What Paddy Shot At

Although the feast will be celebrated on Monday, March 20th because the 19th is the third Sunday of Lent; I shall spend my day praying and reflecting on St. Joseph, which is my Confirmation name. He and all the Josephs I have known are remembered today.

On Thursday, the 9th, I did have a group of about 40 young 3rd and 4th graders from the Jewish Day school with three of their teachers for a tour of our church. They had wonderful questions and enjoyed going into the confessionals and the sacristy and seeing the vestments and utensils that we use for our services. Later in the week, I received a number of thank you letters from students and almost all of them mentioned the confessional visits.

Later that night, I took my first Uber trip. It was so easy. I got notices on my cell phone that my car was coming in five minutes; then that he was at my door. I had to use the 3630 address and I just walked out of the parish center and got in the car. We drove up Connecticut Ave in the midst of commuter traffic and I just relaxed. He drove me right to the door of the restaurant. It took about twenty minutes. I had a great time with Cathy, Matt, and Bill English. I was planning to use Uber home but Bill, who lives out this way, insisted of dropping me off.

On Friday, the 10th, I had the 8AM Mass and the Patrick Mullan picked me up and we went to St. Bernadette’s for the funeral of my cousin, Cal. He is a 20 year old who had a heart issue when he was born. He and his family monitored it very carefully and he lived a normal life as a Catholic grade school student and a high school student at Gonzaga. He was  home from West Virginia U. for spring break. He had a heart attack and died immediately in his Dad’s arms. It was a a beautiful funeral and the church was standing room. Everyone said he had a great smile and that’s how I remember him at family gatherings. Please keep his the parents, his brother and sister, and all his family in your prayers. I spent most of the rest of the afternoon, working on the newsletter. At 5PM, I took another Uber to Leisure World and met Barry Fitzpatrick, who drove me to the Sofia family’s house for a great Italian supper. Domenico and Bob were students at GC and I’ve stayed in touch with them and their families over the year. Their wives and children as well of the mothers of each joined Barry, Pat Davis, and me for a sumptuous meal. I was lucky enough to take home a lot of it home with me and eat over the next two days. Lots of laughs and good friends – can’t beat that combination. Barry drove me back to the rectory and I hit the bed quickly.

On Saturday, the 11th, I had the 8AM Mass and then a Mass at 11AM in the chapel to honor the year’s anniversary of Jack O’Connor’s death. We had about 80 people and it was a really nice celebration. There was a reception afterward in our room across the hall; but I didn’t go because I met with a young couple who want to get married. I have know him since before he was born and I want to help the. Keep Eric and Erica in your prayers. Later that evening, Mary and Brian McGreevy, Marilyn and Frank Cavallaro came and picked me up and we went to Clyde’s for a lot of laughs and good food.

On Sunday, the 12th, I had the 9:30AM Mass and Joe and Mary came. Then we met Tim and Allison at Clyde’s for brunch. Tim is job hunting in DC and Joe was on Spring break so they drove from Philly to visit Mary’s family. Again, I just had a good time “catching up” and enjoying the company of friends.

On Monday, the 13th, I slept in and learned that it was going to snow that evening. I was supposed to give a talk to the Mary knights. So I just stayed in the rectory and worked on the newsletter. It was my DAY OFF.

On Tuesday, we did have snow and it cancelled most things, so I stayed in my suite and relaxed. Exposition was cancelled but I did have the 5:30PM Mass. The staff had cleared a path – even across the street and I got over and back easily.

On Wednesday, I had the 8AM Mass and school had a delayed opening. The day was quiet as I guess many people stayed close to home. I had the confessions that night as part of “The Light is On For You”. Some people came. it is a great program in that every parish in the Archdiocese of Washington, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and the Diocese of Arlington there is a priest available for confession from 6:30PM to 8PM on the Wednesday nights of Lent.

Thursday, the 16th, Brian met me at the door and made sure I got across the street as the snow has been melting but freezing again at night. I had the 8AM and it was full. So many people are coming to daily Mass. I had three servers from the school. At 4PM, Colleen picked me up and we drove to Virginia for a dinner with the Separated and Divorced Catholic group. We had a great time and on the way home, we called Sister Agnes, who use to be our convener and now is up in New Jersey.

On Friday, the 17th, I had the 8AM Mass and preached on the saint. Again, a nice crowd. A priest friend brought a college student by to meet me and he wants to be confirmed. We’re going to get that done. At 4pm, I had a Baptism. Someone asked me how I could do a Baptism on Friday at 4PM; I explained his name is Patrick Andrew O’Neil. That seemed to settle it!! I was great. I had baptized his older brother, Rory three years ago and it was good to see all the family.

