Stem Cell ResearchBy Jim and Martha Liston The subject I wish to discuss this week is far beyond my intellectual capacity to do it justice. I will only attempt to scratch the surface, providing information which you could easily find on the internet. However, I think it is time to set the record straight concerning the basic science of stem cell research. Whenever I read an article in the paper concerning this subject it rarely defines the type of research being discussed or, and more importantly, the validated merits of the endeavor. They also have a tendency to pit the church against science to somehow say that we, the People of God, stand in the way of progress. Some progress is good and some not so good, dare I say evil. Do you think the Catholic Church supports stem cell … [Read more...]

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Holy Day of Obligation) Monday, December 31 4:00pm Vigil Mass at St Stephen (Confessions prior) Tuesday, January 1 6:30am Mass at St. Henry Church 6:00pm Mass at St. Stephen Church (followed by the parish open house potluck!) … [Read more...]

Work of Human Hands Gourmet Food &Wine RetreatJoin Fr. Leo Patalinghug, known for his famous thrown down with the Food Network's Bobby Flay, as he takes you on a travel experience of a lifetime!Daily Mass, Private Wine Tastings, Culinary Presentations, Spiritual Direction, Land Only. June 5–9 2011: Napa Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Retreat, the Meritage Resort $2389.Call Corporate Travel Service at 313-565-8888 x 121 for more details or reservations.  … [Read more...]

THANKSGIVING DAY MASS 9:00 A.M. Thursday, November 25, 2010 St. Stephen Church THANKSGIVING FOOD & DONATIONSWe feed a number of poor families for Thanksgiving, and many more come to our door asking for food. We would appreciate any donations of canned goods or money to help us purchase gift cards. Please put cans in the large wooden bin at the back of church. … [Read more...]

Benefit for the Catholic Youth Foundation USA All are invited to Taste of New Orleans, an evening of live music, food and fun to benefit the Catholic Youth Foundation USA. Featuring local musicians Tim Laughlin, Rockin' Doopsie and Irma Thomas and New Orleans cuisine from over 30 local restaurants it promises to be an evening of fun all for a good cause. When: Friday, December 10 from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pmWhere: The Sugarmill, 1021 Convention Center Blvd., New OrleansTickets: $45 - available by calling 504.836.0551 ext. 3222 or online at www.cyo-no.org … [Read more...]

The Willwoods Community is having their 6th Annual Live/Silent Auction on Wednesday, November 17 at Henry Shane's “Cars of Yesteryear” in Metairie. One of the items is a Dinner for Eight cooked in the Rectory by Msgr. Nalty. Visit www.willwoods.org or call Glenda King at 830-3700 for more details! … [Read more...]

Father Giles Conwill, the Chaplain of Xavier University, will again be the celebrant for our Saturday Vigil and Sunday 10:30 am Masses this weekend. As many of you will remember, Father Conwill is a native of Louisville, KY, and was ordained a priest of the Diocese of San Diego in 1973. He holds a B.A. degree in Philosophy from the University of San Diego, a M.Div. from the Athenaeum of Ohio, and a Ph.D. degree in Cultural Anthropology & History from Emory.  Father Conwill came to Xavier from Morehouse College, where he began teaching in 1987 and eventually served as Chair of the History Department. Father Conwill was the Director of the Department of Church Vocations for the National Office for Black Catholics in Washington, DC from 1976-1980.  He has also served as adjunct or … [Read more...]

There are many special volunteers who help us each week to accomplish the details of managing our parish activities and provide the many services requested by our parishioners and needy neighbors. Our Eucharist Ministers, Lectors Ushers and Choir Members serve in a very visible role. On Saturdays the Altar Society, both men & women, prepare the Church for the weekly Masses and other services. Behind the scenes are volunteers who help us in the office on a daily basis, count money weekly, organize the food pantry, etc etc! We are even luck enough to have our very own professional landscaper who has made possible all of the many lovely plants surrounding the Church and rectory! Please consider becoming one of our valued volunteers! Our greatest needs at this time are Ushers and we would … [Read more...]

We need them in life's early morning,We need them again at its close;We feel their warm clasp of true friendship,We seek them when tasting life's woes. At the altar each day we behold them,And the hands of a king on his throneAre not equal to them in their greatness;Their dignity stands all alone;And when we are tempted and wander,To pathways of shame and of sin,It's the hand of a priest that will absolve us--Not once, but again and again. And when we are taking life's partner,Other hands may prepare us a feast,But the hand that will bless and unite us--Is the beautiful hand of a priest. God bless them and keep them all holy,For the Host which their fingers caress;When can a poor sinner do better,Than to ask Him to guide thee and bless? When the hour of death comes upon us,May our … [Read more...]

“The Church has the duty to proclaim always and everywhere the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” wrote the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI as he has officially created the newest dicastery (office) of the Roman Curia, called the “Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization.” On October 12, 2010, the Holy Father issued a document entitled Ubicumque et Semper (Everywhere and Always), words which call to mind the Great Commission of the Church, whereby Christ told His Apostles: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt. 29-19-20) The Holy Father reaffirmed that the “evangelizing mission, the continuation of the work desired by the Lord … [Read more...]