Nuns' Build III

The Catholic community began serving the New Orleans region more than 280 years ago. New Orleans was the first U.S. city to attract and benefit from the work of Women Religious when nine Ursuline Sisters arrived in 1727.  The Sisters of St Joseph first arrived in New Orleans proper in 1863.

Catholic Sisters from throughout the US continue this tradition of service through Nuns’ Build, a separate program of the St. Bernard Project.  Nuns’ Build began in 2009; it is held for one week, twice a year.

Sisters, friends and co-workers work throughout the week to rebuild the homes of Katrina survivors. They participate in all phases of rebuilding including hanging drywall, painting, flooring and installing doors and windows.   (Colleen & I figure that we can handle any of this, with proper supervision, of course.) 

As a result of the volunteers' efforts, more families will be closer to moving out of their FEMA trailers or other temporary housing and back into their homes.

In addition to the regular workdays, the St. Bernard Project provides special events for volunteers and local community members.  For example, there will be a Mass on Sunday at St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter, followed by a tour of the Quarter.  On Thursday, the families in the St. Bernard area will provide a Big Easy Dinner for all the volunteers.   

Here is a video about Nuns’ Build that was made by a man from Marian High School owned by the Springfield Dominican Sisters. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycpzeR0Nd2k