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Community Corner

FRANCIS CARDINAL GEORGE AT SISTERS OF THE LIVING WORD FUNDRAISER ON 2-28

The Sisters of the Living Word are preparing for
their  annual Mardi Gras Magic
fundraiser, to be held on Friday, February 28th. For those who attend, it’s a
once-a-year opportunity to party while supporting a very worthy cause. For the
“SLW”, it’s all in a day’s…or a year’s…or a lifetime’s work.



 



Did you know that nuns never
truly retire?   

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“They work relentlessly. They
own nothing, and it doesn’t worry them in the least,” notes Arlington Heights
resident Gary Colabuono, spokesperson for the event.

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“The sisters are practical,
kind and down to earth,” he says. “Working with them is amazing and extremely
rewarding. Just being around them brings peace into my life.” 



 



More than two-thirds of the
68 sisters are technically retired or semi-retired. Nonetheless, most all of
them are actively engaged in some form of ministry—whether working with AIDS
patients, promoting peace, counseling teenage mothers, feeding the hungry, or
helping the homeless.



 



These remarkable women,
presumably in their 70s and 80s, teach computer classes to senior citizens,
tutor Catholic school students, and even serve as dog walkers, among other
things. Their unofficial motto is “A Sister Never Retires.”



 



However, after age 75, they
work primarily as volunteers rather than on an official or “paid” basis. It may
not be most people’s idea of retirement, but then again, they’ve dedicated
their entire lives to making the world a better place.



 



And you can help make the
world a better place, too, simply by attending their party and having a ball.



 



The evening includes a
Creole-inspired dinner, drinks, a silent auction, and the crowning of the Mardi
Gras King and Queen.  For many, the
highlight of the evening is the Mardi Gras parade, complete with a procession
of entertaining cardboard floats. Costumes and casual dress are encouraged.



 



This year, the Sisters will
present Archbishop Francis Cardinal George with the Partners in
Mission Award.  The Cardinal is
celebrating 50 years in the priesthood.



 



Despite the festive
atmosphere, the gala serves a serious purpose. The donations raised will
support the sisters in their ministry, which includes local, regional, and
even international programs. You can learn more about their good
works at www.slw.org



 



Tickets are $85 each, and
RSVPs are requested . To purchase tickets or more information, contact Robin
Shorden at 847.577.5972. 



 



Living Word Center



800 North Fernandez Avenue -
B



Arlington Heights, IL 60004



 



Spokesperson:  Gary Colabuono, 847.707.7092



 

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