What Paddy Shot At

Felt better today. I think the doctor’s advice was correct. I just got up and laid aside my cane and have been walking and climbing stairs throughout the day. I had the 11am Mass and although I didn’t help with Communion, I think I walked up straight and got in and out of the chair using my legs rather than my arms.

I had lunch with Fr. Lucas and we had a great time talking about the parish and how he can get involved. Then I returned to the office and started cleaning the desk. Now there is a chair filled with loose papers but I did get somethings organized.

I typed five letters, called some relatives who have been ill and returned a couple more of the “full up” cell phone calls I recieved. Got some more of my marriage paperwork done or organized and I mailed out the IMP test that the couple took last night. I took a break to expose the Blessed Sacrament and then I made more phone calls. I called Mary Rose (my accountant) to see if my extension for paying my taxes was almost over. It isn’t, so I have a couple more months before I am dragged off to prison ministry!!

I had the 5:30pm Mass and I talked about Augustine’s concern that “too late he had loved God”. The scriptures for the day reminded us that our salvation comes not because we love God but because He first loved us. It’s encouraging that no matter when we come, He will be there to embrace us.

After Mass, Fr. Paul Hill was here and we drove over to DeCarlo’s to meet Jim Beattie, Tom Duffy, and John Clark. We had great food and as always, many laughs. I think I’ll watch some of the convention and go to bed. I think I have the 11am tomorrow.

Have had a couple of very relaxing days.
On Friday, I did stop at my Kennelly’s wake and saw his wife and son. I also saw the mother of another of my students, Mrs. Mary Mandeville. Joe is a successful entrepeneur ( No surprise, he had a great personality!)
Then I drove down to Annapolis and checked into the Doubletree Hotel. The desk clerk said it was for two nights and so I decided I could come back early Sunday for the 9:00am Mass. My room was lovely and nice and cold!!! I took a nap and then went to St. Mary’s for the rehearsal at 5pm. It went very well and then we went to BRIO’s, an Italian place in Town Center. The food was great and varied. I’d never had Fillet on a toasted tomato. Delicious!!!! I sat with the grooms family and got a chance to “catch up” for Rick, Anita, and Little Ricky from Colombia, SC It was fun and I went home and went to bed!!

On Saturday, I met Sister Kass at the Double T Diner for breakfast and we had a great visit and “caught up”. Her Dad is doing very well. Thanks for those prayers.

I went early to the church to listen to Ricky play and sing. He is so talented and did a great job at the wedding. He is now in the Army band and does a lot of entertaining for visitors to the base. He looks great.

Then I went and took a nap (after I got lost taking a short cut to avoid all the traffic in Annapolis – I finally found RT 50 and got back). The reception was at the hotel, so after the nap; I went down and visited before the meal started. Once again, the food was great. I sat with the groom’s family and his grandmother, Jean Pizza and I laughed (and cried) at the wonderful slide show of Krista, Rusty, and Krusty (them together!) It was very touching.

Once I knew that Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were over, I took my leave and went back for a nice hot shower and bed. It rained a bit during the night but it didn’t keep me awake. At 6:15am, I headed back to the parish and got here with lots of time to spare for the 9:00am Mass.
I baptized Bridget Elizabeth and she smiled throughout!! She is from Georgia but came here to be baptized in the church where her great grand parents and her grandparents were married; where her Daddy was baptized (in the same gown, her great grandmother had made). She had a large cheering section and the people in church stopped by to congratulate them all. It was so much fun.

At 2pm, Jeff and Christy came to see me. I am going to officiate at their wedding next April. Jeff is the son of Pat and Joe Villani. Joe was my classmate at St. Vincent’s about a hundred years ago and has been a superintendents of schools in Montgomery County and Virginia. Christy is from Blessed Sacrament and has wanted to be married here but didn’t how how to arrange it. I saw Joe and Pat at Fr. Ray Fecteau’s 40th and told them to have her call me – and now it’s going to happen.
Isn’t God GOOOOOOOOD!

Today, I had the 11am Mass and preached on loving and praying for our children. Monica is such a good example!!
Then I went to therapy. It was hard, especially walking up the steps! Then I met with Dr. Higgins. He was so good and explained what is going on in my legs and tells me, it’s gonna be fine. I believe him!!!

Now, I’m sitting here in the office. A couple is coming to see me at 7pm to take a pre-cana communications test. He came into the church in RCIA in the Spring and I think they’re getting married next Spring. I’m just doing paperwork!!

