In case you’re wondering whether religious sisters approve Halloween parties, decorations, and costumes; know that we most certainly do. Every year there’s a party, and some come in elaborate costumes that completely obscure their identity. Besides, Halloween is the vigil of one of the greatest feasts of the year, All Saints Day. I hope the image of nuns as “no fun” is long past. Our Constitutions even require recreation and celebrations. We’re encouraged to take a yearly vacation and some kind of weekly recreation. Laughter is an essential ingredient for good community living. I remember years ago in our early religious formation, our directress said, “A sad saint is a sorry saint.” Traditions that supply fun never die in our Notre Dame community. Fun, parties, and special foods can be traced to our founding sisters. And we’re happy about that!