Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: August 16, 2019
From the Pastor’s Desk
Musings on the Good, Etc.
I have been in a rather reflective mood lately. I know that this term sometimes is a synonym for depressed, so let me hasten to assure you that that’s not it! I’ve just been trying to carve out a little extra time for thinking and praying. The fact that summer is a less busy time has made it more possible over the past few weeks.
What’s been occupying my thoughts? Well, many good things, I must say. To start with, as I’m sure you’ve heard by now, this past week and next I’m celebrating the 40th Anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood. I actually was ordained on August 24, 1979, but the special Mass and reception remembering it this year had to be scheduled the week before, on August 16.
The past four decades have been a wonderful, rewarding life, one particularly suited to my personality and talents I think. If you know me you know I like to immerse myself in my work, and am a bit obsessive about detail. The depth and breadth of the Catholic Church’s history and heritage – her doctrines, laws, customs, art, music, etc. – have given me lots to learn and work with. And I’ve been able to develop the more outgoing side of my personality so that I’ve been able to share – and I hope help – many people along the way.
Of course, the most awesome aspect of priestly life is the personal and profound relationship of love – yes, I have to call it that, for that’s what it is! – which I’ve been able to enter into with our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. That’s ultimately the whole point of what I often flippantly call “this religion business,” after all: to know Jesus as savior, friend and companion, and master teacher. It’s fulfilling in this life, and I know when death comes it will be the single essential thing I get to take with me into the next! Theologically, since they are spiritually conformed to act in persona Christi, priests image the Lord in their ministry, but in so doing the Lord comes especially, uniquely close to His priests. I am so grateful for being able to know Christ as a priest of His.
The occasion of my ordination anniversary also makes me very thankful for the wonderful people who have journeyed with me over the years. Many wonderful classmates and teachers shared the 12 years of my seminary formation: it’s always easy for me to slip into “nostalgia mode” in recalling how special those times, places and people were. But then in all of the Parishes and places where I’ve served, I’ve also met, befriended, and been ministered-to by great people. You are probably one of them! I can only hope that I’ve helped everyone along the way as well, despite my omnipresent faults and failings. I know I tried to do my best.
As I hinted at the beginning of the column, my reflections haven’t all been focused on good things. Death has taken too many of my family and friends already, and I know it won’t stop. There are so many people I miss: it will be great to know them again in the next life.
Fr. Paul
