carlo, he strikes you as a quiet, reserved guy, but get him on stage and his inner camp counselor comes to life Carlo works with refugees at Lutheran Family Services and enjoys and respects the many cultures he experiences “I want to be a Vincentian Volunteer because I’m really drawn to a way of life that emphasizes service, simplicity, and spirituality…I want to take the time to refocus my life on what’s really important.” JOURNEY Page St Louis, Missouri native Christina Sinak has chosen to put her values to work at Dominican Home Health Agency, which provides care especially to elders and chronically ill so that they can stay in their homes Christina has embraced this mission with her authenticity and values-based outlook on life She studied Exercise Physiology at the University of Dayton, and has jumped into all aspects of CVV with both feet firmly planted “’Be where your feet are’ is a motto I adopted after attending a retreat and being reminded of the importance of true presence.” As a nurse, Santiago Solorio could have chosen any number of jobs, but decided to dedicate a year to learn more, to grow in social justice, and to give to those who are most in need at Clinica Tepeyac Santiago is from Bridgeton, Missouri and studied nursing at St Louis University His commitment to his culture, to justice, and to his deep values supports him as he both challenges and accepts the challenges from others “In working with marginalized communities I was able to learn something incredibly beautiful about them I realized just how intimately connected they are, a living example of what a community that supports one another ought to be.” A degree in Holistic Studies from Western Michigan University has prepared Erin-Lynn Salazar well for her work at Metro Caring, a food resource center in Denver Erin-Lynn is excited to learn and to share in a mutual relationship with those at work and in her community As a companion on the journey, her openness to others and her ability to listen are gifts she shares “I want to be a Vincentian Volunteer to help the people progress in their own community, empower the people, exchange knowledge, and to create relationships with the people of the community."” to create relationships and trust with the people of the community.” Cassady Allen’s journey to CVV began long ago, but more recently was affirmed at the University of Texas, where she studied Health Education and Kinesiology Ft Worth, Texas is home to Cassady but this year, she landed at CVV-and with great enthusiasm and with her heart firmly planted in our mission She shares her positive energy with the children at Laradon, who experience physical and developmental disabilities Maybe they will pick up her lovely Texas accent! “My personal mission is to live with purpose, deepening my faith and spirituality to where I can see and feel issues when I interact with everyone.” Missouri has been home for Liz Barreca since birth, first in Cuba and later at Truman State University Liz has a quiet strength that serves her well as a case manager at Urban Peak, where she works with homeless and runaway youth Her degree is in Health Science, and Liz plans to work in public health in the future Liz’s openness to others and her compassion for those in need is evident in her gentle demeanor “Compassion is a gift that God gives us to help us understand more of what it is like to be another person and helps us walk with them in life’s trials.” Page CVV JOURNEY for others 24 hours a day, seven days a week can be exhausting, but so life giving because of the covenant we have made with ourselves and with one another We promise to eat meals together, be brave together, pray together, and advocate for justice together Each individual completes our home perfectly Each day I know there are nine other people who are ready and willing to hear about my day, hold my heart when it’s difficult, and support my ideas and triumphs My work site, Senior Support Services, serves (since 1976!) members of the 55 and older community who experience ▲ CVV Volunteer Angela LaVecchia works with Glen, a client at homelessness and are hungry Senior Support Services On my first day, I was greeted warmly by clients and staff The more time I spend at work, the harder I find it is to leave each My community is made up of day, knowing very well that some By Angela LaVecchia 10 wonderful people from all over of my clients can’t go home to the CVV Year 23 Volunteer the country Intentional community same type of community I have, hen I landed in life is entirely different from what I let alone a roof, a bed, running Denver on Aug 5, my mind and heart was expecting I thought I already water; all things I take for granted were a whirlwind of knew what it would be like, based each day Case Managing at Senior Support Services has afemotions I was excited, anxious, on the experiences I had in colforded me the privilege to meet lege with my roommates who and curious about meeting my people from all walks of life community, serving at Senior Sup- doubled as my best friends Some favorite moments so Community is not a place or port Services, and growing in my far have included moving clients a set of people, but rather a feelspirituality As several weeks have come ing, an innate sense of belonging, into a new apartment after 20plus years on the street; a client a sense of knowing that we are and gone I have learned more teaching me Chinese so we can home Community is made up of about love, humanity and grace than I have in my 22 years on this the people who fill walls with love communicate better together On the other hand, harder earth, and I know that will continue and laughter And living with and Learning real love W Autumn 2017 struggles have been calling clients to inform them we don’t have the funds to assist them in paying their rent, telling a client the wait list for an apartment is two to three years, or seeing a client struggle with addictions or mental-health challenges All of the guilt and sadness that comes along with sharing bad news is hard to hold, but my co-workers speak to the clients as if they are family and inspire me to the same Senior Support Services is teaching me each and every day what it truly means to love and be loved My spirituality so far here at CVV has flourished I came to Denver exhausted physically, mentally and spiritually There was a crack in my heart from this fatigue and God used this as the perfect opportunity to sneak in and start to turn the wheels of change St Vincent prayed, “God, grant me the grace to see with the same eyes you do.” And I now pray that as well I pray to be able to see my clients, my community, and myself with the same eyes that God does, with the same heart God called me to love with … a weaving of life this year that holds much in store for me Angela LaVecchia works at Senior Support Services Attempting to explain prayer By Justin Dimase CVV Year 23 Volunteer ▲ CVV Volunteer Justin Dimase home after