Entering New Territory

Dear Friend,

In the summer of 1970, age 12 going on 13, I was facing the daunting prospect of leaving my small elementary school and starting high school. I pictured the large sprawling campus and me getting lost (or trampled) in the crowd. My mother made a suggestion: ease into it by signing up for summer school (fewer people) and get to know the place. “And take classes that are fun,” she added.

It turned out to be a brilliant suggestion. I took drama, typing, and basketball and met some really interesting people, including Mr. Smith. He stood in front of us in typing class shouting the drill: “a, semi, s, l, d, k, f, j, g, h, g, h, f, j, d, k, s, l, a, semi, RETURN…” as our fingers blundered across the keys, struggling to keep up. We swatted the little metal arms of our “carriage returns” triggering the sound of 25 intermittent little bells. I can hear it all to this day. There was similar energy (chaos) on the basketball court and in the school’s new theatre, where Coach Carter and Mr. Densmore (respectively) were our overseers. 

It was a summer of transition and full participation. Memories of it come hurtling back through my mind during this COVID Lent probably because I see us entering new territory in our parish life. The pastoral council meeting this week was very lively as we talked about where we are and where we’re going together as a community. I see us easing into a new future and having some fun in the process.  We have lots of work to do, not to mention some new technological tools to learn.  I’d like to think we’re moving into full participation. Plus, there are so many fascinating characters around here!  

Gratefully,

Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor