What are your feelings since you heard the Capuchins are ending their ministry at St. Anthony's?

[Saint Anthony]

Feelings can paralyze and energize. Attached is the letter over 8,000 people received May 3. Do you remember your first response and feelings since? What actions have your feelings motivated you to take?

We want to express our gratitude for the Capuchin presence since 1918, which ends at the end of 2013. One way to say thanks is to say "yes" to new possibilities and weave a continuity from past to future.

[wisdom]

For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes. -- Dag Hammarskjold, Swedish diplomat (1905 - 1961)

My first feeling is gratitude for almost 100 years of Capuchin presence and ministry at St. Anthony's, and solidarity with this religious order and so many others whose numbers have declined, but whose seeds planted still bear much fruit. 

My feeling of loss is transformed by taking action in this planning process and being proactive about the future. I was formed by my parents, Sisters of Charity, and Jesuits and that led me to join their ranks in the ongoing work of assisting others in our formation into the Body of Christ.

Thank you, Capuchins, for your loving partnership with and empowerment of lay people of God -- an outward ministry at St. Anthony's since 1971.

[Marge Lindell]

I was surprised that the day I knew would come was now upon us. I was sad knowing that we would lose a great gift in the Capuchin presence at St. Anthony's.  I was overwhelmed with thoughts about possibilities for the future, how to engage 8,000+ supporters and friends in a collaborative effort to keep the center open, and how God might be calling me to put my gifts to use in this "next chapter". I am excited to see that some of those initial thoughts are now materializing through the efforts of the Servant Team.  I can't help but think that it is no coincidence that so many are willing to participate in this process as Catholics celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vatican II.  

[Mary Appleby]

I just found out about this today.  Of course, like everyone else, I am deeply saddened.  But, I am also filled with hope that this wonderful, sacred place will continue on into the future.  Keeping everyone and SARC in my thoughts and prayers.  ~Mary

[Julia]

A resounding THANK YOU to those special capuchins now present at St A's, Fr Dan and Fr Tom and to all of those who have brought this place into existence and carried it along for so many years. How very much they have enriched the lives of the people of this state; of my life!

May their lives be thoroughly blessed!

 

May our thanks be lived out from that way we can now live, the people we touch, the communities we create because of the love and grace we have received here...

 

Julia

On Saturday, May 25, 2013 12:12:31 PM UTC-5, Servant Team wrote:

[Marge Lindell]

Well said, Julia.  The way we live our lives can carry the blessing of St. Anthony's far beyond that sacred place.

Marge