Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: August 25, 2019
This is the first opportunity I’ve had since the observance of my 40th anniversary of priestly ordination to offer words of gratitude for what was a wonderful event. The actual anniversary is August 24, but the big celebratory Mass and reception was on August 16. And although I know I’m biased, I thought it went superbly well. My immense thanks go out to everyone who planned it, carried it out, and came!
I want to thank first of all our Director of Administration Ms. Lorie Watson Weeks, who coordinated everything and put up with my worries about it all! The rest of the Parish staff – Mrs. Debbie Orsot, Mrs. Carla Kennedy, and Mr. José Diaz – were vital in organizing and setup too, and especially enjoyed putting together the picture-board showing how over the years I went from cute to skinny to hairy to pot-bellied, trying to smile all the while. And I owe much gratitude to the Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Council members who supported dedicating some of our financial resources to the celebration.
Our Director of Music and organist, Mr. David Summers, assembled a wonderful choir for the Mass. The music especially impressed the many visitors to the Cathedral. A couple of the pieces which had also been sung at my ordinations – E.H. Plumptre’s magnificent hymn “Thy Hand O God Has Guided,” and “Come Gracious Spirit,” the choral meditation composed by a former seminary colleague of mine, Paul Carmona – brought happy tears to my eyes. And our cantor Mr. Andy Plaisance shared both his great voice and joyful personality, too.
Mrs. Joy Weston supervised decorations over in the Hall (I’ve sure her husband Vic helped by doing whatever and only what she asked!). Mr. Erick Swenson put together the nice slide-show in the Hall. Juban’s Restaurant did a fabulous job catering the reception, and one of their servers also was able to provide music during it! In the church we were also well-served, with Ms. Claire Breaux and Mr. Tom Acosta, representing the Tribunal and the Parish, serving as lectors, and Deacon Matthew Dunn proclaiming the Gospel. Mr. Dickie Howze, Miss Caitlyn Thompson and Mr. Connor Thompson assisted as altar servers. Deacon Gary Mooney of course served as principal deacon assistant, but Deacons Chauvin Wilkinson, Dan Borné, Danny Roussel, and David Dawson also helped in the sanctuary.
I cannot identify here each and every other priest and deacon who came and participated in the Mass – I hope I shook hands and said “thanks for coming” to each of them, but I’m not sure, there were so many – but the famous fraternity among the Church’s clergy again left me humbled. Casting my lot in with them was part of the life-decision of my vocation, and certainly one of the best parts.
Among the clergy, my deepest appreciation goes to the homilist, my good friend Bishop Shelton Fabre. He gave us all some profound insights into the Scriptures, while seeming throughout to think that I reflect them well in my life. I admit I try, but I’m not really sure his kind words are always perfectly descriptive! And Bishop Michael Duca lived up to his reputation for being famously accurate in sizing up priests and gentle in sharing his insights!
Finally, if you came – or if you couldn’t be here if you at least did hold me and indeed all priests up before the Lord in prayer – thank you, thank you, thank you. As I tried to say in last week’s column here, I understand that I am a priest because God chose and called me, but the reason He did is you, all of you. I hope I have helped each and every one of you in some small way at least to discover His mercy, His blessings, and ultimately His salvation. God bless you all!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Paul
