In recent years I have conducted a few retreats for parish staff personnel. Pastors recognize the need to keep their employees spiritually healthy and energized. This is especially true in larger parishes where the staff is typically greater in number and have more opportunity for inner-office conflict and challenges. I had the false impression that when one begins to work at a church facility all human dynamics are heavenly. Realistically, we are still human and the group dynamics play out in a multitude of ways. Even if a parish staff is functioning in a healthy manner, it is good to reinforce that positive behavior and keep pastoral sensitivity at the front and center of our minds.
I have led several retreats for parish staff members here in Wyoming, a couple in Colorado, and now I will be leading my first retreat in South Dakota near the end of the summer. I have never been to the Terra Sancta Retreat Center in Rapid City, and I am looking forward to this new experience. I especially appreciate the theme of the retreat chosen by the pastor, and I am grateful that he has entrusted me with this sacred duty of sharing this time with him and his staff. Details of the retreat were completed today, and I appreciate that advance planning which makes my study, research, and proximate preparations less stressful.
There is still plenty to accomplish this spring. I am in the midst of a parish mission in Wheatland, Wyoming. This coming weekend begins a parish mission in Casper, Wyoming. Then we move into Holy Week. After that I have a men's retreat in Thayne, Wyoming at the beginning of May. (I am hoping that much of the snow on the western side of the state melts before then.) Planning for the ordination and installation of our new bishop on June 5 also adds a little flavor to things in the office in the midst of everything else.
My life is not dull during these days of Lent. I hope you are finding God in the details of your own life. The man born blind showed us the power of Jesus as he washed in the pool of Siloam. How is the power of Jesus manifesting itself in your life?
I have led several retreats for parish staff members here in Wyoming, a couple in Colorado, and now I will be leading my first retreat in South Dakota near the end of the summer. I have never been to the Terra Sancta Retreat Center in Rapid City, and I am looking forward to this new experience. I especially appreciate the theme of the retreat chosen by the pastor, and I am grateful that he has entrusted me with this sacred duty of sharing this time with him and his staff. Details of the retreat were completed today, and I appreciate that advance planning which makes my study, research, and proximate preparations less stressful.
There is still plenty to accomplish this spring. I am in the midst of a parish mission in Wheatland, Wyoming. This coming weekend begins a parish mission in Casper, Wyoming. Then we move into Holy Week. After that I have a men's retreat in Thayne, Wyoming at the beginning of May. (I am hoping that much of the snow on the western side of the state melts before then.) Planning for the ordination and installation of our new bishop on June 5 also adds a little flavor to things in the office in the midst of everything else.
My life is not dull during these days of Lent. I hope you are finding God in the details of your own life. The man born blind showed us the power of Jesus as he washed in the pool of Siloam. How is the power of Jesus manifesting itself in your life?
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