SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program
Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, we invite lay women and men to a cross-cultural partnership with people, especially the oppressed, economically poor and marginalized, primarily in the areas in which Sisters, Associates and/or members of the Sisters of Charity Federation are called to mission.
Volunteer opportunities
Appalachia
In the mountains of Beattyville, Kentucky, volunteer teams engage in outreach ministries of home and trailer repairs, food and clothing distribution, and meeting the basic needs of those in need.
Belize City
Over the course of a week, volunteers build a 16’ x 20’ house for a family in need.
Las Flores, Belize
Mission teams work with village leaders repairing and building homes. They also assist with the needs of the parish, school, and community.
Kentucky
People 18-25 years of age are invited to serve others on the Nazareth campus or in the Bardstown, Kentucky, community for six weeks while living with other volunteers. Be part of a viable community, be immersed with the Sisters in their rich tradition.
Summer 2019
Learn more.
Botswana
We invite you to join us as we assist Sisters in their missions in Botswana.
A future trip is to be determined. Let us know if you are interested.
India
Work with the Sisters in their diverse ministries in India.
Future trips to be determined. Let us know if you are interested.
Nepal
Partner with us as we work to help empower the people of Kathmandu.
Future trips to be determined. Let us know if you are interested.
Montana
Join us as we work in collaboration on the Crow Reservation in Pryor, Montana.
New Orleans
Groups work with individual families in the rebuilding of New Orleans, Louisiana, from the long-lasting effects of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina.
Mississippi
Participants volunteer to repair homes in northern Mississippi and are immersed in other missions such as a garden cafe.
See all upcoming trips
Make a donation to the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program
Supplying our volunteers with tools and materials is always needed. Your sponsorships and donations make these life-changing volunteer trips possible.
Sister Luke Boiarski
Director
502-348-1581
Ellen Sprigg
Associate Director
502-348-1580
Amy Ulrich
Administrative Assistant
502-348-1583
Disaster Relief
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have a long tradition of responding in times of disaster. Historically Sisters have responded to flooding in Louisville, the yellow fever epidemic, monsoons in India, a hurricane in Belize, and an earthquake in Nepal. Continuing in this spirit, the SCN Disaster Relief Program invites volunteers to offer spiritual and physical support to persons experiencing a disaster. Sisters and volunteers respond in the same spirit of Vincent de Paul with reverence for each person and witness to God’s presence in the midst of adversity. The Disaster Relief Program provides an opportunity to put faith into action.
Volunteer News
Where her heart belongs
Overrun by regulations and misfortune, one woman’s perseverance and positive outlook took her from the unbelievable reality of living inside her car for over five years to coming home again. A place just out of arm’s reach.
Busy as a beaver … happy as a lark
If you have been on the grounds of our Nazareth campus lately, chances are that you have seen our AmeriCorps member, Julia Gerwe, busily working with any of our wonderful grounds crew or ecological sustainability team.
Welcome Julia to Nazareth
Julia Gerwe will be moving to Nazareth on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, as an AmeriCorps volunteer.
Volunteers assist at men’s shelter
“What a blessing it has been for our Sisters of Charity of Nazareth volunteers to have been a part of the Bethany Haven Renovation Project for a new men’s shelter in the Bardstown, Kentucky, community.”
Remodel begins to create men’s shelter
“Sisters have volunteered (at Bethany Haven) for many years,” Sprigg said, so when the volunteer program was approached about helping with the renovation, it was a welcomed opportunity.
Lending a helping hand
Sister Luke embarked on a very local volunteer effort by assisting the grounds department at Nazareth where she lives. She enjoyed mowing the grass during her youth and still enjoys it today.
SCN volunteers begin work on men’s shelter
Volunteers for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are helping renovate a men’s shelter in Bardstown. “We are blessed to be working with the local community, getting volunteers back in action, and ultimately helping to provide a temporary home for those in need.”
Live and Serve with the Sisters
AmeriCorps and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth offer this chance to take the path less traveled. Serve for one year and make an impact. Develop real-world skills, gain hands-on experience, change your life and your community.
