Dear Pope Francis,
You have vastly simplified the menu for my birthday party. Thanks!
Jennifer.
PS: I suppose you will not be amused if I get medieval, and suggest a beer fast? To combine both events into one?
PPS: Another possibility: Since I invited everyone I know, most of whom are not Catholic . . . Maybe I’ll put out food, and put a sign up that it’s for non-Catholics only?
PPPS: Or we could get canon-lawish, and excuse ourselves. But then what would that say about us? Other than, “sent out invitations before day was announced”?
PPPPS: How about if I quick invite some people I *don’t* like, and thus convert it into a penitential event that way?
PPPPPS: Having a hard time thinking of many. Plus, would they even come? Or would dread alone make it penitential enough?
PPPPPPS: Or what if I plan to host a children’s birthday party in the morning, prior to my party in the evening? For two children? Yes? How would that be? The parents coming are all Catholic, so we’d be set, then? A morning of penance about the time you’re busy praying in Rome? Yes?
PPPPPPPS: Yes, you caught me. We’re cheating by hosting the kids’ party off-site, so someone else has to sweep after. Plus, tiny event, just a few friends. It would have been commendable to host both parties at my house on the same day, with the usual massive number of guests, instead of just a couple. I’m not so commendable. Hence my note.
PPPPPPPPS: It not necessary to call and chat about this. I’ll figure it out.