What Paddy Shot At

I do apologize again that it has been so long since I wrote. I don’t know where the time goes!

When last I wrote, it was Christmas day and I was heading over to the rectory to get some food and hang out in my room. I did go and have my sandwiches but I didn’t open any mail; I just laid on the bed and watched movies: The Robe, Ben Hur, the greatest story ever told, and the Bells of St. Mary. I’d nod off and wake up to find a different movie on but since I know them all backwards and forward, I could pick up where the film was. I got ready for bed around 9pm and slept through to 7am.

On Thursday, the 26th, I had the 8am Mass and then headed to Maggie’s. She, Kerri and I drove down to the Ridgell’s for what was described as “just left overs” for supper. If the 16 things we had were “leftovers” than the Christmas meal must have been a “doozy” !! Friends and neighbors were there as well as her family (whom I use to love to play cards with, when I was at St. Michael’s) and we had a great time and visit. We left around 9:30 and I dropped off Maggie and Kerri and came on home. With using the oxygen, more and more, I like to sleep in my own room. I was in bed before midnight.

On Friday, I came over and did some more organizing of my desk. I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. I called a lot of people just checking in; then I had a wedding rehearsal at 6pm. This is the very nice couple that I told last Spring that I might not be up to doing a wedding in December. We had such a good time together and neither of the other priests was available, so I told them I would officiate. Mary Tull did the rehearsal and I met the families. I didn’t go to the dinner and was in bed very early.

On Saturday, I slept in and came over for the wedding. James, a young man from the parish who helps me a lot at Mass, came to be my assistant at the wedding. He was a great help and I didn’t have to use the oxygen at all. Stephen and Courtney looked radiant and everything went well.
I was a little nervous because Mary called in the morning and had the flue. I told her not to worry and things, as I said, went very well. Then I had the 5:30pm Vigil Mass. It wasn’t too much because the deacon preached. Again, early to bed.

Sunday, the 29th was the feast of the Holy Family – one of my favorite feast. In all the other parishes I’ve been in, we (priests and deacons) would gather at the communion stations during the recessional and bless as the families as they came to us in small groups. I had the gym Mass and preached about family life and love and invited people to come up after Mass for a blessing. I didn’t have the children up around the altar because of the manger and the poinsettia; but I did use the stool and give Communion. It was a very pleasant Mass.
Afterwards, I went to my room and defrosted my refrigerator. It was a lot of work but very satisfying after it was done. Then I sat and opened all my cards and read each letter. I loved “catching up” on people I baptized (now in college) or married (now living far away and doing interesting jobs) and seeing the pictures of happy events in their lives. I will work on my Christmas letter in earnest now!!!

Today, we had Joan Mullan’s funeral. Fr. Duffy came and preached as they had gone to grade school together. Fr. Francisco, who use to work in the parish and now is a priest of our diocese studying in Rome, and Fr. Ron and I concelebrated. It was a beautiful Mass and the music was stirring!!
I went over and took a nap because I have this 7pm wedding in the chapel.

Tomorrow, I will pick up Fr. Beattie around 9am and we’re going to IHOP for breakfast. I have afternoon appointments and then I have the 5:30pm Mass and I’ll probably watch the ball come down in Times Square from my bed. I think last year, I slept through it but I do enjoy seeing it. Happy New Year to all of you and may 2014 be a blessed one for you and your loved ones.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Monday, I met with Kevin and we will have his service right after the New Year.
Then I drove down to Maggie’s and dropped off the ornaments and the calendars for the family. The traffic was not too bad but I was glad to get home.

On Tuesday, I had the 11am Mass (in the chapel as the church was being decorated) and then we had confessions from Noon to 1pm. Then I took a nap and at 5:15pm, we had a supper brought in by a parishioner. She has done that for 31 years. It was delicious.
I presided at the 6pm Mass and it was lovely – and crowded!!! I hear the 4pm Masses were more than crowded but everyone loved them.
I gave out Communion on the side and that was very nice.
I went and took a nap, intending to con-celebrate the Midnight Mass. I didn’t – I think the first time in over 40 years that I didn’t. I ached too much to get out of bed. I watched the Midnight Mass at the Shrine on TV and prayed for all of you.

