tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49567883975237886442024-03-20T07:09:28.348-04:00The Monastic MirrorSister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-78457675292161503902012-12-24T10:52:00.002-05:002012-12-24T10:52:59.387-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEham6Km6F_KKvRNrO83m2k9F-Zss0VzNeqdvqS5i2xhz7rpE6fNre5vcjj2B2Ohyp4v9P-mmSQfg8rrQNFV2isgP5QBKaGO7LiDlbocroFXI3-k7qv5T7mH7Mcd6kjx64JJe3QdZJC_pSba/s1600/Nativity8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEham6Km6F_KKvRNrO83m2k9F-Zss0VzNeqdvqS5i2xhz7rpE6fNre5vcjj2B2Ohyp4v9P-mmSQfg8rrQNFV2isgP5QBKaGO7LiDlbocroFXI3-k7qv5T7mH7Mcd6kjx64JJe3QdZJC_pSba/s640/Nativity8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Loving Father, you prepared a stable for your Son who would have no place to lay His head, shelter us, that we might shelter others. You delivered Him whom we would call the Great Physician, heal us, that we might heal others. You provided swaddling clothes for him whose robe would be gambled away, clothe us, that we might clothe others. You raised up teachers for him whom we would claim as our Great Teacher, guide us, that we might guide others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Bless us; make us a faithful and just people, promoting peace and sustaining life, that the works of our hands might clothe you with honor and majesty! Make us a righteous and good people, enduring forever, that the words of our hearts might cover you with a garment of light! Make us a people worthy of remembrance, inspiring love, that the works of our spirits might rove you in the raiment of power!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-28815069310807756022012-10-05T15:18:00.002-04:002012-10-05T15:18:18.873-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG30EryNLZ0TBt9cBPbharBqQ0VEbLc1YRohwX6sQQnsAKCY9KApEdHwAn1BXDggI6MuupVouzh7sQ0-UbF0I3f6k3kJEZtCjGwpbNIZXcmdYBfFgJe04DRh2KF9zw_ZrCEmpxwrhvCnNq/s1600/IMG_0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG30EryNLZ0TBt9cBPbharBqQ0VEbLc1YRohwX6sQQnsAKCY9KApEdHwAn1BXDggI6MuupVouzh7sQ0-UbF0I3f6k3kJEZtCjGwpbNIZXcmdYBfFgJe04DRh2KF9zw_ZrCEmpxwrhvCnNq/s640/IMG_0521.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The beauty of fall.....this is the trees by our pond....if Mother Nature has her way....all the leaves will be gone by Sunday and there will be white fluffy in the air.....<br />
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<br />Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-10625551382465375002012-10-04T12:14:00.002-04:002012-10-04T12:14:30.850-04:00Meet St. Hildegard of Bingen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR8BbbUGcVv5R8LTy8I0IgJzDGANjPAtw630AfZ78EoFdMQjPmKc3vRUAb0p5TQdqwUHDOJ_uWvTyhl3FQazyNIvLMLGvJ5_1tz6kfBSh5O7sGJXVMfgunnukm3_XUEZWd8T-gbXxTJsR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-04+at+11.56.57+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWR8BbbUGcVv5R8LTy8I0IgJzDGANjPAtw630AfZ78EoFdMQjPmKc3vRUAb0p5TQdqwUHDOJ_uWvTyhl3FQazyNIvLMLGvJ5_1tz6kfBSh5O7sGJXVMfgunnukm3_XUEZWd8T-gbXxTJsR/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-10-04+at+11.56.57+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-16258703694720483402012-09-08T10:28:00.000-04:002012-09-08T10:49:26.132-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZKISkoJ4fAL2feoNOHrCQo50BFl926pJqgyIPT6h29Ksj0CvqH2fL2FUQNdErZZmYNZg8XeEH951Wf-Z2tyvqzEDbgkeo-5HCHulnmwRk9HRBIGJiU67wiggZMv-jpbkVvyAzTQWJevg/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZKISkoJ4fAL2feoNOHrCQo50BFl926pJqgyIPT6h29Ksj0CvqH2fL2FUQNdErZZmYNZg8XeEH951Wf-Z2tyvqzEDbgkeo-5HCHulnmwRk9HRBIGJiU67wiggZMv-jpbkVvyAzTQWJevg/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Our in-house artist, Sister Mary James Dippold, OSB, has been busy painting several pictures to be raffled in December during the "Open House" for our store, "Trifles and Treasures".<br />
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Anyone who knows me will understand my particular love for this picture and the reference to Psalm 42, "Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOoiq8PoSabIshphsks9t8grKf8iXXMYcaTUbAvpsEQWWC1pduQ-NALbaLes0rO7Xk6a6fzxJ-XLrkHdEwJrlYs3AqVHd1QmjGyvAMqvryIqbHy26xG0SmYXgTzQfljo-uGnC2JPxJs_X/s1600/IMG_0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOoiq8PoSabIshphsks9t8grKf8iXXMYcaTUbAvpsEQWWC1pduQ-NALbaLes0rO7Xk6a6fzxJ-XLrkHdEwJrlYs3AqVHd1QmjGyvAMqvryIqbHy26xG0SmYXgTzQfljo-uGnC2JPxJs_X/s320/IMG_0488.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The picture on the right, captures the beautiful fall colors and scenes the are gradually developing in our northern area. The sun sets on the horizon and is often a fiery orange this time of year. The accents of yellow, reds, orange and green appear to jump off this picture as it does during our season of fall. (Sister painted this picture for the Elks fundraiser, along with several others.)<br />
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Please keep checking the website and blog for further information on this upcoming event. Hope to see you there...Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-71206523763632303172012-03-20T21:07:00.000-04:002012-03-20T21:07:51.451-04:00Happy Feast of St. Benedict<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_BtELqOn3KjPauj6o2Qdmw20IORkNL1ivpRQjw63QhlTkobqlGz0i3PquTPnSgAtPm0JPOBFRGbwaSoLTXyubY8eppfhofbe_ew3r18pZN11po7pwxGTZmvRtsAhyphenhyphenZpA1iow5GswR9eQ/s1600/00170_st_benedict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_BtELqOn3KjPauj6o2Qdmw20IORkNL1ivpRQjw63QhlTkobqlGz0i3PquTPnSgAtPm0JPOBFRGbwaSoLTXyubY8eppfhofbe_ew3r18pZN11po7pwxGTZmvRtsAhyphenhyphenZpA1iow5GswR9eQ/s320/00170_st_benedict.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Holy Father Benedict, in your goodness grant me the intellect to comprehend you, the perception to discern you and the reason to appreciate you. In your graciousness bestow on me a heart to contemplate you, ears to hear you, eyes to see you, and a tongue to speak of you. In your mercy confer on me a conversation pleasing to you, the patience to wait for you, and the perseverance to long for you. Amen.</span>Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-52817921961116780312012-02-15T14:55:00.000-05:002012-02-15T14:55:34.105-05:00Preparing for Lent?