When last I wrote, I was waiting for the Cardinal to visit SBS. He was, as always, a delight. Our microphones in the church were out but with his usual charm, he said, “I’m glad that Fr. Potts explained about the mices, otherwise people would be saying ‘why is that old priest yelling’?”. Afterwards, I went with Rick and Peg to see, “White House Down”. It hasn’t gotten great reviews but we enjoy it. It had great special effects and plot twists. As I planned, I came home; ate the hot dogs that Humberto had left me and I watched the concert and fire works on the Mall. I had also watched the Mass at the Shrine and Cardinal Wuerl gave a good talk.
Friday was a “quiet day”. The office was open but no one came by. I had the 11am Mass and surprisingly there were about 80 people there. I spent much of the day, here in the rectory because it is in the 90’s outside.
Saturday was also quiet and I stayed here in the room most of the day. Again too hot outside. There was a service for Jamie Pendergraph, who died suddenly at 48 years of age, in Annapolis but I couldn’t go to it. I talked with his mom, Mary and we’re going to get together in a couple of weeks. Please keep Jamie and his family in your prayers.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and my homily was about the sending of the 72 disciples out and how we are being sent out to proclaim the kingdom is at hand. It went well but I used the oxygen for the whole Mass. Again the heat and humidity affect me. Martino drove over to Ledo’s and got us pizza, which was very good. I stayed in the rectory all evening and went to bed early.
I got up today at 6:10am as I had the 7:30am Mass. Fr. Peter Ryan, SJ, who has just been appointed the theological head of the Bishops’ conference and who often comes here for Mass when he’s in town, came to concelebrate. He offered – and I accepted quickly – to preside and preach; so I concelebrated – again with oxygen. I was soaking wet after Mass. I went and relaxed in the office and then drove out to Darnestown to have the 11:00am Mass. Fr. Ray is at the scout camp in New Mexico and Fr. Matthew says the Malabar rite Mass for the Indians at noon at another site; so I told Ray I’d could cover it. It’s a great parish. The deacon said, he was scheduled to preach and so I didn’t have to give my talk again. After Mass, a former student from GC came up to introduce his wife and three children. As soon as he came up, I said, “You were at Good Council” but I had to ask his name. Nice kid and great family.
I stopped at the credit union and have been here in my suite enjoying TV, spider solitaire, and lots of ice water.
Tomorrow, Pat Mullan is coming up and he and I will take Msgr. Beattie up to the Mount. He is going to stay there while they tear apart his bathroom and put in a shower and handicapped hand rest. We’re taking two cars, so we can leave him one. He says he can drive and tried it out in the neighborhood. There is not a lot of traffic around the Mount and he doesn’t want to be “locked in”. It will be a nice chance to “catch up” with Patrick.
Was on the phone a lot this week and that’s always nice. I also signed up for something express, which means that my medicines will come in a ninety day supply and I won’t have to have someone go monthly to CVS and get them. God love her, Joan Ward arranged that for me.
Again, you are up to date.
Glad you have a cool place to relax in this heat and humidity! This was my first weekend back in the parish…a very warm welcome (on several levels).