Worship with Us

Dear Parishioners and Friends, Saturday Anticipated Mass 4 pm Sunday This past week has been interesting, but more so for 8:30 am & 10:30 am Michael Duca than for me. He was not in Baton Rouge. Rather, he and the other of our region were Weekdays (Monday-Friday) in Rome, making their periodic formal visit to Pope 12:05 pm Francis! The last time they went, in January 2012, Bishop Holy Days As announced Duca was the chief shepherd in Shreveport, and retired Bishop Bob Muench headed our diocese.

Traditionally this formal visit is called the ad limina visit. The Latin Saturday 3 to 3:45 pm words mean “to the threshold,” and refer to the duty of each bishop Weekdays (M-F) 11:30-11:50 am every so often to go “to the doorstep” of Christ’s Vicar on earth, the Always on request Pope. Some months ago Bishop Duca sent in a report about our dio- cese; the actual visit is an opportunity not only to offer any clarifications Contact Us that might be requested but also to hear the concerns of the Holy Father and those who assist him about our life of faith. I am sure that they will have lots to talk about! 412 North Street Still, while very much a prayerful, religious time, every bishop I’ve ever Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5496 met has said that the ad limina visit is also a most enjoyable time for the Monday-Thursday little “flock of shepherds” who make the trip together. They really enjoy 7:30 am to 12 noon & 1 to 4:30 pm becoming a bit more familiar with the people and offices (and res- Friday 8 am to 12 noon taurants!) which they only read about occasionally! Before Bishop Duca left last week I did suggest that he bring his iPhone with him, since getting to record a brief “Geaux Tigers!” video mes- 225-387-5928 sage would be the crowning touch to the visit! We’ll have to see if he can do it!

225-387-5929 The week for me was spent partially over in Mobile, Alabama, at a canon

law conference and partially at the stove making turkey stock and then some gumbo. Years ago a lady of my acquaintance sniffed that Personnel and Staff she didn’t like gumbo, since it was usually made the same way year after year, with leftovers! Well, that’s never been a problem for me. In fact, gumbo is a bit like Christmas: the most familiar parts are the Most Rev. Michael G. Duca, J.C.L., D.D. best! I like the traditional ingredients like Thanksgiving turkey meat, real [email protected] andouille sausage, a “made from scratch” roux, and the “holy trinity” of onion, bell pepper and celery. I get skeptical when people Very Rev. Paul D. Counce, J.C.L. start wanting to get too creative, adding fennel or kale or something [email protected] weird like that. And as far as I’m concerned you’re a heretic if you add tomato to any kind of gumbo!

I prefer traditional gumbo, just like I love traditional Christmas music, Ms. Lorie Watson Weeks recipes, prayers and Bible stories, and oft-repeated family traditions. [email protected] Gumbo is a “comfort food,” and our Catholic religion comforts the soul in much the same way. Yes, there’s a time and a place for novelty, Deacon Gary C. Mooney but the best things are the ones we know are valuable and don’t have to [email protected] discover and figure out how to work every year. Please join me in thanking God for both our beloved gumbo and our timeless faith! And finally, as I mentioned in my last column, this week’s Solemnity of Mrs. Debbie Orsot the Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 9, this week is not [email protected] a holy day of obligation this year, since it isn’t observed on its usual date. Yet we will still have noon Mass that day, honoring the Blessed Mr. Christopher Redden Virgin Mary as the sole human ever who was preserved from sin from [email protected] the first moment of her life. I hope you can come.

In the coming Christ, Mr. David Summers [email protected]

This weekend, December 7/8, is the first full weekend of the month and that Sunday, December 8 means we’ll take up our monthly collec- Bible Study – 9:30 am tion For the Maintenance and Repair of Baton Rouge Concert Band Holiday Concert – 3 pm the Cathedral. These funds are used to Downtown Choral Pilgrimage – 7 pm keep our historic Cathedral building (and indeed, all of Cathedral Square!) beautiful and in good working Monday, December 9 order. Baptismal Preparation Seminar – 6:30 pm

Because of our own Maintenance collection this week, Tuesday, December 10 we will take up the national Retirement Fund for Reli- Cemetery Fund Board Meeting – 5 pm gious collection next weekend, December 14/15. But you may drop your marked envelope for it in the Wednesday, December 11 collection basket at any Mass either weekend. Like- KC Council Meeting – 6:15 pm wise with the marked envelope for the Feast of the Choir Rehearsal – 6:25 pm Immaculate Conception, which will be celebrated on Monday, December 9. Thank you so very much for Saturday, December 14 your dependable generosity! Arts & Farmers’ Markets – 8 am

