I just finished the 8am Mass and in my homily, I shared three letters that some of our students wrote to thank God. They were delightful and thought provoking. Then I told the congregation of a custom I began a few years ago. On Thanksgiving Day, I mention aloud by name all the people that I am grateful to God for putting into my life. It is amazing how blessed I have been. I think of someone and that opens up memories of lots of others whom I then name. I do it all day long and by bedtime, I have lifted up in prayer a lot of people. I closed the homily by giving the congregation a few moments to think of people and bring them to our celebration around the altar. It was a nice Mass.
I will concelebrate the 10am but will sit in the choir stalls and again bring more people to the altar.
Joe Stoutzenberger called me while I was in the office between Masses and we had a great talk. He is off to Lancaster to have supper with Mary, his sister and others in his family. As we talked, lots of others came to mind and after the call, I prayed for them as well.
Oh I forgot to mention that on Tuesday, after I took Janice to Maggie’s; she and I joined JoAnn at On Our Own, a drop in center for people with different needs. There was a dinner and about 70 people came; many of them, the homeless. It was sad to see children there also; but it was a good meal and lots of laughter.
Then I stopped to see Bob and Jane Connelly in Lusby. They had agreed to take Christmas ornaments to the rest of the Team this weekend; as I couldn’t be there because I have a baptism on Saturday.
Then I stopped at the funeral home but I missed the family. I did get to say a prayer over Ann. Please keep her, Joe Pat, and their family in your prayers.
I drove home and was in bed by 10pm
Yesterday, I had the 11am Mass and then drove Joan Ward over to the hospital. She is back now from Charleston, SC, where she had a very unique surgery. It went well and now she is home but has to go to Sibley hospital for therapy. She had a ride home.
I returned to meet with a nice couple, who are moving to the parish and want their marriage blessed. I really enjoy helping with things like that.
Rest of the day, I ate soup and worked on genealogy.
After Mass, I will drive down to Maggie’s and join her, Kerri and Tim at Tim’s parent’s house for dinner. Depending on how I feel, I may drive home tonight, so I can sleep in my own bed. Have the nursing home Mass tomorrow at 1:30, so I could spend the night. We’ll see.
Know that you and your families and your needs were in my thoughts and prayers all day. Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving back at ya!