Group+E

= Group E =

Please keep in mind that only one person can edit this page at a time. It is recommended that each of you choose a colour of font and use the same one throughout.

As you work on your social action project (committed to 12 hours of dedicated time to giving service to others) plus responding in a Wiki format with your group of three, you will answer the following question: In light of your understanding of ministry, what does it mean to minister to others through your project? You will share your thoughts and observations and actions of setting up to kinds of things you did to what you observed or saw to the final pieces of your project. At the end of your project (Dec. 2 or what you have completed thus far), your group will come up with a group response to what is ministry based on your social action journey.

Let's start answering this question    tonight.

//What does it mean to you to minister to others? What is ministry?//

 OK team, let's get started. I began my journey of volunteer minstry this weekend. Believe it or not, I helped a family with their reshingling their roof. I donated my Saturday and Sunday to this endeavor. I felt that I was ministering to two families. One was the family getting the new roof, who have two children, one with Autism, and were faced with the immediate need of getting their roof done. Given the family situation, funds are a definate issue, and I felt that by donating my time, it would save them some money. Secondly, I felt that I was some assistance to my brother, who was trying to help this family out. He is being paid for the job, but when he heard that their roof was leaking and needed to be redone immediately, he made the sacrifice of his weekend with his family in order to assist them. I spent the weekend on the roof stripping off shingles, and I also offered to be the general go-for. It was a truly educational experience. First I learned that I am pretty much afraid of heights - I'm not very good with getting on and off ladders, nor do I like working near the edge of the roof. But I was able to work through this fear, knowing that I was doing more good on the roof than on the ground. As I worked I pondered my personal notion of ministry. I believe that ministry is about service, but as the weekend progressed I began to develop this notion, and I came to the conclusion that ministry is about relationship and developing relationship. It is not so much what I am able to give or do, it is about accepting others where they are at and giving the best of yourself at every given moment. Having this openess and optimistic attitude produces opportunity to minister. Let me explain. Because I was roofing the entire weekend, we all decided to go to Mass Saturday evening. As I walked into church I noted that the regular musicians were absent, and the woman who was taking over is a retired organist. Typically she plays the organ or piano, but rarely does she sing. In that moment, although it was unplanned, I walked over and offered to act as cantor for the Mass, which she accepted. Some of the songs I was familiar with, some I wasn't, but by the grace of God it all went smoothly, to the extent that my sister commented after the Mass that the music appeared to have been planned. It just felt reaffirming that if we are open to God's plan for us, He provides abundant opportunities to minister. Because of this one encounter, this organist will now call me if she is called upon last minute to play for Mass.

Throughout the course of the weekend I was able to have meaningful conversation with my brother and sister, but as well as the family we were helping. One of my responsibilities was to drive the truck and trailer to the landfill site to dump the singles. The mother of the family came with me in order to pay the tipping fees. But it was somehow very empowering to go as two women, and complete what is traditionally percieved as male work. We were able to pull in and dump the shingles, but in the process also spark conversation with those around us at the landfill (many men appeared just a little jealous of our dump-trailer as they were slugging out their refuse), but most were happy to engage in some brief but cheerful conversation. Because of the number of runs we had to make to the landfill, we were even able to make friends with the man at the front gate of the landfill site. Basically, it was as physically demanding weekend, but spiritually and emotionally uplifting. There was great satisfaction coming home bone-tired every night, but knowing that I had helped to accomplish something meaningful. Stay tuned for my next act of spontaneous volunteerism.... MARIA

October 12, 2008 Okay, team, here I go again. Yesterday I volunteered at my Church setting up the decorations for the Thanksgiving Mass. A few years ago my sister and I were approached by our priest to do the the decorating, which we accepted the ministry never realizing how much work it is. Not only do we have to make sure there are decorations each week, the Church only has a tiny budget for this. So we recruited my mother who has since become the summer decorator as she loves to arrange fresh flowers - especially wild-flowers! Anyway, yesterday, was a lovely day and we were set to decorate after the morning Mass. As Mass finshed, Father informed us that there was a Baptism at 10:00am. So we decided to wait until it was over, but when we re-arrived just before eleven, we discovered that the baptism was at 11:00, not 10:00. We again came back just before noon, and spent the next two hours changing the face of the Church. While this ministry is a lot of work, I enjoy the opportunity it gives me to be in the Church outside of Mass. It is quiet, and somehow it really feels like home - maybe that is because at the end there is always tidying up and vaccuming to do..... It was wonderful yesterday to comtemplate on all the items we used for decorating - pumpkins, potatos, apples, tomatoes, corn, hay, etc... this holiday is about thanking God as our Creator - looking at the fruits of the earth, of which we are part and saying what God has created is good. This year for the first time we included bread and grapes in the display - the fruits of the earth that are central to our faith. It was certainly more of a contemplative ministry, but an opportunity for which I am exceedingly grateful. MARIA

Hi Maria, this is Veronique. I have been on wiki lately so excuse my late comment. I am happy to hear that you fond time for yourself while you were ministring. It is nice to find peace within once in while. That's exactly what I need right now. My head is so full. Keep doing a great job Maria.

