MARIANIST VOLUNTEERS ARE THREE AMIGOS IN SAN ANTONIO

“I didn’t think we’d get along so well, so soon,” says Marianist volunteer Norman Capinpin of his two roommates and fellow volunteers, Chris Nieport and Jordan Kaderli, who all live together in community in San Antonio. “They’ve helped me grow and called me out when needed,” adds Chris. “Living in community with Chris and Norm has been my favorite part of the experience,” says Jordan. It’s unanimous: The San Antonio contingent of Marianist volunteers are a community that really clicks. Each goes his separate way by day. Chris assists students with education and life skills at the San Antonio Youth Center Youth Build Program. Jordan serves at Merced Housing, an organization that focuses on affordable housing for the poor, and Norman volunteers at San Antonio Urban Ministries in a variety of ways, including as the unofficial art teacher for an after school program. In the evening, the trio comes back together for prayer, dinner and conversation.

For Chris, who has spent the majority of his volunteer time assisting with the GED program at Youth Build, the experience has been an eye-opener. Stories of homelessness, violence, pregnancy and child care issues are common among his students. “This has really challenged my outlook on justice and poverty issues,” said Chris. “It’s being able to let go of the idea that people just need something and everything will be fixed, and they will prosper. It’s not that simple.”

Working at Merced Housing as a services coordinator has had its share of recording keeping and computer work for Jordan, but it has also allowed him to be involved with activities for residents such as the after school program. Jordan even leads a Boy Scout troop initiated by former Marianist volunteer Tom Mole. “The ministry is good, really broad,” said Jordan. “It’s been a lot of fun.” Jordan also notes that the Marianists in San Antonio have been really wonderful. “Their generosity and hospitality are legendary,” he said.

Norman, who was set to attend law school upon completion of his volunteer year, has been so inspired by his experience that he is considering a career in education instead. Never working with children before, he admits he was a little wary of his volunteer assignment at first. “I didn’t see myself making giant glittery butterflies (and don’t let my roommates know I do this) with the kids, but I really enjoy it now.”

“I’ve received everything the program wants to enforce—community, spiritual life and a life of service,” said Norman. “A lot of my choices for what I will do in the future are different now because of this experience.”