Threshold - Winter 2004

Transformations

It was estimated that more than 4000 people passed through Mount St. Scholastica’s former college administration building on the weekend of May 1 and 2 for an auction of items that were once used in that building and were no longer needed by the sisters. Over 1600 registered for bidder numbers and packed into the rooms filled with no longer needed items from that building and other areas of the campus. Curious bargain hunters from the area, nostalgic alumni from far and near, dealers and professional agents connected by cell phones to buyers across the country all joined in the auction of epic proportions. Every sister who was able, assisted by oblates and other helpers, directed traffic, assisted customers, sold refreshments and enjoyed the visits and support of relatives, friends and new acquaintences. Those who were not able to attend aided immeasurably by their prayer and encouragement. The event was also a large financial success, turning surplus property into almost $300,000 that will be used to renovate Dooley Center, the nursing care facility for older sisters.

Not long after the auction, another crowd with trucks and boxes appeared. This time it was the faculty, students and parents of the Atchison Middle School, eager to refill the building with their own furnishings and equipment. On the last day of school, each student picked up his or her desk and carried it to a waiting vehicle. When everything was settled, the sisters were invited to an open house.

Now, once again, the halls are alive with the sounds of students. They are using the building for at least a year while their school is being renovated. Moving them to this facility will help complete the construction more quickly and and create less distraction and danger for the students.