May 25, 2008 was an amazing day. I started the morning off with crying on John’s shoulder, saying “People aren’t supposed to know I’m an emotional person!” John’s response as he held me and prayed over me was, “Well, they know now.” I love the folks of the Sullivan-Williamsford Parish and it was really hard to leave. The morning started with a parish service (just one service at St. Peter’s instead of a service at each church.)
I miss hearing the church bells toll. Both church had bells that they would ring to signal the start of the service as well as during the Lord’s Prayer. When someone dies, a volunteer will come and toll the bell for each year of life. A wonderful ritual.
Here is a snapshot of St. Peter’s interior at the beginning of the service. Note: There really are quite a few people at the service … you know … back rows and the balcony … can’t ever sit in the front pews!!!
Dear Kristin: Generally speaking, it is the clergy that pray for their parishioners. However, I thank God for the opportunity that I was given to pray for you on a day that we would officially say goodbye to you. I believe that you were right when you stated that God meant for us to bump into each other on the Chi-Chemaun, so perhaps it was a fitting scenario that God gave me the opportunity to pray for you on the last Sunday morning of your Internship in our parish. I will also keep you in my prayers as you continue your journey to ordination.