What Paddy Shot At

Rejoice, I say it again Rejoice. Today is called Gaudete Sunday and the vestments of Mass are Rose. I often do not wear a chasuble because it adds more weight and heat to me; but today I wore it because I had the early Mass (7:30am) and some friends were coming by and visiting afterwards. Carolyn came and drove me over around 6:45 because it is the third day of rain.  I had some difficulties with my oxygen and she had to come back to the rectory and get me a third small canister. People are so patient and kind; but I do have to learn how to regulate my use. Daria and John Daria (from St. Bernard’s but living nearby) came and brought me home made cookies. Barry Fitz and two of the students from GC, (Bob Chambers and Chris Corcoran) came to Mass. It was great to see them and laugh in the sacristy and catch up on the children, whom I baptized and now  are in college. Doug Lee (from St. Camillus) came by and we visited down in my office. He was able to attend Mrs. Loretta Favret’s funeral – held last week near Frederick – and that I was not able to go. He brought me up to date on the Lee and Favret families. In my homily, I talked about the wonderful and faith-filled funeral that I did attend yesterday at Leisure World. It was Ursula Lemanski’s. Her son, Ray was a student at GC and she often helped out as a “resource lady” at the school. We have stayed friends over the years and I was able to attend her 100th birthday two years ago. I did talk to her on the phone and Barbara O kept me up to date on her activities. She attend the St. Cecilia’s High School Reunion a few weeks ago and was happy to report, she got a prize for being the oldest. Keep her and her family in your prayers.

Let’s see. It was a month ago that I last wrote. Where does the time go?

On November 18th, since I had attended the vigil Mass on Saturday night, I slept in and Colleen and Monty came by to visit and the Girls came in the afternoon.

Don’t know why but I wasn’t scheduled for Mass on Monday, the 19th, Tuesday the 20th, or Wednesday, the 21 but I took advantage of it and just stayed in my room –  I didn’t even go over to the seniors for their Thanksgiving celebration but they sent ;me a nice plate. I called Andy Favret, thinking that some of the family might be coming home for Thanksgiving. Mary answered and she told me that her mother was in the last day. She was conscious but it was only a matter of time. La was in a care facility and I asked Mary to call me from it in the next few days.

On Thursday the 22nd, I con-celebrated the 10am Mass for Thanksgiving. A parishioner sent me a photo and I’ve asked Fr. Alec to help me, so I can include it in Paddy. In the afternoon, Fr. Bill’s family came and had a “Foley Thanksgiving”. There are nine siblings and all but one came with their children – all high school and college age. I enjoyed the conversations, the food, and “German” toasts!!

On Friday, the 23rd and Saturday, the 24th, I had the 11am Mass. It was cold and I was glad to return to the rectory. On Friday, Mary called me and I spoke with La. She couldn’t talk but she knew it was me and I reminded her of some of the wonderful things we shared.  I got word that she died the next day. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

On Sunday, the 25th, I had the 10:30am Mass and got to see a lot of parishioners  afterwards and then I came home to rest.

On Monday, the  26th and Tuesday, the 27th, I heard some confessions and had the evening Masses and Carolyn drove me home. I stayed in my suite on Wednesday and had the 11am Masses on Thursday, the 29th, and Friday, the 30th. I called Andy because for almost 45 years, I’ve called him on the feast of St. Andrew. I told him I was sorry not to be able to join the family for what I know will be a “happy homecoming for La. In the evening, I rode down to see the marriage prep group that was having a dinner. Although I don’t do the prep any more, I knew a lot of the people and it was great to see them.

Dan Poje came up from Memphis to visit DC. I think he got into a couple of museum. Once again, it was cold.

On Saturday, December 1st. I anointed someone who was having surgery and then I had three baptisms in the chapel. It went well because I can stay in my cart and they bring the babies to me. I had been invited to my cousin, Ray’s surprise party in Virginia but I somehow double booked my day.     In the afternoon, Dan picnicked in with Ginny and Joan Beall and Carolyn and Joan Ward. We had a good time and then I had the 5:30pm Mass, which was offered for Loretta. They all went home – Dan to his hotel-  and I went to bed.

On Sunday, the 2nd, I heard confessions in the chapel. Then the Degenhardts and Gail Battle, and Joan and Tom Johnson came and we picnicked in our dining room. We had so many funny stories of the days at St. Bernard’s. T was suppose to come but he wasn’t up to it. Keep him in your prayers.

I didn’t have Mass on Monday, the 3rd because of a funeral; so I just stayed in and slept in.

On Tuesday, the 4th, I had confessions in my office and then had the 11am Mass. Afterwards, I went to the seniors and we had St. Nicholas with some  preschoolers. It was very nice. Then I heard confessions for the religious ed program at 4pm.

On Wednesday, the 4th, I went to my office to anoint someone and have some phone calls. I returned to have a picnic in with my cousins, Jean Denny, Jim and Eileen Denny, and Dick Hite. Our cousin, Sue Rogus called in from Florida and we had a great time.

On Thursday, the 6th, for the first time in nine years, I wasn’t up to going over to the school to distribute chocolate gold covered coins. The principal was a good stand in; but I was sorry not to be there. I slept in for the rest of the day and went over for the 5:30pm Mass.

On the 7th, I had the evening Mass ( the vigil of the Holy day) but otherwise stayed close to my suite.

On Saturday, the 8th, I wimped out as my young cousins were supposed to drive me over to Alexandria to celebrate my young cousin, Will’s first birthday.He is Rick and Peg Jensen’s grandson and I hated to miss the party but I just don’t feel well.

On Sunday, the 9th, I had the 9am Mass and came home.

Especially since I wasn’t feeling great, I am amazed as I look at my activities this week:

On Monday the 10 and Tuesday, the 11th I had the evening Masses. On Tuesday, Joe and Pat Villani came and brought great food (especially treats for dessert) and we caught up on all their travels since retirement. They have beautiful grandsons, whom I love to see when they post them on Facebook. I had a dentist appointment and he helped with out with a cracked silver filling.

On Wednesday, Colleen took me to my pulmonary doctor and through him I got a new oxygen concentrator that fills my small canister much quicker and provides me more oxygen. It has made a big different  – if I can remember to put the plastic tube  in.

On Thursday, the 13th, I had the 11am Mass and then met someone for spiritual direction. I had the 11am Mass on Friday, the feast of St. John of the Cross and had a good homily. But when I got home, I went to bed and missed the school staff luncheon – although some “elves” brought up a nice plate and left it on my desk. It has rained here for  days and Saturday and Sunday, it will rain again.

I have already written about Ursula’s funeral and how great it was. Colleen and Monty came and got me and made it work for my being on the altar. I met Barry Fitz, Barbara O, and Sylvia Key and many others before Mass.  Fr. Jim Boccabella, the pastor was – as always – gracious to me.  His homily was great. At the end, I decided to go to the reception – and I’m so glad I did. I felt like I knew all the grandkids because she updated me on them and her children. Food was great but the company even better. I got home in time to hear confessions from 4pm to 5:15. I was glad to get in bed.

