What Paddy Shot At

Everything that I mentioned last time that was scheduled, went very well on Saturday but I was glad to come back to the rectory and relax with the oxygen.

Then we had a wonderful dinner that was prepared by Martino. John Williams, the other seminarian joined Fr. Ron, Fr. Lucas and myself. He made veal and pasta carbonara (two of my favorites) and tiramasu. We laughed and talked till very late (for me). I think it was 8:30pm

I had the 7:30am Mass on Sunday and I used the oxygen because of the pollen. After Mass, I worked in my office and got the paperwork on weddings up to date, lowered the paper pile by throwing a lot away, and found some important papers I was looking for. It was nice to have the room looked “ordered”. I’m sure JoEddy will tease me about it later today.

Then I had the 12:30pm Mass and my homily was on the word, “glory”, which I looked up and did some reflecting on because of a great homily that was on the St. Vincent web page. I think it went well.

At 2pm, I had two baptisms. Please keep Ella and Max and their families in your prayers.

I had a nice long talk with Fr. Beattie and I’m hopeful that later today, he will be able to get accepted at the National Rehabilitation Center near Catholic U.

I went to bed early and had a good nights sleep. Today, it has rained and driven some of the pollen away. I had the exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass, so I think I’ll work on my taxes.

Fr. Ron and Martino are away today on a bus trip to St. Mary’s county. It think the group is about 45. Last years was so well liked that they decided to have another one to different churches. I don’t think the drizzle will put a damper on the trip.

I also have a Mass at 6:30pm for the RCIA people. Then there is a supper afterwards in the parish center. It will be nice to see all of them, since I was away at Easter and didn’t get to be with them on the Vigil as they entered the church.

I think it will be another early to bed night!

The pollen was terrible this week and I had a “dull headache” most of the time. If I didn’t have to be up and doing things, I got in bed, put on the oxygen, and just lounged around. So now, I need to bring you up to date.

On Tuesday, I had my “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. We had a great discussion about Pope Francis. I got together a biography on him and some wonderful stories about his life since becoming Pope. There are lots of charming stories about his interactions with people. He really is a breath of fresh air.

I had two interviews about first communion and then the 5:30pm Mass. I went to bed early.

On Wednesday, I kept calling Fr. Beattie all day and they kept telling me that he wasn’t answering his phone. Late that night, I found out he was back in Georgetown Hospital. I am not impressed by the Washington Home.

I had my last two interviews and now we are getting ready for First Communion. I will be the presider at the 1pm session on May 11th.

I spent much of the day working on the cruise we’re hoping to go on in July. I, again, went to bed early because of the pollen.

On Thursday, we had a great Mass at 10am in the chapel to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Thelma Mattingly’s death. Her children and a grandchild came from the Carolinas and Virginia and my sisters, Maggie and Marie came. Also Thelma’s sister and niece and a cousin and his wife came. After Mass, we all went to a very nice lunch at Mrs. K’s and laughed and talked till 3pm. The Mattingly’s and the O’Connell’s were like one family. Our Dads were both U.S. Marshalls and our Moms were like sisters. It was great to be with them.

I came home and sat with the priests at the supper table. I didn’t eat but we had great discussions will after 8pm. Fr. Jim, from Scranton and Fr. Dillion, from St. Mark’s joined us and it was a delightful time. Turned on the airconditioner to avoid the pollen.

This morning, I finally had a chance to talk with Fr. Beattie. I am trying to help him move to another rehab. I’m waiting to hear from Dr. Higgin’s, my orthopedic man about a place for Father. Please keep that in your prayers.

I had the 11am Mass today and then a wedding rehearsal at 4pm. It’s a wedding that Fr. Beattie was going to do; so I’m a substitute. The girl was from St. Camillus and so I know her family as well. Her Mom is the kindergarten teacher here. Please keep Kelly and Jimmy in your prayers.

I’ll go to bed soon as I have 8am Mass on Saturday, a baptism at noon, and the wedding at 4pm. I will have to use the oxgyen throughout the day and will be ready for early bed.

I’ll write again on Sunday.

Thursday, I picked up Joan B and we drove up to visit Betty Neary. Her daughter, Mary joined us for lunch at the Mason/Dixon diner. We had a great time and a very good meal. We then visited Betty at her new apartment, which is so much nicer than the “dark” place she use to have. It is so bright and airy. Joan and I got back around 5pm. (I don’t know how people survive the beltway every day) Traffic was terrible but it was a beautiful day for a trip.

