February 27, 2017

This morning we had the funeral for Sister Mary Evangeline Stanoch, age 95, who died Thursday, February 23, 2017.  She was the last of the 10 siblings to join her parents in heaven.  We had a good “send-off” for her with many nieces, nephews and other family members joining us Sisters for the Mass of Christian Burial.

Wednesday is Ash Wednesday.  Tomorrow, Tuesday,  the day before Lent starts, is Donut Day here at the Convent.  It is a long-time tradition in our Community to serve home-made, fresh donuts to everyone this day.  On Wednesday we get serious about Lent—mostly by prayer for the many needs of the people of the world and for peace in the world and amongst the peoples of the world.

March 1^st is the anniversary of the Founding of our Community.  This year we will celebrate it the day before because the 1^st is Ash Wednesday.  I thank God for those 16 women, who in 1891, got permission from the Bishop to start this new Franciscan community in central Minnesota.  We are now 126 Sisters ministering in 7  States and  in Mexico and  South America.

Last Tuesday we had a party to celebrate the retirement of Sister Jean Schwieters as Liturgist and Choir Director and Sister Joel Bieniek as Sacristan and Flower Arranger for many years.

                      

I recently took pictures of our three eldest elders: Sister Joel Bieniek is 99, Sister Bernarda Sanoski is 100 and Sister Fabian Schneider is 101.

Thursday is the birthday of Dr. Seuss (born in 1904).  This author wrote many books for children-- and that adults also enjoy.  My favorite is To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street.  When was the last time you read a children’s book?  It’s good for your heart and your soul.

Peace and blessings as you celebrate Lent.

Sister Mary Lou

February 20, 2017

PRESIDENTS” DAY.  Let us all pray for our president and all governmental leaders.  They need it.  We need it.

“Temps flirt with 60s” is the headline in today’s paper.  It’s hard to believe that is a February day.  One has to look hard to find a snow pile to find a snow pile anywhere.  I do believe we will still get another blast of winter weather.  And right now we have a steady rain.  I wonder when it will turn to snow.

Sister Donna finished this 1,000-piece puzzle last week.  It is a beauty.  Because of the irregular shape it took a little longer than usual to complete…but well worth the effort!

And here is another 1,000 piece puzzle that took a while to complete…and another beautiful work of art.

I’m reading the book The Crazy Quilt by Ruth Jesness Tweed and came across this little verse that says it well:

DON’T MOPE.

HOPE!

NO HOPE!

COPE!

CAN’T COPE!

MOPE!

My prayer for you, my readers, is that God bless and continue to care for you.

Peace.

Sister Mary Lou

February 7, 2017

Last Saturday’s Soup Supper is now a memory.  We served 1,043 bowls of soup in the dining room and had 60 servings to go to homes off campus.  The soups were delicious.  The conversations and visiting were wonderful to see and hear.  The weather was conducive to making one want to have good, hot soup.  Thanks to the cooks for their fine work.  Thanks to all who worked to make it a successful event.  The proceeds went to help music students and participants in the Health and Wellness programs.

From my observations, it looks to be a quiet week.  And that is good.  After so many activities, it’s nice to have some catch-up time.

One day last week, Carol brought in her “good dishes” and we Sisters on Second Floor had a nice Tea Party.  The little cakes were delicious and the company was great, too.

I found this blessing on a card and thought it good for all of us.  “May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.”

God bless you and those you love (and the ones you have a hard time with, too.)

Peace,

Sister Mary Lou