What Paddy Shot At

I spent most of Monday, September 8th recovering and although I said the 11am Mass (feast of the Nativity of our Lady) I stayed in the air-conditioning and worked at my desk the rest of the day.

On Tuesday, September 9th, (the feast of St. Peter Claver), I had my first meeting of “Tuesday with Fr. Maury”. We had about 20 people. We had a brief sharing on what “we did on our summer vacation”. One lady who is 87 went kayaking and had a ball. We also talked a little about Pope Francis. He is on the cover of Fortune magazine and a great story about the changes he has already made to the structures in the Vatican. Then we had a great lunch. I had the exposition and the 5:30 Mass where I talked about Peter Claver, who called himself “the slave to the slaves” in Columbia, South America. I prayed at his tomb in Cartagena

On Wednesday, I went up and said a thank you and a prayer for our group, Bread, Book, and Brethren, who have been meeting for over 25 years. I had a great time. Then I had the 11am Mass and spent the rest of the day in my suite cleaning out stuff.

Thursday, the 11th was a day to celebrate Family as we remembered 9/11. I watched a lot of stuff on TV in the morning and then I went to lunch with my friend, Brian Mulholland and his good friend (and my cousin) Michael Caruso. We went to Clyde’s and had a great time – with lots of stories and laughs (including Michael’s 8th grade school picture – which he gave to me 42 years ago). Then I took a nap and drove over to pick up my cousin, Ann Brown O’Connell and we went to Shanghai Kitchen for supper. We met our cousins Jean Denny and Sue Denny Rogus. We just relaxed and got updates on members of the family. It was a lot of fun. Ann brought her umbrella and so of course, all the terrible thunderstorms that they were warning us about, didn’t happen!! I did some more cleaning in my suite.

Today is Friday, of the 23rd week in ordinary time and I had the 11am Mass. Spent the rest of the morning, packing. Marty, the head of facilities came and carry down a lot of things to my car. I have clothes for two weeks. I had exposition a few moments ago and I have the 5:30pm Mass Supper with the guys and a good nights sleep. I have an appointment on Saturday and will help our new deacon, David Cruz, from Spokane, Washington and a student at TC with baptisms in the chapel at 11am. Then I will leave tomorrow after the 5:30pm Mass and head out to West Virginia. I will spend the night with Marilyn and Frank Cavallaro. On Sunday, after brunch with some family and friends nearby; I will head out to Cincinnati, Ohio. I may stop at a motel, depending on how long I feel like driving. On Monday, I will visit Sister Ann Christine, my kindergarten and first grade teacher. She is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur and is living in their assisted living place. Then I will head out to Pittsburgh and stay somewhere that night. On Tuesday, I’m going to participate in a Mass at St. Vincent’s at 4pm to honor Bishop Winter of Pittsburgh. On Wednesday, I’ll drive to Philadelphia and have dinner with Joe, Terry and John. I’ll spend the night in Atlantic City. Thursday, I hope to see Carmen and some of our friends. By Saturday, I’ll head to Albany and see Sister Mary Xavier, a friend and a Daughter of Charity who use to be my pastoral associate at St. Bernard’s. Then I may go into Canada (depending how I feel) and go to Madonna House for a priests gathering. I will be back here in the parish on Friday night, September 25th.

Shall be praying for you at all the churches and chapels I visit. I will take my IPAD but don’t know if I’ll get a chance to write. Keep me in your prayers.

.

On Monday, September 1st, Labor Day, I met with someone at 9AM for spiritual direction and then drove to the Parkway Diner to have brunch with Fr. Mike Dolan. He is leaving soon for Texas to be a high school chaplain and I wanted to assure him that he will love it. Then I went to the annual priests’ cookout at Little Flower in Bethesda. I think that they have been hosting it for about 29 years and I try to go because it gives me a chance to see old friends and to meet the younger priests. I went over early (around 5pm) so that I could get a parking space near the hall and wouldn’t have to take the oxygen. It worked out well as I got a table near the door and was waited upon by priests and lay people. I really enjoyed the laughter and fellowship but I left around 8 to get home and read. I finished both books and went to bed late.

On Tuesday, the 2nd, I had the 11am Mass and then returned to the suite. It was hot and muggy outside.

On Wednesday, the 3rd, I went to the retired priests gathering. There were about 20 of us and we had a good time sharing stories of the past and the colorful priests we knew. It seems that we are now those characters! I had exposition at 3 and stayed in the office working on the baptisms and then I had the 5:30pm Mass and went to supper with the guys and relaxed in my suite.

On Thursday, the 4th, which is my DAY OFF, I stayed in my sweat clothes all day in my suite and defrosted my refrigerator. I had lunch there but came down for supper. In addition to the frig, I also went through some of my shelves and threw away “stuff”. Besides keeping cool all day, I had a real sense of accomplishment when I went to bed.

