What Paddy Shot At

Had a wonderful visit with Betty and Joan. She had kept her Christmas tree and decoration up for us. We laughed so much because Betty is still a great storyteller. We had lunch at the Mason/Dixon Café. Joan and I missed our exit because we were talking too much and it took us an extra hour (because of accidents on the roads we ended up on) to get home. Still it was a great trip and visit.

On Friday the 27th, I had the 8AM Mass and then got ready to go to Virginia. I went to the Fairfax Genealogical Fair at the Marriott in Fair Oaks. Sharon Beall told me about it, so I signed up. I had a great time. The talks were very informative and very “how to”, which I need help with. I have a great program with over 2000 family members but I don’t know how to make reports and share my information with family. I will go to more of these. Carol Ostrye, Barbara’s daughter was also there; and the three of us got together for drinks and laughs after the sessions. I had a room and stayed the night.

On Saturday, after the first session, I decided to go home. My stomach was a little queasy and so I took some medicine and went to bed for 4 hours. When I got up, I felt a lot better. I was glad since I was supposed to meet Joe Villani and his wife, Pat, and one of my parishioners, whose known Joe since grade school. We had a great dinner and a wonderful time “catching up”.

On Palm Sunday, I was not scheduled for me in the morning and so I slept in and watched the Talk Shows. I drove over to visit Jerry Trancone. He is using a walker and doing very well. Keep those prayers coming. I came home and had the 5:30pm. I had two deacons and they moved me through all the extra stuff. I went to bed early.

On Monday, the 30th, I met someone for confession and then had an 11:30am Mass in the Manning center for my seniors. We talked about our experiences of Holy Week. It was very interesting and we had a lovely lunch. I had one last interview for First Communion (he was “snowed out” before). He was a delight and knew everything.
Then I drove out and picked up Barbara at Leisure World and we met Barry Fitzpatrick for supper in Olney. Our waiter (who was great) was Richard Werden, an old friend from St. Camillus. We had a great time and laughed all evening.

On Tuesday, the 31st, I had the 11AM Mass and then headed to Pittsburgh. I arrived in time to go to the wake for Norm DeLuca. He and Betty were great friends from when I was a deacon in the parish at St. Anselm’s in Swissvale. They had 5 boys and they welcomed me into their home and family. Norm was 89 and a tremendous husband and father. After the wake, I stopped in to see my Godchild’s two week old child and visited with her and her family. I had supper with Sheila and Keith Morris and spent the night at the Hampton. Slept very well.

On Wednesday, April 1st, I concelebrated the funeral with the pastor, Fr. John Lyman, with an old friend, Fr. John Sweeney and with Fr. Tim Whalen, the rector of St. Vincent’s Seminary. All of us had been stationed at St. A’s and enjoyed the hospitality of the DeLuca family. The pastor spoke very well and I was glad to be there. I also saw some old friends, Lizette Rihn and her daughters, Louise and Diane. They had made all the stoles for my first Mass 41 years ago. It was great to see them.
I left right after the Mass and drove home. I heard confessions at 6:30pm here at Blessed Sacrament. Once again, I was glad to get to bed and slept soundly.

Today, April 2nd is Holy Thursday. I slept in and spent most of today working at my desk on Baptisms. I’ll go over for supper at 5:30pm with the guys and then I’ll concelebrate the evening Mass at 7pm.
For the first time in nearly 40 years, I won’t go visiting churches afterwards. Instead, I will spend some time in the chapel before Midnight, when the chapel will close. I will pray before the tabernacle and mention all of you, my dear friends and your families and your needs to the Lord. Happy Holy Thursday.

Again, a busy week:

On Thursday, the 19th, the feast of St. Joseph. I took the day off and met Gail Douglas for lunch at RIP’s. We caught up on all the news and I learned that she is moving to a senior citizens’ apartment in near Illchester, Maryland, where the Notre Dame Sisters had their mother house. It isn’t too far and we’ll keep in touch.
Then I went to St. Luke’s to hear confessions at their Lenten Penance Service. Great as always.

Friday, the 20th I had the 11am Mass and then just worked at the desk and went home early.

