Notes from the Field are reports from young people volunteering in ministries of Catholic sisters, a project in partnership with Catholic Volunteer Network since the summer of 2015. This latest round in the series features volunteers in Orange, California; Nazareth, Kentucky; and New York City.

On the last day of our silent retreat at Collier High School in Wickatunk, New Jersey, we ate breakfast together and spoke with the sisters.

As my year of service comes to a close, one last community check-in

by Caileigh Pattisall
Jun 1, 2022

Notes from the Field - I feel overwhelming gratitude for this year with Good Shepherd Volunteers and for the people I've met who have inspired me. I'm also nervous for what comes next, but with that comes excitement.

I stand alongside Sr. Kelly O'Mahony, left, of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky, and Carolyn Cromer, director of ecological sustainability with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, two women who have been incredible mentors and friends of mine

Finding meaning along the journey of service

by Julia Gerwe
May 25, 2022

Notes from the Field - As I near the end of my service journey with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, I reflect upon my connection to Nazareth and the people and stories that have deepened my connection to this place.

In June 2021, we flew out to Portland to meet my half-brother, Ollie, and his family. We spent a week with them, exploring all over Portland. We went to a beautiful waterfall on this day and took our first family photo. (Courtesy of Caileigh Pattisall)

After a loss and a gift, I am rebuilding my trust in God

by Caileigh Pattisall
May 18, 2022

Notes from the Field - I can't come to realize God's intentionalities behind what has happened in my life, but I am rebuilding my trust in a plan someone greater has for me, all the while believing that I have the strength to heal and move forward in my life

Last summer, I visited the Nelson County Fair's rodeo, a much-anticipated event in the community, with two other AmeriCorps volunteers, Jane Rudnick (above, center) and River Fuchs (right). (Courtesy of Julia Gerwe)

Seeds planted in rural living provide a roadmap to unity

by Julia Gerwe
May 11, 2022

Notes from the Field - What is the opportunity amid humankind's role as part of the problem? The reality that we can be part of the solution. When I drive through the country roads near my town, I see this in real time.

My year of service has shown me the many facets of social justice work

by Caileigh Pattisall
May 4, 2022

Wicked questions lead to reflection on mental health in service

by Julia Gerwe
Apr 27, 2022

Making bracelets with the boys was my first breakthrough to relationship

by Caileigh Pattisall
Apr 20, 2022

Investing in our planet can look like simplicity, connection and hope

by Julia Gerwe
Apr 13, 2022

Thinking existentially at the 'gates of Hope'

by Caileigh Pattisall
Apr 6, 2022

After two years of service, I see a spiritual way forward

by Julia Gerwe
Mar 30, 2022

The importance of meaningful relationships and empathy

by Caileigh Pattisall
Mar 23, 2022

Alongside Sisters of Charity, I slowed down and embraced the call to serve

by Julia Gerwe
Mar 16, 2022

To be part of womankind is to be limitless

by Jaesen Evangelista
Mar 9, 2022

The unexpected guides me to a whole new social justice mission

by Caileigh Pattisall
Mar 2, 2022

Reflection in quarantine reveals the importance of incarnation

by Julia Gerwe
Feb 23, 2022

My true journey: I am doing a year of service, and I have depression

by Jaesen Evangelista
Feb 16, 2022

Seeking simplicity, in New York of all places

by Caileigh Pattisall
Feb 9, 2022

Unexpected lessons of service: from life unto death

by Julia Gerwe
Feb 2, 2022

Why is a butterfly a symbol of migration?

by Jaesen Evangelista
Jan 26, 2022

Finding community outside our comfort zones

by Caileigh Pattisall
Jan 19, 2022

Grounded in place: When the global becomes local

by Julia Gerwe
Jan 12, 2022

What does it mean to live a legacy?

