| VIDES+USA Volunteer Missioners and Spirit Team Spotlight - June 2007 |
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| Individual Member Profiles |
Name: Matthew William Alexander
Meaning of name: gift from God
From: Houston
Siblings: Kelly (25)
Background: Irish, Mexican, and
American
Education: BA in Drama and English
from the University of Dallas
Mission site: Asherton, TX; Casa
Migrantes – Houston, TX
Meaning of name: gift from God
From: Houston
Siblings: Kelly (25)
Background: Irish, Mexican, and
American
Education: BA in Drama and English
from the University of Dallas
Mission site: Asherton, TX; Casa
Migrantes – Houston, TX
Matt studied theater in college and loves all aspects of drama, as
well as playing guitar and sports. He can say “I don’t understand”
well as playing guitar and sports. He can say “I don’t understand”
____________________________________________________
Name: Mary Lassance Becker
Meaning of name: Beloved of God; bitter
Birthplace: Dubuque, IA Hometown: Dubuque/St. Louis
Siblings: Hans (18), Greta (10), Franz (10)
Background: German, Irish, and French descent
Education: BA, May 07, History, Pre-Medicine from St Louis U, MO
Mission site: Mozambique
Meaning of name: Beloved of God; bitter
Birthplace: Dubuque, IA Hometown: Dubuque/St. Louis
Siblings: Hans (18), Greta (10), Franz (10)
Background: German, Irish, and French descent
Education: BA, May 07, History, Pre-Medicine from St Louis U, MO
Mission site: Mozambique
Mary loves piano and writing. She’s excited about her mission and about starting medical school
next year, hoping her energy and ability to adjust to new situations and surroundings will help her
in both those experiences. Her parents taught her to focus on the good in any situation, and to
do good at every opportunity, both values she hopes to carry forward and pass on. Mary hopes
to travel the world and make it better along the way.
next year, hoping her energy and ability to adjust to new situations and surroundings will help her
in both those experiences. Her parents taught her to focus on the good in any situation, and to
do good at every opportunity, both values she hopes to carry forward and pass on. Mary hopes
to travel the world and make it better along the way.
Name: Erica Theresa Boutte
Meaning of name: “I don’t actually know, so we decided it means leader.”
From: New Orleans, although she’s lived all over the world.
Siblings: one brother, Jaime (24)
Background: French and Native American
Education: BA in International Relations from Emory U, Atlanta, GA,
High School: American School of Paris, France
Mission site: Asherton, TX
Meaning of name: “I don’t actually know, so we decided it means leader.”
From: New Orleans, although she’s lived all over the world.
Siblings: one brother, Jaime (24)
Background: French and Native American
Education: BA in International Relations from Emory U, Atlanta, GA,
High School: American School of Paris, France
Mission site: Asherton, TX
Erica lived all around the world, from France to Argentina, before landing at Emory University in
Atlanta (for a while). She has a history of putting others before herself and tries to live out the
values her parents instilled in her: the importance of having a sense of humor, devotion, work
ethic, love for others, and worship of God. She wants to continue to travel around the world and
eventually have a family
Atlanta (for a while). She has a history of putting others before herself and tries to live out the
values her parents instilled in her: the importance of having a sense of humor, devotion, work
ethic, love for others, and worship of God. She wants to continue to travel around the world and
eventually have a family
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Name: Andrea Elizabeth Cisneros
Birthplace: Great Falls, MT Hometown: Huntingtown, MD (for now)
Siblings: Alex (18), Melissa (9), and Charlie (6)
Background: Peruvian and All-American
Education: BA in English Education from University of Delaware
Mission site: St John Bosco School, San Antonio, TX
Birthplace: Great Falls, MT Hometown: Huntingtown, MD (for now)
Siblings: Alex (18), Melissa (9), and Charlie (6)
Background: Peruvian and All-American
Education: BA in English Education from University of Delaware
Mission site: St John Bosco School, San Antonio, TX
Andie loves photography and writing, often together. She’s a proud big sister and Air Force
brat. She’s excited to teach with the sisters in San Antonio and believes most “bad” kids just
haven’t been reached the right way yet. She hopes to carry on her father’s integrity and her
mother’s trust in God’s plan. Her life’s ambition is to have a family.
brat. She’s excited to teach with the sisters in San Antonio and believes most “bad” kids just
haven’t been reached the right way yet. She hopes to carry on her father’s integrity and her
mother’s trust in God’s plan. Her life’s ambition is to have a family.
