Well, it isn’t Monday night. I don’t why I said that in the last message; but it isn’t over a week, so that’s an improvement.
Last Sunday, I did drive to Maggie’s and we all had a great time. My nephew, Mark (Maureen’s oldest) was up for a couple of days to do National Guard stuff and he came to Maggie’s. All of Maggie’s kids came over, three of Marie’s, and Marie herself so we had lots of laughs and stories. I spent the night.
On Monday, the 1st, I drove back and had the 11am Mass. Then I went back to bed. I find I still had the residue of that cold and I love being in bed with a nice blanket. I got up around 5pm and went and had dinner with Mark near his hotel. We had a great time and talked about Scripture and Religion, which I loved sharing. I gave him Joe’s book and he shared a very difficult and scholarly scripture book that he is reading. We both enjoyed the evening.
I stayed in bed and only came over on Tuesday for exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. Caught up on my emails.
On Wednesday, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, I went to the seminary and participated in the Priests’ day of recollection. It was great to see all the priests and “catch up”. I sat at lunch with 5 Capuchins, among them Bob McCreary, an old friend I’ve known since Camillus. Fr. Billy Burns gave it and his talk was just what I needed. I got a chance to go to confession and although I had to leave early because I had exposition; it was a good way to get ready for Advent. Early to bed.
Thursday, the 4th. MY DAY OFF. I heard school confessions in the morning and then went to bed for a couple of hours. I woke refreshed and went to Virginia to meet a couple for dinner. We had a great time.
On Friday, I got up very early and put together the gold covered chocolate coins for our school children to celebrate St. Nicholas. I wasn’t up to dressing like him but I sent the coins to a prayer service. I also sent some to Holy Redeemer school but wasn’t up to being “St. Nick” for them either. I actually went to bed, took some medicine and slept for 4 hours. I got up, came to the office and got paperwork done. Had exposition and the 5:30 Mass. Supper with the guys and went to bed early.
Today, I came over and had spiritual direction with someone at 9am, then had the 11AM Mass, where I gave out “coins” for the feast. Had a baptism at 1pm. Please keep Eva Marie and her family in your prayers. Since I don’t have anything scheduled until the evening Mass on Sunday, I am going over to the rectory, work on my homily, eat and relax. I’m sure it will be early to bed.
During the week, I was on the phone a lot. I learned that Ann O’Connell, my cousin and the widow of my Godfather, Ed, was at Suburban Hospital and we talked a number of times. I didn’t want to visit because she doesn’t need my germs. But do keep her in your prayers. Also I just learned that Alice Johnson, a great friend from St. Bernard’s died at 95 years of age. Please keep her family in your prayers.