The Lord's Day (XXI Pentecost)

Up and out of my Mt Vernon hotel room in time to head south on I-57 and arrive at St Mark's in West Frankfort ahead of their regular 0900 liturgy. Presided, preached (the obligatory stewardship sermon), and enjoyed a post-liturgical potluck brunch. Then it was up to St James in McLeansboro, where I presided at the final Mass before the congregation closed in 2011. It was finally time to deconsecrate the building, which was in active use for more than 130 years. I was joined in this solemn task by Fr Bill Howard. Immensely sad. Got to our Chicago abode around 5:30.

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