On Saturday, the 21st, I drove up to the Claggett center in Buckeystown and heard confessions for the Confirmation students on retreat. They are from St. Ignatius parish, where Fran Werden is the pastoral associate.
Then I had lunch with La and Andy Favret. They live nearby and La is staying in the rehab part of their complex because of some equilibrium problems. Andy lives in their home, which is part of the complex; so they are together often. We had a great time and ate in a café that is part of the complex.
Then I came home, heard the 4pm confessions. I really do enjoy confessions!! And relaxed in my suite that evening.

On Sunday, the 22nd, I had the 10:30 Mass in the gym. They were so good to me and put out my stool, so I could give Communion and bless the children. Then I had a baptism. Please remember Georgia Catherine and her family in your prayers.
Then Rick and Peg Jensen picked me up and we went to visit Ann O’Connell. She is staying at home with the support of family and has doctors and nurses who come to visit her. She was in good spirits and we laughed and talked.
Then Rick and Peg and I went to supper at a Portuguese restaurant nearby. It was very good and we had a good time.
I talked with my cousin Jackie later that night. Please keep my cousin, Peg Caruso and her family in your prayers. She is doing tests and treatment this week.

On Monday, I went to St. Patrick’s parish for Merve O’Connor’s funeral. I’ve known her for over 30 years. She was part of that group that welcomed me to Leisure World in the early 80’s when I was at G. C. and could help out Fr. Father Farrell, the pastor of Our Lady of Grace. I had intended just to sit on the altar but Fr. Foley, the pastor and a good friend, invited me to preach. It was an honor. She was a great lady and she wouldn’t mind my saying she was 94. Buried the next day at Arlington with her husband, a Navy guy. I went with Barb Ostrye and we had lunch together afterwards – Five Guys! Good hamburgers!
I had interviews for First Communion and then the 5:30pm Mass. Ate and relaxed in the suite. Had a long phone conversation with Jerry Trancone. He is coming along with the rehab at Carroll Manor and is standing and walking on his own with a cane. Thanks for those prayers.

On Tuesday, I had the 8am Mass and then I drove down to Maggie’s and she, Marie and I went to Annapolis for Maggie’s doctor’s appointment. I went in with her and learned a lot about her foot. She will have surgery in August and it will take some time to recover but she will be able to walk again. Keep praying. As a treat, we went to a seafood place in Chesapeake Beach and then went to Bingo. I got home around midnight.

Today is the feast of the Annunciation (and also 9 months from Christmas!!). I had the 8am Mass and then went to Stone Ridge for a penance service and to hear confessions. It was great and then I came home and slept for two hours. I’ve been at the desk all afternoon and got a lot of things done – like this article!!

Tomorrow is Thursday, my day off and I will pick up Joan around 9:30am and we’re going up to see Betty Neary. We have been snowed out three time but it’s supposed to be 70 degrees tomorrow, so I know we’ll have a great time.

Another two busy weeks:

On March 7th, we did have Marie’s surprise 75th birthday on Saturday. She was surprised and kept saying that some of those people she hadn’t seen in 30 years. Her kids did a great job and had a wonderful slide presentation with lots of pictures of family and friends. We played “Family Feud”, her favorite TV show and it was very funny. I think she is now a star on Facebook. I didn’t stay overnight and was home before midnight.

On Sunday March 8th, since I was supposed to be away, I was not scheduled for Mass but I saw that Fr. Ron had three Masses and I took the 12:30. And I went home and relaxed

On Monday, the 9th, feast of St. Frances of Rome, had exposition, then began my interviews for the First Communicants. It is one of my nicest duties. They are so eager to tell you what they know and how “It really does become the Body and Blood of Jesus”. I had the 5:30pm and preached about St. Frances.

On Tuesday, the 10th, had the 8am Mass and a confession afterwards and then I called Frances Sampogna and wished her a belated feast day! I had prayed for her on the feast but just couldn’t get a phone call in. She and I have had a great affection for St. Frances since my Camillus days. It was nice to catch up and her and her family. Interviews again in the afternoon. Delightful again. Home early, ate and went to bed.

I took the 6:30am Mass on Wednesday and worked at the desk. I led the stations for the middle school students at 1:45, then had exposition at 3pm and more interviews. I also had the 5:30pm Mass and then drove to Maggie’s to spend the night.

On Thursday, the three of us went to Virginia for Claire Sheehan’s funeral. Claire was
A friend of ours, who travelled on cruises with us. She was a lovely New Englander who was such good company. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. After I dropped the girls back in Calvert County, I came home to rest.

