Yesterday was very busy. We had Confirmation at 9:30am and 1:30pm. We had 60 some at each Mass and the church was packed for each service. Bishop Martin Holley, who is our auxiliary was the presider and we all concelebrated. It was well organized and the music was beautiful.
Between the service, the bishop joined about 8 of us for lunch. He is a great conversationalist and a great story teller. He was born in Florida and was a pastor, and as a layman worked for the church administration. He’s from a big family and according to him, has a very interesting life as an African American living in the south in the 60’s & 70’s. Also, he was great with the kids and made them have a real experience of the reception of the Holy Spirit.
After the second service, I was hoping to drive out to Barbara (Rosenberger) and David Sherry’s house to see some of the Rosenberger family. Today is the first anniversary of Nora McSweeney Rosenberger’s death. She was an Adult Advisor in the teen club at St. Bernard’s when I was a teenager. We all called her “Mother R” and to be honest I miss her just like I do my own Mom. I offered one of my Masses today for her and the second for Glen (her husband, whom we called “Father”) and all of her family. I would have liked to see them but I had the 5:30PM Mass and couldn’t get out and back in enough time. Father T, who is also part of the family, is sick in bed and couldn’t come either; so I guess when he is well; he and I will go out to lunch with Father.
I went to bed early and slept well. So now you know why there was no message yesterday.
This morning, I got up around 7:30am and went over to the center. It was quiet and so I worked at my desk and put on the Sunday morning talk shows. Some of my parishioners are on them!
I had the 10:30am Mass and the Deacon preached. It went very well and we are having the Scruitinies, where we pray and send off for a discussion, those who are part of our RCIA, the group who have been meeting every Monday night since September. I am looking forward to their entering the church on Holy Saturday.
After Mass, I walked all over the property looking for a group that I had been asked to say a prayer and encourage them in their ministry with the poor. I couldn’t find them anywhere and I did more exercise than I am use to. I was sitting in the choir stalls – catching my breath – when the sacristan, Grace brought me a copy of the bulletin and showed me the article about the group. They are meeting on April 10th!!!
I don’t know if you noticed but today’s Gospel was very long. So at my 12:30 Mass, I had the deacon read the long version but I asked the people to be seated and then I gave the homily from the chair. It’s one of the priviledges that senior priest have – and from comments as they left church, many people my age and older were grateful to be seated for the Gospel.
After Mass, I drove to Leonardtown – near Ridge for my Teams of Our Lady meeting. It was great to see the couples, although one couple has shingles and chicken pox and are sequestered in their home. They were prayed for and missed.
I stopped by my sister Maggie and she and Marie and I shared some ice cream – a Sunday tradition in the O’Connell Clan. We also talked by phone to our youngest sister, Maureen in Georgia. We are all getting excited about being together for Kerri and Tim’s wedding on April 16th.
Well that brings you up to date. I have to go to the court down in DC tomorrow for jury duty. It is one day or one trial. Pray that it is just one day!!
Rejoice in the Lord, I say again, Rejoice on this Gaudete Sunday!!!
Thanks for bringing us up to date!