What Paddy Shot At

I am sitting here waiting to say the 8am Mass and then go to Maggie’s to meet some of the family and then we are going to Baltimore to go on a 10 day cruise. Three days down to the Caribbean and four stops at Islands and then three days back. I’ll be back to the parish on January 16th. There are 22 of my family and friends going and I am looking forward to the laughs! I’m feeling much better and Christmas and New Years were enjoyable and relaxing. I just had so much to do, so that I could leave with a clear conscience and so I didn’t have time to do the blog. I will be better on my return.

I am sitting in my office preparing to preside at the vigil Mass but I thought I’d send a message. I may have to finish it when I come back from Mass.

I last wrote on Christmas. It was very relaxing and uplifting. After the 10:30am Mass, I went and spent the rest of the day in my suite.

On Saturday, December 26th, I had two baptisms. Please keep Isaac Ryan and Lila Marley and their families in your prayers. I had the 5:30pm Mass that evening and went to bed early.

On Sunday, December 27th, I had the 7:30am and the 10:30am Masses. Fr. Andy left for the Philippines yesterday, so we are “down” a priest. I was happy to have the Masses. At the 10:30, I also had a baptism. It fit in so well with the feast of the Holy Family and people loved having the baptism. It doesn’t add any time because you make it part of the Mass. Please keep Rosalee Marie and her family in your prayers. At 2:00pm I had another baptism. It was in the church and again I ask you to keep Venedict Zuri and his family in your prayers. The other priests also had baptism, I think we had 8 over the weekend. So many people whose families live here brought their newly born home for Christmas and wanted to have the baptism here where they were baptized or married or where the grandparents live. It was a busy and enjoyable weekend.

Monday, the 28th was my day off but I took the 5:30pm Mass. I spent the day (and it took much of the day) with a parishioners who use to work with Medicare. She was on the phone for three hours and I just sat there and answered her questions. She was helping me with my oxygen problems. The company I have had for 4 years has been difficult for me to get answers. She was wonderful and I found out that I was paying for things I didn’t have to. I really am not good at paperwork – that’s why I stopped being a pastor. It is so much administration. I think 2016 will be a better year for me and Medicare!

I THINK I HAVE TO GO UP FOR MASS – WILL BE BACK.

It is now Friday, January 1, 2016 To continue…

Tuesday, Dec 29th, my cousin, Philip Wilkinson (Jackie Caruso’s son) came with “Little”, his fiancé to visit me. We had a nice time. “Little” (whose Thai name is difficult to say) and Philip met in Bangkok and are planning to get married in the Spring. She is lovely and he is so bright. He got his degree from Loyola in Baltimore, his master’s at University of Illinois in DeKalb, taught school in Thailand, and is working on his doctorate at the university in Athens, Georgia. Keep them in your prayers. I had the evening Mass and worked on my Christmas letter.

On Wednesday, the 30th, Patty and Rose Petrone came and drove me to Clyde’s for lunch. We were there for about 2 hours and had such a great time – “Catching Up”. I traditionally go to their house for an Italian meal and to decorate cookies; but was too sick this year. We are thinking of Easter cookies this year! I had the evening Mass and opened all my Christmas cards and put aside the photos to put on my wall and the messages I put aside to take on my cruise and “catch up”. I love to have the time to just enjoy reading them at leisure.

Thursday, New year’s eve day, I had a wonderful experience in the morning. I talked with Olivia Housel, Regina’s grand daughter, who is a freshman in high school and needed to interview a “religious leader”. When she got the assignment, she thought of me immediately – which is a great compliment since the last time I saw her, she was in 4th grade. We tried to do it b Skype but we couldn’t hear each other, so we did it by phone. It was so much fun and a great way to close out 2015.
I picked up Fr. Beattie and we went to brunch at IHOP. We had a great time. He is still having trouble with his leg. He has both his legs wrapped. He does well getting around with a cane. He tells me that he is only concelebrating Masses and uses a walker on the altar. I am so glad he is back from the hospitals and rehab and living again at Our Lady of Lourdes in Bethesda. I talked to Doug Hanratty and Carlo Mancuso and wished them and their families a Happy New Year.

