Spring is around the corner

Sounds like the “lion” of March will come tonight and be out of here by noon tomorrow. We are 30 inches below average in snow so far this year. Last week, Sr. Donna just finished putting this 1,000 piece puzzle together. Since snow is forecast for tonight, I decided this was a good time to publish the picture.

Yesterday was a special day for us. It was our Founding Day…the day we became the “Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Little Falls, Minnesota.” That title was later shortened to “Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota” because the other title was too long for the computer. At least that’s the story I heard. Bishop Donald Kettler came to preside at our 11 a.m. Mass and then joined us for a festive dinner.

Later in the afternoon, I went out to the cemetery to thank the 12 Sisters buried there for founding our Community 124 years ago. We claim 16 founding Sisters, but only twelve are buried here. Four are buried in Rock Island, Illinois. Early in our history, they went to Rock Island to start a hospital and then they just stayed there and started a new community. And again, that is how I remember the story.

The three dwellings pictured here are the first homes the Sisters lived in. The log cabin is in Bell Prairie. The Slab Shanty was on our campus and the Sisters lived in it until Hurrle Hall was constructed.

Last Wednesday, our Dining Adventure was Washington State. We had halibut and salmon as two of the foods from that area.

On Wednesday, Sr. Elise will have the second of her three Lenten presentations. “Lent: A Sacramental Journey into Easter” is this week’s topic.

Thursday is Taize Prayer at 6 p.m.

Stations of the Cross are at 3:30 on Friday.

Saturday from 9 to about 3 p.m. is the Lenten Reflection Day. The presenter is Sister Michelle L’Allier. You are invited to join us.

March 8 to 14 is National Catholic Sister’s Week. Let us praise God and thank the Sisters who have done so much service throughout the world—for the glory of God. I am grateful for my vocation--for my calling to the Little Falls Franciscan Community.

Remember to “spring the clock ahead” sometime before Sunday Morning.

Blessings on you and those you love during this second week of Lent.
Sister Mary Lou

First Signs of Spring

Spring has arrived! The past two days were really nice…and promises of 70 by Wednesday! It’s been a long time since we’ve felt the 70s. The snow is soaking in and disappearing fast. Praise God. On the east side of our building, crocus and daffodil plants are starting to grow. Welcome, all you growing plants and budding trees!

It’s been a busy week at the Motherhouse. Last Saturday we hosted “Seeds of Kindness,” a fund-raiser for Habitat for Humanity. St. Francis Hall was filled with 29 beautifully set tables. One or two ladies bought a table, decorated it with their own dishes, center pieces and whatever and invited their own guests for a delicious salad luncheon. The food was prepared in our convent kitchen and was served by the Exchange Club men. They served 192 plates. There were silent auction items and two beautiful quilts raffled off. Everyone had a great time. God bless all those involved with Habitat for Humanity and all the good they do.

Last Wednesday several of us attended the Funeral for Fr. Dick McGuire at the St. Cloud Cathedral. It was a great send-off for Fr. Dick. One of the attending priests said it was the biggest funeral of a priest that he’d ever seen. The Church was full from front to back—as were the parking lots! Father McGuire gave a retreat here for the Sisters several years ago. He found out on his birthday, February 6th, that he had brain cancer, along with his lung cancer. May he be enjoying life in Heaven.

Each month we honor different departments that make life go on better at the Motherhouse. Last week we honored the Human Relations/Pension Department by honoring Amy. Amy has had many hats in various places on campus since 1982! Thank you, Amy, for all that you do for us.

Sister Rosaria got very sick last November. Last week, with assistance, she walked 150 feet, for “Walk for a Cause” fund-raiser for Habitat for Humanity and collected $26. Congratulations, Sister, for hanging in there with all the rehab it takes to come so far. I am proud of you.

The Blood mobile will be here tomorrow, Tuesday (1 to 7 p.m.), Wednesday (1 to 7 p.m.) and Thursday (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) April 8, 9, and 10. Mark your calendars. God blessings on all you who share this gift of life. Giving blood really saves lives and gives renewed energy: been there—done that. We look forward to seeing you.

