What Paddy Shot At

I last wrote on Saturday and I did have a baptism after my meeting. Please keep Avery Grace and her family in your prayers. She was to have been baptized in December; but her Dad was ill and then it went through the family. We had a great celebration. I didn’t go to Maggie’s.

On Sunday, I drove down to St. Mary’s and met with my TEAM at a restaurant called the Ruddy Duck. It was a brunch and we had a good time. Then some of us went to the home of one of the couples and had a meeting. We tried to leave before dark. Then I drove to New Jersey. I had hoped to meet up with Marlene and Don Munson but didn’t get to the Deleware bridge till 7pm. I told them to go on home. I got into the hotel around 9pm, said Mass, and went to bed.

The hotel was near Carmen’s, so I drove over and we had a great visit. I didn’t realize that he is still recovering from his heart surgery and tires, even though he keeps up an amazing schedule. It was nice just to sit and talk and “catch up”. I got a chance to see June and to talk with Joyce, which was nice.
I drove down to Atlantic City since I had a comp room at the Plaza. I took a nap, got something to eat and then played at the tables for a couple of hours. The place was almost deserted but I heard that it was full and rocking over the holiday weekend. I lost “my limit” and went upstairs. They kept talking about snow and so at 9:30pm, I got my car and headed home. I didn’t run into snow until about a half hour before I got home but I’m glad I left. I love to sleep in my own bed!!

On Tuesday, there was snow everywhere and my interviews for Confirmation were cancelled. I did say the 5:30pm Mass and then went to the play group. It was a strange one but interesting.

It snowed again on Wednesday morning and school was off. We had a small crowd at the 11am Mass. It turned nice afternoon and so I had two interviews and then had dinner out with an old friend, Dennis.

On my day off, I went out to visit Barb Ostrye and Dot Witte Furnary. It was good to see them both. Both have some health issues, so keep them in your prayers. Then I went to Riderwood to visit another lady. It was a sunny day but I was tired and cancelled out on dinner and a movie with Fr. Jim Boccabella – I felt lilke such a wimp!

Friday, I had the 11am Mass and then relaxed all afternoon. At 5:30, a parishioner, Ann picked me up and we went to the “Club”. First time, I’ve been and it is elegant. It use to be a hunt club and Ann’s grandfather was one of the founders. We had a good time but I was ready for bed by 9pm.

On Saturday, I had an interview that had to be cancelled because of the snow. The rest of the day was free, so I spent the day watching TV. I had the 5:30pm Mass but didn’t preach because it was the Cardinal’s Appeal and Fr. Ron spoke. Quiet night

On Sunday, I had the 10:30 in the gym but again did not preach. I did give out Communion from my stool and it went OK. Our new deacon (ordained last Saturday) who is a student at TC was on with me. He is from Spokan, Washington.
At 12:30, I picked up Fr. Beattie and we went looking for breakfast. We tried a few IHOPs and the Pancake House but all were crowded. We ended up going to Timpano’s (Italian) for lunch. We had a great time.

On Monday, I had the funeral of a 97year old Communion call of mine. Please keep Rosalie and her family in your prayers. I had just seen her last week but she was ready to go. They called Fr. Ron, last Thursday and he went and anointed her. All her family were around her praying. They planned the funeral and it was beautiful. Lots of people and lots of good music. They had a reception at her house immediately; and then I met them at Gate of Heaven for the interrment at 2:30pm.
I had the 5:30pm Mass but Father Justin took it for me. I met with my niece and a friend over in the rectory at 6pm to plan a retreat that the seperated and divorced group will have in May. It was a great meeting and we got a plan!!

On Tuesday, the little snow shower that we expecting turned out to be 4 to 6 hours and dumped 1-3 inches of snow. Messed up everything. I was suppose to go and meet a couple in Virginia but I “wimped out”. I don’t trust myself to walk on ice. We’ll reschedule.

Today, It snowed again for a couple of hours and stayed on the ground. I had the 11am Mass and had no help putting things out and then I knocked over my water glass and I “suffered” through the Mass. I just couldn’t relax and move on. Fortunately, two people did help with Communion, so I just sat down. I was glad to get back to my room and take a nap.
At 2:30, Sarah, a sophomore at St. John’s came by to help me with my office. She needs to do “community work hours”. Some of the staff came and told her, she’d do better to join a chain gang; but she and I went through piles of paper. We threw a lot away and filed a lot. She’ll come again next week. Who know, maybe my Christmas letter 2012 might get out before Easter!! Who knows????

