God’s Presence is always with us

Here we are into the fifth week of Lent. We got no snow from what was predicted for yesterday and last night. Pictures from my sister, Cecelia, show they got quite a bit snow in the Kandiyohi/Willmar area. Most days this week look like we could receive moisture…which we will be very happy to receive. One of the last days of winter I took this picture of a beautiful sunrise.

The Little Falls Chamber of Commerce has a monthly event called “Friday Morning Coffee.” Last Friday it was hosted at the Little Falls Zoo. The ending event was to watch how the trainers are training the bobcats and tigers to come to the fence on command and then get a meat treat when they come. We really do have a nice zoo. It is a worthwhile stop when you have hours that you want to use productively.

The palms came last Thursday so we are ready for Palm Sunday …and some of us will be doing some palm weaving activities. Our Sister Cecilia was a great one for teaching palm weaving. She wrote a book and shows MANY different things that can be done with palm branches. As I child, I just remember the dried palm branches on a shelf in our home. Palm branches are a sacramental—blessed objects that dispose us to receive grace and remind us of God’s Presence with us.

I’ve not seen my first robin, though many others have. I’m still looking for the first dandelion.

Short blog this week. Last week’s blog has the listing of events happening on campus.

The Lord give you peace,
Sister Mary Lou

Keep Lent holy!

We experienced beautiful springs days last week…and getting a good rain today would make it really be spring. My prayer is for rain: gentle and sufficient to replenish what is lacking for moisture in the soil. I am still looking for the first dandelion.

Last week was National Catholic Sisters Week. On Thursday our dear Employees honored us Sisters with a special morning treat and a short program. We each received a little ribbon-wrapped scroll. Mine said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. –Pablo Picasso.” That is true. We each also received a vase with a springy carnation with the message: “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. Marcel Proust.” Thank you, Employees. You are the best. Our hearts are touched.

EnLUNCHment speaker on Thursday was Belle Anjangha, a young woman and student at St. Cloud State University. She is from Cameroon and spoke about and showed pictures of life in that African country.

On Friday I rode my scooter out to the Grotto and took these pictures of beautiful blooming roses near the statue of Bernadette. I was sure they were real. Well…my April Fool’s joke was on me and came a couple weeks early!

The Knit and Stitch sewers were at St. Francis Center this past weekend. I went to see the kinds of crafts they were making. One lady just finished the lovely little sweater. Wouldn’t any little girl be proud to wear such a lovely garment? I also saw a beautiful scarf and a knitted basket that would be felted after she finishes knitting it. She had a big ball of multi-colored yarn made up of all her leftover yarn scraps and was determined to use them all up.

From the looks of the dining room, one can figure out that we will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow.

I haven’t checked the menu, but I’m guessing there will be some Irish foods.

All departments have containers out for collection of money for the Morrison County Food Shelf.

Lenten Activities continue here: Daily Mass at 11 a.m. (Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and a Communion Service at 11 a.m. on Saturdays), Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 3:30 p.m., and Evening Prayer every day at 4:15 p.m.

Dates for up-coming events are:

• Seeds-of-Kindness fundraiser, March 28
• Red Cross Bloodmobile March 31 and April 1 and 2
• Holy Thursday Service 7:00 p.m. with Adoration until 10 p.m.
• Good Friday Stations of the Cross (inside and out doors) at 11 a.m. and Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 2 p.m. 
• Easter Vigil Service at 8 p.m. with fellowship following
• Easter Sunday Mass at 8:30 a.m.
• April 18th Spaghetti Supper fundraise from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
• April 19th Spring Orchestra Concert at 2 p.m.
• Earth Day Prayer Service on April 22 at 2 p.m.
• Taste of St. Cloud 4:30 to 7:30 at Territory Golf Course in St. Cloud.

God bless you.

Keep Lent holy! 

Sister Mary Lou