It’s been almost three weeks since I wrote but they’ve been busy. I wrote on May 13th. But then on the 18th, I went on a cruise out of Baltimore, that went to Bermuda and the Bahamas for 9 days and returned on Saturday, May 27th. Pat Berry. Sister Kass, Anna Marie Kinerney, my cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen and I shared a table at early sitting. We had a great time. It was the Jensen’s 40th wedding anniversary, on Sunday, the 21st. So we assembled in their balcony cabin and had Mass, they repeated their vows and then we had cocktails and dinner. It was lively but nothing like their wedding reception – I was there!
Finally, after many months (and years) of haranguing me about having a “scooter” on the ship, I gave in and rented one. What a difference!! It was so nice to ride – almost the whole length of the ship -to go to a meal, and arrive there still breathing normally. They took it from near my door at night and would get it re-charged; and return it the next morning to my door. I said how much I enjoyed it and so Kass said, “Well when are you going to come and get my Dad’s? I’ve had it in my apartment waiting for you to know you wanted it!!” Rick offered his son-in-law (James) and himself to come and get it. They did that on Memorial Day and it’s here in my parish office. I’m still figuring how to put it to the best use; but I’m not afraid that I won’t be able to drive it. That was one of my fears. I’d see them at Target and Cosko and I thought if I had one, I’d knock over some display with 200 cans!! I didn’t so, I’ll be riding it around the parish. Will keep you informed.
The cruise was very relaxing and I finally started reading again a book on my Kindle that was 757 pages, The Pillars of the Earth. I had started it about 10 years ago but stopped after 100 pages. It’s full of history and I really enjoyed it.
When we got back to Baltimore, Rick and Peg’s daughter, Kate picked us up and drove me home.
On Saturday, the 27th, I had a baptism. Please keep Seamus Nolan and his parents, Godparents, and family in your prayers. I went to a party afterwards and had a great time. Also caught up with two of my cousins. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass. The deacon preached so I just continued relaxing. I was glad to get in my own bed again, which I did before 7pm.
On Sunday the 28th, I had the 10:30am Mass and again the deacon preached. When I came back to my office, I saw that Maggie had called my cell phone three times. I called her immediately and she asked if I had listen to the messages. I said, “No, as soon as I saw you kept calling, I figured I’d better call right away.” She wanted me to know that Marie’s grandson, Ricky was going to sing before the start of the Indianapolis 500. It would be on channel 7. I turned it on and I was able to see him. He say America and it was beautiful. He has always been very musical – playing the organ and the piano. He has a great voice and sang at Marie’s funeral. He’s in the army and looks great in his uniform. I know Marie was going around heaven telling anyone she didn’t know (that would be those who don’t go to BINGO) that he was her grandson. She was always a proud mother and grandmother. And our whole family is proud of Ricky. I worked at my desk and went home and relaxed some more. I read the rest of the book and watched TV.
On the 29th, Memorial Day, I stayed in the air-conditioned room and read and watched TV. Around 4pm, Rick and James came with my ‘scooter’ and then Fr. Alec drove me, Father Ron, and Fr. Keith to Alfio’s to have supper together. It was a gift from a woman in Fr. Keith’s parish and she wanted to have supper in honor of her and her husband, who had just died. We toasted them and prayed for them in the grace that Fr. Ron said. It was a great evening.
On Tuesday, the 30th, I had the 11am Mass and then we had Tuesdays with (Fr.) Maury. It was a small group but we talked about topics for next year (in September). Then I met with someone for spiritual direction.
Also on the 27th, was Fr. John Bohrer and Fr. Dwight Birket’s priesthood anniversaries. I know they’d appreciate a prayer or two.
I forgot to mention that the rectory is being repaired and painted, so we don’t have normal schedule in the house.
Also I am meeting with a young man who is on a priesthood retreat and who will be ordained a priest on Saturday. Please keep Will in your prayers. – just found out that he will be ordained on Saturday, June 10th. I told him you were praying for him and he wanted to let you know that another week of prayer would be appreciated.
Also, I know that you know that my friend, Barbara had surgery and it went well. She is in a rehab place and in pain. I’ve haven’t been able to talk with her but please keep her in your prayers as well.
Today is also Sharon Beall’s birthday and the feast day of Fr. Ray Fecteau’s parish in Darnestown. Prayers for that would also be appreciated.
I went to therapy today and they tell me I have passed. It is true that my arm doesn’t hurt anymore; so maybe there is hope for my leg. Keep praying.