Christ the Builder volunteers provide new shelter for Texas family

A group of 22 adults and teens from New Orleans and Houston traveled to Batesville, Texas, earlier this summer to work with indigent people of the Uvalde area as part of the Christ the Builder program in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

The Christ the Builder team, led this year by Mark Ripple and David Bond, partnered with the Teresian Sisters. Pat and Susie Veters, members of St. Dominic Parish, recruited this year’s team of volunteers.

Christ the Builder focuses on the construction or renovation of suitable housing for families who otherwise could not afford such a home. The team believes that building relationships with the people to whom the group ministers is just as important.

In April, Ripple and Bond visited the site in Uvalde proposed by Teresian Sister Dolores Aviles to determine its suitability for the project. The volunteers stayed at a local ranch and joined together for prayer, reflection and Mass each day, celebrated by Vincentian Father Louis Arceneaux.

Over the course of six days, the builders transformed a home that belonged to Daniel and Crissy Luna and their four children. The framework of the new structure had been completed prior to their arrival.

Beginning Sunday afternoon, the crew worked with a passion to see the project through. Jim Hotard and John Spivey completed hanging the drywall. Ripple and Marlon Rovira completed all interior door and trim work. A new front porch was constructed by Matt Colosino and Kevin Switzer.

Interior and exterior trim, caulking and painting were done by every other available hand, including the high schoolers and young adults from New Orleans and Houston. New cabinets, light fixtures and a fan were installed. New flooring was laid by Ripple and Steven Baldwin.

In the end, what had been a two-room trailer that was barely fit for anyone to live in – much less a family of six – had been converted into a three-bedroom home with a large family room/kitchen combination.

Much of the material for the job had been donated by New Orleans building suppliers, including Jim Owens Carpet, Helm Paint and Supply, and Dash Lumber. The week culminated in the blessing of the home by Father Arceneaux and the hanging of a handmade wooden cross over the front door as a permanent reminder that all work done was in union with Christ, serving others in his name.

Besides participating in the building project, Charlene Rovira, a registered nurse, made home visits to the sick accompanied by Sister Dolores and Father Arceneaux, who administered to the spiritual needs of the people by offering the anointing of the sick, reconciliation and the Eucharist. He also blessed several homes.

Charlene Rovira answered health questions and referred those needing medical care. She also visited mothers, babies and children and taught classes at the parish center on hypertension, diabetes and nutrition.

Mary Ripple and Donna Colosino organized parish activities such as bingos, arts and crafts, and two parish-wide evening events with hot dogs, hamburgers and prizes.

Several members of the family who benefited last year from the team’s efforts volunteered to help with the construction and painting this year, and the group plans to return to the area next year to tackle another project.

Susan Rodriguez is the secretary of Christ the Builder.