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For further information, contact Cathy Pickerel at Presentationpartners@pbvmsf.org True to the motto of the Sisters of the Presentation, Not Words but Deeds, Presentation Partners in Ministry seek to welcome, nurture, teach, advocate for and serve God’s people. They do this working in a Presentation sponsored high school, retreat center, or literacy center. The Sisters of the Presentation established Presentation Partners in Ministry recognizing that the charism of their foundress, Nano Nagle, has not been limited to those called to their consecrated religious life or association. It is the intent of this program to include in their ministry and community life qualified lay women and men who share Nano’s commitment to respond to the needs of the poor, especially women and children. Presentation Partners in Ministry, with a formal commitment to extended service, are to be included in the life of the Presentation community by participation in retreats and days of prayer, social justice events and community celebrations. MODES OF PARTICIPATION LEND A HAND MODE
The Lend a Hand
mode is an option for those who may have other commitments and busy schedules
but who also want to lend a hand and support the work of the Sisters of the
Presentation. Opportunities might include serving a regular weekly “shift” of
three or more hours at one of the service sites listed below as well as at the
Motherhouse convent on Turk Street, participating in a weekend Called to
Serve retreat, helping with special events, or even engaging in a rebuilding
project in New Orleans!
COMMUNITY MODE This constitutes a ten to twelve-month term of service (depending on the service site program year) exclusively with a Presentation sponsored ministry. This mode is designed for the young adult who, having earned a college degree, seeks to make a positive difference in the world that surrounds her/him, especially for those made poor. This young adult is drawn to the challenge of living simply, stretching spiritually and serving the poor in a world that favors wealth and power. Room and board with simple accommodations, health insurance and a modest stipend are available. SABBATICAL/SENIOR CORPS MODE Six to twelve-month term of service exclusively with a Presentation sponsored ministry. This mode is designed for two very specific groups. The first is that group of adults who find themselves wanting more. They already have experience in their chosen career and have achieved some level of success. But all of that does not satisfy the not-so-quiet yearnings of their heart. They are seeking an in-depth sabbatical experience of service and inward looking, and the ministries and spirituality of the Sisters of the Presentation appeal to them. Senior Corps members would be those who have already retired from their chosen careers but who are not ready to retire from their desire to serve the God’s people and deepen their spiritual life. Room and board with simple accommodations, health insurance and a modest stipend are available to Presentation Partners in these two groups. Those who live near the assigned service site may choose to live simply in their own homes during their term of service. SERVICE SITES El Proyecto de las Rosas, Tipton, CA El Proyecto de las Rosas began classes in English as a Second Language in Tipton and Woodville, two farming and dairy communities in the Central Valley of California in October 2006. These communities are located in one of the most under-served areas of California and in a county that suffers a nearly 41% adult illiteracy epidemic. The curriculum has expanded to include Bible study for women and will soon benefit from a computer lab. El Proyecto is located on South Smith Road on Tipton. For more information, call (559) 752-4603.
Learning and Loving Center,
Morgan Hill, CA Established in 1994, the Learning and Loving Center was founded as a response to the need in the Morgan Hill community to empower immigrant women to learn English and encourage women to use their gifts and talents in building relationships among themselves, their families, and the community. (Morgan Hill is a city south of San Jose that is still agricultural but which is also becoming a bedroom community for the Silicon Valley.)
The Center
endeavors to work with women for change through education, and to support them
in the process. Daytime classes strive to increase literacy, teach computer
skills, improve and enrich the lives of the students empower women to achieve
higher education and better jobs, improve health care, and improve self-esteem
for a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Presentation High School, San Jose, CA
The roots of
Presentation High School are deeply planted in the heritage and ministry of the
Sisters of the Presentation. Strengthened and challenged by that heritage and
dedicated to the ministry of secondary education, the Sisters of the
Presentation responded to the needs of the rapidly growing and developing Santa
Clara Valley. In 1962, Presentation High School, a Catholic four-year high
school for young women, was opened. Built in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San
Jose, the first seventy students graduated in 1966. Since then, over 5,000 young
women have benefited from the excellent education provided at Presentation High
School and they have become productive, vital, and ethical members of their
communities, work places, and families.
