August 30, 2016

August 30, 2016

The “teacher” in my blood says, “School starts in a couple days.”  Where did summer go?”  God bless all teachers and students—whatever grade they are in.  May you teach and learn well and take the most advantage of the opportunities that are before you.

I still always got excited about the beginning of a new school year: new students, new teachers, new books, a new classroom…all things to be grateful for.

Today is the second day of a two-day blood drive.  Yesterday we got 126 units of blood and today we are hoping for 100 units.  God bless all generous donors.  It is the gift of life for those in need of blood.  The next blood drive is October 25, 26, and 27, 2016.

Sunday was also the commissioning of the Franciscan Community Volunteers.  Anna  Taylor is from Berea, KY and will be serving at Mid-Minnesota Legal Aide.  Ann Anosike is from Irving, TX and will be serving at the Saint Cloud Catholic Charities Children’s Home.  Isaac Vacheresse is from Moody, AL  will be serving at Saint Benedicts Senior Community in Therapeutic Recreation with music Therapy.  Jennifer Wonsever is from Severn, MD, and will be serving at Anna Marie’s Alliance daycare.  And John-Caleb Vacheresse (brother of Isaac) will serve at the Boys and Girls Club-Southside.  Thank you Anna, Ann, Isaac, Jennifer and John-Caleb  for your generosity and service to those in need.

Sunday we celebrated Sister Adella Blonigen’s 90^th Birthday.  Lots of relatives and friends came to join us for the Open House.  This morning I asked her if she’s looked at all the cards.  She said, “Yes.  But I need to read them carefully again.”  It was a happy day for her. 

And this coming Sunday (September 4^th) we celebrate two more 90^th birthdays:  Sister Sharon Fyle and Sister Mary Zirbes.  We Franciscans like to celebrate special events.

At 7 p.m. on September 30^th, as part of our Community’s 125 Anniversary we have a sold-out concert presented by David Haas, Marty Haugen and Michael Joncas.m  I’m looking forward to it.

I am reading How to Talk Minnesotan.  Last evening I read about the Generic Hotdish.  And I want to share the recipe with you:  Mix together in a large bowl two cans creamof mushroom soup, 1 pound of pulverized meat, 2 cans of vegetables.  Stir.  Salt to taste. Pour in baking dish.  Sprinkle with canned French-fried onion rings or Chow Mein noodles.  Bake at 400 degrees until a brown crust forms.  “Nothing fancy about that recipe” was my thought.

The week-end of September 3^rd and 4^th is the 44th Little Falls ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR.  I plan on being there.  How about you?

Peace and blessings,

Sister Mary Lou