What Paddy Shot At

I was scheduled to be giving a retreat for Separated and Divorced Catholics at Loyola this weekend; but I was still feeling a needing to sleep in my room with the large oxygen tank. The organizers and I worked on it by phone and they are going to lead it. There was some confusion about Masses because there are no Jesuits living at the retreat house and we had to scurry about for a priest. The new pastor of La Plata was a great help but Greg, (one of the leaders) arranged something – and there will be Mass. Please keep all those on the retreat in your prayers.

It was hot and humid all week, so I stayed in the rectory when I didn’t have to go out.

On Monday, I did go to Dr. Lucas about my leg. She arranged for an MRI for Wednesday but once I discovered I’d have to go “head first” into a tube; I told her I couldn’t do that. I can’t even hear confessions in a confessional – it is “too close” for me. So it was moved to Friday as an “open MRI”. We’ll see.
I had Mass at 5:30 and Humberto is back, so we all had supper together, which was nice.

Tuesday, the 21st, there was a big funeral and Msgr. Lockman came and concelebrated with 5 others; so I didn’t have Mass. I spent the day at home.

On Wednesday, the 22nd (Feast of St. Mary Magdalene) I had 11am Mass. I met with two young girls who live in the Middle East and are here visiting relatives. I’m trying to help them get “caught up” on Sacraments. There is only one Catholic church in the whole country in which they are living.

I stayed in my suite all of Thursday and relaxed and ate!

On Friday, the 24th, I took the 6:30am Mass and then I went for the MRI at 11am. It was BAD!! You don’t go into a tube but it is a big circle and the table takes you under it. My head was out but the circle came right to my chin. I could turn my head and I could see the window and the room but the circle was on my chest and I worried about breathing. Natalie, my tech was very nice and from the Ukraine and she tried to calm me. She said it would take 35 minutes, so I started to say the Rosary. I was so nervous that I couldn’t remember the words to the “Our Father”, so I just said the “Hail Mary” over and over. I think I said about 350 of them. I was so glad to have that over. I don’t care if they don’t find out anything!! No more of that!
At 3pm, I had a eye doctor appointment. I have a cataract in my left eye. He wanted to arrange the surgery for September 10th but as I have a burial at Arlington on the 11th, it will now be on Oct 22nd. It’s in house surgery but it sounds like about a week of inactivity and check ups. I really am grateful for the health care but I just am not a “patient” patient!!!

Today, Saturday, the 25th, I will say Mass at 11am and give the Sacraments to those young women. Please keep Hannah and Nadine and their families in your prayers.
Brian and Rowena are taking me out to the chicken dinner at St. Mary’s. I will say Mass at 5pm. Again, it is hot and humid and I’ll be glad to get to my suite.
Sunday, the 26th, I’ll just stay in my suite and watch the “Sunday talk shows”. I have the 5:30pm Mass in the church, then back to the suite.

As I was “housebound”, I used the phone a lot and caught up with friends.
Also, yesterday, it was announced that Cardinal William Baum died. I am sad because I loved him greatly but am thankful that Fr. Jim Beattie and I went down to have lunch with him, Fr. Bazan and Fr. Duffy in April. He seemed to enjoy our visit and I know I did. May he rest in peace.

I will write before next weekend.

Everything worked out for the weekend of the 4th of July. I drove down to Edgewater and had confessions and the 5:30pm Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I had supper with Kass at the local diner and then went to the hotel and watched the PBS TV special on the activities on the Mall in DC. It’s one of my traditions. It was great and then I watched the show on the Macy’s special in New York. Again, it was great.

I had the 8:30 am and 11am Masses and then came home. I told my sister that my “leg problem” had made me a better driver. I go slower and I am very conscientious of my ability to brake. I was glad to get home.

On Monday, the 6th, I had the funeral for Frances Higgins. There were lots of GC people there and her husband gave a wonderful eulogy.
That evening, I had the 5:30pm Mass and afterwards baptized my niece, Susan Renee (I officiated at her marriage to my nephew, Michael McLaughlin a couple of years ago). Her mom was visiting from Kansas and came with Maggie, Mary Ann, and her Godmother, Theresa. I also gave her First Communion and confirmed her. Mary Ann drove me and we all went to Magiano’s for great Italian foods and lots of laughs. While we were there, Beth (Horan) Daly and her husband, John came by. It was great to see them. Beth’s mom, Helen, a great parishioner from St. B’s died while I was away on the cruise but I am going to bury her at Arlington on September 11th.

On Tuesday, the 7th, I concelebrated Mrs. Foley’s funeral. Her son, Fr. Bill did a great job and a number of priests came. They had a reception but I went home to rest. I had the 5:30pm Mass and then Fr. Ron and I, and Fr. Martino Choi and our seminarian, Andrew, went out to Tivira restaurant to have a farewell supper with Fr. Justin, who was leaving us after two years. Great food and again, many laughs.

On Wednesday, the 8th, I relaxed and had the 5:30pm Mass. Our new priest, Fr. Alec Scott came that day. He was ordained on June 19th and will be with us for the summer. In October, he will return to Rome (where he studied for the last 4 years) and finish his degree. He is a fine young man and will be a nice addition to the rectory. Humberto, our cook is on vacation but food is prepared and so that night, Fr. Ron, Fr. Alec, and I had a very pleasant (microwave) supper and sat and talked for over an hour.

Thursday was my DAY OFF and I just stayed in the rectory all day. It was a very hot day and the humidity was bad.

On Friday, the 10th, I had the 8am Mass and then drove (slowly) out to St. Patrick’s church in Norbeck for the wake and funeral of Fr. Clarke. A lot of priests came and Fr. Larry Swink gave a great homily. I came home and stayed in the rectory.