I already told you about the wonderful 7:30am Mass. So let me just tell you that the mother of Father Andy Gonzalo ( who was the associate here for two years and is now pastor of St. Vincent’s in DC) died in the Philippines. Please keep her and him in your prayers. Also Mr. Lawrence Potter, who was a great supporter of St. Michael’s school in Ridge, died this week. Another funeral, I can not get to. But please keep him and his family – especially his son, Kevin who was a great friend to me when I was pastor.

This has taken me most of the day to get written. I won’t go that long in the future. Know that you are prayed for daily and I’ll be thinking of you and yours at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

Today is the 80th anniversary of my Mom and Dad’s wedding – November 16, 1938. I always remember it because Nellie told me that the reception was held at my grandmother’s sister’s back yard and that my parents were driven to Union Station in the back of a dump truck and then all the guest went back to the party and stayed there for three days. My mom told us that they stayed the night at the Lincoln Hotel in New York City before going the next day to Niagara Falls. While at the hotel they got a telegram wishing them a good honeymoon and saying the reception was still going strong.  See, these “treasures” need to be passed on to the next generations.

But now to update you. I last wrote on Saturday, November 3rd and told you about my plans for the 4th.

So, now on Monday, November 5th. I had the 11am Mass and then returned to the rectory. Someone came for confession in the afternoon. I am spending more time in the rectory because I don’t like using the canisters of oxygen too much.

On the 6th, I had the 11am Mass and then came back

Wednesday, the 7th was my DAY OFF, so I stayed in my suite. Anna Marie, a friend from St. Bernard’s days came to “picnic in” and we had a great time. She brought and left Snicker’s ice cream!

On Thursday, the 8th, I had the 11am Mass and then Fr. Mike Dolan came for lunch and a nice long talk. He is living in Georgia but spent much of the summer up here helping out in parishes. He is retired but in great health. I enjoyed our visit but when I returned to my suite, I realized that I was too tired to go to the SDC pot luck dinner with Carolyn and Monty. They were all very understanding and I went to bed early.

Friday, the 9th was the funeral for Fr. Joe Kleinstubber, a retired priest who had gone to St. Vincent’s before I was there. He was the chaplain at St. John’s High School and a nice guy. I was sorry not to be able to go; but it was in Southern Maryland. I had the 5:30pm Mass and Carolyn picked me up and brought me home. It’s Teen week on Jeopardy.

I wasn’t scheduled for anything on Saturday, the 10th. I did call Doug Hanratty and wish him a happy birthday.

On Sunday, the 11th I had the gym Mass and the deacon preached. I think that is my last trip to the gym Mass. It requires a lot of organizing. I will ask not to be on the schedule until the Spring. I gave the Sacrament of the Sick to someone having surgery. On my way back to the rectory, the girls called to say Fr. T wasn’t up to going out. We were going to go to a Chinese restaurant to celebrate his birthday (It was in October). I told them to go home and relax – I did the same. Today is also the 46th anniversary of Dave and Kathy Haas. I remember that weekend because I flew out to Michigan and had a great time. I just told the priests at Camillus that I’d be away as I had a family wedding in the city – I just didn’t say the city was in Michigan!!!

Monday was a holiday and everything was closed. Colleen and Monty came around 3pm. We visited and then we drove to Leisure World and met Barry and Barbara at the clubhouse restaurant. It was a great evening – with lots of laughter. I was tired and I had to set the alarm as I had early Mass the next day.

I had the 8am Mass and stayed in the parish center because I had Tuesdays with Fr. Maury at noon. We had a good topic – “the Catholic perspective on death and dying. Good discussion as well. When I came home, I watched the bishops’ meeting in Baltimore. It was very interesting and I was pleased to hear what so many of them had to contribute. Many are listening to their people.

On the 14th, Mary Alice McGreevy drove Marilyn Cavallaro and Kate Berry down from West Virginia and we “picnicked in” and talked a great deal. Actually they made me be quiet and listen, which I tried to do. It was so good to see them and “catch up”. I pushed them out after 2 hours as I wanted them to get home before dark.

On Thursday, the 15th, they had said the snow would stop around 10am; so I switched Masses with Fr. Bill. He took the 8 and I took the 11am. Around 9am, Carolyn called and said the snow is going to keep falling until noon, so she’d come and pick me up at 10:30 and drive me to church and back afterwards. It worked out well  and I had soup and went to bed. We got a lot of snow.

From the 15th to the 2oth, I was supposed to be in Myrtle Beach with Maggie but I cancelled out. Mary Ann drove them and they called me Friday night as they were arriving. Rick, my brother in law from Georgia and Shirley were to join them. I just don’t think I can get around – especially out of town – with all these oxygen canisters. My nephew, Rick and his wife, Anita just called me. They are off to do a cruise. We had a great talk and I hope to see them at Christmas.

Also a young woman, who lives in North Carolina and whose wedding was one of my first when I went to Camillus in 1972, was robbed and brutally beat in a parking lot. She is recovering – but slowly – and I ask that you remember Shirley and Denny and their families in your prayers. Also please keep in your prayers all those on my prayer list.

It’s Saturday the 17th and I’m going to hear confessions from 4 to 5 and then concelebrate the 5:30 Mass from the choir stalls. Then I don’t have to go out again tomorrow. I’ll be in touch. Pray for me as I do for you.

Yesterday, October 31st was the 104th anniversary of my Mom, Frances O’Connell Stoddard’s birth in Boston, Massachusetts. She always claimed she was born in Lynn – and that is where my grandparents lived; but according to family lore – and a recently discovered birth certificate, she was born in the Lying In hospital in Boston. It seemed my grandfather, Arthur wanted to go to a Red Soxs’ baseball game. My grandmother, Blanche kept telling him that she didn’t want to go because she was expecting her first child and she wanted to stay in Lynn. My granddad was a great sports fan and told her everything would be fine; so they went. Again, according to lore, around the 7th inning, she said, “Let’s go!” – and they did. Fortunately, there was a clinic – called the “Lying in” Hospital about a block from the stadium. It was there, that Frances Anastasia Crory was born on Halloween, 1914.

Let’s see what’s happened since I last wrote on October 21st.

On Monday, the 22nd, Joan brought the cart over around 9:15am and I went to the office and met some people for spiritual direction. Then I had the 11am Mass.  I also had the 5:30pm Mass so I stayed in the office and did paper work. Carolyn drove me to the rectory after Mass and I was in bed during Jeopardy.

The 23rd I had the 11am Mass and offered it for Ellen Curro’s parent on their 69th wedding anniversary. They are old friends from Resurrection parish and Ellen is one of my Madonna House buddies. Once I got home, and knew that Wednesday I would stay in my suite, I worked on my presentations and the details of the Day of Recollection.

On the 25th, I had the 11am Mass and on the 26th, I offered Mass for Bill Berry here in the house. His funeral was in West Virginia that morning but I wasn’t able to go.  I had the evening Mass, which was for Seamus. It took a lot of energy to get the Day of Recollection worked on and I was just so tired and I took a lot of naps over those two days.

