The liturgical month of February was kicked off with the Feast of the Presentation which fell on Sunday the 2nd. This year we were blessed to be able to celebrate it as a Sunday mass. On catholicculture.org they describe this feast as a festival of light. This feast is also known as Candlemas, in which often blessed candles are carried by clergy and faithful, which recalls by its symbolism the manifestation of Christ, the Light of the world, received in the temple. "A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel." You may have even had candle blessings at your parish this weekend.

Simultaneously, I was right in the middle of our Ministry on the Move journey with composers and musicians Kate Basi and Katie Wills. I have had the pleasure of listening to them share the story of how each were uniquely called to the same ministry of liturgical music and how that calling was crafted by God in a manner that was designed especially for their ears. We were encouraged to look at how God was speaking to each of us by reflecting on how He is has shown up in our past and how we can listen to Him in our present and future. And of course we were blessed with the gift of their musical talents!  Thanks, ladies, for letting your light shine!

What a Spirit filled weekend! Here are a few of my takeaways:

We have a diocese filled with women who are taking seriously the calling to be a light to others!

The women of Loose Creek, Hannibal, Columbia and Rolla opened their parishes to our speakers and provided amazing hospitality to the women of our diocese. They shared their organizational, decorating and food preparation skills and they worked together to create an environment that was welcoming and Spirit filled. And the attendees came with an open heart and willingness to share and visit with women they knew and women they didn’t! It was defiantly an adding oil weekend!

When women gather together in faith the Spirit shows up!

The small groups I participated in blew me away. The stories of how God is showing up in their lives was inspiring. But what also blew me away was the numerous times I heard that someone heard a message that was exactly what they needed or how this event came at a time when they were really in need of it! Praise God!!!

Seeds are being planted!

Events are amazing opportunities to fill our lamp, but the real beauty is in how we use those seeds of inspiration for the Spirit to make our families, parishes and communities a better place! I was so encouraged by the seeds I saw planted and cannot wait to see the bounty they produced.

So, if you joined us this weekend thank you for answering the call of the Spirit! I hope you all got exactly what you needed. Don’t forget how great it feels and continue to reach out for and create opportunities to fill your lamp! If you missed out, never fear, we and your parishes will continue to create these moments for us to gather! As a matter of fact, check out some of the things happening below! Because after all……

We Are Better Together,

Barb