By Matthew Junker, Father Beiting Appalachian Mission Center When I was an atheist, I liked to say that prayer is selfishly asking for every atom in the universe to be rearranged just for your own interest. Having mocked it for so long, I had a very difficult time with prayer when I came into Christianity. […]

By Lauren Mifsud, Mercy Volunteer Corps   If there is one thing that I have learned this year as a Mercy Volunteer, it is how to pay for things with change. My community member, Bianca, laughs at me when we go to the corner store and I present Ali, our favorite cashier, with my quarters, […]

By Helene Bansley, Amate House    In the first station of the cross, Jesus is preparing for his death. He goes to the garden of Gethsemane to pray to God because he is overwhelmed with sorrow and distress. He is fearful of his impending death and the suffering he is about to endure. His heart […]

By Gianna Carleo, Colorado Vincentian Volunteer    Few things in nature compare to the company of a winding river. There is a special posture of presence, an invitation to prayer, when one enters a river space. It is the paradox of rushing and calm—a simultaneous acceptance of great mystery paired with rooted contemplation. Every now […]

By Elizabeth Modde, Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry  As a patient advocate, I am immediately drawn to the patients who do not seem to be happy with their care or those who do not understand their care plan. When I found out that one of my favorite patients had refused to get the procedure that his […]