What Paddy Shot At

I know that this is “soon” but I wanted to try to do something before the last week of Advent.
It seems so long ago that I wrote but it is only a week – but a full week. On Thursday, December 8th, I had the Holy Day Mass at 11am. There were lots of people there. It was also the anniversary of Mom and Bill’s wedding in 1984. We have a custom here at Blessed Sacrament of having an evening Mass that is “by candlelight”. So I concelebrated it. It is very popular and lots of the Sodality Ladies come. I offered it for Mom and Bill and their families.

Friday, the 9th is the feast of St. Juan Diego, to whom Mary appeared and filled his poncho with flowers on which the wonderful image of Our Lady of Guadeloupe appeared. I saw it in Mexico and it is as vibrant and beautiful as it was over 500 years ago. I have a vestment that the people of St. Bernard’s gave to me and so I placed it in front of the altar so people could come and see it and touch it. I think my homily on St. Juan was good and told his story of faith well.

On Saturday, the 10th, we had two sessions of First Reconciliation – about 60 students and many adults went to confession. There were 4 priests and it was delightful. I went to bed early.

On Sunday, the 11th, I had the 7:30am Mass and Rick and Peg came. Then we headed out to the cemeteries to lay wreaths. We went to Ft. Lincoln and put a wreath on Marie’s grave and prayed for her, Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Crory, and Aunt Babe and Uncle Charlie. Then we went to Mt. Olivet and put wreaths on Uncle Willie and Aunt Josie (Rick’s grandparents), Nellie, my grandma and grandpa O’Connell (where I will be buried). We also visited and prayed at our cousins’ graves. Then we headed to Arlington and put wreaths on Rick’s parents grave and Peg’s parents’ grave. We also put a wreath on Peg’s sister in law’s columbarium. We prayed for them and all those who are buried at Arlington. Then we went to Gate of Heaven to visit Ann and Dwayne Treadway, Ann and Ed O’Connell, and Ann’s family – the Brown’s. I know so many people at Gate of Heaven that I also lifted up a prayer for them and their families.
We ended our pilgrimage with a delightful stop at Crisfield’s in Silver Spring for great seafood!! Was home before the Redskins’ game was over and early to bed.

Monday, the 12th, I slept in but Fr. Alec used the vestment for the two Masses he had that day. It is so beautiful and people loved seeing and feeling it. I rested most of the day because that night, Fr. Jim Bocabella picked me up and we went to Classics for dinner with our three priests buddies. It was so good to be with them. We laughed.

On Tuesday, the 13th, I slept in. Had the 11am Mass and then we had our staff luncheon at noon and I just relaxed.

Today, I took the 6:30am Mass as I am picking up Fr. Beattie at 11today and we are going to the 90th birthday of one of our retired priests. He lives at St. Raphael’s and the pastor invited us all to lunch. After I take Fr. back to his place, I’ll go up to Barnesville for confessions. I hope to get by and see La and Andy Favret.

Been on the phone a lot this week – catching up on friends. I also learned that Jack Cullison, a good friend from Ridge is in the hospital. Please keep him, his wife Frances Ann, and all his family in your prayers.

Today is an “easy day”. I didn’t get out of bed till noon. I’ve been relaxing here in my office and I have the 3pm Exposition and the 5:30pm Mass. I signed in for supper; so I thought I’d try to get Paddy out today.

When last I wrote, it was November 25th – the day after Thanksgiving. You might remember my photo with Joe, John, and Dwight? What a great day that was.
On Saturday, the 26th, I presided at Joe and Pat Healy’ 50th wedding anniversary celebration. We held it in the chapel and then went to Magiano’s for a “family meal”. There were 12 of us, their kids and grandkids, and a couple who are long time friends. The kids had taken photos from their wedding and “blown them up” and put them around the private dining room. They had a small wedding cake. There were lots of stories and lots of laughter. It was a good time. I had to leave early as I had the 4pm confessions. The family were kind enough to bring me some more food (Magiano’s has an “order a meal and you get a second one to take home”) so they brought that and some wedding cake!

On Sunday, I had the 7:30am Mass and then went to St. Bernard’s to attend their annual Mass for all the parishioners buried from there in the last year. Maggie and Mike, Danny and Mary, Mary Frances and Steve also came – Oh yes, Jimmy and Trevor came too but I didn’t see them because they were in the “cry room”. It was a very nice Mass. They lit candles for each person and they were on the altar rail through the Mass and then family took them home. I had a chance to see lots of old friends. Then we went to Marie’s house – that Mary has purchased and is having it renovated. It looks great and the rest of the family met us there. Erica had cooked a turkey on the newly renovated kitchen stove. Others brought side dishes and tables and chairs and we had a great time with lots of memories and laughter.

On Monday, I drove to St. Elizabeth’s to hear school children’s confessions and that evening, I picked up Barb and we met Barry for supper out at Mamma Lucia’s. Again, great food and lots of laughs.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the 29th and 30th, I had the 11am Mass and just relaxed most of the day. I did call Andy Favret and Andrew Gibbons to wish them “happy feast day” I was relaxing because I knew that the weekend would be busy.

On Thursday, December 1st, I had the exposition and evening Mass. The ushers came to the rectory for a dinner but I went to my room and early to bed.

On the 2nd, Fr. Rob, Patrice, and Tina, (who all work at Annunciation church) came and we went to the Parkside Deli for lunch. It was good food and lots of fun. I had the evening Mass and Carolyn kindly drove me to for Ellen’s wake. I met the rest of her family and many of her friends and co-workers. They had great photos of her and (although I felt sad), I think being there was a great help and the reason that Catholics have wakes.

On Saturday, the 3rd, I met with a couple and then I had four baptisms in the chapel. Our parish seminarian, James came over from Catholic U to help me. I know I could not have done it without his help. Then he came on for Ellen’s funeral and was a great help – making it possible for me to receive the gifts and to incense her body at the end. Those require going up and down stairs and lately I haven’t been able to do that – and I wanted to for Ellen. The eulogy done by her cousin was tremendous and I learn that she had travelled to 68 countries – many of them while she was undergoing treatment. Her brothers gave me some great photos – one is of us sitting in the garden the Saturday before she died and we both look peaceful. It’s on my window. I had the 5:30pm Mass and I was happy to preach about Advent – a quieting time!

