Summer at the Parish

It was my full intention that once NMU was out that I begin making a habit out of writing my blog. But, here it is August and I realized that my last post was from Easter. I guess that tells you how my summer has been.

Many parishioners think that I have the summer off - that since students are gone that I have nothing to do. I chuckle and I take that time to explain to them just what I do. I am employed by the parish AND Catholic Campus Ministry. So, I split my time between both ministries. Of course there are times during the year when one ministry gets more of my attention than the other. For example - the weeks leading up to Holy Week and the week itself I am not doing much at all at the CCM Center. But then when classes begin at NMU all my focus is turned on them.

It requires a balancing act of sorts. I need to be able switch gears quickly and be flexible. These are attributes that I'm fairly gifted with and it's something that I love about my vocation here at the parish. I love how it's always different and ever changing.

So, during the summer I take the slower time (students are gone but then we also do not have much going on in the parish) to organize, plan, evaluate, and learn. This summer I have been reading some Church documents and also a book called, "Rediscovering Catholicism" by Matthew Kelly.
On the parish side of my vocation I have been busy working with parents on Baptismal Preparations and with couples who are preparing for marriage. For the parish it has also been a time catching up with parishioners. Visiting some in the hospital, calling them on the phone if they have been sick, chatting with them at coffee socials and going to meetings, programs and social events at the parish. If you stop by or call the office you may even get me on the phone because I have been filling in where needed especially during staff vacation times.

For CCM this summer I found myself evaluating CCM and creating a Diocesan Review packet for our Diocese in May. June was full of Orientation Sessions at NMU and checking up on students on Facebook and email. I began planning and organizing for CCM in July - It's amazing how disorganized a person can get so quickly. This month it's planning, planning, planning!!! Fr. Ben and I have been meeting and allowing ourselves to brainstorm and think about great programing and visions for this year at CCM.

So - even though things are slower during the summer they are still busy! I find that I no sooner get used to the pace and quietness of the season and then it's time to welcome back students and committee meetings! Change Change Change.... it's never ending and it's a beautiful thing!

Easter Cometh....

One more week till Easter - well, more like a week and a half. This is not only the CRAZIEST time of year for me... it's my favorite!

I have to admit that since having my son almost two years ago, Easter has gotten a little nuttier for me. All these amazing memories of my childhood and what Easter brought. Awh, all those memories, expectations and hopes. However, there is my ministry - which means that I am at work/church a lot. It's the two loves of my life - colliding... the love of the church/liturgy and then the love of my family/being a mother.

So, I find myself doing what many other working mothers strive to do - walk the crazy thin line of work and family life.

My life next week will consist of running home between meetings and liturgies (I'm so happy I live only blocks away from my workplace). And then during my son's naps, running to work - so as I don't miss too much of playtime with Jonah. I'm so happy that I have a flexible job and that I have an amazing husband who supports me and our parish.

In between meetings, liturgies, making meals, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, altar server practises and playtime with Jonah I will run around town making sure the Easter Bunny has all he needs for his wonderful visit on Easter Sunday.

The thought of next week makes me tired- but at the same time I am so excited!!!! Bring on the liturgies, the practices, and the Easter candy!!!!

In Like a Lion...

Many people HATE Mondays...back to work, back to school, back to "reality". I though, don't really mind Mondays. There is something about getting back into the routine and schedule that does my heart some good. Of course I don't like to be away from my family but I do like my ministry so it makes the work week bearable.
Today though... well, I'm not a fan of today! This Monday greeted me with a big "thumbs down"! Of course there is the snow factor - I knew it was too early for spring. So, there Jonah (my 19month old) and I were plunging through the snow to get to daycare. But then the "little fires" of my work day began. These "fires" are not huge raging fires...but little ones. However, its funny how just a little fire first thing on a Monday can seem to spur into a forest fire. There I walked into work with a furrowed brow and "focused". The dark cloud was upon me.
Luckily for me a fellow coworker started my fist meeting of the day with a prayer of Thanksgiving. Then I remembered...in the big scheme of things life is good. It was a bit of a reality check for me. So, even though I feel the dark cloud on the horizon...I am working hard to keep my attitude focused on Him and the blessings he has given me.
Well, my Monday came in like a lion - I'm praying it goes out like a lamb.
Have a good week!

It's Coming....

