August 7th

On August 7th I was back in Lodi. I spent that week before vows taking care of details for my profession Mass and reception, putting my program together, as well as visiting the sisters who were home and relaxing. They had a nice celebration for me at the infirmary, where our senior and ailing sisters live. These sisters are not able to walk over to the other convent on the property, and several of them expressed real regret that they could not be there for it. The local minister there, Sr. Lynn Marie, had a solution: to bring me to them! I attended Mass there that day; it was offered for my personal intentions. Then I helped them with Clare's Cafe, an activity that they have for the sisters. Their chef bakes pastries and other lovely homemade goodies for them, brews fresh coffee, and then the sisters are brought down to enjoy these treats together. I served the sisters, talked to them, and brought some back to their rooms when they were finished. Afterwards, I joined them for their main meal, which is at lunchtime. I spoke at the microphone to the sisters about my plans and feelings of excitement and joy, and was edified by their love and the wise advice that they gave me. My time before vows was a nice combination of preparation and celebration.