What Paddy Shot At

Today was a priest kind of day.
The Sun was up when I came over for the 7:30am Mass and was shining (it was cold) when I went outside after Mass. My homily was about “titles”. We all have them, it might be priest, doctor, husband, wife, child, teacher, neighbor, or friend. Jesus was warning those who had titles in the Jewish community that they should remember that the titles were given – not for power or prestiage – but so that we might have relationships with others and our titles might always help them to know that God loves them and that they should love others. The Offertory song was Micah, where we are reminded that only three things does God ask of us: To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with our God. I needed to be reminded of that message.
Then I heard a confession
Helped with Communion at the 9:00am and presided at the 12:30. Then I took a nap (and watched part of the Redskin game – ugh)
Then I went shopping to get my prescriptions for the trip ( 88 hours but whose counting)
Then I help with Communion at the 5:30pm Mass and aftewards went to session on Natural Family Planning that is part of our marriage-prep program. Saw some of the couples that were in my four week program and some parishioners whom I’ve known since the husband was a student at GC.
I got a lot cleaned at my desk and bookcase and now I’m heading over to the rectory. Have a Communion call at 11am but don’t have Mass till 5:30pm, so I hope to start packing.

I had a great nap this afternoon. On a snowy day, it is fun to just wrap up in a blanket and slip away.
I got up in time to concelebrate the 5:30pm Mass. Ron was the presider and preached. This Mass is called the “Ruppert Liturgy” and is an annual event. All those who have anything to do with people with special needs work on it and host it. All the liturgical services are provided by people with special needs. It is one of my favorite Masses here. Afterwards there was a reception in the center. I made a quick appearence and then went to the office. Ron came down and told me that my special friend, Mary Horan was asking about me. I went up and visited her. She is the youngest of the Horan family, who were in St. Bernard’s when I was growing up. Her sister, Pat was in my class and we have stayed friends over the years. She lives in California but I last saw her in Rome. Mary says she’s coming out for a visit so I hope to get together with the family.
Now, I am in my room and ready for bed because I have 7:30am Mass tomorrow. The snow did not stick!

Yesterday, (Friday) I had the 11:00am Mass. It was the feast of Sts. Simon & Jude. I mentioned that each of these Apostles may have suffered by “being in the shadow” of the other Simon (Peter) and Judas Iscariot and are not as well known. I used the Pope’s reflections that he did a couple of years ago about the Apostles. It was very interesting for me when I read it and I hope it was for the congregation today.
Then I drove down to Southern Maryland. I had time before my Team meeting at 6pm; so I went to Jiffy Lube and got my car serviced. It was suppose to happen at 92,222 miles and I was at 92, 359 – not to bad for someone who didn’t know when he first got a car that you had to change the oil at all!!
We had a great – but a little long – meeting of the Team. The topic was Blessed Pope John XXIII and of course, I loved that. I drove Jane and Bob Connolly home to Lusby on my way up to spend the night at Maggie’s. I was really beat and went to bed shortly after I got there.
I slept great and got up at 7am so I could get home by 9:00am. I knew there was a priest coming for a Baptism and as Grace is still out sick, I thought I’d be here to help him get ready. I should have know that the pastor would think the same and he was there being a genial host. So I’ve returned here to the desk and am trying to get some of the loose ends of my life tied up so I can leave for the cruise ( 122 hours ! ) with a clear conscience. Shall write tonight.

This morning I had the 6:30am Mass. I am always amazed by the number of people who come so early. There must have been fifty – and it was raining! The reading by Paul reminded us that nothing could seperate us from the love of God. I’m been talking to se many people who are experiencing pain and struggles and this reading is one I encourage them to go to for consolation.
Then I drove over to Stone Ridge and said the 8:15am Mass for the sixth grade girls and their Mom’s. The girls had arranged the theme and it used the creation account and the calming of the sea by Jesus to reflect on their relationship as women and mothers and daughters. They had drawn color pictures to go to the song “It’s a wonderful world” and they had a presentaion as a meditation. I shared with them the words to “Bridge over Troubled Waters” as a reminded that the mothers would always be there for their daughter and to count on that care. Also the girls had written notes to their Moms, which they gave them at the sign of peace. It was lovely and meaningful for all the ladies – and for me! They do good things at Stone Ridge!
Then I came home and Rabbi Mindy Portnoy and I led a presentaion and discussion with the Bible study group and ladies from Beth Shalom temple about the Jewish and Christian views of death and the after life. I have been with the Rabbi before and we had a great time. She – like me is semi-retired – and is leaving Monday for Israel and so we laughed about me going on the cruise and how retirment is Good!!!
After lunch, I met with a young married man who called me yesterday and needed to talk. That is another nice thing about retirement – I am so much more available!!
Tonight I called Joe Stoutz as he had a doctor’s appointment today to decide about back surgery. He is going to have it – on November 16th. So keep him in your prayers. He has really been crippled over and suffering through teaching for close to a year. I know he’ll feel so much better even though the recovery may take awhile.

