30

On Sunday, November 7th I turned 30 years old. I am 30. That will take some getting use to.

I've barely had time to think about this milestone. This past weekend I attended the Call to Action conference in Milwaukee, WI. I can't fully describe the energy and passion I found in the people there, those hurt and wounded, joyful and happy, but all seeking and yearning for inclusive and just Church. This year - after much prodding - we were able to get a "young adult" keynote speaker in Shane Claiborne. Look him up - what an inspiration! He absolutely hit the ball out of the park with this message of being in solidarity with the poor, living in community, and striving to ask good questions about ourselves and God. Asra Nomani, a young adult progressive Muslim woman, talked about her experience being in an oppressive environment and finding no support or solace in her church community. Finally, on Sunday of the conference, Sr. Joan Chittister spoke on faith and church today. All of them were simply inspiring!

An analogy from conference that I liked had to do with the Church being like Noah's ark. Can you imagine what it was like in the ark? The Church, like Noah's ark, smells. It can reek. Yet, we are all in it together, and if we get out we drown. We can do something about the stench. This, my friends, is what call to action was about - doing something about the "church stench" in the Catholic church. To be sure - and to be fair - there was much celebrated about the Catholic Tradition at Call to Action. Ritual. Saints. Prophets. Progress. Vatican II. Yet, as many know all too well, the odor lingers. We are called to act!

I returned home on Sunday from conference to celebrate my 30th birthday. Jeb and I went and picked up my iPad that I have been saving for, he took me to dinner, and we ended up at Marble Slab Ice Cream. Last night several colleagues and friends helped me celebrate by gathering at Jake Melnick's Pub for happy hour, beverages, and half price appetizers. I do know one thing from the last week: I am blessed and loved. I am blessed and loved by a God that created me in his/her image and likeness - and calls me to continue to work on behalf of justice in his Kingdom. I am blessed and loved my many family and friends who see much in me. I am truly thankful.

The picture below depicts a banner the CTA 20/30 group used at conference which asked, "What are YOU waiting for?" in our church and society. Take a peek if you like.

Thank you for all who helped make my birthday special and memorable.

Peace always.

Das Boot

This past weekend Jeb and I attended a wedding for my cousin Matt (and his new bride Kim) in Kansas City. As all "Hoffmann weddings" go, we celebrated in grand style while incorporating some family traditions. Let me share a few with you:

1) When the song We Are Family is played everyone is expected to take the dance floor. No excuses, no exemptions. By the end of the song most non-family has abandoned the dance floor (I don't blame them, that's a lot of big ass flying around!).

2) As is the case in classy weddings, during the reception and meal it is not uncommon to see things flying from table to table. How else would be entertain ourselves?

3) This may be custom at other weddings, too, but the "Hoffmann guys" often find themselves dancing naughty around the bride with some clothes being shed for the enjoyment of others. Maybe enjoyment is overstated.

4) Perhaps the biggest "new tradition" is the fact that, at some point during "open bar hours," a large glass boot is filled with 7-Up and Seagram's (in honor of our Grandfather) and is passed around for all to enjoy. Like the chalice at mass, this is the communal cup of offering (Orthodox friends, don't get fired up, the analogy breaks down in several areas, rest assured). Anyone can partake as long as you remember to: a) never put the boot back down once it is picked up, b) take a hearty sip, and c) flick the glass boot before passing. Around it goes, for as long as it's full! This is one way to honor our German heritage. It doesn't hurt that the "honoring of heritage" moves the party right along, either.

The party did move - on and on. Some family members did the "after party," or in this case the "after wedding reception" in a hotel suite on the 14th floor. I am old of course (turning 30 in two weeks!) so needed some rest. As a friend of mine said when she was 22 - I just can't take it like I use to. Inside joke aside, it's true for me at 30. Don't worry, friends, as I got plenty of dancing and drinking in as the DJ mixed all night (this may be shocking to some, but I could have done without the half hour Madonna medley).

Medley or not, we had fun. We're a unique family that enjoys having fun together. Our "traditions" testify to this fact. We're mindful, too, that we do all this in celebration of and acknowledgment around Matt & Kim's love to and for each other, and the fact that they'll, too, be joining in future family traditions.

