What Paddy Shot At

I went to sleep around 11pm on Saturday and was very pleased that the way Kerri showed me (to use my cell phone as an alarm clock) worked well. I got up at 5 and drove up to DC. I was surprised by how many other people were up at that hour but the drive up was easy and I used RT 4, which becomes Pennsylvania Ave all the way to Connecticut Ave and was home in just over an hour.

I drove around the capital building, which I haven’t done for quite a while and was sorry to see that there are all kinds of roads that use to be open that are now blocked and with little gate houses. I am afraid that the terrorist have affected a change in what use to be a very nice and close car ride past our government building, lit up so majestically.

I presided at the 7:30am Mass and my homily was about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I hope that many of our people will take advantage of that healing experience during Advent. At the close of Mass as the other ministers recessed, I stayed in the front and welcome up the children to receive a special prayer for the Feast of St. Nicholas and a small candy as a remembrance of his  feast day. About 30 children were there and each said “Thank you” as I said “Happy St. Nicholas Day” – no, I didn’t take one for myself.

Then we four priest went to the school building and celebrated the Sacrament with the students in our school of religion – grades 3 to 5. It is one of my favorite things to do and I was glad to be able to remember some of the students who had come to confession last Spring.

Then I presided at the 12:30pm Mass. Again I spoke about John the Baptist calling us to prepare for the Lord. At Offertory time, a soloist sang part of the Messiah about preparing by making the crooked road straight. It was long and after washing my hands there was still a long period where the deacon and I stood at the altar during the song. It was beautiful and the last time I remember hearing it was at the Kennedy Center and this young man was definitely as good. I said to the people, “That audio visual was to augment my homily” and we applauded him.

Again at the close of Mass, the children came up and got a blessing and some candy. At first the children were hesitant so I said, “No age limit” and as a grandfather came up for candy for his 4 grandchildren, the children came up. This was the first year we did this but I liked it.

This afternoon I went shopping for red construction paper and then I took a nap to make up for the short night I had.

Now I have just finished evening prayer and I think I’ll watch TV and then go to bed. Remember to wish all the Nicholass you know a happy Feast Day tomorrow.

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