Looking back at the weekly messages of Father Paul Counce, first published in The Carpenter, our weekly Parish Bulletin
Published: February 07, 2021
Ordinarily, in an article in The Carpenter this time of year I am explaining why we can't have vigil Masses on carnival season Saturdays! But – fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, I guess – the parades that usually cause noise, traffic and parking problems downtown have all been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. So no Masses are cancelled for Carnival this year!
I also typically spend some time in these weeks before Lent urging everyone not to be too distracted away from God by revelry and the glitter of purple, green and gold (and pink – due to Spanish Town’s location across North Street from the Cathedral!). We should already be giving some thought to our upcoming Lenten observances. What will you do extra for Lent?
But don’t completely abandon the fun of carnival season. It’s a time-honored Catholic tradition to prepare for the fasting of Lent by feasting a bit first. Laughter is a great way to prepare for Lent! I guess you don’t have to turn your house into a “stationary float” by lighting and decorating it, but you can ensure a clear transition from Mardi Gras to Ash Wednesday. Especially if you make your Lent a truly penitential, spiritual season, you’ll be the better for it.
Finally, give a glance at this photograph that Tommy Darensbourg was kind enough to take during our first “Cathedral Chat” last month. It was easy and most enjoyable for the 29 or so folks who logged on. If you couldn’t take part, no worries! Our second one will be at 6:15 pm this Tuesday, February 9; it will last 45 minutes or so, over Zoom. A number of people suggested that I focus on priestly preparations for Mass, especially by sharing views of some of our vestments while explaining their meaning. So I’ll set up my iPhone on a tripod in the sacristy and see how that works! I’ll also share even more ideas that Bobbie Carey and the Development Committee have thought up for future “Chats”!
In the Lord,
Fr. Paul Counce
