The Quay

One of the things that makes Wexford ("Loch Garman," in Irish) unique is its seaside landscape: it's situated alongside a tidal estuary, the River Slaney, and running alongside this, by the town, is the quay. (Don't prove you're an American by mispronouncing this word; it's pronounced "key.")

I've been spending a lot of time walking this quay the past few days, for one of the things about being in Wexford is the time it affords, one-on-one, with the members of the House of Brigid. It's a good place to share with colleagues in ministry - to compare notes, to look back on accomplishments and challenges of the past, and look forward to future endeavors as well.

There's a lot for this community to look back upon: the creation of a Confirmation sacramental team, led in part by Irish peers who were pilgrims on World Youth Day to Madrid; the constant liturgical planning of parochial projects; the creative endeavors around the celebration of St. Brigid's Day.

And there's a lot to look forward to as well: the International Eucharistic Congress being held in Dublin in a few months, and the visit of 55+ members of a certain Folk Choir from the University of Notre Dame, just ten weeks from now.

For now, we're spending time walking the Quay. We talk about all these ventures and plan, and sort, and exhort and encourage. Seeds are being sown. We probably won't see the final harvest. But walking and talking in anticipation of this harvest is enough to bring joy to the heart.