January 1, 2024 Some fundamentalist Christians become offended when Catholics refer to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God.   But it’s not a complicated teaching.  If (a) Mary is the mother of Jesus, and (b) if Jesus is God, then, therefore, (c) Mary is the Mother of God.  There is no escaping the logic here. However, saying Mary is the Mother of God, does not mean that she is older than God or the source of her Son’s divinity.  Rather, Mary is the Mother of God in the sense that she carried in her womb the divine person of Jesus Christ, and that her body provided the genetic material for His body. Although most Christians understand Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully human, the term Mother of God must be understood through its origins. Orthodox Christians and … [Read more...]

Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24 4 PM Vigil Mass (Confessions prior) 12 AM Midnight Mass Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 10:30 AM Mass (NOTE: NO 8 AM Mass) and NO 6 PM Mass (All Masses at Basilica of St. Stephen) Mary, Mother of God, Monday, January 1* 8 AM Mass at St. Henry Church *Mary, Mother of God is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year because it falls on a Monday … [Read more...]

Holy Day of Obligation Friday, December 8, 2023 6:00 pm Vigil Thursday and 9:00 am Friday at the Basilica of St. Stephen 6:30 am Friday at St. Henry Church An interesting icon representing Jesus on the lap of the Virgin Mary who is herself on the lap of St. Anne, the mother of Mary. The dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854:  The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin (Pius IX, Ineffabilis Deus, 1854: DS 2803). This doctrine was revealed through the Scriptures (Mary was “the absolute fullness of grace”) and the long Sacred Tradition of … [Read more...]

November 26, 2023 On this Solemnity, “kingship” takes on another dimension, the leader takes on the trials and tribulations for those that follow. In that leadership, all who follow are transformed into His children finding redemption in the forgiveness of our sins. Christ exemplifies this while hanging on the cross, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Are we willing to lead those within our family with such fidelity and trust in God?. … [Read more...]

The St. Vincent de Paul Society would like to thank you for your generous support.  With your assistance we were able to make 45 food baskets, each with a $75 dollar gift certificate to Rouses for entrée (no cigarettes or alcohol allowed to be purchased) for our neighbors in need.  Thanks to God for your generosity. … [Read more...]

On All Saints Day, Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at noon, Msgr. Nalty will bless the Vincent de Paul Cemeteries on Soniat and Loyola Avenue (behind Newman School). The St Vincent de Paul Cemeteries are the resting places for many longtime parishioners of St. Stephen Church, as well as the Vincentian Priests and Daughters of Charity who served our parish for over 150 years. On the same day at 12:30pm Msgr. Nalty will bless the St Joseph Cemeteries on Washington Avenue and Loyola, another place where many parishioners are buried. Many people take the occasion of the blessing as a time to beautify these resting places and pray for the souls of their faithfully departed relatives, priests, religious sisters and friends. … [Read more...]

In December 1531 the Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego in Mexico asking him to have the Bishop Juan de Zumarraga to build a church in her honor. The Bishop was reluctant to just take his word and asked for sign from Juan. He returned with a cloak of roses which were not native to the area. The Blessed Virgin had arranged the roses in his cloak and she told him to bring them to the Bishop. When he showed the bishop and even more wondrous sign appeared; a remarkable portrait of Our Lady was imprinted on the coarse fabric of his cloak. The image and the cloak are displayed for the veneration of the faithful to this day at Our Lady of Guadalupe basilica of Mexico City. The Knights of Columbus have over the years had 7 Silver Roses made. One Rose was presented to Pope Francis in 2014. … [Read more...]

Listen.  Accompany.  Heal. One weekend … All the difference.  Join us for the Beginning Experience of New Orleans Weekend Retreat October 13-15, 2023 at the Cenacle on the Lake Retreat Center located at 5500 St. Mary Street in Metairie.  For more information including registration and fees, contact Registrar, Liz Reis at (504) 858-1813 or email lzbthreis@yahoo.com.   Weekend program includes materials, two nights’ lodging and five meals.   Beginning Experience is an international ministry founded by a Catholic religious sister and her divorced friend offering hope and healing for those who have lost their marriage through death, separation or divorce.  The Beginning Experience weekend transforms lives and has helped thousands navigate the road through grief.  Visit … [Read more...]

October 3, 2023 This year the Basilica of St. Stephen will host the Rosary Congress on Tuesday, October 3.  It will begin with an opening Mass at 8:00am.  The normal parish Mass will take place at 6:00pm.  The basilica will be open all day for 24 hours of prayer.  There is a full schedule of the events on the fliers on the tables in the back of church.  This year we will also have the Silver Rose! … [Read more...]

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion have one of the most important roles in our parish community by assisting the celebrant in distributing the Body and Blood of Our Lord to those at Mass and to those who are unable to attend Mass. Adults 18 years and older who have received the three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation) may serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Lectors serve the parish community in a very special way; their goal is to engage the hearts and minds of the congregation as they proclaim the Word of God. Ushers greet parishioners as they enter the church, assisting those who need help finding a seat and providing information and directions for new visitors to the church.  Ushers are also responsible for taking up and … [Read more...]