Participants
A Spiritual Journey

Year One

Lois
Right now I am volunteering with St. Vincent De Paul Society, St. Matthias Counsel. I bag the groceries to be delivered to families. I also go to San Mateo County Human Resource Facility, where I work at a program called Second Family. We sort and get ready fresh, frozen and canned food and distribute to people in the county that need assistance. Plus I also bring food to an aids clinic in Redwood City.
I was called to the Companion program. I have known for quite awhile that there is more for me to do in my life and the Service and Spirituality of this program has been a way for me to find out just what God has in mind for me.

Stephen
Ministry - I tutor men that are in recovery from various causes. Basic math, reading, writing, listening, and speaking are the skills we teach them at City Team, where I volunteer.
Your invitation and a desire to experience a more contemplative spiritual walk with Jesus.

Alison
Ministry - I tutor Unaccompanied Refugee minors, hlep them find jobs or transport them to events and activities; I also help adult refugees navigate the medical system, and tutor them in English. I wanted to connect my ministry more closely with my spiritual life, and have a more disciplined way of prayer.

Paul
Ministry - I have been a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society at my Parish for over twenty years and am involved with their program helping the poor. I am currently trying to receive clearance to perform my prison ministry at Santa Rita Federal prison.
The Companions program is such a blessing and grace from God!

Gloria
Ministry – I work with patients in prison ministry; St. Vincent DePaul; also volunteering with Catholic Charities of the East Bay, Family to Family Partnership, which is a program that provides a safety umbrella to families who need a helping hand to overcome poverty.

Chuck
Ministry – I volunteer with the Muffin People, an organization where volunteers collect day-old baked goods and food donations from local bakeries and supermarkets to help feed the hungry in Oakland; St. Vincent DePaul
My wife, Gloria and I were drawn to Companions as a means to deepen our spiritual lives as well as to be of service to the less fortunate.

Mary
Ministry – I am a Eucharistic Minister to the sick and dying, and do Pastoral Out Reach at St, Maria Goretti Parish and St. Clare Parish
I joined the Companions Program because I was seeking greater service to Our Lord and opportunity to share in prayer and worship with other Catholics. In particular I was moved during a silent retreat at Los Altos where I was introduced to Ignatian spirituality and prayer.

Joan
Ministry – I volunteer at Pleasant View Convalescent Hospital and Stanford Hospital, visiting patients, and as a Eucharistic Minister
I joined Companions because I felt an aloneness in volunteering, and now I’m finding growth in my spiritual life, too, through the daily exercises prescribed for the group

Elena
Ministry – At St Francis of Assisi church I volunteer to help with a bread distribution program to the poor. And at Saint Maria Goretti and Sacred Heart churches I am involved three days a week 3 hours a day, bagging and delivering bread to three parishes, feeding the jobless and some homeless off the streets
I joined the Companions Program because of being so much involved in different ministries now and in the past, and always looking for more ministries in the future, I could not stop asking God for "guidance and spirituality". He answered my plea by presenting the Companions program to me in the Mission Magazine, I felt the call, and thought this is it. In just three meetings so far, I have noticed some changes in my spirituality and my behavior while ministering.

Spike
Ministry - I am in the process of getting security clearance and being trained and to work in the Diocese of San Jose’s jail ministry system in Santa Clara County.
The companion program is great and I am learning a lot about my self, and the word of the LORD.

Marion
Ministry – I work with CityTeam Ministries, I’m currently getting to know the ladies from House of Grace and Heritage Home by helping them in the learning center; after getting more understanding of where they are coming from, I'll be used to teach them boundaries, or parenting, or codependency classes. The Lord has blessed the ministry, which is now in it's eighth year, as he heals through the listening relationship. I supervise the listeners for how they are growing in the Lord as they serve these ladies, and continue to screen and match new ladies as listeners become available.
My husband was invited to an information night on Companions, and then, at his suggestion, I inquired and I was invited, too. We are both open to growing in the Lord's love and service through diverse types of bible studies.

