I begin by apologizing for not posting anything for a couple of weeks. I am starting to settle into the ministry of being Husband, Dad, Son, employee, Deacon....! There is still much to learn. Two nights ago we had a gathering at Mike's and Elise's with the local clergy and it was a wonderful night. Great food, great friends, great times. Mike and I shared a few moments, and a revelation was evident for the two of us. For the first time in our lives there is a tremendous need for a calendar to keep up with what is going on, and especially before saying yes to anything.
Last weekend I was honored to do my first funeral service flying solo, well actually I was assisted by one of our seminarians who are here for the summer. It went very well. I used a few ideas that are done at a funeral Mass. There was more time preparing for this than I had anticipated, which should be less in the future because of having that first experience under my belt.
Yesterday I was blessed and honored to be with a couple and their family who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.It was a great opportunity to meet some very nice people and share a few moments with them.
I have been serving at least once every weekend so far at Mass. This is where the comfort level is beginning to increase. Memorizing the penitential rite, I've got that one down now, and still working on the words I say quietly at various moments. The nervous moments are becoming fewer and fewer.
If I had to state one thing that I find special is how this community has opened it's arms up to receive this ministry. They are genuinely excited and are always coming forward to offer words of encouragement, and all the love they have for Christ.
One thing that stands out is that I am often told that "you look happy!" I am! I am still smiling from ear to ear and it's great. I am blessed to be a member of what the locals are calling the "DREAM TEAM!" Fr. Kyle and Fr. Andrew are so great, and they are so loved in these communities and they are working very hard.
For those of you who can make the trip north to Berlin and Gorham we welcome you with open arms to come, to celebrate with us, and to share the Spirit that is growing here.
Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis,
Deacon Mitch
Last weekend I was honored to do my first funeral service flying solo, well actually I was assisted by one of our seminarians who are here for the summer. It went very well. I used a few ideas that are done at a funeral Mass. There was more time preparing for this than I had anticipated, which should be less in the future because of having that first experience under my belt.
Yesterday I was blessed and honored to be with a couple and their family who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.It was a great opportunity to meet some very nice people and share a few moments with them.
I have been serving at least once every weekend so far at Mass. This is where the comfort level is beginning to increase. Memorizing the penitential rite, I've got that one down now, and still working on the words I say quietly at various moments. The nervous moments are becoming fewer and fewer.
If I had to state one thing that I find special is how this community has opened it's arms up to receive this ministry. They are genuinely excited and are always coming forward to offer words of encouragement, and all the love they have for Christ.
One thing that stands out is that I am often told that "you look happy!" I am! I am still smiling from ear to ear and it's great. I am blessed to be a member of what the locals are calling the "DREAM TEAM!" Fr. Kyle and Fr. Andrew are so great, and they are so loved in these communities and they are working very hard.
For those of you who can make the trip north to Berlin and Gorham we welcome you with open arms to come, to celebrate with us, and to share the Spirit that is growing here.
Bonjour et Adieu mes Amis,
Deacon Mitch
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