What Paddy Shot At

I just finished the 6:30am Mass and since I will leave later this morning for West Virginia, I thought I’s write a message.

On Tuesday, January 13th, I spent the morning doing little projects. I got my hair cut and beard trimmed. I went to the post office and mailed a package. I went by and visited Joan and Ginny (unknown to me, Ginny had made me some cookies and I had a treat to bring home for my room!) I went to the dentist. I hadn’t been there for two years and although they didn’t hurt, I realized I should call and make an appointment. He took some x-rays and I am to call next week and see if I have a cavity. He cleaned them and said I should floss more. Not too bad a report! Then I had exposition and 5:30pm Mass and supper at the rectory.

On Wednesday, the 14th, I had the 8am Mass and then a funeral at 11am. Please keep Janette and her family in your prayers. She lived a wonderful and faith filled life and it was so good to hear her children talk about her. A cousin, a Jesuit from Marquette concelebrated and went out to the cemetery. I worked on cleaning my desk and did exposition and then took a nap.

Thursday was my DAY OFF and so I really straighten out my desk. You can see wood. I also packed for the retreat and got the baptism schedule finished. I also called and talked to Mary Lou Jones, a dear friend from Camillus. She is going into Washington Hospital Center on Tuesday for a heart procedure. I hope to get over to see her when I return on Monday. Please keep her in your prayers.
I went to the last session of our marriage prep program. I really enjoyed that and hope I can do that again.

As I began, I had the 6:30am Mass and now will get the car packed and head out to Priest field for the retreat. I finished on Sunday; but will stay and baptize Andy and Shanna Cavallaro’s son. I may stay overnight but it depends on how I feel. I do like my own bed. I have the 11am Mass on Monday, which is Dr. King’s Day and since it’s a holiday, there shouldn’t be a lot of traffic.

I know you don’t mind my asking for your prayers for some many people’s needs. Please remember Msgr. John Madigan, a retired priest of our diocese and his family. Mr. Bill Fitzpatrick, Barry Fitz’s dad, who died this week and his family. and Paul Bielewicz’s dad, Stanley, who also died this week. Paul and Ellen are part of TEAMS. And keep me and all the ladies of St. Peter’s parish who are on retreat in your prayers as well.

I will write Monday or Tuesday.

Sorry about not writing in 2015; don’t know why I couldn’t find time. But today is National Clean Off Your Desk Day (according to the TODAY show) and so I am going to try to clean my desk and bring you up to date.

Thursday, January 1st, I slept till about 10am even though I’d gone to bed early. Am still tired from being sick. I had hoped to go to a baby shower (I think my first) but I was too tired. I just “hung around” and then went to Knollwood and said the 4pm Mass. I saw Fr. David Mudd, who is a retired priest of our diocese and retired navy chaplain. It was great to see him and we’ve made plans to have a meal with Fr. Beattie soon. I rushed back because I had a baptism at 5:15. Please keep Isaiah James and his family in your prayers.

On the second, I went to see my pulmonary doctor and take some test. My breathing score has gone down a bit but as he reminded me, “Father, I told you that you wouldn’t just wake up one Tuesday and not be able to breath, it will be a slow progressive decline”. I have learned to “pace myself” in my activities and I still can do most of what I want – like baptisms, etc. I am using the oxygen more at Mass and of course, all night long.
I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and I helped arrange for a visiting priest to do a baptism. Went to bed early.

On Saturday, I had the 8am Mass and some appointments Then a 11:30 baptism and a 12:15 baptism. Please keep Samuel August and Hannah Luisa and their families in your prayers. I also anointed someone who is having surgery next week.

On Sunday, the 4th, I had the 7:30am Mass and although I was suppose to have the 9am Mass also, Fr. Justin came home early from vacation (he was ill most of the time) and offered to take the 9.
I went to have brunch with a couple who use to be in TEAMS with me and live nearby. I had a good time.

Monday, the 5th was cold and so aside from the exposition and 5:30pm Mass, I stayed near the rectory.

On the 6th, I had the 6:30am Mass and I was suppose to meet Marie and Mary at the doctor’s but we had a snow storm (suppose to be .5 inches, I think it was 3) and Mary rescheduled. I had driven down
the road and was about to get on the beltway, when Mary called. Her gps said that with the snow and the accidents, it would take her 7 hours to get from Southern Maryland to Virginia. I turned around and came home and went to bed.