This is National Volunteer Week. My guess is that each one of you reading this blog, volunteers in several areas. Kathy just told me that the 14,596 hours of volunteer work the past year is the equivalent of 7 full-time employees. What a service volunteers give to those you serve. THANK YOU.

Because of the rain and snow and generally poor weather last Thursday evening, we had to cancel Taize Prayer. I think that is a first. We will have Taize Prayer the first Thursday next month.

May 5th is the “Taste of St. Cloud” Franciscan Community Volunteer fund-raiser at Territory Golf Course/Coyote Moon Grille. Save the date. More about it later.

Next Sunday, April 13th is also the St. Francis Music Center Spring Orchestra Concert at 7 p.m. in our Chapel. It is always GOOD. We are so lucky to have it right here on our campus. Do plan on coming. It is well worth your time for some very good entertainment.

Latest news: On April 3rd, Robyn Gray was awarded and award for “Leadership in the Arts” by the Five Wings Arts Council. The Five Wings Arts Council is a regional organization representing five counties in this area. Robyn has worked at the St. Francis Music Center for over 30 years. Robyn was not at the awards ceremony because she was In St. Paul at the Minnesota State Arts Board offices, reviewing grant applications from groups across Minnesota. Sisters Bernice and Adela accepted the award on behalf of Robyn. Today, a surprised Robyn was presented her award. A number of music teachers joined in the presentation. Earlier in the day, people were congratulating Robyn and she didn’t understand why. Now she knows. Congratulations, Robyn! Your creativity and dedicated service continue to inspire us!

Next Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. May your days be prayer-filled as we remember the love Jesus showed by His suffering and Death…and the hope He gives us in His Resurrection.

Pax et Bonum (Peace and blessings),
Sister Mary Lou

Second Week of Easter

Spring is on the way. I saw my first robin last Thursday (4th). The snow is going fast. The piles are about all that is left. Some of the trees have large leaf buds. Last evening I checked Sr. Helen’s flower garden on the east side of Mary Hall. The tulips and crocus are poking their heads out. I think I should tell them to go back under, since the weather forecast for the rest of the week says we’ll have rain and snow!

We had the funeral for Sister Doris last Wednesday. She was the last of her siblings to die. Three members of the next generation came for the funeral. She was a secretary before she entered the convent and did that ministry most of her life.

About 22 people were here for the Nursing symposium last week. Now the first couple days of this week we have a retreat for Pastoral Ministers of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

The next three days the Red Cross Bloodmobile will be here for a blood drive. Our total goal is 240 units of blood. That’s a lot. But with the weather like it is, folks can’t work in their yards/gardens…so they might just a well come donate a unit of blood…and enjoy good cookies.

Saturday (13th), we have a Spaghetti Supper from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The profits go to the Music Center and Health and Recreation Departments. Come on over!

Sunday, the 14th, at 3 p.m., the two Strings Orchestras are giving a concert in our Sacred Heart Chapel.

Peace and blessings, Pray for one another.
Sister Mary Lou

I am grateful to God for the rain

Calendar spring is here—rain and thunderstorms in tow.  I am grateful to God for the rain.  I think especially of the trees that have had small amounts of moisture for some time.  Gentle rains are most welcome…and, God, please protect us from storms.

Many activities to report.  Starting with the past week: Saturday afternoon the Becker Family entertained the Sisters with wonderful music and great antics.  Such a talented family!  The audience really enjoyed their time with the Becker Family.  Thanks so much for visiting us.

Another activity Sunday evening was a beautiful Pre-Tour Concert by the Little Falls Community High School.  Those 30 students make beautiful music.  Little Falls will be proud of you as you represent us on your tour.  Thanks for coming to our Chapel to have a practice before you leave on your travels to Hollywood and Disney World.

At noon today we will have an enLUNCHment program about our Franciscan Volunteers.  EnLUNCHment is a ½ hour enrichment program that happens from 12 to 12:30, during the time while we eat lunch.

