January 19, 2010

I’ve enjoyed the January thaw. But from what I hear, things could change to snow, sleet and/or rain by the end of the week. This wetter “stuff” sure makes for dirty cars. The hoar frost has made for a beautiful world to look at. Only God could cover everything so beautifully.

Let us continue to keep in prayer the suffering people of Haiti and all those who are bringing aid to the survivors of that horrendous earthquake. I cannot imagine the devastation on that island.

Retreat ended last Thursday. I really liked it. I now know so much more about the Gospel of St. Luke. And this is good. This year the Sunday Gospel readings for Mass are from the Gospel of Luke. Father Jude Winkler, OFM, Conv. has a reflection on the daily Scripture readings at companionsofstanthony.org.

Bloodmobile Report: Our blood drive last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday yielded 240 units of blood. That’s a lot. This was twenty short of our goal, but nonetheless it was still a marvelous turnout. There was a blood drive at Camp Ripley the same days as our blood drive. And I think some of our donors went there instead. And that is OK. Much needed blood was collected and that is the point of the blood drives. Thank you, donors. (I have a feeling that the person from the Cities who set up the drives, didn’t realize how near Little Falls and Camp Ripley are to one another.)

Last Thursday we had the funeral for Sister Seraphine. She was quite a lady. In her later years she kept herself very busy with making craft projects for the Gift Shop. The stories told at her Wake were very entertaining. She liked to play little tricks on people and always had a twinkle in her eye that made one wonder what she was up to next

Last Friday there was a farewell reception for Sister Carolita Mauer at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. She has taught in the Occupational Therapy Department for 37 years and been chairperson of the Department to a good share of that time (31 years). Congratulations, Sr. Carolita and thank you for a job well done.

Our oldest Sister, Sr. Justina, celebrated her 98th birthday on Saturday. She had a great day. I see her at daily Mass, in the dining room, mailroom and all around the building. My thought is that any day above ground is a good day.

The twenty persons who were on the Mission Trip to Nicaragua returned Saturday evening. It was another successful event. Sister Grace said they cared for over 250 persons in the medical clinic during three and a half days. She’s been telling us interesting stories of things that happened during their two weeks in Nicaragua.

This coming Saturday, January 23rd, is our Soup Supper fund raiser…three kinds of soup and fresh bread. What more could you wish for? The hours are 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the St. Francis Convent dining room.

God bless you.
Sister Mary Lou