Working, Praying, and Living in the Spirit of Vincent DePaul

April 2008

 

1, 2, 3…I LOVE YOU FIRST!
by Christine Nordhaus

After spending my last year of college researching AmeriCorps volunteer programs, I finally filled out all of the applications and paperwork. Not long after I spent hours every night sifting though thousands of programs that could place me anywhere in the United States. Weeks went by and I had my choices narrowed down to three programs. One was on the east coast, another in the Virgin Islands, and the last in St. Louis.

One of my friends from college was also looking to participate in AmeriCorps; it was our goal to get accepted into the same program. We prayed that God would keep us together and hoped that He would make it obvious to us which program would be the best fit. We both interviewed and the Gateway Vincentian Volunteer program was the winner. I knew I was going to love it—and I do!

My placement is at a local urban elementary school, which is perfect for me because I have always loved working with kids. Better yet, I am working with the youngest of them all… the kindergarteners. We have a diverse group of students from places all over the world.

One of the more difficult tasks is keeping the kindergarteners focused all at the same time. They are still quite young and still very squirmy with lots of energy. Some I believe are still trying to adjust to the structured school schedule. Some tend to demand attention at school and let me tell you, it can be very challenging especially when all 22 of them want your attention at the same time! Some of these students have not had the discipline or structure that many of us grew up with. The first few days, weeks, and months were a struggle when it came to teaching the children respect towards each other. And even now, eight months later, we are still working on that!

As an aide in kindergarten, I have various jobs that I truly enjoy. Eight months into it, I love going to school everyday. I usually work one-on-one with students in the back of the room, helping them prepare for first grade. We go over the alphabet and their sounds, their address, how to tie shoes, the difference between left and right, counting, and how to spell their name (some have a hard time so I’ll make up a song to help them remember). For free time or recess I enjoy reading them a book or two. They just love it!

I have learned a lot about kids and how they react in different situations. For starters, high 5’s with the teacher is beyond exciting for them, smiles go a long way, and when one of the students is having a rough day, tell them you love them.

There is one student in particular that really sticks out to me. She is one of the most needy and always wants my attention. So at school we play a little game called 1, 2, 3... I LOVE YOU FIRST. It seems to help her when she’s struggling. (This is the student that eats strange objects, goes around the room cutting up everyone’s papers, then back to my desk where things are always getting colored on or disappearing.) She’s my all-time favorite student, and most people don’t understand why. Most of the kids in this class want to know they are loved and important. So I do just that. I give them little jobs to do and they love to help. It makes them feel so special.

Recently, I’ve started telling all the students that I love them, and I can see a huge difference in the way they act. When I tell them how much I love them, their tiny little faces begin to glow as they crack a HUGE smile. I see how those three small words can make a person feel so blessed and happy. I believe that’s a wonderful thing for these children to experience.

My favorite part of my placement is that every day is filled with something different and special. It’s those little surprises when the children say, “You’re the best!” “Wow, you are a really good draw-er!” “I love you Miss Christine!” (followed by a constricting, kindergarten bear hug that tips me over every time!) They’ve helped me build confidence in myself and what I do. They’ve helped me find a career for which I have so much passion and enthusiasm.

That’s the story of my time here. I wouldn’t trade any child, teacher, principal, roommate, or my GVV directors for the world. I couldn’t be living at a happier time in my life. For this I thank God!

“Christine is a blessing to St. Frances Cabrini! It has been wonderful to have another loving, supportive grown-up to ensure that the academic, social, and emotional needs of our youngest children are met. Christine is a child magnet!”
Maureen DePriest, Principal

 

 

With Grateful Hearts, We Thank Our MATCHING GIFT Donors!

At the end of March, we concluded our Third Annual Matching Gifts Appeal, one of two major fundraising efforts that we undertake each year. Our goal for this appeal was $10,000, which will be matched by the Gatekeepers, a special group of donors, along with the Sisters of Mercy Health Ministry.

Because of you and your generous response, we reached our goal! THANK YOU for helping the GVV program continue to serve the poor and pass on the charism of St. Vincent DePaul to young adults!

