A Letter of Appreciation

October 16, 2016 marks the 25th Anniversary of the work of Paul Baker, SJ with PWA (People with Aids).  Paul writes: “I was so moved by Eric Jensen’s article, Rodin’s Magdalene and Christ ( igNation April 9, 2016) that I thought this letter needed a larger audience.”

The letter was read aloud at the PWA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Marriott Hotel at Yonge and College on March 26, 2013.

An interview with Paul can be found in the igNation post – Volunteer in The Spotlight (June 30, 2016)  Paul Baker, SJ. Source: Paul Baker, SJ

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March 20, 2013

Dear Paul,

A few years ago, I met you when I came to work at PWA in its shiny new digs. Little did I know that the place had actually been built around you…in several renditions no less.As you have shared your story with me, I have been astonished to hear that you have been at PWA longer than anyone else. You have shared stories of connection with PWA clients when the massages you gave them were not so often to help them get on with their lives…but instead to give comfort as they neared its end…and just as the case today…to provide a space for connection.

I remember noting your sincerity and self-reflection as you discussed with me one day who best to book for your sessions.

“They should know that I like to talk”, you said. “Some people may not like that. If they come to see me, they are really coming to spend time with me”…you said.

I found your words loving, thoughtful and generous in more ways than one.

Serving PWA clients, volunteers and staff for so long is truly a remarkable commitment…but is in fact just a manifestation of your much larger and lifelong commitment to service…as a Jesuit Brother. Your’s is a Christian life committed to simplicity, poverty and social justice where you have been able to choose how best to minister in a way that resonated with you.

Your work at PWA is in fact, your ministry. It is not a ministry of religious teachings…and perhaps not even discussions of religion at all…but a ministry where people can come and visit and every moment spent with this Jesuit Brother…is a private one, and you always have his undivided attention.

It s one where people have spent dying moments, moments of joy, of comfort,of restoration, of belonging, of connection…and of course moments of conversation.

It is a ministry unannounced…and celebrated.

Paul, it has been my absolute pleasure and honour to come to know you and call you friend these last four years. I am blessed to have shared in the most intimate recollections in your life’s story and that it, as is the case for so many I am sure, has indelibly marked my own.

Your story is one that is unique…perhaps too unique!

Certainly in our fast and crazy world of valuing possessions and all manner of ‘taking’ we really need more people in our midst choosing just to be here, quietly and committedly…giving!!!

People…just like you Paul!

Thank you!

Shane Patey – Service Access Manager

Paul Baker, SJ, is a Jesuit Brother in the ministry of prayer at Rene Goupil House in Pickering, Ontario.

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