What Paddy Shot At

I relaxed this morning and just stayed in my suite. At 11am, I headed out to Leisure World to pick up Barbara Ostrye and Addie Luftus, two old friends of mine who live out there. We went to lunch and talked and laughted and had a great time. We solved many of the problems of the Church.
Martino was kind enough to take exposition for me and so I didn’t have to rush back. I didn’t get back till almost 4pm.

I had the 5:30pm Mass, which was for Michelle Heidenberger. She was a parishioner who was a flight attendant on the plane that flew into the pentagon. I didn’t know her but I know her husband and some neighbors and they were at Mass and it went well. It really was a day – all day – when we thought of that horrible day 11 years ago. We pray that such horror may never come again.

Since I was out for lunch, I had turned off my cell phone and didn’t turn it back on until after Mass. I had lots of missed calls.

When I was in my office, Fr. Ron came in and closed the door. He said, “While you were out, you had some phone calls. It was sad news from the South. It was from Georgia. Jesus came and took your sister, Maureen home to heaven” He was very kind and although I was shocked, he helped me a great deal.

God is very good. Yesterday, Rick, her husband, called me from a parking lot – because he didn’t want her to know he was calling. He told me that she was having real difficulties breathing and he was worried about her. I called her – not letting her know Rick and I had talked – and we had a wonderful converdation. She was going to Atlanta for a treatment and said she’d call me on Tuesday night and let me know how it had gone. We closed with what has become – since September 11, 2001 – not “Goodbye” but “I love you”

Tonight, I spoke with Rick, who was with her in Atlanta. He said, it was going badly when she got there. She just couldn’t get her breath. The doctors later told Rick that she was on 100% oxygen but that the fibrosis of her lungs were so harded, she just couldn’t breath. It is hard for all of us, expecially Rick and the boys and their families, but all of us believe that she is with Jesus and that brings some comfort.

Don’t know what arrangements will be made but I know it will be in Georgia, her home. Keep everyone in your prayers.

As I forcasted, Saturday was a full day. I had a baptism at noon, another at 1pm and a third at 2pm. Keep in your prayers:
Virginia Ann
Rocco Samuel
Christian Elieso

Each was so good and each had lots of family from as far away as Boston, New York, and North Carolina. I bet some of the parties are still going on.

I didn’t go to the parties because I was suppose to go to Gina and Anthony Gugliemo’s 50th wedding anniversary party in Alexandria at 5pm. If you live around here, you already know that at 4pm, there was a tornado forcasted for Alexandria. I was driving down the road at 4pm and it became black and the wind bent over the trees. And the rain was torrential. I wimped out and came home. Later on the news, I saw parts of NW Washington with trees and power lines in the street.
I hated to miss the celebration but glad I’m older and wiser now!!

Sunday I had the 12:30pm Mass and the 5:30pm Mass, so I just hung around and read and watched some TV.

Today, I got up early because the school was getting a proclamation as a “Blue Ribbon School” at 8:15am. There was a nice crowd of parents and parishioners who joined the school community in the gym.
Since I was up, I made a number of phone calls and caught up with some friends. I really have not been very social while this leg heals. I had the 11am Mass and then I had lunch and took a nap.

This evening, a man who had spoke to me yesterday about coming to visit his father-in-law called to say he had died. I had offered to go yesterday but he said that he just got hospice and to wait till his wife got back in town. One should never hesitate to do something. I went over after supper and prayed with the family. I think we’ll have a memorial Mass on Saturday. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Also I learned the David Villani, the younger brother of Joe, whose house I visited last Sunday and had that great reunion, died in his sleep. I called and their mother, who remembered me from the seminary, answered. We had a very nice talk. She reminded me of a quote the President Kennedy said once, “It’s a sin against nature for a parent to bury a child”. So true, please keep all the Villanis in your prayers as well.

Am just returning from the first meeting of RCIA. I hope to get to many of them this year. Each person who spoke tonight of their life and journey was fascinating. And now to bed.

Yesterday, Thursday was another hot and humid day in Washington. I had the 8:00am Mass and then drove out to therapy at 10:00am. I did well (I had to walk up and down stairs 20 times without using the railings) but it still hurts. When I got home, I took a long nap.
After that, in todays mail, Terry Odien had sent me a book as a gift. It is written by Robert Nugent, a Salvatorian priest and it is about Tom Merton and his friendship with Sister Therese, a Salvatorian sister, who taugh all of us English at Mount St. Paul Seminary. I started it this afternoon!

