A Day of "Thank You" 2018

 Each year the Sisters express their appreciation for their employees and volunteers -- and there are many -- in a special way. On September 27, at noon, all were invited to a catered meal that was both plentiful and delicious.

Smiles, greetings, hugs and laughter filled the Sister's dining room. The yearly gathering has become a reunion, as well as a chance for some to meet for the first time, since scheduled work times do not always overlap. There was also opportunity to meet and talk with the new Superior General, Sister Johanna and her Vicar, Sister Júlia. All the present shared the joy of the Sisters from the Beatification of their Foundress, now Blessed Alphonse Marie.

Showing gratitude is so important in our relationship with other but for the Sisters, at this time, it  accompanies a signignificant reality: As the Sisters have become old, they have become so much more dependent on lay help, and the goodness of others.

THANK... THANK YOU

The Sisters at our Motherhouse hosted an APPRECIATION DAY for our Employees and Volunteers on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, with a catered meal. It turned out to be a very special day. We were joined by 40 guests.

Before the meal, Sister Alojziana spoke words of gratitude: to the Employees, many who have been with us for a long time; and to the Volunteers, who help us in a variety of ways, such as working at the reception desk, driving, taking photographs, and working on the Flea Market. In change, the Sisters served the meal to their gests. It was also a good opportunity for both groups to get to know each other better. In our appreciation, all received some gifts. 

Thank you, is the word what we can say as our appreciation to you, employees and volunteers, for many hours you spent with us to help us. There are also other words we say every day, and that are, the words of prayer. God bless you! 

The Sisters at our Motherhouse hosted an APPRECIATION DAY for our Employees and Volunteers on Sunday, September 11, 2016, with a catered meal and piano recital (by Sr. Geraldine’s piano students). It turned out to be a very special day. We were joined by 35 guests.

As the guests began arriving, we noticed that some were wearing our American colors… red, white and blue… in commemoration of the terror attack some years ago on this very day.

The day’s menu was carefully chosen. Everyone could find his/her own favorite dish. After the meal, Sister Alojziana spoke words of gratitude: to the Employees, many who have been with us for a long time; and to the Volunteers, who help us in a variety of ways, such as working at the reception desk, driving, taking photographs, and working on the Flea Market. It was also a good opportunity for both groups to get to know each other better. In our appreciation, all received some gifts.

At 2:00 PM all were invited to St. Anne’s Hall, where they experienced an AMAZING RECITAL. Two of Sr. Geraldine’s piano students performed. Little five-year-old Antoinette (Toni) did a fine job. Although very nervous, she made it through her first recital! What was truly precious was the duet played by little Toni and over-six-feet-tall Nathan, who sat side-by-side on the piano bench. Afterwards Nathan performed various classical pieces for 30 minutes (without any notes in front of him!), including Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2”. When listening to him, one almost imagines that he/she is in Carnegie Music Hall.

A special “thank you” goes to the two women who helped with serving and packing away after the meal—Mary Ann and Arlene, two Kitcheners who were not supposed to be “on duty” but who somehow still found their way into the kitchen to help.

Thank you, most of all to God, for giving us all these blessings, and all these wonderful people in our lives!

Thank you, our Employees and Volunteers. Your generous help and care for us are a sign of your love for Jesus and your faithfulness to Him. In all you have done for us, you recognize that Jesus is in your midst and that your care for us is care for Jesus Himself.

We pray for you that Jesus will keep you healthy and strong in your service for us and your enthusiasm will not run dry. Just as we have received so much from God – gifts freely given us – through you, so we freely give to you in return through our prayers. As our Venerable Mother Alphonse Marie encourages us, we give thanks to God for His unmerited grace, given us through you.

God bless you!