New Orleans Mission Trip
New Orleans; December, 2007
Like all our trips to New Orleans, it has been a ministry of presence in which we hoped to show God’s love and compassion. This presence is so important and important than the tearing down of buildings but a way to help tear down any barriers so others can tell their stories of this mighty storm called Katrina. We experienced a lot of listening that accompanied our manual labor. We did outreach for those who continue to grow stronger each day but still suffer from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
This is what our days of ministry looked like. Twice a day we were ministered to by a very special friend, Sr. Ann Roddy, SSND, the director of TAU House. Sister welcomed us for prayer and meals. Tau House was organized by Father Robert Powell, OFM, over 30 years ago to welcome those who felt they had no place in the Church.
When we arrived Sister Ann welcomed us with, "We are so happy to have you here,” "you may not see the effects, but many people will be blessed for weeks to come as a result of your visit."
Each day at TAU House we prayed and enjoyed meals prepared by our friend Father Larry Nichols, OFM who outdid himself in keeping us well fed. Our prayer was rooted in reflections that grappled with the survival from this hurricane. Stories continue to be heard by many—New Orleans firefighters, residents at Lazarus (a home for people living with HIV/AIDS), our Poor Clare Nuns and those who work at City Park. One night we had the privilege of serving a hot meal at “The Wall” right outside the French Quarter to about two hundred persons including little children.
We spent time with the Poor Clare Nuns, the second order of the Franciscans. We cared for the nun’s monastery, inside and out. The sisters had many stories of evacuations and re-entry back to New Orleans and each story was filled with love, struggle and compassion.
At City Park, our friends Reese and Jim had us help with weeding the Botanical Gardens. Hurricane Katrina gave City Park over four feet of salt water for many days which killed trees, plants and other foliage that once created a place for reflection and peace. City Park is healing slowly and it is wonderful to see that many residents of New Orleans just go to City Park to get away from the daily hardships that continue to sweep the city.
Father Larry and I meet with Sister Sylvia, (a Holy Family Sister) who is now New Orleans’ Archdiocese’s Vicar for Religious. She continues to struggle with the many losses within her own community’s sponsored nursing home where twenty two elderly residents died in the heat, waiting to be rescued.
With all that being said, I am planning another trip to New Orleans again during Easter week. If you can find it in your heart once again to help support this great ministry it would be most appreciated. If you would like to make this trip from Monday, March 24 to Friday March 28th. Please let me know if you’d like to join me in this endeavor.
I also have an update on the non for profit. The name will be “Our Daily BrEd Ministries”. By this time next year we will have our 503-c complete so please feel free to donate knowing that you can write this donation off as a tax exception. However I would ask until we have everything finalized, please make your checks out to the Franciscans.
Please continue to pray for the board members, our benefactors and all those who benefit from its ministry.
Peace and all good,
Brother Ed Arambasich, OFM
Letters From Participants
Dear Friends:
New Orleans was a fascinating experience for me and blessed me with knowledge, memories and people that I will never forget. My view of New Orleans before I went on this outreach was that New Orleans was a city that was devastated but has now returned to normalcy. I found that this was not the case at all: New Orleans still needs help, being only a fraction of what it once was. On this week-long outreach I discovered the largest group of resilient people I have ever met, who have persevered through the tough times and still greet volunteers with smiles on their faces and welcoming hearts. New Orleans is truly an extraordinary city. I felt that ministering my time with the people of New Orleans has helped them tremendously, and I have been touched as well.
Michael Berndt, Q.U. Quincy, IL
Dear Friends:
We spend our days working and going to school, spend time with friends and family and have a day to day routine. Our trips to New Orleans afforded us an opportunity to interact with people unlike our friends, family, schoolmates and co-workers at home.
Spending some time with people with Aids, helping to feed the homeless and talking to those that experience the Katrina legacy daily gives a perspective that can not be attained from news reports. What we did for a few days in New Orleans, was minor for those we met but was major for us with memories lasting a lifetime.
I realize after the last couple of trips you organized, we can not rely totally on Government to solve problems. It also takes ordinary people, giving of themselves, doing what they can, one on one. Marc and Brian now have an understanding, first hand, of the importance of just helping others once in a while.
Talk to you soon,
Al Silverstein, Gurnee, IL
Dear Friends:
During the month of December, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to New Orleans on a mission trip. My eyes were opened, I had no idea that two years after Hurricane Katrina, so much work still needs to be done.
I heard over and over from New Orleans residents that they would not be nearly as far in the re-building process if it wasn't for the volunteers. This touched my heart and I was thankful that I was able to do some good while I was there.
I think it is important that the people of New Orleans are not forgotten. I think it is important that volunteers continue to help out in New Orleans. I think we have a responsibility to help if we can; whether we donate time and go and help; or donate money to assist in the rebuilding of this fantastic city.
Margaret Donohue, Chicago, IL
Hey Brother Ed,
How great that y'all coming to our aid once again. You know we always have plenty to keep you busy and it does my heart good to see all those wonderful generous folks who come with you.
Love and Prayers,
Sister Elizabeth, OSC, abbess
New Orleans, LA
|
