On a rainy, windy March day, Live The Good volunteers assisted with trail upkeep and habitat restoration at Imago, an ecological education center begun by the Sisters of Charity in Cincinnati. Sister Carol Wetli led the opening prayer and facilitated the closing reflection on the experience. Weather did not deter the volunteers who “felt uplifted and grateful to work together in the spirit of Saint Julie.”
Traveling to sunny Phoenix for the Friends Dinner, sponsored by the Ohio Development Office, Holly collaborated with sisters in Arizona to provide a Live The Good opportunity at a Welcome Center for people seeking asylum. Sister Meg Walsh led the opening prayer and facilitated sharing on the experience. Volunteers said the desperation of people in search of safety opened their eyes and touched their hearts.
In May, volunteers, ages 3 to 80+, gathered at Mission of Mary Cooperative in East Dayton to honor Leo Lehner, a Chaminade Julienne (CJ) freshman who died in a boating accident on October 11, 2021. A friendly young man with a deep passion for service, Leo’s goal was to set a new record for service hours before graduating from CJ. In only two months, he was well on his way. To help Leo meet his goal, volunteers performed these service hours in his memory.
Sister Rita Sturwold led the volunteers in prayer. Leo’s grandfather and aunt, CJ students, faculty, administrators and others trekked through puddles to plant seeds, cultivate the soil and spread compost to prepare beds for planting. The group was amazed by all they accomplished in a short time, doing so happily for Leo.