Tuesday, the 31st went by very quickly. I had the 8:00am Mass and then drove over to St. Patrick’s in Norbeck for the funeral of Mr. Leroy Fangmeyer. He was the father of Lee Fangmeyer, who is now pastor of St. Michael’s in Ridge. It was a beautiful funeral and the church was filled. There were about 30 priests concelebrating and bishop Holley, our auxiliary was there. Fr. Lee spoke very well and touchingly about his dad and his faith. After Communion, another brother, Mark gave a wonderful reflection on his Dad, building on the scriptures and Fr. Lee’s comment. He had said, that whenever people said to his dad, that he “was lucky”, his dad would always say, “Not lucky, blessed”. It was a great funeral.
I met with my RCIA person and was going to have supper with Fr. Beattie. However, I loaned my car to someone and planned to take a cab to meet with. The cab took 35 minutes and never showed up. I had to call Fr. B and tell I couldn’t come. Then I realized that I didn’t have a key to the rectory (it was with my car keys). Fr. Percy came out to lock the church and he opened the door for me. However, by that time, my friend realized I couldn’t get in the rectory and brought my car back. I hate messes like that and so I went right to bed.
On February 1st, I had the 6:30 and 8:00am Masses and then drove down to Maggie’s. She, Marie, and I went to St. Michael’s to watch Sister Mary Rita be honored as a “Distinguished Alumnae”. It was a great celebration and I saw all kinds of people and families. It was hard to ask a child, whom I had baptized, “What grade are you in?” and learn that they are now in the 6th grade. Where does the time go?
Afterwards we visited in the former convent with Judy Raley and Sister’s family. It was lovely. We got back to Maggie’s and I took a nap.
For supper, we had Polish pancakes and then Sue and Mike came and we played cards. We phoned Maureen and Rick to get an update on Maureen’s doctor visit. And then I drove home. Got in around midnight.
Today, February 2nd, I preached on the Presentation. It is also the date that many of the religious sisters took their vows; so I asked the people to pray for all religious men and women, living and deceased who hold this as “vow day”.
I spent most of the day working at my desk and ‘catching up’ on things. We had a funeral at 11 with a visiting priest but I went up to see that everything went OK. I went to school and “taught” two sections of fourth grade. It was delightful.
Then I had four interviews with students preparing for Confirmation. I always enjoy that so much and love their answers as they tell me about the saint’s name they chose and about the service they did.
Then I had someone in for confession.
Fr. Jim Boccabello picked me up and we drove to Bethesda to meet Frs. Regis and Mike, from Catholic U, who help us on weekends and Fr. John Enzler for supper. We went to a great steak place and laughed and ate and laughed some more. It was a great way to spend the evening. Now I’m going to bed because I have the 6:30am tomorrow.
And now you’re up to date!!
Thanks for the update! How is Marie doing?