God bless her, Carolyn picked me up in the car and drove me from the rectory to the parish center at 8:15am. I wanted to get settled in my cart and see that everything was organized. Some people came in around 9;15am and we just sat and “caught up” or met new people. Eventually 41 people and everything went so well. I gave three presentations and then three of the group continued the theme with personal experience or reflections. We had three small groups where people could share. Out lunch was catered by Word of Mouth and it was great. A lot of people got to know each other during lunch. We broke up around 3pm. I was thinking I might have to ask the 82 year old retired priest to cover the 5:30pm Mass if I was exhausted BUT I was exhilarated and said and preached at Mass. I was in bed by 7pm.

On Sunday, October 28th, once again, Carolyn picked me up. She took me to the parish center and I got my cart and dressed for the 10:30 gym Mass. My godchild, Kathleen Morris Havern, her husband Dave, and their sons, Jimmy and Charlie were down for the weekend for a cousin’s birthday and they stopped to visit me. I looked for them but the traffic was a mess in the parking lot, so I hadn’t seen them come in. I have the children up around the altar for the Consecration and during the sign of Peace, I’m telling what Jesus said when he came the disciples on Easter, when I see Jimmy and Charlie. I lost my place and just began to share the sign of peace with all the children. It was a special moment for me. After Mass, we went to the rectory, where Carolyn had a made breakfast of eggs and bacon and some sweet rolls. The priests joined us and we had a great time. As they left around 2pm, Dave said, “Thanks, they’ll be asleep by the beltway.” Family is so great.

On Monday, the 29th, I had the 11am Mass and then went to the senior center for a Halloween luncheon with the seniors and some preschoolers. It started to rain, so Peter got me home. I think I fell asleep during Jeopardy.

On Tuesday, the 30, I had the 11am Mass and then retired to my suite until the 11am Mass on Thursday, November the first, when I began this message. I said Mass in my room on Wednesday as Judy Raley’s funeral was that day at St. Michael’s and I just couldn’t go there. I was too tired to go to the healing Mass at 7pm but I heard it was nice. I called Fr. Bill afterwards and asked him to bring me a large oxygen from the lobby – I still don’t think to gauge my needs upstairs. I worked fine.

On Friday, November 2nd, the feast of all souls, my cousin Jean came and we had a great long talk in the parlor. I enjoy her s much. Colleen and Monty came by and I went over for the 5:30pm Mass and stayed for our annual All Souls Mass at 7pm. We have an orchestra and a great choir.The Mass is the Requiem by Faure and it’s beautiful. We read out the names of all members of the parish who died this last year and we also include in the program the names of anyone we wish to have remembered. I love that custom.  I was in bed by 9pm and asleep by 9:05.

Today, which is Saturday, November 3rd.I had two Baptisms in the chapel. they were cousin- one from New Jersey and one from here. I really enjoyed the family and everything went well. They are somewhere in the high 800’s in my computer program and I’ll input them tomorrow. I just finished the 5:30pm Mass and am ready for bed.

Tomorrow, I don’t have a morning Mass, so I will not set the alarm, (which I just turned back as its the end of daylight saving time). On Sunday, the 4th, I will meet some parents here in the rectory as they would like to have their babies baptized on December 1st but our next clergy led session is not till the 2nd. They’ll have a mini course with me. Then Carolyn will come and get me and I have the 5:30pm Mass. Then it is for sure to bed and rest.

Although I spent a lot of time in the rectory, I did call a lot of people. I spoke with Betty Woodbrun, Marian Ann Blair, Brenda Ridgel, and Lila,about Judy Raley. My cousin Ray Jensen, Pat Berry, John Bohrer, Kate Berry, Mary Alice McGreevy, Marilyn Cavallaro, Mary, my niece, Father T, the Petrones, Joan Beall, Barbara Ostrye, Kass, and my sister Maggie. Keep all of them in your payers as well as Judy and Bill and Mary Ann Brothers (who was a nurse at Good counsel) and Tom Marmet ( a 22 year old) shot in his car as he was driving back from serving the poor in Washington. All of these deaths and the massacre at the temple in Pittsburgh need to be lifted up in our prayer. God bless you all.

I last wrote on September 30th and so I’ll begin with Monday, October 1st. It is the feast of St. Therese, the Little Flower. I sent flower to Sister Natalie (Ann Christine), my kindergarten and first grade teacher. She gave me a great devotion to Therese and I have been sending her flowers on the feast for years. It use to be October 3rd but it got moved. She lives at Mt. Notre Dame in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is in her nineties. I offered the 11am Mass that day for her and all the great teachers I have had over the years. Got a message from John Bohrer, who never forgets Therese’s feast day.

Tuesday, the 2nd, I again had the 11am Mass and afterwards, we had our “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” at the apartment. We had about 25 people and our topics were St. Francis of Assisi and Pope Francis. Great discussion and sharing. I was suppose to go out with Fr. T and the ladies but we ran late and they had to go. I went to bed early.

Wednesday, I stayed in my suite and worked on my 2017 taxes. Went to bed early

On Thursday, the 4th, I had the 8 and 11am Masses and my cousin, Jean came and we “picnicked in” and had a great time. In the evening, Carolyn picked me up and drove me over for the Healing Mass at 7pm. I’m not seeking a cure but I find the time for Mass and Exposition to be times of grace and full of peace.

On Friday and Saturday, I said Mass in the morning and then worked in my suite.

On Sunday, Carolyn – angel that she is – came and drove me over to the church, so I could say the 7:30am Mass. The schedulke got mixed up and I was given the 5:30pm but that night I was being picked up by Fr. Jim and take out to join Fr. John, Fr. Regis, and Fr. Mike for our quarterly dinner out – so we can solve the problems of the church and the world. We had a great time together. I went to confession with Jim on a nice long ride home.

Monday, the 8th was Columbus Day and I stayed in my suite and relaxed.

On Tuesday, I had the evening Mass and came right home.

Wednesday was my DAY OFF and I worked on my taxes. In the afternoon, Colleen and Jeff Smith and Steve and Faith Hall drove up and we picnicked in from Magiano’s. They are dear friends from St. Michael’s and I love their children. We “caught up’ on all the family. I know we’ll do it again.

On Thursday, the 11th, I had the 11am Mass and stayed over in the parish center to see people and work on Baptisms. I also had the 5:30pm, which was the induction of new Sodalists and a lovely Mass with music. There was a dinner afterwards that is always filled with great pot luck. It was pouring when the Mass ended and so I skipped the dinner and Carolyn drove me home.

On Friday, the 12th, I had the 11am Mass and then went home. The weather has been so up and down that I like being home.

On Saturday, I went over to the chapel because a couple I had helped with paperwork were having their daughter baptized by Fr. Pat Conroy, the chaplain at the House of Representatives, who knew them in college. It was very nice to see everyone in their family and I came home and went to bed. Please keep Catherine and her family in your prayers.