On Sunday, the 4th, I had the 10:30am Mass in church and not only preached but gave out Communion and processed to the front door and greeted people. I was on the oxygen but I really enjoyed the Mass.
Rick and Peg surprised me and we went to breakfast and had a great visit and looked “on line” pictures of the wedding. Around 4:30, I drove over and picked up Jerry and we went to the Petrone’s for mostaccioli – one of my favorite pastas. Afterwards, we decorated Christmas cookies. This has been our custom for a couple of years and it is always such fun – and some laughter too!

I stayed in my suite most of the 5th because I didn’t go to bed till 11:30pm on Sunday.

December 6th (the feast of St. Nicholas) was a full day for me. I dressed in my miter and red chasuble and went to the gym to bless the Advent wreaths and to have a prayer service about St. Nicholas. I gave out about 500 “gold covered” chocolate coins. Then I went to Holy Redeemer school and gave out about 150 coins and had a wonderful service in which the children sang songs about St. Nicholas. Then I had the 11am Mass and preached. Then I went to “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”, where we seniors were joined by pre-school children from the nearby Episcopal church. We ate macaroni and cheese and chicken fingers and listened to a story about St. Nicholas. They got coins and then went and decorated cookies. While that was going on, they had put their shoes outside and St. Nick came with some candy and toys. Then I went to the church to hear the 5th graders do a choral presentation of Salvation History with readings and hymns. It was so edifying and really put me back into Advent mindset. I had supper with Fr. Ron and then went to the play reading group. We read Thornton’s The Long Christmas Dinner. It was delightful. The group, which has been together for many years, may stop meeting. It is a lot of work for the people, John and Ellen, who organize it and they need to step back. I understand but shall miss it.
But I didn’t get to bed till 11pm because it was a busy day.

Today is Wednesday, the 7th and I slept in till Noon! Fr. Beattie and I were planning to go to the Morning of Recollection at the seminary but he called yesterday. His leg was bothering him and he had to see the doctor. I took that as a sign that I could sleep in. I heated up some of the mostaccioli for lunch and then I came to the desk around 1pm. I just did exposition and I have the 5:30pm Mass. I read a lot about St. Ambrose and will preach on him.
So now you are up to date. I know that we took some pictures but I don’t know yet how to add them like Fr. Alec did for Thanksgiving. I will keep trying to learn.
Happy Patronal Feast Day tomorrow. It is the 170 anniversary of Mary becoming our country’s patroness. Shall be praying for all of you and our country at the 11am Mass on December 8th.

Hello, I am in hopes that above this message, you were able to see a picture of Joe Stoutz, me, John Bohrer, and Dwight Birket sitting on a bench in the 30th Street train station. If not, I’ll try it again later.

I had a great Thanksgiving. It was balmy here and so around 9:30AM, I drove to the New Carrolton Train and parked my car in a spot on the first floor and walked about a quarter of a football field to the station. I was very early so I read three America magazines that I had brought with me. At 11:37, I went up to the platform. I thought I’d be smart and I had paid the little extra to be in the “business” coach because it stops right near the elevator. Well yesterday, it was the last car and I had to walk down the platform for a ways. It was OK and as soon as I sat down, I took out the electrical cords and plugged my oxygen in. By the time I got to Philly, the battery was full again.

For the first time in about 40 years I didn’t have Mass on Thanksgiving. Always during. before and after Mass, I use to call to mind by name all the wonderful people that God has “peppered my life with” – and asked God to bless them. It was easy to do and calling to mind a person or a family, or a parish or GC, would call to mind other names. I did that all the way to Philly – about an hour and a half. I just looked out the window and the faces came to me and I said their name. I must have said about 800 names. What a special prayer of Thanksgiving.

When I got to the 30th Street station, I walked out to the “pick up” area and Joe Stoutzenberger was there. (This is in case, you don’t know) Joe is a professor of Theology at Holy Family University. He is a published author of many books and he and I wrote the Church History book that has been used in Catholic High Schools and in RCIA programs. We met at Mt. St. Paul Seminary in Waukesha, Wisconsin over 50 years ago. Joe has three children and four grandchildren. You can’t tell from the picture but he is 6 foot 5.

We drove over to Ponzio’s, a diner near Cherry Hill that we had eaten at many times. I have always liked New Jersey diners.

There we met John Bohrer and Dwight Birket. John is a priest of Camden and is pastor of Mother Teresa parish made of two former parishes in nearby Haddon Heights and Westmont. It is a great and lively parish, with a great website.

Dwight, who is a “retired” priest of Wichita, Kansas. Although I learned that day, that he is anything by retired! He covers parishes and teaches in Catholic High schools. It was so good of him to come out East to have supper together. We three met at St. Nazianz’s seminary in 1963. We’ve all stayed friends over the years.

The diner was full and although it seems to hold over 200 people, people kept going and going and we were seated early. We had a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings and laughed and talked. Oh, we prayed too. John had a wonderful prayer for us and we said it together. We finished eating around 4:30 and they all took me back to the train station and waited to see if I could take an earlier train. I could and so I left around 6:15. I was back in New Carrolton by 8:30 and home in the rectory by 9:15. There wasn’t much traffic and I was in bed and asleep by 10pm. It was a great way to spend Thanksgiving.

This morning I took the 6:30AM and met with my friend, Ellen’s brothers. They had called me last night to let me know that she had died peacefully on Thanksgiving. Her funeral will be next Saturday and we made some plans. Please keep her and her family in your prayers. The office is closed today so I went back to the rectory and took a nap. I am now over here because I had exposition at 3pm and will have the 5:30pm Mass. I wanted to share my day with you and to say I hope that the day was for you, full of family, friends and laughter. Know how grateful I am to call you friends and family.

