I have been very busy this week; it has led me to “re-think” some aspects of “retirement” – more about that later.
Last Saturday, I had a baptism at 1pm in the church. They were a lovely couple. His family is from Argentina and hers is originally from Spain. It turned out that her family had lived in Riverdale (between my years as a parishioner and those when I was pastor). The name was Fragale. We knew lots of people in common. We had a good time. Then I went back to my room and the AC.
On Sunday, I had the 10:30am Mass in the church. I got a little wound up and preached a long time on Emmaus. No one seemed to mind. Right after Mass, I had a baptism in the chapel. The baby was Kaitlin Elizabeth. I know we’re cousin but I’m not sure how it works. Kaitlin’s great grandmother is Helen Nolan, whose great grandmother was Ellen Lynch O’Connell. Ellen was my great-great grandmother. I like genealogy but it isn’t easy!! It was so nice to see that branch of the family. So many interesting careers are in the family. One of Kaitlin’s aunts returned the night before from a week of working in Haiti among the people displaced by the earthquake. I always have a good time with them. They were having a party but I wasn’t up to going.
Also, I had another baptism at 1:30pm. His name was Oliver Maxwell. He slept through most of it. Please keep him and Kaitlin and their families in your prayers.
Later, I went to supper with an old family friend. I was ready for bed around 8pm
On Monday, I had the 11am Mass and then drove to Bowie, where I met Gail Douglas for lunch. Her birthday was May 1st but we couldn’t get together till Monday. We had a nice leisurely lunch and “caught up”. It was great to see her.
I had supper in the rectory and then I went to RCIA and gave a presentation on “Ministries”. I wanted to let these wonderful people who came into the church at Easter that Blessed Sacrament has lots of activities and ministries in which their gifts would be most welcomed. It went well because this is a great parish.
On Tuesday, I called Richard, Bill, Bob, and Tom for their anniversary. 42 years ago, they were ordained for the Church of Pittsburgh. It was good to talk with them.
Then, I had a funeral at 11am. The deceased was the elderly lady I had gone to anoint last week. Her name is Jeanne and she was 98 years old. There was a good turnout for the funeral as she had been in the parish for many years, active in the Sodality, her children had gone through the school, and she had been an active member of the seniors group till recently. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Since we didn’t go to the cemetery, I then went to “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. Our topic was prayer and we had a good time. Two ladies from Leisure World joined us. I met with the Warren’s to learn more about the funeral on Wednesday. Then I took a nap. At 4:30pm, Joan drove me to Gawler’s for the wake from Mrs. Warren. We picked up a pizza (New Haven style) and she brought me home.
On Wednesday, I had Alma’s funeral. Since her husband was not a Catholic and all her nieces and nephew were not; I wanted to be sure they all felt welcomed and comfortable at the Mass. It went well and then we went to Gate of Heaven. It was pouring rain and they recommended that we not go to the grave but use the chapel. At the end, I could tell that her husband was upset that we didn’t go to the grave; so I told him, “Charles, you can look out this door and watch me go to the grave. It is not too far and I’ll say the blessing and the rest of the prayers there.” He seemed to like that; so I went.
I was soaked by the time I got home; so I stripped and got into pajamas and went to bed (at 3pm). I woke and the clock said, “6:39”. It was light outside so I thought I had slept through the night and it was Thursday. Then I noticed that the computer said, “6:41 PM” and I realized I had taken a really short but deep nap. I stayed in my PJ’s and went back to bed (for real) around 11:30pm.
On Thursday, I stayed in my suite all day – relaxing. I came to supper in sweat pants and socks. I didn’t read email or listen to phone message. It was truly a “DAY OFF”. And I needed it.
Today, I feel refreshed. I had three appointments this morning and have been working on the baptisms and the baptism schedule. I did learn that Jean Lincoln Brady, who was in my 8th grade class at St. Bernard’s died of a heart attack. Her funeral is Saturday but I can’t go. Please keep her and all my classmates in your prayers. This is the year we all turn 70 – Hard to believe!!!
I have exposition at 3pm and then the 5:30pm Mass. Martino is with us again for a short visit. School is over for him and he will be ordained a deacon in a few weeks. He has a summer assignment in June but may stay with us for awhile. It was fun to have him at supper. He may be on with me at Mass today.
Tomorrow, Saturday, we have First Communions at 9:30am, 11am, and 1pm. There will be about 50 children at each Mass and lots of family. I will concelebrate but may not give out Communion. I won’t go to any parties as I have the 5:30pm Mass and it is the Enrollment Mass for next year’s Confirmandi. I’m sure I’ll be ready for bed.
I can sleep in on Sunday as I have the 12:30pm Mass that day.