Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: April 23, 2017
I promised in last week’s column that I’d have more formal thanks to offer to all who did so much to contribute to the prayerful beauty and significance of our Holy Week celebrations. The observances of Palm Sunday and the Sacred Triduum inspired many, and while much of the liturgy’s spiritual power is due to the mysteries being celebrated, I have to acknowledge with gratitude those whose special efforts were essential too.
I have to single out Bishop Robert Muench for thanks first, for his leadership and care for us all in his role as shepherd, as well as his assistant Deacon Joe Scimeca. Next, obviously, come the musicians: our cantor, Mr. Andy Plaisance, and our wonderful Choir and Cathedral Brass, under the direction of Mr. Robbie Giroir. No other Parish is our equal in this regard! Next are our sacristans, altar linen team, décor team, servers, lectors and communion ministers, who all go “above and beyond the call of duty” in their service. I cannot praise them enough. Finally, my greatest appreciation goes out to the Parish staff – Mrs. Sheila Juneau and her able assistants Mrs. JoAnn Landry, Mrs. Julie Brignac, Mr. Chris Redden, Mrs. Carla Kennedy and Mr. Willie Rhines – who organized things beforehand, and cleaned our liturgical spaces in preparation for prayer. Surely my thanks reflect yours, for we are all so incredibly grateful to them all!
As you probably recall, St. Joseph Cathedral also hosts the annual diocesan Chrism Mass during Holy Week, and the diocesan priests’ luncheon following it. Thanks go to Mr. and Mrs. Terry and Denise McDonner for that wonderful meal, and again to the ladies of the Parish staff who did the serving.
One last reminder: have you gotten your reservations and tickets to next weekend’s Evening at the Cathedral on Saturday, April 29? After the special 4 pm vigil Mass that afternoon we’ll continue in the Parish Hall with wine, dinner catered by Juban’s, music by Eric Baskin, and the enjoyment of one another! Come to honor our “St. Joseph’s Apprentices” for this year: Ms. Charlotte Anthony, Mr. and Mrs. Tino & Tere Dalmau, Mr. Boyd Newman, and Mr. Charles Salemi. Representatives from the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady will also be with us, as this year’s Cathedral Community Award is bestowed on them. They and their health care system – and now their “FMOL University,” Baton Rouge’s only Catholic college – are assets to our entire area.
And a last invitation: is Saturday, May 27, still open on your calendar? Then mark down 10 am that day! Why? Because Bishop Muench will be here to ordain Deacons Ryan Hallford and Pat Broussard as priests, and to ordain Mr. Tim Grimes as a deacon! Tim, the son of Jan and Bill Grimes, is a parishioner of ours, and you’ll want to be here for the ordination and reception following.
Sincerely in the Risen Lord,
Fr. Paul