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqUABmKvRhs_FdeZ265KZVeKXFxaF_N473X8AQ3rjqW32EnbBCN1fTnLuZP-oe_9DAtrtpHWgiQHYiSzWRfyQnqkQoW9ZU7gsDSGOktCkeX1O2dt7VlRHr4dBPbSVXX6LSS1hZ0iz1mid/s1600/306484_259233690786477_100000995440490_715735_1784775595_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqqUABmKvRhs_FdeZ265KZVeKXFxaF_N473X8AQ3rjqW32EnbBCN1fTnLuZP-oe_9DAtrtpHWgiQHYiSzWRfyQnqkQoW9ZU7gsDSGOktCkeX1O2dt7VlRHr4dBPbSVXX6LSS1hZ0iz1mid/s1600/306484_259233690786477_100000995440490_715735_1784775595_n.jpg" /></a>I have been truly humbled recently by one of the brothers who has been preparing for lent the past several weeks. Yes, preparing for lent. Initially I thought how does one prepare for lent? In his Benedictine fashion, he has been eliminating meat and other dairy products in preparation for eating totally vegetarian during the season of lent. Now some of my vegetarian friends would say that would be easy but this is a man who lifts weights daily, climbs the rock wall like it is a hill and is a full time Graduate student. This is no small task. <br />
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I think we all need to take time and prepare for this holy of seasons. Thank you Lord for putting people in my life to show me the way I should walk....<br />
Peace,<br />
Sister John Paul, OSBSister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-10303333741872888692011-06-18T22:24:00.001-04:002011-06-18T22:36:28.629-04:00The Word of God....The Saint John's Bible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoLPG1sZGIS5L51JfUYEelHJv9iteZZUTytZRwekfjsuWRkaIL7IYcp6zu_ADj9xJxf0Ih8HX-VGmyfoEx9ei6cwysv2GNRq5jVAnMgA5sxEJiKj1T-0tYUM_-w0ksU_WnpfmG8M8v65_/s1600/IMG_2447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoLPG1sZGIS5L51JfUYEelHJv9iteZZUTytZRwekfjsuWRkaIL7IYcp6zu_ADj9xJxf0Ih8HX-VGmyfoEx9ei6cwysv2GNRq5jVAnMgA5sxEJiKj1T-0tYUM_-w0ksU_WnpfmG8M8v65_/s320/IMG_2447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Most of you know that I am studying this next year at St. John's School of Theology in Collegeville, Minnesota. This is a time of learning and growing, both spiritually and academically, while I pursue courses in Scripture and Monastic Studies. This time in an of itself is such a blessing but yesterday and today, presented once in a life time opportunites that only happen because God lets you be in the right place and the right time.....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ve2nPRYnrDE4LbZ0jlnWPXtPlZSAxt6mtXOlXYVmWBviwJc9yYuwNpUNM4GOGo7ExWiz1QyYHttMnfXT4O4qOHpHmnfALcbbjMC2kYAOP_5QfXJPpLgkweuF2kk3E_0nevg-iu4NVS0S/s1600/IMG_2424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ve2nPRYnrDE4LbZ0jlnWPXtPlZSAxt6mtXOlXYVmWBviwJc9yYuwNpUNM4GOGo7ExWiz1QyYHttMnfXT4O4qOHpHmnfALcbbjMC2kYAOP_5QfXJPpLgkweuF2kk3E_0nevg-iu4NVS0S/s320/IMG_2424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The first opportunity was to hear Mr. Donald Jackson, the Artistic Director of the Saint John's Bible, speak of its inception, journey, process, frustrations, collaboration and vocational dream come to reality over the past 15 year. It was a candid look into a journey that encompassed trust, art, theology and a passion to produce a hand written Bible for the millennium that had not been done in over 500 years. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmCXNM_xAIQdLdLmGJaUlS0IPCyW9qzi0KpBGz1QG640gKtiYLVou91PnWMT9RUI-ixnepAUVK1GeEN8GVAqMS1HMwRTaEUzhP1FEd5dfVQm14MU-EOLdvex_ONuam1XyYcSDekd_MViI/s1600/IMG_2428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJmCXNM_xAIQdLdLmGJaUlS0IPCyW9qzi0KpBGz1QG640gKtiYLVou91PnWMT9RUI-ixnepAUVK1GeEN8GVAqMS1HMwRTaEUzhP1FEd5dfVQm14MU-EOLdvex_ONuam1XyYcSDekd_MViI/s320/IMG_2428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then this evening at Vespers, the final volume of the Bible was formally presented by Donald and Mabel Jackson to Abbot John Klassen, OSB and the St. John's Abbey community. <br />
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One of these God moments would of been a blessing.....but both....well I am speechless. So for the first time in my life, I will let the pictures tell the rest. <br />
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Thank you Jesus for the Blessings of these past few days.....you definitely get a star on your rug for taking my breath away...Sister John Paul, OSBSister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-67048972118722687032011-04-24T10:09:00.001-04:002011-04-24T10:33:41.883-04:00Christ is Risen....Allelulia!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiR4LOLJhn7fjQLGs75C_gjAye-s80erZZYM8Q8-BzAzHQQDcH2GhXB_WFhXzSZWJwb7FZIT_jEeoJWYmLsWUpvHoxgMNSB-0GUVSSF239izaywDJap0JVL28bSlQMALr9PwuTyrEDBiSv/s1600/jesus-saves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiR4LOLJhn7fjQLGs75C_gjAye-s80erZZYM8Q8-BzAzHQQDcH2GhXB_WFhXzSZWJwb7FZIT_jEeoJWYmLsWUpvHoxgMNSB-0GUVSSF239izaywDJap0JVL28bSlQMALr9PwuTyrEDBiSv/s640/jesus-saves.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">By His Cross and Resurrection we are set free......</span></b><br />
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<b><i>We are an Easter people and Allelulia is our Song..........</i></b><br />
St. Augustine<br />
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May you have a Blessed Easter....from the Benedictine Sisters of Elk County.Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-40419042433550939672011-03-10T11:03:00.001-05:002011-03-10T11:11:28.671-05:00GOT DIRT? a reflection on Lent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMW5MSx-s_wsce9AAD2D3InI2ULzj_6AE2cLBR98jWIrcyCmqt_6auIfEQnUxB4sV329lZK8SZ0OfzbC_GDW5MATfPEJTEVbEMss5tPyhlX-KG3gPRhKNioiSjZclzGqUYLncjsJvoHEW/s1600/ash_wed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMW5MSx-s_wsce9AAD2D3InI2ULzj_6AE2cLBR98jWIrcyCmqt_6auIfEQnUxB4sV329lZK8SZ0OfzbC_GDW5MATfPEJTEVbEMss5tPyhlX-KG3gPRhKNioiSjZclzGqUYLncjsJvoHEW/s320/ash_wed.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>Chapter 49 of the Rule of Saint Benedict is an entire chapter dedicated to "The Observance of Lent".<br />
<i>The life of a monastic ought to be a continuous Lent. Since few, however, have the strength for this, we urge the entire community during these days of Lent to keep its manner of life most pure and to wash away in this holy season the negligences of other times. </i><br />
