The gifts God gives us

May 13, 2013 Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, who appeared to three children from May 13 to October 13, 1917.

Trees are starting to get small leaves. Yesterday when I was outside looking at the gifts God gives us in nature, I came upon two baby squirrels. They just sat there and let me take their picture. I saw lots of blooming flowers in various convent gardens. Tiny buds are showing very small signs of blossoms on the lilac bushes. The honey bees are ready for nectar gathering when the time comes.

Yesterday afternoon, 2:30 p.m., Sister Mary Ida Bursch, age 89, went to heaven quietly and peacefully—the same way she lived her life. She worked for MANY YEARS at the St. Cloud Children’s Home. May she be enjoying a beautiful Life with the Lord. Thank you, Sister Ida, for your example of loving service as a Franciscan Sister for 73 years. The Franciscan Wake is Friday, May 17th at 7 p.m. The Funeral for Sr. Ida is Saturday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m.

Last Thursday Kathy coordinated the Volunteer Appreciation event. What a party. It was a Western theme in decorations, food, entertainment and gifts. The 208 places set in St. Francis Hall were filled. We are most grateful to our wonderful volunteers who donated 13,300 hours of service to the Franciscan Sisters. Robyn wrote a play, presented by employees, that taught a good lesson and also provided many good laughs. We also had a live band, Oak Street Jam.

When at Lindbergh School, last week, I saw that the Painted Lady Butterflies were starting to hatch. Today or tomorrow the First Graders will release the little creatures to the wild. The students know a lot about the life-cycle of the butterflies and are so eager to share their knowledge.

All last week, Gina Sanderson, artist, was in residence. She gave lessons in water-color painting and had her students paint some pictures on Thursday. The students said they learned so much and they had so much fun. She is invited back any time she wants to come.

Cindy has been cutting and fixing the hair of Sisters for the past 18 years. She is leaving us for health reasons and last Thursday was her last day. We had a little reception for her on Second floor. Thank you, Cindy, for “keeping the Sisters looking good.” We are appreciative.

The Mass intention on Sunday was for the Mothers of all the Sisters—living and deceased. God bless our Mothers…and all Mothers.

Motivational speaker, Robert Sweetgall will be doing two talks on Wednesday—one at 7:30 a.m. and the other at 6 p.m. in St. Francis Hall. The public is invited. The program is co-sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters and Healthy Communities Collaborative.

On Wednesday, 800 Public High School students, teachers and volunteers will do yard clean-up work for 155 elderly, disabled or homebound individuals. They will also clean up parks and community areas. I expect our CEC students who attend classes at St. Francis Center will be out there working, too. A wonderful service project.

Centering Prayer time is Thursday, May 16, at 6 p.m. in the Gathering Area of Sacred Heart Chapel. All are welcome.

St. Francis Music Center has piano recitals scheduled Saturday (at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) and Sunday at 1 p.m. in rooms 242 and 244. It’s good for these students to show their skills and talents.

Sunday is the Feast of Pentecost. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct you in all your decisions and actions.

Peace and blessings, Sister Mary Lou