Spirituality

How did volunteering affect the way you approach your faith and spirituality? 

Kerry Conroy, Christian Brothers Lay Volunteer Program, New York City, NY

It changed my view on how service plays a part in faith.  I had always looked at volunteer work as something great to do, but always as an "extra." Like it wasn't required or something.  However, being  part of that life, I realized serving others isn't an extra, but a requirement to truly living the gospel.  Not serving others as part of our faith would be like taking out 90% of the gospel. You experience such a deeper appreciation and understanding and faith experience through serving.  A whole new side of myself and my relationship with God was discovered.  It stretched me in ways I didn't know were possible, and I am so glad for that.

Sue Marble Cuthbert, Jesuit Volunteers International, Tacna, Peru

I certainly have never felt closer to God and God's people than when I was in Peru.  This experience helped me to better understand Liberation Theology and the Preferential Option for the Poor.

Volunteering helped me to integrate more of my spirituality into my everyday life and thought process.  I began to look at more people and remind myself that Jesus is inside of them.

Christy Williamson, Farm of the Child, Trujillo, Honduras

My faith was both challenged and strengthened as a result of my volunteer experience. Through great discussions with my fellow volunteers I was able to clarify how I felt about certain issues in the Church and learn a ton about Catholicism overall.  I gained a much greater appreciation for the Holy Mass as well as for the sacraments.