Mark Your Calendars

His Eminence John Cardinal Foley will be returning to to his boyhood parish, Holy Spirit, in Sharon Hill, PA, to celebrate the 1030 mass, on 27 December 2009.

We are excited and honored to have his Eminence return "home" and celebrate mass with the people of Holy Spirit.

photo courtesy of Vatican

--gfo

Cardinal Foley Returns Home

Less than a month after his elevation to the College of Cardinals, Cardinal John Patrick Foley celebrated a mass of thanksgiving at his home parish, which happens to my families as well. Cardinal Foley was born and raised in Sharon Hill and never forgot his roots or his home parish. The Parish was a packed as I have ever seen it, and the Cardinal was enthusiastically greeted with numerous standing ovations.

In his homily, he reflected on his growing up in Sharon Hill, his discernment to the priesthood, and the fond memories he has of the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. His anecdotes for both funny and awe inspiring.

On a personal note, my daughter was one of the altar servers, and I was the lector. So it was truly a memorable evening for the Oaster family, as we not only got to meet a Cardinal, but be a part of his mass. He was most gracious spending time greeting all the parishioners after the mass, even though he was not feeling well.

He was truly a humble and funny man, it was a honor to meet him, and be a part of his the mass. It is something we will never forget.

Thank you Cardinal Foley, for all you do for the church, and for our parish.

--gfo

photo from my personal collection

Cardinal Foley Visit Part I

This evening, Philadelphia (and Sharon Hill's) native soon returns home for his first of two masses of thanksgiving, since being elevated to a Cardinal.

This evening mass will be streamed on the archdiocese website so for those who are unable to attend the mass at the Cathedral.

--gfo

The Church Is Clean

A banner is hung, the people are ready and waiting, for Cardinal Foley our priest son, now Cardinal to make his visit next Saturday.

Today a bunch of folks came to the church and gave it a stem to stern cleaning. In fact at the 1700 mass tonight, the aroma of Murphy's Oil and Pledge still filled the pews. The church looks great, and the anticipation is strong amongst the faithful of our small parish community.

A Cardinal Foley Welcome Home banner was hung earlier today, and looks great. Other last minute preparations are coming together and now all we need is the Cardinal.

--gfo

Wow What A Week

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, a busy and hectic work schedule, driving kid's to and from various activities, I haven't had much time to blog this week.

I have gotten a little bit of Christmas shopping done albeit on line. I still have to get the Mrs some things, but I have ideas.

Next week, we have some final preparations for the Cardinal Foley's mass next Saturday at our Parish.

Even though things have been tumultuous around here. I have managed (with some help from my elves) to get the house mostly decorated, and the tree up. I still have one set of lights to put up, which I hope to get done this weekend.

More to come later.

--gfo

The Red Hat Has Been Placed

Well Sharon Hill native John Patrick Foley is now officially a Roman Catholic Cardinal, as he received his red hat today at ceremonies at the Vatican.

Cardinal Foley will be returning to Philadelphia for masses at the Cathedral Basilica of St's. Peter and Paul, on 13^th of December and two days later at our parish.

Congratulations Cardinal Foley, and continued best wishes from a very proud parish

--gfo

The Cardinal Is Coming

It was announced yesterday in our church bulletin that Cardinal-Designate John Patrick Foley, will be celebrating a Mass of Thanksgiving at our parish (the parish where he was born, and attended grade school) on 15 December at 1700.

This is a great honor for our parish, as we honor and welcome one of our own, and native son.

The planning has begun, and it should be an exciting time for our parish.

More to come

--gfo