What Paddy Shot At

When I last wrote, I was in Lexington Park, Md near Ridge. I had come there on Friday.
When last I wrote, I was saying I had a busy Thursday and was home in the rectory that night.

On Friday, I had the 8:00am Mass and then headed to Dunkirk, in Southern Maryland. I was having the funeral service in the funeral home and then going to Cheltenham Military cemetary for the interrment. The man, George, was the father-in-law of the aunt of the wife of Marie’s son, Rick. I know that doesn’t sound like a close relative but I knew his son and I’m sure I’ve met him at family events. He had been in the air force, and then the secret service, and was living in Florida. Keep him and his family in your prayers.

Then I headed to St. Mary’s county. I met Susan for lemonade and caught up on some of the news of the parish. Then at 4:30, I had the wedding rehearsal. Keep Mary Jean and Chris in your prayers. They are very nice but both are studying to be scientist and it’s hard.

Afterwards, I stopped to see Shirley, my former secretary. She has been taking treatments for cancer and although she says she looks badly, John, her husband and I thinks she’s looking swell. We had a great visit. Then I went to the Campbell’s for a lovely outdoors dinner. The food was great, so was the company; the greatest thing was the full Moon, without a cloud in the sky. It’s called something special – and it was.

I went to the hotel and fell quickly asleep.

On Saturday, got up and had breakfast and as I was leaving the hotel -after stopping my last transmission – who stopped because they see me putting a tootsie roll into my mounth?? Robin and John Pajack!! They were driving down the road and saw me leaving the hotel, so they pulled into the next right turn and “tried” to get me not to eat the tootsie roll!! They were not successful!!

Then I drove over the bridge to the Solomons and visited the rehab home, where Bob Connelly is recovering. Some of the TEAM members were there and we had a great visit. I also stopped in to see one of my old Communion calls – Marie Wood. I think (but she doesn’t always tell the truth) that she is 97. She knew me and we laughed about the old times. Her son lives here in Blessed Sacrament and keeps me informed but it was great to see her.

Then I tried to visit the Zylas, Marian Ann, and Audrey Pratt. Wasn’t successful. Then I had the wedding and everything went smoothly. I didn’t go to the reception because I was “wrung out” when we were done. I did go to the Padukiewicz’s and had a nice visit with some of the McCoy clan and some parishioners of St. Mike’s. On the way home, I stopped at the Smith’s and saw the new baby and his older brother- as well as some other friends. I got home to DC around 1:30.

I’LL LEAVE SUNDAY TILL THE NEXT TIME.

I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t written since last Sunday; although I did say I anticipated a busy week – and it was.

On Monday, I picked up Msgr. Beattie at 10:00am at our Lady of Lourdes and we drove up to Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary. It was a beautiful day for a ride. We stopped for lunch at the Shamrock Inn as the trip took only about an hour. No traffic! We got there and he registered around 1pm. There are about 60 priests coming to the retreat. Quite a few are from DC and Fr. Beattie knew them and a lot of those from other diocese. Bishop Harry Flynn, who had been rector, was giving the retreat. Fr. will get a ride home on Friday.

On Tuesday, I had my last “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” session. We discussed some topics for next year. I also shared some of the latest stories about Pope Francis. We had a great time.

On Wednesday, I had lunch with my friend, Anne and had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. After Mass, I drove to Denton, a town on the Eastern Shore, and visit a woman, Mary Ellen, whom I went to grade school with. She “found” me on Facebook and invited me to stop by. I haven’t been to the shore for a couple of years but I promised to stop in. We had a wonderful visit full of “catching up”. Then I drove to Seaford, Delaware and stayed at the Hampton Inn.

