No. 10 THE October 2019 CABRINI COMMUNICATOR A newsletter by and for the St. Frances Cabrini Community

Prayer for Guidance during Cabrini Strategic Planning Process O Divine Mystery; God of our Past, our Present and our Future. We are a people of faith who put our trust in You. We come before you, asking for the gifts of Grace, and Inspiration of the Holy Spirit to guide the Strategic Planning Team, and our parish faith community as we look towards the future. May we be mindful of the charism of our parish, embodied by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, who welcomed the newcomer and stranger alike in her time. In appreciation for our history of past works of charity, mercy and identity, may we be open to the possibilities of new visions of who our parish community will be. May we be led to be transformative leaven, in an ever-changing neighborhood, our fellow faith communities and our Church. Cabrini Youth Trip to Peru

his August, five members of Cabrini traveled to Peru to participateT in a service learning and cultural immersion experience. AJ Spolyar-East, Alex Shuck, and Sophie Earl-Moseley made the journey along with chaperones Matthew Nokleby and Sophie Hunt. The trip was organized through Xperitas, a non-profit based here in the Twin Cities, who sent two leaders to facilitate the journey and the cultural experience. After landing in Peru, the team traveled to the village of Chirapa, where we stayed with host families. We spent much of our time helping to build a new classroom for the local school. We cleared debris and leveled ground so that local construction workers could lay bricks and pour concrete. When not doing manual labor, we taught English Cabrini Travelers from L-R: AJ Spolyar-East, Alex Shuck, facilitator, Sophie Hunt, Matthew to schoolchildren, challenged them to Nokleby, facilitator, Sophie Earl-Moseley outdoor games, and brushed up (or AJ East started from scratch!) on speaking would cook both the other meals too. Spanish. When I arrived in Peru, the village was They were super nice and very friendly. Teenagers and adults alike faced not quite at all what I was expecting. They gave us places to sleep, new drinks challenges—pit latrines, unfamiliar I came in the mindset thinking it to try and just gave us a feel of what food, and a steep language barrier. But was going to be a nice little village everyday life was like at home. as the trip progressed, we developed a on a beach or something, based on level of comfort with the community. the couple photos I had seen. I was Our host families taught us the ins expecting more like straw houses and and outs of village life while eagerly whatnot but it was quite a bit different. inquiring about life in the United The majority of the houses were built States. The school teachers, who helped from bricks and cement. It took a little with English lessons, also taught bit of getting used to but it was an us some Quechua words. The kids enjoyable experience once I did. enthusiastically played rounds of Pato, I had a blast playing with the kids, Pato, Ganso (Duck, Duck, Goose—or, and trying to communicate with them as we Minnesotans know it, Pato, Pato, when a translator was not nearby. I was Pato Gris). We all got a taste of what horrible at it but it was still a fun time. I it means to make connections across really liked how everyone in the village cultures, to work hard on behalf of gave off just a really positive vibe. It just others, and to function as a team. seemed like everyone was worry free Each of the student participants has and I found that really cool. written a short reflection on their time Our host family really were great in Chirapa. hosts, they would wake up early everyday to make us breakfast. They

2 Finally I want to thank Cabrini and rewarding. The kids would always be that what I miss most is the children. Xperitas for making this all possible, very appreciative to see and play with Although I did not speak Spanish, I had a blast on the trip, all thanks to us, and Sophie E. quickly became the we somehow communicated and we them. Once again, thank you so much. village celebrity among the children. had fun spending hours together at Building the school helped me be the park and coloring. Working with Alex Shuck a part of a community that I wasn’t the construction workers was also so Getting accustomed to the rustic living as familiar with. I enjoyed helping the much fun. An earthquake destroyed a situations of Chirapa was difficult for construction workers out. Teaching the class room and we were there to help everyone at first. Of course, there were children English was actually one of my out with renewing it to its original the latrines that we all had to go to favorite parts of the trip and something state. Our youth trip to Peru was unlike the bathroom in, but it extended to I’m not likely to forget. Overall the trip anything I have ever done before and I everything, including sanitization and was something I was super glad to have am so lucky and grateful to have been a showers. Once adjusted, however, I happen. If I had a do-over, I’d choose to part of it. Thank you so much Cabrini found the entire experience to be very do it again in a heartbeat. for making this experience possible. Sophie Earl-Moseley On August 7 of 2019, I was lucky enough to embark on an awe inducing trip to Chirapa, Peru, a small village in the foothills of the Andes. As a self- reliant agricultural village, they made amazing lives for themselves. Never before have I experienced that kind of community and love. I can honestly say that I am homesick for the people of Chirapa who made us feel so loved. I loved the fresh pineapple and plantains, Footnote: This trip was partially funded as well as the amazing fresh chicken. The by the M-T Cabrini Fund which is set up school we worked on was a 5-minute to fund such trips as this for our Cabrini walk and was well made, even with youth. There will be a similar opportunity toilets and running water. The children next year. were like my own little flock of joy that followed me everywhere. I must say Peru trip photos continued on page 27...

3 An Hour in the Salon

ntering the residents’ beauty salon shoulders from the front. At the end of off his mother’s bill soon. She is to be at St. Therese’s Long-term Care her rinse, all three, floor and chair have washed and set three times a month.” Efacility in New Hope MN for the first been sprayed down. “Is it worth it?” Mrs. Lee is disdainful. “Exactly which time, I scrinch up my eyes. Fuchsia Penn sighs as she sinks back into her three weeks is Mom to be done? He walls, drapes, and sheers, hot pink vinyl wheelchair. doesn’t show up to see his mother on any armchairs, the bite of ammonia. Above Gert, in a purple sweatsuit, a defiant of the weeks. What a pain he is!” the three stylists’ stations hang globular contrast to the other patrons’ pastel Does the nursing home staff make similar lamps curtained by strings of pink glass sweaters and polyester slacks, declares comments about Grandma’s family? Two beads. Between the stations, photos of that it is now her turn. Lee helps her out of her six children only visit on holidays. young women with billowing hair peer of her wheelchair and to the wash station. Of the two who seem to feel more affection down on the balding patrons. The stylists Gert has forgotten her lower dentures, toward their mother, one devotes his visit to wear coordinated sweatshirts; Lee is but reminded by a P. A. announcement issuing orders to Grandma and the staff, the in pink stripes, Jeannie in blue. Pink that tonight’s entertainment will be a other offers monologues on her social life. All poodles march across Bernice’s might be considered pains. front, while “Coloring and Perms” Gert, her new do now capping is announced on her back. A tiny the royal purple, wants to be charcoal Scotch terrier prances wheeled back to her room. Jeannie, through the maze of legs, flaunting holding Mary’s hand, asks if they her red ribbons. might accompany Gert on the It is 2 p.m. Grandma, in a scarlet promenade back. Gert haughtily sweater, is a bit hard to spot amongst replies that she doesn’t know Mary. the commotion. Finding her, I shed Undeterred, Jeannie escorts them my jacket and sit down nearby, off. Bernice moves Grandma to watching as the other patrons are the dryer. Grandma motions me whirled to the sink, dried or brushed to sit on a stool beside her, but I out. When an aide urges her to might just as well be on the other finish her lunch, Grandma pokes side of the room, since blowing air disinterested at cold fish sticks and has forced Grandma to turn off cherry cheesecake. As soon as the her hearing aid. A dribble of sweat aide turns away, Grandma picks up meanders down the side of my ribs. a letter from her elder son lying on Helen, now sitting next to the tray. She doesn’t seem much in Grandma and apparently still the mood for talking. thirsty, attempts to push up the What is she thinking? I wonder. dryer bonnet. Bernice helps her, Was he really her favorite as my then turns to roll Julie. Lee and aunts claimed? Had she ever seen this son Norway travelogue, she describes her Jeannie prop up Mrs. Penn for another realistically: his bombast, impulsiveness, sojourn in France to the girls. Her eyes rinse job. Helen now sees her chance. the old anger hidden beneath his handsome focused on a warm memory, the story Silently she swings her wheelchair face? Or by her nineties had she forgotten trails off . . . “Those Frenchmen . . . ” around Grandma’s lunch tray and Julie’s what she once knew? As Grandma emerges from the other walker. As Helen passes the last station Belatedly, Bernice realizes that each sink, Helen, now being rolled, is thirsty. on her way to the door, Lee asks casually, of the stylists thought another was to do “Where’s the bar?” she inquires. “Ready to be combed out, Helen?” Grandma and comes over and escorts “Yes! We should have a bar!” Bernice “Yes, please,” Helen responds politely her to a station. Meanwhile, Mrs. Penn agrees. as she continues on her journey. Where is has been waiting for someone to rinse “We could put in a keg and name the that bar anyway? her perm. Pulled to her feet, Mrs. Penn shop Fizz and Fuzz!” suggests Lee. As she dries, Grandma holds up her is urged forward with Jeannie’s gentle Jeannie reports that Mrs. Hanson’s spread fingers and inspects their ruby- push from behind as Lee supports her son has just called. “He promises to pay coated nails. They do not please. Bernice

