What Paddy Shot At

It has been a very busy and enjoyable Holy Week and Easter.

Let’s go back to Tuesday of Holy Week:
That morning, my friend, Sandra came and we spent all of the morning trying to straighten out my oxygen company problems. Especially this week, with the tree pollen so high, I have been struggling with breathing. Fortunately the men in facilities put in my air conditioner and I have been using it night and day. I had exposition at 3pm and then the 5:30pm Mass. I just stayed afterwards and heard confessions till 8pm. I took my oxygen in with me and I felt fine. I had a constant steam of penitents till 8. Then I went home, ate a little, and went to bed. Slept great in the “cold’ room.

On Wednesday, the 23rd, I drove over to Stone Ridge for confessions at 9:20am. It was for the middle school but there were 14 confessors and we were finished in about an hour. Then I decided to drive out to St. Patrick’s parish for the funeral of Mrs. Petracelli, the mother of a number of boys who were at Good Counsel. Because I knew I had confessions, I thought I wouldn’t be able to go. I was late but glad to get there and hear one of her sons give a wonderful eulogy. I saw some old friends as well as Fathers Kane and Trancone who concelebrated. Then I went to see a 96 year old lady at Leisure World. I got a chance to visit her and her daughters. They were friends of my Uncle Willie and Aunt Josie as well as their grandparents had been Communion calls of mine at St. Camillus. Boy, we do have lots of connections, don’t we? After Exposition and Mass, I once again heard confessions till 8PM. It was great. I stayed up late and watched TV because I could sleep in on Holy Thursday.

On Thursday, I relaxed, ate, and stayed in the air conditioning in my suite. At 5pm, Bishop Holley came for supper, which was enjoyable and then we all concelebrated at 7pm. For the first time in close to 60 years, I did not go “visiting churches”. I just didn’t have the energy. I stayed in our altar of repose in the chapel and prayed for all of you and your families and needs. Was in bed by 10pm.

On Friday, I met with Julie and Howard at 9:30am. They are from the Catholic Health Association. We had a great discussion that I hope will be helpful to the people who come to “Tuesdays with Father Maury”. At noon, I led the Stations of the Cross in the church and then heard confessions till 3pm. I went and took a nap in the air conditioning but when I woke up, I called the sacristy and told them I was too tired and too comfortable to participate in the service at 7pm. I felt badly but I slept very well.

On Saturday, I heard confessions from Noon for about an hour. I went home and napped and then we had supper prepared by a parishioner at 5pm. I slept again and come to concelebrate the 8pm service. The music was great and we brought three people into the church. There was a reception but I went home and watched the Pope on TV.

On Easter Sunday, I came down to the kitchen and prepared a sumptuous breakfast of ham, eggs, and toast. I took it up to my suite and enjoyed it as I watched the Sunday talk shows. I relaxed and phoned family and friends. I had the 5:30pm Mass, which was well attended and I enjoyed myself. My cousins, Maggie and Aidan came and brought me a lovely coffee cake (which I shared and many in the house have enjoyed). I had hoped to go and visit the McLaughlin’s but I needed to stay in the AC. I watched TV and slept well.

Monday of Easter week, I just “zoned out”

Today, I picked up Fr. Beattie and we had lunch at Mama Lucia’s in Olney. I have the 5:30pm Mass and then it’s back to the AC. Pollen doesn’t seem as bad today but it is cold and windy.

I used the phone a lot during Holy Week and caught up with cousins and my friends at Madonna House. It is always so great to “keep in touch”. Hope all of you had a tremendous Holy Week and Easter. Christ is Risen, Alleluia. Truly He is Risen, Alleluia.

On Sunday, March13th, I had a Baptism at 11am and then I had the 12:30 Mass. I had a very good homily and encouraged people to come to confession, especially if they hadn’t come in a long time and was “nervous” about what to do and how to say things. I invited them to come – and to make the offer to anyone they knew who was afraid to come after a long break. God’s mercy was waiting for them. I quoted the Pope, who said, “No sin is greater than the mercy of God”. I will be hearing confessions a lot this week and they can always come to my office.

On Monday, the14th, I picked up Barbara and we joined Sylvia, Pat, and Sally for lunch at Mama Lucia’s in Olney. We got there at 12:30 and left at 3:30. We had such a great time and “caught up”. I went home and took a nap. Then I drove to Silver Spring for dinner at Rosensteel Council Hall with the Mary Knights. Fr. Trancone is their chaplain but he wasn’t up to giving a talk for Lent; so I did. He came out by Uber and I drove him back to O’Boyle afterwards. I spoke on Lent and Mercy (kind of my theme for Lent) . I knew a lot of the ladies. Some were from St. Catherine’s or friends from Our Lady of Grace. One of them (now the mother of 4children) was a high school student who uses to come and be in the musicals that I produced at Good Counsel High School. It was great to see them all.

