St. Jude Rosary — Two days ago I was at a Knights of Columbus function (I was knighted in the 4th Degree), and I ran into Sr. Ann Rehrauer, my 7th grade teacher from St. Jude Elementary School in Green Bay. At first, she didn't recognize me, but when I told her my name, she immediately said, "oh, one of Meredith's kids." Not only did she remember me, but she remembered my mother. And my two sisters. And that was 50 years ago! I was so touched that I've been thinking about her and St. Jude School for a few days now.

Interestingly, last week I had set aside these beads that I found at Hobby Lobby a few years ago. I had pulled out 59 beads knowing that I would make a rosary but didn't quite know yet what it would look like or what centerpiece I would use.

Now, with those two events happening one right after the other, I know what the Holy Spirit was doing. The colors I chose just remind me of my childhood days. They are reminiscent of juvenile toys or even candy. So I grouped those 8mm glass beads with a "St. Jude" centerpiece (it says "pray for us" on the back) and a smallish ornate crucifix. The chain, eyepins, and jump rings are all silver-plated steel.

While most of us know St. Jude as the patron saint of impossible causes, I also see him as the patron of the elementary school where I learned so much and met some good life-long friends (including a couple of teachers).