Almost always when my ministry calendar gets very busy, I find it helpful, therapeutic perhaps, to take stock of what just passed and look at the calendar going forward. On this incredibly hot Monday night in August, this is that time! I know the grass is calling me for a little trim, but I may wait until around 7 PM when they promise me the heat index will finally drop below triple digits for the day. Yes, the up to recently cooler than normal summer is acting very normal these past two weeks. But I digress!
It seems that upon my return from "Pops" duty and our North Carolina vacation last month, coupled with the exciting news that my daughter was staying local and going to work, putting her Master's Degree to good use, it was high time to delve deeper into ministry. I've spoken of this before; every day, all my words and actions, are some part of the totality of diaconal ministry, to which I was called, the Church affirmed and ordained upon me almost five years ago. For me, I am more aware of my vocation, and the associated duties that come along with that vocation, when I am busy. Among all the many hats I wear, Permanent Deacon among them, there still is husband, father, grand-father(Pops), banker, boss, employee, neighbor, friend and of course, child of God, made in His own image. With all these hats, one can say clearly that busy is the way to go. Busy always feels great when it brings some fulfillment coupled with great joy! I have had much joy & fulfillment while wearing all of these hats. The whirlwind of profound fulfillment of joy seems so intense in those moments when I get to serve God's will through the vocation of the Permanent Deacon.
Since mid to late July, my ministry at prison, and the opportunity to promote and explain prison ministry has been intense. This is a good thing. I assisted the ecumenical Kairos team recently for a one-day in prison retreat and signed up full fledged for the next available 4 day retreat in the fall. This retreat requires so much preparation that we will begin a series of 6 hour Saturday training sessions this weekend. All the while I lend my presence to this ministry, my normal responsibilities to the men of Rayburn Prison must also be fulfilled. This includes visits, scheduling, promoting prison ministry within the archdiocese and keeping these men in my prayer life.
Also in these past couple of weeks I have immersed myself in the final preparations for the latest wedding that I was privileged to assist. Since this wedding was at a neighborhood parish, with full Mass, the pastor received the vows. I had the opportunity to preach and assist. I loved preaching directly to the bride and groom, helping them to see Jesus as the center of their married unity and showing them how St. Paul's love is kind words are meant for them, personally and intimately! I also love that moment in the Mass when I get to give the Precious Blood to the bride & groom. My latest wedding is done; and this couple is also on my prayer list.
Then Sunday came a Baptism; a beautiful baby girl! A large number of family & friends attended and I love that; for the support and the chance to truly explain the pure gift of infant baptism to those gathered. This little baby girl, Laila, maybe all of three months old was in to the ceremony. Her eyes spoke of a certain understanding, here eyes shining, her smile disarming. She loved having the oils administered and was so calm and happy as the water was poured, in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit! The beautiful baby girl and her family are in my prayers tonight.
After the Baptism I drove up to the beautiful grounds of St. Joseph Abbey in north Covington. The 20 men and their wives were on retreat and I knew I would be arriving only for the last hour of the weekend of prayer & reflection. These men will be installed as readers this Saturday at the diaconal feast of one of our dear patrons, St. Lawrence the Martyr! I was very honored to be asked by the retreat masters to lead or candidates and wives in the closing prayer for their weekend. These 20 men, discerning their vocation, their wives and families, are among those who I am offering prayers!
Today, of course is Monday. Worked beckoned and the various duties and responsibilities of managing a local branch for a solid regional bank were awaiting. The ups and downs of my staff, my clients and support personnel are on display all day long. Many times, even though I am not administering a Sacrament or breaking open the Word, I remember I am still preaching and witnessing, by the way I live and function. My coworkers and those I encountered today also deserve my prayers.
Just so you will know, I took a little break between the beginning at the end of this post to put in an hour or so on the Kubota to keep my 10 acres of grass from overwhelming the place. It still is hot, but towering clouds to the east and south coupled with a strong southerly breeze hint at an evening shower. It would be amazing to end the evening with a gentle summer rain.
Tomorrow night I will help my local parish as we kick off a study of the Book of Revelation for our adult faith participants; about thirty in all. Your prayers are requested. Thanks in advance.
I hope your Monday finds you in a good place, but if today is a challenge, I understand. And I offer you my prayers. I pray that God's presence in your life, the intimate walk that the Father, Son and Spirit are on with you is keenly aware to you in this week ahead. Peace and Prayers!
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