My friend, Brian called me in the afternoon and said, “I think people would love it if you would process up and back for Mass tonight and if you gave Communion”. I haven’t been giving Communion because I can’t stand that long but I have really missed that. He came and helped before Mass. I even wore a chasuble, which I don’t often use because the more clothing the harder my breathing is. Lots of people helped me to get around and I loved being able to give Communion and bless the children There was a little baby, Robert, who got baptized the day before and I went over to his Dad and grandparents and gave a special blessing to the newest member of the church and our parish family.

I did some more work on my newsletter and then I went to the rectory and called a number of people – Carmen, Pat Berry, John Bohrer, Gail Douglas, Maggie, Marie and Mary Ann, Pat Delaney and the Cavallaro’s. I had supper and then watched TV. I actually stayed up and saw the ball come down. One year, I think I was 21, I went to Times Square. It is something you should do – ONCE WHEN YOU ARE YOUNG!! I think I went to sleep around 2am.

Today, I went out to the credit union and made a deposit. Finished this message. Cleaned up some of my desk and now I am heading back to the rectory to spend the rest of the day getting my room ready for the cruise.
I just want to wish all of you and your families – A very Happy New Year

I had a great trip to St. Mary’s county on Thursday, the 17th. I stopped in to see Marie and Maggie on the way down and had a nice visit. I slept well and on Friday got on the road to visit people. I went to see the Robrecht’s but no one was home. I visited Dameron Day Care II and had a great time. I caught up on the Norris family and the Slade family. How can these kids get so old and I am still the same. I went to St. Cecilia’s and got a chance to see Fr. Scott, the pastor and Mrs. Spelz, the secretary and caught up on her kids. I went to the Smith’s but again no one was home. I must learn to let people know when I am coming down. I did surprise Judy Raley with a visit and she was home and we sat and talked and “caught up”. I went to Lila and Dan’s for the faculty party for the staff at St. Michael’s. It was great to see old friends and meet new faculty. They play a “gift exchange” and it is always fun – as it was today. I went by and spent a lovely time with Muffin and John Padukiewicz’s. Their two boys are home and we all had a great visit. Then I went to Brenda and Heavy’s for cards. It was like old times and I had a ball. I haven’t played cards in over a year and I miss the fun! The Fenhagens, Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Clark were there Mrs. Clarke and I were – I think – the winners. We played for about 4 hours. I got back to the hotel around 11:30 and was asleep almost at once.

On Saturday, the 19th, I drove up and had a family baptism at noon. Keep Reid Patrick and his family in your prayers. It was great to see my cousins and I felt badly that I couldn’t join them at The Dubliner but I needed a nap. I had the 5:30pm Mass and the deacon preached, so I went to bed early.

On Sunday, the 20th, I drove out to visit an elderly gentleman, named Bill. He use to come here and I know his son-in-law from St. Camillus days. Unfortunately, he seems to have dementia but I was glad I went and gave him a blessing. Keep him and his family in your prayers. It is so sad to see bright people get “lost” and confused. I came home and got in my PJ’s and spent the rest of the day relaxing in my suite.

On Monday, I came to the seniors’ luncheon and it was great to see and talk with them. I didn’t stay to eat as I was taking the stuff for a baptism down to Knollwood. A baby is coming from Singapore and will be baptized by a Jesuit in the chapel there, so her great grandmother can be there. I think it will happen on the Saturday after Christmas. I had supper with the guys in the rectory.

On Tuesday, the 22nd, I tried to get my desk and office cleaned up. Had the evening Mass.

