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 Bishop Michael Duca than for me. He was not in Baton Rouge. Rather, he and the other bishops 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 Pope Francis 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] Louisiana 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 at 225-387- 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.