Archdiocese of New Orleans RSS Newsfeed http://www.arch-no.org Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond Theology on Tap starts tonight! 2010-03-04 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=619
The location for all four weeks is the NEW Mid-City Lanes Rock N Bowl on Carrollton Avenue, with Theology on Tap being held in a private event room.  Gathering/drinks is at 6:00 PM and speaker at 6:30 PM. Light appetizers will be provided.  As usual, we encourage everyone to stay after the speaker for further discussion and networking.

Thursday, March 4, 2010
Topic:     40 DAYS and 40 WAYS    
    The season of Lent calls us to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  Our Jesuit presenter will draw on the richness of Ignatian spirituality and his own faith journey to help us explore a variety of ways that we might expand our prayer horizons during this Lent.

Speaker:     Br. William Dardis, SJ, has been a Jesuit Brother for over 50 years, and works in the Alumni & Development Office at Jesuit High School, New Orleans.


Thursday, March 11, 2010
Topic:     COMING TO AMERICA
    The U.S. Catholic Bishops have called on Catholics to be informed about Catholic principles and teachings that should guide any reform of immigration policy in the United States, especially as neither political party nor ideology adequately reflects the total Catholic position.

Speaker:     Martin Gutierrez is Director of Neighborhood and Community Services for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, and previously was director of the Archdiocesan Hispanic Apostolate.


Thursday, March 18, 2010
Topic:    DO YOU NEED SERVICE HOURS FOR HEAVEN?
    Many young adults can remember needing to complete service hours for high school or Confirmation, but with little understanding of the rationale for them. This gathering will take a look at Catholic social teaching and provide a real life example in the Catholic Worker house opening in New Orleans.

Speaker:     Nick Albares is parish social ministry coordinator of the Office of Justice & Peace of Catholic Charities.  Joe and Katy Mueller are opening the first Catholic Worker House in greater New Orleans.


Thursday, March 25, 2010
Topic:     SEX IN THE CITY OF GOD
Youve probably heard of Theology of the Body, but do you really know what it is and what its not?  Come for a great introduction to Pope John Paul IIs revolutionary teaching on human sexuality, and hear about a follow-up formation opportunity with Christopher West on April 10.

Speaker:    Randy Hernandez is president of Dumb Ox Productions, a ministry focused in part on producing resources, programs, and events to promote a culture of vocations and Pope John Paul IIs Theology of the Body.
]]> UPDATED: Extended Lenten Mass schedules and Stations of the Cross at parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans 2010-03-04 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=629

Blessed Trinity, New Orleans Mass and Stations of the Cross every Friday at 6:30 pm

Good Shepherd Parish, St. Stephen Catholic Church Stations of the Cross Fridays at 6 pm

Immaculate Conception (Jesuit), New Orleans Stations of the Cross to follow 12 noon Mass on Fridays

Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. Jude Shrine), New Orleans 7 am, 12 noon Mass; Stations of the Cross 11:30 am on Fridays

St. Anthony of Padua, New Orleans - Stations of the Cross on Fridays at 11:30 am and 7  pm

St. Catherine of Siena, Metairie Stations of the Cross at 7 pm on Fridays

 

 

St. Louis Cathedral Mass at 7:30 am and 5 pm daily; Stations of the Cross to follow 5 pm Mass on Fridays

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell Mass at 6:30 am, 8:30 am, 6:30 pm Monday Friday; Stations of the Cross at 8 am and after 6:30 pm Mass on Fridays

St. Patrick, New Orleans Stations of the Cross Fridays following 12 noon Mass

St. Pius X, New Orleans Stations at 5 pm and Mass at 5:15 pm every Friday

]]> UPDATED: Parish-based Lenten Missions 2010-03-04 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=630 LENTEN MISSIONS

St. Edward the Confessor, Metairie March 1 4th; presenter: Fr. Victor Celio, O.P, theme: "The Last Things"

St. Paul the Apostle, New Orleans - March 1-3rd; presenter:  Fr. Tony Ricard on the topic:  "Life in the Spirit, through formation, conversion and renewal"

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace March 15 17th; presenter: Archbishop Alfred Hughes

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell March 15 17th; presenter:  Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.

St. Pius X, New Orleans March 17 and March 31 Lenten Series on Last Seven Words of Christ presented by Deacon Christopher Bertucci and others

St. Catherine of Siena, Metairie March 21 March 25; presenters:  Fr. John Kuehner, C.Ss.R. and Fr. Gan Nguyen, C.Ss.R. on the theme, Renew Our ParishMake Us Family.

