What Paddy Shot At

It been quite a week. Let me bring you up to date.

Saturday, Dec 14th was a wonderful day. The weather turned out not to be as dangerous as they forcasted but I’m glad I went to Maggie’s. We had a chance to visit on Saturday morning and then I drove over to Edgewater. Had a nice “catch up” with Sr. Kass and Fr. Joe. The first reconciliations were wonderful and I was home in plenty of time for the 1pm baptism. He was Samuel Murphy…. and his family was part of the Sindall clan from St. Camillus. Keep him and his family in your prayers. It was nice to see old friends. The 2pm was Antonio Alejandro – part of the McCloy clan and again it was great to see old friends. Keep Antonio and his family in your prayers.
A couple called me and asked to stop by; so I met them around 5pm and afterward, I met with a young man who has been coming to talk with me for the last year. He is a really good man, keep him and the couple in your prayers. I relaxed and watched TV and was in bed by 10pm.
On Sunday, which was Joy Sunday, I preached at the 10:30am in church and used the example of Pope Francis to encourage joyfulness. It went well. I made them laugh out loud and told them that was not only allowed in church but encouraged.
I met with Stephen and Courtney, whose wedding I will have on the Saturday after Christmas. I had encouraged them to get a “healthy” priest but they wanted me, so I will do the rehearsal and the wedding. I hope it goes OK. I worry because I run out of steam at Mass sometimes.
At Noon, in our chapel, I had a small prayer service where one of the people taking private instructions about the faith with me, was brought into full communion, Confirmed, and received Eucharist. Please keep Ken and his family in your prayers.
Then I went over to visit a couple whose son I baptized awhile ago. His relatives are friends of mine from Greensburg and were here for his first birthday. I had a great time and then as I was leaving, I slipped on some “black ice”. I didn’t break anything but I did fall and bruised my hand and knees. When I got home, there was a message that Mr. McGreevy had died in Colorado. I’m glad he is at peace. I went to bed early.

Monday, the 16th, I had the 11am Mass and then stopped over at the rectory because we had a small farewell party for JoEddie. She will be greatly missed as she cleaned the church and our offices, etc. She also had a great sense of humor and I will hate to see her go.
I stopped by to see Joan and Mary Mudd. It was fun and then I slept in the afternoon and after supper, we had a parish penance service and I heard confessions. Went to bed early.

On Tuesday, we heard school confessions and then Joan and I drove down to pick up the white House Ornaments. It was much easier than in previous years; I should have done it a couple of weeks ago. Then I drove out to Howard County Hospital to see “Father R”, who was in intensive care. His 5 kids were there and we had a nice talk.
I came home for the exposition and then I had the 5:30pm Mass and had supper at the rectory. Afterwards, I went to my play reading group. We had a great time. The play was called “The Long Christmas dinner”. We enjoyed it.

On Wednesday, I met Susan Cassidy at RIP’s and I gave her the ornaments for St. Michael’s faculty and my TEAM and she gave me the calendars from the school. We also had a great lunch and talk.
I got word that Mr. Rosenberger had died and so I changed my plans to go to NYC with Maggie. She and Marie went. I don’t even know what I did the rest of the evening as I had lots of things to re-arrange.

On Thursday, I met with a priest friend for coffee and conversation. Then I stopped again at Joan’s and then I went to hear confessions at St. Luke’s. I spent the evening working at my desk. I was on the phone a lot. Gene Kienery is in the hospital and needs prayers.

My 97 year old Spanish communion call had died but I was going to be away, so Ron took the funeral. Since I was home, I concelebrated and her family was grateful to have me join them. I enjoyed her eulegy as she had a full life full of adventures.
Then I went to Father R’s wake at 2 in Columbia and then went to a hotel. Jerry and I met there and came to the evening wake together. We stopped for a late dinner and then went back to the hotel.