The deadline to reserve your spot at our Our monthly administration of the Sacra- Christmas Supper with your St. Joseph ment of the Anointing of the Sick hap- Cathedral Friends at the downtown City pens on the first Saturday of each month, Club on Saturday, December 21 at 5:15 after the 4 pm Vigil Mass – which is this Sat- pm is fast approaching on December 13 – urday, December 7. This “Sacrament of the Sick” can so call or email Parish Office staff today at225-387- be received by Catholics over the age of 7 who suffer 5928 or [email protected]. The cost of the meal from either chronic or acute serious illness, are facing will be $45 per person, including gratuity, and major surgery, or are significantly enfeebled by old includes a three-course meal and cash bar. One note age. on attire: it’s dressy! Men must wear a suit or jacket. Please invite friends and family members who are in these circumstances to come benefit from this spe- cial moment of prayer, and a special blessing with a If you are participating in our annual, relic of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. Advent Giving Tree program, where we partner with the local St. Vincent de Paul Society in their annual Christmas toy dis- tribution, remember that your presents Parents preparing for the baptism of a (for children up to age 12) should be child are reminded that they must attend a returned UNWRAPPED, but in a Christmas gift bag. A pre-Baptismal parents’ seminar at least monetary donation can be made, if you prefer: make once. While it’s a requirement for parents, checks out to St. Joseph Cathedral, with “Giving Tree” the godparents are invited as well. The next seminar clearly indicated on the memo line). The deadline for is scheduled for Monday, December 9, at 6:30 pm. gifts is next weekend, December 14/15. It’s held in the Conference Room of our Parish Office just behind the church. Parents, please register beforehand, either by send- ing a quick email to [email protected] or by Parishioner Carol Asher is leading a Bible Study at making a quicker telephone call to 225-387-5928 – we 9:30 am on the Sundays of Advent in Meeting Room 2 need to know how many people will be attending! of the Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Knights of Columbus “In Service to One, In Service to All” St. Joseph Cathedral Council Call Grand Knight Tom Acosta to learn more:

No. 13632 225-383-2302

If your children are enrolled in our Parish Our regular collection over the weekend of Nov- School of Religion, remember this week- ember 23-24 totaled $5,253.00, with 82 Identified end’s meeting of all children and Givers contributing $4,587.00, and another parents coordinated by Mrs. Olga $666.00 donated anonymously. The annual Catho- Johnson. lic Campaign for Human Development collection to- taled $793.00 from 18 Identified Givers. Again, it is being held next Sunday, December 15 at 9 am sharp, in the large Assembly Room of the Parish Our “Thanksgiving Vigil” collection on November Hall; it’s best if you plan to attend the 10:30 am Mass 27, designated for our Charity Fund, came to afterwards. These group sessions are important $332.00. The regular collection over the November occasions which supplement the religious education 30-December 1 weekend brought in $6,323.00, YOU provide your children at home! with 80 Identified Givers offering $5675.00 and the remaining $648.00 in the “loose” collection. Thanks for your continued generosity, offered in so many ways! But participating in the offertory at Mass is just a Our Knights of Columbus Council start. Even better Stewardship is practiced by No. 13632 will be available every those who adopt the “Bill Pay” feature offered by weekend in December after all your bank: set up an automatic payment from Masses selling ceramic Christmas your checking account to us every month. At most ornaments, highlighting the historic banks and credit unions this costs you nothing stained glass windows here at St. and the Cathedral gets every penny of your Joseph Cathedral. The 2018 orna- donation. ment featured the “Nativity” win- dow, and this year’s, the one for You can be creative in your giving: first and best, 2019, features the “Visit of the Magi” window. include the Cathedral in your will or in a “living Ornaments can be obtained for a donation of $10 trust” or foundation! This way you can be gene- each. rous with dedicated monies in a significant way. There are also many particular expenses which Also available, for a $5 donation, are the traditional you can always underwrite by your gifts – just give KCs’ “Keep Christ in Christmas” car magnets that have us a call and we can let you know of many been available for many years now. Please stop by different ways you can help out your parish and pick up one or two – they make wonderful gifts community! At this time of year, especially, gifts of and also help the Knights in the wonderful work they stock or other donations from investments can be do for our parish and the greater community! very advantageous to donors, tax-wise. Our Parish Director of Administration is available to answer your financial questions. Contact Mrs. Our Parish Calendar, weekly issues of Lorie Watson Weeks at [email protected] or The Carpenter and more are available on 225-387-5928 for more information. our website: www.cathedralbr.org

Our Cathedral music continues to carry us into this this weekend, December 7-8, the Second Sunday of Advent:

