Messages from the Pastor - Archive

March 22, 2009

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

March 8, 2009

Congratulations to our nine men and women of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish who were sent forth at this past Sunday’s 10:00 a.m. liturgy to be honored at a ceremony of Election by Bishop Muench in the afternoon here at the Cathedral with some 400 or so converts to the Church from all over the Diocese. We are so proud to welcome all in this journey to the faith, and we thank our Sisters Fides and Carla, Vic and Joy Weston, and all who support our R.C.I.A. team in this great ministry of the Church. I was impressed and proud of these candidates of ours, and it was a joy to see that when our parish as called and the candidates stood to be recognized, we had one of the largest groups present—and we are a relatively small congregation!

STEWARDSHIP OF FINANCE
We invite you to give prayerful attention to the information you receive this week regarding our Stewardship of Finance appeal. We encourage each parishioner to set aside a portion of God’s blessings for the work and ministry of our Cathedral church. Think of your Heavenly Father’s model. His response to our need for forgiveness and salvation prompted God to give his very best, his own Son. Following the Lord’s example, giving is sacrificial.

Sacrifice is a concept the Church has long understood. In his initial biblical letter, St. Peter addresses the issues of sacrifice and service, and he notes, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.† Such willing sacrifice marked his life, as it did many of those who chose to follow Christ in the first century. They met the cruel opposition of Roman rulers who sought to eliminate not only Christ but all of his followers.

Devoted Catholics who brought the Gospel to the Louisiana territory and the faithful who followed in their steps met opposition of many different kinds—hostile responses from some of those they came to serve, the hardship of disease and epidemic, and loss from storms and floods. The Jesuits, Capuchins and Ursulines were among those who gave of themselves and all their earthly goods to serve in a developing region, and the blessings of their willing service continue to bear fruit. History tells us it was the Jesuits who introduced sugar cane to Louisiana. They stayed the course, sacrificed all, and left us an ideal example to follow, giving of time, talent and resources. Giving is sacrificial.

Deacon Jodi Moscona will be speaking to us this weekend on Stewardship. We ask that you prayerfully consider your pledge and bring your commitment form with you to Mass next weekend, March 14th and 15th

LENTEN PENANCE SERVICE
May I encourage you to attend our Lenten Penance Service to be held here at the Cathedral (in conjunction with Sacred Heart Parish) on March 31, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

Father Young