We went to the late (12:30 p.m.) Mass yesterday. For the last time, I think.

My husband and I painted the dining room on Saturday, finally using paint purchased many moons ago. It looks so great, I can't believe we put it off. Anyway, he was up late finishing everything up, so I just wasn't in a big hurry on Sunday morning because I knew he'd want to (and deserved to) sleep in a bit. At 9:15, when we're usually packing the kids into the truck and heading over to church, I was still in my jammies, just heading for the shower. We were planning on 11 a.m. Mass, but then my father-in-law called, and we decided to wait until 12:30. That was better anyway, because we figured it would probably be the last time we heard Fr. K. preach, and it was his turn for the 12:30.

I'm really very fond of Fr. K. By sheer coincidence (or something), he's been the only priest to hear my confessions so far. I know this because he has a very characteristic voice that you simply can't mistake behind the muffling. He's been so compassionate and encouraging while he challenges me to pursue holiness, he's made it an easy and relieving Sacrament for me.

Anyway, the Bishop is transferring dear Fr. K to the university parish. It's an ideal move for Fr. K. He will be the pastor instead of the assistant. And he's such a dynamic person, I think he will do great things on campus. My husband goes to late-night Mass there sometimes, just for a mid-week boost, and he notes that the students are all very sincere and enthusiastic. They maintain two daily Masses at the campus parish -- 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. -- must be a lot of devout Catholic students to keep that schedule going. But Fr. K is also responsible for all the other students who are not attending Mass or expressing faith in any way. I remember how I was in college, rethinking everything. Seems like everybody else on campus was going through the same sort of thing. A priest like Fr. K is well-suited for such a challenge.

Anyway, Fr. K delivered a wonderful homily and Mass was as moving and inspiring and awe-striking as it usually is. But the baby fell asleep on the way over, and Zooey slumped over on DH's lap, snoozing before the first reading was complete. The baby woke up as Fr. K's voice boomed out at the end of his homily, and Zooey woke up during Eucharist, so neither one of them had a decent nap...and then neither one of them were able to sleep during their usual afternoon nap times. So that just messed up our whole Sunday. We won't be doing that again.

Although we may shoot for 11 a.m. next Sunday, on the assumption that it might just be Fr. K's last Mass at our parish. Like I said, the man encourages me to holiness in a really great way. If you think of it, please ask God to bless Fr. K and his new campus ministry, which starts one week from today.

--Sparki