| Wirtanen,
Volunteers are honored
At lunch on Wednesday, January 26, the dining room was filled with expressions of gratitude, colorful balloons and artwork, and song as the Community celebrated the volunteers of the Historical Museum and retiring director Lyle Wirtanen. “You have been so faithful,” exclaimed Sister Bernice to the volunteers, celebrating their work during crucial projects. Sister Bernice Wessels, who has been the museum technician, is also leaving to become the Monastery librarian. Lyle Wirtanen pointed out that all the volunteers present had been serving the museum all during his own 11-year tenure as director. Lyle, who is retiring as museum director, was also a focus of the celebration lunch. The Community sang a tribute song to him written by Sister Chanelle Schuler (below) and presented him with gifts, which included a memory book and an embroidered tablecloth made by Sister Mary Marge. Prioress Sister Clarissa thanked Lyle for his leadership and his extraordinary commitment to the Monastery’s core values of Healing Hospitality, Grateful Simplicity and Creative Peacemaking. 
The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude celebrates the museum volunteers. 
The Sisters sing a tribute to Lyle Wirtanen, who is retiring as museum director. |
 |