Sisters to respond to Tennessee tornado disaster
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth disaster response team will go to Tennessee in March to offer spiritual and physical support to persons affected by the deadly storms.
Seton Hill University volunteers
It was a historic partnership for the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Sister Luke Boiarski and Sister Chris Kunze facilitated an orientation in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, for students and teachers of Seton Hill University. They are now in Belize for a mission trip.
Couple simplifies to build homes for the poor
Traveling a road once tragic, two relocated retirees now toss starfish into the sea … one house at a time.
Summer internship program at Nazareth
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is offering a summer internship program for young adults in a variety of fields of ministries. Participants will be living with Sisters on the sacred ground that has been their home for over two centuries where they will be immersed in the ministries of the SCNs on the beautiful 245-acre Nazareth Motherhouse campus.
A home for the Ortiz family
Each day, the volunteers were surprised by the blessings received. Beautiful clear skies, extra help to clear the large bushes off the ground, and a young man named Andre to help guide the build made the group able to proceed each day with grace and determination.
Las Flores volunteers
Luke Boiarski, SCN, Director of the Lay Mission Volunteer Program, is leading a group of five volunteers to Las Flores, Belize.
Home builds in Belize continue
As the first home build of 2020 in Belize by SCN volunteers concludes a second begins.
Volunteers in Belize
During the Liturgy held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, eight volunteers were commissioned for a home building mission trip to Belize City, Belize. There are four sisters on this trip that sponsored the home build and are dedicating it in memory of their loving parents.
Students volunteer in Appalachia
Presentation Academy students joined the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in the Appalachian region of Kentucky to make preparations for assisting 700 families in need during Christmas.
Volunteers in New Orleans
Sister Luke Boiarski shares some photos of a wonderful group of SCN volunteers working in collaboration with St. Bernard Project in New Orleans. “We have experienced beautiful weather, wonderful hospitality with the Sisters at the House of Charity, and awesome young adults from AmeriCorp working on Opportunity Houses for those who need affordable housing,” says Sister Luke
Volunteers to New Orleans
During liturgy at St. Vincent Church in Nazareth, Kentucky, five of six present volunteers were commissioned to travel and volunteer in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Sister Luke Boiarski.
Volunteers help Holly Springs residents
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are thankful for this mission team that said yes to the call to serve. Volunteers traveled to Holly Springs to spend the week working there. Their hearts were overflowing with love that was received from every person they met along the way.
Volunteers return from Crow Reservation
“Our SCN lay mission volunteers returned home last night from a week of service on the Crow Reservation in Pryor, Montana. Our hearts are filled with many images ranging from the big blue sky surrounded by the Mountains to the beautiful faces of the Crow people.”
Mercy students vist Nazareth
Students from Our Lady of Mercy Academy in Louisville, Kentucky, spent time in Nazareth and Bardstown volunteering through service work.
Blessings in Beauregard
The most challenging part of the disaster relief work was not wielding a chainsaw. For Sister Kitty, it is listening to people who have lost almost all of their belongings. This is how she spent her time, offering hope through prayer.
Thank you for changing my life
“Working with young people like Shannon gives me great hope for the future. Joining hands and hearts with others is the way we move forward in making our world a better place and witness to God’s love.”
Students donate shoe box gifts
For children undergoing stress from natural disasters, students at Mother Catherine Academy in Mechanicsville, Maryland, donated shoe boxes filled with gifts to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth volunteer program.
Volunteers build a home in Belize
Volunteers of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth built a home in Belize City for Kendra and her family. The simple home was built in memory of Christin Gaston who taught at Father Andrew White School in Maryland.
International volunteers go forth
During the Liturgy held at St. Vincent de Paul church, nine lay mission volunteers were commissioned for their upcoming service trips both to Belize and Botswana.
Reflection from Alabama
A group recently returned with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth disaster relief team from Lee County, Alabama, where the tornado outbreak of March 3 devastated rural communities like Beauregard.
Partners in service
Luke Boiarski, SCN, director of volunteers for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Kentucky, visited St. Mary’s County, Maryland in March.