On Saturday, the 18th, I had the 11AM Mass and then had a Baptism in the chapel at 11:45. Please keep Brandon Joseph and his family in your prayers. His grand dad is a doctor at Hampton college and knows Marty Favret, who is the football coach there! Small world.  Then Mary Ann came and drove me to Chesapeake Beach for a home Mass with the SDC from Calvert County. It was again a great time and we had four new people who came. I felt badly that she had to drive me all the way back and then go to Waldorf; but we talked all the way and “caught up”.

Today, I have the 12:30PM Mass and afterwards a man whose daughter wants to be Baptized and it going to Stone Ridge next year will stop in to see me and we’ll talk. I happed to see Domique ( from GC and whom I married) and his son, Luke, whom I baptized walking to the 10:30 gym Mass and I tapped on the window to say HI. Then stopped in after Mass and we had a nice visit. Nice way to start the day.

And now you’re up to date.

Today is my Mom’s patron saint day. If you don’t know about her look her up on the internet. She is a wonderful model. The only Mass I have celebrated in Latin was one that I offered over the body of the saint in 1977. I went to her tomb in the basilica in the Forum in Rome and the only book they had was Italian and Latin. It was said facing the wall and I think I read everything on the pages (including the rubrics). It was a thrill but I was exhausted.

Let’s bring you up to date.

When last I wrote (on Sunday, February 26th) I told you that I was having lunch with the gang. We had a great time, although the service wasn’t very good. But the chance to be with family and friends was great. Mike and Maggie dropped off Patrick at his hotel and then drove me home. I went to bed quickly and didn’t watch the Oscars – although I woke up just before the confusion about the Best Picture. Then right back to sleep.

On Monday, the 27th, Patrick decided to take the Metro out and we met for lunch at Clyde’s. I really enjoyed his visit and the people we got together with. That night, I met my four priests friends and we had a good meal and lots of laughs. I didn’t use Uber because I messed it up and Fr. Jim came and drove me.

On Tuesday, the 28th, Dwight called to tell me that Roger, our classmate and friend had died in Wisconsin. I will try to speak with his family later. John Bohrer called to tell me that his Mom, Rose died in Colorado. She is the last parent of our group to died. She was so much fun to be with. Please keep John and his siblings and Roger and his family in your prayers. Barry and Barbara picked me up and we went out to supper to celebrate Mardi Gras.

Today was Ash Wednesday. I had the 8am Mass and gave out ashes. Every Mass was full. I hope I have a good Lent.

I had the 8am Mass on Thursday and spent the day working on the newsletter.

Friday, the 3rd, I had the 11am Mass and was scheduled for the evening Mass also but I called Cardinal McCarrick, our retired bishop and he came and preached at the 5:30pm Mass. It is called “The Hunger Mass” and we use it to help support the Foundation and the pantries. He stayed for supper and we enjoyed being with him.

On Saturday, the 4th (Marie’s 76th birthday!), I had the 11am Mass and then went to bed. I’ve not been feeling good this week. It may be the weather. The pollen is high.

On Sunday, I concelebrated the 10:30am Mass from the choir stalls and then a couple whom I will officiate at their wedding in September and I returned to bed. Fr. Percy was kind enough to take my 5:30pm Mass and I stayed in bed.

On Monday, the 6th, a young man came to see me at the rectory and we had a nice long talk and then (except for meals) I stayed in my suite. I ache all over – but it’s not the flue!

On Tuesday, we began our Tuesdays with Maury again with a great discussion about Lent and what we might do during it. I saw someone for confession and I had the evening Mass. After supper, went to bed early.

On Wednesday, the 8th, I had 11am Mass and during it, I broke the arm of the presider’s chair and my oxygen ran out of battery and beeped all though the Canon. Afterward, I met with someone to talk about a problem in their apartment building. Then I asked Joan to take me to the barber. I looked like the Wild Man of Borneo (as my Mom use to say). I feel much better with my hair cut and my beard trimmed.

Father Hilary, a Trinitarian that  I’ve known for years and Msgr. Richard Hughes, a golf buddy of Msgr. Eckert’s, both died this week. I won’t be able to get to their funeral but please keep them in your prayers. Also, we learned yesterday that one of our priest, Roy Campbell has been named as our auxiliary bishop. Good guy and good pastor; please keep him in your prayers.

Today the 9th, I have Masses but also am giving a tour of the church to the children from the Jewish day school a few blocks from here. Their ladies’ group and ours meet for discussion and prayer and they asked me to show the kids (I think 3rd and 4th graders). Pray for us too.

Tonight I will take my first Uber ride and join Cathy and Matt Minahan and Fr. Bill English for supper in Kensington. I’ll report later on my experience.

It’s hard to believe that it’s only a week since I wrote. It’s been a full one. It’s just as well that I didn’t go to Baltimore.

On Friday, the 17th, I spent the day in the office and a number of people came by to talk. Also I had the 5:30 Mass and went to bed early.