4 An Hour in the Salon Smelling Travel comes over and pats her arm. “Next time, Opening the window on pre-dawn hours dearie.” Rushes in breezes and aromas Whenever did Grandma wear polish Repaints reminders of rushing before she entered the home? Usually there Of excitement and dashing for departures was dirt under her nails. When I cycled To counters and concourses of travel. over to pick raspberries in her huge garden, Winds carry whiffs of aircraft fuel most often I would find her in the rose Of first morning mist and chilly air bed. Spotting me, she would plunge her spade tip into the luscious dirt, push herself With momentary glances on dew covered grass. up from her knees and invite me into the Then gazing aloft to a quiet half-moon house. There she would pull out a handful Seemingly hanging in a still dark sky of oatmeal-raisin cookies from the fat lady Bouncing back light in the direction of journeys. cookie jar, arrange them on a china plate Spurs one to begin the countdown moments and pour me a glass of milk. We would then Gathering bags and personal belongings adjourn to the round oak table on the back Then racing for doors in the witching hour. porch and watch a mauve-breasted finch Waiting in peaceful solitude and quiet or a hummingbird at her feeders. After our Anticipating the time (for limo arrival,) to assist in limos cookie break, she would tour me through her Then riding away in dome lit seats wildflower bed explaining where she had Leaving behind routines and stresses, discovered each variety. Taking final moments to breathe By now the salon has emptied, and The morning air. Grandma’s thin hair is crispy curly – Kara Kirsch until Bernice fluffs it into a white halo. “There you are—all ready to see your boyfriends,” she calls as we leave. Autumn Prayer Grandma chuckles. “Those girls! God of all seasons, Source of all life. The blessings and gifts of Autumn What jokers!” are here once again. I place fingertips on my temples, As the trees begin saying goodbye to their leaves, we marvel at the massaging a headache. How do those girls reds, golds and yellows that adorn their branches. May we gently let do it? go of that which needs surrendering. * * * Reading this sketch years later, tears fill As the cycle of the growing season comes to an end, we savor the my eyes. That hour is the clearest memory bountiful harvest we’ve been given. May our gratitude grow and I have of Grandma’s last years. My other our generous hearts expand. visits with her flow together: lunches, walks As we watch geese flying south for another season, may your wisdom through the grounds, playing bingo, paging enable us to know what needs to be left behind and what to carry through photo albums. But all that fuchsia into the future. etched one particular hour in memory. And As plants bend, wrinkle and turn brown, may we remember the what does it matter what Grandma’s nail wisdom of those who have gone before us. color painted over? It could well have coated As cool, grey days mix with days of the sun’s golden rays, may we over years and years of hanging onto sanity entrust our efforts with the work of the Spirit. by her fingernails, blinding herself to what As the darkness is illumined by the harvest moon, may we embrace the was happening around her. But for me mystery and wonder of our lives. she was the person who greeted me with May we remember we are rich beyond measure. oatmeal cookies and presented me with a May we live peacefully in Autumn’s grace, for she understands that coral rose to carry home the seed of God’s love rests in the ground of our being and that –– Rosemary Ruffenach hidden in Winter’s death is Springs potential for new life. - Marilyn Gates

5 Dear Communicator...

or much of this past year my world the entire day. I feel an added sense of Loss was saturated with words too heavy responsibility to use this time well. I know I know your name Fto write or speak. During that year, “We must trust in the small light we as we’ve spent time together loved ones have died and my husband are given and to value the light we can Bill still bears the scars of his encounters shed into the lives of those around us over the years, with respiratory failure, diabetic crisis . . . We live in a world alive with holy but it’s momentarily escaped and double pneumonia. Though it was moments. We need only take the time into the ether spring, I felt muffled in a winter world. to bring these moments into the light,” along with certainty as to I moved through each day in a strange writes Kent Wilburn in his lovely little whether or not inner silence, capable only of coping book Small Graces. I first encountered I took my pills this morning. with visits to the ICU and weeks of his writings in 1998 when we moved entire days spent in three different to Lake Superior’s North Shore. In It’s bothersome and a bit hospitals. Bill returned home in such a an environment live with miracles, worrisome, frail and weakened condition I moved his quiet reflective words mirrored my yet I know you understand in a vaporous world of uncertainty. desire to live a spiritual life and that is as I’ve watched you searching Would today be my last with him? how I’ve tried to live most of my life. for that right word Would I be alone tomorrow? Thanks, To remain open to the light present in every moment. To welcome each day as or the name of the movie you the miracle it is. so enjoyed Friday night. Our small book club is thriving. A friend (whatever her name Together we delight in discovering the is…) creative world within us. It has renewed described it as going to the my love of writing. While I have still not finished with The Glass Chrysalis, help desk of a library, I’ve been working on bringing The Scent asking for a certain book and of God, which had gone out of print, waiting back to life. I’d hoped to announce the while the little guy frantically publication of the new edition in this searches newsletter but life intervened and its rebirth has been delayed. It includes a up and down dimly lit wonderful new cover, beautiful interior corridors design, the addition of an Introduction until suddenly reappearing and an updated afterword. It should out of breath however, to the effort of a blessed crew be ready early this fall. I shall keep you with just what I was looking of doctors, nurses, and therapists and informed. courageous efforts of his own, he is Meanwhile, may you be strong, may for. growing stronger. Buoyed by hope and you be happy, may you be healthy. May It all comes along with filled with gratitude, I can now reach you live your life with gladness. (Prayer diminished stamina, for words with which to reconnect of Loving Kindness) arthritis and an assortment of with you, to let you know that though I –– Beryl Bissell digestive disorders. was silent, you were never far from my mind. It helps to have friends and Conscious of the rapid passage of fellow travelers time and my approaching 80th birthday, to share this phase of our I wake each morning with a renewed journey. sense of wonder at the gift of life. Bill – Steven M. Lukas is still with me and gratitude floods

6 Notes from our Past: Communicators 1979,‘80, ‘81 &‘87

• Pictures of First Communicants to hear.) I think that love isn’t only a saw the following “strengths” in and Confirmation candidates were pious practice in this church—love is Cabrini members: frequent in these Communicators; something living here.” I also believe • “A. a really good people…filled nice to see, especially when it’s that’s a standard we accept and strive with love of God and neighbor, your kids who now have their own to live. • B. a firm conviction that the children. • Through the 1970’s, the church is the people and the • In January, 1980 there were pictures Communicator staff counted people are the church. of 15 teachers active in our education the passing of 12 young Cabrini • C. a recognition that the programs. members, 2 infants and 3 seniors. No itinerary which each person • Early and continuing into 1980, doubts were expressed, but prayers follows on the way to God may serious illness and death came to certainly flooded the heavens. have many turns and detours. be our focus as our Secretary and • It is evident that financial resources • D. a distinguished and varied Coordinator of all things Cabrini, were a continuing concern during array of talents. Rosemary McGregor, and Fred these years. A strong belief in • E. a core of generous people, Post, a young active member both Cabrini by its members and Pastors who can and do contribute to died. Rosemary stayed in her own weathered whatever storms came the work of Cabrini financially. apartment with the help of her up. During this time, “Fund Raisers” • F. a location in the heart of the strong will and at least 43 Cabrini were not an uncommon occurrence Twin Cities…” volunteers who enabled her wishes. including paper drives (yes, fill the Prayers and poems flowed at the end truck with newsprint), a Large I think, in all humility, that we, as of Rosemary’s life. Garage Sale, The Spaghetti Dinner— the Cabrini community strive for the • Roseanne Sullivan, a recent arrival at now the November Mother Cabrini quality of a Christian community that Cabrini at the time, wrote a letter to celebration—and the Chimera our forebears, including quite a number the “People of Cabrini” about our love Benefit Performances—bought out of us, set an example for our Cabrini and response to Rosemary’s request the house and brought down the community of today. and faith in us. It was included in house to the delight of the show –– Compilation and comments a 1980 Communicator. Her last cast—we topped all other audiences by Bob Reid paragraph was the following: “There in appreciation so said the Chimera is something different about you casts. people. (I know you know that about • Fr. Mike Slusser, our Pastor for two yourselves already, but it’s always nice years in the late ‘80’s, wrote that he

Dumb Lights

In recent years, I have had trouble with my electric lights. My LED light bulbs are supposed to last forever, but they seem to blink a lot and burn out far too soon. I complained to my apartment manager, and a caretaker checked out the wiring. He figured that my surge arrestor strips were faulty. This week I read about smart light bulbs. To turn off their Smartness you need to spend at least two minutes turning them on and off while counting the seconds between off and on. It sounds horribly complicated. And, sure enough, my bedroom light bulb, blinking on and off on its own is “smart.” It was signaling to its Fathership. So I went to a big box store and bought the stupidest light bulbs I could find. The kind I can control with a light switch. And I replaced my Smart bulbs with dim ones. Now, to figure out what to do with my alien light bulbs looking for Daddy… Kate Shields

