Archive for the ‘Celebrations’ Category

Listening Sessions with Archbishop Hebda to Help Inform Pope Francis’ Choice for our New Archbishop

Monday, October 5:

1 – 3 p.m., Rauenhorst Ballroom, Coeur de Catherine, St. Catherine University, St. Paul

7 – 9 p.m., St. Stephen, Anoka

Tuesday, October 6:

1 – 3 p.m., For women and men in consecrated life, Carondelet Center, St. Paul

7 – 9 p.m., Pax Christi, Eden Prairie

Monday, November 2, 7 – 9 p.m., Saint Peter, Forest Lake

Tuesday, November 3, 7 – 9 p.m., Divine Mercy, Faribault

Wednesday, November 4, 7 – 9 p.m., Woulfe Alumni Hall, Anderson Student Center, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul

Additional listening sessions are being scheduled for Latino Ministry parishes (in Spanish) and priests.

Pope Francis has emphasized the importance of dialogue in the life of the Church. And in the spirit of speaking and listening in charity, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is hosting a series of listening sessions. Archbishop Hebda will lead the sessions to hear your input on our strengths, our challenges, and what characteristics are important in a new archbishop. Feedback gathered during these sessions will be shared with those responsible for advising Pope Francis as he makes this important choice and with the new Archbishop whenever he is named. Summaries will be published in The Catholic Spirit.

Our retreat with Fr. Mike and Pope Francis.  Yes, it was that week, time out of time, the most memorable retreat of a lifetime.  Everyone was watching the Pope so no need to write how wonderful the message, so wise and merciful, Pope Francis moving seamlessly from deep prayer to joyful communion with God’s people.  

front row: Sr. Caroline, Fr. Mike Crosby Sr. Anne

second row: Sr. Gabriel, Sr. Lucie, Sr. Kate, Sr. Francis, Sr. Helen

A special feast day greeting to Friar Bob Frazzella.  We know him as a frequent visitor to our Blog.  We all appreciate friendly visits.  Right?  Thank you, Bob.

Religious Sisters and Brothers from our Archdiocese joined our new Administrator,  Archbishop Bernard Hebda, at the Basilica Block Party.   How many Sisters and Brothers do you recognize?

Do you remember the lovely Ella Fitzgerald?  Her song was “Summertime and the livin’ is easy.” 

It looks that way in Sister Caroline’s photo of a corner of our garden.

And it is not just easy, it is fun for the grey, red and white squirrels who play together in the lush foliage of the little pine forest behind the monastery.

I think this photo deserves a poem.

EDGE

I understand an edge: a border, isn’t it, a first wedge into

something else, something new? – somewhere you can only

get past by falling, falling, and giving yourself into the hands

of gravity, flying to the nest you, the one that only appears

beyond the limits of what came before. There are sharp edges

that cut your fingers when you cling to them, and there are

long concavities that curl upwards and lift you till you are

flung into space, a free place wide enough for fear, euphoria

and second thoughts, a space where something is born that

turns you wide-eyed toward the welcoming curve of newness,

and you find yourself at the beginning, the threshold,

the other side.

Kate Martin 8/ 09

The Confirmation Class from Assumption Parish and some of the dads spent their Saturday removing Garlic Mustard from our woods.  

Garlic Mustard is an invasive species and is on the “noxious weed” list of the Department of Natural Resources. 

It is the day after Pentecost Sunday, and this year known throughout the United States as Memorial Day.

How could we not remember back to the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord, LIFE in the Lord with the promise of life everlasting.

Our Pascal Candle was painted by our dear friend and often lector Doug Westendorp.

Our Cross, designed by John Buscemi, invites us to walk with the Lord through the cross to fullness of life.

Bis

 Election time at the

Monastery.

Bishop Peché and Sisters, Joanne and Betty from Little Falls Franciscans, were with us for triennial community elections.

This photo followed a celebratory meal.  The Bishop pulled out his smart phone and was taking pictures.

Pope Francis invites Religious Sisters and Brothers during this year of consecrated life to a fresh way of being:

 “The Church must be attractive. Wake up the world!

Be witnesses of a different way of acting, of living!

It is possible to live differently in this world …

It is this witness I expect from you!” Pope Francis.

On Sunday, February 8, individuals and families came for our open house at the Monastery.         

Jackson and Alison Clare came to find out about our foundress, St. Clare of Assisi. 

The Alvarado family (Kevin, their oldest son, was taking the photo) wanted to see where their mom and dad come to Mass on Saturday mornings and to meetings of ACTS Women and Men during the week.  Judy Miller, the chef at Franciscan Retreats, brought sweet bread and bars for the visitors.

Raise up, O God, men and women who are leaders of peace.

As with Moses, who gave us the law,

And Samson gave his strength,

David was an example of courage,

Solomon was filled with wisdom and built the Temple to your glory.

Raise up also in our day, Lord,

wise, strong, courageous, and peaceful leaders to help mold your people

into a living Temple and lead us to your promised land.

Bless us with the vision of Isaiah to beat swords into plowshares,

Give us the compassion of Jeremiah to weep and comfort your people,

And imprint within us the bravery of Daniel to praise you even in the midst of oppression and hardship.

Grant us the devotion of Ruth

The commitment of Esther

The humility of Mary

Peter’s faith and Paul’s zeal

To build a new world of justice, peace, mercy and kindness and to  lead your people there.  We ask this in your most holy name.