This morning I had the 9am Mass. It wasn’t full but it was a spirited congregation and I loved it. I did not give out communion as there were many Eucharistic Ministers who came to help. As I had at the 6pm, I stood at the door after Mass and greeted people and blessed children. I had a great time. My homily was on the “Word made flesh” and I think it went well.
I’ve been cleaning my desk and calling some people and now I will go home and have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and go upstairs and watch a bunch of movies, that will make me cry. Then I’ll open all my cards and read those wonderful letters that bring me up to date on the activities of my family and friends. I will put the pictures up on my “wall of memories”. I will have a very restful Christmas and you all will be in my thoughts and prayers all day. God bless and care for each of you and your families. Merry Christmas!!

It been quite a week. Let me bring you up to date.

Saturday, Dec 14th was a wonderful day. The weather turned out not to be as dangerous as they forcasted but I’m glad I went to Maggie’s. We had a chance to visit on Saturday morning and then I drove over to Edgewater. Had a nice “catch up” with Sr. Kass and Fr. Joe. The first reconciliations were wonderful and I was home in plenty of time for the 1pm baptism. He was Samuel Murphy…. and his family was part of the Sindall clan from St. Camillus. Keep him and his family in your prayers. It was nice to see old friends. The 2pm was Antonio Alejandro – part of the McCloy clan and again it was great to see old friends. Keep Antonio and his family in your prayers.
A couple called me and asked to stop by; so I met them around 5pm and afterward, I met with a young man who has been coming to talk with me for the last year. He is a really good man, keep him and the couple in your prayers. I relaxed and watched TV and was in bed by 10pm.
On Sunday, which was Joy Sunday, I preached at the 10:30am in church and used the example of Pope Francis to encourage joyfulness. It went well. I made them laugh out loud and told them that was not only allowed in church but encouraged.
I met with Stephen and Courtney, whose wedding I will have on the Saturday after Christmas. I had encouraged them to get a “healthy” priest but they wanted me, so I will do the rehearsal and the wedding. I hope it goes OK. I worry because I run out of steam at Mass sometimes.
At Noon, in our chapel, I had a small prayer service where one of the people taking private instructions about the faith with me, was brought into full communion, Confirmed, and received Eucharist. Please keep Ken and his family in your prayers.
Then I went over to visit a couple whose son I baptized awhile ago. His relatives are friends of mine from Greensburg and were here for his first birthday. I had a great time and then as I was leaving, I slipped on some “black ice”. I didn’t break anything but I did fall and bruised my hand and knees. When I got home, there was a message that Mr. McGreevy had died in Colorado. I’m glad he is at peace. I went to bed early.

Monday, the 16th, I had the 11am Mass and then stopped over at the rectory because we had a small farewell party for JoEddie. She will be greatly missed as she cleaned the church and our offices, etc. She also had a great sense of humor and I will hate to see her go.
I stopped by to see Joan and Mary Mudd. It was fun and then I slept in the afternoon and after supper, we had a parish penance service and I heard confessions. Went to bed early.

On Tuesday, we heard school confessions and then Joan and I drove down to pick up the white House Ornaments. It was much easier than in previous years; I should have done it a couple of weeks ago. Then I drove out to Howard County Hospital to see “Father R”, who was in intensive care. His 5 kids were there and we had a nice talk.
I came home for the exposition and then I had the 5:30pm Mass and had supper at the rectory. Afterwards, I went to my play reading group. We had a great time. The play was called “The Long Christmas dinner”. We enjoyed it.

On Wednesday, I met Susan Cassidy at RIP’s and I gave her the ornaments for St. Michael’s faculty and my TEAM and she gave me the calendars from the school. We also had a great lunch and talk.
I got word that Mr. Rosenberger had died and so I changed my plans to go to NYC with Maggie. She and Marie went. I don’t even know what I did the rest of the evening as I had lots of things to re-arrange.

On Thursday, I met with a priest friend for coffee and conversation. Then I stopped again at Joan’s and then I went to hear confessions at St. Luke’s. I spent the evening working at my desk. I was on the phone a lot. Gene Kienery is in the hospital and needs prayers.

My 97 year old Spanish communion call had died but I was going to be away, so Ron took the funeral. Since I was home, I concelebrated and her family was grateful to have me join them. I enjoyed her eulegy as she had a full life full of adventures.
Then I went to Father R’s wake at 2 in Columbia and then went to a hotel. Jerry and I met there and came to the evening wake together. We stopped for a late dinner and then went back to the hotel.