I just checked and the photo worked. Praise God and in the future I shall try to add photos.

Well, here I am – not even a week, so maybe I can stay to my weekly commitment.

Last Friday, November 18th was a very full day for me. I had the 8am Mass and preached on St. Rose Philippine, one of the co-founders of the Madams of the Sacred Heart. I have always liked those sisters and the wonderful work they do in the forming of Catholic women who have made great contributions to the Church and world. I always enjoyed when I went to Stone Ridge – near by – and celebrated Mass or heard confessions or just spoke to the students about anything they wanted to talk about. I don’t go as often but I really enjoyed it.
At 1pm, I went to our school auditorium to attend the “Saints’ Museum”. All of the 4th graders were stationed around the room, dressed as saints. They had a construction paper “button” that said, “Push me”. When you did, the saint told you about themselves. I went to St. Kateri, St. George, St. Claire, St. Pope John Paul II, and St. Elizabeth of France. It was hard for me to walk and stand, so I found a chair and one of the parents saw me there and asked some of the “saints” to come to me, so I could hear their story. Again, I met the “Little Flower”, the Blessed Mother, Mother Teresa, and St. John the Baptist – who ended his presentation with “…my feast day is June 24th because that’s the day they took off my head”. I loved them all but I have to say that Dominic Savio caught my heart and a tear in my eye when he said, “On my First Communion Day, I made a promise of “Death rather than Sin”. I was led to go and learn more about him – and he is an amazing story!
At 5:15, Liz Cahill, who was an English teacher at GC when I was chaplain, picked me up and we rode to the Capitol Hilton on 16th Street to participate in the John Mulholland Foundation Gala. It was great fun, good food, and marvelous conversations. It also raised money to allow the foundation to purchase milk, fresh produce, and meat to accompany the canned goods that are collected in many parishes and Catholic high schools. As they say in their information, “We are not alleviating poverty in the pantries we serve, but we are making a large contribution to changing it”. I was tired when I got home but it was a good tired!

I slept in on Saturday and spent the day relaxing in my suite.

On Sunday, the 20th, I picked up Fr. Beattie around 11:30 and then we went to Little Sisters and picked up Fr. Duffy and drove out to Cheverly to meet Fr. Hill and have lunch. We had a great time as we always do. After I dropped Frs. Beattie and Duffy off, I had the 5:30 Mass and I spoke on the closing of the Jubilee Year of Mercy. I quoted Pope Francis as he closed the Holy Door in Rome, “The Holy Door is closed but the Mercy of God never closes or tires”. A lot of people who have been “away” came home through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and that is the “Good News”.

On Monday, I took the 6:30AM Mass as Fr. Alec had three and it was my DAY OFF. I was glad to get up and have an early start. I had someone come to see me and then I went to the credit union. I met a dear friend for lunch at the Red Lobster in Annapolis. She is a retired school teacher and we’ve been trying to get together for a few years. It was so much fun with lots of hilarious and serious stories.
At 4:30 Coleen picked me up and she drove us to Virginia for a meeting and Thanksgiving dinner with the SDC group. I got a chance to talk with a lot of people and will be able to help them with annulments. We also called Sister Agnes in New Jersey and put her on speaker. Everyone misses her and it was great to hear her voice and laugh with her. I feel for those people who have to travel by car every day during rush hours. I am so grateful that my “commute” is “across the street”. I slept well that night. I was tired.

On Tuesday, the 22, I had the evening Mass and preach on St. Cecilia and reminded everyone of the death of President Kennedy. Our cable has been in and out for the last few days. It is annoying because I like to go to sleep with the TV on. After a few days of missing my favorite shows, I discovered that I could go to “On demand” and watch the shows I missed. I caught up with Sunday night (Madame Secretary) and Scorpion from Monday. Ah, the simple joys!

Today, I had the 11AM Mass and preached on Pope St. Clement I. His story is interesting and just another example of the “Hand of God” leading our church.
I’m going over to the rectory in a few moments and will not be able to write anything from over there. Don’t know why but I can’t get Paddy on line in my room. So let me say…
Tomorrow, I will drive to New Carrolton and leave my car. Walk over to the train station and take the elevator up to the platform and ride to Philly. Joe will pick me up at 30th Street and we’ll drive to Ponzio’s diner to meet John and Dwight. Around 6, Joe will drop me at the train. I’ll catch a train and be home and in bed by 11pm. On the train, I’ll be going thought all the names of you people for whom I am thankful God peppered my life with. Have a blessed and Holy Thanksgiving.

Today is Thursday and I am way behind the “new schedule” I made for myself earlier this month. I really do have to be more consistent in my writing. I will try.

I want to write weekly because I forget things if they are not listed in my appointment book – like I did on October 30th. It said I had the 10:30AM in the church – and I did. I wrote that I gave out Communion and then returned to the air-conditioning. Well, I did a lot more than that. I hosted a pizza party in the rectory for some of the former teen club people from St. Camillus. I had a great time but when I was writing in early November, I forgot to tell you. So..
On Sunday, October 30th, Joan and Sharon Beall came, as did Doug Lee, his sister, Eileen and her husband, Jay Baughan. and Mike Sindall and his wife, Liza. We laughed and told stories and saw pictures of new babies and 19 year old triplets. We caught up on families from St. Camillus and just had a very pleasant time. I did go to bed early as I did miss my AC but I’m sorry that I didn’t think to let you know about the gathering – as any time I see them or talk to them, my mind is flooded with memories of those great days.

Back to November
I fell asleep watching the results of the election and I was amazed to see when I woke up, that Donald Trump was our new president.

November 9th, I had the 11AM Mass and then was picked up by a parishioner and taken to visit a dear friend, Ellen, who has fought the good fight for over 6 years and is now in hospice. She is an amazing person and all through her treatments has continued to travel all around the world. She works for a government agency that helps women in developing countries to start businesses. Please keep her and her siblings and friends in your prayers.