December 3, 2008 Okay group, nothing like leaving everything to the last minute, but I just spent last Friday evening at the Santa Claus Parade in Huntsville. Spending my evening with a group of 42 excited and Christmas spirited teens was certainly interesting. After school we went with a bus load of kids to Huntsville, once there we spent the next 3 hours decorating the float - it is always interesting to see who willingly helps and those that need some coaxing. I'm always very hands on, so I was in the midst all the action, directing kids, stringing lights, and despite the fact that it was cold and snowy, we had a blast. The best part was that I got to go with a couple of students in the new Tractor Trailer truck - it was space age - and it gave me the opportunity to get to know these two students a bit better as we traveled down the highway at 20kms an hour..... When we got to the parade we had to wait a further hour before it began. This was a great opportunity to mingle and chat with the students. Everyone was in a great mood and as the parade began it quickly became evident that we were the most lively and cheerful of floats. As we passed by people bagan to dance and sing along with us. It was fun, which I must admit was more than I expected (as I don't usually tolerate cold weather very well). After the parade we went back to off-load the float and load it all into the truck and trailer my sister had donated for that purpose, and then we came back to the high-school. I realize that when you do things for others those things that might normally bother me (like the cold), aren't really a factor. The good spirits and company makes it all worth it. And it was nice because the principal recognized the efforts and gave myself and the other teacher who helped organize the float a gift card to Tim Hortons. I think that for me though the most important part of the evening was the bonding with the students, getting to know some of the students that I don't and haven't taught in a light and carefree manner. I realized the importance when today a student whom I connected with at the parade asked to speak to me about a personal issue..... Sometimes we aren't even aware of where we plant seeds.... =**Hello Group E ! http://c1.wikicdn.com/s/rte/images/italic.gif I decided to help out a family of 3 kids with their homework last week. The children are in grade 6, 7 and 8 so the mother was very pleased. As I started with helping the gr 8 girl with her math and she just couldn't grasp the concept or adding a negative number with a positive number. For some reason, I happened to remember when I was learning that, my teacher had made up a little song. I sang it to her, wrote it down for her and she went throught the rest of her math homework pretty quick. I felt that I was ministring because I was teaching. I was passing on knowledge. A little later, the grade 6 boy who was done with his homework was getting a bit nervous. HIs hockey match was at 5 :30 and his dad wasnt home yet to drive him. THe mother wanted to make dinner and finish off with the other's work so I offered to drive him. I knew where it was because I played hockey there in the past. As we got in the car, he was pretty excited, he even had his helmet on!!! We talked about hockey on the way there and I felt that I was bonding with him. I always was closer to the girls because they'd come to my house to play with my girls. Anyhow, we got to the rink and he was so happy because we were a bit early and he was able to warm up and practice shooting. He thanked me because his dad always drove him late. The poor father drives over an hour to get home and knowing what the traffic is like, it must be hard for him to get home in time. When watching the boy play hockey I encouraged him and cheered a lot. Some parents talked to me, thinking it was my son. I felt proud and good about myself when I explained that I was helping out a neighbourg. This was ministry to me because I was a person of service and that I didn't expect nor wanted anything in return. I used to help out more and now that I am so busy with 2 kids, a huge house to maintain, a job, I left that behind** but it felt so good to help this family. I will defenetly continue and probably make a huge casserole for them so that dinner can be ready on nights that the boy has hockey. Talk to you all later!= Veronique, I think that this ministry that you are offering to this family is really cool. I am sure that this family appreciates the love and support you are giving them, even in the simplest of ways, like dropping the boy off at the hockey game. It just reminds me how kids just want love and positive reinforcement - as was evident when you were cheering him on in the game. Congratulations on your ministry. Maria November 1, 208 Hello! can't seem to find the same color. That will have to do!!! I have been involved in a ministry of service but just didn't take the time to write to you group E! I still visit this family but not as often. My husband started a new job and he's not home until much later and I need to care for my children first. I see them more over the weekend when no homework needs to be done. What I ended up doing was a huge shepperd pie for my friend who's been involved with SMO 50th anniversary as well as with the Service of C.T. My friend gives so much of her time to the community and has so little time for herself. I called her up to annonce that I was picking her daughter up and taking hwe to my house. Therefore, she would have some time to herself. I also told her not to worry about dinner. SHe loves eating homemade food but find herself buying lots of frozen food. I decided to volunteer my time and energy to her. She is an amazing woman and friend who does so much and never expects anything in return. I felt really good about helping out. I guess I forgot to say that earlier in the week she had phoned me to just touch base and seemed pretty tired and stressed. My daughters loved the idea and played together for a couple of hours. When my friend came to pick her up we took the time to sip a cup of tea together and had great discussion which uplifted me. I sometimes feel that I don't have a lot to offer...but I was a good ear to her, a good chef and good sitter.... I feel that we need to do this more often, the girls love it and gives the other parent time alone, peaceful time.

