Sunday, July 31, 2005 (posted August 9, 2005)
packing my bags
Today was the delegation meeting for the 130 something young adults and youth who are traveling to World Youth Day in Germany. A prayer for Bishop Mahooly, some handouts, snackage, and all was good. << Work Day >>

  Monday, July 18, 2005 (posted August 9, 2005)
moralistic therapeutic deism
Attended the Region 4 summer meeting for just a portion of the meeting- an inservice provided by Kevin Bohli on the book Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers.  It continues to be a source of much conversation and dialogue. << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

  Friday, July 15, 2005 (posted August 9, 2005)
fly like an eagle
Spent the week at Boston College for the Institute of Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry’s conference week. The theme was Come and See: Nurturing Youth & Young Adults in Catholic Identity. There were some great moments and there were moments that were no-as-much.  But, there were more naps and wine had replaced Bailey’s.  The commute home involved a pull-over as a distraction from weekend traffic. << Youth Ministry Stuff >>

  Saturday, July 9, 2005 (posted August 9, 2005)
We are family
Today son Clark turns 19 while my mother turns 70.  Is is the occasion of a glorious four-day family reunion. One grandmother, four sons (of which, I am the oldest) with spouses, and ten grandchildren (click on the picture to enlarge) ages 20 years to 20 days. Risk was played, waffles and steak sandwiches cooked, a lobster birthday dinner following a surprise carriage ride, culminating in a run over to the catholic church to celebrate and remember.  << Friends and Family >>

  Wednesday, July 6, 2005 (posted August 9, 2005)
getting oriented
Two actual days in the office but the important task of the week is settling in. Orientation meetings and such are the work of the day.  But the commute now takes me north rather than south. 
Post JAW involved a performance of Godspell which was good enough. Independence Day was celebrated with a simple and pleasant walk to the fireworks.  Naps have become an essential part of the day and Bailey’s is a part of the evening.   << Friends and Family >>

  Friday, July 1, 2005 (posted August 9, 2005)
Justice action week
And so the new job, it begins…
My first full day, I move into the empty rectory at St. Dominic’s to serve as staff on the Justice Action Week process.  The program is excellent- a good mix between the experiences of providing actual service as well as solid teaching on Catholic Social Teaching.  The prayers were great, too.  I, however, used these opportunities to close my eyes and breathe deeply (in an attempt to commune with the Spirit, of course!)
So…  a good week to be a team member; developed a solid closing power point slide show (click on the picture to enlarge); dealt with a medical crisis; impromptu-ed a relevant prayer experience at Catholic Relief Service, proudly watched my son, the CCHD intern do his thing…. 
Good first week in the job!  << Work Day >>