“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mt. 16:16-19) For most of my time living in Rome, I led pilgrims on a tour through the excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica. Known as the “Scavi,” the Italian name for excavations, the site contains a cemetery with tombs dating from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd centuries. Although many of the tombs are pagan, as the visit gets closer to the area under the main altar of St. Peter’s, we begin to see many signs of Christian burials. The highlight of the tour is the area immediately under … [Read more...]
Archives for August 2014
A Call to Help the Homeless in Our Community
When we think of people who are homeless, we often think of an image of someone standing on a street corner with a sign asking for money or people living in a tent or on a mattress under an overpass. Sometimes we have further thoughts of what happens to these people, how did they get where they are, and who takes care of them. These folks are the forgotten souls living in our Catholic community. Most of the homeless are struggling with an addiction or mental illness that has overtaken their lives, and are unable to get back on their feet. In our Catholic community, Ozanam Inn provides daily shelter for approximately 120 men who are homeless. Many of these men are graduates of our Catholic schools but have lost their way. Some are victims of abusive family environments, others are … [Read more...]
Parish Ministry to the Poor at the Rebuild Center
August 21, 2014 Be advised that we had a great day today. We planned to feed 200 people and cooked enough food too do that. However today we had 212 guests at the Rebuild Center. Thanks to our cook team which consisted of the following: Mary Ann Bohlke, Becky Brocato, Dana D'Anzi, Dorothy Forly, Hunter Harris, and Daniel LeBlanc. Then today, Thursday we had a great group to help serve the guest which were: Dana D'Anzi, Dorothy Forly, Marjorie Frederic, Joyce Griener, Hunter Harris, Alice Lastrapes, and Daniel LeBlanc. Our Thursday team came in and cut items for the green salad and bread to be served with the baby lima beans and sausage that had been cooked on Wednesday. The meal we prepared fed 202 guests and the last 12 were served a sandwich, Oh! They also got an ice cream … [Read more...]
A “Trending” Message from Archbishop Aymond
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge There has been quite a stir regarding the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. We have received questions on this project. Many people do not realize that some of the research is done with embryonic stem cells, which is against our Pro-Life stance. However, it is possible to contribute to research that is morally acceptable. Please specify in your donations how your gift should be used. For example, the Steve Gleason Fund provides research that does not use embryonic stem cells. We have many people in the Archdiocese of New Orleans who suffer from ALS, including Fr. Ray Fitzgerald, S.J. and former Saints player, Steve Gleason. Please join me in prayer for all those who suffer from this disease and for their families. It is possible to participate in the Ice Bucket … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – August 21, 2014
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mt. 16:16-19) For most of my time living in Rome, I lead pilgrims on a tour through the excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica. Known as the “Scavi,” the Italian name for excavations, the site contains a cemetery with tombs dating from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd centuries. Although many of the tombs are pagan, as the visit gets closer to the area under the main altar of St. Peter’s, we begin to see many signs of Christian burials. The highlight of the tour is the area immediately under … [Read more...]
Seeker’s Young Adult Retreat
SEEKERS’ YOUNG ADULT RETREAT ATTENTION YOUNG ADULTS: Mark your calendars for the Seekers’ Young Adult Retreat on Saturday, October 4, 2014! This retreat is specifically for young men and women in their 20s and 30s. The day will be spent focusing on where God has been in your past, where God is currently present, and where God is calling you now. Sponsored by the Archdiocesan Young Adult Ministry Office, the retreat will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Parish (105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie) from 9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. Registration is available online through www.charisministries.org . The cost is $25/person if you register alone or $20/person if you register with a friend. Contact Chelsea Colomb at ccolomb@arch-no.org or 504-227-3229 for more information. Flyer attached. … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – August 17, 2014
Jesus said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” (Mt. 15:26-27) For the first 36 years of my life, I spent a lot of time listening to homilies at Mass, rather than giving them. Of course, I’ve heard some really amazing homilies. But I’ve also heard some that didn’t say a lot to me. One of my biggest pet peeves was when there was a line in the Gospel that begged to be explained and the homilist ignored it like nobody heard it. I think that the above quote from this Sunday’s Gospel is just that sort of quote. Think about it, did Jesus just call that woman a “dog”? That’s pretty strong language here! And she just took … [Read more...]
From Father Doug Brougher
I am so grateful for your prayers and kind remembrances as I continue to recover from my hip replacement surgery. It is good to be getting back into "life" here at the parish and at Touro where I'm also continuing my rehab (Physical Therapy). Your prayer support and kindness have helped me so much during this long and challenging journey. May the Lord bless you for your thoughtfulness. And please know that you continue to be in my prayers and Masses. Sincerely in Christ, Fr. Doug … [Read more...]
From the Pastor – August 3, 2014
When it was evening, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “This is a deserted place and it is already late; dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” But they said to him, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.” Then he said, “Bring them here to me,” and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. (Mt. 14:15-17) The miracle of the loaves and the fishes is the only miracle that occurs in each of the four Gospels. It points back to the Old Testament when the Israelites were fed in the desert with Manna from Heaven; and it points forward to the Eucharist when we are fed by Jesus with the Bread of Life. But we can’t deny the implications … [Read more...]
A Retreat for Married Couples and Their Children (7 – 18 yrs)
“A family that prays together...” A Family That Prays is a powerful weekend designed to enrich marriages, faith & family. Spouses will grow closer in their sacrament while their children will explore a deeper understanding & encounter with God. The retreat culminates on Sunday when families are brought back together for a memorable family experience led by Archbishop Hughes! The retreat is held at the St. Joseph Abbey in Covington and it begins on Saturday, November 1st at 8:30am and ends after lunch on Sunday. Space is limited. If you would like to register or more information, call Jason Angelette at (504) 830-3716 or visit www.faithandmarriage.org. … [Read more...]