Tomorrow, Thursday, I will go to hear confessions at Visitation High School and then to St. Luke’s. I’ll come home and sleep.
On Friday and Saturday, I will be at the MAC2014, a convention of religious educators and publishers that is being held in Baltimore. So I will write again on Saturday night. I have the 5:30pm Mass.

I did go up to New Jersey last Sunday night

This week just flew by: It is already Saturday again. Where does the time go?

On Sunday, I did sleep in and watch the talk shows. I also watch TV for most of the day. I did have the 5:30pm Mass and I preached on what the Pope preached on about how we are Salt and Light for the world.

On Monday, it was bitter cold and I stayed in the rectory most of the day. At three pm, I had exposition and two interviews. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass.
Immediately afterwards I drove out to Our Lady of Vietnam church on New Hampshire Ave. Fr. An Vu, who was sent to St. Bernard’s as a newly ordained, died this weekend of cancer. He had been ill for a couple of years but he would respond to treatment and get back to being pastor of OLoV, then it would show up somewhere else. He was only 55 but had an interesting life.
He was born in South Vietnam and after the Fall, he escaped in a boat, was captured by pirates, ended up in an orphanage in Thailand, and finally came as a refugee to the US. He went to college, joined the Trinitarians, left and went to Mt. St. Mary’s in Emittsburg and was ordained for our Archdiocese and came to St. Bernard’s. The Mass was beautiful and bi-lingual. The church was full and about 30 priests were there. I didn’t stay for the reception, I wanted to get home and be warm.

On Tuesday, I got a lot of work done at the desk and then had two interviews. I also went out and bought some food for the snow we’re expecting. I had the 5:30pm Mass and went home.

On Wednesday, I had the 11am Mass and then went to the “retired priests” luncheon at John Vianney House. Saw Tom Kane, Jim Beattie and the other regulars. Frank Early was there for the first time, and it was nice to catch up on him. He lives in Leisure World and helps out at St. Patrick’s.
On the way home, I took Communion to a very sweet lady, Ida, who has had to move in with her son. We had a nice visit. When I got back to the office, I met with one of the people involved in the baptismal prep program and we got some stuff put in a drawer for the couples running the sessions. That was a lot of the paperwork on my desk.

Thursday is my day off but everyone was. We had a big snow storm during the night and much of the day. The office is closed and life is at a standstill.
Ron made eggs, bacon, and toast for me, Lucas, and himself. It was very good. TV all night.

On Friday, the funeral was cancelled so I did have 11am Mass. About twenty people came. I didn’t preach and was back in the office by 11:35. The office is closed, so I just went back to the rectory and watched TV and played Spider Solitaire.

Today, Saturday, the office is still closed but I had an appointment to meet Carrie about a baptism. Then I met with another couple who can’t make any of the baptismal prep meetings. I went up to set up for a 2pm baptism but Fr. Ron says that Grace is coming, so I decided to come down here and try to finish this message.

I am supposed to go to Maggie tonight but I don’t know. I’m comfortable in my own bed and with the big oxygen.
I am supposed to meet my TEAM down in St. Mary’s tomorrow for lunch and a meeting. Then I’m supposed to drive up to New Jersey and try to see Carmen. On Monday, I have a comp room at Trump Plaza and hope to see some friends. I just don’t know if I want to drive to Jersey.
You’ll learn what I decided when next I write.

Today I don’t have too many things to do; so I’ll try to get this done and “catch you up”.

I last wrote on Friday, the 31st of January.

I did have Mass on Saturday, February 1st at 11am and then at 1pm I presided at a Mass for Milt “Mac” McGreevy in the chapel. Mac was the father of Regina McGreevy, who has been my friend since grade school. Sadly, she died too early in 2006. Her family took me in (literally and figuratively) and Mac was like another Father to me. He died out in Colorado at the age of 93. Since much of the family are out here, we had a memorial Mass for him. It was a nice little crowd. Mary and Brian, two of his children were there; as was Donna, Brian wife and Carlo, Regina’s husband. Marilyn and Frank Cavallaro, (Regina’s aunt and uncle), three of Mary’s children, Chris and his wife, Corinne, and their son, Aiden were there. Her daughter, Sarah and her daughter, Bella were also there. Her son, Anthony wasn’t able to be there but his wife, Christie, and their children, Roman and Grace came. My sister, Marie and our friend, Danny Schmidt also attended.

