Ministry

Ministry As part of the ICCN, novices participate in ministry one day each week. There are dozens of opportunities for ministry in Chicago. I volunteer at two locations. In the morning, I volunteer in an urban farm, located at Precious Blood Ministries of Reconciliation (PBMR). PBMR serves young people and families most impacted by violence, incarceration, and structural inequality. The urban farm is part of their workforce development program, providing a first step into employment for youth and young adults. So far, I've harvested several pounds of vegetables, assisted as an English/Spanish interpreter with produce sales, helped plant cover crops for the winter, and on rainy days, worked in the kitchen chopping, cooking, or baking whatever was recently harvested. I've included a few pictures "on the farm." In the afternoon, I volunteer at Bethany House of Hospitality, which is a home for immigrant women who have 'aged out' of the children's detention centers. What I do there depends on the day: I could be giving English lessons, helping with homework, wiping down ​high touch surfaces, sorting donated clothing, or having conversations with the residents. Volunteers are encouraged to share their own talents with the residents, so I'm currently thinking about offering a baking demonstration or doing a presentation on job readiness/ skills, since I was an HR professional prior to entering. I look forward to witnessing how God will work through me and through each of these ministries this year! Blessings and peace - Sara