June 22, 3009

What a whirlwind of activity these past ten days. (I wonder how many meals were served. God bless the dietary staff. They outdid themselves each day.) There were hopes that things would quiet down a bit after our busy week of Community Days and Jubilee celebrations. Think again.

Yesterday we celebrated Jubilees for our two 75 and two 25 year members. The Mass was outstanding with the great singing and music of various instruments. We had about 500 quests here for the day. WOW!

This coming week we have the Girls Camp activities. We are expecting 29 girls (grades 6-8). They will be here Tuesday through Thursday. We are praying that the weather will cooperate. But plans B and C are ready in case of rainy and stormy weather. Today a big tent goes up as shelter from the sun and rain.

Then, also, this week the Bloodmobile will be here Wednesday through Friday. The hours the first two days are 1:30 – 7:30 p.m. And on Friday the hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. I hope we have a good turnout. Generally the numbers of donors are smaller in the summer drives. I hope this is wrong this year.

Now to some reflections on the past week.

Yesterday there were seven Brainerd Fioretti Fraternity Secular Franciscan members here to celebrate with Sister Nancy on her 25th Jubilee.

The entertainment last Thursday evening was the little operetta on Brother Juniper. The actors were marvelous and the singing was great. They had only one practice. We laughed a lot. It is believed that the play was first (and last) put on in about 1953-‘54. That would have been when I was in the novitiate, but I don’t remember it.

Last Friday was the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is the patronal feast of our Chapel. The Eucharistic Liturgy was special.
Here are a few pictures from the week.

Last evening and night we received about 9/10s inch of rain. Thank you, God. And thanks for protecting us from storms. Lord, send helpers to assist those who were in storm areas.

The rain the past couple days, didn’t seem to affect the city Dam Festival activities too much. The only thing I participated in was to watch the beautiful fireworks display on Saturday evening.

This afternoon six participants in the Saint John’s Youth in Theology and Ministry (YTM) program gave a presentation in what they’ve done in the past year. What marvelous projects these high school students did. Last summer they attended classes then during the school year picked and worked at a project in their parish. These students worked to help create youth groups in their parishes. I am so pleased to see the poise and confidence with which these youth spoke and presented the results of their work. The program seeks to develop youth leadership in parishes. It is working.

Pax et Bonum (Peace and all goodness.)
Sister Mary Lou

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