On Sunday, I had the 7:30am Mass and I watched the Sunday Talk Shows since I was up so early. At 11am, I had a ceremony to give Kevin the first Eucharist and to confirm him. It was very nice and in addition to his parents and girl friend, some of his firemen buddies were there.
Right after, I had a baby baptism; please keep Grace Jane and her family in your prayers. It was a nice crowd and among them, a couple I married last year and couples who has a home in Dameron and were at St. Michael’s when I was there.

On Monday, I went out and got new glasses. When I fell, I scratched my lenses but I just ignored it; but it has begun to bug me. It took most of the morning and I have to pick them up next week. I had my eyes examined and got both regular glasses and sunglasses (I think I lost my other ones on the cruise of the Queen Mary). Maybe I shouldn’t go on cruises?! Then I had exposition, three interviews, and the 5:30pm Mass. Quiet night.

On Tuesday, I had the 11am Mass and went home and took a nap. I had 5 interviews in the late afternoon. Had supper with the guys in the house, which was nice.

On Wednesday, I had exposition, two interviews and the 5:30pm Mass. Then I went and picked up Joan Beall, and we drove out to Ellicott City for the wake for Dr. Eugene Kinerney. Gene and Anna Marie were great friends from St. Bernard’s. I’ve kept in touch with them and especially since Gene had a stroke about three months ago, we talked every couple of days. Gene was improve and go to rehab and then have to come back to the hospital. Illnesses like that can sap a person’s energy (and the family’s also). That’s why I pray daily for the sick and their caregivers.

On Thursday, we had a very nice service at the funeral home for Gene. Members of his family, neighbors and friends shared thoughts. The music (and the cantor) were excellent and lifted up our spirits as we gave Gene back to God. We had a nice repast at an Italian restaurant and I had the chance to sit and visit with Delores and Orly, old friends. Then we had the internment at Ft. Lincoln. And then I took a nap. Again, had a nice dinner and talk with Fathers Ron and Lucas. Early to bed!!

On Friday, I presided at the funeral of a 91 year old lady from the parish. I didn’t know her but she had worked on Capitol Hill in the great days of JFK and LBJ. She never married but had lots of friends and a special nephew, who arranged everything. Please keep Agnes Louise in your prayers. After the internment at Gate of Heaven, I had lunch and then took a long nap. I wanted to be wide awake for the opening ceremony of the Olympics. I stayed up and watch all of it. It was very moving and exciting.

Slept in today (Saturday) but have been here at the desk since about 9:30. I used the “quiet time” to call Bob and Anita Green, dear friends from St. Bernard’s. Bob is seriously ill but I got a chance to talk with both of them and some children and grandchildren. I also spoke with Adele Meyers and Fr. Mike Roach, and Fr. Trancone and Anna Marie, and Betty Neary. I just had a meeting with a young couple for the paperwork of their wedding and I have confessions at 4pm. Tomorrow, I don’t have Mass till 5:30pm, so I guess I’ll watch the talk shows and any of the Olympics that are on.

I just learned this expression, “Snow bunnies”. It refers to people who don’t come out of their house when it’s cold. I guess I am one.
I went back to the rectory on Sunday afternoon and stayed there.

On Monday, I had the 11am Mass and then went back to take a nap. I had seven young people who are being confirmed, come to my office for an interview. I really enjoy them and their comments.

On Tuesday, I had exposition at 3pm and three more interviews. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass and went home.

On Wednesday, again I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. I only had two interviews. I shared a snack with Fr. Percy as tomorrow, he will fly out to India and spend a month visiting his family.

On Thursday, my day off. I just lounged around my suite and went to a Chinese restaurant when I had a good meal with lots of laughter. I met my cousins, Jean Denney, Jim and Eileen Denney, and Sue Denney Rogus. We try to do that every couple of months. We always enjoy catching up on the family.

Today I had the 8am and 11am Masses. I met with a lady who is not a Catholic but feels “at home” here when she comes and wanted to talk about that. I gave her Joe’s book and we’ll meet again. I had 5 interviews and one called to cansel because she was ill. We’ll re-schedule.
I’m going over for supper (just the pastor and I are signed in) and then I’ll just relax.

