Greetings from St. Edwards in Newark, CA!

Here's a picture of me and some of the gang from the parish--Kathy (Fr. Keyes' sis), the Deeds, and Sr. Mary Mark--hangin the rectory kitchen this afternoon and enjoying a sumptuous repast courtesy of Fr. Keyes' considerable gifts as an Italian chef. How an Irishman of all people learned to cook like that is a mystery I chalk up to the grace of ordination.

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The meal was beyond delectable and was followed by a lovely, nourishing nap and a walk around the neighborhood with my rosary, savoring the first day of spring and the first serious break in all-too-Seattlesque weather.

Mass, by the way, was also glorious. As foretold by Fr. Keyes, it was the Mass as Vatican II actually envisioned, largely musical (since Fr. Keyes has an extensive background in liturgical music--good music, I mean). Also, lotsa Latin. A transporting experience. My task was to announce the Mission after each English Mass (5:00 Sat, 7:15, 8:30, 10:00, 11:30, 6:00 and 8:00, not counting Spanish and Portuguese Masses: did I mention it's a thriving parish with morning and even prayers and lots of gung ho parishioners?). I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

By the way, please keep Fr. Keyes in your prayers as he is celebrating his mother's funeral Mass tomorrow. She died March 16. Also, please pray for me that I do a good job and serve these good people well this week.