7 Welcome Back! Compiled by Chris Kosowski

ver the years the Cabrini I had the blessing of being able to “come re-discovering Cabrini. I was drawn community continues to take back” to Cabrini all the way from college in to the Sanctuary work that parishioners Odelight in welcoming newcomers of all St. Paul, but it was my decision to continue were beginning to do in response to the ages, and the current time is no exception. as a member—Cabrini feels like such a home 2016 election. I continue to be active in the We seem to be especially blessed lately to me, and it has been especially meaningful Sanctuary movement and I see Cabrini as with young adults (such as those linked for me to get to know community members a model for living our faith within society. through the 20s-30s network) and not just as “Kathy and Bob Krasky’s elder Jim Aspholm families with young children. I hope daughter” but as myself, as an adult with the Cabrini Communicator can feature my own life. Of course, now I’m not quite For me, Cabrini was always like a second some of them, and their stories, in future “back” anymore, since I’m living in Denver home with all the familiar faces and loving issues, as has already happened with a for the year, but if the stars align and I end people. As a child and teenager, I remember few of them. up in the Twin Cities next year, I will be always looking forward to seeing the group There are some faces in our midst, back at Cabrini. of friends that I grew up with in the however, that are rather familiar…but Peace, parish whether it be at atrium, for Faith changed! This article will feature a few Becca Krasky formation, lock-ins or when we would words and thoughts from 11 of them— get together outside of church. Seeing these members who grew up at Cabrini as What I remember fondly about Cabrini— friends each week and sometimes more for children, and who returned after a time what brought me here in the first place— many years is something that I believe kept away for college or other reasons. I don’t was that there was an engaged teenage me grounded. Even though we don’t see claim to be all-inclusive here, so please youth group. We had “real life” lessons like each other often, if at all now, I still cherish add your story in a future issue, if it fits how to plan for retirement, and how to those people and those memories today and this category. cook simple meals. And then we had a deep always. I would like for my son Joey to have I asked these 11 members two history of the life and times of Jesus by Frank a similar opportunity to be surrounded by a questions—what is a memory you have Schweigert. There were some volunteering community of friends and feel at home there of your growing-up years at Cabrini, and events too that brought us full circle to why too. why did you return to Cabrini? I invited we are Catholic in the first place. Becky Jendro them to comment in whatever way they I took a hiatus in college and grad wished. Here are their own words: school—but the social justice themes that we Childhood memories: songs I still love, discussed throughout my youth group days challenging ideas, opportunities for young I remember the feeling of family. The feeling continued to be a priority. of safety, protection, and acceptance. I people to express themselves and contribute. What made me come back was a life Why I came back: It’s a place where people moved back to Saint Paul during a time change—getting married and having kids. in which I was unsure of how my family who have known me since childhood make We wanted our kids to have a solid basis in a me feel valued and welcome. The openness worked. I returned to Cabrini as a way Christian faith as so much of our American of finding a place where I knew who my to different beliefs makes it a good fit for me culture refers back to these roots. As was my and my partner now. family was. I returned for the peace. luck, my husband felt at home at Cabrini as Thank you for thinking of me, much as I did. Sophie Hunt Stasha Pauluk Becky (Schiller) Horton My own son Joseph returned to the As a kid, I loved being part of the Children’s Twin Cities after 13 years in Chicago, I don’t remember much from my first stint and writes: choir—going to the fall fun days (sometimes at Cabrini. My parents said that by the with a bonfire) and then getting to sing at time my little brother came along, getting Cabrini was always my other extended mass afterwards. I also remember my first everyone into and out of snowsuits required Communion—writing the “Shout for Joy” family growing up. To return home and working in shifts and we moved to a not return to Cabrini just didn›t even song together as a class, and dancing with neighborhood parish. When I moved back the vine. seem like a possibility. PLUS, we wanted to Minneapolis from a decade in Madison, for our boys to experience much the same I attended a few Catholic churches before

8 Welcome Back! Compiled by Chris Kosowski Privilege thing that I did growing up. In short, it’s The last person included here has roots home. that go back the longest, over 60 years— We’d been sliced and diced as we waited to board this Joseph Kosowski Jean Bickler. She and her family came in the early 1950s, and Jean received her morning, Two other members who grew up First Communion at Cabrini in about arriving as seeming equals at Cabrini—Anna Pfau and David 1952, with Confirmation the following but then herded into holding Gates—also went away to college, year. She described the now-stained pens and returned to the parish when they glass windows at the north end of the according to miles flown, family eventually came back to the Twin Cities. building as having simple solid glass structure, Both shared their music gifts at Cabrini in the early years, and the altar being impairment, degrees of feigned as children and youth, and now have at the top of the steps, under that tall loyalty window. As Jean recounted her early generously done so again upon their and, most of all, ability to pay. return! memories, she named the priests and shared anecdotes about them, one after No obvious discrimination The last 2 people shared memories using creed or color at least. that go back even further—50, 60, or the other. Other memories she shared At the end of a 10-hour trip more years ago: included her mother Mary Schneider’s role during parish fundraisers, being from Europe I was 8 years old in 1967 when we moved in charge of the “cherry tree” each year, our exit from the mega jet’s to Minneapolis from Seattle and started which held prizes awarded to various livestock section attending St. Frances Cabrini. The music winners. Jean recalled the long “dialogue was blocked by a stewardess and energy of the liturgy drew me in during homilies” of her early years, where the telling us to the turbulent years of the last 60s and early priest walked around the assembly with wait until the First-Class 70s. I made good friends and had fun a microphone, eliciting input from any passengers could exit and all. The Schneider family moved experiences camping and during retreats from their regal roost up front. with other teens and Cabrini families. The away for one year while Jean was young, but then returned, and Jean was married We, the unwashed in steerage, community felt like family, not everyone stood pawing the ground agreeing on everything, but committed at Cabrini in 1969. She stays at Cabrini watching them to working through things together. As because her roots are here—she grew up I returned from college in the early 80s, I in the parish, and she built relationships pass by leisurely in still crisp appreciated that Cabrini was a place I still with people in those early years! suits felt welcome, even though I felt estranged Like so many others, these members clutching their polished leather and unwelcomed by the institutional each bring many gifts to the parish cases. Roman Catholic church. Cabrini gave me week after week: being on the Strategic We outnumbered them at least the time and space to work through those Planning Team, involvement in 10:1. issues and finally claim “the church” as mine, liturgical music (8 of them!), being the We could have overpowered adventurous ladder climber to hang the and not simply belonging to those men in them. Rome. In adulthood, I began to appreciate outside banner, preaching, baking bread, social justice involvement, and more. But Christian temperament more and more the homilies and discussions and around spirituality and living God’s word Some are bringing their children now for fear of losing credits for miles in the world—as I lived in it. I keep coming Baptism, Atrium, and other aspects of over 50 years later, because sharing our parish life. THANKS to each for sharing ensured restraint stories, formally and informally, challenges their stories here. Finally—whether part as we naively believed someday, me, gives me hope and continues to show me of the Cabrini community for one day we too how to live faithfully as a follower of Jesus. or 67 years, ALL are welcome!!! might be upgraded and allowed Liz Spolyar –– Chris Kosowski up front. We should have rushed them…. – Steven M. Lukas

9 In Memoriam: A Bill Cunningham Sampler

Thank you all… Our gratitude to the Cabrini community for joining us on the tender and sacred journey with Bill following his sudden and unexpected death. To Father Paul and Chris who met with us and planned a lovely funeral so fitting for this kind, wise and gentle family man, scholar and educator. To Larry, Jacki, George, and Rita who brought music to life, to those who joined us at Cabrini and extended hospitality to visiting friends and family, and to all who continue to remember Bill Cunningham in this wonderful community that we call home. – Mary and Family

t the beginning of each month Bill to happen on May 14th 2018. Why? am. What better place to face the end Cunningham issued an invitation They are saying that since the United of the world? forA a small group of “old guys” who States Embassy will open in Jerusalem Bill attend St. Frances Cabrini to attend to mark the 70-year anniversary of breakfast at Maria’s Café on Franklin the nation of Israel then this must December 2018 Avenue. A few of these remarkable have prophetic significance. So the The ancient order of sclerotic Druids creations are presented here for the controversial announcement of United will meet once again at 8:30 am on enjoyment of the entire congregation. States President Donald Trump about Monday, December 10 at Maria’s the change of the location of the U.S. on Franklin Ave to mumble archaic April 2017 Embassy has created a firestorm of incantations that are inaudible to I sent out my reminder for our next protest by some but some people anyone except our immediate neighbors meeting too early. I just discovered are claiming that this is not only a and incomprehensible to all. See you this article that fits us perfectly: http:// significant historic event but also there. narrative.ly/the-international-society- a prophetic fulfillment of end time Have you for-men-who-love-being-boring/ Try prophecies and that it could be the ever wondered watching the video embedded in the date of the rapture or the beginning of why we chop article (scroll to the bottom of the the tribulation. There is no doubt that down an article for an entertaining 15 minute the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is evergreen video of some members of the society) . very soon! No doubt the Mark of the tree (or more We could adopt a new identity. Beast is going to be enforced soon! likely, buy a Bill Without question, the antichrist (aka tree that someone else has cut down), Donald J. Trump) is already here! So, is bring it into our homes to hang small, November 2017 something BIG going to happen May brightly colored effigies of people, Rumor is that we’ll meet once again 14, 2018? Is there a Jerusalem prophecy angles, or animals on its branches? at Maria’s at 8:30 am on November 13 about to be fulfilled? Find out the Bible Some historians would tell you that if we can remember to do so. As this truth by watching this provocative the custom harkens back to pagan also be World Kindness Day, you won’t video! https://www.youtube.com/ traditions that associate evergreen trees be chastised or expelled, if you fail to watch?v=CfJ7_PaSURE (32 minutes (along with mistletoe and holly, which remember this rumor. of nonsense). stay green all winter) with everlasting Bill Whatever happens in the world of life. Sacred trees and groves are found eschatology and Biblical interpretation, in religious traditions throughout the May 2018 we do know that May 14, 2018 will be world. In Celtic, Baltic, Germanic and There is plenty of hype and wild- the second Monday of the Month and Scandinavian traditions, sacred groves eyed sensationalism that is swirling the old, wise ones from Cabrini will were worshiped especially around around on the internet these days. meet at Maria’s to discuss world events the winter solstice. The most famous There are some videos online that are and the meaning of everything. 8:30 sacred grove of Northern Europe was claiming that something big is going in Uppsala, Sweden, where every tree