Then over for Jeopardy and early to bed. I think that brings you up to date!

I had a great time in the pool last Wednesday. I stayed in from 2pm till 5pm. Maggie, Marie and I were there all the time but for the last hour or so, Jimmy (Marie’s son) and his two children, Sunny and Trevor (4 and 2) came and joined us. We had a great time. I especially enjoyed being able to move around without feeling the weight on my left knee and leg.
The only thing was I forgot that we Irish have to keep out of the sun; so I do have a sunburn on my head, face, and shoulders. But I don’t care.
We all went to Ledo’s where some of Maggie’s family joined us and we celebrated my birthday (a day early). I came home and was there and in bed by 9pm.

On Thursday, August 23rd, I celebrated the 8:00am Mass and prayed for “Maurice and Frances, who gave me life and faith”. After Mass, we had donuts in the office with the staff. Then I went out to therapy at 9:30 and when I got home, there was a beautiful flower arrangment from all of Fran Werden’s grandchildren. It has brightened up the place.
I took the rest of the day off and took to my bed. Fr. Jim Boccabella joined us for supper and he and I sat in the parlor until 10pm catching up. He is loving being the pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Southeast. We laughed a lot and Fr. Lucas and Fr. Ron joined us for awhile.

Before I went to bed, I discovered that I had 19 phone messages on my phone in my office, 20 (and full) on my cell phone and over 43 messages at Facebook.
When I came to the office today, I discovered that I had 52 birthday cards and a Snickers in my mailbox. It will take me all day to read and listen but what a nice expression of friendship and it makes me very happy as I think of each of those who contacted me. I have been very blessed!!!!!

Today, I had the 8:00am Mass. It is the feast of St. Bartholomew and I prayed for the pastors and parishioners of St. Bart’s in Bethesda and in Manchester (Fr. Mike Roach is there!!).
Now, I’m going take a nap and then stop at the wake of Mr. Cletus Kennelly, the father of Packy Kennelly, one of my favorite students from GC and then I’ll head to Annapolis. I have Rusty and Krista’s wedding rehearsal at 5pm. (Rusty is the grandson of Jean Pizza). I’ll stay overnight at the Doubletree and the wedding is at 1pm. After the reception, I’ll come home and crash. I have the 9:00am Mass on Sunday.

In light of my natal day celebrations, I am reminded of a quote I saw at the Mulligan’s a couple of years ago and have it pasted on my bullentinboard.

TRULY GREAT FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND,
DIFFICULT TO LEAVE,
AND IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET.

Again, I have been so blessed in great friends!!! Thanks to you all.

Since I wrote last Saturday, I have been in a real funk!!

I did have the 5:30pm Mass on Saturday and I took the 7:30am and 10:30am Masses on Sunday. However, by the time I finished the 10:30 Mass, I was exhausted. I stayed in my office and met with a couple about Baptism for their son and then I noticed that it was pouring rain outside and my leg hurt so much that I hobbled over to the rectory and after some soup, went to bed. It was about noon when I got in bed and except for the occasional visit to the necessary; I stayed in bed till about 10am on Monday.

I had the 11am Mass and afterwards went to lunch with Jean Denney, my cousin. She drove because my leg was still bothering me. She knew a nice little Italian place further in Connecticut Ave. It was lovely and not crowded and we had a great lunch and a nice long talk about lots of things. One thing that came out of it, is that we may go to the Kennedy Center together to see Warhorse when it comes in October. I’ve been promising myself that I’d do things like the theater now that I am back in DC but I haven’t so far. Maybe this will change things!!

Spent the rest of the afternoon and night in bed again. My leg bothered me so much.

On Tuesday, I had the 8:00am Mass and then went out for some therapy. Katie was so good and answered all my silly questions about whether my ankle might be broken and that’s why I can’t walk straight, and other silly concerns I had. She tells me I am right on track and to just keep up the exercises and the therapy. I felt a lot better knowing that much of this is in my mind. I came home and did the 5:30pm Mass and even had supper with the guys in the rectory.
Went to bed closer to 11pm and slept OK

Today, I came over and led a prayer service for the faculty of our school at 8:30am. It was very nice and I had the opportunity to tell them again about Sr. Natalie and how she taught me the power of prayer. It was a lovely service, planned by Sister Mary Ann, who is a Religious of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. She is our pastoral sister in the school. She also is a friend of Maureen Raimo and will get me, her’s and Artie’s new address in Florida. They moved there over the summer. I also was talking with the art teacher, who is the niece of Sister Mary Pat, a Notre Dame sister I have known for years.

