Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2009 / After retiring from the archdiocese, Bud Ozar and his wife, Sue, became lay mission helpers
After retiring from the archdiocese, Bud Ozar and his wife, Sue, became lay mission helpers
by Michelle Samartino, Special to The Michigan Catholic
Published November 6, 2009
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Michelle Samartinoc
Sue and Bud Ozar and Fr. Francis Limo Riwa share stories outside of the Ozars’ home where Fr. Riwa is staying during his visit to gain support for the Children’s Village. |
Grosse Pointe Park - Bud and Sue Ozar spent two years in Kenya serving as missionaries as part of the Lay Mission-Helpers, a community of Catholic lay people who share their talents with the poor in other countries.
"The first place they asked us to work was the island of American Samoa," said Bud Ozar, whose name may be familiar with many who read his "A Family Perspective" reflections in parish bulletins.
While in Kenya, Sue Ozar taught at a school while Bud Ozar helped to raise money for various projects. "When Fr. Riwa told me the story of his village, I thought, 'He's exaggerating!" said Bud Ozar.
But three weeks later, Fr. Riwa returned and asked why Bud Ozar had not been by for lunch. "So I said, 'Let's go out and take pictures.'"
It was at that time, Bud Ozar said, "Our whole life changed."
The children left quite an impression with the Ozars. "I see the faces of the children in the streets," said Sue Ozar. "If we did not act quickly, they would be in the gutters, dead."
After their time in Kenya was over, Sue Ozar said, "We weren't ready to come home."
She soon realized that more could be done at home than there. "We can do so much more here than we could there."
The Lay Mission-Helpers can use people of all talents. There are those who do not even realize what talents or gifts they may have until they are there, Sue Ozar said. "People of all skills can help out," she said. "There is no unused skill."
For information on the Lay Mission-Helpers, call (213) 368-1870; or visit www.laymissionhelpers.org.
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