‘Day On, Not Off’ to serve community on MLK Day

For the first time in five years, eight groups totaling 120 participants participated in the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ “Day On Not Off” Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 16 – serving the community in various capacities. The Office of Black Catholic Ministries coordinated the day. Here is a teen reflection on what the day meant to Archbishop Rummel senior Evan Stevens.

Evan Stevens
Senior
Abp. Rummel High School
 
My day of service on Martin Luther King Day exceeded my expectations. The day before, I attended Sunday Mass, which reflected on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King.


So, when I was volunteering at St. Margaret’s Nursing Home in New Orleans on Jan. 16 with my small group, Dr. King’s quote that I had heard the day before – “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve” – was at the forefront of my thoughts.

At first, I thought I would be doing physical activities all day, such as carrying boxes around. But, at the nursing home, I actually learned what serving people was all about. And, it was so rewarding.

For the whole day I sat beside Mrs. Johnson, who looked like she was in her early 70s but is turning 80 in July. She was quiet at first, but I got to know her over many games of bingo.

The first thing I noticed was her clenched hand. She told me that her hand was contracted and that she couldn’t extend it. I saw that she couldn’t really hold the bingo markers. I would place the markers for her so she wouldn’t stress about it and just enjoy the game.

The most surprising thing I learned about Mrs. Johnson was that she briefly worked at NASA and then was a McDonald’s manager for 15 years. We also talked about the unnecessary violence in New Orleans. She gives thanks to God for every day she lives.

After a couple of rounds of bingo – and even winning once – I rolled her to her room.

Later, after lunch, she was rolled back to the playing room for more bingo. Of course, I went straight back to her. This time around, we knew how to play. She called out the number, and I placed the marker. It felt like we had known each other for years.

Mrs. Johnson was hilarious when she was talking about what she sees at the facility. I eventually had to say goodbye to her. While leaving her room she said, “Come back to visit!”

Overall, my experience was amazing at St. Margaret’s, and I do plan to visit Mrs. Johnson and others again. I was inspired by Dr. King’s words, and my heart was forever changed. Seeing older people smile makes me happy.

I also learned that life can be short and that I must live every day with a purpose, always trying to serve others and to make the most out of life.