| On September 23, we had the privilege of traveling with members of the Diocesan Catholic Construction Corps, Deacon Bruce Carlson and his wife Karen, Karl Huebner, Rex Piekarczyk, Vern Witte, Linda Wysocki, to Guthrie, Ok, to join 22 members of the Mennonite Disaster Service who have been helping to rebuild homes destroyed by tornados which ripped through the the nearby small towns of Mulhall and Dover in the Spring of 1999. Although 80% of the homes in Mulhall, three churches, the elementary school, the town water tower and most of their small business district were destroyed beyond repair, there were no fatalities or serious injuries. The home owners we assisted did not have insurance to cover their losses and without the free labor provided by the volunteers, would not be able to afford to rebuild their modest homes. As we met and talked with residents, we admired the cheerfulness and spirit of community of those whose lives had been so disrupted. |
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The Mennonites have a long history of assisting the poor in disaster relief throughout the US as well as in other countries. Many church members commit to several months at a time in a particular area of need. |
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Living, working and praying with members of the MDS was a very enriching experience. There was a great deal of faith sharing. Catholic Construction Corps members and the Mennonite volunteers addressed stereotypes and prejudices that exist among members of different faiths. The commitment of the Mennonites to the Gospel message and their understanding of what it means to be a member of the Body of Christ was very evident. Our understanding of Christianity was enhanced. Evenings were spent enjoying dinner, conversation, and playing games. The Mennonite volunteers were warm, friendly and had a wonderful, quiet sense of humor. In working situations they exhibited unusual patience and acceptance of difficult circumstances. As an example on our last day in Mulhall we had spent the morning putting on a roof. After about one-third of the shingles had been applied, it was determined that the shingles were faulty. As the shingles were being removed, the MDS volunteers began singing a hymn. No one complained or became upset. |
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The Catholic Construction Corps of the Diocese of Joliet was formed
about two and one-half years ago in response to a recommendation from the
Medical Mission team who traveled and worked in the Diocese of Sucre, Bolivia.
The Construction Corps has made four trips to Bolivia. They have assisted
the poor in building kitchens and bathrooms, which have been non-existent
in their homes. This year the Construction Corps has expanded their efforts
to include domestic projects. Through the Diocesan Justice and Peace Office
they were able to enter into the cooperative effort with MDS. Most recently
members of the Construction Corps have spent several days performing needed
repairs on homes in Pembrook, an extremely poor area within the Diocese.
The Oklahoma trip was our first involvement with the Construction Corps.
We joined the group hoping to be able to contribute something to the project.
We completed the trip knowing that whatever our contribution may have been,
we received much more in return than words can adequately express.
Don and Eleanor Wegman
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