For Volunteer Programs : National Conference

2003 CNVS National Conference

A Tapestry of Faith, A Tapestry of Service
Weaving a Tapestry of Faith and Service

By Sr. Elaine Betoncourt
CSJ Volunteers in Mission

One may or may not be conscious of one’s expectations. I often am not. If asked beforehand what I expected from the 2003 CNVS “40th Anniversary” Conference I might have replied, “Oh! Something on the theme of ‘tapestry of faith, tapestry of service’.”

I was delighted by how the various speakers illuminated this dual theme in so many surprising and wonderful ways. I return home very attuned to the needs of the poor. The images, conjured up by the poignant stories told by Mike Farrell, Fr. Greg Boyle, Megan McKenna and our Latina sisters, remain vivid reminders of our vocation to be Christ for each other. What affected me most deeply was the plight of the Doubletree Guest Suites workers. Being there day after day I felt myself sharing their suffering and dilemma. I return home very aware of the “privilege of wealth” that is mine (vowed religious though I am), and more determined than ever to work for justice and peace. I return home very grateful for my bag of beans, and the memory of three peanuts in my hand—all that is necessary to keep a child from malnutrition.

How very grateful I am for being part of the ‘tapestry of faith, tapestry of service’ that we, as CNVS, wove together in Santa Monica and continue to weave as we go forward in faith and service!