God's Gifts
Woman religious volunteers at parish

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff writer
Posted February 6, 2003

ALGONA - Sister Mary Rene Laubenthal of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of  Dubuque, gives of herself as a volunteer almost every day of the week.

Sister Rene visits elderly in their homes and in the nursing home, is secretary of records at St. Cecilia's Church and is a Eucharistic minister. She has been volunteering weekly at the parish for about eight years.

"I think it's at the heart of our community's charism to care for others," said Sister Rene. "I found a stronger love for the elderly and the sick so that is why I would like that kind of work."

She does different things everyday that have something to do with volunteering and being part of her community.

"I see God in the people that I minister to, they are so faith filled," said Sister Rene. "I think they give me more joy than I bring to them when I visit them."

Sister Rene's days vary, but she usually does a combination of her volunteering each day.

Sometimes she goes to the nursing home where she helps prepare for Mass. She greets the people who come to Mass and prepares for the liturgy. Sometimes she is a lector. Then after that Mass she might go visit a person in their home or take them Communion.

"Most gratifying for me is doing little things for the elderly," said Sister Rene. "Taking their hand and giving them a warm greeting makes their face light up."

Other days she goes to the parish and prepares records. It just depends on what her day is like.

Sister Rene is a busy person and keeps going due to her faith and the knowledge that what she does, means something to the people she helps.