After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mk. 1:14-15)
The words above are the first words spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. How are we to interpret them? Clearly the words evidence the reality that occurred when God was incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. If God is incarnate, then “this is the time of fulfillment”; all of the prophecies have been fulfilled. And if Jesus is present, then the Kingdom of God is present, since the Kingdom is present where the King is present. But what about the middle part “repent and believe in the Gospel”?
There are different ways to understand the words “repent and believe in the Gospel. They can be understood collectively, in the sense that society needs to repent; and they can be understood individually, in the sense that each of us needs to repent. Personally, I think it’s easier to understand these words individually. Each of us should be aware of our own sins. If we aren’t, then we really need to examine ourselves. Many times during the day we will probably find ourselves thinking thoughts, saying words or carrying out actions that do not exhibit perfect charity toward God or our neighbor. And if we think we are doing pretty well, we might need to think what we have neglected to think, say or do.
But what about “collective repentance.” Where does that take place? Collective repentance is when we examine ourselves as a society and realize that we have created structures that are sinful. One of the most obvious structures of sin in our current culture is the abortion industry. Prescinding from the moral arguments about abortion (bet you never thought you’d hear me say that), the abortion business is a big business that employs multiple doctors, nurses, “counselors,” and “helpers.” There are over 1.25 million abortions in America each year. Abortions cost anywhere from about $500 (for an early term abortion) to over $3000 (for a late term abortion). Conservatively speaking, abortion is a $1 billion industry that we have allowed to be established in our country. We are in need of collective repentance for this travesty.
This weekend in our life garden in front of the church are 150 small flags. The flags indicates the number of babies that are killed each hour in the United States of America. That’s about the length of time we’ll be in Mass. Using Planned Parenthoods own figures, that represents about $110,000 in gross revenue that the abortion industry has received during Mass.
I hope you find that shocking. I’d say we’re in need of collective repentance for tolerating an industry that profits on the death of our most innocent children. (Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty
St. Blaise Throat Blessing
Friday, February 3 after 6:30am (rectory) and 8:30am (church) Masses
On Friday, February 3 the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Blaise, the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia who was martyred in the year 316. The oldest accounts tell us that Blaise was a physician at Sebaste before he was made bishop. At the time of the early 4th century persecution under Licinius, he was taken prisoner at the command of the governor, Agricolaus. After suffering various forms of torture St. Blase was beheaded.
The most popular story attributed to St. Blaise occurred while he was in prison, when he cured a young a boy with a fishbone in his throat who was in danger of choking to death. That story, and the fact that St. Blaise had been a doctor, made the saint very popular for intercessory prayer for throat ailments.
At an early date, the veneration of this Eastern saint was brought into Europe, and Blaise became one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages. Numberless churches and altars were dedicated to him.
On the his feast the blessing of St. Blaise will be given in St. Stephen Church. The blessing of the throat is carried out using two white taper candles that were blessed on the previous day, February 2, the Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas Day) . The white color of the candles symbolizes purity. A red ribbon draped over the base of the candles symbolizes the martyrdom of St. Blaise. The candles are grasped in an X-shape and held up to the throat of the person receiving the blessing: "Through the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Ya’ Mama was Pro-Life, dahlin’!
Americans United for Life released their seventh annual “Life List” this week – a ranking of all 50 states based on the way each addresses a comprehensive list of life issues – from abortion to euthanasia. For the second time in three years, Louisiana tops the list, followed closely by Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Arkansas. But we should never stop working and praying until the government of our country changes the law to protect human life in the womb. Every biological textbook teaches that human life begins when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg. From that moment on, that unborn child should be protected. Please join us in prayer each Saturday at 11:00am outside of the abortion clinic located at 3500 St. Charles Avenue (next door to the Capital One bank near the Louisiana Avenue intersection).
The Mass Explained Study Groups
Beginning on Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30pm (after the evening Mass) and continuing each Tuesday of Lent, we will have a study group to discuss a book written by Msgr. James P. Moroney called “The Mass Explained.” Please contact Phillip Bellini, Director of Religious Education if you would like to participate so that we can be sure to order enough books.
Msgr. Moroney is a consultor to the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments and served as Secretary for the Pontifical Commission Vox Clara that guided the new English translation of the Roman Missal.
Mardi Gras Madness
On Thursday January 26 we met to discuss some festivities at the parish during Mardi Gras. The decision was made for the parish to sell jambalaya and bread pudding with bourbon sauce, beer and soft drinks on Bacchus Sunday and have pot luck on the other parade nights with an outdoor electric grill available for cooking. More details to follow!
Mass for the Sick
There will be a special liturgy for the sick at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 29, 2012, in St. Louis Cathedral . As you know, the 11:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral is televised and reaches a great number of our sick and shut-ins in their homes, residences and hospitals.
Parking will be available in the school yard at 820 Dauphine Street.