Live and volunteer at Nazareth
Young adults ages 18-25 may qualify for a six-week volunteer experience with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth living and volunteering at the Motherhouse campus in Nazareth, Kentucky.
SCN volunteers respond to Alabama
Nearly 40 tornadoes have been confirmed from last week’s outbreak across the Southeast. The hardest-hit area was Lee County, Alabama, where many fatalities occurred. A group of volunteers for the SCN disaster relief recently returned from helping with the cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
Two sisters part of 12 home builds
These women continue to be ambassadors in their communities as they share their stories about the beautiful people they have met in Belize and how their hearts are filled with love each time they immerse themselves working alongside volunteers and home recipients year after year.
A family remembers a loved one by helping build a house in Belize
A house was built recently in Belize City, Belize, from donations received in memory of Andrew Reed, who passed away in May 2017 in an automobile accident.
A home for Rose
By the end of the week, the home recipient and this amazing volunteer team’s lives were forever weaved together as each of their families grew a little bit bigger.
A journey they will never forget
Volunteers were commissioned in Nazareth. In memory of the late Andrew Reed, his parents and children build a home for others in his name.
Serving others
Mark and Cindy Rhonemus have been volunteering with the SCN Volunteer Mission Program since 2015. For their most recent trip to Las Flores, Belize, they raised all of the funds needed to complete a home for a family in need.
A home for Manuel
Manuel was only 12 years old when Sister Luke met him in Belize. When she saw the poor condition of his home she knew right away that she would someday return to build a home for him.
A cross-cultural partnership
Sister Luke is leading a group to Las Flores, Belize, where they will partner with the village leaders of the area to complete home repairs for a family in need.
Volunteers return from Houston
It was only a little over one year ago that Hurricane Harvey tied Hurricane Katrina as the costliest tropical cyclone on record. Volunteers for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, led by Sister Luke Boiarski, recently completed their third week-long disaster relief effort in Houston, Texas.
Meet Ellen
Get to know the new assistant director of the Lay Mission Volunteer Program. Ellen Sprigg joined the Office of Mission Advancement in Nazareth, Kentucky, earlier this month.
Volunteers leave for Houston
Sister Luke and 10 volunteers were commissioned at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Nazareth, Kentucky, yesterday. The group traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas, where they met up with two more volunteers and traveled to Houston, Texas.
Sisters, Charity Alive, and a country Christmas
They wrapped presents and setup decorations in preparation for the upcoming Christmas event in Lee County, Kentucky, which will serve over 700 people with toys and basic necessities for living.
Sts. Peter and Paul donates to SCN volunteers
Sts. Peter and Paul Regional Catholic School in Lexington, Kentucky, raised over $800 for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth’s volunteer mission work.
Pres girls of ’77
On Oct. 27, graduates of Presentation Academy class of 1977 came to Nazareth to reconnect with the Sisters and give a day of service.
Disaster relief training
A disaster relief training session is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17 beginning at 9:30 a.m. and should be over before noon.
Volunteer reflection on Nepal
Carolyn Hope Smeltzer has been working with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for over 13 years in volunteering on hospital care boards and committees. She has returned from Nepal as a volunteer with the Sisters in Kathmandu and shares her story.
Volunteer ministry at Lexington Catholic
Sister Luke visited Lexington Catholic High School. The sophomore class would like to become involved in trips to Appalachia and Belize City.
Sisters prepare hurricane response
This year has been especially hard for communities dealing with tropical storms and hurricanes. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth plan to help.
Nazareth volunteer provides a plant guide map
Anne Martin left her farm in New Hampshire and has been volunteering her time in Nazareth, Kentucky, since the beginning of May 2018. Her hope when she arrived was to be helpful and of service within a supportive environment. Everyone on campus agrees that she has surpassed those hopes.
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth provide calm and reconstruction after the storms
Sisters, associates and lay volunteers aid those in need, whether they are nearby (West Point is about 35 miles from the congregation’s motherhouse in Nazareth) or as far away as Belize, where they have made several trips to help build houses.