10 was regarded as a god. In winter solstice own suffering, so we assume that God This callousness is also evident in ceremonies, the pagans sacrificed slaves, must be as well. that slew of gn- words: gnarl, gnash, war captives, children, and others But in a world shaped by the laws gnat, gnaw, gnostic, gnu. regarded as expendable and hung them of physics—gravitation, quantum It can be no surprise, then, that g also on the sacred trees along with horses, mechanics, electromagnetism, the participates in the likes of such offenses dogs, and other domestic animals. nuclear forces, etc., how can it make any as high, though, and through. These sacrifices were offerings to make difference how ardently we hope for The silent k in a slew of common the sun reappear from the darkness of something, or how many prostrations words demonstrates a callousness for winter. we make in front of the statue of the beginner spellers: knee, knife, knight, One of the decorations always on Buddha, or how many decades of the knit, knob, knock, knot, know, knuckle. our Christmas tree is a set of brightly rosary we say, or how many slaves and R exists in February only to make us painted wooden soldiers. I never captives, and domestic animals we suffer. Nevertheless, February 11 will thought of them as anything other than slaughter and hang on our sacred trees? be the second Monday of the month interesting colors; but thinking about As the British cultural critic, John and time, once again, for the meeting having effigies of sacrificial offerings Ruskin said, it’s all a pathetic fallacy. of the eminent, esteemed, illustrious, on the tree resonated with something I apologize if this little essay is celebrated Cabrini geezers at Maria’s at I read recently. After the Armistice offensive to anyone or ruins the 8:30am. that ended World War 1 was signed, happiness of the season. Have a Perhaps the polar vortex will have some British Generals ordered their merry Christmas and cheerful Winter moved on by then. I hope to see you troops to make frontal attacks on the Solstice. all there. entrenched German positions. Perhaps Bill Bill they were hoping the Germans had already gone home, or that they would February 2019 July 2019 refuse to fight knowing that the war was English is maddening, and it’s not sorry. Welcome to July. The year is now officially over. Or possibly the Generals How every letter can be annoyingly half over. Next Monday, July 8 will calculated that gaining a few more yards silent. (see: https://www.merriam- be the second Monday of the month, of territory would help their post-war webster.com/words-at-play/mums- and time for our meeting of the careers. Instead, the German soldiers, the-letter-when-letters-dont-say-a- Cabrini gurus at Maria’s at 8:30 am. who had tons of left-over ammunition thing/english-is-maddening-and-its- July 8 is also National chocolate with that they couldn’t take home, opened not-sorry) almonds day, National video games day, fire with a barrage of artillery fire that Most silent and International town crier’s day. On killed several thousand British soldiers. b’s come at that day in history in 1497, Vasco da Ordinary foot soldiers have long the ends of Gamba left Portugal on his 1st voyage been cannon-fodder sacrificed for the words and just to India. Furthermore, on July 8, 1947, ambitions or erroneous beliefs of their after m: bomb, the U.S. Air Force recorded its first leaders or society at large. climb, comb, sightings of mysterious flying discs But why do we believe that God, or crumb, dumb, (saucers) over Roswell, NM. (Larry, the gods, or whatever mysterious forces lamb, limb, is there some numerology there?) In of nature cause things to happen will numb, plumb, thumb, tomb. 1996 the British girl’s group “The Spice enjoy sacrifices of buckets of blood Just when one starts to feel Girls” released their 1st record. And and dead burnt bodies? Why do we comfortable with the relative regularity July 8 is the birthday of both Ferdinand think our relationship with the divine of these, debt and subtle show up like von Zeppelin and J.D. Rockefeller, in has to be transactional? In order to get a couple of toughs. D is shirking its 1838 and 1839 respectively. We have God to do something, I need to make auditory duties in handkerchief and much to discuss. a monumental sacrifice—or more mostly doing the same in handsome. Bill likely, that I can cause great pain and Its appearance in Wednesday can only suffering to someone or something else, be seen as some kind of cruel joke. We regret this is Bill’s last message to to expunge my own transgressions? I G has no business being in sign nor us. We still have much to discuss with think it’s because we create God in our phlegm, as far as the modern reader is him. own image. We’re impressed with our concerned. It obviously doesn’t care.

11 More Bill Cunningham...

ear Fellow Travelers and un-named weather in the 50s. Hunters taking down in Lake Superior in hurricane co-conspirators, advantage of the holiday and extremely force winds and gigantic waves on DThis is a friendly reminder that next mild weather were rewarded with an November 11, 1975 killing all 29 crew Monday, November 5 is only the first overabundance of waterfowl. Many members. Monday of the month. Our regularly would later comment that they had And I’m sure, everyone in the group scheduled meeting of the Wise Old never seen so many birds, but the birds remembers the Halloween Blizzard Geezers will be on Monday, November knew something most of the hunters of 1991. At 28.4 inches, it remains the 12 at 8:30 am at Maria’s. didn’t. They were getting out of the way deepest snowfall in Twin Cities history. First of all, we should remember that of an approaching storm. Across the This storm had 60% more snow than Armistice Day is a memorial for the Midwest hundreds of duck hunters, not the 1941 blizzard, but better weather people killed in the First World War. At dressed for the cold, were overtaken by forecasting, communications, and storm least 9 million combatants and 7 million the storm. Rain started in mid-morning, preparation meant far fewer deaths than civilians died as a direct result of the war. and temperatures fell rapidly. By the occurred half a century earlier. time the rain, sleet, then heavy snow In solidarity, reduced the visibility to zero, hunters Bill lost their opportunities to return safely to shore. Hundreds of duck hunters lost boats, gear and guns as 15-foot swells and 70-80 mph winds swept down channels and marshy backwaters. Some Shock Absorbers hunters drowned, others froze to death when the near 60-degree temperatures I’m a chemical engineer. I want plummeted, first to freezing, then to share an analogy re the ice into the single digits. Snowfall ranged caps, etc. Because people think The war introduced poison gas attacks, they don’t understand science. tanks, aerial warfare, huge long-range Polar ice caps and glaciers guns, barbwire, extended trench warfare are the world’s weather shock and other military technology that absorbers. Because, as water overwhelmed tactics created in an earlier melts or freezes, energy is day. One of the most savage battles absorbed or released. was that of Verdun between February Visualize a glass of ice water and August of 1916 in which France on a hot day. It stays at one temperature (cold) until all the lost an estimated 362,000 soldiers (of ice melts. Then the water warms which about half were dead or missing), until the water reaches the while Germany lost about 336, 000 (of ambient temperature. And the which about 1/3 were dead or missing. reverse is true as the temperature Although the Great War was called the between 16 to 24 inches in Minnesota, drops below freezing. War to End All Wars, the draconian, but powerful winds created drifts up to The melting or freezing of vindictive demands of the Allied Powers 20 feet high that buried cars, stopped the water in the world’s oceans in the Armistice that we celebrate today, trains, and brought traffic to a standstill. operates as a damper on weather set in motion the conditions that led Rescuers had to force long probes into changes. Without it, weather to the Second World War only two the rock-hard drifts in their search for fluctuates faster and harder and decades later. missing people. weather patterns shift. Like a November can be a scary month in Although most of us don’t remember loose spring. Minnesota. much about the Armistice Day Blizzard, Kate Shields The deadly Armistice Day Blizzard probably all of us remember the wreck on November 11, 1940 dawned to balmy of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which went

12 Brule River, Upper Falls 1988 Down from the sheer rock Clings a crocodile tree, Its roots, upended, are still Medusa-like at the top of the rock. But its four branches, whitened by weather, gore at the rock’s face as it pitches forward over the sudsy backwash. Whisker twigs dip farthest down While knots shape the curve of its jaw, a knotty eye and fiery nostril and last of all its jaw dripping now with drops of spray jets out defiantly, a Moby Dick whose chin is ragged from the power of the falls. – Tom Clark

Numbers: In Three Hundred Words

Do you have a favorite number? Some, including Dave Matthews, say “two’s a perfect number”. Mathematically, six is the smallest perfect number. Theologically, God is one, for Jews and Muslims, or three, for Christians. For most purposes, three is my choice for the perfect number. The number three is pervasive in well-known stories: the three little pigs, the three musketeers, or the three wise men. The Good Samaritan is one of three travelers. At my annual physical, my doctor says three words and tells me I’ll be asked to repeat them later in the exam. When a famous, or not so famous, person, dies, expect the deaths of two more. When Michael Joncas preaches, we know his message will be about three…. I owed my first job in government to three people. While working on a master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Minnesota, I learned about the job from another student. The start of three lucky breaks. There was an opening for a fiscal analyst on the appropriations committee in the Minnesota House of Representatives. My mother’s family were early settlers in Fillmore County. The chair of the committee was a farmer and former Fillmore County sheriff. Break number two. But the deal was sealed by the director of the staff for the senate finance committee. By chance his counterpart on the house committee mentioned that I was an applicant for the job. He recognized my name as the son of a neighbor in South Saint Paul. He hadn’t seen me for over fifteen years, but he remembered me for one reason. I had been his paperboy and a good one! He recommended me for the job. Concepts or ideas presented in threes are inherently more interesting, more enjoyable, and more memorable Joe Reid

