August 19, 2008

I am having a hard time getting it into my head that next week is the last full week of August. Where has the summer gone? I always get a little nostalgic at this time of the year when I think about the beginning of the school year starting soon. For me it was always an exciting time of the year. All those eager faces checking things out and ready to begin again…new text books and new students and new challenges. I do miss all that activity.

Yesterday I attended the Annual Rural Life Celebration in a harvested wheat field at the Jim and Debbie Knopik farm. What a great couple hours. This event is co-sponsored by Catholic Charities of the St. Cloud Diocese and the three local parishes. The rosary was prayed at 10:30 a.m. Bishop John Kinney presided at the Mass. He rode down the hill in a shiny green "Bishop-Mobile" golf cart at the beginning of Mass. The music was led by singers from the three Little Falls Parishes. Seating was rows and rows and rows of straw bails. (And fortunate were the ones who remembered to bring a blanket or towel to sit on.) A few grasshoppers danced their joyful dance on the carpet before the altar.. And just at the end of Mass in a field across from the Mass site, the four horses came and stood at attention for the final blessings, closing song and talk by Professor Dr. Levins. The message I came away with was, that we need to work together as a "we" to make changes for a better future. They served over 700+ meals in less than an hour--a free hog roast with baked beans, potato chips, coleslaw, desserts galore, and ice cream cones.
Have you been watching the Olympics events? I marvel at the discipline the athletes have put into perfecting their skills. WOW!

We have a one-day Red Cross blood drive on Wednesday, August 27th from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event takes place in St. Francis Hall—the big room under the Chapel. God bless all the generous donors. It is a life-giving donation and service we give to others.

This Saturday, August 23rd there will be a reunion for all Sisters, teachers, students and parents who were part of the education system at Holy Spirit School during the time the Franciscan Sisters helped staff the school. It should be a fun event. I never taught at Holy Spirit School. The event will take place at the Welcoming House in St. Cloud—the former Convent, just across from the school.

God bless your week.

Pax et Bonum.
Sister Mary Lou