By Ray Gans
ILM 2010
It’s been three long years...of lectures, readings, late nights and weekends and PAPERS! ILM is no walk in the park, but it is definitely worth the time and effort. Now, we’re finished. So I’m here to talk to you about JOY!
When my classmates and I began our journey in 2007, this “small, but mighty” class, as we were dubbed by Sister Sharon McMillan, didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into. I think I can safely say that whatever our expectations, each of us leave humbled and honored for being a part of this program.
To our instructors: You are the best! The care and effort you took to prepare and share your expertise and experience were awesome. Thank you for making our time in class worthwhile.
To our pastors and parish staffs: Thank you for selecting us and giving us this opportunity to grow in our ministries and become better parish leaders.
To Anne Grycz and her staff, past and present: How can we possibly express our appreciation for all you’ve done for us and the time and effort you’ve all put into making ILM such a valuable program for this diocese?
Anne, congratulations on your retirement. Your legacy will live on in the thousands of people touched by ILM students and graduates.
Bishop McGrath: Thank you for supporting this program. I believe each new class boosts the

health and vitality of our diocese. Rest assured that you can count on us to help your pastors minister to the people of our parishes and our diocesan community.
To my classmates: I’ll miss our potlucks, but I think I’ll miss seeing you most of all. I have been challenged and amazed by you. The depth of your spirituality, the love and compassion you share with each of us and those in your parishes and ministries show us all how present Jesus is in our midst.
ILM opened our eyes to better understand the depth and breadth of our faith as well as the richness and life that our Church has to offer. Through overviews of Scripture, Church history, sacraments and our diocesan programs, we gained insights into the hows and whys in ways that many of us had never been exposed to.
We were challenged to discuss and reflect on today’s pressing issues. We were asked to go outside our comfort zones to examine new ideas and uncomfortable truths.
We were encouraged to ask questions that had no good answers. All the while we were trusted to make the best use of the knowledge and experience we gained to be leaders in our parishes and communities.
That trust and the acknowledgement we see here tonight is what humbles us, and that connection with our Church brings us great joy. Thank you.