I have the 11am Mass on Saturday and at 1pm, I’ll preside at the Mass for Mr. McGreevy (Mac) who died last month in Colorado. I don’t know who is coming but I hope to see a lot of the family. We might go out to eat together afterwards.

On Sunday, I have the 7:30am Mass and then I’ll give Kevin his First Communion and Confirm him. He is my fireman and a great guy. I also have a baptism at noon and then I’ll join the rest of the world and kind of watch The Super Bowl (and eat good food)!!!!

I had the 7:30am Mass today and I have 2 baptisms at 2pm; so I am just staying here in my office at the parish center. I will watch the Sunday morning talk shows and find out what is going on in the world. This last week was a blurr as I spent most of the time in my suite in the rectory. It was just too cold to go out.

On Wednesday, the 22nd, I had the 11am Mass and then I drove over and got my hair cut. It really needed it and I felt good when it was done. Then I drove out to BWI and picked up Jerry. I had to keep driving around the terminal since I don’t have a cell phone. I forgot to say that I lost it somewhere in Florida and it has just been too cold to go to Verizon and get another. I did turn off the service so if you’ve called me; I think you get a message that says it isn’t working. I hope that I can get my same old phone number. I’ll let you know.
As I was saying, I couldn’t just wait in the cell phone parking that is provided and which I really like; so I drove around for awhile until I saw him waiting in the pick up area.
He treated me to a very large and interesting asian buffet out in Lantham. It was good and filling. Then I drove him home and got back to my rectory by 9pm. I was in bed and asleep by 9:30.

Thursday is my day off and so no Mass. I did have a doctor’s appointment at 9:30am. She looked at my foot and based on her suggestion, I went online and ordered a wider shoe; so it won’t rub against the toe. We’ll see!!
I also met with Carlos and Kimberly about having their baby baptized this weekend. it’s short notice but his Mom is returning to Mexico on Sunday. They have been trying to get the baby baptized but no one seemed to have the authority to set aside the rules. Fortunately, Monsignors can do that! It one of the privledges that didn’t disappear when the Vatican stopped making Monsignors!!!
The rest of the day, I stayed in the rectory. Also I taked with Ann Marie Kinerney to get an update on her husband, Gene. He had a stroke over a month ago and has been in and out of hospitals and rehab centers since. Please keep him,her and their families in your prayers.

On Friday, the 23rd, I went to the Wood’s Academy to preside at the 8:30am Mass for Founders’ Day. 39 years ago, three men, with the support of a number of families, decided that since Ursaline school was closing, that they would start an independent Catholic elementary school. I use to say ocassional Masses there when I was chaplain at GC. It has really grown. It has 290 students and additional building and a gym. I had a great time. John Enzler was suppose to do it; but he had to go out of town. He suggested me and I’m glad he did.
I came back and had the 11am Mass. Then I went back to the rectory before the snow melted and froze again. I can pick up my phone messages from the center on my phone in the rectory, so I did do some work in the afternoon.

On Saturday, we had First Reconcilation at 9:30 and 12:30. All 5 of us priests heard confessions and it went very well. I always enjoy that experience.
I had two baptisms at 2 and 2:30. Please keep Carlo Marcelo and Ana Luz and their families in your prayers.
Then I heard confessions at 4pm. It was a very good day.
I made some mac and cheese for supper and went to bed.

I am also meeting a couple who want to have their baby baptized in California and need to have participated in a baptiamal program. Then I’ll go home and work on my Christmas letter for 2012 & 2013.

It is snowing and the office is closed, so I decided to come over to the rectory and catch up on my mail and emails. I looks like it will not be as deep a snow as first thought but the temperature is going lower and tomorrow could be another bad day and the office might be closed again. We’ll see.

Now to continue from the 18th of January:

We arrived back in Miami at 8am on Saturday and I took a shuttle with Bill and Kate to the Red Roof Inn, where we had stayed before the cruise and left our cars. Then I drove back to the port and picked up my 4 ladies (Marie, Maggie, JoAnne, and June) and we headed towards Georgia. We couldn’t stop to see some friends in Florida because the traffic was terrible and we wanted to be in Warner Robins, GA by Sunday afternoon. We drove to Valdosta (450 miles) and spent the night at a Hampton Inn.

