For the volunteers who support the Felician Sisters’ work at the Deo Gratias Ministries Detroit, their time here is life-changing. Established in Detroit by Sr. Felicity Marie Madigan and Sr. Shelley Marie Jeffrey from Livonia, MI in 2018, Deo Gratias serves vulnerable, economically poor and socially marginalized people, mostly from the Regent Park neighborhood.
The no-cost services provided include a community garden, food pantry, Deo Gratias Café and tutoring for children. Recently, we caught up with four volunteers who have supported this vital ministry—three who have already worked there and one who is about to begin. They are part of a group called Volunteers in Mission (VIM), coordinated by Julie Darocha. Their stories are inspiring.
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT
Ciara O’Gara, 21, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, is majoring in microbiology at Queen’s College, Belfast. She completed her eight-week VIM stint in the summer of 2024 after meeting several several Felician Sisters at the 2024 SEEK Conference in St. Louis.
“I was drawn to volunteering because we have a significant homeless issue in Belfast,” Ciara shares. At Deo Gratias, Ciara worked at the café, serving snacks, drinks and lunches.
“I spent a lot of time chatting with the regulars, which was great,” she reflects. “It was important to be present for them, bring a little joy, and try to make their day a little better.”
One of her favorite moments was connecting with a young woman her age who frequented the café. “It made me realize that people and connections, not material things, are what really matter – it opened my eyes to how privileged I am.”
She encourages others to volunteer, especially while young, stating, “This experience will open your eyes and change you in a way that stays with you.”
Bwarenaba “Naba” Kautu, 41, from the South Pacific island of Tabiteuea Meang, is currently completing his four-month VIM service in Detroit. Naba, who now lives in Houston, first learned about the program through a Catholic newsletter.
“I’ve always been interested in Christian missions and wanted to help the community in Detroit,” Naba explains. His tasks at Deo Gratias have been varied and include tutoring.
“I’ve been most useful tutoring Malik, a 5th grader who struggled with reading,” Naba says. “Malik reminds me of myself at his age, having grown up with limited resources.”
One of his favorite moments was when Malik completed his first book, The Fire Cat. “Malik was so proud of himself, and that moment was deeply rewarding for me,” Naba recalls.
“The people here may not have much, but their spiritual poverty is what hurts them the most.”
When he returns to his island, Naba hopes to start a school to help children with their physical and spiritual needs, inspired by the work of the sisters. “I want to serve others as they do,” he says.
Magdelene Drohan, a 23-year-old from Morrisville, PA graduated in 2023 with a mathematics degree from Edinboro University (now Pennsylvania Western University). After realizing she didn’t want to pursue a career as an actuary, Magdelene joined the VIM program for a 10-month stint in Detroit.
“I needed time to recalibrate and figure out my next steps,” she says.
At Deo Gratias, Magdelene spent much of her time at the café, serving regular guests who ordered their “usual” meals, and tutoring a 2nd grader named Manny, helping him with his reading.
“I was able to bring some much-needed continuity to the café, something our guests could rely on,” she shares.
One memorable moment was when a woman who had been struggling thanked the volunteers for their support and shared that she had just landed a new job.
“It reminded me that we were doing more than just serving meals—we were making a difference,” Magdelene reflects.
Her time at Deo Gratias also taught her not to judge people based on their struggles. “I learned to look beyond their tough moments and see them for who they really are,” she says.
She would recommend the VIM program to anyone. “This community needs love and compassion, and working with the sisters was a beautiful experience.”
Bella Feldhake, 19, from Waverly, IA is currently attending Kirkwood Community College and is looking forward to starting her VIM service. Bella first heard about the program through the Felician Sisters Seeds of Hope Young Women’s Leadership Experience and became interested after volunteering for a day at Deo Gratias.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and this program offers me a chance to grow closer to God through service,” Bella explains.
She looks forward to working in various roles, including the community garden, tutoring and assisting with the café and food pantry.
“I like variety and a fast-paced environment, so I’m excited to experience everything they do,” Bella says. “This experience will help me grow as a person.”
She also hopes it will give her clarity about her career path as a physical therapy assistant. Bella’s advice to others considering VIM is simple:
“Give it a shot. Life’s not always clear, but taking action is better than living with ‘what ifs.’”