On Saturday, the 11th, I had the 8am Mass and then drove down to Resurrection cemetery in Southern Maryland for the interment of Mrs. Cooksey, a long time parishioner from St. B’s. Her son, Tom was in my class at St. B’s and we’ve kept in touch. I was glad to see his family. His son, who was at St. B’s when I was pastor was there and I learned that he is a firefighter – family traditions are great!!
Since I was doing OK driving, I went by Maggie’s and met her and Marie for lunch. I was glad to get home.

On Sunday, the 12th, I was “around” for a baptism that Fr. Alec did during the 10:30 Mass. It was his “first” as a priest and at Mass. He was wonderful. Please keep him, Benjamin Emil and Ben’s family in your prayers. I had the 12:30 Mass and it went fine. I spent the rest of the day relaxing in the rectory.

All week, the temperature was really hot so on Monday, the 13th I had the 11am Mass and returned to the rectory.

On Tuesday, I had the 5:30pm Mass.
I also wrote to the people running the retreat on the weekend of July 24 – 26th and told them I couldn’t do it. It was a very hard decision and although I did send them copies of my talks and some questions for the discussions; I feel badly. I am arranging with a priest friend to see that Mass will be offered.

On Wednesday, I drove over to my dentist in College Park. I met Tom and Vickie Traber in the parking lot and gave them a booklet to help them prepare for the funeral of Vickie’s mom – Mrs. Dolores McHale. She lived on 59th Avenue, which was one of those “special” streets in St. B’s. I will preside and preach at her funeral on Friday at St. B’s.
I had the evening Mass.

On Thursday, the 16th, I drove Fr. Trancone to an appointment in Columbia. We had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and “toasted” Mother Rosenberger on her birthday. Afterwards I dropped him at the O’Boyle residence and relaxed at home.

On Friday, the 17th, I had the 8am Mass and then drove (slowly) to St. B’s for the 11am funeral. It was so good to see lots of the old St. B’s parishioners and Mrs. McHale’s large and beautiful family. I was so pleased to meet Fr. Jefferson, the new pastor of St. B’s. He looks like he’s 17 but he could not have been more hospitable to me. Deacon Desmond Yorke was a great help to me and as I was “out of steam” after Mass, he kindly offered to go with the family to the cemetery. I went home and went to bed.

Fr. Alec kindly agreed to take a baptism I was scheduled for on Saturday at noon. He did a great job and I got to relax. Please keep Laura Claire and her family in your prayers.
I spent most of the day working on my computer. I had the 5:30pm Mass but the deacon preached. I forgot to bring my oxygen upstairs and the temperature and humidity had increased; so I was glad to get back to the rectory.

Today, I brought the oxygen up with me to the 7:30am Mass. Again the deacon preached and I used my stool at the altar. I did go to the back after Mass and got a chance to speak with lots of people. When I finish this article, I’ll go back and relax in the rectory. I am going to see Patrick Mullin this evening and will go to supper with a family nearby, who invited me last year – I’m a little behind!

I also talked to lots of friends by phone. Talked to Dan and Stephanie, Frankie and Mary Lynn Costanza (old friends from the teen club at St. B’s) who called me to say their dad had died and to see if I would be available for an interment at Arlington in the near future. I also talked to Marilyn and Frank. I talked with Tish Rossi and learned that her cousin, Ida Santorella died very suddenly last week. Please keep her, her family, and in a special way, her son Jimmy Lee (who was one of my CCD students when I was a seminarian) in your prayers. Also Bob Norton called me to tell me that Karen Kunak and her husband Joe were driving to New Jersey to spend time with their family on a vacation. Someone crossed the highway and hit them “head-on”. Joe was killed. Karen is injured – but will survive. Karen and Joyce were two nurses at the hospital where Bob was chaplain and have been good friends and traveling companions with us from Maryland for years. Joe was a lung transplant survivor for 5 years and to die like that is so sad.
Please keep all these people in your prayers.

I think you are “up to date”. I’ll try to be a better communicator.

I am using the holiday to “catch up”.

My health is better. I think that the pain and bruising around my sciatic nerve has lessened greatly and I am able to drive. I have been accepting rides from others but this Saturday; I will drive to Annapolis to cover a parish. I will stay overnight and return to BS for the Sunday night Mass. We’ll see how that goes!

I Had Joe Hickson’s funeral on Thursday at St. Catherine Laboure. Joan Ward drove me and I road to the cemetery with the funeral director. He dropped me off at the club house at Leisure World for the luncheon. I had the chance to see lots of old friends from GC. Danny and Maureen drove me home. I’m glad I went but all I really did was to preach and consecrate. I went to bed as soon as I got home. I had the 8am Mass today and did a little work at my desk and now I’m going to spend the rest of the day here in the rectory. The office is closed today and Saturday for the 4th.

Have three funerals this week that I will participate in: Monday is Frances Higgins, who taught Latin at Good Counsel and has been a parishioner here at BS. Tuesday is the funeral of Marguerite Foley, a 90 year old parishioner, whom I loved. She is the mother of Fr. Bill Foley, whom I also love. On Thursday is the funeral of Fr. John Clark, who was a parishioner of St. Bernard’s and lived at the rectory before he was ordained in 1996. He had lots of illness throughout his priesthood and finally had to retire. He was only 54 years old. Please keep all of these dear souls and their families and friends in your prayers.

I must tell you that the cruise from Memphis to New Orleans on the Mississippi River was great. I learned a lot about the river’s important during the Civil War. I use to think all the battles and activities of the war were on the East coast but, for example the Battle of Vicksburg was a major turning point in the war. There are lots of lovely plantations and interesting cities on the river. There was a great guide on the ship that gave very interesting talks. I didn’t go outside much (we had a balcony but I only went on it once), the heat and humidity were tough. It was always in the 90’s. They brought interesting entertainment at night from the neighborhood. There were fiddle and banjo players, a gospel choir, and a singer/storyteller. The ship holds 105 passengers and the walk from your cabin to the meeting rooms and dining room was easy. Meals were “sitting where you want” and we met a lot of interesting fellow travelers from all over the states and from foreign countries. I would recommend the river trip!

