- October 25, 2024 Sister Stories, Community
Sister Bonnie Murray delivers drinks to residents at McGovern Commons at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis.
In January of 2024, Sister Bonnie Murray was invited to help with a new volunteer ministry to deliver beverages to residents of McGovern Commons (the skilled care unit) at Nazareth Living Center (NLC) in St. Louis. The program was developed by the NLC skilled care administrator, along with the culinary and volunteer departments.
Since then, every Friday afternoon for two hours, Bonnie takes the beverage cart around the halls, offering residents a cold drink — usually lemonade, Hawaiian punch or sweet tea.
Sister Bonnie shares about her ministry:
I really look forward to Friday afternoons. The residents get to see someone other than a medical staff person and they are very appreciative of the offer and drink. I particularly enjoy going down the rehab hall, where I can listen to their stories and offer them a prayer for a speedy recovery.
Each day I pray the Servant prayer: Lord, what do you want of me? Where do you want me to serve You? I feel my Friday afternoon ministry is serving my dear neighbor, thus, doing several corporal works of mercy: giving drink to the thirsty and visiting the sick.
Last Friday, my interaction with one of the women gave me a chuckle. I walked in and when she saw me, she gave me a big smile and said ‘I know who you are - you're the juice lady!’
As long as I can stand and walk for two hours, I'll keep up this ministry. The residents bring me much peace and joy.
If you are interested in this ministry, opportunities are daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Contact Torri Bertarelli, NLC volunteer coordinator, at 314-649-4681 or [email protected].