Sunday morning may have been a little cloudy but there was energy in the air. The girls were up way before the guys and packed. Once the van got over to them to get their stuff they loaded up and then the guys did the same, that is after some got marker stains off their face - victims of a few late night pranks. We joined all the teens in the Ruins of St Raphael's Church (a fire there years ago left only the outer stone walls) for some music and then more Praise and Worship by the Mustard Seeds. Then Father James Mallon gave us the closing talk and we also had the final skit by the Disciples on being rooted and replanting ourselves in Christ. I think one thing that really got our attention was when Father James invited up those who might be thinking about becoming priests and wow - over 12 guys from all over the province stepped up to say they would be open to it. They got a standing ovation.
Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Marcel Gervais of Ottawa, and the homily was by Bishop Durocher of Cornwall. His homily was great with stories and a clear message which invited us to never stop asking questions, but to always seek the answers by being rooted in Sunday Mass and in God's word (the Bible). After Mass we lined up for lunch - subs which we took and ate as we left for home.
The ride home was great. Lots of time for laughter and a few pranks. We got caught in a really heavy rain storm and we even got a surprise tour of downtown Pickering led by uncle Bruce - at least that it what we think it was - after all he couldn't have been lost right ? But at least we got another nutritious McD's supper out of it all.
When we arrived at 8:00 p.m. back in H town, the phone calls home started and parents arrived. Auntie T made sure everyone got home safe and sound - with a hug. It was a great time and we are grateful to everyone who made it possible for us to Journey to the Father.