When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. (Acts 2:1-4) Today we celebrate the Feast of the Pentecost, which commemorates the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, an event which occurred fifty days (including Easter Sunday) after the Resurrection. Historically and symbolically, Pentecost is related to the Jewish Festival of Weeks, celebrating the day (occurring fifty days after the Exodus) on … [Read more...]
Archives for May 2020
Saint Vincent DePaul Society
This is a great organization that supports so many needy people in so many ways. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday each month after Mass at Saint Stephen and are looking for new members. Watch the spotlight video below to hear Laura Finnegan discuss what the group does for its clients and so much more! … [Read more...]
Volunteers needed to help disinfect the Church after Mass.
Duties entail wiping down the missalettes and pews right after Mass. Gloves, paper towels, and cleaning solution are provided. All you have to do is stay a few minutes after Mass and look for Mimi or Larry. They'll get you set up. … [Read more...]
The Eight Gates of Jerusalem
Monsignor's homily on May 3 referenced the eight gates of Jerusalem. He focused on two of the gates in particular, the Sheep's Gate. Sometimes referred to as the Lion’s Gate for the carved lions guarding the way, it is most likely the entrance through which Jesus was taken into the city after his arrest. It is also known as Saint Stephen’s Gate as St. Stephen was martyred right outside. Monsignor's homily illustrates the enormous significance of this gate. … [Read more...]
Dynamic Prayer Event Recording
One of the great moments in the life of a Christian comes when we realize, once and for all, that a life with prayer is better than a life without prayer. We invite you to join us in reflecting on what prayer is, and how to do it. Visit DynamicPrayerEvent.us to watch Matthew Kelly's Kelly's presentation Our Lady Queen of Peace on the North Shore. The recording of this event will be available on-demand for the entire Month of May! Click here to download the Prayer Process document that was presented at the event. … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – May 10, 2020
You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9) A few years ago a friend told me that, although he didn’t come to Sunday Mass at St. Stephen, he did receive the bulletin and read my “sermons.” After being assured that he did go to Sunday Mass somewhere else, I told him that these bulletin reflections are rarely connected to my Sunday homilies. Although they can be my first thoughts on the Gospel or another one of the readings, there are only rare similarities between this column and the Sunday homily. This is one of my more typical reflections, since Deacon Rich has the homily this weekend (I had planned on being out of town for a … [Read more...]
Online Collections Announcement
In this time of “no collections”, Good Shepherd still has significant expenses for, among other things, utilities, insurance and salaries for our dedicated staff. Here are two easy ways to donate to Good Shepherd Parish: To make a donation to the general operating expenses using your credit card, click here You will not need to set up an account to donate. To direct your donations more specifically to the Restoration, General Operating Expenses, Poor Box, etc., click here to set up an account via our Online Donation Platform managed by Vanco Services. Of course, donors can always drop off or mail donations to the parish office. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Dianne Caverly at 504-227-3794 or dcaverly@arch-no.org. … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – May 3, 2020
Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (Jn 10:1-3) This week is the Fourth Sunday in Easter, and it is traditionally known as “Good Shepherd Sunday” because of the Gospel reading today in which Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. We’re all familiar with the images: Jesus standing, staff in hand, with the lamb across his shoulders. We have a beautiful stained-glass image of this in the stairway leading up to the choir loft. In fact, it’s the screensaver on my phone! Or perhaps we … [Read more...]
