Sr. Mary O'Donovan, Director of SALT Program, interviews Sr. Dolores Carmel, former SALT alumna.

Liz Lococo speaks of her experience on the Salt Program

Written testimonials

What Our Volunteers Have to Say —

SALT was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had on my faith journey... I can’t wait to return and work with the aged and infirm again! The Carmelite Sisters along with Stacey are SO INCREDIBLE when it comes to combining support, prayer, and understanding of one’s capabilities. I left Ireland with lifelong friends, or more accurately ANGELS, in the residents that I connected with there. I will certainly be returning as soon as I can!

— Francesca DiPaola, 2016 SALT volunteer

Really thank you from the bottom of my heart for this week.  Everyone was super joyful, helpful, kind and made us laugh and feel welcomed. Meeting the sisters was amazing for just a general deep appreciation of their life and apostolate, but also for discernment of the religious life. (SALT Missionary at Program in Teresian House)

The SALT program has shown me that I have skills and abilities that I never had the opportunity to use and therefore didn’t know I had.  The Residents were a joy to work with and they re-affirmed my beliefs that all life is sacred. (SALT Missionary at Program in Teresian House).

During my time as a SALT Missionary, I was able to see the Carmelite Sisters living their apostolate by serving the elderly and vulnerable with love, grace and compassion.  SALT enables you to experience the joy that an appreciation and respect for the elderly and life at all stages brings.( SALT Missionary at Program in Teresian House)

I enjoyed all of the wonderful hospitality from the Sisters and staff.  I also enjoyed the 1-1 visits, Mass, prayer and dinner with the Sisters.  God revealed himself to me in the elderly that I served. (SALT Missionary at Program in Mother Angeline McCrory Manor, Columbus, OHIO))

My favorite parts of the week were the one on ones and participating in the activities.  I loved getting to know the Residents and help some to break out of their shell or just spend quality time together.  Being in the PT field, I have volunteered in nursing homes, however this allowed me to focus solely on their emotional needs.  I saw how they appreciated just short amounts of quality time.  I will take extra time to listen more to my future patients, as well as try to make time to continue to address the needs of the elderly through volunteering.  I loved the educational talks, I didn’t expect something like this and it definitely provided great information and insight for the week. (SALT Missionary at Program iSt. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville, IL)

It was nice to see the way different people’ gifts were used.  I benefited from spending time with the nicest people – from the Sisters to the other participants, everybody was great.  Having Mass everyday was lovely too.  I liked it all- just wanted more of it! It has certainly reminded me of the importance of this service.  Boy, it makes me feel for all the people that work in this field on a day-to-day basis.  Tough work! ( SALT Missionary at Program in  St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville, IL)

There is so much beauty in serving this population.  It is difficult, sometime awkward, even heartbreaking, but Christ meets us wherever we are and this is the beautiful work He calls us to. ( SALT Missionary at Program St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville, IL)