Cathy
Ministry – I work 8 hours a week with Reading Partners at Kennedy School in San Jose. I found this program on the Catholic Charities website. I tutor children who are significantly below grade level in reading in this low-income community.
I joined Companions because I was seeking both to grow spiritually and to give service to underserved members of our community as I begin a new phase (retirement) in my own life. Both the Ignatian spirituality and the service are rich experiences for me.

Anne
Ministry – I’m the community liaison to the Pinole Valley High School's Mental Health Commission and the students and other people served there. They are completing a survey of mental health needs, including HIV-AIDS, Depression, Homelessness.
I joined Companions for the enrichment to accompany a new service commitment

Henrietta
Ministry - I am volunteering as a nurse at the Malta Health Clinic 4 hours a week. I have also joined our parish St Vincent de Paul group and make home visits as needed on call one week a month and other functions as needed. I also take Eucharist to a homebound couple weekly and to others as needed
I joined the program because I like the idea of combining service and spirituality. I see it as a year of service and personal spiritual growth and I feel very blessed to be a part of the Companions. I am hoping that God will direct me to other opportunities for volunteering as a nurse.

Karen
Ministry - I volunteer with Angels on Stage, A theater troupe for kids 5 - 22 with differing abilities of any type or degree. Every Saturday morning the "angels" (96!) gather for singing, fun, and rehearsals for this season's March production of "Aladdin." I play a support role with the angels, their "buddy coaches," and parents. I am also officially a fundraiser, which involves several hours a week of planning and outreach, as well. My son, who has special needs, and I plan to volunteer at Sacred Heart Community Center from now through the holidays (at least).

I joined Companions in the hope of both renewing and deepening my spirituality. I have hoped to find new meaning to the forms of service demanded of me by the extraordinary challenges with which I was faced due to my son's special needs.

Phyllis
Ministry – I work with the Omnibudsman Service of San Mateo County where I do visitations with long-term care patients. I also work with the Federal Prison in Dublin, doing visitation support and running interference.
I joined Companions because I needed a support group of kindred spirits

Rita
Ministry – I work in the Kairos Prison Ministry program doing visitations, with Daybreak, serving patients with dementia, and the Queen of Apostles Ascent Employment Program where we provide assistance to those in our community needing meaningful employment, especially those with troubled backgrounds
I joined Companions for the community and to deepen my spiritual life

Ann
Ministry – I serve the elderly and poor by giving out food, driving people, and doing visitations for St. Vincent DePaul and with the Community Ministry program and St. John Vianney.

Susan
Ministry – I work with Social Services at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, helping children and their families.
I joined Companions because I was ready for a deeper spiritual life, and growing in new ways with Christ. I needed some new friends and a group of companions on the way of Jesus.

Anne
Ministry - I work at Franklin Elementary School, with children in grades 1-3, in their CORAL literacy program, plus in detention ministry.

Year Two

Ignacio
Ministry – I serve at Catholic Charities as a social justice liaison, and at Most Holy Trinity
Companions has helped me continue with the spiritual exercises, while integrating it with social justice

Brendan
Ministry – I volunteer with Faith in Action, Interfaith Council, Parish Social Justice Team, working on Fair Trade, Greening the Parish, Diocese and Santa Clara County, and advocating for comprehensive Immigration Reform and Health Care Reform
Companions has helped me with the use of active imagination, with all the faculties, and emotions, in a systematic reflection on the birth, life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus, the Lord, which is deeply challenging and rewarding

Gloria
Ministry – I work at the Eastside Neighborhood Senior Center through Catholic Charities, helping seniors with Medicare, MediCal, SSI, and Social Securities issues, to get the services they need
My other Interests include working on the environment

Hilda
Ministry – I work at Christ the King Church, as their receptionist, and volunteering at the Federal Correctional Institute in one, 3 1/2 days, yearly retreat
Companions has helped me to better understand the needs of the people I help

