The dinner last night was very enjoyable. I think all the people who came – many with spouses – were pleasantly surprised by how “normal” we four priests were. Fr. Tesfaye, who is our resident from Ethiopia and a student at Catholic University, was also there. Fr. John gave a short welcome and then we sat down to a delicious meal that Humberto prepared for us. I sat nixt to a semi-retired doctor, who like me grew up in the pre-Vatican II church and had lots of questions. I think we are going to get together again and talk some more. It was interesting to hear people’s journey and a bit embarassing to hear about how some priests treated them. So often, it just seemed to be miscommunication rather than hostility but it still hurts. Landings has been going on for about 10 years and has healed a lot of people. Keep its team in your prayers.
Fr. Jerrry Trancone and I are going out to lunch with Glenn Rosenberger for Christmas. The Rosenbergers lived two houses down from me on 62nd Ave. and have I have been an “add on” family member for years. Mrs, whom we all called “Mother” and whom we miss terribly, died early this year. We, (Jerry and I) use to visit and so we want to continue the custom.
I just got off the phone from ordering some Christmas ornaments from the White House Historical Society. For the last few years, I gave them out as Christmas gifts to my family and some friends. They are always beautiful and this year is no exception. I guess I am getting into a little bit of the Christmas spirit. I have so enjoyed the “quietness” of Advent.
I began this early in the morning and kept it as a draft but it is now 4:30pm and I have returned to the office.
Before I headed out to lunch, I found out that the first grade puts on a oratorio called, “The Grumpy Sheepherd” with 60 first graders. It was delightful and the kids are real troopers. They sing out and do all the gestures (almost together). It is a tradition here but I must have missed it last year, so I’m glad I got over to the hall this morning.
Jerry and I drove out to pick up Father R at his house. I got lost because I tried a different way. I called my friend, Jeff at OnStar and he got us there. We went to Olive Garden and had a lovely meal. We caught up on all the news and then Mary, the youngest of the children, stopped by to join us for desert. It was good to see her and be updated on her family. I told her she was too young to be a grandmother but she is! Father R will be 89 in January and he looks so fit. He’s lost some weight since Mother R died but he says he eats well. I know we all did today! Also saw Fr. Mike Wilson, pator of St. Mary’s in Laurel and we had a few laughs together.
I called Jerry Hudder, a friend from my days in Bogata, Columbia who lives out in Arkansas. He’s had some health problems but tells me he is doing well. I also heard from Patricia Sinclair Langlois that her husband Jean is home from the hospital and rehab where he has been since the Spring. Such good news. They live in Oklahoma and Pat and I went to St. Bernard’s together.
While I was out today, I decided to go to confession. I miss Father Peter especially at this time of the year because he would always call and remind with a serious deep voice message on my answering machine, “Haven’t heard from you lately!!!” and I would call and make an appointment. I have been preaching about the sacrament at lot lately, so I thought I’d take my own advice. It was great and now I know I am really entering into Advent.
When I got home, I found a nice email from John and Louise Lynch, who are old friends from GC and St. Catherine Laboure. They live now in Leisure World and I had written to ask them about some geanological information. I have been playing with my family tree for years and now that I am on Ancestry.com I am really getting into it and even scanning old picture. It makes the time go by!
And so now I’m off to supper and early to bed as I am meeting an author for coffee (hot chocolate) at nine am.
Can’t wait to hear about your visit!!!!