It is actually Saturday, the 15th as I begin this but I will finish it tomorrow and publish it then. CHANGED MY MIND AND AM SENDING IT NOW.
When last I wrote, it was the 26th of June. Monday was my DAY OFF but I did the evening Mass as Fr. Ron was away. I did meet with the man interested in joining the church and we’ll settle on a time once the summer is over.
Tuesday, the 27th, I had the 11am Mass and then I returned to the coolness of my suite in the rectory. It has been hot but bearable. I think the heat is coming.
On Wednesday, the 28th, I went to see Dr. Solomon. He says I need more oxygen and we are going to “fight” with the company I get oxygen from. They are just not dependable. We’ll see. I stayed over in the parish center because they took apart my chair to re-carpet the stairs. I had the evening services but when I came back, everything was done and I rode up to my cool suite and stayed in all night.
On the 29th, I had the 8am Mass and then the 11. I stayed in the center and met someone. I came back and ate and then went up to my suite.
On Friday, the 30th, met with some appointments in the afternoon and then had the services. Was glad to get back to the suite. Some told me about seeing a poster on Facebook that said, “I am in my room, the temperature on the air conditioning is 62 degrees. The penguins and I are very comfortable!” I wish I could find it. I’d add it to this message. I called Terry Odien as he retired today. He was in Buffalo for a family wedding. He was director of priests personnel for about 15 years for the diocese of Camden, NJ and was looking forward to retiring and travelling.
On Saturday, July 1st, the heat wave started. I stayed in my suite till 5pm and then went to the sacristy. I had the 5:30pm Mass. The deacon preached and as soon as it was over, I went back to Antarctica!
On Sunday the 2nd. I had the 9am Mass and again the deacon preached. I had planned to stay in but the Petrone’s and Fr. T were available for lunch, so we went out. They keep the car cold for Patty and ;me!!
Did say the 11am Mass on Monday but took the rest of the day off in my suite.
On Tuesday, the 4th, I took an Uber to St. Camillus for the 8am Mass, which was for Mary Mudd on her birthday. I saw all kinds of former parishioners and had a great time. I concelebrated, as did Fr. Beattie and Fr. Lockman. The pastor presided and did a great job. We had food and ice cream and cake afterwards. God love her, Ginny Beall drove me home and I was glad to be back in the cool. I watched “a Washington 4th” and enjoyed myself. The Petrones offered to come an take me to a cookout at their house but I was exhausted.
On the 5th, I stayed in my suite till I came over for the 5:30pm Mass; then back to my suite.
On Thursday, the 6th, I had the 8am Mass and then I had the 9:30am Mass for the vacation Bible school and then I had the 5:30pm Mass. I was cooling off in my suite between Masses.
on Friday, the 7th, I am still waiting to hear about the oxygen. Evening Mass and early to bed.
On Saturday, the 8th, I had the group baptisms (but only one) please keep Valentina Marie and her family in your prayers. I saw two people for spiritual direction and then had the 5:30pm Mass. Early to bed.
Slept in and took an Uber to meet Fr. T and the Petrones for lunch. They brought me back and I had the 5:30pm Mass.
On Monday, the 10th, I took an Uber over to St. Camillus and preached at Albert Sindall’s funeral. He was 99 and I loved him and his wife, Ruth, when I first came to the parish in 1972. I have married some of the children and baptized lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was great to see them and many old friends. Then I took an Uber to Carroll Manor, where one of our retired priests was having a funeral. I got there at the end but it was good to see so many priests and some members of his family. So please keep Fr. Ed Evans and Al Sindall and their families in your prayers. Once again, Fr. T and the Petrones and I went out to lunch.
The real HEAT WAVE has arrived and I only came over ONLY for Masses on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, the 13th, I had the Bible School Mass at 9:30 and the 11am Mass and then retired to my cool space.
On Friday, I had the 8am, the Bible school, and the 5:30pm. and returned quickly to the rectory and coolness. I forgot to mention that Fr. Alec is on retreat with parish families, Fr. Percy had cataract surgery on Thursday, the 6th and the other eye on Thursday, the 13th. He is making an amazing recovery and is around – although I think he’s having a hard time reading the small print. Fr. Ron left us on Wednesday and now is pastor of Sacred Heart in Bowie. Fr. Bill Foley, our new pastor arrived and he and I have been busy – him with funerals.
Saturday, the 16th, I had the 8am Mass and then baptisms at 11 and 1. Please keep in your prayers, Rowan Patrick and James Arthur and their families. I am going up for the 4pm confessions and then back to the coolness!
I have the 9am Mass on Sunday, the 16th and then who knows? I’ll try not to take so long between articles.
I have talked on the phone a lot (it requires no movements except my mouth). I discovered the Diane Leach is up in Frederick, Md and is doing much better. Talked to Andy and La Favret and they are well and I hope to get up to see them in August. Barb is recovery from her surgery and met Fr. Jim at Our Lady of Grace. He is the new pastor there.
Fr. Beattie is back at Our Lady of Lourdes and hears confessions and concelebrate – so thanks for all those prayers. Spoke today with Muffin down at St. Michael’s. The McCoy clan is at the farm for the weekend. They always came down for Beth’s birthday (the 19th). I sent my love to them all. I talked to Frances Sampogna for her birthday and she brought me up to date on their clan. I talked to Cindy Richards and got up to date on that family.
Oh, I have to go. Keep in touch.