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I truly believe the expression:  How time flies!  I cannot believe how long it's been since I was here.  That's a sign that I have been BUSY.   And indeed I have been.  And I thank God for this. I like to be busy as I get easily bored.  I love to make "TO DO" lists....it's such an accomplishment to check them off.

Busy, as I FINALLY am employed.  This is quite an accomplishment.  After I returned from the Domincan Republic, my time was taken up by sitting at the computer and checking diocese after diocese for ministry openings.  Nothing.  This was not a time for jobs to be available, but even afterwards, I seemed to be
over-educated, over-experienced....and I added "over-the-hill".  But as I figured, God had a plan...and I finally caught up with it.

I am now employed at St. Anthony the Hermit Parish in Menomonee Falls, WI as coordinator of RCIA and Adult Faith Formation...and loving it so far.  We have a wonderful pastor, prayerful, open, and a happy priest...all important qualities in my book.  I thank God for bringing me here.

This weekend I am speaking at all the Masses introducing myself and my ministry.  I hope the parishioners see a sister happy in her life of prayer, community, and service, a sister who is friendly, open, and inviting in her ministry.

I hope your Labor Day weekend is relaxing and renewing.

BLESSINGS.....

Jubilees

Just returned from celebrating our sisters' jubilees....70, 60, 50 years of being SISTERS OF THE SORROWFUL MOTHER....of ministry to God's people as teachers and nurses. What gift to the Church! We are blessed! It was a beautiful Eucharistic celebration, a wonderful luncheon, and an opportunity to catch up with what's going on in each other's lives. Also a wonderful surprise...a number of our former members came from Kansas and Oklahoma to celebrate with us. It was absolutely a joy to see them and hear what's been happening in their lives. I came away with such feelings of pride and joy...and gratitude.

Sixty years................

Yes, sixty years ago August 3rd I left my little ol' town of Villanueva, NM. And sixty years ago August 5th I set foot at 6618 North Teutonia Avenue, Milwaukee, WI. the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, which would be my new home. I actually cannot believe it is 60 years. I have relived that leaving and that arriving these days and it has been bitter-sweet. My good-bye that Sunday morning was tough; kneeling for the family blessing always began the tears. Then my two-day train trip, never been away from home, and all the strangeness of that humongous Motherhouse....and to top it off it was retreat week..SILENCE! Followed by the grand celebrations of investiture and profession. Yet to me it was still bitter-sweet...I was homesick as could be... And now I sing "How Great Thou Art"...how great and gracious my God has been to me these 60 years...always there, always with me through thick and thin...and con- tinues to walk with me in my dailyness. Truly, my God, how great you have been, how great you continue to be for me. Gracias....thank you!