On Sunday, the 14th, it happened that I had the 7:30am Mass and that worked out fine. After Mass, Carolyn drove me to Joan Beall’s, where I was able to pass off my taxes for Mary Rose. She got me an extension last April but the taxes had to be in by October 15th. On the way home, we stopped at a bakery and got some refreshment for the rectory. Fr. Regis came by after the 10:30 Mass and Fr. Bill joined us for “collation”. At noon, a young lady who needed a letter from our parish to her brother’s parish so she could be a Godmother. We had a nice visit and she told me all about her job as a crime reporter.

On Monday, the 15th, I went over to the parish center around 9 so I could call Mary Rose and ask her how she was able to make sense of my notes and bills. She had emailed me that everything was ready. I signed it and faxed it and it was electronically filed. Some days, I like that I lived to see and use these “modern” things. I had the 11am Mass and then Colleen came and took me to my pulmonary doctor. He did some evaluations and notified my oxygen company that I needed more large canister. 6 more arrived the next day.It will make my life so much easier.

Tuesday, the 16th, Joan brought me over to the parish center early so I could get ready for the 11am Mass and Tuesdays with Maury but I had a rough morning with the oxygen. Our topic was the titles of Mary and we talked a lot about her various titles. Afterward and just before the rain, Peter helped me get back to the rectory and I tried to get some understanding of how to use the additional oxygen. It will take time.

Wednesday, my cousin Rick came and took me to the barber. I wanted to look better for Thursday and Friday. Oh, I forgot to mention that on Monday, we received word that Msgr. Thomas Duffy, who was pastor here for 25 years and was 60 years a priest, died peacefully at the Little Sisters’ Home, where he has been living. He was a great guy and part of the pastors’ support group that I was invited to join with Fathers Beattie, Kostick, McCaffery, Gearhart, Hill, and Ranieri. We had a great time and they were very helpful to me in 1990 as a new pastor. Too many have gone home to the Father.

On Thursday, the 18th, I had the 8 and 11am Masses. Heard some confessions. Had supper with Fr. Bill and Carolyn drove me to church for the wake and 7:30pm Mass. Lots of people and priests were there. Msgr Ron, our dean presided and Joe Ranieri preach. The choir came and it was a good celebration. I went to bed early.

Friday, the 19th was Msgr. Duffy’s funeral. Cardinal Wuerl presided with two other of our bishops and lots of concelebrents. Fr. John Enzler preach and was, of course, excellent. The music was superb and the church was filled. His family was justly proud. There was a luncheon but I went home. I was scheduled for the 5:30pm Mass but I asked Fr. Percy to cover for me. He is so willing to help. He is 82 and also retired.

On Saturday, the 20th, a couple came and brought lunch from Ledo’s and we had a nice visit. They live in Lourdes’ parish but come here often. She grew up in Riverdale and I brought Communion to  her parents.  At 3:30, Carolyn picked me up and took me to church. I had the 4 to 5 confessions. I was glad to get home and bed.

I started this yesterday but it is now Sunday, the 21st. Colleen and Monty came by and brought some sweet rolls. We had lots to talk about (an upcoming wedding!). They dropped me at the sacristy and I got ready for the 12:30pm Mass. I had a really good homily and afterwards got a chance to see some old friends. Still some problems with the oxygen but Carolyn got me home and I am in the for the day. The ladies were going to pick up T and me and we were going to celebrate his birthday. He wasn’t up to it, so we postponed. Colleen and Monty came by again to help me with the oxygen and he pointed out that my tubing had a crack and that’s why I wasn’t getting what I needed. They know so much and have helped me in the transition to full oxygen.

In looking over the last two weeks I realize that I’ve been able to catch up with lots of friends –  like Mary Lynn Costanza, and my “regulars”. I have been working with five people on the day of recollection for separated and divorced Catholics that will be held here on this coming Saturday. Keep that in your prayers. Also please pray for Judy Raley, a lovely and dedicate parishioner of St. Michael’s in Ridge. I saw her at the 100th anniversary a few weeks ago but she is in Georgetown Hospital. Pray for her and her great family.

Also this week, I spoke by phone with Pat Berry and his sister, Sara Jean. they had flown out from Illinois to see their brother, Bill, who was gravely ill. Bill and Kate Berry live in West Virginia and use to go on cruises with the gang. I got word last evening that he had died. Please keep all of them in your prayers.

Now time for a nap.

Today, I am spending the day in my suite “recovering” from my Saturday trip to St. Michael’s in Ridge for the 5pm Mass celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the school. It was great and the weather was a typical blue sky St. Mary’s county kind of day.  I spent most of Friday night and Saturday morning “getting ready”.  Whenever I am away from my “comfort zone”, I have to anticipate what I might need. I got all 4 of my small canisters of oxygen filled and Fr. Alec made sure that three of them were taken down to the lobby.  I had a large canister down there as well. I had a bag with my alb and cincture ready to be able to concelebrate.  My red cart was over in the parish center and poor Patty had to lift it up into the van as I couldn’t get it to close up. As she loves to say, “Don’t worry, strong woman can pull the plow” Once we had the van filled, the ladies and I headed south. Lots of traffic as everyone was enjoying the sun! It took us about 2 hours and 15 minutes to get down to Ridge but we got there a half hour before the Mass was to start. As we pulled up, Colleen and Jeff Smith came up to the car. They are dear friends whom I have not seen in a while and they were just driving home from vacation and came by to say hello. I was so glad to see them and it was the beginning of a great “coming home” day.  They and two other couples have met me for lunch a few times and we set up for a “picnicking in” day soon.

Once I got inside the sacristy, one of the young servers said hello and I asked her last name – she looked familiar. When she said, “Muir”, I said, “Oh Rachel”. She said, “No, that’s my sister and she got married last month. I am the youngest. You baptized me just before you left the parish. I am 11 now.” Oh, I really am getting old!! The room was filled with old friends.  Fr. Lee Fangmeyer, who was pastor after me, and Fr Peter, the pastor now, concelebrated. The main celebrant and homilist was Bishop Mike Fisher, our newest auxiliary bishop.  I didn’t go up into the sanctuary; I stayed in my cart and they brought me Communion. It was so good to see many familiar faces and after Mass, many came to say hello. The music was great and I told them how much I enjoyed hearing the parts of the Mass sung in tunes I always liked. I will not mention everyone but let me say how nice it was to see many of Sister Mary Rita Cullison’s siblings and one lady, who made an alb for me when I was at St. Michael’s. She told me then that she chose the material very carefully because she knew I often through it in the back of my car and this material would not let it looked crumbled. I told her that the sacristan at Blessed Sacrament use to tell me how she could see why I liked one alb especially because it never showed the wrinkles.  Thanks, Ann!! There was a dinner afterwards; but I didn’t go over.  It took me (and my angels) some time to get all my accouterments into the van and I wanted to be home by dark. When I got home, Fr. Bill and Fr. Alec met me and I told them all about the day. I was “wound up” like Liza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” – I could have danced all night!! I finally let the priest go to bed and so did I. I slept well!

When last I wrote, it was September 14^th, and I had the 11am Mass on Saturday, the 15^th – because of the rain, Carolyn drove me over and back.  On Sunday, the 16^th, she came and brought me over to the sacristy for me to get my cart and go over to the gym for the 10:30am Mass. It was great to be there again. I think the last time may have been in May.

