Last night I could not get this computer in my room to work. I had composed a nice message but the machine just wouldn’t go along with anything I tried. So I think I will just wait till I am over in the center and will write Thursday’s message.
Today, I went over to the center around 9am because I got a message yesterday on the beeper that a man had died and I told them to come to the office on Friday and I’d help them. She came around 9:30 and I think the funeral will be in two weekends (around December 10th!). It will take some arranging and the family is a little disorganized.
Then someone came and tapped on the window to see if they could get the lectors’ book and prepare for Sunday. The old book ran out this week.
Then someone came to bring a lot of clean clothing for men because her dad died. That funeral is next weekend but they are already clearing out the apartment because she lives in St. Louis and is going home and will return for the funeral.
Then I had the 11:00am Mass. I think there were about 40 people there – much smaller than usual. I will be glad to finish reading Daniel – He is so long and rambling!
Then a couple from RCIA came to see me. He is Coptic Orthodox and will only have to make a profession of Faith and he can begin to receive the Eucharist. He has been married to a Roman Catholic for thirty years but wasn’t sure he wanted to come over. He was born in Egypt and has great memories of the church there. We had a nice talk and he will think about it and maybe come in around Christmas.
I had a great phone conversation with Gerry Hudder in Arkansas. He is doing well but living in a hospic type place. His daughters came and visited before Thanksgiving. I am trying to figure out a way to go and visit him.
Since the office is closed today; I decided to come back to the rectory and just relax – and that’s what I’ve been doing. Will write tomorrow about yesterday.
I couldn’t quite figure out if today was a day “off” for you or not…. Sure sounded like a work day. Too much for a “retired priest” that’s for sure!!