Denise
Ministry – I volunteer at St. Clare School, working with children who are behind in grade-level work and enjoys those "Ah ha!" moments with them when something clicks
Companions has helped me to deepen my spirituality and commitment to my faith

Sharon
Ministry – I work with Sacred Heart Community Services, and before that at Family Supportive Housing, Inc.
Companions has helped me to continue growing in spirituality and to follow Christ's teachings to serve one another, particularly those less fortunate
Other Interests – retiree unit of California School Employees Association

Paul
Ministry – I volunteer with St. Vincent DePaul Society, RCIA, Project Read (through the Public Library) and a Homeless Help Center at a local community center
Companions has helped me to evaluate and enhance my volunteer service and my own personal journey through the prism of Ignatian spirituality
My other Interests included attending the Bernard Osher Institute for continued studies

Dan
Ministry – I work at James Lick High School, helping motivate students to pursue a college education and counseling at risk youth. In the past I’ve been a member of school boards, the SCU Alumni Board, support groups, and as a participant in SCU Alumni for Others programs, such as Christmas in April, Special Olympics, and Immersion trips to New Orleans
Companions has helped me gain insight, validation, and inspiration in ways to serve our God and others

Judy
Ministry – I volunteer at the San Jose Family Shelter, as a counseling psychologist, providing "pro bono" psycho-therapy to individuals, couples and families; as a school psychologist and behavioral consultant to parents of children who have been diagnosed with Autism_
Companions has helped me by being a wonderful tool, which has served to amplify the depth of my spirituality. The Ignatian format/approach to prayer and contemplation facilitates a natural connection and bond between my volunteer ministry goals and prayer life

Alice
Ministry – I participate in Alinon, helping family groups, sharing my experiences, and bringing strength and hope to them
Companions has helped me become aware that we help to bring about the Kingdom of God for ourselves and others

Anne
Ministry – I work at the Food Pantry at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Companions has helped me to integrate prayer with my ministry to immigrants homeless and the poor

John
Ministry – I volunteer with SJSUD Education, working with parents and students who have special needs, plus give communion to the sick in Sacred Heart Parish, and I enjoy filling an unmet need in the education system, especially for Spanish speaking parents
Companions has given me a process to develop in my faith and service

Year Three

Diane
A native Californian widowed in 2009 Diane has five adult children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, most of whom live nearby. When the youngest of her children was in school full time, she went back to college for teaching credentials, spending twenty years in Special Education, meeting and serving many very special children and their families. Now, with some time available, Diane is happy to be back in the classrooms again as a volunteer, enriched by the parochial school environment and by the spiritual component of being a Companion.
Ministry – Most Holy Trinity Parish School, helping teachers with students who need additional support in the classroom and with special education.

Stan
He is married with six adult children and nine grandchildren. In 1999, after thirty-eight years of corporate human resources management experience, he began a new career as a social justice advocate. Stan feels “Companions” offered him the chance to go back to the roots of his Jesuit education (eight years) and re-establish a spiritual grounding. Also, it provides the opportunity to learn how Ignatian Spirituality and a deeper prayer life, enriches the relationships he enjoys in ministry. Spiritual direction is an added bonus according to Stan. The “Companions” has impressed upon him the critical role that a disciplined, prayer life plays in life and in service to others. It provides him a better understanding and appreciation of what service to others really means. A great by-product of the “Companions” is the opportunity to share the journey with others committed to similar goals.
Ministry – St. Francis of Assisi Parish and the Diocese of San Jose helping the poor and marginalized through working at or with the Dayworker Center, the diocesan Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the San Jose Family Shelter, Catholic Charities USA, the local Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and the Cathedral Outreach program.