I joined the priests for supper and Ryan, our seminarian from two years ago joined us. I offered to drive him back to Catholic University. It gave us a chance to talk and again was a nice night for a ride. I stopped in to see Msgr. Beattie, figuring that the parking would not be as bad as usual. It wasn’t but it was after 9pm and he was already in bed. So I just said hello and told him I’d return.

Friday, I had Mass at 11am and then drove over to Bethesda to meet my cousins, Ann and Jean. Jean had brought some neighbors who knew other cousins and we had a nice lunch and talk. However, it did take me 25 minutes to find a parking space to join them. I’m scratching that restaurant off my list. I really wish I didn’t have to drive anywhere around Washington. When it’s not congested, they’re doing repairs and the backup is terrible.

I had some more interviews and then I had the 5:30pm Mass. I was ready for bed.

On Saturday, I met a young couple whose wedding I will perform in December. Have to get that paperwork done!!!
Then I had the 11am Mass and afterwards, went back to see Monsignor. The handicap space was available and so I was able to park near the door. He was in great spirits and, because of the exercises, has been able to walk (with assistance). Each day it gets better. I wish he was where there was a pool because I think he’d do even more but for now, any thing that gets him walking again is good.

After my visit, I went to St. Mary’s church in Rockville where I baptized Carrick. His grandmother’s family – (the Rossi’s)- were a great Italian family from Greensburg, Pa. I taught CCD in their parish and through one of daughter, Tish, Tom Kredel and I were “adopted” and came for spaghetti almost every Sunday afternoon. This child is Joanne, the other daughter and her husband, Mike’s grandchild. The service was very nice and afterwards, we went to Kate, Ryan, and Carrick’s house for a nice luncheon. I got the chance to meet lots of Ryan’s family (he is a graduate of Mt. St. Joe’s – a Xavierian school in Baltimore) and many of Kate’s classmates from Elon University in South Carolina. It was great fun.

I think I was in bed by 8pm.

On Sunday, I had the 10:30am Mass. There was a baptism during Mass; so please keep Ethan Samuel and his family in your prayers. Peter, our deacon preached and it was very good. He keeps improving and moves away from his notes. He included the baptism in his homily and that made the family feel very welcomed!

Then I drove down to Jesus, the Good Shepherd parish to concelebrate the 2pm Mass for First Communion. Fr. Mike King is very hospitable and each child comes forward with their families and receives individually. When it was time for Bradley, I came over and gave him the Eucharist. It was very nice. He is the son of Ann Marie and Mike Jenkins and Maggie’s grandson. He had lots of his relatives there. We went to Chesapeake Beach for a nice early dinner. I think there were about 28 people. Lots of laughter and good food!

On the way home, I stopped in and visited Joan B and Ginny. Sue and Scot were there also and we had a nice visit. Again, I was ready for bed.

This morning, I said the 8:15am Kindergarten Mass for Earth Day at Stone Ridge. I love to do things there. It’s always well done and enthusiastic. Then I went and got a new PIN # for my ATM card, which is new. Then I had lunch with a good friend, a nap and now I am interviewing First Communicants. I think this week might be the end of that. I have enjoyed them greatly.

I have the 5:30pm Mass and then a couple who I met during the Wednesday night “The Light is on for you” Lenten program is coming to see me about blessing their marriage. God’s grace is so wonderful!!!

I think it will be another early to bed night.

I slept great on Sunday and came over late on Monday for the 11am Mass. I love that we are reading the Acts during this time. It makes me proud of how couragious the Apostles and the early disciples were.

The rest of the day was easy. I interviewed 11 First Communicants and that is always a delight. I’m trying to clean this desk but the stuff keeps multiplying! Spent the evening talking on the phone and relaxing. Had a great long talk with Ann Lee in Florida and caught up on all her family.

Tuesday, I had the 11am Mass and I preached about violence and we prayed for the people in Boston. Then I had “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. We shared our thoughts and feelings about violence and forgiveness. There were some wonderful stories of people who experienced terrible events and yet forgave or tried to forgive. I shared a power point that I had received that morning about 4 candles. Three (Peace, Faith, and Love) had gone out but the last (Hope) was used to rekindle the flames of the others. I just told it because I don’t know how to print out a power point; but I got email addresses and mailed it to many of them. We had a wonderful session.

