Hi Everyone –
My apologies for not having written in quite some time. I think this is because while I have been busy with all sorts of activities, none of them feel very noteworthy and I would really feel bad for being responsible for being the one to make you fall asleep at your computer in the middle of the afternoon when you read this!
I have really just been going about my days as quietly and humbly as possible. Admittedly, this is sometimes difficult to do when working at a top 10 company, selling some of the latest, noisiest technology on the market. Looking back to where I last left off writing, Christmas was beautiful. I truly enjoyed being home and spending time with family. I was happy to be able to see as many people as I did! I wish I had been able to see more of my brothers but the weather decided otherwise for us. In fact, my flight back to Chicago got canceled and I ended up having to rent a car and drive through the night (and the storm!) so that I could make it to work on time the next day and still hold my job. That was another eventful adventure to add to the books.
Since then, in regards to work, I was notified of a change in policy affecting my particular position. When I started with the company, I was told my position would be permanent. Recently, however, my district manager communicated to me that the position I am currently in will expire 2 years after I stepped into it as the powers that be want to keep people motivated to move up into leadership. For me, this is November 1st. I will still be guaranteed a position within the company, however, if by 11/1 I do not have another position, I will be placed “according to business needs” which means where ever there is an opening. I essentially take this to mean a demotion back to a sales rep. I applied to several positions without success but take that simply to mean that something better is around the corner. So, for now I will peacefully wait to see what the future holds.
I have been looking for more ways to become involved in the community and the only place it seems that is willing to work with my erratic schedule is church. (I think this is a beautiful blessing in disguise.) The new prior has started the Altar & Rosary Society, which is a group of women who pray the rosary together and are responsible for the care of all the altar linens. Other duties will eventually include organizing various celebrations and potlucks for the church. While there are many informalities about the Altar & Rosary Society, it is quite structured with a “board” of women, elected into the positions of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. I was elected treasurer and am quite excited about it!
Father has recently asked me to take over teaching catechism class to a group of 10-12 year olds, as the former teacher moved out of state. This is a 50 minute class that meets every Sunday. I am excited to do it and it certainly keeps me on my toes with my catechism. While I have taught many kinds of lessons before, I never knew classroom teaching was so difficult on so many levels! It is a fun challenge for me.
I have also been asked to be part of a small group of women to help clean the priory, the house where the priests live. I think this is one of my favorite duties. It is so quiet and humbling, a perfect setting to remain recollected. We do all of the cleaning of the common areas in the large building once a month. I am beginning to understand the beauty of the words of a saint: “I found Heaven in my saucepans.” This month, there were 3 women my age, 3 retired women and the husband of one of the ladies – he is the maintenance organizer for the church. We got laughing so hard throughout the day that many times we were left speechless as we were crying. It was very enjoyable, to say the least.
The Bishop arrived in December to permanently live in Chicago. I cannot begin to describe how magnificent this is! To be able to attend daily mass and receive the sacraments from the bishop on a regular basis is such an incredible grace! Granted, he is obliged to travel to administer confirmation and such to other parishes but by enlarge he is in Chicago. The other day, I observed him and our Prior playing with the young kids after mass on a Pinewood Derby Race Track. The kids made racecars and painted them in the previous weeks and then were preparing for the big race. Simply watching their expressions and character as they played with the children melted my heart! I do not think I will ever forget the Bishop´s expression as he released a car down the track and then the children´s expression as they reacted to the Bishop´s expression and the excitement of a car whizzing down the track.
I recently found a delicious peasant bread recipe that you make and bake in a bowl. Wow! I never knew homemade bread could be so delicious with such little work (and without clunky machinery!). I also made a garlic dill butter schmear to go with the bread. For the 3 days straight that I ate that and nothing else, I was blissfully content. I will have to post pictures of that here soon.
I have decided to move to a suburb right next to Chicago. (In fact, if I walk a few blocks I will officially be in Chicago but will still be a short subway ride to downtown.) I will be moving into a studio so I have to purge a number of my belongings. I was nervous at first but now am excited and relieved to do it. There is so much beauty in the apartment I found as it is close enough to walk to church, grocery stores and is only 1.5 blocks from the subway to go downtown. I am excited to be able to get to daily mass without having to fight an hour of traffic! I will also be closer to some friends I have made recently. Yes, we will be within walking distance from each other! Also, the township I am moving to is a very active walking community with great Farmers Markets, museums and the like. I will be moving 3/27, just in time to be able to walk to Holy Week services! Deo gratias! I have already started packing. I figure the “slow and steady” approach will be the best. A few friends are helping me with a packing party in about a week to get the main push out of the way.
Stay in touch and let me know how you are doing. I would love to hear!
Until next time.
