Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: February 28, 2016
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The main topic of conversation around the Cathedral these past couple of weeks has been our temporary “re location” of church services into the Parish Hall. I have to admit with a bit of pride that the space is working out so well for us: many of you mentioned after Mass last weekend how, in one sense, the more “intimate” space made for a stronger feeling of community. Let’s all thank the Cathedral staff, too, for handling the increased setup work now needed over in the Hall!
Of course, our precious Cathedral building is far more conducive to prayer, on many levels, so we certainly look forward to moving back into it as soon as we can. Its “structural inspection” by our architects and engineers continues (see the pictures, right). While we found some rotten wood due to water leaks and ancient termite damage – almost exclusively in the ceilings of the side chapels – the good news is that beyond this no significant issues have been discovered “high up.” Please keep on praying for “no surprises” – and for safety, since work so high off the ground is somewhat hazardous!
I write this column before our Parish Potluck Supper, but surely everyone who participated had a great time. Food and friendly conversation among parishioners are two of our favorite things, after all! I do want to thank local artist and friend Sam Corso for sharing with us some of his work: many of his stained glass creations, and some of his other work in liturgical furniture and design, adorn a number of churches in the Baton Rouge area. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll be able to commission a work of his for our Cathedral church or Parish Hall?
Thank you for your generous responses to our an nual Stewardship of Finance appeal. Your pled ges and promises continue to come in, but it’s already a great credit to the faith of so many that you share sacrificially with the Lord and His holy Church. I’ve always been particularly impressed, too, with the way Cathedral parishioners so often remember us by means of bequests in their wills, and with special gifts of stock and property. Yes, this kind of generosity often brings big tax advantages for the giver or the estate, but still it is a wonderful way to thank God for His many blessings. If you haven’t yet given it a thought, this Lent may be just the time to do so!
