I have included in this special edition a copy of the agenda (below) for our annual Appreciation Weekend on 9/6/08 and 9/7/08. The center is full and there is a waiting list for some to attend.

These past several months have been busy ones. The Board has not only appointed the names of 4 new Directors, met with agents to sell the property at the center, secured legal counsel and are following his advice to amend the Bylaws so they are consistent with the Articles of Incorporation, visited with the Bishop's designee, responded to emails and calls, and put together a Ministry Transition Team, but we are most appreciative of all of the prayers and words of encouragement we have received from many who have told us they understand and support our decision to focus on moving the ministry forward.

We welcome officially the 4 Board Directors who have agreed to serve a 3 year term. They are: Janice Verbic; Al Amatruda, Patti Allen and Tina Bauman. 11 names were submitted to the Board for consideration after a mailing to over 800 people to solicit names to the nominating committee, chaired by Brother Jack Ventura, S.M.Thanks too, to his committee that included Sue Rider, Joyce O'Toole, Cheri Lee and Jack Bonney.

We offer a fond farewell to Tom Jones and Angel Bonet for their years of  dedicated service. We thank them for the time, effort and expertise they brought to the Board and ask God and Mary to continue to protect them and their families.

In this edition I would also like to offer a word of appreciation for our staff. Marilynn, Pat, Art and Martha continue to support us and each other during this transition. They are at the CFL Retreat Center , daily, continuing to keep the facility, the administrative issues, the food and communication needs met, with heartfelt enthusiasm.Many, many thanks, everyone. We could not do any of this without your helping "holy hands".

This week, as we honor Mary in celebrating her Assumption into heaven, let us remember she is our model as one who served her Son. We continue to pray for her protection and discern how we too, can say "yes" in our service to her Son and our God through Marianist Ministry.

Peace and continued prayers,

Tina

Mrs. Tina Bauman, Chairman of the Board of Directors