From Fourteen to Seventy-Four (degrees)

It never ceases to amaze me, the miracle of aviation. The mere fact that I am even able to fly from South Bend, Indiana, in the midst of winter havoc, is a source of awe and wonder.

Despite almost an hour of digging out at home, a slippery ride to the airport, and swirling snowdrifts, we were able to take a commuter flight to Detroit – where the weather was even worse – on our way to much friendlier climes. But first, our jet got stuck in a snowdrift as it was being pushed back from the jetway in South Bend! Bad omen?

Nevertheless, we're on our way to Orlando, Florida.








I'm part of the "advance team" as we prepare for something we don't often do with the Folk Choir – a January tour. And it's precisely because of the unpredictable winter weather that we mostly stay away from this travel window. But every once in a while it's a great idea to bring our students to places where 65º is considered chilly!

For the next ten days or so, I'll be writing on the various churches and communities visited, perspectives on parochial life, the witness (and, of course, the antics) of the Notre Dame Folk Choir as we hit the road for the first time in 2014.

We have a pilgrimage planned of great proportions – many weekend masses (both for the Feast of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord), concerts in every venue which hosts us, three area-wide liturgical music workshops and even an interfaith vespers service. But I have every confidence in our ensemble... they have a knack for never-ending energy, and they can make happiness out of an empty cardboard box.

So for all of you who follow my work and that of the Folk Choir, please keep us in your prayers! You never know when, on pilgrimage, you'll encounter the face of God....



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Location:Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, United States