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National Volunteer Month Profile: Christine in DC

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Like most of our domestic volunteers, Christine Landau learned about FMS through the Catholic Volunteer Network. Her interests in humanitarian and environmental awareness and solidarity made FMS a great fit for her.

“Volunteering at FMS allows me to encourage others to remember our shared calling to work towards a just distribution of the earth’s resources for all,” Christine said. “I want to act in some small way on behalf of people who lack basic necessities of life: food, clothing, shelter, companionship.”

Drawing on her experience in publishing, editing and sales, Christine works in the FMS office as our grant writer extraordinaire. She also contributes to our World Care Newsletter and other communications projects.

Originally from California, she moved to the east coast to pursue her doctorate in Judaism and Early Christianity at the University of Virginia. Christine’s academic background made her an ideal instructor for one of Scripture and Mission, one of our weekly fall formation program for missioners-in-training. Our newest missioners, Kitzi and Michael, described her class as one of their favorites.

Away from the office, Christine and the other domestic volunteers live in intentional community with volunteers from other Catholic organizations. They prepare and eat dinner together four times a week and once a week have prayer, reflection and a group activity.

The community life also emphasizes St. Francis’ model of simplicity. The volunteers live on small monthly stipends and without extras such as cable television.

“FMS has taught me that the cost of solidarity is high,” Christine said. “It requires living very simply. This is a reality of life for millions of people around the world.”

Support Christine’s year of service to FMS by making a donation 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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