Threshold - Winter 2004

From the Development Office

Growing up in a Catholic ghetto in the northwest area of Washington, D.C., I noticed my friends only went to one of two kinds of schools, Catholic or public. Therefore, in the early years of elementary school, I thought people were either Catholics or publics. Have we not come a long way as a community of believers? How our arms have been stretched to embrace others and our minds widened as we learn to accept and value differences.

Our changed understanding and acceptance happened over the years with not only formal education and study of papal documents. It came by conversations with the people with whom we minister, those we serve and those who serve with us.

This issue of Threshold, as so aptly described by Sister Mary, concentrates on ecumenism, the movement within communities of believers to be united in beliefs. It is a way of finding common denominators in our faith and actions. We are linked to each other when we pray together, when we search for common values, when we work for common just causes.

You, the readership, have joined us in our ecumenical outreach. You have donated time and talents. You have contributed financially to us which, in turn, has allowed us to serve the poor, the illiterate, the battered, the lonely, the unchurched, the grieving, as well as our traditional students. We have been able to share our Benedictine spirituality with new acquaintances as well as our “regulars.” As mutual beneficiaries, we are most grateful for you and your families.

May 2005 bring each of you
friendships that will deepen,
new acquaintances that will enrich,
challenges that will strengthen,
spiritual insights that will enlighten
and blessings that will prompt you to continue to share.
Happy New Year.
Sister Anne Shepard, OSB
Director of Development


Auctioneer George Nigro, Sister Anne, Dick Bruggen,
Sister Mary Collins and auctioneer Ron Stricker
have plenty of reasons to smile after a very
successful Night of Dreams.

From the Desk of Sister Diana

It is the end of the year and many of us have been enjoying visits from near and far . . . visits from relatives and friends who mean so much to all of us. We spend many hours cleaning, cooking, wrapping gifts and preparing in general for the wonderful times we share with each other.

This is also a good time to review your estate plans. It is a good time to make sure that you can provide for the long-term well-being of your family and favorite charities. As you have given gifts to others this Christmas season, consider giving a gift of security to your family by reviewing your current will and trusts. Tax laws may have changed since you drew up your will or trust, and don’t forget to make sure that your durable power of attorney and durable power for health care are up to date as well. A few minutes with your professional advisors may save a lot of heartache for your family later.

Finally, while you remember those sisters who provided you with so many challenges and opportunities for growth in your education, why not give some thought to coming to Atchison to see them and thank them in person? We would love to see you and your families over the holidays or any time of the year.

If you would like more information on how you can help us in our ministry and the different ways you can give a gift please do not hesitate to give me a call at 913-360-6214, email me at diana@mountosb.org, or go to our website http://www.mountosb.org and click on How You Can Help.

God’s blessing on you and your loved ones in this new year and please join all of the sisters as we pray daily for peace in our world.

Sister Diana Seago, OSB
Director of Planned Giving

Sister Diana (left) with her brother Chris Seago and
sister, Paula Jean Adair, at the Night of Dreams