I am in Cambridge, Maryland at the bi-annual convocation for the priests of the Archdiocese. There are about two hundred of us here (out of 300 in the Archdiocese). I have had a great time. I came on Monday although the convocation didn’t begin till Tuesday. I brought two bags of mail and paper from my desk that I just needed to go through. I put them all around the room and went through them. I filled two trash cans and got about 8 pieces of mail ready to send out. I also went through 5 or 6 magazines. I went to bed feeling like I had accomplished a lot.
I should go back to last Saturday first and update you. We had a special Mass at 11am that day, All Souls Day. I always enjoy the Mass because the names of all those who were buried from the church during the last year, are read and a candle is lit for them – sometimes by a relative or friend who is present. I listen to each name – many of whom I buried – and lift up their families in my prayers. The choir does a beautiful Latin Mass parts and that is nice to hear. I forgot how long the Mass is with the music and so I had to leave at Communion as I had a noon appointment.
I met with a young man who wants to receive the Sacraments. He was baptised but nothing more. I am enjoying our visits.
Around 2:30pm, I had another young man who was baptised a Lutheran but will marry a Catholic in the spring and wants to learn about the Church. Another great discussion.
I had given each of them, Joe’s new book: An Introduction to the Catholic Faith. They are enjoying it – as I am enjoying the discussions.
I was supposed to go to a birthday surprise party for my cousin, Rick Jensen but I called the hostess and said I was really wiped out. I hated to miss it because he and Peggy are close friends as well as cousins. I will try to meet with them again soon.
On Sunday, I came to the office and tried to clean it up. I had the 12:30 Mass and then I drove down to Maggie’s. Spent the evening watching TV and visiting. Went to bed early.
On Monday, I went to BINGO with Maggie and Marie. Didn’t win but had a good time. Then I left for the Eastern Shore and the convocation. It was a beautiful day for the drive.
On Tuesday, we began with evening prayer together and then a very nice dinner. I sat with 7 other priests – among them, Bill English, Jim Beattie, and Ray Fecteau. Meal was good but just being together was even better. Went to bed early.
On Wednesday, I had breakfast in my room and then we had the first talk. It was given by Dr. Ralph Martin, a lay theologian. He was very interesting about the “new evangelization”, which I have to be honest I haven’t been to interested in till now. We’ll see.
We also had a Mass where we prayed for all our brother priest who have died this last year. I always like that Mass and the Cardinal gave a great homily.
I had a chance for a long talk with John Dakes, who was in the teen club at St. Camillus and with Kyle Ingels, who was my seminarian at St. Michael’s. Both are great pastors and good friends but we just don’t get together enough. This was fun.
Today, we have a conference at 9am, then Mass and departure. I will stop at the post office and mail a number of things I got to work on.
I might stop at Maggie’s on the way home.
I get tired just trying to keep up with your blog. You obviously are in better shape than I am. I have been busy overseeing the building a small garage right off the road which is positioned above my house. This way, I won’t have to slide up and down the 2″ of ice that takes over driveway from November till April! Already broke a rib, so we are trying to keep that from becoming a frequent occurrence. When it is icy, you have to make a turn, slide towards the ocean and quickly time a hard 90 degree angle to get into the original garage. Passengers get very afraid. But I’ve been doing it for every winter (11) and so far, so good. Wasn’t sure what surgery Maggie had, but tell her that I’m thinking about all of you. I am headed to the annual pilgrimage to Disney World on Sunday for about two weeks. I really need a break where I am not responsible for anyone but myself! The wilderness Lodge should provide the solution. I plan to spend the first night in the outdoor hot tub looking at the stars. Hope your toe nail is healing. Nothing is worse than a sore foot!
I will probably coming to Maryland to see my Colon guy for the 5 year cancer anniversary in March sometime. Keep on keeping on. Peace…