I had the treat to be with about 100 or so school administrators, DREs and youth ministers from across 6 dioceses at a lovely state park conference center in Kentucky. I won’t like and say I didn’t get a bit concerned as the road to the park curved in the hills of Kentucky…it is tucked away but what a great facility.

And the chance to be among clergy, religious and lay people who are making differences in schools, parishes and dioceses across five dioceses. I had a good time with them, sharing the humor and drama present in the work of being, building, and becoming church theses days.

It’s always a joy when you reconnect with ministry friends from the road. Dr. Therese Williams, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Nashville, was my angel of mercy in terms of “guiding me in” via cell phone. (I can be “directionally challenged, even with one of the GPS devices. (GPS…does that mean “getting places safely”?)

And I got introduced to the group by colleague and friend Catherine Mensi, director of youth ministry in the Diocese of Memphis. As she told remembrances and stories of how our journey intersected over the last 15 or so years, I was humbled just to realize how many neat people I’ve met like Catherine.

I also got to see Melinda Prunty, Catherine’s counterpart in the Diocese of Owensboro KY. Melinda is one of those people who is just a joy to be around and it was good to see her at Lake Barksley, because I know, like many of us, she’s busier than a one-armed paper hanger.

John Angotti, pastoral musician, was there to lead the group in prayerful song. I enjoy his music and the group did as well.

There were some “high octane” presenters there. I only regret my schedule called for me to leave right away following my talks. The drive was nice (even found some new Cubs clothing on the trip!) and I got to be among people who shape and influence the church. Good stuff!