13 Picnic Mass Photos

14 Picnic Mass Photos

15 “Going In”

en Burns brought me back to the if we tried. The Doctor had passed me I tried to keep track of my friends as depths of wartime in Episodes 4 by too quickly in the long row of willing they went off to places far different than Kand 5 of “The War”. The Allied efforts enlistees, assuming that we young bucks the gas stations and drive-ins in Lincoln. were desperate in World War II, months were excellent fodder and didn’t need Scott lost an arm and left the service, after the invasion at Normandy. The tide too much examination. Pausing, he came never being able to properly salute had seemed to be turning toward an end back for a second look, probing with his again. Andy left me sitting in the shoe to hostilities before Christmas in 1944, lighted instrument into the recesses of store where we worked together and his only to be reversed with a potential my eyes. “You know what you’ve got young wife down in Evanston, Illinois breakout by the Germans in the Battle son?” he asked in wonderment. “Sure with her family, to patrol firebases in the of the Bulge and settle into despair do”, I replied. The strain of congenital hills north of Saigon. Denny and Kenny around the darkest day of the year. cataracts from my mother’s side of the served their two years in radio work I thought of my own generation’s war, family would unexpectedly keep me from without ever having to carry one. Bob when friends were “Going in”. We were free education and horror of wartime flunked out of the University and had to in that betwixt-and-between stage of as it had saved my male relatives from leave the balance of his walk-on football life in the early 60’s, after high school, having to spend dark winter nights in scholarship for someone else. He put his undecided about college, mostly focused foxholes in Germany or frozen crevices muscle mass to work as an MP, trying on hot cars, hotter girls and beer filled in the Korean peninsula. to keep young guys on leave in line to nights. In pool halls, conversations My friend Larry and I were the last ensure they could rejoin the battles until would drift to Vietnam and the question from the old group to be able to hang their tours of duty were up. Larry worked of who was going in and when. Everyone out together, playing snooker at Casey’s in air-conditioned semis brought over to was apt to be called up as most of us had or swilling red beer at Duffy’s on “O” Saigon to house computer equipment. not returned to school. Those few of our street. Soon, it was his time as well. He never returned to his dad’s garage, as group that tried the University were just Larry was the master mechanic and his it failed from want of timely collections. buying time, as they hadn’t really found dad had the garage on 16th street where Andy now drinks to forget, and his their stride in books. The recruiting we knew we could get our car work done wife Jean travels to avoid the abuse that office just off campus was constantly and pay it off over time. Larry placed his too many nightmares brought on. My circling, waiting to scour grade reports ‘64 Chevy with the 327 and four speed younger brother and I stayed at home to and dismissal notices, to latch on that put us all to shame on blocks to argue morality of the war and to pursue to anyone no longer covered by an await his return. honors at the University in spite of poor educational exemption. No one thought One night we were in the gas station eyesight. I don’t know what happened of enlisting as a volunteer, preferring the on 27th and South streets where Larry to the old Ford. Hopefully, it didn’t have action closer to home instead of the fire worked when a white ‘57 Ford pulled in to go through too many hands before filled hell described by Cronkite each with a young man inside. Larry went to retiring to the scrap yard. Unfortunately, evening on the 6:00 news. Eventually, I the island to pump his gas and stayed a I’m sure it served as final conveyance watched them go in, one by one, as their long time in conversation. Finally, the to many more hapless souls as our war names or numbers were called. No one customer pulled some well-worn paper ground on in terms of years and young felt noble, just called. from the glove box, carefully unfolded lives. No doubt the last young man to be Me, I was 4-F, “Ineligible for it, scribbled something and handed it to handed title also hoped that the end was Service”, as the good doctor told me at Larry. Larry stood there without moving near, that one of our many Normandies the physical in Omaha in summer of ’62. as the taillights of the Ford disappeared would make the difference, and that he We thought it would be a good idea to down the street in the summer heat. would never have to catch the bus to enlist in the Air Force in return for four Larry had been given the “Vietnam basic training in Missouri. And, instead, years of college tuition and adventures Car”, a car passed from one draftee to he could simply drive on down the street far away from the prairies of Nebraska. the next, for free, to use until they went to an adventure of his own making until We hadn’t yet heard of Southeast Asia in. When the time came, it was to be his taillights disappeared over the hill. with places like “Ap Bac”, “Gulf of given to someone else that awaited his –– Steven M. Lukas Tonkin”, “Bien Hoa”, “Khe Sanh” or turn. I never made the list. While feeling could even have found it all on a map guilty, I didn’t mind.

16 The Human Brain is a Wonder…

s that a question or a statement of Students are often asked to explain amazement? Can it be both? At school how they arrived at their answer. They My First Ithis week, for me, it was both. At the have no answer for a variety of reasons. school where I tutor adult immigrants I asked Sophia how she completed a Assignment in math, I tutor a Somali woman—I will full page of multiplication homework call her Sophia, not her name—who is 30 correctly. She shrugged her shoulders as “Pack a light suitcase.” Were years old and in a coma for four years in if to say I can’t explain it. We went on Archbishop Binz’ instructions as her youth in her homeland. She has little to practice more problems. Some were I accepted my first assignment in July 1966. “You’ll only be there memory of it and doesn’t speak of it. She simple; e.g.1 or zero times a number. a month.” now is bi-lingual, a most pleasant person, Then problems got more complicated He had three good reasons for very even tempered and challenged by like 6 times 10. She indicated 60—and saying so. the abstract world of mathematics—even suggested the 1 and zero helped. A few Holy Redeemer, a Catholic elementary math. That’s where I come problems later, 6 times 12 showed up. Church on College Avenue in in—teaching her addition, subtraction, Sophia thought a bit and then said 72. Saint Paul, was blocking the multiplication and division. A brief I asked how she did that. She didn’t merger of proposed Interstates history of our mutual experience: I’ve have an answer for that question beyond 94 and 35E near the Capitol learned that some African cultures referring to the 6 times 10 information approach in Saint Paul. The use finger manipulations to do math, which works. She did have the right Minnesota Department of especially multiplication, and of course answer and she knew it. Then she went Transportation wanted Holy it works. I call this the first digital math on to solve similar problems. How did Redeemer out of the way. processing. her brain solve that and then subsequent Due to the expansion of the Sophia uses her fingers to add. similar problems? The teacher and I were capitol complex, a majority of the Subtraction was a concept that together amazed and we shared Sophia’s pride and former parishioners had moved we could not find a way for Sophia to delight. away from the neighborhood. grasp either the concept or process. One other surprise. We moved on to The Archbishop assumed the Until we tried a way to use her fingers. long division late last year and Sophia first- and second-generation It worked. We were both delighted and came to class with a homework sheet remnants would accept his proud of her progress. Multiplication was completed with all the right answers. decision to decommission the next and I provide copies of the tables How did you do that, I asked. The top church. After leading the parish for and drills with cards—just like we all of the page said “Find the quotient for over forty years, Monsignor Luigi have done and continue to do. It seems the following”. Sophia went on her Pioletti, Holy Redeemer’s 72-year- some information like the multiplication computer, entered that strange word old pastor recently discharged tables are a particular challenge for her. quotient, and proceeded to use her from St. Joseph’s Hospital after a We tell students to refer to the paper computer on each problem following the total laryngectomy, was silenced. copy whenever necessary—they all example given. Problems solved! But not The Archbishop prevailed, but have smart phones for daily needs with the old-fashioned way with paper and he miscalculated the response of multiplication. But the school system pencil. Long division remains a mystery. the parishioners and the pastor’s insists on personal multiplication ability As do the workings of the human brain, loyalty to his congregation. My for a GED or equivalent. So, we work on an amazing creation... assignment lasted two years. that. This past week we were working on –– Bob Reid – Joe Reid multiplication problems involving single and two-digit numbers.

Moon Love On one of the recent programs celebrating the Apollo 11 moon landing was a great quote. One of the astronauts said that he truly did love his family to the moon and back. That is so sweet! - Kate Shields

17 India is fascinating to visitors in so many different ways

henever I am off on a vacation one thing, Indians share a language extremely welcoming, ready to visit with trip, I am always surprised with us, and that makes traveling there a visitor who walks past them, wishing whenW people ask, “Have you been there much easier than elsewhere. While not to engage in conversation. I am in more before?” Usually, the answer is, “no,” and all the people speak English, signs are family selfies in India than in my own that’s why I am going. I am off to learn in English, labels are in English, and country—a Sunday afternoon stroll about a place that I have never been to. someone, somewhere in the crowd will through stunning rock formations in But when I told people in February speak English. But what makes it truly Mamallapuram had family after family that I was off to India, and they asked if welcoming is that someone will find sending their teens, who spoke English, I had been there before, I answered, “Yes, that person to help you. The Indians are this will be my fourth trip.” Then, of course, they ask, “what is the attraction,” or some such variation. The four trips have been: • July 2001, an introduction with a Global Volunteers trip to Chenai, formerly Madras, on the far eastern side on the Indian Ocean; • October 2006, an around-the- country tour with St. Olaf College travel program, that used planes, trains and buses to travel throughout the central part of the country, primarily to visit religious destinations and learn about the religions; • December 2016, through the state of Kerala, in the southwestern part of the country, visiting the countryside, and some major Hindu temples; and • February 2019, visiting the northern portion of the country, visiting a friend who spends the winter in Dharamshala in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dehli, the capital, and areas around the capital.

What is the attraction: That’s what I cannot answer. There is just something that causes me to return to this country on the other side of the world. The first trip, I wanted to go to Vietnam, but Global Volunteers no longer sponsored trips there, and they suggested India. (I did get to Vietnam, eventually.) That first trip was eye-opening to Yvonne Klinnert, on the left, with her sister Mary at the Jama Masjid, the large mosque in say the least. What is attractive? For Dehli, not quite conforming with the dress code.