On the 7th, I had the 11am Mass and then Joan drove me to the DC courthouse to be a character witness. It was cold and windy and after my testimony, she drove me home. I had exposition and the 5:30 Mass and went to bed.

Msgr. Jim Gillen died. He had been Cardinal Baum’s secretary and pastor of St. Jerome’s in Hyattsville. He had been very nice to me as a seminarian and young priest. I wanted to go to him funeral but it was at the Little Sisters and the parking lot is a long walk. Brian – God love him – said he would drive me down, stay for Mass and bring me home. I was so pleased to be able to go. Saw lots of priests and came home to nap.
Then I had exposition and the 5:30 Mass and then at 7pm, went to a parishioner’s home for the pre-Cana meeting with 6 couples. It was so enjoyable to see the 4 couples who are planning their marriages and the 2 other couples sharing their marriages. I was home in bed by 10pm

Friday, the 9th was the birthday of Msgr. Adam Kostick. I don’t know how old he would be; but he died too young! I died saying the parish Mass. I miss him.
I had a full day with the 8am Mass, exposition, and the 5:30pm Mass. I just realized it must look like I do a lot of Masses, etc. but Fr. Justin on break from school and Fr. Percy has gone to India and so Fr. Ron and I are sharing the duties. I like being busy.

On Saturday, the 10th, I picked up my bi-focals. They take some getting use to but I can read the prayers in the altar books, which I couldn’t do before. I just have to adjust to the floor, which looks closer than it is’ I had the confessions at 4pm and the 5:30pm Mass, at which the deacon preached.

On the 11th, I gave a presentation on the role of Maryland in religious freedom in America. It went well and about twenty people came. We had a good discussion afterwards.
Then I had the 10:30 Mass (again the deacon preached) and then my cousins (Rick and Peg Jensen) came and we drove out to the cemeteries to pick up the wreaths they had put on our family graves. I couldn’t go with them to put them out because that was the weekend that Maggie and I were in NYC. I was glad to go with them. We pray at each grave and tell funny stories. We ended up by going to supper at Magiano’s. And we ran into Anna Marie Kinerney and her family celebrating her birthday! A nice surprise!

On Monday, the 12th, I had the 8am Mass. We had a freezing rain in the morning but I went out and met a lady for lunch to talk about the retreat I am giving this coming weekend for women. I learned of a very nice little restaurant in nearby Garrett Park that I can add to my list.

As I looked this message over, I realized that I forget to mention the many wonderful phone calls I have had and people I’ve seen. On Sunday after Mass, Jay Long, who was a teacher at GC when I was there stopped in. I met his wife and 4 beautiful young women who are his daughters (one of whom is getting married here at SBS this summer). I have not seen him in 20 years.
Also I talked to my brother-in-law Rick Thompson and caught up on that branch of the family tree and Betty Neary and Adele Meyers and Sister Kass and Dan and Stephanie and Keith Morris and Carmen Carlone and Pat Berry.
I just don’t want you all to think that I just lounge around, do church stuff, and nap. I keep very busy – because I enjoy it.
And so now my desk is a little cleaner and now I must do some filing!!!

On Friday, the 26th, I had the 11am Mass and afterwards I went by Joan Beall’s house. I had a nice visit with her and Ginny (who gave me some freshly made cookies – to eat and to take home). Also, Santa had come by and filled my Christmas stocking, which I also took home. I took a nap when I got back.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and then drove to West Virginia. I went to Ledo’s with Marilyn and Frank Cavallaro and Mary Alice McGreevy. Some more of the family stopped by (but didn’t eat). We had such a nice visit and after Mary left, and Frank went to bed around 11pm, Marilyn and I sat up and talked till 3:30AM. We are good at that and “caught up” on everything. I slept well.

On Saturday, I went to Bill and Kate Berry’s house for a brunch (that was delicious and had egg nog French toast!). Pat had driven from Chicago with two friends, Jose and Rod and arrived on Christmas. Bill is recovery from surgery and stayed home but after eating and visiting, the rest of us went to see their parish church, which is beautiful and not completed yet. After we took Kate back, Pat and I (in one car) and Jose and Rod in another came down to Blessed Sacrament. We made good time and so, after a tour of the place, we all got in my car and I gave them a tour of DC. I got back for the 5:30pm Mass (the deacon preached!) and then we drove over to see the lights at the Mormon temple and had supper. They headed out to West Virginia and their hotel and I went to bed.