Volunteers reconnect in Ohio
Sister Luke met with 29 volunteers in Belpre, Ohio, many of whom have been on former mission trips to Belize. They participated in a delicious meal, prayer, and sharing about their experience. Some of them will be sponsoring and building two houses in Belize this coming year.
Students volunteer as part of a cross-cultural partnership in Appalachia
“What a wonderful experience being with these young people from St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Bardstown. I was totally amazed at how hard they worked and how well they related to the people in Beattyville, Kentucky. Many of them want to stay connected to the SCN community. May God continue to bless them on their journey in life.”
Volunteers in Appalachia
Sister Luke is accompanying 20 students and six chaperones from St. Joe Church Youth Ministry to the Appalachian region of Kentucky. They are cleaning, staining, painting, and repairing six trailer homes. Please continue to keep this group in your prayers.
Volunteers continue Hurricane Harvey rebuilding efforts
Disaster Relief volunteers made a return trip to continue to assist the underserved population in the Southwest area of Houston that was devastated by Hurricane Harvey last August.
West Point update
The SCN Disaster Relief Team has been working in West Point, Kentucky, over the past several weeks. This group of gracious volunteers, led by Amy Ulrich, finished a trailer that was flooded by the Salt Fork and Ohio Rivers in early March.
Homebuilding concludes in Belize
Our hearts are so happy for the new homeowner, Sherlene Garnett, and her family. The newly constructed house looks beautiful and the students from Vincentian Academy should be so proud of all their hard work.
Volunteer program and Vincentian Academy featured on 7 News Belize
Sister Luke and students from Vincentian Academy completed the 350th home for Hand in Hand ministries in Belize City and were featured on the local news channel.
Sewing ministry for Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
There is a great need for children’s’ dresses and clothing in some of the areas served by the SCN lay mission volunteer program, Appalachia, New Orleans, Belize, Montana, and disaster relief areas. A group led by associate candidate and volunteer, Elaine Belflowers meet at Nazareth to share their creations and determine future needs. Sister Paschal Maria Fernicola serves as their Nazareth liaison.
Sisters lead a rebuilding effort in West Point after flood
In the enclosed video, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth disaster relief ministry are responding to West Point, Kentucky, located 25 minutes outside of Louisville, Kentucky. The area was hit hard by flooding after the Ohio and Salt Rivers reached historic flood levels.
A journey to the mountains of Nepal
“While traveling through Kathmandu, we made arrangements to visit the Novjyoti Center, a school for handicapped children that is run by the Sisters of Charity. My sister is an SCN, living at Nazareth, and I have read with great interest of the work the sisters on doing on behalf of the people of Nepal.”
Sisters to provide flood relief in West Point, Kentucky
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth disaster relief ministry visited West Point, Kentucky, located 25 minutes outside of Louisville, Kentucky. The area was hit hard by flooding after the Ohio and Salt Rivers reached historic levels.
Volunteers head to Belize
Volunteers from Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio, were commissioned at Saturday’s liturgy at St. Vincent’s Church, followed by a day of orientation before they began their travels to Belize. On Sunday, Feb. 4, the group left for Belize to work in collaboration with Hand in Hand Ministries to build a house for a family in great need. They will return to Louisville on Sunday, Feb. 11. Please pray for their safety in travels and on the job site. Angela Wallace, Nazareth employee – health office, the recipient of this year’s employee immersion scholarship, will also be on this trip.
An update from volunteer group in Belize
“Today was the first day of no rain! We visited the Hand In Hand site. Karen and her daughter, Sarah, to spend the morning there and Abel to bring them to work site to see the walls go up. Sunshine at the site for a very short time. Lots of volunteers. Amazing results!”
Second volunteer group this month heads to Belize
Seven SCN Lay Mission Volunteers along with Sister Sarah Geier were commissioned at the Saturday morning Liturgy in St. Vincent’s Chapel. They traveled to Belize on Sunday, Jan. 28 to work in collaboration with Hand in Hand Ministry in building a house for a family in great need. This is the second house of five to be built in the next few months. Please keep them in prayer as they travel to and from Belize and for safety on the work site.
