What Paddy Shot At

Had the 6:30am Mass and blessed throats. Then I went to Christ in the Marketplace, which is a wonderful program run by the men of the parish in which a man comes and shares his role in the marketplace in light of his faith. We’ve had great speaker on the first Fridays of the month. Today’s was Philip Brach, a parishioners and fathe of seven who is the Administrative Aid to Congressman Fortenberry of Nebraska. He spoke on the bill that the congressman is introducing to counter the HHH policy that was announced this week breaking – for the first time in our history – the freedom of conscience that is contained in the bill of rights. It was a fascinating presentation and discussion.

Then we had a school Mass as part of Catholic Schools Week and we blessed the throats of 500 students and guest. There were three of us priest but it took a long time and you’d have a 6 foot 8th grader followed by a 32 inch kindergarten student. You got dizzy from the change of altitude – but the children were so attentive and thrilled to have their throats blessed. Some of the youngest, when they were told the priest would put two candles under their chins, asked if they’d be lit. You could see some of them in the line, checking to make sure the ones ahead didn’t get lit candles.

Then I went to the nursing home and had Mass and blessed throats. Only about 14.
Then interviews for confirmation.

Lots of phone calls. Talked with Fr. Carmen. He is doing great and will return to some activity in a week or so. Marie is doing great. Joe Stoutz went to the doctor and was old that most of the pain was normal and he is improving. Didn’t hear anything about Fr. Dan. So keep him in your prayers. Made some social engagements and agreed to some religious events in some of our high schools.
Tonight, I helped with Communion and blessing of throats at the 5:30 Mass. There were a hundred people. I figured that we blessed over a thousand people today. It is great sacramental!!

After Mass, I stopped in our second “welcome new parishioners” dinner and met a lovely couple who got married here in October and like the community. That’s so great.

I stopped into the talk about the Bishops’ response to the HHH decision by a member of the Bishops’ Conference staff. He was good but I only stayed about 15 minutes.

Because now I am heading over to the rectory where there was a Mass at 6pm and now a dinner for all those couples who volunteer for our pre-Cana program. I’m looking forward to seeing them and eating some of Humberto’s special foods. It has been a good day.

Through the intercession of St. Blase, the bishop and martyr, may you be preserved from all illnesses of the throat and other maladies throughout this coming year, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday, the 31st went by very quickly. I had the 8:00am Mass and then drove over to St. Patrick’s in Norbeck for the funeral of Mr. Leroy Fangmeyer. He was the father of Lee Fangmeyer, who is now pastor of St. Michael’s in Ridge. It was a beautiful funeral and the church was filled. There were about 30 priests concelebrating and bishop Holley, our auxiliary was there. Fr. Lee spoke very well and touchingly about his dad and his faith. After Communion, another brother, Mark gave a wonderful reflection on his Dad, building on the scriptures and Fr. Lee’s comment. He had said, that whenever people said to his dad, that he “was lucky”, his dad would always say, “Not lucky, blessed”. It was a great funeral.

I met with my RCIA person and was going to have supper with Fr. Beattie. However, I loaned my car to someone and planned to take a cab to meet with. The cab took 35 minutes and never showed up. I had to call Fr. B and tell I couldn’t come. Then I realized that I didn’t have a key to the rectory (it was with my car keys). Fr. Percy came out to lock the church and he opened the door for me. However, by that time, my friend realized I couldn’t get in the rectory and brought my car back. I hate messes like that and so I went right to bed.

On February 1st, I had the 6:30 and 8:00am Masses and then drove down to Maggie’s. She, Marie, and I went to St. Michael’s to watch Sister Mary Rita be honored as a “Distinguished Alumnae”. It was a great celebration and I saw all kinds of people and families. It was hard to ask a child, whom I had baptized, “What grade are you in?” and learn that they are now in the 6th grade. Where does the time go?
Afterwards we visited in the former convent with Judy Raley and Sister’s family. It was lovely. We got back to Maggie’s and I took a nap.

For supper, we had Polish pancakes and then Sue and Mike came and we played cards. We phoned Maureen and Rick to get an update on Maureen’s doctor visit. And then I drove home. Got in around midnight.

Today, February 2nd, I preached on the Presentation. It is also the date that many of the religious sisters took their vows; so I asked the people to pray for all religious men and women, living and deceased who hold this as “vow day”.

I spent most of the day working at my desk and ‘catching up’ on things. We had a funeral at 11 with a visiting priest but I went up to see that everything went OK. I went to school and “taught” two sections of fourth grade. It was delightful.

Then I had four interviews with students preparing for Confirmation. I always enjoy that so much and love their answers as they tell me about the saint’s name they chose and about the service they did.
Then I had someone in for confession.
Fr. Jim Boccabello picked me up and we drove to Bethesda to meet Frs. Regis and Mike, from Catholic U, who help us on weekends and Fr. John Enzler for supper. We went to a great steak place and laughed and ate and laughed some more. It was a great way to spend the evening. Now I’m going to bed because I have the 6:30am tomorrow.
And now you’re up to date!!