Today has been a “full day”.
I started by coming over and helping with ashes at the 8:00am Mass. After that I left for Stone Ridge. I presided at the 9:30am Mass there. The Mass was for the middle school, which is 6th,7th, and 8th graders. They have a wonderful music ministry, made up of drums, violin, guitars, and other instruments. They play well together and added to the liturgy because the singing was very nice too. The young women read well and they were very polite in listening to the ramblings of an old priest. I was escourted around by Nora and Sophie, who were charming and patient with my slow steps. I taught Sophie’s sister last year and she was a delight as well.
One of the teachers is a parishioners and she asked if I was on the radio this morning. I said not that I know of. Then I remembered Jimmy who came to interview me. The teacher said, it was very funny”. So I went on line when I got home and listened to it. It is funny but I hope also will encourage people about Lent.
Then I helped with ashes at the 11:00am Mass and then went to the confessional in the lobby. I was there till 3:05pm between people who just stopped by and the school children. I was so glad I hadn’t taken my water pill!!!!
Then I came to the office and interviewed three confirmandi. Great as always!
Then I went up to repose the Blessed Sacrament. I was suppose to expose it at 3pm but as I was in confession, Fr. John did it. But I was on time for the reposition. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass.
Then I heard confessions till 7pm when I had the 7pm Mass and I have just returned from my last confession. It is 8:29pm. I am going home, take a nice warm shower and go to bed.
I hope your Ash Wednesday was as spirit filled as mine and I pray that you have a holy and growthful Lent.
Although not as busy as yours, my Ash Wednesday was spent at Mt St Mary’s House of Prayer on retreat with the RENEW staff. We explored and prayed about what it means to be “ambassadors of Christ.” Great way to begin Lent!