French Laity Step Up in the Absence of Priests

From Philip Crispin, Faith’s French Revolution, in The Tablet, Aug. 13, 2005:

Michel and Marie-Thérèse Guéguen epitomise those devoted lay
members of the Church who ensure its dynamic presence à la campagne. The
couple are parents and grandparents and while retired are blessed with energy,
collaborative vision – and two cars.

They are members of St Anne’s pastoral council which, except for
Père Bortheirie and two nuns, is dominated by the laity. The council is
responsible for overseeing catechesis, liturgy, baptism, charity work, parish
visits, Communion ministers, the welcoming committee, and finances.

The Guéguens, themselves, are particularly involved in liaising
with bereaved families and presiding over funeral liturgies, for priests now
almost never celebrate requiem Masses. . . .

(Hat tip: TitusOneNine)