Where were you when the world stopped turning?

September 11, 2001, started off just like any other day.  I was 15 years old, on my way out the door to go meet my carpool to go to Pius, when I hear on the TV that a plane had hit one of the twin towers.  I didn't think much of it, thinking it must have been cloudy in NYC, and some tiny prop plane must have gotten turned around, and hit one of the towers.  It wasn't until I got to school, and we heard on the radio that a second plane had hit tower two, that we realized that something bigger was going on.  Walking through the hallways, people were almost in a state of shock, wondering what was going on.  Rumors were flying, but when the school day started at 8 AM, and Fr. McKenna, our chaplain, came on the PA and told us that we were in the midst of a great tragedy in our nation, we knew that something big was happening.  I remember how hard it was to concentrate that day, seeing the images on TV in Mr. Torres' English Class, trying to concentrate in classes where teachers were still attempting to teach, but not being able to because of the fear that was setting in over what might happen next- the eerie quietness over the city because all air traffic was grounded, save for the fighters taking off from the Air Force Base.

What has happened that day changed our lives forever.  Looking back, it's hard to believe it's been 10 years since that day, and it's hard to believe how many lives have been changed- not just here, but in Afghanistan and Iraq.

It's interesting to me that the readings for Mass yesterday, the 10th Anniversary, speak of forgiveness.  This wasn't something that the Church cleverly designed, or planned for.  In the normal rotation of readings, This particular set for the 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, just happened to land on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.  I wonder if God is trying to tell us something?

The beginning of the school year, road trips, and retreats

School is off to a fine start. Hard to believe we're already in our fourth week of classes!  I've sure been busy these past few weeks, which is why I haven't written recently, but I finally have time to give you all an update as to what's been happening.

I'm settling into my job at the school pretty well.  It's different to not be teaching all day (I am co-teaching a drama class this semester, and I may teach one section by myself next semester, but that remains to be seen.) But I'm doing alright.  I find myself spending a lot of time looking over music and planning for upcoming school liturgies, which is great, because it gives me a chance to work on my piano playing.

I still haven't settled into a Parish yet, mainly because with the exception of the Sunday we went to Fr. Matthew's first Mass, I've had to sing at Mass for the school every weekend. every Sunday the football team has Mass at 8 AM at the school, before they practice, so I've been going to that Mass.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to be involved in a Parish a bit more at some point, but for now, I'm happy helping out where I'm needed.

Another part of my job is to go on all the class retreats.  I haven't done much in the way of leading any of the retreats just yet, but once I see how the retreats are structured, I will hopefully be able to jump in and help out!

Over Labor Day weekend, I took advantage of the fact that my Grandparents are only 4 hours away from Novi, and I drove down to visit them.  It was good to see them again, because it had  been FAR too long, and I enjoyed the time I spent with them.  I also got to go up to Chicago, and go to the Chicago Jazz Festival with a friend from NM who is now in Chicago for school.  It was a great time, and I was definitely glad the rain didn't spoil our fun.  We heard some great Jazz that day!

Fall is definitely in the air now.  Looking forward to seeing the trees change color, here in a few weeks!