Barbara
She has been married for 53 years and has 7 children and 16 grandchildren. She taught elementary school and completed 2 Masters programs at Santa Clara University. Upon retirement, she became involved in the Child Advocate Program, has tutored at Evergreen College, has worked in the Refugee Program at Catholic Charities and has been active in her parish since its formation. At St. Francis of Assisi, she and her husband Gene initiated the "Bread Project". This is an activity which now involves about 50 people who pick up some 200 loaves of bread and bagels from a local bakery, deliver them to the church kitchen for wrapping and then deliver them to 10 kitchens and shelters. Barbara feels the Companions program has given her an opportunity to practice Ignatian Spirituality and has provided guidance to meditation and journaling and working with a spiritual director. She seeks ways to explore her faith more deeply, draw closer to Christ and find ways to share His love with others by becoming more involved with the poor, thereby expressing her gratitude to God for all His blessings.
Ministry – Catholic Charities, Refugee Program, and working in an ESL class, for immigrant mothers and their children at the Loving & Learning Center in Morgan Hill.

Gene
An Iowan, he came to California as a Navy officer during the Korean War, where he met his wife, Barbara. With a degree and background in Finance, he worked for Caltech, the University of Chicago, and Santa Clara University. He served 10 years on the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County and currently volunteers and advises on fundraising for Catholic Charities and Catholic Relief Services. He is also involved in his parish, St. Francis of Assisi, where he and his wife initiated "The Bread Project", involving some 50 people, transferring approximately 200 loaves of left-over bread and bagels from a nearby bakery, packaging them and distributing them to 10 shelters and kitchens. Gene describes the Companions program as a stimulant to prayer life and an inspiration to serving the poor and powerless in our society.
Ministry – St. Francis of Assisi Parish, initiated the "Bread Project", which involves about 50 volunteers, who transfer approximately 200 loaves of left-over bread and bagels from a nearby bakery, package them and distribute them to 10 shelters and kitchens.

Lynne
Having completed the Diocese of San Jose’s Institute for Leadership in Ministry program, Lynne desired a way to continue to nourish her spiritual formation within community. The “contemplation in action” model of the Companions program addressed that need. Lynne values the monthly group meetings where prayer and reflection on ministries and experiences as Christians in discipleship are shared. She is grateful for the supportive companionship of a Spiritual Director with whom she reflects on experiences in daily prayer and meditation and God’s action in her life. The communal shared meal and Liturgy with the other Companions and Fr. Jeffrey is also a highlight of each month. The Companions in Ignatian Service and Spirituality program allows her to engage in a direct way with others who share a desire to “find God in all things” and to “make known the goodness of our good God” in relationship with the marginalized of our community. Lynne presently journeys in ministry with women who are recent ex-offenders as they transition into a new phase of life. She has also worked in graphic designer in San Jose for twenty-six years. Lynne is married to a retired educator and they have one adult son.
Ministry – Work with women who are recent ex-offenders, helping them transition into a new phase of life.

Marilyn
She has been ministering to the homebound for over ten years. She also serves as a Eucharistic minister and believes her preparation for ministry began as a child. On warm summer evenings, she used to run to the elderly neighbors’ to sit on their porch swing, visiting companionably. Her training in service to others got a boost as she became a wife and mother of five. In 1975, her family opened their home to two Vietnamese refugees, and one of them had this request, “Help my spirit." Many of the folks she serves these days have aging bodies; however, Marilyn focuses on their spirits, which are nourished by the Holy Spirit through the Eucharist she brings, the faith that is shared, and the listening she does. Marilyn is not sure who receives the most encouragement. In joining “Companions” Marilyn wanted to expand her prayer life. Trained in formal prayers and not getting around to much meditation, she was ready for Lectio Divina. In the group and with her spiritual director she has found acceptance, sharing, and inspiration --much support for her and the ministry!
Ministry – Minister to the homebound; serve as a lector and Eucharistic minister; opened home to an unwed mother and two Vietnamese refugees; detention ministry for 3 yrs., and a counseling intern volunteer for over 3,000 hrs.