An almost wonderful day

     Yesterday the weather was sunny and bright, the temperatures were near perfect for this time of year, and all seemed well with the world.  We celebrated the two morning liturgies with great gusto: at the 8:30 we were visited by the local Saint Jude Council of the Knights of Columbus for their annual Memorial Mass honoring their deceased brother knights (four in number this year) [ I take great pride in being a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, a tremendously good Catholic Fraternal Men's Organization ] ... and at the 11:00 we were assisted by our Young Voices Choir under the direction of Diana Mikash who are always awesome in the joy and enthusiasm, but yesterday lifted the liturgy to great heights with the music.  We left church singing in our hearts (and sometimes on our lips) the praises of God.

     Yesterday was also one of those special days in the parish where we invite the sick and infirm, the struggling and the aging to come and seek the healing power of God through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  We do this communally every Fall.  Nearly 125 people celebrated the Sacrament of God's love, bringing the sufferings and uncertainties that are a part of life into the embrace of God.  Powerful and very moving.  I was blest to be able to share this gift.

     Following the Anointing of the Sick, we gathered in Mack Hall, our social hall, to honor our senior members of the parish with a buffet dinner.  We had invited those 65 or older (the setting of age limits is an arbitrary thing) and over 90 joined us for a good dinner.  It is the parish's way of saying thanks for all that they have and continue to do for us, and for their continued example.  Everyone seemed to have a great time.

     The "ALMOST" in the title  falls to the last moments' loss of the Pittsburgh Steelers last night.  A win would have made the day truly wonderful.  Recently I was having lunch at a restaurant were a table of five were dining.  They were from out of state, working for some company or project.  The one woman was from Texas, I believe, and I heard her say how nice things are in the Pittsburgh area, with things to do and see.  She said that one of the drawbacks was being in the midst of "Steeler Nation" - you can't do anything without being confronted by Steelermania.  I laughed to myself ... we're not yet at playoff or Superbowl mania.  If she stays in the area, I can't wait to hear what she has to say.