On Saturday, Jerry followed me to St. Louis Church in Clarkesville for the 10am funeral. It was very nice and Tom Johnson, his son-in-law spoke and it was excellent. I presided and preached. Jerry con-celebrated as did Father Bill Spacik, a Baltimore priest. The burial was at Gate of Heaven and afterwards they all went back to the house. I came right home, ate, and slept for 5 hours.
Jerry left his coats at the hotel. (It was so warm; you were in short sleeves! even though it was the first day of Winter.) I called and I think he’ll get them back over the weekend.

Today, I slept in and then came to the office and watched all the Sunday talk shows. Then at 1:30, I had a baptism. Please keep Colin Patrick and his family in your prayers.
Then I welcomed a lovely young lady into full communion, confirmed and gave her first Eucharist. Please keep Molly (and her soon to be husband, Jason) in your prayers.
I will have the 5:30pm in a few moments and then I’ll go back to the rectory and relax.
See, I told you “It had been a busy week” and I forgot to tell you everything.

On Wednesday, I heard school confessions at St. Elizabeth’s in Rockville. Then, I had the 11am Mass and then went to the Knights of Columbus Hall to meet my cousin, Ann. She is a member of the ladies’ auxiliary and often invites me to the socials they hold at Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, etc. I try to go and I enjoy meeting her friends. This year, I sat at the table with Bill Kane, he is the brother of Fr. Tom Kane and it was great to meet him and talk about his family.
Afterwards, I drove to Barnesville and heard the confessions of the CCD. Then we had a nice dinner that Fr. Kevin prepared and served. Fr. Jack McFarland and his associate, Fr. Jacob also were there. We had a nice time together and then heard confessions again at 7:30pm. I was home and in bed by 11pm. It was a good day as I enjoy hearing confessions.

On Thursday, we had the school confessions and then I had lunch with Anne Sheridan. I came home and took a long nap. that night, the Landings group came for dinner. I joined them for a ginger ale and then we back to bed. I was very tired and the cold is rough on my lungs.

On Friday, I went to Knollwood and said Mass for the people who live in the Alzheimer section. They don’t get up to the Mass on Saturday and a lovely lady from our parish does Communion Services for them twice a month. She asked me to come and I was happy to do so. They are some famous retired military personnel and some of the minds come and go but they were attentive and responsive to the Mass. We ended up by singing Christmas carols and they all joined in. I am so glad I went. but again the cold tired me and I went to bed for about three hours. I felt badly as my cousins, Rick and Peg Jensen had invited me to go to the cemeteries with them to put on wreaths at the graves of our family but I just wasn’t able to go.
I worked in the office from around 4pm and then drove to Mitchelville and had a nice Italian supper with Rose and Patty Petrone, Patty’s children, Philip and Molly, Ally ( a friend who is in RCIA) and Fr. T. The meal was great and afterwards we decorated cookies. I still didn’t feel so good; so I left around 10 and came to Maggie’s. Marie is not feeling good either, so we all went to bed early.

I am up early because I am going to Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish for first confessions at 10. Sr. Kass is pastoral associate there. Then back to Blessed Sacrament for a baptism at 1pm and another at 2. Don’t have Mass today so probably early to bed. I have the 10:30 in the church tomorrow.

Hello again,
I love “unexpected holidays” like today. I’ve gotten so much done yesterday and today at my desk. Almost no one is at the office and I get some serious cleaning done. But I need to bring you up “to speed” since last Friday morning.

Dec. 6th
With the feast of St. Nicholas, I was busy by going to the school at 8am and we had a nice little prayer service and I distributed the coins. Then I came back to the office and then drove over to Holy Redeemer for an 11 o’clock service. It was very nice and we sang two St. Nicholas songs. Then I went to AAA and got some books and maps for my January drive to Florida. Then I had the Mass at the Chevy Chase house. I took the Mass kit but there wasn’t a missal; so I had to do it by memory – I think I did the old Mass, Oh well! Then as we were expecting bad weather; I drove over to the Dominican retreat house. I got there around 4pm as the traffic was bad. I had dinner with the sisters who run the house and the retreatents came around 7:30. We introduced ourselves and then we entered into a silent retreat. I had Mass at 9pm and then we all retired. I slept well and I used the oxygen.

