This year’s annual Valentine Tea hosted by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon actually occurred on Valentine’s Day this year. The SSMO Community entertained 52 guests in their home with hand-made tea sandwiches, special beverages and “mood music” performed by Sisters Juliana, Denise and John Therese with harp, voice and piano. They also gave away door prizes and a lovely afternoon was had by all who attended.

The annual event is the only fundraiser to support their Bethany Center ministry — an outreach in adult education to the greater community. Established by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon in 1992, the Bethany Center provides lifelong learning opportunities, personal and social transformation, and deepens the understanding of the word of God and the implication of the gospel in our world today. Bethany Center is a place of hospitality, spiritual refreshment and learning, and a catalyst for mission.

Click on each image to see a larger version.

The Sisters prepare their famous "tea" sandwiches in the dining room the day before.	These red-hatted women, known as "The Chrysanthemums" are the first to RSVP each year.
These lovebirds were hand-carved from apples by Sr. Theresa Lan Nguyen in preparation for the event.	The tables are set and ready for guests!

Posted by Thomas Kohler in About the Sisters, For the Sisters