Comings and Goings

Yesterday (Saturday) turned out to be an extremely full day, and I really didn't have much free time until after the evening Mass. So now here's the update.

Thanksgiving was nice and quiet ... we had about 30 people at the 9am Mass. For dinner, I went to the home of a friend from college days ... my dressing was well received. I had decided to leave the church open during the day, so I came home around 5pm to lock up before dark. Everyone else that lives here was out into the evening, so I had the house to myself.

Friday morning I opened the church, had the 8am Mass then a 9:30 appointment. Between Thursday and Friday, the Cathedral Gremlins had moved into two of the furnaces here in the house, so sections of the house have been without heat since Thursday afternoon. Different sections of the house have different furnaces .... the affected parts have been the first floor parlor and Music Director's Office, and my rooms on the second floor. Since I like it cool anyway, I havene't noticed the heat-less-ness, but the first floor has been a little chilly for some.

One of the confreres arrived Friday afternoon for an overnight on his way to a preaching gig up north. It was good to have the company and get caught up on what's happening at home (StM), in his life and mine. I had a rosary at 7:30 at a funeral home up on the north side that evening, so we did a late dinner when I got back.

Yesterday's busy-ness started with opening the church at 6:45 and Mass at 8:00. The funeral was at 11:00, so it was after 1:00 by time I got back from the cemetery. After a quick lunch, I got ready for the Baptism to be held during the 5pm Mass, then Confessions at 3:30. The Baptism was great ... he (the baby) was really good ... even smiling through parts of the ceremonies ... and didn't start fussing until picture-taking after Mass.

When I got everything locked up and made my way to the TV, I found "White Christmnas" on a movie channel, so that made for a very pleasant close to a full day. I was only interrupted once when the church alarm went off ... apparently we missed someone in the sweep before locking up ... I suspect one of the Neighborhood Guests was sleeping in the elevator or in a dark corner... so when he finally made his way out, it set things a beeping. Canceling the alarm means calling the company to verify everything is OK, otherwise it costs us 50 bucks if they send someone out.

Today was typical Sunday, except that it's the Solemnity of Christ the King and we had BIG music (with trumnpets) and candles and incense. Then I had a committee meeting after Mass to discuss the restoration of our Nativity Set after Christmas.

The weekend, and yesterday in particular, was high energy , but full of meaning .... Thanksgiving, troubled souls,commending Marge to God and welcoming Simon into the Community. Comings and goings ... the circle of life ... the unfolding of mystery.