Mother of Blue Stars

Episode 7

FATHER PENIK: Andy, I have a favor to ask.  Can you usher tomorrow? It’s the double funeral mass for Mrs. Stefanek and her son, Vincent.  I know you’re not scheduled, but George Hopko has the flu.

ANDY: Georgie has the flu?  That’s too bad.  He’ll be all right.  His wife will make him a big pot of chicken soup, without the chicken!  

FATHER PENIK: Can you fill in?

ANDY: For tomorrow?  Let’s see, what day is tomorrow?

FATHER PENIK: Tomorrow’s Saturday.

ANDY: [Jokingly] Really?  All day?  Okay, yes, no problem.  I’m happy to fill in.

FATHER PENIK: Bless you, Andy!

MARY: Okay, boys, dinner’s ready.  Everyone please sit down.  Father, would you say grace?

FATHER PENIK: Yes, of course.  Let’s bow our heads.  Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive from the bounty of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .

ALL CHARACATERS: AMEN.

FATHER PENIK: You set a lovely table, Mrs. Banas, with so little to work with.

MARY: [Somewhat embarrassed] Thank you, Father.

FATHER PENIK: Mrs. Banas, I see your five stars in the window.  Please forgive me.  I didn’t know you had five boys in the service.  I must’ve lost track.

RAYMOND: That’s soon to be six boys, Father.  I’ve joined the Marines.  In exactly two weeks, I’m on a train to San Diego.

FATHER PENIK: You’ve been drafted?

RAYMOND: I didn’t wait to be drafted.  I dropped out of school and joined up on my own.

FATHER PENIK: You volunteered for the Marines?  Raymond, you are a true patriot!  And a brave young man.  I’m sure your parents are very proud.

[Beat]

MARY: Father, maybe you can help.  I’ve tried to tell Raymond why joining was foolish, since he’s needed at home and still in school.  I wanted to talk with the man, the Army-man who signed him up, and he could not come over.  Is there a way--

ANDY: [Interrupting MARY] Mama!  Lay off him!  Let the man enjoy his supper for Christ’s sake!  Oppps!  Pardon the expression, Father.

MARY: I’m talking to my priest, do you mind?

FATHER PENIK: It’s all right, Andy.  Your wife was gracious enough to invite me. The least I can do is listen and try to help.  What were you saying, Mrs. Banas?

MARY: Is there anything you can do for Raymond?

FATHER PENIK: What did you have in mind?

MARY: Can you put in a good word?

FATHER PENIK: I’m sorry, Mrs. Banas, I have no influence with the armed forces.

Continued 11/25.