It's crazy to think that Ash Wednesday is next week! It feels like we were just putting up our Christmas tree. But alas, it is coming - whether we are ready or not. I've been doing my normal "wonder what I should do for Lent this year?" This is always one of MANY discussions I have with students - Lent is a big deal around CCM. When I was young the answer to that question was so simple but as I get older it becomes more and more complicated. Every year I pick 3 things to do (prayer, fasting, almsgiving)... inevitably, I fail at at least one - usually two of them. So, this year - to keep my life easier and to make my Lent more about what God is doing than what I am doing ... I'm thinking about focusing on one big thing. Hmmm... I don't know. Thank goodness I have a week to decide.

On a different note- we are getting all geared up for the St. Michael Parish Dinner Dance. It is happening this Saturday night. Last year due to a lack of interest - we had to cancel...this year it is going to be a BLOWOUT! Cocos is catering it and we will have a wonderful DJ (Rusty Bowers - our Pastoral Council's Vice-Chair). So far (as of this morning) we had about 60 folks signed up! Tickets are on sale thru tomorrow at noon at the parish office. Single: $20, Couple: $35, NMU Student: $15. Come and Party!!!

I'm sorry...

I'm sorry that it has been so long since I have posted last. It was my intention and goal to write at least once a week. But, things at the parish have gotten very busy and I had to make some choices. This morning someone told me that they were feeling like they were underwater and needed to take a breathe but didn't know when they would be able to make it to the surface. I really felt for the person and in many ways I could relate. My reaction to my thought was, "why do we do this to ourselves"?

And then I remember Sunday liturgy. This is why we do this. Because when I sit down with my husband and baby and I look out into my parish FAMILY I feel complete. I have been given so much in my life; an amazing family, many talents, supportive friends and a great job. I know though that these gifts come with a price. This is where STEWARDSHIP comes into play. We give our time, talent and treasure to give back what we have been given. Being a part of a parish family means that we need to give back - there is give and take in families - and a parish family is no different. So, as we are in the middle of September - Stewardship month, know that the parish is in my prayers and that I am doing all I can to give back to you and to love and support you.

Batten Down the Hatches

Back in June when I began this blog - it was my vision that I would write on it every week. It's amazing how the lazy days of summer sure make time fly by!!!

I have not been the best at keeping this updated - but I have seen in the past that I do better when I am stressed and extremely busy. So, I am hoping/thinking that this fall I will kick into high gear and be more consistant with the blog.

So much has been going on in the parish. The biggest thing probably has been helpinig Fr's Larry and Ben get "up to speed" and made to feel welcome in the parish. They have been working hard and I am so happy with what I have seen. They are kind hearted men who are not afraid to work!!! I know that they are struck by the dedication and faithfulness of the people of this parish. That is what makes St. Michael Parish so successful - the people!

Speaking of, the parish picnic committee is frantically getting ready for Sunday's picnic! It's going to be a great picnic this year! We're going to have a dunk tank (staffed with our very own Fr. Larry and Fr. Ben) and also the NMU students/families are going to be our special guests as it is NMU's Welcome Weekend! The amount of time, work and sacrifice that this picnic takes is unreal. If it wasn't for the dedication of a small committee and MANY helping hands it would not be possible. Thank you all for your work to make our parish picnic a special day where we create memories and gather as parish family!

Well, I should close out - I've been up and working since 6am, and I am beginning to hear my 13month old son, Jonah beginning to stir! (put away the Pastoral/Campus Minister hat and put on the mom hat)
God's Blessings!!!

Welcome Fathers Larry and Ben

This morning as my husband Rob, my son Jonah and I walked into church I had to remind myself, "Catherine....things will be different - be open, gracious, and let go". (For me - as for many of you, change is not easy. So, I must remind myself to be open to newness) One of the first things I see is Fr. Larry greeting everyone. What a nice thing to see when we first walk in - hospitality!!!! After we visited and got reacquainted with everyone (since we were on vacation last week) I sat down in our pew and quieted my heart. Mass began with the same enthusiasm that the 8:30am Mass always brings - awh, such a wonderful community we are a part of! It wasn't long and I noticed that the cross had been moved - change is good, change is good. The Lectors, Cantor and Fr. Larry proclaimed - and then Fr. Ben taught, inspired and engaged us with his homily. All of a sudden I was stopped dead in my tracks.... "the small things may change - but the community, the spirit and God's faithfulness is still the same Catherine". It's OK, we're going to be OK, you're going to be OK.
Isn't it funny that even when our heads know something our hearts take a while to learn it? Why is that? Do we need to have experience speak to us before we can fully grasp with our heart? Are we that afraid of the unknown, change, the possibilities that it takes us a while before we can truly be at peace? I have some things to ponder during my prayer time this week.
I am truly grateful to this community, to our parish leadership (clergy and lay), and to God for being patient with me and for being so faithful. Praise God!