Thursday we are honoring Sisters Julien and Mary Pat and all those departments they oversee, who do so much for Motherhouse Administration.  Our thanks for all they do to make things run smoothly on this campus.  It’s a BIG job.  Thank you.

Tomorrow we also will have a bi-lingual Mass honoring Bishop Oscar Romero.  We’ll sing many Spanish Language songs at the Mass.  We’ve been practicing the music for weeks.

On Thursday evening the Sisters and Employees will be serving the meal for Oasis-Share-A-Meal at First Lutheran Church.  This is a delicious meal served to all hungry folks who come.

Next time I will go through the many Holy Week activities.

Peace and blessings,                                                                                                                                             

Sister Mary Lou

Instant Spring

The other day Paul Douglas, weatherman for the St. Cloud Times, said, “It’s like turning on a light switch: instant spring.”  It looks and feels like spring.  The snow piles are going fast.  In this area we won’t need to worry about spring flooding.  Rain is forecast for the first days of next week…a much needed blessing…I hope the rains come.

For our Dining Adventure this month we will be featuring the State of Massachusetts.  Thursday’s menu is a Pilgrim’s First Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, Boston Baked Beans, and Boston Cream Pie.

This week workmen are busy in the dish-washing room taking out a wall and floor where there has been water leaking under the floor and causing problems.  We were told that we’d maybe need to use paper plates and cups for a day or so…not so yet.  In another week, all should be repaired and working well.

This is Food Shelf Month.  I learned that our Little Falls Food Shelf serves about 1,200 clients each month.  It is open three days a week.  There are about 80 volunteers who unload trucks, restock shelves and help clients when they come to shop.  The Franciscan Sisters started the Food Shelf here on our campus many years ago.

On March 22nd, The Franciscan Sisters and Employees will be serving the Share-A-Meal meal at First Lutheran Church.  Volunteer groups serve a free meal there every Thursday night all year long.  God bless those generous folks.  And good bless all the guests who come.

Wednesday evening, last night, was the end of an era.  Sister Maristell Schanen, age 93, finished the 14^th presentation on the book The Emergent Christ: Exploring the Meaning of Catholic in an Evolutionary Universe, by Ilia Delio, OSF.  By using power point materials she put together and presenting the materials she made many of us understand the materials in this book make more sense.  This is the third time she has done like presentations for us.  God bless you, Sister, for sharing your wisdom with us.

While reading the paper today I noted an article saying the Encyclopedia Britannica will no long be published after 244 years and more than 7 million sets.  It was first published in 1768 in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Britannica fell victim to the digital world.  In High School that was an oft used reference book.

Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon, we had a Sister/Employee In-service.  

All of us who fill out a time card were required to attend.  It was very interesting.  I’m glad I was there.

On Sunday we will celebrate Sister Lillian Kroll’s 90^th birthday.  It will be a grand party.  I will take some pictures.

Another lovely puzzle was completed earlier this week.  The next one is underway.

Have a grace-filled Lenten Season.                                                                                                     Peace.                                                                                                                                                        

Sister Mary Lou

Spring is here!

Trees are getting leaves and the early plants are growing daily. My Bleeding Heart plant is growing nicely.

Yesterday two of us drove to Grand Forks, ND, for Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) business. There is lots of water in ditches and fields. I even saw white caps on water in the ditches! I never saw that before. The thunder boomer that went through town at about 4:30 a.m. today, dumped about ½ inch of rain. Our sandy soil here in Little Falls can take that much rain without a problem.

Last Monday we had the Taste of St. Cloud event at the Coyote Moon Grille. It was a great evening with LOTS of very tasty goodies. This was a fundraiser for our Franciscan Community Volunteer program.

The Lino-Lakes policeman that was accidently shot while training at a firing range last Thursday is the son of one of our employees, Carol Schirmers-Johnson. Chad Schirmers, age 26, will be in the hospital another week as he recovers from his surgery. He has been up and walking. After leaving the hospital, he will continue recovering at his home in East Bethel, MN. He has been a policeman for three years. Today happens to be the 2nd wedding anniversary for Amanda and Chad. Let us keep him in prayer.

