Dear Treasured Partners in Mission,
In consultation with the International Leadership Team, we have determined it is necessary to cancel the Oktoberfest and Fall Festival we had scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2020.
We are disappointed, of course, because we all had hoped to hold an in-person Fall Festival event this autumn on our St. Joseph Center campus. We know many of our supporters feel the same way, with some traveling considerable distances to join in the annual celebration. But looking at the most recent COVID-19 data and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, state and local authorities, and healthcare experts, it is clear to us that this will not be possible.
While our event will not take place when we had planned and intended, we continue to strive to make a forever difference in the lives of those who are poor and on the margins. We appreciate the incredible generosity of our donors, and rely on your faithful support to offset the impact of this event cancellation.
Together, we continue to pray for the health and safety of everyone impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. We also give thanks for the extraordinary efforts of our healthcare and other staff who are keeping our sisters safe and healthy here in the United States and around the world.
We look forward to brighter days ahead, and hope that we can plan for a festive fall gathering to continue our tradition of hospitality and friendship with an awesome Oktoberfest with all our friends, sisters, and associates in 2021.
Pam Mueller
Director, International Office of Mission Advancement
School Sisters of St. Francis