Odds and Ends
Or a podcast episode, pilgrimage openings, and a new retreat (you know someone who needs it!)
In my last newsletter, I mentioned MaryB Safrit, who is trying to fill the gap within the Christian community that I described in the last post. How do you really serve Christian singles? This season of her podcast is dedicated to calling, and we had a great conversation about the idea of waiting. I’ve given several talks on waiting in the past, and I can’t get over the fact that we waste so much of our waiting.
Waiting isn’t a waste of time. We all do it. Big waiting, little waiting. Much of your life is spent waiting. We’re tempted to think of it as a waste of time, but it’s only a waste of time when we waste it. God wants to use it. He wants to use it to change us, to purify us, and even to give us gifts we didn’t even know we wanted.
You can find the podcast episode on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or over on MaryB’s website.
And yes, those of you who know me IRL, the irony of the timing is not lost on me. But it’s not irony- it’s God’s timing, right?
I gave a talk on humility at a parish here in Nashville yesterday morning. I am far more qualified to speak on pride, but I relied heavily on the writings of the saints and gave it my best shot. You can find the recording here!
It gave me the chance to mention one of my favorite quotes of all time… and one that probably deserves an entire post in the future.
“You come of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve," said Aslan. "And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content.”
In a few months, I’ll be heading across the pond for the rescheduled Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. Here’s our intinerary and more information: Oberammergau, Vienna, Salzburg.
As I write this, there are couple of spots that have opened up for our trip - so let me know if you’re interested, or head over to The Catholic Traveler’s site and get in before the last spot fills up!
I’m currently working on a variety of projects, including a new three-week Lent study that will run about the time everyone has given up or is bored of their resolutions and plans (March 24, 31, April 7). There will be more information on it soon.
I’m also working on developing a retreat for those who work for the Church - diocesan officials, parish staff, superintedents, principals, etc. It will be package of talks that allow the organizer to mix-and-match a bit. I’ve worked for various Catholic aposolates for over 15 years, and there’s a uniqueness to your work being so intimately connected with your faith life. There are pros and cons to working so closely to the Church (whether you’re officially working for a diocese or working for a Catholic nonprofit) and I have come to realize God might want me to use both my experience and the talents He gave me to serve a need I can see quite acutely. I’ll say it plain: How do you work for the Church and not lose your faith?
I’m continuing to discern the topics and talks, but it’s definitely a need in many places. If you are a decision-maker in your parish, diocese, school, or apostolate (or you know someone who is), ask yourself: Does our parish staff go on retreat? Does my chancery give employees a chance to get away and recharge? Are my principals on the verge of burnout? If you answered yes to any of them, reach out and let’s see how we can work together.
Enjoy your king cake, get ready to fast, and stay tuned for more information on my Lent study.