Mother Kathy, Sister Rose and the Whole Act

Earlier this month Mom & Dad drove out to New York for a weekend get-a-way. We did a little hiking in Vermont and enjoyed the just-changing colors through Massachusetts.

Lovely colors, loving parents

When we got back into the city, the men went to bond while Mom and I went to Broadway. We had been waiting months to see the divine Sister Act. The songs were new, but the show was all glitz and glamour. Just like us.

Just a week later I was looking forward to leaving the city behind for a weekend in Milwaukee. It was there that Dominic and I were honored to spend a Friday afternoon with a real Sister. One who is dear to the entire family and whom I've owed a visit to for quite some time.

We hustled to make it for lunch - and boy were we thankful we did! Trays in hand, we walked down the line ordering everything from fish (it was a Friday after all) to turtle cake. The convent sure knows how to serve up a hearty meal! Little did we know we would get to meet our Sister Rose's dear sisters in person. We had a very nice visit over lunch.

Did you know the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity have a healthcare ministry? I could certainly use more of their compassion and creativity in my work. The ministry has existed for more than 100 years and manages change, ensures stewardship of resources, and integrates mission and values. It sure would be nice to have a their mission in the healthcare industry I'm familiar with...

The Franciscan sisters do more than healthcare. As parochial and secondary teachers they instruct on the college level, direct spiritually, administrate parishes and outreach in communities. Our Sister served for many years as a music teacher. My does she have a gift for the piano! Although they couldn't make it personally, my parents dedicated a Big Piano song to her while in NYC:

After lunch Sister Rose gave us a tour of the convent:

Starting with the Packer room (above). This room is our second favorite room after the chapel where Sister Rose's electronic organ is located.

After our tour of the convent and Sister Rose's office we got to sit in our own private visiting room and... visit. It was so nice to relax and catch up. These two had only ever met via Skype so this was a special opportunity for them to get to know one another better.

Thank you for everything Sisters! We had a ball seeing and meeting each of you!