My last speaking commitment for 2005 was doing the parish mission for Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Parish in Pensacola FL.

It was a good experience for me as I was invited by Msgr. Michael Reed. He serves as chancellor for the diocese as well. It was great to meet him. He is a man of many talents and of good humor. He has written children’s musicals and is very proficient at Powerpoint (and even taught me some basics on how to use it—look out!)

Deirdre Hebert and Fr. Joe Fowler were the people who recommended that I come to lead the mission. They’d heard me at the diocesan youth conference this past January and thought I would be a good fit for the parish. I am so thankful that they did!

I met the neatest teens in the parish who came out on Sunday night as well as some teens from neighboring parishes.

We had over 100 people come each night …and people of all ages. There were children,teens, parents and gradparents–all making time during this season of Advent.

Some bonuses were getting to meet youth ministers from the area for lunch and stimulating conversation as well as seeing diocesan director Lisa Kurnik and conference coordinator, Msgr. Mike Cherup.