The Night I Became Joe Loner, by his grandaughter

We have a phrase among the family, used to decscribe those moments when logic overtakes gentility, and a person says what needs to be said, even if it is a bit offensive. These moments are often wrought with high emotion - but they are moments of truth. We call it beign " Joe Loner". My grandfather was a bright man, worked with his hands most of his life. He married a Scottish Protestant - a Stewart no less - whose family disowned her and her 9 kids because she had deigned to marry a Catholic. Quite the story, though off topic at the moment.

I went to church last night for a meeting of the teachers of Religious Education ( CCD for us old timers). I am new to this parish, but volunteered for a couple of ministries to get to know the other families. During the course of the meeting, some problems were discussed - and much to my dismay - all of the solutions were punative. I was sitting back, and saying - "hey God, I offered to help, but I wanted a place of sanctity - and this isn't it. I think this is a mistake"

Well, He doesn't take these comments easily.

A man infront of me interjected after a particularly heated interlude, saying that his experience had been that we get more results with honey than with vinegar. A couple of people poo pood him.

Then Joe Loner took over. I raised my hand, looked directly at the priest and said ( something like this) I am new to this parish, but I know that there are lots of parishes who have managed to balance coffee and donuts with CCD. There are ways to reach an amicable solution. All I know is that so far all I have heard is punishment and discipline. We are here to teach the kids about being Christian - and I don't hear anything about love and mercy and patience and acceptance. I realize this is important, but do we really want to show the kids that being Christians means being punative? I don't.

Father looked me right back and said: well, young lady, if you can come up with a positive solution, have at it.

I have taken that as a personal challenge, just as my grandfather - or my folks would have.

I believe God doesn't put us anywhere by accident - that things are tied together for a reason. But just like those who came before me, my idea of what I can handel and His, don't always match.

Let the coffee and donuts begin!