September 2020 Newsletter
Dear Fontbonne Members,
As always, I hope you and your families are doing well and staying healthy and safe. Although our weather is changing, the Fontbonne Auxiliary stands strong and steady in our commitment to support Ascension St. John Hospital. Although we were unable to all get together for our September General Membership Meeting, our Board of Directors held the September Board Meeting virtually. I would like to update you and keep you in the loop. I would like to begin this update with a beautiful reflection.
We are living through a period of deep disruption, chaos and anxiety. The things and people we hold most dear have been separated from us and the normal order of life has been utterly upended. The prophet Elijah was in a similar place. Rejected by his people, chased by his government, he was the last prophet in the land of Israel. Lonely and afraid, disconnected and heartbroken, Elijah waits for God.
God does not arrive in wind. God does not arrive in an earthquake. God does not arrive in a fire. The creator of all that is and was and is to come, is present in the gentle whisper.
God is in the gentle whisper. Though the wind rages, the earth shakes and fire scorches all we see, God will be there, close enough to whisper peace to our weary hearts.
As we navigate this pandemic, may we remember the absolute tenderness and perpetual closeness of God. In all the chaos and fear, God is always close enough that we can hear the divine whisper in our hearts.
In closing we pray;
God of silence and stillness, we trust you are with us in this time of noise and chaos. We pray for an end to this pandemic. Whisper your words of comfort, encouragement and hope to all who need them in these days of fear. Draw close to those who are sick and all those who risk illness, caring for them, protecting and uplifting them. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
To update you on our last Board Meeting:
Dr. Grady announced that Brant Russell was selected as President and CEO of Ascension Providence Hospital. Brant did a great job at Ascension St. John as COO. We wish him well in his new position. We are doing a national search to replace Brant. Ascension St. John would like to have the position filled within 2 to 3 months. Dr. Grady expressed his condolences to Gail Howe and her family on the passing of her father. Lorna thanked Kevin for his leadership. And he expressed his pleasure to work with us.
Fontbonne has a total of 449 members with 304 being Life members. We are encouraging new membership so if you know of anyone who may be interested in joining our fantastic organization, I hope you will encourage them to join. New members bring new friendships.
On a sad note, Victoria Keys-Young, Past President 1991-1993, passed away in late August. We send our condolences and prayers to her family and friends. We also express our condolences and are keeping Gail Howe in our prayers as she has lost her beloved father.
As a result of COVID-19, not only have we cancelled the September General Membership Meeting, we have also cancelled Jingle, Mingle in December and the White Christmas Ball. These decisions were proactive decisions so that we can be part of the solution in helping to stop the spread of the virus and keeping everyone safe and healthy. Our decision was applauded by Dr. Grady. Even though the ball has been cancelled, we will be supporting the hospital as we are doing a “Christmas Ball” mailing to raise funds. Phyllis DeMars has agreed to work on the design for the mailing and we are currently working with Dr. Grady to determine a need at the hospital. We are hoping everyone will support our efforts even though we can not have an actual event. The White Christmas Ball will return December 3, 2021.
Looking to the future, we are hoping to have a February General Membership Meeting as well as the Spring Fashion Show. These events will be dependent on COVID-19 restrictions. I will continue to update you after our next virtual Board Meeting in December.
In closing, I wish you all a healthy fall season and a Blessed Thanksgiving. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. May God Bless you and your families. I hold you all in my heart and in my prayers.
Lorna Zalenski,
President, Fontbonne Auxiliary