On Friday, I had the 8 and 11am Masses and then drove down to St. Mary’s county. I checked into the Hampton Inn and took a nap. Then I drove over to Colleen and Jeff Smith’s house for dinner with them, their daughter, Allison, (who is becoming a police officer), Steve and Faith Hall and their son, Trent (who is graduating form St. Mary’s/Ryken) Jeff LeDonne ( Leslie was working) and Pat Hall (whose birthday we celebrated). It was lots of laughs and much fun; then we went to Ryken and saw Clay Hall in the musical “Into the Woods”. It was great and I think as good as the one I saw on Broadway with Msgr. Dade and Father Trancone years ago. It was raining hard and foggy, so I was glad to get into bed at the hotel.

On Saturday, the 14th, I had planned to get up early and return in time to concelebrate the 9:30am Confirmation Mass; but I was slow moving. Got home around 10AM and took some medicine and went to bed. I was afraid a cold was coming on. I slept till 1pm and felt a lot better. I concelebrated the 1:30pm Confirmation. It was Bishop Holly, and his does such a great job and it was good to see him Deacon Martino and our new permanent deacon, Angel were on and it was a wonderful ceremony. I had the 5:30pm Mass and I was ready for bed!

On Sunday, the 15th, I had a baptism during the 10:30am Mass. It was beautiful and our people are so “welcoming” when we do that. They stop over to congratulate the parents and the family. It doesn’t lengthen the Mass. We also had the dismissal of the RCIA and lots of Communions, and the Mass was over in 56 minutes! Please keep Teddy and his family in your prayers. I stopped in the baptismal prep, which had to be re-scheduled because of snow on March 1st. I just apologized again and said hi, then I went home to relax.

On Monday, the 16th, I had the 11am Mass and then met with an old friend and caught up. Then I had my interviews – a couple who had been ill did a make – up. Great as always. Then Fr. Jim picked me up at the rectory at 6:15pm and we went to nice French restaurant Mon Ami in Bethesda and joined Fr. John, Fr. Regis, and Fr. Mike (John is our former pastor, Regis and Mike teach at Catholic U and have been our weekend help for a couple of years). We try to go to supper together every three or four months. It is always a ball and confirms you in the value of priestly fraternity.
When I got home, I returned a call from Joan Rosenberger Johnson. We talked for over an hour. It’s been awhile since we got together and we use to do that a couple of times a year but illness, weather, and our scheduled have made that hard. As soon as Jerry is better, we’ll get together.

On Tuesday, THE FEAST DAY, I had the 11am Mass and I prayed for all the wonderful people God has brought into my life, who celebrate this Saint as their patron. After Mass, we had Tuesdays with Fr. Maury. We shared on St. Patrick and anything Irish. We had a large crowd but not because of me – there was a great Corn beef and cabbage lunch. I couldn’t stay because I had a dentist appointment that was “snowed out” twice before. He did work on two cavities and I came right home and slept. I did get up and go to the play reading group. We began The Crucibles”. Interesting play and good discussion. We only got through Act I and we’ll go through the rest over the next few months.
Got a message on my recorder that Kathleen and David Havern delivered a child on St. Patrick’s Day. – Their second boy. Named Charles David. That make 7 grandchildren for Keith and Sheila Morris.
To all
“Dia is Mhuire duit agus Padraig”

God, and Mary and St. Patrick be with you:

Today, Wednesday, I had the 8am and 11am Masses. I spoke of St. Cyril, whom I have a great affection for. I had Stations with the middle school at 1;45 and tonight I have “the light is on for you” (Confessions in every church in the Archdiocese) I had loved being part of it.

Please keep Fr. Jerry Trancone, Pat Watters, Jean Pizza and Ann Brown O’Connell in your thoughts and prayers. Some are in hospitals and all are ill.
And so now, you are up to date.

It has been an unusual two weeks.

On Monday, the 23rd of February after the 11am Mass, I drove down to Maggie’s and spent the night. She, Marie and I went through boxes of photos that Marie’s children had brought down from her house. We found some old “treasure” and some we had no idea who they were. We worked hard and for a treat, Maggie made us “Polish pancakes”, comfort food that our Mom use to make for us on the Fridays of Lent.

