I really should do something serious about my “Irish Guilt”. I have been running around for the last couple of days doing all kinds of social, ministerial, and pastoral activities to “make up” for having gone on the cruise. I am so tired now!
On Monday when I tried to get you up to date on the cruise; I had celebrated the 6:30am Mass and that got me a good start on working at my desk. After I wrote, I anwered 40 emails and responded to 12 phone messages. Then I treated myself to dinner out with Barb Ostrye and Barry Fitz. I picked up Barb early so we could “catch up” and we got to Mama Lucia’s an hour before Barry came. Honest to God, he looks even younger than he did at Good Counsel. We had a wonderful time and laughed and talked about everybody. One of the bartenders was Richard Werden (from St. Camillus) and part of the family I am the “family priest” for. It was nice to catch up on his family as well. When I got home, I was ready for bed that’s why there was no night addition.
Tuesday, the 14th was a full day.
Again, a ministry of phone calls. Also I drove over to Washington Hospital Center to see Jim Vidas. Then I had the 11:00am Mass and afterwards I met with my “Tuesdays with (FR.) Maury” senior citizen group. Our topic was “Church” and our discussion was lively. Then I did take a nap.
I met with Andrea about RCIA and then I drove over to St. Bart’s and gave a two hour presentation on Church History as part of their continuing ed program. I really enjoyed it. It was suppose to be 2000 years in two hours but I only got through the 4th century. You know how “off the topic” I can be!
I read for a couple of hours before I went to bed. I think the nap through me off.
Today, Wednesday has been busy too. Heard some confessions in my office and again, called a number of the sick to make arrangements to come and visit on Thursday. I met with Elizabeth, who can’t make evening RCIA classes. She is a social worker and so we’ve decided to meet on Wedneday at 10:00am and try to get her up to date for entrance into the Church.
I just came back from lunch at the rectory and am going up to the chapel in a few moments to hear confessions for the 8th graders who are on their Confirmation retreat today. Many of these kids are from my 6th grade Religion class of two years ago.
Then I have exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass. I will have supper with a friend afterwards and again -maybe to bed early.
I just looked at last Monday’s issue and noticed that I forgot to say that we arrived back in Baltimore on Saturday and then I had the 5:30pm Mass and afterwards a home Mass to celebrate Jackie’s (a parishioner)80th birthday with her family. Then I went over to College Park to participate in Jean Pizza’s 80th birthday bash. Roger, Dave and Kathy were at the same hotel but had gone to bed by the time I got there.
Next Morning, Sunday, I drove over and picked up Roger. We stopped here so I could help with Communion at the 12:30 Mass; then I drove him to the airport for his return to Wisconsin.
Then I stopped by the Deaf center because they were having their Bazaar and Turkey dinner. My sisters, Marie and Maggie were there. Maggie had brought up from Calvert county a deaf young lady whom she goes to Bingo with. Kim can sign and so she had a great time signing with all the other deaf people who were there. I also saw the Degenhardt’s, Gail Battle, and the Petrone women. It was a nice gathering and I was sorry to have to leave early to get back and say the 5:30pm Mass. I fell into bed around 8pm.
Now you really are up to date!!
I will try to get back on schedule and write each day.
Good grief! No wonder you didn’t post for a few days…. You must be feeling OK to cover all the ground you do. PTL!