On Sunday, we met Rick (my brother in law) and Shirley, another Shirley and Bill (friends of Maureen’s) and Timothy (Maureen’s youngest) and his lovely wife Allison and their two adorable children, Cole (7) and Ally Grace (5). We met at Cracker Barrell and had a great meal and time.
Then we headed to Columbia, South Carolina and went to Rick (Marie’s son) and Anita’s home. I hadn’t seen it since they added on to it. It has a pool, a hot tub, and a great TV room with a 54 inch screen. Anita insisted on some pasta (she says, “Italian always have some ready!”) and some soup. We had a great time and then Rick led us to a nice hotel nearby. I think I was asleep two minutes after I hit the bed!!

On Monday, which was the 20th and Dr. Martin Luther King Day, we had a great breakfast at the hotel and then headed North. There wasn’t a lot of traffic and it was a sunny (but cool) day; and so we decided to drive on home. We stopped for lunch around 3pm and we were back at Maggie’s by 7pm. I drove on home and was in bed by 8:30. I slept very well in my own bed.

Since the snow was suppose to be deep, I went over to the parish center and got my mail and came back here. Had lunch and caught up on mail and email and then took a nap. (Driving so much, I got out of my habit of the “siesta”, which is a very humane custom – I got back into it easily)

Tomorrow, I have the 11am Mass and am suppose to pick up Fr. Jerry Trancone at BWI around 4pm. I talked to him today. He is attending the Deaf convention in Las Vegas. We’ll have to wait till tomorrow to see about the weather and if he can get back.

So now, I’m off to have some supper and watch TV. I am glad to be home, although I had a great trip.

I am on my way back to Miami, let me bring you up to date.

We left Maggie’s on Wednesday, Jan 8th and drove all day with short breaks and got to Walterboro, Georgia and spent the night at a Hampton Inn.

On Thursday, the 9th, we went to St. Augustine, Florida. We took a trolley tour and enjoyed it greatly. Then we went to visit the Thompson family. Wayne is Maureen’s middle son. He and his wife, Valerie, have six children and have recently moved into a newer and larger house. The children are Kayla (13), Jenna(11), Leah (10), Luke (7), Dylan (4), and Hannah Rose (3). I HOPE I GOT THAT RIGHT!!! We had a great meal and a wonderful visit. That night we stayed in anther Hampton in Melbourne, Florida.

On Friday, the 10th, we drove on to Miami and checked into a Red Roof Inn near the airport. We picked up Patrick, who had flown in (a little late) from Chicago. Then Winnie Jahn, who flew in, met us at the Inn as did Bill & Kate Berry. We all had dinner together and early to bed.

On Saturday, the 11th, we had a couple of shuttles that took us to the ship. It was very easy to board. Winnie was able to get 12 of us to have the early supper near each other in two tables of six. Rick & Peg are on late supper at 8:30 but have nice dinner companion.

I just realized that I didn’t identify everyone: so here goes:
My sisters, Marie and Maggie, our friend (and ‘adopted sister’) JoAnn Adams, and June Wittington, a friend from Calvert county, are those who rode with me to Florida. Pat Berry, who flew in from Chicago. His brother Bill and his wife, Kate, who drove down from West Virginia. Peggy Dee, who is a family friend from St. Martin’s days met us at the ship. Jay Baughan, from St Camillus and his wife, Eileen Lee Baughan, also drove down from Baltimore. Winnie Jahn has been our travel agent in the past. She lives in Baltimore and is 92 – and looks great!
Rick and Peg Jensen are my cousins, who live in Virginia. It’s a great group.

We left the port of Miami at 5pm and headed to the open seas.

TO BE CONTINUED….

At 9:15am, on the 31st of December, I did pick up Fr. Beattie and we went to IHOP at Wheaton. It was not crowded and we both had great breakfasts. He had scrapple, a strange meat from Philly and I had the Double, which is two of everything. I also had two hot chocolates. We had a nice visit and caught up on his and my Christmas activities.
I got home around 11:25 as I was expecting a parishioner to stop by so I could affix the parish seal to a letter her daughter needed to give to a priest in Illinois about her “to be” wedding in New Jersey. I quoted the Holy Father, who asked, “Why is it that when someone calls the parish to ask about getting married or having a baby baptized; the first question is, ‘Are you registered’? Why don’t we begin with how happy we are that they want the church to be a part of this happy occasion?” I guess the word hasn’t gotten to Illinois yet!!!
Then I had the 5:30 Vigil Mass. It was full and I used the stool to help with Communion. I cleaned my suite and was in bed around 9pm. I was going to stay up to watch the ball but around 11, I fell asleep and woke around 2am. Happy New Year.