Saturday, we rose and had morning prayer and then breakfast. It was so strange to be in the dining room and hear only the sound of knives and forks. It reminded me the operating room in Mash when no one is speaking. I had to resist a temptation to jump up and begin to sing – Oh, I did resist. I gave 4 conferences and I used a wonderful book called “When the Rain Speak”. We are using it in our TEAM group and it is a series of essays about seeing God in all that is around us. It fit in well for a “Quieting Advent” retreat. Also I was available for private talks and for confessions and that was great.

On Sunday, the weather took a bad turn and so it was decided to move things up. I had Mass at 9am and so I was able to be back to the parish in time for the celebration of Msgr. Duffy’s 60th anniversary of ordination. Cardinal McCarrick presided and preached. Fathers Beattie, Ranieri, Enzler, and the house concelebrated. There was an orchestra and our choir. It was lovely. There was a reception afterwards but I didn’t go as I had a baptism at 2pm. Please Keep Ryan Roisin (it’s Gaelic) and her family in your prayers. Her Dad, Tim is the nephew of Mike Sindall, so she’s his great niece. Lots of the family were there and it was great to see them. I was suppose to have the 5:30pm Mass but God love him, Fr. Percy offered to take it. I was ready for an early bedtime.

On Monday, I was suppose to have the school Mass at 9:15am but with the snow, there was no school. We were going to have Fr. Kyle Ingle over for a lunch but that got cancelled also. I did a lot of work at my desk and went back to the room and went to bed.

Today, is another free day because we had more snow. I was suppose to hear confessions for the school and for Stone Ridge but both are closed. I did meet with Kevin, who is receiving Communion and being confirmed soon. He is a fireman and so kind and good. Pray for him.
Now back to the rectory, a little food and rest.

Happy St. Nicholas Day. I, in my secret identity as St. Nick, have had a very busy couple of days.

When last I wrote on the Vigil of Advent, I mentioned that this Advent was going to be a “quieting time” – Well, it is kinda! On Sunday, I was picked up in front of the Church after the 9am Mass. I didn’t do the Mass but it was the second anniversary of Hugh Beins’s death. I was called to anoint him at his home two years ago, and thus began a friendship with him (that day) and his family ever since. So Mary, his wife called and invited me to the house for brunch. I think it’s nine children and about 18 grandchildren. Mary and I sat in the door of the parlor and “caught up” and held court. It was so much fun with a very special family.
Then I had the 12:30pm Mass and the rest of the day, I just relaxed, said Office and tried to “quiet” me.

On Monday, the 2nd, I had the 11am Mass and spent the day, putting the “gold” coins in freezer bags. I got a class list and labeled them for each teacher. I’ve not that before but it is always a little chaotic distributing them – we’ll see. I’m going to my school and Holy Redeemer in Kensington, and the seniors on Tuesday with the pre-K’s from the two Protestant churches on the circle. Afterwards, I thought I’d go to the Post office; but as I turned onto Connecticut Ave, I realized I had a flat tire. I pulled into a side street. I called the office and two of the facilities men came. One brought me home while the other changed the tire. They brought the car back and I went to bed – I’ve never had a flat. It was traumatic. Later, Ron and I had supper – don’t know where everyone else was. I went upstairs and went back to bed early.

Tuesday, I went to Tuesdays with Fr. Maury over in the center. We had a good group and the pre-Ks were adorable. Rita told the story of St. Nicholas and then I gave out the coins. The kids and the senior went and decorated cookies. I stopped in the church to hear the school’s Christmas concert and then I heard CCD confessions from 4 to 5. I called Betty Neary to wish her a happy birthday but I had to leave a message. Again, it was early to bed.

