Today I had a baptism at 11am in the chapel. Please keep Charlotte and her family in your prayers.
Today after 12:30 Mass, there was a procession outside but I just watched. I think they walked around the block but I was tired before that and went and took a nap. A number of people joined the procession.
I also had the 5:30pm Mass. I had a very good homily about Corpus Christi.
I finished the book I was reading about Pope Pius XI.It was an easy read and informative. I wrote to Morris McGregor that I would be happy to write a review of it for the next issue of the Catholic Historical Society magazine.
On Friday, Martino reminded me that we were having kindergarten graduation at 9am.I was so glad I went (even with the oxygen). The kids were adorable and sangA number of songs. The last one started out like the song from Chorus Line –“Kiss today goodbye and point me towards tomorrow…..” they sang about knowingTheir ABC’s and how to count and other things but they ended with, “….Let’s go,Ready for 1st grade, ready for 1st grade…. (shouted) First grade!!!!”. It was great, then They said, “Father O, could you close us with a prayer?” Through damp eyes, IMumbled a prayer and headed back to the office. I don’t know if it’s the medicine, or the oxygenBut I seem to get weepy very easily.
I was driven to and picked up from Chevy Chase House, where I said Mass at 1:30pm. Nice crowd of about 15. I wore my oxygen from my desk until I came back since it was 94 degrees outside.
On Saturday, we had our graduation Mass and ceremony for the 8th graders. I concelebrated butI didn’t help with Communion. I used the oxygen. It was very nice and emotional.
I met with a couple who want to be married here in May 2014. They are very nice and Fr. Lee from St. Michael’s is a family friend and may do the wedding (and maybe the paperwork???) We’ll see. Now, at least it is in the book.
I also met with the couple whose wedding is next Saturday. I didn’t have all that paperwork done. Now, it is.
Also met about the prayer service we are holding in the chapel for people with disabilities on June 15th. Those events are always so moving and this one will celebrate a lady from this parish,Mary Merrick, whose case for sainthood is being looked at in Rome. She was crippled and began the Christ Child Society.
Fr. Ron wrote an announcement for the priests to read at the end of Mass this weekend, informing the people that we will be getting a new priest in July. His name is Fr. Justin Huber and I think he has been the assistant at Holy Redeemer in Kensington for a year or two. That means we’ll have 5 priests in the house (and only 4 Masses daily). So the load will be lightened. I’m thrilled as I am running out of energy.
5 priests in one parish?!?! Fr. Ron must have some pull….. Joe’s homily this weekend included comments on “Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest.” He did a great job!