On Tuesday, the 24th, we went to Maggie’s doctor appointment in Annapolis. It was a sunny day but bitter cold. We went to BINGO at the beach that night. Gerry Size, a dear friend from St. Bernard’s was there. She was surprised by our coming and we caught up on her family. She and Marie were roommates in the hospital forty some years ago when each was having a child. I think it was Ricky (US Army retired) and Vickie (grandmother). Also Al Size was the priests’ barber. He came to the rectory to cut our hair. He was a DC fireman. Gerry says he is “slipping a little” so keep them both in your prayers. None of us won BINGO.

On Wednesday, the 25th, we left Maggie’s at 6:30AM to drive over to Virginia for Marie’s appointment with her oncologist. Dr. Ann Favret is the 11th child of a family I was very close to in St. Camillus. I was so glad to see her and catch up on her husband and three children. She explained things very clearly to Marie and I. Marie has cancer in her liver and it is not treatable. At her age, it will be slow acting and as Marie had very bad reactions to chemo-therapy seven years ago; she doesn’t want to take treatment again. She feels very good now and is almost completely recovered from the surgery last November. We’ll just monitor things and as the doctor said, “Mrs. Walburn keep active and do things”. Marie said, “Oh, my going on a cruise to Alaska in June” We had a good visit.
On the way home, we stopped to visit our cousin, Ann Brown O’Connell in Bethesda. Please keep her in your prayers as well. She has been ill for years with cancer but has kept herself very active. She is now stopping treatment and getting care at home. Her family is staying with her. Her niece, Judy was there when we stopped in – and of course- as she and Maggie talked they discovered that Maggie’s neighbor in Dunkirk is an aunt of Judy’s on her Dad side. Small world!
We stopped for lunch at RIP’s and had a good meal. It began to snow!

On Thursday, we had to cancel Maggie’s doctor’s appointment because of the snow. She did make cream chipped beef on toast for breakfast – another treat from our Mother! Then I decided I should head home and I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. I went to bed early.

On Friday, we had a delayed opening because of the ice. I had exposition, the 5:30pm Mass, and Stations. There was pizza afterwards and then I was driven back to the rectory.

On Saturday, the 28th, I saw someone for spiritual direction and then had the 11am Mass After Mass, I went to a Dollar store and bought some Sudoku books for Marie and then I went to Doctors’ hospital to see Father Jerry Trancone. He has been struggling with a –fib in his heart and lately has been falling at night. He has little strength in his legs and may have to go to re-hab. Please keep him in your prayers. Then I drove down to
Maggie’s. Mary, Ronnie and Debbie, Jimmy and Camille (Some of Marie’s children and spouses) and Sonny and Trevor (grandchildren) all came over and we had pizza and talked (and laughed!) We had a great time.

On Sunday, March 1st, I drove over to Our Lady of Perpetual Help to do the 8:30 and 11am Masses. I loved it. The liturgy was participative and I think my homily was OK. The pastor was away doing a family baptism and Sister Kass Collins is the pastoral associate and had invited me. The people were very welcoming and I had lots of help with my oxygen and giving our Communion. I’d go again, if they invite me.
NOW, there was a little problem in that around 9am, it began to sleet and it continued all day. I got home OK but there were lots of cars (and trucks) spinning out of control on the beltway. It took about 2 hours and I was glad to see Connecticut Ave. I took a nap and then Fr. Ron escorted me across the street and I had the 5:30pm Mass. I was amazed that about 300 people were there! I was driven back to the rectory.

On Monday, the 2nd, the schools were closed. I had the 11am, exposition, and the 5:30pm Masses. Some of the snow melted but it froze that night.

On Tuesday the 3rd, I had the 11am Mass and they closed school early. After Mass, I did meet some of the seniors and we talked about Lent. Many didn’t come because the weather was supposed to get bad. It didn’t! but it was cold.

On Wednesday, the 4th, I had the 8am Mass and was going to go to the Retired Priests meeting but instead I went and got Marie and Maggie and we went to Bowie to pick up a package. Then we went back to Maggie’s after a stop at McDonald’s! Today is Marie’s 75th birthday and so she had phone calls and emails all day. That night even with the rain, we went to BINGO. Mary joined us and so I headed home as the rain was supposed to change to snow around 2am. Mary took the ladies home after Bingo. None of them won but they had a good time. I was in bed by 11pm.

