From West Coast to East Coast in one day.

Vicky Raspoli serves as youth minister for St. Bartholomew’s Church in Manchester CT. She convinced some colleagues from 6-7 other parishes to bring me in to talk with teens and adults.

I spoke to 700 eighth graders and high school students at East Catholic High School there. It always tickles me to watch their body language as they sit there. I know many of them are there against their will. They look at me as if to say “Make me enjoy this, cracker boy!” It is kinda unnerving sometimes.

This particular night was a pretty good one. They got into things and seemed responsive. I felt relaxed as s talked about our faith and how it is connected to the rest of life.

On Monday and Tuesday, I had the chance to speak with 100 or so adults from the sponsoring parishes as well as from throughout the diocese. Shawnee Baldwin is diocesan director and she (along with co- worker Shannon) treated me to a Japanese supper. I ate some things I never ate before- seaweed salad, different sushi and shishimi (sp?).

The folks at St. Bart’s. were great hosts. Thanks to my supper friends Vicky, Denise, Ruth, Bill, Mark, Ed, Doug ,Mary Jo and Fr. Steve (who let me have his apartment/suite for my stay).

And it SNOWED! Yes! On April 5, it snowed. I could tell I wasn’t in Cajun country–still very cool to see.

Notice there is snow…and there are blossoms…spring is on the way…new life.