Cherish every memory, Love every moment, Embrace every possibility

Welcome to a beautiful fall day. We received no rain or snow yesterday or last night. Praise God. Maybe farmers can get the rest of their crops harvested. It will be a while before the folks in the Pipestone area can get into fields with a 17 inch snow cover.

Last Saturday was the Funeral for Sister Judine Cassidy. LOTS of ladies who had attended St. Francis High School came to show their respects. Before the Mass, Sr. Bea asked the family members and former students to stand…there were not too many who remained seated. This is a wonderful tribute to Sr. Judine and the staff of St. Francis High School. At the request of St. Francis alumnae, a scholarship fund has been established in her honor. Two scholarships a year will be given to high school students of the Little Falls area and to Music Center students and sponsorship of young adults participating in the Franciscan Community Volunteer program. Thank you to all contributors to this scholarship fund.

Saturday, November 9th from 4:30 to 7 p.m. is the Harvest Supper fund-raiser at the convent. On the menu: Chicken, Sausage, Garden Vegetables, bread, homemade bars, and beverages. Costs: Adults-$8.50, ages 5 to 12-- $4 and under age 5 eat free. I invite you to come and enjoy a delicious meal with us.

Each year in November, Sr. Joel puts up a memorial display, reminding us to pray for the deceased Sisters, Priests, Associates and relatives of the Sisters in the past year. We’ve had 14 Sisters die since last November. Until one sees all the pictures in the same display, one does not realize how many have gone to heaven. Eternal Rest grant to them all, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon them.

Today is the Installation of Bishop Donald Kettler as the new Bishop of the St. Cloud Diocese at the Cathedral in St. Cloud. Here at the Motherhouse we will be able to view the ceremonies on our TV’s. Sisters singing in the special choir for the Installation, will be able to attend the ceremony…otherwise attendance is by invitation only. May God bless Bishop Kettler and give him the wisdom he needs to be a wise and pastoral leader. And God bless Bishop Kinney for all he has done for our Diocese these past many years.

Please remember our ministries on Give to the Max Day, November 14. Your donation will benefit the variety of Franciscan ministries and outreach to youth, including St. Francis Music Center, St. Francis Health and Recreation Center, and Franciscan Community Volunteers.

Blessings on and the wish of safety to all deer hunters these next weeks. (May you have a great harvest and reduce the numbers of deer who meet cars on the highways!)

Pax et Bonum,

Sister Mary Lou