I spent the weekend with over 70 adults (volunteer and paid) who work with teens in the diocese of Belleville. It was their first such gathering and I was flattered to be a part of it. The theme was “Keep the Flame Burning.”

Colette Kennett has served the diocesan youth ministry office for 25 years. She is such a gracious person and so believes in her adults…you can hear her pride and passion for them whenever she talks about them. After meeting, talking with, and laughing with them, I can see why. You can feel their passion and sense their dedication to being faith companions with young people.

And they are pretty intense about the St. Louis Cardinals! We watched game 2 of the World Series and I took credit for “praying” them to a win! (Not true, but looks good on the resume’.)

(my parting gift: a Cardinal’s tee shirt….aaargh…I had to mention I was a Cubs fan.)