____________________________________________________
Name: Jennifer Ann Heretick
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Siblings: Gina (25) and Michael (23)
Background: Sicilian, Czech, Irish, and American
Education: BA in Psychology and Pre-Med from Villanova U, PA
Mission site: Dominican Republic
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Siblings: Gina (25) and Michael (23)
Background: Sicilian, Czech, Irish, and American
Education: BA in Psychology and Pre-Med from Villanova U, PA
Mission site: Dominican Republic
Jenny loves sports and reading. Her expertise is in the medical field and in methods for
motivating and disciplining kids. Her patience and ability to adapt will help her in her work with
children and especially in her mission experience. Her parents taught her the importance of
humility and kindness, and of incorporating faith into everything she does. Jenny wants to
make sure to go back to Italy to see family there, and to make a positive difference in people’s
lives.
motivating and disciplining kids. Her patience and ability to adapt will help her in her work with
children and especially in her mission experience. Her parents taught her the importance of
humility and kindness, and of incorporating faith into everything she does. Jenny wants to
make sure to go back to Italy to see family there, and to make a positive difference in people’s
lives.
____________________________________________________
Name: Teri Rockenhaus
Meaning of name: Harvester / “House of Rye” or “House of Skirts”
Birthplace: Wheatridge, CO Hometown: Broomfield, CO
Siblings: Robin (28); Erin (26)
Background: Germany, Ireland, and the United States
Education: recent chemistry graduate who will be going to graduate
school at the University of Illinois-Chicago after her mission
Mission site: Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras
Meaning of name: Harvester / “House of Rye” or “House of Skirts”
Birthplace: Wheatridge, CO Hometown: Broomfield, CO
Siblings: Robin (28); Erin (26)
Background: Germany, Ireland, and the United States
Education: recent chemistry graduate who will be going to graduate
school at the University of Illinois-Chicago after her mission
Mission site: Santa Rosa de Copán, Honduras
Teri is University of Dallas alum that has played Division III Women’s Lacrosse at UD for the
past four years. Right now, she's very excited about her mission in Honduras, and hopes to
be a good example for the girls in the school. Her ability to listen to the concerns of others
and see the humor in everyday life will help her in her future career and in her mission. She
loves photography, snowboarding, anything outdoors, and traveling to new places. From her
family, she learned the value of hard work, dedication, and honesty.
past four years. Right now, she's very excited about her mission in Honduras, and hopes to
be a good example for the girls in the school. Her ability to listen to the concerns of others
and see the humor in everyday life will help her in her future career and in her mission. She
loves photography, snowboarding, anything outdoors, and traveling to new places. From her
family, she learned the value of hard work, dedication, and honesty.
Name: Linda Gonzales
Meaning of name: beautiful
Birthplace: San Diego
Hometown: Buckeye, AZ, Rome, Italy
Siblings: Ranging from ages 50 to 21: Estella, Valentine, Lilia,
Sergio, Mary, Ernesto, Hector, Carlos, Sandra
Background: Michoacan, Mexico
Occupation: in formation to be a Salesian sister
Mission site: Asherton, TX; Rome, Italy
Meaning of name: beautiful
Birthplace: San Diego
Hometown: Buckeye, AZ, Rome, Italy
Siblings: Ranging from ages 50 to 21: Estella, Valentine, Lilia,
Sergio, Mary, Ernesto, Hector, Carlos, Sandra
Background: Michoacan, Mexico
Occupation: in formation to be a Salesian sister
Mission site: Asherton, TX; Rome, Italy
______________________________________________________
Linda is currently in formation to become a Salesian sister. When she gets comfortable,
Linda can be a goofball and a joker, especially with her 35 nieces and nephews. She is
helpful, kind, giving, and joyful in her work. Her mother showed her to always stay humble
and grounded, regardless of how much she may acquire, and she hopes to do mission
work abroad again sometime in her life.
Linda can be a goofball and a joker, especially with her 35 nieces and nephews. She is
helpful, kind, giving, and joyful in her work. Her mother showed her to always stay humble
and grounded, regardless of how much she may acquire, and she hopes to do mission
work abroad again sometime in her life.
Name: Jessica Clare Whitlock
Meaning of name: God’s grace
Birthplace: Hastings, Michigan Hometown: Philadelphia
Siblings: Lisa (20), Christina (17), and Rebecca (14)
Background: Italy and the United States
Education: BS Nursing from Villanova U. PA
Mission site: Dominican Republic
Meaning of name: God’s grace
Birthplace: Hastings, Michigan Hometown: Philadelphia
Siblings: Lisa (20), Christina (17), and Rebecca (14)
Background: Italy and the United States
Education: BS Nursing from Villanova U. PA
Mission site: Dominican Republic
______________________________________________________
Jessica is a Villanova alum who has played sports and loves practicing sign language. Right
now, she's very excited about being a nurse in her hometown of Philly. She loves meeting
new people and trying new things, which will serve her well in her work in the Dominican
Republic. Her big goal in life is to have a family.
now, she's very excited about being a nurse in her hometown of Philly. She loves meeting
new people and trying new things, which will serve her well in her work in the Dominican
Republic. Her big goal in life is to have a family.
