Mom's Birthday

I write this latest entry into my blog from Orange, Texas, as I lay the final plans for my mother's 80th Birthday Gala! I love event planning and it is something that I have found that I really enjoy over these past years. I believe, without patting myself on the back, that I am good at this -- that I have a creative spirit for detail and that I love seeing other people enjoy the special aspect of life!

My mother is very special to me. She and I have a very close bond. Most mother's of Priest do have a special bond with their sons. As I find myself organizing this Birthday Gala for her 80th anniversary of her birth -- I also find it an emotional time for me, as I see my mom grow older and frail; tired and worn.

The celebration is going to be BIG in all accounts. We will begin with Mass on Saturday, August 16th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange, Texas. Even though my mother's actual birthday is the day before (August 15th) but due to the Holy Day of Obligation, we moved all festivities a day later.

I have given the MAIN CELEBRANT duties over to Bishop Gainer of Lexington. He will preside at the liturgy and I, with my mother's Pastor, along with other priests friends, who will concelebrate, we will be joined by three deacons and about 250 guests. (or at least I hope we will have that many guests! -- Does anyone RSVP anymore?) Of course, my mother does not know that Bishop Gainer will be attending---SURPRISE~!

Also will be in attendance my brothers and sister (missing of course, my oldest sister Marifrances, who is taking care of my mother's only living sibling: Aunt Edith). My dads side will be well represented with my uncles, aunt and plenty of cousins.

The "adult male servers" from my parish in Richmond, Kentucky will be traveling down to serve the Mass. I am so honored that they have offerred their services and sacrificed a day of work to travel down on Friday night to serve the Mass on Saturday and then return to Richmond on Sunday. WOW. My mom does not know that these servers are attending -- SURPRISE!!

My mother enjoys a Choir from a neighboring parish in Lake Charles, Louisiana from St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. This Choir has agreed to lead the music along with a flutist and violinist! My mom does not know that these musicians are attending -- SURPRISE!

The flowers that will adorn the altar, side chapels etc..will be done by Scott Hasting, a premier florist who has handle arrangements for the California Rose Bowl Parade and a good friend. His flower arrangements are truly works of art and we want to make sure that the Altar is adorned beautifully, simply and giving all praise to God.

When discussing this liturgy with my mother, she made it very clear that she did not wish to be the focal point -- but that Mary, Our Blessed Mother, for whom the Mass will be celebrated and the Eucharist, of which we draw our strength -- needed to receive the attention.

Immediately following the Liturgy, we will travel to the Lamar University Brown Center for an afternoon party featuring heavy Hors'deurves, an eight level cake and festivities. It will be good to celebrate and Party.

After that party, my mother will host people over at our house after 6 p.m. for a social. I can tell you, that my mother will be exhausted. I worry for her, but hope that she enjoys every minute of it.

Guests begin arriving tomorrow with the majority of visitors arriving on Friday. I will return to the Parish on Monday. I hope to be able to post some pictures to this blog to share with you this festive occasion.

In the meantime, for those who are reading this blog (if any), offer up a prayer for my mom....as I am grateful that she passed on her faith to me!