Now, there were problems! I drove too long (1000miles) to get to Memphis and my right leg gave me a lot of trouble. We arrived in Memphis on Wednesday and Dan and Stephanie Poje were great hosts to us. As I wasn’t up to it, Dan took the women around and showed them Memphis. Stephanie and I went to Mass and said the rosary with some nice ladies. We had a lovely dinner at their house and met a great friend of theirs (and a classmate of Dan’s from grade school) Brother Joel. He is a Christian Brother, celebrating his 50th anniversary year. He was great company. We also went out one night to have real Memphis bar-B-Que. They left to go on a cruise to Bermuda and we went to hotel near the dock.

We left our car at the dock. We were supposed to rent a car in New Orleans and drive to Memphis and pick up my niece’s car, in which we had driven down. On the cruise, I realized I could not drive. I called one of Marie’s sons, Jimmy. He talked with his brother, Rick, who is retired Army and lives in Colombia, SC. They took over and Rick flew to NO and drove the rental (and us) to Memphis. We got our car, spent the night, and headed home. On Sunday night, we stayed near Virginia and on Monday night we were back at Maggie’s. I drove (very gingerly and slowly) back to my rectory and went to bed. It was re-assuring to have my large oxygen tank.

I slept much of Tuesday and went, on Wednesdays to see my doctor. She told me about the sciatica and gave me muscle relaxants and I went to bed again. I did say Mass on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but when not at church, I was in bed.

On Saturday, I did drive (gingerly) to the Shrine to participate in the ordination of 11 permanent deacons. I “vested” one of them, Paul, a great friend from Sothern Maryland and TEAMS. It is a nice ceremony. His wife, Ellen brought up his stole and dalmatic and I helped him vest. A lot of people helped me get around but I was very glad that I got there. I was there for 4 hours and went to bed when I got home.

On Sunday, I had a baptism at 2pm. Please keep Kolman Max and his family in your prayers. Then I had the 5:30pm. I had a lot of trouble and sat for everything – even the Gospel and my preaching. I didn’t have a deacon but the people were so good to me. I sat on a stool at the altar. After Mass, my cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen took me and Peg’s sister, Kathy, who was visiting them, out to supper at Clyde’s. Kate, their daughter and her friend, James met us and we had a great time.

I went to bed exhausted but happy. I slept in till almost noon. Again, I spent most of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday relaxing before and after Masses.

Now you really are up to date. I’ll try not to take so long between writing.

I am going upstairs to say the 5:30pm Mass. I have been home in the parish for a week. When last I wrote, I was heading to Memphis to get on the paddlewheel boat and cruise down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. I did that and will write about it soon.
We arrived in New Orleans on Saturday, June 20th. I was unable to drive back to DC, so Marie’s son, Rick, who lives in Colombia, South Carolina flew down and drove us to Memphis. We had left our car there and rented a car in N.O. Then he drove us to Maggie’s. I went to the doctor when I returned. I had hurt my sciatica nerve and that’s why I couldn’t drive. I’m on Prednisone and keeping close to home. I am better and can drive (If I need to).
I’ll write tomorrow and update you on the last two weeks.

On Thursday, the 28th, I had the 6:30AM Mass. I like to have this Mass when I have a full day. It gets me up and started. I then drove to Latrobe and checked into the hotel. I took a nap. At 6:15pm, Tish Rossi and her sister, Joanne picked me up and we drove to a wonderful Italian restaurant near Greensburg. Mike, Joanne’s husband could not join us, but we met Josephine Merenda and her daughter, Denise for a delicious and fun filled supper. All, and their families are friends from my teaching CCD days. We’ve known each other for almost 50 years. Chris, Denise’s husband joined us for dessert as he had to work. We sat and laughed and “caught up” for over three hours. It was so much fun. However, when I got ready for bed, I discovered that my oxygen machine was not working. I just ignored it.

On Friday, the 29th, I drove to Sheila and Keith Morris’ home. After a lot of encouragement from Keith, I called and rented an oxygen machine. It turned out to be pretty easy. They brought it to the hotel. We went that evening to Sacred Heart church, where we watched Kieran Rapp, whom I baptized years ago, graduate from grade school. All the family was there and we were very proud.

On Saturday, the 30th, I just rested in my hotel room and that night, Keith and I met Eric Diskin for supper. It was great to “catch up”.

On Sunday, the 31st, Keith picked me up and drove me to St. Bede’s church in Point Breeze. I presided at the 10AM Mass. It was a great congregation, with good music, and responsive participants. In the offertory, were a number of children that I knew and/or baptized. At 1:00, I baptized the newest member of the family, Charles James, the child of David Havern and Kathleen Morris Havern. We had a very nice reception afterwards in the parish center and I got to visit with all the family and some old friends. I went home and took a nap; then Sheila, Keith and I went to a nice restaurant and had a relaxing time together to “catch up”. I was ready for bed and slept well.

On Monday, June 1st, I had a relaxing breakfast, dropped off the oxygen machine at the desk, packed the car and headed home. It rained most of the trip and I was glad to get home and sleep in my own bed.

On Tuesday, June 2nd, we had our last Tuesdays with Maury. Our topic was graduations and we shared on our own and many that we have attended. I shall miss the group over the summer but our topic for September is “What I did during my summer vacation”. I’m sure that will be very lively!!

