Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: August 14, 2016
Let’s start with a practical announcement: Monday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But there is no obligation to attend Mass this year: back in 1992, the US bishops decided that when such feasts occur on Saturday or Monday, no obligation to attend Mass applies. (There are only two exceptions to this: Christmas and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, since it’s our national patronal feast.) Still, it’s an important feast, commemorating the bodily relocation of Jesus’ Mother into heaven at her life’s end. While it was only in 1950 that Pope Pius XII solemnly defined as dogma that Mary, “having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory,” it’s a doctrine which has been firmly and rather universally held for centuries among Catholics, Orthodox and the other denominations which trace their roots of faith back into the first millennium.
In any case, Bishop Muench celebrates the 12 noon Mass that day in observance of the feast. Come if you can: I do think it’s a good thing for faithful Catholics to be a bit more “Mary-focused” in their prayer on this and other Marian feasts, even if they don’t “hafta” come to Mass. It would be a perfect day for rediscovering the holy Rosary, for example.
The rest of the week looks pretty normal. In other words, busy as usual! Our wonderful volunteer Food Pantry workers distribute foodstuffs to our area’s resident poor on Tuesday; various 12-step meetings in our meeting rooms throughout the week; a special “jewelry show” in the Hall on Wednesday and Thursday by a local vendor; and there will be many, many confessions every day before our noontime daily Mass. The week caps off on Saturday, August 20, with a special 4 pm Vigil Mass and banquet following, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Bishop Stanley J. Ott Assembly of 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, which is based here at the Cathedral.
What else is coming up on the calendar? Over in Rome on Monday, September 5, while we’re observing Labor Day here in the USA, Pope Francis will canonize as a saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Over 30 years ago she came to St. Joseph Cathedral on her first visit to Baton Rouge: Bishop Stanley Joseph Ott was so happy to welcome her to our local Church! We’ll remember and celebrate her the following weekend at all our Masses as I preach on Stewardship of Ministry within our local community. You know, in a way, the very best way to honor Mother Teresa’s memory would be to adopt her zeal at being “active” in doing whatever we can for God and His people, especially the most needy among us.
There’s somebody new in the Parish Office: Mrs. Tatianna Duncan has been hired as our receptionist. She’ll likely be the smiling face who greets you at the door, and the smiling voice who greets you on the phone! Of course, lots of other office work is given to her, but most importantly the wonderful people of our Cathedral Parish family are entrusted to her – as we all get to know each other let’s rejoice in the richness of our diversity and cooperation with each other.
With school beginning and August now half over, we sure could use a break from hot and humid weather, that’s for sure. (Every now and then someone tells me to “do something about” the scorching temperatures. I guess I’m flattered that they think that God and I are that close! Unfortunately, all I can say is the truth – “I’m in sales, not management!” – and keep on perspiring with everyone else!)
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Paul
