I just returned from Tuesdays With Fr. Maury and since I have Confirmation interviews beginning at 3pm; I though I would try to get something written. My last message was on January 11th and I’ve done a lot in two weeks.
On Thursday, the 12th, I had the 11am Mass and then went home to rest. Then I got a ride to see Dr. Solomon. He looked at my legs and said that the Fibrosis was not affecting them. He suggested I see my other doctor. I went by to see her office and will set up an appointment. It might be the weather because I ache in all my joints. I went to bed early.
Friday was the 13th but I never think of that as dangerous or evil. I slept in and then had an appointment and the exposition and 5:30pm Mass. I spent some time cleaning my room as they keep telling us the weather will be snow.
Saturday, the 14th was icy and the family asked to move the baptism to Sunday. I was glad to do it as it was icy and cold. I did the 4pm confessions and returned to the rectory and went to bed early.
During the night, my bed broke. I wasn’t hurt and so I just slept with the head lower than my body. I could see that the slats were cracked and so I guess I’ll get a new bed. I had the 7:30AM Mass and ate a good breakfast. The family came at 11:15 for the baptism. Please keep Maggie Catherine and her family in your prayers. I baptized the dad and married them and now I have the privilege of baptizing their first baby. I spent the rest of the day, taking apart the bed, so I could sleep in the two mattresses. It wasn’t difficult.
It was my DAY OFF on Monday, the 16th but Father Percy left today for India and Fr. Ron is away for a couple of days, so I told Fr. Alec that I would take the 11am Mass. Then I cleaned my room.
Tuesday, I had the 8AM Mass and the 5:30PM. I had an appointment at noon and then I took a nap because I had confirmation interviews in the afternoon. I always enjoy them and these 6 were fun.
Wednesday, I had the 8 and 5:30 Masses again and the interviews from 3 to 5. Humberto left food for me in my room and it was early bed.
On Thursday, the 19th, I had the 8 and 11Am Masses. confirmation interviews. Fr. Ron and I had supper together. Early to bed.
I only had the 8AM on Friday and spent the whole day, trying to straighten up my rooms and watched the inauguration. confirmation interviews.
On Saturday, the 21, I had the 8AM Mass and then drove over and picked up Fr. Trancone. We drove to Bowie and met Patty and Rose Petrone and Philip for lunch at a nice Italian place. I had shrimp scampi, which I really like. We had a good time talking about the inauguration and the women’s march which was on a TV and looked huge. After I dropped Jerry off, I decided to take my watch to a repair shop in Kensington. It is a good watch that Good Counsel gave me on my 10th Anniversary. I really liked it. It was a Seiko and it stopped working about 20 years ago and I went to a couple of stores but they couldn’t repair it. I went in here and he said, “the battery needs replacement”. It took less than 10 minutes and cost $15.00, I’ve been buying and using Timex watches – and they don’t keep the best time. This is running great and I am so happy to have it back.
On Sunday, I had the 10:30am in the church. The music was great and I preached about our being the light of the world. Jesus came to those in darkness and it is now our sacred duty to share light to any who feel the darkness of doubt and discouragement. It just seemed so necessary with all that angry and hurt of the last few days. After Mass, I went and picked up Jerry again and we went to Franklin’s – a restaurant in Hyattsville. I had been there before because we went as a family to eat in the time between the afternoon visitation and the evening wake for Marie at Gasch’s, which was nearby. This time, we met Jim and Vera Degenhardt, Bernie Degenhardt, and Gail Battle. We were celebrating Jim’s 90th birthday. It was a good meal and even with the rain, we had a good time. I was glad to get home and into my mattresses.
Although Monday is my DAY OFF, I took the 8AM Mass because it was Kevin Mulholland’s 64th birthday. He died about two years ago and is Brian’s brother. He, his Mom Jane, and other brother, Jay all came to the Mass. It was a nice Mass and part of what we Catholic families’ do to remember those we love. I went to my office and told Joan I was ‘Not in” because I was going to spend the day opening and reading my Christmas mail. It took almost 7 hours. I checked and updated addresses; I looked and read each letter or note; and I put the pictures aside to fill my bulletin board. I was suppose to be picked up by Coleen and driven to a SDC meeting and dinner in Virginia; but as I was leaving my office at 2pm, I discovered it had been raining hard all day. Joan walked me home under an umbrella but the wind and rain were hard and I was exhausted when I got to the rectory. I called Colleen and apologized that I just couldn’t go out again. I signed in for dinner, took a nap and ate dinner with the guys and then continued reading and organizing my Christmas mail list until about 11pm.
Today, I had the 11am Mass and preached on St. Francis, whom I learned to love from my Mom. Then I had Tuesdays with Fr. Maury and our topic was “Americans who are in the Pipeline to become saints” I had researched nine people who are “Servants of God” and nine who are “Venerable”. We had a great time and learned and shared. Since I have confirmation interview soon, I stayed and tried to get this message done. I am being picked up at 5pm and being driven to Hyattsville to have supper at Bethlehem House, a group home. One of the residents is Mary Horan, whose family I have known since I was a kid at St. Bernard’s, where they lived. Her sister, Pat is a classmate and lives in California. Mary and I are old friends; so I am looking forward to that visit.
I think that brings you up to date. Of course, I am on the phone a lot and keep up with people that way. I really am working on my Christmas letter from 2007 – 20016. So don’t give up on me.