On Sunday, I had the 10:30 and again the deacon preached. I also had the 12:30 and I preached. It was Holy Family Sunday and I have always loved this feast. I talked about our blood family and the many wonderful “families” that we also belong to. I told them about Christmas in Philly and about how they use to tell us in the seminary that “your first parish, is like your first girl friend; it has a part of your heart that no other assignment will ever have.” That is so true of St. Camillus parishioners.

On Monday, the 29th, I had both the 11AM and 5:30PM Masses. We only have three priest this week so I’m doing some extra duties.
The rest of the day, I worked in my office. Called a number of my friends. Early to bed.

On Tuesday was another easy day except for two Masses. I stopped to see Jane Mulholland, Brian’s mom. I filled up the car because I think the gas taxes go up on January 1st. Caught up with some friends by email and phone calls. Please keep Ed Collins, Sr. Kass’s dad as he struggles with health issues.
Early to bed.

I got up early on Wednesday and went to visit Dot Witte Furnary. It was great to see her. She is living in a retirement community off of Bel Pre Rd.
Then I went and got my eye prescription filled. I need bi-focals. Then I went and bought some more medicine because I think I’m getting the sniffles. I called some friends – among them Fr. Dan Morales. Please keep him in your prayers. He is doing well and we had a great talk but his tumors have returned and soon he will have to make some decisions.
I had the 5:30pm Vigil Mass. I spoke about the name of Jesus on this the day of his circumcision when he was given his name. I watched TV but fell asleep before the ball came down.

God bless you all in the new year.

Monday, Dec 22nd was a very relaxing day. I went to the post office to mail three packages that I just hadn’t gotten to. I stood in a line for over an hour and when I was waited on, it took three minutes. I used the time in the line to pray for my prayer list. I also looked around at all the other people and lifted them up in prayer. As I said, a relaxing day!

Tuesday, the 23rd, Fr. Trancone came for a funeral at noon and afterwards, he and I went to the diner and had a nice visit. I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. Another relaxing day.

****Not true!! I got an email from Anna Elise, the daughter of a parishioner, whom I met last year. I went to re-inter his wife at
Gate of Heaven and bless her new tomb stone. While I was there, I found out that her husband is Terry Gribbin, from St. Camillus. His family lived at the bottom of the rectory driveway and I was so glad to see him and re-connect. The Father, Bill has been trying to get us together for dinner for almost a year.
In the email, she wrote that the family was going to La Ferme, a nice French restaurant nearby and although it’s short notice could I join them. I wrote back that I had the 5:30pm Mass but would come for desert; but she wrote they’d be there around 6pm, so please come.
It was Bill, Anna Elise, Terry, and Susanne (Bill’s care-giver). We had a great time and laughed and told stories and I caught up on all the Gribbin family news. I can’t believe that I didn’t write about that when I published this today but it wasn’t in my appointment book! God is very good to me in all the wonderful people I know.

Wednesday, Christmas Eve Day, I had the 8am Mass. I loved preaching because it was the end of the story of John the Baptist’s conception and birth. It gets you ready for the birth of Jesus.
We had confessions from noon to 1pm, which was lovely and not rushed. Then I took a nap – well I was going to take a nap but I saw the Pope’s Mass from Rome and had to listen to his homily – and “stole” some of it for my homily.
I had the 6pm Mass. It was packed and people standing. I think Communion took 15 minutes and we had 6 stations!
Then I did take a nap and got up for the Midnight Mass, which I concelebrated. During the Mass and especially Communion time, which I didn’t do; I mentioned each of you to the Lord and thanked him for the gift of your friendship and love.
Went to sleep around 3am.

This morning I had the 9am Mass, which was not full but a good crowd of families. I used my material from the Pope in my homily but I also pointed out that during the Mass prayers, there are a number of times when the priest, speaking in the name of the congregation proclaims that “we” are all ministers and grateful to God for His calling us to minister at His altar. I love that idea and I wanted to remind everyone that the liturgy calls us to participate not attend. Having offered this Mass together, we will now go out to serve those in need. Isn’t that why Jesus came? To teach us how to do that!
I did give out Communion on the side with the help of a stool and two great servers, James and Jack (his 1st time). They’re so good to me.
A change of my usual routine on holidays. It’s usually a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, milk, and off to bed; but Terry Odien, John Bohrer, and Joe Stoutz said I should come to Philadelphia so we could have dinner together. I decided they had a good idea. So, now, I am going to drive to New Carrollton, Md and get the train to Philly. I should get there around 2:20 and Joe will pick me up and will go to a restaurant near Rittenhouse Square at 3:30 for supper together. They’ll take me back to the station to catch a train around 9pm and I’ll be home and in bed by Midnight.

