This page updated
06/25/2007.

Past Happenings

THANKING GOD FOR OUR JUBILARIANS, 2001

SR. JOAN LOHMER and OTHER EVENTS, 2002

SUMMER and FALL, 2002

EFFORTS FOR PEACE,
SPRING, 2003

SPRING 2004

Spring Slideshow

FALL 2004

Fall Slideshow

WINTER 2004

Winter Slideshow

SPRING 2005

FALL 2005

FALL 2006

SPRING 2007

Fundraisers

"A Night on the Western Prairie"
On July 9, 2004, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the Friends of LaVerna will present "A Night on the Western Prairie," our 2004 Fundraiser. The event will be held in Summers Hall in the church located at 4503 Frederick Blvd., St. Joseph, Missouri.

Tickets are $50 per person, or $500 for a table of 10. To obtain your tickets, contact 816-324-3179 or purchase them from the business office at LaVerna Village or LaVerna Heights. To reserve tickets, you may also email us!

The evening begins with a social gathering at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 p.m. A Silent Auction and Live Auction will also be held. See information and pictures from our 2002 and 2003 auctions below.

Last Year's Fundraiser 2003 - "A Night at the Tropics"
The second annual Friends of LaVerna Fundraiser was held on July 11, 2003. Over 200 participants enjoyed “A Night in the Tropics,” welcomed with leis by island-styled greeters at the door, feasting on tropical treats and cuisine, renewing old friendships and joining in an evening of great fun. The bidding was brisk on 94 silent auction items and on the bed and breakfast packages offered at the live auction. It was great to see the excitement and enthusiasm build to the climax point of the winning bids. All in all it was a night of generosity, support and blessing for the Sisters and those who attended. It was a highly successful fundraiser and from the bottom of our hearts, the Sisters of St. Francis thank all who made it possible.

A Trip to Salzburg - One of Our Auction Items 2002 and 2003
One of the items auctioned in 2002 and again in 2003 was a week’s bed and breakfast in Salzburg, Austria, with our Sisters there. Jackie and Bernie Madden were the first to try out their Live Auction Salzburg Bed and Breakfast. Jackie reports, “Bernie and I arrived in Salzburg by train after flying from Kansas City to Munich, Germany. 
We were greeted by two smiling faces of the young Sisters sent to meet the weary American tourists. We were taken to a waiting taxi for a short drive to the convent.

The Sisters’ convent is part of a beautiful complex. Our guest room was cheerful and roomy, with a beautiful view of the garden and adjoined by a nice sitting room with a TV and lounge chairs for reading and relaxation. We had a lovely meal with the Sisters that first evening. It included Bernie’s favorite bratwurst, which he ordered at every opportunity while we were in Salzburg.

What a beautiful city! Sister Aurelia was so kind to spend the first day with us walking to nearby sights and explaining the history of the city. It was a special treat each day to step out the door and take a short walk along the river, across the bridge to lovely shops, restaurants and landmarks. We traveled by train one day to Innsbruck and another day to the Alps in the area of Hitler’s Eagle Nest. Other highlights of our trip were the wonderful hospitality of the Austrian people wherever we went, a performance of “The Magic Flute” at the world-famous Salzburg Marionette Theater and a beautiful choral presentation at the Franciscan Church. What a memorable experience this Austrian vacation was! Of course, we had a bonus package with the Sisters Aurelia, Valeria and their charming community.”

The second group of travelers was John and Carolyn Robertson and Mike and Georgian Harris. John and Carolyn have this to say about it: “We had the pleasure of visiting Austria and the Sisters of St. Francis in Salzburg. What a wonderful experience! From the time Sister Valeria met us at the front door until she waved good-bye, we were made to feel more than welcome.

We had a marvelous time exploring the wide variety of activities available in Salzburg. The Mozart Mass at the Franciscan Church was a major highlight of our visit. We visited some amazing sights such as the 12th century fortress that dominates Salzburg’s skyline, took the Sound of Music tour, visited the Hellebrun Palace with its trick fountains, and marveled at Mozart’s humble beginnings. There is a surprising array of eating establishments from wine cellars to the Augustineer Brewery’s Beer Garden to street vendors selling sausages. The shopping was unique and our trip up the Salzsach River gave us a unique view of the countryside. Thanks to the generosity of Father Mike Volkmer at St. Francis Xavier Parish and our guide, Sister Valeria, we were able to visit the Von Trapp family home, which is now the provincial house for the Society of the Precious Blood.

We so enjoyed staying with the Sisters. Although the weather was warm during Europe’s heat wave this summer, it was pleasant while we were there. Sr. Valeria was a big help to us. We thought it was so thoughtful that on our last night the Sisters treated us to a special dinner. This was the kind of trip that would be impossible to duplicate and one we’ll treasure forever.”

We Sisters are delighted that these couples had such a marvelous experience; and we look forward with excitement to hear the experience of 2003 winners of the Salzburg Bed and Breakfast Package, Jeanne and Bill Hinkebein of Chillicothe, who are planning to go this summer.

The Nun Better Cafe - Another Auction Item 2003
One of the prizes auctioned off at the 2003 fundraiser was the “Nun Better Café”. This was a dinner for 12 cooked by the Sisters and eaten in banquet style at LaVerna Heights. Three couples vied for the opportunity to enjoy a meal with the Sisters. Donations were tripled when the auctioneer suggested that all three couples win the meal at the last bidded price. It is evident in these pictures that this was a treat enjoyed not only by our generous benefactors, but also by the Sisters.

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Jubilarians of 2003 (At Right)

• Sr. Kathleen Reichert - 40 Years

• Sr. Reinholda Eder - 75 Years

• Sr. Mary Ellen Reichert - 50 Years

Jubilarians of 2004 (Below)

• Sr. Rebecca Brennan - 40 Years (first from right)

• Sr. Magdalene Bergmann - 70 Years (fifth from right)

• Sr. Marie Long - 50 Years (not pictured)

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Habitat for Humanity Guests
For the second year volunteer college students working with the national Habitat for Humanity program were hosted in our guest house. From March 13 to 20, students from the University of Dayton in Ohio labored on a Habitat for Humanity site in St. Joseph. The house they helped to build will become the home of a single mother with an adult handicapped son. The local executive director commented that these volunteers accomplished in one week’s time work that would have normally taken five weeks. This was evident when the workers returned each day from St. Joseph. As fifteen tired and dirty bodies piled out of the van, it was entertaining for us to watch who would win the race to the showers in the three facilities on the property made available for their use. The Sisters found this year’s group, like last year’s, to be very appreciative, enthusiastic and cooperative. It has been a blessing to be able to provide this service for such a worthy cause.

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