Three guitarists and three singers gathered with the Sisters at the Assisi Heights motherhouse for a lively Hootenanny, filling the air with vibrant music and harmonious voices. The gathering felt like a spontaneous celebration of community, with the music uniting everyone in a shared, heartfelt experience. Laughter and song blended seamlessly, and the day unfolded in a delightful flow of melodies, making it an unforgettable event of connection and pure joy.
Songs like “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “If I Had a Hammer,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “We Shall Overcome,” and “Kumbaya” echoed through the space, evoking a time of social upheaval in our country. These timeless songs serve as a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made toward inclusivity and the ongoing call to care for all God’s people.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have been a part of the United States position from early efforts like preferential hiring for veterans after the Civil War to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. DEI has evolved to address systemic inequalities across race, gender, disability, and more. These initiatives have fostered equal opportunities for many and at the same time making our country a better place to live in for all of us.
Today, as political and social climates shift, the need for DEI remains critical. Current efforts by the new governing body in Washington DC to dismantle DEI initiatives threaten to reverse crucial protections for marginalized groups, undermining decades of progress. This rollback would not only harm these persons and communities so affected but also limits innovation, diversity of thought, and social cohesion.
We must continue to prioritize inclusivity, ensuring that all people, regardless of background, are treated with fairness and respect, aligning with the fundamental principle of care for all God’s people. DEI is essential for fostering an inclusive society where everyone can contribute and thrive. Without it, we risk losing the diversity that drives progress and benefits all God’s people.
This is the sacred place where we come together five times a day, lifting our hearts in prayer for our country in this challenging moment, for our world facing immense trials, and for the pressing struggles that weigh on us in this pivotal time in history.
Our dear and beloved sister Madonna Winkels who would never miss a party, left us money so that we could gather together and celebrate her life. This was her final farewell, a beautiful gesture to remind us of the joy and love she brought into our lives.
Most High, all powerful, all good Lord. All praise is Yours. All glory, all honor, and all Blessing. To you alone Most High do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Amidst the challenges our planet faces, from conflicts to natural disasters, we are graced with the beautiful reminder of Christ’s birth among us. We pause for just a moment to celebrate this sacred occasion, where we find hope and renewal in the light of His presence.
Here is where our community of Poor Clare Sisters,
all 6 of us, sing hymns and pray the Divine Office.
Here are Eric and Brigitte, who spent a few days with us last week. Eric was like a son to our Sister Lucie, who joined our Community from Quebec. During their visit, Eric and Brigitte prayed with us and paid their respects at Lucie’s grave in the cemetery, where she is buried alongside our Poor Clare sisters from Bloomington who have died.
This wonderful couple has now become part of our extended Poor Clare family. Eric recently earned his Doctorate from a University in Quebec, and together, he and Brigitte lead pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
This is the beautiful place where we share our time of Centering Prayer every Tuesday evening from 6-7 pm.
The room is decked out now for the Christmas season.
Wishing a blessed and beautiful season to all of you.
Just as the river flows so does God’s peace flow through you and me. No ripples or rocks, just overflowing peace in these “interesting times”. May the star of Bethlehem that points to the word Love point us to Peace.
