“And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage.” (Mt. 2:9-11) Why were the “wise men” wise? Were they wise because they knew the movements of the stars in the sky? Were they wise because they understood the seasons of the year or the movements of nature? What made them wise? The word for “wise men” is a Greek word that we transliterate as “magi.” The magi were interested in trying to understand the created world, but they searched for more. The magi might have been smart because of all of their knowledge of the physical world, but wisdom is … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – December 29, 2013
Brothers and sisters: Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. (Col. 3:12, 13a) As we celebrated both Christmas and the Feast of the Holy Family this weekend, it is good to reflect upon our family lives, and to examine whether we’re being good family members. When we contemplate the Holy Family, we note the fact that when the God became man, He came as a little child within a family. That was a divine choice; Jesus could have chosen any way he wanted to manifest Himself. God’s plan for redeeming the human race began in the family because the family is the cornerstone of society. In today’s modern world there are many unmarried people living together and many … [Read more...]
Feast of the Holy Family
December 30 Consecration to the Holy Family O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou protect us, guard us and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace and concord in Christian love: in order that by living according to the divine pattern of Thy family we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness. Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by the kindly intercession make this our humble … [Read more...]
December 22, 2013 – 4th Sunday of Advent
A picture is painted for each of us concerning the transition from Old Testament to New. We are able to see the thread running from one to the other. A Savior will come forth from David. It was prophesied, it was spoken, and it was done. Paul brings this picture into our reality as he did in his own reality. We are reminded of our own call to apostleship in Baptism, our responsibility to bring the faith to all the Gentiles and of our call to be holy. The Gospel portrays how “God centered” Joseph and Mary were in the manner they responded to God. Mary responded in the affirmative when asked to become the Mother of Jesus. Joseph, ever ready to protect Mary, is able to believe and act on advice from an angel of the Lord. Are we that “God centered”? … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – December 22, 2013
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. (Is. 7:14) She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Mt. 1:21) In William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, the two lovers have a dialogue about their own names. It begins with Romeo hearing Juliet call his name: “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?” Later in the dialogue, Romeo responds: “It is my soul that calls upon my name: How silver-sweet sound lovers’ tongues by night, Like softest music to attending ears!” This quote 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 … [Read more...]
Christmas Receptions
Good Shepherd Parish Christmas Receptions after all Masses December 21-22 We will host brief receptions after all of the Masses with light pastries, light hors d’oeuvres, coffee, soft drinks and juices. If you would be interested in helping to provide food or helping with the hospitalities, please contact Laura Finnegan by email lfinne@lsuhsc.edu or Kathy Fayard by email kfayard@yahoo.com if you can help. Or call the parish office! … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – December 15, 2013
Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. (Is. 35:4b-6) The coming of the Messiah was something eagerly anticipated by the Jewish people. His coming was to be a time of great rejoicing (Gaudete!) It represented the intervention of God into the affairs of men. No longer would they be hungry or thirsty or oppressed or crippled. They would be delivered from the difficulties of this life and live in a new reality without fear. God would be with them, according to the promises of His Covenant. However, the appearance of the Messiah was disputed. Would he be a great … [Read more...]
Holy Spirit Retreat
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans (CCRNO) will sponsor its annual Holy Spirit Retreat for teenagers and young adults, better known as January Retreat, January 3-5, 2014 at the Landmark Hotel, 2601 Severn Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002. The retreat theme is “Freedom” and the weekend will include Talks, Skits, Music, Worship, Mass, Confessions, and Fellowship. It will feature Fr. Steve Bruno, Matt Bourgeois and other well-known local priests and youth speakers. Everyone of high school and college age is invited to attend participants must register by December 6, 2013, $160 for lodging and meals. Youth groups are welcome. One free chaperone registration for every eight retreatants who register together by December 2, 2013. For more information and to register, visit www.ccrno.org … [Read more...]
Typhoon Haiyan Relief Donations
All of you are aware of the massive destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. While Archbishop Aymond is not calling for a special 2nd collection, pastors are asked to please announce that anyone who would like to donate can send their Typhoon Haiyan Relief donations to Archbishop Aymond’s attention at the chancery, 7887 Walmsley Ave. New Orleans, LA 70125. Archbishop Aymond will send the donations to the bishops in the Philippines. … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – December 8, 2013
John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. (Mt 3:1-3) The Christmas Season can often be a time of anxiety for us. There’s so much to do, so much to prepare. We have cards to write, homes to decorate, presents to buy, parties to attend, year-end reports to finish, etc. etc. etc. And when it’s all over, we let out a big sigh and enjoy ourselves. Then we clean up. And then we prepare for the next holiday, whether it’s New Year’s, Mardi Gras, or perhaps a Superbowl party… Sometimes it seems like it never ends. Surely, we know that we’re called to prepare … [Read more...]