Wednesday, I had Mass at 11am and joined the staff for Pizza in the rectory dining room. I had to arrange about new tires and also to make an appointment to see a “Genius” at Apple in Bethesda about fixing my Ipad. I was on the phone for hours. Then I worked in the office till about 4pm. Then I went to take a nap and was up for the ushers’ dinner at 6:15. Fr. Justin came and said, “Maury, I think you have an appointment over in the parish center”. I did! It’s a young woman, whom I have been giving instructions about becoming catholic. When I transferred information from my last year book to my new one, I overlooked it. They were fine about it and we’re setting a date for her coming into the church. I’m very excited about it!

Thursday was a very full day. I put my car in the shop for new tires, then I was driven to the Apple Store in Bethesda, where a “genius” help by getting my Ipad working. I was very grateful. Then someone drove me to pick up my car. Then I had lunch with two friends at LaFerme. We had a great time and caught up. Then I drove to Maggie’s and she, Marie, and JoAnn and I went to the Seniors’ Christmas dinner at St. Michael’s. It was great to see so many old friends. We had great entertainment and I gave out some coins in honor of St. Nicholas to the children in the Nativity and some of the seniors. I also left a bag for the principal to hand out to the students the next day. I got home around 10pm and was ready for bed.

I started to write about Friday but ran out of time. Will get you up to date Monday or Tuesday.

Thanksgiving Day was lovely. I had the 8am Mass and as my homily, I shared some beautiful letters that third grade students from our day school had written. There were about 4 themes that ran through them. Gratitude for family, friends, and especially pets were especilly mentioned. One of them thanked God for a hamster. who always brightens up their day; another was grateful for his large family “if one of my brothers brings me down, another one will always bring me back up”. I suggested we sit for a few moments and thank God for blessings and people He sends us. I think it went very well.
On Thanksgiving Day, I say aloud the names of my blessings. It is such a wonderful activity and when I say my night prayers, I take them all and lift them up to the Lord.
I also went to Kensington to Angela Hall, the retirement place of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and said the 11am Mass. It was very nice and they invited me for dinner. I sat with two sisters, who are Washingtonians and we had a great time talking about “old Washington sites and experiences”. Then I came, took a nap and watched TV all evening.

On Friday, I had an appointment for confession at 10am and then had the 11am Mass. James, a young man who often substitutes for teachers here was at Mass and I asked him to drive me to Chevy Chase House for Mass at 1:30pm. It is so hard to find a parking place nearby; Joan usually drives me and of course, the office was closed. He did drive me and picked me up afterwards. It made it much easier and I was grateful for his kindness.
I spent the rest of the day, trying to clean my desk but paper just keep reproducing!!

Today, I had two lovely baptisms with lots of out of town family visiting. Please keep Emmerick Robert and Anne Grant and their families in your prayers.
Still trying to get stuff organized.
Just finished the 5:30pm Mass. I gave Communion from a stool at the end of the aisle and it seemed to work. I’m glad to be doing that again. My Homily was about “quieting time” for Advent.
Now to eat and early to bed.
“Be still and let God be God”

Another week without writing but I think that is because I still don’t have an Ipad. I will have to go to an APPLE store. I looked and there in one in Bethesda and I’ll try to go this week. I really do miss having it at my beck and call. Oh well!

So last time I wrote, I was going out to Barnesville to cover for Fr. Kevin, while he recovered from an operation. He’s doing well. When I got home I had the 5:30pm and went to bed early. Bob Norton called me to let me know that Fr. Demetrius, our rector and scripture professor at St. Vincent had died. I saw him last July at priests’ day and he was really failing. He was an important person for me in the seminary. RIP

On Monday, I met Jerry Trancone at Scanlon’s, where his car was being worked on; then we went to the Social Security office for him to file. It went very well and then we went to the Diner for brunch. I had a good time and it’s been too long since we visited. Then I came home and I gave a talk at RCIA that night on the Communion of Saints. I had a great phone conversation with Tish Rossi. I hope to see her in December when she comes to visit her great nephew, who lives in Silver Spring. I also learned that today is the 16th anniversary of her mom’s death. I have put it in my computer so I don’t miss it in the future. Rose and Uncle Nick were great friends. RIP

On Tuesday, I got a phone call that Fr. Beattie was in the hospital. I just couldn’t get over there but I found out it was something serious – just a precaution. I had “Tuesday with Fr. Maury”. Our topic was a realistic approach to illness and death. We had a great discussion and shared a lot of information about legal and moral decisions to make. Then I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and supper with the guys in the rectory. I then, came and met with my Play reading group. It was delightful. I went home and worked on my talks for the retreat.

