Friday, December 31, 2004 (New Year’s Eve)
2004- – -  C-YA
Here’s a list of notable things from the year 2004 that have impacted my life- – - things that I choose to mention in this public forum.  There is no top ten order or priority…
*  Proud of the accomplishments of all three of my kids-  Nichole who went from no jobs to having two while maintaining school and friendships; Clark who started college (both for bartending as well as for higher learning); and Meghan who made a successful move to a new school while beginning her ever-challenging middle-school years.
*  Got better (not great, but there is always 2005) on discipline with weight and financials
*  Speaking of which- got a new car (not just new to me, but a new car!)
*  Have been blessed by the support, nurture, and care of some incredible women
*  Getting closer and closer to completing my master’s degree while still serving as captain of my virtual college’s virtual water polo team.
*  Am proud of the accomplishments with the parish youth program- AYM (Assisi Youth Ministry)
*  Developed a nice set of web-based resources on The Passion of The Christ and other youth ministry friendly resources (saw the movie with Mel, but that is a 2003 highlight!)
*  Hey, developed a personal website
*  Did a little road work-  funniest moment was becoming an ambassador to the state of Arkansas along with Mike Patin, Ann Cassidy, and Deb Timmons
*  Had some articles published- one which made the cover of the Catholic Review and the other that made an impression on the youngest daughter.
*  Please with the outcomes of the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry in Pittsburgh
There you go.  2004 – - – Get the heck otta here! << Friends + Family >>

 

  Thursday, December 30, 2004
YOUNG DISCIPLES
Had a meeting last night with "graduates" of the high school youth ministry program.  There were all thankful for their experiences- shared how it had prepared them (or not) for their college lives and encourage our parishes adults to step up of efforts towards inclusion, partnerships with adults, and deepening of content related to theology and catechesis of current events. << Parish >>

 

  Tuesday, December 28, 2004
CHRISTMAS
Kids arrived at the airport and Christmas finally came into the apartment last night.  The party season (three this week) also kicked in last night.  I am still in full vacation mode and will clearly have difficulty kicking back in during the new year. << Friends + Family >>

 

  Monday, December 27, 2004
WEB SITE PROPS
Catholic Relief Services was closed on Monday for the holiday break. Yet, someone got it together enough to update their website to deal with the information regarding their tsunami relief efforts. Folks, this is major. Over 23,000 are dead in nine countries. Displacement, disease, decimation will follow in the weeks to come.  It will be interesting to see how much or little we as Americans pay attention to this disaster. << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

 

  Sunday, December 26, 2004
MAKING NOISE QUIETLY
Two walks yesterday – one to church and one to dinner – continued the quiet peace of the holidays.  There has been sound all right- a raucous Christmas Eve gathering, a choir and horns at the Christmas liturgy, phone calls to family dispersed throughout the country.  But the quiet walks were also pleasant. Stepping out into the chilled calm, destination in focus. let’s go.  The weather outside was not terribly frightful, the fire inside has been continuous and delightful- not the worse personal metaphor for my life. Bring it on.  Let it snow. << Friends + Family >>

 

  Saturday, December 25, 2004 (Christmas)
THE SECULAR HOLIDAY
Fire in the fireplace after a brisk walk to Morning Mass.  Then, we settle in for a personal tradition- White Christmas with Bing, Danny, Rosemary…
* When what’s left of you gets around to what’s left to be gotten, what’s left to be gotten won’t be worth getting, whatever it is you’ve got left.
* freckled face Haines, the dog-faced boy has sisters?
* boy, girl, girl, boy
* Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister and Lord help the sister who comes between me and my man
* The best things happen while you are dancing; things that you would not do at home, come naturally on the floor
* Ms. Haines, if you are ever ‘neath a falling building and somebody comes by and offers to pick you up, just do yourself a favor and spit in his eye….  What does that mean? … Means we’re going to Vermont
* Snow, snow, snow, snoooow
* We’re here for the snow, where are you keeping it? … We take it in during the day.
* If there was one thing I learned in the Army, it was to be positive.  Especially if you were not sure about what you were talking about..
* We wouldn’t be any good as generals…  You weren’t any good as privates.
* If you’re worried and can not sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep, and you’ll fall asleep counting your blessings
<<< OK, I’ll admit the "Choreography" number sucks and is a good excuse to run to the bathroom. >>>
* I know that knight of yours has slipped off his charger, why, I don’t know, but I’d like to get him back up there again.
* Your objective is Pinetree, Vermont.  Synchronize your watches for Operation Waverly.
* I got along in the Army just fine without you…  It took 15,000 men to take my place.
* ATTEN’CHUT (The only moment in movies that gets me still after over dozens of viewings.)
* We’ll follow the old man wherever he wants to go.  (Man, Dean Jaeger did all his acting for this scene in his eyes alone.)
* and then it starts to snow, snow, snow, snoooow.
Not a bad way to spend the day- dreaming of a White Christmas.  May your days be merry and bright, and may all your Christmases be white. << Culture >>

