9-18-09 Septmeber Travels
(Posted: 18:08:42 09/18/2009)
September Travels
I get a little lazy at blogging but I did want to note a few highlights from September.
UNDER THE WEATHER
(September 1-3) My month started with me being sick enough to cancel on a client (Des Moines Iowa). I pride myself on my “high attendance rate” and so it was hard to cancel but I was so fortunate that Bob Perron does this kind of work and understood completely.
MIKE, THE CONSULTANT
(September 9-10) St. Scholastica Academy in Covington LA is a fine school and has invited me to facilitate a process of evaluation and strategic planning in regards to campus ministry at their school. I’ve always know the school’s fine reputation but it was even more enhanced after spending some time with the campus ministry department and hearing them speak of their visions and definition of campus ministry. This was the first of many meetings with the school community. I am excited about getting to use some of my consulting skills.
HOUSTON
(September 12) I was invited to speak at the inaugural Evangelization Conference for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The theme was Called to Holiness. There were many wonderful speakers and I felt privileged to be invited to speak to teens at such an event. The teens were a wonderful blend of some of the ethnicities of the archdiocese…their spirit and energy in a long day was impressive. Also impressive was how a group of volunteers organized this conference from “nothing” or from the ground up. It was also good to see colleagues from the office of youth ministry while I was there. I enjoy any time in their presence. This was no exception.
(September 12) I was invited to speak at the inaugural Evangelization Conference for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. The theme was Called to Holiness. There were many wonderful speakers and I felt privileged to be invited to speak to teens at such an event. The teens were a wonderful blend of some of the ethnicities of the archdiocese…their spirit and energy in a long day was impressive. Also impressive was how a group of volunteers organized this conference from “nothing” or from the ground up. It was also good to see colleagues from the office of youth ministry while I was there. I enjoy any time in their presence. This was no exception.
DEFIANCE OHIO
(
September 15-16) No, folks, I didn’t make up the name of this awesome town about 45 minutes outside of Toledo. Some youth ministry folks were kind enough to refer me to Sr. Mary Dean Pfahler (see left) who coordinates adult faith formation. Sr. Dean invited me to speak 2 evenings as the parish kicked off this year’s Generations of Faith. Their theme was: “Pray it! Believe it! Share it!” Highlights:
September 15-16) No, folks, I didn’t make up the name of this awesome town about 45 minutes outside of Toledo. Some youth ministry folks were kind enough to refer me to Sr. Mary Dean Pfahler (see left) who coordinates adult faith formation. Sr. Dean invited me to speak 2 evenings as the parish kicked off this year’s Generations of Faith. Their theme was: “Pray it! Believe it! Share it!” Highlights:· ----Getting to see Toledo youth ministry friends. Always a treat.
· ----The cemetery. I know that sounds weird but it was one of the hugest cemeteries I have seen in my travels and so neatly kept. I think you can tell a lot about a community by how their cemeteries are kept.
· ----Seeing two parishes really work at working together. And witnessing this in how a school was gutted and re-opened in a summer. It borders on miraculous.
· Having lunch with the parish staff…there is a respect, professionalism and a sense of humor which I found refreshing. Holy people doing God’s work and caring for one another while doing it.
· Seeing more corn than I expected in Ohio (I guess God knew I missed my Iowa trip and wanted me to avoid “corn withdrawals.”)
ROCKFORD IL
(September 18) I had the privilege of being the first outside speaker in a while to be brought in to address this Educational Leaders Day. The attendees were principals, DREs, youth ministers and more. They came in a little on the “command performance” side…having to attend since it is a diocesan event. I don’t think they were looking forward to the day much. I made a decision long ago, that, as a presenter, I cannot control whether my listeners enjoy the presentation …but I can. I had a wonderful time laughing with them and hearing them re-identify what about this ministry is meaningful to them. The group was one of my first “captive” audiences—there was a traffic stop-gone-bad incident; so St. Peter Cathedral School and Parish (our site) was on lockdown. So no one left my presentation!! Seriously, a good day with a great amount of energy and hope.