I was blind and now I see. Jn 9:25

Worship with Us

My dear Parishioners and Friends, All public Masses have been suspended until further notice, due to the Covid19 Well, something remarkable has happened! In coronavirus pandemic. many ways it’s remarkably unfortunate and sad, too. As

you have no doubt heard by now, Michael Duca announced this past week the cancellation of public

Masses in our diocese effective this past Tuesday until Due to the pandemic, no confession- after Easter at least. He did this in concert with the times are scheduled, but personal other of the State of , and indeed it is requests may always be made. something most other dioceses in our nation now have done. In fact, it’s becoming a world-wide phenomenon: even in the Vatican public

Masses are now suspended! Contact Us Why did he do this? The Covid19 (corona) virus health emergency. Since the national Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta began to re- 412 North Street commend groups of no more than 50 persons assemble, and then Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5496 others at the federal level went further, advising groups of more than 10 be avoided, well it was just a matter of time before the Monday-Thursday danger impacted our area in practical ways. 7:30 am to 12 noon & 1 to 4:30 pm Friday 8 am to 12 noon Much is still unknown. We don’t know how long this unusual state of affairs will last. The bishop is continuing to meet with the Priests’ Council and other advisers in making decisions about things that 225-387-5928 need to be addressed. But we do know that virtually all gatherings of parishioners will now not take place: they will have to be postponed indefinitely or cancelled outright. Personnel and Staff From looking at what other dioceses have done, I suspect that baptisms, weddings and funerals – with the immediate family Most Rev. Michael G. Duca, J.C.L., D.D. present, but without Mass – will be permitted. The Cathedral will be [email protected] open, perhaps on a more limited schedule, for private prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament reposed in the tabernacle. CatholicLife Television no doubt will broadcast Mass often. Everyone Very Rev. Paul D. Counce, J.C.L., M.C.L. will be encouraged to focus on their own personal spiritual life, using [email protected] the Bible, the Liturgy of the Hours, the rosary and other devotional prayers, family time and increased charity, as well as Catholic tele- vision and radio, to deepen their faith during this difficult time. Ms. Lorie A. Watson Certainly our uppermost intention is the good health of all those [email protected] threatened by this pandemic, but we’ll also be praying for a swift return to normalcy for both society and the Church! Deacon Gary C. Mooney Fortunately, Bishop Duca has dispensed all Catholics from the [email protected] Sunday Mass obligation here in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. So no one has to worry about the sinfulness of missing Mass. What is Mrs. Debbie Orsot more, he and all of the priests of the diocese are committed to [email protected] enabling continued spiritual encouragement for everyone.

Around the world have wondered “is this is the best approach?”, Mr. Christopher Redden especially given that in times past – such as during the times of [email protected] bubonic plague in the Middle Ages – the faithful usually had recourse to church as a powerful place of prayer. Well, frankly, that was true, but they had no other knowledge or course of action. They didn’t Mr. David T. Summers know about viruses, or the importance of cleanliness in avoiding [email protected] illness. They didn’t have clean water or sanitation, or sources of food beyond their own fields and flocks. God is not a puppet-master

controlling the forces of nature; His creation acts according to His will and wisdom, and we must live in the world He created as best  (continued on page 6)