18 India is fascinating to visitors in so many different ways

to ask the white lady to have a selfie the orphanage that is about the size of head and said, “I can’t even think about taken—of course! our own large homes. I don’t think they it.” How those few pounds of rice from India is fascinating for its extremes— worried about “arranging their kitchen.” that one family farm is multiplied to it is extremely beautiful, and it is I appreciate the make-do attitude feed 1 billion is amazing all in itself. extremely filthy. There is a richness of that is everywhere in India. When As with all travel, it gives me stronger architecture and art and literature, and children are leaving school, eight of empathy with the people in the places there continues to be extreme poverty. them may crowd into a tuk tuk, the that I have visited. This summer, It has timeless treasures such as the Taj ubiquitous auto rickshaws that can seat Chennai, on the eastern coast of India, Mahal, and it has air that needs to be cut three adults comfortably. And when the is experiencing a severe water shortage. with a knife from modern pollution. In children meet the ninth or 10th child Each time I hear or read about it, I the span of the 18 years in which I have in the street, no one says, “there is no can picture the teeming streets and visited the country, I have seen a great room.” There is always room—the ninth the soaring Hindu temples. The state decrease in the number of street beggars and the 10th child squeezes in and the of Kerala on the southwestern shore and the hovels planted along river banks driver drives on. just experienced mudslides from the and roads, and a great increase in the On a December 2017 trip, the monsoons. I have seen the rolling hills garbage that bedecks every roadway and country had just changed up its currency. with the green tea plantations planted the choking air pollution. There was no money in the ATMs, and up and down the hills—I can picture Recently, I mentioned to my massage each ATM booth had heaps of paper them sliding down onto the road, if too therapist that I had been to India. She receipts left behind by those who had much rain falls. paused, and then said, “The food must tried to withdraw money. Yet, day-to- Of course, there are the tourist be different.” Oh, my, that’s just the day life went on, there were no riots in attractions—the Taj Mahal remains beginning. The land and its people are a the streets, no closed shops, not much stunning, although the guides tell us it is complete contrast to ours. Once, visiting complaining. I don’t know how they yellowing from the pollution. The Hindu with neighbors to the Global Volunteers do it, but they make it work. When a and Buddhist temples, large and small, house, we asked what they find most merchant is handed a large bill by the are amazing places to visit, the mosques, strange about us. The women were too American tourist for three peaches, the forts, they are all incredible edifices. polite to answer, but we already knew— he can’t change it, but he turns to his The streets are teeming, the noise is it is our need for “privacy” isn’t it, we neighbors and borrows enough change deafening, the traffic is suicidal—and it asked. They laughed and said, yes, they to make the transaction work—it all just all fascinates me. have no such concept and no idea what works. When my sister Lorena picked me up that would mean in their lives. Another Simply feeding all the people is at the airport from my most recent trip, neighbor was horrified when one of my part of making it all work. On a visit, she asked me if I was finished visiting teammates showed her photos of her my group walked along a country lane, India, and I may be—there are so many home, complete with bedrooms for each and one farm family was gleaning rice other places on the planet to see. But of her children. The Indian woman asked on tarps spread on the road. It looked Goa, now Goa is supposed to be such a if the woman did not love her children, as if they would have a few pounds of delightful place! that she separated them into rooms by rice when complete. A few days later, we –– Yvonne Klinnert themselves? These reflections on our were in a working class restaurant. We own lives are constants when traveling received our tin plate, with small tins in this country, and when I return. One cups that have vegetables and sauces. A episode of “The Splendid Table” had man walks through the restaurant with What do Alexander the a caller who wanted to know how to a huge, beat-up pot full of rice, and slaps Great and Winnie the arrange his kitchen for efficiency. I burst down a spoonful on any plate that looks Pooh have in common? out laughing! All I could picture was empty. I said to a colleague, “Can you three women squatting over charcoal imagine? There are 1 billion people in The same middle name !! fires stirring food in battered 10-gallon this country, and by nightfall, they will steel pots while they made rice and have had breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” – Rick Rocheford vegetables to feed 93 children living in My traveling companion just shook his

19 The Wild and Amazing Paddle Down the Kinnickinnic River

have been lucky to belong to a all, we ended with two lost paddles and wonderful women’s ski club called one broken. As we continued on we Ithe Tuesday Wipeouts (TWO) for enjoyed the lovely scenery. Our group the past 10+ years. We ski together of women was so supportive of each in winter and bike, hike, golf and other. Many TWOs stopped to help participate in other outdoor activities paddlers that got caught up on rocks or during the warmer seasons. On July were having difficulty navigating turns. 9th, 24 TWO kayakers and 2 guides Then things started to get even more from River Guide Kayaks, started exciting. Our cloudy but stable weather quite an adventure; paddling down the left us. It started to rain, but it hardly Kinnickinnic River from River Falls, Getting ready seemed to matter as we have all been WI. Our host was TWO member wet for the last 2+ hours anyway. A mist Bonnie, who lives in River Falls and is We needed to paddle constantly, no settled in and the fern laden tall bluffs a veteran of kayaking the ‘Kinni’. We time to just float or grab a snack. After seemed surreal as we paddled by. It was met at a local park in River Falls and about an hour we stopped on a sandbar an amazing sight, quiet, with just the received some instructions on kayaking to eat our bag lunches and take a break. sound of the falling rain. We continued and navigating the river from our lead After lunch Tim told us that ahead we to try and dodge rocks and tree guide Tim. At about 11 am we carried, will need to go single file under a tree branches, sometimes more successfully dragged and used other imaginative lying across the river bank. Those of us than others. After 5 hours on the river methods to get our kayaks down to the in the first group managed fairly well we spotted the bridge that Tim said river to begin our 3 hour paddle. but we were soon to learn that others is our put out point and helped each The weather was cool and overcast as were jamming up and some kayaks other pull out of the river. Within 30 we started and everyone was excited to were swamping. Picture a cattle chute minutes all our group was on shore, wet be together and enjoy the water and the with too many cattle. As the first group and tired (especially our guides) but so wonderful scenery. Our lead guide took of us waited for the others to join us proud of ourselves for we, The Tuesday the front and our other guide, Michael, on a nearby bank, we saw a long time Wipeouts, had taken on the Kinni brought up the rear. Among our 24 member, “BG” paddle by. We yelled at with its rocks, trees, rapids and tight TWOs we had paddlers with various her to stop with us but she continued bends and we all made it back to shore kayak experience. Some had paddled on. We assume that we would catch up mostly intact. We heartily celebrated only around lakes and some have never with her a little later on. After a while that and expressed much enthusiasm been in a kayak before. A few, besides when the entire group was together, to experience the adventure that is the Bonnie, were proficient kayakers. we started off again down the river. Kinni again next year! I am wondering Everyone started off down river and After about ½ mile, on the right bank, though, if Tim and Michael will agree we practiced maneuvering around up pops “BG” from the tall grass, wet, to be our guides... sans kayak, paddle and glasses. She rocks and low limbed trees with various –– Ruth Olson degrees of skill. The air was cool but the told us she swamped and her kayak water did not seem cold, even though and paddle continued down the river Tim thought it was about 62 degrees. without her. One member, from our Early on, the river was generally placid forward group, went ahead to look for with few rapids. In the early part of our the lost kayak and found it stopped trip a few people got hung up on rocks in an inlet near the left bank, but no but our guides were there to help them paddle. Michael rescued “BG” from get back on their way. the bank and brought her to her kayak. We soon realized that this is a wild The next time I spotted Michael he was river that winds back and forth with paddling with a stick. He had given up almost 90 degree turns in some spots. his paddle to “BG”. What a nice guy. In The end of the paddle

20 Trees can teach also…

any years ago while my wife noticed some leaves sprouting on our grow in their own time and in their own Dawn and I were living in Lino “dead” tree. I was amazed and overjoyed. way, which may not be my way. God MLakes, we decided to replace some Raising stepchildren, I find, is alone is their creator and God alone trees that we had lost in our front yard somewhat similar to my experience will decide who they are to become. My due to oak wilt. I had picked up some with our tree. When I married Dawn, role is merely to support and nurture information about transplanting trees who had two children, I thought I the process. and had some common sense in this knew all there was to know about –– Paul Tuveson area. I thought it would be a simple being a step-dad. Wrong! As with my task. I would simply move three trees tree, I expected instant success. I had from the back portion of our property been around kids quite a bit; was a to the front. mentor for 8 hard of hearing boys; I As it turned out, I broke a couple thought I knew how to develop a good major rules in the transplanting process. relationship with them. However, I did One tree promptly lost all its leaves not take into account that there are and stood bare in our front yard. I felt some fundamental rules (to which I terrible! It was our biggest tree and I was oblivious) to follow before this can had expected quick success. Several happen. times, I suggested to Dawn that maybe I know now that I made mistakes I should cut it down and replace it with with my stepchildren. I also know that, I love all mythical creatures another tree. She would have none of with the proper care, I can restore a Vampires, Werewolves, this and insisted that I continue to relationship with two great kids and water the leafless tree! that did happen. Each child is different, Unicorns, Roughly three months later, we just as is every tree. I learned to be Kids who Listen were sitting in our front yard when we flexible and allow my stepchildren to – Anonymous

A Conversation

A recent article described places where a sign was put on a park bench. It said people were welcome to sit down there and chat, so they did. On Sunday I attended my St. Paul neighborhood’s annual festival. I got a brat and sat on a bench to eat it. A man asked if he could sit there too, and I agreed. He thanked me multiple times for letting him sit down, and for talking to him. He appeared to be profoundly lonely, and reaching out rather than lashing out. He had some nervous mannerisms that could worry folks who haven’t learned to look past fidgets, etc. Luckily, I have experience with nervous tics. It occurs to me that we should have places where lonely folks can sit and share a brief bit of sunshine. Some of my most interesting conversations have been with folks I never saw again. They worked because we can speak more freely when we don’t have to worry about a future, etc. Lately the politics around us has been loud and stressful. I vote for more park benches. Kate Shields

