What Paddy Shot At

The recent blizzard in Washington provided me an opportunity to “clean up my desks”. As many of you know that has been a “Work in Progress” for a long time. However, this long unexpected break in schedule led me to open a number of boxes of things I had brought with me from Southern Maryland and I poured them out on my desk in the rectory. Among the treasures were a number of Christmas cards and letters (unopened) from 2004. So I spent a couple of days opening them and organizing them with the ones I opened last month in Alaska. I read every wonderful letter and looked at every beautiful picture and they are in some order on my desk here in the parish center.

I updated my mailing list on the computer by checking return addresses and getting information from the letters. I think my list is now up to date. There are almost 700 people. I am considering making up a postcard with a short note that tells people my new address and phone number and also my blog. (I still haven’t figured out how to allow comments but I will) and my email address.

I especially want to have people be able to read the blog because I do think it is such a neat way to keep in touch. I didn’t like Face book and so I closed that out but I do so enjoy being in touch with friends and family and knowing what’s up with them.

I am also looking into being able to put my newsletter on line but it will take a few more courses to learn how to do that. Postage is so high and actually that is the reason that “The Sword”, which was the parish newsletter from St. Michael’s (and also a way to keep my friends informed about my life there) is going to try to be an “on line” issue. So I may have to make this blog my Year long Christmas letter.

Today, February 16th is the 19th anniversary of my Mom’s death. It hardly seems that long ago because I feel her presence so often and of course, I see her in my sisters; we were so lucky to have had her as a Mom. I offered two Masses today for her, my Dad, my sisters and their families and all your parents and all who gave us Life and Faith. Requiescat in Pace

Well now I must finish off any candy (especially Snickers) that are around here andd enter into Lent. Know that I will be praying for all of you and your Lenten discipline.
Affectionately,
MO

Hello again, It is February 6th and I am at my desk in the Parish Center. It has been snowing since yesterday at 10:00am. It is snowing now. We have about 20 inches of snow and I think Washington, DC is at a stand still. No one has come to plow our street and our excellent facilities team has made some paths and cleans off the stairs and entrances to the church and center. I think the parking lot will have to wait.
I had the 8:00am Mass this morning and there were four people. At 11:00am there were about a dozen. Fr. John had the 5:30pm Vigil Mass and he said there were about 80 people. The TV keeps telling people to stay home and now that it is dark, I think most people will settle in. Last night I went through all my Christmas mail and put the pictures in some order to bring over here and fill my bulletin board with those wonderful reminders of family and friends.
I am heading over to the rectory where there is Lipton chicken noodle soup and Ritz crackers. I am content. We shall see what the dawn brings. I am still trying to allow comments but you can always write me at mauryoc@prodigy.net as well.
Keep warm
Love,
MO