I stayed in my pj’s all day Thursday. It snowed all day. I had soup in my frig and so I just ate and relaxed, napped and watch TV. It was a real DAY OFF!

On Friday, March 6th, the facilities guys cleared a path for me to walk easily and safely to the parish center. I had Mass at 11am, exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass. Afterwards, we had Stations and then pizza. I spent the whole day in my office working on Baptisms. We had 24 scheduled in the next three months.

Today, I had the 8am Mass and will have a Baptism at Noon. Please keep Jeffrey Christian and his family in your prayers.
This afternoon, there is a surprise birthday party for Marie. Our cousin from Florida, our nephew from Georgia, lots of her classmates from grade school and high school and our family (about 80 of us) will be at the fire house in Dunkirk. I may stay the night and will be home on Sunday. I’ll report on the party next time.

I’ve been on the phone a lot during the storms and caught up with family and friends. As part of my Lenten practice I am trying to be more in touch with old friends – as well as not eating Snickers – Keep my intentions in your prayers and know that I am praying you have a holy and productive Lent.

Last Thursday, the 19th, I stayed in my suite all day. The heat was being worked on but I had a small heater in my room and was warm. They don’t seem to know why the heat is not coming to the second floor. I was suppose to go to dinner at a group from the Sodality but it was so cold, I cancelled. This cold goes right to the bone.

On Friday, I did have the funeral. Please keep Lorraine and her family in your prayers. I didn’t know her but she worked in mental health, which is a disease close to my heart. We had a delayed opening because of the weather. The rectory had no heat again, so I stayed in the parish center most of the day. I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and then we had stations, which I love. Afterwards, we had pizza and then a dear parishioners walked me back to the rectory.

On Saturday, I brought someone into full communion around 10am. It was a lovely ceremony with just her and her two sons. Fr. Justin offered to take the 11am Mass, so I went back to relax in the rectory. They had worked in the morning on the heat, and it worked all day and night. I came back through the snow to do the 5:30pm. A crowd of about 80 people came. After Mass, two nice men helped me across to the rectory. I just relaxed and watched TV

Today, the snow and ice were laying all around. I offered to say the 9am so Fr. Regis wouldn’t have to come over from Catholic U. Two nice men coming out of the 7:30am Mass helped me to get over to the center. I think we had about 150 people at the Mass. I am sitting down here in the office, watching the Sunday News shows. I have the 12:30pm Mass and then I’ll go back to the rectory and watch the Oscars.

Tomorrow I have the 11am Mass and then I’ll drive down to Maggie’s. I am going to stay at her house and take her to a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday and Thursday and to take Marie to her doctor’s on Wednesday. I’ll come back on Thursday and will write something then

I just looked up my last “posting” and discovered that it was on the 7th. I don’t know how I got so far behind. I will try to “catch up”.

I am in the rectory with a small heater as the fan has “gone out” on the furnace. I had the 8am Mass, which was full and I did preach but my stomach was bothering me, so I received ashes and then sat down. The ministers did both ashes and Communion. I stayed in my office and worked on Baptisms and email and then came home. Humberto is making me some soup. I’ll go back around 3pm for a Confirmation interview that got messed up because of the snow. I’ll have supper with the guys

Let’s see what happened since the 7th. I had confessions at 4pm and then went home.

On Sunday, the 8th, I had the 10:30am Mass in the gym. It was so nice to be with them again. I think its been 2 months. I didn’t preach because we are doing the Cardinal’s appeal but it was nice to have the children up around the altar and to give Communion again. The put up a stool for me and helped me to get down from the altar. It was a lot of work for them; but they were very kind to me. I met with a young man who has been asked to be a Godfather and then at 2pm, I had a baptism for a great grand child of Mr. Sindall, from St. Camillus. It was great to see so many of the family.

On Monday, I was sick again. All this congestion. I did the 8am Mass and then went to bed till 2pm, when I came over for Confirmation interviews. Went to bed early.

On Tuesday, I had the 8am Mass again but went back to bed right after. We had snow and school was closed, so no interviews.

On Wednesday, the 11th, Feast of our Lady of Lourdes, I preached on prayers for the sick and then I had the 11am Mass, again I preached. Had an appointment and then tried to catch up on the interviews. I went to supper and think I’m feeling better. No Nyquil or pills and I slept fine.

