I looked at my appointment book and I have been busy.
On Tuesday, the 28th, I ended up going over to D’Carlos’ for supper after the 5:30pm Mass. I met Paul Hill and Jim Beattie and Tom Duffy and John Clark. We had a great time. I watched more of the convention and slept in on Wednesday.
I had the 11am Mass and afterwards, it was so hot that I just went for a ride. I didn’t want to go to bed early. I ended up going to Lenscrafters and having my eyes examined and got new glasses. I had bi-focals but I was having a hard time reading the altar book. It is much better now but it took almost 6 hours of waiting around and when I got home, I was beat. The heat is so oppressive. I sat in the airconditioning and watched TV.
On Thursday, I had the 8am Mass and then I picked up Tom Duffy and we went to visit the Little Sisters of the Poor Home. Tom is thinking about moving there. It is very nice and is right across the street from the Shrine. We got paperwork and we’ll see.
Then I went to hear confessions and it occured to me that I might feel better if I went to confession. Have no great sins but I don’t feel good about my relationship with the Lord over this very very long convalesence. I called a priest friend and we had a very nice visit, meal, and reconciliation service. I slept through the night.
On Friday, we had a school Mass and I concelebrated. It was so good to see all the kids and teachers again. Then I had the 11am Mass and spent the rest of the day trying to organize all the baptisms that I have scheduled for September and October. I also rode over and got my hair cut and my beard trimmed. It was look shaggy!
On Saturday, I slept in and did the 11am Mass. Then I did “desk work” until Confessions at 4pm. I just relaxed that night and watched a DVD I have of old Lucy shows. It was very enjoyable.
I had the 10:30am Mass and gave a very good homily about needing to trust God more and how going to confession really changed my attitude about my leg. Peg and Rick came and afterwards, we went to Sheila Reilly, a dear friend of us all and had brunch. She works and lives at Madiera School over in Virginia. It is a very famous and exclusive girls’ school on 440 acres. Her home overlooks the Potomac River and has deer all around it. We had a wonderful time. Rick and Peg brought me home (with a “doggie bag” of a delicious peach cobbler) and then I drove out to Germantown and visited the home of Joe and Pat Villani. Joe was at St. Vincent’s with me and after he left, he was superintendent of Schools for Montgomery county and now woks for the National Board of Superintendents of Schools. He and Pat had invited three other fellows from St. Vincent’s, Tom Clouse, Paul Rao, and Bob Maidoff and their wives and another fellow who had been with Joe at St. Charles seminary before he came to Vincent’s. He and his wife fit in very well and have known these group for years. I had such a good time!!!
I stayed late but knew that I didn’t have to get up early on Labor Day as I was not scheduled for a Mass. I did get up and ride up to Gaithersburg. I dropped off the stole for Fran Werden to embrioder the name of her newest grandson, Mac, whom I will baptism in October. Then I went to Doug and Kathleen Hanratty to do some therapy in their pool. I enjoyed it and my leg felt so much better. I visited with the family and had a great time.
I came home and took a nap and then Fr. Lucas, our resident and I went to Little Flower parish for the annual Priests’ cookout. I saw lots of guys I haven’t seen lately and we had a great time.
I was very tired with all the social things and slept soundly!!
On Tuesday, I had therapy at 8am and then the 11am Mass. I picked up Tom for supper and met Jim and John at D’Carlos’. I watched some of the convention and went to bed.
I believe that brings you up to today.
I gave a presentation to the Bible study group at 9am and then had the 11am Mass. Our new seminarian, Martino Chu, who will live with us this year was there and helped me. I also was able to introduce him to a number of people.
Afterwards, I went over to the St. John Vianney house and joined the “retired priests” luncheon. Saw Tom Kane and Bishop Olivier and the regular gang. It was good to see them all again.
I just met with a young couple and their son, John Joseph, whom I will baptize on September 22nd. He was just adorable!!
Now off to the rectory, a little food and the convention!!!