Transisitions are great producers of stress. One of these days I may actually be unpacked and moved in. Did I mention that this place has 5600 families, nine masses on each weekend in three languages? Then since Thursday is my new day off, this is the second day off in a row that I have missed. It was a day for all the priests to gather and the learn than in order to comply with the Diocese's Safe Environment for Children program that all Lectors and Eucharistic ministers, ushers and choir members, indeed any volunteer is required to be screened for Megan's law. It is not just the moving that is making me feel a bit overwhelmed.
One of these days I may actually have internet access again. My little laptop has not been connected to the internet in over two months. I am at the secretary's computer which I do not get much use of during the day.
Oh, did I mention that the parish has a bit of a debt that I uncovered? No one seemed to be aware of it, not even the finance committee. It is a mere $115,000. arghhh.
Slowly but surely, I am getting moved in. I bought another bookcase today.
The people have been most gracious and welcoming. They have actually been pretty wonderful. They always seem so happy to see me. Apparently the teachers, a bit in shock, I guess, over some liturgical inovations I have imposed (we stick to the book now) are rather pleased that I am at the school every day and showing such interest in the school. ( I gave them a liturgy preparation workshop yesterday.)
One of the Baptism candidates mentioned at Adult Faith Formation last Tuesday that suddenly the music in church was beautiful (The choir started up again last Sunday.) I snuck into choir practice tonight and they were indeed sounding pretty wonderful. There is no chant on the horizon yet, but I am being patient. The music director is new and started the same day I did. It is taking us all awhile to get settled, although he seems to be doing great. We have a new Young Adult Choir that is rehearsing, and the children's choir will be starting soon.
I understand we may have a new wireless router installed on the weekend, so I am hopeful. Regular blogging will continue once I get reasonably settled.
hi, Father Jeff,
I think it's good to let your readers know that the Diocese of Oakland Safe Environmet Project, is just one instance of what all our dioceses have committed to in response to the Bishops' 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. In addition to the Megan's Law screening, all volunteers in our diocese are going to be provided with training about these issues and briefed on the Diocesan Code of Conduct.
All parish and Catholic school staff and the deacons are getting separate trainings, too; some of which have already taken place.
It's a major effort for all of us in the months ahead. In my opinion, recent crises or no, it's high time our church communities took the same care for our children as schools do!
Father Jeff,
Sounds like you're handling all the chaos of being a pastor commendably. I am suspicious that we may continue to miss your regular blogging, as few pastors I know are ever "reasonably settled". But then, what do I know?