This past week the organ concert and our annual St. Joseph Altar and Meal had to be canceled due to the Sunday, March 22 request of the Governor to curtail events due to the Parish School of Religion – 9 am coronavirus pandemic. Saturday, March 28 This was before the bishop’s decision to cancel all Farmers’ Market – 8 am public Masses also (see Father Paul’s column on page 2!). While the Cathedral will be open for several hours each day for private prayer, other services (such as the “Way of the Cross” devotion) will not take place.  Thinking about becoming Catholic? Do you wonder if you’re “worthy” or “holy” enough? We also, sadly, have had to cancel the “Women In Spirit” meeting this Thursday, March 26, and the Eas-  Do you wonder what’s involved in joining the Catholic ter Egg Hunt for our children originally scheduled for Church? Are there tests? next Sunday, March 29.  Are you a member of another religion and want to know By decision of Mr. Carl Anderson, the Supreme Knight what it is that Catholics believe? of the Knights of Columbus, all KC meetings and ac-  Is your spouse or friend a faithful Catholic whose way of tivities are cancelled across the country in March life and peace of mind impress you? Want that same sense and April. of fulfillment? Decisions will soon be made about other activities We’ll address these questions for you here at the scheduled in April, such as the Food Pantry, our Pre- Cathedral through our educational and liturgical pro- Baptismal Seminar, and The Cathedral Evening. Please cess called R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). read The Carpenter and frequently check our website It’s for all persons (adults and older adolescents) with and Facebook page for the latest information! no religious background or of another religion, who are looking to find out more about the . Usually our RCIA group meets on a weekday evening, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Office, though the day and time can change depending on the needs of each group. If your children are enrolled in our Parish If you, a family member, or someone you know is inte- School of Religion, remember this week- rested in learning more about the Catholic faith, or end’s meeting of all children and possibly discerning whether or not to join the Church, parents coordinated by Mrs. Olga let us know! Just email [email protected]! Johnson. It’s the last meeting of the school year, and will be held this Sunday, March 22, at 9 am sharp, in the large Assembly Room of the Parish Hall, even though Mass will not be St. Joseph Cathedral Parish provides foodstuffs for celebrated in the church. These group sessions are those who are less fortunate via our Food Pantry. important occasions which supplement the religious Most of this is supplied by the Greater Baton Rouge education YOU provide your children at home! Food Bank, but we always need more. In this time of “coronavirus concern,” the poorest among us are too easily forgotten. That’s where you come in! Pick up a few extra, non- perishable items (such as pasta, rice, tomato sauce, 440 Third Street cereal, peanut butter, jelly, and dried beans, as Downtown Baton Rouge well as any kind of canned goods, especially beans, Mon-Sat 7 am to 9 pm meats and stews). Then drop them off, either in the Sun 8 am to 8 pm basket in the Cathedral or at the Parish Office. Catering Services Available Extra helping hands in distributing food twice a 225-343-0600 month are also needed. If you can help, simply contact the Parish Office at225 -387-5928!

Please consider advertising here in The Carpenter, Are you or someone you our Parish bulletin! We need and appreciate your know thinking about adopting? Since help, as these advertisements help to offset the 1964 Catholic Charities has been costs of printing it each week. Advertisements can serving couples of all faiths with both be purchased for a business, family, or a “sponsor domestic and international adop- ad” can be purchased supporting community ser- tions, crisis pregnancies, and post-adoption ser- vices like emergency pregnancy counseling or the vices. They are the only Catholic agency providing Battered Women’s Shelter, etc. adoption services in our diocese. Visit their web- site at www.adoptbatonrouge.com or call 225-336- Also, these ads are not just for businesses, but 8708 for more information. may also be purchased by individuals. They are considered memorial or honorary ads for you, your family, and/or your friends. For more information, contact the Parish Office at Not only our own parishioners and friends but 225-387-5927. Thank you in advance, and please Catholics from throughout the Diocese of Baton patronize our advertisers! Rouge are welcome to choose their Cathedral for the celebration of the Sacraments. These impor- tant spiritual events are always scheduled through our Parish Office (you can simply call us at 225- 387-5928 or email us at [email protected]). The regular collection for the weekend of March 14/15, despite the lower attendance due to the Parents must attend a required pre-baptismal par- bishop’s dispensation from the obligation to at- ents’ seminar as well as schedule the baptism. tend Mass, totaled $5,246.00! (49 wonderful Iden- tified Givers offered $5,028.00 and the remaining donors offered $218.00 in the loose collection). Preparation for adult Sacramental Initiation (Bap- Thank you for your stewardship to the Church, tism, Confirmation and Eucharist) takes place as especially within our Cathedral Parish! part of the Parish’s RCIA process throughout the year. We highly recommend that you adopt the “Bill Pay” feature offered by your bank to donate to the Cathedral: set up an automatic payment from Second grade children, no matter where they at- your checking account to us every month. This tend elementary school, are prepared for these costs you nothing and the Parish gets every penny Sacraments each school-year within a special pro- of your donation. If we would accept credit cards gram here. or if you would authorize us to withdraw a set donation from your account, a percentage of your Special, brief preparation programs are held here gifts would end up going to the bank! Maybe we’ll each Spring, one for our parish’s teenagers who eventually have to move into “electronic funding” are in the eleventh grade, and another for other in this 21st century, but for the moment there are adults who wish to be confirmed. still many other, easy ways to give! You can also be creative in your giving: first and best, include the Cathedral in your will or in a Church regulations require at least six months of living trust! This is a way to be generous with dedi- preparation for any wedding. Our advice is to call cated monies, often in a significant way. On a well in advance of that time to reserve a wedding smaller scale, there are many other needs and date and receive information: our facilities are of- opportunities for you to defray the costs of our ten booked in advance 12 to 18 months ahead-of- worship and ministry. time! One’s own parish priest or deacon is ex- pected to supervise the mandatory Catholic pre- Contact Ms. Lorie Watson, our Parish’s Director of nuptial preparation and to officiate at the wedding Administration, at [email protected] or 225- ceremony here, and our own wedding coordinator 387-5928 if there is any need! will be in charge of the rehearsal and wedding too.

