A Week at Home

Peace and Good,

December 2, 2009

This past week has been a good time at home. I had the two periods of recollection at the weekend. Throughout the week there was a series of meetings with the community (it is called a house chapter at which we discuss what is going on in the friary and what our future plans are) and with my spiritual directees. (I do not do too much spiritual direction because I am on the road so often, but there are a few people on my dance card.

Thanksgiving was a wonderful, peaceful time at home. Br. Gerry cooked the meal, and he is an excellent cook. The meal included the Baltimore favorite of sauerkraut with the turkey. When I first heard about that dish, I thought that they were kidding. I have never run across it anywhere else on my journeys.

I think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. For me it is a family meal where everyone goes out of the way to be kind and welcoming. It is not commercial like so many of the other holidays.

I finished one book: The Steel Wave by Jeff Shaara. It is a historic novel telling the story of D Day. Jeff Shaara's father wrote Killer Angels about the Battle of Gettysburg, and he has followed his father's example. It is good reading (not too heavy or too scholarly).

I am back in San Diego this week for another mission, at a parish north of the city called Vista.

Work continues on the psalms' CD's. There are three done, and that is about half way through.

I am still begging for assistance with my trip to Ghana this coming June. As I mentioned last week, it will cost about $2,100 for the plane ticket, and the seminary where I am going cannot afford the cost. Is there anyone out there who could help? If so, please send your contribution to me at 12290 Folly Quarter Road; Ellicott City, MD 21042.

God bless and
Shalom

fr. Jude