I had a great two weeks with lots of activity and since today is a “quiet” day for me; I thought I’d write a message and “catch you up”.
I wrote on Saturday, August 29th that after the 5:30pm Mass, I was driving up to Carmen Carlone’s. Well, I did that but didn’t realize that the Raven’s (Baltimore’s team) and the Redskins (Washington’s team) were having a pre-season game in Baltimore. It took me about an hour and 45 minutes to get to the tunnel in Baltimore (usually about 25 minutes). I called Carmen and said I wouldn’t be there at 9:30pm as promised. I got there at 11:30. But he and I and Anthony sat up till 1:30 talking. Had a great time.
On Sunday, Carmen made us a huge and delicious breakfast and then the three of us went to the local church and went to Mass. Then we rode around and went home. Carmen took a nap and Anthony and I caught up. He is a pastor in Sydney, Australia and very happy. Then we went to Don and Marlene’s house where there was a great buffet and lots of former parishioners and friends of ours. Some I hadn’t seen in twenty or thirty years. Sister Tarcisia and Frank Hudson were among the surprises. I had a ball! And then since it was still daylight; I drove home and was here and in bed around 10pm.
On Monday, the 31st, Anna Marie came and drove us to lunch. It was her and Gene’s 52nd wedding anniversary. I had been at their 25th and 50th. We had a great time and “caught up”. That evening, three young priest of the Archdiocese who are friends of Fr. Alec came for supper. We had such a good time that I missed Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy as we laughed and talked (and they made me tell stories of the priesthood in Washington). I didn’t go upstairs till after 9pm. Slept like a baby.
On Tuesday, September 1st, I had the 8am Mass and then went to a podiatrist. She was great and told me that I do have neuropathy in my feet and there is nothing to do about it. I’m glad to know that I am not crazy and I’ll just have to be more conscientious of my feet – especially when I drive.
Wednesday, the 2nd, I went to the pastoral center, where our retired priests’ meeting was being held. The John Vianney House is being worked on but we should go back there next months. I don’t like driving over to the Center and finding a parking space – although I got one near the entrance. Not too many guys came but I enjoyed seeing the guys.
Thursday was my DAY Off and I started going through my books in my suite so I can give them to the book sale in October.
Friday, the 4th, I went to see Dr. Solomon. My blood oxygen only goes up to 94 now; but that is to be expected. He did ask me to use the concentrator when I am walking someplace so that it won’t go down to the 70’s, which it has done lately. It goes up when I am seated and using the oxygen to kind of “jump start” it. So I will try. In the afternoon, I met with Kevin and Abby, whose wedding I will have in October. Then I met with Perry who is in 7th grade and wants to be baptized and receive the Eucharist and then be able to be confirmed with his classmates next year. Nice kid! Then I had the 5:30 Mass.
On Saturday, the 5th, I baptized a darling little girl from Chicago. Her grandparents are in the parish and so her parents brought her “home” to be baptized in the family church. It was very nice. Please keep Maeve Frances and her family in your prayers. Her mom is best friends with my cousin, Maureen Denny. A small world! I had the 5:30pm Mass. I went to the back after Mass and stood near the cutout of Pope Francis, and many people took their picture with him. We’re getting excited about his coming.
I had the 9am Mass on Sunday and then went to brunch with Antonia and John Bass, and Jim and Susanne Wilder, and Susanna’ mom, Bunny at the Mayfair, a senior residence over by St. Jane de Chantal Church. We try to get together every couple of months. It is always a delightful time – and this was no exception! Then I drove out and visited with Loretta and Andy Favret. We had a great time, catching up on all the kids, and talking about the gift of friendship that we have shared lo these forty years. Since I was dressed like a priest, I tried to visit another friend but the residence I went to was where she had been for therapy and I didn’t know what her correct residence was. So I came home.
Monday, the 7th was Labor Day. I concelebrated the 11am Mass and then took a nap. I did get up and go to the annual Priests’ Cookout at Little Flower parish. I went very early so I could get a parking spot near the gym. The parish is built on a very steep hill and I didn’t want to go either up or down it. It worked fine and I got myself planted at a table and didn’t get up till the buffet. Saw lots of priests whom I only see at funerals and it was very nice to catch up with them. I came home before dark and was glad to get to bed.
On Tuesday, the 8th, I had the 11am Mass and met someone for spiritual direction and went home early.
On Wednesday, the 9th I had the 5:30pm Mass and remembered Dwight on his birthday and all the wonderful people in Colombia, SA, and at the parish in St. Inigo’s’.
On Thursday, my last DAY OFF since I am moving that to Monday, I stayed in shorts in my suite and filled 4 boxes for the book sale and 5 boxes for the Sodality Bazaar (November) and I defrosted my refrigerator. I also threw away 2 huge bags of trash. I was tired and went to bed early but I felt very accomplished.
Friday, the 11th, I had the 8am Mass in which we prayed for all those so affected by the terrorism of that day. It can never be forgotten!! I went by the Pentagon this afternoon and there was a large flag where the plane went in. I was on my way to Arlington cemetery for the interment of Helen Horan Franceschini. A lot of her family was there and I went back to Beth and John Daley’s house and spent a lovely time sitting around and talking and meeting the next generations. Again, I left before it was dark and was in bed early.
On Saturday, the 12, I had the 8am Mass and then drove to St. Francis Xavier parish to visit their pantry. Fr. Jim Bocabella is the pastor and the pantry is one of the three we gather food and money for. I was very impressed by the organization of the process. It has many volunteers and many people who are in need. Our three pantries don’t just give canned food but also milk, eggs, fresh produce and even hot dogs collected from generous benefactors. I’m glad I went.
Afterwards, I drove to Edgewater where I heard confessions and had the 5pm Mass. It is the parish that I’ve been to before – where Sister Kass is the pastoral associate. I stayed the night at a nearby hotel.
Today, I had the 8:30am Mass and the 11 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. They were also taking part in a survey for the Archdiocese Five year Plan. It was very interesting and a lot of people took the time after each Mass to take the 15 minute survey. They are a pilot parish and I think the Archdiocese will really profit from their input.
I just got home and checked in on the parent – led baptismal session and it seems to be going well. I have the 5:30pm Mass and then Fr. Alec is giving a talk on Pope Francis that I will attend. I should be in bed around 9pm.
This was a “round up” of the last two weeks but there were also many phone calls and emails with friends. We had a beginning of school Mass that I concelebrated and lots of activities and good dinners with lots of laughs.
I will try not to go two weeks without reporting!
It was so nice to see you today.