In the words of Saint Marie Eugenie of Jesus, Foundress of the Religious of the Assumption and patron saint of AMA, “God has fashioned us in a unique way… He wants us to take a certain place in his plan.”  Last August, a group of 11 young AMA’s  were sent out from Assumption College to better understand their certain place.  As the end of the volunteer service year approaches, I reflect on the lessons that this year’s AMA’s have learned and what they can teach us by their very being.

Enthusiasm is at the top of the list of characteristics that I have seen shine through in this group. Their zeal for embracing Jesus in the form of those that they serve is no less than inspiring.  Their enthusiasm allows them to be disappointed, homesick, confused by culture and language, and unsure about their impact on communities which have become home, and bounce back, ready to continue on.  I strive for this type of attitude in my own life and thank them for passing on the example to me and all those touched by their service.

Next comes love.  The AMA’s have an abundance of love that allows them to form community with other young people and the Assumption Sisters, mere strangers 10 months ago.  This openness to new people, experiences, and ways of doing things helps me to be more open.  It can help all of us to reflect on the community of the Church as one, no matter what color, language group, or economic status the person sitting behind you at Mass may be.  We are one Church and must remain open to others who are different in order to exemplify the Body of Christ.

Last comes faith.  Becca Petty wrote in her reflection of November “…making the leap into the unknown is half the battle.  That after you land, you can only hope that God will be there to guide you….” This example of faith on the part of the AMA’s is amazing to me.  It helps me to take the leap, maybe in not so drastic a way as moving 3,000 miles away from home.  But even small leaps can also make a difference.  And remembering that God will be there to catch you  is sometimes the hardest part for us in our daily lives.

So go ahead, and be like an AMA. Be enthusiastic, love, be open, and have faith.  And let’s welcome them home when they arrive with open arms, allowing them to touch others here at home in the way that they’ve influenced us through this AMA year.   Let’s be encouraged and inspired by their example.

Beth Fleming, Co-Director, Associate Missionaries of the Assumption

June 10, 2011