Letter to Friends of the Forest
Easter Season 2012
Dear Friend of the Forest,
May the joys of this Easter season continue to be with you and all your loved ones.
We give thanks for all the blessings we have been receiving through everyone’s goodness and generosity. We recall that it is around this time last year when Sr. Jane Comerford, CSJ, arrived at the Osage Forest of Peace to take on the role of Director of Community Life and Mission. She has been joined by Paige Britt and Justin Pehoski as resident staff. We also welcomed JoAnn Huber and Eve Abrams as the newest members of our Board of Directors. The Board works closely with the staff to ensure that the Forest of Peace continues the tradition of being the same welcoming and contemplative place for retreatants and guests that it has been for many years.
We open our hearts to you in terms of our monetary needs. We are in strong need of your financial support to keep our lovely facility beautiful and running smoothly. Some concrete information for you to consider:
*Operating expenses approximately $150,000 per year. Roughly one-third of that comes from donations from guests and regular or periodic supporters.
*Necessary repair costs, such as leaky roofs, $30,000. Gratefully, two anonymous donors have given $15,000 as matching funds toward that $30,000.
*Like in any home, the roofs are wearing out and many need to be replaced.
*Other needs – gas dryer ($750), linens and towels for the cabins ($100), new pots and pans ($25 each) etc.
No amount is too small to give. However, if 1,000 people gave $100, or if 2,000 people gave $50,we would certainly have a great start! We promise you that all donations are greatly appreciated and managed with good stewardship.
Gifts of time and talent are also most welcome to help maintain the Forest grounds and facilities. Perhaps you might enjoy “adopting a cabin” by providing linen, new curtains and such. Please contact Sr. Jane or Paige, 918-245-2734, or email osageforest@gmail.com if you are able to offer your time or talent.
The website has instructions for making online donations by credit card. Checks may be made to Osage Forest of Peace and mailed to us at 141 Monastery Road, Sand Springs, OK 74063.
Our website lists our many special events and gatherings. We invite you to join us in the Forest. We love welcoming old friends and making new friends too! We remain grateful and appreciative to you for walking with us and being Friends of the Forest.
Sincerely,
Ruben Habito, Dallas, TX, Guiding Teacher
Sr. Pascaline Coff, OSB, Tucson, AZ (Founder, Board Member)
Eve Abrams, Tulsa, OK (Board Member)
Amy Garrett, Dallas, TX (Board Member)
JoAnn Huber, Tulsa, OK (Board Member)
Fr. Brian Pierce, OP, Rome, Italy (Board Member)