On New Year’s Day, I had the 4pm Mass at Knollwood and then I just watch TV and went to bed early.

On Thursday, the 2nd, I went to see Dr. Solomon. He gave me some interesting information.
Since Maureen died about 16 months ago and had been sick for about 2 years before that, I have been planning to die in the middle of 2014. When I went to Nova for the test on the Fibrosis, the doctor there had said, “People usually die about two or two and half years after the diagnosis”. I’m not morbid but I have been trying to “put things in order”.
Dr. Solomon and I had a great talk. First, he wanted me to know that I was diagnosed in 2010, so I’m already ahead of the game. He reminded me that my diagnosis was early because of the PET scan I had when I had pneumonia. Although my numbers of blood oxygen, which use to be 98 resting, only go to 96 now; he wanted me to know that 96 is OK. And he thinks it’s great that I am going on a cruise, taking a train to California, and giving a presentation at the NCEA in Pittsburgh. I felt affirmed in all that I am planning.
That afternoon, I went again to hear confessions at St. Luke’s and left feeling great. I was going to stop and see some people and go by a wake; but it began to snow and they were forecasting a miserable day, so I came home.

On Friday, January 3rd, I didn’t get to go to Billy Anderson’s funeral at St. Camillus as I had the 11am Mass and then I spent most of the day in my suite. I was supposed to meet Sister Mary Xavier but we decided it was too messy to go out. I cleaned out a bookcase.

On Saturday, the 4th, I drove down to Leonardtown to meet with my TEAM. We had a nice lunch and a good meeting. It was good to see everyone; it’s been awhile since everyone was there. After the meeting, Paul and Ellen got my I pad working and “online”. I am most grateful as I hope to take it on the cruise.
Afterwards, I stopped at Robin and John’s and turned in my calendar raffle forms.
On the way home, I stopped at Joan’s. Sue and Scott were there. Ginny had made cookies and Joan had filled by stocking. We had a great time visiting. I came home and went to bed.

I slept in on Sunday as I was having the 5:30pm Mass. I watched all the Sunday Talk Shows and learned what was happening in the world. There were lots of people at the Mass (the Epiphany) and I gave out Communion. I had nice long talks with Stephanie and Dan and Betty Neary and some other friends. I have been staying close to home and I’m walking slowly because I don’t want to slip on the ice. It is really cold here!!!

I slept in again on Monday, January 6th but in the afternoon, I met with the young couple I met a few weeks ago and they updated me on their activities. They are planning a summer wedding in Peru. (No, I am not going!!!). I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and then I met with a young couple and they took the FOCUS test. Fr. Regis is marrying them (in Louisiana) but asked me to meet with them. They were lovely. Then I went home and watched a Blacklist marathon, which brought me up to date as the new season starts soon. It is a very strange but interesting story.

Today is was minus 2 degrees in Washington. Lots of schools in Virginia were closed but not us. Rita and I decided to cancel “Tuesdays with Father Maury”. We just didn’t want people to come out in the wind and cold. I did have the 11am Mass and I told the people to be careful and bundle up. There were about 30 people that came.
My large oxygen machine is not working, so they came and replaced it. I will take the small one with me on the trip. I got this office straightened up and Joan W will take a picture and send it to JoEddy.
I am packed and will have supper at 5:15 with Ron and then come over here and meet Andrea and Stephen to hear about the honeymoon trip to Italy and meeting the Pope. Then I’ll drive down to Maggie’s, go to bed and we’ll leave around 8am and try to get into Georgia by suppertime.

I will try to write “on the road” and “on the high seas”!!! God bless..

I do apologize again that it has been so long since I wrote. I don’t know where the time goes!

When last I wrote, it was Christmas day and I was heading over to the rectory to get some food and hang out in my room. I did go and have my sandwiches but I didn’t open any mail; I just laid on the bed and watched movies: The Robe, Ben Hur, the greatest story ever told, and the Bells of St. Mary. I’d nod off and wake up to find a different movie on but since I know them all backwards and forward, I could pick up where the film was. I got ready for bed around 9pm and slept through to 7am.

