I thought the best way to celebrate this feast would be to call Fr. Bob Norton, pastor of St. A’s in Pittsburgh and “catch up”. We did and now I know much of the Pittsburgh news.
But let me continue with my update:
Saturday, April 29th was a beautiful day and the wedding went very well. Then we had a reception at the Marriott center at Md. University. They had a nice garden for cocktails and I spent much of the time with Jack and Rose O’Brian, my cousins who are “snow birds” and spent 6 months in Annapolis and 6 in Florida. They are actually my Dad’s first cousins but as we are closer in age, we feel like first cousins. I also met a nice couple who are friends of the groom and they asked me if I knew any priests in Baltimore. I said, “only one, Fr. Mike Roach”. They said that was enough as Mike was their cousin. I think his name was Tom McGrath. And I also knew many of the bride’s father’s family and I was friends with many of their friends. It was a great time and I got home around 10pm.
At the Sunday Masses, Fr. John spoke and let the people know that he is leaving the parish in July to become the director and CEO of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese. He didn’t want to leave but he was asked and we all feel he is perfect for the needs of that agency. No talk of who might come BUT it won’t be me!!! While I was away, I recieved a letter from the cardinal allowing me to retire. I hope to stay here but that will depend on the new pastor.
Fr. Jim had to go and hear confessions nearby and asked me to go to an Eagle Court of Honor upstairs in the chapel. I did not know the young scout but his name was Nick and he spoke very well. I was glad I went and said an opening and closing prayer. I went to a number of them at St. Michael’s and always found them impressive. This one was as well.
Most of the rest of the day, I spent working on Paddy or cleaning my desk. I went to Ledo’s for dinner and watched TV late enough to see the President’s announcement of the death of Ben Ladin. I had many conflicting feelings but perhaps this will give some victims a sense of closure and bring about a failure of the terroist activities.
Fr. John had a funeral at 11am and as I had been scheduled for that Mass, I switched with him and am taking the exposition at 3pm and the Mass at 5:30pm. Then Delores Wilson is giving a presentation on Bethlehem House, where adults with special needs live in community. I have a friend there, Mary Horan, so I think I will go and listen to her talk. I have the 8:00am Mass tomorrow so I hope to get to bed early.
How did folks respond to Fr. John’s annoucement? How long has he been there? I’m sure he will be missed.