From Sunday, August 1 through Thursday, August 5, Monte Alverno had the joy of welcoming forty-four of our Capuchin brothers for the annual Capuchin retreat.  The retreat was directed and preached by Fr. Scott Steinkerchner, Dominican, and teacher of systematic theology at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri in the past, and presently ministering at the Ohio Dominican University in Columbus Ohio.

To the right is a photo taken of the group at the proclamation of the Gospel during the concluding Eucharist.

During the early evening of July 20, a brief but violent storm struck.  Other places in Appleton got the worst part of the storm, but Monte Alverno  suffered a casualty.   At left you see our bridge; in the center picture you see it under tree branches; and at the right you see the reason why.  Strong winds took down a big branch of an ash tree.  The bridge suffered only minor damage needing a seven foot long two-by-four for repairs.  Our plant manager, Jim Ritchie, had the tree cleared up by the end of the 21st.

Monte Alverno has just completed another one of its many ministries.  This one was the annual Directed Retreat held each June. 

To the left we see Fr, Keith in one of his spiritual direction meetings with Beth Groff.

Last February 2, our Brother John required hip surgery for infection in his old hip replacement.  The surgeons needed to remove the old prosthesis and could not put a new one in until the infection was cured.  On March 29 they felt they could operate again and give John his new hip.  But he was not allowed to put weight on that leg until May 11.

Since then he has been actively on the move with a walker and is looking forward to the time when he can return to his regular ministries and Monte Alverno.

John is grateful to all who have visited him and have sent cards, emails and prayers.   At right we see John exercising that leg.

Again this year, Monte Alverno offered Lenten Reflection opportunities. On Tuesday evening, March 23, More than 30 came for prayer and quiet to enhance their lenten journey.  The theme was: "A Forty Day Journey Toward New Life."  At the far left, we see registration in progress.  And on the near left, Sr. Marlene is offering the first presentation.

On Tuesday, March 2, sixty women from St. Bernard's Parish in Appleton were registered to participate in a day of reflection and prayer, organized by Carol Anheier.  Fr. Adrian Staehler gave presentations on the theme: "In knowing Jesus Christ, I know who I am."  At left we see a photo of the first presentation.  And at right we see the group in adoration at the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.

On January 5, Monte Alverno began its 2010 season of midweek and weekend retreats.  The new theme is: "When the Going Gets Tough: Franciscan Helps For the Journey."

At left we see Sr. Marlene welcoming guests at the beginning of the retreat.  And to the right we see Br. John speaking to the retreatants at the opening service.

On Monday, August 31, the entire Monte Alverno staff was invited to a gathering in which we discussed our goals and values for the upcoming months of ministry.  Special emphasis was placed on the fact that each member makes a vital contribution to the ministry of Monte Alverno, no matter how "hidden" it may seem.

To the left is a group photo of our gathering.