Archdiocesan Religious Host Event for Homeless People

Women and men religious of the Archdiocese of San Francisco sponsored an outreach program for homeless women and men on March 8 at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in San Francisco.In September of 2015, Pope Francis called for a year celebrating and recognizing consecrated life. At that time Sister Rosina Conrotto, who served as the Director of the Office of Consecrated Life for the Archdiocese, and the Council of Religious decided that the best way to celebrate and recognize consecrated life was to reach out to those what are most in need.

“We began this outreach day in 2015,” noted Sister Rosina Conrotto. “Sister Diane Aruda, a San Jose Dominican, has continued this outreach with the religious since she assumed the Director position. It is a wonderful and visible way for religious to serve those in need.”

 Presentation Sisters who joined other religious as volunteers included Sister Bernice Gotelli, Sister Lucia Lodolo, Sister Patricia Reinhart, Sister Giovanna Campanella, Sister Ann Conlon, and Sister Pam Chiesa. Sister Pam commented that “it is great for women and men religious to do projects together and we don’t often have ways to work together in the Archdiocese. This event is a great opportunity to do so.”

Lunch was provided for nearly 150 guests and volunteers organized the tables with items which the guests could take with them for their daily needs. Items included blankets, men’s and women’s clothing and shoes, toiletries, and pet food. Sister Patricia Reinhart noted that the residents at Peninsula del Rey, where a number of Presentation Sisters now live, generously contributed clothing and shoes.

Guests also received gift cards to Safeway and if they wished small wooden crosses to wear as necklaces. Father Matt Link, CPPS, the pastor of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, contributed centerpieces for all the dining tables.

Sister Ann Conlon shared that she had come to this event for a several years and that
“I love being able to give direct service for people in need and support other religious.”
“I feel I need to be of assistance to people in grave need,” said Sister Giovanna
Campanella when asked why she was volunteering at the event. Sister Bernice Gotelli said she volunteered because “I am trying to be available to God’s people especially those in need.” Sister Lucia Lodolo said she volunteered because “I feel so blessed.
Every week I am involved with homeless people. The little bit I do means so much to them.”

Guests enjoyed the sunny day setting of a BBQ lunch and also found needed items on the tables filled with a variety of daily use items.

Photo above: Men and women religious of the Archdiocese of San Francisco hosted homeless people for their annual outreach event.  Presentation Sisters who volunteered are (from left to right) Sister Bernice Gotelli, Sister Lucia Lodolo, Sister Patricia Reinhart, Sister Giovanna Campanella, Sister Pam Chiesa.

Sister Ann Conlon checks in to begin her volunteering at the event.Sister Diana Aruda, OP, current Director of the Office of Consecrated Life for the 
Archdiocese of San (left), and Sister Rosina Conrotto, who formerly held that position, get ready at the table to greet the guests for lunch.