When life changes very suddenly

There are all kinds of reactions that happen.

Last Sunday was our annual meeting at church. Our parish priest gave her annual status report to the parish. She was feeling very discouraged. My pew mate said to me after - that sounds like a farewell sermon.

So yesterday she and I had lunch together. She was in the process of revising the report for distribution. I heard her say to the office administrator - make sure to include a last line - and yes I am resigning.

I was very upset and still am. There will be lots of fallout from this move. Someone else has to come in and get the parish back on track. Those who support her will be involved as well as those who do not.

And in less than a week’s time is Ash Wednesday which marks the start to Lent and the journey to Easter. The images are most appropriate at this time as they always are. Death and new life come together often in our lives. This time it is in our church family.

I can give thanks for the priest’s time with us and what we share personally - when I knew her over 35 years ago now and the connection to the convent in Toronto that we both share.