The Holy Father’s New Encyclical, Lumen Fidei A “hat trick” in sports is when an athlete accomplishes three outstanding feats in one game. The term originated in a cricket match in 1858 when a player hit three consecutive wickets, after which he was presented with a hat. On June 29, 2013 Pope Francis accomplished a “hat trick” of sorts when he announced the upcoming canonizations of Blessed Pope John XXIII and Blessed Pope John Paul II. What was the third accomplishment? Unfortunately, it took a back seat to the other two announcements, but it was the publication of his first Papal Encyclical, entitled “Lumen Fidei,” or “Light of Faith.” If you didn’t hear about it, it’s because the news focused so much on the two new saints. And that’s not surprising because these are the first … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – July 28, 2013
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Lk 11:9-10) per·se·ver·ance?[pur-suh-veer-uhns] –noun 1.steady persistence in a course of action, a pur-pose, a state,etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. 2.Theology . continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation. Anything that’s worth doing requires perseverance. The Latin verb “perseverare” is composed of two words: “per” meaning “through”; and “severare” meaning “to be severe or strict.” So perseverance means to achieve something through being strict. And the obvious object of the … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – July 21, 2013
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk 10:25-27) If you could ask God one question, what would it be? Would you ask about the future? Would you ask for the next Powerball number? Next year’s Superbowl Champion? Or perhaps you’d want to know about something from the past. Why did Katrina hit us? Why did my Dad have to die? Perhaps you’d want to know the answer to something current. Why do bad things happen to good people? What is the cure for cancer or … [Read more...]
Year of Faith & Family Grandparents’ Liturgy
As part of this year’s Year of Family and Faith, we will celebrate a “Grandparents’ Mass” on Sunday, July 28, 2013. The purpose for this liturgy is to encourage all families to worship together demonstrating generational unity. In the New Orleans culture, grandparents hold a place of honor within families. It is hoped that all families will see the gift of grandparents in their lives. … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – July 14, 2013
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk 10:25-27) If you could ask God one question, what would it be? Would you ask about the future? Would you ask for the next Powerball number? Next year’s Superbowl Champion? Or perhaps you’d want to know about something from the past. Why did Katrina hit us? Why did my Dad have to die? Perhaps you’d want to know the answer to something current. Why do bad things happen to good people? What is the cure for cancer or … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – June 30, 2013
Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1) As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day next week, we might reflect a little bit about what it means to be “free.” In the context of the Fourth of July holiday, freedom means being separated from the political control of a king as had been the case prior to the American revolution. But “freedom” means many things. Webster’s Dictionary has a very lengthy definition of freedom. In part it reads: “a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence c : the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous.” In all of these … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – June 16, 2013
Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. (Lk 8:1) This Sunday’s Gospel recounts one story in the life of Christ. It’s one visit to a household, one sinner anointing the feet of Jesus, one lesson taught, and one sinner forgiven. When Jesus was on earth in the flesh, He limited Himself to being in one place at a time, and those encounters – so beautifully recounted in Sacred Scripture – reveal him reaching out and touching and healing specific individuals through the power of His love. And Jesus was accompanied by the Twelve Apostles and some women who were witnesses to His love. After the Ascension and Pentecost, the Apostles obeyed the commands of Christ to go out to preach, sanctify (by the … [Read more...]
A Dozen Ways to Strengthen Families
Tell a family you know that you appreciate something specific about them, e.g., the way they listen to each other, respect each other, help others, etc. Pray for all families who are hurting because of lack of communication and misunderstanding within the family. Ask someone you see today to share one special experience of his/her family as that person was growing up. Decide one thing you can do to help one person in your own family today. Set definite dates and times to do one of those no-cost family activities each week or month. Encourage someone you know to share one reason it is fun to be a member of his/her family. Remind one person you meet today that she/he is a special gift from God to family and friends. Give someone in your family five extra minutes of your TOTAL … [Read more...]
Congratulations!
The following Catehcumens and Candidates entered the Catholic Church at this year's Easter Vigil! Beau AdmireCharles BakerShon BakerJoel DondisRonald DavisMichael GillDevin ReidPatrick SchreiberAnne VanDevenderKaren Wu … [Read more...]
Lenten Liturgies
With Lent approaching in two weeks, I want to call attention to the changes that we may observe in the liturgies. “Austere” is the watchword for the liturgical celebrations of the Season of Lent. The Church has proclaimed a time of fasting and self-denial and she teaches by example. The priest is vested in violet, “the gloomy color of affliction and mortification,” except on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) when he may wear rose vestments. During Lent the sanctuary is bereft of flowers and we use less ornate linens. The Gloria is not prayed (except on the two Solemnities) and the Alleluia is entirely absent throughout Lent. Further, the use of musical instruments is limited to the accompaniment of singing. By this penitential “fast of the senses,” Holy Mother Church … [Read more...]
