After many weeks of feeling under the weather, it was so nice to be able to throw myself into ministry this weekend. Both my Saturday and my Sunday were incredibly full days. Yes, at the end of both days I indeed was tired. But at the end of both days, I was also incredibly moved by how God challenged me to serve Him by serving others.
When I don't have to work on a Saturday I usually love to sleep in. When you are involved in certain ministries, sleeping in is for wimps! The Kairos Prison Ministry holds a one-day winter retreat every January and it's an early day. We are asked to be in the prison for 7:30 AM and for me, it's about a 45 minute drive. Successfully rising early, I indeed was at the prison on time and soon, I was headed to the chapel with about 20 other brothers to minister at Rayburn Correctional Center. The number of inmates assigned to us this day would be 108. Our theme was the Lord's Prayer and what each petition means to us as Christians. I was asked to pray and reflect on the line: hallowed be thy name!
One of the highlights of the retreat, besides the lunch the men enjoy, mostly because the prison does not cook it; we bring it in, is the time to reflect and discuss in small groups and then to watch the inmates pray with each other.
The day ends about 3 PM and the 45 minute ride is reversed. It's a long day, even though you are home fairly early!
On Sunday's I'm used to assisting at several Masses and my mornings are very full. It's not unusual for me to be at the church for 5 to 6 hours. With no Mass assignments this weekend for me because of my full plate, I was able to enjoy breakfast with Wendy before we left for the 1 hour drive to New Orleans for diaconate activity. Today we met with 30 couples who are preparing to make application for aspirancy; the step before formally becoming a candidate. What an incredible day as our Archbishop, Gregory Aymond, came and spoke to the inquirers and to us about the need for a robust diaconate. It was a great message for these inquirers to hear and a beautiful reminder for each deacon too.
Both my wife and I love to assist at these events, talking with the inquirers, answering their questions, and offering our help and prayers for their continued discernment.
Yep, an incredibly full weekend for a Deacon and typical for one who embraces the ministry of charity and understands the call to serve and not to be served; Christ the servant!!!
My challenge, as is yours, is how will I strive to do His will tomorrow, and the next day and the next...
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