The Great River Care Center, McGregor, honored Mary McCauley, BVM (Mercedie) during its Community Appreciation Day as religious services leader who “made a significant impact in assisting the care facility in providing quality of life to those it serves.” She was among 15 community leaders recognized. Mary is pastoral administrator at three parishes in northeastern Iowa: McGregor, Monona and Postville.

It’s been a busy time for Mary. She led the planning and fund-raising for construction of a beautiful new church building which was dedicated in late October.

Not one, but TWO blue ribbons were awarded to BVM Barbara Brooks for her needlework sampler. It was the top entry in the Minnesota State Fair competition, and the Minnesota Needlework Guild of Minnesota also recognized the superior quality of her work.

“My greatest challenge is always time,” says Barbara, who is a librarian at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. “A piece like this takes a magnifier and a lot of concentration.” She worked for nearly four years to complete the sampler. “I love doing it because it’s a kind of creative work that totally absorbs me. I love working with floss. I love color and design. I love learning and working specialty stitches.”

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© 2007 Sisters of Charity, BVM