With school now well underway, I cannot help but reflect on all the fun I had this summer. My recreation seemed to kick-off officially when we went to Jesus Jamboree, a summer camp the Sisters host annually at Camp Howard. There I was able to lose track of time, eat more Cheetos than I thought was humanly possible, turn my fingers blue as we all tie-dyed shirts, and celebrate Mass overlooking Mt Hood.

In August we celebrated Community Days which was a wonderful time to see Sisters who I normally do not get see. We had time to gather in groups to discuss community issues and faith share. I experienced new prayers, some of which included song and dance. We ended the week with a trip to the Tillamook Forest Center and then to the Tillamook Cheese Factory for ice cream!

Towards the end of the month many of the Sisters went on an “Armchair Vacation” to Mexico. We watched “in-flight movies” about Mexico, ate fabulous food, made fun crafts, learned new facts, practiced a little Spanish, and saw a Mariachi band as well as Folklorico dancers. It felt almost as relaxing as a retreat, but with more fun and activities.

Finally, I was able to spend a weekend at a lake with my family. It is always a joy to see them; sometimes I forget how goofy we can be when we get together. As much as I enjoyed swimming, taking a boat ride, and playing cards with my family, it was in the hours we spent gathered around food and drink talking and laughing that I had the most fun.

A committee of six Sisters who claim the title of the SSMO Travel Agents (Sisters Barbara Jean, Adele Marie, Noreen, Rose Mary, Michael Francine and Charlene) planned an “Armchair Vacation” for any Sisters interested in exploring various aspects of Mexico from the comfort of a chair at home. The flight was delayed on the first day due to the peaches needing attention but when it finally lifted off, everything was in order – including airplane jokes, prayer at liftoff, and snacks being delivered on a cart! The three days took the “tourists” to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and the Yucatan Peninsula via DVD presentations. In addition, the folk dances of the region were enjoyed on the big screen as well as in person. The youth dancers from St. Anthony Parish in Forest Grove delighted the Sisters with their costumes and dance one evening. The following evening the Sisters sat outside and enjoyed the music, song, and dance of Sr. Juana’s brother’s Mariachi Band. Each day included prayer in Spanish, Saint of the Day, filling in the souvenir book with facts and trivia as well as a craft of the region.

The “Travel Agents” appreciated the affirmations of the 17 participants and were touched by one of the Sisters who due to poor health is not able to travel when she said, “I hope we can do this again – I feel like I went somewhere.” The Travel Agents hope to oblige!

The second “annual” Community Days Outing took place on August 15 with a trip to the relatively new Tillamook Forest Center about 20 miles west of Tillamook on the Wilson River Highway (Hwy 6). Thirty Sisters with sunglasses in hand boarded the bus at noon for an enjoyable excursion toward the coast. At the Center a 15-minute film described the destruction caused by the fires that began in 1933 and returned on a 6-year cycle: 1939, 1945, and 1951. The exhibits, demonstrations, and fire watch tour entertained and educated the visitors. With only 20 more miles to get to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, the bus moved on to this great tourist spot. Unfortunately, the workers at the Cheese Factory were not on the job, but the samples of cheese were available and the ice-cream was as delicious as ever!

This summer several Sisters (Janet, John Therese, Paula, and Angeline) volunteered to serve as mentors to our Sisters for whom English is their second language. One-on-one sessions occurred for two or three weeks in July to the benefit of all.

Many students receive religious education throughout the year in parishes but not every parish is able to arrange to have four Sisters to travel seven hours and develop the theme and lesson plans for a week of religious instruction during the summer. In turn, the Sisters (Marianne, Barbara Rose, Thuy and Julie) felt abundantly blessed and welcomed by the staff, parents, and students at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Ontario, Oregon.

Sr. Sara taught religious education classes in Crane, Oregon again this summer. Truly she wins the loyalty and longevity award having returned every summer for about 25 years. For several years, Sr. Marcella teamed with her on this endeavor.

Our Missioning theme for 2009-10 is “Jesus, help me make a lasting difference.” One author describes how St. Therese of the Child Jesus, a contemplative was able to do this - “she used the various forms of ministry available to her: witnessing to and through her faith, joyful goodness, an attentive ear, the right word at the right moment and advice and encouragement in her letters.”

Using her sewing skills, Sr. M. Hugh, who at 96 years of age continues to minister, has offered to make baby blankets and diapers for an organization that provides various items to people where disaster has struck. All the materials are supplied and she applies her generosity and sewing skills. To date she has made approximately 10 blankets and 20 diapers. For several years now, Sister has also created homemade greeting cards which she has donated to her home parish, St. Michael’s Parish in Conrad, Montana. Income from the card sales is donated to the religious education program.

With a large “family” to feed come many generous volunteers to assist with food preservation. Sr. Ina Marie, our “coordinator of canning”, could have panicked when 20 boxes of peaches were donated to the Community. But a call for volunteers resulted in 77 half-gallon jars of peaches readied for mid-winter delight!