Annual Overnight

 The girls had a blast spending a jam packed night in the parish hall. We began with pizza dinner followed by professional story telling from our friend from the Iris society. He helped kick off the theme of service and charity. He encouraged us to remember one of his stories to share with a friend.

Next, we made Wear and Give Miraculous Medal bracelets to give away when the Holy Spirit moves us or when someone gives one a compliment and Good Deed Beads to help remind us to do acts of kindness (spiritual and corporal works of mercy) each day. We learned about the Miraculous Medal and St Catherine Laboure and how the Wear and Give Ministry is still spreading Mary's love for all her children and bringing them closer to her son, Jesus. 

We earned our Service petals at our petal meeting where we learned about Saint Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor. She was called to care for the elderly. We are each called to service in a particular way by the people and situations God places before us. We can turn work into the virtue of service by choosing to do the work out of love for God and others. 

The girls were given Iris coloring contest sheets in the yellow packets. Instructions for entry are in the packet and are due by January 31st. There are also instructions for the Ackerman essay contest which is due May 17. You'll notice a familiar name listed as the first place winner. Check out her wonderful essay published in the packet. Congratulations to R! 

Next, we celebrated the birthday of a Little Flower with cake and ice cream and a fun party with Bingo, karaoke, and board games. The girls finally got their wish of having more time to just be together. 

We ended the night praying in the chapel and singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet before sharing the roses and thorns of the day. The girls bonded and shivered through their night in the unheated youth room with the motion sensor lights punctuating their sleep. 

The next morning we packed up and thought better of hiking to breakfast due to sub zero temperatures, and enjoyed more fellowship and good food at a local establishment. Thank you to all our volunteers that helped make this much anticipated annual event a success. 

End of Year Reception 2023

 We concluded Wreath 3 with Mass and luncheon. The girls processed in to Mass, were recognized, and carried up the gifts. Then we gathered in Ursuline Hall for a catered Pasta House meal. Two Carmelite sisters and our Iris friends, the Morrises were able to join us as well. The girls earned their adoration badge, shared their favorite memory, and some earned more Iris awards. We recognized one graduate as she heads off to high school next year. Our youth leaders opted to give our tithe from fundraising to St. Agnes Home. A slideshow of our year together was shared. Then we had cake in the youth room. We have three fun adventures scheduled over the summer including canoeing, a swim party, and a day at Union Station. Have a safe, restful, and prayerful summer!