Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: May 06, 2018
My dear Parishioners and Friends,
A few things are preoccupying my thoughts and prayers this week as I sit down to write my column for The Carpenter. Most are happy, but one is sad.
The memories of last week’s celebration of The Cathedral Evening are the first thoughts that come to mind, and they are most happy ones. Our Development Committee, chaired by Bobbie Carey, did their usual outstanding job in organizing the event, and everyone – liturgical ministers, decorators, caterers and servers, musicians and maintenance workers – contributed to a most enjoyable time. I have to thank our wonderful Parish staff for also working so hard on the event. In particular I want to single out for appreciation Lorie Weeks, our “still brand new” Director of Operations, for catching on quickly to all of the details and managing everything so well.
Of course, I’m sure that those whom we honored at The Cathedral Evening are still basking in the glow of our accolades! Our new St. Joseph Apprentices – Irby & Betty Dupont, Dickie Howze, Barry Miles, Michèle Nardini and the whole John & Nancy Tooraen family! – have contributed service and smiles here at the Cathedral for many years, and we appreciate all they’ve done for us! And the recipient of our Cathedral Community Award, Pete Boudreaux, continues to impact widely the entire Baton Rouge area by the positive influence he’s had in his work at Catholic High School for the past half-century! Many look up to him and credit him with inspiration to excel, something he’s done very well himself.
As I mentioned last week, other happy events are coming up. This weekend we celebrate First Holy Communion in our Parish; next weekend is Mother’s Day, as always a special day of celebration with our mothers and grandmothers. In fact, it’s a special day even if now it’s spent in prayerful remembrance of those women who shared their life and love with us. As usual on Pentecost (May 20) Bishop Muench will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation not only to some of our parishioners but to faithful from throughout the Diocese of Baton Rouge. And lastly, seminarian John Vu will be ordained as a deacon of the Diocese of Baton Rouge at the end of the month, on May 26.
But our parish family joins in mourning last Sunday’s unexpected death of Mr. Robert Anthony Giroir, the father of our Director of Music and Organist, Robbie Giroir. Our hearts go out in sympathy to Robbie, and to his mother Myrtis and his sister Danette especially, as well as all of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Giroir will be sorely missed by them, but also by many, many others. Although parishioners at Our Lady of Mercy, Mr. and Mrs. Giroir have been frequent visitors to the Cathedral over the years, the nicest couple you could ever hope to meet. Please join me in praying for the repose of Mr. Giroir’s soul, and with condolences for those he has left behind.
Remembering Christ Jesus, our Risen Lord,
Father Paul Counce
