in the events have had the opportunity
to live out the BVM mission in a real
way. Tricia says, “I believe this is all about
seeing the needs that are present in the
world, responding to those needs, and
working for justice.”
During a 2014 mission trip to
Ecuador, Tricia served with one of her
colleagues, Cory Weinschenk, who is
employed in the Sisters of Charity, BVM
information technology (IT) department. He staffs the helpdesk and assists
with general technology issues.
Cory’s position represents his second
connection with the BVM community;
the first was forged as an undergraduate
student at Clarke University, where he
majored in computer information systems. As part of his job, he loves hearing
sisters tell stories about their lives.
which he explains as “fostering selfrespect and trying to change people’s
lives for the better.”
Tricia, Cory and other members of
the volunteer group spent a week in
Ecuador. Other volunteers, like Kansans
Bethany and Matt Ludwikosky, have
chosen to live out the BVM mission
abroad in a long-term capacity. They
currently work as live-in volunteers at
Damien House in Guayaquil, Ecuador,
which serves persons with Hansen’s disease (leprosy).
Bethany had previously volunteered
at Damien House as a student and knew
that she wanted to come back for a longer
period of time. She and Matt married
three years ago; they returned to volunteer
at Damien House in January, welcomed
with open arms by Ann Credidio, BVM,
who has dedicated her life to bringing care
and dignity to Damien House patients.
“In volunteering at Damien House,”
says Bethany, “we have been introduced
to other BVMs through Sister Annie. This
relationship has shown us the wonderful
people in the BVM community and the
support they give to people in need.”
‘Seeing the World From
a Different Perspective’
“It was such an amazing trip that if I’d had more
vacation time, I would have stayed longer.”
–Cory Weinschenk
Immersion Trips
Ignite Spirit of Service
When Cory learned of the mission
trip to Ecuador, he knew he would participate. Beginning at a young age, his
parents taught him the importance of
serving others. This lesson was reinforced
during his years in the Boy Scouts.
He notes that the trip to Ecuador was
a particularly humbling experience. “It
was such an amazing trip that if I’d had
more vacation time, I would have stayed
longer,” he says. “The people we met
lived in substandard conditions yet they
were so grateful for what they had, and
very welcoming and willing to share.”
His time abroad underscored his
understanding of the BVM mission,
Though Bethany and Matt will return
to the States later this year, their work will
have a lasting impact. In their own ways,
the couple has been working to empower
the residents and staff of Damien House.
Bethany has used her training as an
occupational therapist (OT) to establish
group exercise sessions and work oneon-one with residents to address issues
such as pain. “My whole life has changed
from this experience,” Bethany shares. “I
have received love, patience, kindness and
appreciation from the people of Damien
House and they appreciate the skills I
have to offer them.”
Similarly, Matt has used his expertise
in business to assist with technology and
marketing efforts. He adds, “This experience has changed me as a person and
helped me see the world from a different
perspective. It has shown me that I can
make a difference.”
Pat Maddux, who recently made his
commitment as a BVM associate, has chosen to carry out the BVM mission a little
closer to home.
Pat’s first exposure to the congregation
was as a staff member at Clarke University,
where he has been employed for the past
15 years. Pat enjoys working with others and looks forward to continuing his
relationship with the BVM and associate
communities. “My experiences working in
the Clarke community, my involvement in
BVM associate activities, and my technical
support of off-campus BVMs have all been
deeply rewarding and bring me joy.”
Like Tricia, Pat has been inspired by
the passion of the sisters with whom he
works. At the center of this passion is a
spirit of honesty and authenticity. Many
times, Pat feels, people interact with
one another in a manner that is guarded
and clouded by biases and agendas. He
believes that BVMs are confident in their
honesty, willing to question the status
quo, and unafraid to live with uncertainty.
The contemporary witnesses to the spirit
of Mary Frances Clarke are transformed by
their experiences living out her mission in
the world today. This transformation is a
source of hope and instills an ever-growing
commitment to the core values.
Bethany and Matt’s time in Ecuador
has filled them wit H