I just finished the 8AM Mass and since I will concelebrate an 11AM funeral, I thought I’d start a message. It has been another full and busy week:
On Monday, the 7th, I drove to New Carrollton and caught the 10:04 train to Philly. I find it easier to go there, park in the lot nearby and take the elevator up to the tracks and stand in the section where the train will stop. I have gone to Union Station but then I have to walk down past the engines and a number of cars and I’m exhausted. I love the train and can usually read a couple of the magazines that I subscribe to and seldom get a chance to read. I got to Philly at 12:08, met Joe who had taken the local train down from Chestnut Hill, and John was waiting in his car for us. We went to Ponzio’s, a diner that I always enjoy visiting. Then we went to John’s rectory and relaxed. Around 5pm, we met Terry at an Italian restaurant for supper. It is always so enjoyable to be with them. We’ve been friends for over 50 years. Around 7:30, John took me and Joe to the 30th Street station. Joe got his train and I took the 8:40pm train. I got off at New Carrollton, got my car, drove home and was in bed by 11:30. I slept well.
I had the 8AM Mass on Tuesday and then heard school confessions. Then I went to the Washington Retreat House near Catholic U. St. Camillus parish was having a “day of recollection”, led by Deacon Yorke. People came from St. Camillus and St. Bernard’s and it was so nice to see them and visit. I said the Mass at 2:30 and was home by 4pm. I had supper with the guys and went to bed early.
On Wednesday, the 9th (feast of St. Frances of Rome), I had the 6:30AM Mass. Then I called Frances Sampogna to wish her a happy feast day and then I drove to Colombia, Md to Toby’s Dinner Theatre to see “South Pacific”. My friend, Annamarie had gotten a gift certificate from her children and she treated me. We had a wonderful time and sat with a couple, who actually live a few blocks from her. I had a good time. Then I drove to Barnesville, heard children’s confessions and had a great supper with Fathers Kevin, Lockman, and McFarland. I do really enjoy sitting around and laughing with priests. At 7:30, we went to the church and Deacon Bill Vita (cousin of our Bill Vita from St. B’s) gave a great talk to bring to a close their three night mission. Then we heard confessions and I drove home. Actually, I was in bed by 9:30.
On Thursday, at 9AM, I went to Stone Ridge and spent an hour with 50 lovely and bright 5th graders. I explained a lot of the accoutrements that we use in our liturgy. They have been studying the Sacraments’ of Initiation and we all had a good time. I came home and took a nap. I had exposition at 3pm, 4 young students came to see me who are making their First Communion. I do so enjoy those interviews. Then I had the 5:30PM Mass, went home, had supper, and went to bed during Jeopardy – I had been up a long time.
On Friday, I hadn’t set the alarm and it was nice to sleep in. At 10:30, I met someone for spiritual direction. I had lunch, Exposition, the 5:30PM Mass, and Stations. Then I joined some parishioners for Pizza. We had a lot at Stations and many came to the Pizza. I’ve met some nice families there. I went to bed early.
Today, Saturday, the 12th, I had the 8AM Mass and will concelebrate the 11AM funeral. It is for Ruth, the lady I went to anoint two weeks ago. She was a professor at George Washington University and although she lived a long time, they are expecting many of her former students to come to the funeral.
Again, I ask for prayers for Fathers Beattie, Trancone, and Morales. Also for Mary Goldbeck and Pat Watters. Hope you are having a good and fruitful Lent.