On Friday, the 26th, I had the 11am Mass and afterwards I went by Joan Beall’s house. I had a nice visit with her and Ginny (who gave me some freshly made cookies – to eat and to take home). Also, Santa had come by and filled my Christmas stocking, which I also took home. I took a nap when I got back.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and then drove to West Virginia. I went to Ledo’s with Marilyn and Frank Cavallaro and Mary Alice McGreevy. Some more of the family stopped by (but didn’t eat). We had such a nice visit and after Mary left, and Frank went to bed around 11pm, Marilyn and I sat up and talked till 3:30AM. We are good at that and “caught up” on everything. I slept well.
On Saturday, I went to Bill and Kate Berry’s house for a brunch (that was delicious and had egg nog French toast!). Pat had driven from Chicago with two friends, Jose and Rod and arrived on Christmas. Bill is recovery from surgery and stayed home but after eating and visiting, the rest of us went to see their parish church, which is beautiful and not completed yet. After we took Kate back, Pat and I (in one car) and Jose and Rod in another came down to Blessed Sacrament. We made good time and so, after a tour of the place, we all got in my car and I gave them a tour of DC. I got back for the 5:30pm Mass (the deacon preached!) and then we drove over to see the lights at the Mormon temple and had supper. They headed out to West Virginia and their hotel and I went to bed.
On Sunday, I had the 10:30 and again the deacon preached. I also had the 12:30 and I preached. It was Holy Family Sunday and I have always loved this feast. I talked about our blood family and the many wonderful “families” that we also belong to. I told them about Christmas in Philly and about how they use to tell us in the seminary that “your first parish, is like your first girl friend; it has a part of your heart that no other assignment will ever have.” That is so true of St. Camillus parishioners.
On Monday, the 29th, I had both the 11AM and 5:30PM Masses. We only have three priest this week so I’m doing some extra duties.
The rest of the day, I worked in my office. Called a number of my friends. Early to bed.
On Tuesday was another easy day except for two Masses. I stopped to see Jane Mulholland, Brian’s mom. I filled up the car because I think the gas taxes go up on January 1st. Caught up with some friends by email and phone calls. Please keep Ed Collins, Sr. Kass’s dad as he struggles with health issues.
Early to bed.
I got up early on Wednesday and went to visit Dot Witte Furnary. It was great to see her. She is living in a retirement community off of Bel Pre Rd.
Then I went and got my eye prescription filled. I need bi-focals. Then I went and bought some more medicine because I think I’m getting the sniffles. I called some friends – among them Fr. Dan Morales. Please keep him in your prayers. He is doing well and we had a great talk but his tumors have returned and soon he will have to make some decisions.
I had the 5:30pm Vigil Mass. I spoke about the name of Jesus on this the day of his circumcision when he was given his name. I watched TV but fell asleep before the ball came down.
God bless you all in the new year.
Dad came through surgery this morning. He will spend the next few weeks in Charlestown’s Dorsey Center until the foot heals. Thank you for your prayers!!