On Saturday, the 18th, I had the 8AM Mass and then gave some scouts a tour of the sacristy and then they came to my office to interview me. They are working on the Ad Altare badge. We had a great time. Then I had an 1o AM baptism. Please keep Carolina Grace and her family in your prayers. I had baptized her older sister, who is now 4 and lovely.  I took a nap and then I had the 5:30PM Mass but I didn’t preach. The deacon did and again, I was glad to go to bed early.

On Sunday, the 19th, I had the 10:30AM Mass in the church and I preached. I also gave out Communion, which was a treat to myself. Around 2pm, I drove to Wheaton and had lunch with Ceil Mattingly, a childhood friend. We  caught up on her family and mine. We had seen each other at Marie’s wake and it took us this long to arrange for lunch. We went to Christina’s, a nice family Italian place.

The office was closed on Monday, the 20th for Presidents’ day. I was picked up at the rectory by Liz Cahill and we drove to Clyde’s where we met Sissy Gladding. Both were teachers at G.C. when I was there. We laughed and talked from 12:30 to 5:30. I think we caught up on all the people we knew. I left a little something extra for the waiter, who was very good to us. I felt like we “rented” the table as he didn’t have other customers to wait on while we just went on and on. Old friends are such a joy. I was ready for bed early as I didn’t have a nap.

On Tuesday, the 21st, I had the 11AM Mass and spent the rest of the day on the newsletter.

On Wednesday, the 22nd, I had the 11 and the 5:30pm Masses and went to bed early.

Thursday, I had the 8AM Mass and around 12:30, Joan W drove me down to the hotel in Southwest where Pat Berry had checked in after a flight from Chicago. We talked and visited all afternoon and then Rick and Peg picked us up and we went to North Old Town in Alexandria for a delicious family run Italian dinner. They drove me home and then took Pat to the hotel. Of course, we had a great  time.

On Friday, I had the 8AM Mass and then, Colleen W picked me up and we drove to St. Rose of Lima for a funeral. It was Peg Caffery, whom I met on a retreat I did thirty years ago. I’ve kept in touch. She was 93 and the mother of 10, grandmother of 23, and great grand mother of 4. Fr. Val Keveny was the celebrant and homilist. He was as good as he always is and that brogue is like he arrived yesterday from Ireland – and he came 44 years ago. Also the deacon was John Locke, who with his wife, Marge were in my TEAM thirty years ago. I haven’t seen them for years. Since the internment was at St. Rose, we stayed for the luncheon and talked with lots of people. I took a nap and had the 5:30pm Mass. Again, early to bed.

On Saturday, the 25, I was on for the beginning of our Confirmation; but had to leave. I’m glad I went out and sat in the altar area because Matt and Kathy Minahan came up and spoke to me. Old friends from Camillus and retreats. Their nieces were being confirmed. It was great to see them and talk. Then I picked up Patrick at the Metro. We drove to Frederick and met  Bill and Kate Berry for lunch. Then I left them and drove to St. Mary’s in Barnesville for Confessions. They came to the 5pm Mass and then went back to West Virginia and I drove Pat to the Metro and he went back to the hotel.

Today, I have the 10:30AM Mass, which Maggie and Mike will come to. Then we’ll pick up Patrick again at the Metro (He is a real traveler and can find his way around), the we’ll pick up Joan B and go to Outback, where we’ll meet Barbara Ostrye for lunch. We’ll return and I know I’ll be in bed. I don’t care about the Oscars.

As tomorrow, Monday is my DAY OFF, and Patrick flies back to Chicago;  I’ll just stay in bed till I want to get up and I’ll join Regis, Mike, John, and Jim for supper at 6pm in Silver Spring. I am going to use Uber for the first time. I’ll report on it later!

I think that brings you up to date. The newsletter is almost ready for print.

I was supposed to go to a conference in Baltimore today and tomorrow; but it has been so frustrating the last few days, I “wimped out”.

I was scheduled to have a MRI on Tuesday, February 7th, which was the last day I wrote but they couldn’t let me take my oxygen in the room because it would interfere with the MRI machine, so I came home. We had a dinner for the school board that evening and I joined them for a while. Went to bed early as I had the 6:30am Mass on Wednesday as we’re down to two priests for a couple of days.

On Wednesday, the 8th, I had the 11am as well as the 6:30 and spent the whole day working on my Christmas newsletter. It is for 2007 thru 2017 and is taking a lot of work.

On Thursday, the 9th, I had the 8am and the evening Mass and had supper with Fr. Alec. More work on the newsletter.

On Friday, the 10th, I had the 8am and the evening Mass and worked most of the day on the newsletter. I fear that it will be 16 pages but I am determined to get one out this year. My family and friends will be stunned and I must put in a statement that I am not dying. When I sent one out while I was in South America that came out before Christmas, Danny called his mom to find out if I was ill.

On Saturday, the 11th, The feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, I called Fr. Mark Smith to  wish him a happy birthday. Also it is the Day of the Infirmed and I offered Mass for Mark and all the sick I know. Then I met with a young girl who has been diagnosed with celiac and will have to receive a special host. You know how hard it is to be different when you’re a teenager. Keep her in your prayers. I also met with a couple from SDC. At 4pm, I had confessions and then I cooked some supper for myself – ham and eggs!

