By: Carla Daasch, Administrator
We are pleased to introduce our new Administrator, Carla Daasch.
This is a new adventure for both her and our Home as we have not in the past had a “lay person” Administrator, but with extra documentation and the abundance of new regulations we decided it best to move in this direction. Enjoy her first impressions of our work below:
Reflecting on Christmas this past year, I am reminded of the fact that when I put aside the busyness of the season I frequently found I was thinking about the meaning of sacrifice. My appreciation, in part, comes from the knowledge of an ever maturing perspective of the sacrificial life of Christ. The meaning of this and other sacrifices I have witnessed over the years grows more precious with time. Now this is a new year and many have switched their focus to 2017 and what lies ahead, but I would like to ask you to look back at 2016 once more.
Perhaps you are familiar with what happens at Little Sisters of the Poor during December, but this was my first glimpse at the Christmas season at this Home and I would describe it as simply remarkable. Perhaps some will say I am easily stirred by emotion, but I found myself on occasions teary-eyed with joy at the beauty which presented itself in the generosity and love I witnessed.
I think particularly of all the volunteer hours that were dedicated to the mission of “offering the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied with dignity until God calls them to himself”. The words that come to mind when I think of this are foremost generosity and love. There were many volunteers who contributed time, talent and resources for the purpose of living out the mission of the Sisters. I understand their dedication and willingness to give may result in abundant personal benefits along their journey, but demonstrating the love of Christ has brought immeasurable gifts to those they served.
In partnership with God dozens of those made in his image demonstrated God’s love and everyone said hallelujah. As we hunger for meaning may we each consider the benefits of volunteering? Whatever that means to you, or how you personally define it, may 2017 be a year where through humble service and compassion you can say you impacted the world for good. And for those who served in 2016 may you feel the blessing and know the appreciation for what you have done.
Reflections on the Year 2016