A double blessing for Center of Jesus, Good Counsel

    Was the idea of moving the Center of Jesus the Lord from its current location on Rampart Street to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church something that’s been discussed for awhile?
    Yes. Recently we have been evaluating our properties to determine which ones are healthy and in good shape, those that are in need of repair, and those that ultimately are beyond repair and not a prudent investment at this time. In discussing properties throughout the archdiocese, we realized that the Center of Jesus the Lord on Rampart, which serves the charismatic Catholic community, was not in good shape. We probably would have to spend $1 million to put it into shape, and that would not completely solve the problem because the challenges there are long lasting. Also, many individuals had expressed the desire to maintain Our Lady of Good Counsel Church as a shrine. So, as we began to look at some different options, it was suggested that we consider moving the Center of Jesus the Lord to a smaller facility that was in better shape, and that’s when we thought of the possibility of moving the center to Our Lady of Good Counsel. I thank God for his inspiration.
    Does this affect Our Lady of Good Counsel’s status in any way? Under the post-Katrina strategic plan, it closed as a parish and merged with St. Henry and St. Stephen under the new name of Good Shepherd Parish.
    Everyone understands at this point that it will not be reopened as a parish. It is part of Good Shepherd Parish, whose pastor is Msgr. Christopher Nalty. But I believe this is a blessing for two communities – the Center of Jesus the Lord and those who love Our Lady of Good Counsel. After the church closed, we received many inquiries about what we would do with this beautiful structure, and many people asked if there was any way it could be used for special ceremonies. It’s been a front-burner issue.
    How did the decision-making process play out?
    I met with the members of the Center of Jesus the Lord – Father Lance Campo is the center’s director – and they formed a committee to review our proposal. They were most cooperative and did prayerful discernment. Needless to say, they did not want to leave their Rampart home. They came back with their desire to move to a smaller place that was more affordable to the community. I also spoke with those who care a great deal about Our Lady of Good Counsel, and they were eager to accept the charismatic group into their community. So, the result is a blessed situation for two faith communities.
    When will Mass be celebrated?
    The Center of Jesus the Lord will celebrate Mass on Sundays as soon as some additional repairs are made to Our Lady of Good Counsel. Those repairs and the move from Rampart Street may take a bit of time. It’s important to remember that while Our Lady of Good Counsel will not reopen as a parish, Mass will be celebrated there on Sundays for the charismatic community. The church also could be available for funerals and weddings, but at this point, it would primarily be for the charismatic community. We don’t know what other Masses might be celebrated there. That is still to be worked out. People could use the church for private devotions and visits to the Blessed Sacrament. The church is currently being used on Wednesday nights for the rosary.
    What feedback have you received?
    I’ve had some very, very positive meetings with the people who used to worship at Our Lady of Good Counsel as well as from the people at the Center of Jesus the Lord. I’ve asked them to form a pastoral committee, with equal representation from both groups, to give direction for the future use of the buildings as well as to the finances.
    Will the rectory also be used by the center?
    Yes, it will become a gathering space as well as provide some office space.
    Did you receive a number of proposals for reuse of Our Lady of Good Counsel after it closed?
    There were a  lot of options, ranging from possibly using it as a mausoleum or as a national shrine. There was a whole array of requests, and they were all considered very carefully. We believe this decision will be a blessing for two communities and will show our unity.
    What will happen to the center on Rampart Street?
    The archdiocese does own it, but it’s not in good shape physically. It will take a lot of money for renovations, and one of the tough questions is whether or not we can afford to maintain it and keep it – or, would it be better example of stewardship to make the property available for other uses? That is something still to be determined. But I think the decision to move the center makes sense both from a faith perspective and a financial perspective. I am grateful to God and the two faith communities for making this move possible. It is a sign of unity and reconciliation.
    Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].