Franciscan Daughters of Mary at 1800 Madison Avenue, Covington , KY 41014 US - Newsletter Summer 2008

  This Summer we’ve had many groups of teens coming to the Rose Garden to do Summer Mission Work.  They come from various parts of the country and have come to have an experience of serving Jesus Christ in the poor, and to have a deeper understanding for our brothers and sisters in need.  Below are some of the comments they had about their experience with us.

 · “I absolutely love it here!!  I loved it in the first 5 minutes because I could see how God helped out so much by bringing in all of the donations.  Everything was gone by the end of the day!”

· “Interacting with the people I met taught me a lot about love, that true love is not only given, but received in return.”

· “It felt good to know I was making even a small difference in someone’s life.  I feel as if I’ve received a very special gift and am grateful for this blessing.”

· “In a society obsessed with instant gratification and quick fixes, it is refreshing to come to the Rose Garden, a place where God’s love comes first.”

· “No matter who or how many come through the door, we are challenged to see Christ in each person.  The true compassion of the sisters is contagious.”

· “This is indeed a house of the Lord, and the Lord sure does provide for the physical, spiritual, emotional and relational needs of those who come to the Rose Garden (including volunteers).”

· “Thank you for reminding me that all is gift—that my life is a gift from God and for God.”

· “I was struck by the goodness in everyone who came in, whether for food or baby items or pregnancy tests.  I was amazed at how many people said, ‘God bless you.’”

· As I helped a lady who came in for a pregnancy test, I felt tears on my cheek because I don’t know how I would handle being in the same situation as her.  I don’t know of any other place where you can volunteer that makes you cry & feel good at the same time.”

· “I love the loving and caring atmosphere.  It’s so good to have someplace like this - to go where they look out for you and help you regardless of your situation.”

· “I plan to go back to Iowa and see if there is a place like this where I could donate or volunteer.”

· “It was an amazing experience.  I really enjoyed making New Baby Welcome Baskets and imagining the kids that would soon be using the items.”

· “I really liked how much I got to interact with the people.”

· “I really loved how the sisters stopped to talk with each person on line, even if the line was a block long—it shows they really care and that’s awesome.”

· “I saw God in everyone today, especially the sisters.”

· “I like how help is given to everyone, without regard to religion, race, age, etc.”

· “It has been wonderful for us to realize that we don’t need everything we want; having the love of Christ is enough.”

· “I can hear and see our Catholic faith lived out here.”