<span style="color: #0054ff; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #004eff; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Véronique, I think the simple actions are the ones that touch others the most. Actions like yours are indicative of true friendship. I have a girlfriend who is much like you. She doesn't think she has a lot to offer, but she is constantly giving of herself and impacting the lives of all those around her. Once in awhile, she'll surprise me with some of her baking, or she'll offer to watch my kids to give me a break or she'll check in just to see how things are going and to simply keep in touch. Such actions truly lift my spirit and encourage me to pay it forward. Jacquie

<span style="color: #0067ff; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="color: #6a10b2; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello Group E. I am not so techno-savvy, so hopefully this post reaches you... Pat Gowan and I both teach at Father F. X. O'Reilly School in Tottenham. For several weeks we have been busy coordinating a Thanksgiving food drive to support our local food bank. Although Thanksgiving has passed, we are still wrapping up the event. A food drive seems simple enough, but it a lot went into the planning of it. We first had to meet with our principal to get approval. We then had to write a newsletter to go home to parents and write daily announcements to be read over the PA. We had students assigned as "Angels" to spread the word about the food drive to all classes. These students also collected the food and displayed it in the front foyer our of school. To make things fun, Pat and I decided to make the food drive a contest. The winner in each division would receive a pizza party. Everyone got into the spirit and got excited about the friendly competition. The grade 8 class tracked the progress of all classes by posting bar graphs on a school bulletin board. These were updated every few days. In the end, it was a lot of fun and we collected so much. The staff and students were really enthusiastic about helping others in our community. Pat and I sent a lot of food to the Tottenham food bank. I am going to take the rest of it to the Barrie food bank - we saw on TV that the Barrie food bank had empty shelves, so we decided to help out. Do either of you know where the Barrie food bank is? I hope to go on Thursday or Friday as some of my family members (who I will be seeing this week) are wanting to contribute. I think it is important to remember the less fortunate in our community. It is too bad, however, that this generally occurs over the holidays. In the case of this project, ministry has meant that I give of myself and encourage others to join the cause in support of those in need. It felt great to work with Pat in organizing such a worthwhile event at our school. I am thrilled with the response we got and hope to continue to bring about such enthusiasm again through future school events. Jacquie Jacquie, I was really moved by what you revealed to us in class. You mention that when you took it to the foodbank you felt guilty. I think you should look at it as more of a gift - sure take pause and look at your own life, but the gift of this new awareness should move you to action, for that is what our faith is about. Now you know this reality exists, and perhaps it may become the launching point for some activities with your students; just as you were unaware, likely many of your students are. Last March break I took a group of students to Nicaragua for a mission trip. Coming back it was amazing the reactions - some were ready for the trip, for some the message was totally lost. Those who did get it felt guilty coming back to their lives. After long discussion about guilt vs awareness and what to do with it, some of these students changed their entire university programs so that they might actually affect change in the world - one girl changed her engineering program so that when she finishes she can return to Nicaragua and give tangible support with her expertise.... Rare moments, rare gifts - change that can last a lifetime. Maria

<span style="color: #004aff; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif;">November 23, 2008 Thanks for your response Maria... I'm sorry that I got so emotional in class. Once in awhile, I get really overwhelmed by the injustices in the world. I feel utterly empathetic and unable to effect change at the same time. I know that I did a good thing - My problem is that there are so many people in the world that need help and I question if I am doing enough to assist and support those in need.

