Capuchin volunteer program keeps 80-year-old active in life, faith

Published: 2005-06-08

MILWAUKEE (CNS) -- Eighty-year-old Eugene Le Boeuf is not about to take his retirement years sitting down. That's why two years ago he volunteered with Cap Corps in Milwaukee, a service program run by the Capuchin Franciscans that places volunteers in one-year assignments with ministries ranging from soup kitchens to central-city schools. "There's nothing worse than becoming a couch potato. You've got to be active. What a shame to waste your talents when there are people out there that need help," said Le Boeuf, who at age 10 already had his first job. He created one for himself -- going door-to-door to sell surplus ice chunks he loaded into his red wagon. According to Capuchin Brother David Schwab, a former director of the program, it has accepted older candidates but has rarely seen one Le Boeuf's age. Brother Schwab, now a chaplain with St. Benedict's community meal program in Milwaukee, said the retiree, a Green Bay resident, was as energetic as many younger Cap Corps volunteers and had the added bonus of decades of work experience.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .