What Paddy Shot At

It’s been almost three weeks since I wrote but they’ve been busy. I wrote on May 13th. But then on the 18th, I went on a cruise out of Baltimore, that went to Bermuda and the Bahamas for 9 days and returned on Saturday, May 27th. Pat Berry. Sister Kass, Anna Marie Kinerney, my cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen and I shared a table at early sitting. We had a great time. It was the Jensen’s 40th wedding anniversary, on Sunday, the 21st. So we assembled in their balcony cabin and had Mass, they repeated their vows and then we had cocktails and dinner. It was lively but nothing like their wedding reception – I was there!

Finally, after many months (and years) of haranguing me about having a “scooter” on the ship, I gave in and rented one. What a difference!! It was so nice to ride – almost the whole length of the ship -to go to a meal, and arrive there still breathing normally. They took it from near my door at night and would get it re-charged; and return it the next morning to my door. I said how much I enjoyed it and so Kass said, “Well when are you going to come and get my Dad’s? I’ve had it in my apartment waiting for you to know you wanted it!!” Rick offered his son-in-law (James) and himself to come and get it. They did that on Memorial Day and it’s here in my parish office. I’m still figuring how to put it to the best use; but I’m not afraid that I won’t be able to drive it. That was one of my fears. I’d see them at Target and Cosko and I thought if I had one, I’d knock over some display with 200 cans!! I didn’t so, I’ll be riding it around the parish. Will keep you informed.

The cruise was very relaxing and I finally started reading again a book on my Kindle that was 757 pages, The Pillars of the Earth. I had started it about 10 years ago but stopped after 100 pages. It’s full of history and I really enjoyed it.

When we got back to Baltimore, Rick and Peg’s daughter, Kate picked us up and drove me home.

On Saturday, the 27th, I had a baptism. Please keep Seamus Nolan and his parents, Godparents, and family in your prayers. I went to a party afterwards and had a great time. Also caught up with two of my cousins. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass. The deacon preached so I just continued relaxing. I was glad to get in my own bed again, which I did before 7pm.

On Sunday the 28th, I had the 10:30am Mass and again the deacon preached. When I came back to my office, I saw that Maggie had called my cell phone three times. I called her immediately and she asked if I had listen to the messages. I said, “No, as soon as I saw you kept calling, I figured I’d better call right away.” She wanted me to know that Marie’s grandson, Ricky was going to sing before the start of the Indianapolis 500. It would be on channel 7. I turned it on and I was able to see him. He say America and it was beautiful. He has always been very musical – playing the organ and the piano. He has a great  voice and sang at Marie’s funeral. He’s in the army and looks great in his uniform. I know Marie was going around heaven telling anyone she didn’t know (that would be those who don’t go to BINGO) that he was her grandson. She was always a proud mother and grandmother.  And our whole family is proud of Ricky. I worked at my desk and went home and relaxed some more. I read the rest of the book and watched TV.

On the 29th, Memorial Day, I stayed in the air-conditioned room and read and watched TV. Around 4pm, Rick and James came with my ‘scooter’ and then Fr. Alec drove me, Father Ron, and Fr. Keith to Alfio’s to have supper together. It was a gift from a woman in Fr. Keith’s parish and she wanted to have supper in honor of her and her husband, who had just died. We toasted them and prayed for them in the grace that Fr. Ron said. It was a great evening.

On Tuesday, the 30th, I had the 11am Mass and then we had Tuesdays with (Fr.) Maury. It was a small group but we talked about topics for next year (in September). Then I met with someone for spiritual direction.

Also on the 27th, was Fr. John Bohrer and Fr. Dwight Birket’s priesthood anniversaries. I know they’d appreciate a prayer or two.

I forgot to mention that the rectory is being repaired and painted, so we don’t have normal schedule in the house.

Also I am meeting with a young man who is on a priesthood retreat and who will be ordained a priest on Saturday. Please keep Will in your prayers. – just found out that he will be ordained on Saturday, June 10th. I told him you were praying for him and he wanted to let you know that another week of prayer would be appreciated.

Also, I know that you know that my friend, Barbara had surgery and it went well. She is in a rehab place and in pain. I’ve haven’t been able to talk with her but please keep her in your prayers as well.

Today is also Sharon Beall’s birthday and the feast day of Fr. Ray Fecteau’s parish in Darnestown. Prayers for that would also be appreciated.

I went to therapy today and they tell me I have passed. It is true that my arm doesn’t hurt anymore; so maybe there is hope for my leg. Keep praying.

Today is the 100th anniversary of the first appearance of Our Lady to the children of Fatima. I shall be watching the Pope’s visit there and his canonization of two of the visionaries . Pray for his safety. It is also the anniversary of the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II.

Today is also the 45th anniversary of my ordination. I am praying especially for my four classmates of ordination. They are Ray Fecteau, Ray Wadas, and John Mattingly. Bill Hines is deceased. Please remember all of us today in your prayers. They have been good friends and the years with them have been blessed.

I have not written for awhile because life has been busy.

I wrote on April 30th and I did go to bed early.

On Monday, May 1st,  I went for therapy on my right arm.  It still bothers me if I stretch out my arm to reach for something. Of course, as the old vaudeville act says. The guy goes to the doctor and say, “My arm hurts whenever I turn it this way” and the doctors says, “then don’t turn it that way!”  I hope this therapy helps; it’s been dragging on since January. In the afternoon, I met with a man who is interested in coming into the church. He has been married to a Catholic for many years and come to Mass with her. I gave him Joe’s book and we’ll meet again.

On Tuesday, the 2nd. had 11am Mass and then had Tuesdays with Maury. We talked about Mary under the many titles she has. A lot of people spoke about devotions their families had to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Lourdes, Fatima, and Caridad, patroness of Cuba. I told them about Our Lady, Undoer of Knots. It’s a devotion dear to Pope Francis. My cousins gave me a picture of it and I have learned a lot about her and the devotion. We had a great time. At 4:40, I went to see my pulmonary doctor. He took some tests and says I’m doing fine. All the pollen is causing me trouble but the rain is getting rid of a lot of it.

Oh, I forgot to say that as I’m not driving, I’ve been using Uber to get around. It is so easy and not expensive and it is charged to my credit card. I think I’ve taken 10 of them. The drivers are very nice.

On Wednesday, the 3 rd., I took Uber to Wheaton and got my hair cut and my beard trimmed. Then I Ubered to the 1st Wednesday gathering of the retired priests. It was good to see all the guys. Fr. Beattie came but he was not feeling well and the lady from Lourdes came and took him home. I took an Uber home. Had the 5:30pm Mass and then a friend picked me up and we went to the annual fund raiser dinner for St. Ann’s Home. Nice event and saw a lot of people I knew. Called Kass to wish her a happy birthday but didn’t get through.

Had the 6:30am Mass on Thursday, May 4th and the 8am. We priests traded around because of funerals, etc. So I went to take a nap after lunch. I forgot I was meeting a young man who is being confirmed this Sunday. Fortunately, He met the housekeeper and she woke. We had a great time and talk.

On Friday, the 5th (Cinco de Maio), I took Uber to Stone Ridge and gave my talk on Jesus to about 15 alumnae of the Madame’s schools. They were very receptive but had questions. Pat drove me back. In the afternoon, I Ubered to therapy  and then had exposition. Met with my little girl taking instructions and set a date for her First Communion. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass. We have a guest for the weekend. Fr. Jim McBurney is and Augustinian whose family lived in St. B’s and I met him years ago. He is in Philly but had a family wedding nearby and will stay with us till Monday. Nice guy.  I went to bed early as we were having First Communion on Saturday. I did contact Bob, Bill, Tom, and Richard as today is their 45th anniversary of ordination.

Today, we had Masses at 9:30, 11, and 1PM. 150 children received. I went to bed early.

Sunday, the 7th, I had the 9AM Mass but stayed for the 10:30 because Billy was being confirmed. Fr. Regis did a good job and the people loved seeing Billy confirmed. His parents, grandmother, Godparents, cousins and friends all came and our people greeted them afterwards. This is such a welcoming parish. Fr. Peter Ryan, S.J. was here and concelebrated. His brother, Bill was a seminarian at Queen of Peace, when I was there. A sister and her family live in the parish. Peter is now a teacher at Sacred Heart Seminary in Michigan and Bill is a missionary in Togo. Peter offered to drive me, after Mass, to Maplewood, a senior apartment near St. Jane de Chantel parish. We caught up on all the news. I was joining my friends for brunch. A new lady joined us who has been a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament, who just moved there. We all had a great time. I Ubered home and took a nap.

On Monday, the 8th I took the day off and just worked on the newsletters that had been returned. I got a lot done.

On Tuesday, the 9th, I had the 11am Mass and decided not to go to the anniversary Mass and dinner for the priests. I just relaxed.

On Wednesday, the 10th I went to see about getting a cortisone because my whole body had ached for the last few nights. I was sent to an Orthopedic doctor and she explained that that shot is for joints that hurt. My pain is in the muscle between my elbow and my shoulder. So I am on steroids for six days and see if it helps. I still am going to therapy and I think my arm feels better and doesn’t hurt when I move it. We’ll see! Had the 5:30pm Mass.

On the 11th, it rained all day – but the pollen is gone. I Ubered to Prince George’s Plaza and met an old friend for lunch. We had a great time. I had Exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. Then Barry Fitz and Barbara picked me up and we went to Alfio’s for supper. Delicious and much laughter. We also celebrated the Sacrament of the Anointing and a Communion service. Barb is having surgery next week. Keep her in your prayers. I am so blessed in my friends.

On Friday, the 12th, I had the 8am Mass. Then I Ubered back and forth to the therapy. I think I’m doing better. Then I met a young priest friend, Rob who is being made a pastor for the first time. Keep him and his new parishioners in your prayers. I went to bed early.

Today, I had a baptism at 10am. Please keep Lorelei Clair and her family in your prayers.  My niece, Mary Ann will pick me up around 2pm and we’ll go to Sothern Maryland for a home Mass with some of the separated and divorced Catholic group in Calvert County. She’ll bring me home and I will just relax and probably sleep in tomorrow as I only have the 5:30pm Mass. A very happy and blessed Mothers’ day to all.

Because of the newsletter, I’ve “reconnected” with lots of people. I’ve talked on the phone with many of them and received nice emails and notes. I am so glad that with God’s grace, I was able to finally get them out. Everyday some return needing another address but Anywho.com is great at helping me find them again.

Also Fr. Jim Beattie is in the hospital. They are still working on that leg -its been almost two years of on and off pain. Please keep him in your prayers.

Lastly, it will be announced this weekend that our pastor, Fr. Ron Potts is leaving us and becoming the pastor of Sacred Heart in Bowie. The pastor there, Msgr. Charlie Parry (who was a high school kid at St. Camillus) will become pastor of St. Patrick’s in Norbeck and the pastor there, Fr. Bill Foley will come and be our pastor. This will all happen in July. I will miss Fr. Ron as we have been friends since I met him in the summers when I would cover the parish of St. John’s in Hollywood, when I was at Good Counsel; but I have know Bill since we lived together at Our lady of Lourdes.

Change is a sign of life and part of our priestly life. but do keep these men and their parishes (present and future) in your prayers.

Oh, I leave for a cruise this coming Wednesday -the 18th, and return on the 27th, so no Paddy till after I return.