Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: March 15, 2020
In last week’s issue of The Carpenter I highlighted some of the preventive steps being taken to combat the threat of the Covid19 (corona) virus here. We are trying to be proactive in reassuring our congregation and others. It’s almost never wrong to act out of an abundance of caution in facing the unknown, especially if it may be dangerous.
Of course I reminded everyone to avoid close contact with sick persons, to cover nose and mouth with tissues when sneezing and coughing, and to wash hands often with soap and water. We should all try to avoid touching our face after touching objects or other people.
Regarding liturgy, I noted that we should all NOT come to Mass if sick or caring for the sick. It’s not a sin to avoid Mass in such circumstances. I also pointed out that at the so-called” Sign of Peace” at Mass, a gesture or smile rather than physical touch suffices. Furthermore, the bishop and I – like most bishops and other clergy around the world – recommend that if going to holy communion one respectfully receive “in the hand” and not on the tongue. Although both are “legal” options, the former seems far more sanitary for ministers and communicants alike than the latter.
In line with this, one more step that Bishop Duca requested after The Carpenter went to press last week was that, until reasonable concern passes, holy communion from the chalice at Mass only be shared with the clergy, and as an exception to those few laity who are unable to receive under the form of bread (that is, suffering from celiac-sprue disease). Ministers of communion still will continue to be mindful of the importance of washing their hands before and after distributing the Sacred Host. And of course, I thank you for your understanding in all of this for as long as it lasts.
Other profound thanks go out to you for paying such careful attention last weekend at Mass to the bishop and I as we introduced our “Safe Haven” initiative in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The small booklet titled Equipped: Smart Catholic Parenting in a Sexualized Culture is a resource for use in beginning to confront the demon of online pornography in the world of today. It has been mailed this week to the parents of those parishioners of ours with children in their households. If you should get one and don’t – or if you already know that we don’t know about you! – please come by or call the Parish Office this week and we’ll take care of that. And then, of course, make use of the book by reading it and putting its ideas into practice! You should also view our diocese’s introductory video at http://youtu.be/TRQh09Sfjow
Lastly, there are three special events this week! On Sunday (March 15), at our 10:30 am Mass, we welcome many hundreds of Scouts and their families to the Cathedral, for a special Mass and meal afterwards. On Monday (March 16), at 7 pm, organist Jacob Brenda will give a free organ concert entitled A Lenten Reflection. And on Thursday (March 19), you are invited to celebrate St. Joseph’s Feast Day at our 12 noon Mass and free Lenten meal for everyone downtown afterward: our St. Joseph’s Altar sponsored by the Ladies of the Cathedral is featured on that day!
Yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Paul D. Counce
