NewGathering Headquarters Has Moved

I have been out of touch during the past few weeks preparing to move headquarters (and myself) to a new location. My Parkinson's made me uncomfortable with the idea of living by myself in my small studio apartment I'd been in since 1972 (although I was getting along reasonably well), so I have moved to an assisted living facility. I currently don't require any actual "extra" assistance (dressing, showering, medication management, "memory care") aside from what every other tenant here receives. Some of the other residents are here just because they like the apartments and the services—three meals a day, housekeeping, laundry, endless planned activities (movies, concerts, games, exercise classes, and so on). It might sound like a dream come true . . . in some respects. 

Most of the residents are Reform Jews, although there are enough Catholics for Mass to be said here on Sundays. 

More later when I have settled in. At the moment I don't even have a computer desk or chair (or any chair—I'm sitting uncomfortably on my Rollator, which I don't yet use, but which over half of the others here need).

Proclaiming the death of Jesus

This is my homily for this evening, Good Friday.  The Good Friday readings are here.

The art club spring show (Updated)

I am a member of our local art club, and spent part of yesterday helping to register and receive in pieces for our annual spring show.  It is held at the gallery room of the city building. So far there are 38 pieces from 18 members. There was a limit of three pieces per member. Most people had one or two pictures (most were two dimensional). I had two pictures there myself.

The media ranged from acrylic, oil, and watercolor paintings, mixed media, collages, photography, and various types of prints. The most fascinating entries, to me, were the pictures done in molten glass by one member. They weren't stained glass, they were one piece. And breakable. We were very careful with them, I am glad that I am not on the committee responsible for hanging the pictures!

The Catholic church in the US: growing and shrinking - UPDATED

People appear to be entering the Catholic church in higher numbers.  But folks also continue to leave.

Medicare

I turn 65 in a few months, so my window for initial enrollment in Medicare opens soon.  

I had a vague notion that Medicare was a simple government entitlement that paid for everything.  But I've since learned that that is far from the case.  In point of fact, even for people like me wife and me who have been navigating corporate medical-insurance offerings for several decades, Medicare coverage choices are both a bit complex and perhaps more than a bit financially risky.  I bought a for-dummies book to explain the options.

What has been your experience with Medicare?  Have you tried MediGap or Medicare Advantage?  What has worked well for you and what hasn't?  I need to make my initial decisions soon, so looking for good advice.

Faith in a time of grief

 This is my homily for yesterday, the 5th Sunday of Lent, Cycle A.  Yesterday's readings are here.

National Shrine Dedicates Outdoor Stations of the Cross

Betty watches the noon Mass at the Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception every Sunday. This is after we watch the Saint Cecilia Mass from Boston at 9:30. I usually listen to the music from my office. Both the music and the photography appeal to Betty. The Shrine has been an important part of my life. In childhood we visited D.C. regularly (The shrine was just the crypt church then) I lived in D.C. for a year during the Carter administration when I did my postdoctoral residency in program evaluation at Saint Elizabeth Hospital (then a part of NIMH) I used to go there for Saturday evening Mass.

Today at the end of the Mass, they dedicated a new outdoor Way of the Cross