August 3-4, 2024 Thank you for your generosity to the Diocese of Eluru in our mission appeal last weekend. Monsignor Bala and the members of his diocese are extremely grateful. … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – August 4, 2024
August 1, 2024 By
When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” (Jn 6:24-29) Beginning last weekend on the 17th Sunday of the Ordinary Time … [Read more...]
Pornography Addiction
August 1, 2024 By
The internet has opened up an easy access to pornography which has become a major addiction in our society and a burden to many men. And the Church wants to help. The Archdiocese of New Orleans has a confidential Catholic 12-step program for men struggling with an addition to pornography called the “My House Men’s Group.” For more information contact (504) 430-3060 or email myhouse@archdiocese-no.org … [Read more...]
Back to School
August 1, 2024 By
St. Stephen Catholic School has its first day of classes on Monday, August 12, and we have our first weekly school Mass on August 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at 9:00 am. I wish each parishioner could come to at least one school Mass (which will normally be at 9:00 am on Fridays) during the year to see what well-behaved, enthusiastic and attentive students we have at St. Stephen’s. Unfortunately, most of the children that attend St. Stephen Catholic School do not live in the parish and, therefore, attend Mass at their home parish. However, you do know some of our students (and former students) who participate as altar servers at our Saturday 4:00pm Vigil and Sunday 10:30am Mass. Those young men are representative of the quality of the students that we … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – July 28, 2024
July 26, 2024 By
Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted. When they had had their fill, he said to his disciples, “Gather the fragments left over, so that nothing will be wasted.” So they collected them, and filled twelve wicker baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves that had been more than they could eat. When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, “This is truly the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world.” (Jn 6:11-14) If you regularly attend Mass at the Basilica of St. Stephen, you know that it is rare when I don’t mention the Blessed Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in a homily. Since Mass is divided into two parts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, I … [Read more...]
Marriage and Sexuality
July 21, 2024 By
The desire to love and be loved is the deepest need of our being. We long to be known, accepted, and cherished by another. Yet, the ability to fully give or receive this love is unattainable on our own. As Catholics we believe Jesus Christ has entered our broken world to conquer sin and restore us to new life. Throughout every age he continues to invite all women and men to follow him through his Church, to whom he has entrusted his teaching authority, so that all can know and follow him. Only God can give us the unconditional love and acceptance that we desire. Yet, he has created marriage, a holy union, to mirror this supreme love on earth. At the heart of their married love is the total gift of self that husband and wife freely offer to each other. Because of their sexual … [Read more...]
The Symbolism of the Pelican
July 20, 2024 By
During the years I lived in Rome, I spent a lot of time trying to decipher and understand early Christian symbolism. It was a hobby of mine as I visited churches and saw so much iconography. Recently, someone visited St. Stephen Church in New Orleans and asked me about an image that they saw high over the sanctuary of a pelican feeding its young. They wondered why someone would have painted the “state bird” in church! The question gave me a good occasion to reflect upon church symbolism. The image of the mother pelican feeding her baby pelicans is rooted in several ancient Roman legends that precede Christianity. One version is that in time of famine, the mother pelican wounded herself, striking her breast with her beak to feed her young with her blood. Another version was that the … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – July 21, 2024
July 19, 2024 By
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. (Mk 6:34) Although the image of a shepherd and his sheep is found throughout both the Old and New Testament, many Catholics have a negative reaction to being compared with “sheep.” As I said once in a homily, sheep are stupid, smelly animals who are defined as “classic prey,” in that they are the food of a great deal of predators, most particularly wolves, wildcats and even birds of prey. But once you study a little about sheep, you find analogies to human behavior. For instance, sheep are incredibly social animals. Sheep have a natural tendency to gather into a flock, and they can become very agitated and nervous when … [Read more...]
Good Church Etiquette
July 18, 2024 By
An instructive reminder Remember to keep your Eucharistic fast by abstaining from food and beverages (water excluded) for an hour before Mass. Always dress modestly and appropriately. Arrive early to allow for personal prayer and/or read the readings of the day. Turn off all mobile devices while still in the vestibule. This is your time with God and His people. Use the restroom before or after Mass. Men remove hats or caps before the Lord. Deposit all water bottles in the waste receptacles. Make the sign of the cross with Holy Water upon entering. Genuflect with great reverence towards the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle before entering your pew. If unable to genuflect, a profound bow is respectful. Refrain from chit-chat which distracts others who are … [Read more...]
Willwoods Supper and Substance
July 17, 2024 By
Attention Married Couples! You are invited to the ultimate summer date night, the Faith & Marriage Apostolate’s 15th Annual Diocesan-Wide Supper and Substance on Fri., July 26th, from 5:30pm - 8:30pm at Mid City Lanes Rock 'N' Bowl on S. Carrollton Ave in New Orleans! This ultimate summer date night includes a powerful presentation from Jean & Janice Charbonnet, a TOTALLY 80’s dance experience from the band, L’Eighties Night, drinks at the bar, an array of classic Southern Louisiana cuisine to enjoy, and of course bowling throughout the night! To purchase your tickets or for sponsorship opportunities go to FaithandMarriage.org. … [Read more...]
