On March 18, 2010, the aroma of Irish stew and soda bread filled the Franciscan Welcoming House as guests arrived at 6 p.m.  for the Enrichment Evening.  Even though it was one day after St. Patrick's, one could see the green décor on the table settings add to the enjoyment of a festive dinner and evening together. 

The topic for the evening centered on water issues and its importance for citizens of the US and world.  Members of the Water Committee of the Benedictine/Franciscan Social Justice Group spoke to the issues.  It included Jim Vogel, Franciscan Associate , Sister Maritherese Woida, OSB and Sister Mary Zirbes, OSF.    The evening included many facts and information on water, articles from Journals, local newspapers and magazines on water use, exploitation and overuse along with efforts in the local St. Cloud area to respect this wonderful resource of creation.  The evening ended with a prayer and sprinkling of water on the 24 persons in attendance.  The members of the Franciscan Welcoming House, Sisters Loretta Denfeld, Cordy Korkowski, Ange Mayers and Clara Stang hosted the evening.

The next and last Enrichment Evening for the season will be held on Thursday, April 15 and will feature the experiences of the four Franciscan Community Volunteers:  Will Braun, Spencer Buchert, Alicia Landale and Caitie Tobin.

Sister Cordy Korkowski