After Mass, I met in my office with the mother and the sister of a 21 year old who had taken his life on Saturday. I taught him in 6^th grade religion and have kept in touch with him. He came to see me in August. He had some psychological problem in high school and was being helped. He seemed to be happy as he was going to Maryland University in the fall; but we never know what’s going on inside. Please remember Seamus and his family in your prayers.

In the afternoon, I rode back for the parish “town meeting”. About 250 people came and it was a good session. We had a facilitator and a panel of psychiatrists and lawyers and one man who worked for years at the Bishops’ Conference. There were some emailed questions and then people could speak from the floor. There is a lot of hurt and anger, and it was shared. People were very respectful and listened. After an hour and a half, we planned to end but people asked to continue and we went for another 40 minutes. It might happen again but I think some healing and understanding occurred.  I was glad to go to bed.

Monday, it rained, so I got a ride over and back for the evening Mass.

On Tuesday, I had the 11am Mass and then we had our first “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” session.  It rained on and off but I got to the Manning center without getting wet. Our topic was “What I did on my summer vacation” and lots of people contributed. Some traveled and some had family events and others – like me – hid inside from the heat and the rain. Afterwards, I came to the rectory (and Peter took the cart back for me) and we had about 1`2 priests and deacons meeting in the fireplace room. It was good to see old friends as I don’t usually go to the deanery meeting but as it was in our house, I joined in. We talked about this mess of the church and what many parishes were doing – like our town meeting. I’m glad I went.

Wednesday was my day off and Colleen and Monty came for a visit and then I took a nap. In the evening Carolyn got me and I rode my cart into the church for Seamus’ wake. Fr. Bill did the prayers and then there was a slide show of wonderful pictured of Seamus and his family and friends. Lots of the parish family came and many of his classmates – one flew in from Demark, where is spending a semester – shared great stories of their time together.  I was glad to be in bed.

Thursday was the funeral.  Fr. Bill and Fr. Rob Maro, who use to be out faith formation person before he went to the seminary, concelebrated with me. Deacon Pat Mullan came and was a great help in making it possible for me to greet and bless the coffin, get me up to the chair and altar and get me back to accompany the coffin out of the church. The music was beautiful and we said the Irish blessing – which was on his holy card – before we left. Deacon Patrick went to the cemetery for us. I went home and went to bed.

On Friday, Joan brought me the cart at 7:30am, and I had the 8am Mass and then returned to my suite.  It rained again and so I stayed in my suite Saturday morning. I met someone from Separated and Divorced down in the parlor.  At 4:30pm, Carolyn picked me up and took me to the sacristy. I had the 5:30pm Mass and then she brought me home. The rain is so annoying.

On Sunday, the 23^rd, I walked over to the parish center as it was not raining. I was having trouble even though I had on a small canister. I got my cart and soon was breathing OK.  I had left another full canister in the sacristy; so between the two I got through the 9AM Mass.  I forget how I got back because I stayed for a while after Mass and talked with Fr. Regis and some friends. In the afternoon, Rose and Patty came and we picnicked in.

On Monday, the 24^th, I had the 11AM Mass and came back here. Around 2PM, Deacon Gary and his wife Diane came and we visited in the parlor. They are members of Fr. Bob Norton’s parish in Pittsburgh and have a son who lives nearby. They will visit him for a few days. We met last summer on another visit and I enjoyed seeing them and “catching up”.

On Tuesday, in the morning, I met a lady in the parlor and in the afternoon, Fr. Mike Dolan came and we had a great visit. He is retired but lives in Georgia and helps out in a parish there. We laughed and talked.  Around 4:45,  Carolyn picked me up and drove me over for the 5:30PM Mass. Afterwards, the young man whom Fr. Regis confirmed here last Spring before he graduated from Catholic U, came to visit me in the parlor. Fr. Alec was going over to lock the church and I invite him to come back and join us, which he did. Billy works in a startup coming that helps you with apps and he and Father really talked about stuff that I didn’t understand at all. But all three of us had a great time.

Wednesday was my DAY OFF and I just stayed in my suite (and tried to straighten up). They brought me two large tubes of oxygen and took away the ones I had used.

On Thursday, the 27^th, I was scheduled for the 11AM Mass but it was a funeral and Fr. Alec took it, so I was in my suite all day. I was able to watch the hearings of the Judiciary committee. I cried through both Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh.  Nothing more to say; I am just praying more.

On Friday, the 29^th, I had the 5:30PM Mass. It was the feast of St. Lawrence Ruiz, the first martyr of the Philippines.  I had a good homily on him and then Carolyn drove me home. I spent the evening getting things ready for the trip to St. Michael’s on Saturday.

So now you are up to date and it is 4:15PM, Carolyn will pick me up in a few moments and I will have the 5:30pm Mass. I think we’ll pick up some supper and picnic in. I will be glad to get to bed as it took a long time to write this. Hope you enjoy.

Today is a special feast because the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who staffed St. Bernard’s always told us about it and it was always a day of special prayers. This year, I wrote an article for AT THE WELL, which is the Archdiocesan newsletter for the Divorced and Separated Catholics group that I am chaplain to. I asked them to join me in front of a crucifix and pray for healing in our Church so that we can prayerfully begin healing what has torn our church apart. I invite all of you to join in such a prayer and to include the intention of our parish “town hall” meeting that will be this Sunday at 2pm.  ‘The Cross is our Hope’. The motto of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

It’s been a long time since I wrote. It was August 25th, the anniversary of my Dad’s death. I don’t feel like I’ve done much lately as the weather has been very hot and damp or very hot and rainy or cold and damp. In any case, I have stayed close to the rectory. I go over for Mass but come right back.  I didn’t do that on Monday because my cousin, Aidan House came to my office and made 4 nice piles of all the paper, books, and magazine scattered around the desk. He was great and offered to do it before he started school at BCC.  My desk is actually wood under all the papers. I had the facilities guys bring the piles over and I sat in my chair and went through them. Was able to throw away two trashcans full. I met with a few people but asked them to come to the rectory and we met in the parlor downstairs. I only had to ride down on my chair. I did have an “outing” on Wednesday,, August 29th. My cousin, Rick Jensen came and took me to my barber in Wheaton and then we stopped for pizza. But most of the week, the humidity was just too tough and I stayed in my suite . On Saturday, Eileen and Jay Baughan came and we “picnicked in”. We caught up on lots of things and people.

