Saturday Schedule

Working in the long term care sector requires weekend work.  Here at St. Anne's, most staff alternate weekends; they work one weekend and have the next one off.  This is true, as a rule, for aides, dietary staff, nurses, and receptionists. 

I don't get weekends off, but my hours change every other week, based on the schedule of the other receptionists.  One weekend I work the morning shift and the next I work the evening.

When we used to have Mass here every day, the morning nurse would watch the desk for me so I could participate in the Liturgy with the other Sisters and residents on my weekends of morning duty.  However, now that we don't have this luxury, my Saturdays have taken a different turn. 

Unable to go to the local church for 7:15 a.m. Mass, yet aware of my duty (and immense privilege) to attend Mass daily, I go to the 5 p.m. Mass.  (Canon Law instructs Religious to participate daily as far as possible.)  Attending the evening Mass is not the ideal; I miss out on the Saturday morning readings, etc., but I am grateful to be able to go at all. 

Another element of my Saturdays, regardless of what shift I am working, is holding "Reading Hour" for our residents.  Currently, we are reading The Prince and the Pauper, the enthralling story of a poor London boy and a prince (some 400+ years ago) who switch places.  My dad had read it to me when I was growing up, and I remember him commenting on how difficult it was to read.  He became quite adept at "translating" texts to me when the archaic language was beyond my comprehension.  Now, it is my turn, and I have my chance to hone my linguistic skills!

Yesterday, however, we did not check in with London's rich and poor because another special activity was scheduled for the afternoon.  The Secular Franciscans who meet here monthly came to do a service project, making valentines with our residents. 

Later in the afternoon, before heading over for confession and Mass, I mixed together a batch of cookies, using up a half bag of cherry chips I had left in the freezer and forming the cookies, by hand, into heart shapes.  (They were too small to use the cookie cutter).  I depend on St. Martha and Mary's intercession in these endeavors as I am sure they spent many hours cooking and baking.

The cookie-making took a little longer than I had planned, so I wasn't sure if I would make it to the church before the priest left the confessional to prepare for Mass.  (It is a ten-minute walk.) 

However, my prayers were answered and I was able to receive two sacraments on this mild Saturday afternoon.  After Mass, a friend of ours insisted on giving me a ride home, and I made it in plenty of time for evening Office.

What an interesting Saturday schedule!  I am thankful to God for all His blessings!

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