Conversations at the Center - Sunday, March 6, 2011

The lay volunteer program, Associate Missionaries of the Assumption, was the focus of the latest in a series of “Conversations at the Center” in Brighton, MA. Sponsored by the Religious of the Assumption and the Augustinians of the Assumption and as stated in their mission statement, “AMA is a lay community of persons whose life and mission are rooted in the love of Christ and His Church.”

They bear witness to this mission by living simply in community, committing themselves to personal and communal growth, rooted in prayer and the Eucharist and in service working for the transformation of society. They have missions established worldwide where their work includes teaching, youth ministry, community health advocacy and the developmentally challenged.

Beth Fleming, co-director of the program, began with a brief history of AMA. The Religious of the Assumption, who are in thirty-seven countries, began this program in 1954 for the purpose of solidarity and service to those in most need in society. It now serves in New Mexico, Worcester, Mexico City, Ecuador, Tanzania, the Philippines, England, Ireland and France. Nine years ago the Augustinians of the Assumption became a co-sponsor and so in some instances, volunteers work in conjunction with Assumptionists in their apostolates. In a given year, the program missions between ten and fifteen recent college graduates for one year of service. The potential volunteers are screened through a process of interviews, references and psychological testing.

Beth Yancy, one of two young women who are new to the program and serving in Worcester, then shared her experience. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Beth is a graduate of Villanova University where she majored in history and geography. As a sophomore, she first became interested in volunteer service with the intention of possibly going to Ecuador to teach English in a church setting. Later however, after investigating various programs and settling on AMA, Beth now teaches ESL to adults, is involved in an after school programs which includes the ‘Girls with Dreams’ program and various educational efforts in St. Peter’s Parish, all in Worcester. In addition, Beth sings in the choir and works in the library which is housed in the Assumption Center where she lives with four other AMA women. Together they share a simple community life based on prayer and the Eucharist in service to God’s people.

To view pictures from this event please click here. 

For further information, visit AMA's website at www.assumptionvolunteers.org