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...]
A Gentle Reminder from another parish’s bulletin that was forwarded to me
“Please come to Mass early enough not to disrupt. Leave late enough not to insult. (the Mass does not end until the final blessing). Worship reverently enough not to distract. And dress proudly enough not to offend.” … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – July 8, 2018
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” He was amazed at their lack of faith. (Mk 6:1-2a, 3b, 4,6)) The most obvious reading in the Gospel today is that his own people did not recognize Jesus, the Messiah. But there's also something deeper going on, and it has to do with our worldview. We are called to view everything in our lives not simply through our natural eyes but through the eyes of faith. When we look at a sunrise we can see it … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – July 1, 2018
The woman [healed from her hemorrhage], realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured of your affliction.” (Mk 5:33-34) The interesting thing about the healing of the woman with the hemorrhage in the Gospel this weekend is how it happens. Jesus doesn’t actually “do” anything positive to heal the woman. She took the initiative to touch his clothes, and the power of Jesus healed her. Jesus knew that “power” (His healing power) had gone out of Him, but the healing came about through her faith in Him. What a wonderful message for us! Since we don’t live at the time when we can actually see the incarnate Lord face-to-face, we … [Read more...]
The Metairie Chapter of Magnificat
A ministry to women, is sponsoring a breakfast on Saturday, June 16, 2018, 9 am to noon, at the Copeland Tower Suites & Conference Center, 2601 Severn Avenue (Ballroom, 16th floor) in Metairie. Our speaker, Kitty Cleveland, is a wife to Mel and a mother to Cecilia. Her secondary mission is as a Catholic singer, recording artist and lay evangelist – a calling that she says has often surprised and delighted her. She enjoys cooking, gardening, oil painting, and is currently working on her first book about her father. Come and enjoy breakfast with us and hear Kitty’s encouraging words. Reservations: $22 by mail (checks made out to Magnificat Metairie and mailed to 1005 Maryland Ave., Kenner, LA 70062 by June 12th) or online at www.magniicat-ministry.net/chapter-wbpages/metairie-la … [Read more...]