On Saturday, Jerry followed me to St. Louis Church in Clarkesville for the 10am funeral. It was very nice and Tom Johnson, his son-in-law spoke and it was excellent. I presided and preached. Jerry con-celebrated as did Father Bill Spacik, a Baltimore priest. The burial was at Gate of Heaven and afterwards they all went back to the house. I came right home, ate, and slept for 5 hours.
Jerry left his coats at the hotel. (It was so warm; you were in short sleeves! even though it was the first day of Winter.) I called and I think he’ll get them back over the weekend.

Today, I slept in and then came to the office and watched all the Sunday talk shows. Then at 1:30, I had a baptism. Please keep Colin Patrick and his family in your prayers.
Then I welcomed a lovely young lady into full communion, confirmed and gave her first Eucharist. Please keep Molly (and her soon to be husband, Jason) in your prayers.
I will have the 5:30pm in a few moments and then I’ll go back to the rectory and relax.
See, I told you “It had been a busy week” and I forgot to tell you everything.

On Wednesday, I heard school confessions at St. Elizabeth’s in Rockville. Then, I had the 11am Mass and then went to the Knights of Columbus Hall to meet my cousin, Ann. She is a member of the ladies’ auxiliary and often invites me to the socials they hold at Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, etc. I try to go and I enjoy meeting her friends. This year, I sat at the table with Bill Kane, he is the brother of Fr. Tom Kane and it was great to meet him and talk about his family.
Afterwards, I drove to Barnesville and heard the confessions of the CCD. Then we had a nice dinner that Fr. Kevin prepared and served. Fr. Jack McFarland and his associate, Fr. Jacob also were there. We had a nice time together and then heard confessions again at 7:30pm. I was home and in bed by 11pm. It was a good day as I enjoy hearing confessions.

On Thursday, we had the school confessions and then I had lunch with Anne Sheridan. I came home and took a long nap. that night, the Landings group came for dinner. I joined them for a ginger ale and then we back to bed. I was very tired and the cold is rough on my lungs.

On Friday, I went to Knollwood and said Mass for the people who live in the Alzheimer section. They don’t get up to the Mass on Saturday and a lovely lady from our parish does Communion Services for them twice a month. She asked me to come and I was happy to do so. They are some famous retired military personnel and some of the minds come and go but they were attentive and responsive to the Mass. We ended up by singing Christmas carols and they all joined in. I am so glad I went. but again the cold tired me and I went to bed for about three hours. I felt badly as my cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen had invited me to go to the cemeteries with them to put on wreaths at the graves of our family but I just wasn’t able to go.
I worked in the office from around 4pm and then drove to Mitchelville and had a nice Italian supper with Rose and Patty Petrone, Patty’s children, Philip and Molly, Ally ( a friend who is in RCIA) and Fr. T. The meal was great and afterwards we decorated cookies. I still didn’t feel so good; so I left around 10 and came to Maggie’s. Marie is not feeling good either, so we all went to bed early.

I am up early because I am going to Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish for first confessions at 10. Sr. Kass is pastoral associate there. Then back to Blessed Sacrament for a baptism at 1pm and another at 2. Don’t have Mass today so probably early to bed. I have the 10:30 in the church tomorrow.

Hello again,
I love “unexpected holidays” like today. I’ve gotten so much done yesterday and today at my desk. Almost no one is at the office and I get some serious cleaning done. But I need to bring you up “to speed” since last Friday morning.

Dec. 6th
With the feast of St. Nicholas, I was busy by going to the school at 8am and we had a nice little prayer service and I distributed the coins. Then I came back to the office and then drove over to Holy Redeemer for an 11 o’clock service. It was very nice and we sang two St. Nicholas songs. Then I went to AAA and got some books and maps for my January drive to Florida. Then I had the Mass at the Chevy Chase house. I took the Mass kit but there wasn’t a missal; so I had to do it by memory – I think I did the old Mass, Oh well! Then as we were expecting bad weather; I drove over to the Dominican retreat house. I got there around 4pm as the traffic was bad. I had dinner with the sisters who run the house and the retreatents came around 7:30. We introduced ourselves and then we entered into a silent retreat. I had Mass at 9pm and then we all retired. I slept well and I used the oxygen.

Saturday, we rose and had morning prayer and then breakfast. It was so strange to be in the dining room and hear only the sound of knives and forks. It reminded me the operating room in Mash when no one is speaking. I had to resist a temptation to jump up and begin to sing – Oh, I did resist. I gave 4 conferences and I used a wonderful book called “When the Rain Speak”. We are using it in our TEAM group and it is a series of essays about seeing God in all that is around us. It fit in well for a “Quieting Advent” retreat. Also I was available for private talks and for confessions and that was great.