Volunteers build a home in Belize
Over the last few days, SCN Volunteers in Belize worked building a house for a single mother and her two children. They laid the foundation, erected the walls, and put on the roof and shutters. Today was the house blessing.
Volunteers return to Belize
Nine SCN Volunteers from Alabama, Ohio, and Kentucky were commissioned at a Liturgy at St. Vincent Church. They will travel to Belize along with Sister Luke and work in collaboration with Hand in Hand Ministry from Jan. 8-15.
Inspired for a life of service
TaNaá and Andreiona are members of Charity Alive, a program for young adults designed to build and maintain relationships with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. The four components of this program are service, spirituality, support, and finding direction in life.
Charity Alive visit Nazareth
Several members of Charity Alive spent the weekend at Nazareth for their biannual meeting. They enjoyed their accommodations in the Volunteer House where they gathered for prayer, planning, and support. Their service project of choice was decorating several Christmas trees in Carrico Hall and preparing the courtyard for outside decorations.
Sisters prepare for Appalachian Christmas
Sisters Anne Magruder, Angela Hicks, Molly Thompson, Luke Boiarski, Marie Becker and Elaine Bellflowers, SCNA, traveled to Kentucky Cornerstone in Beattyville, Kentucky, to assist Dora Ross for her annual Christmas event to be held on Dec. 9. For two days, they wrapped presents for children, adorned the tree with colorful ornaments, and decorated the outside of the house. All this, in preparation for this special gathering for the needy in the Appalachian area.
Volunteers return from India
Filled with love and enthusiasm, volunteers (Erin Kelly, Karen Ladowski, LeAnne Moore, Kristy Reynolds) from Kansas, Minnesota, and New Hampshire accompanied Sarah Geier, SCN, to travel to India and serve at Asha Kiran from Oct. 16 to Nov. 2, 2017.
Disaster relief effort highlighted on local news program
Sister Luke and Sister Susan speak on a local television news channel about the recent Houston disaster relief trip.
Mission trip to Houston: faith into action
Volunteers arrived safely home this week after assisting in Houston, Texas, for several days. They spent their time filling food containers for families in need as well as removing wallboard in homes so rebuilding can begin soon.
SCN Volunteers begin hurricane relief effort in Houston
Volunteers of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have arrived in Houston, Texas, late Tuesday evening to begin work with St. Bernard Project and the Free Band Church.
Commissioning of volunteers to India
Sarah Geier, SCN, Kristy Reynolds, LeAnne Moore, Karen Lazowski, and Erin Kelly are flying to India now. They will be there until Nov. 3, in ministry at Asha Kiran. The volunteers will be engaged in a variety of activities, helping children get ready for school, help with homework, painting the library, creating an album of photos and activities, and sharing new skills. Primarily they will just be with the children, listen to them, and love them.
Volunteers reach out in the Kentucky mountains
SCN Volunteers traveled last week deep into the mountains of Irvine, Kentucky. Volunteers assisted Mr. Dallas, a gentle man, who lives a solitary life but whose heart and hands reach out to take care of many of God’s creatures.
Volunteers finish project in Botswana
After several days of hard work, the SCN volunteers have completed painting the exterior of the church in Ntjlanthe, Botswana. This was phase two of their volunteer work, as they also completed painting the interior as well.
Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Harvey
Our hearts go out to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, the storms, and flooding in Texas. We pray for all those who have lost their homes or suffered damage. We also pray for the safety of those responding with rescue and relief efforts. May the coming days witness to God’s unfailing promise to be with us as people work to restore their lives.
SCN Volunteer Update: Botswana
After being warmly greeted upon their arrival in Botswana late Tuesday, the SCN volunteers spent Wednesday touring the hospice in Metsomthlable and visiting the local church and preschool. The children were eager to meet the new visitors and shared a joyful song and dance as they practiced for their graduation.