Thursday, November 10th was another day that many people were thrilled with because the temperature was in the 70’s. I stayed in the AC

Friday, November 11th – Veterans’ Day was a holiday and the office was closed.
Two good friends and parishioners asked if they could drive me to visit a confrere of theirs who is gravely ill. We went and I just can’t do justice to the wonderful “moment of Grace” it was for all of us. I talked with her – she doesn’t have enough air to speak loudly but her daughter held a small mike near her mouth and had a speaker next to her ear, so she could pass on to us, her mom’s comments. We celebrated the Anointing of the Sick and prayed together. Please keep Susan and all of her family and friends in your prayers. Even in retirement, God gives such gifts to us. I had the 5:30pm Mass.

I got up early on Saturday, the 12th and drove down to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, which is Maggie’s parish. They just opened up a cemetery and I went there to inter the ashes of Paul, the grandson of two long time friends and parishioners of St. Bernard’s. He died too young and to suddenly. While I was there I found out that I had given him, his First Communion, while I was pastor at St. B’s. Please keep him and all of his family in your prayers.

Sunday, the 13th, I had the 9AM Mass and the deacon preached, so it was very relaxing. At 11:30 someone came to see me as I am helping her work on her annulment papers. We spent three hours but I think we did a lot and will send it off to the tribunal soon. At 5:30PM, Fr. Alec, Fr. Keith, Fr. Rob, and I went to the Portuguese restaurant near by to celebrate Fr. Ron’s birthday. It was October 17th but we couldn’t find a time to get together. We had a great meal and lots of laughter.

I spent all morning on Monday, the 14th just relaxing. I was picked up at 2:30 by my good friend, Ellen, who drove me to Madonna House in DC. There we joined Cynthia and Bev, who staff the house. We had Mass together and it was lovely. Then we went to an Italian (Is anyone surprised???) restaurant near by and had a most relaxing evening of sharing. I must have done much of the talking as I took almost my whole pasta home with me; but it was so much fun to be together.

On the 15th, we had our “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” gathering. Our topic was “How we celebrate Advent?” In addition to the wreaths and putting straw in the stable, we had some ethnic customs and a good discussion. I had exposition and the 5:30PM Mass and ate all my pasta!

On the 16th, – my Mom and Dad’s 78th anniversary of marriage – I met for a couple of hours with a lady who is thinking of joining the church. When first we met, I gave her Joe’s book and she came back today with questions she’d written in the margins. We had a great discussion. I had the 5:30PM Mass and joined the guys for supper.

Today is Thursday, the 17th and I spent the day so far on the phone, catching up with lots of people and getting ready for the 5:30PM Mass. I have worked at my desk and with email for the last two weeks and have gotten a lot of loose ends cleared up. I spoke with Diane Leach in Florida and she seems to be getting better. I also talked with Anne Lee, who is also in Florida and fighting a lot of back troubles. Talked to Dan and Stephanie because I sent them some of the famous Ricki’s cookies, which they have sent to me and had some ready for Marie, Maggie and Me when we stopped in Memphis before our paddle wheel trip down the Mississippi. I also sent some cookies this week to Bishop Martin Holley, who was our auxiliary and is now the Bishop of Memphis. I thought that would be a nice welcome. I have the 5:30pm Mass and tomorrow will have the 8AM. Tomorrow night is the Gala for the John Mulholland Foundation, which supports the pantries at three of our poorest inner city parishes. I am on their board and our parish bought a table. Liz Cahill, who taught English at GC when I was there is driving us down. It will be great to see her again and visit.

Well, I will try to write every week because – even now – I know other things happened that I should have remembered – the mind is a terrible thing to waste.

As I begin this message, it is Friday afternoon (November 4th), I probably will not finish it before I must go up to the 5:30PM Mass but I wanted to get started.

I last wrote on October 13th and the days have just flown by since.
On Friday, the 14th and Saturday, the 15th I had the 11AM Masses. I celebrated the Sacrament of the Sick with someone and I must have spent the rest of the time in my suite. I had the 7:30 AM Mass on Sunday and it looks like I didn’t do much until Tuesday, October 18th when I had the 11AM Mass and then went to the Manning Center for Tuesdays with Fr. Maury

I WROTE SOME MORE THAT DAY BUT I DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO IT. IT WENT OUT INTO THE BLACK HOLE.

….So I shall continue.

Our topic for the day was YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT RIGHT TO LIFE
We talked about a lot of things. There is a bill before the DC City council to allow “assisted suicide”. We talked a lot about that and it led to a good discussion about pain and suffering. One person made a presentation that might help us in the upcoming election. I was pleased by the “civility” of our discussion.

I had the 8AM Mass on Wednesday and then picked up Fr. T and drove him to an appointment. We got home earlier than we expected; so he was home in time for dinner and I joined the Fathers for supper at 6:10PM.

On Thursday, I had exposition and the 5:30PM Mass and I met with a lady, whose husband I buried a few weeks ago. She is doing OK.

On Friday, the 21st, I had the 11AM Mass and the evening Mass at 5:30PM. Fr. Alec is away this week to do a family wedding and then get some vacation; so I was happy to do “double duty” Afterwards I went to Sergio’s restaurant to meet the Degenhardts, the Johnsons, and Gail Battle to celebrate Fr. T’s birthday.
I was glad to get to bed early.

On Saturday, I had hoped to visit St. Michael’s for their fundraising event but I wasn’t up to going. I met someone for spiritual direction and then I had the 5:30PM Mass. I went to bed early.

On Sunday, the 23rd, I had the 10:30am Mass in the gym. I haven’t been there since April because there is a lot of movement and I got so tired. However, I had the seminarian deacon and Brian to help me. And I even gave out Communion. It went very well. Also, the Haverns (my Godchild, Kathleen Morris), her husband, David, and their three children were in town from Pittsburgh and came to the Mass. We all went to breakfast and had a ball. We sat outside, it was so warm. Later in the day, I went to Rick and Peg’s and joined them and Kate and James (celebrating their month’s anniversary of marriage!!) for crabs. They were great and again we sat outside to enjoy them. Everyone was happy UNTIL the Redskins lost their game.