On Wednesday, the 23rd, I had the 6:30am Mass so I could get on the road early. I met Maggie, Marie, and Mary Ann in Columbia at Toby’s dinner theatre. We joined Linda, Mary Ann’s college roommate and two other lady friends. We say “A Wonderful Life – the Musical”. It was great. I had planned to go to Frederick and meet some friends but the fog and rain made me decide to cancel out. I was in bed early.

Thursday – Christmas eve – I had the 8am Mass and “napped” much of the day. I had the 6pm Mass. It was mobbed and they were standing 3 and 4 deep on the sides and back. Must have been about 900 people there. Maggie, Mike, and Sue tried to attend but couldn’t get into the church. They came back for the 8pm and I got a chance to visit with them before Mass. Then I took a nap and came back to concelebrate the Midnight. Fr. Alec, who came back from Rome preached and it was excellent. I had a great day. I went to bed around 3am.

As I write this, I am getting ready to say the 10:30am Mass. I will stay around the house today – eating turkey sandwiches and watching TV. I have 4 baptisms this weekend.

I prayed for all of you at the Midnight Mass. Hope you are having a blessed Christmas with family and friends.

I am feeling fine and I think I’m back to OK.
Let me bring you up to date:

On Sunday, the 6th, I did go to brunch and had a wonderful visit with my friends at Maplewood. Then I returned for the 1:45pm baptismal prep session. It was lovely and I met a number of couples that I had been emailing with. Got some baptisms settled, which is good because I’m handing over the baptismal prep to our new director of faith formation in January.

On Monday, the 7th, I went to Holy Redeemer school and played St. Nicholas for the pre-school to 3rd grade. I stopped by and bought a smaller size pants as I’ve lost a lot weight during my illnesses. Then I did St. Nick for the senior citizens and the pre-school from All Saints church. Then I went to see my doctor and then I gave the presentation for RCIA on the sacraments. It was a full day and I was glad to go to bed.

On Tuesday, I had the school Mass at 9am. We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Sister Mary Ann. She is a member of the congregation of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and organizes the liturgies for the school I found out she’s been here for 35years. I went to a brunch afterwards with some of her sisters – and ran into some old friends. Then I went and got my hair cut and the beard trimmed. I was looking “scruffy” Then I went home and went to bed.

On Wednesday, I was sick again and went to the emergency room. I had to cancel hearing confessions at St. Mary’s and a visit with a classmate from St. Bernard’s grade school, who lives in Oklahoma and was out visiting family. I came home with more medicine and went to bed.

I had the 11am Mass on Thursday and then went back to my room

On Friday, I saw my doctor again and also saw the eye doctor. I am through putting drops in my eyes and I am so glad that’s over with. My eyes are good and I can see distances. I have to get some reading glasses from Cosko.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and then went to bed.

On Saturday, the 12th, we had first reconciliation and I enjoyed both sessions in the morning. Then I went back to my room.

On Sunday, the 13th, I had the 9am Mass and then Rick and Peg picked me up and we went to Mt. Olivet, Arlington, and Gate of Heaven cemeteries and put wreaths on the graves of family members. The weather was great and we prayed at each grave and told stories in the car about these wonderful people. I ran into the Petrone girls, who were also grave visiting. Their mom is cross the rode from my grandparents. It was nice to see them. They are the family I visit for Italian food and to decorate cookies. Then Rick, Peg and I went to Crisfield’s (an old fashion sea food place in Silver spring) where their family have gone for years and about which I’ve heard great stories. The crab Norfolk was delicious. I slept well that night.

On Monday, I went to Stone Ridge school for confessions. I’ve had trouble with my oxygen so they are suppose to bring me a replacement. I stayed close to my suite.

On Tuesday, the 14th, I had someone in for spiritual direction and then I had the evening Mass. It was our parish luncheon but I skipped it and went to bed.

