I have much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving– but I admit that it’s been such a busy couple of weeks that I haven’t had a chance to do much ‘mulling’ over all the details. But despite traveling to Toronto and Pickering, Ontario, for four days of Jesuit meetings (Jesuit Superiors across Canada, and Consultation Meetings with the Provincial Superior of English speaking Canada and his other three Consultors) and the scramble to catch up on my return late Sunday evening, I came back with energy grateful for the chance to see many of my Jesuit confreres and to share with them what is happening here at Campion and Regina and to have a hand in the plans for Jesuit ministry across Canada.

The learning curve of being dean of Campion continues to be steep. This past week I have begun to learn how to help professors obtain tenure at Campion, the process for professors applying for sabbaticals, and how to begin to work with the deans and departments heads of the University as the planning of course scheduling for Spring/Summer, Fall, and Winter 2010 begins.

I had a taste of what student recruitment is at Vanier Collegiate last Friday. I was invited to join President Timmons and Mike Burton on one of the University recruiting outreach projects. They gave spectacular presentations. It was a new experience for me. I learned that I am not good at this yet. My next effort will be much different.

I had to be careful of giving too much thanks this weekend– three thanksgiving dinners may be excessive, one with the Precious Blood Sisters after Sunday morning Mass, one that Matthew prepared for the Jesuit community Sunday evening, and tonight’s dinner at the home of good friends of the Jesuit Community! While it is important not to eat too much, I know that one can never give too much thanks to God!

Till next time,
Frank