I had the 7:30am Mass today and I have 2 baptisms at 2pm; so I am just staying here in my office at the parish center. I will watch the Sunday morning talk shows and find out what is going on in the world. This last week was a blurr as I spent most of the time in my suite in the rectory. It was just too cold to go out.
On Wednesday, the 22nd, I had the 11am Mass and then I drove over and got my hair cut. It really needed it and I felt good when it was done. Then I drove out to BWI and picked up Jerry. I had to keep driving around the terminal since I don’t have a cell phone. I forgot to say that I lost it somewhere in Florida and it has just been too cold to go to Verizon and get another. I did turn off the service so if you’ve called me; I think you get a message that says it isn’t working. I hope that I can get my same old phone number. I’ll let you know.
As I was saying, I couldn’t just wait in the cell phone parking that is provided and which I really like; so I drove around for awhile until I saw him waiting in the pick up area.
He treated me to a very large and interesting asian buffet out in Lantham. It was good and filling. Then I drove him home and got back to my rectory by 9pm. I was in bed and asleep by 9:30.
Thursday is my day off and so no Mass. I did have a doctor’s appointment at 9:30am. She looked at my foot and based on her suggestion, I went online and ordered a wider shoe; so it won’t rub against the toe. We’ll see!!
I also met with Carlos and Kimberly about having their baby baptized this weekend. it’s short notice but his Mom is returning to Mexico on Sunday. They have been trying to get the baby baptized but no one seemed to have the authority to set aside the rules. Fortunately, Monsignors can do that! It one of the privledges that didn’t disappear when the Vatican stopped making Monsignors!!!
The rest of the day, I stayed in the rectory. Also I taked with Ann Marie Kinerney to get an update on her husband, Gene. He had a stroke over a month ago and has been in and out of hospitals and rehab centers since. Please keep him,her and their families in your prayers.
On Friday, the 23rd, I went to the Wood’s Academy to preside at the 8:30am Mass for Founders’ Day. 39 years ago, three men, with the support of a number of families, decided that since Ursaline school was closing, that they would start an independent Catholic elementary school. I use to say ocassional Masses there when I was chaplain at GC. It has really grown. It has 290 students and additional building and a gym. I had a great time. John Enzler was suppose to do it; but he had to go out of town. He suggested me and I’m glad he did.
I came back and had the 11am Mass. Then I went back to the rectory before the snow melted and froze again. I can pick up my phone messages from the center on my phone in the rectory, so I did do some work in the afternoon.
On Saturday, we had First Reconcilation at 9:30 and 12:30. All 5 of us priests heard confessions and it went very well. I always enjoy that experience.
I had two baptisms at 2 and 2:30. Please keep Carlo Marcelo and Ana Luz and their families in your prayers.
Then I heard confessions at 4pm. It was a very good day.
I made some mac and cheese for supper and went to bed.
I am also meeting a couple who want to have their baby baptized in California and need to have participated in a baptiamal program. Then I’ll go home and work on my Christmas letter for 2012 & 2013.
I know what you mean about the past week. With Joe sick, I spent most of the week making sure the pipes didn’t freeze, seeing that the lot was ice-free and announcing the opening and closing of the building.