On Tuesday, I preached at the 11am Funeral for a parishioner. There were four priests but the family asked me to preach. It was a big Irish family and I’ve been close to them since I came to the parish. One of the daughters gave a great eulogy and I learned more about him. There was a luncheon but I went to my Tuesdays with Fr. Maury group, where we celebrated an early St. Patrick’s Day. In the afternoon, someone came for confession, then I went to the auditorium and purchased two bowls in support of SOME. I didn’t get soup. I was so tired. I skipped the play reading group and went home and went to bed.

On the 16th, I had a meeting about the baptism program at 9:30 with Michelle, Jim and Ann. I am trying to arrange a dinner for the group of volunteers sometime soon before I hand the program off to Michelle. Then I had exposition and the evening Mass. I joined Fr. Ron for “The light is on for you” and we both had confessions for the two hours – which is great!

On the “Holy Day” – St. Patrick’s feast day, I heard confessions at St. Elizabeth’s grade school. They were great and we had 9 priests and about 130 kids. It went quickly. I saw someone for spiritual directions and then had exposition. I had the 5:30pm Mass and a great “Irish supper” with the guys.

On Friday, the18th, I had the 11Am Mass and in the afternoon, I had some First Communion interviews. Early to bed as the pollen is very bad and I had a headache most of the day.

On Saturday, I missed an appointment as I thought it was at 10 and it was at 8:30. I worry when I get mixed up like that. We re-scheduled for two weeks; but I don’t like being confused. I did have the 11am Mass and I had an appointment at 2pm. I went grocery shopping and went to bed early.
Today, I watched the Pope’s Mass around 5am on TV; then I concelebrated the 7:30 Mass with Fr. Regis. He was the presider and preached and I was glad just to be there, like a potted Palm!
When I got home, I cooked a big breakfast and have spent the day relaxing here in my suite. I didn’t snow – like they said it would – but it rained most of the day and I was happy to be home.

I wrote this last night in the rectory but couldn’t get to Paddy. So here it is today. I had a doctor’s appointment and took some test of the breathing and he says, it is about the same except more of the fibrosis have weakened. I can see that and I am trying to use the oxygen on a regular basis except when I sit for a long time.
I hope to see two friends, Ellen and Paul, today and go to the students’ Passion Play. Have the 5:30pm Mass and I think soup for supper. Buena Samana Sancta!!

I just finished the 8AM Mass and since I will concelebrate an 11AM funeral, I thought I’d start a message. It has been another full and busy week:

On Monday, the 7th, I drove to New Carrollton and caught the 10:04 train to Philly. I find it easier to go there, park in the lot nearby and take the elevator up to the tracks and stand in the section where the train will stop. I have gone to Union Station but then I have to walk down past the engines and a number of cars and I’m exhausted. I love the train and can usually read a couple of the magazines that I subscribe to and seldom get a chance to read. I got to Philly at 12:08, met Joe who had taken the local train down from Chestnut Hill, and John was waiting in his car for us. We went to Ponzio’s, a diner that I always enjoy visiting. Then we went to John’s rectory and relaxed. Around 5pm, we met Terry at an Italian restaurant for supper. It is always so enjoyable to be with them. We’ve been friends for over 50 years. Around 7:30, John took me and Joe to the 30th Street station. Joe got his train and I took the 8:40pm train. I got off at New Carrollton, got my car, drove home and was in bed by 11:30. I slept well.

I had the 8AM Mass on Tuesday and then heard school confessions. Then I went to the Washington Retreat House near Catholic U. St. Camillus parish was having a “day of recollection”, led by Deacon Yorke. People came from St. Camillus and St. Bernard’s and it was so nice to see them and visit. I said the Mass at 2:30 and was home by 4pm. I had supper with the guys and went to bed early.

On Wednesday, the 9th (feast of St. Frances of Rome), I had the 6:30AM Mass. Then I called Frances Sampogna to wish her a happy feast day and then I drove to Colombia, Md to Toby’s Dinner Theatre to see “South Pacific”. My friend, Annamarie had gotten a gift certificate from her children and she treated me. We had a wonderful time and sat with a couple, who actually live a few blocks from her. I had a good time. Then I drove to Barnesville, heard children’s confessions and had a great supper with Fathers Kevin, Lockman, and McFarland. I do really enjoy sitting around and laughing with priests. At 7:30, we went to the church and Deacon Bill Vita (cousin of our Bill Vita from St. B’s) gave a great talk to bring to a close their three night mission. Then we heard confessions and I drove home. Actually, I was in bed by 9:30.

On Thursday, at 9AM, I went to Stone Ridge and spent an hour with 50 lovely and bright 5th graders. I explained a lot of the accoutrements that we use in our liturgy. They have been studying the Sacraments’ of Initiation and we all had a good time. I came home and took a nap. I had exposition at 3pm, 4 young students came to see me who are making their First Communion. I do so enjoy those interviews. Then I had the 5:30PM Mass, went home, had supper, and went to bed during Jeopardy – I had been up a long time.

On Friday, I hadn’t set the alarm and it was nice to sleep in. At 10:30, I met someone for spiritual direction. I had lunch, Exposition, the 5:30PM Mass, and Stations. Then I joined some parishioners for Pizza. We had a lot at Stations and many came to the Pizza. I’ve met some nice families there. I went to bed early.

