My 12 weeks of sabbatical are not just about traveling, I have been participating in various workshops as well.
Each week, we have a speaker who facilitates a morning workshop. The topics have ranged from The Journey Into the Inner Self, Our Story as Spirituality, the Beginning of the Gospels, The End of the Gospels, and The Journey Into the Inner Self (part 2). In the remaining weeks, we will have presentations on topics such as Jesus: An Unfinished Portrait, Issues Facing the Church, etc. Each morning has 90 minutes of workshop time (with appropriate tea/coffee break). As you might imagine, 31 priests and religious have lots to say about these topics and our discussion is always lively.
On Tuesday afternoon, I am involved in a 1 hour workshop on the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a personality/spirituality inventory which helps us identify certain qualities and traits that are operative within us. I don’t know if it means anything to you, but I am a “9” on the Enneagram. This “category” identifies certain leadership strengths and weaknesses which are evident in our particular ministries. I have to say that the Enneagram as a tool is very accurate and has confirmed a certain self-knowledge on my part.
On Thursday afternoons, I am involved in a small workshop called Ministry Concerns. This session addresses particular needs of people in ministry. I became aware of the fact that most of the members of the group are nearing the end of their ministries as they look forward to retirement. Some of them are leaving mission territory and returning to their native homes. A few of the younger members (like me) take a look into the future to discern the direction of our own ministries. I have found a lot of helpful insight and affirmation for my parish ministry. Let's just say that I have no plans to take up another career.
Friday afternoon is free time but I decided to take a class on watercolors. As some of you know, I have tried my hand at painting but never with water colors. So far, I have painted a tree, a flower, the sky and water. Now the real challenge is to put all of this together on one page and not make a mess! Someone in the group told me to keep my day job. I think they are right.
One thing that has become evident to me through all of these classes and workshops is how God has been part of my life’s journey. This is becoming increasingly clear to me as I have taken time these past several weeks to reflect on my ministry. After 20 years of priesthood, I realize just how blessed I have been. Yes, there is room for growth and change and the future years will see such things. Still, I am grateful for what has been and I am excited about what is to come.
Fr. Perry
