Sr. Barb Knauf
Each year around Memorial Day, we have six ladies come to weed the flower beds and courtyards, and plant annuals and perennials. The time they spend brings beautiful colors, gentle fragrances, and multiple pollinators. Then, throughout the summer they water and tend to the gardens and pots for all to enjoy. When I walk around the grounds I see these beautiful flowers and it reminds me how grateful I am for the time and effort these ladies put in.
Here at St. Anthony’s, we have three courtyards- two on either side of the chapel and Mary’s Courtyard which is the largest of the three. The two smaller courtyards have a tendency to grow weeds abundantly. When I walk around the square and look out the windows I can notice the changing of the seasons. This season is one of the times that the changes are more notable. Last week, I noticed that one of the dedicated ladies worked hard and long to remove those weeds. When I walk past them now they look refreshed and welcoming. Thank you.
Mary’s courtyard was also a busy place with weeding the beds around the perimeter of the yard and planting flowers in the different containers. I have noticed guests going out in this space and enjoying the beauty and quiet, thanks to the volunteers. This is one of the places I too enjoy and can get lost in the quiet prayerful setting. Have you noticed the flowers and the courtyards when you visit St. Anthony’s?
Last week was also the beginning of the hard work our volunteers will be doing in the next few weeks during our annual Volunteer Week. Each year, generous volunteers come to St. Anthony’s to help with inside and outside projects. We are blessed to have a wonderful group of volunteers that help throughout the year to keep the grounds and building clean and looking beautiful for all our guests.
Unfortunately, there may have been times when someone has not heard a ‘thank you’ or ‘that looks beautiful’. For those times, I say thank you for all you do; it is greatly appreciated!