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Presentation Adopt-a-Highway Team

The phrase "think global, act local" has been around for decades. The words urge people to consider the health of the entire planet and to take action in their own communities. It also rallies people around many other social justice issues and points out the interdependence of all living beings.

To this effect, the Sisters of the Presentation of Dubuque, Iowa, have developed a program to invite others into grassroots reflection and action. That program is PRESENTATION QUEST,an immersion and service program sponsored by the Sisters of the Presentation of Dubuque, Iowa.

PRESENTATION QUEST provides and promotes opportunities in learning the root causes of poverty and in educating others in earth sustainability. These opportunities allow a deeper understanding of systems that make people poor, of stress on the environment, of diversity of culture and the realization of the need for personal growth.

"Service opportunities provide hands-on cultural experiences or societal dilemmas that require systemic change. Direct service can help people cope with their present crisis," states Sister Julie Marsh, PBVM, Coordinator of Immersion and Service for the Presentation Quest program. According to Sister Julie goals of immersion and service experiences are:

--To raise an awareness of the injustices and oppression that exist

--To form relationships with people who live in poverty in order to better advocate for their needs

--To identify, learn, and help to change the systems which perpetuate injustice

--To build a support system with existing organizations that impact society

QUEST seeks mature spiritually motivated women and men in support of the mission of the Sisters of the Presentation and Associates. Young adults 18 years of age and older, Presentation sisters, associates, family and friends are encouraged to participate.

The QUEST program has been operating for less than a year and in that time participants have participated in the "Urban Plunge" immersion experience sponsored by the 8th Day Center for Justice in Chicago, assisted in community service projects in Kansas City, Missouri, and volunteered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, through the Catholic Charities and United Methodist rebuild program following the devastating area floods. Other opportunities slated for the coming year involve working with Operation Helping Hands (Catholic Charities rebuild program) in New Orleans, Louisiana and direct service to the poor with various Presentation Sisters throughout the country.

TESTIMONIALS

"PRESENTATION QUEST was an awesome experience that allowed me to use my gifts in a way that benefitted the community. It was rewarding when people commented on what a good job we were doing and expressed their thanks. We are living out God's word while setting an good example for others. Hopefully our actions will be contagious to others." Stephanie Buse, student.

"In the very act of doing service, I forgot about myself and my needs and am reminded once again that happiness lies in giving and doing for others. It doesn't matter how much gets done on the service experiences. I walk away from each experience enriched by the people I meet and whom I serve. It is always an experience I never want to end because it is in serving that I find myself most happy." Sister Carmen Hernandez, PBVM.

"The service trips that I have been on have been very rich blessings in my life. I participated in them in an effort to reach out and help those individuals and communities in need. It was then that I realized that it is 'giving that we receive.' In doing so, I have seen the face of Christ," states Becky Searcy, Presentation Associate.

Upcoming PRESENTATION QUEST Opportunities in 2010

APRIL 5 - 10, 2010, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

IMMERSION: Urban Plunge/8th Day Center for Peace

EXPERIENCE: An immersion into the systems and structures of the urban environment from the perspective of justice, spirituality and ministry. Participants will hear speakers and visit a variety of social services that impact people's lives. Daily prayer includes scripture and reflection.

MAY 15, 2010 & OCTOBER 2, 2010, DUBUQUE, IOWA

SERVICE: Adopt-A-Highway Program

EXPERIENCE: A group effort in cleaning two miles on Highway 20 between Epworth and Peosta by removing trash and debris. This program is developed by the Iowa Department of Transportation to increase public awareness of environmental needs along Iowa highways.

JUNE 27 - JULY 2, 2010, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

SERVICE: Community Service

EXPERIENCE: An effort in caring for Earth and the people around them with Presentation associates in the Kansas City area. There are a variety of services within the community -- Operation Breakthrough, outdoor work at Powell Gardens, assisting at Alphapointe Association for the Blind and service at Christ the King Food Pantry. JULY 5 - 9, 2010 (Participants may choose 1-5 days) CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA SERVICE: The Cedar Rapids Rebuild Project EXPERIENCE: The organized services of the Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Charities and the United Methodist Church rebuild a flooded community using skilled and unskilled volunteers for drywalling, interior and exterior painting, flooring, trim carpentry and insulation.

Many times, service or immersion experiences are not conveniently planned because of the time commitment or the date scheduled. It is for this reason that the following experiences have been created. You are invited to serve with Presentation sisters currently ministering in the following places:

LANTERN LIGHT NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- A collaborative group of Presentation sisters in North America serve the poor and homeless of New Orleans. Volunteers may find themselves involved in reintegration services for those displaced, serving a meal daily, and helping to coordinate volunteer groups desiring to serve the community.

RECONCILE NEW ORLEANS NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA -- In 2000, Reconcile New Orleans - Youth Workforce Development Program was developed to meet the needs of youth who had experienced an array of socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, homelessness, arrested educational achievement, substance abuse and participation in the juvenile justice system. Areas of volunteering could include tutoring, construction and demolition, organization, landscaping, line serving, food preparation and office work.

AURORA HOUSE WESLACO, TEXAS -- A care facility for patients in the process of dying who have been living in extreme poverty without resources or families to take care of them. This not-for-profit organization believes that all people have the right to die with respect and compassion. Volunteers could answer call bells, fix food, houseclean, read to residents, take residents outside or simply be with others in need.

CULTURAL IMMERSION OKOLONA, MISSISSIPPI -- Okolona is snuggled in the north central corner of the state. The median income for a household is around $25,000. There is much poverty. Volunteers are welcome to help with various renovation projects, the after school tutoring program and/or in the resale store organizing donated items.

PRESENTATION LANTERN CENTER DUBUQUE, IOWA -- A drop-in center offering hospitality, educational opportunities and advocacy to women and their children who are striving to better their lives. Volunteer opportunities range from tutoring those learning English and preparing individuals for the citizenship test to just sharing a cup of tea and enjoying adult conversation.

DUBUQUE FOOD PANTRY DUBUQUE, IOWA -- The Dubuque Food Pantry serves the people of Dubuque and the surrounding area. The pantry seeks volunteers to restock, pick up groceries donated by stores and help organize food baskets.

If you are interested in any of these experiences, please visit service@dubuquepresentations.org

For information contact Sr. Julie Marsh, PBVM, Coordinator of Immersion and Service, Sisters of the Presentation, 2360 Carter Road, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001-2997, Fax: 563.588.4463, Phone: 563-588-2008 or email at

service@dubuquepresentations.org