 

 

]]> Pastoral Bulletin for 03-03-10 2010-03-04 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=636  

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]]> Special events for Catholic young adults fill this week 2010-03-01 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=635

 

1. Tonight (Monday, 3/1) - 7 p.m.:  Planning meeting for young adult St. Joseph's altar. See details below for other dates, locations, and contact info. This is a great idea to help preserve an excellent Catholic tradition of serving the poor and honoring St. Joseph.

 

2. Tomorrow (Tuesday, 3/2) - 7 p.m.  Special event Christ in the City, led by Archbishop Aymond, who is hosting a reception with light food, wine, beer, and soft drinks at his residence next door to Notre Dame Seminary in lieu of the usual College Inn after-party. During the Holy Hour at the seminary chapel, there will be multiple priests available to hear confessions.  **NOTE that the street construction on Carrollton Ave. will have traffic backed up and may require you to park in the Seminary's back lot, which can be accessed off Walmsley by turning into the Archdiocese administration building's parking lot.

 

3. Thursday (3/4) 6/7 p.m. - Vocare Fundraiser.  Dumb Ox Productions, an organization run by Brian Butler and Friends, does really outstanding work with teens and young adults, teaching and discussing important Catholic ideas regarding vocations to marriage, the priesthood, and religious life.  They talk a lot about JPII's Theology of the Body and are always giving a retreat or a talk here or there. 

 

From Facebook: "Dinner, entertainment, silent auction and a great time with great people from all over the area! Call 504.304.1280 for tickets! (Tickets are $50 per person or $90 per couple.) Please join us and help Dumb Ox continue the mission God has given us to reach teens and young adults with His love! For online tickets or online donations, go to our website (dumboxproductions.com) and click on the VOCARE banner!"   

 

4. Also on Thursday (3/4) 6/6:30 p.m. - The first session of the spring Theology on Tap at Rock N' Bowl kicks off with Jesuit Brother William Dardis, S.J. discussing ways to enter into the season of Lent, drawing on Ignatian spirituality. Drinks at 6, speaker at 6:30.  See the full schedule for the coming weeks below or at www.yamarchno.org.

 

5. Saturday 3/6 All day (until 6): Katie Cullotta has been spearheading an effort to support the Hogs for the Cause fundraiser on the Fly all day Saturday.  The event, founded by a pair of Jesuit High alumni seeking to live out the "Men For Others" mentality, has free admission (which I think means free food, too) but collects donations to fight pediatric cancer.  The annual cookout was inspired by a young cancer patient who died only about a week ago after being an honorary Saints captain earlier this season.  For more info, see http://www.hogsforthecause.org/ or find the event page on Facebook.

 

6. Sunday (3/7) 6 p.m. - St. Louis Cathedral is presenting a free concert featuring an acclaimed organist from Paris who will be behind the wheels of the Cathedral's splendidly refurbished organ.  The performance will include music that was inspired by a poetic reading of the Stations of the Cross, so the event offers both beautiful music and an opportunity for spiritual reflection.  From the Cathedral website: 

 

For his St. Louis Cathedral Recital on Sunday, March 7, at 6:00 pm, Mr. CASTAGNET will perform Marcel Dupres Le Chemin de la Croix. Originally conceived as an improvisation by Dupre for a concert at the Brussels Conservatory of Music in 1931, it is based upon French poet Paul Claudels The Way of the Cross. At the Brussels performance, the poetry was recited. After each station, Dupre rendered his own musical interpretation of the text. The success was enormous and the public demanded that Dupre reconstruct his improvisation. After one year, the work was completed and premiered in Paris to universal acclaim. For the New Orleans performance, actor Mikko Macchione will recite the poetry of Paul Claudel using the recent English translation by John Dunaway.

The concert will be free and open to the public.

 

 

 

Young adult St. Joseph's Day Altar: Calling all Catholic young adults!

 

St. Josephs Day Altars are a cultural tradition unique to two places in the world:  Sicily, Italy and New Orleans, Louisiana, and it us up to our generation to keep the tradition alive in New Orleans.  On Monday, March 1 at 7 pm there will be a meeting for all of those Catholic, and non-Catholic, young adults interested in learning more about the symbolism and tradition of the St. Josephs Altar and those wanting to be involved in the construction of this labor of love this year as we build the citys Young Adult St. Josephs Day Altar at Rock n Bowl.  You dont have to be able to build or even cook to be involved but its a time during this Lenten season for you to volunteer your gifts and talents to honor a great saint and role model and to keep the history alive in New Orleans.