On Monday morning, I went to St. Bernard’s for Margaret McKnew’s funeral Mass. Msgr. Parry presided and there were 4 priests and 2 deacons. I preached and discovered that walking up the pulpit steps could exhaust me. I came home and went and took a long nap. At 4PM, my friend, Coleen picked me up and drove us to a meeting of Separated and Divorced Catholics over in Virginia. We had a nice meal and there were about 20 people there. A good discussion was held.

On Tuesday, October 25th, I had the 8AM Mass and also met with someone for spiritual direction. Everyone was so happy that the weather was warm but not me. The air pollution was heavy and I was glad to get back to my suite and AC.

I stayed in my suite all day and just came over for the 5:30PM Mass.

On Thursday, the 27th, I had the 8AM and then drove back to St. Bernard’s for my cousin, Margaret Stoner’s funeral. I presided but the deacon met the body and I preached from the chair. (I learned something at the earlier funeral) – I need to limit my movements. It went well and I saw lots of my relatives and shared some greetings. Came right home and went to bed very early.

Had the 8AM Mass on Friday and met a friend for lunch and again was in bed early.

On Saturday, the 29th, I had a baptism in the chapel. It was the younger brother of a little girl (now 3) whom I had baptized. It was so nice to see the parents and grandparents again. I limit my movements but was ready to go back to my suite and early bed!

I had the 10:30AM in the church and they made it possible for me to help with Communion. But I went home to the AC as soon as I could.

I stayed in the rectory all of Monday, October 31st. Only 7 kids came to “trick or treat”. It was warm again and so I stayed in the AC and I missed seeing the kids’ parade, which I always enjoy!

On ALL SAINTS DAY, I had the 11AM Mass followed by Tuesdays with Fr. Maury. Our topic was “How did my family honor our dead?” It was very interesting as we have people from different countries and other parts of the States. I met with someone in the afternoon who is interested in learning more about being Catholic. I gave her Joe’s book.

On Wednesday, November 2nd, I had the 11AM Mass and then I joined my four cousins for lunch at Clyde’s at Tower Oaks, which is a fascinating place in the woods. That night, I concelebrated with Fr. Ron and Fr. Alec at 7pm for our annual Mass for all who have died in the parish during the last year. We did the Mass in English but the music was Latin and from the 16th century. We had a great choir and marvelous musicians.

On Thursday, the 3rd, I met a number of people in my office and then had the 5:30PM Mass.

On Friday, November 4th, I once again had the 11AM and the 5:30PM Masses because it was First Friday and all the priests had 2 or 3 Masses. I was glad to get to bed.

I slept in on Saturday, the 5th and had the 5:30PM Mass. I spent all day getting my presentation about Pope Francis’ exhortation, Amoris Laetitia. We are sponsoring a symposium Sunday from 2 to 5pm in the gym

On Sunday, the 6th, I went and visited a man in a hospital ward and then joined my friends at Maplewood for brunch. I returned for the symposium and it went very well. I went to bed early.

I spent the whole day, November 7th in my suite and “recovered”. I did talk on the phone to lots of people but mostly I just rested.

Today, November 8th, I went and bought a black suit coast as I had discovered that the jacket I was wearing was BLUE. Then I went to the pastoral center and concelebrated the annual Mass for the priests who died this last year. I knew a lot of them and was glad I went. We had about 60 priests and a nice luncheon afterwards. I saw lots of old friends. I decided to come here and finch Paddy.
I had the 5:30pm Mass and then I’ll come home and watch TV (and the election news!) until I fall asleep.

Today is Fr. Terry Odien’s birthday.

In looking at my appointment book, it seems that from Wednesday, Sept 21 to Saturday, the 24th, I just said Mass and returned to my air-conditioning. The weather was hot and humid. One thing I did do was ask Fr. Alec to drive me down to Knollwood, where a priest I know is living. I gave him the Sacrament of the Sick. He is not well and I didn’t stay too long. He has round the clock care.

On Saturday, I went to hear confessions at 4pm and by the time, I walked back to the confessional, I was out of breath. I didn’t take my oxygen with me – which was dumb! A young man I know came in and I said, “Before we do this, would you mind going and seeing the sacristan and ask her for some cold water?” He said, “You’re breathing very heavy. Where is your oxygen?” I said, “It’s in the rectory” and he offered to go and get it. I said, “If you just get me some water and I sit here quietly, when you come back I’ll be breathing normally”. So he went and came back with the water, and I was fine the rest of the time. I am making a serious effort to use the oxygen all the time and to remember to take it with me all the time.

On Sunday, the 25th, I had the 7:30am Mass and I went and picked up Joan Beall and we drove to Prince Frederick and met Marie and Maggie’s families, Sister Kass, Joanne, Joan Clark, and my cousins, Rick, Kate and James for crabs. It was a fun time and we spent about 4 hours. I had intended to pay for everything but my niece Mary insisted on paying with money Marie had left. So Marie treated us – as she often tried to do while she was with us. We all had a great time.

On Monday, the 26th, I picked up Fr. Beattie and we went to visit Fr. David Mudd. David was a high school student from the St. Camillus days. He eventually went into the Navy as a chaplain and just retired last year. He is only in his early 60’s but had received a diagnosis of “early” Alzheimer’s. it was hard for Fr. Beattie to see him and afterwards we went to IHOP to relax. I went to bed early as it was a difficult day.

On Tuesday, the 27th, I turned in my tax forms!!! And now I am finally done. I went and gave the Sacrament of the Sick to a dear friend who is having surgery later this week.

On Wednesday, the 28th, I had the 8AM Mass and in the afternoon, I picked up Jerry Trancone and we picked up a pizza and ate it in his room.

Thursday and Friday, I had the 11am Masses, which I liked since I had a few intentions I wanted to offer Mass for. Thursday night, we had another meeting about the Symposium of Pope Francis’ exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, which will be held in November.

