This was my first of two parish missions “back home” that is, back in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

OLPH is a very welcoming church, from its architecture to its people. I learned during the mission how many people from further in Plaquemines parish found refuge and welcome there since Katrina. I remain moved as I hear stories of loss and destruction as well as welcome and assistance.

The parish is filled with some superb leaders. Fr. Otis Young, pastor, was a former “student” of mine in an elective course at Notre Dame Seminary. Even then he was always asking good questions about parish life and connecting to young people (the course was on youth ministry). Fr. Otis is big enough to pick on himself, but more than humble enough to see his assignments as opportunities for his own growth as he serves God’s people. He is very well respected as he has come into a parish at an interesting and challenging time.

There are some other awesome leaders in the parish…Donna S. oversees youth ministry and has been doing great things with teens there for some time…Dolly R., who handles adult faith formation and has been a supporter of mine for years….Nanette C. who’s retiring as DRE after many years of service.

The school also is excellent. I enjoyed speaking to the (well behaved) students. Sister Elizabeth, principal, and Viki G. (her assistant) show great love and care for the young people in the parish school.

I loved visiting with so many fine people after the mission. Folks stayed for refreshments for the better part of an hour.

I got to visit with friends during the week, Shannon, Amy and Viki…and that was good for my soul. One of the “fall outs” of moving has been missing friends who have been supportive of me through the years.

I was so touched the last evening when Dolly presented me with a drawing/plaque of THE FISH. It is a keepsake I will treasure and post proudly in my (new) home—one I get one!

The church marquis was nice too…though I have never seen so many pictures of me in one church—the good news is they should have no rodents!