Receive Love - Be Love

We had the most AWESOME retreat this past weekend! "Receive Love - Be Love!" We explored how deeply God loves us and how we in turn overflow God's Love to others. We discussed Religious Life and all vocations. We also talked about the awesome plans that God has for our Community with an awesome future. It was a very fruitful retreat -- continue praying for us as we pray for all of you!

We are God's Powerful Instruments

We do not usually do "personal" blogs from a specific Sister, but this time it is. I have been given the task of teaching Religion Class to our local Catholic Middle School 7th and 8th Graders at Holy Cross Catholic Academy. It has been a challenge in some ways, as this is my first time to teach middle schooler's on a daily basis. However, it has awed me how God is using me in this assignment. Every day I clarify things for the students -- misconceptions they had about God, about how God works, or the Catholic Church. I get to talk to them about God's Love. They are learning things, such as, that God can bring good out of evil situations. They are learning that God is in control and that they can trust Him. (The text we're using integrates quite a bit of the Theology of the Body that I love so much too!) They've been learning a lot.

So have I. I'm learning that it is fun to watch the light bulb go on in their heads and hearts as they have the daily opportunity in school to get closer to God. They have become a highlight of my day and a joy to teach! Help me pray for them and all those we minister to in our apostolates! God bless you all!

Temporary Goodbye to a Great Mentor

Have you heard of Fr. Thomas Dubay? Maybe you've seen him on EWTN TV. Maybe you've read a book or two of his on prayer or Religious Life.

He went on to his eternal reward the other day, so we temporarily say good-bye to him. He was our retreat master two times, and we use many of his books and talks in our initial and on-going formation. He has made a huge difference in the Religious Life, especially in this country.

Fr. Dubay, thank you for all of your inspiring talks and insights! Thank you for teaching us about contemplative prayer and the wonders of Communion with the Holy Trinity (from Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross mostly). We will miss you!

http://insightscoop.typepad.com/2004/2010/09/father-thomas-dubay-sm-rip.html

Super September, cont.

On Labor Day, we began with the Holy Mass, all of our Morning Prayers and Adoration, and then we trecked out to the local "Wildlife Refuge". Most people do not know that we have one of these in our backyard. We had a good time there, as you can see in the pics above!

Super September!

Dear Friends,

It's been so busy -- sorry the blog has been low on the priority list. Teaching Religion, having a "Sisters Day Out" at the Wildlife Refuge (those animals above are at the refuge, not in the classroom!) . . . it's been busy! This bottom picture is from St. Joseph's School in Amarillo -- the Sisters are enjoying their new "mission"! More pictures in the next post!!!

Top picture is from our Prayer Time together in Amarillo before going to the Refuge.

Getting ready also for the upcoming "Come and See Retreat" -- the Theme is "Receive Love -- Be Love". Pray for us!

God bless you all!

August Happenings

Top picture: Awesome Annual retreat with Fr. Jordan Kelly, OP! We had a GREAT week. Thank you to all of you who were praying for us!

Middle picture: Holy Cross Catholic Academy (where Sr. Mary Michael is teaching, on same campus as St. Joseph's Elementary School where Sr. Mary Grace and Sr. Mary Pia are)

Bottom picture: "Poverty, Chastity, Obedience" painted on our kitchen wall. Thanks to all who helped prepare our new house.

More pictures to follow soon!

Getting Ready for School!

We just moved to our new mission at St. Joseph's School! Wow! The parishioners REALLY spoiled us -- they've been working overtime to prepare our convent, getting us new appliances, furniture, repainting everything, and many other sacrifices that we don't even know about. It's very touching to see how excited everyone is for us to be here! We're excited too! We love St. Joseph's!

Our St. Anthony's Sisters will leave tomorrow to go to prepare for school there! Pray for us as we begin a new year of surprises and a journey with the people at these two parishes.