Ryan Hong
In our Catholic Social Teaching class we visited Misericordia. I worked in the Art Department with a teacher. He was going over the Holocaust with the residents and how Jewish people were required to wear the star of David. Kurt then asked for a volunteer and picked a resident. He asked her “How would you feel if every disabled person had to wear a patch like the Jews did?” Before she could respond, he put a handicap sticker on her then asked her how she felt. She responded with “I feel angry.” In that moment I realized some people degrade the disabled because they may not have had the opportunity to truly spend time with someone who has a disability. Also, people exclude the disabled because they don’t fit with what society calls normal and may not have the ability to do certain activities. Some disabled individuals walk different which attracts attention to them. Society needs to become less judgmental and focus on the dignity and value of human life. In my experience at Misericordia the staff was welcoming and I loved interacting with the residents.
I was painting with a resident, and he told me that he painted a picture that sold for $1,000. He then showed me a painting that he recently painted which was a ship. I was amazed with how detailed the painting was and asked him what inspired him to paint the picture. He shared with me that he gets his ideas from magazines and YouTube videos. I heard more than half of the residents in Misericordia are Catholic. In my opinion, believing in faith helps individuals get through obstacles in their life. He is Catholic, and I told him that “God is my friend and a listener”; he responded with “God is my friend”. I was reminded that a person's religion or beliefs can change an individual's decision because their faith might not agree with what the status quo has become. I learned life isn’t fair, and we have to roll with the punches. We cannot let the obstacles in our lives define us. In society today, change takes time, and by sharing issues with others, it will help make the issues known. Groups of people are still marginalized in the world because some are not open for change and like to follow the status quo. The past affects the present because individuals get caught up in their own issues and may not focus on large scale issues that could affect them in the future.
I lived out the theme Solidarity, which is loving and being mindful of everyone as a brother or sister. Everyone is created in the image of God and has a purpose in their life. I had a feeling from God that I was in the right place while I was at Misericordia. The time we spent there went by too fast and I wish I was able to spend more time at Misericordia. I felt like I was just hanging out with some new friends. In my opinion every high school should make it a requirement to have their senior class volunteer at Misericordia. I mentioned only seniors because they are more mature and are able to analyze situations and understand how it effects society. God blessed the disabled with a new perspective on life, and I took advantage of the of the opportunity to learn from them.
In the theme Care for God’s creations Christ calls us to be good stewards to the world by taking care of the earth, caring for others’ well-being and helping others. The theme connects to CST because volunteering makes an impact in someone's life. Actions speak louder than words and volunteering gives attention to the marginalized people in society. Our society is based around money which is sad but by donating to organizations it will make a difference in someone's life as well. Another way to live out the theme Care for God’s Creation is going out of your way to make someone’s day by complimenting them or surprising them with a gift. My experience at Misericordia was a great and I want to volunteer again soon. After, spending time with the residents I really enjoyed their energy and positive outlook on life.
I personally dislike it when people judge one another because no body is perfect and everybody makes mistakes. Everyone is unique and special in there own way. For example, twins have a similar appearance but may have different beliefs. I’ve gotten bullied and discriminated against for being Asian. A kid in fourth grade said, “Ryan only needs dental floss to cover his eyes.” I know what it feels to be excluded from a group and have no one there for me in a situation when I needed someone. Anytime I see someone being bullied I immediately interrupt the conversation and stand up for the person being bullied. I don’t marginalize the disabled because they are one of God’s creations and have a purpose in life like everyone else. I learned that we need to enjoy life and take advantage of every opportunity we get to make a difference in someone’s life. We need more of our youth to be volunteering so they can comprehend the conflicts that our world is facing and later on can make a difference.
In society today we can make a difference by treating everyone fairly and equally. Living in solidarity with one another. There should be more special training for the disabled, more job opportunities, and more handicapped accessible buildings. I think with the help of a Misericordia and the Church the issue would gain more attention. Everything starts small so posting fliers around Chicago helps make the issue more known. Also, setting up a peaceful protest or rally makes a huge difference. From my experience at Misericordia I learned that getting out of my comfort is something I really like to do. I am going to start volunteering on my own time outside of school, for the benefit of myself and the community.
Gary Dodovich
At Misericordia, people with physical and mental disabilities live and receive assistance. This seemed like a great place for disabled people who are not self-sufficient enough to live by themselves. The caretakers and employees here all seemed like great people who were genuinely there to help people and not solely there for a paycheck. The employees here do a great job at assisting the residents of Misericordia to participate in numerous jobs and activities such as working in the bakery or participating in the art rooms or greenhouse.
Misericordia is provided a portion of the money it needs to continue to be able to run the facility by the government. The money provided by the government is solely for necessities, and none of this money can be used for things such as their greenhouse. It would be unhealthy for these people to live their entire lives without participating in any activities; it would probably feel like jail. Misericordia has to raise a certain amount of money a year by themselves to keep these extra activities running. The majority of this money comes from donations.
Matthew 10:8 says, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” This is saying for anyone in need you should be there to help them. The physically and mentally disabled people at Misericordia need support from others, and this is why we need to help them by either volunteering our time or donating. Without help from others it would never be able for these people to live such an active and healthy life.
I feel that it is unacceptable to marginalize these people. We are pushing away people in need because society simply views them as “different”. I do not feel personally responsible for marginalizing these people. I have a neighbor named Ricky; he is a few years older than me, and he has down syndrome. I remember when I was younger I used to play video games with him and also do things such as play basketball in my alley with him. I always knew there was something different about him when I was younger, but I never really knew what it was, but I never saw that as a reason to not play with him or spend time with him. I believe Jesus would call us to accept the mentally and physically disabled and help them in any way possible. I believe a very simple way to bridge the gap between mentally and physically disabled people and the rest of society is simply being kind and accepting towards them. As I have learned from my visit to Misericordia these people are some of the kindest people you will ever meet. All you have to do is treat them kindly and they will do the same back. If we simply talk to them, smile, and wave instead of ignoring and marginalizing them it will make their day. It really is not that hard to treat them like we treat everyone else.
Note: Minor grammar/style edits have been made to each post not affecting the content or perspective of these students.