  • Bob & Suzanne Althoff
  • An Anonymous Vincentian
  • Arvo & Suzanne Aulik
  • Amy Arendt (GVV 03-04)
  • Michelle (GVV 00-01) & Jason Astrup
  • Eugene & Florence Bachmann
  • Mr. & Mrs. Richard Barbaglia
  • Allan & Donna Bambao
  • Donald & Dorothy Barry
  • Sue Barry
  • Jim & Peggy Brinkmann
  • Mark & Cindy Brodhun (Parents of GVV 07-08 Laura Brodhun)
  • Delbert & Agnes Bohnert
  • John & Mary Ann Capellupo
  • John & Jennifer (GVV 03-04) Courtney
  • Dennis & Susan Cuddihee
  • Elizabeth (GVV 01-02) & Bob DeBoo
  • Philip Delano & Mary Engelbreit
  • Fr. Louis Derbes, C.M.
  • Randy Dickmann
  • Thomas A. Dinkins III
  • Kelly Dodson (GVV 00-01)
  • Rachael Edelen (GVV 04-05)
  • Janel Esker
  • Gene & Rita Esselman
  • Ted & Penny Fiedler
  • Jim & Christine Gilsinan
  • Margaret Goetz
  • Fr. Paul Golden, C.M.
  • Br. Dave Goodman, C.M.
  • Andy & Barb Graf
  • Gerry Hartel
  • JoAnn Hayden
  • Fr. Bill Hartenbach, C.M.
  • Paul Heidemann
  • Fr. Miles Heinen, C.M.
  • Tom & Chris Jones
  • Msgr. Robert Jovanovic
  • Helen Kassing
  • Daniel & Jeanette Klobe
  • Helmut & Mary Rose Kramer
  • Mr. & Mrs. Roy Kuhn
  • Ron & Noel Ladd
  • Martha Lane
  • Rich & Tammy LaPlume
  • David & Elaine Leming (Parents of GVV 03-04 Christy Leming)
  • Ken & Marian Lemp
  • Bob & Fran Lenhart (Parents of GVV 01-02 Sarah Wiederkehr)
  • Marsha Lintner
  • Harry Lottes
  • Jeff (GVV 01-02) & Rebecca Maciej
  • Robert & Janet Maciej (Parents of GVV 02-03 Jeff Maciej)
  • Lee & Teresa Manna
  • Fr. Felipe Martinez, C.M.
  • Fr. Jack Melito, C.M.
  • Bob & Emily Meyer
  • Fr. Ed Murphy, C.M.
  • Michael O’Hara
  • Br. Tim Opferman, C.M.
  • Gil & Ann Opferman
  • Paul Payne
  • J. Scott Petersen
  • Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Perez (Parents of GVV 05-06 Nelson Perez)
  • Nichole (GVV 01-02) & Shaun Purvis
  • John & Carlene Rauh
  • Maureen Rauscher
  • Frank & Pat Rebholz
  • Fr. John Richardson, C.M.
  • Steve & Becky Roarick (Parents of GVV 01-02 John Roarick)
  • Fr. Ray Ross, C.M.
  • Jim & Geri Ryan
  • Sharon Ryan
  • Elizabeth Sain (GVV 02-03)
  • William & Mary Lou Schicker
  • Sisters of Mercy Health Ministry
  • Society of St. Vincent DePaul—St. Margaret of Scotland Conference
  • Erica Stacy (GVV 05-06)
  • Greg & Joan Stark
  • Fr. Tom Stehlik, C.M., and the Vincentian Missionaries of Little Rock
  • John Stewart, Industrial Vision Corp.
  • Halbert & Jean Sullivan
  • John & Tricia Thiel
  • David & Evelyn Unterreiner
  • Leland & Norma Unterreiner
  • John & Joan Vatterott
  • Joe & Becky Vucko
  • Fr. James Ward, C.M.
  • Grace Whalen
  • Gerald & Joan Wentzel
  • Paul & Christine (GVV 02-03) Woody
  • Fr. Robert Zimney, C.M.

