What Paddy Shot At

Yesterday, Saturday was a full day for me. I didn’t sleep well because of the coughing but I drove over to St. Bernard’s for Mary Windsor’s funeral. I was so pleased to see that they were lots of people there. I didn’t feel up to concelebrating, so I sat in the pew with my sister, Marie. Fr. John Clark, a dear friend of Mary’s presided and preached. He invited people to speak after Communion and a number did – including me. Mary was especially good in helping the Spanish community to develop at the parish and I wanted to say that. There was a luncheon afterwards but I really needed to come home and go back to bed.

I did that and slept so I was ready to go with Marie and Maggie over to Peg and Rick Jensen’s for a delicious dinner and to play cards. It was so much fun and reminded me of those card nights at Gramdmom and Grandpop O’Connell’s. “Aunt” Shelia, who is Kate’s Godmother and works at the Madera School joined us. It was so good to see her and “catch up”. Kate, Christopher and his friend, Halley also came by. We stayed till 11pm. When we were leaving, it was snowing and very windy and at times I drove 10 miles an hour through the city. I called Maggie and Marie to make sure they got home OK. Everyone did!

This morning, I had the 10:30 Mass in the gym. It was “in pew” day for the Cardinal’s Appeal. We also listened to a tape of the Cardinal. I think the kids were very good and very patient. I think it went well. Afterwards, I tried to get into the room where Chris Matthew was answering questions and signing his new book on John Kennedy. It was just so crowded, that I came down to my office instead. But I could hear yelling and so I went up to the second floor. It was packed with parishioners but there wer about 8 protestors screaming out and pushing people. I went over and asked them to stop yelling and those that didn’t stop, I asked them to leave. Some of the men parishioners also tried to lead them out but they were “out of control”, screaming about abortion and hypocrisy, etc I went and called 911. Told them who I was and asked them to send the police. I was afraid it would get violent. The men all left and I went outside to wait for the police. When a police car came, I went out. The men across the street were saying to the police, “Oh, we had a disagreement but we left as soon as they asked us”. I said, “That is not true, officer and I would like you to come in. I believe there are some other people causing trouble still in the building.” He came in and by that time, three women were screaming out. I asked him to remove them. They didn’t go quietly, condemning both Fr. Percy and me to hell for our sin in allowing this man to speak as they were led out.

It was exhausting and so upsetting to our parishioners, especially the older ones. I stayed calm throughout but I’m sure my blood pressure was off the chart.

I stayed till everyone had gone and then I drove down to Southern Maryland to meet with my TEAM couples. We had a great and spiritual meeting and dinner. I just got home and I am off to bed. I hope to get some sleep. I have the 11am Mass tomorrow.

Ah, the life of a parish priest!!!

I have always loved this feast. Across from where I sat regularly in the choir stalls at St. Vincent’s Archabbey is a stain glass window of St. Scholastica. She was the twin sister of St. Benedict. Both founded monasteries on hills facing one another and once a year they’d meet for the day in the valley and pray and talk. Once, Scholastica asked Benedict to stay after dark and he reminded her of the rule that the monk must be back in his abbey at night. A hugh storm came up and the rain pounded down and they could not leave the little hut. Benedict said, “Sister, what have you done?” She replied, “I asked my brother and he said ‘No’, so I asked our Father and He said, “Yes”. They spent the night in prayer and conversation. A few months later, Scholastica died.
They could never have another yearly meeting.
So we only have to ask our Father and his answer will be right.

I slept well and had the 8:00am Mass. My voice still sounds bad and I still cough but I think I am over the hump. I went back to bed and slept for a couple of hours without coughing.
In the afternoon, Susan McCoy and her sister in law, Sharon came to visit with Susan and Danny’s two children. I baptized Alya a few years ago and now I will baptize her brother. We’re going to have it in our chapel and then a little reception in our hall. It will be great to see all the family
I am heading over to supper. Fr. Jim, a friend of Fr. Ron’s, from Scranton is joining us and Fr. John Dillon. I do love that Ron has lots of priest-friends and has them over to visit. We’ll have a fire afterwards and sit in the front room and laugh and visit.