On Wednesday, the 3rd, I had the 8AM Mass and then went to the St. John Vianney House to attend the annual meeting of the retired priests with the Cardinal and the retirement board. It was great as I saw a lot of old friends who don’t come regularly to the monthly meetings. I had a good time. I came home and took a nap.

On Thursday, my Day Off, I was picked up by Liz Cahill at 11:30am and she drove us to Clyde’s for lunch. We taught together at GC in the 80’s and I had not seen her for 30 years till she came to Mass here a few months ago. We really “caught up” and didn’t come back till almost 5pm. I had such a great time!! I was supposed to meet with my niece, Mary and our friend, Greg about the SDC retreat in July at 8pm. But Mary knows all about phones and we “conferenced”, which I loved because I didn’t have to go anywhere. I was in bed by 8:30pm

On Friday, the 5th, I had the 8AM Mass and then drove over to Millersville and picked up Pat Watters and her friend, Zeb. They had flown in from Newfoundland on Wednesday for Pat’s nephew’s wedding on Saturday. We had planned a Movie Marathon, which Pat and I use to do often. This time, we only saw two films – “San Andreas”, about an earthquake, and “Spy”, both we enjoyable but fast paced; and two was all we could take. We picked up Joan Beall and all went to Sir Walter Raleigh’s for supper. Then Joan and I took the ladies to Millersville. I took Joan home (and got some great cookies that Ginny had made for me!) and then to bed!!!

On Saturday, the 6th, I had two baptisms. Please keep Coralina and her family in your prayers. She was actually baptized in the hospital in January but we supplied all the other ceremonies today. She may still have one surgery to go. The other was of Michael Peter, please keep him and his family in your prayers. Then we had 8th graduation. I concelebrated and it was very nice, as I know a lot of the students because they are altar servers.
I had the 5:30PM Mass for our feast day, Corpus Christi, and I understand my homily was good. I’m glad to hear that because I asked people to celebrate our feast day by taking bags home and returning them next week with food for our 3 pantries in south east Washington. Brian is doing such a great job with the foundation and summer is a time when we need to extra food. I know our people will be generous.
On Sunday, the 7th, I had the 7:30am Mass and again I think the people heard the need and lots took bags home. I then went to Maplewood and participated in the brunch with Antonia, Jim and Susan and Bunnie – a nice group I have gotten to know and enjoy.
I stopped and bought some clothes for the trip and then stopped in to say hello to the people attending the clergy- led session for baptism. Then I went home and napped. I did watch the Tonys. Fortunately there were lots of revivals this year but I didn’t know any of the new shows. I do need a trip to NYC.

Today, I had the 6:30am Mass. I asked for it to get me started. Have lots to do today. Appointment at 8:30. Two baptisms (of young girls who live in the Middle East and can’t go to church!) at 10. Another appointment at 11:30 and then I have to pack. Will be picked up by Fr. Jim Boccabella for supper with John Enzler, Regis and Mike. A practice we try to do every 3 or 4 months. Then I’ll drive to Maggie’s and get some sleep. We leave tomorrow at 7am for Knoxville, Tn. Then Wednesday, we drive to Memphis. We’ll visit Dan and Stephanie and on Saturday, we get on our steamboat down the Mississippi to New Orleans. I’m not sure I’ll be able to write on the trip but we’ll be home around the 22nd and I’ll write then. Pray for us.

When last I wrote, I was getting ready to go to “cover” Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater. I had a great time. I had the 4pm confessions and the 5pm Mass. I was pleasantly surprised to meet many people who were originally from Riverdale and at the door, I met many of them.
Before I went down to OLPH, I had four baptisms. Keep Keating Grace, Graydon Robert, Lochlan Richard, Theodore Emil and their families in your prayers.
After Mass, I met Maggie, Marie, and Penny at Bingo. Didn’t win but had a good time, spent the night at Maggie’s.

On Sunday, the 17th, I had the 8:30am Mass and the 11. Mike drove Marie and Maggie to it. Also Hal and Terry McConnell came. It was great to see them. Terry was my “right hand” and secretary when I was first made pastor at St. B’s. After Mass, I the girls and I, and Kass went to a very nice German restaurant nearby. Then I drove the girls home and was in bed before dark.

On the 18th, I had the 11am Mass for Gene Kinerney and Anna Marie came to it. We were planning to go to lunch but it was so hot, we put it off. My oxygen box has not been working and the one they brought to take its place is useless. So I am “fighting” with them and spending a lot of time over in the rectory where I had the large oxygen.
Got a phone call that Joe Stout’s surgery went well but I won’t call him till the weekend.

On the 19th, I had the 11am Mass and then “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. Our theme was the blessed Virgin and we had a nice discussion.
Ceil Mattingly, whose is like family, since our fathers were Marshalls together, and I met for supper. We caught up on all our siblings and I learned that she is moving to Georgia to be near her son and grandbabies!
Also I missed the play reading group because of my oxygen.

On Wednesday, the 20th, I went to see Dr. Lucas and she was annoyed that I had let this oxygen thing go so long. She called the company and we’ll see what happens.

On Thursday, I saw someone for spiritual direction and I joined a Sodality group for dinner (they came and got me). The food was great but even better were the conversations. I had a great time.

On Friday, I was in St. Mary’s county. I stopped in at St. Michael’s in the morning, then picked up Patrick Mullan and we went to lunch at the Raley’s. Judy also had three of her children, their spouses, and Dane, her Grandson. It was just delightful. I enjoyed that family when I was there. I also stopped at St. Mary’s city and saw some old friends. I met Susan Cassidy for dinner. She has sold her house and is moving to Minnesota to be near her grandchildren. It seems to be the thing to do. I’m sure that like Ceil, she’ll love it.

