From Our Holy Father, Pope Francis Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each communities and every believer. Above all it is a “time of grace” (2 Cor 6:2). God does not ask of us anything that he himself has not first given us. “We love because he first has loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). He is not aloof from us. Each one of us has a place in his heart. He knows us by name, he cares for us and he seeks us out whenever we turn away from him. He is interested in each of us; his love does not allow him to be indifferent to what happens to us. Usually, when we are healthy and comfortable, we forget about others (something God the Father never does): we are unconcerned with their problems, their sufferings and the injustices they endure… Our heart grows cold. As long as I am relatively … [Read more...]

Do YOU want to do something to help your disadvantaged neighbors but can’t find the time?  On a limited budget yourself?  Over-committed with job and family responsibilities? Now you have the opportunity to do much good with a simple and very short investment in time! From February 25, 2015 to March 25, 2015, you can go to http://www.gulfbank.com/ and look for Society of St. Vincent de Paul – St. Stephen Church.  Help to vote us a grant to help us provide shelter vouchers, snack packs, groceries and hot meals at the Rebuild Center and Ozanam Inn.  You may cast 1 vote per day from any valid email address. Awards will be based on the number of votes received.  VOTE DAILY TO SUPPORT YOUR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHAPTER! … [Read more...]

“Ministry pertains to the administration of a sacrament, celebration of liturgy and other liturgical rites and is specific to those with Holy Orders. “Laity spread the Gospel of Jesus and the truth of Catholicism in the secular world through whatever means they can - this is properly called an apostolate. The St. Vincent de Paul Society or the Knights of Columbus are excellent examples.” (adapted from Wikipedia, 12/18/2014) Our parish Apostolate Fair begins next weekend, January 10/11. The format will be slightly different than in years past. Every weekend, 2-3 apostolates will have information and representatives available at each mass. We hope this will make it easier to focus on those groups that interest you. The schedule is: January 10/11 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy … [Read more...]

On Tuesday, December 16th, Congress passed the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, which allows owners of IRAs over the age of 70 ½ to make tax-free contributions up to $100,000 from their plans to qualified parishes, schools, and other Archdiocese of New Orleans ministries.  This gift-giving opportunity provides an excellent opportunity to make a special gift to our parish, and, at the same time, lower your taxable income for the year. This opportunity is effective only through December 31, 2014. Thank you for considering this opportunity! If you would like additional information on how to support our parish through an IRA contribution, please contact Josephine Everly (504-596-3031) or Robert Menard (504-596-3043) at the Catholic Foundation. … [Read more...]

Tuesday, December 20, 2014 After the 4:00pm Vigil Please join us with a dish, wine or other festive food to share! If anyone would like to bring their musical instrument and play some Christmas tunes you are welcome!  Bring an ornament to decorate our tree if you like! Or don't do any of that... just come and pass a great time! Please call the parish office if you can bring a dish! … [Read more...]

Good Shepherd Parish frequently receives calls from “parishioners” who want to have their children baptized, get a school voucher, get married or serve as a godparent.  In order for the parish to agree to these things, you must be a “registered” and “contributing” parishioner.  This isn’t our rule; it’s the rule of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  All information is kept in strict confidence by the parish. To be “registered” at Good Shepherd Parish means that (1) you have completed a parish census form or have registered online at goodshepherdparishNOLA.com, (2) you use parish envelopes or checks for donations. … [Read more...]

(with America Need Fatima and 40 Days for Life) What: The Holy Rosary Where: Near the Planned Parenthood Site (on Claiborne between Jena and Cadiz) When: October 11th at Noon For more info contact Lydia Rose at 452-5392 … [Read more...]

Sunday, 28 September is to be set aside as a Day of Prayer for the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, scheduled to take place in Rome from October 5-19 to treat the topic: The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization. We are invited to pray for this intention during Mass and at other liturgical celebrations, in the days leading to the synod and during the synod itself. In Rome, in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, prayers will be recited each day in the chapel of the icon, Salus Populi Romani. The faithful, individually but above all in families, are invited to join in these prayers. The suggested prayers include the Prayer to the Holy Family for the Synod, composed by Pope Francis, as follows: Prayer to the Holy Family for the … [Read more...]

The Problem with Islam by (Rev. Msgr.) Christopher H. Nalty Please don’t think that I’m trying to become the victim of a fatwa by the provocative title to this article.  But there is a problem with Islam.  All around the world, followers of Islam are engaging in terrible acts of brutality and violence in the name of their religion.  At the same time, there has been condemnation by some more “moderate” Muslims.  Why? A number of years ago, I was visiting one of my sisters, and she invited a friend of hers to dinner with us – a devout Muslim.  In the midst of dinner, he began to challenge me on Christianity and it’s core belief:  The Holy Trinity.  He argued that God is one, to which I agreed; but he denied that God could be “three in one” as we profess in the Nicene Creed.  It’s hard … [Read more...]

The Notre Dame Seminary Gala & Auction will take place on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at the Seminary. Gala guests will meet the seminarians and experience the history and culture of seminary life while enjoying a great evening of food, music and fellowship. Silent and Live Auctions. Black tie optional. All proceeds will benefit Notre Dame Seminary. For ticket/sponsorship information, please contact the NDS Development Office at (504) 866- 7426, ext. 374, ylacour@nds.edu or by visiting our website at www.nds.edu. … [Read more...]