What Paddy Shot At

So sorry for the delay in writing but the pollen has been the highest in recorded history here in Washington. I have had to be on steroids and anti-biotics and staying as close to my air-conditioned bedroom as possible. I have said Masses and heard confessions – and also participated in the wake and funeral of Mary Goldbeck (What a celebration of her life and family that was!!!). And I do apologize for this delay.

I am writing today because this will be a busy week and I may not write till May.

On Friday morning, April 22nd, Jesus came and took my sister, Marie home to heaven. She was diagnosed with liver cancer in November of 2014; but decided not to have treatment. She had a number of things she wanted to do and did not want to be too ill to do them. She was able to do them and has really only been limited in activity since January of 2016. She has been living with her daughter in Southern Maryland and her children have been making it possible for her to live there by sharing time and responsibilities. Please keep them and their children and my sister, Maggie in your prayers.

Someone suggested I might put up information about her arrangements on Paddy.
The wake is Thursday, April 28th from 2 – 4pm and from 7 -9pm at Gasch’s funeral home in Hyattsville, Md.
There will be a viewing on Friday, April 29th from 9:30 – 10:45am at St. Bernard’s Church in Riverdale, with the funeral Mass at 11am.

There have been so many messages on social media and emails. It has meant a great deal to our family. Thank you.

May she rest in peace.

Once again, two weeks have flown by. Let me bring you up to date.

On Wednesday, March 30th, I had the 11am Mass and then met with
a family friend to arrange the baptism of his child for May. It was
nice to visit with him and “catch up” on his large family.
That afternoon, I drove out to Frederick and stayed in a motel, so that
I wouldn’t have to face the traffic in the morning.

On the 31st, at 11am, I was at St. Mary’s in Barnesville for the funeral of Vincent
O’Reilly. I met him and Joan while I was at GC. She built many of the
sets for the plays. She died a few years ago but I have kept up with Vincent,
as their son, Kevin is the pastor here. Over the last few years, I have helped out
with Masses and confessions. It’s a great parish. His parents are now
buried in the parish cemetery right behind the church. Very nice. There
was a big luncheon but I headed home and did exposition and 5:30pm
Mass. Early to bed.

On Friday, April 1st, Brian and I called Michael (my cousin) and sang
Happy birthday. He seemed unmoved!! We’re going out to lunch next
Thursday.
I checked in at the Tyson’s Westin hotel for the Fairfax Genealogical
Fair. I met Sharon Beall and Carol Ostrye there. We had all gone last
Year and I really enjoy hearing the presentations. We also had good
meals and I learn a lot of tricks about the Library of Congres

On Saturday, I had room service and didn’t rush downstairs. I went to
a session and then had my DNA swabbed. That should be interesting.
Because they were forecasting strong winds, I came back in the evening
to the rectory and slept.

It was a beautiful day – but windy – on Sunday and I spent some time
with a graduate of GC and his teenage son. I really enjoy meeting
and talking with GC people.
I met for lunch with two couples from St. Michael’s, and two young
adults ( one is an EMT) and (one that turned 18 that day) and his grandmother.
All people I was very close to in St. Mary’s. We spent a few hours
laughing and talking and “Catching up”. I had a great day.
I had planned to get home and sit in on the 5:30PM Mass but I was so
tired, I took a nap and then said Mass in my room. It was neat.

Monday, April 4th was my DAY OFF, so I just “zoned” out in my suite. And
looked at my tax stuff.

Tuesday, April 5th I had “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” and we looked over
and talked and shared on the three years of the pontificate of Pope
Frances and what it means. We had a great discussion and our meal
was hotdogs and other “Baseball” foods as it was opening day of the
Nationals I had exposition and 5:30pm Mass. We had lamb (and mint
jelly). Great dinner

On Wednesday, the 6th, I had the 11AM Mass and then drove over and picked up
Msgr. Beattie and we went to the retired priests’ gathering. We had a good time,
There were only 12 of us, I think the cold kept them away. The wind was terrific.
I came back to the office and have typed this up. Our computers (internet) are down,
so I’m going back to the rectory and try to finish this tomorrow.

Today, the 7th, Brian, Michael, and I are celebrating Michael’s birthday at Magiano’s
Then I have exposition and the 5:30pm Mass.

On Friday, the 8th, I have the 8AM Mass and then I’m going out to Olney and visit three elderly
friends in nursing homes. I’ll report on that my next report. I also plan to see Pat Delaney, who
is up from Florida visiting her daughters. I might drive to Maggie’s and try to see Marie.

A little round-up. Mrs. Nita Cummings Green, a dear friend from St. B’s has died at 88.
Please keep her family in your prayers. Pat Berry had a heart attack and is recovering in
Chicago. Please keep him in your prayers. My cousin, Jeanne Stoner died in Pittsburgh, so
please keep her and her family in your prayers. Mary Goldbeck is back in the hospital – her kids
are so good at keeping us informed. Lots of people are ill with this change of weather,
so keep them (and me) in your prayers. Just heard that Fr. Tom Kane is in the hospital,
So please keep him, Fr. T, and Father Dan in your prayers as well

Lift up Sister Kass, her cat is very sick.
Hope your Spring gets brighter and warmer.