Monday, October 31, 2005
Halloween 
It’s the day after.  The day after NCYC. The day after four months on the new job. A day dedicated to updating the blog, downloading power points, banking, and laundry. Ah… the life of the rock star. << Blogging >> 
trick-or-treat
So, of course, when I take the day off, the city shuts of the water to the Catholic Center, thereby, if effect, giving EVERYBODY the day off! << Blogging >> 

  Sunday, October 30, 2005
NCYC- OUT 
There were the details of departure that involved hassles not of my own making.  But, it all washed away as the plane lifted from the ground.  Some quiet reading above the ground and then off to home.  By 4pm, I entered into a nap that lasted 12 hours. It was good to catch up. << Work Day >> 

  Saturday, October 29, 2005
NCYC- Day three 
Jesse Manibussen was down-right inspirational this morning. He laid out a distinctly Catholic message and reminded us all to unleash the passion when making an authentic Christian presentation.  A third NCYC power point was delivered today, the service came with emergency tech-help. For the fifth NCYC in a row, I served as the lead chaperone for the dance with the divine Miss Anna.   << Work Day >> 

  Friday, October 28, 2005
NCYC- Day two 
Two keynotes (Tammy Everard and Bishop Gordon Bennett – formerly of Baltimore) spoke today.  We obnoxiously led cheers for our own- and if you can not appreciate the subversive youth ministry humor of that, get over yourselves! I had an opportunity to lead a guys-only workshop today and I also drafted a power-point for one of the concurrent sessions. Most important for the day was seeing my daughter.  It was a good day! << Work Day >> 

  Thursday, October 27, 2005
NCYC- Day one
Six airplanes and one bus brought in 370 Marylanders and 2 West Virginians to NCYC.  They were greeted at the airport, shuttled or MARTAed to their hotel rooms, dropped their bags and then they were off. We regrouped for a delegation meeting with Bishop Malooly. The opening session was underway tonight, Steve Angrisano, as MC, was featured, Archbishop Wilton Gregory spoke, and Bob McCarty dropped from the ceiling. We are off and running. << Work Day >> 

  Wednesday, October 26, 2005
The car-full
As the Baltimore Archdiocese’s NCYC advance team (sounds more glamorous than in reality), Chris Ashby and I picked up registration and separated it out, divvied up the MARTA passes, got lost once or twice on the streets of Atlanta, and picked up snackage for two nights.  The car was full. << Work Day >>

 
  Wednesday, October 26, 2005
TO my three readers
Now I am out the door from home! Watch this site for pictures, three power points, and stories from NCYC. << Blogging >> 

  Wednesday, October 26, 2005
jumping fire hydrants
It was once accused that I had lost my spirit to jump fire hydrants.  I jumped one last night.  Life has been very good.  Good to able to touch base with all the kids this week. Good to have a special someone who sends me a Darth Tater. Good to have friends who laugh.  Good to have co-workers who are creative and laugh.  Good to have have challenging and good work.  I say it too often, but it’s all good right now. << Blogging >> 

  Tuesday, October 25, 2005
someone should say thanks
We are all racing out the office door – - – again!  NCYC came within 65 days of World Youth Day in the middle of the season of everyone kicking off programs and such. To my daughter’s youth minister, Frank; to all the ArchBalt delegation leaders; to all diocesan leadership…  Thanks for making church happen for today’s young people. << Blogging >> 
Go
I’m operating on pure adrenaline this week. Last weekend was busy and full.  Monday was a 9 to 11 day- as in am to pm.  I knocked off two NCYC power points for friends last night while familiarizing myself with the Pastoral Care segment of the Seminars in Youth Ministry. There was a fun and highly comical dinner before that.  I’m working today on my own NCYC power point. Tomorrow, we travel into the insanity that is NCYC in Atlanta-  that should and would be enough for any week.  Today, I was just handed a homework assignment for Monday…  as in, when will I be home between now and Monday!?!! Nonetheless, I remain jazzed by all the activity and work! << Work Day >> 
rock, paper, scissors
I aspire for great things.  I think I need to plan a vacation around this event. << Funny Business >> 