On Thursday, I drove to Rehoboth to meet up with the Witte family. It’s a long story but they were not coming till next week; but I was able to visit with Rick and Peg Jensen, who were staying in Bethany. I had a great visit (and lunch) with their family. Then I drove to Selbyville and visited with my cousins, Ellie and Ray Gibbins. They retired and moved there to a lovely house, where they entertain many of their children and grandchildren. One son, Joe, his wife,Kathy, and their daughter, Ann were visiting also and it was great to see them. Ellie’s father and my grandfather were brothers. I got home that night around 7:30pm. I had been away 26 hours and had driven 306 miles. I loved it!!! I may do it again as I missed seeing some other family and friends who live up that way.

JUST GOT A NOTICE THAT MY BATTERY IS VERY LOW, I BETTER MAIL THIS OUT. MORE TO FOLLOW, WHEN I GET HOME.

Friday was a slow day. I had the 1:30pm Mass at Chevy Chase House. Afterwards, I drove over and visited my cousin, Ann O’Connell. She gave me some material on Virginia Mary Merrick. She was a young girl when she fell from the window of her home and was paralyed from then on. She founded the Christ Child Society, which works to improve the life of young girls, especially young mothers. I intend to use information on her for the service that we are having on Saturday for the disability committee.

I spent the evening playing spider solitaire.

On Saturday, I had the 11am Mass and I worked on the presentation for the service. Emma had made a lovely display of a number of saints with diabilities. The service was at 1pm and I think it went well. One of the young people read aloud about the difference saints and I expained what challenge they had – and how they used the challenges to become saints. I described how “Miss Mary” who lived in our parish was brought down one of our main roads in a reclliner with wheels. Her case is now in Rome for possible canonization. After the service, we had cookies and apple sauce and visited. It was so nice.

I had the confessions at 4pm and was busy the whole time. I didn’t come out till 5:25, but it was great to be doing that again. I was on the phone many times. Talked with Sister Natalie and Maggie (today was her birthday – but she didn’t seem to be celebrating it), also Brenda Ridgell, whose family was heading off to the beach with the firefighter’s convention. Talked to Joan Beall and Bob Norton. Also emails and the ever continuing taxes!
At 7pm, I met with a young couple I will marry in November. Just wanted to get started on the paperwork.

I went to bed around 10pm and was asleep by 10:04pm

This morning I helped with Communion at 7:30 Mass. I really have missed doing that; and so I am willing to use the oxygen so I can participate more in church things. Then I had the 9am Mass. My server was Liam and he was so helpful with the oxygen. I think I’m getting the hang of how to use it regularly. I think my homily was good. I talked about the difference between the Pharisees and the followers of Jesu in terms of law versus loving service.

Then I drove out to Good Counsel and baptized the grand daughter of Maureen and Art Raimo. She is the daughter of Annie, whom I baptized at the old GC 29 years ago. So keep Annie and Shawn, and little Olivia Helen in your prayers. It was the first time I’d had Mass at the new GC and it was an honor. I enjoyed seeing the Raimo family and meeting Shawn’s family. GC has a special place in my heart.

Now I’m just sitting in the office watching Jessica Fletcher solve murders. It’s a mystery marathon. I have the 5:30pm and I’ll be glad to get to bed. Tom Favret called and we are going to try to get together this weekend. He is back in the country from Belgium to get some training before his next assignment. He is in our foreign service and I’m very proud of him

I’m going to drive Fr. Beattie up to the Mount tomorrow. He is going to participate in a retreat that Bishop Harry Flynn is giving. I’ll come right back as I have a busy week coming up.

On Monday, I was picked up by Jim Wilder and we went to Clyde’s for lunch. I had met Jim and his wife, his son, and his mother-in-law at the brunch that Antonia and John Bass had invited me to at the Mayfair, which is a lovely residence next to St. Jane de Chantal church. We just hit it off and our mutual love of Ireland led to this follow up luncheon. He worked in colleges and universities but now that he is retired he is gathering stories of Irish personalities and having stories about this people printed. He is also working on a history of printing in Ireland. I just enjoyed the whole meal and the conversation. I hope we’ll get together again soon.

I had the 5:30pm Mass and spent the evening reading. We had a bad storm and lost electricity but I was already in bed so I really didn’t notice. Fortunately, I don’t set the alarm so I didn’t notice the clock was wrong till Tuesday morning.

