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

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September 2008

On August 17th, we welcomed the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers of 2008-2009.

Mary McBride is from St. Louis. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Psychology and Religious Studies. Mary is working at Community Alternatives, an agency that provides a variety of services to people with mental illnesses.

Lauren Gulley is from New Canaan, Connecticut. She graduated from the University o fNotre Dame with a degree in Psychology and Pre-med. Lauren is working at St. John’s Mercy Neighborhood Ministry, an organization that seeks to improve health care access for the marginalized.

Mike Laucello is from Clinton, New York. He graduated from Niagara University with a degree in Psychology. Mike’s volunteer placement is at The Franciscan Connection’s Stone-by-Stone Project, which provides home repair for the elderly and families in poverty.

Brooke Southerland is from Sheridan, Indiana. She graduated from Butler University with a degree in Biology. Brooke is working with the community outreach effort of the Institute for Family Medicine.

Katie Theoktisto is from Melrose, Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Microbiology and Cell Science. Katie is working at St. Louis Catholic Academy, part of St. Elizabeth’s Parish.

Calli Grimes is from Bloomington, Illinois. She graduated from Butler University with a degree in English. Calli is working at Marian Middle School, a Nativity Model school for economically disadvantaged girls.

Robyn Haas is from Erie, Colorado. She graduated from Washington University with a degree in Computer Science. Robyn is working at North Grand Neighborhood Services, a ministry of Sts. Teresa and Bridget Parish.

Back Row (left to right): Mary McBride, Fr. Jim Swift, C.M., Provincial, Lauren Gulley, and Mike Laucello

Front Row (left to right): Brooke Southerland,Katie Theokisto, Calli Grimes, and Robyn Haas

The Ninth Group of GVVs Begins Their Year of Service!

GVVs participate in team building activities during Orientation Week

We began the ninth year of the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers Program with a great group of young adults! Our Orientation Week began on Sunday with the celebration of the Eucharist. Our presider was Fr. Jim Swift, C.M., Provincial of the Midwest Province of the Congregation of the Mission. During his homily, Fr. Jim invited the volunteers to become Vincentians during their year of service to those who live in poverty in St. Louis. He suggested that this conversion has three important moments: to recognize the face of Christ in those who are poor, to recognize our own poverty or brokenness, and to give and receive from those who are poor. He reminded the volunteers that prayer and community are essential parts of this process of conversion.

During Orientation Week, the volunteers were introduced to many aspects of the GVV program. On Monday evening, after a day of house meetings, schedules, and other necessary tasks, the volunteers were introduced to four women who shared their lifelong struggles with poverty. The women spoke eloquently about their experiences, and the volunteers were moved by the honesty and courage of their guests.

Other sessions during Orientation included Community by former GVV volunteer Christy Leming, Vincentian Spirituality: The Call to Serve the Poor by Fr. Jim Cormack, C.M., Community and Covenant with the directors, and Conversations That Matter with Dr. Celeste Mueller, a member of the faculty of Aquinas Institute of Theology.

Volunteers also toured each of the seven work sites for the year. At North Grand Neighborhood Services (Sts. Teresa and Bridget Parish), the GVVs and directors were treated to a delicious lunch organized by the pastor, Fr. Gary Meier. Later in the week, we were once again provided with lunch at St. Elizabeth Parish (St. Louis Catholic Academy). Fr. Jeff Vomund, pastor, cooked us a fantastic vegetarian meal with ingredients from the school’s very own urban garden!

On Friday, former GVV volunteer Jenny Mohan led the new volunteers through a series of team building activities in the park. Jenny did a great job, and much fun was had by all!
Jenny helped the volunteers reflect on how working together to complete the activities could apply to their life in community during the year.

Finally, on Saturday evening, the official welcoming party for the GVVs of 2008-2009 took place. Volunteers were joined by the Vincentians of the Arsenal Street Community, Board members, and many former GVV volunteers. And the new volunteers prepared all the food for their guests!

