Greg Rickel, Bishop of Olympia, and meIt was a glorious day, very positive and upbeat. We had beautiful flowers and a very generous reception, and I think everyone enjoyed the day. Greg Rickel is a very affirming guy with a great sense of humor and a delightful southern drawl.
The bishop told us a secret. He said that every priest as his ordination is secretly handed a crystal ball when all the clergy gather to lay hands on him or her. This crystal ball allows the priest to know when anyone is in the hospital, when anyone is upset with him or her, and it also allows the priest's family not to mind of the priest is called away from home at inopportune times.
He said that unfortunately my crystal ball had been broken during the move, so everyone would now have to actually inform me when they are sick or in the hospital or when they are upset with me.
We had a symbolic exchange of gifts, and the bishop pointed out that it was significant that the gifts were not all given to me, but the gifts were mutually exchanged, as a way of showing that we are all doing ministry together, priest and people together. A good message for us all.
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Yes it was a wonderful service, full of meaning for us all.
ReplyDeletecheers/c