It is always a treat to be with the good folks of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

I was treated to a Houston Rockets game by Brian Johnson, diocesan director. It was a very nice treat, though the home team lost.

I got to spend a day with a very hard working group of professionals who serve local folks really well. I have so much respect for Mark, Randy, Sandy, Candy, America, (yes, America, the Beautiful) and Luz. We spent a day talking about the obstacles and joys of youth ministry.

I spent almost 2 days with about 40 youth ministry leaders from parishes of the diocese. We prayed and laughed (just what is a Hunger thong?) and spent time asking ourselves some questions about expectations and healthy practices in ministry.

It was neat to see such a variety of ages, ministry experiences and cultural backgrounds at this retreat. It makes me aware how BIG this church thing, and thus youth ministry thing, is.