Then I interviewed 8 First Communicants. They just “rekindled” my hope for the future of the world and the Church. In the evening, I met with Kelly and Jimmy about their wedding in two weeks. Msgr. Beattie had married her parents and baptized her; and they wanted him to officiate at the wedding. He just isn’t up to that yet, so I am “going in” for him. Poor substitute!

On Tuesday, Brother Francis, the principal of San Miguel School called to see if I could “sub” for a priest who was scheduled to say Mass for the boys, and had to cancel out at the last moment. I said sure.

So today, Wednesday, I stopped by Collin’s Funeral home to arrange for some memorial cards for a Mass next week and then drove to San Miguel. It is on Georgia Ave in Takoma Park. I’ve been there to hear confessions and I am really impressed by the work the Christian Brothers do there. The school is for 6 thru 8th. It is all boys and most of Hispanic. Almost all the 8th graders get into Catholic High Schools and that isn’t easy!!! Keep all there in your prayers.

I just put out the Blessed Sacrament and am doing more interviews until Mass at 5:30pm. Then I will go to a local Greek restaurant and meet the parents of a couple whose wedding I have in June. The couple wants us all to get together and I think it will be fun to all be together.

Tomorrow, Thursday I’ll pick up Joan B around 9:30 and head North. We’ll stop at my travel agent to settle some things about a cruise our group would like to take in July and then we’re going up to Shrewsbury and have lunch with Betty Neary. It’s my day off and I get to play on that day. I’ll write on Friday.

I had a great time at the reception and saw three old friends from the seminary, Tom Clouse, Paul Rao, and Bob Madoff and their wives. I sat with a couple from the parish as well as Joe’s Mom, Florence, whom I really enjoyed laughing and talking with. She still lives in New Castle and is a native Pittsburgher. Joe and Pat sat with us, as did their older son’s in laws and two of their grandsons. It was a wonderful wedding and celebration.

I have to admit, I left around 9pm (as senior priests are allowed to do) and I went to my room, took a nice hot bath and relaxed. I think I was asleep before the 11pm news. I slept well and left around 8am.

I stopped to see how Msgr. Beattie was doing. He was having breakfast and looking very good. He did his therapy on Friday and Saturday and was very pleased with his improvement. So was I. We had a nice visit and then I returned for the 10:30am Mass in the gym.

In my homily, I spoke about friendship with Jesus and how it leads us to do what Peter and the other apostles eventually did – to follow him, as he called them to do today in the gospel. I shared with them a story going around Rome about our new Holy Father. It goes:

A few days ago, at dawn, the time the Pope wakes up, he came out to the corridor, and he found in front of his door the sentry, a Swiss Guard standing with his halberd at attention.

He asked him: “And what are you doing here? Have you been up all night?”

“Yes,” replied the guard with deference and a bit surprised.

“On your feet?”

“Your Holiness, my duty since I took over from my companion.”

“And aren’t you tired?”

“It’s my duty Your Holiness; I should watch for your safety.”

Pope Francis looked at him again with kindness, went back to his suite and after a minute he came out carrying a chair: “At least sit down and rest.”

The guard rolled his eyes and answered: “Santo Padre, forgive me, but I cannot! The regulations do not allow that.”

“The regulations?”

“Orders from my captain, Your Holiness.”

The Pope smiled, “Oh, really? Well, I’m the Pope and I order you to sit down.”

So, caught between the regulations and the Pope, the Swiss Guard (so much for the halberd) chose the chair.

The Pope returned to his apartment.

After a couple of minutes, the Pope came back to the Swiss Guard, still obediently seated on the chair, carrying “panino con marmellata” (Italian bread with jam) which he had prepared. Before the soldier could say anything, the Holy Father, exhibiting his Argentinean smile, told the Swiss Guard, “With all the hours spent standing on guard you must be a bit hungry.” The Swiss Guard had no time to object because the Pope right away wished him a good bite: “Bon appetit, brother.”

As Fr. Michael Roach says of stories he shares in Church History, if a students asks “is it true”; he responds, “if it isn’t, it should be”.

I’m sure this is true because Pope Francis is a friend of Jesus and follows Him. May we do likewise.

After Mass, lots of people asked where I got the story and I directed them to Whispers in the loggia. It is wonderful.

