When I was a part-time youth minister in the late 1990s, I thrived on the energy and joy that permeated diocesan youth conventions and retreats. They reminded me of how closely we’re connected as church even if we live more than 100 miles apart, how we’re all in this together.
That’s why I always look forward to covering the Gathering of the Ministerium. On the one hand, the annual event always brings in a speaker of national renown, and this past Tuesday, May 24, was no exception with John L. Allen, nationally known reporter and Vatican correspondent, on hand at the DoubleTree Hotel in Henrietta.
Yet my very favorite part about the Ministerium get-together — which this year united approximately 400 people engaged in pastoral ministry — is seeing folks from every nook and cranny of our 12-county diocese. Between note-taking for Allen’s presentation I renewed acquaintances with clergy and laity from Elmira, Caledonia, Avon, Bath, Hammondsport, Ithaca and Wayland, not to mention a bunch of places from within Monroe County.
Gatherings involving the whole diocese are rather rare and thus always special. Another recent example was the Chrism Mass that takes place each year during Holy Week at Sacred Heart Cathedral. And, all are invited to the cathedral for the ordination of four permanent deacons on June 4 and the priestly ordination of Deacon Scott Caton on June 11 (both events begin at 10:30 a.m.)
It’s great that we have phones, e-mail, texting and social networking available to connect people. Still, there’s really no substitute for experiencing a smile and a hug and some heartfelt, face-to-face interaction.
