Today is a special feast because the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who staffed St. Bernard’s always told us about it and it was always a day of special prayers. This year, I wrote an article for AT THE WELL, which is the Archdiocesan newsletter for the Divorced and Separated Catholics group that I am chaplain to. I asked them to join me in front of a crucifix and pray for healing in our Church so that we can prayerfully begin healing what has torn our church apart. I invite all of you to join in such a prayer and to include the intention of our parish “town hall” meeting that will be this Sunday at 2pm. ‘The Cross is our Hope’. The motto of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.
It’s been a long time since I wrote. It was August 25th, the anniversary of my Dad’s death. I don’t feel like I’ve done much lately as the weather has been very hot and damp or very hot and rainy or cold and damp. In any case, I have stayed close to the rectory. I go over for Mass but come right back. I didn’t do that on Monday because my cousin, Aidan House came to my office and made 4 nice piles of all the paper, books, and magazine scattered around the desk. He was great and offered to do it before he started school at BCC. My desk is actually wood under all the papers. I had the facilities guys bring the piles over and I sat in my chair and went through them. Was able to throw away two trashcans full. I met with a few people but asked them to come to the rectory and we met in the parlor downstairs. I only had to ride down on my chair. I did have an “outing” on Wednesday,, August 29th. My cousin, Rick Jensen came and took me to my barber in Wheaton and then we stopped for pizza. But most of the week, the humidity was just too tough and I stayed in my suite . On Saturday, Eileen and Jay Baughan came and we “picnicked in”. We caught up on lots of things and people.
Then the rains came. Carolyn picked me up in her car at 6:30am on Sunday, September 2nd and brought me back after I said the 7:30 Mass. I stayed in the rest of the day and all day on Labor day. I didn’t go to the Labor day cookout for priests that I think I’ve attended for nearly fifty years. I just didn’t have the strength. I did the 8am Mass on Tuesday and then came home. Had two appointment in the parlor in the afternoon. Wednesday, I just stayed in. Had 11am Mass on Thursday and home again. Joan was able to bring the cart over between the rain spells. Friday, the 6th, I met with a nice couple about end of life issues and then that night I was driven over and back from Fr. Foley’ healing Mass. It was good for me and I asked for healing of my spirit because of all the terrible things we are learning about sexual abuse. I was glad I went. Again, I had to be picked up for the 8am Mass and then driven back. The girls came by and brought me some groceries. It was good to see them as Rose had a slight stroke and was hospitalized. Keep her in your prayers. They say she is recovering but she can’t drive and she doesn’t like that. I was driven back for confessions at 4pm and afterwards, it was pouring again and I was driven home. Sometime, around 6pm, Pat Berry and two friends from Chicago stopped in with pizza and we had a great visit. They had been in Hilton Head for the week and stopped to see me on the way to West Virginia (to visit Bill and Kate Berry) and then drive on Monday back to the Midwest. I was glad to see them and catch up on their activities. I do enjoy visited from friends.
On Sunday, the 9th, I was again picked up and driven to say the 10:30 Mass in the church. I think my homily was good but it was emotional for me. Fortunately, God always has a blessing for you. I baptized Amelia, the newest addition to a family I have gotten close to here at Noon in the chapel. It was fun to see them and laugh and talk. Before the afternoon rain, I was driven home. That night at 7pm, I was part of a phone in meeting about the day of recollection we will have here in late October for the Divorced and Separated Catholic groups. That will be great.
On Monday, the 10th, I had the 11am Mass and afterwards rode over to the apartment for the Welcome Home Luncheon for the seniors. it was great to see them and a couple came great distances. Colleen and Monty came by the rectory and we visited.
On Tuesday, which was September 11th, I offered Mass for Michelle, a member of the parish who was a stewardess on the plane that went into the pentagon. I came to know her family and the neighbors since I came here and I am always honored to celebrate her anniversary Mass. People come because she is a part of our parish family that was touched by that violence. I stayed over in the parish center most of the day. It was also Maureen’s anniversary and I called people . I stayed in my suite on Wednesday and although I just couldn’t ride downstairs, Mike Morse, who was in the teen club at Camillus called and asked to come by. I was thrilled and he brought pictures of children and grandchildren whom I know and love. We visited for 4 hours and then it was time for a nap. On Thursday as there was a funeral on Thursday and Fr. Foley took the 11, I just stayed in my suite and worked on the day of recollection.
Today, I met a parishioner in the parlor as we work on having her marriage blessed. Then I had the evening benediction and Mass. Joan brought me over on the cart and Carolyn drove me home. I am blessed in all my angels.
Tomorrow I have the 11 and Carolyn will drive me as the hurricane rains are expected this weekend and next week. How annoying.
So now you are up to date. Keep praying for all the sick and discouraged – and JoAnn who had a heart attack and still went with Maggie and the gang to Myrtl Beach. God was good and led the governor to demand they evacuate and so they are home playing cards. But do pray for the sick and for our parish meeting this Sunday. Know you and yours are prayed for.