March 17, 2026 St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world’s most popular saints. He was born in Roman Britain in the 5th century. When he was a young boy he was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave to tend sheep. Ireland was a land of druids and pagans but Patrick turned to God for help. In his Confession, he later wrote: After I came to Ireland the love of God and His fear came to me more and more, and my faith was strengthened. And my spirit was moved so that in a single day I would say as many as a hundred prayers, and almost as many in the night, and this even when I was staying in the woods and on the mountains; and I used to get up for prayer before daylight, through snow, through frost, through rain, and I felt no harm, and there was no sloth in me-- as I … [Read more...]

The tradition of a St. Joseph Day altar came to New Orleans from the Italian people of Sicily.  During the middle ages, Sicily faced a severe drought, and the people were reduced to eating fava beans, which were usually given to the animals. They prayed for the intercession of St. Joseph, and their prayers were answered: the rains came! In thanksgiving, the people of Sicily developed a tradition to decorate the St. Joseph Altar on the right side of most of their churches (or to make a small private altar at home) with flowers, fruit, candles, wine, fava beans, specially prepared cakes, breads, fish and cookies. Since the Feast of Joseph (March 19) almost always occurs during Lent, no meat is allowed on the altar. The custom of preparing an altar as a symbol of devotion to St. Joseph is … [Read more...]

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 26, 1858, Katharine Drexel was the second daughter of Francis Anthony Drexel and Hannah Langstroth. Her father was a well-known banker and philanthropist. Both parents instilled in their daughters the idea that their wealth was simply loaned to them and was to be shared with others. Early in her life, while on a trip with her parents, Katharine saw the plight and destitution of the native Indian-Americans. This experience aroused her desire to do something specific to help alleviate their condition. This was the beginning of her lifelong personal and financial support of numerous missions and missionaries in the United States. The first school she established was St. Catherine Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico (1887). On January … [Read more...]

“Austere” is the watchword for the liturgical celebrations of the Season of Lent. The Church has proclaimed a time of fasting and self-denial, and she teaches by example. The priest is vested in violet, “the gloomy color of affliction and mortification.” During Lent the sanctuary is bereft of flowers, we use less ornate altar coverings, the Gloria is not sung and the Alleluia is entirely absent. By this penitential “fast of the senses,” Holy Mother Church prepares our hearts for a jubilant Easter renewal. In keeping with liturgical tradition and Church guidelines, Lenten liturgies are sparser and shorter. One way we accomplish that in our parish is by distributing the Eucharist only under the species of bread, something that we’ve been doing since the COVID epidemic started. Although … [Read more...]

It's almost Lent! This season provides us as Catholics an opportunity to "repent and believe in the Gospel." One of the ways we can best do this is by going to Confession, where we have the opportunity to accept the many graces God has in store for us through this beautiful – and often underutilized – Sacrament. But Lent isn't the only time to make Reconciliation part of your schedule. Frequent Confession has so many benefits, including: Confession helps us to better “know thyself.” St. Augustine and countless other saints and doctors of the Church talk about the importance of knowing ourselves well. Through coming to know ourselves better, we realized how fallen we are, and how badly we need God’s help and grace to get through life. Frequent Confession helps remind us to rely on God … [Read more...]

In his recent message, Pope Leo invites us to contemplate one of the best-known and, we might say, most challenging parables for humanity: that of the Good Samaritan. Jesus, as a true teacher and guide, shows us that loving our neighbor is not a matter of theory, but rather charity put into practice, which breaks down cultural, religious, and social barriers. It is loving to share in the suffering of others, helping to bear the burden of the fragility broken by illness, which prevents them from living in peace and with dignity. The World Day of the Sick calls for prayer and closeness towards those who suffer. Yet it also aims to raise the awareness of God’s people, healthcare institutions and civil society with regard to a new way of moving forward together. The prophecy of Ezekiel … [Read more...]

Monday, February 2 The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord commemorates the purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the presentation of Christ in the temple, which took place 40 days after his birth as Jewish law required. According to Mosaic law, a mother who had given birth to a boy was considered unclean for seven days. Also, she was to remain 33 days "in the blood of her purification." Luke tells us, quoting Exodus 13:2,12, that Mary and Joseph took Jesus to Jerusalem because every firstborn child was to be dedicated to the Lord. They also went to sacrifice a pair of doves or two young pigeons, showing that Mary and Joseph were poor. Once in the temple, Jesus was purified by the prayer of Simeon, in the presence of Anna the prophetess. Simeon, upon seeing the Messiah, gave … [Read more...]

If you have not registered or requested envelopes, you can register on-line or call the rectory for more details! … [Read more...]

Poinsettias in the Sanctuary during Christmas make for a beautiful display. Thanks for helping us decorate the altar! Vincent Aiola Sr, William Allen, Cherie Austin, Evie Beck, Mr & Mrs Elmo J. Bourgeois, June Bourgeois, Marie Louise Broussard, Marlene Talley Brown, Mr & Mrs William Collins, Maurice Doyle, Claire Brown Fair, Hazel Fair, Aaron Gamble, Lilian Gamble, Leslie Guise, Mercedes Guise, Michael Guise Sr, Mr & Mrs Fred Johnson Sr, Fred Johnson Jr, Benedict LeBlanc, Mr & Mrs Edward LeBlanc Sr, Raymond Ledoux, Rafael Madan, Shirley Mallory, Joy Newman, Richard J. Roth Jr, Debbie Sherman, Bruce Snider, Neil & Georgia Mae Thompson, Gloria Tobias, Dennis Weil, the Marchessault Family, and the Ritchotte Family, Leonard Evans, Earline Johnson, Carroll & Germaine … [Read more...]

Giving to charity shows a great reliance on God, and God rewards a cheerful giver.  Ever since I began “tithing,” God has given me more blessings than I can imagine.  And as He gives me more, I try to give more away. Collections in our parish cover less than 50% of our parish expenses. With the costs of insurance, salaries, utilities and upkeep, we have a tough time. Without some generous benefactors donating at year’s end, we would be in bad shape! We’re a parish that is very generous to the poor, but we also need to be good stewards of our church and buildings that have been left to us by past generations. Please consider the following:  If you give less than $5 into the collection each week, perhaps you can raise it to $5.  And if you give more than $5, perhaps you can raise your … [Read more...]