On Saturday, October 1st, I was ill and stayed in bed until the evening. I did concelebrate the 5:30pm Mass as it was the Ruppert liturgy, which is to celebrate special needs parishioners. I always like it and afterward I attended the Pizza party. Mary Horan was there and we laughed and talked. I also had a chance to catch up with Delores Wilson. I sent flowers to St. Natalie for the feast of St. Therese.

On the 2nd, I had the 9AM Mass and had a good homily. I walked to the back of the church and it was so nice to greet the people. Then I went to Maplewood and had brunch with Antonia, Susan, and Bunny. Jim was in Ireland but I got to see pictures of their grandson. I just relaxed that evening and caught up on TV shows.

Had a very pleasant surprise. Carol and Bob Boston called me Sunday night and we arranged to meet at 10AM on Monday, the 3rd. They picked me up and we went to Bread and Chocolate and laughed and talked till past noon.
On Tuesday, the 4th, I had the 11AM Mass and then our second meeting of “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury”. We discussed St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast it was. People had great stories about their experiences of him and we also talked about Pope Francis and how much like St. Francis he is.

On Wednesday, the 5th, I picked up Fr. Beattie and we went to St. John Vianney House for the retired priests’ gathering. It was nice and there 17 of us, so I saw lots of old friends. I had Exposition and the 5:30Mass. Dan and Stephanie came to the Mass (they were visiting DC during her school’s fall break) and afterwards Brian treated them, me and Rowena to supper nearby. It was delicious and fun. (I think it made Facebook)

Thursday, I had the 6:30AM Mass. I had asked for it, so that we could go and visit Betty Neary. BUT she had been in the hospital and just got out on Wednesday. She is OK but had a rapid heartbeat. Dan and Stephanie went to the Capitol and went sight-seeing. I called Joe Stoutz as it was his birthday. I took a nap as I didn’t feel well. At 6pm, I went to St. Camillus church for Fr. David Mudd’s wake. I preached and Fr. Eddie Tolentino presided.
It was very nice and lots of people were there. It was great to see them all – especially David’s family. Please keep them in your prayers.

On Friday, Ron took my Mass and I went to St. Camillus for the funeral. There were many priests there from the diocese and from the military. Cardinal Wuerl presided and a bishop from the military concelebrated. Fr. Beattie preached and he was very good. We went to Gate of Heaven and he and I did the committal. There was a luncheon at the Knights afterwards and I went after and took a nap.
I picked up Dan and Stephanie at 6:30 and we went to a seafood place for a birthday supper for Stephanie. We had a good time. They flew out on Saturday and they had a good break and enjoyed each other – and rested, they tell me!!

On Saturday, I came over to celebrate the 11AM Mass and found a visiting priest who was having a memorial Mass, so I headed back to bed. Around 2pm, I drove to Edgewater to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and heard confessions and had the 5PM Mass. Kass and I went out to supper and she dropped me at the rectory, where I read and went to sleep.

On Sunday, the 9th, I had the 8:30AM Mass and Maggie, Mike and Sue, and Kerry came and we got a chance to visit afterwards. It was Kerri’s birthday. Then I had the 11AM Mass and left right afterwards for a 1PM Memorial service at Laurel Racetrack. It was for the youngest son of the Traber family from St. Bernard’s. There were about 300 people there and it was a great remembrance of Kevin and his life. Please keep Lynn, his wife and all his family in your prayers. Jerry Trancone and I concelebrated and there were about 50 families with St. B’s connections and even some of my own relatives. When I got home, I went to bed and put a sign on my door that read, “Monday is my day off, please do not disturb”

I stayed in my pj’s all day until I got a phone call from my cousin, Jean Denney. She offered to pick me up and we’d go to Clyde for supper. So I did and we had a great time.

I slept in on Tuesday, the 11th and had the 11AM Mass. It was the feast of Saint Pope John XXIII and I gave them a homily on him. It was also the 54the anniversary of the opening of Vatican II. I felt happy to be a Catholic. I did exposition at 3PM and then I headed out to meet Barbara. She and I met Barry Fitz at Mamma Lucia’s for supper. We had a great time and told stories and laughed for hours.

On Wednesday, the 12th, I had the 8AM Mass and then headed to St. Mary’s county. I arrived in time to attend the Memorial Service for Marilyn Triantos. She is a member of my TEAMS OF OUR LADY marriage group. I couldn’t get to the service on Sunday but I was glad to get to the Wednesday Mass. I saw lots of old friends. There was a reception but I couldn’t stay. Please keep David, her husband and her children and grandchildren in your prayers.
I then drove over to Edgewater and returned a thurifer I had borrowed for the memorial service on Sunday. Then I drove to Arnold to see my cousin, Margaret Stoner. She is living with her daughter and has hospice care. We had a great time. She is conscious and is aware of things. I gave her the Sacrament of the Sick and she and I prayed together. Please keep her and family in your prayers. Then I drove home. I had driven over 300 miles. AND I FELT IT.

Today, I slept in and came to the office late. I attended a talk at 1:30 in the Church. It was part of Hispanic Heritage Month in the school and the lady who spoke had left Cuba as an 11 year old. Her talk on that Cuba and the Cuba today was very interesting. I’m glad I went. I had exposition at 3PM and will have the 5:30PM Mass soon. I think I will be going to bed early.

So that’s my life for the last three weeks. It’s been full but my health has been good and so I’ve felt good enough to be “up and around”. Also the weather has been good for me. I’ve had some great “phone visits” with people – and that is always so much fun! Well I have to get ready for Mass. Know that I love and pray for all of you.

Today is Fr. John Bohrer’s birthday.

When last I wrote it was September 13th. And this week was busy.

On Wednesday the 14th, I had the 8AM Mass and then went to represent the rest of the priests at the Bible study group (Bread, Book, and Brethren). They have been together for over thirty years. I just say on behalf of the other priests, “Welcome back from the summer” and give them encouragement in their gathering. I really like them and they always had good insights and sharing. They are using a video series and then have their discussions. I’ll be interesting in how that goes. Then I met with the wife of the man I went to see at the home. We talked about death and the funeral. Then I met someone for spiritual direction. I went to bed early.

