Friday already?

I guess this has turned out to be one of those weeks that just flies by.  It seems only yesterday that we were beginning the week, and already it's the weekend.  Where does the time go?

Perhaps there were a few contributing factors this week though:

• On Tuesday, it was imperative that the registration forms for the Sacrament of Confirmation be distributed to the various schools who could then share them with students who will ultimately end up as our (possible) candidates for this Sacrament.  Doing this was a bit tedious, because we had to draft a cover letter and then make sure to visit the schools, but then again that isn't always a bad thing.  In this case, we got to meet some of the staff, and to share with them some of the wonderful news about preparing for Confirmation.
• On Wednesday evening, there was a meeting of the Finance committee.  These gatherings don't happen too often, so when they do, there can be a number of subjects to be discussed.  The people who sit around the table are really good: they have a genuine concern for the parish, and are willing to help if the need arises, especially in matters pertaining to money (or lack thereof).
• On Thursday evening, the long-awaited Fall Harvest Dinner (a fundraising effort for parishioners and friends) finally arrived.  We chose to hold this gathering at a local restaurant, which was a wise choice because it meant that we were physically removed from the premises of the parish, but also that we could trust the expertise of others who have lots of experience in feeding folk.  When I arrived, it didn't take long before I came to the realization that everyone involved in this venture knew their jobs very well, and weren't afraid to do them.  This left me free to greet people as they arrived, and to consult with the organizing committee about issues as they arose (not that I could do much to solve some of them).  As it turns out, this was an absolutely wonderful evening.  Everything went well, and when all is said and done, there wasn't much that we would change (at least I don't think so).  One thing is sure: the place was packed, and people will be talking about this night, the meal and the entire experience for quite some time to come.
• Today was a catch up day ... in some ways a recovery day.  For some of us, it felt like the day after the night before, and we couldn't help wondering if anyone else had gotten the licence and registration of the freight train that must have passed by, but the euphoria of the past day kept us going, and I'm sure it will for some time to come.  New friendships have been forged by this combined effort, and it will be very interesting to watch them unfold as time goes on.  It's amazing what can happen when a group of people get together to support a common cause.
• An impromptu supper capped the day.  Friends gathered to share their stories, to care for each other, and to enjoy a moment of quiet at the end of an otherwise packed few days.  What a wonderful way to start the weekend.