On Sunday, the 12th, Fr. Ron was preaching at all the Masses about the Cardinal’s appeal and so I just presided at the 12:30pm Mass. Rick and Peg surprised me by coming and we went to dinner at LaFerme, a nice French restaurant nearby. We had a great time and very good food. Went to bed early.

As Monday, the 13th was my DAY OFF, my doctor asked me to go to Sibley Hospital as they would allow me to have the oxygen during my MRI. Joan drove me but it was a closed one and I just couldn’t go into that tube. when I got home, I just went to bed and escaped.

Tuesday, was St. Valentine’s Day and so Joan and I picked up JoEddie, who use to work her and we went to Parkside Deli for lunch. It was her birthday and we had a nice visit and good food – I brought most of mine home to have for supper. I had the Exposition and 5:30pm Mass.

Wednesday, the 15th was very interesting. I had a very rough night and woke up almost every 20 minutes. I ached all over and couldn’t get to sleep. When I finally got out of bed, I saw that I had not turned my oxygen on. I had the cord but was getting no oxygen. A couple of time, I leaned over to the bed stand to check the oxygen but my oximeter was on my desk in the other room and I just didn’t want to get out of bed. If I had, I would have seen that the green light was not on. I really do need to have oxygen 24 hours a day now. So I learned something. I had the 8am Mass and after lunch, Joan drove me to Shady Grove Hospital for an open MRI that would allow me to have my oxygen as well. It was very easy and I was seated between two huge machines making a lot of noise. I was able to say the Rosary and it was over in less than a half hour. They gave me a disc to give my doctor. I’m glad to have all that over. I had the evening Mass and a dear friend did Exposition for me; but I was back in time for Mass. I’m in only one home tonight, so I ate some spaghetti that Humberto had left me and I went to bed early.

Today is February 16th – the 26th anniversary of Mom’s death. It seems like only yesterday that I stopped in to see her on St. Valentine’s Day, 1991. RIP. I had the 6:30 and 8am Masses, as I planed to get away early to attend the conference. I decided not to go until I had some explanation about the problem with my right foot. I’ll know something when the doctor sees the MRI disc. Since I thought I’d be away, I have no appointments. I may go to the rectory and work on the newsletter. I have a lot to do on Saturday and Sunday; so I should take advantage of the unscheduled “free day”. And now Paddy is up to date.

Today is normally my day off but Fr. Alec is ill and I am taking the Exposition and 5:30PM Mass. I had a doctor’s appointment at 11:45 and since I’m in the office, I decided to try to get something out to Paddy.

I last wrote on Jan 24th, I was going to Bethlehem House that evening. I went and really enjoyed myself. There are three women who reside there, Angela, Kimberly and Mary. Mary is the younger sister of Pat Horan Granados and is a classmate of mine from St. Bernard’s. Two ladies live there as house mothers. They are Jeannie and Mama. My driver was Kathy Healy, a parishioner who works with the special needs ministry of the Archdiocese. We all had a great time.

On Wednesday, the 25th, I had the 11AM and the 5:30PM Masses and exposition at 3PM. Then I did Confirmation interviews. They are always so interesting and I enjoy hearing the students tell me about their saint and who they chose as a sponsor and what service they have done. Their choices makes for good discussion.

On Thursday, I did the same.

On Friday, I had the 8 and 11am Masses and then my cousin, Jean picked me up and we rode to Ocean City, Maryland. Jean’s husband, Tom was my Great Aunt Mamie’s grandson. Tom and two of his brothers are deceased but he brother, Jim and his wife Eileen, his sister, Sue and Jean have been congregating in OC in January with their children and grandchildren for a “family weekend”.  They invited me to join them What a great time we all had. It was cold and windy outside but there is an ice skating rink, a pool, and a bar. Covered all our needs. We went out to eat at Lombardi’s, the Crab Bag, and the Green Turtle. We also had Mass on Saturday evening and another cousin, Ellie Gibbons, who live nearby and is Great Uncle Frank’s daughter, joined us. I think we were 35 in a large suite. It was a wonderful reunion.

Jean dropped me off at the rectory around 3pm on Sunday and I since my new bed had arrived and Joan W had made it up; I went to bed to test it out.

On Monday, the 30th (my day off) I slept in to about 11:30 and joined the guys for lunch. That evening, a former student from GC came and picked me up and he, his son, and I had a lovely dinner at Clyde’s.

On Tuesday, the 31st, I had the 8am Mass and then confirmation interviews. Fr. Regis, the Deacon Harry joined Frs. Ron and Alec and me to celebrate a special dinner for Fr. Alec’s 30th birthday, which is actually February 4th. We had a great time and even went into the parlor for a roaring fire in the fireplace and stayed laughing and talking.

