JMJ

Do you enjoy a great party? Do you like to celebrate Valentine's Day? If you answered "yes" to both questions, chances are that you would have had a wonderful time at Convent of the Holy Names in Spokane on February 14th.

The Washington Partners in Mission of the Development Department has a tradition of giving a Christmas present to the Convent Sisters as a way of saying "thank you" for all the friend-raising, fund-raising of the year just ended. The gift is a Champagne and Chocolate Valentine Party.

Under the leadership of Sister Celine Steinberger, Development Director, her Team transformed the Convent Dining Room into a valentine wonder land. The Kitchen Staff, too, worked its own magic. Love in bloom was the result with its fruits in abundance: decor, food, drink, fun and companionship. Red was the predominant color of the day

This year, all workers at the Convent joined the Sisters as guests. Entering the dining room under a rainbow of colored hearts, everyone saw crisp white cloths on the tables, bags of red-flowered designs with sweet goodies inside at each place, heart shaped red and silver balloons as center pieces, plates of chocolate cakes and plates of chocolate candies covered in glittering silver and gold foil with a hidden fortune inside waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. At each place, a wine glass awaited the guest's choice of champagne or sparkling ciders.

The focal point was a fountain of chocolate on the main serving table surrounded by a variety of items to dip in the warm, luscious treat. These included: strawberries, apple and banana slices, squares of angel food cake, and cream puffs. For those preferring non-sugared items, there were varieties of cheese and crackers as well as sugar free candy. Concentration took over at the point of selection; and with skewers in hand, a few moments of quiet choosing began. Glancing at plates indicated that imagination had preceded decisions. One word described it all. Yum!!

The partying continued at twelve tables around the room. Years of knowing one another, the companionship of loving hearts enjoying a common playful experience began to work their own brand of togetherness.

The serving of liquids began once guests were seated. This year marked the first Convent Valentine Party for two new members of the five member Development Team: Janet Green and Sharon Johnston. They were joined by Sr. Celine, Sally Ewing and Sr. Joan Christine as well as Sr. Shirley Roberg of the Province Leadership Team, and volunteer Nancy Tankersley in their role as servers.

The party was a great success in all its special deliciousness. However, the aftermath was special, too, with gratitude expressed on both sides: Development thanking all, and all thanking Development - like two halves of a pulsing heart sharing the Love that unites us all.

By Sr. Joan Christine Von Bank

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