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Our community as a whole has decided to keep silence on Ash Wednesday, and all Fridays during this holy season, along with various other practices. As I sat an meditated on this holy season...I was struck by the words....wash away. I thought how descriptive was the putting on of ashes on our foreheads to remind us of the "dirt" we have accumulated this past year. Lent is a time to take stock of our lives, evaluate what we need to wash away to get closer to God. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqfuRyqI-DWdiYufXeLcV86bYbL5PjF82QuQ0pQbRnbsHSNP_SbzZ7l-ajfqNtLZ56shFvaTDmwbSmB1dYC5_xO3NloPApna1duQMSBtR6wtXP1IeRR7EmwsmxueecUxxs6UoYFwJUAob/s1600/hand+with+chain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqfuRyqI-DWdiYufXeLcV86bYbL5PjF82QuQ0pQbRnbsHSNP_SbzZ7l-ajfqNtLZ56shFvaTDmwbSmB1dYC5_xO3NloPApna1duQMSBtR6wtXP1IeRR7EmwsmxueecUxxs6UoYFwJUAob/s320/hand+with+chain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i> </i>The more I prayed on this I was struck by how the chains and imprisonment that these simple negligences separate us from God's love. We become lax in our manner of living. So yesterday when I saw the cross of ashes on each forehead....I ask myself....."GOT DIRT?"...the answer was "YES" It is the dirt that I want to wash away during this season of Lent with prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This is a special time for all of us to take a deep look at ourselves and cleanse away the gunk that turns us hard, soft or indifferent.....use this time to evaluate and work on your relationship these next 40 days.....focus on your DIRT....make an effort to change....it is never easy...but always worth it....God Bless your Lent!Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-21560841379136960732011-01-25T11:14:00.001-05:002011-01-25T11:22:35.021-05:00United in Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YSyCYCbuk1lOQvUUOdUus-XTqAflIeNfpjBL7N1ht0mOSjhjUOqzoo7jWxILzOK9DM049H1KTMuJYY0oLvGPkwvXgeB4byVziNfnmr_ONUnifjMuWd6ndxT0bB22B_0h-cK6Z3Y9-Ec_/s1600/http---www.mountosb.org-federation-55andUnderSchedule.pdf+-+Adobe+Reader.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YSyCYCbuk1lOQvUUOdUus-XTqAflIeNfpjBL7N1ht0mOSjhjUOqzoo7jWxILzOK9DM049H1KTMuJYY0oLvGPkwvXgeB4byVziNfnmr_ONUnifjMuWd6ndxT0bB22B_0h-cK6Z3Y9-Ec_/s200/http---www.mountosb.org-federation-55andUnderSchedule.pdf+-+Adobe+Reader.bmp" width="183" /></a></div>Over 100 Religious women, ages 55 and under, will be meeting at Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kansas for an Inter-federation Meeting with the theme of "United in Hope" from January 27-30, 2011. <br />
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The symbol to the left was designed by Sister Therese Haydel, O.S.B. from Cullman, Alabama to depict what this meeting intends to convey to all the Benedictine participants.<br />
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This is the first meeting of all three Federations and the third meeting of its kind for the Federation of St. Scholastica.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjds3LqICZz_tcBE-IqnP_Nz8-9fvNwnV1f16rOgPwYEYjT8GZ_u7WMk-nwAmygLOPrZWUfhXFON9_PMxAH2wEmx8evxhoXcR04MeDyP1WVkNqtpdkV2F05_Mhyphenhyphen2WWrOglFehOgnt_WjX/s1600/fed-presidents.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjds3LqICZz_tcBE-IqnP_Nz8-9fvNwnV1f16rOgPwYEYjT8GZ_u7WMk-nwAmygLOPrZWUfhXFON9_PMxAH2wEmx8evxhoXcR04MeDyP1WVkNqtpdkV2F05_Mhyphenhyphen2WWrOglFehOgnt_WjX/s400/fed-presidents.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sister Glenna, Sister Susan, Sister Christine, Sister Pat and Sister Joella</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sister Glenna Smith, President of the Federation of St. Scholastica, Sister Susan Hutchens, President of the Federation of St. Benedict, Prioress General Sister Pat Nyquist from the Benedictines of Perpetual Adoration and Sister Joella Kidwell, President of the Federation of St. Getrude will offer their wisdom on a hopeful future as Benedictine women in the 21st century. <br />
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Look forward to additional photos and articles on the happenings of this historic event.....PAX to all....Sister John PaulSister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-35550048883385707242011-01-01T10:28:00.002-05:002011-01-01T10:35:10.825-05:00Happy New Year!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4jSH3rixQvJ9kzQGksWhklU8hUfxbAoRGvYJcTRCclBkBQQhdfNi_6qWdalinYKC0BTXnFsre23RonIEYPqKLR4Er4AreJUeUPuRN9pzLoIuTKZ1benny5551_dWNG4bd4esx9Ba1VU5/s1600/sheperds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4jSH3rixQvJ9kzQGksWhklU8hUfxbAoRGvYJcTRCclBkBQQhdfNi_6qWdalinYKC0BTXnFsre23RonIEYPqKLR4Er4AreJUeUPuRN9pzLoIuTKZ1benny5551_dWNG4bd4esx9Ba1VU5/s320/sheperds.jpg" width="320" /></a>It is now 2011, a New Year and new beginnings. As I looked on 2010, I was struck by the ebbs of the year...there was new hopes, traditions of long ago....there was new life and the loss of life... ....there was "hello's" and "good-byes"....but what struck me the most was the idea of the <b><i>journey</i></b> that we are all on....the journey of faith.<br />
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Today's readings from Luke 2:16-21 "the sheperds went in haste...and made known what they had heard...and all who heard these words were amazed" Did we take note of what God was saying to us this past year? Did I not listen to the angels or look for the star.....it is an unusual means to communicate but what blocks us from hearing the voice of God?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k56on5s0cgC-NCpjRyiUXgsYfHQ_pD5_sxh97y8Ttw6963FPNOOYDROet7q-4DBI_-iJWDycObmlIHNOKSkZzvHm0D7EYyM_Pwz7-NyzuCHHSifLUNF2JMGqaeCn6QbkQfHgXyMQubH2/s1600/wisemen.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k56on5s0cgC-NCpjRyiUXgsYfHQ_pD5_sxh97y8Ttw6963FPNOOYDROet7q-4DBI_-iJWDycObmlIHNOKSkZzvHm0D7EYyM_Pwz7-NyzuCHHSifLUNF2JMGqaeCn6QbkQfHgXyMQubH2/s320/wisemen.gif" width="320" /></a></div>This New Year will bring many more ebbs of emotions, memories, and treasures to ponder....will I be ready to hear God from unusual sources and will my journey be a witness of the life I live?<br />
