There is never a dull moment as a priest living parish life, especially on a Hurunui Sunday. It is now just after 2 on a Sunday afternoon and I am back at Hawarden after Masses at Hanmer Springs, Amberley and Cheviot. I have a few hours break before Mass tonight at Culverden. By the time I head for bed later tonight I will have driven the equivalent of the distance between Christchurch to Dunedin and had the privilege of celebrating Mass, visiting the sick in their homes and in rest homes, and had some inspiring conversations with parishioners.

The highlight of the day throughout the eastern areas of the parish is the rain, the best rain in the region in months, providing some hope for spring growth after months of severe drought. While rain is needed every night over the next few weeks, today’s steady showers have given us both relief and hope. We have prayed for rain for months. Now we give gratitude to God for sending our roots rain.

Then driving back across the Leader from Cheviot to Waiau I drove through snow.