 

IMPORTANT DATES:

Planning Meeting:  Monday, March 1 at 7 pm David McDonalds house (715 Atherton, Metairie)

 

Cookie baking:  Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7, location TBD

 

St. Josephs Day Altar construction:  Thursday, March 18 immediately following Theology on Tap at Rock n Bowl

 

St. Josephs Day Altar public viewing and meal:  Friday, March 19 from 2 pm to 8 pm at Rock n Bowl

 

For more information go online to Facebook under St. Josephs Altar Society New Orleans

 

]]> Pastoral Bulletin for 02-24-10 2010-02-25 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=632  

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]]> Putting on the Heart of Christ; a "Saintly" fundraiser for central schools and the disciplines of Lent tonight on Issues & Faith 2010-02-25 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=633 Coming up tonight on Issues & Faith...

Jesuit Fr. Gerald Fagin joins us to talk about his new book "Putting on the Heart of Christ: How the Spiritual Exercises Invite Us to a Virtuous Life" and how it helps us answer the question, "what does God want me to be?"...

How the New Orleans Saints are helping to raise money for the Catholic Central School Consortium and how you can join in the fun at Rock 'n Bowl to help...

and Dr. David Liberto starts a series of discussions on the three disciplines of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving in Faith Seeking Understanding.

Issues & Faith - Thursday nights at 7:30 and Sundays at 5 on LAE - More than television.

]]> USCCB Subcommittee on Church in Latin America creates Haiti Advisory Group 2010-02-24 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=631  


USCCB SUBCOMMITTEE ON CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA CREATES HAITI ADVISORY GROUP

Group to visit Haiti March 1-3

 

WASHINGTONAs part of the ongoing response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Archbishop José H. Gomez of San Antonio, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America, has created a Haiti Advisory Group to help assess the impact on the local Church.  Haiti was hit by a 7.0 earthquake on January 12.

            Archbishop Gomez, who will chair the advisory group, will be joined by Cardinal Seán OMalley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston, Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, and Bishop Guy Sansaricq, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn and the only Haitian-American bishop in the United States.

            Several members of the group will visit Haiti March 1-3 to begin assessing the damage to the Church and to identify how the Subcommittee can assist.

            The visit by the Advisory Group of bishops will help begin an assessment and enable us to advise the Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America on the eventual distribution of special collection funds, Archbishop Gomez explained.  The purpose in setting up a special advisory group is to ensure that we can remain focused on the long term development needs of the Church in Haiti. The bishops will call upon other experts to help them in this task.

             Looking ahead to the visit, Archbishop Gomez said: Immediately after the quake hit, the Bishops called for special prayer services and vigils. In addition, they asked all dioceses to take up a special collection for immediate emergency needs, long term rebuilding needs, and for the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church in Haiti. Only a few weeks later, one hundred ten U.S. dioceses have sent nearly $30 million to a special Haiti Relief Collection fund.  Money from parishes and dioceses continues to come in.

            Cardinal OMalley noted the ongoing concern of U.S. Catholics for the Church and the people in Haiti.

            The worldwide response to help Haiti recover from this disaster has been unprecedented. The Catholic response in particular is a profound example of stewardship and the universal bonds that unite the Church. In traveling to Haiti, we will express the ongoing concern of all those Catholics who have reached out to Haiti in prayer and material support.

            Bishop Sansaricq reflected on the upcoming visit to his native Haiti.

            Weve all been horrified by the images of such destruction, and yet, as a Haitian-American, I am deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support to our brothers and sisters in need, Bishop Sansaricq said.

            For more information on how the USCCB is reaching out to the Church in Haiti, visit www.usccb.org/haiti or www.usccb.org/latinamerica.

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Keywords: Haiti, Caribbean, National Collections, Haiti Advisory Group, relief aid, Church in Latin America, Archbishop José H. Gomez, Cardinal Seán OMalley, Bishop Thomas Wenski, Bishop Guy Sansaricq

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]]> Archbishop Aymond Continues His Commitment to Young Adults 2010-02-23 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=627 On March 2, 2010, young adults will have a private audience with Archbishop Aymond as he joins them to celebrate Christ in the City, a monthly evening of Adoration for young adults sponsored by the Archdiocese Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Office of Eucharistic Renewal.  Following the hour of Adoration, Aymond will open his doors to the young adult community inviting all attendees to his residence for a reception.  

 

Christ in the City responds to an authentic need for fellowship in the young adult community by recognizing a fundamental truth: the social dimension of man grows from its root in Christ.  Beginning with an hour of Adoration and Benediction, the social dimension naturally grows as Christ inspires our young people together, says Todd Amick, Director of the Office of Eucharistic Renewal.  He adds, It is a blessing that this social dimension will enjoy the company of the Vicar of Christ in our Archdiocese, Archbishop Aymond, as he hosts the Christ in the City reception in March. 

