the longest homily ever recorded in history

First off, Clare LOVED LOVED LOVED Shakespeare at the Ruins on Saturday evening. Even though she is seven, I think she comprehended more than some of the adults there. This year they performed "Much Ado About Nothing", and Clare was enthralled. She has decided she wants to be in plays from now on. Well if she can find time between school, Irish Step Dancing and the eventual horse riding lessons in the Autumn. I was very proud of her for going, understanding and having a brilliant time.

Yesterday we went to Mass, something we rarely do on Sundays ~ we tend to be Saturday evening Mass people. Well we realised our mistake when we got to the Church and it was PACKED. We were not allowed to stand inside the church area, but were ushered off to the "overflow" room. Which was basically the foyer where you enter. They bring out folding chairs for you to sit upon and you get to watch the Mass on a TV. It was definitely one of the most bizarre experiences in my life. To make matters worse, the area was filled with children who obviously don't go to Mass on a regular basis, therefore they were unruly, obnoxious and heathenistic. One little girl was about Clare's age (certainly old enough to know better) and was laying across a chair, kicking her dad, kicking other people... basically being generally annoying. Finally her mother (who sat behind her) pointed out how nicely Clare was sitting up in her chair and reading along in the Missal, and her child really needed to do that as well. Yeah right. Didn't happen. So we endured screaming kids, parent's lectures and the longest Homily ever given in the history of mankind. Being the Assumption of the Virgin Mary it really should have been somewhat relavent; instead it was all about this and that, Adam and Eve, and asking the parish if they had ever gone to Holy Week in Spain and talking about the traditions which occur during this time. I was actually looking at my watch at this point. By the time Communion rolled around, we were finally granted permission to go into the church, receive Communion (where a nasty lady literaly grabbed the wine chalice from everyone before it even made it to their mouths) and immediately following, we grabbed our Holy Water and got out. Quickly. In all my days I have never ever left Mass after Communion, but let me tell you, we did yesterday.

Moral of the story?? Go to Mass on Saturday evening.

After that, we headed over to my place of employment and had a wonderful lunch, took a lovely tour and enjoyed the scenery and grounds. I found out this Wednesday evening will be Bowling Night for the employees, so Clare and Greg will have a great time doing that while I mingle and meet. Everyone is so nice there and everyone gets on great. It seems like a lovely and supportive staff. I am very much looking forward to beginning my job next week.