We encourage you to invite your Eucharistic Ministers to the sick and homebound to participate in this celebration. Please call Family Life Apostolate (504) 861-6243 for more information.
A Thank You Letter
December 15, 2011
When the song of the angels is stilled When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among others, To make music in the heart. Howard Thurman
Dear Parishioners,
This is the season of giving and we are so grateful for your wonderful gift of socks, gloves, tshirts and toiletries. These are wonderful treats for our guests . This is an acknowledgement of this donation to Lantern Light, Inc. and that you have received no goods or services in return for this donation. Thank you very much for your help in spreadingjoy and blessings to all of God’s people!
The cold weather is here. Our guests are enjoying the warm mittens and hats, the hot chocolate, and the other items that your generosity makes possible. We usually can’t make snowmen here but when the weather is in the 30 to 60 range it is cold to those who have to be out in it day and night. Their way of life is often difficult to imagine.
Our website, lanternIight.org , has been revamped and you can keep updated on our news and refer others to it to for information about Lantern Light. Do check it out!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! With gratitude and wishes of peace and joy, The Presentation Sisters 1802 Tulane Ave. New Orleans, LA
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
January 18 - 25
The theme this year is concerned with the transformative power of faith in Christ, particularly in relation to our praying for the visible unity of the Church, the Body of Christ. This was based on St. Paul’s words to the Corinthian Church which speaks of the temporary nature of our present lives (with all its apparent “victory” and “defeat”) in comparison to what we receive through the victory of Christ through the Paschal mystery.
When Jesus’ disciples disputed over “who was the greatest” (Mk 9:34) it was clear that this impulse was strong. But Jesus’ reaction was very simple: “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all” (Mk 9:35). These words speak of victory through mutual service, helping, boosting the self-esteem of those who are “last,” forgotten, excluded. For all Christians, the best expression of such humble service is Jesus Christ, His victory through death and His resurrection. It is in His life, action, teaching, suffering, death and resurrection that we desire to seek inspiration for a modern victorious life of faith which expresses itself in social commitment in a spirit of humility, service and faithfulness to the Gospel. And as he awaited the suffering and death that was to come, he prayed that his disciples might be one so that world might believe. This “victory” is only possible through spiritual transformation, conversion. That is why we consider that the theme for our meditations should be those words of the Apostle to the Nations. The point is to achieve a victory which integrates all Christians around the service of God and one’s neighbor.
As we pray for and strive towards the full visible unity of the church we - and the traditions to which we belong - will be changed, transformed and conformed to the likeness of Christ. The unity for which we pray may require the renewal of forms of Church life with which we are familiar. This is an exciting vision but it may fill us with some fear! The unity for which we pray is not merely a “comfortable” notion of friendliness and cooperation. It requires a willingness to dispense with competition between us. We need to open ourselves to each other, to offer gifts to and receive gifts from one another, so that we might truly enter into new life in Christ, which is the only true victory.
There is room for everyone in God’s plan of salvation. Through His death and resurrection, Christ embraces all irrespective of winning or loosing, “that whoever believes in him may have eternal life” (Jn 3,15). We too can participate in His victory! It is sufficient to believe in Him, and we will find it easier to overcome evil with good.
SCHEDULE: Arrive at Holy Name of Jesus Church on St. Charles Ave. between 7:00 – 7:15 a.m. Bus departs at 7:30AM for Baton Rouge. 9 -10AM Gather behind Old State Capitol (100 North Blvd.) Learn about parking and bus information. 10AM March from Old State Capitol, up North Blvd., then down 4th St. to State Capitol. (0.8 of a mile) 10:50 AM: Prayer and Inspiration on the steps of the State Capitol lead by religious, government and community leaders. Gov. Jindal invited to speak. NOON: Board bus. Please bring your own lunch. Does anyone have an ice chest that we could borrow? Afterwards, board bus for return to New Orleans. We will return by 2:30 PM
COST: To charter the 55 pax. bus is $643.00 The cost per person for a full bus is $15.00. The extra $3.00 is for a tip for the driver. Please make checks payable to Holy Name of Jesus
Question: contact Miriam Ogden @ 861-4909 or
Please leave reservation requests on my voice mail. Hope everyone can come!
Deadline for reservations – 1/15
Online Donations
The convenience of electronic giving!
Good Shepherd Parish is pleased to announce that we have completed the preparation to offer electronic giving as a way to automate your regular donations. Electronic giving is convenient for you and provides much-needed donation consistency for the parish.
Set up automated donations to Good Shepherd and you’ll never again have to worry about finding your envelopes or check book before Mass. You may have your donation transferred automatically from your bank checking/savings account OR your credit card. You select the donations you want to make, the amount and the frequency (weekly, semi-monthly, monthly), then you don’t have to think about it again unless you want to make a change. You may donate to parish stewardship/regular collections, the poor fund, the restoration fund... even help us cover the cost of your weekly Clarion Herald.