Disaster Relief Ministry in Chattanooga
On Thursday, Butch Cecil and SCNs Janet Ballard and Luke Boiarski traveled to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to present a training workshop on the SCN Disaster Relief Ministry.
Young adults volunteer with Sisters
On July 6, four members of Charity Alive along with Sisters Nancy Gerth and Luke Boiarski traveled to Beattyville, Kentucky to assist Dora Ross, the director of Kentucky Cornerstone Ministries.
Sisters and volunteers work with Feeding America
Sisters and volunteers worked with the Feeding America network. It is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, working to connect people with food and end hunger.
Volunteers complete mission in Montana
"Friday was the final day of work here on the Crow Reservation. We finished not only sealing and staining Chief Plenty Coup'sHouse butt were able to complete the home of Mary DeCrane. Mary is an elder who is sharing her home with other members of her clan. "Tonight,...
Volunteers visit the Crow Nation in Montana
The Montana big blue sky and the rolling prairies caressed by majestic mountains in the distance gives one a sense of freedom and deep appreciation of the natural beauty that surrounds the Crow Nation.
‘Pres Girls’ volunteer with Sisters in Belize
Since arriving in Belize City on Saturday, ‘PresGirls’ painted various dwellings including the Yasha House, a home for young women needing a safe place to reside. They also met with families in Las Flores, delivering shoes and clothing. While they’ve been quite busy, the group managed to squeeze in siesta time and a little sightseeing.
SCN Volunteers
“Monday, we began our first project of painting the interior of Yasha House, which is a home for young women who need a safe place to reside.”
Students collect sandals for Belize
At the request of the mission committee at Vincentian Academy High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sister Luke Boiarski visited the school in March of 2017. She shared with the students about the volunteer ministry program and how they can become involved. As a result of the visit, the student council collected sandals to be donated to children in Las Flores, Belize.
Charity Friendship Retreat & Workshop
The Federation Grassroots Committee invites sisters, associates & affiliates to attend Charity Friendship: Deepening Our Relationships through Contemplative Conversations. The Retreat will take place October 15-October 20, followed by the Workshop October 20-October 22.
SCN disaster relief team responds
Clean up begins in storm-ravaged Durant, Mississippi
SCN volunteers help a family in Appalachia
Christ has no body now, but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks with compassion on this world.
After storm comes to Nazareth, SCN volunteers respond
SCN volunteers were hard at work cleaning the cemetery after a storm hit the Nazareth campus.
Crossing The Border
A Grassroots Connection
Volunteer trip turns to disaster relief
Again the alarm sounded as we learned that the tornado had turned back and was headed in our direction. Again we huddled in the hallway.
Appalachian Christmas in Beattyville
The SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program recently traveled to Beattyville, Kentucky in Appalachia to assist Ms. Dora Ross in preparing for her annual Christmas community outreach program. In the upcoming weeks, hundreds of families from the surrounding area will visit...
SCN Disaster Relief team prepares response to Hurricane Matthew
Hurricane Matthew was a very powerful, long-lived and deadly tropical cyclone which became the first Category 5 Atlantic hurricane since 2007. Sisters will visit Lumberton, North Carolina.
Volunteers visit Holy Springs, Miss.
Sister Luke Boiarski, Sister Maria Brocato, Associate Mary Gene Frank along and four members of Charity Alive, TaNaa Davis, Erica Watts, Robbie Lewis, Andreiona Williams, and volunteer Pam Coates, traveled to Holly Springs, Mississippi last week to assist in the...
St. Joseph the Carpenter House
The SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program celebrates a new chapter in the vibrant ministry’s history.
SCN Volunteers visit West Virginia to help with flood relief
The floods have been called the worst in a century for portions of the state.
60 girls, three Sisters and one home
“Out of ‘hard times’ the girls share common values and learn to appreciate the life and opportunities they have. They know they are ‘cared for and cared about’ by the Sisters. They now can dream of possibilities.”
Volunteers in Belize
SCN volunteers arrived in Belize City on Tuesday, March 29. Upon our arrival at the airport, they were warmly greeted by Sister Carlette Gentle.