Friday evening several of us Sisters attended the Little Falls Community High School’s presentation of The Music Man. The actors, singers and dancers are to be commended for a very fine production. There were so many dance steps and songs to be learned…and they did it very nicely! Thank you.

Saturday evening the Professional Vocal Ensemble, From Age to Age, gave a wonderful musical program in our Chapel. Twenty 4th grade music students from Lindbergh School joined the ten Age to Age singers for two numbers. It was a great performance. The group will be back in December for a Christmas concert. We’ll be waiting.

One of the things the Sisters do, is to pray for the many intentions that we are asked to pray for. Please pray for my nephew, Jon Eltgroth, who will have surgery tomorrow at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester to remove a softball-size mass attached to his liver. Thank you.

Continued Easter Joy to you.

Peace,

Sister Mary Lou

February 28, 2011

The last day of February. Sounds like March will come in as a lamb. That’s fine with me! To see signs of spring one has to look up. Looking down one sees only snow. There is a tree on the east side of the Motherhouse that is filled with little tree leaf buds. I will keep watching that tree.

After last week’s 10+ inches of snow, the pile of snow behind Mary Hall was bigger than I had ever seen it.

Saturday we had the funeral for our Sister Mary Leonette /Bursch. age 90, who died peacefully and quietly on February 22nd. She was a Franciscan Sister for 71 years. (I had her as a Home Ec teacher for cooking when I was a freshman at St. Francis High School in 1949.) She was gentle and unassuming in her living, teaching and all the ministries she was part of. At the time of her Diamond Jubilee she said, “I praise the Lord and thank Him for walking with me hand-in-hand on my journey as a pilgrim. I feel His presence in various ways through faith and love in good times and in times of suffering.” She lived this so well.

Being an elementary school teacher is part of my blood. I like to read children’s books…and read them to children. Dr. Seuss was born March 2, 1904. Such an imagination that man had! I have to practice every time I read one of his books.

March 1st is Founders Day. It was March 1, 1891 that the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota came into being…which makes us 120 years young this year. I stand in awe of the many holy women who have been and are part of our membership…and of all the various ministries that are part of our heritage. God has blessed us and continues to bless us in so many ways. Thank you, Lord, for your care for us. St. Francis, pray for us.

Friday, March 4th is World Day of Prayer. Here in Little Falls, the gathering will take place at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. This year the women of Chile have written the service around the theme “How many loaves have you?” Together we are asked to respond to what we have and how we can share it with others. The offering received will support the work of World Day of Payer USA and assist the needs of families who are victims of many forms of poverty, violence and human trafficking. World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together annually to observe a common day of prayer on the first Friday in March. Each year the worm of a different country serve as the writers of the worship service. Be a part of the day.

Saturday, March 5th we will have the funeral for Sister Marguerite Barbeln at 11 a.m..

Lent begins a week from Wednesday, March 9th. Time to start thinking about what you will “do” for the Lenten practice. Next week I will tell you what I have in mind.

Let us pray for peace in the many troubled parts of our world…and all those who suffer because of all the violence.

God bless you.

Sister Mary Lou

May 10, 2010

The two inches of rain in the past week really greened things up. With the colder temps, I am surprised at how good the flowering trees and plants look. The flowering trees seem to be keeping their flowers a long time. Great! Trees are almost fully leafed out—except for the oaks, and they always take a long time. My Grandma used to say, “When the oak leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear, then you can plant corn.”

My little trillium at home is blooming beautifully. So I thought I’d better make a trip over to Pine Grove Park. There are trillions of trilliums blooming there! What a wonderful sight to see.

We had an unusual visitor on campus last Wednesday afternoon—a big porcupine! Several people noticed it lumbering along the road side not to far from the Motherhouse buildings. What a surprise. Someone said porcupines like pine trees. We have lots of those on campus.

