This morning I had the 6:30am Mass. I am always amazed by the number of people who come so early. There must have been fifty – and it was raining! The reading by Paul reminded us that nothing could seperate us from the love of God. I’m been talking to se many people who are experiencing pain and struggles and this reading is one I encourage them to go to for consolation.
Then I drove over to Stone Ridge and said the 8:15am Mass for the sixth grade girls and their Mom’s. The girls had arranged the theme and it used the creation account and the calming of the sea by Jesus to reflect on their relationship as women and mothers and daughters. They had drawn color pictures to go to the song “It’s a wonderful world” and they had a presentaion as a meditation. I shared with them the words to “Bridge over Troubled Waters” as a reminded that the mothers would always be there for their daughter and to count on that care. Also the girls had written notes to their Moms, which they gave them at the sign of peace. It was lovely and meaningful for all the ladies – and for me! They do good things at Stone Ridge!
Then I came home and Rabbi Mindy Portnoy and I led a presentaion and discussion with the Bible study group and ladies from Beth Shalom temple about the Jewish and Christian views of death and the after life. I have been with the Rabbi before and we had a great time. She – like me is semi-retired – and is leaving Monday for Israel and so we laughed about me going on the cruise and how retirment is Good!!!
After lunch, I met with a young married man who called me yesterday and needed to talk. That is another nice thing about retirement – I am so much more available!!
Tonight I called Joe Stoutz as he had a doctor’s appointment today to decide about back surgery. He is going to have it – on November 16th. So keep him in your prayers. He has really been crippled over and suffering through teaching for close to a year. I know he’ll feel so much better even though the recovery may take awhile.
And now I think I’ll go to bed. I have the 11:00am Mass tomorrow and then I’ll take my car to Jiffy Lube, head down to St. Mary’s for a Team meeting at 6pm. Then I’ll stop by Maggie’s (she and Marie will be at the fire house for Bingo) but I’ll have a visit at Maggie’s and spend the night. I will drive up early as I have the 11:00am Mass on Saturday – and the weekend will be relatively quiet and structed!!! I think I will really enjoy the cruise!!! Will write again on Sunday.
No wonder you are behind on your blog!!!!! What will the parish do without you???