It's the little things that make life beautiful!

The extreme heat and humidity is the big topic of conversation. All this week the temperatures are predicted to be 88+ degrees. It is especially important to keep hydrated. Yesterday I was at the golf course for a few afternoon hours. The six local Catholic Parishes sponsored a fund-raiser golf tournament for the benefit of the Little Falls Catholic Schools. I sat at Hole 6. No one got a hole-in-one. But in the shade of the big trees, with the nice breeze and my bottle of ice water, I was very comfortable. It was a good afternoon.

Welcome to the last full week of August. Where did the month go? Next week is Labor Day. Next week the new school year starts. After all my years in elementary education, I still think in terms of September to May. God bless the teachers, the administrators, and especially the students as the new school year begins. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Speaking of school, the Values Committee at the Convent sponsored a school supplies collection for those who need assistance in getting needed school supplies. We had a couple big boxes of items collected. Thank you for your generosity.

Last week’s one-day Red Cross Blood drive was another successful event. Our goal was 121 and that is what we got. Again, thank you for your generous donations.

Wednesday afternoon we will honor the Clothes Review Department. Sr. Blase and all her volunteers do a great job in providing good, clean, gently used clothes to lots of people. It is a great ministry. I worked there several years and count is a blessing.

Last Thursday evening the Sisters and employees served the Thursday evening free meal for Oasis Share-A-Meal at First Lutheran Church. Everyone liked the chicken hot dish prepared in our convent kitchen. All the left-overs were sent home with the guests so they had another meal the next day.

Last Friday evening I was in Roseville to be nearer my Saturday morning meeting in Apple Valley. Anyways, Friday evening we went to an outdoor play in Theatre Worth Park. It was a great play with strings music, good actors and lots of fun.

The Nursing Leadership Symposium folks will be meeting here Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week. They like our facilities and the services we give them. We are expecting 25 or 26 participants.

Next Monday is Labor Day. And the following weekend is the big Little Falls Arts and Crafts Fair. There will be about 600 vendors—130 of whom are new vendors this year. Block C # 87 to 89 is a new food vendor that will feature locally grown, healthier food choices—no deep fried items. The Market Place vendors group, on the west side of the Mississippi River, is a popular spot and are found on the Chamber Road and on Broadway.

Keep cool, keep hydrated and be safe, 

Peace and blessings, 

Sister Mary Lou

Let us continue to celebrate life!

I still have “Jubilee” in my brain. Jubilee was and continues to be such a good experience and is on the top of my mind…and will be until all the Thank You letters are written. I thank each person who contributed in any way to my 60th Jubilee celebration. Last Sunday I celebrated with my home parish of St. Alexius, in West Union, MN. One very nice surprise was that Fr. Richard Gans, a Trappist Monk from Chile, was on home-visit and was the celebrant of the Mass. I've not seen him in such a very long time.

Now back to Life at the Convent. Yesterday we had a one-day blood drive. There is much need for blood these summer days. Thank you to all who came.

The mother/mother-in-law of two of our employees, Muriel Miller, was buried yesterday, August 21st. Quite a few of the Environmental Services staff attended. It is a good way to show support to the family.

Today, August 22nd, the Sisters and Staff will be providing the Oasis Share-a-Meal supper at First Lutheran Church. This is a free meal every Thursday evening for everyone who comes. Different groups furnish the meal all year long. Usually we serve about 70 persons. Last time I was there, a few weeks ago, I noticed how many children and older adults were present. I am thankful to First Lutheran Church for providing the space for this charitable work of mercy.

Let us pray for gentle rains to water our thirsty earth.

God bless you,
Sister Mary Lou