Mary Windsor, who was the secretary for CCD at St. Bernard’s died this week and I will attend her funeral tomorrow at St. B’s and I’m sure, I’ll see lots of old friends. I hope I sleep well tonight.

I had to take three of the sleeping things but I slept for almost 9 hours. I was so refreshed when I got up.
I had the 11:00am Mass and spent the rest of the day at my desk trying to clean up lots of loose emails, phone calls, etc. After exposition at 3, I had four confirmandi for interviews. They are so excited about Confirmation and the service projects they did. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass; and now I am heading home to eat, take more medicine and sleep. Have the 8:00am Mass tomorrow. I am still coughing but it doesn’t hurt as much.

This will not be long.
Terrible night with no long period of sleep. Had Mass and then a lovely little ceremony of First Penance at Stone Ridge with fourteen 2nd grader. The the doctor’s. She changed my anti-biotic to something stronger and gave me some stuff she tells me will make me sleep.
I had three confirmandi interviews and then 5:30pm Mass. People are so good and patient. I didn’t do Communion and had lots of volunteers to help with the Mass. I just finished a very nice interview with a couple whom I will marry at St. Michael’s in July.
Now I am going to eat some soup, take my medicines and get in bed. Have nothing to do till the 11am Mass tomorrow. Hope I sleep the whole time. Keep those prayers coming.

Had five hours of sleep this afternoon. – No coughing or anything! Hope that means I’ve turned the corner. Did the 5:30pm Mass and met with my RCIA person. Think I’ll skip the play reading tonight and go to bed after some soup. Have the 6:30am Mass tomorrow and then first Penace at Stone Ridge aat 9:00am. Doctor’s appointment at 11:15 and then maybe another nice nap.
Got a phone message from Fr. Dan. All went well and if he can eat something today, he may go home to rest tomorrow. Thanks for the prayers. Keep them up for all us sick priests.

I haven’t written because I’ve been ill.
On Sunday, I had the 10:30am Mass in the gym and then I headed South. I went to Bowie and saw the movie, “Man on a Ledge”. It was very exciting and just the kind of film I like, where the good guys win, and the bad guys have the s…. kicked out of them. Then I drove to La Plata and had supper at a Spanish restaurant with Ray Fecteau. Then we went to Loyola Retreat House. It is a beautiful place over looking the Potomac River. It was one of the priests retreats sponsored by the Archdiocese. This one only had about 14 of us but I knew them all and it was nice to see some I hadn’t seen in awhile as well as my buddies, Fr. Beattie, Fr. Bazan, and Fr. Kane.
Also a very nice surprise, was that Jim Greer, who was a seminarian with me at St. Vincent’s is now the director of the house. We had a nice long talk and caught up on things in both our lives.
I even sat through “the game”. But as I was getting to bed, I felt that the little head cold was getting worse. I did not sleep more than an hour at a time and I coughed all night. I got up around 6am and met some of the guys for coffee (I had hot water) and then I headed home. I hated to leave as the retreat master gave a great talk on Sunday night and I was looking forward to more.
On the ride home, I called my doctor and he fit me in for a visit around 4pm. He told me it wasn’t pneumonia but a bad sinus infection. I got anti-biotics and after saying – and I do means – just saying the words – the 5:30pm, I went to bed. Had a horrid night of coughing and bringing up phlem and didn’t sleep much. I tried to stay in bed but finally at 10:am I just got up and came over here. I have the 5:30pm Mass and then I’m back to bed. Being old and sick is no fun

Woke around 6am from a very good sleep. I had stayed at the party for the pre-Cana speaker longer than I intended. It was very nice and I met some parishioners I didn’t know by name yet. I went to bed around 11pm.