by Jaesen Evangelista
Jan 5, 2022

'I got you': Three little words pack a powerful punch, if you mean them

by Caileigh Pattisall
Dec 29, 2021

This Christmas, embrace the 11th Commandment: 'Thou shall not be alone'

by Julia Gerwe
Dec 22, 2021

A pilgrimage lesson offers a path to purpose

by Jaesen Evangelista
Dec 15, 2021

A year of embracing growth as a mixed, Korean American woman

by Celina Kim Chapman
May 12, 2021

As a chapter ends, it's a gift to be part of a larger story

by Maddie Thompson
May 5, 2021

How living simply and intentionally can help you live sustainably

by Celina Kim Chapman
Apr 28, 2021

Innate human dignity means broken bread, not broken bodies

by Maddie Thompson
Apr 21, 2021

'Life has changed, not ended': Moving forward this Easter season

by Celina Kim Chapman
Apr 14, 2021

'Get out from your head and get growing, dear child'

by Maddie Thompson
Apr 7, 2021

Two weeks, two shootings and more anti-Asian hate crimes: What can I do?

by Celina Kim Chapman
Mar 31, 2021

With Collier Chats, I see our school through others' eyes

by Maddie Thompson
Mar 24, 2021

It's all downhill from here: Service-year life and committing to being myself

by Celina Kim Chapman
Mar 17, 2021

A Lenten commitment to spirituality after almost a year of lockdown

by Celina Kim Chapman
Mar 3, 2021

The four tenets of Good Shepherd Volunteers keep me rooted

by Maddie Thompson
Feb 24, 2021

The struggle to find #justLOVE in times of hate

by Celina Kim Chapman
Feb 17, 2021

Planting seeds of strength with Amanda Gorman's inspiring poem

by Maddie Thompson
Feb 10, 2021

What it's like to work in anti-racism and equity

by Celina Kim Chapman
Feb 3, 2021

Students show the courage, resilience needed for civic engagement

by Maddie Thompson
Jan 27, 2021

Seven lessons from a service year to kick off 2021

by Celina Kim Chapman
Jan 20, 2021

Start 2021 by making room for the unexpected

by Maddie Thompson
Jan 13, 2021

My 2020 path: Choosing service, being done with 'making it through'

by Celina Kim Chapman
Jan 6, 2021

In a year of darkness and uncertainty, we are a people of hope

by Maddie Thompson
Dec 30, 2020

How New York City gave me hope again in 'COVID time'

by Celina Kim Chapman
Dec 23, 2020

Intimidation, creativity and determination in a time of transition

by Maddie Thompson
Dec 16, 2020

Making it home

by Ali Alderman
Dec 9, 2020

A week in the life of a Good Shepherd Volunteer

by Celina Kim Chapman
Dec 2, 2020

Creativity abounds. The trees know it.

by Maddie Thompson
Nov 25, 2020

The gift of small works in the face of big issues

by Ali Alderman
Nov 18, 2020

In community, I saw that we are all crepuscular beings

by Maria Longo
Jul 1, 2020

Proceed with caution: Emotional and uncomfortable life of activism ahead

by Celine Reinoso
Jun 17, 2020

Pandemic reveals how much we need God and each other

by Maria Longo
Jun 10, 2020

Persevere through the pandemic

by Celine Reinoso
Jun 3, 2020

Fatherhood and a need for hope

by Maria Longo
May 27, 2020

Straying from the church and grounding my faith in nature

by Celine Reinoso
May 13, 2020

Art and the closet Catholic: princess edition

by Maria Longo
May 6, 2020

Discovering new ways to serve

by Celine Reinoso
Apr 29, 2020

Isolation makes vulnerability difficult

by Maria Longo
Apr 22, 2020

Unchanging community resistance amid the COVID-19 crisis

by Celine Reinoso
Apr 15, 2020

And with you in spirit

by Maria Longo
Apr 8, 2020

Mother nature is my healer

by Celine Reinoso
Apr 1, 2020

Get out of the boat

by Maria Longo
Mar 25, 2020

Growth and life along the US-Mexico border

by Celine Reinoso
Mar 18, 2020

Life in the South Bronx: Enter the Seton Teaching Fellows

by Maria Longo
Mar 11, 2020

I am part of the global majority

by Celine Reinoso
Mar 4, 2020

Movement toward awe through kinship

by Samantha Kominiarek
Feb 19, 2020

Dear reader: Lead, before 'now' becomes 'memory'

