Immaculate Conception

Dear parishioners of Immaculate Conception:

         In June 1988 – May 1989, I resided at Our Lady of Seven Dolors prior to attending graduate school.  I was blessed to shadow a pastor / priest in order to assist me in continuing to pursue the path to diocesan priesthood.  I served with him.  I prayed with him.  I traveled with him.  His love of the priesthood was contagious.  He truly was a mentor to me.  One statement that stayed with me was:  “Tim, if you let the people love you, they will.”

         I recently was contacted by that same priest asking if he might reside at Immaculate Conception in the near future.  I enthusiastically agreed.  Bishop Provost asked him to discontinue being a pastor, because a greater need has arisen.  In light of the impact from Hurricanes Laura and Delta, Bishop Provost is appointing Father Whitney Miller as Director of Diocesan Counseling Services, in residence at Immaculate Conception.

    What does in residence mean?  In residence implies residing at Immaculate Conception, but having an office off-site.  He is not an associate pastor (parochial vicar).  Father Whitney will celebrate a few Masses each week at Immaculate Conception, but his primary responsibility is serving as a counselor off-site.  Once his office is established, we will put his phone number in the bulletin.

      Father Whitney is an excellent homilist, spiritual director, mission presenter, and counselor.  He holds a Ph.D. in pastoral psychology, an M.A. in expressive therapy, and he is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor).  He is not a marriage counselor.  Both of us use the services of Dr. Brenda Roberts with New Horizons Counseling Center for marriage counseling.  I also use the services of Matt McCauley who is also employed at New Horizons.  All counselors charge a fee in order for the client to take ownership of their recovery.

        I am honored to live with Father Whitney again.  We knew one another as mentor and seminarian.  We now join one another as colleagues and brother priests.  Please join me in welcoming Father Whitney to Immaculate Conception.

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