Another excellent day for me with educators. I love watching their faces. They sometimes look more nervous than I do, wondering what I might do with them or to them on their “retreat” day. The day was gorgeous at Ave Maria Retreat House in Crown Point. I met people with Lafayette connections. It is really a small world.
It was good to be home…and to go home and visit relatives and laugh. I so enjoyed being with my nieces and nephews as they are growing up. They still don’t miss a lick to “goof” on Uncle Mike.
I went to the Easter Vigil where all readings were read…it has been since college since I have had that experience. It was good for me to experience that again.
Paul, the diocesan director, did a great job along with the teen leaders. I was so impressed with Native American prayer, with the teens taking the lead on many events and the spirit of the 400 teens who came there. Paul Florez was the other keynote speaker and he really had the teens engaged. Some people thought we were a team who did this…no, but it is always good to work with good friends who make me laugh. (Although I wasn’t laughing too loud when Paul entered a breakfast place and shouted GO TEXAS TECH to a group of GONZAGA fans!)
I met a great youth worker from Seattle, Mike D., who has many of the same interests as me. A great thing about this ministry is realizing I am one of a great many ministers working, trying, struggling, enjoying life and wanting to give God our best.
What a blessing! I got to work with 2 exceptional schools and 2 campus ministry programs. Patrick at SPX and Martin at SAA had really well developed retreat programs. I was so impressed with the schedule, the detail, the CAMP sites, and the faculty support of the retreats. I can now say I have driven some real back roads in Texas to get to those retreat sites. (No, I didn’t think about Chain saw massacre or campfire ghost stories, until NOW!)
I was blessed to get to speak to such a committed group of educators. This presentation was special to me because of the people who were there. I know a good number of them because of my association with the school and the parish. It’s always a little more intimidating when you know the people and they know you!
The more I learn about teachers, the more I am impressed with the dedication, the commitment and the love they pour into their jobs. It was a good day to be with them.
John S. has assembled some really fine people to serve as a team this June(20-23) to work with teens from New Orleans in a Catholic Leadership Institute. I am impressed to get to work with this FUN and talented group of people. We had a great food and laughed a little as good ideas came forward to give teens a good week of skills and learning opportunities while we build a learning community.
If you know anyone interested in making this experience, contact the CYO/Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office in New Orleans. (504-286-3959)
Last year I did pretty well in this bracket thing. Got all Final Four teams…I already find it tougher this year…I have 3 more days till I have to get it in but I am thinking that…. I will wait till later to clue you in on my pick!
It was great to get some relaxing time with my family and our vacation gang…the “gang” had supper on Friday night. I got to play with 2 of the world’s most adorable children (2 and 3 years old). We played McDonald’s and school and elephants on parade. It is such fun to be with them. They make my soul smile!
Saturday was spent watching Tulane lose a close baseball game to Cal State Fullerton. Caught a foul ball and gave it to a young boy. His eyes were as big as saucers. So cool.
Sunday was mass at my home parish and then off to friends to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Lots of beads and cabbage caught and time with good friends. Good for my soul.
I was invited in by Mary M. to share a professional day with youth ministry people. Christy and the staff at Presentation parish were wonderful in their hospitality. Our theme was “Reality Ministry.” I was impressed by this group of women (and Seth…way to represent us, brother!!!) and their commitment to doing God’s work. What made this extra neat for me was to have 11 students from Benedictine College (along with their instructor) who are considering youth ministry and are going through training for that!!!
Sister, thanks for your words of loving challenge for me to consider that book idea.
I had a great flight to Atlanta and the added surprise of seeing a colleague in ministry, Dr. Mari Ann C. She is also speaking and developing her own business and web site and more…it was a great energizing conversation and I am grateful for her encouragement. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many supportive people.
