I wish each one of you a very happy and grace-filled Christmas, and a blessed and peaceful New Year. Also, I take this opportunity to bid you a fond farewell. Even as I write this message I have already completed my last day at Stauros U.S.A. Last spring the Stauros Board of Directors began a search process for a new Executive Director of Stauros. Larry Huiras was selected as my successor. I hope that he will find as much meaning and fulfillment in this position as I have.

These nine years have been some of the most rewarding years of my life. I have loved every facet of this unique ministry to and with suffering persons, and I have felt extremely privileged to be able to follow in the footsteps of Fr. Flavian Dougherty, C.P.

The most satisfying aspect of this ministry has been the personal relationships I have developed with you, the friends of Stauros. Through letters, phone calls and personal contacts I have gotten to know some of you very well and that has been a joy for me, but I want you all to know that each one of you is special to me. I will miss these contacts and I assure you that I will not forget you. You will be remembered in my daily prayers, as I hold each one of you in my heart. Blessings on you.

Sister Ardis Cloutier, O.S.F.