By Bishop Glen John Provost
Beginning in the fall of 2013, I began visitation of three parishes selected over a six-month period ending with St. John Vianney Parish, Bell City, the weekend of January 25/26, 2014. This was the fifth cycle of parish visitations for me since becoming Bishop of Lake Charles.
I truly appreciate the opportunity to visit the parishes every year. I celebrate or attend and deliver the homily at all Masses on the weekend. Saturday evening there is always a meeting and dinner for parish leadership, and following Masses there are receptions where I meet the parishioners. It is a special moment for me as a bishop. As always, the visitations left me with lasting impressions.
There are two observations, reinforced when visiting the parishes as well for Confirmation ceremonies, that I would like to share with you. First, many Parish Catechetical Leaders brought to my attention the difficulty they experience in scheduling youth and catechetical activities. No evening or after school time appears to be available. Extra-curricular activities consume the time of students and children almost every night of the week. Not even Sunday is sacred, when one often finds sporting tournaments scheduled. In some towns, there is an understanding that Wednesday is “church night.” But this is not always the case in the majority of our communities. Perhaps we, as church leaders, need to look at this and see what can be done. I would like to bring this topic up for discussion at our fall deanery meeting to get the feedback of pastors.
Second, pastors, youth directors, and catechists repeated an often-heard observation—the highpoint of youth activities, such as retreats, is Eucharistic Adoration. The students share with me that Eucharistic Adoration was a powerful moment for them, when they experienced God’s presence in their lives in a special way. Eucharistic Adoration has also proven to be a moment for vocational discernment. I want to reiterate my encouragement for Eucharistic Adoration as a component of spiritual growth in our parishes, such as Forty Hours Devotion, spiritual groups (e.g. Legion of Mary, Rosary Groups, Serra Club), days of recollection and youth retreats. To spend time with Our Lord outside the celebration of Mass is a valuable experience.
I look forward to beginning my sixth cycle of parish visitations the weekend of September 20/21, when I visit Our Lady of LaSalette Parish in DeQuincy. We should all give thanks to God for the good work and ministry that is going on in our parishes.
