CAMP, COOPERATION, AND COMMUNITY
Last week, I wrote a bit about one of my favorite weeks of the year: Danebod Family Camp. I’ve attended since 1981, enjoying my hobbies of singing, dancing, crafts, conversation, and more.
As I mentioned, one of our camp discussions drew on Oliver Burkeman’s 2021 book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Besides promoting hobbies, Burkeman also highlighted how important it is to engage with others: “Almost everything worth doing . . . depends on cooperating with others, and therefore on exposing yourself to the emotional uncertainties of relationships.”
Which brings me to St. Matt’s. Among the many joys I have in working here are the opportunities I have to cooperate with others: staff members, volunteers, parishioners, and even the occasional vendor or chance visitor. I freely admit I’m kind of a people person. It’s been great to develop many relationships already, and I look forward to even more.
Here’s the bonus: every person I encounter is an opportunity to honor our mission to be a Catholic community that is a visible expression of God’s love.
St. Matt’s is pretty special. As a relative newcomer, I want to affirm that. I’ve enjoyed my work with other communities, but frankly, many of them haven’t measured up to what I’ve experienced here in terms of hospitality, volunteerism, and dedication.
I’m writing this column before our Finance and Parish Council June meetings, so reports on Council activities will have to wait another week.
Have a great week!
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