At 6pm, I went to the house of Tom and Julia Heidelburg, parishioners who I had the priviledge of officiating at their wedding when I first got here (3 years ago). I had met them a number of years ago when I brought Beth McCoy up to visit her niece, Barbara. She and her husband, Peter lived next door and I had a great time that first time – and last night being with the four of them was a great time as well. I did have one problem. They have steps up to the house from the street and again to the porch. There is a rail to the porch but none from the street; so I had to climb bent over with my hands and feet for those three steps. I tried upright but couldn’t make it. Tom met me at the door and said, “We’ve had people who had to leave our house on all four but this is the first time someone came that way!” He led me out a side door and down the drive way when I left.

Barbara lent me a book on old Washington written by another parishioner about his family. I started it last night! I will have lots of time to read, now that the conventions are over. I actually prefer reading to TV.

This morning, First Friday, I got up early and came over to join the men’s group, Christ in the Marketplace. They meet every first friday after the 6:30, have some refreshments, and then a speaker. Today was Patrick Kilner, a realitor, who also has a 9 month old with very serious health issues. He shared about his family and the blessing that this little boy is to his wife, three other children, and himself. He also spoke about running a big company and how to balance the work with his life as husband, father, and caregiver. It was very impressive.

Then I went to Knollwood to hear confessions. They wanted me to take a stipend but I told them to send it to St. Michael’s school. On the way home, I stopped at a nursing center near St. John’s High School and visited Katherine Peake, the mother of two of my students from GC. She has altzeimer but is as sweet as ever. I don’t know that she knew who I was but I went for myself. We laughed, hugs, I gave her a blessing and I’m glad I went.

At 1:15, Joan drove me and Martino to Chevy Chase House for Mass. It was great as always and they just loved Martino.

I am trying to get a prescription renewed but it isn’t easy. Remember when you just called the doctor’s office and his friendly nurse or receptionist would call it in for you??? Well I think those days are over. So I just ate half a cantoloupe to give me some potassium to make up for my dierectic. Oh the joys of old age!!!

I’m off to the rectory for a nap and then I’ll join the brethren for supper and then an easy evening of reading. Have a full day on Saturday.

I looked at my appointment book and I have been busy.

On Tuesday, the 28th, I ended up going over to D’Carlos’ for supper after the 5:30pm Mass. I met Paul Hill and Jim Beattie and Tom Duffy and John Clark. We had a great time. I watched more of the convention and slept in on Wednesday.

I had the 11am Mass and afterwards, it was so hot that I just went for a ride. I didn’t want to go to bed early. I ended up going to Lenscrafters and having my eyes examined and got new glasses. I had bi-focals but I was having a hard time reading the altar book. It is much better now but it took almost 6 hours of waiting around and when I got home, I was beat. The heat is so oppressive. I sat in the airconditioning and watched TV.

On Thursday, I had the 8am Mass and then I picked up Tom Duffy and we went to visit the Little Sisters of the Poor Home. Tom is thinking about moving there. It is very nice and is right across the street from the Shrine. We got paperwork and we’ll see.
Then I went to hear confessions and it occured to me that I might feel better if I went to confession. Have no great sins but I don’t feel good about my relationship with the Lord over this very very long convalesence. I called a priest friend and we had a very nice visit, meal, and reconciliation service. I slept through the night.

On Friday, we had a school Mass and I concelebrated. It was so good to see all the kids and teachers again. Then I had the 11am Mass and spent the rest of the day trying to organize all the baptisms that I have scheduled for September and October. I also rode over and got my hair cut and my beard trimmed. It was look shaggy!

On Saturday, I slept in and did the 11am Mass. Then I did “desk work” until Confessions at 4pm. I just relaxed that night and watched a DVD I have of old Lucy shows. It was very enjoyable.