21 A Manifesto for My Preaching at Cabrini

t would be a shame if you missed records of what he noticed. This is a report something through your own from someone awake, someone who was “Ifault.” Father Perrin’s advice to Simone always telling people to wake up. Weil, quoted in the letters section of Every story asks each of us some Waiting for God. This was the line that particular question, maybe many moved Simone from endless doubt to an questions. Pretend to be a shepherd. exercise she called alternation: alternately Who are your sheep? Pretend to be a believing and doubting. It was the sheep. What do you need from your beginning of her inquiry into religious shepherd, and are you getting what you matters. need? Suppose your life ends tonight. I recently met a devout Muslim woman. How much of what you did today would She told me about her work: leading a make sense? How many things are you group of women in inquiry discussions worrying about that don’t really matter? October of the Koran as a sacred text. She said What are the small things that you 1978 that the women had never previously nevertheless care about and would fight encountered the Koran without someone to recover? What in you corresponds to Curious colors (male) telling them what they should good soil, to rocky soil, to weeds? For This time of year think. They made remarkable discoveries. what traveler are you able and willing to Twist It sounded, as she told the story, like the act as neighbor? My consciousness to them: light of the Reformation was dawning There are a thousand ways of using again. stories to inquire, and the centrality of Marigolds, cosmos I remember my catechism teachers’ stories in our tradition invites inquiry Mums in rose, lavender, valiant efforts to squeeze the juice out of about our lives, in the spirit of Jesus’ white and yellow. the gospels, to give us a line on everything, inquiries. We start where he started, with Even house paints and all the explaining that I’ve heard since sheep and fig trees and wedding banquets Show off in slanted sunlight, then, in sermons and devotional lessons. and social climbers. Perhaps we come to It has been a service of Cabrini and notice opportunities and possibilities and Every window pane its preaching experiments and its Word things that need work. That’s just: giving And creek bend Team that I no longer think of religious the gospel a fair chance to influence us, Throwing back the sparkle. teaching as having a line or as explaining. as the women in Saudi Arabia give the I think, with my Muslim friend, with Koran a fair chance to work on them. It’s almost Simone Weil, that religious thought One can’t do much more, as a preacher, begins in inquiry. than invite people to give the gospel a fair the tawdry rouge Thinking about the gospel stories to chance. Slapped wrong on wrinkled preach them, I never say, “What do I I hope we can gradually move closer Leaf-strewn lawns. want people to come away with?” I always to the early audiences who knew Jesus But not wrong. ask, “How can I make it possible for before he was famous, to those who Very much still living, people to think new thoughts, with the met him as just another person stuck in help of this text?” So much of what I did Nazareth, bothered and challenged by the These surprise colors before, during Mass, was like replaying Romans, concerned about the integrity Where the rest is crushed and an old record, rehearsing an old round and sustainability of his community. To drab of thoughts. I don’t want to do that any give his teaching a fair trial, to test our Satisfy more, and I don’t want to encourage that, own readiness for any deeper alliance, we And give the ground when I preach. I think something else is need to explore what opportunities his possible. stories open for us. Right reason. I take the gospels to contain, at base, The point of my preaching is to let – Tom Clark the story of someone who was interested that happen. in the world. The stories are, first of all, –– Peter Shea

22 Indigenous Outreach Team—Get to Know Us!

ast Fall several concerned members In this issue we are featuring approach with culturally relevant of the Cabrini Community, along information about one way in which programming. Lwith friends of Cabrini came together you, too, may wish to become involved There are many ways you can help! to see what, if anything we could do and connect with the Native American Baby’s Space is looking for loving in response to the growing Hiawatha Community. adults who are willing to give love Encampment. What started as a Baby’s Space is located near the and care on a consistent basis, so the notion “to help” soon grew into active Little Earth Community, just 10 children get to know you and you them. participation with our local Native minutes away, and largely serves Native It could be as little as 2 hours a week America community. Thus far at the same time (10-12a.m., or we provided Little Earth with A Place to Give Your Love and Care to hours between 1-5p.m.) You could T-shirts and Walkie-Talkies to Children—Consider Volunteering at rock babies, play with toddlers, aid their security, provided snacks teach words and songs and read for children and gardeners, served to little ones, or even help clean- a monthly dinner for a Drum up following an activity or lunch. and Dance group, hosted an Other ways you could help: information table and children’s donate to a Diaper/Wipes Drive, activities at Little Earth’s National or the Literacy Campaign. Do Night Out, attended Pow Wows, and American children from birth to age 5. you like to visit garage sales? Baby’s volunteered at Baby’s Space. We are This unique daycare setting has been Space is always looking for good, used currently creating a speaker series for created from a baby’s point of view—in children’s clothing. Volunteers would spring of 2020 that will align with our which responsive, consistent, sensitive, participate in an Orientation Session Mission Statement: and warm relationships with adults are and complete a background check To provide educational opportunities, necessary for the child to succeed. In form. Once you meet the children and learning about our Native American this neighborhood-based setting the staff you will want to return again and neighbors, their culture, traditions, child and family are supported through again. Contact Joelle Imholte (651- beauty and struggles so that we may researched-based best practices, proven 644-0571 or [email protected]) act justly and nurture healthy, caring, birth through 3rd grade educational for more information. responsive relationships between our models, parenting support, and a –– Joelle Imholte communities. trauma-informed mental health

Christmas in July

As I’ve looked at the TV schedule this summer, trying in vain to find something interesting to watch besides the awesome Twins’ games, I noticed the Hallmark Channels showing Christmas shows all of July. That took my mind back to the Cabrini camp-out weekends in the 1970’s. Oh, those wonderful memories! • Tubing down the Cannon River with Cabrini friends, getting out and meeting Mike Johnson driving the school bus at the Dairy Queen to be driven back to the campground at Welch to start that process all over again, and again. • Spending time with all the folks we usually saw just on Sundays as friends and families of all ages ate, sang, and tubed together. • Worshipping at the Saturday night mass in the campground together—yes, even the time no-one remembered to bring the Eucharistic bread and wine and we used garlic bread and someone’s wine. • And what brought these memories to me was that we always seemed to be there the same weekend as a group called Christmas in July—so we fell asleep to Christmas carols! Mary Brady

23 Deaf Ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel

magine that you can’t hear—you’re you are during mass. There are ASL giving updated information to the completely deaf—and you want to go interpreters for the priest’s words, for congregation in voice and in sign. 3) The Ito Mass. You find a church where there the congregation’s words, for the song’s warm welcome I received: I only went is an American Sign Language (ASL) words. The ASL interpreters are up on down for coffee because they seemed interpreter. You walk in, find a pew and the steps surrounding the altar. They so sincere when they urged visitors to wait for Mass to start. Remember you are as much a part of the worship as join them downstairs for conversation can’t hear. If you’re lucky, you can see the the choir. You pray with everyone and coffee. I fully expected to be “the priest come in, but more likely you can together, voiced and signed. You are odd man out” and hoped to find a place tell by the ceasing of activity around you an active participating member of this at a table where people were not too that mass has started. There is an ASL community. You feel comfortable to unwilling to have someone they didn’t interpreter up front, but it is hard to see sign back as a significant percentage of know join them. To my amazement, her and the priest. Sometimes mostly the congregation is also signing, unlike I was spotted before I even got my what you see is the back of people’s other churches where you are the only coffee, flagged over, and welcomed while heads. How can you pray the mass? one. Deaf and hearing parishioners share people shifted chairs and made room for How can you even see what is going ministries here as lectors, Eucharistic me. (The man who did that, Leo, has on? When you can see, your attention is ministers and greeters. When mass ends, subsequently died, but I will never forget divided between the priest and the ASL you “hear” all the announcements, and the warm welcome he instigated). interpreter, who is over to the side. You they pertain to you. There have been many changes at cannot hear when people respond. You As a deaf Catholic, you are an active, OLMC since the Italian Community feel pretty alone and cut off. You bring participating member of the OLMC of the neighborhood welcomed Fr. your attention back to praying, but you community. You can lector, you can be Bill Kenney and the Deaf Catholic do not feel part of the community, in a eucharistic minister, you can join the Community in 1986. We were fortunate fact going to mass reminds you of how Men’s Club or the Women’s Guild, when Fr. Bill retired, to have another your deafness cuts you off from sharing you can be actively involved in church priest, Fr. Tom, who signed and spoke easily with others. After Mass, you do decoration, fundraisers and committees. the Mass simultaneously, and Deacon not join in the camaraderie as people You can even be on the finance Mike who was also able to speak in leave, chattering together. You see people committee. All the parish activities are English and ASL at the same time. going downstairs to the social hall, but open to you, for everything at OLMC These bilingual ministers of sacrament you do not go because you have already is voiced and signed. You are not only and word truly enabled us to become learned that is a very painful experience. welcome here, you as a deaf person are one Body in Christ, as Deaf and hearing There is no place for you, no one you can able to participate in all the various alike prayed the mass together, lectured ‘talk’ to, for no one ‘speaks’ your language. parish activities that most Catholics together and became Eucharistic You leave the church feeling bereft. simply take for granted. ministers together. Today as Fr. Paul At Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Most Catholics never notice how leads us in the Mass, all the prayers he (OLMC) it is different. Here, before a person is cut off from the life of the says are signed as are all the congregation mass, both voiced and Deaf are visiting. parish community if that person cannot responses, the readings, the homily, the In fact, you have learned if you come hear. At OLMC, you can join in all the creed, the petitions, and the songs. The an hour or so before Mass, many Deaf parish activities, and so you can pray the ASL signers are not a side adjunct at are there. They are enjoying coffee and Mass with the whole community as a OLMC: they are an integral part of the camaraderie downstairs, or movie club vital, functioning part of that community. community that worships together as in the church. You look forward to the When I first came to OLMC years one in signed and voiced language. discussions of the current movie, where ago, I was struck by 3 things: 1) Children Over the years, the experience of both Deaf and hearing participate, as looking directly at their parent’s faces worshiping together with the Deaf everything at OLMC is conducted in while they were talking. I was shocked, has enabled me, a hearing parishioner voice and ASL. You learn much about then I saw that they were signing. 2) with no experience of ASL outside your faith this way. Hands flying during announcements of this church community, to ask In the church, the floor is slanted; and Father Bill Kenny interrupting several deaf parishioners for prayers! you can see the altar no matter where himself to “read” those hands and I have also noticed that people from