Presentation Center is a retreat and conference facility nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains just a half-hour drive from downtown San Jose and the Silicon Valley. The Center directly promotes all forms of life within the environment but in a special way addresses human needs by helping people discover God in themselves, the natural beauty of their surroundings, and in the goodness of those around them. Whether guests come to participate in a formal retreat experience or to spend time alone in the quiet beauty of the mountain atmosphere, they experience a respite from the stresses of society in a “green” space where eco-spirituality is active.
FAQs REGARDING LEND A HAND MODE: Who can participate in this mode? Partners in Ministry of the Sisters of the Presentation welcomes applicants regardless of culture, economic status, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation. Applicants with physical challenge(s) who require reasonable accommodations that Presentation service sites can provide will also be considered. Applicants in the Lend a Hand mode can be of high school through retirement age. What service opportunities are available? Opportunities will vary, depending on the needs of individual service sites, but can include providing general administrative support (answering phones or helping with large mailings), babysitting children, visiting or doing errands for retired Sisters or assisting with gardening. Contact us at presentationpartners@pbvmsf.org for current opportunities. Is there an application process? Yes. After an initial interview, acceptance and placement will depend on the current service site needs, the applicant's ability to meet those needs and a successful interview with the site volunteer coordinator. Certain roles may require a background check before placement. FAQs REGARDING COMMUNITY AND SABBATICAL/SENIOR CORPS MODES: Who can participate in these modes? Volunteer Companions of the Sisters of the Presentation welcome women and men regardless of culture, economic status, ethnic origin, gender and sexual orientation. Applicants with physical challenge(s) who require reasonable accommodations that Presentation service sites can provide will also be considered. Applicants should be 21 or older, have a college degree or applicable work experience and be of reasonably good health. Are married couples permitted to participate in these modes? The short answer is, yes. A fuller answer can be given in a discussion with the program director. Couples should know that Presentation ministries vary in their ability to fully support a married couple. What service opportunities are available? In these modes, a Presentation Partner will serve at one of 4 ministries of the Sisters of the Presentation (San Francisco). · Presentation High School: Qualified volunteers could help coordinate and supervise student community service projects, contribute to and help chaperone retreat programs or assist in Student Activities. · Literacy Centers address the diverse educational needs of adults in the Hispanic communities of Tipton and nearby Woodville, and a variety of immigrant women in Morgan Hill by offering a progression of programs ranging from English as a Second Language (ESL) to Citizenship classes, Keyboarding and Computer Applications, to various arts and crafts. Qualified volunteers would function as teachers and/or tutors. · Presentation Retreat Center: Volunteers might work full-time in the Welcoming Center, or in maintenance and grounds-keeping. They might also provide assistance with data-entry and supporting the Events Coordinator with major events. How are Presentation Partners placed in these modes? An applicant's preferred service site is the first thing considered. But that site has to be a good fit for all concerned. To that end, the site's staff will review the application, interview the applicant and collaborate with the program director in placement decisions. Does acceptance into these modes guarantee a successful year of service? Acceptance just opens the door to a successful year of service. The willingness of the Partner to take up the challenge of living simply and in community, to engage fully and honestly in the evaluation process, to learn from those whom they serve, to grow spiritually and deepen their passion for those poor is key in building a successful year of service. The Sisters of the Presentation are committed to support willing Presentation Partners in their effort to do so. Do these modes allow more than one year of service? Yes, if s/he applies for an additional commitment and is recommended by her/his service site supervisor, a Presentation Partner may serve for two years. Why should I choose the Presentation Partners program? There are many excellent faith-based volunteer programs available today. If you're more than just a little interested in finding one in which to serve, the question to ask is, “Does this program “fit” me?” Presentation Partners in Ministry is for you if you want to share in the legacy of Nano Nagle, the woman of whom it was said, “Lanes her hem touched were cured of hopelessness.” It's for you if you want to join with the Sisters of the Presentation as they work for structural change, especially on issues related to women and children, immigrants and racial/ethnic communities, the environment and sustainable living and human rights. Do applicants need to possess special skills and/or credentials? Fluency in Spanish is necessary to teach at one of the two literacy centers. Teaching experience and/or completion of education classes would be most welcome and helpful at both centers, but not required. Experience in campus ministry programming would be welcome at the high school. Computer competencies will be helpful with almost all of the potential service assignments. General maintenance skills would be welcome at the retreat center. |
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Presentation Retreat and Conference Center, Los Gatos, CA
