Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: June 16, 2019
Although this weekend’s Feast of the Most Holy Trinity is celebrated with white vestments, in reality now that the Easter season is ended the Church has moved back into “Ordinary Time.” We simply “count off” the ordinal weeks of the year and instead of celebrating a special season return to celebrating life, in all of its ordinariness and routine.
But before Pentecost recedes too far in our spiritual “rear-view mirror,” I do want to offer congratulations in your name to our parishioners Clare Lee, Paige Gaudin, and Jenny Moffett, who received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Duca here at the Cathedral last weekend on that great Solemnity. Our prayers for these young people continue as they journey on in faith, inspired by the Holy Spirit!
Now I think we can all begin to enjoy summertime. There’s much good about this summer: school is out, two new priests and two new deacons have been ordained, beaches and camps are filling up with vacationers – and this weekend we celebrate “Father’s Day!” Of course, there are a few things about summertime that aren’t always so fun: the outside temperature and humidity are both nearing 100, my birthday’s come-and-gone and left me older (but thanks to all who wished me well this past week!), and here at the Cathedral we’re trying to balance the budget and plan for the future within the constraints of our limited resources.
Father’s Day, ultimately, is the most important, given how earthly fatherhood properly mirrors God’s own role in our lives. Certainly, if you are a dad, grandpa, expectant father, stepfather, godfather, or priest – yes, spiritual fatherhood counts! – Happy Father’s Day! You have shown us what it means to be “strong, loving and wise” (2 Tim 1:7) and we are very grateful for it!
For everyone, of course, in any season, one thing should never vary: the regular rhythm of prayer ought always to be a priority, of course. For every Catholic this includes Sunday and daily Mass. Honestly, for all Christians and especially Catholics, it has to include some daily prayer as well. Each believer should pray at least a little each day, in praise of God, thanking Him for His blessings, seeking His forgiveness; and asking the assistance of His grace for self and others. Yet here summertime can be our friend: if we do find some time for relaxation, like a beach vacation or trip to the mountains, you know it can be a more prayerful time as well as a fun one.
So, whether you’re here or away, please remember your religious obligations. If you’re fortunate enough to get a change of scenery, find the nearest Catholic Church while traveling and keep your Sunday holy by going to Mass. We’ll be here to welcome you back, I promise!
In closing, I pray that you stay joy-filled and safe this summer, wherever you are. May the Lord “re-create” in you while you recreate!
Yours in the Lord who has sent us His Spirit,
Rev Paul D. Counce