by Honorine Uwimana
Feb 12, 2020

Sharing the warmth of Chaparral

by Samantha Kominiarek
Feb 5, 2020

Faces of friendship, unswerving love

by Honorine Uwimana
Jan 29, 2020

We are here: Being present for stories of challenge and resilience

by Samantha Kominiarek
Jan 22, 2020

Well done, good and faithful servant

by Honorine Uwimana
Jan 15, 2020

Superhero Assumption Sisters use their 'powers' to empower others

by Samantha Kominiarek
Jan 8, 2020

Remind me, remind them, remind the universe

by Honorine Uwimana
Jan 1, 2020

Chaparral experiences have expanded my heart

by Samantha Kominiarek
Dec 24, 2019

This is what you can learn through service to others

by Honorine Uwimana
Dec 18, 2019

A season full of gratitude (all the Thanksgivings)

by Samantha Kominiarek
Dec 11, 2019

'Prenez un quart de feuille': a prompt of the essentials

by Honorine Uwimana
Dec 4, 2019

Invitations to believe in better things

by Samantha Kominiarek
Nov 27, 2019

Samaritans of our times: a day of service in our neighborhoods

by Honorine Uwimana
Nov 20, 2019

Paying attention in Chaparral

by Samantha Kominiarek
Nov 13, 2019

My five loaves and two fishes

by Honorine Uwimana
Nov 6, 2019

Meaning of identity for faith-based communities in the modern era

by Adele McKiernan
Jun 12, 2019

Ten reasons to be a Good Shepherd Volunteer

by Samantha Wirth
Jun 5, 2019

Loss, distance and resilience have marked my volunteer year

by Adele McKiernan
May 29, 2019

I realize my indispensable gift: being multipurpose

by Samantha Wirth
May 22, 2019

Volunteers need structures for personal and systemic anti-racism work

by Adele McKiernan
May 15, 2019

Let us encourage the light of our internal zeal candles

by Samantha Wirth
May 8, 2019

Good Friday poem brings comfort during a painful spring anniversary

by Adele McKiernan
May 1, 2019

At what point does 'self-care' turn into 'too much self-care'?

