Our heat wave stayed and stayed and finally broke on Thursday, so last Tuesday and Wednesday, I only went from the rectory to the parish center for Masses. The rest of the time, I stayed in the air with a fan. I did read three chapters of the book: The Archbishop wore combat boots. I’m enjoying it.
On Tuesday, I did go to have lunch with the priests but Fr. Beattie wasn’t feeling well, so I came home and took a nap. I felt badly because Frs. Hill and Duffy came looking for me but couldn’t find me. Maybe the four of us will go out to lunch in August.
One good thing I did while confined to my room, was I finished my taxes and on Thursday, I dropped them off at the Beall’s to pass them on to Mary Rose.
Thursday was a nice day (and my Day Off) so I went and had a nice lunch with Sharon Laurich, an old friend (she is not old – our friendship is) from St. Bernard’s. We went to Red Lobster in Annapolis and then I visited her new home. It is perfect (all on one floor) and she is getting settled in. We had a great visit.
Then I went to see Maggie and dropped off the Redskin tickets, which had arrived. I got a chance to see Keri and Marie as well.
Then I stopped at Joan’s and visited with her family. It was a great day and the heat stayed away!!
Friday was also cool (relatively). I had the 5:30pm Mass and then the last session of the marriage prep, which started 4 weeks ago, was held in our living room again. I do so enjoy that ministry and the lead couples as well as the engaged ones.
Saturday, I met a young couple to discuss their wedding in 2014. I told them I’d help them with the paperwork but that they might be thinking of another priest for the wedding. I had officiated at her sister’s wedding two years ago in North Carolina (she told me that they are expecting, which is very nice!!)
I also got a message from Dwight and John that we should have a reunion in Wisconsin as in September it will be 50 years since we met each other at St. Nazianz. So now we are looking for some of the 54 who started with us. I may try to use facebook to find some of them.
Then I went out to Barnesville to celebrate the 5pm Mass on Chicken Dinner weekend. It was the 138th annual dinner and full. Afterwards I went to the rectory and visited with Vince, Fr. Kevin’s dad, and Kathy Schwartz, another old friend (again the friendship is old, she isn’t!!) and Patrice and others from Holy Face parish who still support Fr. Kevin. Had a great time.
This morning, I had the 7:30am Mass. Martino spoke after Communion as this is his last weekend here. I will miss him – as will the parish – and the school kids and teachers. Keep him in your prayers as he heads back to Mt. St. Mary.
I am at my desk and about to leave for Latrobe. Tuesday is priests’ day and I will see lots of old friend. This evening, I will go to Forbes Road, where I taught CCD 45 years ago and have an Italian dinner with the Merenda family. It’s sure to be fun.
I’m staying at a hotel and then tomorrow, I’ll meet Fr. Tom Kredel, (who is staying at the abbey)and he and I will meet Tish Rossi, with whom we taught CCD at St. Paul’s in Greensburg and go to lunch. I might join Keith and Sheila Morris for supper.
Tuesday will be a full day (maybe some card playing??)
I will get on the road early Wednesday as I will visit and anoint (in Spanish) that 97 year old lady at 2pm back here in Chevy Chase. Then I think a nap will be in order.
I am NOT TAKING THURSDAY OFF, so I will have the 11am Mass.
Also, Barbara Ostrye’s sister, Jane is gravely ill and I ask you to pray for her, her family, and Barb.
Have also learned of three deaths, Bob Morse, Michael’s brother. You might remember that less than 2 weeks ago, we buried Michael’s father, so please keep all his family, especially his Mom in your prayers.
Also Mary Mencarini Campbell, a good friend from St. B’s called to see if I might be able to have her Dad’s funeral. However, I will be away, so please keep her, her Dad, and her family in your prayers.
Lastly, I just heard that Lindy Boggs, who was a member of congress for a long time and was the Embassodor to the Vatican and the mother of Cokie Roberts died yesterday. I met her and she was a wonderful and gracious lady. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
And now I’m off to Latrobe. Will write again after Thursday.
Thanks for the update before leaving town. You MUST be feeling OK given the schedule you have set for yourself!!! 🙂