I know, I know – you’ve all been going crazy waiting for this week’s blog post. I apologize that I couldn’t get it up sooner. However, I’d like to think that my excuse is a valid one. After all, I’ve been spending the entire week back in South Bend, and I am a tad bit jetlagged.
You read right! It’s interview season, and I’ve been spending this week accompanying Fr. Denis and Sr. Mary on a whirlwind trip to Notre Dame that had us interviewing several potential candidates for next year’s House of Brigid community, as well as meeting with several different people at Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s as we continue to explore all of the new possibilities for the program.
But, I can’t say this week was all work and no play. Steve and Michele Warner hosted a wonderful dinner for some Teach Bhríde alums and us on Wednesday night. At the table was Carolyn (Seasons I & II), Patrick (Season II), Jessica (Seasons II & III), and Molly (Seasons III & IV). Throw me into the mix, (Season V), and you have yourself a dinner table that represents all five years of Teach Bhríde. What a truly blessed night full of fellowship and memories!
We also got to meet with and spend some time with Fr. Bill Lies and Chuck Lamphier over this week, who are Teach Bhríde’s newest friends and supporters as we continue the growth and expansion of the program. We would like to extend special congratulations to Chuck and his wife Sarah on their newest little addition, John Francis, who was born just in time for our arrival!
Of course I couldn’t let Fr. Denis and Sr. Mary go this entire week without seeing a bit of Saint Mary’s, as well. We explored a bit of campus on Wednesday and Thursday, which included lunch in the dining hall, a tour of the Church of Our Lady of Loretto, and even a stroll through the one tunnel still in use on campus. I think Fr. Denis might have been a little taken aback by the lack of men in our dining facilities! But, at least he has a better idea of why I’ve dubbed all of the ladies we have morning tea with honorary “Smick Chicks”…
Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of this week has been discerning Teach Bhríde VI as we’ve been conducting interviews throughout the last several days. I won’t say anymore here, but keep your eyes peeled for my blog post next month where I may or may not introduce next year’s community to you all!
Alas, now I find myself at the end of a wonderful trip to the home of my college days. However, I’m very much looking forward to traveling home home to Cleveland tomorrow afternoon for some much-needed family and friend time! As the only Teach Bhríde member this year who hasn’t seen their family since August, this trip is really special for me. I can’t wait to see everyone and share with them all of the wonderful things that have been going on in my life recently!
Again, be on the lookout for the official Teach Bhríde VI announcement next month!
Peace,
–Joy.