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It is my prayer that as this year unfolds that we ask God's blessing and grace to <b>hear and receive</b> the message for our journey....it will be a journey of faith...a journey of trust...but it will take to the place where only God wants us to be....safe travels friends.....Peace and Joy to all of you....Sister John Paul, O.S.B.<br />
<span id="goog_1084759837"></span><span id="goog_1084759838"></span>Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-34009354349202072382010-12-25T08:54:00.001-05:002010-12-25T09:06:10.994-05:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcSckSSsE-heE9cG8o9wfK37gVRwuSYFn0cABrMAA_7Xx8yIdg1dVAT3WtgyYtF70O046wCq7xhvFx1sPYteHQDDiW27K72RgbxeiLCoYgEcj4rVumjshMCpsqO9RA44GunJefjvG6aG4/s1600/christmas-clipart-christmas-clip-art-christmas-gif-christmas-image-free-christmas-clipart-holly-clipart-1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcSckSSsE-heE9cG8o9wfK37gVRwuSYFn0cABrMAA_7Xx8yIdg1dVAT3WtgyYtF70O046wCq7xhvFx1sPYteHQDDiW27K72RgbxeiLCoYgEcj4rVumjshMCpsqO9RA44GunJefjvG6aG4/s200/christmas-clipart-christmas-clip-art-christmas-gif-christmas-image-free-christmas-clipart-holly-clipart-1.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYK2AUY4mBTikXh0fdWWJgV8FxWcFZ1PNlIqpesiRXiaM6-ckeimnNSoUn4Lckj8xQWDExRkSFubA-LqxlcnutlRuipSGTlJYc9i8621M9JL-FJTzwG3DI62Yu9SFX6tXcvMNLPxXPd-B/s1600/1780251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYK2AUY4mBTikXh0fdWWJgV8FxWcFZ1PNlIqpesiRXiaM6-ckeimnNSoUn4Lckj8xQWDExRkSFubA-LqxlcnutlRuipSGTlJYc9i8621M9JL-FJTzwG3DI62Yu9SFX6tXcvMNLPxXPd-B/s400/1780251.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kA8-f7T98xUM9zi1RlsZf0HKJjvqFKdQUEcde_FOcSHO6Cq6oPwur-gBG8aayZOqFMOQ0zpUSbLKONO4ubzxF4yzRd082m8yes2Ee7j_dPQSxnpiZApP4bl9cJedCw4IInTFhNTqeo4I/s1600/holly-bunch.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kA8-f7T98xUM9zi1RlsZf0HKJjvqFKdQUEcde_FOcSHO6Cq6oPwur-gBG8aayZOqFMOQ0zpUSbLKONO4ubzxF4yzRd082m8yes2Ee7j_dPQSxnpiZApP4bl9cJedCw4IInTFhNTqeo4I/s200/holly-bunch.gif" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas to all...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">from our house to yours. For unto us a child is born.........</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Blessings and prayers....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Benedictine Sisters of Elk County. </span>Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-22921657806130294922010-12-02T10:28:00.003-05:002010-12-02T19:34:45.751-05:00Beauty and the Beast....Mother Nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH8Jv8elUBt7oLyFmv6r62nxaBtSG-F8bddT0PTxG16BBKbh1Rf9_xpRBAsxoKUO_Sh6YJlYS7TFtkwORwaKgD6MDwaiXbwu5EHht_K8WzehZpicoZ9zVFIBfdKmNQwwp77IpaHNUfDVU/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZH8Jv8elUBt7oLyFmv6r62nxaBtSG-F8bddT0PTxG16BBKbh1Rf9_xpRBAsxoKUO_Sh6YJlYS7TFtkwORwaKgD6MDwaiXbwu5EHht_K8WzehZpicoZ9zVFIBfdKmNQwwp77IpaHNUfDVU/s320/IMG_2343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the beauty of the recent weather we have had. The snow clings to the small thicket and appears so peaceful and serene.<br />
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This is one of the mysteries of God that we so often take for granted. Sometimes we are so wrapped up in the moment we forget to take a look at the beautiful picture of life.... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2e8z1VC-FLbJwa1fHTuqroykxvX7I22XmVYdN-CedaRYhv-TFH4jz6YbArdWiSPcBtoHY2GF0oqAxbAVi1fuhM-DeDta2oR1Z3pRfoB0qsnT4wKgxbZMPBOfINiPVG6FBth4AviQciaUU/s1600/IMG_2337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2e8z1VC-FLbJwa1fHTuqroykxvX7I22XmVYdN-CedaRYhv-TFH4jz6YbArdWiSPcBtoHY2GF0oqAxbAVi1fuhM-DeDta2oR1Z3pRfoB0qsnT4wKgxbZMPBOfINiPVG6FBth4AviQciaUU/s320/IMG_2337.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is the sky of the storm that is approaching. You can actually see the moisture in the clouds....Oh what beauty awaits us as we watch.......<br />
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This is the advent of life....the time of waiting and watching...God gave some of us....a visual glimpse into this moment.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt9gkxkIHYUE39jyzw9tenK0qri3guirkbtZp4jM1c2IesEcmaKrCYlncaI6REMPu3MmzT3YwU22-uQPBj0duVWHvspbTAdniRdS00vPVxDFZ3x7_DUCWfqucCJzC4DxhIGptCxHFJ4UX/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt9gkxkIHYUE39jyzw9tenK0qri3guirkbtZp4jM1c2IesEcmaKrCYlncaI6REMPu3MmzT3YwU22-uQPBj0duVWHvspbTAdniRdS00vPVxDFZ3x7_DUCWfqucCJzC4DxhIGptCxHFJ4UX/s320/IMG_2325.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The beast....two days of rain had the rivers and creeks overflow their banks....it was not pretty...schools in the area closed for the first time in 15 years for flooding...it is the dangerous side of rain.....<br />
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I thank God for the Beauty and the Beast....it tells of the preparation we all need to make this time of year.....Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-60359425625728303942010-11-25T10:25:00.000-05:002010-11-25T10:25:54.434-05:00Give Thanks to the Lord.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiH7C1LsnSDjzSR59y31ptUwXDfKjfVk8NzamPzT3WHY-FP3WRGapq9XaNcqkXITwJA_g91-cP4xPFRv0XVBoDXOSXHE7zCemIU5_pw6T8_trirQP243cslCgxKjC_LTq_kHFZU8jYxlB/s1600/snoopy-happy-thanksgiving-graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiH7C1LsnSDjzSR59y31ptUwXDfKjfVk8NzamPzT3WHY-FP3WRGapq9XaNcqkXITwJA_g91-cP4xPFRv0XVBoDXOSXHE7zCemIU5_pw6T8_trirQP243cslCgxKjC_LTq_kHFZU8jYxlB/s320/snoopy-happy-thanksgiving-graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love Charlie Brown and the many trials he went through. This character, although just a cartoon, shows the perseverance and gentleness that we all need to have in this life. Charlie was thankful for the small, simple things that we often take for granted. I remember Charlie thanking God for the Thanksgiving meal he was sharing with friends....it was a peanut butter sandwich but the message is still the same......Give Thanks.....