On Friday, the 5th, I had a funeral at 11AM. I didn’t know him because he’s been living up at the beach for 20 years but I talked with his family and between my homily and his nephew who spoke after Communion, I think (as the Irish say) we gave him “a good send off”. I rode out to the cemetery with the hearse. It was hot and humid and I was glad to get back. I had the exposition at 3PM and the 5:30PM Mass. I went to bed early.

Saturday, the 6th, I met up with Pat Watters, my friend who lives in Newfoundland and was down here for medical tests. She did that on Thursday and Friday and on Saturday, we tried to do a “movie marathon”, which we use to do every so often when she lived down this way. We e able to do 5, with breaks for food; but this time we only got two. We saw “November Man” and “the dawn of the planet of the Apes”. Both were very enjoyable and then we met Eileen (Lee) and Jay Baughan for supper.

On Sunday, the 7th, I had the 7:30AM Mass and then I joined Antonia and John Bass, Monsignor Don Essig, and some other people who live in Maplewood, where the Basses live for brunch. It was delightful and very relaxing. Then I picked up Joan Beall and we went and met Pat and then went to pick up Barb Ostrye and we all went to supper together. Again it was great to be together but the heat and humidity were terrible. We took Barbara home and then returned Pat’s car rental so she could just use the hotel shuttle to go to the train station the next morning. Then I took Joan home and went home myself. I was asleep in about ten minutes.

( I WILL PUBLISH THIS AND HOPEFULLY BRING YOU UP TO DATE TOMORROW)

Friday, the 22nd. I had the 11am Mass, Exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass. I also had a nice surprise. Mary Ellen Safchick Black, who went to school with me at St. Bernard’s, stopped by to visit. She lives on the Eastern shore but was here in DC for a funeral and she and a friend, whose brother is in the parish, came by to see me. We took a trip down memory lane and it was fun!

Saturday, the 23 is the feast of St. Rose of Lima and also was my 70th birthday. I concelebrated the 8AM Mass and offered it for my parents (a long standing custom). Fr. Percy announced it was my birthday and the congregation was kind enough to sing, “Happy birthday” to me. Then I had a baptism, please keep Sophia Ashley and Olivia Ashley and their family in your prayers. Then I drove my niece, Mary’s house where I had Mass for the Separated and Divorced Catholic group. It was very nice about 28 people and we had a pot luck supper. I got home around 10pm. Then I went on line to Facebook and read all the greetings that I got for my birthday. There were a lot – and many from people I haven’t been in touch with for a while. That was delightful. It was a very peaceful and relaxing birthday.

On Sunday, the 24th, I got up early and went to the center and read my birthday cards. Again, they were from lots of different people and many were very funny. I enjoyed being up early and laughing. I had a baptism of two sisters at the 10:30am Mass in the church. Their parents are deaf and so the Mass and ceremony were signed. They had a group of deaf friends who came as well. So please keep Claire Emma and Sophie Bryn and their family in your prayers.
Then I went to Our Lady of Lourdes and said the Spanish Mass at 1:30pm. It was well attended and the music was great. I preached in English but the rest was in Spanish and I think I did well. At 4pm, I picked up Joan Beall and she and I went down and met Maggie, Marie, JoAnn, Tim and Kerri for supper at Stoney’s. We had a great time but I was glad to get home and go to bed.

On Monday, the 25th, I offered the 11am Mass for my Dad. It was the 51st anniversary of his death. Then I met some for spiritual direction. Had exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass. It was very hot and humid, so I stayed indoors near the air-conditioning.
I wanted to go to the wake of Sister Rita Cullison’s brother-in-law; but it was in Baltimore and to far to go in this heat. Please keep Harry, his wife “Tink” and all their family in your prayers.
Tuesday, the 26th, the heat continued so after the 11AM Mass and a conference in my office; I went back and stayed in my suite the rest of the day. I only came down for meals.

On Wednesday, the 27th, I ventured out in the heat to be on the altar for Art McKnew’s funeral at St. Bernard’s. I limited my movements on the altar but I was exhausted when it was over. I saw lots of old friends but I left right afterwards. It was well attended and no wonder; Art and his wife, Margaret were examples of a great Catholic family. He will be missed by his family, the parish, and his many admirers. Keep them all in your prayers, please. Since I was out, I joined Jerry Trancone for lunch at the Diner in Greenbelt. I came home and had exposition and the 5:30pm. After supper, I stayed in my suite and enjoyed the AC.

