I haven’t attended Mass in a long time. It seems I only go to church now when ther is an event in a relative’s life like a wedding or one of the other major sacraments. But for some reason I decided to attend Mass.
It was packed as always in St. Francis. All the way out to the doors of Mary’s Chapel people were standing and listening intently. Father Craig was celebrating so it was doubly packed! There happened to be a seat in the Chapel that would fit me so I sat and stayed put until Mass was over and the throngs of people left.
I walked out from the chapel and into the church sanctuary. There were still people seated scattered around the church. Little old ladies quetly reciting their Rosaries. Then Fr. Craig went up to the ambo and shuffled through some papers preparing to practice a song for something. The pianist started playing and he started singing. I was hesitant, but just as he started I stepped up in the altar and gave my old friend and mentor a big hug. Then quietly sat in a pew and opened the Music Issue to the song he was singing. I wanted to see if he knew what he was doing and maybe critique him if he needed it! It was just fine.
When he was done he came over to sit by Adam and me. He said hi again and turned to Adam, “What was your name again? It’s Adam right?” I was pleased that he remembered. “You know, I think it’s great that you found someone. You seem to go really well together. I think it’s beautiful when two guys like yourselves are able to walk down the street holding hands together.” He had to leave and so did we. I walked down the street by myself and contemplated what just happened.
Then I woke up in my bed.