On Thursday, the 26th, I had the 8am Mass and then headed to Maggie’s. She, Kerri and I drove down to the Ridgell’s for what was described as “just left overs” for supper. If the 16 things we had were “leftovers” than the Christmas meal must have been a “doozy” !! Friends and neighbors were there as well as her family (whom I use to love to play cards with, when I was at St. Michael’s) and we had a great time and visit. We left around 9:30 and I dropped off Maggie and Kerri and came on home. With using the oxygen, more and more, I like to sleep in my own room. I was in bed before midnight.

On Friday, I came over and did some more organizing of my desk. I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. I called a lot of people just checking in; then I had a wedding rehearsal at 6pm. This is the very nice couple that I told last Spring that I might not be up to doing a wedding in December. We had such a good time together and neither of the other priests was available, so I told them I would officiate. Mary Tull did the rehearsal and I met the families. I didn’t go to the dinner and was in bed very early.

On Saturday, I slept in and came over for the wedding. James, a young man from the parish who helps me a lot at Mass, came to be my assistant at the wedding. He was a great help and I didn’t have to use the oxygen at all. Stephen and Courtney looked radiant and everything went well.
I was a little nervous because Mary called in the morning and had the flue. I told her not to worry and things, as I said, went very well. Then I had the 5:30pm Vigil Mass. It wasn’t too much because the deacon preached. Again, early to bed.

Sunday, the 29th was the feast of the Holy Family – one of my favorite feast. In all the other parishes I’ve been in, we (priests and deacons) would gather at the communion stations during the recessional and bless as the families as they came to us in small groups. I had the gym Mass and preached about family life and love and invited people to come up after Mass for a blessing. I didn’t have the children up around the altar because of the manger and the poinsettia; but I did use the stool and give Communion. It was a very pleasant Mass.
Afterwards, I went to my room and defrosted my refrigerator. It was a lot of work but very satisfying after it was done. Then I sat and opened all my cards and read each letter. I loved “catching up” on people I baptized (now in college) or married (now living far away and doing interesting jobs) and seeing the pictures of happy events in their lives. I will work on my Christmas letter in earnest now!!!

Today, we had Joan Mullan’s funeral. Fr. Duffy came and preached as they had gone to grade school together. Fr. Francisco, who use to work in the parish and now is a priest of our diocese studying in Rome, and Fr. Ron and I concelebrated. It was a beautiful Mass and the music was stirring!!
I went over and took a nap because I have this 7pm wedding in the chapel.

Tomorrow, I will pick up Fr. Beattie around 9am and we’re going to IHOP for breakfast. I have afternoon appointments and then I have the 5:30pm Mass and I’ll probably watch the ball come down in Times Square from my bed. I think last year, I slept through it but I do enjoy seeing it. Happy New Year to all of you and may 2014 be a blessed one for you and your loved ones.

Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Monday, I met with Kevin and we will have his service right after the New Year.
Then I drove down to Maggie’s and dropped off the ornaments and the calendars for the family. The traffic was not too bad but I was glad to get home.

On Tuesday, I had the 11am Mass (in the chapel as the church was being decorated) and then we had confessions from Noon to 1pm. Then I took a nap and at 5:15pm, we had a supper brought in by a parishioner. She has done that for 31 years. It was delicious.
I presided at the 6pm Mass and it was lovely – and crowded!!! I hear the 4pm Masses were more than crowded but everyone loved them.
I gave out Communion on the side and that was very nice.
I went and took a nap, intending to con-celebrate the Midnight Mass. I didn’t – I think the first time in over 40 years that I didn’t. I ached too much to get out of bed. I watched the Midnight Mass at the Shrine on TV and prayed for all of you.

This morning I had the 9am Mass. It wasn’t full but it was a spirited congregation and I loved it. I did not give out communion as there were many Eucharistic Ministers who came to help. As I had at the 6pm, I stood at the door after Mass and greeted people and blessed children. I had a great time. My homily was on the “Word made flesh” and I think it went well.
I’ve been cleaning my desk and calling some people and now I will go home and have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and go upstairs and watch a bunch of movies, that will make me cry. Then I’ll open all my cards and read those wonderful letters that bring me up to date on the activities of my family and friends. I will put the pictures up on my “wall of memories”. I will have a very restful Christmas and you all will be in my thoughts and prayers all day. God bless and care for each of you and your families. Merry Christmas!!