Last week we invited Associates Jim and Alice Blake to noon lunch before they moved to an apartment in Elk River. Several other Associates and the Associate Directors joined us for the meal. Besides being our Associates, they are neighbors and I will miss them.

Last Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. we had our “Appreciation of Our Volunteers” event. Terry set a table of great treats that everyone enjoyed. And there was a live band!

The band’s name was The River Breeze Band from Sauk Rapids. They played Old-Time music. There was a lot of dancing. What a fun event. (If anyone wants to hire them call Mel Hauck on his cell phone: 320-223-9217.)

About a year ago we started using a couple tables in the outer mailroom area for jigsaw puzzles. I have no idea how many different puzzles have been assembled. But a lot! All have been very pretty. Some have been really hard, but the “puzzlers” persist and get the job done. Sisters and employees stop by for a few minutes on their break time and put in a few or a lot of pieces. Always there are one or two boxes waiting their turn on the side cupboard. Getting the tables for jigsaw puzzles was one of the best ideas we’ve had.

The development Office recently sent out a letter for Memorial Day. Our Sister Cornelia Lee served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during World War I both in England and France. Honorably discharged from the Army in 1921, she entered the convent in 1923 and died in 1943. Two other of our Sisters were also involved in service. Sister Marcella Schuller served as a nurse during the height of the Vietnam War and Sister Mercita Pipp served for 11 years with Project HOPE, a peace-time hospital ship bringing medical care to people in the South American waters. We will remember all military persons and our donors on May 30th and on Memorial Day.

May is National Bike Month. Enjoy your bike…and the beautiful outdoors.

Peace and God bless you.
Sister Mary Lou

May 3, 2010

We received about a quarter inch of rain the past several days. Lawn mowing can’t be far behind. There are so many beautiful blooming trees and shrubs. Makes it a joy to go for a ride.

Last Wednesday, about 30 Crosier Priests and Brothers were our guests for prayer, dinner and a trivia game. It was a joyful evening filled with much story telling and laughter. We are grateful to have their Community as friends of our Community. It was so good to see Fr. Ray, who is recovering from a nasty fall and bump on his head. At the end of the meal we sang our Franciscan Blessing over our guests. Then they sang their Crosier Blessing over us…first in Dutch and then in English. It was the first time I’ve heard Dutch sung.

St. Gabriel’s Hospital sponsored a Health Fair at the Little Falls Middle School last Friday. The Franciscan Life Office had a table with materials showing help for nurturing one’s spiritual life. St. Francis Health and Recreation Center had a table displaying the opportunities available there to nurture ones physical health. I spent an enjoyable hour + visiting all the displays. Thank you to all who work to keep us healthy and active.

Sunday afternoon several of us Sisters attended the St. Camillus Place Dinner and Dance at the Falls Ballroom, for mentally challenged adults and their families of our county. I don’t know exactly how many people were there, but it was a lot. They all seemed to have a good time. And I am sure there are many very happy, tired people today. I know that it is quiet at St. Camillus Place today as the residents rest from all the dancing and excitement of yesterday. This was the 25th dinner and dance. The first one was held in Rainbow Hall at St. Otto’s Home. We’ve outgrown that small space by many times.

The other big event on Sunday was the Spring Concert by the St. Francis Community Chorale. Those singers are so generous in all their practice time to put on such a beautiful concert! Besides making lovely music, one can tell they have a good time, too. Barb Stumpf is the director and they are accompanied by Vicki Spofford. Thank you for sharing your talents with a chapel full of enthusiastic listeners. Now they will have a summer break and will be back together next fall.

Before the Chorale sang, we were privileged to hear four Folk Songs sung by thirteen members of the newly formed Sestri Na Mir (Sisters of Peace) Choir directed by Celo V’ec. They sang Croatian, Bulgarian, Georgian and Macedonian Folk Songs. We have marvelous musical talent in our Little Falls area.

I close with a blessing of St. Francis: May knowledge of God become cleared in us that we may know the breadth of God’s blessings, the length of God’s promises, the height of God’s majesty, the depth of God’s judgments.

Peace,
Sister Mary Lou


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