Msgr. Nalty Homily – August 5, 2018
From the Pastor – August 5, 2018
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 … [Read more...]
Were you married in St. Stephen Church?
If so, would you donate a simple framed photo of your wedding in the church for our collection? (Max size 5”x7”) We now have a beautiful, antique cabinet from a parishioner's estate in the room we use for brides and would like to display wedding photos of our brides over the years. Please deliver to Paige Saleun in the rectory M-F 9-4:30pm. We’d love photos from the earliest days! … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – July 29, 2018
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 in Good Shepherd Parish, 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 want my … [Read more...]
Symbols of the Eucharist (5 of 5)
The Chalice with the Host is one of the most recognized symbols of the Eucharist because it portrays an image that is very familiar to those who attend Mass. By showing the Host above the Chalice, we are reminded of the moment at Mass when the priest elevates the Chalice and Host and proclaims the words of St. John the Baptist: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.” It is interesting that this symbol does not visibly portray the priest, who is called at this moment to echo other words of St. John the Baptist: “I must decrease, and He must increase.” At this moment of the Mass, the attention is focused on Jesus, really and truly present in the Sacred Species of bread and wine. … [Read more...]
Knocking on Heaven’s Door – St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis of Assisi will host, “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at 9:30 AM in the Lycee Francais Cafeteria, 5951 Patton St., New Orleans. Free parking is available in the lot behind the building. Speaker topics include: End of Life Decision Making - Sister Marie Noel of Notre Dame Hospice; Powers of Attorney & Estate Planning - Gregory S. LaCour of Blue Williams, LLP; and Charitable Giving Considerations - Josephine Everly of The Catholic Foundation. Informational Booths by Catholic Cemeteries, Christopher Homes, St. Francis of Assisi Respect Life Committee, and SFA Senior Associates. Snacks and refreshments provided by SFA Senior Associates. Free and Open to the Public. For more information call 504-227-3766 or familylife@stfrancisuptown.com. … [Read more...]
One Flesh
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...]
From the Pastor – July 15, 2018
In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. (Eph. 1:11-12) The readings for this Sunday are about the idea of “mission.” The word “mission” comes from the Latin verb “mittere,” which means “to send out.” The obvious “sending out” in this week's Gospel is Jesus sending out the Apostles. In fact, the word “apostle” literally means “those sent out” in Greek. The Apostles are sent out on a “mission.” And the idea of “mission” is part of the continuing work of the Church. Every year we have a “mission appeal” in the parish, where we hear about the mission of the church in different countries. However, the … [Read more...]