TRIBUTES IN HONOR OF:

  • Amy Arendt (GVV 03-04)
    from her parents, Sharon & David Arendt
  • Sue Baumgartner
    from Fr. Jim Cormack, C.M.
  • Rachael Edelen (GVV 04-05)
    from her parents, Dr. & Mrs. Edelen
  • Robert Flick
    from Mary Flick
  • Molly Jacob (GVV 03-04)
    from her mother, Cathy Jacob
  • Lisa Mata (GVV 07-08)
    from her grandmother, Emily Kopec
  • Karen Schumacher (GVV 07-08)
    from Br. Donald Lachowicz
  • Danny Lyskowski (GVV 07-08)
    from Clare Lassiter (GVV 05-06)
  • The Vincentians of Arsenal Street
    for the hospitality offered to me in August 07
    from Christy Leming (GVV 03-04)
  • Lisa Mata (GVV 07-08)
    from her parents, Joseph & Joan Mata
  • Joseph Michael Morrow, our newest grandson
    from Walt & Gail Morrow
  • Christopher Bickhaus (GVV 06-07)
    from his aunt & uncle, Tom & Cheryl Parrett
  • My mom
    from Elaine Pinar
  • Fr. Tom Esselman, C.M.
    from Dr. Fred Rottnek
  • Ernie & Mary Juillerat
    from Toshio Sato (GVV 04-05)
  • Gerry & Sonny Kinder
    from Tom & Sue Shine (Parents of GVV 02-03 Christine Woody)
  • Basil and Susan Weaver
    from Suzette Smith (GVV 05-06)
  • Happy birthday, Fr. Dave Nations, C.M.
    from Robert Vondera
  • The Volk & Mortika families
    from Larry Volk

TRIBUTES IN MEMORY OF:

  • Luke Abkemeier
    from Maryilyn Abekemeier
  • The Berra and Cucco families
    from Larry & Amelia Berra
  • Nina & Milt Kassing
    from Nina & Wally Bryans
  • Michael & Elizabeth Culligan
    from Fr. Martin Culligan, C.M.
  • John “Jack” Saleda
    from Hugh & Edna Dixon
    (Grandparents of GVV 03-04 Jeremy Dixon) and from Marilyn & Kim
  • Fr. Tom Munster, C.M.
    from Jeremy Dixon (GVV 03-04)
  • My brother, John Floersh
    from Fr. Phil Floersh, C.M.
  • Bonnie Hindson
    from Chuck Hindson
  • Bill Jacob
    from Cathy Jacob (mother of GVV 03-04 Molly Jacob)
  • Bill Jacob
    from Molly Jacob (GVV 03-04)
  • Brigit Agnes Cannon Joseph
    from Br. Paul Joseph, C.M.
  • Dorothy & John P. Jung
    from Fr. Jay Jung, C.M.
  • George & Frieda Kirn
    from Victor & Carol Klaus
  • Laura Morales
    from Fr. Romain Morales, C.M.
  • Jack & Sylvia Long
    from Fr. R. William Rhinehart, C.M
  • Gene Nenninger
    from Eleanor Nenninger (Grandmother of GVV 04-05 Mark Buehrle)
  • Patricia Seidel
    from Rodger & Pat Senft
  • Geno Portell
    from Larry Volk
  • Mary Jane Wagner
    from Steve (GVV 00-01) & Sarah (GVV 01-02) Wiederkehr
  • Fr. John Campbell, S.J.
    from Kellie Willis (GVV 02-03)

We also sincerely thank our donors who have asked to remain anonymous. If we have inadvertently omitted your name from our donor list, please accept our sincere apology AND let us know so that we can correct the error!

In February, the GVV program hosted the first of two college service trips. Students from Rose Hulman Institute of Technology spent a week living at the Arsenal Street community and working with the Franciscan Connection, under the leadership of Br. Donald Lachowicz and GVV Karen Schumacher. Students worked to completely rehab the kitchen of a needy family.

In March, students from Indiana State University arrived and continued the work begun by the first crew.

We thank all the students for helping to serve the poor of South St. Louis during their breaks!

 

A GREAT BIG THANKS to ….

Br. Dave Berning, C.M., and Dick and Pat Poehling for donating a large portion of the proceeds from their Good Friday Fish Fry to the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers Program! Thank you for your generous support!

 

More Thank Yous to Our Donors!


