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!