**** It’s 10:20pm and I just got home. The train trip was great. Took an hour and 45 minutes and Joe was at the station when I got in. We drove to the restaurant and (thanks to St. Martin de Porres) got a space on the street right next to the restaurant (Free – because it was Christmas). Terry and John arrived about 20 minutes later and we had a delicious meal with lots of laughs. Afterwards, Joe took me to the station. It was 6:45 and I changed my 9pm ticket for one at 7:30pm. Got to New Carrollton around 9:15 and got my car (No charge for parking – it’s Christmas!) and got here to the rectory around 10pm. Now off to bed!!
I can sleep in tomorrow.
Hope you are with family and/or friends on this most Holy Day! Merry Christmas.

Well, I’m back to continue to update you

On Tuesday, December 16th; although I was not scheduled for Mass, I took the 5:30 and had supper with the guys at the rectory. Then I came at 7pm to the library for our play reading group. We did, “The Long Christmas Dinner” by Thurber. It is one of my favorites. It takes place at the dinner table of the new home of the family and over a period of about 60 years, family member are born and join the table and others died. Some of the actors put on white wigs as they age (we don’t do that) but it traces this family’s history (and you know how I love family histories and stories). We had a very good discussion afterwards as some people found it dull and repetitive and others thought it lovely. I had a great time.

On Wednesday, I took the 6:30am Mass, so as to get started for the day. I heard confessions and then was driven out to visit a parishioner in a nursing home. It was a “priestly day”.

On the 18th, after the 8am Mass, I drove out to visit Loretta and Andy Favret, dear friends from St. Camillus days. They live up near Frederick in a senior community. We had a nice long talk and “caught up” on them and their 12 children. They knew about each of them and each grandchild. They now have their first great grandchild, a girl!!
Then I went to hear confessions and afterwards, I picked up Joan Beall and we went to the Golden Bull for dinner. Joan always buys my new replacement for my appointment book. We use to go to the Mayflower with Nellie after a stop at Scribner’s Stationary; but now it’s bought on the computer but we still try to make a meal with it. I love the Bull, we use to go to it when I was at Camillus. The food was great and not expensive. We sat and laughed and talked. Then I stopped in and her house and tried a few of Ginny’s cookies – I’m going to get more later! I didn’t get a chance to see the Mudd’s – that’s later also.

On Friday, the 19th, I had the 8am Mass and then went to Jiffy Lube. I also went to Manor Care and visited my cousin, Ann O’Connell. I brought her three of Joe’s books, for her and some friends. She hopes to go home Saturday.
I had supper at the rectory. It’s was our “Last supper” as Humberto will be off for two weeks. It was fun, Fr. Hughes, from Camden was our dinner guest. I was in bed early.

Saturday, the 20th, I was supposed to have the 8am Mass but I changed with Fr. Percy for the 5:30pm Mass. As the 8 was for Joan Mullan, Patrick’s grandma, I came and concelebrated. Many of the family came and joined Bill. They invited me to breakfast with them, but I had a baptism later in the day, so I couldn’t go. It was great to see them all.
Had the baptism, please keep Beau Edward and his family in your prayers. His grandparents are parishioner of Blessed Sacrament and St. Michael’s, Ridge.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and I enjoyed preaching about Mary on this 4th Sunday of Advent. Early to bed.

On Sunday, I woke very early and drove down to Maggie’s. I had left the leg part of her wheelchair in the back of my car since Monday. She is trying to be more faithful to using the chair, so I wanted to get it back to her. She was at Mass, so I just put it inside the living room. Then I drove by Joan’s to drop off my Christmas stocking, which she is always kind enough to have Santa fill it! My cousin, Phil Ballenger was visiting, so I stopped in and visited with him and “caught up” on his family. I also ate some more cookies!
Got home with plenty of time to be ready for the 12:30pm Mass. I was supposed to go anoint someone but she had died during the night. Please keep Lenora and her family in your prayers. I worked on Paddy, which I published last Monday. Again, early to bed.

I’m going to publish this and will send out something about this week before Christmas.