The names listed below are those generous people who made donations after our December newsletter and before the beginning of our Matching Gifts Appeal in February. Thank you for your help! YOU make the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers Program possible.

  • Anonymous Vincentian
  • Rev. Jerome Fortenberry, C.M.
  • Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Franzak
  • Dorothy J. Giesler-Van Doren
  • Paul Heidemann
  • Vaughn and Theresa Hintze
  • Ken & Marian Lemp
  • John & Margaret Lottes
  • Robert and Janet Maciej (Parents of GVV 01-02 Jeff Maciej)
  • Robert & Ruth McAtee
  • Rev. Jack Melito, C.M.
  • Steve & Becky Roarick (Parents of GVV 01-02 John Roarick)
  • Mary Lou & Bill Schicker
  • John and Janis Stewart
  • Halbert & Jean Sullivan
  • Br. Matthew Teel, C.M.
  • Grace Whalen
  • Rev. Robert Zimney, C.M.

TRIBUTES IN HONOR OF:

  • Fr. Jim Cormack, C.M.
    from James and Jane Ebel
  • Stephanie Demarest (GVV 03-04)
    from her parents, Charles & Nancy Demarest
  • All past, current, & future GVVs
    from Molly Jacob (GVV 03-04)
  • Karen Schumacher (GVV 07-08)
    from the Knights of Columbus Council 4031 of Cody, WY
  • Lisa Mata (GVV 07-08)
    from Emily Kopec (Lisa’s grandmother)
  • Bill & Mary Lou Schicker’s 50th Anniversary
    from Tricia and John Thiel
  • Martha Lane’s birthday
    from Tony & Sue Tumminia
  • Tina Doherty’s 60th birthday
    from Jack & Suzy Villa
  • Mary Lou Schicker’s birthday
    from Gerald & Joan Wentzel
  • Karen Schumacher & the GVVs
    of 07-08 from her father, Michael Schumacher

TRIBUTES IN MEMORY OF:

  • Emma Cucco
    from Larry & Amelia Berra
  • Edward & Kathleen Croak
    from Rev. Tom Croak, C.M.

Special Thank Yous to ...

The two wonderful people who donated the printing of our Vinnie for Life cards AND the St. Vincent DePaul holy cards that were included in our Matching Gifts Appeal.

The Schicker Family for the use of their farm for the GVV winter retreat.

The Knights of Columbus, Council 12323, of St. Catherine Laboure for paying the personal stipend of one volunteer for an entire year!

The St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Margaret of Scotland for their donation, which also pays the entire personal stipend of one volunteer for one year!

Sr. Mary Patrice, D.C, and the West Central Province of the Daughters of Charity for the grant to the GVV program.

Suzette Smith (GVV 05-06) for donating her Macintosh computer to the GVV office.

Kellie Willis (GVV 02-03) and Suzette Smith (GVV 05-06) for joining Jim and Geri at the Vincent and Louise House at DePaul and speaking about their GVV experience.

Annie McCance (GVV 05-06) for her work on the GVV Web site.

You are all a blessing to the GVV program. Thank you!

 

Live "Outside the Quotes"
by Danny Lyskowski

The world thrives on quotes. Coffee mugs, t-shirts, bumper stickers, desktop calendars, and #2 pencils are all emblazoned with quotes. We are moved by quotes. The completion of seemingly impossible tasks suddenly becomes plausible with a good quote (Ben Franklin under the guise of Poor Richard offers a vault of these), but quotes fall short. Making an impossible task   plausible does not actually complete the task. We have all at one time or another fallen prey to this, leaving in our wake mounds of half-finished projects and unmet goals.

One reason quotations are so readily embraced with little or no action resulting from the employment of quotes is that the process of obtaining them has become quite a passive one. Beginning in 1855 with the release of Bartlett's Quotations , the quotable history of the entire world has been combed, compiled, and presented in the form of a coffee table book.   Where once quotes were selected by the individual as he or she tackled a particular work, a person now can simply consult a helpful index for the topic to which the particular quote must pertain, engrave it on a finished piece of oak, and then slap it above their hearth as though it were a familial code of arms carried from the motherland.

