Opps!

     Did you ever have one of those moments when your mind went blank?  Or did you ever completely forget something important, without even that nagging feeling that there is something that I should be doing?

     Our women's group at the parish is the Christian Mothers.  They are a great group of ladies who work hard and are very committed to the parish.  Whatever we need, they are always there.  It would be impossible to count the number of cookies baked and served, the gallons of punch and lemonade and coffee poured, the prayers offered and led, the monies raised for many causes.  They are dedicated and a wonderful asset to the life of the parish.

     I serve as their chaplain.  Their expectations of me are minimal.  I am always welcome at the meetings although I am not often there, and they are understanding.  We have an opening year's Mass with reception of new members and a closing Mass with installation of new officers.  I am usually at the card parties to greet people and hand out prizes and at the Mary Luncheon.  They are always supportive and extremely kind.

     Tonight was the Mass to close the year and to install the new officers.  It was followed by a wine and cheese social.  I missed it!  It completely slipped my mind, and even though I remember now seeing it in the bulletin and having it marked in my calendar, I was nowhere in sight.  I feel terrible.  And to add to my guilt, I had joined my sister, Janie, at the Meadows in Washington, PA (for those not from the area, the Meadows is one of our local casino's).  To add insult to injury, I was losing money on the slot machines rather than celebrate with the Christian Mothers!  I rarely go to the casino.  Did I blow that one.  By the time I got the frantic message, it was too late to get back.

     I deeply apologize to the ladies of the Christian Mothers, to the social committee and those in attendance tonight, especially to our outgoing officers, and most especially to our new officers.
Mea maxima culpa!!!