Sunday, Dec 7th was Fr. Percy D’Silva’s 50th anniversary of ordination celebration. I concelebrated the 12:30pm with ten other priests and then they had a dinner at the rectory. I didn’t go to that as I had the baptismal prep session, then I had a baptism. Please keep Barbara Rose and her family in your prayers. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass and went to bed early.

Monday, the 8th. I had the 8:40am Mass at the Wood’s Academy for the holyday. It was very nice and the children had gathered donations for the mothers and children at St. Ann’s Home. I had a driver over and back (to the door), which was very nice for me. I did go to Alice Johnson’s wake because I wouldn’t be able to go to the funeral the next day. I saw a lot of St. Bernard’s people and some of the Irish club.
I then went out to Rip’s to join Maggie, her son and daughter-in-law and her mother, who was visiting from Wichita. We joined Marie and two of her sons and their wives and her daughter Mary. We wanted to prepare Marie for her doctor appointment of Wednesday. The doctor was going to explain that while her surgery went very well, he did see two spots that he thought were cancer on her liver. We wanted her to have time to formulate some questions for her meeting. I think it went OK.

On the 9th, Joan drove me to the eye doctor. He examined my eyes and gave me a prescription for a bi-focal. I am really having a hard time reading the prayers at the altar. Then I had the 11AM Mass. Then we had Tuesdays with Fr. Maury and our topic was Our Lady of Guadalupe. I took my vestment over and they loved it. That night, Fr. Jim picked me up and we drove to Ruth Chris’ and met Fr. Regis, Fr. Mike, and Fr. Enzler for supper. We had a great time, good food, and lots of laughs.

On the 10th, I took the 6:30AM Mass, so I could get on the road early. I met Marie and some of her children when she met with the surgeon. He was excellent and although she had a little infection and he couldn’t take out her staples; he explained things very well to her and us. She will have to see on Oncologist to decide if she wants to take treatments. Keep her and her family in your prayers. I stopped by the John Vianney house and had lunch with the retired priests’ group. Then I went to Jerry Trancone’s and took a nap. Then he and I went to the Petrone’s for a nice Italian dinner. Then we decorated cookies. It’s a Christmas tradition and always lifts my spirits and fills me with good food.

Thursday, the 11th, I had a quick but pleasant visit with Patrick Mullan and then said the 11am Mass. Then I joined Ann for lunch. Then I took the rest of the DAY OFF.

On Friday, the 12th, I had the 11am Mass and went to On Our Own in Prince Frederick where I gave a talk on Southern Maryland and Our Lady of Guadalupe. It seemed to go well. Maggie and I went home and some of her grandkids went and got pizza for us and we had a relaxing evening. I stayed the night.

On Saturday, the 13th, we drove to Jesus the Good Shepherd and left my car and went on a bus trip with 35 of her fellow parishioners to NYC. The trip was delightful and it was a sunny day. We got there and went to Radio City Music Hall and saw the show. It was great and put us in a Christmas mood. When we came out, we had a hard time getting a cab and with Maggie in a wheelchair, it took a while. But we got home, I took a hot shower and went to bed.

Fr. Paul said Mass for us at 8am in the hotel on Sunday, the 14th. We had a nice breakfast buffet and lounged around all day. It 5pm, we took a cab up to our cousins, Sharon, Amy, and Alexander in their home up on 175 street. We had a delicious supper and just visited and talked. In the past, we met at restaurants but it was nice to see their home and just talk. Sharon is a real New Yorker and hailed us a taxi and we were at our hotel in 2o minutes.

On Monday, the 15th, we once again had the buffet and got on the bus at noon. Great ride and sunny day. We were back in Dunkirk around 5pm. I took Maggie home and then came back to the parish. It was nice to sleep in my own room!

Well, it isn’t Monday night. I don’t why I said that in the last message; but it isn’t over a week, so that’s an improvement.

Last Sunday, I did drive to Maggie’s and we all had a great time. My nephew, Mark (Maureen’s oldest) was up for a couple of days to do National Guard stuff and he came to Maggie’s. All of Maggie’s kids came over, three of Marie’s, and Marie herself so we had lots of laughs and stories. I spent the night.

On Monday, the 1st, I drove back and had the 11am Mass. Then I went back to bed. I find I still had the residue of that cold and I love being in bed with a nice blanket. I got up around 5pm and went and had dinner with Mark near his hotel. We had a great time and talked about Scripture and Religion, which I loved sharing. I gave him Joe’s book and he shared a very difficult and scholarly scripture book that he is reading. We both enjoyed the evening.