And now I think I’ll go to bed. I have the 11:00am Mass tomorrow and then I’ll take my car to Jiffy Lube, head down to St. Mary’s for a Team meeting at 6pm. Then I’ll stop by Maggie’s (she and Marie will be at the fire house for Bingo) but I’ll have a visit at Maggie’s and spend the night. I will drive up early as I have the 11:00am Mass on Saturday – and the weekend will be relatively quiet and structed!!! I think I will really enjoy the cruise!!! Will write again on Sunday.

Then came Wednesday:
I had the 9:00am school Mass. It was very nice and had as it’s theme: “Mary is given to us as our Mother”. There was a very beautiful display about Mary in front of the altar. The children had been starting their day by reciting a decade of the Rosary at their morning prayers in the gym for the whole month of October and this seemed a natural way to close the month.
After Mass, I went to visit a 98 year old lady whom a neighbor had asked me to see. She was delightful and as sharp as a tack. We had a very nice visit.
Then I went to see a 91 year old gentleman, whose 89 year old wife had a stroke and has not come back from it; so he has had to place her in a care facility. He loved her and they have been married for 53 years. She keeps asking him why he “put her away”. He goes to see her daily but those kind of comments cut him life a knife. He is from Colombia and saw we had a very nice talk about my time in Bogota. She is Cuban and so once she is established in a new care facility, I will go and visit her.
In the afternoon, I picked up Joan and we drove over to Annapolis to visit Pat Watters. She is down from Newfoundland for some medical test. You might remember that she was in a very serious car accident a few months ago; she is experiencing so lost of memory and cognitive actions. She had a MRI earlier in the day and will get the result next week. In the meantime, she is having other test and resting at Clare and Terry’s – her brother and sister-in-law. We went out to Ledo’s and she brought us up to date. She has some hesitancy in speaking because she says she needs to think what she’s going to say and then do each word. She will stay through mid November and may end up doing some therapy. She’ll still be here when I get back from the cruise and so I’ll see her again. Keep her in your prayers as well.
When I got home, I took an hour nap and then went to the parent meeting for children getting ready for First Reconciliation. We priests were also available afterwards for confessions for the parents. I had quite a few – and you know how I love confessions. Went right to bed when I got home as I had a full day scheduled for Thursday.

Monday night (Oct. 24) I substitued for the pator at a meeting. It started at 7pm and I figured I could buzz out by 8. I left at 9:10pm and then stopped into the RCIA and stayed there for a discussion of saints till 9:45. I am not use to being at meetings so I came home and did a Suduko while lying on the bed and fell asleep.

Fortunately, I had set the alarm after supper and I got up in time for the 8:00am Mass. Then I drove over to Crofton and picked up Gail. We drove down to Swan Point, which is near the Thomas Nice bridge to Virginia. It is about 70 miles one way. Gail’s mom, (I call her Mother Mary) is staying with Gail’s brother and his wife. She has visiting nurses because she just got out of the hospital. She’ll be 91 in November. She has been away from the Church but always reminded me that “O’Connell, you got the job when I pass away”. So I thought I’d go and give her the Sacrament of the Sick. When I asked if I could give it to her, she said, “Ain’t that the sacrament of the dying?” She is as alert as ever but she let me do it and also give her Communion. Gail and I were both glad to get down and see her. Please keep her and all her family in your prayers.
On the way home, we stopped at Red Lobster. Sometimes, around 2am, I’ll wake up and hear the add for “endless shrimp” and as there is no RL in our area; I convinced Gail to stop at the one in Waldorf. It was great and shrimp is allowed at Structure House, I skipped the side dishes.
When I got home, I met with Andrea about the RCIA material from Monday and then, as he had called and left a message; I met Fr. Beattie and Fr. Duffy for pasta at D’Carlo’s. I’ll have to use the stairs for a couple of days to get back on my routine – but I skipped the bread!

