Once again, time gets away from me!
I did spend most of Sunday night choosing more books to give to the library fare. I put them in boxes or suitcases that the men in facillities can bring over to the center.
On Monday, I came to the center early so that I could choose some more books from the bookcase over here and hopefully be done. It is so difficult to let go of a book that I have enjoyed or used but they’ll get a new home and be enjoyed by more people. I do have a lot of Church History books.
Then I had the 11:00am and took a nap. I think making decisions always tires me out.
I met with the daughters of a Spanish man from the parish, who had died and I will have his funeral on Tuesday. They would lilke as much Spanish in the service as possible. I think I shall to brush up on my Spanish.
At lunch, Fr. Ron told me that he had to go out to a dinner honoring our chancellor and that he was concerned that he might not get back in time for RCIA. I offered to take it and so I had to prepare my presentation. Also at 6:30, Ida, who is in our RCIA and couldn’t make the class when I spoke on Scripture and Tradition, came to get a personal presentation. Then I went up at 7:30 and led the discussion on the person of Jesus. It led us into some very interesting questions and discussion. When I got home, I was ready for bed.
On Tuesday, I had the 11:00am Mass, which was the Spanish funeral. I read the Gospel in Spanish and did the Consecration in Spanish. The son gave the eugelegy in English and Spanish. The family seemed pleased and the usual 11:00am Mass crowd was surprised how well I spoke Spanish. I told them “That’s because you don’t speak Spanish or you would have noticed my mispronunciations”. To be honest though, it was nice to be able to make the family and friends comfortable. His body was being taken back to Spain on Wednesday.
That meant, no burial; which was fortunate, since I had my third session of “Tuesdays with (FR.) Maury with the senior citizens. Our topic for the day was “The world of my youth”. I do so enjoy these sessions as I hear the people share on the topic. We have a real cross section of circumstances and so the stories are different and just similar.
After that , I drove out to Laurel and did the burial of Mr. Courtois, who lived across the street from me when I was growing up. His daughter and I were good friend and her Mom, who died about three weeks ago, were both at my Monsignorship party. I had done the funeral for her Mom but because I had my Spanish funeral, I couldn’t come to her Dad’s. However, I did his burial and had a chance to visit with her and her brother. When I got home, I headed upstairs to take a nap.
At 5:15, Andrea came and we discussed the topic from RCIA that she had missed the night before. Then Fr. Jim Beattie and Fr. Tom Duffy came and we all rode together to havae dinner with Fr. Paul Hill at Sergio’s. I always enjoy those time together but when I got home, I was ready for bed. And that is why there were no messages for the last two days. I have a full day today, so I shall try to write something else tonight.
Had to laugh when I read that you get exhausted from making decisions (re: books to give away). You do know that is because you filter every decision through your heart. And books, for you, are like your children. You delight in each and every one!!!