Sr. Marilyn Ketteler, School Sisters of St. Francis, Pastoral Care Community Relations Coordinator feels that the missions of New Cassel Retirement Center and the Ignatian Volunteer Corps are truly in alignment. When Sister Marilyn came to New Cassel she was familiar only with the work of the JVC, coming from New Orleans where she had experienced the service of numerous volunteers. When I arrived at New Cassel, Kathy was already here, serving, so I was introduced to the wonderful person she is right away. In NOLA, JVC kids came to us for work and so I knew of the similar amount of dedication to the mission of IVC Omaha when I arrived.”
Kathy Bigelow is one of the longest serving members of the IVC Omaha corps and has served with other agencies, including the former Ted E. Bear Hollow, a grief support service for families. She first heard about IVC in the Catholic voice after she had retired from teaching first grade in public schools. Kathy was intrigued by the Ignatian spirituality piece of being a part of the IVC community, and having been Jesuit educated, she felt she needed to reconnect or re-ignite her Jesuit connections. IVC seemed like a great fit for her background where she describes as a place where she honed her people skills and learned that she is happiest when in a position where “what I do makes a difference.”
“New Cassel provides a caring, comfortable, safe place for seniors to live. I feel privileged to work with such caring people and serve such a varied group of mostly faith-filled residents. Many of their life stories are quite inspiring.” Her ability to connect and relate to residents is on full display during the monthly activity she leads–making rosaries for the local Catholic radio station to give away. She moves among the residents not only distributing the materials for the crafts, but helping with set-up and seating for the nearly 12 residents who are there to participate. Kathy greets them all by name, asks about recent events in their life such as visitors or outings and recognizes their individual contributions to the task at hand. She helps with beads, knots, scissors but provides a continuity of connection throughout the hour-long process. Near the end of the time, the residents pray a decade of the rosary led by Sister Marilyn.
Kathy feels that her willing and enthusiastic listening skills have given her many rewards. “It is hard for me to imagine not being of service at New Cassel. The residents and staff make me feel like a valued member of the community.” Kathy reflects on her previous assigned service with IVC as being a blessing in her life. “Before I accepted the challenges to provide support to the elderly or people experiencing grief, I would not have seen myself happy in either place. God opened my mind and heart to both populations.” Kathy is truly practicing many of the Ignatian charisms, including Cura Personalis, being contemplative in action and looking for God in all aspects of her life. “As a cradle Catholic my faith has always been important to me. Seeing God in all things and especially in all people has been made easier by serving at New Cassel!”
