For Volunteer Programs : National Conference

1999 CNVS National Conference

Prophet, Speak!
Challenged and Connected in Our Call to Mission

By Katie LaCarrubba, Director, Passionist Volunteers

I attended my first CNVS conference in 1991, in beautiful San Antonio, Texas. Actually, we were known as International Liaison of Lay Volunteers in Mission. Imagine the looks we used to get when we would hold up greeting signs in airports for traveling conference participants declaring "International Liaison"! CNVS is so much easier!

When Jim Lindsay and Gerry Lambert recently asked me for my reflections on the conference (CNVS National Conference, Prophets and Pioneers: Who Will Speak?), I welcomed the opportunity to sit back and reflect on my time in Denver. My first thoughts go to Bill and Mary Frances Jaster and their whole team. Bravo! Their sense of hospitality and their gracious way of welcoming us into their lives were unexpected gifts.

I was so impressed by the outpouring of support from their friends. To the friends who greeted us at Ray Carey’s informative workshop, to the voices in the choir that led us in song, to the comedic team of local historian and city councilman, to the cheerful individuals guiding us along the streets of Denver to Holy Ghost Church Saturday night, to those who served us at dinner and helped us dance the night away, THANK YOU! Your generosity of spirit is a gift I have carried with me beyond the conference.

In their welcoming letter to conference participants, Bill and Mary Frances gave us a glimpse of what was in store for us. With quotes and images from Oscar Romero, Chief Seattle, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Dorothy Day they forged the trail that would lead us to new insights and personal challenges. Sister Rosa Maria challenged us to look and discern God’s word for each of us by reflecting on the Word and by sharing and exchanging our stories with one another. Robert Ellsberg challenged us to recognize saints in our contemporary life; those individuals whose lives are guided by the blending of their mystical insights and their personal and political commitment for justice. Vincent Harding honored us by remembering our grandmothers and their place of birth to help us recognize that we are transformed by those individuals who are and who have been a part of our lives.

He cautioned us not to overwhelm individuals with our own righteousness and fail to give others their own rightful space in the struggle for democracy and justice. Melissa Camardo’s homily reflected on community as bread. As the bread must be broken and shared to be fed, so must the bread of community be broken and shared to be truly nourished by the Spirit and recognize the presence of God working in our lives.

Father Ralph Beiting shared his 50 years of service to the people in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky and challenged us to incorporate a strong commitment to Jesus along with our commitment to service. Vie Thorgren provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the days shared and challenged us to seek out the pioneering spirits that guide us and to recognize the responsibility to be prophets in our everyday lives.

We Are Not Alone

"Who will speak if we don’t? Who will speak so their voice will be heard?" This refrain of the conference theme song, sung several times throughout the weekend, continued to weave the threads that connect us all to our call to mission and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggle for justice. I think it’s of particular interest to note that Marty Haugen chose "we" in the refrain and not "I".

Much like all the prophets and pioneers mentioned this weekend, none walked alone on their journeys. It serves as a constant reminder that I cannot and must not do this alone and must continue to walk with others, as well as be open to others that may seek my companionship on their journey.

Taking Business to the Mountains

With the backdrop of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, who could not take in the splendor and peace that was afforded us on Friday. There was something almost surreal about a CNVS business meeting in the mountains. Maybe scenery and ambiance should be a requirement for all future business meetings. It goes without saying that the workshops were helpful and informative. For me, I find the most comfort in the realization that there are others who struggle with the same questions and challenges that I do. Whether our programs are new or seasoned ones, short term or long term, domestic or overseas, we recognize that the services provided by faith-based programs are essential and affect the lives of those served and those in service to others.

And what would the conference be without the time for renewing friendships and making new connections. I find precious times in the casual, light-hearted chat waiting in line for coffee in the morning, or playing a few games of pool with new friends, or just sitting and catching up with folks you see but once a year. These special moments of conversation and laughter will feed me through the year when I feel overwhelmed and discouraged over the magnitude of the work undertaken.

Pearls of Wisdom

On Sunday morning when I lit my candle with the message "Prophet, Speak" I found myself moved for the umpteenth time in four days. I came to the conference for those "pearls of wisdom" that I often take back with me to distribute and share with volunteers. As always, I returned home with an abundant collection of "pearls" and with something unexpected as well. I came home unsettled. Prior to the conference I was eager to hear about "Pioneers and Prophets, Who Will Speak?"

Throughout the conference, I was inspired to hear the many prophetic voices like Oscar Romero and Dorothy Day. I enjoyed the wisdom of the speakers who themselves are shining examples of prophetic voices. Unexpectedly, on Sunday morning, my comfort and calm was rattled. It was so much easier to be inspired by others than it was to accept the responsibility to "Speak, Prophet"!

In retrospect, where would we be if Chief Seattle, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day and Oscar Romero had chosen not to speak. I am certain that many CNVS programs have been pioneers in forging new ground. I’m also certain that if we look around we will find saints and prophets among us. This is something we should all honor and celebrate.

A sincere thank you to Bill and Mary Frances and their terrific team, and to the CNVS staff, who keep us all connected, for a superb conference that has challenged me beyond my comfort zone, and provided me with the opportunity to continue to discern my call to be pioneer and prophet.