Thursday, the 28th was my DAY OFF and so I slept in and didn’t come to the office. I met Ray Fecteau for lunch and then went to hear confessions from 2 to 5pm. Then I drove down to Southern Maryland and went to BINGO with Marie and Maggie. I didn’t win but I enjoyed the company. I spent the night at Maggie’s

On Friday, the 29th, I went shopping at Kmart. I hate shopping but I needed some things and to be honest, the prices are good. Then I went across the bridge to St. Mary’s county. I checked into the Hampton Inn in Lexington Park and took a nap. I went to supper with a friend and then I came home and READ till about 3AM. I got a lot of my two books read.

On Saturday the 30th, I went to Jiffy Lube around 11am. Around noon, I ate lunch and then returned to the AC and read and napped. It was very relaxing. At 6pm, I went to Muffin and John Padukiewicz’s house. I thought it was just supper but it was a big spread with lots of family and friends and we celebrated my birthday. It was so great to see some of the McCoy family and have a chance to talk with them and catch up especially the young adult – whom I saw at the party and wedding but didn’t get a chance to talk with. I came home around 11pm and once again, READ till 3AM.

On Sunday, the 31st, I went and sat in the sacristy at St. Michael’s during the 10:30AM Mass. As people came out, I saw lots of old friends and families. The altar servers was Clair, whom I baptized. She told me she was in 5th grade but I had to doubt her; she couldn’t be old enough. I asked her if she “skipped” some grades but assured me, she didn’t. Two families invited me to join them at the college brunch. I did and we had enough time to laugh, talk, and catch up. Then, I went to the Spelz’s house. The reason I planned to come down here was to see Judy Spelz and Carl, her fiancé. She was a young woman from the area who had gone to St. Michael’s grade school and then went to St. Vincent’s college in Latrobe, where I went. I use to send her mail (before email) and kept up with her when she graduated. Now she and Carl will be married away but she wanted her family and friends to meet him. He is very nice and they are so in love!!! Being there, gave me the chance to see her family as well. It was a great day – a little hot! I drove home and had the 5:30pm Mass. I read some more and stayed up late as the 1st is Labor Day and I don’t have Mass.

(I THINK I’LL PUBLISH THIS AND DO SOME MORE LATER!!)

Hello,
I wrote the following short snippet on Thursday, September 4th and then once again, my life took off and I didn’t get back to it till today. I have “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” at 11:45 and then exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass. During the rest of today, I will finish up this snippet and bring you up to tonight and then I will post it. I am sorry if my absence has made you worry but I am doing very well and just get behind very easily. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.

THURSDAY OF THE 22nd WEEK OF THE YEAR IN ORDINARY TIME
It is hard to believe that two weeks have passed since last I wrote. Time does fly by. Let me see what has been going on.

Thursday, August 21: DAY OFF. I did have supper with Shep. We had a great meal and a great time. Also he told me about a book he had been reading and he offered to let me borrow it. It is called “The Little Way of Ruthie Leming. I am also reading a book called “Wonder” about a boy whose face is disfigured and who is about to stop being home-schooled; and going to Middle School. I will move between the two.

Friday, the 22nd.(As far as I got) Will be back later today.

Today is my day off and I only have one thing to do. I am going out to supper with Shep, who is a very nice parishioner and we try to get together two or three times a year for a meal and to talk about the church. He keeps up and is well read, so our discussions are always thought provoking. I’m looking forward to it.

I don’t really know why I haven’t written for two weeks. I’ll have to re-read this once I write it and then I’ll know what I’ve been doing.

On Sunday night, August 10th, I did have dinner with Barbara and Barry. We went to Mama Lucia and had a great meal. We sat and talked and laughed for three hours. I slept great!!

On Monday, the 11th, I had the 11am Mass and the rest of the day, I worked at my desk.

On Tuesday, the 12th, the feast of St. Clare, I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. I gave a good homily on Clare and the virtue of poverty, which she loved.

On Wednesday, the 13th, I had the 8:00am Mass and at 11, Brian picked me up and we drove down to Assumption parish in Southeast. They got a large donation and they have renovated their former convent as an “outreach” building. It is named for Pope Francis and has their pantry, clothes shop, library, chapel, and rooms to have discussions and small meetings. It is lovely and we had Mass with Cardinal Wuerl and about 14 priests and a congregation of about 100. Afterwards, there was a reception in the center. I didn’t go but sat outside with Fr. Jim Bocabella and Brian and had a chance to speak with lots of old friends. Brian put a photo of him, Cardinal Wuerl and me on Facebook and I got lots of comments! Brian took very good care of me and saw that I didn’t have to walk much. I had a great time but went to bed early that night.

