Living the Values

Community
Millvale Franciscan volunteers live in a faith-based community on a small stipend in a low-income neighborhood. While the majority of people may be people of faith, this is not a requirement for all. While the community on a whole is faith based, all who live in it may not be. Volunteers live in community in the Franciscan spirit of mutuality and simplicity. This commitment to live the value of community will be difficult at times, but the volunteers are called to challenge themselves to form honest and open relationships. Even though volunteers may have similar reasons for becoming a Millvale Franciscan volunteer, their different cultural, spiritual and socioeconomic backgrounds require constant open communication with one another and the program director. In sharing the joys and sorrows of their daily life experiences as volunteers, as well as the necessary “house” chores such as shopping, cooking and cleaning for one another, they will energize and support one another in their call to live the Gospel.

Community living demands commitment, flexibility, compromise and mutual giving. It is the volunteers themselves who design and create their community ultimately gaining increased respect for others who may think or act differently from themselves.

One evening a week is reserved as a Community Night. Volunteers take turns planning this night using this time for spiritual, social, and educational programs, or simply time to be spent with each other. Community Night is a priority to community living. Another evening is set aside for a community house meeting. During a house meeting, practical implications of community living are discussed. The program director or assistant director will be present for house meetings. This person is available to help the community or individual to work through community issues, personal problems, or situations of a non-work nature.

As the year progresses and community challenges arise, volunteers should take care that existing friendships and/or relationships don’t prevent volunteers from fully committing to their community members.

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