 

  Friday, December 24, 2004 (Christmas Eve)
PEACE ON EARTH
I have taken the last 24 hours to rest, watch "24" on dvd, wrapped presents, worked out a little bit, and more than anything else, been quiet and relaxed in the quiet. My extravert has been pushed a lot lately and my introvert has been ignored.  Today was as good as any to be at peace and wish good will to others.  Off for a dinner and opportunity for a little social. << Friends + Family >>

 

  Wednesday, December 22, 2004
GAME ON
The kids had a good manicotti dinner tonight with me. Laundry, packing up, printing out boarding assignments seem to be the order of the night.  Tomorrow, the completion of the writing project, wrapping and wrapping up Christmas presents, and further rest are the game for the next six days. << Friends + Family >>

 

  Tuesday, December 21, 2004
HAPPY
A friend called this afternoon, interrupting a series of many games with Meghan.  She described me as sounding very happy.  Yep, I think that is probably the case. << Friends + Family >>

 

  Monday, December 20, 2004
THE JOYS OF CHILD LABOR
Went back into the office today (It was planned) to assist with a mailing, but took Meghan in with me.  We spent four hours of good solid work while also just bs’ing with Mark who was the primary other helper.  Later in the evening, Ms. Meghan and I went out for dessert with two ladies. Ms. Meghan does pretty well on holding up her end of an adult conversation, not bad for someone who has just entered teenagerhood. << Friends + Family >>

 

  Sunday, December 19, 2004
MY MOTHER CRIES AT MOMENTS LIKE THESE
My internet access has been missing for a few days and so have I. Sorry.  Went to mass this morning with all three kids.  When my mother goes to mass with any of here adult children, she usually gets misty half-way throughout because she is at mass with one of her kids.  Today, all three were there and I had a moment, I must admit.  It is good to be with them.  It was reunion day for the college kids after church this afternoon with entire families hanging out and visiting for at last an extra half-hour.  Our community at Saint Francis of Assisi in Fulton remains a good place. << Friends + Family >>

 

  Thursday, December 16, 2004
SO OUTTA THERE
A brief meeting with the boss, wrapping up various details, and I am gone (except for next Monday) for the remainder of the year.  Feet up, eyes closed, rest and relax and hang time with my kids.  Let the holiday season begin!!! << Work Day >>

 

  Wednesday, December 15, 2004
MEETINGS
Have now spent the last two days in staff gatherings of many sorts.  This made sense when I worked for the Archdioceses of Baltimore with its multiple layers, numerous Christmas gatherings, etc., etc., etc.  But, seeesh.  It’s like I’m trying to get stuff done to get out of here and here are all these road bumps for planning, reporting, and bonding.  I do believe that the totals for this week will near 20 hours— tough for a four day work week… << Work Day >>

 

  Tuesday, December 14, 2004
DISCIPLESHIP
Finished a draft of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) on adolescent catechesis.  Turns out the field is a tad concerned about bishops’ comments on the subject  (actually, they are more concerned but were edited into being a tad concerned.) Turns out that we have issues regarding "classroom" models.  Turns out we believe that is all about discipleship. << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

 

  Monday, December 13, 2004
CAMEROON
Went by Metro into Virginia today to visit with a priest from Cameroon. He had been our guest at the Pittsburgh conference.  He was really impressed with how religious Americans are and how spiritual our country is.  He toured DC and saw all the building as a sign of America’s ingenuity, creativity, and commitment.  He believes that we in this country are both truely blessed but also worthy of our many blessings. "America, America, God shed his grace on thee…"

He returns by three days of travel.  One in the air and two more on the ground to reach his parish in the Kumbo diocese.  He has seven masses for Christmas each within one of the 20 mission centers that feed his parish.  For many of the kids of his area, they only see a car when the priests drives in.   HIV and AIDS are a pandemic in his world killing teens and young adults.  He wanted to figure our brick making a little more because he believes that will have consequence for his people.  "Cameroon, Cameroon, God shed his grace on thee…" << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

