On Sunday morning many of the cousins gathered again at Cousin Judith’s house for a family liturgy on their beautiful sunny porch. Sr. Pat Dittmeier (pink sweater) is the other of the cousins, in addition to Charlie, who entered religious life. Next to her are Martha Dittmeier Reed and Jami Dittmeier, waiting to read the scripture readings for the day.
Jami Dittmeier reads the first reading for the 30th Sunday of Ordinary Time in the church year.
It was a squeeze but we managed to fit all the cousins, and our one surviving uncle, Bill Lippy (third from left) into the porch.
After the mass, communion of a different sort continued in the kitchen where coffee and rolls were available before the various family groupings started their way home by road and air to be ready for work on Monday morning.
It was delightful how easily all the cousins came together and told stories and bits of family history even though some hadn’t seen each other for ten years or more. It was really a delightful and engaging weekend. Thanks to John Dittmeier and Judith English for their lead roles in making it happen, and, of course, to Judith and Bob English for welcoming us into their home.