Buffalo Sisters Volunteer Service at Felician Center

“Willingly perform the humblest chores.” These words of Blessed Mary Angela were lived out in the recent two week visit from Sister Paul Marie Baczkowski, Felician Center board member and Sister Denise Marie Jaworski, volunteer from Buffalo, New York. The Sisters drove to Kingstree, SC with their vehicle loaded with needed items eg. small appliances, new shoes, bedding, etc.

The first few days were spent at the ocean to celebrate Sister Susanne’s birthday- no cooking, no doorbells, and no phone calls. But it was cut short with the oncoming Hurricane Idalia and the Sisters returned to Kingstree to secure the Felician Center properties. The hurricane detoured and all were safe.

At the beach, the five Sisters shopped for new shoes with arches and support for the upcoming Shoe Festival. Adults 50 years and older can pick out a new pair of shoes during Mission and Heritage Week to relieve sore feet and aching backs. Most times, cheap shoes are purchased at Dollar General. A second shopping trip was scheduled and the Sisters purchased additional pairs of new shoes with monies donated by Felician Services.

Sister Paul Marie and Sister Denise Marie helped unload a Food Pantry delivery, stocked the shelves, and served registered clients over the next few days. In the Clothing Closet, the Sisters sorted and tagged new and gently used items. Bags were prepared of donated toiletries that would be distributed to senior citizens at Vital Aging.

In the office, the volunteer Sisters assisted with preparing a mailing for the upcoming Barbecue Benefit, preparing kids’ birthday cards and even signing the Christmas cards for 2023!

At the board meeting, Sister Paul Marie presented the Corporate Compliance report as she serves on that committee. As a long-distance board member, she wanted to do her part since she was not available locally when other board help is needed.

These were the humble tasks of ministry that Sister Paul Marie and Sister Denise Marie contributed during their end of summer visit. But even more importantly, their presence enhanced the local community experience with sharing prayers, meals, recreation, and their presence with the Kingstree Sisters. This has become an annual visit that has blessed all of us and for which we are most grateful.