A new ministry for retired duo

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
MOBILE — Their ministry at Corpus Christi Parish is over after more than 33 years of faithful service, but Fr. James Zoghby and Fr. John Boudreaux will still proclaim the Good News.
Fr. Zoghby and Fr. Boudreaux retired from active ministry last month and celebrated their final Sunday Mass as pastor and parochial vicar, respectively, of Corpus Christi on June 20 – Father’s Day. Now the two will be able to devote more time to their ministry of proclaiming the Good News through music.
The two have a published work “A Proclamation of the Good News” highlighting the Gospels, which they have performed at various venues. They also spent portions of recent Sunday homilies singing.
“We’ll still be in Mobile and continue to proclaim the Good News in song – putting the words of Jesus to music. The Word of God has its own power, its own voice and putting it to music brings it to life,” Fr. Zoghby said. 
The 11 a.m. Sunday Mass on June 20 at Corpus Christi was packed and well-wishers greeted the two priests for multiple hours during an ensuing reception.  
“It was very moving,” Fr. Zoghby said. “We’re just very grateful because it’s a wonderful community.”
But change is inevitable and Fr. Zoghby made note of change during the Mass. Fr. Pat Arensberg, former pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Semmes, and newly-ordained Fr. Alex Crow began their assignments at Corpus Christi on June 25. 
“We know it’s a sad time in a way to see change happen … but changes are happening in all of our lives. We all have different changes going.”
Corpus Christi Parish has also certainly changed since Fr. Zoghby and Fr. Boudreaux arrived. The parish has grown considerably and many of the facilities have changed. But when they first arrived Fr. Zoghby said they focused on getting more participation and for the family of God to better know each other.
“Everyone is so active,” he said. “That is important. They are not spectators and I love that.
“We’re all in this together.”