January 15, 2008

Retreat is nearly over. And it has been good. How so? To me it was again another reminder that Saint Francis had it right. Francis knew how to love God fully and to be grateful for all the blessings that were part of his life. He prayed a LOT and because of his prayer he understood that God loved him, God’s love is a gift and he was grateful for this gift of God’s love. May I always remember to be grateful for the good stuff in my life—and may I learn from the challenges and be grateful, also. Thank you Father Rusty for inspirational presentations and helpful handouts.

Chapel Restoration work begins. Scaffolding is here and some was set up this afternoon. Mass will be in Chapel this week and then starting next Monday, Mass will be in St. Francis Hall until sometime in March. What will be happening? Some of the list includes cleaning and refinishing the woodwork and ceiling beams, cleaning the stained glass windows and light fixtures, repairing cracks and cleaning the plaster areas, etc., etc., etc.

This coming week is full of activities. As Sister Christelle often says, “We have a Dynamic Center.” And it is true. Tuesday afternoon we have a Prayer Service to honor Martin Luther King.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the Bloodmobile will be here. God bless all those generous people who share their very selves by sharing their blood. For some people a transfusion IS a matter of life or death. I speak from experience.

Saturday we have an all-you-can-eat Soup Supper. The soups are Chicken Wild-rice Soup, Vegetable Dumpling Soup and Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. (I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!) There will also be fresh baked whole wheat and white bread and bars and beverages. Proceeds will benefit the St. Francis Health and Recreation Center and St. Francis Music Center.

Then on Sunday, we will have Church Unity Prayer Service in Chapel followed by Fellowship in St. Francis Hall. Members of a number of Church Choirs will be doing the music. Proceeds from this event will help Oasis-Share-A-Meal—a local group that serves a free meal each Thursday evening.
Let us pray for the sick and hospitalized and those having surgery this week.

Pax et Bonum.
Sister Mary Lou