January 30, 2017

It’s almost the end of January.  We have very little snow on the ground at this time…but I think some is forecast to come in the next couple days.  Thursday is Groundhog Day.  Regaurdless,  if the creature sees his shadow or not, I think we’ll still have 6 more weeks of Winter.

Yesterday afternoon, St. Francis Music Center presented the Honors Concert, a program featuring 16 of their most accomplished students.  Wow!  Are they every good!  We heard piano, violin, flute, cello, and vocal presentations.  I praise God for the talents of these youth and their willingness to share them with us.  Sacred Heart Chapel was nicely filled with an appreciative audience.

Last Tuesday, 24^th, we had our Appreciation dinner and celebrated the 16 employees who have worked here for 5, 10, 15, 25 and 30 years.  We have such wonderful employees!  Thanks to each of you for your faithful service.

On Saturday, the Franciscan Community Volunteers, who live and work in the Saint Cloud area, came for a few hours in the afternoon to play BINGO with the Sisters and then served us a treat, too.  These young men and women give a year of their time to volunteer at a non-profit facility.  God bless them for their dedication.  They live with the  Sisters at the Welcoming House in Saint Cloud.

We have a new employee here on Second Floor (the Care Center).  To welcome Trevor, Sister Maurita wrote words to a song that we sang for him:  God bless dear Trevor/  Keep him well and true./ Stand beside him and guide him/ Through the ups and downs of the job/ Through the good times and the hard times/  But we’ll pray for you./ God bless Trevor, Our newfound friend. God bless Trevor in his new found job.

Monthly we have what we call “enLUNCHment.”  It is a time for Sisters to share about their life and ministry. (It’s great to hear the information while they are still alive rather than at their Wake Service!)  Last Wednesday Sister Therese Furnstahl, Franciscan Sister for 73 years, shared her story.  She had interesting stories from her years in health care and home care work.

God bless you.  Make it a great week.

Sister Mary Lou

January 23, 2017

Today is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children – A very good thing to pray for.  In my little reflection book, Living Faith, Sister Macrina Wiederkehr. OSB, reminds us that “Evil spelled backwards is live.”  (I’d not thought of that before.) We need to live life with a positive outlook, free of worry and fear…and work for that same blessing for all people.

We have a new President of the United States.  In another context, Red (in the comic strip Red & Rover) says”…with Great Power comes Great Responsibility.” Let us keep President Trump and our political leaders in our prayers.

I am listening to Party Line on our local radio station.  They just reminded me that next week is Catholic Schools Week.  Catholic Schools are dear to my heart, since my professional life was working in Catholic Schools.  God bless parishes that have and support Catholic Schools.  God bless the teachers, students and parents and their boards of Education.

Last week—Monday through Friday-- we had a Retreat for Sisters going on here at the Motherhouse.  The retreat director was a Franciscan  Friar, Father Chuck Faso.  Retreat participants liked the retreat and I liked his homilies at daily Mass.

Tomorrow evening we have a special meal and program as part of our Employee  Appreciation event.  Many employees will be recognized for their years of  service.  More about that next week.

Next Sunday, January 29^th, the Music Center is hosting an Honors Concert.  This concert features 16 of the Music Center’s most accomplished students.  They will share their talents in playing violin, piano, flute and cello.  The concert is free and open to the public.  Robyn Gray, Music Center Director, says, “I encourage you to come.”  I’ll be there.

Have a good week.

Peace and blessings on you.

Sister  Mary Lou