J.M. + J.T.

Dear friends of M.A.R.Y.,

How good it was to have seen some of you at the recent celebration of the Silver Jubilee of Vows of our Sister Ann Marie of Christ, on August 24th. We had a truly joyful, blessed time, and your presence made it even more special. Her family from Hawaii was in attendance. They even sang the Offertory hymn in Hawaiian, to the accompaniment of the ukulele. After the Mass, they came up into the Sanctuary to put leis around Sister’s head. She was covered in flowers from her shoulders up to her smile. The two priest celebrants and each Sister also received one, so we all were bedecked like true Hawaiians, to share in Sister’s joy!

Joys sometimes come in pairs. On Monday, October 7, feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, our Sister Veronica Rose of Jesus Crucified will celebrate her Silver Jubilee of Profession at a holy Mass at 10:00 AM. You are more than welcome to attend our “double-header”!

Sister’s brother Lyle and his wife Lei Baybayan

Sometimes it seems as if our world was allergic to commitment. The God who calls us is faithful to His promises. Each one of us strives to be faithful in return, in whatever state of life we are in. You dear members of the Auxiliary have shown a four-year fidelity to the cause of supporting our Carmelite monastery, and we Sisters are deeply grateful. As St. Peter says in his first epistle, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (I Peter 4:10). This is just what you all do – you pool your talents and gifts for God’s honor and glory, and direct the benefits towards us. We want you to know that we, your Carmelite Sisters, offer our gifts of prayer and sacrifice for each one of you. We appreciate your labors on our behalf. We don’t forget you. May God bless your autumn with His bounty.

Prayerfully in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,

Mother Mary Bethany & Sisters

Pictures of Sr. Ann Marie and of her brothers and sister-in-law are used with permission from Suzanne Woods, S and R Woods Photography.

Auxiliary News

The Luncheon is rapidly approaching! September 28 is around the corner, and the Luncheon is again at St. Mel’s in Fair Oaks. The time will still be 12-3, with doors opening at 11:30. New this year is a Guest Speaker: Father Joshy Mathew, OCD. Father Joshy will talk about the similarities and differences in the different Carmelite orders.

Your money goes to improving the Monastery buildings and maintenance. In particular, this summer we built a new sidewalk the goes from the driveway down to the St. John Villa meeting rooms. Here is the sidewalk you built!

We need the following:

Help with the luncheon this year, set up, take down, organization
Donate new items for the raffle
Donate big ticket items such as trips, cabins, golf outings, etc. for the auction

If you can help out in any way, email me asap.

The Quilt is incredibly beautiful. You can buy raffle tickets at the following churches after Masses: St. Rose, Sept. 7-8; OLA, Sept. 14-15; Presentation, Sept. 14-15. Tickets are also available at the Luncheon. The design is by Jinny Beyer, a popular quilt designer, and is called “Echoes”. It is in shades of blue, aqua and violet.

Once again we will have some fabulous auction items and raffle prizes! We also have a gluten-free option on the menu. Please join us! Reserve your spot:

Go to our website, www.carmeliteauxiliary.org, and click on the Events tab.

Please come to the Luncheon. If you can’t make it, please consider making a donation. Donations can be made online at out website.

In Christ,

Patty MacEgan

Carmelitehelpers@gmail.com

Newsletter #20 - August Events