My family and I traveled to California for a special occasion this weekend.

We attended the ordination of my sister-in-law, Christine Fahrenbach, into the Roman Catholic WomanPriesthood.

It was a great weekend — perfect weather for a California-stricken drought, a meaningful ceremony, indescribable conversations.

It was about as perfect as anyone could hope for.

I was in charge of the collaborative poem.

A quick explanation — I asked everyone at the rehearsal dinner to fill out an index card on which I had written a few prompting words. These words morphed into the celebration poem.

The prompts included:

• a word or a phrase to describe the ocean (It was a Pacific Coast setting.)
•  a word or phrase to describe Chris as a person
•  a word or phrase to describe Chris as a priest

Everyone was really great and creatively participated. I then spent  a few minutes compiling everyone’s words – plus a few extra – into an ordination poem.

(The words printed in color are words taken directly from the cards.)

A COLLABORATIVE POEM OF CELEBRATION

The ocean crashes in the distance
alive and breathing,
waves rush the shore.

Mysterious. Tempestuous. Energetic. Beautiful.
Unpredictable.
Miraculous. Wild. A gift.
Unceasing.

Spectrum of greens and blues, color changing,
filled with swirling life.

We gather here to celebrate Christine.

A woman prophet, passionate and compassionate,
a risk taker,
strong, loving and wise.

Open-minded, open-hearted,
with open arms she embraces all.

Womanpriest, radiant channel of God’s grace.
Her listening heart opens to her people.
She reaches out to others with love and compassion.

Rebelliously creative,
she works to mend the brokenness of our human condition.
Embracing people with love,
attending not only to their words
but connecting with their hearts and spirit.

The ocean crashes in the distance,
alive and breathing.

Waves break upon the shore.
The sun sets, red sky. Twilight.
Starshine.