On Thursday, I took the 6:30am Mass so that I could go to Ascension church in Bowie and concelebrate Ernie Bergeron’s funeral Mass. I was glad I went and had a chance to visit his wife and family and to see lots of former parishioners from St. B’s. Ernie was on my finance committee at St. B’s and was a great help in getting things done there. Fr. Rob Walsh, who is chaplain at Maryland University was the presider and did a great job. I didn’t stay for the luncheon but I spoke to a lot of people outside the church. I was tired and stopped off at Joan Beall’s for water and cookies. I heard confessions from 2 to 5pm. Then I drove out to Leisure World and picked up Ginger Burch. She and I joined Pete Killeen at Tanya and Dennis Essig’s for supper. I met Tanya’s uncle, who is living with them and then we enjoyed about four hours of sitting on their veranda, drinking, laughing, talking, and enjoying a meal that was not cooked. (I don’t think I said what I wanted to say.) It was not a hot meal, everything was refreshingly cool as was the nice breeze we had. (I hope you understood that!!). I got home around 10pm and went quickly to bed.

On Friday, the 15 (Feast of the Assumption), I had the 8am Mass and there were lots of people. I talked about how old this feast is; although it didn’t become dogma till 1954, while it has been a holyday in the US since the 1850’s. Afterwards, I met with a parishioner. I was planning to go to Fred Tana’s funeral at St. Catherine Laboure but another person came in to talk and I didn’t get to it. He was another GC friend. Please keep his wife, Lucy in your prayers. They were married a long time.

On Saturday, the 16th, I went over to see Jerry Trancone at Holy Cross hospital. He was in Coronary Care. They don’t know what is wrong with him but they’re checking his heart. He didn’t want visitors but I’m glad I went. Keep him in your prayers. I had confessions at 4pm and the rest of the day, I spent in my suite – cleaning and organizing.

On Sunday, the 17th, I had the 7:30am Mass and the 12:30pm. I think I might have “shaken them up” by my homily. I told them that I don’t believe that Jesus knew that he was God. He knew and was convinced that he was the Messiah. I told them why I believe that and how the gospel of the day (the pagan woman, who said to Him, “even the dogs eats the scraps that fall from the table” when she wanted him to cure her daughter) and how he grew in knowledge that he was to help non-Jews as well. Some very interesting comments at the doors of the church. All positive!

On Monday, the 18th, I had the 8am Mass and then, a former student, who wanted to do community service, came and went through all the papers on my desk and helped me to throw things away. Two trash cans were full. He is off to a boarding school in New England, so keep Seamus in your prayers. I did the exposition for Fr Justin and he, Fr. Percy and I had supper together. Went to bed early.

On Tuesday, the 19th, I did a prayer service in the chapel for all the teachers. I had a chance to catch up with Sisters Mary Ann and Marita and many of the staff. Sister Mary Ann had planned the service and it was very reflective. I gave a little talk and there was a beautiful blessing that sister wrote and I gave at the end. Then I went and picked up Fr. Beattie to go have lunch with Fathers Duffy and Hill. I got there at Our Lady of Lourdes at 11:20 and was supposed to be there at 12:30. Since we had the time, we stopped in to see Fr. Trancone, who was home from the hospital and back at the Deaf Center. We also met a lot of staff. Jerry looks exhausted and has to wait for three weeks to have some heart test. I hope he just lays around and rest!
We did go to Fratelli’s for lunch and then after I dropped Fathers Duffy and Beattie off, I had the 5:30pm Mass. A very light supper with the guys and then to bed.

On Wednesday, the 20th (feast of St. Bernard), I met with a seminarian early in the day and then had the 11am Mass, where I told them a lot about the saint!. Then I went to get a haircut and have my beard trimmed. Came back and took a nap. The humidity was bad. I had dinner with the guys and went upstairs to relax. Late to bed after a lot of spider solitaire.

As I look this over, it doesn’t seem I did a lot of running around so what was I doing? I was on the phone a lot – trying to get a hold of lots of friends having birthdays. And I know I worked on the baptism program but aside from being able to get around my room easier because I got rid of stuff and being able to see the wood on my desk, I don’t know where the last two weeks went. BUT at least you are up to date now!

Tuesday, August 5th, I had the 8am and the 11am Masses. Then I drove to Bowie and met my sisters, Marie and Maggie, and Gail Douglas for lunch at RIP’s restaurant. It was nice to be with them. I stopped by Joan Beall’s to drop off more mail I got from the DC government about taxes. I am still fighting them!! Early to bed.

Wednesday was a “quiet” day in the office, so I did exposition and the 5:30pm Mass, had supper with Fr. Justin and again early to bed.

Thursday is my DAY OFF and so since I was supposed to go out to summer with some friends and it got cancelled; I stayed in my pj’s all day in my suite and got a lot of it cleaned up.

Friday, August 8th was a “strange” day. I had switched the 8am Mass for the 6:30 so that I could go to court with a lady and be “moral support”. But the weather was terrible – very humid! When I finished Mass, I was soak with perspiration and I realized that if I went to the court, I’d have to park a ways and then walk to the court. I figured that by that time, I’d be struggling for breath and they would probably have to call the EMT’s. So I called and told her I couldn’t come; then I went to my office and used the oxygen. I had the 11am Mass, exposition at 3, and the Mass at 5:30pm. I had signed in for supper and Fr. Justin noticed I was alone, so – even though it’s his Day Off, he joined me and we had a nice time and talked till 8pm. Again, I slept well.