On Sunday, the weather took a bad turn and so it was decided to move things up. I had Mass at 9am and so I was able to be back to the parish in time for the celebration of Msgr. Duffy’s 60th anniversary of ordination. Cardinal McCarrick presided and preached. Fathers Beattie, Ranieri, Enzler, and the house concelebrated. There was an orchestra and our choir. It was lovely. There was a reception afterwards but I didn’t go as I had a baptism at 2pm. Please Keep Ryan Roisin (it’s Gaelic) and her family in your prayers. Her Dad, Tim is the nephew of Mike Sindall, so she’s his great niece. Lots of the family were there and it was great to see them. I was suppose to have the 5:30pm Mass but God love him, Fr. Percy offered to take it. I was ready for an early bedtime.

On Monday, I was suppose to have the school Mass at 9:15am but with the snow, there was no school. We were going to have Fr. Kyle Ingle over for a lunch but that got cancelled also. I did a lot of work at my desk and went back to the room and went to bed.

Today, is another free day because we had more snow. I was suppose to hear confessions for the school and for Stone Ridge but both are closed. I did meet with Kevin, who is receiving Communion and being confirmed soon. He is a fireman and so kind and good. Pray for him.
Now back to the rectory, a little food and rest.

Happy St. Nicholas Day. I, in my secret identity as St. Nick, have had a very busy couple of days.

When last I wrote on the Vigil of Advent, I mentioned that this Advent was going to be a “quieting time” – Well, it is kinda! On Sunday, I was picked up in front of the Church after the 9am Mass. I didn’t do the Mass but it was the second anniversary of Hugh Beins’s death. I was called to anoint him at his home two years ago, and thus began a friendship with him (that day) and his family ever since. So Mary, his wife called and invited me to the house for brunch. I think it’s nine children and about 18 grandchildren. Mary and I sat in the door of the parlor and “caught up” and held court. It was so much fun with a very special family.
Then I had the 12:30pm Mass and the rest of the day, I just relaxed, said Office and tried to “quiet” me.

On Monday, the 2nd, I had the 11am Mass and spent the day, putting the “gold” coins in freezer bags. I got a class list and labeled them for each teacher. I’ve not that before but it is always a little chaotic distributing them – we’ll see. I’m going to my school and Holy Redeemer in Kensington, and the seniors on Tuesday with the pre-K’s from the two Protestant churches on the circle. Afterwards, I thought I’d go to the Post office; but as I turned onto Connecticut Ave, I realized I had a flat tire. I pulled into a side street. I called the office and two of the facilities men came. One brought me home while the other changed the tire. They brought the car back and I went to bed – I’ve never had a flat. It was traumatic. Later, Ron and I had supper – don’t know where everyone else was. I went upstairs and went back to bed early.

Tuesday, I went to Tuesdays with Fr. Maury over in the center. We had a good group and the pre-Ks were adorable. Rita told the story of St. Nicholas and then I gave out the coins. The kids and the senior went and decorated cookies. I stopped in the church to hear the school’s Christmas concert and then I heard CCD confessions from 4 to 5. I called Betty Neary to wish her a happy birthday but I had to leave a message. Again, it was early to bed.

Wednesday, I had Mass at 11am and joined the staff for Pizza in the rectory dining room. I had to arrange about new tires and also to make an appointment to see a “Genius” at Apple in Bethesda about fixing my Ipad. I was on the phone for hours. Then I worked in the office till about 4pm. Then I went to take a nap and was up for the ushers’ dinner at 6:15. Fr. Justin came and said, “Maury, I think you have an appointment over in the parish center”. I did! It’s a young woman, whom I have been giving instructions about becoming catholic. When I transferred information from my last year book to my new one, I overlooked it. They were fine about it and we’re setting a date for her coming into the church. I’m very excited about it!

Thursday was a very full day. I put my car in the shop for new tires, then I was driven to the Apple Store in Bethesda, where a “genius” help by getting my Ipad working. I was very grateful. Then someone drove me to pick up my car. Then I had lunch with two friends at LaFerme. We had a great time and caught up. Then I drove to Maggie’s and she, Marie, and JoAnn and I went to the Seniors’ Christmas dinner at St. Michael’s. It was great to see so many old friends. We had great entertainment and I gave out some coins in honor of St. Nicholas to the children in the Nativity and some of the seniors. I also left a bag for the principal to hand out to the students the next day. I got home around 10pm and was ready for bed.

I started to write about Friday but ran out of time. Will get you up to date Monday or Tuesday.