.

It’s been a satisfying week with a few unexpected and welcome encounters. That’s the richness of the life of a diocesan priest.

On Friday a week ago I was with the parents from St. Joseph’s school in Ashburton. 5.00pm on a Friday afternoon seemed like the worst time possible for a formation session for the parents of young families, but last week, as with another session earlier in the year, we gathered for an hour of drink and nibbles and focus on the heart of life in the midst of the ups and downs.

Last weekend I celebrated Mass in Darfield (where I was parish priest 15+ years ago) and Rolleston, a new Mass community at the heart of one of Aotearoa’s fastest growing regions.

The beauty of celebrating Mass across different parishes is that I get to meet again many people I first knew forty years ago as a young priest, as well as meet many new people. Again, the richness of life as a diocesan priest.

Then during this week there has been the regular Tuesday Mass with a community of Religious Sisters and the Wednesday Nazareth House gathering, each rich with conversations about lived experience of Jesus, present and active in every circumstance.

One on one sessions have also been a daily highlight in recent days, both for spiritual direction and general chats about how best to encounter God in the midst of the challenges.

Yesterday I was with a group of people seeking to understand the diversity of human sexuality and expression. I came away from the session inspired and deeply moved by the honesty and authenticity of Anna and others who shared.

I’m writing this at Christchurch airport very early today (Friday) about to fly to Melbourne for a weekend retreat. Come along if you can – or share the invitation (below) with those you know who live in or are visiting Melbourne. Each session (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) stands alone so come to whichever works for you.