Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: March 31, 2019
As I mentioned here last week, the Fourth Sunday of Lent, known as Laetare Sunday, traditionally offers a little respite from the severity of our spiritual discipline in this holy season. At the least, rose-colored vestments and flowers this weekend replacing the more penitential purple. I’m not stopping my Lenten penances this week – and I don’t want you to, either! – but I am looking to smile a few more times this weekend and week.
That’s why Tuesday, April 2, could offer a few smiles. If you’re not doing anything else on Tuesday night, come to our Parish Hall at 6 pm! Our good friend Father Jamin David has been teaching a homiletics class to six men who are studying to be permanent deacons, and he says they need two things desperately: practice and feedback! They need a “congregation” to help with some “constructive criticism.” So each will “preach” a homily and then be evaluated – mostly by Father Jamin but also by us! In a way, then, you will be helping to form some of the future clergy of the Church, by letting these guys know what you think. And again, while we may have to enjoy a few eye rolls and groans along the way – they are not even “baby deacons” yet! – it should also be an enjoyable time. And be assured that your help in our being a “teaching parish” will be very much appreciated!
Another bit of fun this week is coming up Saturday evening, April 6: a Parish meal at The Little Village restaurant here downtown, starting at 5:30 pm. Our Development Committee – fresh on the heels of its delightful Parish bus trip to Natchez! – is at it again. They’ve come up with the great idea of simply arranging the occasional dinner, when Cathedral parishioners and friends can enjoy not only the food and drink but also each other’s company. The cost per person will be $40 for a three-course meal (drinks purchased separately).
Want to come? I hope you can! To join us just call or email the Parish Office (225-387-5928 or office@cathedralbr.org). But I warn you: the deadline for reservations and payment for the meal is very soon: this Monday, April 1.
And, lastly, one more thing that will be enjoyable – at least for me and a few sets of parents – happens this week. On Monday, April 1, some little Cathedral parishioners will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. We have six children in our First Penance/First Eucharist “class” this year: Gabriel and Ivy Broussard, Patrick Dunagan, Eleanor Gendron, Phillip Takyi and Evan Villa. Their families have been eagerly preparing them, with Mrs. Nancy Tooraen again “shepherding” our First Penance/First Eucharist program. While I hope they learned a long time ago to say “I’m sorry” when their youth and energy turn into misbehavior, at last they will be able to say this to God, and then know of His mercy and sacramental forgiveness.
Yours in Christ, the Redeemer,
Very Rev. Paul D. Counce
