There is always good news and bad news and the bad news usually gets more press. The historic sad January 6 turmoil is still sinking in and the more I think about it, the madder I get. The C 19 virus is still killing us in record numbers. How about some good news?

The days are getting longer. One day closer to opening season. I’m getting my first of two vaccine shots tomorrow. I am feeling pretty good. Our parish is paying its bills. My root canal went really well. Pope Francis says women can be readers and altar servers. I had a great visit with my brother and sister in law to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday afternoon. The NY Giants had a pretty good football season. The Rev. Thomas Conway, Waterbury native and heroic chaplain of the ill-fated USS Indianapolis, was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously on Friday for his selfless courage.

This week, starting tomorrow, I will be attending and / or doing funerals here, at Biega funeral home and St. John Parish. I am happy to help Fr. James from St. Sebastian, who is recovering from the virus. He had a mild case and is ready to get back in the saddle.

Today we began “ordinary time” in the church’s liturgical calendar. In other words, nothing major happens until Ash Wednesday. As we say here at St. Francis, regarding God’s love, Christmas is the promise and Easter is the proof.

Today Johnnie and Elsie took down our beautiful decorations. Sad sight but has to be done. I love the Christmas decorations, but …..