February 2008

Today was a meeting between the various department heads (and their associates) at the Archdiocese. We call the “Offices and Services”. In 2000-speak of our diocesan curia, an “Office” is like a “congregation” in the Roman Curia — its role is to set binding policy for the diocese. On the other hand, a “Service” is more like a “council” in the Roman Curia — it is there to support certain pastoral initiatives. For myself, I work in an Office, called the Office for Pastoral Personnel.

Today was an important day for the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism: we had our annual general meeting, at which I presented the audited statements for the last fiscal year, as well as a resolution for the appointment of new auditors for the next fiscal year.

Not for me. For an elderly brother priest, who needs to get special injections every 3 months. We have an infirmary for priests who require medical attention, and while this brother priest does not need 24-hour care it makes sense that he go there to receive his medication.

Today I had the pleasure of presiding a special mass for the Montreal Challenge Movement. It is team day today — the last major day of preparation before the Challenge weekend. Of course, being a Sunday, the members of team wanted to have Sunday eucharist, and as I was already going to be present at the parish where they were doing the team day for another purpose it just made sense.

I was all set this evening to receive two people for pastoral meetings (one for spiritual direction, one for marriage preparation). And then…neither of them showed up! The first had to cancel at the last minute, and the second went to the wrong church to meet me. We’ve rescheduled both appointments for next week.

This evening I had the chance to visit one of my married couples and bless their house. Well, eventually…we started with an excellent Italian meal (and yes, there was a LOT of food) and some excellent conversation (yes, there was a LOT of that too!) I really enjoyed myself, and I think it was a real moment of grace for all involved.

Sometimes, I am helping an elderly priest make the transition to having to live in a home.

Other times, I am helping foreign priests get settled in our diocese.

Today? I went bowling.

Yep. Bowling. It was the priest bowling tournament this afternoon, followed by a dinner. Not that I actually know how to bowl all that well. Still, I showed up, mainly to demonstrate my support for the event and to have a bit of quality time with my brother priests.

Today I preached at St. Brendan’s parish on the beatitudes. Unfortunately, I forgot my voice recorder this time, so I do not have the audio file. Here is a brief summary.