Bus Brings Smiles to Mount Carmel BVMs
On a night in December, Catherine (Michael Ann) Dominick, BVM boards a bus at Mount Carmel in Dubuque, Iowa, to see Christmas lights in Murphy Park with 12 of her BVM Sisters. She’s been waiting for this day for a long time.
“Oh, I loved it,” she says with a big smile. “Just seeing so many lights in the park. It was so beautiful.”
Not long ago, this wasn’t possible. A small van that only carried four sisters seated and one in a wheelchair was one of Catherine’s only ways to participate in off-site activities. And her trip to the park to see the lights last year? Because her wheelchair sat so high, she could only look through the top of the door and the chairlift. She missed everything.
With fewer sisters able to be volunteer drivers, sisters at Mount Carmel began to rely on staff and the small van for their transportation needs. This meant many sisters were unable to participate in activities.
Then, in 2017 something wonderful happened. Donors came forward during a 24-hour online giving day to raise more than $35,000 to help purchase a new bus. It has space for up to 14 sisters who can now enjoy fun, off-campus experiences and provide those who are physically challenged the opportunity to enjoy the community. With sisters like Catherine in mind, the bus also features large windows on every side, allowing sisters to see the sights.
Thank you for making this day possible.”—Catherine Dominick, BVM
“It’s a dream come true,” says Julie Wessels, driver and Mount Carmel creative arts specialist. “The sisters absolutely love it. I never dreamt we would have anything this nice and so many sisters are benefiting.”
Since its maiden voyage last summer, the bus has taken the sisters on more adventures than Julie can count. A peek at her calendar shows it’s out nearly every day taking sisters anywhere they want to go.
“The sisters love it,” says Julie. “They ask me, ‘can we go here to see this? Or here for supper?’ and we just go. It’s wonderful.”
With a big smile, she shares about a recent outing to Dyersville, Iowa, for supper. “As we went to leave, a sister stopped me and said, ‘Wait! We didn’t go to the Field of Dreams yet!’ So we turned around and we went.”
It’s a dream come true. The sisters absolutely love it. I never dreamt we would have anything this nice and so many sisters are benefiting.” —Julie Wessels
For those unfamiliar with the reference, Dyersville is home to the movie set of the popular 1989 film, The Field of Dreams.
Having a larger vehicle opens the door to new possibilities. Lori Ritz, life and mission director, plans to drive sisters to area Catholic schools and beyond. Now more sisters can share the spirit of BVM Foundress Mary Frances Clarke and the BVM core values and mission with more people.
“The bus enables me to do more in terms of outreach and having sisters share their lives,” says Lori. “It’s a gift that keeps on giving.”
Whether it’s a trip to the craft store to buy yarn to knit scarves for victims of human trafficking or a trip to the local art museum to see an exhibit featuring BVM artists, the larger bus has brought bigger smiles to BVMs who have dedicated, and continue to dedicate, their lives to helping those in need.
The bus was a gift of joy, and to the donors who made it happen, BVMs are grateful.
“Thank you for making this day possible,” says Catherine. “I am looking forward to many more exciting rides.”
Related Stories:
- To Vietnam with Love: BVM and IHM Sisters Expand Circle of Friends
BVMs Teri Hadro and Kate Hendel visit Nha Trang to join in celebration. - Ireland: A Pilgrimage to Where it All Began
Group explores where five women answered the call.
This story was featured in:
Winter SALT 2019: Into the World with Love
When BVMs Teri Hadro and Kate Hendel visited the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Vietnam, they brought with them 185 years of rich BVM heritage and a message of friendship that echoed the words of BVM Foundress Mary Frances Clarke, “Where one BVM is, all BVMs are.” In this issue, discover ways the BVM Legacy of Love continues to grow throughout the world.
If you would like to receive Salt, contact the Office of Development for a complimentary subscription at development@bvmcong.org or 563-585-2864.