by Samantha Wirth
Apr 24, 2019

In pursuit of health care for all Missourians, I have a journalistic role

by Adele McKiernan
Apr 17, 2019

A jar of beans, a designer bag and a volunteer's unexpected dilemmas

by Samantha Wirth
Apr 10, 2019

A spiral of Hilma af Klint's art illuminates ties of spirituality, friendship

by Adele McKiernan
Apr 3, 2019

I feel at home in a mission, not in a certain place

by Samantha Wirth
Mar 27, 2019

Unlearning Eurocentrism at UN women's commission

by Adele McKiernan
Mar 20, 2019

My NYC commute is a physical signifier of transitions as a volunteer

by Samantha Wirth
Mar 13, 2019

Our Marian shrine

by Adele McKiernan
Mar 6, 2019

Keeping to $2.86 per day in food, and keeping an eye on food justice

by Samantha Wirth
Feb 27, 2019

A lesson learned: God as a source of trust

by Julianna Lewis
Feb 20, 2019

As the Good Shepherd Volunteer journey continues, the lessons so far

by Sarabella Muise
Feb 13, 2019

I'm learning how to recognize God in the office work

by Julianna Lewis
Feb 6, 2019

'I got you': When we experience kindness, we experience God

by Sarabella Muise
Jan 30, 2019

Transitioning from Colombia to Switzerland brings new challenges

by Julianna Lewis
Jan 23, 2019

A halfway reflection: Feeling bruised and faltering — but not giving up

by Sarabella Muise
Jan 16, 2019

Trust in God stems from our limitations

by Julianna Lewis
Jan 9, 2019

In the climb to adulthood, craving a spiritual relationship with God

by Sarabella Muise
Jan 2, 2019

In caring for the dying, we come to understand God's circle of life

by Julianna Lewis
Dec 19, 2018

Maybe the 'evil' tech industry has something to offer after all

by Sarabella Muise
Dec 12, 2018

Gratitude is giving of oneself

by Julianna Lewis
Dec 5, 2018

The tenet of simplicity when it's intentional, optional

by Sarabella Muise
Nov 28, 2018

From St. Mary Mazzarello, I learn to stitch simple gratitude

by Julianna Lewis
Nov 21, 2018

Not words, but deeds

by Sarabella Muise
Nov 14, 2018

Discovering the call to international service

by Julianna Lewis
Nov 7, 2018

The common ground we all come from

by Sarabella Muise
Oct 31, 2018

Flag Day celebrates Haiti's rich history of independence

by Geri Lanham
May 23, 2018

Being a volunteer gave me a look at the church's inner workings

by Viviana Garcia-Blanco
May 16, 2018

Mobile goat clinics in Haiti help families raise healthy, profitable animals

by Geri Lanham
May 9, 2018

Mexican advocates for the indigenous inspire at the UN

by Viviana Garcia-Blanco
May 2, 2018

Time, distance get warped in the free fall of Haiti's mountain roads

by Geri Lanham
Apr 25, 2018

Inclusive spaces are essential for conversations about racism

by Viviana Garcia-Blanco
Apr 18, 2018

Health care in Haiti is about filling in many gaps, walking many miles

by Geri Lanham
Apr 11, 2018

The value of relationships is the real lesson

by Viviana Garcia-Blanco
Apr 4, 2018

Reforestation work in Haiti looks forward to 20-year anniversary

by Geri Lanham
Mar 28, 2018

We are called to step outside our comfort zones

by Viviana Garcia-Blanco
Mar 21, 2018

At Lekòl Jezi-Mari, little by little, the bird builds its nest

by Geri Lanham
Mar 14, 2018

Each year shapes us into the person we are meant to become

by Viviana Garcia-Blanco
Mar 7, 2018

A family has formed at Maison Bon Samaritain

by Geri Lanham
Feb 28, 2018

What does indirect service look like?

