January 24, 2011

Things are looking up. After last Friday’s -28 degree temperatures, anything warmer is better! I am grateful that we had no wind that morning. The steam from the heating plant chimneys was going straight up.

Last Tuesday we celebrated the anniversaries of 21 of our employees. Dolores Gaffke has been part of the housekeeping department for 30 years. WOW. Thanks for hanging in there with us for that many years.

That same evening we gave the Francis Award to Allen Riedeman for his positive spirit and leadership in showing the Franciscan Values at work and to all at the Motherhouse. Congratulations, Allen. Thank you.

Last Thursday, Liz Rydeen and Sister Michelle were presenters at our noon enLUNCHment program. They came wearing the clothing they were given from their hosts. They told us about their trip to Homa Bay, Kenya, Africa in December. They had a wonderful slide show and entertaining stories about their ventures. Liz is our grant writer. And we, Franciscan Sisters, have given grants to assist the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph in their ministries. We are a Sister Community to those Sisters.

There are about 50 Sisters making an 8-day silent retreat at the Motherhouse from last Thursday to this Wednesday. The retreat director is Father Jim VanVurst, OFM.

The other day Sharon Kloss brought pictures of the frost on the chicken house windows at her son’s farm. All who have seen the pictures marvel at the beautiful, intricate designs. Only God could do something like that.

The Soup Supper is coming up on February 5th fro 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Motherhouse dining room. There will be 3 kinds of soup and fresh home-made bread. “Come hungry. Leave Happy.”

God bless you and keep you safe.

Sister Mary Lou