Confirmation gathering for Parent & child

Last Thursday an evening for the Confirmation youth was planned for the young people. The confirmands attended the evening with one of their parents. Together we reflected on a symbol used at their baptism - the Candle - We used the symbole of Light in order to reinforce the idea of "Jesus Light of the World" as well as we are called to be "Light" to the world. As confirmands they are expected to be sent into the world and to Let their Light Shine. The families gathered in the church - in the dark - only the votives created by the young people themselves were lit on the altar rail. Following prayer we lit the Paschal candle - and invited the Holy Spirit to bring light to our life. Father Roger shared with us how we can by looking a little bit more deeply recognize the Holy Spirit in our lives in today's world. He reminded us that Jesus promised to send us an Advocate - one who would always be by our side. Following Father Roger's sharing - the parents lit a white candle representing their baptismal call from the Paschal Candle and passed on their light to their child who has holding to a red candle - representing their Confirmation journey. The lighting ritual was quite moving.... Once all had shared the light - we renewed once again the baptismal promise. The community was then invited to blow out their candle just like one would do on their birthday but rather than making a wish - they were suggested that a silent prayer of request be individually made - so one by one the candles were blown out and an atmosphere of silent prayer was created.

I always hope that these evenings built around ritual and prayer are meaningful for all those who attend.

How do we measure sucess?

A mini-retreat on the "Sacraments of Healing" http://www.diocesemontreal.org/accueil/langues/sacraments/reconciliation.htm was sponsored by the Parish Education Office of which I am the director. Following each event, especially events for adults, I always wonder about it's sucess?

How do I determine sucess? Is it determined by the number of attendees? Is it determined by the quality of the content? Is it determined by the feed-back?

The Lord himself tells the story where the Father invites and nobody shows up so he sends his servants out to invite....

In our society the more people attend an event or the more items that are sold seem to be the only measure of sucess. When a new movie is released it is the number of people who attend the movie within a few days of it's release that's what determine sucess.
But, in my world - the world of pastoral ministry - I cannot measure sucess in this manner. In fact I probably can't even determine sucess since I don't know what God has planted in the heart of people and when and how it might bloom.... I have to keep in mind that as a person I am not in charge of results - Nope, God's in charge and all that I am is an instrument - a worker in his wineyard.... May all workers in God's vineyard be filled with the passion of sharing God's Love to all who come knocking!