This afternoon, we had the first of our deanery meetings for the fall. Generally, we meet once a month for nine months, taking off June, July, and August. The Southlake Deanery is comprised of the parishes in Highland, Griffith, Munster, Dyer, Merrillville, Schererville, Crown Point, St. John, Cedar Lake, and Lowell.
When we gather, we discuss things that are pertinent to our geographic deanery (such as the coordinating of Lenten or Advent Penance services), share what is happening on the parish level, and other such things. We also discuss diocesan policies and other items that come up from time to time.
Of course, it is also good merely to get together. As busy as priests are nowadays, we rarely find time to gather for a meal and a chat. Our deanery meetings always begin with the host parish providing lunch. We have a chance to eat and visit with one another. After lunch, the business gets underway.
The first meeting after summer break tends to be a bit bulkier since we have not met for three months. Today’s ten item agenda was no exception. But, with it, the deanery is now back in the swing of things.
