Threshold Winter 2009

With Thankful Hearts
Sister Mary Agnes Patterson, OSB
Director of Development & Communication

If you are like me, you may wonder how we have already reached 2010! Time seems to be flying by and I am trying to keep up with the on-going challenges of daily life. As we approach a new year, it is a good time to reflect on the passing of time and to look ahead to the future rapidly unfolding before us.

I was so aware this past year of the increase in the number of people coming to the Mount for retreats, days of prayer, workshops and “immersion experiences.” It seems that people are looking for deeper meaning and a closer relationship with God in their lives and in their work.

The spirituality ministry is strong and growing both in Atchison and in Piedmont. Our ministry of hospitality and spirituality continues to grow as people seek a place of peace, a place to listen to God within them and around them.

Our early sisters were called to the U.S. and to Atchison to help immigrant families educate their children, particularly to teach them the Catholic faith. Today we are still teaching our faith and sharing the Gospel message with others. Whether in the retreat centers, the classrooms, our women’s center, the helping professions, or in our work for justice and advocacy for the poor and the voiceless, the sisters are ministering to the needs of others.

We would not be able to provide all our ministries without your help. It is just that simple. You are giving of your time, talent and treasure to support us in our work to share our monastic life with others. You are generous to us so we can help others. A friend reminds me that “we need to do what we can with what we have where we are.”

God bless you in this New Year. We can’t do everything but we can do something to bring God’s love and compassion into greater clarity in our world…“so that in all things God may be glorified.” (RB)

Mark your calendar. This year’s donor appreciation Mass and dinner will be Sunday, April 18.


You can help the sisters furnish the renovated and restored St. Cecilia’s?
The second and third floors will serve as bedrooms for guests and retreatants.
The first floor will provide updated facilities for our music education ministry.
St. Cecilia’s will become accessible to all and a showplace for our community history. A number of rooms have already been named, but many are still available.

For information on naming opportunities and other ways to help us complete this renovation and restoration, contact:
Sister Mary Agnes Patterson
913-360-6215
patterson at mountosb.org