I don’t know if you’ve heard, but people here in Ireland like to talk about the weather. I have found myself absorbing more and more of this part of the culture, so I would like to tell you all: it is raining here today! This must mean that all the American visitors from the Dublin football game last month have left, because they certainly brought the sun with them.
This weekend, we were very excited for our first “Youth Mass” and Youth Group meeting in Clonard Parish. Nicole had led two rehearsals for 8 secondary school* students total over the two weeks, Emily made cupcakes and outlined a program(me) based on themes in the movie Brave, Nick worked on video clips, and I had gotten in touch with the parents of last year’s Confirmation class. Things were set! It looked like the ball was about to get rolling! But, the best laid plans of lay ministers go oft awry when a local hurling final is on at the pitch next door. Mass was great, but suffice to say there wasn’t a great turnout. We were a little discouraged, but we also trust that when our plans don’t work out, God’s plans do. We’re working on things for next month, so stay tuned!
In other news, Emily and I attended the first Children’s Liturgy Group Mass of the year. It was so much fun to hear them singing again! Nick helped out with the second First Communion parent info night yesterday, and we have all been enjoying our tea, coffee, and roasted marshmallows as the year heads toward winter. (I know, I know, it’s September.)
Roasting marshmallows on the open fire, made by Nick!
*Secondary schools include children from age 12-18 in Ireland. Children are Confirmed in the Catholic Church at age 12, just before they leave primary school.