On Saturday, the 23rd, I drove over to Oxon Hill and anointed a man, who is dying of lung cancer. Keep Ronald – and Maggie, his caregiver, in your prayers. At noon, I met with a family to supply the candle and anointings that go with Baptism. Eli Robert was born in January and had to be baptized in the hospital. He is been in and out of the hospital – with lots of surgeries but is doing well now, so anointed him, gave him a white robe and candle and welcomed him formally into our community. It was so nice.
Then I went and picked up Maggie and we went back to St. Mary’s for a graduation party for a young man who was on our trip to Alaska about 7 years ago. We saw lots of old friends and saw great pictures of him growing up. He is going to Frostburg for college. I dropped Maggie at Bingo and came home.

On Sunday, the 24th, I had the 9am Mass. Met with a couple about baptism and then joined Fr. Beattie, Fr. Hill, and Msgr. Duffy for supper.

Monday the 25th was Memorial Day. The office was closed and the rectory was empty. I met with a couple about their upcoming wedding and then I returned to watch TV in the air conditioning.

Tuesday, the 26th, I had the 6:30 and 8am Masses and then drove over and picked Fr. Trancone and took him to a doctor’s appointment in Columbia. We had lunch out. When I got back to the office, my oxygen box (the right one that I needed) was there. My doctor called them and told them to get it to me TODAY! I just feel so much better. (It weighs 4 pounds, while the one they wanted me to take weighs 16lbs!!) I’m so glad that is finally settled.

So here I am today, I had exposition at 3pm and have the 5:30 Mass. Then I’m going out to Columbia to help celebrate Joey’s graduation from Mount St. Joe’s. He is the son of Bobby and Sue Chambers – great friends. Sue’s parents are here from Wisconsin and since I’ll be away this weekend, they invited me out tonight to see everybody.

I had lots of phone ministry this week. Steve Bleistine is greatly improved and is home. Had a long time with Joe, who is in a lot of pain from the surgery. Long talk with Roger in Wisconsin and “caught up” and also with Dwight. He is retiring on July 1st and will go to England, where his ancestors are from and help out in a parish for a couple of months. Both he and John Bohrer are celebrating the anniversaries of ordination today and I talked with both of them. Nice conversation with Pat Berry, keep his sister in your prayers – eye problems.

tomorrow, I have the 6:30am Mass and then will head up to Greensburg and Pittsburgh. I’ll update you in June.

On May 6th, I gave a talk on prayer to the Bible study group. They are a wonderful group that has been meeting for almost 26 years. I had a good time and according to them, so did they. i had planned to go to the retired priests gathering but instead spent most of the day waiting for someone to come about my oxygen – they didn’t come. I had the 5:30pm Mass and then went home to be on the oxygen in the rectory.

On Thursday, the 7th, I called Bob Norton as it was the 43rd anniversary of my friends’ anniversary. They are getting together in June but I’ll be on the Mississippi. I went and saw Dr Solomon, my pulmonologist, and I’m doing well. His assistant, Mike is going to see if I can get help about the oxygen. As it is my “Day Off”, I went back and spent the day in the rectory. In the evening, Rick and Peg picked me up and we went out to dinner together. It’s always great to be with them.

On Friday, the 8th, I had the 8am Mass and then I went to Casey House to visit Louise Lynch and her family. Louise worked at GC and when I directed the plays, she did the costumes. She and Jack have been friends ever since. She had a heart attack last week and went into a coma and was taken to hospice. We prayed aloud and I think she knew we were there. Then I went to see John and Antonia Bass John is ill and so we celebrated the sacrament of the sick. Antonia and I went to lunch with two nice ladies who live at Maplewood and are friends of hers. I had exposition and then Mass and went back to the rectory.

On Saturday, the 9th, I had the 8am Mass and then concelebrated the three Masses we had for First Communion. I stayed in my office and then had the 4pm Confessions. Was glad to go home and relax with the oxygen.

On Sunday, the 10th, I met with a couple at 8:30am about baptism. Then at 10 I had a baptism and another at 11am. Please keep Theodore Coleman and Delaney Kayden and their families in your prayers. I had the 12:30 Mass and then joined Ray Fecteau and his Mom and his siblings for dinner at La Ferme for Mothers’ Day. We had a great time as I enjoy his family and their sense of humor. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass. Afterwards, I drove to National and picked up Regina’s nephew, who had an interview for a joy at Bethesda Naval on Tuesday. I dropped him at his hotel and went home. Was glad to have the oxygen as it was a hot day. I slept well.

On Monday, someone came and talked to me about the oxygen and they are going to send me a replacement tomorrow, which will be nice as it is 90 degrees outside. I had the 11am Mass and then I met Gail Douglas for lunch at the Casino and we played a little I won $120, so that made up for the heat. I presided at the Filipino Mass at 7:30. It was in English but the music was Filipino and just beautiful.

On Tuesday, the 12th, I had the 6:30am Mass and then picked up Jason and drove him up to Bethesda. Then I went by and visited my cousin, Peg Caruso. She is taking treatment for lung cancer and is doing very well We just sat and laughed and “caught up”. I also got a chance to say hi to her daughter, Jackie, who came to drive her. I know that you’ll keep her and her family in your prayers.

Then I went to Our Lady of Grace for Louise’s funeral. Fr. Essex presided and I preached. It was easy to talk about her and Jack and their family. They really are so good and loving. Also saw lots of GC and St. Catherine Laboure parishioners there and visited with them after Mass. I couldn’t go to the cemetery. It was another hot, hot day.

Then I drove over to the Cardinal O’Boyle residence and drove Jerry Trancone and Fr. Tom Kane to the annual priests’ anniversary Mass and dinner. I always enjoy seeing all the priests and talking with them. I was glad to be home and went to bed by 9pm

On Wednesday, the 13th, I had the 11am Mass. It was the 43rd anniversary of my ordination and I enjoyed the quiet day. I still don’t have my oxygen and I just ignored it and went down to Maggie’s. We had a nice quiet dinner and I went to bed early.

