Feature photo by Amy W.

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Spending the morning on the campus of Holy Cross was not what I expected, but I adapted and was thankful for the time. Time to ponder what Holy Cross has and does mean to me. First there was the gratitude for all the hard working hands that keep the grounds looking so beautiful. Then there was the thankfulness for all Holy Cross offered me during a difficult time seven years ago and how I was allowed to take what I needed to help me get to where I am today. And finally there was joy for the amazing community of individuals who have become such an important part of my life. For all this and much more I say thank you to Holy Cross.

Photos and reflection by Denise P.

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How many times have I walked this campus without ever finding the nooks and crannies of creation I discovered today? Who knew what natural treasures were here? For 13 years I’ve entered these grounds, clear about the mission in my head: church service, volunteering, a meeting of some sort. Never making meandering a priority. But today I didn’t miss: the bold blue hydrangea aside the chapel bench, waiting for someone to notice; the light on palm fans, on pond water, on ripples of a hidden stream; the swirl of mushroom and the faint pink blooms edged against blades of grass. I couldn’t help but wonder if the dragonflies and fish and turtles and all the other life I couldn’t see had any notion of the irrepressible highway din a few feet beyond. Was their sense of peace shaken by mowers and blowers, sirens and honks? A question to walk with today: Can I, too, find calm in the chaos, and live into a larger silence that holds it all?

Photos and reflection by Amy W.

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As I walked the Holy Cross campus I realized that beauty and wonder is all around us, but that we often do not take the time to slow down and open our eyes and ears and hearts to appreciate and “be with” the beauty in our everyday lives… the peace gate to the bountiful food pantry garden, downed trees sprouting new life, black raspberries, brilliant blue hydrangeas, a look at new angles of our wonderful church structure. I felt so grateful for Holy Cross, our church community and its amazing campus! 

Photos and reflection by Nancy L.

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Praying

It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

― Mary Oliver

 Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.

— Mary Oliver

Closing poems chosen and read by Nancy L.