When I got back to my office I called Sister Natalie and if the leg is OK, I’ll go over in about two weeks and we’ll have lunch out.

I am at present, in my sister, Maggie’s house. She is out picking up grandchildren; but when she gets back, we’re going over to my nephew, Ronnie’s house and go water walking in his pool. Katie told me that water would be good for my leg; so I will try anything. I’ll probably stay for supper (and maybe some cards) but I’ll go home tonight as I have the 8:00am Mass on Thursday and then I have therapy again at 10:00am.

I’ll try to be more faithful in writing.

Yesterday, I had the 6:30am Mass and the 11:00am Mass and then a nice appointment with a person whom I prepared for RCIA. She is a social worker with troubled kids and we had a great visit.

Then I went and heard confessions. It was a beautiful day – almost like a fall day; so on the way home, I decided to stop in and see the Batman movie. I really enjoyed it – I was the only person in the theatre so I could chew my popcorn as loud as I wanted!

Today, my leg is bothering me again. I had the 11:00am Mass and then laid down. I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and it bothered me throughout the afternoon. A couple just left whose marriage I will bless soon. I had baptized their child a couple of months ago and I liked them immediately. So that should happen in a few weeks.

Now, I’m off to have some supper and then go to my suite. I put some ice in plastic bags and will try to get them on my knee tonight. Tomorrow is Saturday and I don’t have anything till the 5:30pm Mass, so I’ll probably just lounge around the room.

On Sunday, I have the 10:30am in the Church. We don’t begin the Mass in the gym till after Labor Day. At 3pm, I’m going over to Riderwood for Marguerite Moore’s 90th birthday. I’m sure I’ll see a lot of St. Camillus people there. Then home to my room and more ice!!!

Had the 11am Mass and it was almost standing room. I guess a lot of people were “in the neighborhood” and stopped in. Afterwards, I went to Jiffy Lube – another one of those projects I’ve been meaning to do, like buying an electric shaver. I had supper with Msgrs Beattie and Duffy at DeCarlo’s and just got home. I stopped and bought a lottery powerball ticket. You got to play to win! I think its up to 320 million!!

Time to go to bed, I have the 6:30am Mass tomorrow.

I am losing days!! I had a great time on Sunday at Mike’s in Riva. I met Karen and Kevin Murphy (my cousin Karen was a Ballenger), Mark and Pauletta Riley (friends from St. Bernard’s days) and Fr. John Dakes, pastor of St. Aloyisius in Leonardtown and a former teen club member from St. Camillus days. At the next table were his sister, Patty and her husband, Mike and Karl, their brother and assorted nieces and nephews. It was a great time and the crabs were wonderful!
Afterwards, I drove through Sylvan Shores, where my grandparents had a home and where we spent many fun filled summers. It has changed a lot but it brought back good memories. On the way home, I stopped in Bowie and saw the newest Bourne movie. I enjoyed it and got home before ten. I did miss the closing of the Olympics. I’ll wait for the DVD.

On Monday, I had the 8:00am Mass and then because I didn’t feel good, I went back to bed and got up for supper. I slept alright that night so I must have needed it.

Today, I got up early and drove down to see Maggie. Needed to pick up my suitcoat and to drop off the Redskin tickets. She got home yesterday from a whirl wind trip to Canada, which she enjoyed very much but is spending the day recovering. Since I was down that way, I went to Walmart and did some shopping. I hate shopping but I needed to get a new electric razor and a couple of ace bandages. My legs are really giving me trouble. I got home in time for exposition and then an hour nap. I just finished the 5:30 Mass. It was the Vigil and very well attended. My cousin, Catherine and her fiance, Greg stopped in to talk with me. They’re getting married in May in Virginia and had some questions. They are a cute couple.
Speaking of cute couple, tomorrow is the wedding anniversary of Dan and Stephanie Poje. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers

Now, I’m off to get something to eat and go to bed.

I slept well last night. I put on a pain patch as my knee was bothering me and I slept through till 10:00am. Good Patch!!

