What Paddy Shot At

Have had a great day. Started off with the 6:30am Mass. The first reading told us tha Jesus spoke to Paul and told him not to be afraid. He (Jesus) was with him and would take care of him. I struck me that Jesus has told me the same thing and yet sometimes, I am afraid. I will have to work on that – as we all do when things get tough like they did for Paul.
Then I worked at the desk and at 9:00am, went to Knollwood ( the retired military complex) nearby and met a most lovely lady, whom I was visiting to give her the Sacrament of the Sick. We talked for over and hour and a half and celebrated the Sacrament. She is the great great grand daughter of Thomas Carberry, who was the first mayor of Washington. He is well known to me as his sister was a Mattingly from Southern Maryland. We had a delightful talk and visit.

Then I went to see the man I visited a week or so ago who was interested in coming into full Communion with the Catholic Church. I had sent him the Creed to read and study. Today, we had a little service and he came into the Church. His wife (a Catholic) whom he married 68 years ago and his daughter, who is Catholic and lives in Silver Spring were there as well. It was very nice.

Then I had the 1:30pm Mass at Chevy Chase. Josephine Hillyard, a high school classmate of my Mom was there and I pointed out that she was at my first Mass forty years ago this week. Oh, she remembered it.

Then I drove to Southern Maryland and had dinner and a meeting with my TEAM, the couples I meet with each month and reflect and share. As always, it was great to be with them. There were only four couples as the fifth couple has illness; but we brought them there in prayer.

I stopped at Bingo in Dunkirk, where my family was spending the evening. I decided not to stay but drove home because I have Mass at 11am tomorrow and that means I can sleep in. So I am off to bed.

Had the 8am Mass and explained about it not being Ascension Thursday – a number of people had come because their calendar said it was a Holy Day of Obligation.

I worked at my desk and cleared a lot of things. Also more newsletter corrections. Then I had the 11:00am Mass and took a nap. In the afternoon, I threw away a lot of paper. I had an appointment at 5:15 with a young lady who wants to be married here on April 13, 2013. Then I met with a lady who wants to get back into the Catholicism that she left years ago. We think we can do something.
Then Joan drove me to a hotel in DC, where the “Golden Apples” awards were being given out. This is an award to teachers in the Catholic Elementary Schools, which Cardinal Wuerl started here. Jennifer Raley, who teaches first grade at St. Michael’s was one of the receipents. I got there just as they were being given out and then the Cardinal spoke and we left. Joan came and got me and now I am going to bed. Too much activity today and I have the 6:30am Mass tomorrow.

This morning I had the 8:00am Mass. The first reading told us of Paul’s visit to the acropolis and the pantheon. He spoke of an altar “to an unknown god”. and tried to introduce the God of creation to the Greeks. He did alright until he spoke of the resurrection. Many people could not believe that God would like body an soul together. Spirit is perfect but it is trapped in the body and would never want to go back to it. It helps us to understand why for 2000 years the Resurrection is the central belief of Catholicism. We preach Jesus, Jesus crucified, buried, and risen again. Some just can’t believe it but we do!

Still working on changing addresses and remailing the newsletter. Had some very nice phone conversations with Mike Witte and Mike Morse. Also got in touch with some people by email, whose addresses were bad.

Then I had the most delightful lunch with Barry Trick, who was vice principal when I was at GC. He is retired and lives not too far away. We just talked and laughed. He looks great.

I had exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. Same homily. Then I went to dinner with Rose Petrone and her sister, Patty; Molly, Patty’s daughter, and Meg Woodbridge and Fr. Trancone. We went to a very nice French restaurant nearby and the food was great and the company even better.
I just got home and am off to bed. I will try not to go out for a meal tomorrow. I’ll gain back everything I’ve lost if I am not more careful.
Have the 8:00am tomorrow.

I was up and ready for the 6:30am Mass. The scriptures were about the time Paul and Silas were in prison and an earthquake opened the cells and broke their chains. The jailer, when he saw it was ready to commit suicide because he had failed in his job. Paul assures him that no one has escaped. The man asked for salvation and he and his family are baptized. It seems to me the point of this account is that we needn’t worry – even when things are very bad. God has a plan and as it unfolds peace and salvation will come.