On Thursday, the 14th, I drove Marie over to see the oncologist and we had a great visit. The doctor is pleased with Marie’s attitude and says the liver cancer is not growing quickly. Maggie didn’t go with us because she can drive (only in Calvert County) and drove to a doctor’s appointment herself. We all met for dinner and then we went to Bingo and met JoAnn. Maggie and JoAnn won and Marie and I showed up. I drove home and was in bed by 11:30pm

Today, I had the 8am Mass and now am trying to “catch up” on work at the desk. I have a baptism tonight at 5pm and two tomorrow. Then I’ll drive to Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Edgewater for confessions at 4pm and then the 5pm Mass. I’ll spend the night at Maggie’s because I have the 8:30am Mass and the 11. This is the parish where Sister Kass is pastoral associate and her pastor is away for the weekend. I’ve been there before and it is a great community.

Now you are up to date!

Hi there,

Another very busy two weeks.

When last I wrote, it was April 21st. On the next day, I had the 11am Mass. At 3pm, Colleen picked me up and we drove to the Dominican Retreat House in Virginia. We attended a dinner and meeting of the SDC. It was very enjoyable and edifying. I also met two religious sisters – Sister Charlotte and Sister Loretta. They were from Big Bend, Kansas and they knew Fr. Dwight from Wichita. I’m always saying, “If we Catholics could agree on something, we could change the world because we all know each other”.

On Thursday, April 23rd, I picked up Fr. Beattie and we went to breakfast at IHOP. We had to go to two of them, they were so busy and filled up. We ended up in Rockville.

On Friday, the 24th, I met a lovely man whose family is in Qatar and coming here in the summer for a visit. We are going to baptize his grandchildren. They cannot do that at home.
Then I went and got my haircut and beard trimmed. Went to Jiffy Lube. Did exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and had a First Communion interview.

On Saturday, the 25th, I had someone in for an appointment and had the 11am Mass. After Mass, a man and his two sisters came to see me in the chapel and we had a blessing of the ashes of their mother. It was a very lovely time together. Please keep Frances and her children in your prayers. I then had a baptism, keep John Calix and his family in your prayers. I had confessions at 4pm and then Brian and Rowena picked me up and took me to the Wardman hotel for the Catholic Charities Dinner. I really was too tired to go but they insisted and I’m glad they did. I had a great time, learned more about CC and met and talked with a number of nice people.

I slept in on Sunday till 9am and then had the 10:30 Mass in the gym. It was so nice to be back with the families and the children. I used my stool and gave out Communion and blessed the kids.
I used the afternoon, to catch up by phone with Maggie, Dan and Stephanie, Joe Stoutz, Gail Douglas, and others. It was very relaxing and I went to bed early and slept well.

Monday, the 27th was a full day with appointments, and 11am Mass and supper with the guys – but it was fun and relaxing.

Tuesday, the 28th was another full day with lots of laughter and good memories. I started off by attending the funeral of Mary Claire Daly at Our Lady of Lourdes. She is the aunt of Fr. Tim Daly and I’ve known her for years. She was 93 years of age and lived a wonderful and full life of faith. She was also the aunt of Chris Daly, the husband of Denise Embry Daly, whom I knew at St. Camillus and at St. Bernard’s. They live in Frederick and I haven’t seen them in over 20 years. I know this because their son, John, whom I’ve never seen is 21 years old. Their daughter, Colleen, who was a student at St. B’s and went on to become an Opera singer was there and sang the “Ave Maria”. It was magnificent. She also has an adorable little sixth month old boy named “Christian Michael”. Chris and Denise’s first grandchild!!
It was not a sad funeral; it was a celebration of life, faith, and family!

I had to rush back because I had the 11am Mass and then Fr. Beattie and I went to Little Sisters’ and had lunch with Msgr. Bazan, Msgr. Duffy, and Cardinal Baum. What a great two hours that was!!
Then when I got home. Pat McGrath, one of my favorite students from GC had come by to visit and we sat and “caught up” for another hour. Then Joan told me I had another visitor. It was Nera Brown Lersch. She was the year ahead of me at St. Bernard’s and we’ve stayed friends all that time. She lives in Illinois but was here to visit family and stopped by. Again, we laughed and “caught up”.
That evening, I finally caught up with my sisters (who had been at the Shore!) and I caught up on them and their families. I was ready for bed.

On Wednesday, I drove over to Wheaton and had lunch with Joe Hickson and his daughter, Colleen. Joe and his family were a big part of GC and so I was glad to visit him. He is going to be 90 in June and we celebrated the Anointing of the Sick and had a great time talking about the past. I had the 5:30pm Mass and was in bed before 8.

On Thursday, the 30th, I led a day of prayer with lots of old friends at St. Camillus. I had a great time and I think they did too.

On Friday, May 1st, I had the 6:30am Mass and afterwards said the opening prayer at the Christ in the Marketplace gathering that is held after the 6:30 Mass on the first Friday of the month. It’s just men and a speaker. Today’s was Andreas, who was a member of the Swiss Guard for Pope John Paul II. His talk was marvelous and really touched many of the men – including me!
Then the second day of prayer at Camillus. It was so like going home and I loved it and the gang who came.
Did have an appointment about Baptism with a lovely couple when I got home and again, I was in bed by 8pm

On Saturday, the 2nd, I picked up Jerry and Fr. Kane at the O’Boyle residence and we went to St. Thomas More parish in Southeast for the funeral of Father John Kinter. He was the chaplain at Greater Southeast Hospital for about 35 years. He was the assistant at St. Teresa’s on Minnesota Ave, where I did my Deacon Summer in 1971. We’ve stayed friends ever since. He died of cancer at 72. The church was full and there were about 25 priests there. Msgr. Pope preached and he was great.
We three went to lunch at RIP’s and then I drove the guys’ home. Early to bed.