Tuesday was a full day. I had the 11am Mass and Ellen, Paul, and Alex attended. They are part of my TEAM in Southern Maryland and were stopping to see me on their way to see Bob and Jane Connolly (more TEAM members). Bob is in Washington Hospital Center with pneumonia. We went to lunch at Clyde’s and as we were walking in, who do I meet but Bob Wallace. It was great to see him and to talk for even a few moments.I asked him to give my love to his wife, Marie. (They were in my first TEAM). Our lunch was a great time to talk and “catch up”.
Then I relaxed and worked in the office till around 4:30, when Maureen Raimo brought her grandchild, Olivia by to visit me. I am going to baptize her on Sunday. Annie, Maureen’s daughter, whom I baptized a long time ago, came by to visit after work. She is a kindergarten teacher in Montgomery County.

The parish council had their supper here around 7pm and I visited for awhile and got something to eat, then came up to my suite and worked on my taxes!

I had to set the alarm for Wednesday because I had a full day scheduled. I took my car over to Danny Veith’s and he put in a new battery. I needed it and now feel more secure.
Then I drove to Union Station. I had two train tickets that I had bought and was unable to use. First, I couldn’t find how to get into the parking garage and when I did, the only spaces open were on the roof in the sun. It was 90 degrees. The escalator was being repaired and so I had to take an elevator to the 2nd level and there take an escalator to the 1st level and there discovered the escalator was not working and so I walked all around that level and walked down a non working escalator to the main floor. I found the ticket counter and learned that my one ticket had run out on June 2nd and the one from November needs to be cashed in “on line”. Only good thing was that the parking fee was only 1 dollar!!

Then I drove to the Archdiocese of the Military near Catholic U to get a baptismal certificate for the groom in the wedding being held in Italy.
Then I decided to get my hair cut and beard trimmed.
I had taken my oxygen with me on the trip and used it each time I got back to the car. It has a plug that can be used in the cigarette lighter.

I had the 5:30pm Mass and then a couple whose marriage I will bless at the end of the month, came to finish the paperwork.

Sr. Kass wrote a while ago that I should be more consciencius of the phone calls and letters I write because I really don’t just do two activities a day. This week that was very true. I had long phone conversations with my cousin, with the Pojes, with Father (Rosenberger), with Fr. T, Pat Horan Granados, my niece MaryAnn, The Favrets, Cindy Richards, Sharon Beall, Keith Morris (oh, James Keith Haven – child of Kathleen and David Haven was born this week – healthy and going to be baptized August 24th)
I also called Fr. Beattie, Joan Beall, Maggie and Marie, Barbara, Dan Curtin, and Lisa (at the Pastoral center – she is going to help me with my Medicare and insurance problems), even tried to call Mark Gribbin as Wednesday was his birthday. I had the wrong number but I sent him an email and he wrote back, so now I have the right info. I also wrote a number of emails. So, I guess I do spend a lot of time on the phone and computer in addition to my 2 activities??!!

Today, we spent the whole day “in fear” of the serious weather. It rained twice – very hard but we seem to have missed the really bad stuff. It was North and South of us and we haven’t really gotten report yet.

As it was my DAY OFF, I had a doctor’s appointment at 10:15. It went well and I had a very good talk with Dr. Lucas about NOT canceling trips, especially cruises in the future. I’m going to try to arrange another cruise soon.

We were suppose to have another group in for supper but they canceled because of the weather. But we still had supper and we just laughed and talked till 7:45. I missed Wheel of Fortune but it was worth it. I do have wonderful housemates!

Well now you’re caught up to date on things. I will work on being more faithful to writing.

