10-10-09 Joliet IL
(Posted: 23:47:31 10/10/2009)
Event: Diocese Of Joliet IL
Dates: October 7-10, 2009
Contact person: Paul Mach, Director of Youth Ministry
Theme/main message: Various
Highlights/neat stuff:
+ Returning to Joliet. This is one of those places where I’ve been numerous times (mainly due to Paul’s kindness in inviting me back!) and the people receive me and the message with gusto.
+Getting to speak at St. Francis High School in Wheaton IL. The campus ministry coordinator there is Diane Mercadante (wife of Frank Mercadante). Diane is also a passionate godly minister. When she talks about her school and students, you can HEAR the passion oozing from her voice. Being around passionate people always inspires me. This was ni exception.
+ I got to speak with 60 youth ministers for the first annual Youth Minister Appreciation Banquet. It was so awesome to see Tom, Frank and Sister Gesuina receive lifetime awards for their longstanding service to the church. Sr. Gesuina Bongiorno (translation, Little Jesus, good morning---no joke!!!)
+Hearing people tell me, “No matter how many I times I hear you, there is always some word for me.” Thank God for that!
+ Leading an in-service for 600 teachers of grades 3-8. You can tell as they walk in that their presence is a “command performance.” (that is, they HAVE to be there). I kinda enjoy the challenge.
+ Someone asked how I have such energy, inquiring if I work out 6 hours a day. I laughed and told her, “Steroids.” She laughed harder. Gotta work on that physique thing.
+ Working with 25 teens for a youth congress session. Their task was to help Paul brainstorm and dream how the diocese could better reach teens. A fune morning with a very attentive and alive group of teens at the lovely Lewis University in Romeoville. (Romeo-ville and Joliet….hey Shakespeare, what’s in a name?)
Summary: Good trip. Good ministry is happening there. Very proud of my buddy Paul and grateful to get to serve in his diocese.