<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of you as you are a gift from God in my life. May the Lord continue to bless you all abundantly with His love...Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-70285601825773939442010-10-30T21:16:00.004-04:002010-10-30T21:49:20.584-04:00A Big Project.....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5AkOeoW8KqqJvkIOlEFYG6P7wWONV1SDgRX-2SAN4mEz7UySSj3pUP8Yxo87L11fToVekLKGvuzLSECtiHTt948jX3wKvvbKVY2G5kDBgAfH74y9cJtVtaMTL98V0j5kYhiQCWzHJ_l3/s400/IMG_2107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">They took a really ugly hill with lots of stumps.....</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5AkOeoW8KqqJvkIOlEFYG6P7wWONV1SDgRX-2SAN4mEz7UySSj3pUP8Yxo87L11fToVekLKGvuzLSECtiHTt948jX3wKvvbKVY2G5kDBgAfH74y9cJtVtaMTL98V0j5kYhiQCWzHJ_l3/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuz0-bgDcFCESlkyCcjAH27nzUq-bqONpMD7c5iHEO8h8nn1WwBNITQlMt-def_Uez5X227IuaxdtLYz9QiQMTWdiNtPLnomV0yOY8onop7TBU0UxurHDO0mv5NtAdWYM5ivhBrxiigOq/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuz0-bgDcFCESlkyCcjAH27nzUq-bqONpMD7c5iHEO8h8nn1WwBNITQlMt-def_Uez5X227IuaxdtLYz9QiQMTWdiNtPLnomV0yOY8onop7TBU0UxurHDO0mv5NtAdWYM5ivhBrxiigOq/s320/IMG_2177.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the geo cell</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Used lots of muscle and sweat....friends, scouts, moms and dads....helped get rid of the stumps, weeds and ugly vines.....<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">The goal was to smooth the surface, cover it with fabric and then put this geo cell ground cover down......that was the plan.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It would take team work, communication skills and pure grit....we only had a pdf file to go by and happened to see one on our travels.....but boy scouts and nuns have many things in common and one is...<b>we can do it</b>.....and we are in the process of doing it......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWdUGVj38kYghODzmx-7AMI4daDQifENLLyrZbTXzU_ow7LfFQwbVg9OHVkSAnXpvg8WXqO21mhyphenhyphenziRIZP3CVITOhKfEBUIi3q_twLDx04HXbYTN4TwCF6YqxadtdptwO9zqpDXnYs_eH/s1600/IMG_2202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWdUGVj38kYghODzmx-7AMI4daDQifENLLyrZbTXzU_ow7LfFQwbVg9OHVkSAnXpvg8WXqO21mhyphenhyphenziRIZP3CVITOhKfEBUIi3q_twLDx04HXbYTN4TwCF6YqxadtdptwO9zqpDXnYs_eH/s320/IMG_2202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHM03k3lvhJxJBoP6x6Y6Xc6tcmpHRzMfpQ2YaFv54ix_jNy56a7FtP8Z7H9X7wn8a90IIQmmz3AyVAArVs08eYPkxxXOks9biwnMFGVcrF_2kQ64EI_Gt752J81r8V3_FsT6aJ_-4Snl/s1600/IMG_2184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHM03k3lvhJxJBoP6x6Y6Xc6tcmpHRzMfpQ2YaFv54ix_jNy56a7FtP8Z7H9X7wn8a90IIQmmz3AyVAArVs08eYPkxxXOks9biwnMFGVcrF_2kQ64EI_Gt752J81r8V3_FsT6aJ_-4Snl/s320/IMG_2184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>They covered the entire hill with fabric before the geo cell could be put down....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK8b7q883BV5DVFjmgSQ0S3BQ6AbLk1MVmdg4H_kP348AsG5LSuv3oEkQxP0BounSR4_tsPqI3RUIcTPxiTzN0Ca71oX4D2HUC2LBeY28i7QLpBjlfctOma3hSElMl4YPTbEA_7dedLVl/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK8b7q883BV5DVFjmgSQ0S3BQ6AbLk1MVmdg4H_kP348AsG5LSuv3oEkQxP0BounSR4_tsPqI3RUIcTPxiTzN0Ca71oX4D2HUC2LBeY28i7QLpBjlfctOma3hSElMl4YPTbEA_7dedLVl/s320/IMG_2221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt5lv3Varm6ZJLY_mEyayRPo9ch4Ny8d3pL75wbDNCzcJLccsI99zARp0mN_NL0rkH2h6JgznVQH2o3UejGbm6h4H9MchrCwck0wsJImswLRyhwCZ4rN684-jaDe98705nnn2LtNoG-9E/s1600/IMG_2224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt5lv3Varm6ZJLY_mEyayRPo9ch4Ny8d3pL75wbDNCzcJLccsI99zARp0mN_NL0rkH2h6JgznVQH2o3UejGbm6h4H9MchrCwck0wsJImswLRyhwCZ4rN684-jaDe98705nnn2LtNoG-9E/s320/IMG_2224.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Today we finally started to put stone in the cells...it was a tedious process and will take the next several day to complete....especially since Mother Nature rained on our part of the country....<br />
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When it is finished....I will post pictures of the before and after as well as tell you about our scouts and friends....in the mean time..if you want to know what I did this weekend...well... I got by with a little help from my friends......<br />
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Way to go guys...you too Mary....it is looking great!!!Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-15925987750712743062010-09-23T09:32:00.003-04:002010-09-23T11:33:39.929-04:00To the Grape Arbor we go...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh146BDXvhehYSkBoFl53eHgQfMBI4qEmysjRhBSyQ6PiYsADF8SkXAsxu9kOnYkfWadQe35WV9uDbLwqabpkuNEBHt4N16hhuptoIlFpzGOh9XfoD7kdg2vDRE0OlejmeUBUSbgW6kWeWT/s1600/detour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh146BDXvhehYSkBoFl53eHgQfMBI4qEmysjRhBSyQ6PiYsADF8SkXAsxu9kOnYkfWadQe35WV9uDbLwqabpkuNEBHt4N16hhuptoIlFpzGOh9XfoD7kdg2vDRE0OlejmeUBUSbgW6kWeWT/s320/detour.jpg" /></a></div>Yesterday, Sister Jacinta, Patty and I went on a journey to Erie, PA to pick grapes. It started out as just a normal adventure into the heart of grape country which usually takes us 3 hours driving to arrive at our destination.....well....half way during the trip we started to come upon these wonderful detour signs....and our journey became a scenic tour of all of northeastern Pennsylvania. Detour signs upon detour signs led us over 100 miles out of our way...just when we thought we had arrived at our familiar destination........oh no.....another detour sign...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEiuNn-WHJVqpfBr4VVlUkRioDHo6aFnBQbLa9aB82Kj2S0eBAxctYPpn4ey6zhMqCWVe5oLEa8zJgOIHoWTtxI2IlsZhZJTdrs-5k8jtc3DNJ72_hrkpuZgs69O3Y-MA13O-n048RaUh/s1600/Road+Closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEiuNn-WHJVqpfBr4VVlUkRioDHo6aFnBQbLa9aB82Kj2S0eBAxctYPpn4ey6zhMqCWVe5oLEa8zJgOIHoWTtxI2IlsZhZJTdrs-5k8jtc3DNJ72_hrkpuZgs69O3Y-MA13O-n048RaUh/s320/Road+Closed.jpg" /></a></div>This was like a road trip out of Alice and Wonderland...except that we say more detour signs than we did anything else.....<br />
