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0 It’s hard to believe that school is already starting and that summer is coming to an end. For Lydia’s House, summer has been a time of joy, challenges, and community. We are grateful for summer’s bounty. Here’s a peek into some of the highlights.
On May 1, new resident volunteer Elizabeth Coyle commits to joining Lydia’s House. Mary Ellen and Meridith send her this photo, with the caption: “Your room is ready for you. It’s the one with the light on.” Since then, she’s made herself at home!
June is a busy month. We celebrate a double birthday with over 50 friends and family members.
Norwood friends and Bellarmine Chapel supporters host a neighborhood carnival for families.
We are sad to say goodbye to our dear intern Hilary Wolken, and we still pray for her regularly as she continues to serve the homeless in Boston. Thanks for your great work, Hilary!
At the end of June, we welcome Taffany Duggins and Sarah Ochieng to join us in short-term volunteer internships. We are so grateful for all their good work and for the ways that they bring joy and laughter into our lives. We celebrate July 4 together, eat countless meals, and hold regular movie nights as a community.
Members of our community go to the zoo, play the piano, pray together, and even go to Dairy Queen.
We enjoy the delicious fresh produce of our farm share and garden each Monday with families in the neighborhood, led by urban farmer Erin Lockridge.
In August, Elizabeth starts teaching a donation-based ballet class for Norwood, and Annie declares it “the day she had been waiting for her whole life.” Even Sam tries to join in!
The Lydia’s House community of guests, interns, and core volunteers go on retreat at the Transfiguration Spirituality Center. One guest even meets a nun for the first time!
We say goodbye to our summer volunteer Sarah but are delighted that she’ll serve alongside three other Xavier students every Monday night this fall through their X-Change program.
And finally, we celebrate Mass for the Feast of St. Lydia on August 24. Just one year ago, our monthly worship began in the same living room, though it looks much different today! We have over 60 people join us, yet another example of God’s bounty and goodness in our lives. Praise be to God!
