Even as the flood waters rose in our neighboring Dioceses of Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles in August, the response of the local Catholic Church began. Parishes throughout the metropolitan area went to work quickly to provide aid to our sisters and brothers affected by the historic flooding. As the flood waters receded, volunteers from our parishes and schools were some of the first on the ground, and our local parishes continue to be a point of resource and aid to the area. Below is just a sampling of the flood relief efforts coordinated by the parishes, schools and minis- tries of the Archdiocese of New Orleans: • Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans raised $267,208 in the weeks immediately following the flooding all of which will be sent to Catholic Charities … [Read more...]

Next weekend the Knights of Columbus will be selling raffle tickets for the items below.  Tickets are $20/each, but look at all of the wonderful prizes, 40 in all.  I’m sorry that I had to make the print so small, but it was the only way the prizes could all fit in the bulletin! Grand Prize - 3 Club seats to Saints vs Lions + $150.00 @ Ruth's Chris + Hard Rock Casino package + 3 rounds of golf at the Oaks Second Prize -   2 seats to Saints vs Bucs on 40 yd line loge club seats + $100.00 @ Acme + 2 Tickets to LPO Opening Night Additional Prizes - 2 Sideline bunker Club seats to Saints vs Bucs + $100.00 @ Bacchanal + 2 tickets to LPO Opening Night - 3 Loge End Zone seats Saints vs Rams + $100 @ Andy's Bistro + 2 JPSO Season Tickets - 2 Club seat tickets Saints vs Panthers + … [Read more...]

“Let There Be Peace on Earth” The deadly shootings in Baton Rouge, LA, Falcon Heights, MN, and Dallas, TX, the stabbing in Kenner, LA and the deadly attack in Orlando last month are heartbreaking and cause fear among us. We must pray for those whose lives have been taken and for their families. We live in a time of great violence and terrorism. Terrorism is rooted in hate and not only caused by international forces, but we in the United States are experiencing terrorist attacks against one another. Let us pray: Merciful God, forgive us for the disrespect we show for human life. Lead us to be wise and patient enough to deal with conflict through words and prayer – not with guns or through violence. May those who have died have life in your kingdom. Grant comfort and peace to … [Read more...]

As many of you know, a substantial portion of the money that our parish donates to the poor is used to purchase vouchers for the Salvation Army shelter on Claiborne Avenue.  We purchase the vouchers for $10, and the voucher provides a homeless person with access to a bed, a shower and two square meals.  This week I received a letter from the Salvation Army telling us that, due to our having purchased 500 vouchers this year, we now qualify as a “Shelter Partner,” meaning that our vouchers will now cost us 20% less, or $8.00.  Instead of keeping the savings, we have decided to purchase 20% more vouchers each month to further help those who are in need.  “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” …  “Amen, I say to you, what you … [Read more...]

“Let There Be Peace on Earth” The deadly shootings in Baton Rouge, LA, Falcon Heights, MN, and Dallas, TX, the stabbing in Kenner, LA and the deadly attack in Orlando last month are heartbreaking and cause fear among us. We must pray for those whose lives have been taken and for their families. We live in a time of great violence and terrorism. Terrorism is rooted in hate and not only caused by international forces, but we in the United States are experiencing terrorist attacks against one another. Let us pray: Merciful God, forgive us for the disrespect we show for human life. Lead us to be wise and patient enough to deal with conflict through words and prayer – not with guns or through violence. May those who have died have life in your kingdom. Grant comfort and peace to … [Read more...]

Corpus Christi was a wonderful day.  Thanks to all who helped with the procession.  Also thanks to those who arranged for the tents, the tables, the fish and the snowballs. It was a bright sunny day for those who proclaimed the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist! … [Read more...]

Feast Day Mass at St. Henry’s Church Saturday, July 9 at 3:00 p.m. Followed by a party at Grits (on the corner of Lyons and Annunciation) until 7:00 p.m. Featuring food, snowballs, soft drinks, beer & water Music by the J. Monque’D Blues Band Admission is FREE … [Read more...]

May 30, 2016 As Americans, on Memorial Day we remember those who died in the service of our country. And as Catholic Americans, we also reflect on the meaning of true freedom and thank God for the Church which proclaims the way to the fullness of that freedom. One reason why we are willing to fight and die for freedom is because the need for freedom is imprinted into our very nature. This is why we fight for it for others. God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace. We ask this though Jesus Christ our … [Read more...]

On Saturday, June 4, 2016, at 10:00 AM at the St. Louis Cathedral, Archbishop Aymond will ordain Patrick Richard Carr, Paul Anthony Clark, David Michael Ducote, Francis Nguyen Dzung, Francis Uzochukwu Offia and Kenneth Sims Smith to the Priesthood for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. You are cordially invited to attend both ceremonies. A reception at the Old Ursuline Convent will follow. Rev. Patrick Carr will celebrate his First Holy Mass as a Priest at 10:30 am next Sunday here at St. Stephen’s Church! … [Read more...]

The 18th Annual Mother’s Day Rosary Crusade for Life will be held on Saturday, May 7th, 2016 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. starting with Mass at St. Angela Merici followed by an adoption testimony by Debbie Shinskie, Director of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and ending with Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary & Benediction.  Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Fr. Beau Charbonnet will be the celebrants.  This prayer event is sponsored by the Archdiocesan Sidewalk Counseling and Prayer Ministry, a ministry of the Respect Life Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  All are welcome.  For more information, please call Pam Richard at (504) 460-9360 or (985) 809-0773." … [Read more...]