Newsletter #27 - December 2020
Dear Auxiliary Members and friends of the Carmelites,
The Sisters are sending out their Christmas greetings separately, but I wanted to extend my best and warmest wishes to you for the Christmas season that is fast approaching.
As I sit here on a rainy Third Sunday of Advent, Guadete Sunday, I feel calm and peaceful in spite of the quarantines and the storm. We have so much to be thankful for, not the least of which is the generosity that you have shown to the Sisters this year. When it became obvious that we could not have our annual luncheon fundraiser, you stepped up to send the Sisters regular donations. Many people found ways to make the drive up to Fox Run Road to bring food items to the Sisters; others sent regular checks in the mail. Still others found new ways to be helpful to them.
Meanwhile, we have been working on assembling a cookbook of the most delicious recipes. The Sisters each contributed their favorite recipes, and some of them are originals! Sr. Agnes drew the cutest little forest creatures to decorate the book, and two other Sisters contributed really funny stories that I know you will love to read.
Several of you, our generous members, contributed some of your favorite recipes, too. All of the recipes that were submitted are included in the book. Believe me when I say that I cannot wait to try to cook some of these recipes! They range from simple to complex, comfort food to guests-for-dinner food. The categories are salads, soups, veggies, rice & beans, egg dishes, meatless dishes, fish, meat, desserts & breads, and special diets. As soon as the cookbook is printed, I will let you know how you can get your hands on a copy (or copies!). Since we are not a retail store, the cookbook will be offered for a “suggested donation”.
I wanted to give you some updates about the Monastery. The Sisters’ Masses are not open to the public at this time. As in most of the Northern California area, our churches are closed for public worship. This also applies to the Sisters’ chapel, unfortunately. We all look forward to going to Mass in person again, and when the Sisters get the okay from the Diocese to reopen their chapel for the public to attend Mass, they will let us know. Meanwhile, you can still make a silent visit. The crèche scene is up, and the icicle lights are on the outside of the Monastery, so you can visit outside and enjoy the simple decorations if you are in the area.
I wish you a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let’s all pray that Mary will help us in 2021 to be safe, Covid-free, and still have our religious liberties protected. We pray for our Church, for her good guidance, and for our Country, for a peaceful and just end to our divisions. God bless you, your families and friends.
In Christ,
Patty MacEgan
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Auxiliary