In 1956 the will of Miss Agnes Maguire of The deepest sympathy of our Parish Community goes Baton Rouge established the perpetual, out to the family and friends of parishioner Irby Paul charitable “Agnes T. Maguire Trust.” The Dupont, who died on Saturday, March 7, and was proceeds from the Trust annually provide buried from the Cathedral a week later. Father Paul scholarships “to deserving and needy women to ena- Counce was celebrant of the Funeral Mass. ble them to obtain an education with a view toward We also remember with deep sorrow Judith Lacobee establishing a working career.” Scimeca, wife of Deacon Joe Scimeca, who so fre- The pastors of St. Joseph Cathedral and St. Agnes Par- quently assisted our retired Bishop Muench when he ishes serve as co-trustees, and together choose the visited the Cathedral. She died on March 10, and was scholarship recipients. The JP Morgan Chase Bank of buried last Saturday from St. Thomas More Church in serves as the administrator of the Trust, the Baton Rouge. principal of which now has a capital valuation of over May they rest in the eternal peace of the Lord! $2.14M. The number of scholarships available and amounts awarded vary yearly based on the interest generated by the funds held in trust.

Applications for the 2020-2021 academic year are As this issue of The Carpenter goes to now being taken, and must be postmarked by April press, we’re still hoping to celebrate 11, 2020. Easter and the Easter season in our Applicants must be female US citizens; in keeping church this year! So please consider with Miss Maguire’s wishes, preference is given to helping to defray the cost of our beau- residents of the Baton Rouge area. Applicants must tiful Easter flowers. The Cathedral’s liturgical envi- have and maintain a minimum secondary and post- ronment and décor adds so much to our prayerful secondary education GPA of 3.0. Recipients must at- celebration of Christ’s resurrection! tend an accredited institution of higher learning, as a In your monthly packet, you can find an envelope for full-time undergraduate or graduate student. Estab- this purpose. Thank you, as always, for beautifying lished financial need is considered in the scholarship your Cathedral with more than just your presence recipient selection; race, color, religion, national ori- and prayers! gin, and age are not considered in the granting of scholarships. Scholarships are granted for a one-year period of time, but recipients from prior years may reapply. The scholarship payments are issued directly to the college or university. Please note that if any re- Are you a junior in high school or older, quired information on or documentation to be at- that is, an adult seeking to receive the tached to the application-forms is missing, the appli- Sacrament of Confirmation? If so, we’re cation must be denied. beginning preparation sessions for this very soon. More information and registra- Please let deserving women know about this op- tion for this opportunity is available by emailing Mr. portunity, due to the generosity of a past St. Joseph Chris Redden, who’s responsible for these. His email parishioner. More information is available from the is [email protected]. Confirmation is always cel- Parish Office: simply call us at 225-387-5928 or email ebrated here at the Cathedral at our 10:30 am Mass us at [email protected]. on Pentecost Sunday – this year, it’s May 31!

