Hello!
It’s been a month since my last post, and two months since a really substantial one. I just wanted to post and say that more info is on the way, and give a brief run-down of what’s been happening over the last 2 months. Among others things, I’ve been taking time to catch up on some things that have been on the to-do list for some time.
I’ve been working part-time at the St. James Society on facilitating mission appeals, doing some computer and administrative work, and assisting in the house management in the rectory here where I’ve been living.
I had the opportunity to preach mission appeals on behalf of the St. James Society in several parishes in May and June.
The Society and I have mutually decided that the experiment for my lay membership in the Society was very worthwhile doing, but that it looks like there isn’t a fit. From my experience and perspective, I would say that the Society is in fact for diocesan priests, and there really isn’t a fit right now for lay membership. Collaboration with laity, yes, but membership, no. So, I will move on and return to being a friend and collaborator, including possibly in consulting as Barriers to Bridges. I’m very, very grateful for the opportunity, and excited about moving forward.
I’m also looking to see if some part-time work in teaching ESL might materialize.
Still keeping in touch with the people of Ecuador. There has been a change of pastor in the parish of Chontal, so returning there would include getting to know him.
Book are published!
I’ve also begun some collaboration with local people I’ve met who are in career transition. We are in the initial stages of forming a career transition support group, that fills a niche in the career / job seeking field that is vacant. This has always been a branch of Barriers to Bridges that I’ve had in mind, and I’ve had some rough ideas for the past 5 years. There’s lots to say about it for another time, but one possibility is linking it with trips to Ecuador.
Sharing a group presentation in person is in the back of mind to do, covering the past times in Ecuador and Peru. I hope to have an update on that soon, as well as an online update including financials.
Well, there’s probably more I’m forgetting about, but I hope to post more by the end of the month.
I hope you’re having a great summer, and can also find some time to take the boat out of the water for some maintenance.
“Jesus would withdraw to deserted places to pray.”
