National Catholic Sisters Week

March 8th-14th, 2014 is the inaugural National Catholic Sisters Week! This celebration is part of an initiative to make visible the contributions of women religious.

The Maria Kaupas Center partnered with Nativity Early Childhood Center to celebrate the beginning of this awesome tradition. We went to the Sisters of St.Casimir Motherhouse with the preschool aged children to sing songs to the Sisters, share blessings, and give the Sisters a special gift of handmade stars.

We began with a special introduction for the Sisters:

"Sisters, we are gathered here to celebrate you. Today we are kicking off the Inaugural National Catholic Sisters Week. As you know, March is International Women's History Month. this is wholly appropriate because everyday your hard work, charism, and mission-driven lives shape the world around us. You are making history-- a meaningful, impactful, and just history.
So, we are here today to say 'thank you'. As a Maria Alumna, I have personally benefited from your hard work. I could never thank you enough for all you've done... and I'm not the only one.
Thank you for all you've done to bless us. Now, we'd like to take this opportunity to bless you." 

- Britt (Johnson) Quinn '06

We shared songs, smiles, and a collective spirit of gratitude for all the Sisters do for the world. 

The MKC & Nativity Early Childhood Center Sing "This Little Light of Mine" to the Sisters!

The MKC & Nativity Early Childhood Center Sing "Jesus Loves the Little Children" to the Sisters!

This week, try to take moment to recognize and appreciate the efforts of these women. They do a whole lot, and they make a huge difference for the world!

Let's hear it for the Sisters!

Our First Ash Wednesday at the MKC

We celebrated our first Ash Wednesday together at the MKC! 

We saw parents, teachers, staff, students, volunteers, friends, and family come through the big blue doors to receive ashes. 

Over 120 people stopped by the MKC to receive ashes and celebrate the beginning of our Lenten journey! 

It was an amazing to see so many people come together to observe this important day. Thank you to all who shared it with us!

We talked about our Lenten promises-- and what we can do to address the struggles and obstacles in our life so we can move forward-- 

1. What are some of the struggles in my life? How can I work on them?

2. How will I face and move through these challenges?

3. What will my rising look like?

Remember, it doesn't end with the Crucifixion-- His Resurrection is the pinnacle of our faith 

"Stories of Oneness" Project at the MKC

The "Stories of Oneness" Project gathers school-aged children and teachers from across social, racial, religious, and economic boundaries. During the field trip, students participate in activities that foster communion with God, one another, and all of creation. Together they explore our common origin story, build new relationships, and, with the inspiration of Sr. Kathy Sherman's music,  create art to be used for original learning resources for children, families, and educator. Involvement in this project invites participants to recognize themselves as artists of peace, love, and unity. 

- The "Stories of Oneness" Mission Statement

We felt like the "Stories of Oneness" Project was a perfect addition to enrich our space and teach God's love for everyone! 

Quotes of the Week

We have lots to reflect on with Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lenten season--so we have several quotes this week!

"We don't see things as they are, we see things as WE are."- The Talmud

"God can do no more for us than God can do through us."- Eric Butterworth

"I am the only body God has"- Barbara Fiand

It is important to remember that it doesn't end with the crucifixion of Jesus; rather, it is the RESURRECTION that is the Pinnacle of our faith. 

So, as we think about these quotes-- try to ask yourself the following questions:

1. What are some of the struggles in my "container"?

2. How will I face and move through the current challenges in my life?

3. How will you rise?

We must recognize that Lent is a time of preparation, reflection and "cleaning out" the negativity and obstructions that keep us from personal growth and solid relationship with God.

If you are full of unhappiness and negativity-- that is what you will give to people. It's important to "clean out" your container to make sure you are giving is pure, positive, and a reflection of your best self.

Reflection on the Lenten Promise

In Reflection on Friday, our Program Director Amy Eckhouse shared a few thoughts about the Lenten season. She asked them what obstacles seem to get in the way of their “Resurrection,” their best self.

Here are their replies:

“The yelling between my parents weigh me down”

“Some of my friends are in gangs and I worry about them”

“People donʼt accept me the way I am”

“My dad does not come around”

“The cyber world makes me want to hide”

“My teachers are unreasonable at times”

“I feel unloved by the people I care about most”

“My mom drinks too much"

“I worry about my mom because we donʼt have any money. She worries about paying

bills”

“No one knows Iʼm sick”

“I drink too much”

“My mom not living with me”

“My dadʼs erratic behavior”

“When my mom calls me a b***h”

“Dealing with my cousins murder”

“My mind”

“When I tried to take my life”

“I have depression and sometimes I cut”

“I get bullied”

“Having sex too soon”

“I have a dark imagination”

“Sometimes I throw up”

“My anger causes me to hurt people”

“My dad started a new family and left me behind”

“My mom is sick and I am so afraid of losing her”

“My dad cheated on my mom and mom takes it out on us”

“Having careless, unprotected sex”

“When my dad hits me”

“Dad left us when I was little and I donʼt trust any boys in my life”

“Iʼm always wearing a mask, nobody really knows me”

“People make fun of me because of my weight”

During the Lenten season we look at the obstacles that get in the way. These teens were urged to be honest, and write down the most serious things that are getting in the way of them being their best selves. These students are dealing with real issues-- peer pressure, bullying, and stressful home situations. 

We introduced the Lenten season to our teens as a time for reflection and working on better themselves. They are taking the challenge to be mindful about, and actively working on the things their lives that are holding them back. 

It's going to be quite a journey, but we are confident they will come through stronger and wiser than they were before.