Since the Thanksgiving Food Drive at my school, I have been really busy "ministering" to those in my own family. My grandpa, who I have spoken about in class is in great need of my attention and support. I am currently working part-time (on "B" days) and on my days off, I am having to help him out. Lately, my mother has been watching my children, so that I may take my grandpa to Sunnybrook for appointments with an opthamologist. My grandpa is rapidly losing his sight in one eye and has to undergo a series of treatments to hopefully save what sight he does have. My grandpa is a very independent man, who would suffer immensely if he lost his sight (Aside from praying the rosary, CNN is his life!!). I have enjoyed spending this extra time with him. He is so humble and appreciative of my efforts to help him - although I explain that I need not be thanked. It truly is an honour to be able to help him. He is done so much for me in my life. He has taught me so much and he continues to teach me. We will continue going to Sunnybrook for the next few months, so I pray that all goes well.

The other family member I suppose one could say I have been ministering to, is my aunt. I am her sounding board. She and my uncle have two teenage sons, who I have helped care for since birth. They always joked that I was the big sister. The oldest son has been going through a tough time the last couple of years. He started hanging out with the wrong crowd (so to speak), he's been performing poorly at school, cutting classes and doing drugs. He's left home a couple of times and he left home again on Friday night. Fortunately, he was found and he is staying with some relatives who are helping my aunt and uncle out. I have been in constant contact with my aunt, helping her come up with strategies as to how she can reach her son and help him express himself in an appropriate manner. It's a daily struggle. My aunt is already taking care of her father (who has cancer) and her son's behaviour is too much for her to handle. I pray that God will enable her to help her son get on the right path. Jacquie <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Jacquie, it isn’t always that we have to actively do things to assist others – just listening is sometimes all people are looking for. The desire in people to have a voice and to be heard can be profound. Being the sounding board is important, even for your grandpa who just may want to share with someone his fears; I am sure that he takes great comfort in knowing that you will be there for him regardless of the situation because you love him. It sounds like you are serving your family in what is a difficult and troubling time – thank you for your moving example. – Maria

Bonsoir! We are November 29h. Already. And I thought 12 hours of volunteering was an enormous task. I was wrong. I crave it now. I want to help, there is that desire inside of me. So here we go...remember my girlfriend, well she had an operation 10 days ago. Nothing concerning her health so it's good, but for some reason she can't have a second baby. So they made two holes on her to go check things out. Well, I knew her family was over to help out; her mom, her sister and her cousin. I knew her husband was home because it was the weekend and he works weekdays. So I didn't think my help was needed. I phoned to check on her and chatted with her husband who seemed to be saying that she wasn't relaxing as much as she should but she was sleeping now. Eveything had gone relatively well and relalives were over to help... Alright so I made a soup and batch of muffins(high fiber) so she can have a poop. I know how it is, trust me. Ok, so I head over while my husband is getting a haircut. I get there to find her mom lying on the sofa. She had come up because she too had to have surgery. Oh my! Her cousin was cleaning the house. Her daughter was playing with her sister's sun and my friend was on Facebook relaxing on another sofa with her sister. I stayed for a little bit, just enough to hear her story and concern about not being there for the interviews on Friday. She was told to take 2 weeks off but wants to only take one. The next day I phoned early in the morning and found out that her relatives were just about to leave. So I offered to come pick her daughter up and bring her home for lunch and the afternoon. She was hesitating. Are you sure? She said! So there I was again but this time she looked worse. She was sore and had been doing things she souldn't be doing. She shared with me that her husband was not helping much but tha'ts none of our business, right?!?! SO I made her swear that she would relax and do nothing. I think she listened.

While her daughter was over, we had a blast. We played in the snow, we made craft and danced around. Time flew by. Our little friend did want to leave. We had to call to ask if she could stay for dinner. If these 2 four-year old girls were a bit older I think I would have kept her for a sleep over.. They were having so much fun. ONly one major fight. Not bad. I also enjoyed watching their interactions and how they problem solved issues. On the other hand, my husband was a bit jealous. It's not what he had in mind for our Sunday afternoon. Well, I had to do this. First of all my daughter misses this little girl because we don't see her as much anymore. Second, my friend needed to rest and how are you supposed to that with a 4 year old full of energy next to you. So there, without even realising that I was minstring I did it again. I loved it. It is so simple, so natural for me. Veronique <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: red; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Veronique, I love how you just love life and embrace the moment. And I so know what you mean when you say that you “crave” ministry. It is all about being in the moment, and knowing with complete certainty that we are called in that moment to do something and it can be some simple as watching another person’s child. I hope your husband can come to understand better your need to serve, and that he can support you in this. - Maria <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: #6a10b2; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">