I took the 6:30am and the 8am Masses so I could get moving on Wednesday, the 1st. Sister Kass picked me up and we rode to Pittsburgh. She says she loves to drive and so we just talked and suddenly we were at Waterfront. Keith Morris stopped by and we went to a Chinese restaurant and relaxed.

On Thursday, the 2nd, Keith, Kass and I went to a Cosko (sp?). I had never been and I had a great time and bought a lot of stuff. That evening, Sheila joined us at Mitchell’s Seafood restaurant where Fathers Kredel, Feeney, Norton, and Wesolowski joined us for a number of hours and laughter and good food.

On Friday, the 3rd, Kass and I stayed after breakfast and she gave me a tutorial on my new smart phone. It is not easy and I almost regret giving up my “flip – phone”. But I learned some things and then I stayed in my room relaxing and trying it out. Kass went to the casino. That evening, Keith drove us to Ed and Kerrie’s new house. We were joined by her sisters, their husbands and their children and a good friend, Helena for pizza, drinks, laughter, and a house blessing. It was so much fun – and to see how much the newest generation has grown was a blessing.

On Saturday, the 4th, we had breakfast at 7am and were on the road by 8. Kass is a great driver and I was at my rectory by 12:15. I took a nap and then went to say the 5:30pm Mass. We are beginning the Cardinal’s Appeal and Fr. Ron preached at all the Masses on the weekend. So I was back in my new bed very quickly.

On Sunday, the 5th, I had the 10:30am and again no preaching. Saw a lady in my office and then went to the rectory, where the spend the rest of the day defrosting my refrigerator (a college room size; but it gets a lot ice build up). I sort of watched the game but mostly I read a stack of magazines and newspaper that I had put aside to look at when I had time.

And that brings us to today. My doctor’s visit went well but I am having a MRI tomorrow because it might explain the leg problem I’m having. We’ll see. I have the 11am Mass tomorrow and in the evening the parish council will come to the house for supper. So tomorrow is fly by.

I actually wrote to seven people today (by snail mail) and Susan and I have been talking by phone (she’s in Minnesota) about my Christmas newsletter, so don’t give up hope.

Please keep in your prayer, Bob Scanlon, and my friend, Carol. Also Robert, who was a special needs person here in the parish died in his sleep. Please keep and his family in your prayers. Till next week….

I just returned from Tuesdays With Fr. Maury and since I have Confirmation interviews beginning at 3pm; I though I would try to get something written. My last message was on January 11th and I’ve done a lot in two weeks.

On Thursday, the 12th, I had the 11am Mass and then went home to rest. Then I got a ride to see Dr. Solomon. He looked at my legs and said that the Fibrosis was not affecting them. He suggested I see my other doctor. I went by to see her office and will set up an appointment. It might be the weather because I ache in all my joints. I went to bed early.

Friday was the 13th but I never think of that as dangerous or evil. I slept in and then had an appointment and the exposition and 5:30pm Mass. I spent some time cleaning my room as they keep telling us the weather will be snow.

Saturday, the 14th was icy and the family asked to move the baptism to Sunday. I was glad to do it as it was icy and cold. I did the 4pm confessions and returned to the rectory and went to bed early.

During the night, my bed broke. I wasn’t hurt and so I just slept with the head lower than my body. I could see that the slats were cracked and so I guess I’ll get a new bed. I had the 7:30AM Mass and ate a good breakfast. The family came at 11:15 for the baptism. Please keep Maggie Catherine and her family in your prayers. I baptized the dad and married them and now I have the privilege of baptizing their first baby. I spent the rest of the day, taking apart the bed, so I could sleep in the two mattresses. It wasn’t difficult.

It was my DAY OFF on Monday, the 16th but Father Percy left today for India and Fr. Ron is away for a couple of days, so I told Fr. Alec that I would take the 11am Mass. Then I cleaned my room.

Tuesday, I had the 8AM Mass and the 5:30PM. I had an appointment at noon and then I took a nap because I had confirmation interviews in the afternoon. I always enjoy them and these 6 were fun.

Wednesday, I had the 8 and 5:30 Masses again and the interviews from 3 to 5. Humberto left food for me in my room and it was early bed.

On Thursday, the 19th, I had the 8 and 11Am Masses. confirmation interviews. Fr. Ron and I had supper together. Early to bed.

I only had the 8AM on Friday and spent the whole day, trying to straighten up my rooms and watched the inauguration. confirmation interviews.

On Saturday, the 21, I had the 8AM Mass and then drove over and picked up Fr. Trancone. We drove to Bowie and met Patty and Rose Petrone and Philip for lunch at a nice Italian place. I had shrimp scampi, which I really like. We had a good time talking about the inauguration and the women’s march which was on a TV and looked huge. After I dropped Jerry off, I decided to take my watch to a repair shop in Kensington. It is a good watch that Good Counsel gave me on my 10th Anniversary. I really liked it. It was a Seiko and it stopped working about 20 years ago and I went to a couple of stores but they couldn’t repair it. I went in here and he said, “the battery needs replacement”. It took less than 10 minutes and cost $15.00, I’ve been buying and using Timex watches – and they don’t keep the best time. This is running great and I am so happy to have it back.

