Convocation of state’s priests will be a graced opportunity

Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond
Clarion Herald

Every four years, priests from across Louisiana gather in New Orleans for a three-day convocation. Can you offer a glimpse of what will be coming up at the 2022 gathering?

Yes, it’s very exciting. About 375 priests and bishops from all seven Catholic dioceses in Louisiana will gather Sept. 19-21 in New Orleans. I’ve had the opportunity to participate in several of the Louisiana Priests’ Convocations through the years, and in so many ways, these are blessed days that give us an opportunity to spend time together, pray together and to learn more about the ministry entrusted to us by Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd and High Priest.

Do other states gather their priests for convocations such as these?

I’m not aware of any other state that has a similar convocation. We try to hold one every four years. We had intended to gather last year, but we were still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 restrictions and decided to postpone it for a year. I’m glad we could get back on track this year. I feel it’s important for us to gather as a statewide presbyterate, and I am thankful for parishioners understanding if their daily Mass may not be available in their parish on some of those days. Some parishes may be holding Communion services. These three days are important because they provide spiritual fuel for our ministry.

What’s the theme of this year’s gathering?

The theme is “A Sacred Calling,” and we will have three major addresses on topics related to that theme. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States, will speak on “The Bishop and Priest as Coworkers.” I have always used the phrase that we are all “coworkers in the vineyard of the Lord.” Priests play a special role in bringing the sacraments and the love of Christ to the people we serve. Bishop David Toups of Beaumont, Texas, who is a former seminary rector, will address Jesus’ command to St. Peter to “Shepherd My Sheep.” People in today’s polarized society are in great need of the tender care modeled by Jesus Christ. And, finally, Bishop William Wack of Pensacola, Florida, who serves on the Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People, will address “Vibrant Ministry for God’s Flock.” We will also have breakout sessions on pastoral approaches to pornography and addiction, ministering to the spiritually afflicted and welcoming the stranger. Aside from celebrating Mass and sharing morning and evening prayer together, we will renew friendships and learn from each other as we eat together and pass each other in the hallways. It really is a graced opportunity for renewal.

This took a lot of planning.

Yes, it did. I’d like to thank all the committee members who worked so hard over the last 18 months to make this possible. Father Rodney Bourg, the pastor of Most Holy Trinity in Covington, is the convention chair. He has been assisted by Father Robert Cooper, Msgr. Frank Giroir, Father Nile Gross, Father Wayne Paysse and Father Patrick Williams of the Archdiocese of New Orleans; Father Michael Alello and Chris Decker of the Diocese of Baton Rouge; Father Scott Chemino of the Diocese of Alexandria; Father Rothell Price of the Diocese of Shreveport; and Father Jared Suire of the Diocese of Lafayette. We also remember in a special way our brother priests who cannot be with us because of physical limitations and other circumstances that do not allow them to travel. We remember them in prayer and ask God to give them healing, hope and peace. We also raise to the Lord in prayer those who have gone before us in death that they will share in the fullness of eternal life. We pray that together we will continue to serve the people of God with renewed energy, faith and enthusiasm.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].