"Why do you feed the hungry? Why do you comfort those in sorrow? Why do you hunger for justice? Why do you give your heart away to the weary? Why do you do what you do?" The simple answer: "Because we love God, and all that belongs to God." These words, taken from a song written by Sister Kathy Sherman, CSJ, summarize the motivation and spirit of the eleven volunteers in a Companions in Mission program held in Kalamazoo.

Giving their wholehearted energy and enthusiasm, these women served a variety of needs in the Kalamazoo community through participating in volunteer opportunities at: Borgess Nursing Home, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Ministry with Community Soup Kitchen, Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care Center and at Nazareth Center.

Spending time with the sisters at Borgess Nursing Home and providing a picnic for sisters in assisted living at Nazareth gave us the opportunity to establish or renew friendships as we spent time sharing stories and enjoying each other's company.

We experienced the energy of youth at the Kalamazoo Drop-In Child Care Center. This opportunity gave volunteers a chance to play with and be entertained by children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. Providing lunch, reading books, playing games and a rest period are a must at this site. The rest period was mostly appreciated by the adults-namely us-who aren't used to interacting with 14 little ones for several hours at a time!

Nourishing bodies and spirits goes along with volunteering at Meals on Wheels and Ministry with Community Soup Kitchen. Through these programs the simple yet essential needs of food and human contact have been offered by staff and volunteers for more than 30 years.

We began each day at Nazareth with prayer as we blessed one another before leaving for the ministry sites. Back at Nazareth at the end of the day, we reflected on the people and experiences of the day during our evening prayer. We shared an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the many ways God touched our lives and the lives of those we met daily.

The following responses from participants in the Companions in Mission Program help us to know this is a worthwhile endeavor, and that we truly enrich the lives of one another through our sharing of community and ministry:

"The most significant gift was the positive, joyous spirit of the SSJ Community."

"It was wonderful to spend time with a diverse group of women who share a deep and abiding faith. Working in various locations in Kalamazoo was a reminder of how many people need our help and loving acceptance."

"I expected a week of service and prayer in community and it was that and much more. There was a variety in the types of service, so that I could choose what I felt more drawn to. The community was incredible."

The Companions in Mission Volunteer Program is offered on a yearly basis by the Sisters of St. Joseph. For information regarding the 2008 program, contact Sister Bernadette Dean at 269-967-1195, bdean@csjoseph.org or check the website: ssjnazareth.org.