Moving Forward with Hope

Sprinkles of Gratitude
Across the grounds of Mount Loretto, temperatures and humidity soared on a Sunday afternoon in August yet, no one rushed to leave. Beneath the shade of several tents, the warmth of friendship and community was most important as sisters, associates, neighbors and friends gathered to enjoy a sweet treat at Sprinkles of Gratitude, an ice cream social filled with laughter and love.

On what proved to be the hottest day of the year, guests fanned themselves as they savored scoops of Delaney’s Ice Cream with flavor names honoring the sisters’ legacy like “Heaps of Hospitality,” “Mooncoin Mint” and “This Could Be a Habit.” Sisters mingled easily among guests of all ages, greeting familiar faces and welcoming newcomers with genuine joy.
“Seeing families, neighbors and friends enjoying time together was the highlight of the afternoon for me. That is what makes a community strong,” said Sister Margaret Anne Kramer.

Lightbearers’ Dinner
A month later, as the sun dipped behind fading gray clouds that had threatened rain, the sisters hosted the Lightbearers’ Dinner, an outdoor dinner honoring their many partners in mission. Guests included representatives and clients of local nonprofits, schools and community organizations that walk beside the sisters in advocating for women, children, immigrants, care of Earth and in transforming unjust systems.

Before dinner, Sister Rita Menart led guests in prayer, “Place in our hearts the desire to use the energy from this meal to make a difference to our families, to our community, to our country … guiding us to create tables of welcome and love, renewing our commitment to let the light shine in us and in each person. With God and each other we can bring light into the darkness.”

Throughout the evening, talented cellist Sam Day played as guests exchanged stories and ideas. They spoke of women finding strength and independence, children learning with confidence, immigrants finding welcome and new initiatives to protect Earth’s resources.
“What a beautiful event your Lightbearers’ Dinner was!” said Dawn Cogan, executive director of St. Mark Youth Enrichment. “I have benefitted both personally and professionally from the love and light that sisters and your staff put out into the world. I am incredibly grateful for all you do.”

“It was such a beautiful evening filled with warmth, inspiration and connection,” added Karen Hoeger of Catholic Charities. “Thank you for welcoming me so graciously into your community and for the light you continue to share with the world. It was a gift to be among you.”

Behind the scenes, Presentation staff and associates worked many hours to create an elegant experience for guests. Volunteer and Presentation associate Becky Searcy said, “On Sunday morning, I was basking in the afterglow of what we experienced all day Saturday! Seeing everyone working together and welcoming guests for one mission, spreading good throughout the world, it could not have been more beautiful!”

Sister Mary Lou Specha reflected, “From the food to the atmosphere, the conversations, the music and the joy that filled the air, every detail was thoughtfully crafted and deeply felt. I am so grateful for the heart and dedication our team poured into making this event a lasting memory.”

As dessert concluded, Sister Carmen Hernandez invited everyone to raise the candle at their place setting. A soft glow filled the night as she prayed, “May this flame remind us that the light we bear matters — that it has power to welcome, to heal and to transform. When joined together, our small flames become a great beacon of hope, lighting even the darkest of places … May the time we have shared tonight inspire new connections and renewed energy for the change we seek together.”

Circle of Illumination
As autumn deepened and the anniversary year drew toward its close, the sisters turned from celebration to remembrance. On All Souls’ Day, sisters welcomed guests for the Circle of Illumination, a prayer service honoring loved ones who have illuminated their path and continue to guide them toward the future with hope and gratitude.

The evening began in Sacred Heart Chapel with music and readings as many remembered parents, spouses, children, siblings and friends. “This is always one of our most tender gatherings,” Sister Beth Driscoll reflected. “It reminds us that love does not end; it transforms.”

Sister Julia Wingert invited everyone to observe a moment of silence and to light a candle in memory of their loved ones. Those present in the chapel were given a tea light, while participants joining from home had received candles by mail. Through the gift of technology, many joined from afar via livestream, united in spirit and prayer.

When the final hymn ended, guests processed outside, their tea lights glowing softly in the cool November air. Karen Tuecke, partners in mission coordinator, invited guests to place their tea light in one of the luminaria “as a sign that the spirits of our beloved deceased live on through and among us.” The circle driveway was lined with hundreds of luminarias, each one representing a life remembered and a story held dear.

As the circle of light grew, it seemed to hold the night itself — radiant, peaceful and timeless. The lives of those remembered, the faith of those gathered and the hope their legacy continues to inspire were all intertwined into one sacred circle of illumination.

Trusting the Light
After a year of celebration, sisters, staff and associates gathered for the 150th closing ceremony, Trusting the Light, an evening centered on gratitude, hope and courage as they step together into the future. The celebration began with a prayer service in Sacred Heart Chapel recapping the year’s events. Those gathered paused to give thanks for all who have tended the light of the Presentation mission, those whose faith built the foundation and all who continue to carry it forward today.

Following prayer, all gathered for dinner in the dining room over the soft glow of lantern lights. Sisters Marilyn Breen, Rita Menart, Marilou Irons and Beth Driscoll expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the 150th committee, associates and staff for their many hours of volunteering, creativity and dedication that helped make the 150th anniversary celebrations meaningful and memorable. Their gratitude reflected the spirit of the evening’s theme, Trusting the Light, a reminder that the Presentation mission thrives because of the shared commitment of many hands and hearts.

As the evening drew to a close, the community looked to the future with hope. Just as God’s Spirit once guided Nano and Mother Vincent into new and uncertain paths, the Presentation community trusts that the same light will continue to illuminate their way. With grateful hearts and renewed courage, they step into the future together, confident that their mission will continue to shine brightly.

From the heat of summer to the change of autumn, each celebration carried its own kind of radiance. Sprinkles of Gratitude celebrated joy in community. The Lightbearers’ Dinner glowed with partnership and shared mission. The Circle of Illumination gathered hearts in remembrance. Together, these events told the story of 150 years of faith lived out loud — in laughter, in service and in light — and Trusting the Light reminded all that they are called to be lightbearers, carrying the mission forward into the future.