Each day, as the Co-director of Faith and Family Life Formation
for the Diocese of Camden, I often find myself running from one activity to
another, getting caught up in the details of planning, collecting information,
distributing information to parishes, and having very little direct contact ministering
to God’s people. Even after five years, this seems so difficult not
participating in parish life. Getting so caught up in the everyday
responsibilities I often miss the various subtle ways God walks with me during
the day.
Last week there was a moment of grace as we gathered with
our three Echo Apprentices from Notre Dame University. These three young women
spent the last two years ministering with a “veteran” DRE in a parish setting. We
spent two days talking and praying about the experiences of these two years. God’s
presence was very evident during our time together - in the quiet walks,
watching the sunrise, sharing meals and other experiences.
We have all returned to our places of ministry. The three
apprentices will be leaving us soon, to go back and graduate from Notre Dame
and then to begin their call to ministry in the Church. As for myself, as I return to the “ordinary”
tasks of diocesan ministry, I am more deeply challenged to pay attention, to be
aware. God is always walking with me, generously giving me the graces I need to
minister in God’s church. The challenge for me is to continue to recognize
God’s presence in the very ordinary tasks of ministry.
Kathy Burton SSJ
Sister Kathy Burton is presently serving as the Co-Director
of Faith and Family Life in the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation for the
Diocese of Camden.
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