Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: March 27, 2016
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
If you’re reading this Bulletin before the end of the Easter Triduum, I hope you’re going to share our worship here at the Cathedral on these most sacred days of prayer. If you’re picking the Bulletin up on Easter morning, you already know Holy Week was a special time of grace for us. The events we celebrated were not just historical ones but essential, personally relevant, ones. We inherit Christ’s salvation “only if we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him” (Ro 8:17).
Thanks to all whose ministry and service made Lent and Holy Week such a blessing! Everyone notices the spoken Word, music, décor and hospitality in church, but please remember the “behind the scenes” help that goes on. As I like to say, a lot of paper is gathered, designed, printed, collated, and 3-hole-punched so that Jesus can rise from the dead properly! Many things are scrubbed, polished and arranged; everything (except the accidents!) is practiced. Say a quick prayer of gratitude for our wonderful, cooperative community of faith and all of its generous volunteers and staff!
Remember too that the Easter Season continues for 50 days, until Pentecost on May 15. Don’t stop the increased prayer and charity of your Lent. Temporary fervor is a good thing, but our Lenten discipline should awaken a better, more active ongoing practice of the Faith. The Lord of your life wants you to be more involved in your religion!
Now the Cathedral’s attention turns to other events. Don’t forget our Parish’s gala “Evening at the Cathedral” (formerly Bishop’s Day) on Saturday, April 16. Please do your best to come to the 4 pm vigil Mass that day, and to buy a ticket for the reception and dinner following. We will celebrate our Parish, and honor Mr. Davis Rhorer with our Cathedral Community Award,. We will identify five others as St. Joseph’s Apprentices, since they have offered such exceptional prayer and service within our Cathedral community over many years: Archbishop Alfred Hughes, Mr. Chip Landry, Mrs. Angele Davis Kelley, and Mr. and Mrs. Marino and Betty Casem. We’re so very proud of them all.
In the Risen Lord,
