What Paddy Shot At

First, I had a great time at Ray Fecteau’s celebration last night. We had Mass at 5pm. Bishop ssss, retired Bishop of Evanston, Indiana and former laison between the Boy Scounts of America and the Conference of Catholic Bishops was there and spoke at the Mass. The assistant chief of police for Montgomery County spoke and I, as one of Ray’s classmates spoke. Ray also spoke. Everything was just great and in addition to parishioners, there were many people present in whose parish, Ray has served. At a reception afterwards, I had a chance to visit Ray’s family and some friends we have in common. Two of them, were Patricia and Joe Villani. Joe had gone to seminary with Ray in Baltimore. I had gone to Seminary with him at St. Vincent’s. I had not seen them in years. I also saw Dan Coor, who was a student at Good Counsel when I was there. He introduced me to Katie, his daughter, who is a freshman at GC. Boy, those years have flown by.
At the reception, there were lots of pictures of Ray and others from birth to now. It made me realize that I didn’t have any pictures planned for the Masses and receptions I was having on Sunday; so when I got home, I sat up till 2am looking through photos and getting them together.

The group who takes care of the coffee and donuts after the 10:30am Mass, set up everything and made a nice display of the photos in the auditorium.

The 10:30 Mass was great. Fr. Ron, our pastor, and Fr. Joe Sileo, a long time friend and pastor of St. Batholomew’s concelebrated. I think my homily was good and I might publish it here soon. The music was wonderful and lively (as always) and they did The Ultima, a hymn that has been used at St. Vincent’s Archabbey for over 160 years to close celebrations. My family loves it.
There were lots of guests who came. Pat Davis and Sylvia Key, teachers from my GC days and at least 5 students from those days (Some of whom, I officated at their weddings) Two great surprises, were The Witkowskis and the Browns from St. Bernard’s. Also Rosa Hickey from St. Camillus. I know I must have missed someone but I was so glad to have them join parishioners and see what a loving parish Blessed Sacrament is.

Too be honest, I was a little tired by the time the 12:30 Mass began but I bounced up when Bob and Carol Boston, dear friends from St. Camillus days who live now in Pittsburgh walked into Church. ( I had not sent invitations to people who lived far away as I just thought it was too far to come). They had received the Christmas letter and saw about the celebration here, so they drove down. I was so touched. Also Bill and Kate Berry came from West Virginia. My cousin, Ann O’Connell was there as were the Rahills (also former St. Camillus) Peg Dee and Marie and Maggie and some of their children and grandchildren. Msgrs Jim Beattie, Joe Ranieri, and Tom Duffy joined with Fr. Trancone and Fr. D’Silva to concelebrate. Fr. Ron spoke and then headed off to retreat.
The music was so moving. The choir (with Brass) sang and led the congregation in beautiful music. They also did The Ultima as a meditation.
We had a baptism during Mass. Matteo Enrigue was welcomed into the family of the Church in a big way!!
Many parishioners joined my family and friends for donuts and cofee afterwards in the parish center. The really enjoyed looking at the pictures (and making comments)
Joan Ward, who runs the parish office also ran the food and reception. I don’t know what I would have done without her excellent work. She and I closed down the place and then I came home and took a long nap.

Now, I’m just relaxing and reflecting on this most marvelous day and on the gift that has been poured out on me in the people and events that God has blessed me with since May 13, 1972

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 13th, 2012 at 7:07 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.