Category: Ministry
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Leveling Up
Yesterday, May 31, we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus’ followers and gave them the ability to speak in other languages (Acts 2:1-12). This wasn’t the first time that Jesus sent out his followers to preach in his name (Mt 10:5-15; Lk 9:1-6; Lk 10:1-12). What makes this time…
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Avoiding the Sprawl
A few times while I lived in Toronto I ventured outside the city. I was always struck by how much the GTA sprawled. There was nothing but buildings. The only way I could tell I was in a new city was the signs marking the boundaries. Where were the fields, or trees, or something between…
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When the Good Things End
Last night I had my final middle school program until the fall. It’s a group of students I love working with. They make me laugh, lose my voice, and want to pull my hair out – usually all in the same night. But it doesn’t change the anticipation I have when their program rolls around; I don’t…
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The Non-Praying Minister
The non-writing writer is a monster courting insanity – Frank Kafka As we launch in Holy Week, I feel more and more like the monster courting insanity. Life in a large parish is busy enough in the first place, but add the extras of Lent, and other diocesan events to attend, plus trying to keep…
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Getting in a Routine
Regardless of which ministry you’re in (or if you’re in ministry at all), chances are that every day is different. One day I am in the schools for class visits, the next I’m behind my desk planning and catching up on emails. Some days, everything I planned to accomplish is derailed when someone in crisis walks through…
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Day 366
I’ve been a youth ministry coordinator for one year and one day. No two days have been exactly the same – similar, but not identical. And that’s part of why I love my job. In that year, I’ve learn many things. Here are the top 3: Ministry is a marathon, not a sprint – after…
Lauren van Vliet, author 