Well folks...it has been a while since I touched base with you. And a lot has transpired!  It has been a whirlwind 3.5 weeks since our community elections. I have moved into the superior's office (although, please don't peek in the superior's storeroom!) and this is the first time in my 21 years in the monastery to have an office with a window!  It is a delight to have natural lighting pouring in as I sit here at the computer. The windowsill is graced with a Jade plant and a Zebra Cactus flanking a statue of good St. Joseph. This August we will have the joy of welcoming Olivia into the aspirancy program. Olivia was at the Steubenville Youth Conference last weekend and happened to see a young Franciscan Friar from afar whom she thought looked a lot like our Sr. Frances Marie. Turned out that indeed it was Sr. Frances Marie's brother, Friar Emmanuel, or as he is better known, Brother Manny.

As Br. Manny wrote: "It was a wonderful small Catholic world moment!"  (Hope you don't mind me posting the photo and quoting you Br. Manny. Can this superior get away with "presuming" your permission? :) )

Her associate pastor, Fr. Scott Goodfellow, recently posted this in their parish bulletin:

The Veil and the Valedictorian

Congratulations to parishioner and high school graduate Olivia K. for being named valedictorian of the Euclid high school senior class of 2016! Olivia is faithful to daily Mass and prayer, and is a devoted member of our Lifeteen youth ministry program. For the past few years, she has been discerning a vocation to the religious life, and we are proud to say that this August she will be entering the order of Passionist Nuns in Kentucky. Olivia, we pray for you and your vocation to the religious life. May the gift of wisdom you have received and nourished guide you to a holy life and a deeper love of God! May we all continue to pray for vocations to religious life and priesthood!

Thanks for your support of our life of prayer through donations and prayers. Your prayers are bearing fruit!  I am counting on your prayers for our vocation retreat in two weeks. God reward you!