Then I went back to bed and slept till 9:30. Then I trimmed my beard and showered and went to the office. I worked on my talk and did more paperwork.
Then I had the 11:00am Mass and gave the same reflection. Worked some more at the desk. Had lunch, took a nap and got ready to go to the Pastoral Center.

Today was the annual Jubilee Mass for all the priests celebrating 25, 40, 50, and 60 anniversaries. Many of the other priests come to this event and it is one I always enjoy. Since I was celebrating my 40th, I was one of the concelebrants at the Mass at 4pm. Five of the 7 of us ordained in 1972 were present. Msgr. Tom Kane, who was an assistant in my parish when I was a kid, celebrated 60 years. John Dakes, who was a teenager in my first parish, St. Camillus was celebrating 25 years and was the homilist at the Mass. His homily was wonderful and delivered beautifully. Msgr Bazan, who was with me at Camillus celebrated 50 years. At the dinner, I spoke on behalf of the 40 year class. I think it went well – and again, when I have a few moments, I will print it here.

After dinner, I drove to Maggie’s. The program for the Mass is done and looks great. We played card and as always it was so nice to be with my family. I left at midnight and just got home. I have Mass at 8am tomorrow, so I should have a good nights rest.

Just being with the priests – I think there were about 150 there,Two bishops and the Cardinal – just made me feel at home. I thought of the scriptures, “How good it is when brethren dwell at one”. And tonight it was!!

Today was a day of recovery. I slept in till 8:00am after going to bed around 7pm on Sunday. I did go to the office by 9; and its good I did as I had not put in my book that I was meeting with a young lady who needed to make up some Confirmation classes. We had a great time and she will be confirmed at the Cathedral in a few weeks.

I continued to try to get my mailing list corrected. I had a nice long talk with Bernadette, Msgr. Dade’s niece. We’ve been good friends but she has had some serious health issues and moved and I couldn’t find her. We will get together in a couple of weeks. I also emailed a number of friends to get correct addresses for others; and then I mailed them the newsletter. I am still getting wonderful messages from people who got the newsletter and were so glad to catch up.

I had the 11am Mass and then I went to see a counselor who is working with a young man and thinks I could help him as he is worried about Hell and I think he is 9 years old. Keep him and all the young in your prayers.

I had exposition (and was late because I got involved at the desk) at 3pm and then the 5:30pm Mass.

Later I met with a couple at whose wedding I will officiate in July. I hadn’t gotten all the paperwork done. I am not good at that but I know it has to be done. I have already agreed to some weddings later this year but I might stop doing it. The paperwork really is madening.

Around 8pm, I drove down to Maggie’s to work on the program for the Mass this coming Sunday. AnnMarie did a great job on the computer and Maggie will get it printed tomorrow. Marie is back at Maggie’s and Maureen and Rick arrived tonight. They drove all day from Georgia. We played cards and caught up. It was, as always so good to be with my family.
Please keep Maureen in your prayers. While she is up here, she is going to see about the possibility of a lung transplant. Her pulmonary fibrosis is very advanced and she is on oxygen all the time. Things keep improving in the field of medicine about this condition, so we have encouraged her to look into a transplant. I’ll keep you posted.

So I just got home and it is around 1am. I need to go to bed as I have the 6:30am Mass tomorrow. But the day is light, so I might go back to bed after Mass. We’ll see tomorrow!!

First, I had a great time at Ray Fecteau’s celebration last night. We had Mass at 5pm. Bishop ssss, retired Bishop of Evanston, Indiana and former laison between the Boy Scounts of America and the Conference of Catholic Bishops was there and spoke at the Mass. The assistant chief of police for Montgomery County spoke and I, as one of Ray’s classmates spoke. Ray also spoke. Everything was just great and in addition to parishioners, there were many people present in whose parish, Ray has served. At a reception afterwards, I had a chance to visit Ray’s family and some friends we have in common. Two of them, were Patricia and Joe Villani. Joe had gone to seminary with Ray in Baltimore. I had gone to Seminary with him at St. Vincent’s. I had not seen them in years. I also saw Dan Coor, who was a student at Good Counsel when I was there. He introduced me to Katie, his daughter, who is a freshman at GC. Boy, those years have flown by.
At the reception, there were lots of pictures of Ray and others from birth to now. It made me realize that I didn’t have any pictures planned for the Masses and receptions I was having on Sunday; so when I got home, I sat up till 2am looking through photos and getting them together.

