Congratulations to our first communicants! Lorenzo Bogaert Tristan ClincyIsabella Dupre Therese FayardOlivia Francis Anabelle Goggin Anna HutchinsonKalia JacksonRaelyn Mornay Paris RayfieldJosephine Someillan-Harris … [Read more...]
Archives for June 2013
Artificial Contraception
June 11, 2013 By
Moral Concerns Over the last two weeks, I have briefly defended the Church's teachings on artificial contraception by examining societal and scientific/medical concerns. This week I want to briefly examine the moral concerns. Once again, it will be impossible to concentrate on all of the moral concerns associated with artificial contraception. I encourage the reader (and especially the dissenter) to engage in research on the issue. But I caution: if one reads nothing but opinions disagreeing with the Church, then all one does is reinforce one's own ideas. I want to approach the moral concerns on three levels (1) the contraceptive mentality; (2) the slippery slope of dissent; and (3) the inevitable consequences. Most people who have a vague understanding of the Church understand that … [Read more...]
Artificial Contraception? No!
June 11, 2013 By
The Beauty of Human Sexuality Over the last three weeks, I have tried to explain – by outlining sociological, medical and moral concerns – some of the reasons that the Church has consistently taught that artificial contraception violates the dignity of the human person. In this brief article, I would rather focus on the “other side of the coin'”: what the Church teaches about the beauty of human sexuality within the context of a holy, healthy marriage. Far from bringing in secular sources for this article, I would rather summarize one particular document issued by the Pontifical Council for the Family entitled “The Truth and Meaning of Human Sexuality.” It can be found here: www.vatican.va Althought the document is very lengthy, I want to focus on three points: (1) the call to love; … [Read more...]
Artificial Contraception
June 11, 2013 By
Medical/Scientific Concerns Last week, I briefly presented the Church's teachings on the artificial contraception through examining societal concerns. This week I want to briefly examine the medical/scientific concerns. Although there are many ways of engaging in artificial contraception, the most popular method is the oral use of artificial hormones, including estrogen and progestogen. Collectively known as “the Pill,” these medications inhibit female fertility. In August of 1960 the first contraceptive pill, Enovid, was launched for sale in the USA. The mass-marketing of the drug was so successful that within one year of the product's launch, over 1 million American women were using it. Let me begin by stating that there is no way that this short article can cover all aspects of the … [Read more...]
Most Cherished of American Freedoms
June 10, 2013 By
In 1634, a mix of Catholic and Protestant settlers arrived in Southern Maryland from England aboard the Ark and the Dove. They had come at the invitation of the Catholic Lord Baltimore, who had been granted the land by the Protestant King Charles I of England. While Catholics and Protestants were killing each other in Europe, Lord Baltimore imagined Maryland as a society where people of different faiths could live together peacefully. This vision was soon codified in Maryland's 1649 Act Concerning Religion (also called the “Toleration Act”), which was the first law in our nation's history to protect an individual's right to freedom of conscience. Maryland's early history teaches us that, like any freedom, religious liberty requires constant vigilance and protection, or it will disappear. … [Read more...]
For all? For many? For whom?
June 10, 2013 By
I have received quite a few questions about the language change in the translation of the Consecration of the Precious Blood in the Eucharistic prayer from “it will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven” to “it will be poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Rather than reinvent the wheel, I include below the answers to six questions that have come from the website of the United States Conference for Catholic Bishops: 1.   What does the decision regarding the translation of pro multis mean?  After having consulted with Conferences of Bishops throughout the world, Pope Benedict XVI determined that the translation of qui pro vobis et pro multis effundetur in remissinem peccatorum, presently translated “which will be shed for you and for all so that … [Read more...]
The Mass Explained Study Groups
June 10, 2013 By
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. … [Read more...]
A Thank You Letter
June 10, 2013 By
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 … [Read more...]
National Vocation Awareness Week
June 9, 2013 By
National Vocation Awareness Week will be celebrated the week of January 9, 2012 – January 14, 2012. Please pray daily for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. … [Read more...]
Good Stewardship Update
June 9, 2013 By
An article on the front page of the Times-Picayune two weeks ago saddened me somewhat. It said that out of all religious groups in America, the group that gave the smallest percentage of their income to their church were Catholics. While Mormons generally give the Biblical 10% we call “tithing,” and while the average churchgoer in the United States gives 2.4 %, Catholics give the lowest percentage of every other religion. And before you think the reason I was saddened is because our church is need of repairs or because we need more money to operate, let me tell you the real reason: giving to charity shows a great reliance on God, and God rewards a cheerful giver. Ever since I began “tithing,” God has given me more blessings than I can imagine. And as He gives me more, I try to give more … [Read more...]