I did all the things I had planned to do on Thursday. I said the 9:15am Mass at Our Lady of the Visitation parish in Darnestown. Nice little group of 10. I had my oxygen in the car but didn’t use it; but I sat for everything except the Eucharistic Prayer.
Then I went to visit Andy and Loretta Favret and caught up on all the family, which I loved hearing about. Thomas, who is in the foreign service in back for some meeting before he goes to his new assignment, Afganistan! I’m hoping to see him soon.
Then I drove to Manchester and visited with Fr. Mike Roach and his staff. He has a nice seminarian named Tyler, who is a student at the Mount and will be with him all summer. We regaled (or scandlized) him with old camp stories, etc. I stayed for over 4 hours and I think I was laughing all that time.
I went right to bed when I got home.

Friday, I got up at 6:20am to attend the Jesus in the Marketplace presentation. A group of men gather after the 6:30 Mass and there is a speaker and then they go off to work by 7:45. Fr. Lucas spoke and I learned somethings I didn’t know about his life and the society of priests he belongs to. The men really enjoyed him.
Then I concelebrated the last school Mass. Fr. Percy had it but I wanted to see the kids off for the summer.
Then I had the 11am Mass – and went and took a nap!!
At 5:30, I had the rehearsal for my wedding. The lady who usually runs the rehearsals was away, so I did it – and I think it worked.
At 7:15, I met with the nice couple who are being married in Italy. After I met with them on Monday, I showed Fr. Ron the material I had. He very politely showed me what else I needed and they came back to fill out the rest of the paperwork. I hope we have it all now and on Monday, we might send it to our chancery, who will send it to the chancery in Italy, who will send it to the priest who is marrying them. I remember now how much I hated paperwork when I was a pastor!!

On Saturday, I had a baptism at 11am. Please keep Amelia Anne in your prayers.
The wedding went off without a hitch. Please keep Megan and David in your prayrs.

Today, I had the 7:30am Mass. They don’t see me very often! I preached on compassion (Jesus raises up the only son of the widow) and I used example from Pope Francis. It went well

Then I went to see Ceil Shellman, a 92 year old friend from St. Bernard’s days. She is in a nursing home and I arrived as they were watching Mother Angelica’s Sunday Mass on TV. Only three of them were Catholics so I was able to give Communion from the two hosts I had in my pix. They loved the combination of TV and “live” Communion. I think that was a first for me too. Ceil and I had a nice long talk and reministed about the great days at St. B’s.

Then I went to a cookout at Bob and Sue Chambers – great friends! I saw their son, daughter, and Bob’s Mom. We had a great time. Then we were joined by Barry Fitzpatrick, who was principal at GC when Bob was a student and I was chaplain. We sat and talked and laughed out on the deck till the sun set. It was wonderful to be with them all. Barry looks great.

On the way home, I stopped in to Joan Beall’s and had a nice chat. I got home around 11:30 and I am ready for bed. I just learned that I missed the Tony awards – but I probably didn’t know any of the shows that were up for awards. I really do need a trip to NYC soon!!!

To bring you up to date:
I didn’t do much on Monday, June 3rd. I had the 11am Mass and I mentioned it was the 50th anniversary of the death of Blessed Pope John XXIII. I did go by and have Danny look at my car battery and soon I’ll need a new one. Maybe next week.

Tuesday, I had my “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” group. The topic was the new Pope and I shared a number of very human stories that I’ve heard about him. People like him and our discussion was very lively. A nice surprise was Joe and Sherry Towsend being there. They are close friends of the brother of the lady who runs the Manning center and got talking about me at a gathering. I officiated at their wedding 39 years ago at St. Camillus. They brought pictures. Did I really have a page boy haircut???? It was great to see them and talk.

I had the 5:30pm Mass and spoke about Tobit and his life of struggles. Then after supper with Ron and Lucas, I went to the play reading group. I really enjoy that but have had a miss the last few. We read “the importance of being Ernest” and had a nice discussion afterwards.

Today I had the 8am Mass ( a big surprise to that congregation as I don’t get to them often). I preached on St. Boniface, whom I have always found interesting since I discovered him in the seminary. After that I called Fr. Beattie to see how he is doing. He is coming along well and walking around upstairs a lot. He has used the chairlift but he says he is content for now to stay upstairs until he feels he doesn’t need the walker.