 

Sunday, December 12, 2004
BAPTISM
We led the annual parish middle-school retreat.  This event has become a version of a pop-quiz in youth ministry.  Last year, I invented Reindeer Survivor as a time killer waiting ofr pizza.  This year, I walked in the door for the 11 am mass before the Noon- 4pm retreat and was informed that space must be ceded for a Baptism.  Sixty some middle schoolers, therefore, invaded the 1pm baptism and it was a great lesson on sacrament and joy (the theme of the day.)  << Parish >>

 

  Saturday, December 11, 2004
BALANCE
Conference is over but the paperwork.  Ended with an A in this fall’s on-line class.  Volunteering in the parish four times over a five day period.  Christmas shopping that involves shipping done.  Had a delightful time at a party last night.  Apartment is reasonably neat (with exception of laundry pile). Care packages have been prepared for the college students facing finals.  Feeling pretty good today, thanks for asking.  << Work Day >>

 

Thursday, December 9, 2004
WE GOT PICTURES
Finished the conference pictures page today… check it out.  << Work Day >>

 

  Wednesday, December 8, 2004
OUR LADY OF HOPE
Just so we are all sure…  I pay off my debts, even to the Lady… so with many little things of unpacking, I still made a visit across the street to my favorite little side altar. << Work Day >>

 

  Tuesday, December 7, 2004
A LOT OF NOTHING
And the pace slows absolutely down today.  Sleep in, laundry, nap, run an errand, see Nichole, nap, see Clark, get a 90 minute massage with warm stones and enter a state of near nap, sit for a quick check-in regarding AYM at the parish, return home, climb into bed, and…

Nap!  << Work Day >>

 

Monday, December 6, 2004
UNDER THE PITTSBURGH RAIN CLOUDS
Ah, a morning without a schedule…  Lounging in bed and watching Under the Tuscan Sun on premium cable.  Beyond the satisfaction of a good conference, I was pleased with
· my efforts at clothing organization in the hotel room
· self-imposed curfews
· care regarding feeding and watering of my physical self (as well as daily sock and shoe changing- big difference!)
· establishing and following a one-drink maximum in the evenings.
A little discipline went a long way,  Speaking of a long way, the trip home was long, boring, with brutal, sloppy rainy roads on a tired body.  Unpacking as a solo sport was almost a little too much.  << Work Day >>

 

Sunday, December 5, 2004
THE NEXT THING
An all-too brief closing session and a final Eucharistic liturgy and it was time to go home.  Load up the van for the next day, the tech crew tore down while planning was underway in two separate meetings for the National Catholic Youth Conference. It is always amazing how quickly we move onto the next thing.   For me, the next thing was an afternoon nap and a dinner with the NFCYM staff and family.  << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

 

Saturday, December 4, 2004
COUNTDOWN
Brian Johnson takes the stage for his keynote.  Brian and the Spirit take the room three notes into his singing “Over My Head.”  I lean over to Jean Bross-Judge and say, “That’s it.  Conference is over.  Send them all home.”  Three more workshops and the Faith Factor Comedy Club remained for the night, but a highlight was sharing MickeyDees with Jack Farmer and a friend.  << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

 

Friday, December 3, 2004
A THREE HOUR TOUR
A full day today… two keynotes, two rounds of workshops, the Operational Rice Bowl meal, all leading towards the riverboat dinner-dance along the three rivers.  It was a pleasure to share it with folks from the parish- – - not only are they intent on taking good care of me but it was the first time in days where I stopped and sat for a period lasting more than twenty minutes all conference thus far.  The evening finished with the Rocking the Rivers concert up at the Omni William Penn… a full day today.  << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

 

Thursday, December 2, 2004
DOBIE WORE A TUX
Tonight’s opening session had a good class for the National Catholic Youth Ministry Awards.  I have had the opportunity to work professionally with many of the recipients tonight and it was a pleasure to have prepare the script and presentations for these fine folks.  << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

 

Wednesday, December 1, 2004
GAME ON
Pre-conferences are underway.  Itinerant Ministers start this morning, World AIDS Day, a day without artists. Three other events catch up this afternoon. The evening finishes with a jazz concert featuring the beautiful voice of Meredith Dean Joseph, who warms my heart with a requested version of Over the Rainbow.  << Youth Ministry Stuff >>