  Monday, October 24, 2005
Good Timing, Ma!
Falls winds are whipping around the buildings of downtown Baltimore this morning.  On my way in, I stopped to pick up a parcel at the post office mailed by my mother.  It was a sweatshirt. << Friends and Family >> 

  Sunday, October 23, 2005
Middletown
Traveled with the Stir-Causing Social Partner to provide the "Jump Start" program for Youth ministry in Middletown today.  It was a beautiful drive through the hills of central Maryland- we attended a wonderful Mass at Holy Family, and had a wonderful few hours talking about "discipleship."  << Work Day >> 

  Saturday, October 22, 2005
Cumberland
Spent the day with some good folks in Cumberland offering a portion of the Seminars in Youth Ministry.  God bless ‘em.  It was a rainy morning.  Kristin had been out there the previous Saturday and they had a two night regional mission with Jesse Mannibusen during the week.  There really is only a certain amount of time that one can spend in Church!  << Work Day >> 

  Friday, October 21, 2005
groundbreaking
Mark Moitoza of the NFCYM and the Archdiocese of Military Services has just published a resource on starting youth ministry that is probably quite applicable to anyone on or off a military base attempting to do that.  It is a .pdf file and can be found here. << Youth Ministry Stuff >> 
Average youth Group
This blogged list of average youth group participants is brilliant! (see my powerpoint version) << Blogging >> 
countdown
Daughter Meghan called last night to remind me that we are a week away from NCYC.  I ordered a rent-a-car for NCYC.  A friend had a momentary panic attack about her workshop at NCYC.  My guess is that we are close to going to Atlanta for NCYC. << Friends and Family >> 
NDC review
"good job yesterday … it was a challenge to break open a document such as that and make it lively as opposed to ‘serious.’ Thanks … looks like you all had fun creating it, too."  << Work Day >> 
Halloween
Five blogs in one day- a new record! Scary!!! I walked into the building this afternoon.  Gloria, the receptionist/ security guard has two balloon stars above her chair. "You are a star," I say.  She responds, "You know that, Boo!"   She called me "Boo!"  << Funny Business >> 

  Thursday, October 20, 2005
Smurf-a-cide
So I walk into the office this afternoon and my office is draped in blue and black with obituaries, pastoral prayer services, memorials, and other resources.  We are having fun here! << Funny Business >> 
what’s cooking with the ndc?
The comedy routine to introduce the three hour session involves impersonations of Emeril Lagasse, Julia Child (with a rubber chicken), Martha Stewart, The Food Network’s Paula Dean, and . . . the Muppet’s Swedish Chef.  I get to present for a solid two minutes in pure gibberish – - – intentionally!   << Work Day >>

  Wednesday, October 19, 2005
controlling the dialogue Iv- ¿Que?
The dioceses of Baltimore and DC sponsored a day on Hispanic Ministry today.  It still seems unclear if we should go with simultaneous programming until we unify towards multi-cultural programming or not to go with this way. My head was hurting in two languages today.   << Church >>
controlling the dialogue III- who do you say that we are?
We youth ministers once embodied a prophetic message that the rest of the faithful needed. (Youth ministry) required fearless adventurers, personifying Jesus’ profile of disciples who couldn’t be dissuaded becausethere was no money, resources, or respect. Read more of Dave Rahn’s excellent article Domesticated Prophets (it’s a .pdf)    << Youth Ministry Stuff >>
controlling the dialogue II- who do you say that I am?
The trail of Saddam Hussein, et al, began this morning.  Right away, one wonders if the poor judge lost the day as Saddam attempted to take control of the proceedings.  Who are you? I wish to speak. Who are you? If you are Iraqi, you know who I am. Mr. Saddam, who are you? Who are you to ask this question? Sit down, please. Defendant two, who are you? You have removed my identity as I do not have my head-covering.   << Culture >>