On Sunday, I slept in and then went to Maplewood and joined Jim, Susan, and Bunny for the brunch. We had a great time. Antonia and John could not join us, as John is in the hospital. Keep him and her in your prayers.
I stopped in to meet some of the couples that I email with about baptism. They were here for the parent – led session.
I had the 5:30pm Mass

Today, I had the 11am Mass and spent all day at my desk getting things organized. There is a dinner for RCIA tonight but I might slip away and go to bed early.

That’s what has been happening from day to day.
Here’s some updates:
Steve Bleistine was back in the hospital after a short time at home because of pneumonia.
Sister Kass’ dad, Ed did have his foot taken off and is back at Charlestown for recovery. Her birthday was on Sunday.
Had a nice long talk with Betty DeLuca and while she misses Norm a lot, work and the boys keep her going.
Loretta Favret is doing well (although bored) in her assisted living situation. Andy is recovered from his surgery and after some time at rehab, he is back at their cottage. Hope to see them soon.
Sister Natalie (Ann Christine) is quite content in Cincinnati at Mt. Notre Dame Health Center. I’ve called her but she doesn’t seem to stay in her room much. I pass messages through the staff and she sends her love.
Joe Stoutz is having hip surgery on the 18th, keep him in your prayers.
My oxygen concentrator’s battery went and so I hope to have another tomorrow. I have a large machine in the rectory and can use that at night.

As I mentioned last time, there are lots of intentions that I want to bring to you for your prayers.

The first is the death of Helen Horan Francinie. She died last week at age 97. The family were a big part of St. Bernard’s parish and have been friends of mine for almost 60 years. There will be a memorial Mass on June 19th at Our Lady of Mercy. I cannot attend as the girls and I will be cruising down the Mississippi; but please keep all the Horan family and friends in your prayers.

Sister Kass’ dad, Ed Collins who is also in his late nineties, had to have his leg amputated this week due to diabetes. Please keep him and Kass in your prayers.

Fr. John Kinter, a priest of our Archdiocese who I have known since 1971 died this week. No plans are made for his funeral but please keep him and his family in your prayers.

My cousin, Peg is doing well with her treatments and although she got run down and needed an overnight in the hospital, she is continuing with the treatments. Please keep her and all her family, who are the caregivers, in your prayers.

My friend, Steve, who was in the seminary with me, 50 years ago, is out of the hospital and home. He and his family have lots of therapy to work on but I talked with him and his spirits are good. Please keep him, his wife Carol and their son, Stevie in your prayers.

I also talked with Pat Watters in Newfoundland and she assures me that she is doing very well and will be South for her nephew’s wedding in June. Keep her in your prayers as well.

Father Ron’s grandmother, Catherine Potts, who was 102 died at the end of last week. He will have her funeral in Baltimore on Wednesday. Do keep all of her family in your prayers.

As you will now see, I didn’t run around too much this week, so I used the phone and email to catch up with people.

When last I wrote, I was waiting to go to lunch with Brian and Michael for Michael’s birthday that was April 1st. Because his mom was in the hospital, Michael couldn’t join us but Brian and I went to Chef Geoff’s. It was very nice and we had a good time.

On Friday, the 17th, I had the 11am Mass and then rode with some of the office people to the old Shoreham hotel for the Don Bosco/Cristo Rey luncheon. The parish had bought a table. It was very nice and the school does great work with “a risk students”. Then I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and drove out to Gaithersburg to have dinner with Eileen Lee Baughan, who was attending a workshop there. We had a great time.

On Saturday, the 18th, I met a parishioner early and then had two baptisms. Please keep Colin James and Isabella Cecilia and their families in your prayers. Then Patty Daly and her daughter Kathy (from St. Mary’s county) and I went to Clyde’s for a meal and a visit. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass, although the deacon preached and I just relaxed. Also, and I think this was the most important thing I did – I defrosted my refrigerator! I felt so accomplished when I went to bed.

On Sunday, I had the 9am Mass and again the deacon preached. At 10:30, I met with three people who will be confirmed on Pentecost and taught a session on the Sacraments. Then I had a baptism so keep Mary Louise and her family in your prayers. She is the great grandchild of Al Sindall, from St. Camillus.

On Monday, my dentist called and cancelled – I was so glad! I relaxed and had the evening Mass. Fr. Lucas, who use to live with us is here for his comps at CUA and he concelebrated the 5:30 Mass and joined us for supper.

Today, I had the 11am Mass and then “Tuesdays with Maury”. We discussed the 75th anniversary of the Archdiocese and we talked about the Eastern rites of the church. There are two talks being done in the next week on those topics, so we wanted to get some background. Tonight I will go up to our play reading group. We are studying “The Crucibles”. Then to bed early

I know, it’s been a long time since I wrote anything but as you read through this message; you’ll see that I’ve been busy.

I last wrote on Holy Thursday and I did visit the altar of repose and prayed for all of you – by name – and your intentions. I was glad to get to bed that night.

On April 3rd, Good Friday, I led the Stations at noon and then heard confessions until 3pm. Then I took a nap. I was on for the 7pm service but I sat on the side. That night I watched the Holy Father in Rome in the coliseum. Good night’s sleep.

On Saturday, I started off with a nice 2 hour visit to Fr. Trancone. He is soooo improved. He is walking with a cane and is staying at Carroll Manor and getting therapy for his legs. He may move to the O’Boyle residence, which is our retirement place and very nice. Then, I relaxed in my suite (worked on getting my papers together to do my taxes) and napped and watched Holy Week services in Rome and then I concelebrated the 8pm Vigil Mass. I left during the service and went to bed early.

