I am currently at a meeting of the Board of Directors for the National Federation of Priest Councils (NFPC). It is an organization of priests from all over the US.
Last week it was RECOPS, a regional meeting of priest representatives from Nevada, California and Hawaii.
Next week, it will be a quick trip up to Mt. Angel Abbey for the evaluation of our Seminarians.
I am getting a ton of Southwest rewards points.
My point, this is part of the ministry. The call to serve as priesthood occurs at different levels; mostly in the parish, but also in the diocese and at times within the regional, national and Universal church. It can be an organic ministry.
I enjoy the meetings of priests. It gives me a chance to connect with others in similar positions, and to glean wisdom from them.
But after almost two weeks, I find myself missing the parish people. That is a ministry that feeds me. I have know this for quite some time. This also scares me, since I will be leaving parish ministry for some time to work in the pastoral center. Will I be fed?
I also have to believe that Christ will feed me in that new ministry. I need to be open to it, and let it grow.
I think all of us face this call. We are called to let go of places that feed us, seem safe to us, and put our trust in a different way. That is how we, that is how I can grow.
What has become really clear to me is that new and different things feed me than what fed me before. Stuff I never would have had time for now are sustanance and relevant in a whole new, life-supportive way. I guess, where you feast, revolves!
And I think the key is to “feast” wherever we are. Meaning look for what is good and beautiful
I have worked in my field for 28 years and have had the pleasure to work in a variety of different areas, all of which I have enjoyed and derived much pleasure, satisfaction and growth (both professionally and personally) from – and I have changed what I have done about every 5 or 6 years. Each new position brought new challenges and the opportunity to rise to these challenges. It also gives the opportunity to thank God for giving us the ability to demonstrate His love in everything we do. Change always brings an element of the unknown with it, and the longing for what was past – particularly if it was something we enjoyed immensely. But realize there is a purpose and meaning to it and, if you let it, your life (as well as the lives of all you work with) will be enriched by these new experiences. Sometimes it is hard to see this at first, but with an open mind and heart, and trust in God and His plan, your life and work will be greatly enriched by these new experiences.