Saturday, August 9th is my niece, Mary Ann Pearson’s birthday, so I called her. Then I had the 11am Mass and afterwards Fr. Mark Smith, who is pastor of Holy Redeemer parish in College Park and whom I taught at Good Counsel, came and took me to lunch at Arugula, a nice Italian restaurant nearby. We sat outside and had a wonderful time and “caught up”. I took a nap and then had the 5:30pm Mass. The reading – Jesus calming the waters – was rich for reflection.

Today is Sunday, the 10th. I wrote Tom DuBusky an email because today is his birthday and then I had the 9am Mass. I’ve been relaxing here in my office because I also have the 12:30pm and a baptism at 2pm. Please keep Isabella Kingsland and her family in your prayers. Then I’m off to supper with two of my GC buddies and an early to bed.

Some adjustments to last weeks

On Saturday, the 26th, I did have the 8am Mass and then I baptized Anne Frances and her twin, George Griffin. Please keep them and their family in your prayers.
Then I did drive to Baltimore for Adele’s 90th birthday. She looks great, as did her children and grandchildren. I sat with the Degenhardts and Gail and I really enjoyed myself. I saw Helen Horan, whom I think is 96, and her daughter, Beth and her daughter, Helen. I had such a good time that I had to “fly” over to Darnestown for the 5pm Mass. I got there at 4:55. There is no short direct road from Baltimore to Visitation church. I didn’t get to the chicken dinner at Barnesville – well maybe in the Spring!!

On Sunday, the 27th, I had the 7:30 and 10:30am Masses but decided not to go to West Virginia because they were forecasting bad storms. So I went to bed early and slept great!

I got up late on Monday, the 28th and headed to St. Vincent’s. It was a beautiful day and I got there around 4pm. I joined the monks for evening prayer and then Bob Norton, Tom Kredel and I went to a nice Italian restaurant and had a great time. When we returned, we sat on the porch of the seminary where a few others joined us and we laughed and talked till after 10pm.

On Tuesday, the 29th, we had breakfast in the refectory around 8:30. Brother Ben joined us and we had a good time talking. Around 11am, we congregated in the parish hall and processed into the Abbey church. There were about 70 of us, the preacher was a Benedictine, who is the retired auxiliary bishop of Cleveland. He was very good. Bishop Winter, retired from Pittsburgh and the Archabbot Douglas concelebrated. Doug, who is a classmate, is still recovering from surgery but it was great to see him and talk with him a couple of times that day. The luncheon was great and Bill Feeney and Joe Klepner joined us. Afterwards, I just sat outside – the weather was great, cool and no humidity! I spent a couple of hours just relaxing and talking with people.
The cookout began at 4pm and Richard Wesolowski joined us. It was so good to be with my four best friends from seminary and “catch up”. Around 7pm, I decided to leave and head home. It was an easy ride and I was home and in bed by 11:30pm

Since I wasn’t expected back, I just used Wednesday, the 30th to clean up my desk and my suite. I got a lot done. Around 6pm, I went to the Greek restaurant on Connecticut Ave and met a couple that I married a few years ago. They and their parents and I had met there before the wedding and has a great time. We sat outside as the weather continued to be so nice. They are expecting and we “caught up” and had a great time. I had lamb, which I really enjoy!

On Thursday, the 31st, I slept in and worked in my suite. I came to the office and heard a confession in Spanish and went back to my suite.

On Friday, the 1st of August, I had the 8am Mass and then went to see Dr. Solomon. He was very pleased with how I’m doing and I don’t have to come again till January of 15.
Then I heard confessions from 2 to 5pm, had supper and relaxed all evening.

On Saturday, the 2nd, I had the 11am Mass and then I insisted that Mildred, who is our receptionist on Saturdays, go out to lunch with her daughter and her two grandsons, who surprised her by driving in from Ohio. She told them she couldn’t go as she was “on duty”. She said the pastor asked her to come and do this and he is away, so she had to stay. I said, “Mildred, when the pastor is away, who is the most important person in the office? The Monsignor!! And he is ordering to go out with your family, who are thrilled to be able to spend some time with you!” And she went – and had a great time. I sat at her desk and I think the phone rang twice. Actually, since I was not near my computer, I made lots of phone calls and “caught up” with lots of friends. I slept great!!

On Sunday, I listened to some of the talk shows and then had the 10:30 and 12:30 Masses. I thanked everyone for their generosity to the food drive – we had two cars full for the pantries. Our people are so good.
Then I had the baptismal prep class. It was nice to meet some of the people, whom I’ve “met” on email as they made plans.

