It’s hard to believe that it’s only a week since I wrote. It’s been a full one. It’s just as well that I didn’t go to Baltimore.
On Friday, the 17th, I spent the day in the office and a number of people came by to talk. Also I had the 5:30 Mass and went to bed early.
On Saturday, the 18th, I had the 8AM Mass and then gave some scouts a tour of the sacristy and then they came to my office to interview me. They are working on the Ad Altare badge. We had a great time. Then I had an 1o AM baptism. Please keep Carolina Grace and her family in your prayers. I had baptized her older sister, who is now 4 and lovely. I took a nap and then I had the 5:30PM Mass but I didn’t preach. The deacon did and again, I was glad to go to bed early.
On Sunday, the 19th, I had the 10:30AM Mass in the church and I preached. I also gave out Communion, which was a treat to myself. Around 2pm, I drove to Wheaton and had lunch with Ceil Mattingly, a childhood friend. We caught up on her family and mine. We had seen each other at Marie’s wake and it took us this long to arrange for lunch. We went to Christina’s, a nice family Italian place.
The office was closed on Monday, the 20th for Presidents’ day. I was picked up at the rectory by Liz Cahill and we drove to Clyde’s where we met Sissy Gladding. Both were teachers at G.C. when I was there. We laughed and talked from 12:30 to 5:30. I think we caught up on all the people we knew. I left a little something extra for the waiter, who was very good to us. I felt like we “rented” the table as he didn’t have other customers to wait on while we just went on and on. Old friends are such a joy. I was ready for bed early as I didn’t have a nap.
On Tuesday, the 21st, I had the 11AM Mass and spent the rest of the day on the newsletter.
On Wednesday, the 22nd, I had the 11 and the 5:30pm Masses and went to bed early.
Thursday, I had the 8AM Mass and around 12:30, Joan W drove me down to the hotel in Southwest where Pat Berry had checked in after a flight from Chicago. We talked and visited all afternoon and then Rick and Peg picked us up and we went to North Old Town in Alexandria for a delicious family run Italian dinner. They drove me home and then took Pat to the hotel. Of course, we had a great time.
On Friday, I had the 8AM Mass and then, Colleen W picked me up and we drove to St. Rose of Lima for a funeral. It was Peg Caffery, whom I met on a retreat I did thirty years ago. I’ve kept in touch. She was 93 and the mother of 10, grandmother of 23, and great grand mother of 4. Fr. Val Keveny was the celebrant and homilist. He was as good as he always is and that brogue is like he arrived yesterday from Ireland – and he came 44 years ago. Also the deacon was John Locke, who with his wife, Marge were in my TEAM thirty years ago. I haven’t seen them for years. Since the internment was at St. Rose, we stayed for the luncheon and talked with lots of people. I took a nap and had the 5:30pm Mass. Again, early to bed.
On Saturday, the 25, I was on for the beginning of our Confirmation; but had to leave. I’m glad I went out and sat in the altar area because Matt and Kathy Minahan came up and spoke to me. Old friends from Camillus and retreats. Their nieces were being confirmed. It was great to see them and talk. Then I picked up Patrick at the Metro. We drove to Frederick and met Bill and Kate Berry for lunch. Then I left them and drove to St. Mary’s in Barnesville for Confessions. They came to the 5pm Mass and then went back to West Virginia and I drove Pat to the Metro and he went back to the hotel.
Today, I have the 10:30AM Mass, which Maggie and Mike will come to. Then we’ll pick up Patrick again at the Metro (He is a real traveler and can find his way around), the we’ll pick up Joan B and go to Outback, where we’ll meet Barbara Ostrye for lunch. We’ll return and I know I’ll be in bed. I don’t care about the Oscars.
As tomorrow, Monday is my DAY OFF, and Patrick flies back to Chicago; I’ll just stay in bed till I want to get up and I’ll join Regis, Mike, John, and Jim for supper at 6pm in Silver Spring. I am going to use Uber for the first time. I’ll report on it later!
I think that brings you up to date. The newsletter is almost ready for print.