Then I went to the John Vianney House (former convent at Holy Redeemer in Kensington) where we have our “retired priests” gathering on the first Wednesday of the month. The last meeting before the summer break is always a meeting with the Cardinal and the retirement board of the Archdiocese. I’ve never gone before but it was very interesting and I learned alot about the retirement policies of the diocese. I think we’re getting a raise. There are 80 retired priests, which surprised me.

Tomorrow is my day off and Ray Fecteau called and asked if I could come out to his parish and say the 9:15am Mass. Since I’m going out that way, I’m going to stop in and see the Favret’s in Frederick and then I’m going to see Fr. Mike Roach in Manchester, Md. He and I and his summer seminarian are having lunch. I’ll probably come home and nap the rest of the day.

Sister Kass had her other knee replaced on Tuesday. I talked with her on Monday but haven’t heard how it went. Keep her in your prayers, she will be at a rehab center for the next month. I’ll keep you informed.

I’ll try to write before the weekend.

Today I had a baptism at 11am in the chapel. Please keep Charlotte and her family in your prayers.

Today after 12:30 Mass, there was a procession outside but I just watched. I think they walked around the block but I was tired before that and went and took a nap. A number of people joined the procession.

I also had the 5:30pm Mass. I had a very good homily about Corpus Christi.

I finished the book I was reading about Pope Pius XI.It was an easy read and informative. I wrote to Morris McGregor that I would be happy to write a review of it for the next issue of the Catholic Historical Society magazine.

On Friday, Martino reminded me that we were having kindergarten graduation at 9am.I was so glad I went (even with the oxygen). The kids were adorable and sangA number of songs. The last one started out like the song from Chorus Line –“Kiss today goodbye and point me towards tomorrow…..” they sang about knowingTheir ABC’s and how to count and other things but they ended with, “….Let’s go,Ready for 1st grade, ready for 1st grade…. (shouted) First grade!!!!”. It was great, then They said, “Father O, could you close us with a prayer?” Through damp eyes, IMumbled a prayer and headed back to the office. I don’t know if it’s the medicine, or the oxygenBut I seem to get weepy very easily.

I was driven to and picked up from Chevy Chase House, where I said Mass at 1:30pm. Nice crowd of about 15. I wore my oxygen from my desk until I came back since it was 94 degrees outside.

On Saturday, we had our graduation Mass and ceremony for the 8th graders. I concelebrated butI didn’t help with Communion. I used the oxygen. It was very nice and emotional.

I met with a couple who want to be married here in May 2014. They are very nice and Fr. Lee from St. Michael’s is a family friend and may do the wedding (and maybe the paperwork???) We’ll see. Now, at least it is in the book.

I also met with the couple whose wedding is next Saturday. I didn’t have all that paperwork done. Now, it is.

Also met about the prayer service we are holding in the chapel for people with disabilities on June 15th. Those events are always so moving and this one will celebrate a lady from this parish,Mary Merrick, whose case for sainthood is being looked at in Rome. She was crippled and began the Christ Child Society.

Fr. Ron wrote an announcement for the priests to read at the end of Mass this weekend, informing the people that we will be getting a new priest in July. His name is Fr. Justin Huber and I think he has been the assistant at Holy Redeemer in Kensington for a year or two. That means we’ll have 5 priests in the house (and only 4 Masses daily). So the load will be lightened. I’m thrilled as I am running out of energy.

Today is the feast of St. Joan of Arc and so I want to wish a happy feast day to all the special “Joans” that God has placed in my life. I hope they know how grateful I am to know them. They are prayed for daily but today especially.

I haven’t written lately because the days just go by quickly. I decided that it is best for me to only do two things a day. I just don’t have the energy.

On Monday, Memorial Day, I had the 5:30am Mass. Because it was a federal holiday and we didn’t have a 6:30am Mass, there were lots of people. As soon as it was over, Fr. Jim picked me up and we drove over to Ruth Chris’ in Bethesda and met Fr. John, and Fathers Mike and Regis, who teach at CUA. We use to get together for dinner and haven’t done it for while. We had a great time.