by Viviana Garcia-Blanco
Feb 21, 2018

A place of imperfections, beauty and inextinguishable joy

by Geri Lanham
Feb 14, 2018

Midway through my volunteer year, I couldn't be more blessed

by Viviana Garcia-Blanco
Feb 7, 2018

What communication is really about

by Janie Rosko
Jan 24, 2018

Holy Land's religious talk openly on hierarchy, charism at encounter events

by Natalia Liviero
Jan 17, 2018

Teaching young immigrants independence, teamwork

by Janie Rosko
Jan 10, 2018

The best Christmas gift of my life

by Natalia Liviero
Jan 3, 2018

Space in our lives for learning

by Janie Rosko
Dec 27, 2017

December in Bethlehem with Salesian Sisters

by Natalia Liviero
Dec 20, 2017

Car trouble makes for walking through a not-typical day

by Janie Rosko
Dec 13, 2017

Abandoning myself to God, leaving worries with him

by Natalia Liviero
Dec 6, 2017

Simple moments of mentoring yield friendship

by Janie Rosko
Nov 29, 2017

The struggles and joy of a new mission site

by Natalia Liviero
Nov 22, 2017

Celebrating life with the living, while honoring the dead

by Janie Rosko
Nov 15, 2017

Making music with young Jordanian Christians, Syrian Muslim refugees

by Natalia Liviero
Nov 8, 2017

Opportunities to learn help sustain a ministry

by Janie Rosko
Nov 1, 2017

Iraqi refugees inspire with their optimism, kindness

by Natalia Liviero
Oct 25, 2017

Working on being worthy to be considered role models

by Janie Rosko
Oct 18, 2017

Doing something bigger than me

by Natalia Liviero
Oct 11, 2017

The pages written during a year in Thailand

by Lauren Magee
Aug 23, 2017

You can find God in all spaces at all times

by Lauren Magee
Jul 26, 2017

Meeting God face to face

by Katie Delaney
Jul 19, 2017

Hands of Hope has broadened my definition of strength

by Lauren Magee
Jul 12, 2017

Simplicity: time, space and presence

by Katie Delaney
Jul 5, 2017

In art therapy, we bond without the pressures of language

by Lauren Magee
Jun 21, 2017

Letting go while giving thanks

by Katie Delaney
Jun 14, 2017

LGBTQ people find healing at Good Shepherd center

by Lauren Magee
Jun 7, 2017

Spirituality with the sisters: Four movements of prayer

by Katie Delaney
May 31, 2017

Birthdays are a reminder that my soul is growing, too

by Lauren Magee
May 24, 2017

Strengthening our roots through yoga class, self-care practices

by Katie Delaney
May 17, 2017

Life is unpredictable, and so is community

by Lauren Magee
May 10, 2017

God writes straight with crooked lines

by Katie Delaney
May 3, 2017

Songkran: a time to step outside your comfort zone

by Lauren Magee
Apr 26, 2017

Learning a language with the Good Shepherd sisters

by Katie Delaney
Apr 19, 2017

Learning to carry each other

by Lauren Magee
Apr 12, 2017

Social justice: a journey to the heart

by Katie Delaney
Apr 5, 2017

Spirituality and belief in the face of sorrow

by Lauren Magee
Mar 29, 2017

The power of coming to a conversation with an open mind and heart

by Katie Delaney
Mar 22, 2017

Living in community proves to be extremely sustaining

by Lauren Magee
Mar 15, 2017

Bloom where you are planted

by Katie Delaney
Mar 8, 2017

Seeing the same world through different eyes

by Maria Beben
Feb 8, 2017

Final thoughts one year later

by Christian E. Ruehling
Feb 1, 2017

Uncovering the courage to speak

by Maria Beben
Jan 25, 2017

Seeing the United Nations at work

by Christian E. Ruehling
Jan 18, 2017

Lessons from a year of service: material simplicity and spiritual intentionality

by Maria Beben
Jan 11, 2017

From Ethiopia to Switzerland: one journey ends, another begins

by Christian E. Ruehling
Jan 4, 2017

Reminders from afar teach patience, humility and trust

by Maria Beben
Dec 28, 2016

The ecclesial life in Dilla and a special Easter triduum

by Christian E. Ruehling
Dec 21, 2016

Crafting relationships through a ministry of presence

by Maria Beben
Dec 14, 2016

Adjusting to and appreciating life in Dilla

by Christian E. Ruehling
Dec 7, 2016

What running with the pack taught me about solidarity

by Maria Beben
Nov 30, 2016

Understanding the Salesian spirit

by Christian E. Ruehling
Nov 23, 2016

Do not be afraid of silence

by Maria Beben
Nov 16, 2016

Dropping in, learning, leaving students successful

by Christian E. Ruehling
Nov 9, 2016

Walking in the footsteps of Martha and Mary

by Maria Beben
Nov 2, 2016

Changing fields: Notes from the US, Ethiopia and Switzerland

by Christian E. Ruehling
Oct 26, 2016

Saying goodbye to Cristo Rey and my year of service

by Kerry DiNardo
Jun 29, 2016

'Just love' defines my year of service

by Brenna Neimanis
Jun 22, 2016

Competition, teamwork and trust

by Kerry DiNardo
Jun 15, 2016

My volunteer experience has made me even weirder, and that's a good thing

by Brenna Neimanis
Jun 8, 2016

Self-discovery lives outside the comfort zone

by Kerry DiNardo
Jun 1, 2016

In the silence of the heart

by Brenna Neimanis
May 25, 2016

Learning life skills through sports

by Kerry DiNardo
May 18, 2016

We each have a purpose, but we can't get there on our own

by Brenna Neimanis
May 11, 2016

Life in community supports finding your best self

by Kerry DiNardo
May 4, 2016

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to yourself

by Brenna Neimanis
Apr 27, 2016

Cristo Rey model provides lasting benefits for students

by Kerry DiNardo
Apr 20, 2016

Women inspire each other

by Brenna Neimanis
Apr 13, 2016

Seeing with the heart with a little help from 'The Little Prince'

by Kerry DiNardo
Apr 6, 2016

School-to-prison pipeline or abuse-to-prison pipeline?