the blind man’s wife has passed From the man’s arrival, the narrator is thrust One of the most intriguing into unknown territory, having but only questions that I have ponpreconceived notions about blind people or what it means to be blind As the night dered since arriving in Denver is: “How would you progresses and the narrator’s wife has fallen the narrator and the blind man begin explain prayer to someone asleep, to watch a TV program about cathedrals who is unfamiliar with it?” The blind man asks the narrator to deAdmittedly, I struggled to answer this, scribe the cathedrals to him, and though the and began to question my own prayer prac- narrator has the gift of sight, he struggles to tices, deeming them inadequate or someexplain what he is viewing The blind man how wrong nods in patient understanding Finally, the After giving it some thought, I rememblind man asks for heavy paper and pen, so bered one of my favorite short stories, which that the narrator may physically show him I think connects well to the issues I have the cathedrals, by way of drawing been having Cathedral, by Raymond Carver, The blind man closes his hand around is a story involving three people The narra- the narrators’ and they begin to draw the tor is a man, who’s base comments suggest cathedral The narrator is amazed at what he disconnectedness and a bit of jealousy His is accomplishing, and the blind man continwife, depicted as a loving and kind individu- ues to offer words of encouragement At the al, invites an old friend, a blind man, to their end the blind man asks the narrator to close www.covivo.org CVV JOURNEY Page Annual Report As Colorado Vincentian Volunteers transitions from group 22 to group 23, it is striking to recognize the risk that young adults take to enter into this journey with their whole hearts, minds and souls each and every year It is inspiring to witness their willingness to step outside of the norm of their culture and to embrace a year of challenge, a year of simplicity, a year of intentional community living, a year of change and growth Each year we are inspired by the providence that brought each one to this experience, this year that offers an opportunity to better understand the preferential option for the poor, to know the stories of the people living in the margins and to be touched deeply by them Each year we once again recognize the risk that they take to be plopped down into a new city, a new group of potential friends, a new job Perhaps most striking in reflecting back on the past year, we so appreciate their willingness to suffer sadness and secondary trauma as they learn to just be present to those who are in pain At World Youth Day, Pope Francis encour- aged young men and women to not “be afraid to say ‘yes’….to respond generously and to follow Him (God) Don’t let your soul grow numb, but aim for the goal of a beautiful love which also demands sacrifice.” This past year, 20 individuals responded generously, sacrificed material goods, opened themselves to love and to be loved This past year 20 individuals grew in their understanding of their spirituality, of their call to serve those most in need, of their own hearts and souls This past year, these 20 individuals inspired us to aim for that beautiful love and to embrace the sacrifice that is demanded And you, our readers, continue to inspire us with your love, your support and your presence that makes this all possible We believe Meister Eckhart who said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” $30,000 $34,000 $445,000 n Program n General/Administration n Development/Fund raising These numbers include 20 volunteers in Direct Service to 18 local agencies, Volunteers’ Community (housing, food, insurance, travel); Spirituality (retreats, workshops, border immersion); Reflection and Discussion (weekly in-services, guest presenters, materials and publications) CVV Revenue and Support 2016-2017 $33,000 With gratitude, isn’t as easy as it sounds his eyes and continue, and the narrator gets along just as well He instructs the man to open his eyes and see what he has created, but the narrator decides to keep them closed a little longer As I considered the narrator’s inability to describe the cathedral, I thought of myself, attempting to craft a prayer, expecting it to be intricate and profound like a cathedral The blind man, though he is without sight, was able to open up the narrator’s view by simply reducing the grand depictions of the cathedral to a simple drawing, a simple tactile expression I realize now that prayer does not have to be perfect or ornate And the profundity and sacredness of something like a cathedral can be captured in the most plain and simple of manners The most important thing that I gathered however is that I must open my mind and heart to accept spiritual aid from others Turning points in our faith CVV Expenses 2016-2017 Prayer does not have to be perfect or ornate stories may come from the most unlikely of people and experiences If we hope to develop a deeper relationship with God, we are obliged to look at prayer as something that evolves, something that points us in directions that we didn’t anticipate I look forward to the new directions Justin Dimase works at Cornerstone of St Francis Center $126,000 $175,000 $75,000 $145,000 Colorado Vincentian Volunteers receives suppor t from many sources in the community We are deeply grateful for your ongoing suppor t Thank you for companioning CVV Board of Directors Paul Burson, Mike Dixon, Paul Golden CM, Annie Green, Alanna Kimmel, Chris Lane, Margaret Mailander, Nikki Murillo, Isabel Sanchez, Steve Saul, Kara Schmitt, Josh Wise Check us out! www.covivo.org 1994 Colorado Vincentian Volunteers est Non—Profit Org U.S Postage PAID Denver, CO Permit #3171 1732 Pearl St * Denver, CO 80203 CVV Staff: Katharine Montemurri Adrienne Havey Bill Jaster Mary Frances Jaster Tom Nelson, CM R J Toledo RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Ways to give: Scan the code above ▲ with your smart phone Or Online www.covivo.org/ways-to-give Page CVV JOURNEY ¡Muchas Gracias! n Board of Directors, Committee members and The Heart and Soul Planning Committee, n Monthly and individual donors (with more than $12,000, you surpassed the match of $10,000!) n Anonymous donors n Prayer Families who pray for each volunteer n Spiritual Directors n Summer Cleaning Crew (Alison, Brian, Carol, Charlie, Haley, Lorie, Margaret and Mary) n Building repair crew (Rick and Dan) n Egan Printing n Melanie Simonet and Julie Hutchinson (graphic arts and design) n Andy and Lisa Nowak n Janet Johnson n The Bank of Denver n John Oldani and Blue Ribbon Home Warranty n Panera Bread n Elcar Fence n Wheat Ridge Cyclery n Parishioners and staff at Good Shepherd, Holy Family, Most Precious Blood, St Elizabeth of Hungry, Spirit of Christ, St Frances Cabrini, St Thomas More, St Dominic n Franciscans of the Holy Name Province, May Bonfils Memorial Trust n Maggie George Foundation