On Tuesday, I had the 11am Mass and then that evening, I attended the wine and cheese meeting of the committee on people with special needs. It was very informative and two members of the L’Arch community came and made a presentation. Again, very interesting.

On Wednesday, I had the 11am and then in the evening I met with a couple whose marriage I will bless in a couple of months once we get all the paperwork done.

Today is my day off and I had intended to go to a casino but my companion isn’t feeling good, so we will reschedule. Since I was going to be home, I offered to say the 11am Mass. Fr. Lucas would have had three since Fr. Ron is away on retreat.

At all the Masses this week, I preached about the book of Sirach, which was the first reading. It’s a book full of good advice. I’d forgotten but I suggested to the people they should get familiar with it as it had given me a lot to think about.

I spent a lot of time in my office writing emails and making phone calls. I used the oxgyen while I was over there, especially at Mass and when I fit come back to the office. It’s been fun to “reconnect” with friends – and I can do that as long as I don’t move around.

I will learn to re-adjust my life and still get to do what I want to. As they say, “Let go and let God”.

Had the 10:30am Mass today and have spent the rest of the day cleaning up my office and my emails. I am now in my suite watching the concert in front of the capitol for Memorial Day.

I had a good week and stayed around the parish mostly. Went and got my oil changed at JiffyLube and did drive down to Sunny’s 5th birthday. I got a chance to see a lot of the family and to say “Goodbye” to Rick and Shirley. I spent a lot of time on the phone about insurance and Medicare. I spent a lot of time “on hold” but I got some things settled. I talked to Fr. Beattie and he is doing well and walking with his walker up and down the hallway. His chairlift will be put in this week.

I am in my suite so I don’t have my appointment book nearby but I know I didn’t do too much this week. I am trying to learn to say “No” to all the activity. I did do a home Mass on Saturday for the Veith family as after 47 years, they have sold their homestead. Ann, the Mom died late last year. She and her husband had 16 children and they all lived in that house. The Mass was very nice and about 40 of the family came. It was full of good memories that were shared in the dialogue homily. I had confessions, so I couldn’t stay for the “open house” they had for neighbors and friends. BUT, they brought up a lot of food and left it here for the priests. It was very good and made meals for Saturday and Sunday!!

I did talk to Eileen and she is feeling much better and waiting for information about if there is need for treatment. She is most grateful for the prayers.

Isabell, the nice lady from Philly who works a couple of days a week as a receptionist, fell and is in the hospital. Please keep her in your prayers.

I will write this coming week and will try to be more detailed. Have a nice holiday and remember to pray for and remember all our vets.

On Tuesday, I did have the 11am Mass and “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. Both went well but I didn’t have crabs with my family. I drove down to Maggie’s but returned to the rectory as we couldn’t arrange for the crabs till the next day. So it was a quiet night at home and early to bed. I did talk with Eileen and all went well with the surgery. She thanks you for the prayers.

Wednesday, I had the school Mass at 9:15am. It was very nice and also the crowning of Mary was part of it. When I was done, I drove to Maggie’s and she, Kerri, Rick and Shirley and I went to Abner’s for wonderful crabs. They were very “meaty”. I drove home because I need to get the oil changed in my car.

Today, I am just “bumming around”. I’ve stayed in my suite and kept warm. I think I have a little cold and I am wrapped in a blanket in my chair. I’ ve watched TV and eaten crackers. I will go down to supper. I had planned to attend the “Apples for the Teacher” award ceremony tonight at a hotel but I think I shouldn’t go out in the rain. Phil McQuilkin, who is the 4th grade teacher at St. Michael’s is getting the award and I have always been proud of the great job he does. Also it would have been nice to see the gang but I have a full weekend and I need to be up to it. So!

I’ve talked to a lot of people on the phone and done some emails but I am “behind”!! Maybe later tonight.