On Monday morning, August 25th, the new GVVs reported to their work sites, eager to begin serving in the spirit of St. Vincent DePaul.

GVVs participate in team building activities during Orientation Week

Where Are They Now?

For the past eight years, the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers Program has been blessed with amazing young people (and this year—number 9—is no exception) who have completed the program and gone on to do great things. They are alive with the spirit of St. Vincent! Please take a moment to read about these impressive members of the Vincentian family. (Pictures show GVVs as they were then!)

GVVs of Year One, 2000-2001

Michelle Astrup (Castellano) is happily married and has an amazing two-year-old son, Lucas. She and her husband, Jason, live in New York. Michelle is completing her Master’s degree in Education.

Kellie Dodson completed her Master’s of Social Work degree and Master’s of Pastoral Studies degree from St. Louis University and Aquinas Institute of Theology. She is now working at the Veteran’s Administration in New York and is engaged to be married.

Julie Morig earned her Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola in 2007. She is working as a crisis counselor in inner-city Baltimore, assisting those who are poor, homeless, or have mental illnesses. She provides intense, short-term therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Julie loves her job!

Steve Wiederkehr is a Caseworker/Program Assistant at Guardian Angel Settlement. He is halfway through his Master’s degree in Public Policy Management at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Steve is part of the Young Adult Society of St. Vincent DePaul at St. Vincent’s Parish in St. Louis. Steve and Sarah (also a GVV alum) have been married for a little over a year.

GVVs of Year Two, 2001-2002

Elizabeth DeBoo (Gappa) and her husband, Bob, just celebrated their
second wedding anniversary. They are expecting a baby girl in December and are buying a home in St. Louis. Elizabeth continues to enjoy teaching the diverse student body at St. Frances Cabrini Academy.

Scott Kelly moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where he earned his Master’s degree in Social Work. Scott is currently looking for a full-time position in social work and has a job pending as a caseworker with Lexington Fayette
Urban County Government.

Jeff Maciej is in his second and final year of graduate school, working towards a Master’s degree in Social Work. Enjoying his marriage to his wife, Rebecca, working a few side jobs, and being part of the social justice committee of his parish all keep Jeff very busy!

Nichole Purvis (Schneider) was married to Shaun Purvis in 2007. They bought a home in St. Louis and are now the proud parents of the wonderful Michael Robert, born in July.

John Roarick is working on a Master’s of Social Work degree at the University of Iowa. He and his wife, Sara, have two beautiful daughters—2½ and 1.

Sarah Wiederkehr (Lenhart) works at Ranken Jordan Specialty Hospital as a central service technician. She married Steve (Year 1) in June 2007. Sarah and Steve bought a house in St. Louis and are expecting their first baby in April.

GVVs of Year Three, 2002-2003

Karen Lyons earned her Master’s of Social Work degree from St. Louis University. She is now living in Denver and working as an Information and Referral Specialist with the National MS Society.

Elizabeth Sain is living in South Bend, Indiana, and working as a technical writer for
a financial software company. Elizabeth always covers the service recruiting fair at Notre Dame (her alma mater) for the GVV directors!

Christine Woody (Shine) works for the Missouri Association for Social Welfare doing legislative advocacy, research, and community education on issues of social justice. Christine married Paul Woody in 2006; they are expecting their first baby in January.

Kellie Willis is living in Chicago and working at DePaul University, where she is also pursuing her Master’s degree in Liberal Arts. Kellie just returned from a service trip to Ethiopia with the Vincentian Lay Missionaries, sponsored by the Daughters of Charity. This summer, Kellie also attended a Vincentian Heritage Tour in France, a staff development trip for DePaul University faculty and staff.

GVVs of Year Four, 2003-2004

Amy Arendt is living and working in Fort Worth, Texas. She is employed by SafeHaven, an agency striving to end family violence. Amy works in the community education department, preparing and presenting education programs and events that promote awareness and prevention of relationship violence.