 

Archbishop Aymond has long held young adult outreach as a priority in his ministry.  In his Capital Campaign as the Bishop of Austin, Texas Aymond specifically named helping establish and strengthen programs to reach to our Catholic young adults as one of his primary goals.  In a June 2009 statement from Archbishop Hughes concerning the Appointment of Archbishop Aymond to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Hughes comments on Aymonds success in this area stating, The campus ministry in the Diocese of Austin is a model for outreach to young adults of college age.  Aymond showed a continued commitment to the young adult community here in New Orleans when, at his installation in August of 2009, the Archbishop made a special call to the youth and young adults saying, You are the church of today, but we look to you to be the leaders of tomorrow. And we need you to offer your gifts and your energy with us in this mission.

 

John Smestad, Jr. the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, shared that Archbishop Aymonds proven track record at prioritizing young adult, as well as youth ministry, has already been a blessing and will only continue to flourish as we focus on college campus ministry and more general staffing resources to bring our twenty and thirty-somethings into a deeper involvement with the Church.

 

Initiated in 2002 in Washington, DC, Christ in the City began in New Orleans in September of 2008 and draws a growing crowd of young adults to each meeting.  Held monthly at Our Ladys Chapel at Notre Dame Seminary, Christ in the City offers a great opportunity to gather at the geographic and symbolic heart of the Archdiocese.  The evening includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a few hymns, a Gospel Reading and Homily, silent reflection time, and traditional Benediction.  It takes place on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm, with other upcoming dates to include March 2nd, April 6th and May 4th.

 

For more information contact Lynne Dardis Pesce via email at Christ.In.City@gmail.com.

]]> Archbishop calls on faithful to embrace penance during this holy Lenten Season 2010-02-22 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=628 February 17, 2010

 

 

To the Clergy, Religious and Laity of the Archdiocese of New Orleans

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

On Wednesday of this past week we began our forty day journey towards Holy Week in which we celebrate the life, death and resurrection of Christ.  It is indeed a very special time in which God calls us to look honestly at our gifts as well as our weaknesses and sin.  In so doing we can then begin to see the ways in which God is calling us to conversion of heart.

 

During these holy days of Lent I encourage all of us to embrace penance.  It is an opportunity to give up something or to do something extra in order to make our lives more open to God and others.

 

I do have a special request as we celebrate Lent 2010.  I ask you to remember in your prayers and sacrifices the need for peace.  I am referring, not only to peace in the war torn parts of the world, but in our own archdiocese where there is a tremendous amount of violence and racism. Please join me in the forty day journey asking that each of us may truly be instruments of peace in our own families, parishes and cities.  In Lent we pray not only for our personal conversion, but also that our community will undergo conversion and follow Jesus more closely.

 

Please pray at all Masses and Lenten devotions that we as Gods people will do our part to stand strongly against violence and racism.

 

Please be assured of my prayers for you during this sacred time and wishing you Gods blessings, I am

 

Sincerely in Christ,

 

 

 

Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond

Archbishop of New Orleans

]]> Pastoral Bulletin for 02-17-10 2010-02-18 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=626  

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]]> Operation Rice Bowl - prayer, fasting and almsgiving for the Lenten season 2010-02-17 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=624 Go online to http://orb.crs.org for more information.

]]> "Super Bowl" Mass to air tonight on FOX 8 2010-02-17 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=625 Fox 8 will air an edited version of the Mass from Miami celebrated by Archbishop Gregory Aymond and retired Archbishop Philip Hannan prior to the Super Bowl.


The thirty minute special will air at 10pm on Ash Wednesday.

Also, during FOX 8's 9pm newscast, Nancy Parker will do a special segment with Archbishop Aymonds on his role in the Mass and the Saints experience titled "Divine Intervention"in which he talks about the Saints and New Orleans.

]]> Ash Wednesday Mass schedules 2010-02-15 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=623 For more information about parish Lenten activities, please contact parishes directly.  Find their contact info online at http://www.arch-no.org//Search.php?/Parishes/. 