Organ Prelude: Johannes Brahms - Es ist ein Ros’ entsprungen (Op. 122, No. 8) 10:30 am Mass: 10:30 Introit Aria: Hugo Distler - Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming 10:30 Offertory Anthem: G. F. Handel (Soloist: Amid the hustle and potential distrac- James Rodrigue) - Ev’ry Valley from The Messiah tion of a busy holiday season, we can 10:30 Communion Anthem: Elizabeth Poston - sometimes lose our spiritual focus, Jesus Christ The Apple Tree struggling to maintain a purposeful emphasis on the coming of our 10:30 Choral Processional Chant: Conditor alma Savior at Bethlehem and the pro- siderum mise of the Lord’s return. What’s Organ Postlude: J.S. Bach - Fughetta on Lob sei dem more, it is possible to misplace our allmächtigen Gott from Kirnberger Chorales (BWV compassionate concern for others, an honored legacy 704) of the . “The person who takes heed is the one who, amid the worldly din, does not let himself be overwhelmed by distraction or superficiality, but lives in a full and conscious way, with concern first and foremost for others. In this manner we become aware of the tears and the needs of our neighbors” (Pope Francis, Angelus of December 3, 2017).  Sun., December 8 at 3 pm – Baton Rouge As faithful parishioners, we desire that clarity, and Concert Band those in need want us to pursue it, to know that our gratitude for the gift of God’s Son informs our charity  Sun., December 8 – Christmas Musical on behalf of others. They “Hope in the Lord” too and Walking Pilgrimage Downtown trust we are listening to God’s call. The Bishop’s An- 5:30 pm Mt. Zion First Baptist nual Appeal offers each of us an ideal opportunity to 6:30 pm First Presbyterian respond. Perhaps you’ve already done your part, and 7:00 pm St. Joseph Cathedral all those who receive such blessing join in expressing 7:30 pm St. James Episcopal thanks for your generosity. If not, please consider the 8:00 pm First Baptist many ways your gifts will enhance the lives of your fellow parishioners, friends and neighbors, so appro-  Sat./Sun., December 14 at 7:30 pm and December priate a message this time of year. 15 at 3 pm – Red Shift Choir Holiday Concerts *tickets required: www.redshiftchoir.org If you’ve yet to make your essential contribution on behalf of ministries supported by the Bishop’s Annual  Thurs., December 19 at 7:30 pm – Baton Rouge Appeal, please join fellow parishioners and make Symphony Holiday Brass *tickets required: your gift this Advent season. For ease in participation, www.brso.org you might choose to use envelopes available in the  Tues., December 24 at 9 pm – Christmas Eve Mass pew, marked envelopes in your packet, or you can al- in the Evening, Magnolia Strings (prelude at 8:15 ways visit the BAA site and securely contribute online: pm) and St. Joseph Cathedral Choir and at www.baabr.org. Please give. Do so today. Festival Brass Support the 2019-2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal!  Sat., December 28 at 5:15 pm – Solo and Duet Arias in French and Latin, Anna Little, Mezzo Soprano & Donna Lee, Soprano

Christmas Tuesday, December 24 4 pm Christmas "Vigil" Mass 9 pm Christmas Mass "in the Night" with Bishop Michael Duca Wednesday, December 25 8:30 & 10:30 am Christmas Masses "in the Day" New Year’s Tuesday, December 31 4 pm New Year's "Vigil" Mass 5 pm “Champagne & Gumbo”

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Saturday/Sunday, December 14-15, 2019 4 pm Saturday 8:30 am Sunday 10:30 am Sunday Fr. Paul Counce Fr. Paul Counce Fr. Paul Counce Ministers of Holy Tino Dalmau Buddy Morris Charlotte Anthony Communion Ann Felice Fourrier Carolyn Morris Mary Ellen Davros Bill Koren Lorie Weeks Michèle Deshotels Mary Furlow Robert René Billy Rimes Readers Todd Gaudin (1) Kelly Wilkinson (1) Geri Munson (1) Bridget Gaudin (2) Karen Boyd (2) Vic Howell (2) Servers David Diez Clare Lee Jacob Burke Dickie Howze Sean Molony Sacristans Fr. Paul Counce Erick Swenson Dickie Howze Coffee & Donuts Don & Janice Aucoin Thomas W. Acosta, Jr. Attorney At Law NOW 911 Seventh Street Port Allen, LA 70767 OPEN 440 Third Street • Downtown Baton Rouge Phone: Mon -Sat 7AM - 7PM • Sunday 8AM - 7PM Catering Services Available 225-383-2302 225-343-0600 LIVE Ladies of the MUSIC! Cathedral Invites all Ladies to join SUNDAY BRUNCH SUNDAY in our parish and community 10:30AM-3PM BRUNCH service activities 11AM-3PM MEETINGS: 9 AM on Bottomless Mimosas! 1ST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 225-346-8422 225-926-1172 ssociated WILBERT Consider waterproofing corp. remembering a FUNERAL HOME your Cathedral CONTRACTORS Record your personal wishes and in your will. Martin Mapp instructions in a pre-arrangement CATHERINE WILBERT CHUSTZ For further 225-389-9612 br • 504-738-9831 no Pre-need Counselor information Proudly providing services for www.wilbertservices.com please call the Parish Office at St. Joseph Cathedral, 687-9542 Baton Rouge & New Orleans 687-1850 or 383-1850 225-387-5928

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