I stayed in bed and only came over on Tuesday for exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. Caught up on my emails.

On Wednesday, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, I went to the seminary and participated in the Priests’ day of recollection. It was great to see all the priests and “catch up”. I sat at lunch with 5 Capuchins, among them Bob McCreary, an old friend I’ve known since Camillus. Fr. Billy Burns gave it and his talk was just what I needed. I got a chance to go to confession and although I had to leave early because I had exposition; it was a good way to get ready for Advent. Early to bed.

Thursday, the 4th. MY DAY OFF. I heard school confessions in the morning and then went to bed for a couple of hours. I woke refreshed and went to Virginia to meet a couple for dinner. We had a great time.

On Friday, I got up very early and put together the gold covered chocolate coins for our school children to celebrate St. Nicholas. I wasn’t up to dressing like him but I sent the coins to a prayer service. I also sent some to Holy Redeemer school but wasn’t up to being “St. Nick” for them either. I actually went to bed, took some medicine and slept for 4 hours. I got up, came to the office and got paperwork done. Had exposition and the 5:30 Mass. Supper with the guys and went to bed early.

Today, I came over and had spiritual direction with someone at 9am, then had the 11AM Mass, where I gave out “coins” for the feast. Had a baptism at 1pm. Please keep Eva Marie and her family in your prayers. Since I don’t have anything scheduled until the evening Mass on Sunday, I am going over to the rectory, work on my homily, eat and relax. I’m sure it will be early to bed.

During the week, I was on the phone a lot. I learned that Ann O’Connell, my cousin and the widow of my Godfather, Ed, was at Suburban Hospital and we talked a number of times. I didn’t want to visit because she doesn’t need my germs. But do keep her in your prayers. Also I just learned that Alice Johnson, a great friend from St. Bernard’s died at 95 years of age. Please keep her family in your prayers.

I hope to finish the update today

On Monday, 24th, although I said the 11am Mass and then went home to bed. I felt badly because there was a Memorial Mass for Lorenzo at 7pm at Christ the King parish; but I have to get over this cold.

On Tuesday, I said both the 11AM and 5:30PM Masses but was in bed the rest of the time.

On Wednesday, I stayed around my room the whole day. I didn’t have Mass because there was a funeral and Fr. John came back for it.

I didn’t feel up to concelebrating the 10AM Mass, so I stayed in my room. Fr. Justin was kind enough to bring me Communion. Umberto left me some turkey and cranberries and Italian bread and I had a couple of sandwiches. It was a very relaxing and I think helpful Thanksgiving.

On Friday, I came to the 8AM Mass because Fr. Ron is away and its been busy for the other guys. However, God sent Fr. Peter Ryan, SJ, whose family lives in the parish and he was visiting them; so he took the Mass and I just concelebrated. Then I went home and spend the day relaxing and eating!!

To, Saturday, the 29th, I just had a baptism. Please remember to include Adeline Shea and her family in your prayers. I decided I’d write this and “catch up”. I’ll go back and relax some more.

I have the 9AM Mass tomorrow, Sunday, November 30th; and I worked on my homily today. After Mass, I’ll drive to Maggie’s and spend the night. My nephew, Mark Thompson is in town for a few days and we’re all getting together at Maggie’s. I think Marie is moving back there also. She seems to be doing very well after the surgery. Thanks for all the prayers.

I’ll write again on Monday night.

Monday, November 17 was a “day of recovery”. I had the 11am Mass. Worked on emails about baptisms, and went home early. Had supper with the guys and went to bed early.

Tuesday, I had the funeral for Mary Grasso Kennedy at Resurrection parish in Burtonsville. It was wonderful to see all her children and grandchildren. I know that she and Ralph are happy together again. But keep their family in your prayers, they’ll be missed!
I was supposed to go to the play reading group but after supper, my cold seemed worse and so I went to bed.

There was a celebration at St. Camillus on Wednesday, the 19th to honor the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, who 60 years ago began the school there. About 25 sisters came, lots of them – old friends of mine, to the Mass, which Fr. Lockman con-celebrated with Fr. Mike, the pastor, and Fr. John Dakes, who graduated from the school and a good friend and pastor of Our Lady of Mercy. The school, now called St. Francis Academy, was there and sang and participated with gusto. There was a reception afterward that I hear went on for hours and was a lot of fun and laughter. I went home immediately, said the 11am Mass, ate soup and went to bed.