On Thursday, I drove to Baltimore for a convention. I stayed in the Hilton and most of what I attended was in that building or across an enclosed walkway. I enjoyed it a lot and ran into lots of old friends who still go to religious Ed. conventions. I shared a room with Joe Stoutz and had a meal with Sister Kass. And I took naps!! On Friday night, there was a great liturgy and Archbishop Lori preached. He was excellent. There was night prayer and two uproaringly funny talks by Brother Mickey McGrath and Father Jim Martin. I enjoyed the whole thing.

On Saturday, feast of St. Valentine, I drove Joe and I up to New Jersey, where we had a great lunch with John and Terry. I drove back to DC afterwards and arrived in time to concelebrate the 5:30pm Mass. Then I went to bed – just as the snow started.

Sunday, I stayed in bed all day and took medicine, slept, and had soup. I was supposed to have a nice Italian dinner with the Werden’s and Monsignor Beattie but it was bitter cold outside, so I went to bed.

Monday was a holiday but I took the 11am Mass. Not many there but they were calling for snow again and I wimped out on dinner with some good priests friends. It turned out to be a good decision as it was cold and snowy.

No school on Tuesday. I had 11am Mass and lots of help but then I went home and relaxed. Our play reading group had to cancel because of the ice.

Now I’m back in the parish center. I’m not sure my 3o’clock will come as we are expecting more snow and Montgomery County has cancelled all afternoon activities. If she doesn’t come, I’ll go home. I think we have heat over in the rectory. tomorrow is my DAY OFF, so I’ll just relaxed around the rectory. I have a full day on Friday with a funeral at 11, exposition at 3, Mass at 5:30 followed by Stations of the Cross. I’m glad I’m feeling better.

On the 3rd of February, the feast of St. Blasé, I concelebrated the 9am Mass at Our Lady of Grace in Leisure World with the pastor, Msgr. Essex. He gave a great homily. We went into the parish hall and I led a day of recollection on church history. I think there were about 40 people who took part. I “ran into” lots of old friends – in particular Mrs. Josephine Palomino, whose son Nick was one of my special boys at Good Counsel. He is now in California and I enjoyed hearing about him. Barbara Ostrye and Sylvia Keys were there and it was a lovely day.
Afterwards, I joined Theresa Sammartino for supper at Gloria Poulus’s house. It was Italian and delicious. I was home and in bed before Jeopardy.

On Wednesday, the 4th, I had the 8 and 11AM Masses and then Confirmation interviews. I still hadn’t gotten rid of the cold and respiratory problem. So I went to bed that night and took Nyquil and a sleeping tablet.

On Thursday, the 5th, I stayed in bed all day. Only out to drink some soup and go to the bathroom. Nyquil and the sleeping pill and I slept through the night

On Friday, the 6th, I had the 6:30am Mass and then attended the Christ in the Marketplace talk. It was very good and the speaker spoke on doubt and faith. Enjoyed it.
Then I had the 8am Mass and was surrounded with help. I came to my office and relaxed till around 10am. I drove to Stone Ridge for a Mass, during which I sat. I enjoyed it.
Then I came home and had exposition and 8 Confirmation interviews. Fr. Justin asked to take the 5:30pm, which I was glad to do. I went home. Had a sandwich and had some Nyquil and a pill and was in bed during Wheel of fortune. Slept through the night

This morning, I felt the best I have in days. I had the 8am Mass and then met with a lady in my office. I tried to get email and stuff “caught up”. Saw a gentleman at noon and then went to have some lunch. I have another appointment at 3pm and then confessions at 4. Then I’ll go home, eat some soup, Nyquil and a pill and off to bed.

Have the 10:30am tomorrow in the gym. An appointment at Noon and a baptism at 2pm and then back to bed.

Good news that Mary Lu Jones is home and all went well with the surgery. Please keep Mr. Collins (Kass’ dad) in your prayers. He is moving to assisted living but it’s an adjustment. Also JoAnn Adam’s brother, Gary died. Please keep him and the family in your prayers. I called Sister Natalie and had a nice talk. Tuesday was the World Day of Prayers for All in Consecrated Life.

When last I wrote, I was frustrated about the snow. Well, it finally came on Tuesday, the 27th. It messed up stuff again because we had to cancel the interviews again and I had to cancel my dentist appointment, I also had to cancel Joan’s and my trip up to see Betty Neary. I just “hung around” and tried to “doctor” my cold, which was just hanging on.

