Father Bernie Meets Fresh Meat

By Robert J. Marton

“Hello, George.  I’m surprised to see you walking in the middle of the day.  I thought you were an early morning walker.”

“I usually am, Father, but the group goes to Father Jim’s early Mass on Tuesdays, and then has breakfast together afterward.  But I can’t miss my walk.  These old knees would really stiffen up if I didn’t keep them limber.”

“Does Father Jim go to breakfast too?”

“Sure.”

“I guess that’s why he doesn’t fix my pancakes on Tuesday.  He’s the cook in the house.  When he doesn’t cook breakfast, I’m reduced to having cereal.  Is the group you’re referring to Sister Parvula’s bereavement group?”

“That’s the one.  Although I hear people call it the Lonely Hearts Club or even worse,” George said with a smile.  “I’ll admit, when I first joined, all those swarming widows made me feel like fresh meat.”

“As a butcher, I guess you’re familiar with fresh meat.”

George laughed.

Father Bernie asked, “How is Charlotte?  I understand you’re seeing a lot of each other.”

“She’s fine.  She’s been great for me, by the way.  Having her in my life has helped a lot. I joined the bereavement group to help deal with Jane’s death.  It really hit me hard.  Charlotte went through the same thing when her husband died two years ago, so she was able to help me learn how to grieve … in a healthy way, as Sister Parvula says.  I certainly wasn’t looking for a new companion, but Charlotte and I have a lot in common and we enjoy each other’s company.”

“That’s wonderful.  A marriage in sight?  I keep hearing rumors.  You know Sister loves to play cupid.”

“It’s a little too soon for that,” George replied.  “I don’t think my children are ready for that either.”  Maybe down the line.  Who knows, maybe we’ll end up just living together.  But I guess the church would beat us up on that?”

“Of course it will,” Father Bernie replied.  “But Charlotte and you will do what’s right for the two of you.  I’m sure you both have a good relationship with God.  He’ll show you the way and help you figure it out.  Besides, it might be worth it just to see Sister’s reaction when she learns she has united two sinners.”

“The shock.”

“The scandal.”

“But we wouldn’t be the first ones of the group to ignore the formalities of matrimony,” George said. “I understand they even had a lesbian couple a few years ago.”

“I wonder if they were lesbians before their husbands died?”

“Who knows?  But they seem happy.  They still socialize with the group, at least when Sister isn’t around.  They’re surely not hurting anyone.”

“George, I’m not going to approve or disapprove.  I’m here to help folks find the right path.  And that path may not be the same for everyone.”

“Well, my path leads up this road, Father.  I think I’ll continue on it.  See you in Confession.”

“Bring me some interesting sins.  Sometimes it gets really dull.”

“I’ll work on that.  Good bye, Father.  Enjoy your walk.”

“God Bless You, George.”