This week magical things are happening at Sacred Heart Retreat House which is also our Motherhouse. Saturday is our annual “Family Festival and Boutique” and these last days of preparation are full, to say the least.
So if you were to take a sampling of sisters and ask them how they have been helping, you would get quite an overview of the event:
Sister Juanita: I got to play with arrange the toys that will be sold in the Boutique. I arranged all the snake door draft stoppers (you have to see them to believe how cute they are.) And there is the cuddliest little stuffed dog! (You have to see Sister when she says it to believe how cute she is!)
Sister Janelle: I made eight pans of Carmelite Delight (chocolate toffee candy that is indescribably delicious) the first night, and thirteen the second night. I’m on a roll! (She and her helpers graciously made mistakes on one pan each night, so we helped her conceal the evidence, meaning we happily ate the mistakes. Oops, sister I think you still have a little chocolate on your lip!)
Sister Gloria Therese: I took a stroll through the roses (which are still blooming prolifically) to make sure none were sticking their thorny branches out where they might catch a passerby. Roses are better seen than felt!
Sister Julianna: I am trying not to go crazy organizing all the volunteers. Everyone has been so generous in offering to help, I think we will have more than ever! God bless them!
Sister Mary Louise (me): Hotdogs, check. Cheese for enchiladas, check. Pancit noodles, check. Pizza, check. Yes, looks like food booths are in order.
All the Sisters: Lord God, we humbly ask for Your blessing upon our Family Festival and Boutique. May this day be filled with Your presence, joy, and peace. May those who attend know the immense love of Your Sacred Heart and may the generosity of all involved serve to sustain our efforts to serve You in our retreat work. Mary, watch over our preparations and show us your motherly care.
See you on Saturday!!!
Carmelite Sisters's Blog 
What a beautiful day!!! Someone asked me this evening if our event had been successful. I have no idea how much money was raised, but that really is secondary. No, make that way down on the list. Primary is that MANY souls were touched by the love of Christ through us and the 250 volunteers who helped us. Secondary is that the joy that spilled out all though our grounds was incredibly tangible today. Successful? Beyond measure! Blessed be God!
Thanks for your honesty about helping out with “mistakes”…what generous souls you all are!!
Your event was in our prayers….I know what a blessing the day is in the lives of all involved AND what a blessing it is to have a little rest now from pie baking, candy eating, etc.