Welcome to the Holy Season of Lent! I find myself in San Antonio, TX, studying Spanish. I came to San Antonio via Dallas, TX. Steven Narvaez, son of Irene and Jay Narvaez, helped me get orientated to the area in Dallas. What a beautiful city it is, especially at night with all the lights downtown. I had a tour of the Dallas World Aquarium. My favorite sea animal was the Manatee, a large marine mammal with walrus-like shaped body; harmless and non-aggressive. How powerful if our world today could have this same peace and non-aggressive attitude toward each other.

What a celebration! The chapel was filled to overflowing on Sunday February 11 for the Open House. Around 200 people attended. All were rejoicing and amazed at all that has been accomplished at SOH. The building looked beautiful and festive with flower arrangements donated by Helen Scott in the chapel and dining room. The theme for the prayer in the chapel was thanksgiving to God and to all our benefactors for the money, labor and furnishings that were donated and asking God’s blessing on all and on Sanctuary of Hope to continue its mission.

Marilyn Connolly, PR Chair, read Ed Hays’ "Blessed are you, Lord Our God who has given to each of us a personal destiny and purpose in life" and who has called us to share each others’ growth in community at SOH. Willietta Jennings proclaimed Ephesians 1: 15-23, a prayer of thanksgiving and blessing.

Father Dennis read the story of the paralytic being lowered through the roof by his friends to bring him to Jesus. He said that we at Sanctuary of Hope want to bring all to Jesus. Father Dennis also shared how as a little boy, before he knew how to swim, he had jumped into the water where his dad was swimming and was rescued by his father. Father said that he had been jumping in over his head and being saved by God all his life.

Each member of the live-in staff shared how grateful they are to be at Sanctuary of Hope. Bernadine said that she and Jesus (the picture that always hangs in her bedroom) really liked living in their new quarters in the northeast corner of the building. Sister Mary Eugenia, SCL was grateful for the many Sisters of Charity who were present on Sunday and over the years. Kelly Ashton was grateful for all our prayers. Jeff said that like the Israelites in the desert we have manna everyday and it is such a blessing. Kelly and Jeff read the "Blessing Prayer for the Home" from Father Hays Prayers for the Domestic Church and Father Dennis blessed all present and the building.

Musicians Chris Vitt, piano, Ron McCorkle, flute, and Gerald Trimble, Viola de Gamba, and Bernadine Asher, psaltery, led the singing of Alleluia #1, Holy Is Your Name and Circle of Love in the chapel. During the touring of the building the living room became the music room as they and others played informally and entertained guests further.

Bernadine and Sister Mary Eugenia and other associates were guides and hosts as people wandered through the newly opened conference room and office and the new staff quarters. Sister Mary Eugenia and Bernadine now each have their own bedrooms, baths and sitting rooms in the northeast wing and a comfortably furnished common area with kitchenette. Bernadine’s daughter Beth said, "Mom, now you really have a home again!" Parts of the building finished earlier like retreat rooms, Seib’s apartment and the living room were also open for viewing.

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Run the Good Race II by Jack Connolly

Run the Good Race, a 5k run/walk, to be held at the Sanctuary of Hope on Saturday, April 7, 2001 at 8AM is similar to what was done last year. The cost of the event is $15.00 prior to race day and $20.00 on race day. Race materials can be picked up at SOH either Friday afternoon from 4-8PM or Saturday morning, beginning at 6:30AM. The race itself begins at 8AM and breakfast will be available as soon as the first runners finish. The awards and prizes program will begin on the front lawn of SOH at about 9:30AM. Entrance forms are available on the SOH web page. Breakfast is free to anyone who has paid the entrance fee and to all volunteers. Others are welcome as well and there will be a basket available for donations.

There are many 5k events in metropolitan Kansas City throughout the year. Ours is one of the more desirable ones. Our race t shirt features the beautiful SOH logo as do the race medallions. The medallions are made specially for this event at Ed's Trophies in Kansas City, KS. The breakfast that Marty Thoennes and his crew serve would do any restaurant proud, the food and the service is well beyond what one usually gets at an event of this type. This year, rather than an award for winning the race we are having a drawing for 2 Vanguard Airline tickets so that everyone involved will have an opportunity to win.

These amenities are possible through the generosity of our sponsors:

Last year’s Run the Good Race had that special SOH feeling of good fellowship and happiness.

We are working hard to reproduce that again this year and we hope you will join us!

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On Saturday evening, March 24 at 7:00 PM, Sanctuary of Hope will offer a Prayer Evening in the tradition of Taize'. It will include Chanting of Psalms and silent prayer by candlelight.

Taize' Prayer was founded at the ancient monastery of Cluny in France. It's mission was to bring healing and peace to the people after the devastation of World War II. The Taize' method of Prayer still brings healing to all who experience it.

Taize' Chants are translated now in many languages and are sung all over the world. The repetition of the Chants fosters Communion with God, and continues long afterward in the silence of one's heart.

Please join us for this Lenten Devotion. Chris Vitt, Coordinator of Liturgy and Music at Guardian Angels Church in Kansas City, MO will provide music, and the cantor will be John Rudzinski, Director of Music at Good Shepherd, Shawnee, KS.

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