Came to the office worked. At 10, I met the high school students I’ve been helping get ready for Confirmation. I think he’s ready and willing.
At 11, I had the Mass and also brought into full Communion, a lovely doctor who was born in Egypt 75 years ago and was baptized, confirmed, and given Eucharist as a child in the Coptic Orthodox Church. After the “Our Father”, he stood and affirmed his desire to come into full Communion with the Roman Catholic Church. After the sign of peace, he recieved the Eucharist. His wife, Libby also. At the end the congregation applauded and then stopped by to welcome him. It was very nice.

Then a married couple came to visit and talk about some health issues.

Then one of my pre-Cana couples came to see me and arrange about FOCUS – an instrument to gauge communication skills. We give it to all our engaged couples.

Then I home and got a bite to eat. Then a woman came to visit and talk. Then I had the 4pm confessions. I am sitting at my desk waiting to go up and help with Communion at the 5:30pm.

Made a number of phone calls ans set up some appointments. I was suppose to go to Brian and Bernie Degenhardt’s 50th birthday party at the Deaf center but I think after Mass, I’m heading home. I have a little bit of a head cold and it’s sleeting outside and I just don’t feel like driving.

My cousin, Eileen is in the hospital again. Please keep her and Phil in your prayers.

Had the 6:30am Mass and blessed throats. Then I went to Christ in the Marketplace, which is a wonderful program run by the men of the parish in which a man comes and shares his role in the marketplace in light of his faith. We’ve had great speaker on the first Fridays of the month. Today’s was Philip Brach, a parishioners and fathe of seven who is the Administrative Aid to Congressman Fortenberry of Nebraska. He spoke on the bill that the congressman is introducing to counter the HHH policy that was announced this week breaking – for the first time in our history – the freedom of conscience that is contained in the bill of rights. It was a fascinating presentation and discussion.

Then we had a school Mass as part of Catholic Schools Week and we blessed the throats of 500 students and guest. There were three of us priest but it took a long time and you’d have a 6 foot 8th grader followed by a 32 inch kindergarten student. You got dizzy from the change of altitude – but the children were so attentive and thrilled to have their throats blessed. Some of the youngest, when they were told the priest would put two candles under their chins, asked if they’d be lit. You could see some of them in the line, checking to make sure the ones ahead didn’t get lit candles.

Then I went to the nursing home and had Mass and blessed throats. Only about 14.
Then interviews for confirmation.

Lots of phone calls. Talked with Fr. Carmen. He is doing great and will return to some activity in a week or so. Marie is doing great. Joe Stoutz went to the doctor and was old that most of the pain was normal and he is improving. Didn’t hear anything about Fr. Dan. So keep him in your prayers. Made some social engagements and agreed to some religious events in some of our high schools.
Tonight, I helped with Communion and blessing of throats at the 5:30 Mass. There were a hundred people. I figured that we blessed over a thousand people today. It is great sacramental!!

After Mass, I stopped in our second “welcome new parishioners” dinner and met a lovely couple who got married here in October and like the community. That’s so great.

I stopped into the talk about the Bishops’ response to the HHH decision by a member of the Bishops’ Conference staff. He was good but I only stayed about 15 minutes.

Because now I am heading over to the rectory where there was a Mass at 6pm and now a dinner for all those couples who volunteer for our pre-Cana program. I’m looking forward to seeing them and eating some of Humberto’s special foods. It has been a good day.

Through the intercession of St. Blase, the bishop and martyr, may you be preserved from all illnesses of the throat and other maladies throughout this coming year, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday, the 31st went by very quickly. I had the 8:00am Mass and then drove over to St. Patrick’s in Norbeck for the funeral of Mr. Leroy Fangmeyer. He was the father of Lee Fangmeyer, who is now pastor of St. Michael’s in Ridge. It was a beautiful funeral and the church was filled. There were about 30 priests concelebrating and bishop Holley, our auxiliary was there. Fr. Lee spoke very well and touchingly about his dad and his faith. After Communion, another brother, Mark gave a wonderful reflection on his Dad, building on the scriptures and Fr. Lee’s comment. He had said, that whenever people said to his dad, that he “was lucky”, his dad would always say, “Not lucky, blessed”. It was a great funeral.