On Thursday, I slept in and then had a confession. I had exposition at 3 and the evening Mass.

On Friday, the 16th, I had the 8AM Mass and the deacon and his wife from Bob Norton’s parish stopped by. Their son, who is stationed in Hawaii with the Air Force was visiting DC, so they came down from Pittsburgh. We went to Bread and Chocolate for breakfast. In the afternoon, I went over to Colombia and stayed in a motel.

On Saturday, the 17th, I went with Sr. Kass to the Jubilee anniversary of 16 of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at Our Lady of Victory parish in Catonsville. I knew a number of the jubilarians and saw lots of old friends. This was Kass’ band and so she was invited to be in the Offertory procession. Sister Maureen White, who was a teacher at Camillus and now is on the general council in Rome, was in the same band and was celebrating their 50th. Sister Marcella Missar, who was the religious education leader at Camillus was celebrating her 70th. I can’t even tell you all the “girls” I saw. It just so uplifting and fun!! Ah, how good is the good God! I had the 5:30pm Mass but the deacon preached. After Mass, Deacon Gary, his wife Diane and their son, Stephen and his friend, Krista, came into the sacristy to visit. It was a very good day.

On Sunday, the 18th, I had a baptism that I just attended at 11:30. Fr. Regis did it and he “welcomed me in”. It was the newest baby of a couple I married and had baptized their first child, who now is three. When they contacted me, I told them I wasn’t doing baptisms because of my health but I would certainly come if I was OK. This weekend, the weather was so good. Low temperatures and low humidity that I didn’t use the oxygen all the time.
I had the 12:30pm Mass and Sheila and Keith Morris came to it. They were in town for a wedding on Saturday. We went and picked up Joan Beall and drove to RIPS in Bowie, where we met Kass for lunch. Had lots of laughs and good food! I was ready for bed at 8PM

On Monday, I went to Leisure World and presided at the funeral of Mary Haire Healy, widow of Joseph Healy. They were a lovely couple (a widow and a widower) who met cleaning up the chapel and I married them in 1984). Joe’s grandson was a student at GC and I was on retreat with his parents. It’s a wonderfully complex story. She was 98 years old and just the sweetest! Barb Ostrye and Jack Lynch (GC people) were there as well. Barb rode out to the cemetery with me and afterwards, we stopped at the tomb of a boy who died in his junior year and said a prayer for his family. I came home and took a nap.
At 6PM, Fr. Jim Boccabella, Msgr. John Enzler, Fr. Regis, Fr. Mike (teachers at Catholic U) and I went to dinner. We try to go out together every 4 months or so. We laugh and solve the problems of the Church and have a great meal. I all ways enjoy it!!!

On Tuesday, the 20th, I had the 8AM Mass and at 11:30, we had our first “Tuesdays with Fr. Maury” gathering over in the apartment building. They celebrated my birthday and gave me a nice gift and great food. Out topic was “What I did on my summer vacation” and we had lots of good stories.
At 4:15, I picked up Jerry Trancone and we went to the Pastoral center for the 5PM Mass of Farewell for Bishop Holley, who was our auxiliary bishop and now will become the Bishop of Memphis in October. We had a great dinner and it was great to see so many priests. He is well liked here and will be missed.

Today is the funeral of Alex Dumlao, a member of my Teams of Our Lady. He died in August but the funeral was delayed. I knew I couldn’t go when the weather was so bad; but it turned out that I couldn’t got today. His wife, Maricel had died a few years ago. Now they are together again. They were a very loving couple.
The wife of the man I went to see at the home, came by to make arrangements. He died this morning. And so I ask you to keep Alex and Nabil and their families in your prayers.
I had called John for his birthday; so he called and I caught up on him and his family and parish.
I had exposition at 3PM and will have Mass at 5:30PM. Then I’ll try to “catch up” with the new TV shows that began again this week. I like that we have infinity – it means I can pull up anything I missed and watch it. I do like the 21st century!
God bless you all. Keep me in your prayers.

Today is the day, 55 years ago when Fr. Aquinas asked Terry to read at Mass. He said that it was most appropriate that he read since St. John was called “Golden Mouth” because of his eloquence! It still is today!

I have returned from my trip and will try to bring you up to date since I last wrote on September 4th, the day of Mother Teresa’s canonization. I watched it all on TV and it was very impressive.

You might remember that I was suppose to go to Brunch on the 4th but didn’t feel well enough to go out in that heat.

On Monday, the 5th, again, it was so hot I didn’t go to the priests’ cookout and just stayed in my suite.

On Tuesday, the 6th, I had the 8AM Mass and then I stayed in the rectory all day. It was hot out.

On Wednesday, the 7th, I went to the doctor because I was in a lot of pain. I was afraid that it was diverticulosis!
It wasn’t. It seems to be a muscle spasm, so I got Prednisone – which I don’t usually like to take. I did Exposition and the 5:30PM Mass and went to bed early.

On Thursday, the 8th, I was suppose to be at Maggie’s but I wanted to sleep in my room. I offered to do the 11AM Mass and then returned to the rectory.

On Friday, the 9th, Maggie and Maggie’s son Mike and his wife Sue picked me up at the rectory at 9:30AM and he drove us to Cincinnati, Ohio. It is an long drive but we stopped occasionally. We got there around 9PM.

On Saturday, the 10th, we had a good breakfast at the Hampton Inn and toured around the city. It is beautiful and has lots of interesting architecture. We had a nice supper because there was a huge rainstorm that caused a lot of electricity to be knocked out. Fortunately, not ours.