On Wednesday, after the 8am and 11am Masses, I took to my bed so see if I could break up all this congestion. I also got a prescription from my doctor. Did not sleep well.

Thursday, I did the 11am Mass, and then returned to bed. I used the cough syrup with codeine and I did sleep through the night.

On Friday, the 30th, I was scheduled for the 6:30 and 8AM Masses but Fr. Ron stopped by my room and insisted that he would take the Masses; we finally settled on him having the 6:30 and my sleeping in and taking the 8. Well, the codeine was still in my system and so I was woozy all morning. I just stayed in my office and used the oxygen. It began to snow around the 11am, so I decided to drive over to the Dominican retreat center in Virginia. I checked in and went to bed for about 4 hours. The retreat didn’t start till around 6pm and I felt a lot better by then. The retreat was for Separated and Divorced Catholics and we were about thirty. It was a great retreat in that I just gave some thoughts for reflection and sharing and then the retreatents in small groups shared their experiences. I found it difficult to get around to the rooms because of the wires, etc. for my oxygen; but God sent a special “angel”, whom I’ve known for years to be on the retreat and get me up and down and settled in for every session. I went to bed at 10:45.

Saturday, the 31st was a full day. After the morning sessions and Mass, I drove back to Blessed Sacrament for the memorial Mass for Kevin. It was very beautiful and his family planned it so perfectly. I would say there must have been a couple of hundred people there. Brian spoke after Communion and it was excellent. Also as Kevin played the clarinet in St. John’s High School band, no Mulholland gathering was complete until at the insistence of his grandmothers, he play “Strangers on the Shore”. A neighbor played it after Brian spoke. I only knew it as an instrumental but the family put the words on the back of the program – and it was just right.

I returned to the retreat after the Mass and my favorite part was the afternoon and evening – when we have time for the sacrament of reconciliation or a chance to just talk. I went to bed around midnight.

Sunday morning, Feb 1st, we had a couple of large group sharing and Mass. I think it was a time of grace for most of us. I know it was for me as I learn more and more about a group in the Church, whom we have not served well and I hope we are now reaching out in a larger way to remind them – and all of us – that we are a family.

I came home and slept for about three hours and then had the 5:30pm Mass. I didn’t have to preach because it is the first of three weekends for the Cardinal’s appeal. Fr. Ron preached – and he was great.
I went to bed. I watched some of the game but mostly I slept. I didn’t use the syrup with the codeine on the retreat and so I just used Nyquil, there and Sunday night. I will use it when I can stay in bed and wake up when I want to.

Today, I had the 8AM Mass and was late coming over and getting ready. I sat for most of it. I had a stool at the altar and felt well enough to preach. It the World Day of Prayer for all in consecrated life and I talked about the great sisters and brothers and religious order priests who have served us so well – asking God to give them the reward of their works.

Now, I’m sitting at my desk, relaxing and waiting to finally have some of those Confirmandi interviews. I’m drinking soup and feeling a little better. Early to bed tonight as I am giving a day of recollection at Leisure World tomorrow.

On Friday, the 23rd, I had the 8AM Mass and then drove over and picked up Fr. Jim Beattie and we went to IHOP in Wheaton and had a great big breakfast. He had some kind of coupon and we really did eat a lot (he had scrapple!!!) but the bill was very small. We caught up and had a great time. Then I had exposition and the 5:30PM Mass. Waiting for the snow, but it didn’t come.

On Saturday, I drove out to Darnestown for First Confessions. Of course, it was delightful and worth the ride. I kept waiting for the snow. I came home and met with an appointment around 11 and then a very nice couple from Virginia came to make arrangement for a funeral sometime next week. She was in her 90’s and we talked about the great and long life she had. Please keep Lorraine and her family in your prayers.
I drove down and picked up Maggie and Marie and drove to Chesapeake Beach for a Mass and cover-dish with the SDC’s (Separated and Divorced Catholics). It was so nice and the sun actually came out for the Mass on a glassed in patio.
Then we three went to BINGO. I know that’s hard to imagine but it was nearby and it passed the time. I even won twice in the “early birds” and Marie won once. Maggie didn’t win at all – very unusual! Went to bed at Maggie’s around 11pm.