I had the 10:30am Mass and gave a very good homily about needing to trust God more and how going to confession really changed my attitude about my leg. Peg and Rick came and afterwards, we went to Sheila Reilly, a dear friend of us all and had brunch. She works and lives at Madiera School over in Virginia. It is a very famous and exclusive girls’ school on 440 acres. Her home overlooks the Potomac River and has deer all around it. We had a wonderful time. Rick and Peg brought me home (with a “doggie bag” of a delicious peach cobbler) and then I drove out to Germantown and visited the home of Joe and Pat Villani. Joe was at St. Vincent’s with me and after he left, he was superintendent of Schools for Montgomery county and now woks for the National Board of Superintendents of Schools. He and Pat had invited three other fellows from St. Vincent’s, Tom Clouse, Paul Rao, and Bob Maidoff and their wives and another fellow who had been with Joe at St. Charles seminary before he came to Vincent’s. He and his wife fit in very well and have known these group for years. I had such a good time!!!
I stayed late but knew that I didn’t have to get up early on Labor Day as I was not scheduled for a Mass. I did get up and ride up to Gaithersburg. I dropped off the stole for Fran Werden to embrioder the name of her newest grandson, Mac, whom I will baptism in October. Then I went to Doug and Kathleen Hanratty to do some therapy in their pool. I enjoyed it and my leg felt so much better. I visited with the family and had a great time.
I came home and took a nap and then Fr. Lucas, our resident and I went to Little Flower parish for the annual Priests’ cookout. I saw lots of guys I haven’t seen lately and we had a great time.
I was very tired with all the social things and slept soundly!!

On Tuesday, I had therapy at 8am and then the 11am Mass. I picked up Tom for supper and met Jim and John at D’Carlos’. I watched some of the convention and went to bed.

I believe that brings you up to today.

I gave a presentation to the Bible study group at 9am and then had the 11am Mass. Our new seminarian, Martino Chu, who will live with us this year was there and helped me. I also was able to introduce him to a number of people.
Afterwards, I went over to the St. John Vianney house and joined the “retired priests” luncheon. Saw Tom Kane and Bishop Olivier and the regular gang. It was good to see them all again.
I just met with a young couple and their son, John Joseph, whom I will baptize on September 22nd. He was just adorable!!
Now off to the rectory, a little food and the convention!!!

It has been a week since I last wrote. I could hardly believe that when I noticed it. What has been going on in my life? I don’t remember because my appointment book is over in the parish center. I will look at it tomorrow and write about his past week.

Today, I had therapy at 8:30am and then I came home and said the 11:00am Mass. There was a wonderful line at the end of the first reading. It said, “We know the mind of Christ”. In my homily, I reminded the people of the “WWJD” braclets that so many teenager get when they are on retreat. It reminds the retreatents that Jesus in counting on them, and when the face an issue or a question, they should ask themselves, “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO”. In the scriptures, we learn what Jesus taught, said, and did. So we have the answer to any question or problem.

After doing some work at my desk, I came and took a nap. Afterwards, I drove over and picked up Msgr. Tom Duffy to take him to DeCarlo’s. There we met Fr. Beattie and Father Clark. We had a great time and lots of laughs. Fr. Duffy rode home with Fr. Clark and now that I am home; I will watch some of the convention and then go to bed.

Felt better today. I think the doctor’s advice was correct. I just got up and laid aside my cane and have been walking and climbing stairs throughout the day. I had the 11am Mass and although I didn’t help with Communion, I think I walked up straight and got in and out of the chair using my legs rather than my arms.

I had lunch with Fr. Lucas and we had a great time talking about the parish and how he can get involved. Then I returned to the office and started cleaning the desk. Now there is a chair filled with loose papers but I did get somethings organized.

I typed five letters, called some relatives who have been ill and returned a couple more of the “full up” cell phone calls I recieved. Got some more of my marriage paperwork done or organized and I mailed out the IMP test that the couple took last night. I took a break to expose the Blessed Sacrament and then I made more phone calls. I called Mary Rose (my accountant) to see if my extension for paying my taxes was almost over. It isn’t, so I have a couple more months before I am dragged off to prison ministry!!

I had the 5:30pm Mass and I talked about Augustine’s concern that “too late he had loved God”. The scriptures for the day reminded us that our salvation comes not because we love God but because He first loved us. It’s encouraging that no matter when we come, He will be there to embrace us.

After Mass, Fr. Paul Hill was here and we drove over to DeCarlo’s to meet Jim Beattie, Tom Duffy, and John Clark. We had great food and as always, many laughs. I think I’ll watch some of the convention and go to bed. I think I have the 11am tomorrow.

Have had a couple of very relaxing days.
On Friday, I did stop at my Kennelly’s wake and saw his wife and son. I also saw the mother of another of my students, Mrs. Mary Mandeville. Joe is a successful entrepeneur ( No surprise, he had a great personality!)
Then I drove down to Annapolis and checked into the Doubletree Hotel. The desk clerk said it was for two nights and so I decided I could come back early Sunday for the 9:00am Mass. My room was lovely and nice and cold!!! I took a nap and then went to St. Mary’s for the rehearsal at 5pm. It went very well and then we went to BRIO’s, an Italian place in Town Center. The food was great and varied. I’d never had Fillet on a toasted tomato. Delicious!!!! I sat with the grooms family and got a chance to “catch up” for Rick, Anita, and Little Ricky from Colombia, SC It was fun and I went home and went to bed!!

