April 3, 2008

Here I am again. It’s been awhile since I last had an entry. That’s what happens when the computer is ill and needs cleaning up and fixing. Thank you, Elsie, for getting us up and running again.

Winter is having a hard time leaving this year. The calendar says "spring," but the snow keeps coming. At least it melts fast. Coming home from Mass the other morning, I saw about 30 or more robins in the next block to ours. I heard my first robin the Wednesday of Holy Week, but I couldn’t see it. That is a good sign of Spring!

Today I am working in the mailroom as I do on Thursdays. This morning I took a couple boxes that UPS delivered to the Music Center. In visiting with Robyn, I learned that they have about 340 students that come for music lessons each week. That does not count the 30 folks who are part of the St. Francis Chorale. These folks come together to sing and have fun. There are also two strings groups that come to play and have fun. They will be giving a concert April 27 at 7 p.m. in the Convent Chapel. Come join us for the concert. It is always great music. Check www.sfmusiccenter.org for information on all the programs at the Music Center.

Today we are honoring our 380+ volunteers. At least 125 have responded that they will be joining us for dinner this evening. Needless to say, the kitchen is a VERY busy place today. Our volunteers do so much for us and we are very grateful for all their assistance in so many ways. THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS.

On Saturday, April 5, the Secular Franciscans are having a retreat day at St. Francis. Our speaker will be Sister Elise Saggau. I am looking forward to the day. This year the Elk River Fraternity is responsible for organizing the retreat. Next year it is our Fioretti Fraternity that will plan the retreat. (We don’t have our speaker yet!)

Last Thursday evening, the Chamber of Commerce had their annual meeting at the Falls Ballroom. At that gathering, the Franciscan Sisters received an award as the 2007 Employer of the Year. The March 16, 2008 issue of the Record says: "The Franciscan Sisters continue to provide services ranging from a community garden to offering scholarships for instrumental, voice or dance instruction to the services of their recreations center." Deb Boelz said, "The Franciscan Sisters are a shining example of community involvement, serving on Chamber and nonprofit boards and committees, promoting the betterment of the community while demonstrating their commitment to social justice and life-long learning." Thank you for the award!

Peace and all good.
Sister Mary Lou