Jennifer Courtney (Leon) has been married to her husband, John, for three years. She has two wonderful children: Katelyn, 2 years old, and Charles, 1 year old. Jennifer is a stay-at-home mom and is having a great time raising her children! Jennifer taught before starting a family.

Stephanie Demarest earned her Master’s degree in Public Service Management from DePaul University in 2006. She lives in Chicago and works in the resource development department of a small youth and family agency.

Jeremy Dixon is a seminarian with the Congregation of the Mission, living at Perboyre Mission House in Chicago. He is studying theology at Catholic Theological Union. This summer, Jeremy spent six weeks in Mexico, living with a local family and learning Spanish.

Brian Kelly completed his Master’s degree in Social Work at DePaul University in 2008. He is now seeking employment that will allow him to get clinical supervision so that he can eventually get his clinical license. After his GVV year, Brian worked with people with mental illnesses at Places for People in St. Louis. In 2007, Brian traveled to Jimma, Ethiopia, with the Vincentian Lay Missionaries and there taught English and basic skills in the local school and infectious disease colony.

Molly Jacob is in her second year of teaching special education students at a Catholic K-8 school in Cleveland. This summer Molly secured her teaching license for mild to moderate disabilities. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in the same field. In May, Molly completed the Cleveland Marathon, running in memory of her father.

Christy Leming is in her second year as principal of Marian Middle School, a school for economically disadvantaged girls in St. Louis (and her former GVV work site). Before returning to Marian, Christy spent a second, unforgettable summer in Ethiopia with the Vincentian Lay Missionaries as local coordinator of the program. Christy completed her Master’s degree at DePaul University and is currently spending her summers working on another degree from Notre Dame through the Ace Leadership Program.

GVVs of Year Five, 2004-2005

Mark Buehrle just completed his Master’s degree in Sociology at DePaul University. Mark remains in Chicago and is beginning his third year of teaching at Holy Trinity High School. For the last two summers, Mark has taught English to seventh-graders with the Vincentian Lay Missionaries in Ethiopia.

Rachael Edelen is pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies at St. Louis University and Aquinas Institute of Theology. Rachael will complete her studies in December. She continues to work at Guardian Angel Settlement in St. Louis.

Mike Herold is living in St. Louis and working at Places for People, an agency that provides a variety of services to people with mental illnesses.

Kate Jansen earned her Master’s degree in Psychology last December and is in her last year of the PhD program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Toledo.

Nicholas Koenig is in formation at New Melleray Abbey, a Cistercian (Trappist) monastery located south of Dubuque, Iowa. The monks of New Melleray support themselves by farming and making wooden caskets. Nicholas is a great letter writer and regularly communicates with the GVV program.

Audrey Krumbach earned her Master’s degree in Divinity from Garrett University. She is serving as a supply preacher and organizer. Audrey is a candidate for ordination in the United Methodist Church.

Toshio Sato has begun his Novitiate year with the Congregation of the Mission. He is living at the Perboyre Mission House in Chicago.

GVVs of Year Six, 2005-2006

Briana Colton has been living in Chicago since leaving GVV in 2006. She spent two years at St. Procopius School working in development/marketing before starting a new job as Development Coordinator for Charis Ministries, the Jesuit outreach to those in their 20s and 30s. This summer, Briana traveled to Australia for World Youth Day.

Clare Lassiter began working at Places for People, her GVV work site, after she completed the GVV program. Clare works in the Club, the agency’s day program for people with mental illnesses. She also just started working at Judevine Center, which provides support to individuals with autism. Currently, Clare is applying to international service programs with the hope of being placed in Africa.

Annie McCance is living in St. Louis and working at Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. For several years, Annie donated her time and talents to the maintenance of the GVV Web site.

Nelson Perez continues to live in St. Louis. He is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree and is starting his own company from home. Nelson is also working part-time at Guardian Angel Settlement Association, his GVV work site.

