Sister Marilyn Haselhorst: Volunteering with a Listening Ear and a Caring Heart

Twice a week, Sister Marilyn Haselhorst, PHJC helps prepare lunches for residents at the Economy Inn in Plymouth and joins other PHJC Volunteer Program members in delivering the meals. She has been an avid volunteer for over a year now. Sister Marilyn recently returned from Mexico where she served in a variety of roles for over 36 years. Most recently, she served as treasurer and as an administrator on the Mexican Unit’s council.

The Mexican PHJC unit supported several outreach ministries, including soup kitchens for children and senior citizens, an establishment where people could stay while their loved ones were in the hospital and a shelter named “Casa Catalina” (House of Catherine) where unhoused individuals could receive care and support. Her time overseeing the funding for these ministries impressed upon Sister Marilyn the importance of community outreach organizations. When she returned to live in the U.S., Sister Marilyn joined the Food Ministry to directly serve those in need.

“It’s important for me to have that personal contact and to be face-to face with the people I serve,” Sister Marilyn said. “Two of our major values are serving the poor and recognizing the dignity of all people. We also value building a sense of community. There is a sense of camaraderie among the volunteers and I enjoy being with them. We also share a sense of community with the people we serve. I am touched by their trust in us and I find it heartwarming whenever they tell us ‘I don’t need that item this week, please let someone else have it.’ I find that I always receive more than I give when I volunteer.” We thank Sister Marilyn for being generous with her time, talents, and, most importantly, her love!

Spreading Good Food and the Good News!

PHJC Volunteers visited the Economy Inn in Plymouth for a triple delivery that covered Tuesday, Holy Thursday, and Easter Sunday. In the spirit of the season, an Easter Chick joined the volunteers to pose for pictures with residents of all ages, much to their delight!

The delivery included: 40 lunches for Tuesday and Thursday respectively (plus four extra sandwiches for each day), 33 grocery bags for Tuesday and Holy Thursday respectively, 33 Easter meal bags which included a pound of ham, a pound of mashed potatoes, a pound of corn, a small loaf of baked bread, applesauce, two desserts, rolls and butter, a bag of Easter candy, and Easter plates, napkins, plasticware, and 16 Easter baskets for young residents

The delivery also included 33 adult bags that contained detergent, toilet paper, Kleenex, paper towels, wash cloths, dish cloths, garbage bags, and wet wipes. The volunteers also provided residents with hygiene bags that contained soap, shampoo, toothpaste, a toothbrush, comb, Q-tips, mouthwash, hand cream, dental floss and dental floss picks, scrunchies, deodorant, razors, lotion, cotton balls, and body wash.

The volunteers additionally gave out large boxes of cereal along with crackers, oatmeal, and jars of peanut butter.

We extend the warmest of “thank-yous” to all of the volunteers who made this very large Easter delivery possible. Your dedication and spirit of giving have not gone unnoticed!

A Beautiful Tribute to the PHJC Volunteer Program’s Legacy of Service

This March, the PHJC Volunteer Program put up a display in the Ancilla Domini Chapel vestibule. This year, PHJC ministries and organizations have been invited to put together displays that showcase their history and identity throughout the year.

Sister Connie put this display together, including various food items, articles of clothing, toiletries, and other items frequently delivered by the Volunteer Program. She also added photos of volunteers who have served in the United States and around the world. The display remained up for all to enjoy throughout the month of March.

What a terrific way to celebrate the 16-year legacy of the Volunteer Program and the sixth year of its food ministry! This National Volunteer Week, we want to express our gratitude for each of our volunteers. Your tireless efforts help us to make a lasting impact on the lives of others!