SUMMER 2012

First floor center hall

 Summer meant travel, reflection, and renovation of energy and surroundings.  At the end of June, John spent some time in the New York area to learn more about a new role with Christian Brother sponsored schools.

Back here in New Orleans, Bob continued his work renovating areas of the first floor and Charles expanded his service to Lantern Light Ministries by taking on a new responsibility getting mail to the many homeless who depend on the Center for an address so they can receive support checks and contact their families.

On the 4^th of July we had folks in for dinner.  Our guests included Sr. Nancy Hale, CHF and Presentation Sisters Vera Butler, Enid Storey and Anna Raimon.  Glenn Lirette, a neighbor, and a friend also joined us. 

John, Sr, Enid, Jacques, Sr. Anna, Charles, Sr. Vera, Glenn Lirette, Sr, Nancy

 On the 12^th, we went out for dinner with Molly Sherry and Allison Maraldo; Molly has returned to the Northeast while Allison is hoping to find work in New Orleans.  On the 13^th, Holly Odo, who taught with John at St. Philip Neri and now teaches at All Hallows in the Bronx visted.

Mr.LeJeune, John, Tom and Mrs LeJeune on steps of the church

 On the 14^th of July Charles left for retreat and the parish of St. Henry celebrated its feast day with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond in the church, which now is open for weekday Mass at 6:30 AM.  Br. Tom Lejeune was back, having driven his parents from Houston for the annual reunion celebration—they are from this parish.  On the 20^th Bob began his drive to retreat at Jericho House in Canada, just across the border from Buffalo, New York.  John flew to Buffalo Sunday, where Bob picked him up and they went to retreat together.

Glenn Lirette kept an eye on our house, and when Charles returned on the 28^th everything was in order, Glenn even sorted the mail!

John was back on August 4 and prepared for meetings on the 9^th with the School Leadership Center about DISCOVERY WALKS and on the 10^th facilitated the opening school retreat for the 45 teachers and staff from St. Francis Xavier Elementary School. The following week, John met with administrators at Holy Cross High School and St. Mary’s Academy whom he will be working with this year.

Bob continues work winding down operations at Operation Hands and assisting with the books at St. Joseph’s Church on Tulane Avenue, while preparing for our new volunteers, and visiting possible volunteer sites for next year.

Bob and John got to see family members after their retreats; Charles left for Seattle on Saturday the 18^th and due to poor weather and the vagaries of air travel got to Seattle at 1:00 AM their time.

Side yard in the back of the house--needs weeding!

 We have had a WET month in Louisiana.  However, the drought north of us has diminished the flow of water into the Mississippi and salt water is backing up. Measures are being taken.

We did get some good news--New Orleans is now third on the list of cities with the most blighted properties--Detroit and Flint, Michigan lead the way.

There is still much to rebuild--homes and communities.