ASH WEDNESDAY MASS SCHEDULE

St. Louis Cathedral 7:30 am, 12 noon (Archbishop Aymond to celebrate Mass), 5 pm

All Saints, New Orleans 6:30 am, 6:30 pm

Blessed Trinity, New Orleans 7 am, 6:30 pm

Good Shepherd Parish, St. Stephen Catholic Church 12 noon, 6 pm

Holy Family, Luling 8:30 am, 6 pm

Immaculate Conception, Marrero - 6 am, 12 noon , 6 pm

Immaculate Conception (Jesuit) New Orleans 7:30 am, 12 noon, 5:15 pm; Liturgy of the Word with Ashes Service at 11 am and 3 pm

Infant Jesus of Prague Mission Church, Harvey 8 am

Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. Jude Shrine), New Orleans 7 am, 12 noon, 4 pm, 6 pm

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Belle Chasse 9 am, 12 noon, 7 pm

Mary, Queen of Peace, Mandeville 9 am, 12 noon, 7 pm

St. Andrew the Apostle, New Orleans (Algiers) 7 am, 8:30 am, 11 am, 7 pm

St. Edward the Confessor, Metairie 7 am, 6 pm; 12 noon, 7:30 pm Prayer Services with Distribution of Ashes

St. Francis of Assisi, New Orleans 8 am, 12 noon, 6 pm

St. Gertrude, Des Allemands   8 am

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace 7 am, 8:30 am, 12 noon, 7 pm

St. John the Baptist, Paradis 7 pm

St. Joseph, New Orleans 7 am, 12:15 pm, 8:30 pm

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell 6:30 am, 8:30 am, 6:30 pm

St. Martha, Harvey 6:30 pm

St. Patrick, New Orleans 11 am, 11:45 am, 12:30 pm, 5 pm

St. Peter, Reserve - 6:30 am, 6 pm; 12 noon Liturgy of the Word and Distribution of Ashes

St. Pius X, New Orleans 8 am, 12 noon, 5:15 pm

St. Rita, New Orleans 5:30 pm

 

LENTEN MISSIONS

St. Katharine Drexel, New Orleans February 17 19th

Mary, Queen of Peace, Mandeville February 21 27th; presenter:  Fr. Daniel Francis, C.Ss.R.

Ascension of Our Lord, LaPlace February 22 24th; presenter: Vince Ambrosetti

St. Francis of Assisi, New Orleans 23 24th; presenter: Fr.  Michael Champagne, C.S.C

St. Edward the Confessor, Metairie March 1 4th; presenter: Fr. Victor Celio, O.P.

St. Joan of Arc, LaPlace March 15 17th; presenter: Archbishop Alfred Hughes

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell March 15 17th; presenter:  Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.

St. Pius X, New Orleans March 17 and March 31 Lenten Series on Last Seven Words of Christ presented by Deacon Christopher Bertucci and others

 

EXTENDED MASS SCHEDULES AND STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Blessed Trinity, New Orleans Mass and Stations of the Cross every Friday at 6:30 pm

Good Shepherd Parish, St. Stephen Catholic Church Stations of the Cross Fridays at 6 pm

Immaculate Conception (Jesuit), New Orleans Stations of the Cross to follow 12 noon Mass on Fridays

Our Lady of Guadalupe (St. Jude Shrine), New Orleans 7 am, 12 noon Mass; Stations of the Cross 11:30 am on Fridays

St. Louis Cathedral Mass at 7:30 am and 5 pm daily; Stations of the Cross to follow 5 pm Mass on Fridays

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell Mass at 6:30 am, 8:30 am, 6:30 pm Monday Friday; Stations of the Cross at 8 am and after 6:30 pm Mass on Fridays

St. Patrick, New Orleans Stations of the Cross Fridays following 12 noon Mass

St. Pius X, New Orleans Stations at 5 pm and Mass at 5:15 pm every Friday

]]> Pastoral Bulletin for 2-10-10 2010-02-11 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=621  

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]]> CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN ST. TAMMANY AND WASHINGTON PARISHES CLOSED TOMORROW 2010-02-11 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=622 Due to the winter weather advisories posted for parishes north of Lake Ponchartrain, the Office of Catholic Schools has announced the closure of all Catholic schools in St. Tammany and Washington Parishes.  This includes:

 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Mary, Queen of Peace School, Mandeville

Our Lady of the Lake, Mandeville

Our Lady of Lourdes, Slidell

St. Margaret Mary, Slidell

St. Peter, Covington

 

HIGH SCHOOLS

Archbishop Hannan, Goodbee

Pope John Paul  II, Slidell

St. Scholastica Academy, Covington

The St. Pauls School, Covington

 

These are the only school closures in the Catholic school system at this time.  Parents are encouraged to stay tuned for any additional announcements through the evening and early tomorrow morning should there be any changes in the weather situation.

