I slept late today. I really enjoy waking around 7am and turning on the Today Show and falling back to sleep. I had set the alarm for 9am and it was so nice to stay under the covers for awhile longer.
I had the 11:00am Mass and the family of a former parishioners had asked to have it for their husband, father, and grandfather. Fr. John was suppose to have it but had a meeting at the pastoral center, so he asked me to do it. I’m glad I did. I met the family and they were lovely. The widow now lives up in Ocean Pines but is down to stay with her family for the holidays and was very pleased to have Robert remembered at Mass here.
The readings were about “he will be called John” and I have always enjoyed that story of Zacharias not being able to speak because he doubted. However, he was able to communicate to his wife what happened in the Holy of Holies because she knew the child was to be called John. Theirs must have been an amazing marriage for its time.
After Communion, I announced that I would be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation after Mass. About seven people came and I was glad I had to decided to do that. I almost feel quilty that I don’t have any responsibilites for getting ready for Christmas, and I can stay in “Advent” mode up till tomorrow when I have the childrens’ Mass at 4pm in the gym.
I went with Fr. Jim to pick up a prescription at the CVS and then I refilled my pill box. Have cleaned by desk and am taking my Christmas cards over to the rectory, where I will sit and read all those wonderfu letters that bring me up to date. I use to wait till January and take them on retreat but as I am not going there this January, I thought I’d use the Christmas/Holy Family Sunday to stay in the rectory and relax.
I’m off to bed because I have the 11:00am Mass again tomorrow and think I’ll make myself available for confessions.
Irish guilt is a terrible thing! Consider your freedom from heavy responsibilities a gift from a loving Father/Mother!