On Sunday, we three drove up to Blessed Sacrament. I had the 12:30PM Mass. Marie came to it but since we had already been to Mass the night before (and Maggie is using a scooter to get around), she stayed in my office and CLEANED!!!
Then we drove out to Mama Lucia’s in Olney and met Peg and Phil Caruso (our cousins) and their daughter, Jackie and her husband Hugh and their daughter, Megan. Also one of their sons, Michael was there. It was great to see them all. I think the last time we all got together was Megan’s high school graduation. She is now graduated from college and grad school and is in Sports’ medicine. We were a little loud but it was like Sunday dinner at an Italian family and everyone enjoyed themselves.
The “girls” and I came back to Blessed Sacrament and I had the 5:30PM Mass. The girls stayed in my office and continued CLEANING. Three of my stacks of paper are now in Recycle!! Then we went back to Maggie’s. Afterwards, I drove back to Blessed Sacrament because they were talking about a lot of snow and I didn’t want to get caught in Calvert county. I was home by 9:45 and went right to bed.

Today, Monday, I had the 8AM Mass and although it did snow, it didn’t affect school or anything else. I spent the morning on the phone and at my desk and I had exposition. Since the county is closing the school for activities, we are not having our Confirmation interviews, so I may go back to the rectory. Have supper and relax. I am annoyed by the snow forecasters who get us all worried and nothing comes of it. Years ago, we had a weatherman named Louis Allen, and his nickname was “Lying Louie” because if he told you the sun would shine, you’d better take an umbrella. He was never right but we all loved him. Now they have dobler and never are right!! Oh Well!!

Over the weekend, I received a lot of sad new. Marge Bergeron, whose husband Bernie died last year, died over the weekend. Kathy Giddins, another St. Bernard’s stalwart also died. Please keep them and their families in your prayers.
Also Kevin Mulholland, Brian’s brother had a stroke just before the weekend. He was only 61 and lived in Arizona. He was on machines and over the weekend, the doctors told the family that he could not return and so the machine should be turned off. He was an organ donor and they have been able to give his kidney already to someone in need and other organs will also help others. It doesn’t lessen the pain but some good will come from his death. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Today is Thursday and usually my DAY OFF and I was planning to pick up Joan Beall and go up and visit Betty Neary in Pennsylvania; but Betty called last night and said that with the weather, we should move it to next week. So I spent today hanging around my office in the rectory. I tried to “organize” the rooms and put stuff aside to give away. I got a lot done. I also went over to the office to deal with a few baptismal questions; but mostly I stayed in my suite. I also decided I needed to bring you all up to date on Paddy, sooo

On Friday, January 12th, I did head out to West Virginia for the retreat. I got there early in the day because I wasn’t sure about the weather. It turned out to be sunny and cool. I got there with time for a nap. The ladies arrived by supper at 6pm. I think there were fifty some. After dinner, I gave a talk called, “Why did you come?” The theme was “Come away with me to a quiet place”. They had a social but I made myself available for talking or confessions. I was in bed around 10pm.

It is hard to describe the retreat except to say, it was a wonderful experience of Grace. Saturday, we kept a kind of “Sacred Silence, which meant no talking in the building and at meals. It was interesting – and a little un-nerving but I think it helped set a tone for things. I gave a number of presentations and the retreatments were in discussion groups and had questions on which to share. I was available for talking or confession most of Saturday evening. On Sunday, we had Mass and large group sharing. It was a great time together.
On the way home, I visited the Cavallaro’s and baptized Anthony Joseph. Keep them all in your prayers. I had a good to time seeing them all and visiting. I drove home and was in bed by 10pm.

Monday was Martin Luther King Day and I had the 11am Mass. As the office was closed, I just stayed in my suite and relaxed. A priest friend of Fr. Ron’s was visiting from Scranton and the three of us and he went out to supper at Tavernina’s and had a great dinner and much talk and laughter.

Tuesday, I had my “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. It was a small group but we talk about Dr. King and also about the new Cardinals. Very interesting discussion. I had the 5:30pm Mass and spent the evening in my suite.

Wednesday, I spent most of the day getting baptism information set up and corrected. Had the 8 and 11am Masses.

Was weather is so changeable and so I was hoping to get to the hospital and see some people but it didn’t work out because things got changed at the hospitals also. Please keep both Mary Lou Jones and baby Eli Merkle and their families in your prayers.