After 17 years, God has the last laugh
Sister Ann Casper greets guests during the 2016 Women in Leadership Luncheon.
Ever since I made my retirement from my present ministry as Executive Director of Mission Advancement for 17 years somewhat public, it’s been interesting to hear people’s reactions. “So soon?” one person queried, with tongue in cheek, and another marveled that I would have stayed at fundraising for so long!
Actually, there’s a bit of truth in both comments. It does really seem “soon,” because I have so enjoyed fundraising even though it often gets a “bad-rap.” The “really soon” part reminds me of all the wonderful, generous benefactors to the Sisters of Providence that I have never met, sad to say! Probably I would have to live two or three life times to do so!
And fundraising, after all, is being in relationship with the relatives of our sisters, former students in our schools, ministry associates of sisters through the years, associates and staff members — in short, people who have like values and want to make a difference in life. What’s there not to like about that?
It’s been grand to know there are so many people Together in mission with the SPs! Their gifts have assisted us in completing so many capital projects, helped care for our sisters who are retired or ill, supported our ministries and programs, attracted women and associates to join us and operated our many departments which further the SP mission and so much more on a daily basis. And we have another whole segment of folks who are Together in mission with us as volunteers, pray-ers, attendees at our programs and events and probably in other ways we don’t even know about.
Actually during these 17 years, I’ve worn a few other hats in the Mission Advancement office, one of which is editing most copy created by my fantastic staff. I’m talking letters, flyers, brochures, HOPE magazine, press releases, advertisements for print and/or web, blogs, e-newsletters, videos … you get the picture.
Now to share a great irony! The last two prayer-bookmarks that I wrote and then proofed very carefully after they were designed (and so did others in the office) were printed and sent out with my name misspelled! So, if you happen to receive one, know that Ann Casper, SP and Ann Capser, SP are one and the same person …
Proving yet again that God always seems to have the last laugh!
Share this:
Plan for your future!
Leave the things you value to the people and purposes you value most.
And a HUGE “thank you” for these many years of dedicated service!
Ann,
Thank you for your wonderful writing, creative and gracious leadership throughout these seventeen years!
I’m grateful for this blog with the editing error story as I felt terrible after I realized I misspelled Maya Angelou’s name on Ann Jeanette’s memorial card. I guess we are ALL human and God loves us just the way we are.
Ann, personally, I will miss the little notes you write to me each time you let me know that a donation has been given in my name. T thank God for your continued presence among us with or without the personal note. with deep gratitude for you, Paula
Ann, you leave a long grace-filled legacy for which I hope you hear a resounding THANK YOU! Blessings on whatever the future holds! And hang on to your great sense of humor!
Ann, your many years of ministry in Mission Advancement plus the many years in Administration have been a great blessing for all of us! I know you’ll continue to share your many talents in various ways.
Blessings on the new chapter in your life!
Rita Clare
I noticed you write “retirement from my present ministry” which leads me to believe that Sister Ann Capser, SP will still remain quite busy. ¯_(ツ)_/¯ I can’t wait to see what’s next!
I think God loves you and your sense of humor as much as we do! Thank you, for all!
Love this blog post ~ and YOU❤️ Praying for you as you approach the next chapter of your life. Knowing you, you won’t be resting on your laurels. Can’t wait to see what your next adventure will be!
Many many thanks to you S Ann Casper!
Oh that God! What will we do with Her?
Sister Ann Casper, thank you for your loving service of accepting donations, putting that money to the best use and always responding with a kind letter. With gratitude,
Mary Carroll Blocher
Sister Ann,
Thank you for your outstanding Service and Leadership..
I HAVE enjoyed and greatly benefited from our friendship. I am sure you will have much more to do and. will greatly benefit the SP..
Will Hine
That’s the Sister Ann I know and respect, and whose friendship I have come to cherish—she’s not only skilled and smart, but also grateful, humble, and very funny! Bless you, Ann, for all you have done and will do.
Sister Ann,
What a wonderful job you do! Fund Raising is NOT an easy job. So glad there are people who have the skills for it.
Thank you!
Ann Clem
Sister Ann,
Thank you for all you do at St. Mary’s. You are an amazing lady, and I’m happy we have crossed paths, From St Agnes Academy, taking our grandsons to Fun Day at the Woods, to always receiving a note of thanks for whatever my husband and I give or do.
I know you will remain busy, happy, and continue writing!
I loved the story of your misspelled name!
Life is fun with our stories.
God bless you in all your talents!
❤️ Janet Tosick
Fess up, Ann. There have really been two Sister Ann’s working on SP fund-raising. Carol
Enjoy a well deserved R&R. You have given so much to so many people. You are loved!
Sue, SP
You have been such a gift to us, Ann! Thank you for the love, grace, skill, and humor you have brought to your ministry!
With gratitude,
Jeanne Hagelskamp, SP
Thank YOU, Ann! You are a valiant women of great price whose roots are firmly planted in Providence. From relationships to gifts, storytelling to laughter, editing to hat wearing, writing creative letters to personalizing notes, waiting through storms to harvesting a new chapter, YOU ARE BLESSED, and have blessed us.