Last night, around 10pm, a great and dear priest-friend from Texas called to keep me up to date on some tumors that the doctor found. He will make some decisions in early December. Keep him and his family and parish in your prayers.

I had the 11:00am Mass this morning and then went to have tea with Theresa Zwalick, who was a parishioner at St. Catherine, when I was there and whose grandson, Brian Gibson, was a student at Good Counsel. We’ve kept in touch but hadn’t seen each other in a long time. I heard that she was ill and not taking an treatment; so I called and asked if I might come by. We had a delightful 2 hour visit at the kitchen table over tea. She had pictures of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We laughed and cried. I will visit her again after the cruise but it was a gift to see her today.
When I got home the following was in my email. It is a copy of Fr. Lee’s article in the bulletin from St. Michael’s. I wanted to share it with you who have been so supportive of the school lo these many years. Thanks.

Dear Parishioners,
Not everyone was able to attend the
meeting on the school October 13th so I
would like to share with you the document
prepared as an overview of the meeting. As you
can see and probably heard, it was a very positive
meeting. All our good news is due to the amazing
community we have and the prayers we have
lifted up to God. Thank you all for your continued
support both spiritually and financially to St.
Michael’s school.
Task Force Summary
The Report “Two Schools, One Catholic
Community” concluded, after 7 months of
intensive analysis, that; “Simply keeping both
schools open and not changing anything will
continue to propel Saint Michael’s and Little Flower
down their current path of financial hardship. The
task force believes it is imperative to form an
oversight committee for the two schools to help
consolidate costs and look to common business
management practices.”
Financial Data of St. Michael’s School
1. Fiscal Year 2011 (ending June 30, 2011)
indicates that with $420,000 of supplemental
income (fundraising, donations, inter-parish
and Archdiocesan support) along with St.
Michael’s parish contribution, the school
ended with a surplus of $9,000.
2. Fiscal Year 2012 (current year) indicates that
with conservative projections we will have a
deficit of $119,000. However, our savings held
over from Fiscal Year 2010 more than cover
the projected deficit ($180,000). In addition, if
we repeat the level of fundraising that we saw
last year, (not even counting the Cash Bash)
and the support from the parish ($85,000) we
would only have a $4000 deficit. This would
mean that we would carry the savings from
2010 to the next year!
Planning for the Future
1. As recommended by the Task Force Report
St. Michael’s has begun a St. Michael’s
Leadership Council to oversee income and
expenses to streamline and track cash flow.
Long range goal is to look at consolidating
expenses possibly with other Catholic Schools.
2. Fundraising is key. We rely heavily on
assistance from the Archdiocese of
Washington’s Tuition Assistance program as
well as support from St. Patrick’s in Rockville
and St. Michael’s parish. Last year over $250,000
was raised in fundraising and donations. To
remain viable the school must continue to
sustain this level of commitment to
fundraising. Increased enrollment and
effective marketing are also extremely
important. Other educational options will be
considered if we are not able to sustain these
sources of funding. St. Michael’s looks stronger
than ever, for the short term, however we
recognize that to be more fiscally sound we
need to rely less on fundraising.
Conclusion
Based on our past success, our increased
enrollment, our current financial situation and the
strong community support we expect that St.
Michael’s school will remain open this year, next
year and for the foreseeable future.
Thank you and keep praying,
~Fr. Lee

I’ll write tomorrow. Maury

The gym Mass was only half filled. I don’t know if a lot of people went away for the weekend because it is a beautiful weekend but I understand the other Masses were full. After the Mass, there was a mini-walk for the poor of Washington and I said a prayer afterwards – no, I didn’t walk!
The afternoon was quiet and I am about to say the 5:30pm Mass. I think Pat Delaney, my friend from Florida may come and we’ll go to her daughter’s for supper.
The readings for Mass are about justice and I plan to preach about justice as the lowest form of love – and all humans have a right to that love. Fortunately, we Christians feel called to a greater form of love because we have received a higher kind of love from God. As we have been given, so we must give.

Early to bed tonight.

I had planned to write again on Saturday night but was so tired when I got home late last night, I just went to bed.

