“On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines.” (Is. 25:6) It’s interesting how many times Sacred Scriptures describe Heaven in terms of food and drink.  The “promised land” was a place flowing with “milk and honey.”  Alternatively, Isaiah describes a “mountain” with “rich food and pure, choice wines.”  For people living in an arid place, the idea of abundant food and drink was very appealing, especially in times of famine. But Jesus takes the analogy even further by describing a wedding banquet, something that was by far the most joyous occasions in the life of a Jew. If you think today’s wedding receptions are “over-the-top,” think again.  Jewish weddings were marked by an eight day … [Read more...]

Good Shepherd Parish Christmas Receptions after all Masses December 21-22 We will host brief receptions after all of the Masses with light pastries, light hors d’oeuvres, coffee, soft drinks and juices. If you would be interested in helping to provide food or helping with the hospitalities, please contact Laura Finnegan by email lfinne@lsuhsc.edu or Kathy Fayard by email kfayard@yahoo.com if you can help. Or call the parish office!   … [Read more...]

With Lent approaching in two weeks, I want to call attention to the changes that we may observe in the liturgies.  “Austere” is the watchword for the liturgical celebrations of the Season of Lent. The Church has proclaimed a time of fasting and self-denial and she teaches by example. The priest is vested in violet, “the gloomy color of affliction and mortification,” except on the Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday) when he may wear rose vestments. During Lent the sanctuary is bereft of flowers and we use less ornate linens. The Gloria is not prayed (except on the two Solemnities) and the Alleluia is entirely absent throughout Lent.  Further, the use of musical instruments is limited to the accompaniment of singing. By this penitential “fast of the senses,” Holy Mother Church … [Read more...]

This month, the archdiocesan Office of Communications launched its latest initiative, the NOLA Catholic Experience blog at nolacatholicexperience.wordpress.com. With a blog team of about 12 and the blessing of Archbishop Aymond, this blog will be an outlet for New Orleans Catholics from various walks of life to share their experiences living their Catholic faith in their everyday lives. Please encourage people to go to the blog, read the messages and respond as the Holy Spirit moves them to what they hear. It is our hope that this blog will become a powerful tool in the New Evangelization and reach people where they are by telling the stories of people very much like them who live in this world but are not of this world. Again, to read the blog, go to the website above. If you would like … [Read more...]

  As you have heard announced at Mass, we will soon begin a push to do major restorative work on St. Stephen Church. With that in mind, the first thing that needs to be done is to make up a project report which will be given to an architect to gain an understanding of the costs involved. The first meeting of the Building Committee will be next SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 IN THE RECTORY AT 9:00AM. If you cannot attend, but are still interested in participating, please email Msgr. Nalty at cnalty@goodshepherdparishNOLA.com   … [Read more...]

The Sisters of the Holy Family will celebrate the 170th anniversary of their founding and the 200th anniversary of the birth of their foundress, Venerable Henriette Delille. The celebration will begin with a symposium depicting the life, spirituality, genealogy and charism of Venerable Henriette Delille on Friday, November 16, 2012 from 5:00p.m – 7:00p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1100 Chartres Street. The celebration will continue on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 11:00a.m. with a Mass in honor of the 170th anniversary of the Sisters of the Holy Family and 200th anniversary of the birth of Venerable Henriette Delille at St. Louis Cathedral, 615 Pere Antoine Alley. … [Read more...]

Nationwide Insert Summer 2012 Lately, the Church's teaching on contraception has been getting a good deal of public attention in the media. This has naturally led to people asking questions, especially if this teaching is news to them. Even as Catholics, we may be struggling with questions of our own. It's good and helpful for us to acknowledge and explore our questions. And it's healthy for us to grapple with God the Father's desire for our happiness. He understands our human nature””his Son became one of us (Jesus is true God and true man)!  Jesus, through his Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, can handle the questions, struggles, or anxieties we bring to him (see Matthew 11:28). Blessed John Paul II, quoting the words of Christ, would often encourage us: “Do not be afraid!” We should … [Read more...]

Camp Abbey is an overnight, Catholic summer camp for children completing 2nd through 8th grades sponsored by the CYO/Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  Boys' sessions are June 3-9, June 10-6, June 17-23, and June 24-30.  Girls' sessions are July 8-14, July 15-21, July 22-28, and July 29-August 4.  The cost is $395 per week inclusive, and partial scholarships are available.  Camp includes opportunities for prayer, Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and Eucharistic Adoration, as well as activities such as volleyball, basketball, softball, flag football, arts & crafts, archery, swimming, boating, performing arts, camping, hiking, and rock climbing.  Come home to Camp Abbey and make lifelong friends and great memories, and grow in your … [Read more...]