This week at the ICSC annual conference, we learned so much! There were almost 1,300 people there representing six of the seven continents.
Sunday morning before the conference began, I had breakfast with three of my OSV associates - (standing from left to right) Diane Brumbaugh, Jill Adamson, and Lori Neumann. Joining us were Chris Ehler and Michael Byrne (on the right) from Brisbane, Australia, and Jim Kelley with the Diocese of Charlotte (in the middle above Minnie). Since the conference was at one of the Disney properties, the restaurant wa filled with families and young children getting their picture taken with some of the Disney characters. We didn't want to be left out! Michael's grandchildren in Australia were most impressed to get his email with Minnie's picture.
The conference was far from a fantasy, however. In fact, this was the very point of the homily given by Archbishop Richard Smith from the Archdiocese of Edmonton at Mass on Tuesday afternoon. How ironic that we are so close geographically to Disney's theme parks and imaginary characters, yet we focus on the real presence of Christ, and the great importance of spreading His kingdom rather than a "Magic" one.
Our days were filled with prayer, friendship, meetings, music, food, workshops, laughter, conversation, creativity, making new friends, planning, reconnecting, listening, amazing Liturgies, and so on...the list is endless. This conference was one of the best yet. Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting notes from what I learned these past few days, including some great links and examples of parish stewardship in action. I invite you to post your ICSC conference experiences as well. Every conversation matters.
For now, back to the vineyard. Why don't you, go too?
