I am writing this note from Belmead.

For the past four years, a committee of eleven Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament has been meeting to decide the best use of this land that holds many memories for the many young men and women who matriculated at St. Francis and St. Emma. This place, the land, and its remaining buildings are indeed very dear to us as Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, as it is to the many alumni.

In these meetings, we have been trying to arrive at the best possible plan for preserving the historic relevance and natural richness of this land. Additionally, we have sought partners who will assist us in the wise stewardship of the land. We have now completed the Comprehensive Land Plan. The completed plan is the result of advice and conversation with a broad cross section of stakeholders including conservation easement experts, alumni, neighbors, business and legal advisors. Many Sisters who provided input were torn between selling the property and using the money to support the Sisters and our mission or maintaining and protecting the property.

In 2000, Angela McDaniels and Pete Chenevert, worked to produce a documentary video about St Francis and St. Emma. They established Book and Candle Research and Development, Inc. to provide a base for telling the story of these two unique schools. In September 2001, they contacted the SBS to further these efforts. Although Book and Candle, Inc. is not a formal alumni organization, there are many alumni who are a part of the corporation. They have provided much inspiration, advice and involvement in the Comprehensive Plan. In September 2004, the SBS began formal preparation and research into a Virginia Advisory Board. The Board will manage the land and develop income-producing ventures to finance implementation of plans The SBS shares the concern of many alumni who do not wish to see our land over developed.

My dear Alumni, we need your assistance, interest, experience and involvement in the future of this sacred space we hold dear. A new mission of “eco-justice” is beginning to take shape. We need you to learn about the plans, help us find people willing and able to work with us and with the newly formed Virginia Interim Advisory Committee. We want to pass on to the next generation the important story of the life and work at your respective schools.

Meeting as alumni is a great opportunity to enjoy one another and recall those days of your teen years at the Castle and Belmead. As you share the memories and the enjoyment of life long friendships, keep in mind that we are about to begin a new phase in the history of this land and its people. May God continue to bless you and your families. You have a special treasure and a story that needs to be told. Pray for us as we continue to grow as a viable organization that will be able to provide and care for what is precious in the sight of us all. May you feel the blessing and richness of God’s tender loving care and protection.

Sincerely,