April 19, 2010

So many little slips of paper to remind me of things to include in today’s writing!

First, the Bloodmobile report: Our goal was 260 units. We received 243. There were 31 who came but could not donate. (So, I’d say we reached our goal.) God bless all those generous people who gave their blood and also all the volunteers who assisted in any way. People do like the cookies we serve, too. I heard raves especially about the peanut butter cookies.

On April 16, 1209, Pope Innocent III approved the first Franciscan Rule and the Order received canonical status. On this date, many Franciscans throughout the world formally renew their commitment to the Franciscan way of life. So, last Friday, at Mass and after the homily, we Franciscan Sisters renewed our vows. Ours are public vows, offered to the church for the building up of God’s presence here on earth. By pronouncing our vows publically, we express our commitment to faithfully live our charism, which is our unique gift to the Church.

On Saturday, April 17th, the Great River Arts Center, in downtown Little Falls sponsored their 4th annual Earth Day Expo. The event featured local businesses, artisans and organizations and their unique contributions to a healthier planet and community. The Franciscan Sisters had a table and distributed information as to how we work to make the earth a healthier place. We will have our own Earth Day celebration at the Motherhouse at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 22nd. This is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The Earth’s 3-Rs are: reduce, reuse and recycle.

This week, April 19—23, is Severe Weather Awareness Week. We will have our tornado drill at the Motherhouse at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday. All who are able are to go to the tunnel as a safe place to be if it were a real tornado. Do you have a plan?

This is also Administrative Professionals Week. God bless all those secretaries and others who work so diligently for us. Give them an extra word of thanks this week.

We also celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Week this week--the 37th one. It’s hard to adequately thank all the wonderful volunteers we see around the Motherhouse. They offer their time and talents in so many ways. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.

Franciscan Community Volunteers (FCV), a new ministry of the Franciscan Sisters, invites you to attend a fundraiser, Sunday April 25, 5 -7 p.m. at the Territory Golf Club/Coyote Moon Grille in St. Cloud. Begun in 2009, the mission of FCV is to accompany young men and women, ages 21-31 to grow in Christian discipleship and leadership through Franciscan spirituality, service and community life. Volunteers make a year-long commitment to work full time with local nonprofit agencies that serve the needs of the poor and marginalized while accepting the challenge of living simply and in accord with Gospel Values. We have five volunteers in this our first year…wonderful young men and women.

One other event for Sunday, April 25th: There will be a Strings Concert at 3 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel. This is always a great treat to ones ears. The music is beautiful. We have tremendous talent in our area. Come and listen.

God bless you.
Sister Mary Lou