And now it is Monday, August 04, . I had the 11am Mass and preached about St. John Vianney, the only parish priest to be declared a saint – so far!!! I spent the day here in the office but it was quiet and now I’m going to get some food and relax, and go to bed early.

I just took a nap and I have time before I say the 5:30pm Mass, so I thought I would begin a message.

On Monday, the 21st, I had a very relaxing day. Because Fr. Justin is away on the last week of his vacation, I had both the 11am and the 5:30pm Masses. I also had exposition at 3pm but the rest of the day, I actually cleaned up part of my office. It was so nice to finally see the desktop again. I just get so much paper. I waited in the rectory for an appointment (who put the wrong date down – something I understand) but since she didn’t show, I ate and watched TV and went to bed early. Nice day!

On Tuesday, I slept in and had the 11am Mass. Afterwards, I picked up Fr. Beattie and he and I went to Sergio’s for lunch. Then we drove to Little Sisters and had a delightful visit with Fr. Duffy. We met in his suite and had a great talk. He recently had a pace – maker put in and what a difference it makes. I guess it moves his blood and oxygen more easily around and to his brain. He never repeated a question and according to questions Fr. Beattie put to him, he remembered priests long gone. It was so good to see him back to his old self.
I met with a couple who want to have their children baptized. We met around 5pm in the rectory. It is so much easier to meet over there once the office is closed at the parish center. We had a great time and I think we’ll be able to do the baptisms in the Fall.

On Wednesday, the 23rd, I met with Ann about the Baptismal program and it keeps getting better and more organized (not due to me but the rest of the team). Then I had the 11am Mass and then I met a friend for lunch at Chadwick’s. I had exposition and then the 5:30pm Mass.
As soon as Mass ended, I headed up by car to Philly. Terrible rainstorm almost all the way and I didn’t get to Joe’s till almost 10pm. We visited and I went to bed.

On Thursday, Joe drove me over to Christ Our Light parish in New Jersey to participate in the funeral Mass of Fr. Pat Lavin. He is a priest of Camden diocese but we went to school together at St. Vincent’s. He has been ill for awhile but I’ve seen him over the years and was glad that my plans, which were made weeks ago, gave me the opportunity to concelebrate his funeral. Fathers John Bohrer and Terry Odien were there but we didn’t visit as we were getting together for supper. After lunch, Joe and I returned to Philly and I took a nap. We all went to a nice Italian restaurant for supper. It is always great to be with them.

Today, I got up around 5:30am and drove down to Baltimore to pick up Maggie and her grandchildren, who were returning from the cruise, which I dropped them off for, last Friday. They had a great time (although how 4 women could need so much luggage is confusing!!). I drove down to Maggie’s and dropped them off, then I went and got my hair cut and my beard trimmed. I came back to the parish center and caught up on email, exposed the Blessed Sacrament, took a nap and now am ready for Mass. I am meeting a couple for baptism after Mass, then home for supper and early to bed.

Tomorrow, Saturday is the feast of Sts. Joachim and Ann, grandparents of Jesus. I have the 8am Mass and then at 11:30 will baptize twins, whose brother I baptized in 2011. Keep them and their parents in your prayers.
Then I’m driving to Baltimore for Adele Meyers’ 90th birthday luncheon. It will be nice to see old St. Bernard’s people. On the way back, I’ll stop in St. Mary’s, Barnesville for their chicken dinner and then I’m saying the 5pm Mass at Our Lady of the Visitation for Ray Fecteau, who is with the Scouts in Arizona. Again, I’ll be glad to get in bed early.

On Sunday, I have the 7:30am and the 10:30am Masses and then I will head out to West Virginia and see the Cavallaro’s. Frank fell and hurt his ribs and shoulder; so keep him in your prayers. Marilyn too, as I don’t think he’s a good patient!! I’m stopping there on the way to Latrobe for Priests Day, which is next Tuesday, so I probably won’t write until next Thursday or Friday. Know that all of you are in my prayers.

Now, it is two weeks later, although you wouldn’t know it because I misidentified the last Paddy as the 15th Sunday when it really was the 14th. I was off in my breviary also. I am back on track now.

On Monday, the 7th, I had the 11am Mass. I had the 8am Mass on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the 9th I had exposition at 3pm and then the 5:30pm Mass. So, it was three days in which I really relaxed and did little. On Monday, I wasn’t feeling so good but overcame it.

On Thursday, I had an appointment at 10am and then drove to National Airport and picked up Dan and Stephanie Poje and took them to their hotel in Bethesda. They are dear friends from Memphis, whose wedding I was privileged to witness 16 years ago. They’ve been on cruises and know lots of people in the area. They are on vacation. I picked up Joan Beall and we picked up Dan and Stephanie and joined Rick and Peg Jensen at Clyde’s. We had so many laughs and a great evening together.

