CALLED TO SERVE

SISTER ROBERTA TREPPA, DC

Sisters Roberta Treppa (left) and Margaret O’Dwyer review children’s books for the thrift shop.

St. Louise tells the Daughters of Charity that our first thought each morning should be that of God. This thought animates me throughout each day. Prayer calls me to service, and service calls me to reflect and pray. We also live a community life the better to fulfill our specific mission of service. Prayer, service, and community woven together make up the fabric of our lives.

“When You Pray, Move Your Feet.” The first thing that came to mind was the Hunger Walk. Inviting others to join with us – even the poor, especially those who are poor! As Daughters of Charity, we are called not just to serve those who are poor, but to serve with them. A daily gift of my vocation is to see Christ in the person of the poor and to walk with them on their journey.

Our St. Vincent clients are quiet, keeping their troubles to themselves. There was a woman who visited our thrift shop and always looked sad or mad, and rarely spoke. I approached her and invited her to walk in the Hunger Walk. I explained that participation counts and she wouldn’t need to raise money. She paused and said, “I can do that!” She remained quiet after our conversation, but seemed happier. The next time I saw her, I asked her how the walk went. Her face lit up as she spoke it. She said many times, “…and I’d do it again!” In her poverty, she was able to make a difference.

This was a wonderful opportunity to literally walk side-by-side with those who were poor, as well as many who serve them. I pray for the insight to recognize ways to involve others in service. Just as my relationship with God is not a one-on-one relationship, service is not just for those in need.