]]> Two special events to foster strong Catholic marriages 2010-02-10 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=620  

2010 Diocesan-Wide Supper & Substance:

The 2010 Diocesan-Wide Supper & Substance will take place Friday, February 26th from 7pm to 9:30pm at Schulte Hall - 2901 S. Carrollton Ave. N.O. LA. Please join us for a delicious dinner and an inspiringpresentation by cofounders & directors of the Alexander House, Greg & Julie Alexander.

This event is designed to give married couples from in and around our archdiocese an opportunity to be enlightened and strengthened in their vocation to marriage.  Tickets cost $65 for married couples & $20 for priests & religious. For more information or to make your reservations please call Jason Angelette at (504) 830-3716.

 

Marriage Enrichment Seminar & Workshop

On Saturday February 27th from 9am - 3pm Willwoods Community Faith & Marriage Ministry will host a Seminar & Workshop at Schulte Hall - 2901 S. Carrollton Ave. N.O. LA. The day is designed to educate married couples to the truth of God's plan for marriage and offer the tools needed to strengthen their relationship in Christ.

Presentations will be done by Dr. Christopher Baglow and by Greg & Julie Alexander from the Alexander House.

This event will also give parish leaders and/or those working in marriage ministry the resources and actual programs that they can initiate, with their pastors approval, to provide assistance & enrichment to married couples.

Cost is $15 per person. For more information or for reservations, please call Jason Angelette at (504) 830-3716 or visit us online at www.willwoods.org.

 

The Willwoods Community was established in 1978 by a group of married couples desiring to support the Catholic Church and the community through prayer and service. Since then, Willwoods Community has grown to serve in six different areas, including Faith & Marriage, Prayer & Adoration, Malta Senior Living, Affordable Housing, Fiat Press and WLAE TV.

The Willwoods Community Faith and Marriage Ministry is dedicated to assisting the promotion and enrichment of the Sacramentality of marriage to married couples through various programs. If your parish is interested in free Marriage Enrichment Presentations, parish sponsored Married Couples retreats, or a $150 grant to start or continue Supper & Substance, please contact Jason Angelette at jangelette@willwoods.org.

]]> A prayer for the Super Bowl Bound New Orleans Saints! 2010-02-05 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=611
Today, the New Orleans Saints, with fans toting signs that say "Believe", are heading to the Super Bowl as a symbol of hope and faith in a city that seems to never lose those virtues no matter what is thrown its way.  The team is a symbol of the city's resurrection from Katrina and a symbol of New Orleans unity as one community.

At the inaugural Saints and Sinners Dinner, Archbishop Hannan presented the "Prayer for the Saints", a litany unlike anyone had heard before, but one that has lived on in the memories of those present at the dinner.  Today, the people of New Orleans are blessed to have seen the Saints overcome the Lions and Vikings and many more, and this prayer lives on.

Download a PDF copy of Archbishop Hannan's "Prayer for the Saints" from 1968 here.  Please feel free to use as you see fit.

]]> Catholic Relief Services directing massive aid operation in Haiti; distributing food to hundreds of thousands 2010-02-03 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=617 February 02, 2010, Baltimore, MD

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and its Caritas partners have stepped up relief efforts in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas, delivering food and water to hundreds of thousands and providing medical care to thousands more.

To date, CRS has provided food to more than 100,000 people in Port-au-Prince, many of whom are gathered at the city's largest camp run by CRS. Just days after the earthquake that killed an estimated 200,000 people and left as many as one million people without shelter, CRS turned a Port-au-Prince golf course into one of the first formal camps for the homeless, delivering food, water and hygiene materials to some 40,000 people. CRS is collaborating with the local Church in Haiti and its Catholic Caritas partners, including Caritas Haiti and the Caritas Internationalis confederation.

A CRS team also worked closely with Haitian colleagues to get one of the country's oldest hospitals, St. Francois de Sales in Port-au-Prince, up and running within days of the disaster. Despite being 70-percent destroyed, CRS worked with the hospital administrator to restore the hospital's ability to receive patients, and volunteer medical teams are now performing up to 200 critical operations per week.

As camps are becoming more organized and with the rainy season looming, CRS is also stepping up efforts to build temporary shelter and stem the outbreak of disease that results from a lack of clean water and poor hygiene. CRS began installing large water storage bladders throughout the capital, and construction is underway of latrines and washing stations that will serve thousands of people at various CRS sites, including St. Francois de Sales.

Meanwhile, CRS has seen an overwhelming outpouring of support in response to the crisis in Haiti. "Catholic dioceses, parishes and schools across the country started mobilizing their networks immediately, and have generously, and creatively, supported our work to help the victims in Haiti," said Joan Rosenhauer, CRS Executive Vice President for U.S. Operations. "For that, we are extremely grateful."