Some pictures from the night ...

This is the Season!

I had a lovely Saturday. After being at Jeb's last night for the Sufjan Stevens concert I got home this morning to quickly shower and clean up before meeting a friend for a late morning coffee and meeting to discuss my work at Call to Action. If you aren't aware, I am the CTA 20/30 marketing chair and help the organization do outreach to progressive young adult Catholics. A part of my role is working with the national organization staff (headquartered here in Chicago) to devise and implement strategies aimed and letting people know there are "liberal Catholics" out there who stand for radical inclusion and justice for all - and of course to welcome and invite them to share in our vision and mission.

As I left the coffee shop and began my walk home I felt good about the meeting. I also felt blessed and honored to have the privilege of working on important issues related to Church and faith. As I continued to walk the tree-lined sidewalk, I immediately sensed the brisk air, the colors around me, and, looking around, the Halloween garb and autumn decorations. I sighed. I was overcome by a feeling of gratitude. I always sense the divine most strongly in the fall/autumn season, but this was the first time this fall that I really connected to God's outpouring, God's sharing of God's self with me through my work at CTA and this wonderful season of harvest. I kept walking and kept sighing. I kept thanking, too, for all life has given me. My harvest has already been plentiful! While the holiday of Thanksgiving is more than a month away, I had my own early "giving thanks" ritual this afternoon. I entered more deeply into this season - and into my own life - than I have in awhile. I'm thankful for that good place.

This week I started journeying in a small faith sharing group with 3 others who are making the Spiritual Exercises retreat. Since I made the retreat myself 4 years ago I've been involved since by either companioning someone or being a small group facilitator. I like both. I like the fact that I get to "re-experience" the retreat anew each year in different ways - with different people. I don't facilitate, really. Rather, like the others, I attempt to create a space and openness to walk around in all that life has lead me to in that moment. Sharing that in a faithful community is transforming. Please pray for myself and the others who are making the retreat.

Finally, if you haven't had a chance to read my latest e-reflection "Attending to Our Restlessness" feel free to check that out. My "professional blog" is www.ryanhoffmann.com and you can catch the reflection there.

Later this week I'll be gearing up for my cousin Matt's wedding in Kansas City. As all "lead ushers" must do, I am heading southwest to get'em through and sit'em down. I've had some practice at this - isn't there a saying that goes something like "Always the usher, never the ...." Maybe not. I am just excited to see family and looking forward to the celebration. There will be celebrating.

I hope you are in a good place, too.

Peace always.

Bandage Your Nipples?

I am beginning this post by drawing my readers' attention to the fact that the Catholic Bishops in Minnesota have been acting out against Gay and Lesbian faithful in their state this past couple weeks. Call to Action notes the following:

In the last month alone:

• Archbishop Nienstedt of the St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese worked with a national anti-gay political organization and, along with other bishops in the state, sent hundreds of thousands of DVDs to Catholic households condemning the freedom to marry for same-gender couples
• An artist-in-residence at St. Mary's Basilica in St. Paul was suspended for her desire to create an art installation with some of the same DVDs.
• A group of students, women religious and a monk who wore rainbow ribbons and emblems were denied communion by Archbishop Nienstedt.

Unfortunately, I am not surprised my church continues to oppress and outright persecute Gay and Lesbian faithful. Their campaign here is like many they have orchestrated before. I ask people to speak out - raise this to consciousness where and when possible - to send a message that hate will not be tolerated. Send a message that love, that which God intended for everyone, is what Catholic really is about. I continue to pray for those who think exclusion is a form of love.

On a lighter note, Jeb and I got a Nintendo Wii on Friday evening (Jeb mainly, but I told him I would be happy to play along). We were up late Saturday evening trying out all the fitness options: running, snow ball fights, balance tests, yoga, and more. I was liking it! If you don't know much about Wii, it comes with an elevated platform that intuits your movement - how you lean, how much you weigh, etc. It can pretty much read all your body movements. I am not so sure this is a good thing - there are some parts of my body that don't move, and I would like it to stay that way. Nonetheless, it was fun to see all the tricks you can do (skateboarding, really!?). We haven't gotten any games yet (I really want Mario Brothers - old school!), but we are saving up for a couple we want to play together. The Wii is at Jeb's right now but I imagine it will be making it's way north for a few nights soon.

