Dear Roamin' Catholics Southwest,
We are now officially a Chapter, I called National this morning and was told as of today we were approved.
While we have been waiting to receive this information Jack and I have made many calls and inquiries trying to find camp sites that would fit the criteria we had hoped to follow, namely being close to a Mission or some other religious facility. We had said we would like to go north part of the time to include those in the northern area. We contacted the Missions at Solvang, San Miguel, San Luis Obispo, and Lompoc, none have camping areas. Some have damage from the earthquake and are not open to any visitors. San Miguel is closed but did suggest we keep in touch with them. We also contacted Valyermo, their answer was no, they used to let visitors camp there but some left the area in bad condition so they closed it to everyone. Wally Cravens spoke to Fr. Pat at the Mater Dolorosa Retreat House in Sierra Madre, Father didn't know if it would be feasible because of the weekend retreats, but said he would give it some thought. If it is a possibility maybe we could do it during the week.
I am hoping someone has a suggestion, otherwise we will probably have to go to a camp ground. I would love to have someone volunteer to host the first campout, I feel we should get together so we can meet and enjoy some Catholic fellowship.
We need input from all of you so that this Chapter meets your needs.
If any of you belong to camping clubs that will let you bring visitors that might be an idea.
I know they are trying to get another article in the FMCA magazine and Tony Vincent has said he would put something in the Western-by-Ways, it did come out just recently so it will be a while before it is published again.
I hope everyone had a meaningful and blessed Easter Sunday and that the Easter Spirit will be with all of us in the coming months.
My prayers are with you.
Helen White