Had a very nice (and short) Vigil Mass last night. Word had gotten around that there would be a Mass at 5:30 in one of the conference rooms and so in addition to our group of 16, there were about 60 others. I started off by explaining that this was like the Masses I would say for the scouts in my parish and so it is very informal. I also explained that I didn’t have any clerical clothes or an alb but that I did have a green stole. I only had one chalice, so we’d only have Communion under one form. I asked for any Eucharistic Ministers, and Joe from New York volunteered. Sister Gloria read the first reading and the responsorial psalm. Rick read the 2nd reading. It was interesting to hear Gloria’s Baltimore accent and Rick’s Georgian accent. We did stand for the Gospel since we hadn’t left port yet but we sat for all the rest until the Our Father and sign of peace. My homily was brief as I explained to them that the priest who taught us how to give homilies said, “it should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. And not too much space between the beginning and the end”. Of course, there was no collection and from start to finish it was 26 minutes. My sisters told me later that a number of the congregation asked if I could come to their parishes. See, the grass always looks greener….
According to the paper, there is suppose to be a Mass later today by someone who will come on from shore. I might go and see what his homily is like.
Speaking of quotes, a very nice lady named Cindy wrote to tell me that my quote from JFK was, as she wrote “JFK was remembering Edmund Burke who wrote ‘those who don’t know history are bound to repeat it’.” I am grateful for the correction and the information.
Today is Sunday and we are in Panama. Patrick and Marie went off on tours but as it is very hot and I have been here before, I and the rest of us are going to get in the hot tub and the pool – and read our books.
Last night, we once again were able to have first sitting but I think tonight we’ll be back at our late seating table. I don’t mind either.
Last nights show was a salute to Broadway, so we all enjoyed it. We lost an hours sleep last night and since Pat had that tour, we turned in early but I discovered that there were free movies on the TV. I watched Prince of Persia and Inglorious Bastards (Pat said he slept thru both of them but I did enjoy them both – different and a little strange!)
Tomorrow we are in Colombia, where I was 19 years ago. Seems like only yesterday. Hasta manana!
Maury:
I heard that you had been reassigned to a cushy job near Chevy Chase. Glad to have you back up here. I do volunteer work in the office of Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville. Do you remember being there for 6 months? I sure wish you were back here now. Fr. Bob Keffer could use some more help. We do have Fr. Michael Blackwell and he is a doll but you would work out nicely with them. Fr. Bob is a gourmet cook so things are great in the kitchen. I understand you are on a cruise. We did one similar to that a few years ago. We are going on a cruise to New Zealand/Australia starting Feb. 20 for a month. I hope the rain stops befroe then. If you get a chance when you come home, send me an email at mommom1991@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. I haven’t gotten a Christmas letter for awhile so I don’t know what you have been up to. Hope to hear from you soon. I forgot to tellyou, Maureen White was here about a year ago. She called me after 20 years of not hearing from her. She came with a friend, we went to lunch, she left and promiseed to keep in touch and I haven’e heard from her since. She is living in Florida. Don’t be like her, keep in touch.
Sally Curley
I wondered if you saw Gloria in your travels. Tell her she is missing some very cold weather. That will make her happy!!!
At present I am watching Green Bay decimate Chicago in the playoffs. Next I’ll be pulling for the Jets to cream Pittsburg. I should sleep well after “running” up and down the field…..