Monday, November 8, 2010
I don’t usually do fundraising appeals from the blog, but my staff pointed out to me PayPal is running a contest this week for non-profits like St. Joseph’s. They will match any donation you make up to $5,000. There are bonuses for the charity with the most transactions and most money raised. The contest runs the next 4 days, November 9 – November 12. (www.stjo.org/paypal)
While I was in the chapel with my community for prayer and adoration right before lunch, I heard a great crash and felt the ground rumble. It was planned but still caught me by surprise. One of the ancient cottonwoods on Wisdom Circle had been felled. Foster, our groundskeeper told me he felt guilty about bringing some of the trees down, but they have gotten so large and heavy. Their location next to the buildings and playground makes them a risk to students and staff. The children in the Benedict homes who feed the squirrels were worried about their loss of habitat. They thought that Skipper (their name for the head squirrel) and his friends should be happy when the Burr Oak trees are planted and take root.
I recall a local rancher’s definition of an optimist – a resident of South Dakota who plants a tree! I daydreamed about all the children who have played under their shade over the years, and how as those trees grew, they witnessed how St. Joseph’s has taken root and grown over the years as well.
Big girls basketball game against our arch rival Chamberlain Cubs is tonight. I helped out in the concession stand, then worked at the scorer’s table for a quarter so Andy could make more popcorn for the large and hungry crowd. Chamberlain came away with two victories and bragging rights, but we’ll see them before the season is over and try again.
I hope you can help me out . My little grandaughter was so taken by the recent letter you sent me. She had me read the letter from Erika over and over. She would like to be her pinpal of another child more her age. Jodi is 6 (Nov. 19, 2010) and is a very dear child. She wants to send a box of items also, but would like to have a response from you. She has written a letter already, with my help, so she is so excited about this adventure. Please respond when possible. With many thanks, and God bless.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Moore
626 So. Lafayette St.
Macomb, il. 61455
(309) 836-2211
Good morning Bonnie,
Thank you so much for your interest within St. Joseph’s Indian School and happy birthday Jodi (in about a week 😀 ). You sound like you have such a precious family! Please be watching your email inbox from an email from St. Joseph’s Indian School!
Thank you again and have a blessed day!
The coming down of the trees, also touches my heart; as I do NON-PROFIT; WILDLIFE REHAB.and RELEASE.–MY’ very first educational animal, a squirrel, named CHIPPER was the lead squirrel around this household for several years. The LOVE of the animals, truly grabs my heart, and the children that also LOVE them are SPECIAL too. I hope that the children will always know that GOD also created the animals, as all with warm blood, and heart-beats, –They also fight for survival, as that is all they know to do.–it does help to continue to feed them when food is scarce, due to season changes. There are many small, or babies that fall from nest, BUT IF!! they are put in a basket, hung as HIGH as possible, as close to where their nest is, or where you think it is, THE MOTHER WILL usually come and get them, and take them back to the nest.–Mothers’ also grieve when they loose their babies, so ALWAYS try to get them reunited.– Tell the children, that there is a part of GOD in each of the creatures he creates, the same as themselves. ALL ARE CREATED WITH LOVE.
I am ALWAYS here to help in anyway I possible can. and am listed on the
TEXAS WILDLIFE REHABILITATION INTERNET SITE.
Fr. Steve, I am sure you have all of my contact, information, if needed,it is my privilege to help anyone, that GOD sends my way.–
GOD BLESS’-
Cynthia & Critters
It seems that the lovers of nature are all around St. Joseph’s!
Right now, we have raptors all over our neighborhood. What a BEAUTIFUL sight. ..! Some of the wingspans are 5 or six feet..! They will try to get small animals, even cats and dogs for food. One of them tried to attack our son the other day. He fought it off with a broom. They don’t usually do that, so they must be hungry. They are MAGNIFICENT..!
It’s sad to lose a tree. They are , like angels, God’s messengers..They bring messages through their branches and leaves…in the wind. Just listen. Read “Blue Winds Dancing”..and “Little Tree”..The kids at St. Jo’s would also love those. “The Grandfather” is also very good, but difficult to find a copy of..!
Prayers..and Hugs,
Mia and Bob