You may also complete and return a paper authorization form . Return it in a sealed envelope to Dianne Caverly in the parish office, and she will set up a recurring donation according to your specific instructions.
There is a fee, paid by the parish, to use this service. The checking/savings account fee is $0.25 per transaction. The credit card fees are a percentage of your donation, approximately 3% of the total ($3.00 per $100.00 donation). YOU choose the most convenient way to donate; Good Shepherd will cover the fee.
Your donation will be processed by Vanco Services, LLC. Vanco processes electronic donations for more that 10,000 churches and nonprofit organizations. If you have any questions about the program, please call Dianne Caverly at the parish office.
Good Shepherd Parish frequently receives calls from “parishioners” to have their children baptized, get a school voucher, get married or serve as a godparent. In order for the parish to agree to these things, you must be a “registered” and “contributing” parishioner. This isn’t our rule; it’s the rule of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. All information is kept in strict confidence by the parish.
To be “registered” at Good Shepherd Parish means that (1) you have completed a parish census form or have registered online , (2) you use parish envelopes or checks for donations.
And now we’ve made it easier for you. You can now register online. Just click here. It’s free, and we promise not to SPAM you. But we will occasionally keep you informed of important information. And in the case of parish events, you will be the first to know!
Need a Ride?
Occasionally, parishioners without transportation inquire at the parish office whether it is possible for another parishioner to give them a ride to and/or from Mass. If you need a ride to Mass, or you would be willing to provide transportation to a fellow parishioner, please contact the parish office at (504) 899-1378.
From the Pastor - January 15, 2012
John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” (Jn. 1:35-36)
In the readings this weekend, we have a lot of “naming” going on. John calls Jesus the “Lamb of God”: John’s disciples call Jesus “Rabbi”: Andrew refers to Jesus as the “Messiah (the Christ)” when he speaks to his brother, Simon; and Jesus calls Simon “Cephas (Peter).” It almost sounds like pledge week at a fraternity house where everyone gets a new nickname! But what we’re dealing with has both theological and practical implications. In the Bible - and in real life - names are important.
In William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, the lovers have a dialogue about their own names. It begins with Romeo hearing Juliet call his name: “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?” The dialogue has been paraphrased to something like: “there’s nothing so sweet as the sound of one’s own name.” And even if we don’t read Shakespeare or understand poetry, we can relate to that. We like hearing our own name, and names are important.
In today’s readings, we’re given two names for Jesus: “Lamb of God” and “Messiah.” These are two words with very different understandings for the Jewish people. The word “Messiah” (“Christ” in Greek) meant a king (anointed one) who will come to rule in Israel and bring about a time of peace, deliverance and wisdom. On the other hand, “Lamb of God” points backward to the lambs that were slain at the time of Exodus in order that the Jewish people might be “passed over” when God struck down the first-born of the Egyptians. This action was ritually continued in the temple sacrifice of lambs each morning and evening.
So which is it? A king or a sacrificial lamb? Well, it’s both. Because Jesus, the Lamb of God, was slain on a cross upon which it was written “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Jesus was victim as well as priest, prophet and king.
Most of us are called a variety of names by family, friends and colleagues. And those names convey a lot of different meanings: some humorous, some intimate and some serious. Each of those names reflects who we are or what we do. But we should also remember that there is one name that directly connects us to Jesus. It’s the name we get when we are baptized. It’s the name we share with Jesus. The name was first used in Acts 11:26 at Antioch, when the followers of Jesus were called, for the first time: “Christians.” It’s a name we should be proud of, and it’s a name that should govern our lives, even into eternity. Jesus didn’t come to establish an earthly kingdom of peace, deliverance and wisdom. He came to create a new reality – a renewed communion between God and mankind. He did it in his person, and He did it as a victim. The word “Christian” is a hard name to live up to. Through the grace of God we try. (Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty
Porn Addiction
The internet has opened up an easy access to pornography which has become a major addiction in our society and a burden to many men. And the Church wants to help. The Archdiocese of New Orleans is beginning a confidential Catholic 12-step program for men struggling with an addition to pornography called the “My House Men’s Group.” For more information contact (504) 430-3060 or email
Victim Support
In continuing our commitment of support and healing, we invite and encourage people who have been sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees or volunteers of the Archdiocese of New Orleans to call the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator: Sr. Carmelita Centanni, MSC, Ph.D, (504) 861-6253.
Adoration at Good Shepherd Parish
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. (Mt. 11:28)
There are two opportunities to participate in Eucharistic Adoration in our parish. Every Tuesday, there is a Holy Hour from 5:00-6:00pm in the church prior to the 6:00pm Mass and a Holy Hour every Thursday from 7:00-8:00am in the Rectory chapel immediately following the 6:30am Mass.
Good Shepherd Parish - St. Stephen Catholic Church in Uptown New Orleans. Site developed by AmazeMedia.com, Powered by Joomla!; free resources by SG web hosting
Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. (Mt. 11:28)