By Dave Jolivet, Editor
SWANSEA, Mass. — When officers from the District I Diocesan Council of Catholic Women gathered for a regular meeting last August, they knew they wanted to do something special for the Year For Priests. The council has a long history of assisting diocesan priests in many ways, and it was now time to show their appreciation as well.
Council members Muriel Patenaude, Church commission chair, and Claudette Armstrong each had an idea for recognizing the hard work and sacrifices made by diocesan priests.
Together, they pooled their ideas and came up with a format for a Year For Priests prayer service. Soon after, a committee of five women planned the event scheduled to be held March 18 at 7 p.m. at St. Louis de France Church, 56 Buffington Street, in Swansea.
Patenaude and Lynette Ouellette were named cochairmen for the event. Pauline Vezina, District I president; Maddy Lavoie; and Armstrong rounded out the five-woman panel.
“Many people don’t realize just how hard our priests work,” Armstrong told The Anchor. “They do so in a quiet way, often going the extra mile that goes unseen.”
“These are dedicated men and they deserve some recognition,” added Vezina.
Enlisting the approval and support of St. Louis de France Parish pastor, Father Richard R. Gendreau, the women developed a special service for all priests of the Fall River Deanery.
“We sent out a letter of invitation to Bishop George W. Coleman and all the priests of the Fall River Deanery, active and retired,” reported Ouellette. The women stressed that the event is open to everyone and that it is an excellent opportunity for lay people to express their appreciation and gratitude for their dedicated priests.
The evening will include prayers for priests, an introduction of the priests in attendance, along with one-sentence reflection on what it means to be a priest, for each one.
The names of those clergy who couldn’t attend will also be read aloud, with reflections dedicated to them as well.
Father Gendreau and District I moderator Father Horace J. Travassos will conclude the service with a reading, petitions, and a closing prayer.
Light refreshments will be served following the service.
“Everyone should know that all are invited to come and pray for their priests,” added Armstrong. “Men too.”
If any priest from the Fall River Deanery did not receive an invitation letter, or who wishes to acknowledge they will be attending, they should contact Lynette Ouellette at 508-674-7036, or via email to frnchconnect.@aol.com by March 8.