Messages from the Pastor - Archive
December 14, 2008
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
As I sit at my desk on this beautiful Feast of Mary, our Immaculate Mother, and write you my special friends and dear parishioners, I can’t help thinking in a most humble way what Mary felt when she heard God’s powerful invitation to her through the voice of an angel. I think she had already decided long before that her life was going to revolve around God and His will rather than her own. We all in a minor way and in the context of our faith have to daily do the same. I sincerely identify with that challenge as you, but we don’t have the privilege of conversation with a real live angel! However, I sincerely believe that we, too, can hear God’s desires for us and His will, for he continues to speak to us in various ways: in people we know, life situations, and when we open ears and hearts to Him in prayer. It takes a little discernment, slowing down, and spiritually opening ourselves to Him.
I have become aware lately that it is time for me to move on from St. Joseph. I am very content and happy at St. Joseph, and it is such a pleasure and joy to be priest for you. I am also aware that my appointment to St. Joseph was something exceedingly special, and God has been so good, however since Bishop Muench’s appointment as Bishop by the Holy Father, I have reminded him that I was the appointment of Archbishop Hughes and willing to step down at any time for him to put his own man in this Cathedral post.
This has been a splendid appointment and parish community to serve. I love the people that come from all over, and the unique historic character of this parish in Baton Rouge. It is a privilege serving the civic community, the downtown workers, visitors, ecumenical life, special events, and diocesan events in this grand old church, and it has been a privilege to take care of our Mother Church of Baton Rouge and attract others to appreciate it like we do. No other church has these interesting facets and people to minister.
When Archbishop Hughes called me to his office nearly twelve years ago and said, “Jerry, I’d like to appoint you Rector of St. Joseph Cathedral”, I said rather softly, “Yes, Bishop, whatever you wish!” Of course, my heart was thumping, and it was what I imagined priests of old felt when the bishop called them in and named them a Monsignor! However, the Archbishop must have taken my soft reply in the wrong way, and said to me, “Jerry, do you understand that this is a very special assignment?” I awoke quickly and said, “Yes, bishop, I am very grateful for your confidence.” Afterwards, I realized that only the bishop chooses the priest he wants to administer his own church, the Cathedral. So, I was, and am proud! However, remembering what the Archbishop told me, I wanted Bishop Muench to know that this priest would not want to inhibit him from putting his own man Rector. From the beginning I wanted him to feel comfortable that I was ready to step down at any time. So, this coming summer you will have a new Rector, and I’ll be looking for work! Ha!
Both Archbishop Hughes and Bishop Muench have been so powerfully supportive to me. I have really enjoyed serving them, and in turn, they have flattered me in ceremonies before you and affirmed me generously to the point of embarrassment. I am very grateful for these very kind friends and exalted priests in my life.
And you…through your acceptance and cooperation, through many changes, my many calls to you for help, and in your sacred ministries you carried out with faithfulness; the time, talent, and treasure you gave, but most of all your respect and friendship. This has been an assignment of a “lifetime”! And, we will have each other for many months ahead. You will hear more from me as time moves on.
Sincerely,
Your Pastor,
Father Jerry Young
December 7, 2008
Dear Parishioner and Friends,
As part of the Cathedral’s spectacular decorations this Christmas, a beautiful Fontanini crib set of five figures will be featured. It was made in Italy and patterned after the set made for the Holy Father which is used at St. Peter’s in Rome. This is the gift of Paul and Sylvia Minor. Sylvia explained to me the joy she and her family had experienced when they displayed the set in an elaborate creche scene at their home in Pass Christian, Mississippi. Her daughter commented that it was quite a job to set it up each year, but people would drive by or come up to the set in the weeks before Christmas, and it became one of the traditions for people on the coast as they prepared for Christmas. The Cathedral is very fortunate to be the benefactor of this set. May I tell you that Sylvia is very ill at this time and staying with her mother, Mrs. Hortense Crifasi. She is in my prayers and masses, and I hope you will be so kind as to remember her in yours. It will be a real comfort to her and her family to know that the Cathedral community is praying for healing.
Last week you may have noticed that the Cathedral has switched to a new missalette. Instead of a new book each season of the church year, this is an all-in-one, or annual, missalette. It is less expensive, requires less work, and can be left in the pews all year. Talking about pews, we are trying to get the company that renovated the kneelers last year to return, repair, and give them a “once-over.” Frankly, this has been a problem for you and the church. This company has been very, very tardy in replying to my many requests. Please be patient and careful.
On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) I will happily celebrate the 7 a.m. Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Sr. Mary Thomas Ranzino. She died last year and remains sadly missed because of her sensitive work among our poor and the residents of the Catholic-Presbyterian apartment community, as well as her deeply spiritual presence here at St. Joseph. She was a model of humility for us all, and she accomplished so much good work for the Lord in the downtown area. Please remember her in your prayers. She was the aunt of Fr. Tom Ranzino, a man much like her in his own gentle but thorough ministry.
Thank you for signing up for the Stewardship of Prayer last week. If you were not able to attend Mass here and would like a commitment form, please e-mail the Cathedral Office at .
A number of you have been asking about Deacon Bob Furlow. Although things have been in the plans for him for some time, he is only now able to say with certainty that he has received the offer and is now the Director of the Retreat House in Grand Coteau, La. This is a well-suited call because he is a very articulate and accomplished homilist; this along with many, many years of service in giving retreats. I’ve talked with him recently, and he tells me he loves the work and wants to build the retreat movement in Lafayette into the same dynamic ministry that Manresa in Convent gives to Baton Rouge and New Orleans. I’m sure he will welcome your calls and letters. We are happy for him.
On behalf of the Community of St. Joseph, I would like to thank and congratulate Deacon James Morrissey for his presence at all masses this weekend and for the excellent homily he gave on the subject of prayer. It was very timely and coincided with our Stewardship of Prayer weekend and was so appropriate for the First Sunday of Advent. I’m sure it reached many of your hearts.
Father Young