Volunteer spotlight – Peggy Balensuela

Volunteer Peggy Balensuela enjoys the relationships she has formed with the Sisters of Providence. Here she is with Sister Mary Ann Lechner at Providence Spirituality & Conference Center.

What made you decide to volunteer?

I began to volunteer out at the Woods to get to know the Congregation and the legacy of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and to get to know the individual sisters. I have a passion for history and a career as a teacher, so it seemed natural for me to start volunteering as a docent. As time passed, I began to grab at any opportunity to be of service to these women, whom I’ve come to love so dearly, and to promote Providence Spirituality as best I could as a Providence Associate (2008-present).

What is the best part about volunteering?

With every minute I’ve spent at the Woods, I’ve received so much more than I’ve given!  The relationships I’ve developed with sisters, staff, and other volunteers are probably the most significant and positive in my life. I have found a new family, who love me unconditionally and with whom I share a spirituality which has deepened and broadened among them.

What are some of the things you have done as a volunteer?

I’ve continued to volunteer as a docent as I can and, as implied above, have simply gotten into the habit of saying “Yes. Sure!”  as I can. I’ve subbed at both reception/phone desks, been cashier at the Book Sales, helped out at Family Day and Christmas Fun at the Woods, been a caller and/or clerk for the annual Phonathon, and mapped out the donor bricks in front of the main church. I was also asked to help decorate the Providence Center Lobby for Christmas this past December. It was a lot of fun!

What would you tell people who are thinking about volunteering?

If you’ve been considering volunteering with the Sisters of Providence, hesitate no longer! When the sisters say “All Are Welcome,” they mean it. I am one of the many non-Catholics who passionately support their mission and the charism of Saint Mother Theodore.

For information about volunteer opportunities with the Sisters of Providence contact Sister Rebecca Keller, SP at 812-535-2878 or email her at rkeller@spsmw.org.