The 8th Annual Nun Run *Presented by Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes of Phoenix* is just days away (have you registered yet?)…on March 4th, 2017 @ Kiwanis Park in Tempe AZ.  This year, for the first time, we will also have a silent auction and raffle at the race venue.  So even if you are not able to participate in the actual Race, come on out, say hello and participate in the auction and raffle.  For more information about the race and location, click here.  The auction opens at approx. 6:30 a.m. and will end about 8:30 a.m.  So get up early and come on out!

Our silent auction and raffle are like “nun-other”!  Most of the items were made by the Nun.  From prayer shawls to fair isle knit hats, from dolls to stuffed animals, from rosaries to canvas prints – there is something for everyone!  Below are a few shots of what is in store:

Meet Thornton!  Sr. Mary Fidelis crocheted this happy and adorable lion with very soft and cuddly yarn!  When she started the pattern, she didn’t realize how BIG this lion was going to be…  And he is every inch the charmer!  Thornton also comes with a little story about the unique friendship between St. Jerome and his “pet” lion!  Thornton will be a raffle item.  (Pattern used with permission from One and Two Company)

 Sr. John-Mark Maria has been busy knitting on her loom.  And look what she created! This adorable girl running doll is ready for the race!  Sister also knitted a boy running doll.  The girl will be raffled and the boy will be part of the silent auction.  Both are so unique, so full of personality, and truly one of a kind! 

Sr. Mary Fidelis has crocheted three smaller stuffies that will be part of the silent auction.  Each one comes in a basket with a story or poem.  This sweet donkey (his name is TRULY) will be one of the stuffies in the auction! His story recalls a TRULY miraculous moment in the life of Saint Anthony (yes, it involved a donkey!).  (Pattern used with permission by Kerry Lord from TOFT and author of Edward’s Menagerie). 

There will be 2 canvases up for auction as well – both from photos taken by Sr. John-Mark here at Our Lady of Solitude Monastery.  The 8×10 will be part of the raffle and the 16×20 will be part of the auction.

 And finally, we wanted to give you a sneak peek of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer Shawl, a beautiful lace work crochet shawl by Sr. Mary Fidelis (pattern used with permission from Moogly).  It is one of 4 unique prayer shawls that will be included in baskets with other goodies! 

In total we have about 20 items/baskets that will be either raffled or auctioned.  Raffle tickets begin at $5.  Please bring cash or check, as the credit card donation option will only be available for larger auction items (via your smartphone).

We will have a free raffle for children that will feature a St. Francis and a St. Clare doll – knitted by Sr. John-Mark Maria.

So this Nun Run, in addition to being a competitive race, a great time to make connection and meet the Nuns, will also be a wonderful opportunity to snag a great gift for a loved one, take home a unique hand-made item by the Nuns, and – all the while – be helping us raise the funds to continue on our mission of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration and intercession here in the desert!