April 27, 2010

The song running through my mind right now is, “For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the sky…” The tree leaves are small, but they are starting to give shade…and the tinges of green are so lovely. The flowering trees are starting to show their beauty and many flowers are showing themselves. It is a wonderful time of the year. I praise God for the 6/10s inch of rain we received last week. The lawns really greened up… and thus far I’ve seen no mosquitoes.

Last Wednesday we had the appreciation reception for Sister Grace and her many years of service in Vocation Ministry. We enjoyed chocolate cake, ice cream and mixed nuts. Thank you, Sister, for your service in this ministry. Many people know lots more about the life and ministries of the Franciscan Sisters because of your many contacts with lots of people.

On Earth Day, the 22nd, we had a prayer service and planted two trees: A Spring Snow Crab tree in memory of Mary Krantz and a Sugar Maple in memory of Joseph and Elizabeth (Nett) Ahles. As we were finishing the planting, an eagle flew overhead. Was it acknowledging and approving our work?

We put out a sign and got the word out about our Spaghetti Supper, Saturday night and lots of guests came. It was a benefit for the Music Center and Health and Rec. We served about 374 guests. I hope there are still left-overs. Thanks for coming. Our next food fund raiser will be November 6th.

Sunday was the String Orchestras Spring Concert. It was another great production. All who came enjoyed the good music. It is heartening to see all these young and talented strings players.

The other big event Sunday evening was the Taste of St. Cloud at the Territory Golf Course/Coyote Moon Grille. It felt like all 500 guests came at 5 p.m. The big room was jam-packed with hungry folks all enjoying delicious foods from twelve participating restaurants. If one went away hungry, it was their own fault! I think everyone would say that it was a VERY successful event. Thank you to all who helped in any way to make it happen. There was a lot of behind-the-scene effort. Planning is underway for next year’s event.

This week is shaping up to be another busy week. Today was the funeral at the St. Cloud Cathedral for Father Ray Donnay, brother of our Sister Emily. Many Sisters attended his Wake Service at St. Mary’s Church here in Little Falls Sunday afternoon and a number of us attended the Funeral Mass today.

Tomorrow the Crosier Brothers and Priests from Onamia, will be our guests for evening prayer and a delicious pork chop dinner. This is our way of helping celebrate the 800th anniversary of the founding of their Community and their 100-years establishment in the United States. The Crosier Fathers come every Friday to celebrate Eucharist with us. Thank you, Crosiers, for all the good you’ve done these many years. We are happy to call you friends.

Thursday we will have a retirement reception to honor Gen Zimmerman, who has worked in our Housekeeping Department for nearly 30 years. Think of all the floors mopped and rooms cleaned in that many years! Thank you, Gen.

Saturday, May 1st, we will celebrate Sister Rita Marie’s 90th birthday. I will always remember her as a very fine reading teacher in her younger years. She worked patiently with students until they “got it.”

The St. Francis Community Chorale will have their concert on Sunday May 2nd at 3 p.m. in Sacred Heart Chapel. They make beautiful music and are a joy to listen to. Thank you to each member of the choir who generously share their talents with all of us.

Our Values Committee members had a fun noon-time entertainment last week. They carried out a “Back to the Fifties” theme with poodle skirts, leather jackets, 50s music and dancing, yoyos and candy cigarettes. There were lots of smiles as we remembered those days.

God bless you. Keep safe.
And pray for all those killed in traffic accidents last weekend…and their families.
Sister Mary Lou