I believe that I have not reported on the week of June 16th to the 21st, so here goes:
On Monday, the 16th, we had the annual “pool party” for the seniors at Rita’s brother’s home. It is always a lot of fun and good food. Jack, the seminarian and I went and picked up Msgr. Duffy. Everyone was happy to see him. When we returned, Jack did the exposition for me and I took a nap. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass and after supper, I said the prayer at an Eagle ceremony in the chapel. It was as impressive as I remembered it down in St. Mary’s county.
On Tuesday, I had the 8am Mass and then drove out to Bowie and met Jim. He is from Wisconsin and we met through Mike Witte. I really enjoyed our visit and he talked like Roger (a seminary friend from Wisconsin). I was planning to go to see Mike Roach but a kind lady pulled along side my car and said, “Sir, I don’t know if you know this but your left tire is almost flat!” Well, I didn’t know it and I stopped and got air but on the road to Mike’s, I stopped for gas and the tire was low again. I got more air and came home. That night was the Play reading group; so I went there and had a great time.
On Wednesday, the 18th, the facilities’ men checked the tire and put on the spare. I went back to where I bought the tire and they checked it (It had a nail!!) but they repaired it and I came home for exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. that night, was our deanery cookout (we stayed inside the air- conditioned rectory). I met a number of young priests and saw old friends like Ron Jameson and Jim Lockman. Later that night, I drove up and visited Loretta and Andy Favret, which was very nice. I stayed the night at a hotel in Frederick, Md.
On Thursday, I got early and went to see Fr. Michael Roach. It was like we’d been together last week. I do love and admire him.
Then, I went and heard confessions; got some food and went to Fr. Mike Blackwell’s wake with Fr. T. Then I drove to Lexington Park and stayed at the Hampton. I slept very well.
On Friday, the 20th, I met Pat Mullin for breakfast and a nice long talk. Then I had a light lunch with Susan Cassidy and went and had a nap. The wedding rehearsal was at 6pm at the old chapel and we ate, drank, and laughed at the McCoy farm. I got to meet Steven’s family and see Mary Beth’s !!
On Saturday, I met a lot of the McCoys in the lobby of the hotel and then Fr. Mike Dolan picked me up and we got a bite to eat and then went to his son’s home on the St. Mary River and just talked and talked. The wedding was at 6pm and about 180 people fit into the chapel. It was warm but not hot and the ceremony, which they had developed was lovely and meaningful. The reception was at the farm under a huge tent and with a very large dance They had a big chair for me and people were kind enough to come to me. Oh, so many kids whom I though were still 11 years old are now in their 20’s!!! But I loved seeing everyone even if I only had time for a kiss. I’ll see many of them again and have a chance to talk on July 19th, Mrs. McCoy’s birthday celebration at the farm.
I drove home that night and was asleep very quickly!
I did write on the morning of Sunday, the 22nd and so this brings you up to date.
Sunday afternoon, I did host that reunion of the St. Camillus Teen group and we ate (they brought too much food!!!) and laughed for hours. I think the last guest left around 10pm. It was great to see them all but we all were so glad that Mark and Valerie (from the West coast!!) could join us. Douglas Lee should do “stand up”. He was a riot!!! Also it was Jay’s birthday and I think we sounded like the Sistine Chapel choir as we say “Happy Birthday”. It’s still true: Like your first girlfriend, your first parish always has a special part of your heart!!!!
So, today is Monday, the 23rd. I will have the 5:30pm Mass and then go home to supper. Fr. Damian came to visit and he and I met Lila (the principal of St. Michael’s) and Robin, her office manager for lunch at Clyde’s. I am stuffed. It was a quiet day at the parish center but I did get a new computer and it is so much faster and more dependable than the old one. I just have to learn its’ tricks.
This week is not very busy so I may not write till the end of the month.