It is now the 25th of January, the conversion of St. Paul.
I returned from Alaska on the 19th. The retreat went well and I think the 20 or so people who participated felt it was a relaxing time with the Lord. I gave five conferences and preached for three Masses. We had Adoration, Holy Hour, Rosary, and Benediction. I was available in the “off” times for confession or just to talk.
I had not realized that the retreat was adversitsed as a “silent retreat” but that was a pleasant surprise. We were silent at meals and when we were not at prayers. I went to my room early in the evening after evening prayer and opened and read all my Christmas mail. It was – as it always is – wonderful to read the yearly missive about family activities and to see pictures of children I baptized who are now in college. I enjoyed the time to visit and “catch up” and I even began my christmas letter, which I anticipate to be out before Lent.
After the retreat, I flew to Fairbanks to see what it looks like in Winter. I had been there in the summer with the group from St. Michael’s. It was very different. For one thing, in the summer the sunset was around 11:30pm because there is 17 and a half hours of daylight in the summer; the opposite is true in winter and the sunrise was at 10:43am and sunset was at 4pm. I had a nice cab drive to the places I had visited in the summer and they looked like a winter wonderland. Also, I went for a short walk and my beard froze as it was minus 21 degrees. I returned to my room, hit the pool and hot tub and retired early to watch TV. I saw, “the bucket list”, which I enjoyed greatly.
I returned to St. Mary’s for a doctor’s visit. Oh, by the way, I have lost 21 lbs since July 7, 2009 and so some nice donations will be coming to St. Michael’s school from those who took up my challenge to donate a certain amount to the school for every pound I lost.
Also, I want to share this good new that the pastor, Father Lee announced last week. The school had collected enough money for next year that the Archdiocese has allowed it to announce that it is open and accepting students for school year 2010 – 2011. Thanks to all who have made that possible.
I have been busy withfunerals both here and at St. Bernard’s. The one here was Ann Thompson, the wife of our deacon. The two from St. B’s were John “Jackie” Healey and Elizabeth “Liz” Kehoe both from long time parish families and friends of mine. It is always hard and good to come back to St. B’s and see former parishioners. It was the most fabulous parish in the Archdiocese and I feel very lucky to have grown up in that community.
Also in my haste to get out my last posting, I neglected to mention that I had rushed back from Florida by way of Philly to attend the funeral of my dear cousin, Ann O’Connell Treadway. She was the last remaining child of my great uncle Willie and his wife Josie. Willie was my grandfather O’Connell’s brother and I was very close to these cousins, Ed, Bill, Catherine, and Ann. Ann was in the hospital since November in Virginia and I had seen her a few times. She had broken her hip and was in a lot of pain. Her nephews, the children of Catherine and Ray Jensen, gave her great comfort and care and so I ask you to remember them and their children in your prayers.
Well, I close for now. I just finished my grades for the mystudents and now we begin the third quarter. We are studying the Old Testement and are about to learn about the Kings of Isreael. This class continues to be a real joy -as does all my activities here at Blessed Sacrament.
Know that you and your needs are daily in my prayers.
Affectionately,
MO