It’s always flattering when folks “back home” invite me to share my thoughts about our faith. The youth minister from a parish just north of Lake Charles recommended that I do their parish mission and the pastor and mission coordinator said sure, sight unseen. (Now that’s faith!)

After the Saturday evening vigil, I was invited (or rather crashed) one of the choirs’ Christmas gatherings. It warmed my heart to sing Christmas carols with gusto among people who so enjoyed ministering and each others’ company. A great snapshot of the joy in this parish.

I had a good time visiting with the Life Teen group after Sunday evening mass and enjoyed the manners and faith insights of the school children on Wednesday morning. It is always interesting for me to watch their eyes as they hear they are going to have a “guest speaker.” I try to make less dreadful than a trip to the dentist.

I got to see some friends from my past and from the ministry field and that warmed my heart. I had lunch with two good priest friends of mine, Father Henry and Father Jace. Henry has known me since my freshman year. Jace and I were in seminary together. There were stories and laughter and just enjoying reconnecting.

At the mission itself, I got to see a former classmate from college whom I hadn’t seen in 24 years—that was awesome. I also got to see a dear woman of faith, Maria, whose path crossed mine often in our youth ministry work. I visited the local diocesan youth director, Milissa, a creative, passionate young woman.

The people were very warm, loving and receptive. I saw people who knew my mom, my in-laws, and my wife—-so I had to behave!!!

I sold merchandise (which isn’t noteworthy except that the people working the table had my stuff out and organized like it was a department store display. I never looked so good!

The biggest treat was staying with the pastor, Msgr. Charles Dubois. He is a delightful conversationalist, bright thinker, and very committed to his people. There is a great admiration and respect between him and the parishioners and that was very good for me to see.

It was a good time spent among “neighbors.” And a good Advent experience for me.