Feb 2 The Presentation of the Lord

30th Anniversary30th Anniversary

The 30th anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. 30 years of memories….I trust I will be allowed some sentimentalism (& romanticism) today! I am looking forward to the High Mass tonight.

Wed 3

It was a wonderful Mass last night. The music & singing was excellent, with a marvellous anthem by Martin Shaw – tho it seemed more perfect for 30 years ago: Go forth with God! The day is now that thou must meet the test of youth…..Glory shall shine about thy road, if thou go forth with God! About 100 attended, & the collection for our Haiti sisters was over $1,300! A fun party afterwards….it was just a fantastic evening 🙂

The readings at Mass this morning were very appropriate for the day after my ordination anniversary: the foolishness of David & the rejection of Jesus in Nazareth!

Thurs 4

Busy day today. 11 am I take Fr Antony (Russian monk from SF) to the airport; lunch with Fr Moquin; 3 pm HC visit; 6 pm Mass; 7 pm Confirmation class. I celebrated the Mass for a priest on the anniversary of his ordination, from the missal. A very personal Mass – & the readings were so appropriate: David handing over to Solomon (“keep the charge of the Lord your God”) & Our Lord sending out the apostles to teach & heal.

Fri 5

Mass & bible study as usual, then home to do sermon. Tonight I am off to the opera – my only one this year…..La Boheme.

Sat 6

A quiet day today….& it’s raining!

Sun 7 Epiphany 5

Good attendances at both 8 am & 10 am – despite the weather. In my sermon I talked about Superbowl & said I was supporting the Saints. And they won!! Who dat?

Tues 9

Several staff meetings today. 4 young parishioners for dinner tonight 🙂

Wed 10

Lunch with Fr Calvert & HC visit later.

Thurs 11

A busy day. HC visit at 9.30 am, then to the office. Lunch with Fr Edwards (thank you Fr!). 2 pm appointment, 6 pm Mass, 7pm confirmation class.

Fri 12

Usual Friday: Mass, bible study, office work, then home to do sermon. Today is also diocesan convention, so I went there to register. Visited a new couple in the evening.

Sat 13

Societies of Mary today – Rosary, Mass & a nice lunch! 2 HC visits after that. 5pm I have a baptism visit.

Sun 14 Epiphany 6

With Presidents day, Chinese New Year & Valentine’s day, I expected attendances to be down – but they were good. The 1st reading was ironical for Valentine’s Day: “The heart is nore devious than anything…who can understand it”! After church I enjoyed a fun Mardi Gras party with a group of parishioners, hosted by Don & Karl.

Mon 15 Presidents Day

I am in Orlando, FL for the holiday – & am nowhere near a theme park! Today I walked all around downtown, enjoying the many lakes & parks that abound. For the 1st time in my 7 years in the US, I came across an exclusive American Prep School. I also discovered to my delight a wonderful old steam train in the town center.

Tues 16 Shrove Tues

I fly back to SD after a pleasant stay in Orlando. Have had time to think thru a few things on my mind & prepare for Lent. Will draw up my Lent rule when I get home tonight.

Wed 17 Ash Wed

A busy day: 3 Masses, HC visits & extra activities to prepare for, concluding with High Mass at 7 pm. Lent is rigorous, but I love the challenge. Attendance at High Mass was the highest since I arrived here – 78 communicants.

Thurs 18

Busy morning in the office, HC visits in a/noon, 6 pm Mass, 7 pm confirmation class.

Fri 19

9.30 am Mass, followed by Lent study group – the room was packed! After office work home to do my sermon, then back for 6 pm Stations. 16 at Stations. it is always moving – problems & self-pity soon dissolve on the road to Calvary.

Sat 20

10 people at 9 am Mass – Lent has started well. Children’s HC class at 10 am & 2 HC visits in the a/noon. Back to church for 6 pm Exposition & Benediction.

Sun 21 Lent 1

Attendance average at 8 am, but at 10 am they just kept coming up for HC – 90 communicants. Excellent music added to the Lent atmosphere. I preached a strong sermon about self-sacrifice……after a stressful week it all comes together at Mass, & one is lifted up!

Mon 22

Am having a relaxing day away from home for my day off.

Tues 23

Lots of things to organise today, concluding with Vestry at 7 pm. As well as essential things for 1st meeting of new Vestry we will discuss appointing a new parish administrator (following Terry’s resignation).

Wed 24

Mass & office work, concluding with HC visit at 11.30 am. Tonight the 1st 6 pm Mass, supper & study group for Lent.

Thurs 25

Went to the gym at 6.45 am. At the office in the morning & visit new parishioners in the a/noon. 5 pm wedding interview, 6 pm Mass, 7 pm confirmation class

Fri 26

Lent is going well for me personally, esp fasting & reading. Another busy Friday: Mass, bible study, meeting, sermon & Stations.

Sat 27

A busy day….9 am Mass, 10 am children’s class, 10.30 am – 1.30 pm interviews, 2 pm HC visit, 6 pm Exposition, 7 pm Benediction. I will need that hour of prayer!

Sun 28 Lent 2

9 attended last night – excellent. I fell asleep watching TYV at 8.30 pm! Attendances good again today……it is as if Lent has already renewed the parish. Beautiful music at High Mass.