Name: Bernadette Mota
Birthplace: Torance, CA
Hometown: Long Beach, CA, Rome, Italy
Siblings: Teresa (35), Anna (33), Lorenzo (30), Lucia (22),
Dominique (18)
Background: Mexican
Occupation: recreation coordinator major in college, now in
formation to be a Salesian sister
Mission site: Asherton; Rome, Italy
Birthplace: Torance, CA
Hometown: Long Beach, CA, Rome, Italy
Siblings: Teresa (35), Anna (33), Lorenzo (30), Lucia (22),
Dominique (18)
Background: Mexican
Occupation: recreation coordinator major in college, now in
formation to be a Salesian sister
Mission site: Asherton; Rome, Italy
______________________________________________________
Bernadette’s interests are all over the place. She has coached basketball, likes cooking,
and loves learning new things. She turned to volunteer work as a way to combine her loves
for God and for youth. Through it, she eventually discerned her vocation as a sister and is
now in formation. Her energy, adventurous nature, and ability to multi-task have helped her
keep up with the sisters. Her family has shown her the value of family and of being present
for each other. In life, she hopes to attend as many World Youth Days as possible and run
a full marathon.
and loves learning new things. She turned to volunteer work as a way to combine her loves
for God and for youth. Through it, she eventually discerned her vocation as a sister and is
now in formation. Her energy, adventurous nature, and ability to multi-task have helped her
keep up with the sisters. Her family has shown her the value of family and of being present
for each other. In life, she hopes to attend as many World Youth Days as possible and run
a full marathon.
| VIDES+USA Spirit Team June 2007 |
______________________________________________________
Name: Jaden Tran
Birthplace: Vietnam
Hometown: Anaheim, CA, Rome, Italy
Siblings: Range from 39 years old to 25 years old
Background: Vietnamese
Occupation: in formation to be a Salesian sister
Mission site: Asherton, TX; Rome, Italy
Birthplace: Vietnam
Hometown: Anaheim, CA, Rome, Italy
Siblings: Range from 39 years old to 25 years old
Background: Vietnamese
Occupation: in formation to be a Salesian sister
Mission site: Asherton, TX; Rome, Italy
Jaden is now studying in Rome having just finished her postulant year with the Salesian
sisters in San Antonio, . She's very flexible and adaptable, and once played a lot of
different sports. Her mother would say she’s funny, yet is quiet. She is honest, and likes to
live a simple life. This, in addition to her wish to meet new people, has and will serve her
well in her walk with Christ and in mission work. She hopes to carry on her parents’ gifts to
be genuine and to live with an “attitude of gratitude”. The one thing she hopes to get to
before she dies: confession.
sisters in San Antonio, . She's very flexible and adaptable, and once played a lot of
different sports. Her mother would say she’s funny, yet is quiet. She is honest, and likes to
live a simple life. This, in addition to her wish to meet new people, has and will serve her
well in her walk with Christ and in mission work. She hopes to carry on her parents’ gifts to
be genuine and to live with an “attitude of gratitude”. The one thing she hopes to get to
before she dies: confession.
____________________________________________________
Name: Patricia Barraza FSC: Jan 05
Birthplace: San Francisco
Hometown: San Francisco, though she travels a lot
Siblings: Raul (25), Andreas (22), Rosio (21)
Background: Mexican
Occupation: Community organizer, volunteering, and
occasional receptionist
Mission site: San Antonio and Asherton, TX
Birthplace: San Francisco
Hometown: San Francisco, though she travels a lot
Siblings: Raul (25), Andreas (22), Rosio (21)
Background: Mexican
Occupation: Community organizer, volunteering, and
occasional receptionist
Mission site: San Antonio and Asherton, TX
Patti is quite a chameleon, not only adapting to all kinds of situations, but also throwing
herself into new experiences at every chance. She puts a lot of her time and effort into
working with the youth, her community, and the Church. From her parents, she learned
the value of hard work, a quality she tries to live out in her own life. She may, in the
future, adopt kids from her community.
herself into new experiences at every chance. She puts a lot of her time and effort into
working with the youth, her community, and the Church. From her parents, she learned
the value of hard work, a quality she tries to live out in her own life. She may, in the
future, adopt kids from her community.
