After a journey of beautiful, snowy landscapes, Franciscan Sisters celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at St. Albert the Great Newman Center, Houghton, MI. The evening began first with invoking the Trinity at Eucharist. Pastor Father Ben Hasse’s homily offered an Office of Readings text from the Confession of St. Patrick:
“If I am worthy, I am ready also to give up my life, without hesitation and most willingly, for his name. I want to spend myself in that country, even in death, if the Lord should grant me that favor.” 
Students next served a festive meal. Father Ben helped bake the traditional Irish soda bread.
Food was followed by a fireside chat panel including Sister Caritas Strodthoff, Sister Anne Turba, Judy Roemer (blood sister of Sister Anne) and Sister Julie Ann Sheahan. We addressed the topic of chastity. Wisdom was also sincerely shared from students and others gathered around the circle. 
Young women who share the Catholic faith and living accommodations invited us to a post-tea party. Conversation flowed freely. St. Francis and St. Clare would love their dining room furniture: a picnic table! Along with hearing about everyone’s course of study and family background, we also enjoyed sharing the convent concept of ‘house meetings’.
