I am always thrilled to be invited to take part in the Vision program , which is part of the Notre Dame Vocation initiative.

I am excited for many reasons:

+ The PLACE: It is Notre Dame.

There is something about that place and its people that just seems to breathe excellence. Those who know me sometimes swear that I am an alumnus (no, I am NOT Rudy) because of the way I talk about the place. (Special thanks to my friend, Charles J., for introducing me to the holy grounds.) From the waffles with the ND crest in them, to the dining room with all its choices, to the impressive facilities, to the kindness of the people who work there, to the grotto and basilica…it is holy ground for me.

At one point I called it the “Catholic Disneyland”. As I was concluding my time there this summer, I realized it is like a Camelot for me–that is, a place where I find myself continually wanting to find out who my best self is and wanting to be that person.

+ The PROGRAM is a very good one, so needed I believe for young people today.

The theme for Vision (just finishing its fourth year) is “Their Gifts Changed the World. How will yours?” The week-long program focuses on recognizing your personal gifts and applying them for service in the Church and the world today. I speak on Thursday afternoons about “Daily Choices, Lifelong Discipleship”–it has the tenor of a challenge talk. I used the overview of decrying a tee shirt: “What happens at ND stays at ND” A cute tee shirt, but what happens at ND needs to leave ND and change the world.

The message makes me reflect on my own call and my own gifts and that, in and of itself, is priceless.

The program is such a vital one in my opinion and so well done. I could talk for a long time about it (and I am HAPPY to do so—just ask!!!) but there is also a link that tells you more: www.nd.edu/~ndvi/index2.html

+ The PEOPLE…
~~Lenny D., program director, whose passion for the work and attention to detail is inspring
~~Kelly J., my chauffeur, whose kindness and hospitality was exceptional. I felt like I had my own personal assistant.
~~Fr. Dan, whose good humored nature and sincere gift of priesthood, touches me deeply. He also helped me with some technical issues.
~~Sam, our technology guru, who helps me use multimedia and makes it look easy.
~~ Jen and Matt, whose personal stories of their discernment of gifts, was right on the money.
~~Lisa D. and that amazingly talented group known as the choir of St. Cecilia–from muscials to praise and worship and small group work…you were a blessing to me and to all (no, I will NOT be trying out for Riverdance any time soon)
~~The amazing students who serve as “mentors in faith”–your work and energy with teens was a sign of God’s joy and delight in the young. Thanks for your witness!

(That’s Lenny, me and Fr. Dan)

+ And just as important for me…some PASSION or soul food…
~~Seeing Chantal, Luke, Mike and other recent ND grad who are going through the ECHO program (for interns in releigous education and youth ministry) was good medicine for me. I am so impressed by their insights, reflections and commitment after spending a year “in the field.”
~~Laughter with Steve Cam, Adam K., Andrew H., Luke S. and Frank S–hereby known as BOB, the Brotherhood of Bowlers. Gentelmen, I cannot thank you enough for friendship, joy in ministry and the ability to not take ourselves too seriously, except when the scores are counted! You were a higlight of my summer. I wish you well until the road allows us to convene once more.

Many thanks to all involved. You helped my “soul smile”.