I met with my RCIA person and was going to have supper with Fr. Beattie. However, I loaned my car to someone and planned to take a cab to meet with. The cab took 35 minutes and never showed up. I had to call Fr. B and tell I couldn’t come. Then I realized that I didn’t have a key to the rectory (it was with my car keys). Fr. Percy came out to lock the church and he opened the door for me. However, by that time, my friend realized I couldn’t get in the rectory and brought my car back. I hate messes like that and so I went right to bed.

On February 1st, I had the 6:30 and 8:00am Masses and then drove down to Maggie’s. She, Marie, and I went to St. Michael’s to watch Sister Mary Rita be honored as a “Distinguished Alumnae”. It was a great celebration and I saw all kinds of people and families. It was hard to ask a child, whom I had baptized, “What grade are you in?” and learn that they are now in the 6th grade. Where does the time go?
Afterwards we visited in the former convent with Judy Raley and Sister’s family. It was lovely. We got back to Maggie’s and I took a nap.

For supper, we had Polish pancakes and then Sue and Mike came and we played cards. We phoned Maureen and Rick to get an update on Maureen’s doctor visit. And then I drove home. Got in around midnight.

Today, February 2nd, I preached on the Presentation. It is also the date that many of the religious sisters took their vows; so I asked the people to pray for all religious men and women, living and deceased who hold this as “vow day”.

I spent most of the day working at my desk and ‘catching up’ on things. We had a funeral at 11 with a visiting priest but I went up to see that everything went OK. I went to school and “taught” two sections of fourth grade. It was delightful.

Then I had four interviews with students preparing for Confirmation. I always enjoy that so much and love their answers as they tell me about the saint’s name they chose and about the service they did.
Then I had someone in for confession.
Fr. Jim Boccabello picked me up and we drove to Bethesda to meet Frs. Regis and Mike, from Catholic U, who help us on weekends and Fr. John Enzler for supper. We went to a great steak place and laughed and ate and laughed some more. It was a great way to spend the evening. Now I’m going to bed because I have the 6:30am tomorrow.
And now you’re up to date!!

I just returned from celebrating Mass and having supper with four of the Christian Brothers who live in our parish. It was very nice and most enjoyable. Today is the feast of St. Mutien Marie, who was a brother in Belgium who died in 1896. He was declared Blessed in less than 60 years, which was “the fast track” in those days and he was canonized by Pope John Paul II. He is a great model of patience and gentle teaching and from now on is one of my “patron saints”. Supper and the laughter and stories around the table was like being back in the seminary or the dinner table at St. B’s.
I am going to go up to RCIA and just check in and then I’ll head back across the street.
Yesterday went well at St. Mary’s. I had three Masses and I preached about the new policy from HHS that requires faith-based institutions to pay health insurance for thing we hold as immoral. Why does the government keep intruding into the churches???
A nice thing happened. One of my cousins, Mike McAleer brought me a package of pictures from his mom. They were of Aunt Babe and Uncle Charlie and other family members. It was very thoughtful of her to send them.
I got back in time to help with Communion at the 12:30 Mass, then I took a nap. I had the 5:30pm and again preached. At the end, a got some negative comments but mostly it was positive.
Then I went to the last session of the pre-Cana. It was the same couples I had met four Sundays ago. They were so good and the sharing was uplifting for me.
I was ready for bed by 10:30. Called Maggie to see what happened on “The Good Wife” as I had missed it. I really do have to learn how to record stuff!

Tomorrow I have the 8:00am Mass and then I will go out to St. Patrick’s for the funeral of Mr. Fangmeyer. He is the father of Fr. Lee Fangmeyer, who is the pastor of St. Michael’s in Ridge. He died very suddenly last week. Keep Fr. Lee in your prayers.

Just as I was about to leave, I got a phone call from Fr. Dan Morales in Texas. He will have surgery on Wednesday for the tumors that have returned. Keep him in your prayers also.