The First Spring Day

Remarkable weather in Chicago today. At first the community prognosis was not too good, because we were going to be stuck inside having meetings while outside the sun was shining and the temperature was moving toward 70... So we elected to hold our meeting in Millennium Park! Trotting over with a couple of folding chairs, we chose a spot in the Lurie Gardens that was somewhat off the main path, in a kind of alcove, and settled in. Only a few people came upon us, mostly park staff. In one case, one of the security personnel started by on a Segway and, seeing us, turned so as not to disturb what must have appeared to be a prayer gathering. (Well, we were talking about prayer, among other things!) Another group walked by and very pointedly took photos of us. (As if we were one of Chicago's tourist attractions!) Two hours went by, and we finished our tasks. Walking back toward home, I was struck at how colorful the park was: not that there are leaves on the trees, and none of the flowers have so much as shown their first green sprigs--it was the people, freed from their winter coats and jackets, having their lunch outside.

Now I am about to type up our minutes, so we can present them to the two Sr. Margarets tomorrow. We still need prayers for the other discussions to come, and then for the two parish exhibits this weekend: at Our Lady of the Woods (Lemont) and St. Jude's (South Holland). St. Jude's is starting a "parish media center" where people will be able to have easy access to Catholic material.

Chelsea: the two Margarets are Sr. Margaret Christopher and Sr. Margaret Charles. Sr. Margaret Michael is still in Boston! (We have lots of Margarets besides these three!)