Having been in school more years of my life than not, I automatically look to September as the start of the new year, despite not having been in school for a while now. So yesterday was a fun day not only because I used to always look forward to beginning school but because I’m starting a “new” adventure. September 1 marks a shift in my ministry responsibilities in that I’ll be spending more time with my online ministry (this blog, the Vocation Forum, and other activities percolating in my imagination). I’ve done a lot of work with online social media over the past two years and am now going to be a regular inhabitant of the world of online community. Don’t know what that all means right now, but this is the beginning of new and further explorations!
One immediate impact that will have on you is that I’ll be more prompt with responding to comments and email! Some of you have been waiting a good long time for me to respond — which I do apologize for. My staff (me) has been overworked and underpaid! 
You’ll also notice changes around the blog such as the new theme by Chris Pearson which I’m delighted to have.
September also brings changes in the lives of my friends who are going to school — one of my IHM Sisters is back at Catholic Theological Union and another friend is starting her first year at the Washington Montessori Institute at Loyola in Baltimore. And this morning I said goodbye to a good friend who is leaving for 11 months to volunteer with Christian Appalachian Project in Kentucky. Good times, but sad times.
What new adventures does September bring for you?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Well I for one am excited/scared for my senior year of college!
Well, just this very day I moved back to Seattle! I’m now safely ensconced in our western headquarters on the shores of lake washington, looking forward to starting my new ministry on Monday! And …. while I’m still a Novice until Oct 11th, I no longer live in the Novitiate which I’m sure you can appreciate!!
Congrats, Ray! Senior year is a pretty exciting time. Enjoy!
Excellent, Susan Rose! How does it feel to be back west? Know that you are in my prayers. Professing vows (both first vows and final vows) was an is (renewal each year) one of the most meaningful times of my life. I am so happy for you, Susan Rose. Look forward to reading about it on MoaDW.
Meeting cancer face to face and hopefully beating the odds of it being terminal.
Prayers please.
Oh, B.R., I’m so sorry to hear that. Please be assured of my prayers.
I got a blog mention, how very cool! Life here at the Christian Appalachian Project is going well so far. I have a lot to learn and get used to, all of which I am definitely ready to do. And, if you want to read more about my adventures at CAP, you can always check out my blog at http://riseandrun.wordpress.com
Best of luck in your ‘new’ adventures. You will be in my prayers, my friend!!
Kelly, so glad to hear that things are going okay. You are doing amazing stuff — tough to help people who are at their most vulnerable — God has given you good gifts and insights to be able to be present to people and to be compassionate.
I encourage others to check out Kelly’s blog and follow and encourage her as she follows God’s call to serve.
I started school again today. I am going to school to be a chemistry and math teacher in secondary education. September also means the young adult retreat with my friends from the Saint John Fisher Center. Also, my birthday is September 14th, which I hated as a child but I found out it is also the Solemnity of the Holy Cross.
Wow, lots going on for you in September, Melissa. One of my nephews shares the same birthday!
I’m just getting caught up on your blog, because so far September has been crazy! This past week was spent getting my boys off to school – they are in 3rd grade and kindergarten. The kindergarterner said, “I think you filled out at least 500 forms this week,” which isn’t far from the truth! This week I ease back into work, rehearsing with Seattle Symphony for some upcoming concerts, and teaching oboe. It’s busy but good!
I know a lot of moms who were a little teary-eyed last week as their little ones (and not-so-little college-aged kids) went off to school. Cool to play with the Seattle Symphony! Is oboe what you play in the symphony with too?