On Friday, I had the 11am and the 5:30pm Masses. The rest of the day I just relaxed.

On Saturday, I had a baptism at 1pm, so please keep Helen Mabel and her family in your prayers. Then I picked up Dan and Stephanie from their sightseeing and took them to spend time with Mary Mudd and her family; while Joan and I went to help celebrate the 90th birthday of Frances Sampogna. She and her late husband, Nick and their family were great friends in St. Camillus. It was so good to see all her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their spouses. We laughed and took pictures and told stories. I was so much fun.
When Joan and I got back, I had a chance to visit with the Mudd’s (always a delight!) and then Dan, Stephanie, and I went to a nice Italian restaurant and relaxed and talked.

On Sunday, the 13th, I had the 9:30am Mass, which Dan and Stephanie attended and then we headed out to Latrobe, Pa. It was an easy trip and only breaks for food. We checked into the Wyndham hotel, where I usually stay when I go to priests’ day. We had a leisurely dinner at Denny’s and early to bed.

On Monday, I slept in, while Dan and Stephanie took the car and went to visit Falling Waters, a Frank Lloyd Wright house. I was picked up by Tish Rossi to go to Joanne, her sister’s house. However, during the night, Mike, her husband had a heart attack and was in the hospital with Joanne and their daughter. Tish and I still went to the house and had lunch and talked. I came back to the hotel and took a nap. We met up with Fr. Bob Norton and Keith and Sheila Morris and went to dinner at the airport, which has a great restaurant. I really appreciated the Morris driving out from Pittsburgh and getting a chance to meet Dan and Stephanie. Bob stayed overnight with me.

On Tuesday, we had breakfast together and then Bob left and I took Dan and Stephanie to show them St. Vincent’s. They loved it, especially the Abbey church. Then we headed east and we stopped to visit Betty Neary in Shrewsbury. She showed us her new apartment and we had lunch together. We had a great visit.

On Wednesday, the 16th, I slept in while Dan and Stephanie went sightseeing and I picked them up at the Metro and we headed for Southern Maryland and picked up Maggie. We went to Stoney’s in Prince Frederick where we had delicious crabs – and some soup and other stuff! Rick and Peg joined us as did Sister Kass, JoAnn, Ann Marie and her four children, and Marie. Except for a little problem with my wallet, it was a great evening.

Thursday, July 17th was quite a day. It’ too long a story but two cousins of mine died and we had a memorial Mass for them at 8:30am at Holy Cross parish. Marie and Maggie, Rick and Peg joined some of my cousins’ neighbors and afterwards, they had us to their home for a little refreshment. Then I went to hear confessions and went to bed early.
A dear friend, Brian took Dan and Stephanie to the airport, so that I could do the morning Mass. I was so grateful and so were they.

On Friday, the 18th, I had the 8am Mass; then went to my doctor, had some blood drawn, and found out that I’m doing great. Then I drove to Maggie’s and took her, Kerri, two grand-daughters (Amanda and Darcy) to the port of Baltimore, where they got on a ship for a week cruise to Bermuda. Then I came home and met with a young lady who wants to get married. Then I had the 5:30Mass. I had received an invitation by email that morning to join Pat and Janet Kennedy. They are friends from St. Bernard’s (in both my teen years and when I was pastor) and I was glad to go and we sat and talked from 6:30 till past 10pm. I had a great time.

On Saturday, the 19th, I had the 8am Mass then relaxed. At 11:30, I was picked up by Barbara and Peter Dove and we drove down to Beth McCoy’s farm in St. Mary’s county. The McCoy family has a family reunion around the 19th, because its her birthday. She and Fred had 12 children and many of them and/or the children and grandchildren were there. The weather was perfect and we sat outside and ate crabs, oysters, and other great foods. There were games and one of the sons gave a great talk (not long) showing the history of St. Gabriel’s Manor from the days of the Calverts in 1649 to the McCoys coming there and building the house. It was very interesting. Barbara is the daughter of one of Beth’s sisters and is a special cousin. She lives in Blessed Sacrament. It was a wonderful time!

I slept in on Sunday, the 20th and watched the morning shows on TV. I came and had a great baptism at 2pm. Please keep John Blake and his family in your prayers. His grandparents are from Philly and Cherry Hill, NJ and we had lots to talk about. I have been here at my desk to get this Paddy report done. I have the 5:30pm Mass and then back to the rectory to relax.

I have done a lot lately but it didn’t exhaust me. I guess being with friends is what I need! It certainly worked this week. I shall try to be more responsible this coming week about Paddy.

Again, a week has gone by and I hardly notice it. Sorry for the delay in writing.

