CEDAR FALLS - The volunteers gathered for a weekend of painting rooms, replacing carpet and installing blinds.

But as they worked to renovate the south wing of the American Martyrs Retreat House Friday and Saturday, the 24 people from different Roman Catholic parishes and communities across Iowa also gained something in the midst of their service.

"I've grown from the experience and I know that other people surely have," said Dan Rigel of Waterloo, who helped organize the volunteer effort. Along with drawing people from the Waterloo and Cedar Falls areas, volunteers came for the weekend from places like Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Charles City, Osage and Fredricksburg.

"Our weekends are not only work, but we do some praying together and have some fellowship," said Sister Jeanine Kuhn, director of the retreat house. The group held brief morning and evening prayer services plus a Mass Saturday night.

"It's been a wonderful outpouring of gifts," said Kuhn.

"From the heart and material gifts," added Rigel.

The retreat house, operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque, opened in 1960 and is located at 2209 N. Union Road. It is used by Catholics and other Christian groups for retreats and a variety of meetings.

Rigel, director of support services for Waverly Health Center, came up with the idea of gathering volunteers for renovation work on the building while attending its 2007 New Year's retreat. He noticed cracks in the walls and decided to head up a repair and renovation effort. Volunteers worked on the building's north wing last year. This weekend's gathering was the second during 2008. More work is expected next year to complete basic renovations.

Kuhn said the work would have been done eventually even without the volunteers.

"We do have a long-term plan, but we'd have to hire people to do it," she noted. That is difficult for the retreat house, which is supported through fees paid by those who use it.

"It's great," said Steve Russell, the retreat house's maintenance man. "I tease Dan about making extra work for me."

In reality, he said, the volunteers have saved him many hours. "It'd take me forever to paint 60 rooms."

It's not typical for Russell to work weekends, but he has been glad to help the crew of volunteers.

"If we can get volunteers to get out here and work, I can volunteer," he said.

Stanley Scheiding of Cedar Rapids got involved with the effort after attending some retreats at the center. This time, he arrived early to ensure everything was at a point other volunteers could jump in and get right to work. He found tasks, as well, that Russell could not do on his own.

"I'm the advance team," said Scheiding. "When I got out here Thursday there were a lot of trees blown down. I helped take down five trees."

He noted Kuhn gave devotional talks that ensured the crew's focus isn't solely on getting the tasks done.

"So when you're out there working, you can keep thinking about (her comments) and be reflective."

Alix Britt came with her mother to help with the work.

"I've painted here and I've taped up all the rooms," she said. But the 10-year-old Ventura girl also wanted to take an active part in Saturday's Mass. She read one of the Bible passages during the evening service.

"I came here to learn more about God and help around here and just make it a better place to stay for people," said Britt.

"I just think it's a great place. I want to come back."

Contact Andrew Wind at

(319) 291-1507 or

andrew.wind@wcfcourier.com.