Then the rains came. Carolyn picked me up in her car at 6:30am on Sunday, September 2nd and brought me back after I said the 7:30 Mass. I stayed in the rest of the day and all day on Labor day. I didn’t go to the Labor day cookout for priests that I think I’ve attended for nearly fifty years. I just didn’t have the strength. I did the 8am Mass on Tuesday and then came home. Had two appointment in the parlor in the afternoon. Wednesday, I just stayed in. Had 11am Mass on Thursday and home again. Joan was able to bring the cart over between the rain spells. Friday, the 6th, I met with a nice couple about end of life issues and then that night I was driven over and back from Fr. Foley’ healing Mass. It was good for me and I asked for healing of my spirit because of all the terrible  things we are learning about sexual abuse. I was glad I went. Again, I had to be picked up for the 8am Mass and then driven back. The girls came by and brought me some groceries. It was good to see them as Rose had a slight stroke and was hospitalized. Keep her in your prayers. They say she is recovering but she can’t drive and she doesn’t like that. I was driven back for confessions at 4pm and afterwards, it was pouring again and I was driven home. Sometime, around 6pm, Pat Berry and two friends from Chicago stopped in with pizza and we had a great visit. They had been in Hilton Head for the week and stopped to see me on the way to West Virginia (to visit Bill and Kate Berry) and then drive on Monday back to the Midwest. I was glad to see them and catch up on their activities. I do enjoy visited from friends.

On Sunday, the 9th, I was again picked up and driven to say the 10:30 Mass in the church. I think my homily was good but it was emotional for me. Fortunately, God always has a blessing for you. I baptized Amelia, the newest addition to a family I have gotten close to here at Noon in the chapel. It was fun to see them and laugh and talk.  Before the afternoon rain, I was driven home. That night at 7pm, I was part of a phone in meeting about the day of recollection we will have here in late October for the Divorced and Separated Catholic groups. That will be great.

On Monday, the 10th, I had the 11am Mass and afterwards rode over to the apartment for the Welcome Home Luncheon for the seniors. it was great to see them and a couple came great distances. Colleen and Monty came by the rectory and we visited.

On Tuesday,  which was September 11th, I offered Mass for Michelle, a member of the parish who was a stewardess on the plane that went into the pentagon. I came to know her family and the neighbors since I came here and I am always honored to celebrate her anniversary Mass. People come because she is a part of our parish family that was touched by that violence. I stayed over in the parish center most of the day. It was also Maureen’s anniversary and I called people . I stayed in my suite on Wednesday and although I just couldn’t ride downstairs, Mike Morse, who was in the teen club at Camillus called and asked to come by. I was thrilled and he brought pictures of children and grandchildren whom I know and love. We visited for 4 hours and then it was time for a nap. On Thursday as there was a funeral on Thursday and Fr. Foley took the 11, I just stayed in my suite and worked on the day of recollection.

Today, I met a parishioner in the parlor as we work on having her marriage blessed. Then I had the evening benediction and Mass. Joan brought me over on the cart and Carolyn drove me home. I am blessed in all my angels.

Tomorrow I have the 11 and Carolyn will drive me as the hurricane rains are expected this weekend and next week. How annoying.

So now you are up to date. Keep praying for all the sick and discouraged – and JoAnn who had a heart attack and still went with Maggie and the gang to Myrtl Beach. God was good and led the governor to demand they evacuate and so they are home playing cards. But do pray for the sick and for our parish meeting this Sunday. Know you and yours are prayed for.

Just finished the 8am Mass and as I am not scheduled for anything else today and have the 10:30am on Sunday (but the deacon will preach); I am determined to write a nice long message for Paddy today.  I did write on August 9th but a lot has happened since; so, here goes.

I wrote during the day that Maggie and Mary Ann had come and picnicked in with me for Mary Ann’s birthday. It was lovely and after they left, I went and celebrated the 5:30pm Mass. Around 7pm, Tom Favret and his wife,  who was born in Poland, and Loretta Favret, his sister came and brought pictures of the family. Tom and Silvia had been in Ottawa, Canada where Tom was stationed in our embassy there. They are being transferred to Mexico City. their three children, who are in college and high school will be in schools in Canada, the USA, and France. They will be living in 4 countries but they tell me that Scip (spelling?) will keep them in touch. Their family photo is now on my Wall of Memories.  Loretta is the new principal of Little Flower parish in Bethesda. She has been in education positions in Montgomery county for years and on retiring, decided to go to the Catholic system, of which she is a product of elementary, high school, and college Catholic schools. she will be great. It was a fun evening of stories and laughter.

We are back to 4 priests, so I only had one Mass a day. It has been hot and rainy again, so I came back to the suite as soon as Mass was over. My air conditioning runs all the time and I often get in bed with extra covers. The cool air helps my breathing. I still meet with people for spiritual direction and/or confessions; but we often do that downstairs in one of the parlors. Gail Battle came and we picnicked in and caught up on all the news. Her parents had a good visit out to Missouri and she told me that Fr. Ray Wadas may have to have his back surgery redone and then he’ll be in shady Grove for rehab. It’s a good place and where Joan Beall went for her recovery. I saw the Petrones and they brought Father T out and we went to lunch. They are so good to both of us. They (and Colleen and Monty) also do some shopping for me.

On the 18th, we had a Mass at 4pm in the fireplace room for about 25 members of the SDC (Separated and Divorced Catholic) group of which I am chaplain. We had a pot luck supper afterwards and there was food to be taken home (just like the baskets left over after the feeding of the 5,000). I really enjoyed myself because they put me in a chair with one of the large oxygen canisters and I sat for over 4 hours (with the canister set at 2) and they brought me food and drink and I just had great conversations with so many friends and caught up on their lives and families. I am spoiled by such goodness.

We were asked to preach at the Weekend Masses about the horrible things that we are leaning about in our Church. It was difficult but people were very supportive. Our young assistant, Fr. Alec gave a great homily (that even made the Washington Post in a positive essay).  He spoke of the importance of a compass (that for us is Jesus and the Eucharist). It was greeted with applause. He was a little embarrassed by the notice but we are all proud of him. Please keep all of this in your prayers.

Staying in my suite has given me the opportunity to call a lot of friends and catch up. Please keep Fr. Steve O’Gara, Mrs. Cecil Fecteau, Carol Bleistine, Mr and Mrs Curro, Joe and Mary Stoutzenberger, Doug and Kathleen Hanratty, and Tina Petrecelli in your prayer for their health and recovery from surgeries.

I was asked to preside at a welcome back to school prayer service for our faculty on Wednesday, the 22nd.  I really enjoyed it and I think they had a good time.  Sandra, one of our staff set the theme and organized the program. She chose Cranes as the focal point as it is a symbol of community support. In Japan, it is a sign of longevity and hope. She had about 50 origami cranes with small lights around them on a table in the main aisle. I had read about a 12 year old girl who had leukemia as a result of the bomb at Hiroshima and that she was told if you make a 1000 origami cranes, your wish will be granted. They are very time consuming because the folds must go exactly; but she did it before she died and she said her wish was for world peace.  In the name of the thousands of students they have formed, I thanked the faculty and staff and asked peace and mutual support for each of them this coming year. I was too long winded with stories of important teachers I have had but I could see that many of them were remembering special teachers they had and many students they were blessed to have taught. Pray for all teachers.

