Our daughter, Colleen Bourque, is in her second year as a Lasallian Volunteer. Last year she worked at the L.E.O.Center in Oakland, California, tutoring middle and high school students. When Colleen talked about joining the Volunteers during her senior year at St. Mary's University of Minnesota, we didn't know much about the program. As time went on, and we had more contact with her experience, the pieces and purpose of the Lasallian Volunteer Program became very clear. We visited Colleen and found everyone in her community to be so welcoming and friendly, as if we had known the Brothers and other Volunteers for years. We were part of the "family" and were very confident that Colleen was supported in all aspects of life--mentally, physically and spiritually. All of the "little" things involved in living in community make up the larger picture of an incredible life – sharing experiences that have made an indelible mark on Colleen's life and ours. In Colleen's second year of giving and learning, she is teaching sixth graders at the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, Montana.

Colleen's journey has helped her to see how others live and how diversity in our world can shape her future. All of Colleen's experiences in life have taught her so much, and she has always been very devoted and committed to everyone and everything she encounters. We can't wait to visit and meet her "family" in Montana this spring - both her community and students. Our family has been positively affected because of Colleen's experiences with the Lasallian Volunteer Program. Her sister, Maggie, a college student, has been included in Colleen's extended community family also by connecting with other Volunteers. Our Catholic faith has always been strong and we have seen Colleen's faith grow stronger and ours has also, by sharing in prayer and liturgy with Colleen's communities and fellow Volunteers. We were very fortunate to be present at the ComMissioning Ceremony for this year's Volunteers. What an emotional, uplifting experience for us.  We were so proud of our daughter and all the Volunteers. The stories and experiences they shared were enlightening and encouraging. It is so refreshing to see young men and women expanding their lives through sharing and giving the gift of themselves to others, probably gaining more then they give. They are all accomplishing such great things with the help of God, their communities of Brothers and fellow Volunteers, and the support of their families.              

Thank you, to everyone involved with Lasallian Volunteers, for enriching our lives and making the world a better place.   Peace be with you.