Father Marian's 50th birthday came on a Wednesday. This is how my day went: I woke up. I did schoolwork. Night came and we headed off to mass. Wednesday night mass was going to be special. It was father's birthday celebration mass. Not only did we come to celebrate the Eucharist, but also a birthday. This was going to be special. After going to mass so many mornings a week I come to love and remember precisely what I am to do. When to kneel, when to stand, when to speak and so forth. I'm not as brilliant on Sunday mass and can usually be counted upon to make at least one mistake. This Wednesday night we arrived (for the first time) late. We hurried into the back pew and tried to pick up the jist of the Mass. This was hard. I made about 7 mistakes and as the girl in front was constantly looking back it was quite embarrassing. The only thing that consoled me was the little boy near me singing in such a sweet, angelic voice and the fact that God knew my heart and why I was there. Red faced and always shy, one of my mum’s friends pushed me towards a girl around my age and made the introductions. I was glad she was bubbly and enthusiastic, as I’m not too good at talking and quite happy to listen to the tale of her two week travel around Europe (She got to see Vatican City). At this point the back area of the church was flowing with loud, exuberant people. Wishing for some peace and quiet, I made my way into the front row in the chapel and felt quite happy to be alone with God (the tabernacle was near my seat). I had not been there long when Father Marian came and thanked me for my gift (I made him a green rosary. Pictures somewhere below). He enquired about the stones and we shared a friendly conversation. He went back to his 50th birthday party and I was again left alone with God. It was very nice to think that our parish priest should break away from his clammering guests to come and enjoy the quiet and thank me.
This is Father Marian and a strange girl...



Can you see the 50 balloon in the background?

There was quite a few of them around.
God bless,
CoffeeGirl