by Brenna Neimanis
Mar 30, 2016

We plant the seeds that will one day grow

by Kerry DiNardo
Mar 23, 2016

Celebrating small victories in a new kind of life

by Brenna Neimanis
Mar 16, 2016

Immokalee: 'My Home'

by Sharon Zavala
Feb 17, 2016

Looking back, moving forward

by Lydia Noyes
Feb 10, 2016

Out in the tomato fields: Putting myself in the shoes of farmworkers

by Sharon Zavala
Feb 3, 2016

A not-so-slow January brings new connections

by Lydia Noyes
Jan 27, 2016

Weaving a network of those who can make a change

by Sharon Zavala
Jan 20, 2016

Home for the holidays: Leaving the 'field' of a yearlong service project for the first time

by Lydia Noyes
Jan 13, 2016

My small part in educating women in the tomato industry

by Sharon Zavala
Jan 6, 2016

Water concerns bubble up in Appalachia

by Lydia Noyes
Dec 30, 2015

Christmas in Immokalee brings me back to my roots

by Sharon Zavala
Dec 23, 2015

Adjusting to homestead life at the Big Laurel Learning Center

by Lydia Noyes
Dec 16, 2015

Embracing volunteer challenges and opportunities

by Sharon Zavala
Dec 9, 2015

A community-wide trash problem: Caring about littering is a privilege

by Lydia Noyes
Dec 2, 2015

Routine, structure in Ms. Zavala's class help build children's lives

by Sharon Zavala
Nov 25, 2015

Finding my place in a struggling school

by Lydia Noyes
Nov 18, 2015

Immok-a-what? Supporting the farmworkers of Florida

by Sharon Zavala
Nov 11, 2015

Hosting groups, getting blessed: Receiving-end of service offers unexpected insight

by Lydia Noyes
Nov 4, 2015

Coming home

by Bridgid O'Brien
Aug 28, 2015

Remembering my privilege

by Bridgid O'Brien
Aug 21, 2015

It doesn’t take an army, just a few sisters

by Angela Mahoney
Aug 19, 2015

Slow-motion emotions: Being in the now

by Bridgid O'Brien
Aug 14, 2015

An inside-outsider: Life as a volunteer in Ethiopia

by Angela Mahoney
Aug 12, 2015

Without words

by Bridgid O'Brien
Aug 7, 2015

Living in a developing country: Five lessons learned

by Angela Mahoney
Aug 4, 2015

Nong Naam, a young lost friend

by Bridgid O'Brien
Jul 31, 2015

Salesian college in Dilla, Ethiopia . . . and false assumptions

by Angela Mahoney
Jul 29, 2015

The stillness of simplicity

by Bridgid O'Brien
Jul 24, 2015

An important assignment . . . accompanied with coffee and fruit

by Angela Mahoney
Jul 22, 2015

A hard-knock life

by Kirsten Rotz
Jul 17, 2015

Salesian sisters from the world share common goal in Ethiopia

by Angela Mahoney
Jul 15, 2015

The full circle of donations

by Kirsten Rotz
Jul 10, 2015

All things in common

by Mary Clare Mazzocchi
Jul 8, 2015

Prayer, common life and San Francisco’s homeless

by Mary Clare Mazzocchi
Jul 1, 2015

From the inside looking out

by Kirsten Rotz
Jun 26, 2015

The power to transform

by Mary Clare Mazzocchi
Jun 24, 2015

Unconditional love – and lice

by Kirsten Rotz
Jun 19, 2015

Sacred water, holy preaching

by Mary Clare Mazzocchi
Jun 17, 2015

Witness to a life: Beatification of Oscar Romero

by Kirsten Rotz
Jun 12, 2015

Cristo Rey model brings unique benefits to students and their city

by Mary Clare Mazzocchi
Jun 11, 2015

Ascending to new heights in Honduras

by Kirsten Rotz
Jun 5, 2015

Contemplative vision makes sisters agents of change in San Francisco

by Mary Clare Mazzocchi
Jun 1, 2015