On Wednesday, I had the 8am Mass, then saw someone in my office. At 11, we had a funeral for a lovely lady who was in her nineties. 12 priest concelebrated and an elderly priest preached and it was very good. She use to send me zerox copies of prayers and on feast days, stories of the saints. she was a delight! Afterwards, I saw a lady about an annulment and then my classmate, Pat from Oklahoma came by with a friend from high school and her husband. It was so nice of them to drive her over. We laughed and looked at pictures – and laughed some more. My oxygen is working and I went to bed early.

Today, I have the 11am Mass and then I’m going to hear confessions and go down to St. Mary’s county to spend a couple of day visiting old friends. I’ll be back on Saturday as I have a family baptism and the 5:30pm Mass. I might go visit Maggie and Marie on Sunday.

I am feeling well and I think that bout with illness is over. Thank God!

Am sitting here on Saturday night, Dec 5th getting ready for the 5:30pm Mass; and I thought I’d begin a message. I may finish it after Mass.

I am feeling so much better. I am a little tired but that may be because I have only had soup and Jell-O for the last week. I think my stomach might think my throat is blocked but I want to give my intestines time to rest. Also I have kept a very slow schedule this week. I’ve had Mass each day but then I return to the rectory. I have been on the phone a lot but that is not tiring. I talked to Betty Neary for an hour and a half. Thursday was her birthday – I’m sure she won’t mind my telling you – she is 89. She is as lively as ever and we had a great talk. I’ve called Joan, Maggie, and Jerry Trancone every day and just let them know I’m improving. I have a doctor’s appointment on Monday and I have a sheet of questions for her. I guess it is time to change my eating habits!!!

One thing I did was make a new miter for myself. I’ve had one since St. Bernard’s days but the last two years I wasn’t feeling well enough to do my St. Nicholas giving out chocolate coins covered in gold paper – so I threw it away. The school art department sent me some white construction paper and I made a new one. I think it came out nicely. On Friday, the 4th, I participated in Morning Prayer at the school and told them about St. Nick and then gave out the coins. I gave them to the teachers to give out later. The first time, I did it with each student and it took a long time. We did it Friday because the feast is on Sunday this year. I am going over to Holy Redeemer School on Monday for the K – 3rd grade students there. And I will go to the senior group around noon when we have a little party with the pre –K students. Then I will go to the barber and get my hair cut and the beard trimmed. I look, as my Mother use to love to say, “like the wild man of Borneo!”

Time to go up for Mass, be back to finish.

Back!!

My homily went very well tonight and with Brian’s help, I walked to the front of church after Mass and said Goodbye to everyone. I was told my voice was strong and that I looked very relaxed. Which I am!

I’m on my way home and tomorrow, I will join friends for brunch – don’t know what I can eat – but we’ll see. I also am going to take the Baptismal session at 1:45 as Fr. Percy is taking a Mass for me in the morning in addition to his assigned one. I love doing the session and meeting many people that I’ve been in touch with by email. It won’t take a hour. I’ll get to bed early as Monday is a full day.
So as you can see, I am on the mend. Keep praying that I will do what I must do to be well.

Sorry that I have been “off the grid” for so long; but have not been well.
I returned to the emergency room on Friday after Thanksgiving as I not only
didn’t improve, I felt worse.
Am still on anti-biotics and am resting. I do try to go over for Mass. I had a great visit
from my nephew and his family from Georgia and my niece and her husband from Southern Maryland,
who drove them up to see me the night I returned from the hospital.
Last night, I was picked up by one of my cousins and his family and taken to the home of his
sister and her family, where my cousins gathered. I had a great time and except for a little
pain in my back, I did well.
Spent today, hanging out in my suite (and taking medicine, soup, and Jell-O). I will go to the
parish center tomorrow for awhile and say Mass. Am staying close to home.
Please keep my cousin, Russ and his wife, Debbie and their family in your prayers. Debbie’s
mom, Pat died this weekend and will be buried tomorrow.

Will try to update you better as I continue to get better. Thanks for those prayers.