The group who takes care of the coffee and donuts after the 10:30am Mass, set up everything and made a nice display of the photos in the auditorium.

The 10:30 Mass was great. Fr. Ron, our pastor, and Fr. Joe Sileo, a long time friend and pastor of St. Batholomew’s concelebrated. I think my homily was good and I might publish it here soon. The music was wonderful and lively (as always) and they did The Ultima, a hymn that has been used at St. Vincent’s Archabbey for over 160 years to close celebrations. My family loves it.
There were lots of guests who came. Pat Davis and Sylvia Key, teachers from my GC days and at least 5 students from those days (Some of whom, I officated at their weddings) Two great surprises, were The Witkowskis and the Browns from St. Bernard’s. Also Rosa Hickey from St. Camillus. I know I must have missed someone but I was so glad to have them join parishioners and see what a loving parish Blessed Sacrament is.

Too be honest, I was a little tired by the time the 12:30 Mass began but I bounced up when Bob and Carol Boston, dear friends from St. Camillus days who live now in Pittsburgh walked into Church. ( I had not sent invitations to people who lived far away as I just thought it was too far to come). They had received the Christmas letter and saw about the celebration here, so they drove down. I was so touched. Also Bill and Kate Berry came from West Virginia. My cousin, Ann O’Connell was there as were the Rahills (also former St. Camillus) Peg Dee and Marie and Maggie and some of their children and grandchildren. Msgrs Jim Beattie, Joe Ranieri, and Tom Duffy joined with Fr. Trancone and Fr. D’Silva to concelebrate. Fr. Ron spoke and then headed off to retreat.
The music was so moving. The choir (with Brass) sang and led the congregation in beautiful music. They also did The Ultima as a meditation.
We had a baptism during Mass. Matteo Enrigue was welcomed into the family of the Church in a big way!!
Many parishioners joined my family and friends for donuts and cofee afterwards in the parish center. The really enjoyed looking at the pictures (and making comments)
Joan Ward, who runs the parish office also ran the food and reception. I don’t know what I would have done without her excellent work. She and I closed down the place and then I came home and took a long nap.

Now, I’m just relaxing and reflecting on this most marvelous day and on the gift that has been poured out on me in the people and events that God has blessed me with since May 13, 1972

I am just sitting here after we had three First Communions Masses (9:30am, 11:00am, and 1pm) recovering. They were nice but it was a long time to stand on my legs. The left one is till bothering me. I concelebrated each but did not preside or preach at any of them. Ron did two and Percy did one. I was like a large potted plant and added to the solemiity of the occasion.
I took the 8:00am Mass, so Ron wouldn’t have five (he has the 5:30pm tonight) but as it turns out, I will be concelebrating Ray Fecteau’s 40th anniversary Mass at 5pm up in Darnestown. I have my two Masses tomorrow for my anniversary and I imagine that I might be in bed by 3pm. I am tired.

As I said, I have the 10:30am family Mass in the gym. Fr. Ron and Fr. Joe Sileo will concelebrate with me. We’ll have donuts and coffee afterwards in the audietorium. Mgrs. Duffy and Beattie and Father Trancone will concelebrate the 12:30pm in the church. Mostly, I think parishioners will come but I have heard from some Good Counsel people and some people who live to far from Southern Maryland that they might join us. I know the choir has been practicing and I THINK I have my homily prepared.

So now I’m off to Darnestown and I think I may write again till Monday. 40 Years!!! It seems like only yesterday. I guess I really am getting like my first pastor.

I had the 8:00am Mass and preached about the wonderful line in St. John, Jesus says, ” I call you friends”. How great the apostles must have felt when Jesus, who was their teacher and so much “higher” than they, lifts thems all up to the level of Friend. We should pray in thanksgiving for the friends God had put in our lives.