Today, Saturday, the 12th, I had the 8AM Mass and will concelebrate the 11AM funeral. It is for Ruth, the lady I went to anoint two weeks ago. She was a professor at George Washington University and although she lived a long time, they are expecting many of her former students to come to the funeral.

Again, I ask for prayers for Fathers Beattie, Trancone, and Morales. Also for Mary Goldbeck and Pat Watters. Hope you are having a good and fruitful Lent.

I had another very good – but busy – week.

After I wrote last Saturday, I went to bed early. On Sunday, the 28th, I had the 7:30AM Mass with the Deacon preaching. I came to my office afterwards and worked on the Baptismal paperwork. Then my friends brought Walter Francis to meet me. He seemed to like me and so on April 9th, I will baptize him. They brought me a lovely plant and I put it in my window. It has beautiful purple flowers and I hope I don’t kill it. Afterwards, the young man from the school and his parents came and we set a date for him to be baptized and make First Eucharist. I went home and relaxed and watch TV. I didn’t set the alarm!

On Monday (Leap Day), I planned to stay in my suite all day and relaxed, but I went to the credit union and since it’s nearby, I stopped in to visit my friend, Barbara. We had a very nice visit and I came home, took a nap, and had supper with the guys.

On Tuesday, March 1st, I met someone for spiritual direction at 10am and then at 11:45, I went to the Manning Center for “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. It was our first time back after our February break and we had a good time talking about Lent. Then I led the Stations for the middle school students. I love Stations. Then my cousins came to visit. My young cousin never had a chance to make First Communion what with moving and the times for sacraments being changed from parish to parish; so we’re making plans for him to receive soon. I love when he and his mom come to visit.

On Wednesday, I had planned to pick up Fr. Beattie and take him to our “First Wednesday meeting of Retired Priests” but he is still having trouble with his leg and had a nurse coming. I went myself and there were 17 of us. We had a great time and a good meal. Fr. Trancone, Msgr English and Msgr. Kane came and it is always fun to sit next to them. I came back and had someone for spiritual direction and then I did Exposition and the evening Mass. Msgr Duffy came and had supper with us. Fr. Percy went to Little Sisters, where he live, and brought him out. We had lamb, which I really like and he seemed to enjoy the evening. I worked some more on my Christmas stuff and was glad to get to bed.

On Thursday, I spent the morning in my suite and got it “better organized”. I met with the boy from the middle school and settled some things about the baptism. I had Exposition and the evening Mass. It was supposed to snow a lot later then evening.

On Friday, March 4th, it didn’t snow very much and so after the 11AM Mass, I drove to Clyde’s and met my niece, Mary, my sisters Maggie and Marie, and 5 “girls” that Marie has known since they were in first grade together at St. Martin’s; to celebrate Marie’s 76th birthday. We had a great time with lots of talk and laughter. Marie seemed to enjoy the time. I had Exposition at 3PM and then I called Mary Horan, the youngest child of the William and Helen Horan, who were a great family at St. Bernard’s, when I was a kid and whom I’ve stayed close to over the years. Mary lives in a group home called Bethlehem House in Hyattsville and we run into each other at “churchy” events in the diocese. Today was her birthday and I had a nice visit by phone and once this “wintry” weather is over, a lady here in the parish is taking me over for supper with Mary. Also I found out that my seminarian, Patrick comes to visit her as part of his pastoral program. She loves him! Who wouldn’t???

Today, Saturday, March 5th, I went out to Urbana and visited Loretta and Andy Favret. They live in a senior community and I had a great time with them. We were saying that we’ve been friends for almost 44 years. Near them is a retreat house and I went there to hear confessions for young people who are preparing for Confirmation. It is so nice to do “priestly” things. Afterwards, I met Fran Werden, another St. Camillus friend, for lunch. She brought me up to date on all the family. She works at the parish where the young people came from and had recommended me for the confessions. I told her that was a very nice thing to do for a “retired priest”. Now I am writing this because I have the 5:30 pm Mass. Brian is coming and so I’ll have his help and will be able to give Communion out again.

Tomorrow, Sunday, I’ll go over to Maplewood and have brunch with Antonia, my old friend from Teams. We will join Bunny and her daughter, Suzanne and her son – in – law Jim. We always have a good time and tomorrow, I’ll learn about their son, Nicholas and his recent wedding in New York.
Then I’ll come and take a nap. I will give my cousin, Aidan his First Communion at the evening Mass.

Also at 6PM (our time) and 5PM (Texas time), I will join in prayers with many of Father Dan’s family and friends to give him and his health to the Lord. Please join us in lifting up Father and his terminal illness to the Mercy of God.

As part of my Lenten program, in addition to sending cards and notes, I have been using the phone as ministry. Have talked to lots of the sick. Please keep Sister Kass, Mary Goldbeck, Bill Vita, and Tom Curro and their families in your prayers. Also Arthur Joseph Harriman, Barbara Ostrye’s cousin died, please keep him and his family in your prayers.
Hope you are having a good Lent.