Ordinary time

Well, after completing the Formation Weekend, I came home and returned to the real world.  This week we finish our class in the Prophets.  This has been a good class for me as it allowed me to focus on individual stories from the bible that were very familiar.  But, since we were focused, the characters, their backgrounds and motivations were much clearer than when just reading the stories.  I said to many classmates that you have to work to get something out of online classes.  Unlike a regular class where you may learn things just by showing up, that doesn't happen in an online class in my opinion.  So for me, this class in the Prophets was good.  It was certainly not comprehensive because we glossed over Isaiah, but I did pick up some good insights.

Went to see Star Wars Episode I last night.  My first 3-D movie.  Not bad, there are some scenes I really like in that movie, being a huge Star Wars fan.  It was my first movie in probably 5+ years.  I'll go see #2 & 3 once.  When the original trilogy gets released later this year, you'll probably find me in the theater alone in the afternoon watching it multiple times.

Saturday, it's Men of St Joseph time.  My favorite new ministry, except it's probably not new any more.  Well, this wee will be new.  I am leading the prayer service for the men and am planning to use the time to do a short reflection on the reading from the Divine Office.  Sort of a mini-Homily.  More practice and experience, at the expense of these poor men.  I hope I am OK and don't bore them to tears.  The intent is to draw more men in, so I hope my reflection helps that.  Next month it is our annual gathering at the Cathedral and Bishop Libasci is saying the mass and the keynote speaker.

Snow tonight!  We'll see if we really get any.  Last Saturday's storm was a bust, and that's fine with me.  This may be the best winter ever.  Certainly better than last year when we got snow every Wednesday after Mom passed.  Seemed I was cleaning two driveways every week.

It's February

Eleven days in and today is my first February post.  I'm away at a Formation Weekend in Contoocook, NH on Vatican II.  K is not feeling well, so she will break the tradition and head home, so I'll be here all alone...with my 21 brothers and their spouses.  If you are going to be 'alone' there is no better group to be alone with.

I'll hope to catch a ride with someone, otherwise, it's a long walk home.

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday, so it was tough to be without her another year.  Being an orphan after 45 years is difficult.