This week just flew by: It is already Saturday again. Where does the time go?
On Sunday, I did sleep in and watch the talk shows. I also watch TV for most of the day. I did have the 5:30pm Mass and I preached on what the Pope preached on about how we are Salt and Light for the world.
On Monday, it was bitter cold and I stayed in the rectory most of the day. At three pm, I had exposition and two interviews. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass.
Immediately afterwards I drove out to Our Lady of Vietnam church on New Hampshire Ave. Fr. An Vu, who was sent to St. Bernard’s as a newly ordained, died this weekend of cancer. He had been ill for a couple of years but he would respond to treatment and get back to being pastor of OLoV, then it would show up somewhere else. He was only 55 but had an interesting life.
He was born in South Vietnam and after the Fall, he escaped in a boat, was captured by pirates, ended up in an orphanage in Thailand, and finally came as a refugee to the US. He went to college, joined the Trinitarians, left and went to Mt. St. Mary’s in Emittsburg and was ordained for our Archdiocese and came to St. Bernard’s. The Mass was beautiful and bi-lingual. The church was full and about 30 priests were there. I didn’t stay for the reception, I wanted to get home and be warm.
On Tuesday, I got a lot of work done at the desk and then had two interviews. I also went out and bought some food for the snow we’re expecting. I had the 5:30pm Mass and went home.
On Wednesday, I had the 11am Mass and then went to the “retired priests” luncheon at John Vianney House. Saw Tom Kane, Jim Beattie and the other regulars. Frank Early was there for the first time, and it was nice to catch up on him. He lives in Leisure World and helps out at St. Patrick’s.
On the way home, I took Communion to a very sweet lady, Ida, who has had to move in with her son. We had a nice visit. When I got back to the office, I met with one of the people involved in the baptismal prep program and we got some stuff put in a drawer for the couples running the sessions. That was a lot of the paperwork on my desk.
Thursday is my day off but everyone was. We had a big snow storm during the night and much of the day. The office is closed and life is at a standstill.
Ron made eggs, bacon, and toast for me, Lucas, and himself. It was very good. TV all night.
On Friday, the funeral was cancelled so I did have 11am Mass. About twenty people came. I didn’t preach and was back in the office by 11:35. The office is closed, so I just went back to the rectory and watched TV and played Spider Solitaire.
Today, Saturday, the office is still closed but I had an appointment to meet Carrie about a baptism. Then I met with another couple who can’t make any of the baptismal prep meetings. I went up to set up for a 2pm baptism but Fr. Ron says that Grace is coming, so I decided to come down here and try to finish this message.
I am supposed to go to Maggie tonight but I don’t know. I’m comfortable in my own bed and with the big oxygen.
I am supposed to meet my TEAM down in St. Mary’s tomorrow for lunch and a meeting. Then I’m supposed to drive up to New Jersey and try to see Carmen. On Monday, I have a comp room at Trump Plaza and hope to see some friends. I just don’t know if I want to drive to Jersey.
You’ll learn what I decided when next I write.
You aren’t asking us to vote (or give advice) but I think you should go to NJ. A free room on Trump and time with friends is needed after the stress of this snowy week!
Stop in if you have time. Would love to see you.