Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: April 30, 2017
Last week’s issue of The Carpenter went to press too early for me to congratulate the three persons who joined the Catholic Church at the great Easter Vigil on April 15. They are Amrita Pal, who was baptized, and Allen Doescher and Ben Harris, both of whom being already baptized made a profession of faith; all were then confirmed by Bishop Muench and made their first holy communion later in the Mass. Also to be specially thanked is Mr. Chris Redden, who each year “shepherds” our little flock of inquirers within the larger pasture of our Parish!
They became Catholic by participating in our RCIA (the initials stand for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) this past year. Actually, the RCIA is a “year-round” process. We hope to “meet people where they are” spiritually, in so doing preparing them to join the Catholic Church when most appropriate for them. For many persons, this can happen within the framework of a school-year, with the sacramental celebration of adult Baptism, Confirmation and first Eucharist at Easter. Yet for others, because their embrace of Catholicism is more knowledgeable and firm, the timetable for this can involve less time. For still others, a completely unchurched background or a need to change sinful and wrong behaviors may require a longer timeframe, perhaps even several years’ worth, before formally joining the Church.
You’re reading The Carpenter: are you someone who’s secretly harbored a deep desire to become a Catholic? Or do you know someone who’s attracted to the rich religious, intellectual, and artistic heritage of the Catholic Church, or who is beginning to acknowledge the doctrinal coherence and moral integrity of Catholicism? Do you think you detect the gentle voice of the Lord Jesus Christ speaking to your heart in your prayers, inviting you to draw closer to Him and His family of the Church? If any of this strikes a chord of truth within you, please give the Parish Office a call (225-387-5928) or drop us an email (office@cathedralbr.org). Since you want to get to know us better, we want to get to know you better and invite you into our RCIA process! It can even sometimes be a good way for a “rusty Catholic” to re-awaken and invigorate the faith. And if you’re already a good practicing Catholic, you might wish to help Chris as part of our R.C.I.A. “team” as a catechist, sponsor, or plain ol’ companion! We welcome the help you can give!
There’s something special coming up here at the Cathedral on Wednesday evening, May 3. At 7:30 pm, Mr. Simon Johnson, the Organist and Assistant Music Director of St. Paul's (Anglican) Cathedral in London, England, will be here for a free organ concert on our own grand gallery organ! Please plan to attend: it will be a musical feast for the ears and for the soul!
I’ll also repeat an invitation extended last week: on Saturday, May 27, at 10 am Bishop Muench will ordain Deacons Ryan Hallford and Pat Broussard as priests, and Mr. Tim Grimes (a parishioner of ours, the son of Jan and Bill Grimes) as a deacon! I hope you can do your best to be here for the ordination and reception following.
Sincerely in the Risen Lord,
Fr. Paul
