Jumping the Chasm!

Last week we did something new at our Pastoral Council meeting, we had it at a new location.  Well, a new old location since it is the former convent of  a church that we merged with.  We were the first of the re-configurations that took place all those years ago and was, as I have heard from many sources, beyond painful.  The identity that we wrap up in our church structures always baffles me and it never is so clear until we are Asked to leave them. I know this causes people pain and on one level I understand that but I also really don’t and so I beg forgiveness for my ignorance. I am just not attached to structures in that way (except my grandparents old farm). So when I suggested to the council that we use this old convent (which is already used for many other things just not parish events) I was met with hesitancy and emotion.But….the Holy Spirit stepped in and forced the issue and that was where we met. It felt very homey with its space and kitchens, as a member doled out strawberry shortcake, we enjoyed the facility. This would not have happened years ago. There was still too much emotion wrapped up in those walls. But when I asked Fr. if
he thought we had jumped the chasm he said “yes”…we did….and it was good.I have no idea why I feel the need to fight for this place but I do.  It is calling to me for some reason and I just keep following that impulse. It is my hope that we can bring it back to fullness in the parish….that it can be loved and useful again for the whole parish. Wrapped up in my naivete may be a sort of healing the the Holy Spirit is clearing the path for. I have no idea…I am just along for the ride.