The cyber-era has only expedited and further exacerbated this problem, creating a generation I call the "quotes are good enough for me." Search engines troll every word ever written in fractions of seconds so that a person's MySpace or other personalized Web page is complete. (The joke on continuous loop in my head: What do Mother Teresa, an anonymous Native American proverb, and Michael Jordan all have in common? All are quoted on my friend's Web site.) With the work component removed from quotes, 'work' here encompassing not only the abolition of any challenge in retrieving quotes but more so in the skewed perception given when, for example, Mother Teresa's entire mission from her ceaseless, boundless love to her own recently revealed doubts and struggles is summarized by a single quote, people adopt quotes as though they were simply another shirt in their wardrobe, a nice pair of socks.

With all that said, I would like to share a quote. Since reading Macbeth in high school, a particular quote has been following me, often emerging as I face a major decision. It took me to Flagstaff, Arizona, and brought me here and next autumn will carry me to law school in Minneapolis. By nature, I am passive and miss many opportunities. "By default" is the best description of 85% of my life decisions, but since being adopted by this quote, I know that as I mull over the options and alternatives of a choice, and the fog thickens and thickens, release is near. As I near surrender, my subconscious--I endearingly call her Lady Macbeth--grasps me firmly by the lapels and screams, "Infirm of purpose!" and sets me on a path, the path. I omit the context here but trust that much work went into finding these precious few words ordered in such a way and whose brevity only multiplies the power. Sadly, there appears to be no difference between mine and a Googlephile's usage in this finished product.

Herein lies the beauty and simplicity and, most importantly, the connection to St. Vincent. Vincentianism requires no quotes. The truth is that one's service becomes the words of the perfect quote. This is Life "outside the quotes."

Danny is doing an exceptional job at Places for People, an agency that provides a variety of services to people with mental illnesses.

 


Some of the GVV crew after they finished the St. Louis Half-Marathon on April 5.
Left to right: Jim, Jenny, Karen, and Christine.

 


All the half-marathon participants from the current GVV year. Left to right: Carrie, Jenny, Christine, Karen, Danny, Jim. Laura and Lisa (not pictured) were cheerleaders!

 


Some of the celebrants at the barbecue after the race.

 


Tim Mohan, Jenny’s dad, barbecues for the GVVs and guests after the race.

We need your help to expand our

ANNUAL GVV GOLF TOURNAMENT!

Please consider sponsoring a hole, donating a prize, or joining us to play!

MONDAY, June 2, 2008 - $100.00 per player

Normandie Golf Club - $100.00 Hole Sponsor

Four-person scramble

11:00 A.M. Lunch

Noon Tee-Off

Dinner & Prizes to follow

Call 771-1474 for more information.

Dear Friends,

This newsletter is filled with the names of our donors--how blessed we are to have so many to thank! Your generosity allows the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers program to continue serving the poor and spreading the mission of St. Vincent DePaul to young adults. We are so grateful for your partnership in this effort.

We are also thankful for the support of the Midwest Province of the Congregation of the Mission over the last eight years and for the many Vincentian priests and brothers involved in the GVV program.

Our volunteers--Carrie, Christine, Danny, Jenny, Karen, Laura, & Lisa--have served many people in poverty with much dedication and love! We are grateful to them for their joyful service. They are a gift to the poor and to all of us that have the privilege of working with them.

Jim and Geri
GVV Program Directors

 

 

The Gateway Vincentian Volunteers
Program Board of Directors

Fr. Ed Murphy, C.M., President
Mr. Rich LaPlume, Vice-President
Ms. Tricia Thiel, Treasurer
Mr. John Capellupo
Fr. Jim Cormack, C.M.
Janel Esker
Mr. Ted Fiedler
Martha Lane
Sr. Mary Patrice Murray, D.C.
Fr. David Nations, C.M.
Sr. Kathy Overman, D.C.
Nichole Purvis
Mrs. Sue Shine
Fr. Joe Williams, C.M.
Jim and Geri Ryan, Directors


 

 

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Gateway Vincentian Volunteers
2912 Arsenal Street
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) - 771-1474
Toll free: (888)-771-7220
Fax: (314) - 771-2410
email: gatevol@aol.com