Goodbye 2008 and Hello 2009!
Pamela A. Rohlman, Director, Artesania Pachamama

Wow! Is there anyone else out there that is having trouble grasping the reality that it's 2009? Didn’t we just celebrate the New Millennium? I hope I’m not the only one trying to figure out where the last 8 years went! Whew!

I also find it incredible that I am now in my second year of working with the Artesania Pachamama. Not only am I busier than ever, but I'm having more and more fun! Although I know I have been somewhat quiet these last few months, it hasn’t been without good reason! We have conducted six sales in 2008: two in Cincinnati, Ohio; three in North Carolina (Boone, Greensboro and Asheville); and one in Port Huron, Michigan. Sales began in Cincinnati the end of October, and ran through the end of December, with the addition of the Asheville sale, which took place on the 20th and 21st, right before Christmas. Although we had precious little time to plan that event, it was (in my opinion), very successful! Sharon and Bill Rothweiler were tremendous help both Saturday and Sunday. We found them to be excellent companions; Ernie and I can’t thank them enough not only for their assistance, but also for their hospitality. Sharon’s mother, Casey, lives near St. Eugene’s and she treated us to sandwiches at her home following the clean up on Sunday. Kind of made us feel like “family!” I must also recognize the warm reception and welcome we received from the Parish of St. Eugene; Linda, you ARE the most cheerful secretary I’ve ever known! Fr. John, you have a sparkle and exuberance that is reflected in your parishioners. I’m looking forward to next year with you!

Port Huron was a surprise this year; Sr. Barbara single-handedly conducted a sale that netted just $19.00 short of $3,000.00! That is the most revenue that has come from that very economically challenged area of Michigan. God bless all of those who contributed to that result!

Boone sales started off a little “rocky” due to some “spacial” issues on Saturday; however, we recovered on Sunday and ended up with nearly the same number of sales as 2007. Father Joe was very gracious to allow me to speak at the Masses, during the sermon, which addressed “stewardship” and segued nicely with our Mission. He also let me interpret a Hispanic Baptism on Saturday, just like he did last year! And I didn’t even charge him for it, either! LOL! Frank and Peggy Daniello, just as they did last year, provided us with room and board and, most importantly, Frank's cooking! Their cabin is so cozy and restful makes it hard to leave.

As always, Greensboro’s St. Pius X sale was the busiest and most productive of all. This year we were graced with the very charismatic presence of Sister Mary Barbara Philippart, the undisputed “heart” of the Artesania Pachamama. Amazingly enough, she had only a few weeks prior, undergone a knee replacement surgery and still was irrepressible! That’s just how she is; no holding her back, like the “Unsinkable Molly Brown!” In case you didn’t know, she will be going to Peru in May, an 80th birthday present to her from Cathy Colque of Cincinnati, her long time friend who is also responsible for the organization and success of the Ohio sales. She’s going to have a terrific time and won’t Victoria and the Socias be surprised!

Oh, and speaking of Ohio, this year Cathy arranged a second Cincinnati sale in her Retirement Center located in Hyde Park which did well enough to be repeated this year. So, that means that in addition to our two days at the Mount we can also count on an additional sale in Hyde Park, located on the east side of the city. It all helps!

I’m sure that many of us were concerned about the sales results we would have considering the state of the economy and it being an election year. Well, the good news is that we ended up with total sales in excess of $54,000, and “that ain’t bad!” The next step is to put all the numbers together with the expenses and begin the work on the 2009 order, which was “hatched” this weekend. There will be some new products as well as rebirth of some past ones. Let’s continue to ask for success in our annual sales, shall we?

This article is being written while driving South on I-77, Ernie and I having left Cathy's house this morning. Yesterday, Sunday, was the beginning of the celebration of the 200 year anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Charity Order by Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton. It was also the Feast of the Epiphany and the recognition ceremony of 3 individuals singled out by the Order for lifetime achievement awards. Most of you know that Victor Hugo Guevara, of Manazo Peru, had not only been nominated (by Sister Barbara and Cathy), but that he had also been selected. Sr. Barbara had made arrangements to bring both he and his wife, Orfelina, in from Peru to personally receive his award, however, Embassies being what they are, the Visa’s were denied at the last moment. Sr. Barbara accepted the award on his behalf and will give it to him while in Peru in May. Ernie, Cathy and I were very touched by the beauty of the Mass said in the Chapel of the Mount, listening to the choir of Sisters and celebrating with a throng of Sisters of Charity, laity and family. The Holy Spirit was felt among all of us and made us all “family” in the moment.

This brings me to the conclusion of this reflection. More than ever, we need to be mindful that we ARE family and we should always celebrate the Holy Spirit within us who guides us in all we do, everyday. So, having said that, please take a moment and say thank you to Our Lord who places people like Hugo and Sr. Barbara, and each one of us, on a path. Whether we are together or apart, we are one body and one in the Spirit of Christ. Onward and upward in 2009!