I’ve been relaxing here in the office and working on my taxes (my dear friend, Mary Rose has gotten me an extension) but I am still trying to gather information for her.

Now off to the rectory and some food and a nap.

Hope all of you are having a glorious Spring.

On Wednesday, I went to the Vianney House and met with 9 other “older priests” for our monthly get together. We had lunch and at lunch, discovered it was msgr. Bazan’s birthday. We sang and had a cake. He would not tell his age!!

I had to stop by Mary Rose’s office and drop off a letter that I thought I had given her on Tuesday night BUT I had given her a list of people to pray for. I can get so confused!!

Then I had exposition and 8 second graders for First Communion interviews. I do so enjoy that. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass and went home early.

On Thursday, It was my “day off”, so I slept in. I had a hard time sleeping because the room was so hot even with a fan. It is almost 90 today.

Went to Cheltenham to bury Jim Clarke, then got a milk shake with Marie and Maggie and went back to Maggie’s for a nap. We had a very nice supper that Kerri made for us and then JoAnn came and we played cards. I left around 10pm and was in bed and asleep by 11:15. While I was out, the men put the air conditioner in my suite and I slept wonderfully.

On Friday, Martino told me the second graders were doing reports on biography books they read. They dress up like the person and give their report in the first person. It was delightful. Clara Barton, Chuck Yeager, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt were just some of them. I was most impressed.

Joan W drove me up to see Msgr. Beattie. He is back at the Washington Home and seems to be doing so much better with the walking. Therapy is so hard but so necessary. He just looked better and the trip to the hospital wasn’t really necessary and he didn’t have to stay.

Afterwards, she drove me to Chevy Chase House for Mass at 1:30pm. I had a wedding rehearsal at 6pm. I am officiating at the marriage of Chrissy Shortley (from the parish) and Jeff Villani, (whose father, Joe was at St. Vincent’s with me).

Afterwards, we went to Maggiano’s for a terrific rehearsal dinner. I rode with Joe and Pat. The food was great and I met lots of their friends and family. After 9pm, I excused myself and convinced Joe not to leave and take me home. I was intending to get a cab home. I was standing on Wisconsin Ave, and one of our teachers and her daughter called out to me and offered me a ride home. God provides!!

Today is Saturday and this morning I had the 8:00am Mass and then a baptism at noon. It was the grand -daughter of Bill Bray, who was the bank representative for Chevy Chase bank to all the parishes in the Archdiocese. He helped us out many times at St. Bernard’s. He lives in the parish and his son and daughter-in-law live nearby. We had it in the chapel and it was lovely. Remember to pray for Elizabeth Ryan.

The wedding just ended and went very well. They are heading out to the reception at the University of Maryland. I’m going in a few moments. They got me a room at the hotel there, so I could go up and rest if I wanted to and then come back down for the late night stuff. We’ll see; but it is nice to have a room.

I’ll return on Sunday morning for the 10:30am Mass.

Remember how I always say that, according to Meyers/Briggs, I am an introvert and all of you laugh? Well, I realize now that as much fun as I had for the last ten days, with the people I met and talked with and laughed with, I needed last night and today ALONE to refill. I am very rested now.

Yesterday, Monday, I left South Carolina and headed NORTH. I stopped to eat in Virginia and since it was such a beautiful day, I drove all the way back to Chevy Chase. I got home around 5:30pm. I looked at my mail in the office and checked phone messages, then came to the rectory. Didn’t feel like eating but I sat at the supper table with Fr. Ron and Martino, then I came to my room. Martino was kind enough to carry my bag up and I kind of “unpacked” and went to bed.

This morning, I watched the Today show and then fell back to bed. The facilities men brought up to my office all the stuff in my trunk and I’ll “unpack” that later tonight. I have lots of laundry.

Around noon, I went to the parish center and Joan W. drove me up to the Washington Home to see Msgr. Beattie. He is out of Georgetown and is back here for rehab. We had a nice (and funny) visit and he is so much improved – although he still doesn’t have enough strength in his legs to walk alone. Keep him and the therapy in your prayers.

I’m going down to supper and then I will go out to the credit union (to cover all my gas bills) and stop and see Joan B and the Mudd’s.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, I will go to the “old priests” gathering and then I have exposition, First Communion interviews and then 5:30pm Mass. I am going to be back in the saddle again!!

