The Latin word “orans” is translated as “one who is praying.” The “orans posture” is praying while lifting up one’s hands. This posture of prayer has a Scriptural basis in First Timothy: “I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.” (1Tim. 2:8). The orans posture was common in early Christianity and can be seen in early Christian art. Several of the early Church Fathers saw it as “the outline of the cross.” The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (the “rubrics,” or rules for the celebration of the Mass) references the orans posture with the phrase “with hands extended.” It is instructed to be done twenty-eight times and is used as a direction only for the priest; the laity are never directed to pray “with hands … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – June 15, 2025
Jesus said to his disciples: "I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you." (Jn 16:12-15) Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. In the early days of the Church there was no special day to honor the Holy Trinity, but that changed in the 3rd century when the Church was confronted with one of the first great heresies: Arianism. Although this heresy seems strange to … [Read more...]
Corpus Christi Mass and Eucharistic Procession
Sunday, June 22, 2025 All are invited to participate in a Eucharistic Procession immediately following the 10:30am Mass. The procession will exit the Church, turn right on Napoleon Avenue and then go around the school and the church before returning into the church for Benediction. It will be led by a crucifer, and we will chant Eucharistic hymns as we bring carry Jesus in the Holy Eucharist throughout our neighborhood! We would like to invite First Communicants and young children (K-4th) to wear white attire to lead the procession. … [Read more...]
Trinity Sunday
Trinity Sunday, also known as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, is celebrated a week after Pentecost Sunday in honor of the most fundamental of Christian beliefs—belief in the Holy Trinity. We can never fully understand the mystery of the Trinity, but we can sum it up in the following formula: God is three Persons in one Nature. The three Persons of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are all equally God. They cannot be divided. As the above diagram shows, each person of the Holy Trinity is a separate person, having been identified as such in the Holy Bible, but each are also the One True God. It’s why we make the sign of the cross in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, rather than the “names.” It’s a profound mystery that many other religions reject. It’s not … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – June 8, 2025
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) The word “Pentecost” is actually a Greek word meaning “fiftieth.” What we commemorate on Pentecost is the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, an event that 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 … [Read more...]
Upcoming Celebrations
The Most Holy Trinity June 15, 2025 The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ June 22, 2025 … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – June 1, 2025
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God. (Lk 24:50-53) Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension, which is the elevation of Christ into heaven by His own power in the presence of His disciples. In Sacred Scripture, this occurred on the fortieth day after the Resurrection – which was actually last Thursday, traditionally called “Ascension Thursday.” However, the celebration of the Ascension has been moved to Sunday to encourage a more active participation in the Feast. In terms of our current state of air travel, I guess Jesus’ flight got postponed for three … [Read more...]
Gift of the Holy Spirit
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are gifts which assist us in furthering our sanctification and help “complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them.” The term “gift” means that the Holy Spirit bestows them; they are supernatural gifts operating in a supernatural manner. They are not gifts one simply invokes in times of emergency. The gifts are enumerated in Isaiah 11:2-3. The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: Wisdom – The gift of wisdom allows us to see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the joys and sorrows of our lives take on deeper meaning. Understanding – The gift of understanding allows us to comprehend how we should to live as a follower … [Read more...]
Catholic Community Foundation Seeks Saint John Paul II Award Nominations
The Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) is seeking nominations for the 25th annual Saint John Paul II Award. Names of nominees and related information must be submitted by Sunday, June 1, 2025. A nomination form, which includes submission details, can be downloaded from the foundation’s website at www.ccfnola.org. The award will be presented to an outstanding Catholic layperson(s) or permanent deacon who resides in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and who exhibits inspirational examples of generosity and Christian stewardship. Award criteria include: Practicing Roman Catholic layperson or permanent deacon, High moral character, Volunteer service and board membership, Exemplary personal values. Contact Pamela Richard at prichard@ccfnola.org with questions. … [Read more...]
Ordination to the Priesthood 2025
On Saturday, May 31 at 10:00 am, Archbishop Aymond will ordain Deacon Joseph Grayson Martello to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of New Orleans at the Cathederal-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France. All are welcome to attend the ordination Mass. For those that cannot attend, the Mass will be streamed live at thedailymass.com. … [Read more...]