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We just wanted to get to Northeast and pick grapes except that these detours took us to farms......farms.....pastures....and then back again.....The real question was...would we ever get to the orchard.....Then...we arrived at this beautiful....majestic...farm...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguayG7OwsPOk8QInx2D6M-DmsJ-Z1cCFFn2s9qb46trK4rWThTwibU8XhUNRJaH3yFHIshb8efcVj7-AHy4kAxvjCwqULlAYyyivCbZBTOCDOukU4MZjD9w8_1ltfXU-20vzQlrKKFCv_K/s1600/IMG_2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguayG7OwsPOk8QInx2D6M-DmsJ-Z1cCFFn2s9qb46trK4rWThTwibU8XhUNRJaH3yFHIshb8efcVj7-AHy4kAxvjCwqULlAYyyivCbZBTOCDOukU4MZjD9w8_1ltfXU-20vzQlrKKFCv_K/s320/IMG_2145.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<b> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Sceiford farms</span></b> in Northeast. This farm is absolutely breath taking with rows and rows of beautiful grapes, cherry, peach and apple trees.....<br />
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We where greeted by the family who is always so helpful and gracious.....and went to work picking grapes for the winter.....we can them for juice. <br />
As you can see the grapes are beautiful.....they are a deep blue, sweet and have an aroma that fills the air.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kTyHYIjW-Zggii6FQre2oQJ2icC3g8yHAvgpa-0iFeVu_RivlFk8QWaebfzcYoniheySwI2J5z3g7l-4YsmBuPAsWGGlY9ij2lllQ801Doxi1gTXk8qPM-2_Tx2VoyK61hDAUdHkuXXJ/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kTyHYIjW-Zggii6FQre2oQJ2icC3g8yHAvgpa-0iFeVu_RivlFk8QWaebfzcYoniheySwI2J5z3g7l-4YsmBuPAsWGGlY9ij2lllQ801Doxi1gTXk8qPM-2_Tx2VoyK61hDAUdHkuXXJ/s320/IMG_2155.JPG" /></a></div>After two hours of picking we weighed out lot.....and set out on our journey home.....the adventure of the detour signs was awaiting us....so who knew when we would get home....<br />
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I want to especially thank the people at Sceiford Farm.....your produce is delicious and I look forward to picking cherries, peaches, apples and grapes once again.....Thank you!!!<br />
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P.S....The Detour sign people do not get a star on their rug....uhSister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-15565912640449483362010-09-06T13:40:00.002-04:002010-09-06T19:20:20.877-04:00Labor Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1T-4ehewGZQlktEHYsVBtsl9guQukNWveAQYl-B5ys6Z8m0TDicFlH_KxJDbvVoaGlOK7f_qzLFBuGxhtE0cAisXX6ZhYoa14J9ZBbuSDE76PC0l83ioig_K7Vl3M11VhsnDnbvo2cDQ/s1600/8-27-truck-closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1T-4ehewGZQlktEHYsVBtsl9guQukNWveAQYl-B5ys6Z8m0TDicFlH_KxJDbvVoaGlOK7f_qzLFBuGxhtE0cAisXX6ZhYoa14J9ZBbuSDE76PC0l83ioig_K7Vl3M11VhsnDnbvo2cDQ/s320/8-27-truck-closeup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Largest Press in the World delivered to our town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today is Labor Day, one of the many holidays we celebrate with a day off....but for me...this is one of my favorites....and one of God's too. In the Bible...work is cited in 627 verses and labor in 123 verses. It is a "<i>pay attention</i>" word for us in our daily lives. You see, each of us has to labor or work, whether it is for economics, physical well being or the spiritual wellness of each of us. Often we are defined by what we labor at...such as carpenter, mechanic, nurse, farmer, etc...it is what we do that often gives us meaning.......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZHOR1M75_W2FvMAQFsxy2hL9egCPjfh8sDAgSEEB1FqnIcKTPmcMeksC17R9yBn8sjMftwMz3leyZ0lRvZVct4Ssv2kwXsoahOJybzvhrwMnwLDrgMJrgTOHP1p_j9k0VQqtuI_ZbCyx/s1600/labor-day.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZHOR1M75_W2FvMAQFsxy2hL9egCPjfh8sDAgSEEB1FqnIcKTPmcMeksC17R9yBn8sjMftwMz3leyZ0lRvZVct4Ssv2kwXsoahOJybzvhrwMnwLDrgMJrgTOHP1p_j9k0VQqtuI_ZbCyx/s1600/labor-day.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZHOR1M75_W2FvMAQFsxy2hL9egCPjfh8sDAgSEEB1FqnIcKTPmcMeksC17R9yBn8sjMftwMz3leyZ0lRvZVct4Ssv2kwXsoahOJybzvhrwMnwLDrgMJrgTOHP1p_j9k0VQqtuI_ZbCyx/s400/labor-day.gif" width="400" /></a></div>Psalm 127:1 Without God, any human endeavor is destined to fail. When God builds something it is guaranteed to last.<br />
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How often to we seek God's blessing before, after, or during work? Do we just go about it without the help of the Holy Spirit who would add so much to our end result...? Do we take the creative juices and freedom out of our lives because "we" want to do it...instead of doing it for the Glory of God?<br />
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This labor day...try and put prayer with your work....make all you do a labor of love...not a disaster in the making....for St. Paul tells Timothy, "Labor and strive to fully put our hope in God" Give it a try this week.....you will be surprised by the results......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-67636416134356814642010-08-27T11:28:00.000-04:002010-08-27T11:28:57.924-04:00Tomato....I say Tomatoes.....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhtvcOf43l8Lfp9FmWpQYDnvlR8chhs7gSbB7OfsQS4cKIeK-fMyr_O9XMmhRIsQLsxe50AmBhr8p4mqmz37-CChfBKJXGHInK8y9SnoIt34UgebmyUD_YSMgksoZ14ZCtBBS0BRhyUZP/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhtvcOf43l8Lfp9FmWpQYDnvlR8chhs7gSbB7OfsQS4cKIeK-fMyr_O9XMmhRIsQLsxe50AmBhr8p4mqmz37-CChfBKJXGHInK8y9SnoIt34UgebmyUD_YSMgksoZ14ZCtBBS0BRhyUZP/s320/IMG_0227.JPG" /></a>It was a long day ....but...it was very productive. A group of Sisters, cooks, and volunteers canned 164 quarts of tomato sauce and 10 gallons of tomato juice. The crew started early in the morning and we squeezed 8 bushels of Roma tomatoes to make the delicious sauce and juice. This was all canned and put up in our stock room for the long winter that will come within the next 2 months. I big thank you to all who helped make this day such fun.....<br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhtvcOf43l8Lfp9FmWpQYDnvlR8chhs7gSbB7OfsQS4cKIeK-fMyr_O9XMmhRIsQLsxe50AmBhr8p4mqmz37-CChfBKJXGHInK8y9SnoIt34UgebmyUD_YSMgksoZ14ZCtBBS0BRhyUZP/s1600/IMG_0227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">I</a></div>Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-22533607816557899872010-08-04T10:35:00.002-04:002010-08-04T10:55:11.312-04:00A Tribute to a Sister....