On Wednesday, I drove early in the morning to Priestfield in West Virginia. I was facilitating a retreat for about 20 DRE’s from our Archdiocese. I was there really just to give 5- 15minutes talks and then lead them into discussions and reflections. They were a great group and I learned a lot as they shared. I slept well as it is a dark as night and removed from any distractions. I did have to use the oxygen a lot but I put it on a little cart and dragged it around.

On Friday, after Mass and lunch; I went and visited Marilyn and Frank Cavallaro at their house. We had a great time and “caught up”. Then we met Bill and Kate Berry, Mary Alice McGreevy Perez, Brian McGreevy, Sarah, Mary’s daughter and her husband, Wolfi, and their daughter Isabella. We met at an Italian restaurant – good food and good company!!! I drove home that night and was home by 9pm.

On Saturday, I had the 11am Mass and spent the rest of the day cleaning up my room

On Sunday, I had the 10:30 Mass in the gym. I haven’t done that lately but I arranged for a stool to be placed where I use to give Communion. It worked well and someone helped me by carrying the Eucharist for me. I was able to give Communion and bless the children. I haven’t done that for about 3 months and it was great to be able to do it. I have another stool for the church and I’ll test it out on Thanksgiving.
Then I met with a young couple whom I am doing the paperwork for their wedding. Then I took a nap and drove out at 5pm to Darnestown to help with confessions at Our Lady of the Visitation’s middle school CCD. It was very nice and then Fr. Ray Fecteau and I went and had supper together. That was very nice and I was in bed by 10:30pm.

On Monday, I met with the family of a lady whose funeral I will have on Wednesday. They were so nice. Then I had lunch with Jim, a new friend I have developed through John and Antonia Bass. He has had a wonderful and fascinating life and I enjoy talking with him. Then I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass.

Today, I spent the day in my office and since I’m the only priest here, I got all kinds of things to deal with. I loved it. I had the 11am Mass, exposition, and the 5:30pm Mass. I had to use the oxygen most of the day but that will please my doctor. I was on the phone a lot and just hung up from Sister Natalie. She was born on November 24th in Sicily but her mom didn’t get recorded till the 26th. So all her documents to come to America had the 26th date and so do the Notre Dame Nuns and her Social Security, etc. I sent her some flowers yesterday (the 25th) and the card said, ”Happy day between your two birthdays”. She was thrilled and got the joke. I’m about to go home. Humberto made me some soup and so I’ll just sit upstairs and watch TV.

Tomorrow, I will have Monica’s funeral at 11. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. I will ride in the herease to the cemetery in Falls Church, Va and then just stay in the house. The weather and the traffic are too much for me.

On Thursday, I will the 8am Mass here and then go to the retirement house of the Holy Cross Sisters in Kensington and have Mass at 11am. They’ve invited me to dinner and then I’ll come home again and relax.

Know that I will spend all day Thursday thinking of the wonderful people that God has graced my life with and saying their names aloud and asking God to bless you. Happy and Safe Thanksgiving to you all.

While I was in Cambridge, I got some information on my Ipad that I should “update” to something. I followed the instructions (which I am not usually good at) and I think it told me I was now in a “cloud”. Well, whatever I did; when I got home and tried to open my Ipad, I received a message that said, “The Ipad is disabled, connect on Itune”. No one, including the young priest knows what to do – and so I haven’t had my Ipad for over a week.

That kind of explains why I haven’t written in over a week.

