Volunteers recognized at first Holy Cross Ministries luncheon

IC photo by Christine Young

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The Sisters of the Holy Cross thank the volunteers for their time and talents. Some of the volunteers shared their stories of why they enjoy working with the sisters.

SALT LAKE CITY - The first volunteer appreciation luncheon for Holy Cross Ministries (HCM) was March 19 at the St. Vincent de Paul Benvegnu Center. The Sisters of the Holy Cross will have been in Utah 135 years in August.

"Some of our volunteers have been with us a long time and some are just getting used to us," said Holy Cross Sister Suzanne Brennan, director of Holy Cross Ministries. "We served over 6,000 people in 2009 and indications tell us we will be serving more in 2010. This morning we prayed the Psalm that reminds us the Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. This is what we do together."

The volunteers provide a variety of ministries. St. Martha's Baby Project gives 380 layettes to babies born into poverty each year. Margaret Spencer and Holy Cross Sisters Miriam Joanne Frankenfield and Jacinta Millan (now retired) serve in the Parish and Community Health Program to test people's blood sugar, blood pressure, give them healthy lifestyle suggestions and refer them to clinics. Volunteers work with Holy Cross Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski in the After School and Summer Programs to help students with homework, to learn numbers and colors and how to read. Volunteers also refer victims of violence or grief for crisis counseling as needed.

Sr. Miriam Joanne said the volunteers are important to HCM and invited some to talk about why they enjoy being part of HCM.

Mary Cronley, a volunteer in the Hispanic education program at Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City, said she enjoys working with the sisters.

Magaly Perez, an immigrant and volunteer in Parish Health, wanted to thank those at HCM for opening their hearts and their door to her.

Joy Pierce said she came to the luncheon to thank HCM for their service to the community. She has been a volunteer for three years in the literacy program, helping students after school learn to use the Internet and computers.

Margaret Spencer loves working with children and loves to volunteer. She has been a parish health volunteer for 12 years who started out giving immunizations.

Gabriella Archuletta wanted to express how well known the HCM Immigration Department is among those in the domestic violence field, how reputable and respected they are, and how they help so many people who are going through hard times.

Bob Canestrini has worked and volunteered with the sisters for 49 years. He retired from Holy Cross Hospital in the radiology department after 30 years. He is grateful for the sisters' care following his surgery and for supporting him after the death of his wife.

"For many years the sisters have recognized those who volunteer, join us in prayer and support our ministries through service and commitment," said Sr. Mary Ann. "We have developed the Holy Cross Associates Program, which is a relationship that people have with us through ministry. This program will give us a way to acknowledge and thank you. This means continued service plus about three events a year for you to join with the Holy Cross sisters to reflect, pray, and support each other in service."