On Saturday, June 28th, I did go to Leonardtown and met with my TEAM. It was so good to see them and “catch up”. Please keep all of them and their families in your prayers. Also, please remember Kay Wach who died this week. She and her husband, Ray, were members of our TEAM, when we formed in Southern Maryland. He died a number of years ago and as her health declined, she moved back up to DC to live with children. She was a lovely lady. RIP.

That evening, I met Tim Stoutzenberger and his friend, Alyson, his dad, Joe and a friend of ours from Philly, Mary Black for supper at a restaurant called Lebanese Taverna. It was very good and a great atmosphere for talking and visiting.

On Sunday, I concelebrated the 10:30am Mass because it was Fr Ron’s 25th anniversary. The liturgy was great and his homily was wonderful. It was well attended and there was a reception afterwards. I wasn’t able to go to it because I had a baptism at 1pm. Please keep Zoe and her family in your prayers.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and my cousins, Rick and Peg –and Peg’s sister, Kathy and I went out to supper afterwards. As always it was fun to be with them.

I rested up most of Monday, June 30th as I had the 5:30pm Mass and then drove up to Pittsburgh. I should have gotten there around 10pm but I made a reservation in what I thought was Monroeville, East of Pittsburgh; actually my hotel was near the airport, West of Pittsburgh. I got to bed around 1:45am. It’s good I’d had that nap!!

On Tuesday, July 1st, I visited St. Paul Seminary, which I’d heard about for years. I went there as a good place to meet up with Frs. Bill Feeney and Rich Wesolowski. The staff could not have been nicer and showed me around as I waited for my classmates. Then we went to lunch nearby and had a great visit.
I changed to a hotel nearer downtown Pittsburgh. The young man who helped me grew up in Southeast DC and graduated from Carroll High school. Fr. Bill Montgomery, who lived with me at Queen of Peace and is a longtime friend, taught him. Small world!
Keith Morris picked me up and drove me to his and Sheila’s house, where I spent almost 6 delightful hours visiting their family. 5 grandchildren, whom I baptized, three couples I married and a daughter who lives in Ireland made the time fly by!!! I was caught up on all their activities and met a man and a young boy who spoke with definite Irish accents. Erin go braugh!! I slept very well.

On Wednesday morning, Kelly and Brendan picked me up and took me to breakfast. We had such a great time and a good discussions. Kelly is a photo journalist and gave me a lovely picture of two children running through street puddles in Belfast. It will hang in my office near my poster “99 encouraging things to say to children”.
On the way home to DC, I stopped at Loretta and Rick Meade’s home for a welcome home dinner for her brother Tom Favret and his wife Sylvia and their children, Alex, Natalie, and Patrick. They are returning from living in Belgium, Burma, and Bosnia as Tom is in the Foreign Service. I was last with them all, 10 years ago when I baptized Patrick. Andy and La Favret were there, as was Doug Lee, and Rick’s sister and brother-in-law. It was a delightful evening. I was have some stomach problems so I left early and went to bed.

As Thursday is my DAY OFF, I slept in and only got up to go to hear confessions at 2pm. Then I met Paul and Ellen, from my TEAM, who were trading cars and trucks to help their daughter move; and we went to Panera and had a leisurely dinner. Big rain storm and I went to bed early.

INDEPENDENCE DAY: I had the 8am Mass. A lot of people came. There are new prayers for it and they are good. At the end, I said, “I’m sure someone with a good voice, could lead us in an appropriate song” We sang the first verse of America, the beautiful. It was stirring!!
I spent the rest of the day in my suite and watched TV. The Capitol 4th was great as always and the fireworks were spectacular. I went to bed around 3am.

On Saturday, the 5th, the weather was beautiful and low, low humidity; so I decided to take the car to Jiffy Lube. There were 5 cars lined up at each bay and I ended up being there over 2 hours. I’d brought a book, so I didn’t care. I didn’t want to come on Monday, when they tell us the humidity will be terrible. I came home and took a nap and then had the 5:30pm Vigil Mass. My homily was our being “child-like” not childish about our faith and our relationship to the Father. It went well. I heard confessions and went home to relax.

Now, it is Sunday and I just finished the 10:30am Mass. It was lovely because so many people with little children were there (the gym Mass is cancelled for the summer). I stood at the back door and it was just so nice to see and greet them. I am using the oxygen more because when I don’t, the reading is 91 or 90. It is a slow progression and I can breathe fine at those numbers if I am sitting but any movement and I feel the difference. My homily was about wearing the yoke of Jesus because it is easy and His burden is light. I believe that and need to demonstrate it more.
A couple who cannot make the clergy-led meeting on August 1st, came by to see me and have a Readers Digest version. They will attend the parent-led on July 13rd. Delightful couple (graduates of CUA) with a three week old, John Blake. Keep them all in your prayers.
Now I have a 2pm Baptism. Keep Nicolas Michael and his family in your prayers. Then home, a little food and relaxation. And that brings you up to date.