On Sunday, I had the 10:30am in the church. The music was great and I preached about our being the light of the world. Jesus came to those in darkness and it is now our sacred duty to share light to any who feel the darkness of doubt and discouragement. It just seemed so necessary with all that angry and hurt of the last few days. After Mass, I went and picked up Jerry again and we went to Franklin’s – a restaurant in Hyattsville. I had been there before because we went as a family to eat in the time between the afternoon visitation and the evening wake for Marie at Gasch’s, which was nearby. This time, we met Jim and Vera Degenhardt, Bernie Degenhardt, and Gail Battle. We were celebrating Jim’s 90th birthday. It was a good meal and even with the rain, we had a good time.  I was glad to get home and into my mattresses.

Although Monday is my DAY OFF, I took the 8AM Mass because it was Kevin Mulholland’s 64th birthday. He died about two years ago and is Brian’s brother. He, his Mom Jane, and other brother, Jay all came to the Mass. It was a nice Mass and part of what we Catholic families’ do to remember those we love.  I went to my office and told Joan I was ‘Not in” because I was going to spend the day opening and reading my Christmas mail. It took almost 7 hours. I checked and updated addresses; I looked and read each letter or note; and I put the pictures aside to fill my bulletin board. I was suppose to be picked up by Coleen and driven to a SDC meeting and dinner in Virginia; but as I was leaving my office at 2pm, I discovered it had been raining hard all day. Joan walked me home under an umbrella but the wind and rain were hard and I was exhausted when I got to the rectory. I called Colleen and apologized that I just couldn’t go out again. I signed in for dinner, took a nap and ate dinner with the guys and then continued reading and organizing my Christmas mail list until about 11pm.

Today, I had the 11am Mass and preached on St. Francis, whom I learned to love from my Mom. Then I had Tuesdays with Fr. Maury and our topic was “Americans who are in the Pipeline to become saints” I had researched nine people who are “Servants of God” and nine who are “Venerable”. We had a great time and learned and shared. Since I have confirmation interview soon, I stayed and tried to get this message done. I am being picked up at 5pm and being driven to Hyattsville to have supper at Bethlehem House, a group home. One of the residents is Mary Horan, whose family I have known since I was a kid at St. Bernard’s, where they lived. Her sister, Pat is a classmate and lives in California. Mary and I are old friends; so I am looking forward to that visit.

I think that brings you up to date. Of course, I am on the phone a lot and keep up with people that way. I really am working on my Christmas letter from 2007 – 20016. So don’t give up on me.

I had the 8AM Mass today and will also have the Exposition at 3PM and the 5:30PM Mass, so I thought I’d try to work on Paddy. The last time I wrote was on the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus – January 3rd.

The rest of that week, I stayed close to home. It was very cold and although I did say Mass every day (2 on Thursday); I wasted time working on genealogy and resting in my suite. They kept telling us that snow or an ice storm was coming so I didn’t want to go out.

On Friday, the 6th, I had the 8AM Mass and then drove out to RIP’s and met Kass for lunch. Then we went to the Verizon store. I had suspended my phone service when I left the phone in her car and so she brought it back to me. It was a “flip” phone and once I restored its service; I purchased a new phone. I thought it was an I phone but I have learned it has a S – 7 (whatever that means). It looks like the I phone everyone else has. The next few days were a comedy of errors. I have to “unlock” it whenever I want to use it. Also when someone calls me, I thought I just had to push the green phone picture to answer but that was not true and lots of people who called me had to leave a message. Then the message told them my mailbox was full and they sent me an email message instead. I really am not sure I’m going to be able to do this!!!   More later!!

On Saturday, the 7th, the snow finally came and the pastor helped me across the street to the parish center. I had a baptism at 11:30. Please keep Giovanna Rose and her family in your prayers. She is the great grand – daughter of Beth McCoy. Some of the family were able to get here and it is always a delight to see them and “catch up”. I had the 5:30PM Mass and I think I had a good homily for the Epiphany. Carolyn helped me get back to the rectory. I think we had 3 inches or so and it froze up after dark. I was suppose to go out to supper with Mary Alice McGreevy and Marilyn Cavallaro; but they live in West Virginia and I called and told them we’d reschedule. I went to bed early.

On Sunday, they had re-organized the altar in the gym so that I could have that Mass at 10:30AM. Deacon Harry helped me and I was able to give out Communion. It really was so nice to be there again. I think I’ll ask to be put back on the schedule for the gym Mass. I made a nice breakfast and stayed in my suite all evening. It was very cold and I realized that the upper parts of two of the windows were open. I just hunkered down in my many blankets.

