After an early breakfast, Eddie and his parish priest were on their way to Brewarrina. Eddie spoke only in answer to questions or when a comment was needed, while the Monsignor relayed in detail his perception of the Brewarrina parish and its needs for the future.
Eddie found the Brewarrina presbytery more comfortable and modern than he had anticipated. The former parish priest had been appalled at the primitive lodgings, Eddie was advised. Hence the near-modern upgrading. The Church, too, had been extended.
Another pleasant housekeeper, Maisie, had dinner on the table shortly after their arrival.
“I’ve been thinking,” Monsignor advised, “thinking of the best way for us this weekend. I’ll do the Reconciliations this afternoon and the evening Mass; also the country Mass tomorrow – it’s Lightning Ridge. That will give you the two Masses here in the morning – ease in! We can work out rosters later.”
“Thanks, Mons… er, Shamus.”