May the Holy Spirit always guide you

Happy Pentecost. May the Holy Spirit always guide you in your decisions in regard to words, thoughts and deeds.

Saturday most of our family gathered in Hutchinson for Tom’s Graduation Party. Congratulations, Tom, and all the 2014 Graduates. I wish you well in the next part of your journey.

Yesterday Sr. Adela and I went to Fergus Falls for the celebration of Father Gamber’s 50th Jubilee. Sr. Adela was stationed in Fergus Falls when he celebrated his First Mass. I was stationed in Fergus Falls a couple years or later. In his homily, Fr. Gamber said, “The first Franciscan Sisters from Little Falls who taught religions at that Catechetical Mission in Fergus Falls planted the seeds to his vocation as a Priest.” His Mom was Religious Education director for some time during my teaching years at Fergus Falls. It was great to see so many friends.

Because of the threatening weather the Take Back the Night program took place in St. Francis gym last Thursday night. Two police officers were the speakers. They shared much information about how they assist abused women and children…and men. Started in 1978 in San Francisco, Take Back the Night is to raise awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Pastor Damen came for his party last week. His last Sunday at First United Church, across the street from us, is June 15. Then by July 1st he will be at his new job which is as a university chaplain.

The 7th annual Girls Camp starts tomorrow morning with registration at 10 a.m. Then they go to Assisi Park, set up their tents and are ready for several days of Faith and Fun with the Franciscans. I hope the rain stays away for these days. There is a Plan B in place if it rains or storms.

The St. Francis Music Center Summer Session is in full swing with a large variety of lessons: instrumental, gymnastics, piano, organ, guitar, banjo, violin, viola, cello, percussion, voice, band and orchestra. The age range for students is age 2 to 80. For more information, go to www.sfmusiccenter.org.

Work on the Chapel roofs continues. Last Thursday’s sudden rain shower was enough to bring out all the wastebaskets and pails! We continue to pray for the safety of the workers.

Next week we will have a Red Cross Blood Drive in St. Francis Hall. The hours are: Tuesday & Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m….and on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Next week, also, from June 16 –19, St. Francis Health and Rec are having a Fitness Camp for Kids, ages 10 to 14. Hours are 9:30 to 11:30 the four days. The youth will be introduced to a variety of new exercises and classes including yoga, boot camp and nutrition. Sounds like fun, if I were a few years younger.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all Fathers next Sunday. Thank you, Dads, For all you do for your children.

God bless you,
Sister Mary Lou