Monday was my “Day Off”, so I just stayed in my suite. I thought I slept well and when I got up, I remembered it was my niece, Mary Ann’s birthday, so I called her. She reminded me that her birthday is August 9th and I was a little early. You get like your first pastor!!!   Preston came and fixed the windows and I was nice and cozy. Worked on genealogy and getting things ready for “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”, which I would have the next day. I called Maggie that night to see if she had gone to BINGO. She had gone with Kerri, who was off school because they had about 8 inches of snow! She also told me that she knew about my calling Mary Ann 8 months early!! No secrets in this family.

Tuesday was January 10th and I had both the 8AM and the 11AM Masses. Fr. Percy is away. It was Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time and we’re back to Green vestments and altar cloth. That was also the topic for our Tuesdays meeting. We had a very nice discussion about the liturgical calendar. At the 10:30 Mass in the church last Sunday, they had heard the Proclamation of when Ash Wednesday, Easter, and Pentecost would be. It’s an old custom and some of them remembered hearing it as children. I always liked it and am glad to see we are doing it here at Blessed Sacrament. Also we had some very good food. Our cook has returned and so I joined Frs. Ron and Alec for supper.

Today, I have had time to write this and think I’ll go to the rectory for lunch. I’ll take a nap and then come back for Exposition. Also I called the phone company and removed all the messages in my mailbox and now people can leave me messages. I also learned how to recover my messages.  Also Kass in giving me some more help with the phone. It is a slow process!!

Joan B passed on to me an email from Anne Turner and it was so nice to hear from her. I do so want to get some kind of Christmas letter out to all those who haven’t heard from me since 2007. What can I do??

Christmas was lovely and peaceful. I had the 6pm vigil Mass and God sent me a special gift – a young man whom I taught in 6th grade came into the sacristy to see me before Mass and let me know he was in college in Virginia. It was so good to see him and his family and know that all was well.

I concelebrated the Midnight and as I promised, I mentioned all of you, your families and your needs during the Mass. I got up and had the 10:30 Mass on Christmas Day. We had lots of people at all the Masses and the music was just lovely. I went home and made a real breakfast of bacon and eggs; and then went up to my room, wrapped up in my new blanket and napped as I watch a marathon of “Leave it to Beaver”. It was very relaxing.

On Monday, the 26th, I lounged around my suite and had chicken soup. I used the phone a lot to catch up with old friends. I had a nice long talk with Pat Watters in Canada. Some people I called were not home but I left messages for them. I relaxed.

On Tuesday, the 27th, I had Exposition and the evening Mass. I went to bed early as my legs are bothering me.

On Wednesday, I was planning to meet Kass in Laurel but I “wimped out”. My legs are bothering me. I did call Fr. Beattie and found that he is home and also has leg problems. I finished up stuff at my desk and after the evening Mass, went to bed early.

Had the 11am Mass on Thursday, It was a quiet day.

On Friday, the 30th, I had the evening Mass and went to bed early. Called and talked with Maggie, who was having a good time in Kansas and Patrick Berry, who is heading out on a cruise in January = the same one we took last year that Marie went on.

I stayed in bed till about 3pm, when I went over to the parish center and “cleaned the desk”. I had the 5:30PM Mass and had a good homily about a resolution to know Jesus better so as to share knowledge of Him with others. I laid on the bed and kind of watched the ball come down.

On  the 1st. I drove over to visit Joan and Ginny. They had made a “stocking” for me – as well as cookies. I had a nice time and was comfortable on the beltway as there was little traffic. I napped for the rest of the morning and afternoon,  as I had the 5:30pm Mass. I repeated my homily. It seemed to work well.

On Monday, the 2nd, Kass came and picked me up and we went for a nice lunch at Clyde’s. We had a good time “catching up” and except that I misplaced my phone, it was a great time. She gave me a number of different Hot Chocolates and I tried one before I went to bed. It was delicious!

Today is Tuesday, the 3rd and I had the 11am Mass  and just had an appointment. Am going over to the rectory and have some soup and rest. My legs are still bothering me but I don’t know what that means. Hope you all have a blessed New Year.

Lots of good things going on this last week. I did send a photo last Friday but I didn’t write since December 14th. It was a Wednesday, and I took the 6:30AM Mass to get me up and moving. I drove Fr. Beattie over to St. Raphael’s for the 90th birthday luncheon for Msgr. Vincent Gatto. He is part of our “retired priests” group that meets the first Wednesday of the month but his pastor, Jim Meyers ( a really good guy) invited all of us to their rectory for this luncheon. I think we were about twenty and lots of talking and laughing.  I drove Fr. Beattie home, as he had a nurse coming to see him at 2pm. Then I drove up to near Frederick and visited with the Favret’s. Today was the feast of St. John of the Cross and he is special to La and me. We had a great time together and I caught up on all the family (11 kids and lots of grandkids). Then I went to St. Mary’s in Barnesville and heard confessions. Had supper with Fathers Kevin O’Reilly, Jim Lockman, and Jack McFarland. Then we heard more confessions at 7:30pm. I was home and in bed by 10PM. Good priest day.