  Tuesday, October 18, 2005
requiem for a SMURF
It has only been a few hours and I am still feeling a little . . . blue!
Here are some video links:
* News story from CNN: Bombing Smurf village in the name of war (1:34)
* Putfile has a report and the video << Culture >>
BOMB THE SMURFS
It’s just been one of those days.  I was worried that I was overstepping boundaries a little today.  I worried that natural repercussions would occur for my hubris. And, then. . . the Smurfs’ village is annihilated by warplanes. (You may need to scroll down a little on the link.)
This new short film pulls no punches. It opens with the Smurfs dancing, hand-in-hand, around a campfire and singing the Smurf song. Bluebirds flutter past and rabbits gambol around their familiar village of mushroom- shaped houses until, without warning, bombs begin to rain from the sky.
Who can understand God’s retribution for one man’s arrogance? I hope that we have all learned an important lesson today. << Culture >>

  Monday, October 17, 2005
opening on the road
The NDC Implementation team (sounds much more impressive then we are) began a six site tour of a three hour training on the National Directory for Catechesis. All in all, it was well received.  The power point has been posted for your viewing pleasure.  << Work Day >>

  Sunday, October 16, 2005
controlling the dialogue
Today was a busier day than it needed to be.  Off to church where Meghan received multiple hugs from her adoring church fans and then a race to the gate at BWI. A relaxing afternoon transformed into errands and a run home for forgotten accessories for Monday’s presentation. The West Wing tonight, however, was a lesson in controlling a dialogue. Without running negative, Santos played to the weaknesses of his opponent  while still "staying on message."  It was a political education in an hour-long drama.  << Culture >>

  Saturday, October 15, 2005
reunion
The kids (plus adopted Jo) gathered up for a dinner out and a round of Hearts. It was a pleasant evening. Clark and Megs went out earlier to see Wallace and Grommit, which Clark gave a grudging nod towards.  Dinner took us to Meghan’s trivia bar, which was pre-empted with sports.  It was interesting to watch Penn State’s and Notre Dame’s near-upsets. Jo "shot the moon" and didn’t even realize it.   << Family & Friends >>

  Friday, October 14, 2005
parenting as a high-wire act
Meghan arrived in town today just as my energies were hitting the wall from an active few weeks as well as a full slate throughout the remainder of October. Of course, this adds up to me being snoozy around 8-pmish.  It was a full day.
First, we attempted to find each other at the airport.  Southwest has a new terminal with two exits and poor cell reception in baggage claim. A page solved the problem.
Back to the apartment to meet up with Clark (classic college student dragging laundry along). Off we go to the Science Center- which was a relaxed afternoon, although experiencing evening in the planetarium gave me jet lag. An exhibit on Circus Science allowed us all to walk the high wire. Dinner followed at the Inner Harbor. Cards and laundry followed afterwards until sleepiness overtook.  Gonna spend the next day attempting to keep my balance together. << Family & Friends >>

  Thursday, October 13, 2005
cruising
Today was Employee Appreciation so we were taken on a three-hour crab feast on the Bay Lady. Mark and Susan were acknowledged for their years of service and the entire office had nice things said about it.  Not a bad way to spend a rainy afternoon.  << Work Day >>

  Wednesday, October 12, 2005
still recuperating from "the" weekend
Mike Patin has weighed in with his kind observations on the weekend.  See October 7-8 on his blog. In the October 13th edition of the Catholic Review, there are two articles (page 3 and 16) as well.   << Work Day >>

  Tuesday, October 11, 2005
the john caslin weekend
John was a former staff member of the office, back in my first incarnation around these parts. He would often group together events on weekends when he had a bye weekend from his (then) part-time job at Goucher.  This past weekend was a re-utilization of the model- – - not too bad, but I feared it freed up more weekends for more stuff. << Work Day >>

  Monday, October 10, 2005
Breakfast
So, wasn’t it pleasant this morning to wake up and make breakfast (plain pancakes for niece, chocolate chip pancakes for nephew, banana pancakes for mother and sister-in-law) for the family, then feed newly baptized nephew his cereal and creamed bananas.  A delightful change of pace from the weekend. << Friends and Family >>

  Sunday, October 9, 2005
NCYC delegation meeting
Picked up Patin this morning and delivered the gentleman to his next gig down in Bethesda. Then, it was back up to our home-away-from-home at Seton Keough for the third event of the weekend: the NCYC delegation meeting (with a lead in at the Archdiocesan Youth Advisory Council Meeting).  Worked with some kids on the give-away presentations and shared the basic info presentation with Chris Ashby.  Was out of the building 45 minutes after the closing bell and on my way up to my brother’s for a party for my newly baptized nephew.
Three events, around 1100 participants, thus concludith my weekend. << Work Day >>