To continue:

Thursday:
After I returned from the Mass at Stone Ridge, I did some more cleaning of my desk, and then had the 11:00am Mass and then I went to have lunch with Gail Douglas, a friend from grade school, who had just retired for the second time. We decided that we are both too young to retire; so we talked about getting her a new job!!! She lives in Crofton.
I talked by phone with Pat Watters. She is staying at her brother’s while she undergoes some medical test. She was in a car accident a few months ago and still has some residual effects. She can’t drive, so I’ll try to get over to pick her up and drive her to visits some of her friends. Keep her in your prayers.
I stayed home that evening and read.

Friday:
I had a service over at Gasch’s funeral home in Hyattsville for Bill McCartan. He was a parishioner from St. Bernard’s when I was pastor. He and his wife were raising their grand daughter, Jacqueline; and Jackie and he were faithful in attending Sunday Mass and sitting in a certain pew. She was killed tragically a few years and I came back to bury here. Now, after a long battle with cancer, they are together again in heaven. R.I.P,

I had the Exposition at 3pm and the 5:30pm Mass. Then, we had three seminarians from T.C. join us for supper. We had a great time and regaled them with stories of the “old days” when pastors were “kings” in the rectory and the rest of the priests were treated like children. They were amazed!! Retired early!!

Saturday:
I had the 11:00am Mass. It was the first time that we could celebrate the feast of Blessed Pope John Paul II. We had special prayers and special readings. The first was “how wonderful on the mountain, are the feet of those who bring good news”. I talked about the earliest photos of the new Pope that showed him hiking in the Italian Alps. After the long illness of Pope Paul VI and the very short life of Pope John Paul I, it was great to see a robust and youthful pontiff in a parka climbing the mountains.

After Mass, I joined Maggie and about twenty of her classmates for lunch at Positano’s, a nice Italian restaurant in Bethesda. I know a number of them and I enjoyed my table mates and our conversations.
Then I drove over to the dedication of the new Pope John Paul II seminary over by Catholic University. It was very nice and there were lots of priests and seminarians that I knew and had a chance to speak with. All three Cardinals were there and I had a chance to speak with Cardinal Baum and made arrangements to visit him at the Little Sisters. I didn’t get to talk with Kevin Keyser, who was one of my servers at St. Michael’s and is now a student for the priesthood living at the seminary. He was giving tours of the third floor and there is no elevator. I hope to see him soon. I’m so glad I went.

Then I came home and took a nap. Then I decided to go out to the Kennedy Center. A young man, who had been a student at Good Counsel and been in the musicals I directed, was starring in an adaptation of Ibsen’s The Doll House. He is a “little person” and was always very talented. I got a ticket for row 2 and really enjoyed the show and his performance. Afterwards, I met a lady, Mary Cahill, who has known Mark since he was a baby and is a family friend; we both were standing at the stage door hoping to see him. We eventually went to the lobby and met some of Mark’s friends – also “little people” and they told us he was coming to meet them there. We waited and had a great visit with Mark. He was very glad I came and I told him I represented lots of people from GC who would have loved to see him. He is married, has two children, and lives in Los Angeles. He has had a lot of success in his career. He just finished a film, “Snow White” with Julia Roberts in Canada and he was in “Elephants with Water” last year. He has travelled all around the world with this play and it has met with critical success. I’m so glad to went.

Didn’t get home till Midnight and so I went right to bed.
I am in my office at the center and have the 10:30am Mass in the gym. I will right again tonight about the rest of Sunday.

I got a suggestion from Eileen Lee Baughan that I could type my message on Microsoft Word and then copy it to WhatPaddyShotAt; if it took it, I’d have the original. I thought that sounded good so I shall try that for awhile.

As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted;

I don’t know what happened to Thursday. I had the 8:15am Mass at Stone Ridge. It was a special feast day for them. It is called Mater Admirabilis (Mother Most Admirable) and honors a fresco that a young sister of the Sacred Heart painted on the cloister of their convent in Rome in the 1830’s, next to the church of the Trinita at the top of the Spanish steps. When, he visited the convent in 1846, and saw the painting, Pope Pius IX gave it that title. It has been the scene of numerous miracles. I was surprised to hear of it because I have been to that church many times. Fr. Carmen Carlone had his first Mass there; but I never saw the painting. One of the teachers told me that you have to go outside of the church and go to the building next door and they’ll let you see it. The building is no longer owned by the Madams of the Sacred Heart but the new owners are very welcoming. I guess I’ll need to go to Rome again!!