A time to laugh, a time to cry

I never wonder, “What shall I write about?” News just keeps happening right in front of us.

Last Friday, October 25, 2013, two sisters died—Sister Sylvia Schik, age 92, at 6:40 a.m. and Sister Judine Cassidy, age 87, at 1:20 p.m. Twice before two Sisters died on the same day: March 13, 2009 and March 24, 2009. And four times, I think it was, that Sisters died a day apart.

Sister Sylvia’s Funeral was Monday. Many Sisters, Family Members and Friends were here to see her off to heaven. Her nephew, Father Leroy Schik, was the presider at the Mass and his brother, Crosier priest Fr. Jerry Schik, gave a beautiful homily. Sister was quite an artist. She loved to paint. Pictured are a couple of her works. Note the one is a painting of St Francis painted on the fungal growth of a tree.

Sister Judine Cassidy’s Funeral will be Saturday, November 2, 2013. She was assistant principal of St Francis High School from 1958 to 1960 and then Principal from 1960 until the school closed in 1977. She knew “her girls” very well and could give a married or maiden name for anyone who graduated during the time she was principal. After St. Francis High School closed, she worked as Counselor (1977-1980) and Director of Guidance (1980-1984) at Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School in Brooklyn NY. Then from 1988 to 2006 she was Assistant Principal and Director of Guidance at Msgr. Farrell High School, Staten Island, NY. She retired in 2006 and lived in Clare Residence since 2010.

We will miss both of these great ladies. May they be enjoying Life with the Lord now and for all eternity.

Tuesday and Wednesday last week, fifty-seven volunteers stuffed over 16,000 envelopes for our Christmas Appeal mailing. Many of you will receive these envelopes sometime after November 5th!

And while I am on the topic of “giving,” GIVE TO THE MAX Day is November 14, 2013. You are invited to donate to our ministries that day and matching grants will double your donation that day. You can donate online at giveMN.org (mention Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls) or on Facebook or at fslf.org. Last year we received $16,000 and are hoping for $20,000 this year. The donations will support ministries and outreach to youth. Thank you for your generosity.

On Sunday, October 20th, the KC’s served cake and ice cream to the Sisters. This is such a tasty gift to the Sisters. We THANK YOU. (An aside note: my brother and three nephews became 4th Degree Knights last weekend.)

New Jersey was featured as our Dining Adventure on Tuesday, October 22nd. Besides the good food, I always enjoy the decorations atop the food line and the information sheets on the dining room tables.

The Altar Bread Department was recognized on October 23rd. The Franciscan Sisters have made and distributed Altar Breads for over 100 years. We no longer make the Altar Breads, but we are a distribution center and send altar breads to 150+ parishes, chapels and nursing homes.

The Bloodmobile will be here the next three days: Wednesday-Thursday, October 30 and 31st and Friday, November 1st. The hours for Wed. and Thur. are 1 to 7 p.m. and on Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are many openings the last two days.

Keep Halloween a safe and fun day. On Friday, All Saints Day, remember all the Saints who have gone before us and also the ones living with us at the present time. And on Saturday, All Sous Day, pray for all who have died and gone before us. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

The Franciscan Harvest Supper will be held on Saturday, November 9, from 4:30-7 p.m. Fried chicken, sausage, garden vegetables, coleslaw, homemade bars and beverages will be served. Ticket prices include: Adults-$8.50; Children 5-12 years-$4; Children under 5 years-Free. Proceeds from the Franciscan Harvest Supper will benefit St. Francis Health and Recreation Center and St. Francis Music Center

Please pray for two families, friends of ours, who suffer greatly after a severe farm accident.

Peace and blessings until I write again,

Sister Mary Lou