One of the outstanding characteristics of our community is our flexibility and adaptability. Guests and friends are often surprised how easily our Sisters seem to be able to take present circumstances in stride, make adjustments and make the best of everything--always having tons of fun in the meantime.
A recent example comes to mind: The Christmas Blizzard of 2009.
Why were we surprised that we started on Dec 24th with just a few raindrops that slowly turned to sleet that quickly turned to blowing snow? We had life neatly planned for ourselves--we would celebrate Midnight Eucharist (as we always have; and had invited just about everyone we know to come and celebrate with us), have our Christmas reception with tons of cookies, candy and spiced cidar, and continue celebrating leisurely throughout the following day. We had put it on Facebook, on Twitter, and every other social media available and still at 5:30 pm on Dec 24th we decided to cancel for this year...or at least readjust. We did it out of a concern for the safety of our guests and friends and also taking into account the raging blizzard outside.
SO...what did we do instead? We called the media to post our closing, and we contacted our friends again through texts, email, Facebook and Twitter and spread the word. We gathered at 8pm for a modified Christmas snack of cookies and cider and watched the blizzard continue. We made plans for a late morning Eucharist (which almost got cancelled also when our celebrant called to say that his car was stuck in BA). We readjusted again and found a different celebrant for our Eucharist.
Throughout all this, we remained faithful listening to one another and to what was happening around us. We were faithful to who we are and who we have become.
Please pray for the young men and women attending the Focus Conference this weekend in Orlando.
Sr. Catherine, OSB
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