Happenin' Halifax

Hello from the east coast,

We arrived in Halifax just over a week ago. The ten days that we spent here were packed full of ministry events. We spent time with people between the ages of eleven and eighty-five. The community embraced us with open arms. I have never seen such a vibrant and active faith community as a Catholic. This parish had multiple events happening daily and many of it's ten rooms in the hall were used several times a day. We had the priveledge of attending a brunch for new members in the parish. At this brunch they had two people share their testimony about being welcomed into the parish community and the priest spoke briefly explaining that in order to be a member of the parish there are certain expectations for new parishoners including attending Sunday eucharist. It was inspiring.

Our ministry here consisted of many different events such as youth rallies, parish missions, music encounter days and playing for mass. One of the events that really stood out was a music encounter day that we held for the youth. We only had six youth attend that day which allowed for one on one instruction. Most of them were in grades five through eight and they left excited about music ministry. The church is hoping to facilitate jam sessions and eventually start up a youth band. Sometimes in ministry it's easy to get caught up in numbers. Though this event was small, much fruit came forth from it even in just a few days.

As we were leaving Halifax, the suspension broke on one side of our trailer and we were stuck on the road about a kilometer from the parish where we had done ministry. It was pouring rain. People honked and waived and even stopped to ask if we needed any help. They were people from the parish who recognized us and our trailer. We were once again welcomed in with open arms when we needed a place to stay the night as we awaited repairs.

Thank you Halifax! We will miss you.

Erin