24 Deaf Ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel

other communities—Immaculate Conception, NE Holy Name Society, Minneapolis Millers St. Frances Cabrini, Italian American The Millers were the Minneapolis Club, Pope John Paul II School—have Baseball Team for as long as I can sometimes joined us for worship and Really…. remember until the mid-50’s. They parish activities. played in Nicollet Park located between At this point, I would like to ask They were silent Nicollet Ave and Blaisdell Ave and 31st you, who are reading this, for prayers friends. Street and to the back of the stores that for the part of the Body of Christ that Standing around, faced Lake Street—taking up the same worships at OLMC. We have grown tucked away space that Wells Fargo does now along older and fewer. We are reaching out All very quiet. with its parking lot. to the wider Body of Christ, to make Communication was The Millers were Triple A division known our situation: Without OLMC, part of the American Association and a the Catholic Deaf would not have a their forte, farm team of the New York Giants. community of faith in which they are but only on my request. Nicollet Park was a one deck stadium able to be active participants, not only Amazing friends full of with the stands behind the plate and in word, sacrament, and prayer, but also ideas, information, along the first and third base lines. No in sharing, in committees, in outreach stories; outfield stands. and in fundraising—in short, in all the and entertaining too. I would walk down to Nicollet Park various aspects of parish life, which we so Well-behaved as they with my baseball glove to shag foul balls that came out on to 31st Street. Turn the easily take for granted, but from which waited for my reach the deaf are generally barred, because no ball in at the ticket office and you got Then unrestrained in into the game free. It wasn’t unusual to one speaks their language. their sharing. We are working to get the word out shag a couple of balls, put one in my We parted ways pocket and go into the game and save to the larger Catholic Community, in one for the next game. The price for a hopes that you and many others would without kid’s ticket was 50 cents but we didn’t be moved to support the Catholic complaint or fuss. But my mind filled have that so this method of getting into Deaf Community at OLMC into the game worked out just fine. the future. To that end we have begun with memories, Willie Mays was playing for the a Deaf Ministry Endowment Fund. intentions, Giants. Once a year the Giants would Contributions can be made by sending potential for tomorrow. come to town to play the Millers in an a check to: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Let’s wait another day. exhibition game. Dad always got us 701 Fillmore St. NE, Minneapolis, MN All this rang out to me tickets for that game. It was great fun to 55413. You can indicate if you want it and it felt like… see the “say hey kid” play and he never to go to current Deaf Ministry programs I sold my soul for disappointed us. or the Deaf Ministry Endowment Fund. Along about 1957 Met Stadium $13.50! Please keep us in your prayers. was built and the Millers moved As I walked out of Half –– Anonymous OLMC Parishioner to Bloomington. Nicollet Park was Price Books. demolished. My friend Bobby Kenny had an uncle For more information about OLMC, – Bob Reid that was an executive with the Millers. you can contact Willard Miller, Parish Bobby got us on the ground crew which Business Administrator at OLMC@ meant getting free into everything that OLMCMPLS.ORG was happening at the Met. ALRIGHT !! The Millers went away in 1959 when the Twins came to town. Rick Rocheford

25 A New Pair of Jeans

e return from holiday and impatient. I grab my bathroom plunger Frustrated, annoyed and with my hands encounter soap suds residue in the and try to urge the blocked drainage to covered with an irritating film of water kitchenW sink. The drain has been clogged. move along. The drain is still clogged. and drain, I reattach all the joints. I pour in I am annoyed but I have been down I get on my knees to look under the the remaining drain cleaner and go to bed. this road before. It is a new challenge but a sink and the sink trap. The sink trap is In the morning, I rise from bed and challenge I had overcome before. screwed into the bottom of the sink. If rush to the sink. I turn the water faucet on. The next day I return home from work, the trap is screwed in, it can be unscrewed. Water flowed down the drain and doesn’t inspect the sink, and venture into the If I unscrew the trap and run a plumber’s stop. I am a success! The drain works! familiar halls of the colossal handy man snake down the drain, I can get the drain I walk to work smiling. There is a (Hardware Store) HS. I know what I want open. bounce in my step and a lilt in my voice as to do and head directly to the supply area. I have a plumber’s tool designed to I start the day. HS: “Can I help you?” remove tub drains and sink traps. The Two hours after I get to work my phone ME: “I have a clogged kitchen sink. tool is a Dumb Bell Wrench. I had used rings. What do you suggest?” it years earlier to change the drain trap in “What did you do?” It is my wife. HS: “Any of these will work, it depends a bathroom tub. Using that tool was slick “What do you mean?” I ask. on what you want.” as a whistle. I felt wonderful when I saw “The shirt you had on last night has ME: I look at his inventory and asked. what I had accomplished. I have been spots on it. The shirt has changed color! “What’s this stuff sealed in the plastic successful. I did it myself. I find the Dumb I turned the sink faucet on. I have water bag?” Bell Wrench in my basement tool box. seeping from under the sink. Water is HS: “It’s pretty strong stuff but it works While retrieving the Dumb Bell all over the kitchen floor. I went to the quickly. Any of these chemicals will work.” Wrench, I see a plumber’s snake in the balcony to shake the rug from the floor by ME: “I’ve used this triple XXX stuff corner of the basement. The snake is the sink. The rug disintegrated!” before, but it can splatter in the sink.” not mine but living in a condominium “There are spots on the counter and in HS: “Well like I said, any of these will it is probably part of the Association’s the sink. The sink is ruined. The counter work.” inventory. I borrow the snake and bring it is ruined. What am I going to tell my I want a quick resolution to my drainage up stairs. mother about the rug? She gave it to us problem. I buy the triple XXX jug sealed I fit the Wrench into the sink trap and as a wedding present. I knew I shouldn’t in the plastic bag and head home. use a screwdriver to leverage the Wrench have let you do that. We should have hired I read the instructions. “Pour into the to rotate the trap. After a small tug the a plumber.” drain. Let rest for 15 minutes. Drain with trap moves easily. I turn the trap some My glimmer of success is short lived. cold water.” more. The trap turns but doesn’t seem to Her ire isn’t soothed when I comment, I pour fluid down the drain. There be coming loose. I look under the sink. The “But it makes a great story.” is a chemical reaction and a small roar. plastic drain pipe is no longer attached to I get home and retighten the joints. I Suds and foam come up from the drain. the sink trap. One end of the elbow joint look at the frayed rug and check the spots This is good. There is movement. After is no longer attached to the sink trap. One on the counter and sink. The sink looks 15 minutes, I turn on the water faucet. end of the elbow joint is connected to the similar to the last sink I unclogged. Water backs up. The drain is still clogged. sink. One of the joints connects to the pipe A few days later I attend a matinee I retrieve a glass turkey baster from the from the garbage disposal. A third joint movie. I wear the jeans I had worn while kitchen drawer. I suck backed up liquid connects everything to the external drain working on the sink. As I sit to watch the into the basters’ vial. I deposit the liquid pipe. Soon two of the joints are loose. film I lean back and cross my legs. The into a chef ’s metal bowl and dump fluid I can’t unscrew the last joint and knees of my jeans slowly, ever so slowly down the toilet. eventually realize my plumber’s snake is begin to rip. Soon I have tears and holes I repeat these steps three or four times. too large to fit into the pipe. I may have in both of the jeans. The jeans are ruined. I There is no longer a roar and chemical had a good idea but it will not work. I have need a new pair of jeans. reaction; no more suds or foam when been at this task for almost two hours. It is –– Pat O’Leary I continue to pour in more liquid. The getting late; too late to run to the hardware chemicals do not seem to be working to get a smaller plumber’s snake. very well. I am becoming more and more

26 Peru trip photos continued from page 3...

27 THE CABRINI Also available online at COMMUNICATOR www.cabrinimn.org A newsletter by and for the St. Frances Cabrini community

Committees and Contacts Parish Council–Lay Members Staff

COMMUNITY LIFE Marita Bujold Deb Brisch-Cramer, Anne Marsnik PASTOR Fr. Paul Moudry chair FAITH FORMATION Pat Schuckert Matt Palkert ADMINISTRATOR Mary Lou Sweet FINANCE Mary Brady, vice- BULLETIN Jim Scheibel Paul Philpott Medora Kea chair HABITAT Sweet Tim Spanier Sue Sibilski Patty Bowler CUSTODIAN JUSTICE & PEACE Dave Hinrichs Kathie Wright COALITION Rosemary Ruffenach Brendan Lafranchi ATRIUM FAITH FORMATION Carol Dittberner LITURGY Jim Polakowski FAITH FORMATION MAINTENANCE Emma LeEtta Flicker (GRADES 5-12) Landskroener OUTREACH Benton Randolph LITURGIST Chris Kosowski PASTORAL CARE Kathy Schweigert NURSERY AND BAPTISM Kate Grimm HR ADVISORY Bob Reid OFFICE COORDINATOR Emma SANCTUARY Mike Hirsch Landskroener WEB SUPPORT Paul Philpott

Artists Rosemary Ruffenach and Jackie Kielkopf contributed to this issue.

The Communicator Team thanks all who submitted articles and/or ideas for this seventh issue. We welcome more from you who want to share with an appreciative and interested community. Contact Nick Maryns or Bob Reid for information.