A plug for YAM...

"YAM" stands for Young Adult Ministry. I suspect there is such a group in every diocese. The group here in Richmond is particularly vibrant. Last night I had the privilege of being the kick-off speaker in a series called, "Summer Theologica." Young adults gather every Tuesday in the month of July at different parishes throughout the diocese. Four topics, four different speakers mean lots of variety and "something for everyone." What most excites me is that "Summer Theologica" is entirely planned and promoted by the young adults, themselves. OK...that means under 40 in these parts. (Speakers get a break on the age thing.) The good news is that there are three more Tuesdays remaining. For information about the topics, speakers and locations, you can visit the YAM page on the diocesan website. It's a wonderful thing when people of faith gather to share the joys and challenges of living the Gospel in the world. After one evening with the YAM contingent, I am certain the future of our Church is in loving hands.

Blessings and love to you all...
- Sister Vicki

Where it all began...

I fell in love with cooking in the late 60’s. From time to time, I’d find myself at Mamie’s house – my maternal grandmother. I don’t know where my sibs were, or why I was occasionally left in her care, but I remember days spent there alone. I adored Mamie and having her all to my self was grand. First, Mamie would make us a “lady lunch” – usually a sandwich I’d eat cut in four with the crusts cut off. She’d let me play in her closet and in the attic. I was more into antiquities than “dress-up”, but it was great knowing that I could play with anything of hers. In the afternoon I’d sit in Mamie’s lap in her easy chair and we’d watch her “story” – aka “As the World Turns.” Then, and this was my favorite moment, we’d watch Julia Child cook.

I was fascinated by her – the voice, the laughter in her kitchen and thrilled when she’d do something my grandmother didn’t approve of. Mamie thought Julia was a mess. I thought Julia was better than any other TV star in my repertoire – Mr. Rodgers, Big Bird, even "Samantha Stevens" who could cook with a twitch of her nose! Such began a love affair with TV chefs that went on through the 70’s.

After a 25 year hiatus from culinary television, the prioress’ decision to send me to Richmond meant manyblessings including access to the Food Network. Now, "The Barefoot Contessa” and Giada are my tutors - so many chefs now…so many concepts. Now, a Benedictine sister can have a no-budget “show” on YouTube. Yet, there will be no chef who claims my heart as Julia did. Julia cooked with wild abandon. She invaded the Paris food scene full of wonder and without guile. And, I suspect, she loved to eat her own food as much as she enjoyed a quintessential Parisian meal. Now, when I cook something really wonderful, I imagine her raising a glass and saying in that wonderful, warbling way, “Bon appétit!”

Blessings and love to you all...

- Sister Vicki