  Saturday, October 8, 2005
institute
Today’s event was a good day!
The Institute is an event for catechist sponsored by our office and Evangelization & Catechesis.  Mike Patin served as our keynoter.  He had them in tears at the very beginning in laughter and at the conclusion in inspiration.  He was “spot on” for both of our weekend events.  I had a role in the prayers today, including a power point reading, and both seemed well received. A youth-ministry friendly presenter arrived before her workshops with a power point and asked that I place images in it before she presented. Within 30 minutes, I had “extremed made-over” her presentation.  Tear down and move out always seems to go aster that move-in. Onto the next event: the NCYC delegation meeting. << Work Day >>

  Friday, October 7, 2005
Respect Life symposium
Today’s event was a good day! Mike Patin served as keynote encouraging about 200 Catholic High school student (14 schools present) to honor the meaning of "re-spect" and take a second look at life issues.  A local panel and then a presentation on stem-cell research by Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D. followed.  The day concluded with a pleasant liturgy with Cardinal Keeler (hectic for me!) and a relaxed box lunch.  The day seemed well received.  Onto event two for the weekend: Institute. << Work Day >>

  Wednesday, October 5, 2005
The difference of time
From Rent and the song Seasons of Love:
525,600 minutes, 525,000 moments so dear. 525,600 minutes – how do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes – how do you measure a year in the life? How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love. Seasons of love. 525,600 minutes! 525,000 journeys to plan. 525,600 minutes – how can you measure the life of a woman or man? In truths that she learned, or in times that he cried. In bridges he burned, or the way that she died. << Culture >>
The difference of 50 years
Today, the Archdiocese of Baltimore joins in a twice-cancelled celebration of Cardinal Keeler’s 50th anniversary of his ordination to priesthood. It’s a busy week but it will be fun to be there! << Church >>

  Tuesday, October 4, 2005
The difference of 100 days
It’s the feast of St. Francis of Assisi and life does seem much simpler.  I have completed my first 100 days at ArchBalt.  Life is changed and different…
* I am back in a city with the vitality and the sounds of the streets as well as multiple lunch and dinner options.
* I am traveling more, having spent almost 25% of my time here on the road and out of the office.  I now see many more people in my work face-to-face and am not dependant solely on e-mail and voice mail for work relationships.
* When I am in the office, however, there are seven floors filled with personalities, characters, and life.  AND, they just put a ping-pong table on the 8th floor.
* Speaking of the 8th floor, the soda and juice machines are always stocked! Furthermore, It is one of my favorite views of the city.
* The work is keeping me engaged with action, excitement, and creativity. << Work Day >>

  Monday, October 3, 2005
WHAT’s AT STAKE
First Monday in October brings us to the opening day at the Supreme Court with a new chief justice in place and another nominee for associate justice named this morning. A quick review of this fall’s cases lead one to consider all the Respect Life ramifications that the courts, our society, and the Church must consider soon.  By the by, attended Cardinal Keeler’s Respect Life mass yesterday and he offered a wonderful homily. << Culture >>
WHAT IT’s ABOUT
"What is a human being? … Who is God? … The Bible gives one consequential answer to these two queries: the human being is created in the image of God, and God himself is love. It is therefore the vocation to love that makes the human person an authentic image of God: man and woman come to resemble God to the extent that they become loving people." (Pope Benedict XVI, Address to the Participants in the Ecclesial Diocesan Convention in Rome, June 6, 2005) << Pope >>

  Sunday, October 2, 2005
adorable
Last week, son Clark took claim of the mini-digital camera that Comcast sent to me.  He described it as "adorable." This turns out to be Clark/UMBC speak for something surprisingly diminutive.  << Friends and Family >>

  Saturday, October 1, 2005

BASIC BLACK
Last week, I bought two more suits- one which was an off-green and another which was black.  Hmmm, I thought to myself, this will be my funeral suit. Today, I attended a funeral.  The deceased left wishes for the celebration to be a celebration and suggested that all wear bright colors.  The jacket stayed home and I wore a red shirt and a yellow tie.  << Blogging >>