Community of the Holy Spirit
in this newsletter . . .
"Topping Off Ceremony"--The new roof is done!
In the Gardens Now . . .
Reflections on Spiritual Retreats, from Sister Leslie
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Dear friends,


As we near Pentecost, a particularly special holy day for our Community, we hold ourselves open so that we may perceive the movement of the Holy Spirit, and serve as God's hands in the world. 

And we continue to mourn for the ecological, economic, and social devastation that is occurring in the Gulf of Mexico, and to pray for the healing of our Mother Earth. 

Peace,

The Sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit
www.chssisters.org

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"Topping Off" Ceremony--The New Roof Is Done!

CHS Sisters On Friday, May 14th, the Community was delighted to celebrate a "Topping Off" Ceremony, marking the completion of the roof at the new convent!  Bishop Cathy Roskam led the Sisters, our Associates and friends in prayer, and blessed the site and a young spruce tree that will grace the rooftop garden. 

Although it began as a rainy morning, the sun broke through as soon as we arrived, and we were able to tour the entire structure.  We've posted twenty new pictures on our website--come take a look!   
In the Gardens Now...

Bluestone FarmThe gardens are progressing along, with new plants going into the ground each week.  In this picture, you can see (on the right) rows and rows of small "shell pea" plants.  Shell peas are those tasty, bright morsels that you eat fresh, as soon as they're ready.  In other gardens, we're growing "soup peas" that we'll store and use all winter long.  In the left half of the picture, with the white cloths, we have rows and rows of "brassica" plants--broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and more.  Good thing all these plants like cool weather, given the temperatures we've had recently!  In the last two weeks, we've also planted about 750 onions and four beds of potatoes.  And we are looking forward to the beginning of June, when we'll plant our wonderful corn, and at least 15 varieties of beans. With each crop, we marvel at the beauty and diversity of God's creation.  It is a gift to watch life emerge and unfurl before our very eyes.
Reflections on Spiritual Retreats, from Sister Leslie

I've just returned from leading retreats in Spokane (eastern Washington) and Seattle/Tacoma (western Washington), where springtime came early this year to the Pacific Northwest.  The flowers were glorious as was the time spent with our Associates and friends. 

People travel long distances to attend these retreats.  The Friday suppers are filled with much chattering and laughter, but then, after my first address on Friday evening, the silence begins--and let me tell you, these people are serious about it. 

Retreats are so sacred to many and the hunger for silence, for God, is very deep and profound.  I pray that my message in some way refreshes, strengthens, nourishes and encourages them.  As Sr. Elise taught me, I pray to just "get out of the way"!  To empty and give all and let go! 

And how in turn, I am then refreshed, strengthened, nourished and encouraged by all those who participate.  There are so many memories and stories I carry with me.  One of the images I'd like to share is that of a new born lamb, only 4 hours old...fragile and vulnerable but standing on her legs, sucking milk/nourishment from her mother, ready to face the world.  All those who come to our retreats know that it is not escaping, but a time to step back and listen and to face all that lies ahead, but with God....our Mother/Father.