It is already a week since I last wrote; I don’t know how that happened.
Last Tuesday, I had my discussion group with the senior citizens and our topic was “Changes in the Church”. We discussed the rules about cremation, what the church asks if you want to have a child baptized, can you attend a single sex marriage ceremony, and attitudes towards Catholics who don’t obey church laws. It was very interesting and I ended the discussion with the invitation to learn the why of church law and then to be evangelizers to others about why Mother church has rules and how she applies them like all good mothers with loving and accepting care. It was a good morning.
Then I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. Went home and soaked my foot.
On Wednesday, I had the 8am Mass. I must have asked for it but I don’t remember why because I had nothing scheduled the rest of the day. So I got my haircut, soaked my foot, and spent the day in my suite. I did join Mary Bergman, her Mom, her aunt, her cousin, and Mary’s baby, Molly for supper at Clyde’s. Jim, her husband joined us late. We had a great time and made connections as we know some of the same people. I baptized Molly a couple of months ago and we promised to get together for a meal. Jim is a Good Counsel grad.
On Thursday, I picked up Joan Beall and we drove up to visit Betty Neary. It was a nice, sunny but cool day – Just the kind of day I like for a long ride. Betty was delightful and full of news. We caught up on lots of people. We went to lunch at the Mason/Dixon Line, our favorite diner; and then we went to the Amish market. That night, Betty called to update me on Fr. Bob Nugent. He is Salvatorian, who use to help at her parish. He bought a horse and moved to Florida. We had talked about him at lunch. She called to say that he has moved back to Wisconsin because he has cancer. I think he has been one of the Prophets of the church. Please keep him in your prayers.
On Friday, I had the 8am Mass. It was for John Mulholland on what was his 90th birthday. He is my friend, Brian’s dad. I was away on my cruise when he died and so I talked about him and his faith as part of my homily.
Then I went and soaked my toe. It looks terrible because a big piece of skin came off and it’s very raw but I can see it is much improved. I took a nap and then I went and picked up Barb Ostrye and she and I met Barry Fitz at an Italian restaurant. As we always do, we laughed and enjoyed being together. It was a great evening.
On Saturday, I met with a couple who is getting married to do some paperwork. I think it’s funny that I am doing a lot of paperwork for weddings I will not participate in, when I use to hate the paperwork part. Now, I am not up to doing the wedding but am happy to help the priests by doing the paperwork for them. Ah, the mystery of God’s plan!!
That evening, we had a special liturgy at 5:30. We call it the Ruppert Mass but it really is a Mass for people with disabilities. Blessed Sacrament is truly a parish that welcomes and has participating in its liturgical life, so many different people. I concelebrated with my oxygen.
On Sunday, I had the 7:30am Mass. I didn’t have to preach as we had a Father Gulliermo, from the Phillipines preaching at all the Masses. So after Mass, I went bad to bed and listened to the Sunday talk shows. I met Susan Cassidy for lunch at RIP’S in Bowie and it was fun to catch up on her, her family, and many from St. Mary’s county. I soaked my foot again and went to bed early. I was tired but I watched British TV.
Today, I came over to the office because I expected a man to come by and talk around 10. He did. Now, I think I’ll finish this up and take a nap. I have exposition at 3 and Mass at 5:30. I hope to get some of this desk cleared after Mass. We still don’t have a cook – he comes back tomorrow. I miss not coming together for supper and seeing the guys.
Funny you mention your “paper work” ministry….I had the same thought. I guess now that you are retired this gives you SOMETHING to do….LOL!!!!