Last Sunday, I was saying the 10:30AM Mass and when I finished, I asked parishioners, to take me to the emergency room. I has a pain in my back that reminded me of when I had kidney stones about 30 years ago. After a cat scan, it was discovered that I had infected dioticulytis and was given an IV, and medicines, I got great service at Sibley and parishioners brought me home and I went to bed. Lot of pain and little sleep.
I went to my own doctor today and she confirms it. Am on a bland diet and pills. I hope they help me to sleep. Still a lot of pain. I think I’ll be “OUT OF SERVICE for a few days.
Keep me in your prayers.

On Monday, the 2nd, I had the 6:30 & 8:00am Masses and then drove over to pick up Fr. Trancone at O’Boyle. We crossed over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge about noon and then stopped in to the Pizza parlor and took some with us to visit Marie Smith. She was a very important part of our lives at St. Bernard’s and we hadn’t seen her lately. We laughed and told stories and had a great time. She lives in Centerville. She is recovering from foot surgery and two of her daughters have been staying with her. They too (and one’s husband) joined us for “remember when…..” We stayed for a couple of hours and then headed on to the priests’ convocation in Cambridge. We relaxed and had a nice supper and then went to our rooms to sleep.

The hotel we stayed at for the convocation was beautiful and each of us had a room (which was nice to go up to and nap). There seemed to be about 250 of us, three bishops, two cardinals, and our main speaker was the priest who translates papal documents and speeches. He was fascinating and told us lots of “behinds the scenes “at the recent synod.
I also attended a workshop on annulments in light of the Pope’s recent letter. Again it was fascinating and helpful. I enjoyed seeing old friends and “catching up” on their lives. Many are in different assignments and it was great to hear them talk about them. We had supper together in small tables of 6 or 8. Guys came from all over; Julio was here from Florida, and some guys who have retired to West Virginia. It was very relaxing.

On Wednesday, we offer Mass for all our confreres who died this year. I always enjoy that Mass because it is brings to mind so many of the priests I have served with over these 40 years. Today is also Cardinal Wuerl’s 75th birthday, so we sang Happy Birthday. He told us that he had submitted his letter of resignation (but we don’t think the Pope is going to accept it very quickly), we retired priests made ourselves available as confessors. It was a good day.

After Mass, Jerry and I headed home. I dropped him at O’Boyle and then came home and took a nap. I had soup for supper.

On Friday, the 6th, I had the 8am Mass and then just cleaned up mail and stuff on my desk. I took a nap because Ron was taking John Dillon, Deacon Keith, and myself to the Italian embassy for an award ceremony for Bishop Curlin. It was sponsored by SOAR, which is support our aged religious. I ran into lots of old friend and enjoyed the evening. One thing I didn’t think about was the amount of distance I would have to walk. I didn’t think to bring the oxygen and I was very tired on the way home. I went to bed and used my oxygen and slept soundly

On Saturday, the 7th, I slept in because I was really tired. After the baptism, (please remember Emilia Josephine and her family in your prayers), I was very tired and went back to take a nap. Around 3:15, Fr. Ron came in and woke me up to say that Margaret Mary was here to put in my drops. (I had forgotten!). I had told her I’d be in my office after the baptism and she had gone all around the property looking for me. I felt so badly as she and the other nurses have been so good about coming to me and putting in the eye drops. I’m hoping that the left eye is done, we’ll see. I had the 5:30pm Mass and the deacon preached. Went to bed early.

Sunday, the 8th, I had the 9:30am Mass, again the deacon preached. After Mass, Karen puts the drops in and I said the 12:30pm Mass and I preached. After Mass, Margaret Mary put in the other drops. I forgot to mention that I only have drops twice a day and so at the Convocation, I put them in. I’m hoping when I see the doctor that he’ll say they are done because starting tomorrow, I have to have drops in the right eye too. Went to bed early.

Monday was my DAY OFF but I went to the office to meet with some ladies about ministry to those with special needs. I am involved but may get more as I drop the baptismal program. I’ve been slowly passing request off to the deacons and the new director of Faith Formation. Margaret Mary came at 4pm for the drops.

