Field of Dreams

For a movie that is relatively nonsensical the screenwriter for “Field of Dreams” certainly got one line right. “If you build it he will come.” As a proud part of the sprouting grass roots of the St. John Summer Conference, this phrase stands at its base.

You could see it in several lights, the first being: If we build it, they will come— in reference to the abounding numbers of young people that will be attracted to the St. John Summer Conference. Another would be: If we build it, He will come— and in this case we’re not talking about Shoeless Joe Jackson. It’s a quest for the Holy Spirit to speak through the St. John Summer Conference.

This conference is bigger than each one of the members of the planning committee and so we entrust it to Our Lady, who cares for all things.

We played baseball with Father Nathan and truly lived the experience in childlike wonder. It’s a simple place, there’s the house, the baseball field and a small gift shop. But it was in its simplicity that we were able to truly enjoy the moment together.

It felt so good to swing the bat and throw the ball. In taking that time to be joyous together, our team has been strengthened. To be content to simply offer yourself to the Father through play—to offer whatever strength and agility you have in the service of the team. And together to pull each other to the goal of a finished and fruitful summer conference.

As we continue to plan the Summer Conference, I pray that each of us will be able to give of our talents the way we did on the Field of Dreams. That we may be totally given to the final product, but truly live the road leading to the Conference. Offering ourselves as we are, and discovering that between all of us and the Blessed Virgin, this Summer Conference will be wonderful.