On Friday, the 8th, I met with Kevin, who is meeting with me to received Eucharist and Confirmation. He is using Joe’s book and loves it.
Then I went to a pub on Capitol Hill and met with Mike Donaghue and his friends. Mike roomed at my Mom’s house, while I was in the seminary and he was a student at Catholic U. He is a professor in Chicago but comes to town three times a year and meets with a great group that he was a part of while living in DC. I really enjoyed myself. First, it was great to see Mike and catch up; but then to meet and experience this group was a great time. Too long to write about here, maybe I’ll put it in my Christmas letter.
Friday afternoon, I drove to Philly and met Terry, John, and Joe for supper. It was, as always, a lot of laughs and good to be together. I stayed the night at Joe’s and watched a DVD on Maryknoll Sisters. I enjoyed it so much because I have always thought so much of them; but when you see the film, you learn so much about what they did – way back in the 1930’s in China.

On Saturday, Joe and I went to breakfast at a diner – nothing like a diner in Philly!! Then we drove to DC. We had a chance to talk about our presentation at the NCEA convention in Pittsburgh in April. I dropped him off at Tim’s. They will visit and have dinner and then Joe will return to Philly by train that night.
I came home and had the 5:30pm Mass but did not have to preach as the Deacon was doing that. I went to bed early.

On Sunday, I met my cousins for brunch at Mrs. K’s. My cousin, Lauren lives in Silver Spring but her sister, Sharon and her spouse, Amy and their adorable child, Alexander (who live in NYC) were down for their Dad’s 95th birthday. We had a great time and my cousin, Alex “warmed up” to me and as we said goodbye, I shook his hand but he wanted a hug – so I guess I’m accepted.
At 1pm, I met with Mary Beth and Vance. I am doing their pre-Cana paperwork and giving Vance some instruction – using Joe’s book!
I just lounged around in the afternoon, packed, and went to bed early.

On Monday, I drove down to Maggie’s and she, Marie, JoAnn, and I headed off to Myrtle Beach. It is about 430 miles and takes about 7 hours. We got there and met up with Rick and Shirley Thompson, who had driven up from Atlanta. Marie has a time share and so does Rick (not in the same place but near) and it was right on the ocean. It was very cool. I think in the 30’s but we had a great time. Went to two shows with Christmas themes and played card. I had a great time and we ate well. I did missed my Ipad!!

On Friday, we met at Cracker Barrel for breakfast and everybody headed home. We got to Maggie’s around 6:30 and I came on home. I relaxed and watched TV and went to bed around 11pm. I went to sleep very quickly.

This morning, I had the 8:00am Mass. I preached on Queen Margaret and her kindness to the poor and how she helped her husband to be a better King. I didn’t know that she was born in Hungary but was chosen to be the Queen in England. That didn’t work out, and she was returning to her home, when a storm caused her ship to go aground in Scotland. King Malcolm met and loved her, so they married, had 8 children and Christianized all of Scotland. I like her even more now.
I was suppose to go down to Leonardtown for a TEAM meeting but was just too tired to drive again. After this article is done, I’m going back to bed for awhile. I have confessions at 4pm.
Tomorrow, I am covering the Masses at St. Mary’s in Barnesville as Fr. Kevin is recovering from surgery. Then I am joiong Antonia and John Bass for brunch. Then a nap, and I have the 5:30pm Mass. I’m sure it will be “early to bed” again.

And now you are up to date!!!!and some!!!

I am in Cambridge, Maryland at the bi-annual convocation for the priests of the Archdiocese. There are about two hundred of us here (out of 300 in the Archdiocese). I have had a great time. I came on Monday although the convocation didn’t begin till Tuesday. I brought two bags of mail and paper from my desk that I just needed to go through. I put them all around the room and went through them. I filled two trash cans and got about 8 pieces of mail ready to send out. I also went through 5 or 6 magazines. I went to bed feeling like I had accomplished a lot.

