What a difference a week makes, but is ok, really, very much ok!

My view is way different tonight from last Monday night; so was the meal, good old fashioned red beans in rice in my little country home northeast of Abita Springs compared to Palace Café on world famous Canal St.  By now we had experienced the opening Mass and the fast paced events of Monday including the gift of presence by Cardinal Tobin and so many others.  The inspirational and spiritual high was peaking as we still looked forward to three more days of events and collegiality shared with so many deacons and their wives, families.

So here is the deal on this Monday.  Not long after we arrived home, just before dusk on Thursday evening, I knew that my diaconal batteries were recharged and I was anxious to share with anyone willing to listen the events of the week spent in New Orleans at the 2018 National Diaconate Congress.  In the days since our return I have rejoiced in the many pictures being shared on social media, the great stories starting to appear in respected Catholic publications, and the sweet memories of that special week.

I've rededicated myself to my oaths and promises from ordination, to the balance that includes marriage, ministry and secular employment, to proclaim the Gospel more powerfully, to pray more frequently, more deeply, more intimately.  I'm in Scripture more and I look forward to my opportunities to minister.  I am trying to remember the fact that I'm deacon at work, at home, on the tractor (since the Congress I've logged about 5 hours on that Kubota) and everywhere life takes me.  Today was the first day back to work and I concentrated on my tasks, clients and co-workers with greater joy!

I love being a Permanent Deacon; I try to be aware that how I act, what I say and do in all situations may not allow others to see that love for my diaconate.  I've pledged, refreshed by everything at that Congress, to be more focused on the "being" part of diakonia than the "doing" part.

Since the Congress I've assisted at three Masses, preached three homilies, offered Benediction, begin to arrange & prepare three Baptisms and review my prep notes for the new Bible study beginning September 11th.

I will always be very, very thankful for the great week in New Orleans spent at the 50th anniversary of the Permanent Diaconate at the National Congress!