Sorry for the long delay in writing. I’ve been busy with Lent. I am trying (for Lent) to write letters or cards (5 a week) to friends and family – No emails! and it takes a lot of time to think of what to write and to make it legible. I have enjoyed doing it.
Today, I had the 9AM Mass and I had a good homily. My friend, Brian (whom I met over forty years ago when he was the “phone boy” at St. John’s in Chillum) came to Mass and “encouraged” me to wear a chasuble and to process in and out of church, to give Communion, and to preach from the chair. I usually only wear a stole and don’t process in or give Communion. I run out of ‘steam’ and it means a lot of people have to do things and move things – and me around to make it possible for those other activities. Well, of course he was right and I enjoyed the Mass and especially being able to give Communion again. Just have to let go of this Irish pride!!!
After Mass, my cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen and their daughter, Kate, went out to Clyde’s for brunch. We had a great time. I will officiate at Kate and James’s wedding in August in Alexandria so they brought me up to date on dresses, cake tasting, etc.
The last few weeks have flown by because each afternoon I interviewed students who were being confirmed yesterday. It was so great to meet this young people, some of whom I’ve know since I interviewed them for First Communion and others are servers at Mass. To hear them talk about the reasons they chose a saint, or the work they did as part of community service, or why they chose a particular person to be their sponsor, was so edifying and gives me hope for the future of the church.
Yesterday we had two sessions for confirmation and because Bishop Holley, who was suppose to confirm had to go to Florida for a funeral, the other two auxiliary bishops each took one of the sessions. I concelebrated but sat in the choir stalls. I had the confessions at 4pm and was ready for bed.
As I said the time has flown by, I had two doctor appointments and a stress test. Good news is that my heart is healthy and strong. My internal problems seems to be back on track. I have another doctor appointment tomorrow about the pulmonary stuff but that is going well too.
I got my haircut and my beard trimmed – which was about four weeks overdue! I feel so much better.
I drove Fr. Beattie to the retired priests’ meeting and luncheon. He is still having trouble with his foot and since he can’t drive, he feels “trapped” in the rectory. Keep him in your prayers.
Fr. Ray Fecteau’s father, Paul died this week. He was 94 and such a gentleman. Please keep his wife, Cecilia and the family in your prayers.
I’m sure there is much more I should write about but I want to get this out today.
Please also keep Fr. Dan Morales of Texas in your prayers. He has stopped treatment. We spoke and he asked for prayers for his parent.
I will try to do better. Have a Holy Lent