I guess the biggest news is:  I had a great and long day on Thursday, August 23rd. It was my 74th birthday. I received many Facebook, email, phone calls and greetings cards. It has taken me till today to read them all and they were greatly appreciated. I began the day by celebrating the 8am Mass. I offered it for my Dad and Mom on the anniversary of they day they gave me life and faith. Many of you have heard this story but it is such a good story that I love to tell it. When I was in the seminary in wisconsin, an American missionary from Japan came to visit us and told us that in Japan, on your birthday, you don’t get gifts. You give gift to your parents. I just loved that idea. My dad had died when I was 19 so I just remembered him at Mass but my Mom worked at Catholic University as a secretary and so I started sending her flower on that day.   She told me that people would come and see the bouquet on her desk and ask if it were her birthday and she would say, “No, they are from my son. Today is his birthday”.  She loved telling me her response, that night when we went out to supper. Since her death, I have offered Mass for my Mom and Dad. This year I also included my sisters Marie and Maureen. All of them together in the Communion of saints. The congregation sang “Happy birthday”.

BUT it continued because at 11:30, Brian picked me up and we went to THE AVENUE, a new restaurant nearby on Connecticut Ave, where we were joined by Fr. Foley, our pastor, Fr. Percy, the other retired priest from the house, Fr. Jim Boccabella, pastor of Our lady of Grace in Leisure World, his brother Paul, a dear friend, my cousin Michael Caruso, (whom Brian always arranges a luncheon for the three of us near our birthdays), and David Gardiner,  a close friend from the parish who shared his love of liturgical treasures of the Church with me and the parish and is the head of the liturgy committee.  We had a great time with lots of laughter and stories. Brian is so good to me. BUT..

It continued because at 2:30, Carolyn Beimis, a parishioner and my friend whom I call every weekday evening to see how we did at Jeopardy, picked up me and Joan Ward, a friend and the office manager of the parish center and we rode (with oxygen and my cart) to Stoney’s restaurant in Prince Frederick, about 75 miles from Blessed Sacrament. Traffic was terrible but Carolyn is a great driver and we three laughed and talked for the 2 hours it took us to get there. Friends and relatives came in drips and drabs until we had 45 of us there to celebrate my birthday with drinks, laughter and stories, and food – especially crabs!!

I am going to tell you who was there even if it makes this message VERY LONG.  – my sister, Maggie and her son Mike, her daughter, Mary Beth and her husband Phil and their daughter Jordan, and Maggie’s youngest daughter, Kerry Keith and the newest grandchild, Quinn Margaret.  A few of the McLaughlin clan were on vacation or working and couldn’t join us. Marie’s children were Mary Ann and her son Nicholas, Danny and Tina and their son Ryan, Camille and Sony (Jimmy and Trevor had a ball game), Peanut called as did Rick and Anita from South Carolina. I couldn’t talk to them because of all the Old Bay seasoning on my fingers. Again some were on vacation and some of the grandkids live far away. Of course, Jo Ann Adams, “my 4th sister” was there as were my cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen and their son-in-law (James Collins) whom I married to Kate (who had to work) and their son, William (Will) whom I baptized.  Also with them was Sheila Reilly, with whom I am the Godparents for Kate. Sad to say we don’t get together often enough because she is a counselor and administrator at the Madeira School and it’s way over in Virginia.

Friends from St. Bernard’s were Rose and Patty Petrone, Sharon Laurich, whose father was principal of Bladensburg High School and whom I have know since she was in grade school, and Joan Beall, who was my business manager at St. Bernard and a friend since the St. Camilllus days. Sister Kass, who taught 4th grade at Camillus and has been a close friend for years and Fr. John Dakes, who was in the teen club at Camillus and is now the pastor of Jesus, the Divine Word parish near by.There were a number of people from St. Michael’s in Ridge,  Lila Hoffmeister, who is principal of the school (which is celebrating their 100th anniversary in September) and Brenda Ridgell at whose home, I ate great meals and played a lot of cards, her daughter, Cristy and her husband, Bryan Leach and their adorable son, Mason, whom I baptized, Rev. Mr. Pat Mullan, who was my summer seminarian at St. Mike’s and is now a transitional deacon for the Archdiocese of Washington, also came all the way from Catholic U to join us. Fr. Mike Dolan, a retired priest of the diocese, who now is chaplain of a high school in Georgia but is up “covering” a parish in St. Mary’s county also joined us. He was pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Lexington Park when I was at Ridge and we had many a good meal together. Colleen and Monty, whom I write about often because they take good care of me and visit me a lot, drove down Barbara Ostrye, who was the principal’s secretary at Good Counsel when Colleen’s mom, Doris Hickson was the school nurse.

Well, this has taken me almost four hours to write, so take your time and take a break. As Bob Norton loves to say “it takes two drinks to get through your missives!” Please know that I am grateful for all your messages and I will respond to them – but not real soon as I still have Christmas cards to send out. Thanks for the cookies, which I don’t need but enjoy (and sometimes share with my housemates.)

I will write again soon. Know of my love and prayers for you and yours.

So sorry that I have taken so long to write. Two weeks of rain just got me down. Also two of the priests were away so I often said two Masses a day. I might go over for the 11am and then come home to relax and then go back at 4 for the 5:30pm Mass. I had to try and go back and forth between the rain and I wasn’t always successful. Sometimes, when I finished a Mass, a parishioner would offer to drive me through the rain back to the rectory. All that having to plan things out was so hard for me that I just went to bed during Jeopardy. Also it’s been so humid that my air-conditioning in my suite was often at 62 degrees and I just got in bed and under the covers. So that’s a little explanation for not writing.

It is now August 9th, my Godchild, Mary Ann Walburn Pearson’s 59th birthday and she and Maggie drove up for a visit. I had the 11am Mass and will have the 5:30pm Mass also. We met in the dining room and when Humberto, our cook, heard it was her birthday, he made a treat with Oreo’s, ice cream, whipped cream, and candles. We sang Happy Birthday and if I find a picture I’ll send it out.

So I wimped out last night –  and back to Paddy.  I last wrote on July 13th. It is the feast of King St. Henry. In the evening I called the mother house of the Sister of St. Joseph in Hartford and spoke with Sister St. Henry, whom I met through the sisters when they were at St. Michael’s in Ridge.  We had a nice long talk and I caught up on all the sisters.

I told you about “picnicking in”.  A number of friends and family have done it. Barry Fitz and Barbara Ostrye came with food form Mama Lucia’s. Gail Battle brought her parents, Jim and Vera Degenhardt. Joan and Tom Johnson came as did Gail’s brother, Dr. Brian who was visiting from Missouri. We had food from Magiano’s and lots of laughs. Rose and Patty Petrone and Philip Levine also cam and brought home made Italian on a couple of occasions.  Rick and Peg Jensen brought some crabs because I wimped out on a chance to be picked up and taken to their house for crabs. (I still haven’t gotten use to the oxygen bottles and how long they will last me; so I haven’t been going out). As soon as I feel “in control” I plan to go out again.  Another cousin, Jean Denny came with a neighbors, whose grandchild I had baptized. We had a great meal and visit.   Colleen and Monty, who are good friends (Colleen’s Mom, Doris Hickson was school nurse at GC) have come by to visit; taken me to doctors and dentist, and helped me with little projects in my suite. We cleaned out my closet that had lots of clothes that others can use. We also got stuff together for the Sodality bazaar in November. My cousin, Rick took me out to Wheaton so I could get my haircut and beard trimmed. So many people are just so kind and helpful to me. I am most grateful.