One final note. The Chicago Marathon was this weekend. I admire those who like to run - but for that long? Apparently you have to put bandaids over your nipples so as not to make your nipples bleed. Is this really necessary? Natural? Run that long? On top of that, I constantly heard ambulances coming in and out of the "run zone." Granted some of this could be heat related (why has it decided to be almost 90 degrees in October?), but - apparently again - this is normal for marathons. Really, ambulances? I guess this is a culture I just don't get (and it has more to do with the fact that I can't run - down the block). Even so, congratulations to all who made it out alive. You are to be commended.

Peace always.

Northwest Adventure

I arrived back in Chicago last night after a week in Washington, Oregon, and California. Jeb and I had an amazing time on the trip. We were a little "aggressive" in our planning, but were able to cover a lot of ground on the trip. If you are a facebooker, I've posted most of the pictures there for you to check out. I will include a few here as well.

A short re-cap and highlights:

After arriving in Seattle last Saturday, we checked into the Green Tortoise hostel. I don't mind community living and sharing space, but I've outgrown sharing a BEDROOM with someone - let alone strangers. We made due, however, and even got to know our bed mates some (many slept during the day and went out at night, as you might imagine, we did the opposite). Our hostel was located right across the street from Pike's Public Market which was absolutely outstanding. So much FRESH fish, meats, and produce. We ventured to the Seattle underground tour later that night and looked at all the "underground paths" that made up Seattle during various infrastructure building (we got the FULL history of the crapper and how - literally - people were blown off their crapper by an influx in water pressure coming UP the toilet). With the ocean bank literally right there, and Seattle notoriously poor at planning, we heard many stories of mishap with regards to sanitation, sewer, and ancient living. The tour is amazing; I highly recommend this!

The next two days were spent camping at Mt. Rainier. The weather wasn't great for viewing the peak, but on the last day it came out and we could see the entire mount. We drove up and down the winding roads, stopping at vistas and pull-outs to get pictures of the natural world located around the park. I can't describe Mt. Rainier ... as the video we watched at the information center pointed out, it does have a way of making you speechless with its massive body. It does control the weather in the area, stopping storm systems and altering weather patterns. If you get a chance to do Mt. Rainier I recommend it - it's something unlike anything you'll ever see. The camping was great, although, as you might suspect, a hot shower was VERY welcomed after a few days of roughing it. We did have flush-able toilets and running water, but that was a hike and not that conducive to cleaning. For those who know me this was a challenge. :)

After some camping, the next two days consisted of driving the coast in Oregon and California. This was perhaps my favorite part of the trip. We took the beautiful coastal highway and got to pull in the many nooks and crannies along the way, taking in the ocean sights. We managed to see Haystack Rock and stayed at an awesome hotel overlooking the ocean (our balcony literally looked out to the water). We took some time away from the natural scene to visit an arcade and have pizza one night. After Jeb managed to win a Green Bay Packets football (I was pissed!) I made him win the Chicago Bears one before we left. Check! We had the two footballs on the dash of our rental Jeep the entire time (this was especially fun after hearing of the BEARS victory on Monday night football over the Packers). While internet and phone access was spotty along the coast we were just grateful to be connected to the world again after absolutely no service at Mt. Rainier.

After making our way down the coast and stopping to see the sights, we finally ended up in San Francisco. I could live in SF! The city is absolutely amazing with great culture and history. Our "SF in one day" tour took us to the SF Museum of Modern Art, Fisherman's Wharf, Ferry Building and Markets, Alamo Square (Full House Painted Ladies), Haight Street (where the hippie movement started), and of course China town and Little Italy. We also found the Cathedral in SF and spent some time in there looking at the stellar modern architecture and the beautifully displayed stations of the cross. It was good, too, to just spend some time in quiet as the city all around is hustling and bustling. SF is simply electric.

While a bit exhausted from the trip, I feel renewed for what the fall has in store. I feel blessed for this time and adventure. I am grateful for the many wonderful gifts the Northwest has to offer the world!

Enjoy the pictures. Peace always.

