All Souls Indulgences An indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. The indulgence is plenary each day from the 1st to the 8th of November; it is partial on other days of the year. A plenary indulgence, applicable only to the souls in purgatory, is granted to the faithful, who on the day dedicated to the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (as well as on the Sunday preceding or following, and on All Saints' Day) piously visit a church. In visiting the church it is required that one Our Father and the Creed be recited. To acquire a plenary indulgence one must fulfill the following three conditions: (1) Sacramental Confession, (2) Holy Communion, and (3) … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – October 18, 2020
“We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.” (1 Thes. 1:2-5) A number of years ago, I remember the Archbishop calling all priests to a Holy Hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament at St. Louis Cathedral. And the way he did it was so succinctly Trinitarian. He asked us to “come let us pray with Our Lord Jesus to the Father that He will send the Holy Spirit down upon us.” I remember hearing it and having a new and different … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – October 11, 2020
“On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” (Is. 25:6) It’s interesting how many times Sacred Scriptures describe Heaven in terms of food and drink. The “promised land” was a place flowing with “milk and honey.” Alternatively, Isaiah describes a “mountain” with “rich food and pure, choice wines.” For people living in an arid place, the idea of abundant food and drink was very appealing, especially in times of famine. But Jesus takes the analogy even further by describing a wedding banquet, something that was by far the most joyous occasions in the life of a Jew. If you think today’s wedding receptions are “over-the-top,” think again. Jewish weddings were marked by an eight day … [Read more...]
Notice Regarding Archdiocese of New Orleans Chapter 11 Reorganization
The bankruptcy court in case number 20-10846 pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has set a deadline of March 1, 2021 to file a Sexual Abuse Proof of Claim in the Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy. A Sexual Abuse Proof of Claim form may be found at: www.NolaChurchclaims.com The bankruptcy court in case number 20-10846 pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has set a deadline of November 30, 2020 to file a General Proof of Claim in the Archdiocese of New Orleans Bankruptcy. A General Proof of Claim form may be found at: https://www.donlinrecano.com/Clients/rcano/Static/BDPOC … [Read more...]
Be a Good Steward
Good Shepherd Parish needs average weekly collections of $6,500 in order to fund parish operations. Rarely does our collection exceed $5,000. Thankfully, we often cover our deficit with year-end donations by generous. I encourage you to take this time to prayerfully consider whether you might increase your donations to our parish. For those who are able, please consider an additional 10% per week. Your help will make a big difference in our ability to meet our financial obligations. One way to make this easy is to use our electronic giving program. Simply sign up at our web site: www.GoodShepherdParishNOLA.com. Go to the Online Donations tab at the top of the page to set up your online giving account. You may also use the paper authorization form, available at the Online Donations … [Read more...]
Respect Life Program USCCB
Spiritual work of mercy - During the month of October, please join in our prayer. “Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – September 27, 2020
“Thus says the LORD: You say, ‘The LORD's way is not fair!’ Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?” (Ez. 18:25) “That’s not fair!” I can’t even imagine how many times I heard that growing up. I grew up in a house with three sisters and a brother. And one thing about us, we grew up with a strong understanding of justice. Well, justice as we defined it. When it came time to cut the pecan pie for dessert, we would scrutinize the pieces down to the last crumb. And if someone got a bigger piece, one of us would exclaim: “That’s not fair!” And if one of us was invited to spend the night at our grandparents, then a scorecard was kept. If there was not a perfect rotation so that each of us went in order, it would happen again: … [Read more...]
Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship
"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern." - Pope Francis, 9/16/13 As important local, state, and national elections approach, the Archdiocese of New Orleans is launching an informational campaign to educate Catholics on their responsibility to exercise their right to vote with a properly formed conscience. Using resources based on the US Bishops’ document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” the archdiocese will share through the Clarion Herald and digital communications resources about the roles and responsibilities of Catholic clergy, religious, and laity in public life, how to … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – September 20, 2020
“Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous? ‘Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.’” (Mt. 20:13-16a) A number of years ago, one of my closest friends and I were on a retreat at Manresa. Although it was a silent retreat, several of my buddies and I used to sneak out to the levee late on the last evening of the retreat as kind of “debriefing.” I remember looking up at the starry sky and my friend saying: “Wouldn’t it be great to have a ‘simple faith,’ like a farmer. You just got up in the morning, did the farm work, went back into the house in the evening and prayed for good weather.” … [Read more...]
68th Annual Red Mass
OCTOBER 5, 2020 The Saint Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association, in conjunction with the Archdiocese of New Orleans, announce the celebration of the 68th Annual Red Mass, invoking the Holy Spirit upon the bench and bar of the State of Louisiana, on Monday, October 5, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, will be the principal celebrant. Reverend Mike Kettenring, a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, will be the homilist. Members of the bench and bar of the State of Louisiana, as well as the public, are invited to attend. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed in the Cathedral. … [Read more...]
