Budding trees, dandelions and pussy willows, oh my!

I saw my first dandelions on Sunday and then again today.  Who would think seeing dandelions would make one happy?  We have many lovely pussy willows bouquets in Chapel.  And the trees are really budding out.  Now the last few days feel like March should have felt all month.  March winds were out and about in good form the past few days, too.  Praise God all you creatures of the earth.

Last Thursday, we celebrated Administration Appreciation and the three who do so much for the Sisters via Administration of the Motherhouse.  We thank you for all the hard work you to help make life better for the Sisters.

Last Thursday the Sisters and Employees served the free meal for Oasis Share-a-Meal at First Lutheran Church.  Eight Sisters and many employees helped serve the meal and visit with the 65+ guests who came to eat.

Sunday was Share Sunday—a wonderful talent show/fund-raiser for the Morrison County Food Shelves, the Boys and Girls Club and Oasis Share-a-Meal.  It was a great afternoon of fun entertainment.  We certainly saw/heard a lot of great talent.

Last night we had our Communal Penance Service.  Four of the local priest assisted us—Fathers Nick Landsberger, Mark Innocenti, Kenny Brenny and Tim Wenzel.

Next week I will have pictures from the Habitat for Humanity fund-raiser, Seeds of Kindness.

Sunday is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week.  Services Sunday begin at 8:30, the usual time.  Holy Thursday services begin at 7 p.m.  After Eucharist, we will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 10 p.m.  Good Friday starting at 9 a.m., we have a Silent Walk for Peace through the city of Little Falls.  Then there will be Stations of the Cross, both in Chapel and outside at 11 a.m. Good Friday services are at 2 p.m.  Holy Saturday services begin at 8 p.m. And Easter Sunday Eucharist is at the usual time of 8:30 a.m.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday we will have Morning Prayer in chapel at 8 a.m. each day.

May your Holy Week be a special time of prayer in thanksgiving for Jesus’ great sacrifice for each us.

Peace and prayers, 

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