On Tuesday, the 11th, the school nurse did the early drops; then I had Tuesdays with Fr. Maury. We talked about saints. One lady brought in a statue of Our Lady, Untirer of Knots. It was very interesting. She is a favorite of Pope Francis.
Margaret Mary came and started the eye drops for the right eye and did the second one for the left eye. I’ve had to make a chart and labels each of the bottles. It is like organizing the invasion of a country. I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and then Bob (a friend of Mary’s) picked me up and drove me to the pastoral center for a meeting about Divorced and Separated Catholics with the director of Family Life for the Archdiocese. It was a very good meeting and I was glad to be a part of it. Both Marie and Mary were there and they drove me home.

On Wednesday, the 11th, the office was closed for Veterans’ Day but I came over because school was in session and today I needed to have drops in the right eye, every two hours from 6am to 6pm. I did the 6 and 8am in the rectory, then an Irish nurse who is a parishioner and was here setting up for the bazaar, did the 10am, the school nurse did the Noon, Margaret Mary did the 2pm and I did the 4pm in the rectory. I had a bad cough all day also and so I took some medicine around 9pm and went to bed. I slept but woke up at midnight and was awake most of the rest of the night. Nerves???

On Thursday, the 12th, Brian picked me up at the rectory around 7am and took me down for the surgery. He is so good to me – as are many in the parish. My surgery was over by 8am and Marty came and picked me up. I got some cereal and went to bed. I had planned to stay there all day but I forgot I had to have some more drops. I called Joan and she got the Irish nurse to come over to the rectory from the bazaar set up twice. I did the one at bedtime.

On Friday, Rita drove me to the doctor’s and he said I would have to continue with the drops in the left eye till he saw me on the 19th. I was sorry to hear that but I can see out of both eyes, so I must not complain. My schedule is now on a spreadsheet because it is very confusing to me!! I had the 11am Mass and then I just relaxed at the parish center as people came and put in drops. Fr. Carmen, Joyce and Tom are here from Jersey and are staying at the National Harbor. I can’t drive at night so, I’m going to see them on Saturday.

Today, the Jerseyites will sightsee and we’ll get together for supper around here.

That’s brings you up to today. My life has been mostly – eye drops and making phone calls – and I will be glad when my schedule gets some regularity to it – but I don’t think that will be until Thanksgiving! Keep praying for me – what little patience I have is running low!

I know I write on the 27th but I really feel that the post on the 20th was the last that give much information; so here goes.

OCT 21
I had to have 6 drops and one each of the other drop, so I stayed close to home and my office. I had the 11am Mass and the drops were at 10, 12,2,4,6 and 8. The school nurse did three of them, Margaret Mary did 2 and I did one. I was glad to get to bed.

22ND
Brian picked me up at 6am and took me to the clinic. We were there in 4 minutes. They had prep to do and the surgery was around 7:30. It was done by 8 and they took me to “recovery”. I didn’t need much recovery as they didn’t put me under very far. The anesthesiologist was checking on me all the time. Marty from facilities, came and drove me home. I spent the rest of the day “in and out” on my bed.

23RD I felt up to saying Mass at 11am and then Rita drove me to see the doctor at 1:45. I told him how great I could see in my left eye and since we finally got medical approval; I would like to have the other eye done. So that will be November 12th. I still have to have the drops. I will see him next Tuesday.

24TH I had two baptisms (looking like one of the Blues Brothers) and they went well. I also had the 5:30pm Mass and I assured them the glasses were not an audio-visual – the Gospel was the curing of Bartimeaus the blind man. Mike Sindall came by to visit and tell me he has entered the Deaconate program in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. I am so happy for him and Liza. He also brought me up to date on the kids. One is out of college, one is just starting and the triplets are in their third year at college. I remember them at 18 months, where does the time go?!

