We met on Sunday for an afternoon of conversation and companionship. Frank and Dolores Sienna hosted at their home in Kitchener. Bill and Sue Fenlon, with grandson Liam, Mike and Carol O'Kane, Joan, Fintan Kilbride and Mark and I traveled from various locations for the afternoon. Turkey and fixin's, followed by a wonderful array of desserts, was served. Most of the afternoon was spent chatting in the sunroom and the backyard while enjoying Frank and Dolores' homemade red wine. 

   This was a great opportunity for me, being new to the scene, to put faces to some names I've seen only on e-mails so far and to spend some time socializing with other priests and their wives/partners. Joan talked to us about one of CITI's new strategic directions, namely the formation of small faith communities. The idea is that such small communities would form and in time result in more communities forming from that initial community. Joan also shared CITI USA and CITI CANADA's efforts toward providing denominational support for provincial "marriage officer"(Carol's term) licensing. 

   Mike and Carol shared their astonishing marriage ministry; Carol's total for 2000 will be 85! Fintan talked about his volunteer work with Free the Children. We all talked about our times in the seminary and in institutional ministry, and - more importantly, I think - what's been happening since. The whole afternoon was very informal and very pleasant. As wonderful as linking "virtually" can be, meeting face-to-face can't be beat. Hopefully, other such informal social gatherings will be organized and provide opportunities for others to come and meet together.