The Pope has passed away

[MickeyD]

This week, when I was in Mexico, one of the guys who works for the organization we go through came and told me that he knew because we're a Catholic group that we'd want to know that the Pope received his "Last Rites." I admit I got a bit teary.

I was about three when he became Pope. He's basically the only Pope I've had. He was really awesome with teenagers. I'm stuggling to find the words to express what I'm trying to say, so I'll just leave it at that. I'm sad that he won't be at World Youth Day when we take the teens from our church this year.

I'm of course very interested to see the outcome of the conclave. But the confirmation coordinator in me cringes to think of all those Cardinals away from their diocese's during confirmation season.

I'm *very* sad today. I also just found out that my brothers' friend and former Ataris drummer Derrick Plourde commited suicide while I was away.