Since joining the Marianist Volunteer Program in San Antonio, Texas, Norman Capinpin of Ewa Beach has served as a child care specialist and has assisted in an interfaith homeless shelter.

The Marianist Volunteer Program is an operation of the Marianist religious order that offers participants an opportunity to serve those in need, live in community and reflect on the volunteer experience with the Marianist family.

As a participant, Capinpin, a Damien Memorial School and Chaminade University of Honolulu graduate, works with San Antonio Urban Ministry, a non-profit organization that develops services to meet youth and mental health needs.

About his work he wrote, “Everyday I’m trying my best to serve as a mentor for 5- to 11- year old children by reinforcing positive guidance, implementing an enriching curriculum, and providing direct care in our after school program.”

Capinpin has a degree in business management from Chaminade which is administered by the Marianist order. There he was active in campus ministry and the Rotaract Club, which he served as president for two years.

Marianist Volunteer Program participants may volunteer for service organizations in Cincinnati, New Orleans, Rockaway Park, N.Y., St. Louis, San Antonio, and La Chinantla, Mexico. They serve in such areas as education, social services and community organizing.

For information about the program, visit www.marianist .com/mvp, or contact Dan Richter, Marianist Volunteer Program Coordinator, at (314) 533.1207 or drichter@sm-usa.org.

The Society of Mary (Marianists) is an international Catholic religious order of priests and brothers, with more than 600 serving in the Province of the United States, which includes Ireland, Puerto Rico, India, Eastern Africa and Mexico.