The October Family Gathering invited family members into our theme, “Open Hearts, Willing Hands,” with an interactive presentation by Jodi Bernstein and Rev. Greg Han from InterFaith Ministries of Greater Houston. Greg and Jodi encouraged Family members to reclaim volunteering as something we choose to do, without coercion or compensation (from the Latin root, “vol-“ meaning “to wish, to will”).

InterFaith Ministries has four equal pillars: Meals on Wheels, Refugee resettlement, InterFaith Relations & Community Partnerships (IRCP), and Volunteer Houston. Jodi and Greg spoke specifically about seven opportunities: a smattering of ongoing, as well as one-time, chances to plug in with IM, and make a difference in the city of Houston. 

• Volunteer Houston’s Corporate Client on January 16, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.: seeking volunteers to offer hospitality, help make this event run smoothly
• Adopt a regular Meals on Wheels route (totally adaptable to your schedule): Meals on Wheels supports 4300 elderly, food vulnerable, socially isolated clients each week Monday-Friday. Paula Byers will organize this for the Dominican Family.
• Deliver Meals on Thanksgiving (approx. 8 a.m. – 12 noon)
• Operation Impact for Hurricane Season (approx. 1 Saturday in May or June). Krystle Powell will organize this for the Dominican Family.
• Adopt a Refugee Family: offer additional support to a family new to Houston, and materials to make their housing a home
• Serve as an event volunteer as needed
• Spend time at the IM offices completing specific tasks (calling people, thanking donors, etc.)

Family members at the meeting had an opportunity to sign up for these volunteer opportunities. If you would like to learn more, visit the InterFaith Ministries website or the Dominican Family website. 
 
The work and values of InterFaith Ministries aligns so closely with the mission of the Dominican Family. We are proud to partner with InterFaith Ministries as a member of their Multifaith Council, and hope that Family members will give of our time and talent to support their programming and the people of Houston.
 
To receive regular emails about events and opportunities with InterFaith Ministries please scroll to the very bottom of the IM website: InterFaith Ministries of Greater Houston and insert your email address under "NEWSLETTER SIGNUP."

Got a green thumb or just want to get your hands dirty?

Then this is for you.  Our Dominican Family Gardening Day is set for Saturday, October 19th at the Dominican Sisters' Villa.  Volunteers are needed to work in two garden beds.  Jim Skopal is the coordinater of the activity.  If you can attend, please sign-up by visiting signupgenius.com/go/70.... There is also a place where you can volunteer to share your tools.  Follow-up day: November 16th if needed.  
Please contact Jim at 832-224-0122, for more information.

Don't forget to log your volunteer hours.

We want to know where you are serving so that others may also become aware of the needs surrounding us.  To do so you must log into the website first, then click on the "Service" tab.

See what the Sisters have to share...

Attached please find the Declaration of the International Commission of Dominicans for Justice and Peace.  Following upon the United Nations Climate Action Summit of September 23, the declaration expresses solidarity with the youth and others working to challenge leaders, support for action and policies needed, and a call to the Dominican Family to commit to an ecological conversion as noted in Laudato Sí.