Then I had the 10:00am Mass at the Methodist Home.
Then I had a noon Mass at Stone Ridge. It was a Mass for the 8th grade students and their Moms. It was very nice and full of special moments. One of the girls, who returned this year from a foriegn country and had missed first communion, made her at this Mass. One of her classmates, heard that she was doing this, so they brought her a white dress to wear. In her former country, wearing a white dress would not be the tradition; but her friend wanted her to have the “American” experience. That is just one more example of why I love to do things at that school. The Sacred Heart spirit is so Christian.

Then I met Ray Fecteau, Bill Hines, and Ray Wadas (3 of my 4 ordination class from 1972). We met at Sergio’s and had a great time together. We always do; so I wonder why we get together so infrequently. I am charged to find out where John Mattingly is!

Then I came home and met with a lovely 86 year old who is looking for more things to do in the parish. I pointed out the bulletin is full and I think she will find some things. She already walks 2 miles a day, does weights, and Tie Chee. (She made me tired hearing what she is already doing!!)
Worked on some more mail corrections, had supper and now I’m going to bed early. We have three First Communion Masses tomorrow. I will concelebrate each of them and so I need some rest.

I am writing this on Friday morning. I didn’t have time yesterday and I won’t have much time today.

On Thursday, I did have the 6:30am Mass and although I am not a “morning person”, I was glad to be up early as I had much to do. I continued to preach about Vatican II. I am concerned that its vision will die some how and it is so important that that not happen.

Also because I am up, I think the whole world is up and I called people at 7:00am and caught them getting ready for school or work. I had some great conversations and “caught up” with more friends who had recieved the newsletter. Also a number more have been returned. I guess people do move in 7 years!!

I had the 11:00am Mass and then I had lunch at the rectory. We have a seminarian for the summer. His name is John Williams and I think he’ll be at Cathollic University in September. He worked at Mt. St. Mary’s University last year and was a frequent visitor to our parish. He is a Marine and I think he is a native Washington person but I need to check that out. He, Fr. Ron and I had a lot of laughs and stayed till almost 2pm at the table.

Then I drove to Solomon’s and met Susan Cassidy. She is the person who helped me with the newsletter. She tells me that we sent out 650. I picked up the extras and will get them around. It seems that in addition to the ones coming back with wrong addresses; there wer quite a few on the list that only had names or partial addresses. Also she knew some of them were mistakes and kept them out. One of them was my sister, Maggie. She has been telling me that all her friends and family have gotten newsletters but she hadn’t. Well it’s because the list had Mr & Mrs. Cyrus McLaughlin and she knew Mac had died and she knew I wouldn’t want it sent that way, so she held it out. I am mailing Maggie one today.

After my visit with Susan, I joined Maggie and her children, some of the spouses and the grandkids, Marie and JoAnn at the cemetery. It was Mac’s second anniversary of his death. It is a long standing tradition that on the anniversary of the death of family members that we have Mass and then go out to eat. We couldn’t get the church because of activities there, so we met at the grave. We prayed and Tim played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes Then we went to Ledo’s and have a great time. I know Mac would approve.
I stopped by Maggie’s and we worked on the program for the Mass on the 20th and I got home around 12:30. It was a good day.

Another busy day.
We had confessions at 9:00am for children receiving First Communion this Saturday. I have learned that they don’t know the Act of Contrition. They call it the Act of Sorrow. I learned that in the first confessions and was proud that I remembered the difference. They looked like I was saying a Greek word when I said Contrition before.

Then I had 11am Mass. Talked about the first counsel of the church, at Jerusalem and the last (so far) at the Vatican in 1964.

Then I went to the Cheesecake Factory and met Helen O’Brien Nolan, Mary Hayden dePaul, Betty Brown Price, and Eileen Brown Borowski, all my cousins. We had such a nice time. We share the same Great Great Grandparents, Maurice and Ellen Lynch O’Connell.
We laughed till I thought you might ask us to leave.

I came home in time for Exposition. Then I did some more updating of files based on Newsletter returned. I had the 5:30pm Mass and now am waiting for a couple at whose wedding on June 23, I will officiate. Then It’s off to bed early, as I have the 6:30am Mass tomorrow. Full day!!