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National Volunteer Month Profile: Mariam in DC

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In today’s volunteer spotlight, get to know Mariam Mitry, our associate director who started as FMS’ first domestic volunteer.

“I came to volunteer with FMS because it was the perfect intersection of my passions: my faith in Christ, transformative cross-cultural experiences, and journeying with the poor and the oppressed. The fact that I now do this as my job is just so incredibly fulfilling for me.

When I was on mission (with another organization) in Zambia in 2008, I became deeply aware that I should have been trained and prepared to be there. When I returned, FMS was hiring their first domestic volunteer. When I reviewed the website, I was impressed by the training and support that was being provided for missioners.

I came to volunteer at FMS to get a window into mission preparation, and it has been an incredible journey of self-reflection, growth, and exploration of Franciscan spirituality over the last two-and-half years!

Franciscan spirituality has been revolutionary for my understanding of simplicity and justice as inherit to the Gospel message. The missioners stories are an inspiration to me, and I hope to be able to one day return to mission overseas and integrate what I have learned from my time at FMS.

Volunteering is a nurturing within my soul that allows me to reflect upon the abundance that I have been given, challenges me to love as others ask to be loved, and engages me in a way that brings my faith to life.

I have been involved with the young adult ministry in my parish, from weekly gatherings to community outreach and fellowship meetings. I also help to organize a yearly retreat for more than 850 young adults who come from all over the world every Lent. It all provides fellowship and support that feeds me in a way that allows me to be vested in all that I feel called to do.

Last August I started volunteering at Miriam’s Kitchen which that provides meals and programming for homeless men and women in Washington, DC. I am now a sous chef in the breakfast program where we prepare a healthy, balanced meal for about 150 clients. I got involved with Miriam’s Kitchen because I wanted to stay grounded in the direct service arena and continue to directly engage with those who are suffering in my community.”

Honor Mariam’s commitment to service by making a donation to Franciscan Mission Service today. 

We prepare and support lay Catholics for two-year international, one-year domestic and 1-2 week short-term mission service opportunities in solidarity with impoverished and marginalized communities across the globe.

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