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!!!