Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: April 07, 2019
Dearest Parishioners and Friends,
As our Parish’s Lenten journey continues to wend its way towards the Sacred Triduum of April 18-21, our focus on spiritual renewal remains firm. But purposeful prayer, fasting and charitable giving shouldn’t affect our moods in a negative way. In fact there are many things all around us to make hearts and faces smile: new flowers, more pleasant weather, “Spring break” offered by your school or taken nonetheless – the list can go on. This Lent I was treated to a mourning dove’s nest, eggs and finally chicks right outside my bedroom window – the little ones flew away a couple of days ago, so I suppose the mama bird is enjoying her “Spring break” at last! – and all in all it offered many a satisfying meditation for my morning prayer-time.
One thing that will certainly bring smiles and squeals of laughter around the Cathedral next Sunday is something that hasn’t been done on Cathedral Square, I’ll bet, in over 50 years. After the 10:30 Mass on Palm Sunday, April 14, we’re going to be having an Easter Egg Hunt for our Parish’s children and grandchildren!
Our children’s outreach is growing. You’ve probably noticed that the number of young families has grown steadily, especially at our Sunday Masses. Our Parish School of Religion and confirmation candidates are now well over 30 in number. That’s small by suburban standards but triple what it had been for years when I arrived in 2009. We began our Nursery on Sunday morning to give some space for squirmy toddlers to play during Mass, and it has steadily grown so that now it’s not unusual to have a dozen or more children not singing in church! I like to think that this is because we are a welcoming community, and young adults do seem to be increasingly drawn to a dignified, rich liturgy, the kind we try to provide.
Anyway, bring your little ones not only for the Palm Sunday procession next week, and plan to stay for the fun right afterwards! We’ve thought of some things that will appeal to children who are too old to “compete” with the littlest ones. And yes, when all of the children’s baskets are full, we’ll fill their stomachs: I suggested pizza for everyone!
Oh, and since I mentioned our Parish School of Religion, I do want to go on record and offer a huge thank you to Mrs. Olga Johnson and her assistant Mrs. Kaitlyn Johnson, who coordinate our PSR. They manage our large group sessions but also do their best to work with each set of parents in ensuring the kind of Catholic religious formation that young people need. I appreciate them very much, and I know I’m speaking for the whole Parish when I say this!
A final invitation: at the request of the Knights of Columbus‘ national office and our own Council No. 13632 and 4th Degree Assembly No. 2241, we’re holding a Lenten Holy Hour this Wednesday, April 10, at 5 pm in the Cathedral. The Lord present in the Eucharistic Host will exposed for adoration, and we’ll pray the holy rosary in common. There will be lots of quiet time for personal prayer, and confessions will be heard during this time as well. We’ll close the hour with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Everyone is invited to join the Knights and their families for this special, additional time of Lenten prayer.
Yours in Christ the Savior,
Fr. Paul Counce