25TH
Had the 9 and 12:30 Masses and did my same homily then I went home and relaxed. Still have to have 4 drops, so I do 2 in the rectory and two retired nurses do them when they come to Mass.

26TH was my DAY OFF, so I came over and the school nurse did one drop. Another lady who came to see me and is a nurse did a second drop. Margaret Mary did one and I did the fourth. Rest of the time, I just relaxed.

27TH I was driven down to the doctor. He told me that I could cut down to two drops; so Margaret Mary did one and I did the other. I also asked him if I could have the right eye done; he’ll do it on November 12th. I’m so glad to have that settled. Had exposition and the 5:30 Mass

28TH I stayed around my suite today and then had exposition, spiritual direction, and the 5:30pm Mass. Had supper with Andy and Ron. Ron leaves tomorrow for the cruise.

29TH Had the 8am Mass. The school nurse came and did my drops at 11:30. I had exposition, Margaret Mary came for my drops, and then I had the 5:30pm Mass.

30TH Had the 8am Mass and the 11. The school nurse came and did my drops. Margaret Mary did the afternoon drop and then I had the 5:30pm Mass

31ST I had the 8am Mass and at noon six members of my Teams of Our Lady, (the married couples group that I was chaplain for in Southern Maryland) came up and we had a meeting and a meal. It was great to see them and to share. One couple couldn’t come because they had a family funeral and one man, whose wife died a few years ago, just wasn’t up to it. Keep Alex in your prayers. I had confessions at 4pm and then I went and turned on the outside lights for the rectory. I opened the first of the double doors and sat in the lobby from 5:15pm to 6:45pm and waited (with a bowl of candy) for Trick or Treaters. No one came – and now Fr. Andy and I have finish off all that candy!!!!

Nov 1 I had the 10:30 and 12:30 Masses. I have always loved this feast day when we remember all the saints we have known. I had a great homily about a pamphlet that my Mom sent me 52 years ago while I was in the seminary in Wisconsin. I keep it on my desk. I told them “it’s a relic” just like these relics of the canonized saints that are here in the sanctuary. I told them my Mom was in heaven and although she’s never have a statue, I know she is there as it talked about in the first two readings. Then I asked the church to take some moments of silence to think of their personal saints – a teacher, a parent, a friend, or someone who helped them to know and follow Jesus. It went very well. Karen, one of the nurses, and Margaret Mary did the drops between Masses. I’m going home now to take a nap and then Rick and Peg are coming to pick me up and we’re going to visit Sheila in her new home.

Tomorrow, I have the 6:30am and the 8:00am Masses and then I’ll go and pick up Jerry Trancone and we’ll head out to Cambridge, Maryland on the Eastern Shore. We’ll be attending a convocation with about 300 other priests of the Archdiocese. We do this every two years and I always enjoy seeing and “catching up” with the guys. I will write a message next Friday or Saturday, when I return.

I am hoping to “bring you up to date”; but my eyes get tired if I type on the computer for too long.

Let me just say that the cataract surgery on my left eye went very well. I can see everything so much clearer. The surgery took about 20 minutes but the drops you had to put in before and since are exhausting. I am tired and all I really want to do is go to bed. I do Mass and I have had a few baptisms but I don’t sit around the office much.
I’ve seen the doctor and he is pleased as I am. So much so that I asked to have the right eye done and that will be done on November 12th. I’ll be having drops in the eyes till Thanksgiving. I have to wear these dark glasses that make me look like a really old “Blues Brother”. I also have to wear a “shield” when I am in bed or taking a shower. Then I look like Blackbeard the Pirate. I know it will be worth it all but it is exhausting.

So thanks for all the prayers. If you hadn’t done them, imagine how much complaining I’d be doing. I really am not a good patient.

Speaking of a “good patient”. Maggie is doing very well at the rehab. I am very proud of her. She will leave there – maybe next week – and continue therapy at home. Keep her in your prayers. It won’t be easy for her to stay in the wheelchair – without a nurse looking over her shoulder.

So that’s it for now.