What Paddy Shot At

This morning I drove out to Darnestown to Our Lady of the Visitation parish for 1st Peance. It was lovely and the children (and a few adults) were inspirational.
At 11am I had a funeral at St. Mary’s in Barnesville. Fr. Kevin is away (I have the Masses tomorrow); so they asked if I could come. I was glad to help and it worked out well since I was nearby.
God has such a way of bringing us together. The man was someone I did not know, although I knew his wife from the choir. I spoke with the family before Mass and I mentioned that on the vesting case was a photo of Spencer, when he had his first bike and was riding it at Sylvan Shores at Riva, Md. It was 1940. My grandparents had a cottage there and my family went there every summer since 1938 until 1962. I mentioned that I probably didn’t know Spen because he was old enough to go past the corner on the pier, which I couldn’t do till I could swim better. Also he belonged to the “older boys” who hung out at the clubhouse and they ignored us “babies”. I forgave him today. His family was glad that someone from Riva officiated – and so was I.

I just finished the vigil Mass. It was difficult because we were asked to speak about the new ruling by the goverment that all institutions – even faith based – must provide immoral medical procedures under the new health care program. I will write the president, and the secretary of health and welfare and demand that we catholics are not forced to act against our religious beliefs. What is happening to our country???

I think it’s early to bed as I have the 8, 9:30, and 11am Masses at St. Mary’s and the 5:30pm Mass here on Sunday. Then that night, we finish up the pre-Cana. So I probably won’t write till Monday.

I was surprised to discover that Angela was the foundress of the Ursulines. I don’t know how that fact got past me! I preached about her today at the 11am Mass. Had lunch with the pastor. Worked on updating my mailing list and had a nice long talk with Joe Stoutz. He is still recovering from his back surgery and in a lot of pain. We did decide to attend the Mid-Atlantic Conference for Religious Education that is being held on March 8,9, & 10 in Baltimore. It looks like it will be like the East Coast Conference for Religious Educators that was held for about 25 years here in Washington – and I think I went to most of them. It should be very interesting. Kass told me about it yesterday and already we are registered and have a hotel room. Called Marilyn and Frank Cavallaro and had a good talk. I will go out and visit them in February. Got a lot done at my desk today.

It is now about 5:40pm and around 6pm, I’m going up to put in an appearance at a “welcome new parishioners” dinner and then go home to bed early.

Tomorrow, I am hearing first confessions at Darnestown and then I had a funeral at Barnsville. Then the 5:30pm Mass here at Blessed Sacrament. I think that Fr. Percy comes home tonight but I also think that Fr. Tesfaye leaves in the morning for Ethiopia. We’ll still only have three priests. God’s will be done.

I deliberately made today an “easy” day. I had Mass at 8:00am and preached on these two great “bishops” and asked all the congregation to remember to pray for bishops -living and deceased. I also prayed for my nephew Timothy and my niece, Kerri’s husband, Tim.
Spent the morning working on tax stuff so I can surprise Mary Rose and give it to her soon. Had lunch with the pastor and we just enjoyed talking and laughing.

Went to the Credit Union to turn in a pile of coins. $59.00 worth – although as I deposited it, I learned that there a 3 dollar charge for the coin machine. They really do nickel and dime ya!!!

Back to the office for email and phone calls and then I drove out to RIPS in Bowie and met Sister Kass for dinner. We had a great time and I learned that there is a conference in March in Baltimore much like the old East Coast Conferece for Religious Educators that was held for 25 years at the Shoreham Hotel. It is March 8,9, & 10 and I think I’ll try to go. They were always so spirit filled and lifted you up – and national and international speakers.

Just as we were leaving, I look up and who do I see but Catherine Mattingly Finch, who lives in North Carolina. She was there with a friend from early work days after high school, who lives in Annapolis and whom she visits every so often. Then her sister, Ceil Mattingly walks in to join them. Ceil lives in Silver Spring. What is so funny is that about a month ago, they and Maggie, Marie, Ann-Marie, another friend they worked with years ago and I met at RIPS to have lunch. So when they were deciding on a good place to eat, the chose RIPS. It was great to see them so unexpectedly. We may organize a reunion next time.

And now I’m home and the rest of the evening will be easy also. I think I have the 11:00am tomorrow, so it might end up another “easy” day.

Although not widely celebrated, today is also the 53rd anniversary of the announcement by Blessed Pope John XXIII that an ecumenical council of the Church would be held. I preached about it at the 5:30pm Mass.
I had a funeral at 11:00am of an 88 year old lady with 8 children. I met with the husband and some of the children on Sunday and learned a great deal about her. The readings that were chosen really fit her, so my homily was not a canonization but a real reflection on her life of faith, which was very evident. Some of the children spoke and it was very touching.
I saw my cousin, Laurie today. Please keep her in your prayers. She’s job hunting and we all know how difficult that is.
I just met with a young couple who would like me to be a part of their wedding plans in July.
You may have noticed a comment from someone who knew Fr. Carmen in his second assignment in the last message. I wrote to her and thanked her and sent the message off to Carm. He is home – has people with him all the time – but he is improving and getting stronger. Keep praying.
And now I’m going over to have supper and go to bed early.

One of my favorite saints ever since my mother sent me a Highlighted copy of The Golden Wisdom of St. Francis. She had highlighted all the passages of wisdom she thought I need to be a good seminarian. She was right and I still look at it to try and see how I could be a holier priest.

