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Hard labor may not sound like an appealing volunteer opportunity, but for those picking up a hammer for Habitat for Humanity of Westchester, especially to honor Pope Francis, the significance of the work is nailed in.
Kristine Budill, a teacher at School of the Holy Child in Rye who directs the E.E. Ford Program in Architecture, Engineering and Design for the Common Good there, is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.
She and her students are offering their assistance at the Pope Francis House on High Street in Yonkers, and she said it is a “distinct honor to help build a home in Pope Francis’ name.”
Ms. Budill is thrilled her students can “have this hands-on experience to help those in need in the name of Pope Francis and our Catholic faith.” There are 24 students in the E.E. Ford Program and another 20 in the Habitat for Humanity Club, which she also oversees.
“Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of Westchester allows me to work on projects I would not otherwise be involved in,” said Holy Child senior Margaret O’Meara. She noted that Holy Child encourages an attitude of giving back to the community, saying, “I am part of a team whose main focus is to help others in need.”
St. Joseph’s parish in Bronxville is involved in a unique fund-raiser—parishioners can sign 2x4s after Masses the weekend of Sept. 19 to benefit Pope Francis House. With their signature, they also make a donation toward construction.
“The recipients of the house will get to see how many strangers contributed financially and spiritually to the build,” said Antoinette Gilligan, director of youth ministry at St. Joseph’s.
“It is a wonderful way for our congregation, young and old, to feel part of this special service project.”
She said, “As Catholics, we are called on to look after the least of our brethren, especially our neighbors. This project, the Pope Francis House, brings the teaching of the Gospels to life. What a wonderful way to honor our pontiff by putting our faith into action.”
St. Joseph’s youth group will work at the house on Sept. 26. Youth group member Kathryne Gerol, 17, has high hopes for the papal visit.
“It is great that the pope is coming to speak to the world leaders at the United Nations about global warming and issues relating to the poor. I am glad that he is bringing these issues back to the attention of the world leaders.”
As for volunteering, she said, “It makes me feel better and it reminds me of how good people can be to each other.”
Marquis Burwell, a senior at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, has been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for five years and started a school Habitat club.
“Seeing homeless people is so sad. It’s a horrible thing and the community has an opportunity to make it better,” he said.
As for being able to assist in building a home named for Pope Francis, he said, “He’s the head of our Church and we get to build this house in honor of him. It’s so cool to be a part of something like this.”