On Saturday, I met Sister Kass at the Double T Diner for breakfast and we had a great visit and “caught up”. Her Dad is doing very well. Thanks for those prayers.

I went early to the church to listen to Ricky play and sing. He is so talented and did a great job at the wedding. He is now in the Army band and does a lot of entertaining for visitors to the base. He looks great.

Then I went and took a nap (after I got lost taking a short cut to avoid all the traffic in Annapolis – I finally found RT 50 and got back). The reception was at the hotel, so after the nap; I went down and visited before the meal started. Once again, the food was great. I sat with the groom’s family and his grandmother, Jean Pizza and I laughed (and cried) at the wonderful slide show of Krista, Rusty, and Krusty (them together!) It was very touching.

Once I knew that Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were over, I took my leave and went back for a nice hot shower and bed. It rained a bit during the night but it didn’t keep me awake. At 6:15am, I headed back to the parish and got here with lots of time to spare for the 9:00am Mass.
I baptized Bridget Elizabeth and she smiled throughout!! She is from Georgia but came here to be baptized in the church where her great grand parents and her grandparents were married; where her Daddy was baptized (in the same gown, her great grandmother had made). She had a large cheering section and the people in church stopped by to congratulate them all. It was so much fun.

At 2pm, Jeff and Christy came to see me. I am going to officiate at their wedding next April. Jeff is the son of Pat and Joe Villani. Joe was my classmate at St. Vincent’s about a hundred years ago and has been a superintendents of schools in Montgomery County and Virginia. Christy is from Blessed Sacrament and has wanted to be married here but didn’t how how to arrange it. I saw Joe and Pat at Fr. Ray Fecteau’s 40th and told them to have her call me – and now it’s going to happen.
Isn’t God GOOOOOOOOD!

Today, I had the 11am Mass and preached on loving and praying for our children. Monica is such a good example!!
Then I went to therapy. It was hard, especially walking up the steps! Then I met with Dr. Higgins. He was so good and explained what is going on in my legs and tells me, it’s gonna be fine. I believe him!!!

Now, I’m sitting here in the office. A couple is coming to see me at 7pm to take a pre-cana communications test. He came into the church in RCIA in the Spring and I think they’re getting married next Spring. I’m just doing paperwork!!

Then over for Jeopardy and early to bed. I think that brings you up to date!

I had a great time in the pool last Wednesday. I stayed in from 2pm till 5pm. Maggie, Marie and I were there all the time but for the last hour or so, Jimmy (Marie’s son) and his two children, Sunny and Trevor (4 and 2) came and joined us. We had a great time. I especially enjoyed being able to move around without feeling the weight on my left knee and leg.
The only thing was I forgot that we Irish have to keep out of the sun; so I do have a sunburn on my head, face, and shoulders. But I don’t care.
We all went to Ledo’s where some of Maggie’s family joined us and we celebrated my birthday (a day early). I came home and was there and in bed by 9pm.

On Thursday, August 23rd, I celebrated the 8:00am Mass and prayed for “Maurice and Frances, who gave me life and faith”. After Mass, we had donuts in the office with the staff. Then I went out to therapy at 9:30 and when I got home, there was a beautiful flower arrangment from all of Fran Werden’s grandchildren. It has brightened up the place.
I took the rest of the day off and took to my bed. Fr. Jim Boccabella joined us for supper and he and I sat in the parlor until 10pm catching up. He is loving being the pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Southeast. We laughed a lot and Fr. Lucas and Fr. Ron joined us for awhile.

Before I went to bed, I discovered that I had 19 phone messages on my phone in my office, 20 (and full) on my cell phone and over 43 messages at Facebook.
When I came to the office today, I discovered that I had 52 birthday cards and a Snickers in my mailbox. It will take me all day to read and listen but what a nice expression of friendship and it makes me very happy as I think of each of those who contacted me. I have been very blessed!!!!!

