On May 2, 2010, our parish secretary Dixie Williams will be awarded the Order of St. Louis IX Medallion by Archbishop Aymond at St. Louis Cathedral.  The Order of St. Louis IX award was established more than 40 years ago to honor those members of the laity who have contributed their time and talents to the church.  Although it is rare that the award goes to an employee of the parish, it is obvious to anyone that Dixie's work for the parish is much more expansive than her morning work hours!  Dixie's here virtually every day, including weekends and many evenings.  Even as I write this little article at 6:00pm on Friday, she's waiting for me to call her so that she can come back to copy it for the bulletin insert on Saturday morning!  THANKS for all that you do for our parish, Dixie!  … [Read more...]

Thanks for all who helped make the Feast Day Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel so spiritually uplifting. From the readers to the servers to the Extraordinary Ministers to the music ministers to those who provided hospitality, it was a beautiful evening in a beautiful church.  … [Read more...]

Archbishop Gregory Aymond would like to call your attention to two important items: 1. In the Clarion Herald this weekend, he has written an article discussing the recent media coverage of the Holy Father's handling of several cases involving the sexual abuse of minors which took place a number of years ago. For six years Archbishop Aymond served as Chair of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People. He is in a unique position to answer questions about the situation. Please read his article in the Clarion. Copies are in the back of church. 2. Next weekend, the Archdiocese is taking up a collection for the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. Money will be used to support religious education, youth ministry, evangelization, … [Read more...]

Many of you at last Sunday's 10:00am Mass knew that I said Mass for many of the members of Bacchus before their parade rolled. I must admit that wading through traffic to the Convention Center isn't one of my favorite things to do on a Mardi Gras Sunday. Well, I want to report that the men of Bacchus were very good to us as they took up a collection and made a generous donation to Good Shepherd Parish. I have been friends with a number of the members of Bacchus for years, and this year's parade was surely exceptional – especially having Drew Brees as King! But one of the rewards for wading through traffic was when Pip Brennan, the captain of Bacchus, came into the luncheon carrying the Lombardi Trophy. Yes, the photo above is real. Congratulations to Bacchus and the Saints! … [Read more...]

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February 26-28, 2010 Young men (high school seniors, college age or older) who are interested in taking a closer look at diocesan priesthood are asked to attend a retreat at the Carmelite Spirit Life Center in Lacombe.  For more information call (504) 861-6298 or email vocations @archdiocese-no.org … [Read more...]

A BIG THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who helped set up and break down the Mardi Gras tent. We had a great little oasis of calm (especially Bacchus night!) with some great food and drinks. Next year we're considering widening our oasis by putting up a small fence on parish property so that we're not invaded completely! … [Read more...]

Bishop Shelton Fabre, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans authorized a special second collection for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The money is being sent to Catholic Relief Services.  THANKS to all of the donors from our parish, who contributed nearly $6,000 to the relief so far, including one donor who gave $1,000. Those wanting to make a donation directly to CRS may do so online at www.crs.org. If the server is down, please call toll free 1-877-HELP-CRS or text RELIEF to 30644 and following the instructions. … [Read more...]

Since I'm on retreat this week, I'm trying to give myself a little break from writing bulletin articles. Instead, I include below an email from a friend who only became Catholic last year at Easter. Over the course of the last couple of years, she has devoted a large amount of her time in prayer and in trying to grow in her awareness of what the Church teaches. Right now she's learning a great deal about the Sacrament of Confession. She knows it isn't easy, but she understands it pretty well: This week I've had a couple friends come to me with things they are struggling with. They know that I'm not one who is easily surprised and am not one to be judgmental no matter how crazy their situation... not much phases me. I'm a good listener. So anyways... two different guys (both Catholic) have … [Read more...]

The Christmas Season officially ends after the Mass of the Baptism of Our Lord.  At this point I want to thank all of those who made this Christmas Season so special at Good Shepherd Parish.  Foremost among you are the priests who offered Mass while I was on retreat, those who served the Masses, the lectors, the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, the music ministry and the Altar Society.  Also, thanks to all who donated poinsettias to decorate our beautiful sanctuary: Academy of the Sacred Heart Students & AlumnaeRalph R. Alexis Jr.Rosemary Baeher, Carl J. Galle Jr., Cecelia Muth, James BorrowsBoudreaux & Bergeron FamiliesBetpouey - Dwyer FamiliesMrs. Betty Blum, Mrs. C. VelasquezCleaver & Frederick FamiliesMae ClementionCollier & Gwin FamiliesJames R. … [Read more...]