The Convent opened in 1987 with three sections: one for those with AIDS, one for homeless and a third for women. Since then a small number of Mother of God Community members have volunteered there for various periods of time and various schedules. The duties are more than what hospital orderlies do, but with less responsibility than a nurse. Mostly the work is very similar to what the Missionaries of Charity do in India: care for the poorest of the poor in an atmosphere of gentleness, joy and dignity-feeding, bathing, changing diapers, emptying urinals, distributing medicines, making beds, running errands, and perhaps most important of all, being friends to the residents. Occasionally volunteers give shots and feed through tubes. The work is shoulder to shoulder with the MC’s.

Schedule options are from an hour or two to all day. It is at the volunteer’s option. Some come for extended stays as if on retreat. Many are in the process of discerning vocations. Two of our members do night duty (7 pm to 7 am]. Night duty is not a bad option. Despite scheduled checks, one manages to get plenty of sleep. Mass is at 7 am weekdays.

Working at Gift of Peace is to experience the Holy Spirit. The Book of Life is posted next to the Chapel. It contains the names of the residents who are interceding for all of us here. The sisters treasure the volunteers’ work. If we are not there, the work does not get done.

For more information

Contact Ted Kershaw