MLK Day service projects in archdiocese touched hearts

On Jan. 16, Catholics journeyed throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans to serve the community on the Martin Luther King Jr. “Day On, Not Off.” Here are a few reflections:

➤ Re’Yan Mathieu, 9th grade, St. Mary’s Academy: I decided to volunteer for a service project at St. Margaret’s Daughters Home. My experience at St. Margaret’s was filled with nothing but joy and excitement. We, the volunteers, hosted two separate bingo games with the residents who wanted to play. It was clear that the elderly residents enjoyed our company as they kept returning to participate in the activities we set up for them. I just love how they took time out of their day to spend it with us. The St. Margaret’s Daughters Home residents were nice and sweet to us. I don’t regret taking the time to spend time with them.

➤  Harper Gros, 8th grade, St. Mary’s Academy: This was my first time attending a service event like this, and I really enjoyed it. My joy started when I was asked to participate in prayer and sat next to Archbishop Gregory Aymond at the prayer service before my service project. I appreciated the archbishop finding time to be with us, to pray with us and to give us words of wisdom and encouragement. Being able to help the elderly at St. Margaret’s Daughters Home and spend a day with them made me truly feel that I was contributing to my community. Jesus calls us to serve others, and the event allowed my peers and me to do just that. The residents were so appreciative, and I had a beautiful time with them. They told jokes, shared stories, laughed, and it made me happy seeing them happy. We helped them with one of their favorite activities – bingo. They were so competitive! The staff also was friendly, and you could tell how they took great care of the residents. The residents reminded me of my own grandmother. I know her seeing me help them would make her happy. I would definitely do it again. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wants us to go out and serve. On that day, we did just that to commemorate him.
➤  Patricia Petty, 10th grade, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church: I enjoyed playing with the children at Hotel Hope and am grateful for such a place that provides a normal, temporary home for women and their children. We are beyond blessed to provide worthy and needed service in the community.
➤  Isaiah Joseph Petty, 11th grade, St. Augustine High School, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church: I helped freshen up the toy area for the children who live at Hotel Hope. The children are blessed to have many toys to play with while spending their time at Hotel Hope. I am glad I spent time here. I realized how my time and service are needed in the community.
➤   Chaperones Kisha Toney, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church; Doris Banks, St. Gabriel the Archangel Church: We sorted pajamas and undergarments at Hotel Hope. We have decided to dedicate 2023 to volunteer there in any capacity – front-desk service, to meal service to childcare. We plan to allow the Office of Black Catholics to decide each year where we will spend our time serving others.