Someone asked me if the Catholic Church would ever consider canonizing Dolly Parton. The question led me to wonder, What is it about Dolly Parton that is so universally appealing? While I like a number of her songs, it is not her singing that prompts my admiration. I am drawn to the way the songs she writes deal with such real, human situations. She brings courage and humor into both her musical stories and her life. Then there is the compassion and generosity she has shown to others. 
My admiration for Dolly led me to do something I rarely do - I listened to a podcast. It’s entitled Dolly Parton’s America. In the first episode, one person referred to Dolly as a “unifier.” Apparently her concerts are attended by people of all kinds, people who enter into the joy of being in the presence of a person who welcomes, who embraces, all of them. Surely one of the reasons the word “unifier” caught my attention is that I am hearing and reading so much about disunity today. Yet I think there is at least one other reason. The description of the people gathered at Dolly’s concerts reminded me of our ability to come into communion. When ideological biases dissolve, when we experience connection with others and to creation, then the kingdom that Jesus proclaimed is incarnate among us. 
I have tasted communion in nature, through music, at Room in the Inn, here in this congregation. I am grateful for all the saints who have helped me see the reality of our connectedness, of our unity. Thank you Dolly. Thank all of you. 

                                                                                                                            by Carolyn Goddard