On the 5th, Easter Sunday, I drove up to visit Loretta and Andy Favret. I had a nice surprise as young Loretta was there to take them to church. We had a nice visit. Then I celebrated the 11am Mass at St. Mary’s in Barnesville. I went to see my cousin, Ann O’Connell and then I drove by to say “Happy Easter” to the Beall family and I saw Fr. David Mudd, who had been driven over by his nephew, Stephen to spend Easter with his family. Nice surprise!
Then I went to my cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen and had a delicious Easter dinner with them and their children, Kate and Christopher as well as James and Haley. Also Russ, (Rick’s brother) and his wife Debbie stopped in for desert. I always enjoy being with my relatives.
They were kind enough to let me leave my car at their house and they drove me to National airport, where I took a 9:30pm flight to Orlando, Florida. I arrived around midnight and took a cab to a Hampton Inn and slept!!!

On Monday, the 6th, my former principal, Regina Housel, who is living near Tampa drove up and we had a three hour lunch and “caught up”. We had a wonderful time and then I went home and was in bed before Jeopardy!

On Tuesday, the 7th, the reason I was in Orlando began. It was the NCEA convention. That is the National Catholic Education Association, which brought together about 6,000 people involved in Catholic education from around the county. I think I’ve gone to it for almost 30 years and it is always enjoyable. Fr. Dwight Birket from Wichita, Kansas and I shared a room. Tish Nealson, the president of Carroll High School, and we had a number of meals together. One day, Dave Haas and his wife, Kathy, who live in Florida 6 months and Michigan 6 months, met us for lunch. I had a lovely dinner with Lila Hoffmeister, the present principal of St. Michael’s in Ridge, and her family.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, in addition to all the eating, I did attend sessions of the convention and had a great visit with Fr. Tim Daley, who is former parishioner of St. Bernard’s and a priest in the Orlando diocese. I also saw Dan Curtin, and old friend and visited friends who were vendors and picked up some books. It was a wonderful trip. The temperature was 90 degrees.

On Friday, I took a shuttle with Dwight and Tish and then just relaxed in the airport till my flight back to DC at 2:45pm. I got back and Rick picked me up and took me to get my car. I then drove down to Maggie’s to spend the night.

On Saturday, I drove Marie and Maggie to Leisure World for a noon Mass that was a reunion for Notre Dame, where they went to high school. I then drove them to our great nephew’s 5th birthday party down in Shady Side. They got a ride home from family members ( I hear they went to bingo!) and I drove down to DC and picked up Fr. Carmen Carlone, and a couple from his parish – good friends of mine – Joyce and Tom and we all went to Clyde’s for dinner. I was home and in bed by 9PM.

On Sunday, the 12th, I had the 12:30PM Mass and then the Baptismal Prep session and then I drove down to get my guests in DC. I got them around 4:30pm. They had gone on the Big Red Bus, touring DC at noon. The Cherry blossoms were out and traffic was terrible but they loved the tour. We then went to the Washington Harbor and had supper. Then we all went to visit Fr. Trancone, whom they have known for about thirty years. We had a great visit. Then I took them home and was in bed by 10pm.

On Monday, the 13th, I had the 11am Mass and worked all day on my taxes.

On Tuesday, the 14th, I again had the 11am Mass and finished my taxes. I dropped them off at Joan Beall’s and she passed them on to Mary Rose, my dear friend and the lady who keeps me out of jail by doing my tax forms.
I also went to Collin’s funeral home for the wake for my cousin, Ann Brown O’Connell. She died on Saturday after a long battle with cancer. She was married to my cousin, Edward, who was also my Godfather. Ed died too young in 1986 and we’ve stayed close over the year. She has two daughters and five grandsons.
Afterwards, I drove to Virginia to have supper with David and Mary who were entertaining his brother, Chuck and wife, Carol. Chuck and Carol are parishioners of Bob Norton’s in Pittsburgh and Dave wanted us all to meet. Mary made a delicious pasta and we laugh and told Norton stories! I was home by 10pm.

On Wednesday, the 15th, I took the 6:30am and the 8:00am Masses so that the others could cover the 11am and the 5:30pm Masses. I finished my taxes and Mary Rose sent them off. So many people, especially Joan Beall, can now sleep knowing I’m not going to jail.
I had the 11am funeral for Ann at St. Jane de Chantal parish nearby. Katie and Mary Ann had planned it and it was lovely. All the family were involved and lots of our cousins came as did lots of parishioners and groups, like Christ Child Society, which she was very active in, came as well. My nephew, Mike drove my sisters. We went to Gate of Heaven cemetery and then to the Knight of Columbus Hall for a repast. It was a very typical Irish celebrate with food, drink, stories, and laughter. I’m sure Ann loved it!
I then took Marie and Maggie to a Chinese restaurant in Bethesda, where I meet with four of my cousin every couple of months just to “catch up”. So this time, they joined with Jean Denny, Jim and Eileen Denny, and Sue Denny Rogus and me. We had a great time and actually as I was leaving I apologized to a nearby table for us being so loud. I said, “I’m so sorry. We’re all cousins and we don’t get together often and we laughed too much and too loud”. They said, “No, you were having such a good time, we wanted to join you!” It was fun.
Then I drove the girls back to Maggie’s and came home. I was in bed by 10pm.

Today, is my “day off” and I’m supposed to have lunch with Brian and my cousin, Michael Caruso. I just learned that Michael can’t join us; but Brian and I are off to lunch. And I think that brings you up to date on my activities.
I do have news of illnesses and other deaths and things I want you to pray about but I will write them on the weekend. Know that you and your needs are in my prayers.