On Thursday, the 15th, we had school confessions in the morning and then dear Margret drove me over to a parishioners home nearby and I had a delicious lunch with the group that volunteers (and many have for over 25 years) at a soup kitchen in DC. I met a number of people whom I didn’t know and there were great stories. I was even able to use my Polish expression (only one I know) “Dajmibuziak” Give me a kiss! Then I had the 5:30pm Mass and went to bed early.

On Friday, the 16th, I had the 8AM Mass and then met with someone who is coming into Full Communion before Christmas. While we’re talking, Joe Stoutz called. We have been using his book “Introduction to the Catholic Faith”  and she loves it.

On Saturday, the 17th, we had a terrible ice storm and some terrible car accidents. As I descended in my chair, Fr. Alec met me and said he’d walk me over to the parish center – and I did need his help. I wanted to be on the altar for a funeral of a dear lady, whom I knew. I got a chance to speak with family also. The church was full. Please keep Dottie and her family in your prayers as they face Christmas without her presence. Then I went to try and get my car started. I worked on it for twenty minutes and along come Father Alec, who cleared the ice with a credit card. I drove to Leisure World for the 100th birthday of my friend, Ursula. I sat with Barb and a number of women from the community. One lady, Maureen O’Brien (Not a relative!!) was an alumna of St. Martin’s, where I went to school. I also saw, Ursula’s son, who is a graduate of GC and caught up on him and his family. His son is a freshman at Johns Hopkins. Had a great time and drove Barb home. Then I had the 5:30pm Mass. The deacon preached, so I had an easy time. I went to bed early.

On Sunday, I was suppose to be down at St. Michael’s but the ice and the cold, made me cancel out. My little friend, Jack was baptized by Fr. Alec and I was his Godfather. It was a nice service and fun to be on the other side of the font. Since I was here, I also took the 1:30 baptism. It was the great grandchild of Albert Sindall, who with his wife, Ruth, were parishioners of St. Camillus. The little girl is also the great niece of Mike Sindall, one of my St. Camillus teen club members, who is now preparing to become a permanent deacon in the church. Please keep Tierney and all her family in your prayers. I also heard a few confessions and then went home to bed early.

On Monday, the 19th, I drove down to Maggie’s and she and I went to Bingo. She won! Then we went to St. Michael’s to visit the school and then she, her son, Mike and I went to the Chesapeake Grill and had great cream of crab soup. I ended up staying longer than I planned and I didn’t get home for the parish penance Service – but the priests forgave me – it was very crowded.

On Tuesday, the 20th, Dennis and Tonya Essig and I went out to breakfast at Bread and Chocolate. They have three sons and six grandchildren and when I was at GC, they use to bring the small boys to a Mass I said for the brothers and the faculty families in the chapel. It was always delightful – and now they have children of their own – How time flies! I had the evening Mass and early to bed.

On Wednesday, the 21st, I concelebrated the school Mass at 9:15am. I foolishly forgot to turn on my oxygen and I went to the altar and helped with Communion and my legs were “crying out to me, ‘we don’t have enough oxygen down here’. I sat down afterwards and eventually got caught up. At 1:45, I had the service for Karla to welcome her into full Communion. It was lovely and three other ladies joined us in the chapel. She will let her family know (the husband and three children are Catholics) them know on Christmas. Please keep her and them in your prayers. Joan bought me a pizza from Pete’s New Haven Pizza and I had half of it for supper. She use to live in Connecticut and turned me on it last summer. I watched some of the TV shows I’ve missed lately by using Infinity.

Today, I am trying to clean up my desk. I have exposition and the 5:30 Mass.

I was on the phone a lot this week and am trying to get things together so I can work on my Christmas letter (for 2008 thru 20016) during the break between Christmas and New Year. Who knows it might work!!

Please keep Jack and Frances Ann Cullison in your prayers. And Fr. Beattie is also in the hospital – I don’t know the details but will keep you posted. The home of one of my team members burned to the ground this week. No one hurt but prayers are needed there also. I heard from Pat Sinclair Langlois that Diane Leach Flanagan is home from the hospital and is having dialyzes three days a week.

I have the 6PM Mass on Christmas Eve and will concelebrate the Midnight and have the 10:30AM on Christmas. Then to bed with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and watch a marathon Leave it to Beaver series on TV. Got a lovely wool Irish blanket from Anne Lee. Shall use it to wrap up as I watch TV.

Shall be thinking of you and your families and your needs at the Midnight Mass. Have a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year.

I don’t know how he did it; but Fr. Alec was able to put this photo of

Laura Fetters, one of our great grade school teachers and me on the

feast of St. Nicholas in our gym before our service. I had a great time

and gave out 500 “gold” coins. Just wanted to share this. Be back in

touch next week.