I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of you who extended condolences to me and my family upon the sad occasion of the death of my Dad. I am particularly grateful to those who have prayed for us, those who have offered Masses for Dad, and for those who attended the funeral on Tuesday. Had he been here in person, Dad would have been very humbled by the attendance of two Archbishops, an auxiliary Bishop, an Abbot, over fifty priests, as well as scores of deacons and over 1000 religious and lay faithful who were in attendance. The photo of Dad above is the entirely of the cropped photo that was used for the newspaper obituary. It was taken only three months ago, and it shows Dad posing for a photo that he wanted to send to a priest-friend of mine from Pittsburgh. Dad's the guy on … [Read more...]
Dress Code?
I first saw this sign on the front door of Ms. Mae's Bar at Magazine and Napoleon, and I loved it! Heck, if a bar can have a dress code, why can't the church! Summer in New Orleans is a time when we “dress down” to beat the heat. But dressing down doesn't mean we come to Mass in the same clothes we wear on the beach! The sacredness of the Eucharistic celebration urges all of us to dress so as to manifest the importance of what we are doing. Our beautiful church also calls to mind the formality and reverence of the liturgy. I don't see many “violations” but we should all be aware that our clothes don't distract others. If you're in doubt about what you're wearing, ask Ms. Mae, who usually attends the 4:00pm Vigil Mass. Because she looks wonderful!  … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – May 12, 2013
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 Feast 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 modern air travel, I guess Jesus' flight got postponed for three days! The … [Read more...]
Year for Priests and Prayer
In many parishes, including my home parish of St. Francis Xavier, there is a practice of having a family take a Mass Chalice home for one week to pray each night during that week for priestly vocations. During this Year for Priests, several parishioners have suggested that we introduce the same devotion, and also to pray for the sanctity of priests. If you or your family (no matter how large or how small) would like take part in this important mission, please contact the parish office. Each week's family will receive the chalice at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday. … [Read more...]
Under Construction
During the months of June and July, St. Stephen School will be undergoing renovations, among which is the removal of asbestos insulation. For that reason, we will be unable to use the school for any summer activities. Also, parking in the schoolyard will be limited. I would kindly ask that the limited parking places in the schoolyard be reserved to our handicapped parishioners in need of the ramp. … [Read more...]
Archbishop Aymond to receive his “Pallium”
Monday, June 29, is the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. And it is an important day for the Church Universal as well as for our new Metropolitan Archbishop, the Most Reverend Gregory Aymond. On that date he will be at the Basilica of St. Peter at the Vatican to receive a very special vestment from His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. The vestment is called a “pallium,” (plural is “pallia”) and it is a narrow band of cloth woven of white lamb's wool with a ring in the center which rests on the shoulders of its wearer. The narrow band falls down the front of the chest like a necktie and goes similarly down the back. It is decorated with six black crosses, one on each tail and four on the loop. The pallium has its origin as a liturgical vestment of the Holy Father since at least the … [Read more...]
Volunteer Toward Rebuilding
Next Saturday, May 30, we are seeking volunteers to begin with the work of repairing and restoring our beautiful church. We will meet at the Rectory Chapel (back door) for Mass at 8:30am, and we will go to work after a brief breakfast. The first order of business will be organizing building materials underneath the church. So bring clothes that can get dirty and a pair of work gloves. The day will end with a late lunch. Please call or email the parish office if you can attend so that we know how much food to order! … [Read more...]
Building Projects
The church building is a concrete sign of the Church community, formed from the "living stones" who are the believers, an image very dear to the Apostles. St Peter (cf. I Pt 2: 4-5) and St Paul (cf. Eph 2: 20-22) emphasize how the "cornerstone" of this spiritual temple is Christ and that, united to him and well compact, we are also called to participate in the building of this living temple.If God therefore takes the initiative to come and dwell among men and it is always he who is the principal author of this project, then it is true that he also does not want to accomplish it without our active collaboration.Thus, to prepare oneself for Christmas means to be committed to building the "dwelling of God with men". No one is excluded; everyone can and must contribute in order to make this … [Read more...]
Celibate Love
Over the past week, a scandal has ripped through the heart of Spanish-speaking Catholicism and spilled over into the national network morning television programs. At the center of it is Fr. Alberto Cutié, a telegenic 40 year-old priest of the Archdiocese of Miami, who, though largely unknown to most English-speaking Catholics, has for a decade been the country's most well-known Spanish-speaking cleric. He has been dubbed “Padre Oprah” for his work as a host of television talk shows on Telemundo, weekly programs on EWTN Español, call-in shows on Radio Paz and Radio Peace, syndicated advice columns in Latin America newspapers, and best-selling Spanish self-help books. Last week, Father Alberto's parish and priestly apostolates were thrown into chaos as 25 paparazzi photographs of him … [Read more...]
Spirit Givers Update
The date for the mounting of the Cross on the top of our steeple is the weekend of November 21-22, which is the Solemnity of Christ the King. To celebrate this occasion, the Most Reverend Gregory Aymond, the Archbishop of New Orleans will celebrate the 10:30 am Mass on Sunday, November 22! The last day to become a Spirit Giver by donating $1000 to pay for the fabrication and mounting of our new steeple cross is Tuesday, October 27. All names need to be in by that date so they can be engraved on the base of the cross.  … [Read more...]