Just had my 1pm wedding. It was Sharon and Juan. Sharon is Beth McCoy’s grandaughter and the service was in Spanish and English. I felt I did badly with the Spanish as I was very nervous but some of the hispanas spoke to me afterwards and said I was fine.
I had the chance to see some other members of the McCoy clan and that was fun. I couldn’t go to the reception in Virginia as I have the 5:30pm Mass. Tomorrow, I will have the 7:30am and the 10:30am. I am going to meet Fr. John Dakes and some other people from St. Camillus for crabs at Mike’s in Riva at 3pm. It is my first crab meal and I am looking forward to it. I’ll probably be in bed early Sunday night as I don’t know the schedule for next week yet.

I tied today’s readings and this feast in with St. Sixtus from the other day. Lawrence was one of his deacons and followed him in martydom. I had the 6:30am Mass because I was going out to therapy at 8:30. It went well and they tell me I am almost done. Praise God, there is no pain; just awkwardness walking. I came home and had the 11am Mass. Then I met the new priest. He is from Argentina by way of Portland, Oregon. He will study at CUA and reside with us. His name is Fr. Lucas. (first name)
Then I went and took a nap. Just finished a baptism in the chapel and a wedding rehearsal for a wedding tomorrow in the chapel at 1pm. Am going over to eat, watch the Olympics and go to bed.

Last Wednesday evening, I met a couple at RIP’s in Bowie and filled out the rest of the wedding papers for a wedding I have on August 25th. Had a great time.
On Thursday, I had the 6:30am Mass and then went to the doctor’s and had a stress test. It had something to do with the EKG I had 2 months ago. It took till 1pm but everything was great.

Most of the last few days, I’ve just had Mass, watched the Olympics, and took naps. I just don’t feel lilke going out because of the heat. I have spent some time on the phone catching up with people. Had a nice long talk with Fr. Dwight from Witchita and Joe Stoutz. His sister, Mary is recovering well. Thanks for those prayers. Please keep my secretary, Shirley, from St. Michael’s. She is undergoing tests and she and I know the power of prayer, so please offer her up in your prayers.

Well, I’m off to the rectory.

Can’t believe three days have passed. Sunday went just as planned. I said the three early Masses and then went to bed. In my homily, I spoke about the Olympics and how much I was enjoying them. Many people said the same after Mass. I also told the story of Jesse Owens and Luz Long. If you don’t know it, google them. It is a good example of what the Olympics are about. It fit in with the second reading at Mass, in which Paul reminds us to put away the old self and be the new person.

Late Friday night, I got a phone call from Cindy and Jim Richards, their sons were students of mine at Good Counsel and I have stayed friends with the family – although I had lost their address because they had moved to North Carolina. They were up for a family wedding and we staying at the Pook Hill Marriott and we arranged to get together for supper on Sunday night. It was just lovely. I got brought up to date on their three children (there was a girl, Carolyn who couldn’t come to GC in those days!) and their seven grandchildren. It was like we’d been together last week. Aren’t friendships like that – a gift!!

I had the 8:00am Mass on Monday. It was the feast of the Transfiguration. On that day, 41 years ago, I met Dan Poje. So I sent he and Stephanie an email Happy Feast Day. I also called a lot of people who had left phone messages for me over the last few weeks. It was nice to catch up with them and have a nice long talk. While the knee was giving me so much pain, I just couldn’t talk and be socialable and I think I am over that.

Monday night, I drove over to Leisure World and had a great supper (crab cakes, etc.) with Anne and Frank Connolly. They too had sons at GC and their daughter was in our musicals. I got to know them well but unfortunately, just haven’t been with them for a long time. They did come to visit me at St. Michael’s about 6 years ago. We had a great time and again I was brought up to date on the kids and their kids. I got home around 9:30 and went to bed. Am having trouble breathing at night so I am using the oxygen more frequently. I slept all right and got up around 6:30am. I took a nice hot shower in hopes that the steam would loosen up my sinuses. It seems to have worked.

Today, I had the 8am Mass and exposition at 3pm. I will have the 5:30pm Mass also and then back to the room to lounge around and watch more of the Olympics. I can sleep in tomorrow, Wednesday as I have the 11:00am and the 5:30. Fr. Percy is away till the weekend but a priest of Camden, who is a friend of Fr. Ron’s is visiting, so we have some extra help.

The LCWC is holding a conference in St. Louis. Please keep them in your prayers. These women have taught us so much over the years, I pray they can continue to teach us how to deal with this injustice.