Also I had visitors from Greenburg, pa  – Members of the Merenda family stopped in (in the midst of a real heavy rainstorm). We just sat in my office and then I took them to see the church because I had the 5:30. They were kind enough to text me when they got safely home that night. It was so nice to see them. They were in Forbes Road, where I taught CCD in 1969, Tonight, according to a email I got yesterday, Tom Favret and Doug Lee (and others???) will come to see me in the rectory after Mass. I am looking forward to hearing all about their families. They were teenagers at St. Camillus in the 70’s. Deacon Patrick Mullan and his Mom, Marilyn came to a 5:30pm Mass. He acted as deacon and preached. He was very good. He was a summer seminarian at St. Michael’s  and was ordained a deacon last June. God willing, he will become a Washington priest in June 2019.

I have done two Baptisms. Please keep Geoffrey Tomas Agosto and Mateo Mirza  and their parents, God parents, and families in your prayers. I have sat on the side for a number of parish funerals. I wasn’t up to attending a number of friend’s or priests’ funerals. but do keep them in your prayers. I just saw today that a friend from the seminary in Wisconsin, Paul Clayton  died; please keep him and his family in your prayers. Know that you, your needs, and your intentions are daily in my prayers.

Jut learned that Terry McConnell, who was my totum factum at St. Bernard’s (and a dear friend for many years before and since) has returned to her home with Hospice. Please keep her,her husband Hal, and her large and loving family in your prayers.

Do not be intimidated by “picnicking in”. You don’t need food to come and visit. People, also bring things to share. Stephen Mudd brought me a vestment that his uncle, Fr. David Mudd had used. He died last year.  Another friend, James brought me something to help me carry those oxygen tanks. Someone  brought me a book they wrote. It’s history about DC and I am enjoying it a great. Others bring me photos of children I baptized who are now in college or getting married. They go on my wall of memories. But you don’t need to bring anything except you.

I promise to try to be more faithful and I am still working on Christmas cards. Know that I love and pray for you.

I know that some of you must be worried that I haven’t written lately. I thought I wrote in late June or early July but I can’t find them and so I guess I didn’t. I am sorry but there has been a lot going on and lots of “loose ends” in my life. I learned of 4 deaths of friends. I am unable to participate in their funerals and that is a sadness for me. Please keep Bob Luczak, who has been a friend since St. Vincent’s. Marie Wallace, whose husband, Bob, died a few months ago and I was able to preach at his funeral. They were parishioners at St. Camillus and in my Teams of Our Lady. I wasn’t able to be at her funeral. Margaret Smith, another Camillus parishioner and who with her husband were also in our Team. And Betty Neary, a dear friend from St. Bernard’s, who helped me with choreography for the musicals at St. Camillus and Good Counsel. I did get up to visit her with Joan Beall about three weeks before her death. Rose (and Patty Petrone, who come and shop for me or take me for a ride) drove Joan and me  up and we had a great visit. Please keep these beloved dead and their families in your prayers.

Since I can’t go very far because of the oxygen, some friends have taken to come and visit me and we “picnic in”. I love it because I just sit in the chair and can leave the big tank on #2 and it will last for hours. I do have to get them picked up and replaced but the small tanks I can fill again from the machine in my room. I am still able to go across to the church for Mass, baptisms, and confessions. I haven’t been staying in the office at the parish center because of the weather. I prefer my suite (where the AC is in the sixties) Among my visitors were former students from GC ( Bob and Sue Chambers, their son, Joe and Domenico and Jane Sofia and Barry Fitz) Pat McGrath came to report on a 7 months job loan out to California. Rev. Mr. Patrick Mullan (who was ordained a deacon in June) came by so I could ask for his blessing. Kate Menting and her daughter, Kim came down from Wisconsin to visit Kim’s son, who is stationed in the Air Force. They are the family of my classmate, Roger. He died last year. We had a lovely visit. I talked by phone to Carmen and John Bohrer (both in New Jersey)Pat Berry in Chicago and Steve O’Gara in Minneapolis. And I regularly contact my Pittsburgh and Greensburg “family”.

I talked last night to Joe Stoutz to see how Mary’s knee surgery went and it sounds good. He is going to have surgery in August. Bill Berry is also having some tests. So keep all my friends (and all the people on my “prayer list” in your prayers as well.

I am still working on my 2017 Christmas news, so don’t give up on me. Maybe staying close to the oxygen will help me finish. Some of you know that every 4 months or so, I have been meeting 4 priest friends for dinner and solving the problems of the church. I think they might come here and “picnic in”. Also Barb Ostrye and Barry and I are planning a picnic. In late August, the Separated and Divorced group will come for Mass and a dinner in the rectory. We tried the dinner part in June (Sister Agnes came from Pa) and we had a great time. So I guess I’ll start being like “Auntie Mame” and have gatherings like she had.

I’m really tired and I have to take a nap as I have the 5:30pm Mass, I know that I’ve missed a lot of things (Like Fr. Mike Roach’s birthday, Mary Mudd’s birthday, Tish Rossi’s birthday and Frances Sampogna’s birthdays).Keep Fr. Ray Wadas, Fr. Trancone, and all the priests at the O’Boyle residence in your prayers.  A wonderful priest of the Archdiocese, Mike Fisher, was made our auxiliary bishop. And still I’ve forgotten stuff.

So I will try to keep up the rest of July.

I was just sitting here after the 10:30 Mass, where we had a special blessing for Fathers. I was thinking that all the men who have “fathered me” over the years are now in the kingdom. Although I prayed for them, I had no one to send a card to or to phone. Then, my phone rang and my eldest niece and Godchild, Mary Ann Walburn Pearson called me to wish me a very Happy Fathers Day. I was very touched and although I wasn’t sad about Fathers’ day, I decided today would be a good day to catch up on Paddy.

When last I wrote, it was June 1st, I was staying in my suite and getting ready for a family baptism the next day. It was lovely and I saw a lot of my cousins. Then we had 8th grade graduation and then I went home to rest.

It is now Saturday, June 23rd, the feast of the birth of st. John the Baptist. I have the 5:30pm Vigil Mass and have spent the day preparing my homily and relaxing in my suite. It is raining on and off and I just spoke with my friend, Carolyn and she will pick me up at 4:30 at the rectory door and drive me over to the church. I am grateful for that as I must take two of the oxygen canisters with me, so I have enough for the Mass.

I haven’t been able to write about the last few weeks as I am really confused about having to be on oxygen 24/7. I still want to be active and get around but I feel upset when I run out of oxygen unexpectedly. It has happened a number of times at daily Mass and then I come right back to the rectory to be refreshed by the air-conditioning and my big machine. I feel badly that I run back and hide. I turn my phone off and just get in bed. Or worse, I sometimes just play Spider Solitaire on the computer.

Also the news about our Cardinal, the children taken from parents at the border, and so much sickness and death test our faith. Yesterday, I watched a film on TV called “Paul, Apostle of Christ”. It was well done and reminded me of our faith. Please keep me in your prayers and don’t worry about me. I promise to write a more interesting note next week.