An exciting but exhausting day

Friday night, I staggered home from work at midnight, thinking that the next morning I could finally sleep in and then drink tea and read the newspaper until well into the day. This happy thought was suddenly dashed when I remembered that I had to be at St. James at the crack of dawn (nine o’clock is the crack of dawn for me) and that there would be no comfy lie in. The thought of food in the first couple of hours of the day is usually an anathema to me, so I didn’t eat before I went. The service went on until one in the afternoon, with protracted moments of silent prayer. Really protracted and more than a little soporific. I was drifting off into the arms of Morpheus during the homily, until Rachael gave me a poke, jerking me awake. I noticed that one of the tenors really was asleep, sort of listing from side to side and then suddenly upright again for a moment or two. Ordinations are a joyous event, the ceremony is moving and glorious, but when the postlude - a rousing version of Now Thank We All Our God played by organ and the brass group – came, I have to admit that I was truly thankful – for our new priests, but even more so that it was finally over. Tired and hungry, I staggered home once again, had a dish of cereal, and fell into bed for a lengthy nap. This morning, the feast of Corpus Christi, time frame was similar, but somehow the ceremonies were way more lively. There was a wonderful procession after Mass with the children’s choirs, bagpipes, and the whole congregation marching and singing. And the day was glorious, not too hot – one could even wear a sweater – but bright and sunny. Perfect for a parade. Take a peek at the parade, the ordination, and our new Father Todd’s first Mass on the wonderful St. James website.