Volunteers see to it that Mass is heard at Sunnyview center
Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center resident George Neigh wore a smile during Wednesday's Mass.
“I love it,” said Neigh, 66, a 9-year resident at the center, 107 Sunnyview Circle. “If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be able to have Mass here.”
“They” are a group of Sunnyview volunteers who have organized the Wednesday Mass at the center for 28 years.
Among them is Butler resident Ruth Ann Nebel, who has volunteered since the Mass was first organized.
The Mass is a way for residents to get out of their rooms, she said. Nebel also started rosary time as an activity for the residents.
“After working here, you get to know the people,” Nebel said.
Volunteers bring the residents from their rooms and assist during the Mass, such as serving at the altar.
Volunteering requires patience, Nebel said.
Another Butler resident who is no stranger to volunteering is Ron Nichter who has volunteered at the senior center since 1998 after his grandmother passed away.
At the time, Nichter heard an announcement about Sunnyview. The following week, he began volunteering.During the service, Nichter acts as an altar server and distributes Communion.“My faith is important to me,” said Nichter about the opportunity to help people.Donald Kuron of Butler and Ron Kocian of Chicora began volunteering about five years ago at Sunnyview with the Knights of Columbus.“It feels rewarding,” Kuron said. “I'm doing something good for another person.”Kocian was among the volunteers who wheeled residents to the service.“Sometimes they don't have family that takes care of them,” Kocian said. “It's kind of a bright spot in their day.”
