Vocation directors within the Charity Federation have gathered once again in New Orleans to rebuild homes affected by Hurricane Katrina. Each year, the vocation directors meet during the first week of January to help in the efforts to rebuild the beautiful, historic city.

Vocation directors from different congregations bring young adults with them to assist. This year, Sister of Charity of Nazareth Vocation Director Nancy Gerth brough Kaytee who is from Columbus Ohio (in yellow shirt). Pictured along with Sister Nancy and Kaytee are Sister Carol, a member of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati congregation, and the other young woman (in blue) is Cheyenne who is from New Jersey. This group of four have been working along with the Phoenix of New Orleans organization to rebuild the home of a 72 year old single woman. She had lived in the home, located in Midway, the inner-city of New Orleans, her entire life until is was virtually destroyed by the hurricane. She is one of three people still living in a FEMA-provided trailer in her neighborhood and is to be evicted in 20 days.

Sister Nancy and her group have spent their time making the home livable again. They have painted the interior of the home and laid laminate flooring. The group will continue its work in order to soon have the house ready to be lived in again.

Bellarmine students can paint! Bellarmine students can bake and cook! Bellarmine students can grill! During the alternative fall break service trip to Covington, Kentucky, I learned that Bellarmine students can do many things!

We were a small group, however, we accomplished much. We had a great time baking cookies for the kids on Friday night. Our Saturday morning of service started at the children's home with paint brushes and rollers flying through the white paint. We grilled hot dogs and served lunch for the kids. Then, we played on the swings and took lessons throwing and kicking a football from a few of the kids who were"pros". On the way to our next stop, we took a quick tour of the Cathedral - beautiful! In the afternoon, we made supper at the women's shelter and got to sing happy birthday as the candles were blown out by the boy who seemed thrilled that he had a cake, candles AND ice cream to celebrate the start of his ninth year. His unforgettable smile was as bright as the lit candles on his cake.

I learned that Bellarmine students brought with them more than skills. They shared their precious time, generous spirits and were so compassionate and encouraging to all they encountered. It was a privilege to share this time with them. Here are a few lines from our prayer taken from Louise Helene Renou's Beatitudes for Social Engagement ... "Blessed are you, when you remain available, sharing in simplicity in what you possess ... Blessed are you, when you creatively devise new ways of donating your possessions, your time, your tenderness and gems of hope ... Blessed are you, when you take seriously your faith in the God who is the provider of all that we have.

I drove back to Nazareth feeling inspired, grateful and impressed by three generous young women. Thanks Erin, Rachel and Viktoreya!