I was approached last December in Pittsburgh about presenting to a new organization of youth ministers in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The question was a no brainer.

First, I truly enjoy working with adults in ministry. It is where I get some of my deepest joy in my work. Secondly, it IS Chicago—home of “my” beloved Cubs. As soon as I got the invitation this spring (at that time, they were still in the hunt for a wild card), I went to look up their schedule to see if they were playing at home and if I could “make a pilgrimage” to my favorite shrine, Wrigley Field. In a cruel twist of fate, the dates of my visit were ONE DAY after the conclusion of the regular season. All I could do was shake my head.

I was there to give 2 talks (one in the evening to accommodate volunteers and the other at a lunch time meeting for those full time staffers). I was asked to give a repeat of my presentation on ministry expectations called “Superman and Wonderwoman Have Bullseyes on Their Backs.”

I truly enjoyed being with youth ministers for a short time who are bonding together in light of changes to their diocesan support structure. They are working to form ways to be strength and resource for one another in a ministry which is demanding. I hope they continue to be faithful companions for one another on the journey—there is great strength there (I think Jesus was wise to send the disciples in pairs.).

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I was blessed to stay at the parish where the talks were being hosted: St. Celestine. I had a great visit with the pastor, Fr. Larry and the youth minister, Kim. It was refreshing to “talk’ ministry and church with these folks. Both are so supportive of youth ministry and in connecting young people to the church.

I did take a fair amount of ribbing about being a Cubs fan, especially when I was now on the south side of Chicago (I keep hearing the first line of Bad Bad Leroy Brown for some reason). Fr. Larry’s master key for the church has a White Sox logo.

Which reminds me (and now I am reminding you)…please be more SPECIFIC and honest in your prayer. I prayed that the good fortune that was showered upon Boston (Red Sox and Patriots) might be showered upon Chicago. I forgot to specify WHICH team in Chicago.

So, for now, go White Sox. But, may I remind all of you skeptics, that on Opening Day of baseball season 2006, the Cubs will be tied for first place. It is on days such as that, that all is right with the world.