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PE9jlketfhSQkKQnONwT-EVPpxuG1snJqiZyRIO0EhnHeVf_iaeulWZEFvT7bC7Dp84ofZYXep9f7zQ9Gtc4LK7K0rIivAxK9S2VLG0CKycMPA9X9jRHb96U_aiTVMdX46jQ6mcfMvN1/s1600/Denise+singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PE9jlketfhSQkKQnONwT-EVPpxuG1snJqiZyRIO0EhnHeVf_iaeulWZEFvT7bC7Dp84ofZYXep9f7zQ9Gtc4LK7K0rIivAxK9S2VLG0CKycMPA9X9jRHb96U_aiTVMdX46jQ6mcfMvN1/s320/Denise+singing.jpg" /></a></div>I, along with many St. Marys students, met Sr. Denise in the classroom at Queen of the World School. She taught 4th and 6th grade and even High School for us. She taught us not just the normal curriculum but how to love and to live. She was a Novice when we first met, and she took the mystique out of what a religious sister was.....she made it something very real to all of us. The picture says how much she loved to sing, dance and praise God by being.....she embodied what it means to live life to its fullest........<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6jIEdhtn8LHObEs-WB3dJP-r68bg6-5DlsCd8t4ZorUa8q6mlqKOZPMqFB11rt7_rGipk_ptKq7sQD1dbDPxa8O4C68zPicWR56QhZG4xj3PvbZ-00UPr4yB57wfoyZPrQbqzy4MJ6jD/s1600/denise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6jIEdhtn8LHObEs-WB3dJP-r68bg6-5DlsCd8t4ZorUa8q6mlqKOZPMqFB11rt7_rGipk_ptKq7sQD1dbDPxa8O4C68zPicWR56QhZG4xj3PvbZ-00UPr4yB57wfoyZPrQbqzy4MJ6jD/s320/denise.jpg" /></a></div>For over 7 years she did Missionary work in Ethiopia and Tanzania.....she brought the same energy and love to people where ever she went....in fact...many places of the world are better for having met her.<br />
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Sister Denise, I will always remember your many gifts you gave me....and when we meet again, I hope to say, "Seme qui".....It is I....I have not forgotten this since you taught it to me in 4th grade. Dance with the angels my dear Sister......I will miss you but know you are near....<br />
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Eternal Rest Grant unto Her Oh Lord........<br />
PAX<br />
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The Benedictine Sisters of Elk County continue to pray for our fellow Benedictine Sisters of Bristow, Virginia and for Sister Charlotte and Sister Connie, that our ever loving God will continue to heal, care and console them.Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-11502738535341138232010-07-22T10:41:00.000-04:002010-07-22T10:41:24.378-04:00Happy Foundation Day!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmHoRfhGvuP9scEYQi5c6fz5vvEdTvMPL_KoPZpIba5unw3zL1EuUaENtDICCfuMkyAg4_Slk6_JwuypzADfSUqRc8sOwz4wZf33hDObP_ZrbhaHtM7u4xAbymeVScNBi_HswKltPgJjs/s1600/BenedictaRiepp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmHoRfhGvuP9scEYQi5c6fz5vvEdTvMPL_KoPZpIba5unw3zL1EuUaENtDICCfuMkyAg4_Slk6_JwuypzADfSUqRc8sOwz4wZf33hDObP_ZrbhaHtM7u4xAbymeVScNBi_HswKltPgJjs/s320/BenedictaRiepp.jpg" width="249" /></a>In 1852, Mother Benedicta Riepp and two of her Sisters came from St. Walburga Abbey in Eichstatt, Bavaria to the rural area of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. They came to start a school and began a life in a small two room convent. <br />
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From these meager beginnings of being the first Benedictine Convent in the United States, over 50 monasteries can trace back their roots to this community.<br />
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It is our past and our future that we celebrate today....it took three brave Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict .....to grow and bring faith and a wonderful life to the people of St. Marys and beyond. The future asks us to look to that same brave beginning and strive to live this monastic life as authentically as we can.......this is my prayer and my dream as we celebrate our beginnings today and everyday.....In St. Benedict's peace........Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-78642223642357016152010-07-21T20:40:00.000-04:002010-07-21T20:40:41.056-04:00Sister is locked up......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97uoj9s-yGkBipNXQlj4yDIm-QNk-kTAlj92tn7S0MoPE2XfXIcLM-d4e_A8i5gmDgmNs7TIIggkh0xHjY5HcrU4GLh4SRczvsMWD_9RZIGtKuBAj9mM3HgSl-qkhkEHCIAAjES8oxg6e/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97uoj9s-yGkBipNXQlj4yDIm-QNk-kTAlj92tn7S0MoPE2XfXIcLM-d4e_A8i5gmDgmNs7TIIggkh0xHjY5HcrU4GLh4SRczvsMWD_9RZIGtKuBAj9mM3HgSl-qkhkEHCIAAjES8oxg6e/s320/IMG_0218.JPG" /></a></div>Thanks for doing time for MDA!!!!<br />
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Sister Mary David was placed in handcuffs by our Sheriff Jeff Kreig for the fund raising lock up for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Sister was asked if she would ask for Bail money for the organization and had to stay locked up until the minimum was reached. Many of you may be familiar with "Jerry's kids" telethon which is usually held Labor Day weekend....this is another means of raising funds and awareness for this disease. <br />
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Thanks Sister for being such a good sport and helping all those with Muscular Dystrophy....Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-27669637250653273892010-07-10T14:55:00.000-04:002010-07-10T14:55:39.861-04:00Thank You........<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1MW5gKCvkfxTTkAb7F1GGpgDYsg5rN7aKqN3_IGKtQ97W3Acf4uLqvGVmagBgu3p0J9U-TVezDI0-9yhCKhXn4QAemXDKeGhDbW_E-9EAzRRQf7XrKMdZ6wXxbXyCHIn4q4VCaYaswUI/s1600/ryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1MW5gKCvkfxTTkAb7F1GGpgDYsg5rN7aKqN3_IGKtQ97W3Acf4uLqvGVmagBgu3p0J9U-TVezDI0-9yhCKhXn4QAemXDKeGhDbW_E-9EAzRRQf7XrKMdZ6wXxbXyCHIn4q4VCaYaswUI/s400/ryan.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever had one of those weeks that you know cannot be duplicated....it is the moments in our lives that we say <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">"This is a God moment...Thank You!" </span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div></blockquote>Ryan Baumgratz returned to the United States and his family Friday morning after serving in Irag. Not only is his family and relatives thankful for his safe return...but we Sisters are grateful for his service and can't wait to see him as well.....isn't this picture worth a million......Love has no price.... