October 25, 2010

Now it looks and feels like fall. Tree leaves are mostly down. The 1 ½ inches of rain the past couple days have probably slowed corn harvest. I’ve heard and seen the word “snow” in the forecasts for later in the week—and strong winds, too. Enjoy(?) the changing of the seasons!.

 

Last Tuesday we had the funeral for Sister Mary Gerard Wald. Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB, Sister’s nephew, was the Presider at the Mass…and it was his birthday. There were four religious Sisters in her family. At the time of the death of a Sister, the Archives folks put up a beautiful memorial display of the Sister’s life and achievements. Sister Gerard loved to dance. One of her favorite songs was “You Are My Sunshine.”

Last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 55 to 60 wonderful volunteers came to “stuff envelopes.” The envelopes are to about 17,000 of our generous donors in our Annual Christmas Appeal.. The volunteers started Tuesday morning and before noon on Thursday had stuffed, sealed and addressed all those envelopes. They work hard and fast and have a good time, too. Next week the post office will get a big present! We pray for our donors every day. God bless them.

We’ve all most likely, heard about the changes in the Liturgy of the Mass that will come about the First Sunday of Advent 2011. Last Thursday evening, I attended and informational meeting at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in which Anita Fischer, from the Diocesan Office of Liturgy, gave a very fine presentation. I understand the “what” and the “why” a lot better now. There is much more information at www.USCCB.org’romanmissal, if you are interested.

A number of us Sisters attended the Geritol Frolics program in Brainerd the past week. Geritol Frolics is a 2 ½ hour lively, fast-moving vaudeville song, story and dance type show. All singers, dancers and performers are senior citizens: age 55+. I was most impressed with the tap dancers, two of whom were over age 80. It’s a wonderful entertainment and if you can, think about attending next year.

The Take Back the Night program will be held in St. Francis Gym Thursday starting at 6 p.m. I am always touched to see the clothesline display of shirts and the stories remembering the lives lost through physical abuse of children, women and men.

Halloween is next Sunday. Some up-coming related events are a Sister/Employee Pot Luck noon lunch on Thursday (28th), ZooBoo at Pine Grove Zoo on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. for the younger children and Cage of Terror for people age 13 and older also at Pine Grove Park. After 8 p.m.

Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. are two Halloween music recitals sponsored by St. Francis Music Center. Young performers will come dressed in costume. These concerts are always fun. And I am always amazed at the talents of these young performers.

Remember to vote on November 2nd. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you as you exercise your right to vote.

The Bloodmobile will be at St. Francis November 3, 4, and 5. Times: 1 to 7 p.m. on the 3rd and 4th, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 5th.

We have a Spaghetti Supper November 6th from 4:30 to 7 p.m. This will benefit the St. Francis Music Center and St. Francis Health and Recreation Departments

Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday November 7th. Move the clocks back one hour before you retire on the 6th.

God bless you,

Sister Mary Lou