I should go back to last Saturday first and update you. We had a special Mass at 11am that day, All Souls Day. I always enjoy the Mass because the names of all those who were buried from the church during the last year, are read and a candle is lit for them – sometimes by a relative or friend who is present. I listen to each name – many of whom I buried – and lift up their families in my prayers. The choir does a beautiful Latin Mass parts and that is nice to hear. I forgot how long the Mass is with the music and so I had to leave at Communion as I had a noon appointment.
I met with a young man who wants to receive the Sacraments. He was baptised but nothing more. I am enjoying our visits.
Around 2:30pm, I had another young man who was baptised a Lutheran but will marry a Catholic in the spring and wants to learn about the Church. Another great discussion.
I had given each of them, Joe’s new book: An Introduction to the Catholic Faith. They are enjoying it – as I am enjoying the discussions.

I was supposed to go to a birthday surprise party for my cousin, Rick Jensen but I called the hostess and said I was really wiped out. I hated to miss it because he and Peggy are close friends as well as cousins. I will try to meet with them again soon.

On Sunday, I came to the office and tried to clean it up. I had the 12:30 Mass and then I drove down to Maggie’s. Spent the evening watching TV and visiting. Went to bed early.

On Monday, I went to BINGO with Maggie and Marie. Didn’t win but had a good time. Then I left for the Eastern Shore and the convocation. It was a beautiful day for the drive.

On Tuesday, we began with evening prayer together and then a very nice dinner. I sat with 7 other priests – among them, Bill English, Jim Beattie, and Ray Fecteau. Meal was good but just being together was even better. Went to bed early.

On Wednesday, I had breakfast in my room and then we had the first talk. It was given by Dr. Ralph Martin, a lay theologian. He was very interesting about the “new evangelization”, which I have to be honest I haven’t been to interested in till now. We’ll see.
We also had a Mass where we prayed for all our brother priest who have died this last year. I always like that Mass and the Cardinal gave a great homily.

I had a chance for a long talk with John Dakes, who was in the teen club at St. Camillus and with Kyle Ingels, who was my seminarian at St. Michael’s. Both are great pastors and good friends but we just don’t get together enough. This was fun.

Today, we have a conference at 9am, then Mass and departure. I will stop at the post office and mail a number of things I got to work on.
I might stop at Maggie’s on the way home.

Again the time just flys by:

Last Tuesday, 10/29, I had the 11am Mass and then drove down to Maggie’s. She had lots of doctors’ appointments that Marie was driving her to, and so I took a nap. Then the three of us went to supper at a restaurant nearby to help the Jenkins family celebrate Bradly (9) and Mike (?) birthdays. Judy, Mike’s Mom joined us as did a young friend of Amanda’s (Tyler). I found out that Amanda is now driving – and I felt even older.
Then we went to North Beach Bingo. I didn’t win – and I don’t think Maggie or Marie did!; but we had a great time. Al and Gerry Size, friends from St. Bernard’s, were there and we “caught up”. Al was our barber at St. B’s and as I told him, I haven’t had a haircut I like since he moved.
When I got back to Maggie’s, I realized that in my rush to leave, I forgot to bring my oxygen with me. I didn’t sleep well, visualizing my heart having to work to pump both my blood and my oxgyen – a very real picture that the doctor painted for me when he asked me to use the oxygen at night. I was glad when 5:30am arrived and we could head out to Baltimore for Maggie’s surgery. We got there around 7:40 as it was raining and the traffice was terrible.
Surgery went well and after a short recovery, we headed home. I dropped them off at Maggie’s and came back to the rectory.
I did meet with a young woman who is interested in becoming Catholic around 6pm and then I went to the rectory, had a bite to eat, and put on my oxygen and slept till 9am the next day. Good sleep!!

On Thursday, I drove over to see a 92 year old lady, who hasn’t been able to get to church. We had a great visit and I gave her Communion.
I had exposition at 3pm and then the 5:30pm Mass. It was the vigil Mass for the feastday and was well attended.
Then I joined the priests for supper. Humberto is back and it was nice to sit and chat with the guys. I watched some TV and went to bed around 9pm.

I had lots of phone time this week and caught up with the Petrone family, Father T, Sister Kass, and some parishioners. It was a good week.