The Ladies of the Cathedral want to thank everyone for supporting their annual Baby Shower back on the last weekend of January. Because of the generosity of our parishioners and visitors, the ladies were able to collect and purchase much needed baby items to help support Catholic Charities’ Sanctuary for Life. This maternity home pro- gram provides a safe, stable environment for pregnant homeless women in crisis where they can receive counsel- ing, prenatal care and spiritual guidance regardless of their decision to parent or make an adoption plan for their child. Because of your support, we were able to donate items such as car seats, pack ‘n plays, crib sheets, toiletries, clothes, bottles, and lots and lots of diapers and wipes. Thank you for truly supporting life!

(continued from page 2) we can. In particular, we don’t seek supersti- tiously to appease or impress Him by our actions. It’s okay to hope for a miracle, but never In this Sunday’s Gospel, Christ gave sight to the at the expense of doing what we can too. We man born blind. Jesus will also give “insight” rather continue to pray to the Lord for in- on what to do with our lives … if we ask Him. spiration and strength, and for solace and If in your prayer you think God could be calling comfort – and cooperate together to do what we you to a life’s vocation in the Church, contact can as well. Father Andrew Merrick, our diocesan Director of This kind of decision to temporarily suspend the Vocations recruitment, at [email protected] or daily and Sunday Mass is motivated by an abun- 225-336-8778. dance of caution and concern for the vulnerable. It is based on the imperative of the common good. We have a moral obligation to do our part to help limit and mitigate the spread of this life-threatening illness. Generous God, In the meantime? Keep the faith, which has You show us the way that leads to everlasting endured worse and still survives after almost life. 2,000 years. Again, use this time to pray for those who are being harmed the most by the Through holy baptism you have called us to pro- coronavirus and the collateral damage – especi- claim the Good News. ally economic and psychological – it is doing to Guide and give wisdom to those discerning a our lives. Unite yourselves in spiritual commu- priestly or religious vocation. nion with others, and know that there will be a return to communal worship when it’s the Bless and strengthen those who have made a advantage of the common good makes it right to lifetime commitment of service in the do so. Church. All other preventive measures recommended Enrich our Church with dedicated married and by governmental and health officials remain single people, as well as with priests, dea- important: avoid all contact with sick persons, cons, and consecrated religious. and don’t endanger vulnerable persons. Cover Filled with your Holy Spirit, we ask this blessing your sneezes and coughs with tissues (or the sleeve at your elbow), and wash your hands that we, your holy people, may follow Jesus, often with soap and water. Try not to shake our Good Shepherd, now and always. hands, but greet people with a smile instead. Amen. Avoid touching your face after touching either other people or hard or wet surfaces. Even if not required to do so by your employer and the gov- ernment, stay home and so stay safe. If you do Be sure to find us on these social media sites: get together with others to pray, to socialize and to do business, please make use of every means possible to lessen the likelihood that the disease spreads. & Lastly, be sure you stay in close touch with your Cathedral Parish by checking our website and Facebook page. If you’ve given us your email address we’ll try to contact you directly with im- Your donations help the Cemetery Fund Board portant information. And don’t be shy about con- preserve the history of our venerable cemetery tacting us at [email protected] or 225-387- and honor our beloved dead. 5928 if you ever need. Oh, before I forget: thanks for understanding You can send contributions to: and going along with all of this, for as long as St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Fund, Inc. this health emergency lasts. 412 North Street I’m praying for and with you! Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5496 Thank you! Thomas W. Acosta, Jr. THIS SPACE IS 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: 9:35 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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