Meadow Hill

Franciscan Friars present a Lenten Journey

Louise Haight
Posted 2/13/19

Thank goodness for our children, who, with hearts of pure love are the Cupids keeping alive the exciting and festive spirit of Valentine’s Day. Naturally, lovers have called this heart and …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in
Meadow Hill

Franciscan Friars present a Lenten Journey

Posted

Thank goodness for our children, who, with hearts of pure love are the Cupids keeping alive the exciting and festive spirit of Valentine’s Day. Naturally, lovers have called this heart and flowers day their own, but grade school girls and boys have never tired of creating their own sweet messages of love with colored paper and markers, and with safety scissors cutting big hearts and gluing them onto delicate lace doilies.

Such is the “sweet heart” of a child as they hand deliver their homemade cards, created with love to their parents, and of course, gramma and grandpa, and maybe a lucky teacher, too. What joy to feel so loved with precious messages of “I Love You” and “Be My Valentine.”

The big cardboard Valentine’s mailbox that I fondly remember during my grade school days, from way long ago, was brightly covered with red and white crepe paper and decorated with hearts, arrows, and cupids, with a wide slit on top to mail our cards. Every boy and girl received a Valentine Card, and that was the rule, after all, this day was about Love. The little cards were funny and cute and corny, with one message I’ve remembered most, and it was a tall, smiling giraffe on the front of the card, and on the inside, it said, “Valentine, I long for you.” My own children received a very similar card when they were in grade school, so it must have stayed a favorite throughout the years.

Traditions come and go, and the Valentine mailbox seems to have been replaced by individual paper bags in some schools, but no matter the delivery, children are going to be tickled pink to receive cute store-bought theme Valentine cards on February 14. What remains the same is the enjoyable sweet treat of cupcakes brought in by moms, that are decorated with pink icing and red cinnamon hearts or heart-shaped sugar candies with messages of “Kiss Me,” or “Will You Be Mine?”

The joys of love and romance will always be celebrated for those who Love. And for Sweethearts, young or old, all over the world, don’t forget the bright, red satin covered boxes filled with decadent chocolates, or gorgeous flowers, or a gift of shiny jewelry. Happy Valentine’s Day!


The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal invite you to experience a Life in the Spirit Seminar: new beginning/new power/new hope. This Lenten journey takes place in Saint Mary’s Church, 180 South Street, Newburgh. The dates are Thursdays at 7 p.m., March 7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4 and 11, and ending on May 2.

Newburgh Free Library Town Branch programs to keep you challenged, relaxed, and having fun will fill your calendars until the end of February.

DIY Make and Take: Saturday, Feb. 16, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Get creative and make a colorful Pompom Rug. All materials are provided. Registration is required: Call 566-0460 or online at newburghlibrary.org.

Knit & Stitch: Wednesdays, Feb. 13 and 27, from 6-7:45 p.m. Bring your knitting and any stitch style you love. Open to all, and children 10+ are welcome with a parent or guardian.

Adult Coloring: Saturday, Feb. 16, from 12-2 p.m. Join other adults in this popular and relaxing hobby. All materials are provided.

Tuesday at Two Book Discussion: Tues., Feb. 26, from 2-3:30 p.m. Join Librarian Patty Sussmann for a lively discussion of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” by Truman Capote.

Tooth Fairy Day: Thursday, Feb. 28, at 3 p.m. No need to have a loose tooth to have fun! Celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day with themed book reading, a “tooth saver” craft, and an activity. Open to ages 3-8.

The Mission of the St. Vincent dePaul Society is to help alleviate the needs of the poor, the hungry, the homeless, and single parents struggling to raise their children in a home environment. Their Resource Exchange Program is an ongoing appeal to provide personal hygiene items, such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc. In addition, they are constantly in need of diapers, baby clothes, baby bottles, and related infant needs.

The Mission in Newburgh is growing in leaps and bounds. It is obvious there will always be the poor, now more than ever, and the SVDP urgently needs new helping hands.

If you would like to help SVDP and have a happy time, too, then come and celebrate Mardi Gras on Saturday, March 2, from 7 to 11 p.m., at Colden Manor at Spruce Lodge, 619 State Route 17K, Newburgh.

There will be a Buffet Dinner and a cash bar. You will enjoy music and dancing, and great door prizes and raffles.

Tickets are $60 each; a Table of 10 will be $550 (cash only). There will be NO ticket purchases at the door.

Tickets available at Sacred Heart Church rectory: 12 to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For information 561-2264. This is an adult only event.

All proceeds to benefit the Deacon Dominick Casadone Chapter of the St. Vincent dePaul Society of Sacred Heart St. Francis Church.

May you always have an angel at your side.