Got up early because I had to take my car to have some work done because of a “recall”. It was out RT 29, so Joan Beall came and got me and we went and visited Mary Mudd – a very nice time! Then Sharon came and we went to lunch and had a nice visit. By that time, they called and said the car was ready. So they dropped me off. I went to see Xenia at Inglewood because she is moving to the mid-west with her daughter. I couldn’t find her and I walked all over the building – but I left a note! Then I went to Carriage Hill and anointed a 90 year doctor who is dying. He slept through it but his nurse and I prayed.

I came back in time for exposition and then met with a gentleman and talked about some spiritual matters. Now I am heading to Gawler’s funeral home to be with the family as they come for the first time to see their wife, mother, and grandmother. Then I have the 5:30pm and afterwards will meet Fr. Beattie for supper. I hope it is early to bed as today I was very busy.

We had an ice storm last night and everything was delayed opening – including our school. Instead of the 9:15am school Mass, I had the 11:00am and then at 2:00pm we had a school Mass. In the new missal there is a Mass in thanksgiving to God for Life. The prayers were very good. Today, of course was the March for Life but I couldn’t go because of the Masses but I went to the Rose Dinner at a hotel downtown at 7pm. I was the guest of Ed and Ann Sheridan – so was Jim Bocabella and we had a nice visit. The speaker was the attorney general of Virginia and he was excellent. I just got home – it is very foggy out and I’m glad to be home. Full day tomorrow, so I’m off to bed.

I went to my office early today because Maggie and JoAnn were coming up to help clean up my room. I had the 10:30 Mass in the gym. I had a good homily that talked about our role as proclaimers of the Kingdom.
Then as returned, Maggie and JoAnn were here. I got them settled and then went with a couple to visit an elderly man, John, whose wife I will bury on Wednesday. We had a great talk about her and the readings that they would like to have. I got back around 1:30 and then had a baptism at 2. Keep William Alexander and his family in your prayers.
Then I returned to my office and filled the trash can twice and filed all the other papers. I felt great.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and Maggie and JoAnn came. Again, I think the homily worked. then we went to dinner at Maggioni’s. It was delicious and we had a great time. However, the valet driver had put on the hazzard lights and it wasn’t till we got back to Blessed Sacrament that we figured how to turn them off. Maggie says we looked like the three stooges!! And she was right. They’re on the way back to Calvert County and I’m on my way to bed. I have the school “Right to Life” Mass at 9 tomorrow.

I am embarassed to say that I am over in the rectory and do not have my appointment book with me and I remember very little of what happened yesterday.

I met with one of the parishioners who is having treatment for cancer and I met with a fourth grader who is worried about being such a sinner that he won’t get to heaven. I had the 5:30pm Mass and then Fr. John Dillon, Fr. Bob Hughes (from Camden, NJ), Ron and I had dinner together. Then we sat in the fireplace room (with a roaring fire) and talked and laughed. Then suddenly it was 9:30pm and I needed to go to bed.

Today (Saturday) I had a funeral at 11:00am. Worked at my desk most of the day and then drove out to Joan and Tom Johnson’s house in Clarkesville for Mr. Rosenberger’s 90th birthday celebration. All the family was there as were Mary Goldbeck and Bob and Sue Goldbeck. I had a great time catching up on all the great grand kids. There was a lot of snow and ice today but the roads were fine and I am home now and ready for bed.

Last night was very relaxing. I read, watched TV, and was asleep by 11pm. Got up at 7 had a shower, then I drove to the Pastoral Center to get a paper signed. I had a chance to see and talk with Terry Farrell, whom I use to talk with weekly! He is in charge of finances in parishes that have schools. We were almost joined at the hip through my years at St. B’s and St. Michael’s. It was nice to catch up on his family.

Then I went to the doctor’s and had blood taken for my Feb 8th meeting. Then I had the 11:00am Mass. The reading about the jealousy of Saul against David reminded me of how easy it is for some people to be angry about the success of another. It is a very serious temptation for some people.

Then I drove out to visit a couple I know who live up by Frederick. We had a great time and I blessed their new home.

Coming back down 270 reminded me of how grateful I am to live across the street from where I work. No wonder people come to work and go home angry and frustrated. Doesn’t anyone follow the “rules of the road” any longer???? I felt relieved to be home alive!!
Will have supper with the pastor and then another evening of relaxation in my room.

I want you to know that all seems well with Marie and we’re waiting the result of the monitor.
Also Fr. Carmen is in rehab and doing very well. He may be able to go home to continue his recovery there.
I meant to tell you that Nicholas Gallagher, the 17 year old boy, died last week. He was buried at Our Lady of Lourdes because we had 4 other funerals and the first confessions of our 2nd grader. His parents were very grateful for all the prayers. They seem to be at peace that his suffering is over.
Thanks to all of you for being a praying community I can count on and assure those who need prayers that you are lifting them up!!

Today was a very relaxing day. I slept well and came over after breakfast to work at the desk. I have too much paper on my desk but I am not ready to go through and make decisions about what to keep and what to toss.
One of my RCIA people came by to talk and then I had the 11:00am Mass. It’s David and Goliath (one of my favorite stories). Then I had lunch and came back and continued to straighten out the desk. At had exposition at 3 and Mass at 5:30. I thought it was quiet here but Joan tells me we have three more funerals. I think I’ll have the one on Saturday.
I’m going over to my rectory, have dinner and watch TV. It really was a quiet day.