Marian Aides mix old and young

In addition to vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, the Little Sisters of the Poor take a vow of hospitality. At Our Lady of Hope Residence in Latham, that has led to a unique ministry for young girls: the Marian Aides program.

One Saturday a month, Catholic girls between 9 and 14 meet to learn what hospitality is all about. And they learn by doing.

Sister Christian, director of the Marian Aides program, said, "For us, hospitality means the loving care of those sick and elderly that come to us."

Toronto link

The program in Latham began several years ago when a small group of girls who did volunteer work at the facility with their mothers wanted to participate long-distance in World Youth Day in Toronto.

"The girls were unable to go, but they wanted some way to be together for World Youth Day," said volunteer and program founder Carol Blanchard. "I asked the sisters if the girls could gather in one of the meeting rooms. They agreed, and the girls watched the ceremonies on TV. The girls had such a wonderful time that they wanted to form their own little community after that."

With some ideas and a little help from the sisters, Mrs. Blanchard and Jill Dougherty, another volunteer mom, devised a day of service to residents that evolved into the Marian Aide program.

Helping others

Through the program, the girls pray together and do charitable work. They also develop a personal relationship with at least one senior because they are paired with a foster grandparent, and the two meet for an hour each month.

"This time teaches the girl how to work with the elderly, gives her a sense of being charitable towards another person and gives her an awareness of the aging process," noted Sister Christian.

The day also includes team-building because the girls come from different schools and communities. Mrs. Dougherty said that friendships develop over time, and some girls, who are shy when they first join, open up during their time together.

"I became a Marian Aide because I enjoy the atmosphere here. You can learn a lot from the residents, and I have learned about forgiveness," said Taylor Brown, 13, an aide since the program began.

Hands-on work

The girls also perform service projects with the Sisters and residents.

"What I like to do is help people, and I enjoy working with the residents. Sometimes, we talk and sing. Sometimes, I just listen," said Erin Dougherty who, at nine, is the youngest active Marian Aide.

The girls are also "assigned some form of light work to do in the facility, such as disinfecting handrails in St. Joseph's Residence or doing hand or nail care with some of our nursing facility residents. They always love to soak their nails and have them painted with nail polish," noted Sister Christian.

In addition to meeting once a month, some of the girls complete extra weekly service hours. They also meet regularly for "girls night out," usually attending a movie and sharing a pizza.

(The Marian Aide program is new to Latham, but it has been in operation in France and other European locations for many years. Any interested girl should call Sister Christian at 785-4551.)

(3/17/05)