On Friday, the 1st, I slept in and did not get to the talk by Jane Belford, our Chancellor. I heard she was good and later that day, I understand that the Obama administration has made some adjustments to their health care plan, which is what she was speaking about. I hope it all works out.
I did go to the school Mass for Catholic Schools week at 9am, but I didn’t help with Communion as I had a funeral at 11am. The kids choir sang some beautiful Latin hymn.
The funeral was for James. I had stopped by the funeral home to meet his family because I did not know him. He and his wife had moved to North Carolina but when they lived here, all his children went to the school and got married here. The funeral went well and they had asked for the parts of the Mass to be sung in Latin. It wasn’t what I would call “full and active participation” on the part of the congregation but it sounded nice. It is very cold here and so I asked Martino to go to the cemetary, which he did. I also did not get down to the hospital to see Heavy as Joan had therapy and even if she dropped me at the door, I’d still have to walk down those long corridors. I did call and talk with Brenda. Also I went to lunch late and Humberto made me chicken soup! Ah, good.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and afterwards joined Martino, Fr. Ron and Fr. John Dillon at the table. I didn’t eat because I didn’t feel good but by the time supper was over, I felt better. Then Ron offered to make a fire and the four of us sat in the big room and relaxed, talked and laughed. Around 8:30, I went upstairs and played Solitaire and watched TV. I was glad to get into the nice warm bed.
Today, is the feast of the Presentation and in my office prayers, I am remembering all those religious who made vows on this feast. I called Sister Natalie. I am going to visit her when its not so cold. Neither of us wanted to go out in the cold.
I had the 11am Mass and said it for Carolyn’s parent because today is her 70th birthday. Her sister flew in from St. Louis to help her celebrate. It was a nice Mass. Afterwards, I met with a lady to talk about her grandson.
Brenda called to tell me the surgery went well and that he is on machines and unconsciencious and so she and kids have gone home. He won’t know they are there for a couple of days. They all need a break and some rest. Keep them in your prayers.
I have confessions at 4pm and there is a pot luck dinner for the bay retreat group. It isn’t far but I don’t know if I’ll go out in this cold.
Tomorrow, I have the 7:30am and the 10:30 in the church but don’t have to preach as Ron will be showing the film of the Cardinal and having the In-pew collection for the Cardinal’s appeal. I don’t miss that pastor’s responsibility at all. I’m going to the first grade and bless their throats; I don’t think we’re doing that in church but a CCD teacher asked me to come. I have the baptismal class at 1:45 and then I’ll go home, watch the game and relax.