Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: April 21, 2019
“The Lord is Risen! He is Risen, Indeed!” These hallowed words of joy, this Paschal Greeting, have rung out not only through the centuries in many lands, but as Holy Week 2019 concludes they are on our lips and in our hearts here at the Cathedral in Baton Rouge too! Thanks go out to all whose cooperation and service have made this sacred time both holy and profoundly meaningful.
And, frankly, we need Christ Jesus’ Resurrection and its meaning. He has conquered death and sin. This reassures us that nothing ultimately defeats us. Our own sinfulness, even our own eventual deaths, no longer need end in disaster and loss. The lesser but still very real challenges of this world – I’m thinking of chronic illness and pain, of lawlessness and terrorism, of poverty, racism, abuse and all other forms of injustice here – also ultimately are conquered by Christ’s victory. It may not be obvious to us mortals exactly how or why suffering continues even for a time, but if we are “Easter people” not even limitations such as these stifle our joy, love of others and enthusiasm for life. May the meaning of Easter, then, be with you now and forever!
Now our Parish’s attention turns to this year’s celebration of The Cathedral Evening, scheduled for Saturday, May 4. You should have received an invitation for it in the mail, and I hope by now have returned the reply-card telling us you’re coming. This is a wonderful annual gathering of the Cathedral Parish family: its special Mass and meal offer the perfect opportunity for fellowship and recognition of some of those who do so much for our Parish and area.
One of the honors bestowed at The Cathedral Evening is that of St. Joseph’s Apprentice. These are persons who over the years have done so much for our Parish. This year’s new apprentices are: Mr. & Mrs. Thomas & Mary Acosta, Mrs. Dorothy Hall, Mrs. Sheila Juneau, and Bishop Robert Muench!
They have all done so much for us. Both of the Acostas assist at Mass, Tom as a reader – everyone knows his wonderful deep voice! – and Mary as a minister of holy communion. Probably most everyone’s tasted Mary’s desserts, too, from her St. Joseph’s Day fig cookies to the lemon and coconut and other pies that I find so difficult to share!
Mrs. Dorothy Hall serves on our parochial Development Committee and is also an active member of the Ladies of the Cathedral, always willing to help with every project on Cathedral Square! Mrs. Sheila Juneau worked as the Parish’s Director of Administration for 21 years, often staying late to make sure everything was well-organized and tended-to. And last but not least, Bishop Muench may have been from 2002 to 2018 the fifth Bishop of Baton Rouge, but he was the “first bishop” to make his consistent weekly presence at our televised Sunday Mass a commitment of his: I’m sure the shut-ins and homebound of the diocese, especially, appreciated his years of smiles and preaching!
We also recognize each year Catholics who impact the wider Baton Rouge community for which we are “the Mother Church.” This year the Cathedral Community Award will go to Mr. & Mrs. Charles & Nancy Valluzzo. Their community involvement and philanthropy are well-known in our area: the Valluzzo name may always be associated with his McDonald’s franchises in Baton Rouge, but we appreciate them for much, much more!
Again, festivities on The Cathedral Evening begin at the 4 pm Vigil Mass and lead right into wine and then dinner in our Parish Hall. You’ll want to reserve your place! And you’ll be able to help express all of our appreciation for the time, talents and treasures that those among us share every day. So return your reply-card – or at least call the Parish Office at 225-387-5928!
Yours in the Risen Lord,
Rev. Paul D. Counce