On Sunday, September 11th – which is the sixteenth anniversary of Jim Neary’s death and the second anniversary of Maureen’s death as well as the 15th anniversary of the bombing attacks, we went to Mount Notre Dame. It is the health center for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and my kindergarten and first grade teacher, Sister Anne Christine (Sister Natalie Scibilia) lives there. I’ve stayed friends with her all these years and two years ago, I drove out to see her. They had warned me that she doesn’t remember everything but when I walked into the room, she said, “What are you doing here? I said, I came to see you. Then she turned to the other sisters and said, “I taught him in Kindergarten and first grade.” We had the most delightful time talking about the “old days” and I stayed for about 4 hours.
This time, I’m not sure she understood who we were even though I had brought photos of her in her old habit and lots of pictures from over the years. I even brought a small statue of St. Therese, that she had given me in 3rd grade. But we had a great time and Sue took pictures and video, which Sue will send to me.
As Sister Dorothy is showing me out, a sister said, “Who is he?” and she said, “Father O’Connell from Washington.”
She says, “Maury O’Connell? Come give me a kiss”. Which of course, I did. She was Sister Marie Veronica (Marie Scatterwood), who knew Sister Kathleen O’Brien, my pastoral sister at St. Bernard’s. I tell you “If we Catholics could agree on something, we could change the world because we all know each other!!”
The ride home was short and I was home in bed by 10PM.

On Monday, the 12th, I wasn’t expected home, so I slept in and met someone for confession at 10. Then I went to a 90th birthday party and luncheon with the senior citizens for Msgr. Tom Duffy. And then Joan drove me up to the Washington Home to pray with the family of a dying man. I took a nap and then had supper with the guys.

Today, I had a dentist appointment. I think I told you that his sister was Fr. Bill Feeney’ secretary in Little Washington. Joan drove me up and back. I had exposition at 3 and will have the 5:30PM Mass. Then supper again with the Fathers. I’ve been on the phone a lot today and am looking forward to an early bedtime

I was just looking over my last message on Aug 24th and realized I never said anything about my birthday on August 23rd. I passed over it because the wedding was what I wanted to write about.

I had the 8AM Mass on the 23rd, and offered it for my Mom and Dad, and for Maureen and Marie. At the end, Brian came to the pulpit and said, “Our closing song is not in the hymn book; but I think we all know it”. And they all sang, “Happy Birthday”. I was very touched. I got lots of cards and phone messages and emails. Also about 120 Facebook messages. I took the rest of the day off and stayed in my suite – where I opened every card and read them; where I looked at every Facebook and email and read them; and where I listened to every voice mail. It took most of the day but it was so good to be in touch with so many friends and family. I was tired when I went to bed!!

On the 24th, I drove out to St. John Neumann for Bill Cannon’s funeral Mass. I just sat on the side and concelebrated. He was a wonderful and talented man, who was brought to Mass here on Sundays by his daughters. He was a tall and striking gentleman who sat in the back pew but was insistent that I not bring Communion to him in the pew. He wanted to walk down that long aisle. He has been in a home lately and I did go to see him; but the dementia got worse and I think he just didn’t eat and slowly his body gave out. His family were so good with him and so I wanted to get to the funeral. The pastor gave a great homily and one of the daughters gave a very good eulogy. I also saw and talked with Mike and Cindy Gribbin because Bill was Terry Gribbin’s father-in-law. Also Mr. Gus Gribbin whom I haven’t seen in 30 years was there. It was just another sign of how wonderful St. Camillus continues to be grace for me. I had the 5:30PM Mass and went to bed early.

On Thursday, the 25th, I had the 8AM Mass and then Brian picked me up and we joined my cousin, Mike Caruso for a birthday luncheon at La Ferme, the restaurant nearby. We had a great time with lots of laughs.

Friday, the 26th, I had the 8AM Mass again and then returned to my suite to spend the day in the cool air.

On Saturday, the 27th, I drove down to Mary Ann’s house for a Mass for Divorced and Separated Catholics. It was nice to see so many old friends and it was actually cool enough to have the Mass outside. It was followed by a cover dish meal and good fellowship. I drove home and the heat had returned.

I slept in on Sunday and then made a nice breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. It was so good and then I stayed in my suite till I came over for the 5:30PM Mass

Monday, the 29th was my DAY OFF and I stayed in my suite all day and relaxed.

On Tuesday, I had the 8AM Mass and then met with some people. In the evening, I picked up Barbara Ostrye and we went to Mama Lucia’s for supper. They make very good Spaghetti Carbonara and we both had it. It was nice to talk and catch up.

On Wednesday, the 31st, I again had the 8AM Mass and stayed in my suite as the weather is bad again. I did talk with Anna Marie and this was the 53rd anniversary of her marriage. Gene died two years ago. they were parishioners of St. B’s but friend of long duration.

On Thursday, September 1st, I stayed in the suite and only came over for the exposition and 5:30PM Mass.

On Friday, the 2nd I had the 11AM Mass and worked in the office to try to clean up my desk.

On Saturday, the 3rd, I stayed in my suite till I came over for the 5:30PM Mass. I had a good homily and walked out to the front door after Mass. It was nice to see and visit the people. Weather was great and cool.

Today, I had the 9AM Mass and again went to the door afterwards. So nice to see people and get hugs.

Although I stayed inside most of the last two weeks because of the heat, I did talk on the phone to lots of people. I spoke with Tom DuBusky, Joe Stoutz, John Bohrer, Carmen, Pat Sinclair Langlois, Gail Douglas, and Pat Powell in Nevada. Pat’s husband, Dave was my deacon at St. Bernard’s and they have been friends for many years. He died last week and we had a great and lengthy talk. She is doing OK but keep her in your prayers. Also another good friend, called and asked for prayers for her niece, Samantha. Also I talked with Marie Mader, another good friend whose brother is dying. Pat Langlois and I have been talking because Diane Leach Flanagan has been ill in Florida. Please keep her in your prayers.
Also the father of a young priest died and two of our retired priests, Don and Carl died. I just wasn’t up to going to the funerals but I ask you to join me in prayer for them and their families.

Although I had two good Masses over the weekend, I’m not feeling very well today and so I cancelled out on a brunch today and I don’t think I’ll go to the priests’ cookout that is on Labor Day – and that I’ve attended yearly and always enjoy seeing the guys. I’ll decide tomorrow if I’ll go.

And this brings you up to date. I will write again before next weekend.