Archives for September 2015

From the Pastor – September 20, 2015

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Taking a child, he placed it in the their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me." (Mk 9:35-37) What does it mean to be “the best”?  Our American society puts a premium on it.  If it’s high school, the best student is the “valedictorian.”  If it’s high school sports, then the best team is the “state champion.”  Pro football awards the “Lombardi Trophy” for winning the Super Bowl, and professional baseball gives the “Commissioner’s Trophy” for winning the World Series.  Locally, Gambit Magazine list an … [Read more...]

From the Pastor – September 13, 2015

Along the way Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?” (Mk 8:27b-29a)   Very few people deny the historical reality that there was a man named Jesus who lived in the first century and died by crucifixion.  However, throughout history men have argued about the identity of Jesus. Jewish people traditionally see Him as “false Messiah.” The Muslims call Him a “prophet.”  Atheists might acknowledge His historical existence and even recognize the beauty of some of His teachings (“Love your neighbor as yourself”), but label Him as simply a delusional inspiration.  Even among some so-called “Christians,” Jesus might be reduced to … [Read more...]

63rd Annual Red Mass

OCTOBER 5, 2015 The Saint Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association, in conjunction with the Catholic Bishops of the State of Louisiana, announce the celebration of the 63rd Annual Red Mass, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the bench and bar of the State, on Monday, October 5, 2015, at 9:30 AM at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. The Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, will be the principal celebrant. The Most Reverend Fernand Cheri, Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans, will be the homilist. Members of the bench and bar of the State, as well as all members of the lay public, are invited to attend. … [Read more...]

Questions Welcomed

Lately, the Church’s teaching on marriage, sexuality and contraception has been getting a good deal of public attention in the media. This has naturally led to people asking questions, especially if this teaching is news to them. Even as Catholics, we may be struggling with questions of our own. It’s good and helpful for us to acknowledge and explore our questions. And it’s healthy for us to grapple with God the Father’s desire for our happiness. He understands our human nature—his Son became one of us (Jesus is true God and true man)!  Jesus, through his Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, can handle the questions, struggles, or anxieties we bring to him (see Matthew 11:28). Pope St. John Paul II, quoting the words of Christ, would often encourage us: “Do not be afraid!” We should never … [Read more...]

Gospel Music Festival

The Office of Black Catholic Ministries, Second Harvest Food Bank, and St. Vincent De Paul invites all to come out and enjoy an evening of music and praise. On Saturday, September 19, 2015, twelve Catholic Gospel Choirs will lead us in prayer, praise, and worship beginning at 6:00 PM at the Historic Carver Theater located at 2010 Orleans Avenue, Ne Orleans, LA 70116. The event is free, but attendees are asked to bring canned food items or monetary donations to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank and St. Vincent De Paul.  For more information call  (504) 861-6207 or email bcatholics@arch-no.org … [Read more...]

Discussion Series on the Dignity and Vocation of Women

The Retreat Center of the Archdiocese of New Orleans will be offering a discussion series on St. John Paul II’s 1988 apostolic letter - On the Dignity and Vocation of Women. The series will be held on four consecutive Thursdays, beginning September 17, 2015, from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM at the Retreat Center (formerly the Cenacle). Each part of the series includes reflection on the theology and spirituality of this document, as well as an opportunity for prayer and discussion. Facilitators include Dr. Daniella Zsupan- Jerome, Mrs. Jill Cabes, Ms. Sarah Denny, Dr. Jennifer Miller and Mrs. Susie Veters. To register or for more information, please contact Susan Halligan at 504-267-9604 or shalligan@arch-no.org. The suggested donation is $40. Space is limited. … [Read more...]

Offerings of the Religious of the Sacred Heart

Religious of the Sacred Heart are available to meet individually with men and women for spiritual direction.  Telephone 504 / 899 – 6027 for names of and information about the spiritual directors.  Their pictures can be found on this website: https://rscj.org/sophie-barat-house Temenos (spiritual growth) groups meet monthly, September – May.  Facilitators: Jane McKinlay, RSCJ and John Gniady, JD. Men’s Group:   4:40pm, 3rd Weds. Women’s Group: 10:00am, 3rd Thurs. Sacred Heart Moms: 10:00am, 3rd Weds. Contact Sister Jane McKinlay at jmckinlay@rscj.org or 899 – 6027. The Centering Prayer group meets on the First Friday, October – June, at 9:30am.  Contact Sister Jane McKinlay at jmckinlay@rscj.org or 899 – 6027. … [Read more...]

Congratulations to Deacon Patrick Carr!

Many of you know Patrick Carr, who is a former parishioner of Our Lady of Good Council and was very involved with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.  Patrick entered the seminary a number of years ago, and has had several pastoral assignments in the Archdiocese (including here at Good Shepherd Parish) as part of his formation for the priesthood.  I was honored that Patrick invited me to the special occasion of his Ordination to the Diaconate, which took place on September 2 in the Chapel of Notre Dame Seminary.  Deacon Patrick is due to be ordained a priest in June.  Congratulations, Patrick! … [Read more...]

From the Pastor – September 6, 2015

They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” (Mk  7:37) Two weeks ago we finished reading the 6th chapter of John’s Gospel, called the “Bread of Life” discourse.  It’s a break that we experience each year during the normal reading of Mark’s Gospel, and it’s meant to point directly to what Jesus gives us in the Holy Eucharist each time we participate in Holy Communion.  Now we are back to reading the Gospel according to Mark. Out of all of the Gospels, Mark’s is the shortest. and is likely to have been the first written.  However, it often tells the story of the ministry Jesus in more vivid detail than either Matthew or Luke.  Mark stresses Jesus’ message about the kingdom of God breaking into human life as … [Read more...]