Germany holds to much the same Monday-to-Friday work week rhythm as the rest of the world, but on Sundays it skips a beat. This uber-efficient country, which puts more restrictions on Sunday activities than nearly all of its neighbors, nearly shuts down. Laws regulating shopping hours and noise levels mean stores shut, lawnmowers fall silent, and woe unto him who flips the switch on an electric tool. Sunday reflects the importance Germans place on quality of life, neighborly consideration and the need to unwind. The postwar constitution safeguards Sundays and recognized holidays as “days of rest and spiritual edification.” Most Germans use the day to get outdoors, visit friends or, hit the gym or pool. “Sonntagsruhe” is one term they use. It simply means “Sunday rest.” Opening … [Read more...]

  At the Chrism Mass on April 15, 2014, we will convoke the Ninth General Synod of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The purpose of the synod is to discern God’s Vision and Priorities for our local church for the next three-five years. I have appointed Sister Elizabeth (Beth) Fitzpatrick, O. Carm., Sister Mary Ellen Wheelahan, O. Carm. and Fr. Pat Williams as Archdiocesan Synod Leaders. They will work in partnership with Paul Breaux and the Catholic Leadership Institute to tailor the synod vision and priority setting process to meet the specific needs and goals of our archdiocese. We hope that this synod will be an opportunity for us to “work together for your joy.” (2 Cor.1:24) … [Read more...]

SET FREE is the theme for the Catholic Charismatic Conference March 13-15, 2015, at the Landmark Hotel in Metairie, Louisiana. All speakers are known for their ministry in healing and in the New Evangelization. Bob Canton, Fr. Robert Cruz, Deacon Larry Oney, Fr. Simon Peter Engurait and Sr. Lucy Lukasiewicz will be the guest speakers. On Saturday morning there will be a Healing Mass and in the afternoon a family session. Healing prayer will be offered both Saturday night and Sunday morning. You may pre-register for the weekend at www.ccrno.org.  If you would like to attend a single session, you may register at the door. For more information on schedule: Call CCRNO at 504- 828-1368 or visit www.ccrno.org. … [Read more...]

The next Archdiocesan Morning of Spirituality for Men will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 4640 Canal St. in New Orleans. The theme for our 20th Men’s Morning of Spirituality is “Music of the Spirit." Our speakers, John Blancher of Rock N Bowl and Ye Olde College Inn, Reid Wick of the Bucktown Allstars, and Jerry Christopher of Bag of Donuts will discuss how their Catholic faith guides their family lives and work in the New Orleans music industry. As always, in addition to the presentations, the day will include prayer, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Eucharistic adoration and benediction, and the celebration of the Eucharist with Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond. New Orleans. For more information, please … [Read more...]

From Miriam Ogden: On a recent Sunday morning as I was driving home, I saw a homeless man at the red light. I stopped to give him something to eat. I asked him how he was doing. He said, not well, that he barely slept the night before because he slept on the ground and it was so cold and he did not have a blanket. I told him that God loves him and that I would pray for him. As I drove off, I felt so sad, guilty, about my wonderful bed with sheets, blankets and pillows. By the time that I got home, I realized that I had to do something. I spoke with two priests who thought that a blanket drive was a good thing. When I told Metairie Lakelawn funeral home about my idea, they really liked it and have put up a sign requesting that their employees donate a blanket by Tuesday. At which time … [Read more...]

Saturday, January 24, 2014, Baton Rouge, La www.prolifelouisiana.org/LALifeMarch A group from the parish will travel to Baton Rouge on January 24 to participate in the Louisiana Walk for Life at the state capital. The trip will allow us to show our solidarity with all the other people of God in commemoration of the misguided Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973. Please let us know if you would be interested in participating in this event. We will make a final determination concerning scheduling after we find out how many people have an interest in participating.  You may email Miriam Ogden at g.moscati@cox.net … [Read more...]

Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Vigil) 4:00 pm Mass (Confessions at 3:00pm) 12:00 am Midnight Mass Thursday, December 25 (Christmas) 10:30 am Mass (No 6:30am Mass at St Henry and No 8:00am Mass at St Stephen) Wednesday, December 31 (Vigil of the Solemnity of Mary) 6:00pm Mass Thursday, January 1 (Solemnity of Mary) 8:00 am (St. Henry) 12:00 noon Mass (St. Stephen) … [Read more...]

The Catholic Foundation will host the annual Foundation dinner Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the New Orleans Hilton Riverside. This year’s dinner will honor the 2014 Saint John Paul II Award recipient Judge Jay C. Zainey and also feature keynote speaker Paul Mainieri. Reservations are required. More information is available by calling (504) 596-3044, or email MObrien@archdiocese- no.org. … [Read more...]

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 is the first time that the Church throughout the world will celebrate the Feast Day of Pope St. John Paul II. Pope St. John Paul II, also known as Saint John Paul the Great, was Pope from October 16, 1978 until his death on April 2, 2005.  He was the second longest-serving pope in modern history after Pope Pius IX, who served for nearly 32 years from 1846 to 1878. Born in Poland, John Paul II is credited as helping to end Communist rule in his native Poland and eventually all of Europe.  John Paul II significantly improved the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. One of the most traveled world leaders in history, John Paul II visited 129 countries during his pontificate. As part of his … [Read more...]

Come and See Vocation Discernment Weekend for high school juniors and seniors, and college- age men will be held November 7-9, 2014 at St. Joseph Seminary College, Covington, Louisiana. This is an opportunity for men who are interested in the priesthood and who would like to find out more about seminary life. There is no cost for the weekend but availability is limited on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to register, call the Archdiocesan Vocation Office at (504) 861-6298 or e-mail vocations@archdiocese-no.org. … [Read more...]