____________________________________________________
Name: Jaime Young FSC: Jan 07
Birthplace: Dallas, TX Hometown: Kerrville, TX, though she
has lived all over Texas
Siblings: Clint (28)
Background: German and Scottish
Occupation: Teacher
Mission site: San Antonio; Rwanda
Birthplace: Dallas, TX Hometown: Kerrville, TX, though she
has lived all over Texas
Siblings: Clint (28)
Background: German and Scottish
Occupation: Teacher
Mission site: San Antonio; Rwanda
Jaime has a passion for working with special-needs individuals. In addition to her
child-like silliness and ability to relate to kids, she is giving and compassionate, and
has the sense of humor and easy going nature to work with kids (or just about anybody
else, for that matter). She’s learned never to let anyone tell her she’s incapable of
doing something, especially if she has the support of her family. Her goal in life is to
have a family.
child-like silliness and ability to relate to kids, she is giving and compassionate, and
has the sense of humor and easy going nature to work with kids (or just about anybody
else, for that matter). She’s learned never to let anyone tell her she’s incapable of
doing something, especially if she has the support of her family. Her goal in life is to
have a family.
____________________________________________________
Name: Tarry Trinh Van Le FSC: June 05
Meaning of name: Tarry – to be late; Trinh – purity.
Birthplace: Garden City, KS Hometown: Coos Bay, OR
Siblings: Kim (29), Stuart (25), Tony (22), and Huong (22)
Background: Hue, Vietnam
Education: BA in Theology and Life Science from University of
Portland, OR
Occupation: “Volunteer for life!”
Mission sites: East Timor; Laredo; San Antonio
Meaning of name: Tarry – to be late; Trinh – purity.
Birthplace: Garden City, KS Hometown: Coos Bay, OR
Siblings: Kim (29), Stuart (25), Tony (22), and Huong (22)
Background: Hue, Vietnam
Education: BA in Theology and Life Science from University of
Portland, OR
Occupation: “Volunteer for life!”
Mission sites: East Timor; Laredo; San Antonio
Tarry amuses himself with song writing and sports, particularly basketball and soccer,
but spends most of his time working hard wherever he is at the moment. He's flexible,
motivated, helpful, and devoted to those he serves – he stayed in East Timor as war
was breaking out because he wanted to be with the people as they suffered. From his
family, he learned the value of eating and praying together. While he's not a fan of
materialism, he does see the need to use modern means to spread the gospel
message, and for that reason he has a dream of directing a movie about the Catholic
Church so that people may truly understand its beauty despite all its stains.
but spends most of his time working hard wherever he is at the moment. He's flexible,
motivated, helpful, and devoted to those he serves – he stayed in East Timor as war
was breaking out because he wanted to be with the people as they suffered. From his
family, he learned the value of eating and praying together. While he's not a fan of
materialism, he does see the need to use modern means to spread the gospel
message, and for that reason he has a dream of directing a movie about the Catholic
Church so that people may truly understand its beauty despite all its stains.
____________________________________________________
Name:Amanda Isaac
FSC: Jan 05
Hometown: San Antonio
Siblings: Magda, Sonia
Background: Mexican
Occupation: teacher
Mission site: HONDURAS,
San Antonio and Asherton, TX
FSC: Jan 05
Hometown: San Antonio
Siblings: Magda, Sonia
Background: Mexican
Occupation: teacher
Mission site: HONDURAS,
San Antonio and Asherton, TX
Amanda, being able to speak both English and Spanish fluently, was the perfect
volunteer to go to Honduras to help at an orphanage for abused and at-risk girls. She
spent her time teaching English and animating youth activities. Amanda sings, plays the
piano, and directs the children's choir for mass.
volunteer to go to Honduras to help at an orphanage for abused and at-risk girls. She
spent her time teaching English and animating youth activities. Amanda sings, plays the
piano, and directs the children's choir for mass.
____________________________________________________
| 0706 Volunteer Missioners: Alexander, Matt Becker, Mary Boutte, Erica Cisneros, Andrea Heretick, Jennifer Rockenhaus, Teri Whitlock, Jessica Spirit Team: 07 Gonzalez, Linda 07 Mota, Bernadette 07 Tran, Jaden 05 Barraza, Patricia 05 Isaac, Amanda 05 Le, Tarry 07 Young, Jamie |
in many languages, as well as some other basic phrases. He’s a quick learner with a lot of
energy, but can stay relaxed. His parents showed him how important family involvement is. He
tries not to be anxious about things, and he dreams of one day playing Hamlet with the Royal
Shakespeare Company and writing a novel.
energy, but can stay relaxed. His parents showed him how important family involvement is. He
tries not to be anxious about things, and he dreams of one day playing Hamlet with the Royal
Shakespeare Company and writing a novel.