It’s Friday, and I just returned from Knollwood, the retirement community for the military nearby. The Jesuits do Masses there but we hear confessions every other First Friday. I always enjoy it and I did today.
I have the Mass at Chevy Chase House at 1:30. I will drive down around 1pm and wait to see if I can get a parking space on the road. Our office is closed today and so there is no one to drive me and pick me up afterwards. We’ll see how that goes.
I was suppose to go to a dinner for SOAR. The parish bought an add in the program and got two tickets. But I will not feel like going after Knollwood and Chevy Chase. I called the seminary to offer the tickets to any seminarian but I haven’t heard back.
I will relax this evening and go to bed early.

It is already a week since I last wrote; I don’t know how that happened.
Last Tuesday, I had my discussion group with the senior citizens and our topic was “Changes in the Church”. We discussed the rules about cremation, what the church asks if you want to have a child baptized, can you attend a single sex marriage ceremony, and attitudes towards Catholics who don’t obey church laws. It was very interesting and I ended the discussion with the invitation to learn the why of church law and then to be evangelizers to others about why Mother church has rules and how she applies them like all good mothers with loving and accepting care. It was a good morning.
Then I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. Went home and soaked my foot.

On Wednesday, I had the 8am Mass. I must have asked for it but I don’t remember why because I had nothing scheduled the rest of the day. So I got my haircut, soaked my foot, and spent the day in my suite. I did join Mary Bergman, her Mom, her aunt, her cousin, and Mary’s baby, Molly for supper at Clyde’s. Jim, her husband joined us late. We had a great time and made connections as we know some of the same people. I baptized Molly a couple of months ago and we promised to get together for a meal. Jim is a Good Counsel grad.

On Thursday, I picked up Joan Beall and we drove up to visit Betty Neary. It was a nice, sunny but cool day – Just the kind of day I like for a long ride. Betty was delightful and full of news. We caught up on lots of people. We went to lunch at the Mason/Dixon Line, our favorite diner; and then we went to the Amish market. That night, Betty called to update me on Fr. Bob Nugent. He is Salvatorian, who use to help at her parish. He bought a horse and moved to Florida. We had talked about him at lunch. She called to say that he has moved back to Wisconsin because he has cancer. I think he has been one of the Prophets of the church. Please keep him in your prayers.

On Friday, I had the 8am Mass. It was for John Mulholland on what was his 90th birthday. He is my friend, Brian’s dad. I was away on my cruise when he died and so I talked about him and his faith as part of my homily.
Then I went and soaked my toe. It looks terrible because a big piece of skin came off and it’s very raw but I can see it is much improved. I took a nap and then I went and picked up Barb Ostrye and she and I met Barry Fitz at an Italian restaurant. As we always do, we laughed and enjoyed being together. It was a great evening.

On Saturday, I met with a couple who is getting married to do some paperwork. I think it’s funny that I am doing a lot of paperwork for weddings I will not participate in, when I use to hate the paperwork part. Now, I am not up to doing the wedding but am happy to help the priests by doing the paperwork for them. Ah, the mystery of God’s plan!!
That evening, we had a special liturgy at 5:30. We call it the Ruppert Mass but it really is a Mass for people with disabilities. Blessed Sacrament is truly a parish that welcomes and has participating in its liturgical life, so many different people. I concelebrated with my oxygen.

On Sunday, I had the 7:30am Mass. I didn’t have to preach as we had a Father Gulliermo, from the Phillipines preaching at all the Masses. So after Mass, I went bad to bed and listened to the Sunday talk shows. I met Susan Cassidy for lunch at RIP’S in Bowie and it was fun to catch up on her, her family, and many from St. Mary’s county. I soaked my foot again and went to bed early. I was tired but I watched British TV.

Today, I came over to the office because I expected a man to come by and talk around 10. He did. Now, I think I’ll finish this up and take a nap. I have exposition at 3 and Mass at 5:30. I hope to get some of this desk cleared after Mass. We still don’t have a cook – he comes back tomorrow. I miss not coming together for supper and seeing the guys.