Not once but twice during 2024, the Dunrovin staff surprised Jerome and me with celebrations of our 25 years at Dunrovin. We are so grateful for these years of serving God’s people through retreat ministry. Although it is always difficult to say good-bye to our beloved employees over the years, we have walked with many wonderful staff members who have enriched our lives and shaped Dunrovin by their faith, cheerfulness, hard-working ethic, kindness, and love of people.
Take this quiz that our staff developed and see how much you know Jerome & Mary Meeds. Have a little fun!
| 1. What date did Jerome begin work at Dunrovin, 25 years ago in 1999? a) June 1st b) October 31st c) December 3rd d) It’s so fuzzy, nobody knows. | 6. What are a couple of the official Dunrovin job titles Mary has had over the past 25 years? a) Business Writer, Executive Assistant, Lasallian Animator b) Resident Nurse, Decorator, Executive Assistant c) Party Planner, Prayer Warrior, uncertified Red Cross Lifeguard d) Star Gazer, Blog Writer, Spiritual Listener |
| 2. Where did Jerome & Mary work prior to moving to Dunrovin? a) Community of Christ the Redeemer (CCR) b) Archdiocese of Saint Paul & Minneapolis c) Baristas at Caribou Coffee d) Catholic Youth Camp | 7. What is Jerome’s “camp” name? a) The General b) Captain Awesome c) Mr. Sunshine d) The Wise Wolf |
| 3. From what town/area did they move before coming to Dunrovin? a) Brainerd, MN b) New Ulm, MN c) McGregor, MN d) West Saint Paul, MN | 8. What is a favorite spot for Jerome and Mary to be on the property? a) Overlooking the pond b) Their deck c) Walking trails d) Raiding the Retreat Center kitchen fridge |
| 4. In what order did the Meeds’ family live in the Dunrovin cabins? a) River Cabin – Saint Francis Cottage – Garden House – Hadrath House b) Hadrath House – Garden House – Saint Francis Cottage c) Saint Francis Cottage – Garden House – Hadrath House d) They have always preferred camping in a tent. | 9. In 2022, Jerome & Mary were recognized by the De La Salle Christian Brothers with the “AFSC” designation. What does AFSC stand for? a) A Faithful la Sallian Comrade b) Affiliate Fraternal la Sallian Community c) Associates For Sanctum Christus d) Affiliate Fratres Scholarum Christianarum |
| 5. What year did they move into the Hadrath House? a) 2004 b) 2010 c) 2014 d) 2019 | 10. What is the Meeds’ family motto? a) He who eats the fastest gets the most-est. b) Prepare to see the face of God. c) Live, laugh, love. d) Be humble in the things of self and bold in the things of God. |
As we move into our mid-60s and begin to mention “retirement” in our out loud voices, Jerome and I are grateful for this home where we raised our children and for years of God’s faithfulness in ministry. We love to welcome the spring birds, look at the summer night sky, walk the trails during a golden autumn, and marvel in snowy crystals. Every season, every year, and every person has touched us deeply. God is good.
Answers:
| 1. June 1, 1999 – We arrived and went straight to a meeting with the Board of Directors. | 6. Answer A, although answer D would be my favorite activities! |
| 2. Jerome worked at Catholic Youth Camp for 12 years and Mary worked there 8 years. | 7. The first group of DLITE teen leaders named Jerome “The General” in 2009. The camp name has stuck. |
| 3. West Saint Paul, MN | 8. Dinner on the deck!!! Come on over and watch the river go by. So relaxing. |
| 4. Saint Francis Cottage – Garden House – Hadrath House | 9. Answer D – thank you, dearest Christian Brothers, for this wonderful honor! |
| 5. 2004 – Mary was pregnant with Mario. We moved in after Br. Ed Mason left by ambulance with a ruptured aortic aneurysm. The three Brothers decided it was time for them to move to places where they could receive some care. | 10. Prepare to see the face of God. |