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January Retreat in
Ft. Myers Beach!
Volunteers traveled to beautiful Ft. Myers Beach on the 16th for retreat. The theme for the weekend was, "Live on Purpose" with a call to action for each volunteer to consider topics from the CVIF values of Living Simply and Doing Justice and what the volunt eers might be able to do to make a change. CVIF teamed up with the RSHM Volunteer Corps and welcomed two volunteers, Nick and Olivia for the weekend of Formation! Nick and Olivia are serving the town of Immokalee, and had great insight into the community as they led us around.
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Our own CV, Kate Schulte reflected on the weekend:
Sometimes it is helpful just to step outside of the usual and reflect. That is what I appreciate most about Catholic Volunteer retreats. We live in a world full of social injustices. I see them every day and everywhere. I am bombarded by them when I turn on the radio or the television. They are a part of living and it the norm for these social injustices to exist. The retreat offered brief period where I could leave my current world. I left a world where social injustice was ok and entered one of movement towards equality. I became more empathetic with plights of my fellow humans. I learned about their lives and m ost importantly our commonality. We humans are bound together and what affects one affects us all.
This retreat offered me a renewed sense of community as well. I felt like these people I had seen two others times in my life were suddenly my best friends. We all came together and connected at a deeper level at this retreat. I was able to share my pain and dreams with Briana. Julio, inspired me to trust myself. Megan, made me laugh more than I thought possible. Vanessa, showed me how to be a friend to the unlovely. Charles, reminded me that humility is the essence of love. I got to see first -hand Rebecca's passion and love for the victims of sex trafficking. Mycia, taught me the value of listening. Kristin and Rachel showed me that friendship is the most beautiful type of love. Greg, challenged me to not judge before understanding. Walter, that age is not limiting but only an addition of wisdom. Jenna, teaches me that smiling is infectious. Manny, that science does care. Renika, that you can still look good while serving. And finally in Christina I see Christ at work every day.
We were all apart of different communities when we came to Florida, and each of us brought a part of that community with us. Our bubbles are connecting and becoming one and we are making this world a smaller and better place to be.
CV Vanessa Hornedo publishes a blog about her year of service. Read her
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CVIF celebrates 30 years!
CVIF turned THIRTY this year and we would love to have you join us to Celebrate!
Come join us and SAK COMEDY CLUB on Friday, February 7th, as we highlight the laughable events that have made our program so amazing over the last 3 decades.
At the event we will be honoring two amazing people who exemplify all that CVIF stands for:
Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of Bishop Grady Villas will receive the "O'Neill Service Award"
Dr. Michael McCarron, recently retired Executive Director of the Florida Catholic Conference will receive the "Lifetime Achievement Award"
Tickets are $35 pp, $25 with College ID. You can purchase tickets by link above or by calling the office to reserve your seats at 407.426.7771.
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