Yesterday was a “different” day than I planned BUT it was great!!

I did drive up to Holy Trinity and prayed at the graves of Fathers Peter and Austin and Brothers Alexis and Robert as well as many others whom I have known over the years. I also stopped into the house to see the chapel and the local superior, Dennis Berry greeted me. I have not seen him in about 15 years and it was a gift from God to see him. He also told me that they were having a funeral on Monday. Fr. John Ford died suddenly on Easter. Another great Tinitarian.

I also rode over to the sisters’ place. All of the place is just “holy ground”.

As I was driving North, I saw that I would be driving through Phenix City, Alabama and I remembered that the Salvatorians had a parish there. I couldn’t find it, so I stopped at St. Patrick’s church and thought they could direct me. As it turns out, the pastor, Fr. Tom Weise, is in charge of Mother Mary, because the Slavatorians have left there. Fr. Tom, is a priest of Birmingham and went to the seminary in Baltimore with Frs. Hank Slevin, Jack Wintermeyer, and Joaquin Bazan. He and I had a great visit and I got off schedule. I didn’t get to Rick Thompson’s till 6pm. He had made supper. Bill and Shirley, great friends of his, whom I know and another Shirley, who use to live in Werner Robins joined us for supper. Shirley and Rick have been “keeping company” and I was glad to meet her. She has beautiful eyes and likes my humor. We played cards (I lost!!) and we watched the basketball tournament. I stayed the night.

I went to Sunday school and was warmly welcomed by many who knew Maureen well. I enjoyed the teaching at the school and then we went to the 10:30 service. Beautiful music (Lori sang) and a very good sermon by the pastor. It all ended around noon and then, Rick,Mark and Lori, Rachel and Sarah and I all went to a nice Mexican place for lunch. We ‘caught up’ – which I love. Rick had to go to a meeting but I followed the rest to their home, which I had not seen. We talked about church history, which I’m sure you know, I didn’t mind. The girls have learned a lot about it in school and I was very impressed.

Then I headed North and since it was much later than I had planned, I decided to spend the night in South Carolina and hopefully will start out early tomorrow and be home by night.

It will be nice to sleep in my own bed BUT I have had a wonderful trip.

It was such a beautiful day yesterday that after I dropped Patrick at the airport, I just kept driving. I went through the rest of Texas, through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and into Florida on RT 10. I think it was over 400 miles. I did get out every two hours and walk around and my legs felt fine. I decided, as it got dark, to stop at a hotel and to be honest, I was too tired to write last night and I went right to bed. Slept great!!

On the trip, I stopped in Pascagoula, Mississippi. 49 years ago, my Dad died there while on a vacation trip with my Mom and Maggie and Maureen. The restaurant is gone but I stopped at the hospital, which is greatly enlarged but where he was taken. Said a prayer.

I also stopped at St. Michael’s church in Biloxi, Mississippi. The church was devastated by the hurricane in 2005 and the parishioners of St. Michael’s, Ridge took up a couple of collections to help them rebuild. I took some pictures and again said a prayer for both communities.

I just finished a little breakfast and am heading out.

I plan to stop in Holy Trinity, Alabama and pray at the graves of Fr. Austin, Fr. Peter, and other Trinitarians whom I know and are buried in the motherhouse cemetery.

I plan to get to Rick Thompson’s this afternoon and spend some time with him and his family. Will spend the night and go to church and then continue North.

I am having a great time and very relaxed.

Went to see the presentation done by the kindergarten and 3rd grade teachers from St. Michael’s. It was excellent and very well attended. Then I met Dwight and Tish for lunch as they were leaving this afternoon. It was great to see them and we made plans to meet again in Pittsburgh in 2014.
I also spent a few hours having a wonderful talk with a priest friend of Stephanie’s who is stationed in Houston. Then the St. Michael’s group left and Patrick and I are just relaxing here in our room.

We’ll go to the airport around 8am. Pat’s plane is at 11am; but I’ll just let him off and then head for RT 10 and go towards Alabama, where I might spend the night.

I talked with Joan Beall and learned that Marie’s surgery yesterday went well and she was up to going to Bingo tonight.

Also Kerri is back in the hospital again. Please keep her in your prayers. Msgr. Beattie is out of intensive care but still in the hospital.
I will be glad to get home and see everyone.

Good night, Y’all