Suzette Smith is living in Chicago and working at TMP Worldwide, a recruitment advertising agency. In November, Suzette will marry Nathan Thompson in Austin, TX.  Suzette also spent a summer volunteering with the Vincentian Lay Missionaries in Ethiopia. Suzette continues to donate her time and design talent to the GVV program.

Erica Stacy continues to live in St. Louis. Erica works at Community Alternatives (her GVV work site), assisting people who suffer from mental illnesses and other conditions, such as homelessness, HIV/AIDS, chemical dependence, etc.

GVVs of Year Seven, 2006-2007

Christopher and Jennifer (Clyne) Bickhaus were married this summer at St. Vincent’s Church in St. Louis. Chris has just begun his first year of law school, and Jennifer is in her second year of medical school. Both are attending the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Amanda Broussard is in formation with the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart in Los Angeles, California. As of June, Amanda had applied for the postulancy.

Adam Brown is a first-year theologian studying for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston at Theological College, the Sulpician Diocesan Seminary at Catholic University.

Alicia Euyoque remained in St. Louis after her volunteer year and was hired by her GVV work site, Places for People. Alicia is the Intake Coordinator for the agency, and she loves it!

Heather G’Sell is teaching in Leavenworth, Kansas, as well as taking some final courses towards her Master’s degree in Autism Studies at the University of Kansas. Heather’s students make it a treat for her to go to work!

GVVs of Year Eight, 2007-2008

Laura Brodhun is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Ball State University in Indiana. She and Carrie, one of her GVV community members, are roomies again this year.

Danny Lyskowski moved to Minneapolis, where he is a first-year law student at the University of St. Thomas.

Lisa Mata is pursuing a Master’s degree in Theology at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

Jennifer Mohan moved to Chicago and is working on a Master’s degree in Public Services Management at DePaul University.

Christine Nordhaus has moved to her beloved Australia as part of an international volunteer program called VIDES (Volunteers International for Development Education Services). Her placement is at Don Bosco Youth and Recreation Center in Sydney.

Karen Schumacher just returned from Kenya, where she served as a volunteer with the Vincentian Lay Missionaries—and loved it! In September, Karen will join Coconino Rural Environment Corps in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Carrie Tucker has moved to Muncie, Indiana, where she is working at a treatment facility for troubled children. Carrie is roommates with one of her GVV community members, Laura.

With Grateful Hearts, We Thank Our Donors!

The names listed below are those generous people who made donations after
our Matching Gifts Appeal concluded in March. Thank you for your help!
YOU help make the Gateway Vincentian Volunteers Program possible.

Gwendolyn Alvarez
An Anonymous Vincentian
Donald and Dorothy Barry
Delbert and Agnes Bohnert
Rev. Louis Derbes, C.M.
James and Jane Ebel
Rev. Jerome Fortenberry, C.M.
Paul Heidemann
Ralph and Joan Hoffmann
Ken and Marian Lemp
John O’Leary
Rev. John Richardson, C.M.
Rev. Ray Ross, C.M.
Bill and Mary Lou Schicker
Larry Volk
Rev. Rich Wehrmeyer, C.M.
R.A. Weilbaecher
Gerald and Joan Wentzel
Grace Whalen
Steve (GVV 00-01) and Sarah (GVV 01-02) Wiederkehr

Tributes in Honor of:

Rev. Jack Melito, C.M.
from Robert Vondera

Tributes in Memory of:

Dorothy Knight and Janet Noel
from Larry and Amelia Berra

Jerry Simenson
from Beverly Daggett Bruegl

Lou Lupinek
from Br. Paul Joseph, C.M.

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 our next newsletter.

The Gateway Vincentian Volunteers
 Program Board of Directors

Fr. Ed Murphy, C.M., President
Rich LaPlume, Vice-President
Tricia Thiel, Treasurer
John Capellupo
Fr. Jim Cormack, C.M.
Janel Esker
Ted Fiedler
Martha Lane
Tim Mohan
Sr. Mary Patrice Murray, D.C.
Fr. David Nations, C.M.
Sr. Kathy Overman, D.C.
Nichole Purvis
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