Today, I had the 8:00am Mass. It is the feast of St. Bartholomew and I prayed for the pastors and parishioners of St. Bart’s in Bethesda and in Manchester (Fr. Mike Roach is there!!).
Now, I’m going take a nap and then stop at the wake of Mr. Cletus Kennelly, the father of Packy Kennelly, one of my favorite students from GC and then I’ll head to Annapolis. I have Rusty and Krista’s wedding rehearsal at 5pm. (Rusty is the grandson of Jean Pizza). I’ll stay overnight at the Doubletree and the wedding is at 1pm. After the reception, I’ll come home and crash. I have the 9:00am Mass on Sunday.

In light of my natal day celebrations, I am reminded of a quote I saw at the Mulligan’s a couple of years ago and have it pasted on my bullentinboard.

TRULY GREAT FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND,
DIFFICULT TO LEAVE,
AND IMPOSSIBLE TO FORGET.

Again, I have been so blessed in great friends!!! Thanks to you all.

Since I wrote last Saturday, I have been in a real funk!!

I did have the 5:30pm Mass on Saturday and I took the 7:30am and 10:30am Masses on Sunday. However, by the time I finished the 10:30 Mass, I was exhausted. I stayed in my office and met with a couple about Baptism for their son and then I noticed that it was pouring rain outside and my leg hurt so much that I hobbled over to the rectory and after some soup, went to bed. It was about noon when I got in bed and except for the occasional visit to the necessary; I stayed in bed till about 10am on Monday.

I had the 11am Mass and afterwards went to lunch with Jean Denney, my cousin. She drove because my leg was still bothering me. She knew a nice little Italian place further in Connecticut Ave. It was lovely and not crowded and we had a great lunch and a nice long talk about lots of things. One thing that came out of it, is that we may go to the Kennedy Center together to see Warhorse when it comes in October. I’ve been promising myself that I’d do things like the theater now that I am back in DC but I haven’t so far. Maybe this will change things!!

Spent the rest of the afternoon and night in bed again. My leg bothered me so much.

On Tuesday, I had the 8:00am Mass and then went out for some therapy. Katie was so good and answered all my silly questions about whether my ankle might be broken and that’s why I can’t walk straight, and other silly concerns I had. She tells me I am right on track and to just keep up the exercises and the therapy. I felt a lot better knowing that much of this is in my mind. I came home and did the 5:30pm Mass and even had supper with the guys in the rectory.
Went to bed closer to 11pm and slept OK

Today, I came over and led a prayer service for the faculty of our school at 8:30am. It was very nice and I had the opportunity to tell them again about Sr. Natalie and how she taught me the power of prayer. It was a lovely service, planned by Sister Mary Ann, who is a Religious of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. She is our pastoral sister in the school. She also is a friend of Maureen Raimo and will get me, her’s and Artie’s new address in Florida. They moved there over the summer. I also was talking with the art teacher, who is the niece of Sister Mary Pat, a Notre Dame sister I have known for years.

When I got back to my office I called Sister Natalie and if the leg is OK, I’ll go over in about two weeks and we’ll have lunch out.

I am at present, in my sister, Maggie’s house. She is out picking up grandchildren; but when she gets back, we’re going over to my nephew, Ronnie’s house and go water walking in his pool. Katie told me that water would be good for my leg; so I will try anything. I’ll probably stay for supper (and maybe some cards) but I’ll go home tonight as I have the 8:00am Mass on Thursday and then I have therapy again at 10:00am.

I’ll try to be more faithful in writing.

Yesterday, I had the 6:30am Mass and the 11:00am Mass and then a nice appointment with a person whom I prepared for RCIA. She is a social worker with troubled kids and we had a great visit.

Then I went and heard confessions. It was a beautiful day – almost like a fall day; so on the way home, I decided to stop in and see the Batman movie. I really enjoyed it – I was the only person in the theatre so I could chew my popcorn as loud as I wanted!

Today, my leg is bothering me again. I had the 11:00am Mass and then laid down. I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass and it bothered me throughout the afternoon. A couple just left whose marriage I will bless soon. I had baptized their child a couple of months ago and I liked them immediately. So that should happen in a few weeks.

Now, I’m off to have some supper and then go to my suite. I put some ice in plastic bags and will try to get them on my knee tonight. Tomorrow is Saturday and I don’t have anything till the 5:30pm Mass, so I’ll probably just lounge around the room.

On Sunday, I have the 10:30am in the Church. We don’t begin the Mass in the gym till after Labor Day. At 3pm, I’m going over to Riderwood for Marguerite Moore’s 90th birthday. I’m sure I’ll see a lot of St. Camillus people there. Then home to my room and more ice!!!