This was a neat experience for me because one youth director saw me and got me hired, but other ones handled all the details of my visit.

Jill A. saw me at the Diocese of Austin’s youth rally (an awesome event) in January, 2005. She scheduled me after getting her pastor’s approval. Then Jill moved and a new pastor was assigned.

The new (husband and wife) youth ministers, Dave and M. J., made me feel so welcome (even though their daughter Shauna did shake a garlic bread stick at me!).

Friday night was a talk to the parish as the beginning of their Lenten series. (The following week, my former boss, Bishop Greg Aymond, was the speaker …nice to be his “lead act.”) On Saturday I spoke with ministry leaders from the parish in a morning of reflection.

I also got Saturday afternoon ‘’off” and watched college basketball–a real treat for me. (I am picking Duke to win it all- as I usually do)

Sunday, I had lunch at the Ollie Garden with some teens from the parish and had fun getting to know them by playing a little game I call “either/or.” I’m not sure but I think that’s when the infamous garlic breadstick incident occurred. Later that night I spoke to teens from the parish.

Thanks to M.J. and Dave for a great weekend and to the teens for a fun lunch.

This is the stained glass window behind their altar! Muy cool!

Forgive the politics but I also saw this sign and thought it was different…a light bulb store in Austin…