Well, I’m back to continue to update you
On Tuesday, December 16th; although I was not scheduled for Mass, I took the 5:30 and had supper with the guys at the rectory. Then I came at 7pm to the library for our play reading group. We did, “The Long Christmas Dinner” by Thurber. It is one of my favorites. It takes place at the dinner table of the new home of the family and over a period of about 60 years, family member are born and join the table and others died. Some of the actors put on white wigs as they age (we don’t do that) but it traces this family’s history (and you know how I love family histories and stories). We had a very good discussion afterwards as some people found it dull and repetitive and others thought it lovely. I had a great time.
On Wednesday, I took the 6:30am Mass, so as to get started for the day. I heard confessions and then was driven out to visit a parishioner in a nursing home. It was a “priestly day”.
On the 18th, after the 8am Mass, I drove out to visit Loretta and Andy Favret, dear friends from St. Camillus days. They live up near Frederick in a senior community. We had a nice long talk and “caught up” on them and their 12 children. They knew about each of them and each grandchild. They now have their first great grandchild, a girl!!
Then I went to hear confessions and afterwards, I picked up Joan Beall and we went to the Golden Bull for dinner. Joan always buys my new replacement for my appointment book. We use to go to the Mayflower with Nellie after a stop at Scribner’s Stationary; but now it’s bought on the computer but we still try to make a meal with it. I love the Bull, we use to go to it when I was at Camillus. The food was great and not expensive. We sat and laughed and talked. Then I stopped in and her house and tried a few of Ginny’s cookies – I’m going to get more later! I didn’t get a chance to see the Mudd’s – that’s later also.
On Friday, the 19th, I had the 8am Mass and then went to Jiffy Lube. I also went to Manor Care and visited my cousin, Ann O’Connell. I brought her three of Joe’s books, for her and some friends. She hopes to go home Saturday.
I had supper at the rectory. It’s was our “Last supper” as Humberto will be off for two weeks. It was fun, Fr. Hughes, from Camden was our dinner guest. I was in bed early.
Saturday, the 20th, I was supposed to have the 8am Mass but I changed with Fr. Percy for the 5:30pm Mass. As the 8 was for Joan Mullan, Patrick’s grandma, I came and concelebrated. Many of the family came and joined Bill. They invited me to breakfast with them, but I had a baptism later in the day, so I couldn’t go. It was great to see them all.
Had the baptism, please keep Beau Edward and his family in your prayers. His grandparents are parishioner of Blessed Sacrament and St. Michael’s, Ridge.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and I enjoyed preaching about Mary on this 4th Sunday of Advent. Early to bed.
On Sunday, I woke very early and drove down to Maggie’s. I had left the leg part of her wheelchair in the back of my car since Monday. She is trying to be more faithful to using the chair, so I wanted to get it back to her. She was at Mass, so I just put it inside the living room. Then I drove by Joan’s to drop off my Christmas stocking, which she is always kind enough to have Santa fill it! My cousin, Phil Ballenger was visiting, so I stopped in and visited with him and “caught up” on his family. I also ate some more cookies!
Got home with plenty of time to be ready for the 12:30pm Mass. I was supposed to go anoint someone but she had died during the night. Please keep Lenora and her family in your prayers. I worked on Paddy, which I published last Monday. Again, early to bed.
I’m going to publish this and will send out something about this week before Christmas.
Dear Father, may you have a very merry and blessed Christmas.
Merry Christmas! Prayers for a healthy 2015!!!