Today is my DAY OFF and I was suppose to go to lunch with a former Good Counsel student and in the evening to the wake of Monsignor Bill Kane at Little Flower. The weather has taken a nose dive and I noticed yesterday that my nose doesn’t like it when I go from cold to warm or warm to cold; so I decided just to spend the day in my office here in the rectory. Yesterday, they took out my air conditioner and discovered that the heat was not coming up in the radiators; so I will spend the day here and try to get a message out.
Let’s see. My last report was on November 27th. I was planning to go to the funeral of Jeanette Williams (Mary Mudd’s sister) but I wasn’t up to the trip and spent the rest of the day in my suite. I am just so tired.
On the 28th, I did the 11am Mass and then returned to the rectory. I had an appointment around 3pm and we met in the parlor.
On the 29th, I Ubered to the John Vianney House for the retired priests gathering. It was good to see the guys but I did not stay for lunch because the GIRLS picked me up and we did some shopping. I got some more coins for St. Nick’s day.
On the 30th and December 1st, I said some Masses but returned to the rectory afterward.
On Saturday, the 2nd, I had the 5:30pm Mass. I preached about confession and a few people came to see me after Mass for confession. Also Sister Agnes came down from New Jersey and there was a large group of the SDC (Separated and Divorced Catholics) who came to Mass and then we went to supper at La Ferme. It was great to be with them and I enjoyed being with them. Colleen and Monte drove me over and back and I was ready for bed by 10pm.
On Sunday, the 3rd, I had the 7:30am Mass. I was glad to have to get up early because I had a marriage blessing and a baptism at 11:30 in the chapel. The Grandmother was Polish and I used my one phrase I know, Domne Buzie”. It means “Give me a kiss” She was thrilled. My mom taught me that because her grandfather, who was from Poland, use to say it to her and my aunt. I’m so glad she passed it on to me.
On the 4th, 5th, and 6th, I was busy getting all my coins bagged and labeled. I said daily Mass and on Tuesday went to the apartment where we had Tuesdays with Fr. Maury and 4 pre-school children came to visit. They put their shoes “outside” and got some toys and candy. I was dressed like St. Nick and Rita told his story. They stayed and decorated cookies but I came home to bed. Fr. Ryan, who was our deacon and is now the assistant at Holy Redeemer came by and I gave him coins for the young children there. I asked if he could grow a white beard in a day but he didn’t think he could. I’ll have to find out what he did.
On Wednesday, I rode over in my cart to the gym and joined in a lovely St. Nicholas prayer service. Fathers Bill and Alec joined me and we gave out the coins. Sister Mary Ann arranged the service and all enjoyed it. I had planned to go to lunch with three ladies from Leisure World but we cancelled it. I did meet with a nice lady in the parlor and then took the day off.
On Thursday, I had the 11am Mass and Ubered to St. Luke’s to hear confessions. Ginny, Joan’s daughter was kind enough to come at get me and I went to their house for supper and a nice visit. Joan is doing well with her rehab and the girls take very good care of her. They wanted to drive me home; but I Ubered.
We have had a lot of funerals and if I’m scheduled for the 11am, someone else does it and i just stay in my suite. I did that Friday and on Saturday, we had First Penance and I heard confessions, said Mass, and heard more confessions. My cousins, Rick and Peg came and we went to three cemeteries and prayed and put out wreaths. With ended up – as is our custom – with supper at Crisfield’s. They also shared pictures of their grandson, William James. Keep him, them, and the parents – Kate and James – in your prayers. I was tired but knew that the first thing I had to do on Sunday was the 5:30pm Mass, so I slept well.
Stayed in my pj’s all day. Saw Maggie, Sue, and Mike, who brought up Christmas ornaments. then I did the 5:30pm Mass and went to bed.
On Monday, I covered Joan’s desk for while and then did the 11am Mass. I returned to the rectory.
On Tuesday, the 12th, I helped with morning confessions for the school and did the 11am Mass. I wore my Our Lady of Guadeloupe vestment and talked about her and the feast. I worked in my office and saw two ladies and came home around 4:30. Our cook is still away but there is always food in the refrigerator.
And so we come to today. It is very cold and I will stay in my suite. Also I am suppose to go out tomorrow but we’ll see how the weather is. Cold and then warm really bothers my nose. Also the elevator in the parish center is broken and that will limit my getting around. Also there is a funeral on Friday so I won’t have Mass that day. We’ll see what the weekend brings.
Almost every night, I talk by phone to Marilyn, Joan, Fr. T, the Girls, and Carolyn ( we see who got the final Jeopardy answer) Please keep all of them in your prayers. Also Fr. Beattie is back in the hospital, keep him in your prayers. Joe Stoutz and Mary Black will be married tomorrow. Keep them and their families in your prayers.
Our IT person (I think) has made it possible to write Paddy from my suite; so if I don’t get out, I’ll still try to write. Hope you are having a Good Advent. I think I am.