These are a few of my reflections after a successful Parish Day, where Chris Woodward (chair of the PPC), Margaret Duffy (chair of the Finance Committee) and I gave seven presentations after the seven Sunday masses at the Sacred Heart. One is naturally tired but the adrenalin stimulated by engaging all the parishioners who gave up their time after each mass takes a while to wear off. We had over 500 people come and hear the presentations. One plans for the response of the parish, but one continues to be consoled by these eager interactions. I may be giving my eleventh presentation at 0300 tonight, during my sleep.

Some may wish that I repeat the presentation here. But honestly I cannot do it tonight. I may in a week or so. I am off tomorrow morning for my annual eight day retreat. I will be on the Kent coastline, where weather permitting I can encounter our God through strolls along the coast. I always look forward to my retreat but in the end it is a different type of hard work. After a few days of rest one is left alone with God, to reflect on one’s actions and seek inspiration to how one may fulfill God’s desire that bit more faithfully. I am looking forward to this year’s retreat so as to reflect on my work in the context of the parish and looking for God to surprise me a bit.

I give my many thanks to all who came to the presentations. My continual thanks to the entire website team who have worked to hard to make this online adventure possible. I know a few may still have wanted to wait a bit before we went live, but I know through the feedback given today they should feel very reassured of the parishioners’ thanks for their effort. I thank the many members of the PPC and the catering crew as well as the Venture Scouts. They all made the events of the day go so smoothly and deliciously. I also thank Chris and Margaret for the commitment to today but as well for their tireless service to the parish over this past year.

I am off to bed!!