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaWh9CRPW6By9ejlANciu8AqqUggoxalNhDtXZ-V58LUIxI3-lizSFKwd32uQhbIkCNWd-I4-D8eQrmF84ZTIj8w9QMac7QcwNXvXTCOh5SAIDiEDbXPOgwxO7tUs7l69ULKuCLTDhhBi/s1600/IMG_1922+%282%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJaWh9CRPW6By9ejlANciu8AqqUggoxalNhDtXZ-V58LUIxI3-lizSFKwd32uQhbIkCNWd-I4-D8eQrmF84ZTIj8w9QMac7QcwNXvXTCOh5SAIDiEDbXPOgwxO7tUs7l69ULKuCLTDhhBi/s400/IMG_1922+%282%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>The roofers completed reshingling the monastery without one incident or accident. Heights reached over 82 feet and the pitch of the roof is very steep. Again,<span style="font-size: x-large;"> thank you</span>......but God is never outdone in generosity....as told in the blog yesterday...the entire fence was painted for the first time since it was erected............and........<br />
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Dylan Hanes, along with his parents, sister, friends and relatives restored the summer house that is located in our cemetery for his project for Eagle Scout Award. The rotten boards and broken lattice where replaced, stained and painted.....and thanks to his efforts...it looks like new.... <br />
It has been an awesome week and <span style="font-size: x-large;">"Thank You"</span>...just doesn't say it all....but we hope you know how much we appreciate it......Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-76802935540028382742010-07-09T09:40:00.000-04:002010-07-09T09:40:44.136-04:00A New Look .....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxpAqNApXyJVksPLDzyHVPxOnX7rXui0wQ8hkb5XL4XhEmN7-Ga6XcwPaJByrml2cNNLVK2OkKAP_UKi5DPMmAo0MKHT09FrMXSMCGAJbSK3Uz5auBtCpvqpJNxzS18DQtBczJy9Fcmli/s1600/IMG_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxpAqNApXyJVksPLDzyHVPxOnX7rXui0wQ8hkb5XL4XhEmN7-Ga6XcwPaJByrml2cNNLVK2OkKAP_UKi5DPMmAo0MKHT09FrMXSMCGAJbSK3Uz5auBtCpvqpJNxzS18DQtBczJy9Fcmli/s320/IMG_1918.JPG" /></a></div>It was the hottest week of the summer but Kevin, Luke, Mary and Gabriel Kraus along with Maura Keyes and Carley Schneider....plugged away tirelessly to repaint the fence that surrounds our property. With rollers, brushes, liquids and old clothes...they painted every morning for over a week. The chain fence was transformed from rust to an "evergreen" green once again...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubkwBAeaF7xa0QSptqg5ClXXKovz984X-UOfhR6Z4Ad1BBESQiu1IIMu4aWCp75WsUm33u51PGEH9BiFUesVQzYKqY7TE0aCdHQ1pElffpfvoV183z2F7ri_mNMsTbaOcsfzzWw3wMjuD/s1600/IMG_1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubkwBAeaF7xa0QSptqg5ClXXKovz984X-UOfhR6Z4Ad1BBESQiu1IIMu4aWCp75WsUm33u51PGEH9BiFUesVQzYKqY7TE0aCdHQ1pElffpfvoV183z2F7ri_mNMsTbaOcsfzzWw3wMjuD/s320/IMG_1917.JPG" /></a></div>Many people do not see what a gift these young men and women are....but their willingness to help others...to give of their time, and energy .....is so wonderful.....they are our future and with hearts like these....we are in very good hands!<br />
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The Benedictine Sisters want to thank all who graciously gave of their time and energy to beautify our home....words are so inadequate...but you are in our prayers. <br />
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A big<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Thank You</span></b> goes out to Dick Wolfe, John Hacket and Paul Shade who without their support this would not have been possible..(they are a bit camera shy)..Thank You!!!! Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-48883334776982722302010-07-03T10:56:00.000-04:002010-07-03T10:56:50.297-04:00Happy Fourth of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1fz1HXDluEumP_3VJKJSpZdJ1lhspysGb3FN-QgWn-auW4AAb0LDgVLA9bHDpqASLM9bU1A2JDYiJAv52nguIBqza-SGNONZBiGKcOmCTu148o45oD8Hqe0oeF1_F2pE7X5ptdR7C6IR/s1600/3684396632_34a663e190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1fz1HXDluEumP_3VJKJSpZdJ1lhspysGb3FN-QgWn-auW4AAb0LDgVLA9bHDpqASLM9bU1A2JDYiJAv52nguIBqza-SGNONZBiGKcOmCTu148o45oD8Hqe0oeF1_F2pE7X5ptdR7C6IR/s400/3684396632_34a663e190.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Happy Fourth of July!!!<br />
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Please take the time this holiday weekend to remember those who sacrificed to let us live in freedom. It is the birth of a great nation...one that is going through some rough times right now...but none the less a great one. There are many people in other countries who are not free....let us remember what we celebrate this weekend and say a little prayer in thanksgiving.....even that is a privilege that some do not enjoy....Happy 4th.Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4956788397523788644.post-72674458314754472002010-07-01T10:47:00.000-04:002010-07-01T10:47:16.093-04:00Happy 60th Wedding Anniversary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqB3PuHxl0wlNsofKdPEsDufetKFx8l_2fyLfTxkUa4HV-ta66Sm01hPQtPbo-xnVeKkxUvzZLKBn9jB3Cvg69FkxO1cUe7AcPPhJtP520Lsx1hhraYJO1fp-IvWRrAPN_0nPAkjRKQf_/s1600/07-01-2010+10%3B38%3B25am+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqB3PuHxl0wlNsofKdPEsDufetKFx8l_2fyLfTxkUa4HV-ta66Sm01hPQtPbo-xnVeKkxUvzZLKBn9jB3Cvg69FkxO1cUe7AcPPhJtP520Lsx1hhraYJO1fp-IvWRrAPN_0nPAkjRKQf_/s400/07-01-2010+10%3B38%3B25am+%282%29.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>This is my mother and father, Richard and Dorthy Bauer. Today, July 1, 2010 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a mass with our community. Following the mass we all had breakfast with the Sisters.<br />
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I feel very blessed to have both of my parents and to be able to celebrate with them this wonderful milestone. They have always been a terrific example of what love and long term commitment are all about. I thank God for giving me such a wonderful gift.<br />
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I love you both...too bad they don't have a computer...but I think they know how much they are loved and appreciated.Sister John Paulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00005772127100271554noreply@blogger.com0