August 2008 - Dotye Sue Stanford

When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana three years ago this month, it served to strengthen the resolve and vocation of Dotye Sue Stanford, who is the upbeat, hands-on President of the Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Shreveport, La., at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

A 1988 convert to Catholicism, the dynamic and tireless former English and dance teacher epitomizes the ideal of service. Her work has accounted in great measure for the success of the Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul and especially the ability of the Catholic Church in North Louisiana to respond through an ongoing program to the hurricane evacuees who continue to need support and assistance in this still-recovering area.

Three years after Katrina's devastation, Dotye's work with St. Vincent DePaul brings her to family visits, where she sees first-hand the great needs that still exist - from helping to pay a utility bill before looming shut-off dates to arranging for jobs for people so they can once again be proudly self-sufficient.

She helps with weddings, baptisms, and bereavement when a death occurs. Dotye recalls one particularly grievous incident in which a woman had saved enough money for a foundation for her home, and the unspeakable happened. Her granddaughter was killed in a drive-by shooting, and the money she had saved had to be paid to the undertaker. Dotye arranged for the woman's needs, while offering steady, compassionate support.

In another case, an 80-year-old woman who was living in "too much house" struggled to pay her bills, and a more suitable place was found. Plus, another important need was met -- she clearly was in need of someone to talk to, and Dotye happily obliged. The enthusiasm she brings to her life of service shines through in her upbeat voice.

Dotye was a member of the Franciscan Order of Poor Clare nuns, but felt God calling her away from the monastery to do more hands-on service work. She found herself at a Mass that was being celebrated by Reverend Monsignor Earl V. Provenza, V.F., who was shepherding the Diocese of Shreveport until Bishop Michael Duca was installed.

After Mass, Monsignor Provenza introduced himself to Dotye, saying, "You were praying very hard -- you must be praying for either a husband or a job." It was the latter that Dotye was seeking, and it turned out that Monsignor needed a secretary, which gravitated to further responsibilities with the St. Vincent DePaul Society. "Her lifestyle is very humble, having only the basic personal necessities," Monsignor said of Dotye's ministry. "Her time is not her own but instead is dedicated to serving others whenever needed. She can always be called upon to help and to go beyond what is asked."

"God is so good," Dotye said. "He wants us to follow Him by helping others, especially the poor, the homeless, and the elderly. By having a positive attitude, God's request is so simple and easy to do."

God has clearly found a good place for her to be.

Catholic Extension helps support many missionaries like Dotye Sue Stanford who work hard to bring God's comfort to America's poor and struggling Catholics. Will you consider helping them with a gift today?