Thursday, I picked up Joan B and we drove up to visit Betty Neary. Her daughter, Mary joined us for lunch at the Mason/Dixon diner. We had a great time and a very good meal. We then visited Betty at her new apartment, which is so much nicer than the “dark” place she use to have. It is so bright and airy. Joan and I got back around 5pm. (I don’t know how people survive the beltway every day) Traffic was terrible but it was a beautiful day for a trip.
I joined the priests for supper and Ryan, our seminarian from two years ago joined us. I offered to drive him back to Catholic University. It gave us a chance to talk and again was a nice night for a ride. I stopped in to see Msgr. Beattie, figuring that the parking would not be as bad as usual. It wasn’t but it was after 9pm and he was already in bed. So I just said hello and told him I’d return.
Friday, I had Mass at 11am and then drove over to Bethesda to meet my cousins, Ann and Jean. Jean had brought some neighbors who knew other cousins and we had a nice lunch and talk. However, it did take me 25 minutes to find a parking space to join them. I’m scratching that restaurant off my list. I really wish I didn’t have to drive anywhere around Washington. When it’s not congested, they’re doing repairs and the backup is terrible.
I had some more interviews and then I had the 5:30pm Mass. I was ready for bed.
On Saturday, I met a young couple whose wedding I will perform in December. Have to get that paperwork done!!!
Then I had the 11am Mass and afterwards, went back to see Monsignor. The handicap space was available and so I was able to park near the door. He was in great spirits and, because of the exercises, has been able to walk (with assistance). Each day it gets better. I wish he was where there was a pool because I think he’d do even more but for now, any thing that gets him walking again is good.
After my visit, I went to St. Mary’s church in Rockville where I baptized Carrick. His grandmother’s family – (the Rossi’s)- were a great Italian family from Greensburg, Pa. I taught CCD in their parish and through one of daughter, Tish, Tom Kredel and I were “adopted” and came for spaghetti almost every Sunday afternoon. This child is Joanne, the other daughter and her husband, Mike’s grandchild. The service was very nice and afterwards, we went to Kate, Ryan, and Carrick’s house for a nice luncheon. I got the chance to meet lots of Ryan’s family (he is a graduate of Mt. St. Joe’s – a Xavierian school in Baltimore) and many of Kate’s classmates from Elon University in South Carolina. It was great fun.
I think I was in bed by 8pm.
On Sunday, I had the 10:30am Mass. There was a baptism during Mass; so please keep Ethan Samuel and his family in your prayers. Peter, our deacon preached and it was very good. He keeps improving and moves away from his notes. He included the baptism in his homily and that made the family feel very welcomed!
Then I drove down to Jesus, the Good Shepherd parish to concelebrate the 2pm Mass for First Communion. Fr. Mike King is very hospitable and each child comes forward with their families and receives individually. When it was time for Bradley, I came over and gave him the Eucharist. It was very nice. He is the son of Ann Marie and Mike Jenkins and Maggie’s grandson. He had lots of his relatives there. We went to Chesapeake Beach for a nice early dinner. I think there were about 28 people. Lots of laughter and good food!
On the way home, I stopped in and visited Joan B and Ginny. Sue and Scot were there also and we had a nice visit. Again, I was ready for bed.
This morning, I said the 8:15am Kindergarten Mass for Earth Day at Stone Ridge. I love to do things there. It’s always well done and enthusiastic. Then I went and got a new PIN # for my ATM card, which is new. Then I had lunch with a good friend, a nap and now I am interviewing First Communicants. I think this week might be the end of that. I have enjoyed them greatly.
I have the 5:30pm Mass and then a couple who I met during the Wednesday night “The Light is on for you” Lenten program is coming to see me about blessing their marriage. God’s grace is so wonderful!!!
I think it will be another early to bed night.
I was just getting ready to send you a “burr” email when this update appeared. Reading your activities it is no wonder you don’t write every day.
I received a good report from the surgeon. Knee #2 goes under the knife on June 4…..