On Thursday, MY DAY OFF, I stayed in bed most of the day and called the doctor. I got some medicine but I think that the soup was more helpful.

On Friday, I had the 11am Mass and went back to bed till 3pm. I drove over to Joan Beall’s and her daughter, Sharon drove all of us to the Capitol Hilton. It was the John S. Mulholland Gala. It was excellent and about 150 came. This is the foundation that Brian runs to help the pantries of some of our poorest parishes in DC. It is a great work and as Joan said, “It was so good to see how many people are doing good for others”. Even with the cold – hanging on, I had a great time.

On Saturday, I had a wonderful funeral for a lady named Yoshika, who died after a long battle with cancer. She worked at the World Bank and many people from there came to the Mass and reception. She was also very active in our bible study group and they plans and hosted the celebration. I had seen her but the celebration made me feel very close to her. Please keep her in your prayers.
I had the 4pm Confessions and then I went back to bed.

Sunday was a full day because we had confessions for CCD at 8:40am. Then a met with a family about their child’s baptism. Then I had the 12:30pm Mass. I rambled during the homily and asked if I was preaching on the last Sunday of the Church year. Some people in the congregation assured me that I was. I had already apologized for my voice, which was very strained because of all the coughing and so I said, “See, I told you I’m on lots of medicine and I guess that’s why I’m confused!” They laughed. After Mass, I went home and back to bed.

I think I’ll close and finish the update during Thanksgiving.

I wrote this the other day but I am so tired and I go back to bed so easily; I run out of steam. I am mailing this just so you’ll know I’m OK and I will try to do (An update II) over Thanksgiving.

I guess some of you might have thought that I went to Rome to celebrate and visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran; but I didn’t. As I wrote two weeks ago, I was heading to Myrtle Beach with my family. I did and the time has just flown by.

On Monday, the 10th, we rode almost all day to get there. Mary is a great driver and I enjoyed just sitting in the back and watching the landscape go by. We checked into our time/share. We had a great balcony overlooking the pool but with a good view of the ocean and beach. We got together with the gang (19 0f us) at Preston’s, which is an “all you can eat” buffet. I think we got our money’s worth and they wisely put us in a back room because we were not a “quiet” group. I sat next to Trevor Walburn, my great nephew, who is 3 and we talked about his football experiences, which he is enjoying greatly.

On Tuesday, we went to the Carolina Opry and enjoyed their Christmas show. Then we went by and saw Rick and Anita Walburn’s camper. It is more like a home. Beautiful and they tell me easy to pull. I still prefer a hotel with room service!! Then a group of us went to Margueritaville, an interesting restaurant with a volcano in the middle of it. Food was very good and I hear the drinks weren’t bad either. I think we were 17 and had some gift cards to spend!!

On Wednesday, the ladies used the pool and hot tub but I just read out on the balcony. I finished the book I had received from the author the week before. It’s called “Mount Olivet” and is the third in the series that began with “Swampoodle” and continued with “St. Patrick’s Day”. It is all set in Washington and I have enjoyed them all. Then we ( a small group of 9) went to Rossi’s, a nice Italian restaurant that we’ve going to for 11 years to celebrate Rick Thompson’s birthday. It a nice custom. Then we went to see the Christmas Show at Alabama Theatre. Great, as always and we all said, we were ready for Christmas now!

On Thursday, again, Mary did a great job of driving us home. We got to Maggie’s around 7pm and then I drove back to the parish. I was glad to get in my own bed; although I slept very well in my King bed in Myrtle Beach.

On Friday, November 14th, I drove up to Darnestown to Mary of Nazareth School to concelebrate their 20th anniversary. Fr. Ray Fecteau was honored for helping to get the school started. It is on the property of Our Lady of the Visitation parish, of which he was the founding pastor. It was a nice celebration but I came right home afterwards, I thought I was beginning to catch a cold.

On Saturday, I had a baptism at 11am. Please keep Frederick Christian and his family in your prayers. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass and drove over to the Knights of Columbus Hall in Forest Glen to attend the Mary knight’s dinner. I saw Jerry Trancone and lots of people I knew but again, I came home early.

On Sunday, I took the 9am Mass because Father Regis was sick. I had a baptism at 1pm, please keep Sophie Lyric and her family in your prayers. I met with a young man and his Mom to see about arranging for Confirmation prep. And I went to bed early!!