Again, a busy week:
On Thursday, the 19th, the feast of St. Joseph. I took the day off and met Gail Douglas for lunch at RIP’s. We caught up on all the news and I learned that she is moving to a senior citizens’ apartment in near Illchester, Maryland, where the Notre Dame Sisters had their mother house. It isn’t too far and we’ll keep in touch.
Then I went to St. Luke’s to hear confessions at their Lenten Penance Service. Great as always.
Friday, the 20th I had the 11am Mass and then just worked at the desk and went home early.
On Saturday, the 21st, I drove up to the Claggett center in Buckeystown and heard confessions for the Confirmation students on retreat. They are from St. Ignatius parish, where Fran Werden is the pastoral associate.
Then I had lunch with La and Andy Favret. They live nearby and La is staying in the rehab part of their complex because of some equilibrium problems. Andy lives in their home, which is part of the complex; so they are together often. We had a great time and ate in a café that is part of the complex.
Then I came home, heard the 4pm confessions. I really do enjoy confessions!! And relaxed in my suite that evening.
On Sunday, the 22nd, I had the 10:30 Mass in the gym. They were so good to me and put out my stool, so I could give Communion and bless the children. Then I had a baptism. Please remember Georgia Catherine and her family in your prayers.
Then Rick and Peg Jensen picked me up and we went to visit Ann O’Connell. She is staying at home with the support of family and has doctors and nurses who come to visit her. She was in good spirits and we laughed and talked.
Then Rick and Peg and I went to supper at a Portuguese restaurant nearby. It was very good and we had a good time.
I talked with my cousin Jackie later that night. Please keep my cousin, Peg Caruso and her family in your prayers. She is doing tests and treatment this week.
On Monday, I went to St. Patrick’s parish for Merve O’Connor’s funeral. I’ve known her for over 30 years. She was part of that group that welcomed me to Leisure World in the early 80’s when I was at G. C. and could help out Fr. Father Farrell, the pastor of Our Lady of Grace. I had intended just to sit on the altar but Fr. Foley, the pastor and a good friend, invited me to preach. It was an honor. She was a great lady and she wouldn’t mind my saying she was 94. Buried the next day at Arlington with her husband, a Navy guy. I went with Barb Ostrye and we had lunch together afterwards – Five Guys! Good hamburgers!
I had interviews for First Communion and then the 5:30pm Mass. Ate and relaxed in the suite. Had a long phone conversation with Jerry Trancone. He is coming along with the rehab at Carroll Manor and is standing and walking on his own with a cane. Thanks for those prayers.
On Tuesday, I had the 8am Mass and then I drove down to Maggie’s and she, Marie and I went to Annapolis for Maggie’s doctor’s appointment. I went in with her and learned a lot about her foot. She will have surgery in August and it will take some time to recover but she will be able to walk again. Keep praying. As a treat, we went to a seafood place in Chesapeake Beach and then went to Bingo. I got home around midnight.
Today is the feast of the Annunciation (and also 9 months from Christmas!!). I had the 8am Mass and then went to Stone Ridge for a penance service and to hear confessions. It was great and then I came home and slept for two hours. I’ve been at the desk all afternoon and got a lot of things done – like this article!!
Tomorrow is Thursday, my day off and I will pick up Joan around 9:30am and we’re going up to see Betty Neary. We have been snowed out three time but it’s supposed to be 70 degrees tomorrow, so I know we’ll have a great time.
Thought of and prayed for you last Sunday during the Gospel…unless a grain of wheat.