Today is a special feast day to me. I have loved Martin (who was “Blessed Martin” for almost 300 years) since I was a seminarian. I share that love with Frances Sampogna, who is a dear friend from St. Camillus. I called her this morning and we had a great long talk. It’s been awhile but we enjoyed “catching up”. Tomorrow is her husband, Nick’s birthday. He died in 2010. Keep him and her in your prayers.
Then I concelebrated a funeral Mass for Leon Grant. Mr Grant was a coach at St. John’s High School and so Father Joe Kleinstuber, who was chaplain there for 25 years, presided and preached. I didn’t know Lee but his family are long time parishioners and the church was full. I was glad to be on and help.
Then I drove down to the Fairground at Leonardtown in St. Mary’s county. Today was the Cashbash, a big festival and fundraiser for St. Michael’s school. They sold tickets for $75 and there were gifts and money raffled off every ten minutes. I had a chance to see lots of old friends and to see lots of children who were little when I last saw them and now they are students from Kindergarten to seniors in high schools. Also had a chance to talk with lots of adults and “catch up” on their families. I do miss them greatly but I do know that this is where I belong and where God wants me. I spent a lot of time talking with Muffin and John Padukiewicz and got updated on the McCoy clan. Just as I was leaving, I was told I won a TV (that has 3D). That was a nice surprise and I guess I’ll find some 8 year old to tell me how to use it. For now, it’s in the corner. The Sullivan family and its in-laws ran the day and the whole process. It was great to see each of them. One of them is the person who set up this blog and so I talked with Mike and we’re going to “talk” by email and I hope to learn how to put photos on this blog. That will be fun!
Then I stopped by and visited John and Shirley. Shirley was my office manager/secretary/book keeper/ and friend when I was pastor of St. Michael’s. They were watching their two grandsons, Nicholas and Kyle (who are students at St. Mike’s) while their parents worked at the cashbash. We had a wonderful and laugh filled visit.
Then I stopped by to visit Maggie (She, Marie, Kerri, JoAnn, and Patsy) were all at bingo. I just stopped in to see how they were doing. I think some people had won. But I left before the losers were in the parking lot – because Bingo losers drive fast.
I had a nice long talk on the car phone with Jerry Trancone and caught up on him and his family (and the Deaf center)
I’ve been home for an hour. Changed my cloke (we go back on hour tonight) and now I am ready to turn in. Had a great day!!!