2019 Carondelet Magazine FINAL

When I think of solidarity
in those terms, it opens a
new way of seeing. During
my St. Joseph Worker year
in Minnesota, I can think of
many times my housemates
demonstrated communal
compassion and presence. I
think of the intentional space
we created together through
one another’s joys and
struggles during our weekly
Sharing of the Heart ritual.
I believe our open-hearted
listening broke down the
barrier of our separate dayto-day
lives and allowed us
the opportunity to share in
one another’s humanity.
I’ve learned that solidarity
does not just mean sharing a
common physical space with
those who are marginalized.
Rather, it’s what is done
within that shared space
that is important. I’m
reminded of the simple
action of the teen boy who
kindly asked me if I was
okay and shared his time
with me. I believe that
solidarity is found within this
sharing of time and self in
order to create communities
of genuine friendships.
Marie served as a
St. Joseph Worker
from 2016-2017. She
currently works as a case
manager with the CES
for Families team at the
St. Joseph Center in
Los Angeles, California.
Learn more about the St. Joseph Worker
program at:
csjcarondelet.org/st-joseph-worker-program
A communal art piece made by Annunciation House guests and
volunteers using their fingerprints and paint. The art was sent to a
former Annunciation House volunteer who was missing Annunciation
House after recently transitioning to a new life adventure.
Reflections
Blessed are women who join together with hearts and souls as one — to laugh,
to cry, to dream, to pray — a world of peace and hope for all children.
– THERESE DENHAM, CSJ | DESIGNER
Marie and her St. Joseph Worker community, Maria, Svitlana, and Kiki as they wait in Minnesota for the metro train to take them to the
airport where they will travel to California for a retreat in January 2017.
18 CARONDELET A PUBLICATION BY THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET 19