To date, CRS has raised more than $38 million for its emergency response. Parishes are reporting generous second collections for Haiti; Catholic colleges and universities responded immediately by setting up special websites; Catholic schools held special masses, prayer services, concerts and fundraisers. "We even heard of one little girl who sold all of her stuffed animals to raise donations. We really appreciate every effort, no matter how small or large," Rosenhauer said.

How to Help:

Donate via phone: 1-877-HELP-CRS

Donate via text: Text RELIEF to 25383 to add $10 to your cell phone bill*

Donate online: www.crs.org

Write a check: Catholic Relief Services

P.O. Box 17090

Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090

Money orders: Make payable to CRS/Haiti

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]]> Totus Tuu Discernment Retreat to be held at end of February 2010-02-03 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=618 A Totus Tuus Discernment Retreat Weekend is being sponsored by the Archdiocesan Vocation Office for men (high school seniors, college age and over) who are interested in taking a closer look at diocesan priesthood.  The retreat will be held February 26-28, 2010 at the Carmelite Spirit Life Center, in Lacombe from Friday evening until Sunday morning.  A staff of diocesan priests and seminarians will host the weekend and Archbishop Aymond will participate.  The retreat is an insiders look at the life of a parish priest, with time for discussion, questions, prayer, reflection and socializing.  There is no charge for the weekend.  For more information/registration, call the Vocation Office at (504) 861-6298 or e-mail vocations@archdiocese-no.org.  ]]> Sunday Mass schedules on Super Bowl Sunday 2010-02-01 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=615 As the City of New Orleans and the metropolitan area continue to bask in the joy of a Black and Gold Super Bowl, many local parishes are making adjustments to their Sunday Mass schedules.  Some parishes throughout the archdiocese are rescheduling their Sunday evening Mass schedule while others are canceling the Mass altogether and encouraging people to attend Mass Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. 

In last week's Pastoral Bulletin that goes out to all parishes and archdiocesan offices, Archbishop Gregory Aymond asked that those parishes that were planning changes, please announce the schedule at all Masses this weekend.  Those who may have missed the announcement are advised to contact their parish or nearby parishes by phone or email to inquire about evening Masses.  You can find a listing of all parishes in the archdiocese by clicking here.

 

]]> The U.S. Catholic Church responds to the Haiti earthquake 2010-02-01 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=616 Haitis Reality

CRS has worked in Haiti for over 50 years. Even before the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake, Haiti was a country in need. The nation is the poorest in the Western Hemisphere with 80 percent of the population falling below the poverty line. Estimates are over 150,000 people were killed and 1.5 million were left homeless.

Latest News from CRS/Caritas Haiti

"It may look to many in the rest of the world that those in need are not receiving any aid, but actually thousands here in Port-au-Prince are getting help," said Karel Zelenka, the CRS country representative in Haiti.  To date, CRS has:

·         Provided food to 113,978 people, and non-food items to 21,736 people, distributing an average of 62 metric tons of food per day.

·         Sent in medical teams that are treating 300 people per day.

·         Supported 2,500 people at Missionaries of Charity centers.

·         For up-to-date information visit www.crs.org or crs-blog.org.

The U.S. Catholic Community Responds

Examples of the enormous compassion and generosity of the U.S. Catholic community:

·         CRS has received $31.8 million in cash donations and commitments.

·         Parishes are reporting extremely generous second collections for Haiti, such as Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, VA, which raised 7 times the normal second collection. Oakland Cathedral in California held a benefit choral concert.

·         Hundreds of Catholic parishes with twinning relationships in Haiti are using social networks to help. St. Brendans in Cumming, GA organized a virtual prayer circle for Haiti.

·         Catholic universities, such as Notre Dame and Catholic University, responded immediately by setting up special websites. Others held special masses, prayer services and concerts. Seattle University students cancelled a previously planned trip to Haiti and are now raising funds.  Basketball teams at Assumption College in Worchester, MA organized a half-time raffle. The Newman Center at Minnesota State University is organizing a benefit Valentines Day dinner. More stories

·         Catholic youth and schools are responding with prayers and fundraisers such as dress down days wearing the Haiti colors of red and blue. Some have contributed money in lieu of lunch snacks or are holding Raise Money Right chocolate fundraisers. Many teachers are using a CRS lesson plan to teach about Haiti.

How You Can Help

Visit:  www.crs.orgfor prayers, resources and information about the Haiti Earthquake. See us on Facebook.

Call:   877-Help-CRS (877-435-7277) or Text RELIEF to 25383 to donate $10 on your phone bill.

