Blessings to you this Lent Season

Ash Wednesday. “God of mercy and compassion, You are always at work to save us, but in this season of Lent You offer Your generous grace in a special way to all Your People through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we prepare to celebrate in full at Easter. Look kindly on all those You have chosen, both those preparing for Baptism and those already Baptized and renew us by the power of the Gospel, through Christ our Lord. Amen.” Repent, and believe in the Gospel.

BRRRRR! Minus 14 and a wind chill of minus 30 this morning—and “they say” we could have a high of zero or one above today. Something to look forward to! In the dining room is a beautiful bulletin board, made by our Archives department, that says “Spring is Around the Corner.” All the lovely flowers and summer scenes do lift ones spirits.

Last Saturday was Valentine’s Day. That evening we had a Valentine’s Party. All the Sisters came to the main dining room for dinner and then games afterwards. It was a fun-time everyone.

Shrove Tuesday, the Day before Ash Wednesday for us, Little Falls Franciscan Sisters, is “Donut Day.” We’ve celebrated this day for at least 80 years. My thoughts go back to Sister Margaret Fruth who made donuts for everyone. Yesterday morning Sister Ruth, Terry and Gerry spent many hours making 1,400 donuts that were served in the dining room and also taken to the Hospital, Clinic, St. Camillus Place, St. Otto’s, Welcoming House, to Father Joe and Father Jeremy and to other places that I can’t remember right now.

Sunday is the 4th annual Empty Bowls soup meal from 11 a.m. to 2 p. at First Lutheran Church. This is a fund-raiser for Oasis of Central Minnesota. One pays $10.00 for a ticket. This ticket entitles you to all the soup you can eat and then you can take home a beautiful, ceramic bowl. This event is a reminder to us of the many people throughout the world who don’t have enough food.

Sister Elise Saggau will present three Wednesday evening (6:30-7:30 p.m.) talks on February 25, March 4 and March 11. The topic is; “Lent: A Sacramental Journey to Easter” Session One: “Continual Conversion;” Session Two: ”Baptism” and Session Three: “Eucharist.” We invite you to come join us in St. Francis Hall.

For many years, all Sisters with February birthdays and living on campus, have had a meal together. Last week was the day…and here is the gathered group: Sisters: (Front row) Dorothy Ann and Mary Blasé (Back row) Hope, Donna, Mary Ann, Mercita and Caroline

This pretty pattern was found in the courtyard along the wall leading to the dining room. I think the snow pattern is so unique.

Have a prayerful Lent and spend some extra time with the Lord.

Sister Mary Lou Eltgroth