Although I have adjusted to the Church’s decision to move Therese’s feast day from October 3rd to October 1st; in my heart, I now have two days on which I thank God for her influence in my life.
I have been very busy – oh it’s good but both Saturday night and Sunday, I just fell into bed and couldn’t even turn on my computer to write. So let me update you.
Saturday, I had the 11:00am Mass and preached about St. Therese’s life. She entered Carmel at 15 and died at 24, so she was only in Carmel for 9 years but Oh how her life changed the world. She wanted to be a missionary and she wanted to be a priest; but as Christ had called her to a cloistered life, she wrote to missionaries and prayed for them daily. At what would have been her 53rd year of life – had she lived – she was declared a Saint. She really was on the fast track to holiness. I called Sister Natalie to wish her a happy feast day.
After Mass, I heard confessions and then I met with Jim Bishop, his brother, his daughter and grand-daughter to make plans for Kathleen’s funeral on Wednesday.
At 4pm, I went to Knollwood, which is a community for retired military and is in our parish. Actually the Jesuits serve as chaplains there but on September 24th and October 1st, the had to be away and we covered it. I had a great time and was asked to stay for dinner. It turned out that I was the guest of what is called “the breakfast club”, three couples and two widowers who have been friends for years and sit together for breakfast every morning. If someone is travelling, they write and their note is shared. The leader is General Cushman and we were also celebrating his 90th birthday. We met for cocktails in the Cushman apartment and then went to the dining hall for a delicious dinner (except for a sliver of birthday cake, I ate a very structured meal!). I didn’t head for home till about 9pm and I hit the bed quickly.
On Sunday, I had the 10:30 Mass in the gym. It was cancelled for the summer but returned two weeks ago. It was my first time presiding there since last Spring and I forgot to send the children out before the Liturgy of the Word. They have age appropriate classes in another part of the building. They come back during the Creed.
The music is great and the congregation really participates.
I helped with Communion at the 12:30 and then I hosted at the rectory, some of those who are going on the cruise on November 3rd. We had good food (which my cousins, Rick and Peg helped with) and it was a good chance for people to meet each other and to see former cruise people. Fr. Percy came in to meet the people and said, “Maury, stay and visit your family and friends. I’ll take the 5:30pm Mass.” I was so grateful because after the meeting was over, I hit the bed again early!!!
This morning, I went to a diner and met with Gail Douglas, a friend for over 55 years. She retired on Friday and I wanted to meet with her and encourage her to really enjoy retirement! We had a very nice visit.
Then I drove out to Germantown to Mother Seton parish for the funeral of the father of one of my students from GC, Domenico Sofia. I couldn’t get there in time to concelebrate, so I joined the congregation, which was extensive! I also saw some of Dom’s friends from St. John the Evangelist, where he had gone to grade school. It was raining but a Spirit-filled church.
Then I went to the credit union to see about getting a replacement for my credit card. I haven’t been able to find it since I moved here but I didn’t want to cancel it because I know someday, I’ll move something or open a book and find it. It was easier than I thought and I hope to have my card back in a week or so to use.
I got about six things off of my “to do” list and I’m feeling accomplished. I did Exposition at 3pm and I have the 5:30pm Mass. It’s the Good Samaritan story and I love it. Then I’ll go home for supper and then back here to the center. I have the presentation for RCIA (Scripture & Tradition) tonight at 7:30 and then again, I think it will be early to bed for me. Keep me in your prayers.
Good to read you are getting your rest! Take heart…the sun is coming out for a few days!!!