Well, back to the update:
On Sunday, August 23rd, I had the 9AM Mass. Afterwards someone came up to me and said, “Today’s your birthday, isn’t it?” I laughed and said, “How do you know?” She said, “You mentioned Maurice and Frances during the remembrance of the dead. You always mention the names of deceased parents at a Mass you offer for someone’s birthday as a Thank you for their giving life to that person. You told us that once in a homily and I always notice it. Today you said your Mom and Dad’s names and I knew it was your birthday!” I thanked her and said, I was glad to know that some people are listening when I preach and when I celebrate birthdays. What a nice way to start my day – and it kept getting better!!!
Then Ceil Mattingly came by. She and I picked up Joan Beall and the three of headed to Southern Maryland. We went to Stoney’s and met up with Maggie and Marie, all of Maggie’s kids and their spouses and three of her grandkids. Our cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen, Sister Kass, and JoAnn Adams. There were 24 of us and we laughed and talked and ate crabs for about 4 hours. What a great way to enter my 72 year of life. I was home about 8pm and saw that I had 138 messages on Facebook and lots of phone messages. I decided that I’d deal with all of them, when I had time (like 3 in the morning, when I can’t sleep and would be able to read or listen to them all). I also had a couple of calls while I was just sitting in my suite. I had a long visit with Dan and Stephanie. I went to bed by 9. I was tired but had a great day.
I was supposed to have the 11am Mass on Monday, the 24th but Fr. Ron took it because he knew the man. So I went and got my haircut and drove up to Westminster and check into a hotel. I took a nap and then showered and went to Manchester for a supper with about 20 priests, 2 ministers, 7 seminarians, and the Archbishop of Baltimore. Our host was Fr. Michael Roach, the pastor of St. Bartholomew’s parish. It was the 150th anniversary of the parish. Had a great time at the dinner and saw lots of old friends. The Mass was at 7:30pm and the church (new) was filled. Afterwards there were refreshments but I drove home and was in bed before 11pm. Glad I went.
On Tuesday, the 25th (anniversary of my Dad’s death), I led a prayer service in the chapel for all the teachers and staff of the school. Sister Mary Ann composed it and it was very moving and a good way to start the year. I’m always glad when they ask me to preside.
Then I had the 11am Mass, exposition, and the 5:30pm Mass. Someone came from Reuters to interview me about the Separated and Divorce Catholics, of whom I am the chaplain. I think it went well but later the Archdiocese called to say that any request like that must go to the chancery. Oh well, another mistake for the retired priest.
On Wednesday, the 26th, I had the 8am Mass and then went to my last therapy session. Nadia says I did very well and actually I can feel the difference in my right leg. I had the 11am Mass and then met with the family of the funeral I will have on Friday. Then I met with a young man who wants to be confirmed with his class and needs some remedial catechism material.
On Thursday, the 27th, I drove Fr. Trancone to a doctor’s appointment and we had lunch at the cheesecake factory. I went to bed early and woke up at 4am and couldn’t get back to sleep. So I opened and read all my Facebook comments. It was so much fun. Lots of old friends and even students from GC as well as all my nieces and nephews and my brother in law in Georgia. I also listen to my phone calls and open up my birthday card that I had brought over from the parish center. I went back to bed around 6:30. Then I got up at 9am for the 11am funeral. Please keep Michael and his family in your prayers. He was 38 and died suddenly of undiagnosed diabetes. The church was standing room as he was very well known as are his family here in the parish and school
Today, Saturday, I am going out to Gate of Heaven for Michael’s burial and then I have the 5:30pm Mass and then I’m driving up to Carmen’s. Fr. Anthony is visiting form Australia and tomorrow we’ll have dinner with lots of their former parishioners at Don and Marlene’s. I’ll report on that social event next time.