2000

Today I engaged in the Camino spirit, waking up starting walking, not knowing where I would end up. Zubiri, 20km on was a popular choice for many of us, but having arrived there by 11am a few of us decided to go on to the next town of Larrosoana. But first, fellow pilgrim Mikey and I had been talking about finding somewhere to swim and spotted the Arga River and had refreshing dip. 

And so, what I hope will be the routine began: walk for a couple of hours, stop somewhere for morning tea with fellow pilgrims, walk some more, random conversations as the groups of pilgrims merge and change, lunch, then stop at the albergue, which without having booked, has a bed available. The afternoon was handwashing clothes, resting, then wandering down to a local cafe for dinner. Tonight Mikey and Emily taught me a new card game, and I'll be ready for bed soon.

The Year 2000 was a fantastic year for me at St Agatha's where I learned how to take initiative and lead. I had done the Arrow Program where I learned the important skill of goal setting. First articulate the vision or mission. Then, identify some goals which flow from this. Under each goal write the list of tasks to be done. Then importantly, put those tasks in your diary so that they get done. 

My mission as a priest is to bring people into and nurture them in a life transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. The goals I set were to start a youth group, a young adults group, and some bible studies. Because of the positive culture of St Agatha's Parish where people were willing to try new things each of these ministries started well. All of these ministries grew and leaders were developed in each so that by the time I was to move parish at the end of the following year each ministry continued well.

The picture above is some of the youth group and young adult group at the Black Stump Festival. Some of the people here have become my closest friends over time.