Swamped

I'm feeling ever so slightly out of control as requests for presentations and meetings keep coming in. Today: another
seminary Called & Gifted, yesterday a major stewardship conference talk on charisms. Two days ago, I did something I have never done before: turned down a major archdiocesan speaking gig nearly a year away and asked if they would like me in 2009. There is no room in the inn.

Somehow I have managed to become very busy while remaining remarkably obscure. Went to hear Christopher West the other night here in CS. He is very, very good and he also has a lot of name recognition. The church was nearly full.

With me, the word gets around after the event. 5 or 6 very, very excited people *after* the fact tell Fr. so-and-so in Peoria that he really must bring me in. It works fine as long as you are depending upon the intrinsic interest of the subject or the gathering itself, not upon the lure of my name (Sherry who?) for your draw.

That too is very Dominican, I think.

Anyway, must get a grip on my constantly evolving schedule. In January/February, we are putting on 18 Called & Gifteds, 3 parish missions, a modified version of Making Disciples, and one training in 14 different dioceses. It may not seem like all that much but a tiny outfit like us will be stretched to the max. Thank God for all our wonderful teachers around the country.

Be sure and check out our web calendar to see the CSI event coming to your neighborhood next year.

Now must go pick up Fr. Mike at the airport.