July, 2008
July 30, 2008
Gratitude Goes to God
I asked a holy person I know how to express the depth of gratitude I have for our contributors. I told her that my responses feel inadequate, rarely capturing my expanse of hope and gratefulness.
My esteemed mentor replied, “Gratitude goes to God. People who contribute to the Ministries Foundation are grateful to God for having enough to share. Their very gift says that. Your gratitude, therefore, goes to God as well. Moving resources to need is God’s intention. Those awake to God help manifest God’s intention here on earth.”
Know that each thank you note you receive from me comes with an acknowledgment to God as well. With this level of partnership, we can accomplish anything!
Possumus!
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July 25, 2008
Working
Time stops in July here in Minnesota. In the midst of sunshine, vacations, spontaneous gatherings, bountiful gardens and long evening strolls, we lose track of time. It’s wonderful, and we are perennially surprised when the calendar turns to August!
One Peruvian summer high in the Andes, I asked Sister Kathleen Judge, CSJ, if the people we passed carrying mountains of sticks and the farmers scraping at postage-sized “altiplano” plots ever stopped from their routine for a vacation.
“No.”
She returned her focus to steering around the boulder-strewn mountainous curves. There was simply nothing else to say about that.
I’m keenly aware that throughout our sisters’ network of programs back here in Minnesota, we serve people everyday who never have the opportunity to take a break from their work or their vigilance for safety.
Ask yourself, as I’ve ask myself, “Am I strong enough to survive life without a vacation now and then, much less one day off?” That reality adds fuel to the urgency in my job, which is to ensure that our Sisters are able to continue their work towards a just society through systemic change.
Sisters of St. Joseph programs exist to create systemic change. Success is measured by individuals gaining the skills to:
· live strong, independent lives;
· help build community;
· contribute to society as a whole;
· discover peace within; and
· flourish as God’s original intent.
We not only need your help, but your community needs us. With the added strength of July’s rest and sunshine, we can accomplish a lot. How about it?
Possumus!
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July 19, 2008
A Good Investment
Lately it's hard to read the business section of our local paper. I cringe every time I read bad news about the state of investments, banks or oil prices for that matter. I can understand that people are on edge. The question forming on everyone's lips is, “In what should I invest????” So many are looking for asset gains or at least stability and not finding it.
I suggest that the best investment to be made is in people. Not only do investors have the satisfaction of seeing growth in real time, but through the eyes of the people in whom we invest. This strategy allows us to glimpse the future as well. Invest in as many people as you can. Who knows which one may be the key to unlock a solution to cancer, healthcare, childcare, education, or poverty.
Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJs) have always invested in people; as a result, we know hope. Consider investing with us in our CSJ programs so together can expand our investing in other people. Don't think about this too long, just do it! Your reward will be great satisfaction and peace. Good enough?
Possumus
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July 14, 2008
The Power of Family
My family recently experienced again what every other family goes through many times as well--
a serious illness of a family member. Throughout the time, three generations from 6 to 86 stayed in touch, taking time to pass care and concern around like nourishing food at a dinner table.
I couldn't help but imagine families banding together to offer their help to resolve societal problems. I'd add the word family to the end of THE POWER OF ONE. Pooling resources—time, talent, treasure—and working together, families reaching out together just may be the transformation the world seeks.
Having said this, I'm fully aware that the most difficult group to work together is family—that's why when it works it is so powerful. I like to think that families are all about love, but I think that they really may be about healing, healing of self, each other, and the dear neighbor.
If any of your families would like to work with our Sisters, you know how to reach me. I look forward to your call.
Possumus
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July 12, 2008
Happy New Year
The Ministries Foundation takes a big step off a high cliff every July 1 when our new fiscal year begins. Each year we begin with $0.00 even though the funding responsibility increases annually as our programs swell to meet growing needs.
On the other hand, each year hundreds of people new to us discover our network of service and join in to help. This coming fiscal year we need to raise $2 million. I wish I knew two million people who could offer a dollar, but we are far from that. Instead we rely on generous gifts from a smaller number of people. In the meantime, if there are people you know who are looking for a place to which they can contribute and feel good about it, please give them my number: 651-690-7026. Invite them to say that they are interested in visiting with Sister Irene about making a gift, and my assistant, whose name is also Irene, will put them right through to me.
Thank you ahead of time for your help, your interest and telling your friends about the CSJs as well. We can eradicate severe poverty, but it is going to take all of us — so, let’s get at it!
Possumus
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