It's HOT, But We're Used To It

We have been in a tropical summer weather pattern:  days are hot and humid and often there are downpours in the afternoon, then a bit of cooling in the evening.  The second floor porch off the living room and prayer room seems to have a constant breeze in the evening so sitting out there one can see the sky, the passersby and get a nice breeze. 

The weekend of the 6^th of July saw great numbers of people come for the Essence Fest in New Orleans, which is welcome since many groups avoid the city during the hot summer months; but everything is air-conditioned here, and the food and music are just as good.  A record crowd for this event delighted city officials, merchants and vendors.

Bob continues his work at St. Joseph’s parish, John is working from home, Travis and Matt work with their respective organizations, Helping Hands and All Saints.

On Friday, the 12^th, Travis took a day off and went with John to Café Reconcile for lunch; it was the third anniversary of Br. Joe Fragala’s death and, sure enough, Eggplant Jennifer, a favorite of Joe’s was a special that day.  Matt was taking time to pack—and get to a pool we hear.  Still a lot of packing to do—a lot.

Travis and John drove to Home Depot after lunch and got plants for the balcony/porch where Joe loved to sit out even before it was really safe to go out there!

The sanctuary of St. Henry's Church where weekday Masses are celebrated for Good Shepherd parish

On the 13^th, the annual reunion for the Friends of St. Henry’s was celebrated with a 3:00 PM Mass for a full church and then a free party until 7:00 PM across the street.  It was an overcast day, and there was a breeze so the heat was not unbearable and the food was delicious and plentiful.  Br. Tom LeJeune's Mom and Dad were here from Houston to visit the parish where they both grew up!  The workers, led by Robert Morton and Alden Hagerdorn, moved out tables and chairs in the morning from the Blessed Pauline Center and moved them right back in that evening with little fuss.  Bob and John, Travis and Matt went to the Mass and spent some time at the gathering, before heading for Saucy’s Barbeque for a dinner of ribs and pulled pork sandwiches before returning for some more visiting.  It gave the community some time together since schedules have been a bit hectic recently.  

July is to New Orleans what August is to folks up North.  This is vacation time; you get e-mails but folks are often away.  On August 1 John is booked for a faculty retreat in Madison, MS and then has dates on the 8^th here in NOLA and on the 14^th in Miami, (if the weather permits.)  Lauren Zanfardino will join us on August 23^rd; she’ll be in a school as an Americorps volunteer and they begin early here.  So we are enjoying our ‘summer break’ these days.

A REFLECTION:  As our year comes to a close and our volunteers prepare to move off to new ventures, or to vacation time with family and friends in August, we recall the mission statement for this community.

Travis, John C, John P, Charles, Matt and Bob

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Christian Brothers Volunteer Program is to share the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice who was moved by the Holy Spirit to open his whole heart to Christ present and appealing to him in the poor. Volunteers learn the charism of Edmund by living and praying with the Brothers in community and by working with and for the marginalized. During their year of service volunteers will experience community, grow spiritually and personally and make a positive difference in the lives of the poor.  

Blog  07.15.13