Da Bears

I admit I've been a little hard on the Chicago Bears lately. It may have been justified, however, as they didn't even win a pre-season game (not that that counts for much). Their first game left a lot to be desired (e.g., whether or not we had any resemblance of an offense). As it turns out, not only can we execute offensive plays for positive yardage, we can win games doing so. I was as surprised as anyone. I ran errands Sunday afternoon only to come home to flip on the TV and see the bears WINNING late in the 3rd quarter against the much talked about (but rarely good) Dallas Cowboys. The Dallas offense was suppose to be lethal. Their defense was talked about us "superbowl caliber." Neither were true. Instead, the Bears put together (finally!) a complete game to win - on the road mind you. They say teams improve the most between game 1 and game 2 in a season. Gauging from the Bears most recent performance that couldn't be more true. We'll see where this new found success leads. After all, the Bears play the Packers at home next Monday evening on Monday night football. You can bet people will be hyped up about the game. I am just hoping the Bears can win with consistency. At the very least, we know they have it in them.

I leave for the great Northwest on Saturday. Packing has begun! It will be no small feat getting ourselves and our gear out there. That's part of the fun, right?

I managed to make great progress on my PhD personal statement this weekend. I've sent it off today for feedback and editing. I am excited about it. It took a few weeks to get it in the form and style (not withstanding the content) I wanted it to be in, but the pieces have come together. I hope to have the statement finalized by October, recommendations gathered in November, and all materials submitted by December 1st. Things aren't due, technically, until after the holidays but I'd rather just sit back, relax, and hope for good news.

Stay tuned for commentary and pictures from the great Northwest!

Peace always.

Hit that Line ... Every Yard for ISU!

I'm sitting in my office this wonderful Friday morning with my window open taking in the crisp autumn air. I love it! I know some are dreading the slide into fall and winter, but I am one who looks forward to this season every year - autumn weather, changing leaves, football season, holidays, new school beginning, and more. It's here; I am enjoying!

Jeb and I saw Avator at the Navy Pier IMAX last weekend. I absolutely loved it. As you might suspect, I was inclined to analyze the movie from a theological perspective after it finished. I was most struck by the incarnational nature of the world espoused in the movie. If we all - truly - felt connected to everyone and everything what an amazing world that would be. More than anything, I was moved by the "creature people's" connection to and intentionality around living a tradition in line with their best selves - and their best hopes for a future united together in shared prosperity. I am sure much is out there (already) with regards to the connections in theology in the movie. If I have time, I may see what's out there this week. If you haven't seen the movie, plan to do that sometime soon.

I didn't have class this week due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday. In true Ryan fashion, I spend this extra time gathering outside resources and reading up on the history and evolution of the Christian Trinity. I know, doesn't that get you going!? I will admit, I find the relationship between the immanent and the economic trinity fascinating. How we came to see the Trinity - both in its internal relationships and what it means practically - is interesting. How does one reconcile Christian monotheism with Christ's divinity? More to come, I'm sure.

I've been busy preparing for Jeb and I's trip to the Northwest, too. We've committed to not staying in hotels on this trip. Rather, I've booked a few rooms at hostels, and Jeb is taking care of booking some camping. We are renting a car and driving from Seattle to San Francisco in a week, stopping along the way to catch the sights and sounds of the great US Northwest. We've determined we'll do Seattle for a day, drive to Olympus National Park, Mt. Rainer, then go ocean side for a couple days, ending up in San Francisco for the final couple days. Our hostel in Seattle is across the street from Pike's place, and her hostel in San Francisco is near the bay, walkable distance to Chinatown, Little Italy, Fisherman's Wharf and more. I'm excited. If you are thinking about traveling to the Northwest and don't mind staying in a hostel I would recommend checking out Green Tortoise - safe, clean, comfortable, and inexpensive.

One small note - Iowa State plays Iowa tomorrow in football. Go Cyclones!

O we will fight, fight, fight for Iowa State,
And may her colors ever fly.
Yes, we will fight with might for Iowa State,
With a will to do or die,
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Loyal sons forever true,
And we will fight the battle through.
And when we hit that line we'll hit it hard
ev'ry yard for I.S.U.

Peace always.