Mail:  Catholic Relief Services, Attn: Haiti Earthquake, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090

Advocate:  Join the Catholics Confront Global Poverty legislative network to advocate for issues including international assistance reform, relieving Haitis debt, and help for Haitian refugees.

Please share this with other Catholics interested in responding to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.

 

 

]]> Pastoral Bulletin for 1-27-10 2010-01-28 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=614  

Click here to download the latest Pastoral Bulletin

]]> CRS Volunteers orchestrate help for Haiti earthquake survivors 2010-01-26 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=612 By Sara A. Fajardo

A symphony of clunks, clangs, and taps resonates in the Catholic Relief Services Dominican warehouse as dozens of volunteers drop crackers, sardines, canned beans, juice boxes, and other food items into endless rows of white plastic buckets. In the dimly lit but overflowing structure, Haitian University students work side-by-side with local youth groups, former street children, and CRS and Caritas staff to prepare much needed food and hygiene kits for survivors of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that wracked the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince.

Working long hours in sweltering conditions, some volunteers carry extra shirts to wipe their sweat-stained faces. Others sport back braces to support them in the fill-close-lift-and-toss-on-trucks workout that has become their routine. In the first weekend alone, enough food buckets to feed more than 5,000 people and another 500 hygiene kits were prepared and shipped out.

The response that CRS Dominican Republic and our partner Caritas Dominicana have seen since the earthquake struck has been tremendous, the waves of volunteers have not ebbed and staff members are stepping up to make sure that the caravan of aid is uninterrupted. Working 15-18 hour days, people like Eric Gómez, who usually heads a CRS program to help stop child labor, have scoured stores and taken over the logistics of keeping the warehouse stocked with supplies. Life will never be the same, Eric says of the impact the earthquake has had on her. It makes you value what youve been given.

Trucks carrying in supplies and trucking out prepared food and hygiene buckets arrive and depart the warehouse in equal measure. With a conductors efficiency of movement, the volunteers fill rows of buckets, stack water bottles, and sort food cans. When the time comes to load outgoing trucks, they form a human chain and lob the plastic pails from hand-to-hand while counting off how many have been loaded, 345 they chant, 346, 347. . . .

A week into their efforts the volunteers continue to pour in and the rhythmic symphony of relief efforts has yet to skip a beat.

Its something we all need to do, says Edual, 17, who came from the neighboring city of Boca Chica to help, We dont just share a border with Haiti, we share an island, and I hope that all people unite to help them.

As long as there is a need the CRS and Caritas Domincana team will continue to work and dispatch trucks of relief supplies to their western neighbors.

Sara A. Fajardo is a CRS communications officer and photojournalist reporting from the Dominican Republic

 

]]> Catholic Relief Services and CCANO update on Haiti relief work 2010-01-26 http://www.arch-no.org/News.php?mode=read&id=613                                                            

To date, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has developed a strategy to serve 235, 000 people in several sites across Port au Prince. As the resources slowly come in, CRS is coordinating efforts to serve an additional 200,000 people.

 

CRS Updates from on the ground in Haiti:

Distribution sites have been established to provide hygiene kits, food and water to victims of the earthquake CRS has been named the lead agency for disaster response and development at St. Francois de le Sales Hospital and the hospital at Leogane, Haiti where they have been providing much needed clinical support and supplies. Several sites have been identified in Port Au Prince where patients can receive primary care and referral of serious cases to the above named hospitals.

 

Locally, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) is responding to the needs of the Haitian Community on several fronts:

·         Our Hispanic Apostolate Community Services and Immigration and Refugee Services are continuing to provide Temporary Protection Status (TPS) application assistance to the local Haitian Community.

o   For the next 6 months we will provide immigration legal services to local Haitian immigrants interested in applying for TPS.  The filing period for the application is 6 months. 

o   We are receiving increasing requests for assistance to complete the TPS applications.  As such, individual appointments and group sessions are currently being coordinated.

o   A dedicated phone line (504-310-6933) has been established to receive calls from the Haitian community.  The person responsible for this phone line is fluent in Creole, French, and English.   

·         Our Adoption Services office has been receiving numerous calls from families wanting to foster / sponsor / adopt Haitian children.  We can recognize that this is certainly a heart-warming reflection of our community's desire to help children in need. As such, we are preparing and planning for this possibility.

o   We are working with Senator Landrieus office on the passing of legislation to allow thousands of orphans into the United States.

o   As this situation evolves, we are closely monitoring updates and sending this information to those in the community interested in the adoption process.

·         We are continuing to do outreach in the local Haitian community, providing pastoral care and emotional support, lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, and referral to other community partners as needed.

 

CRS still needs our help. Monetary donations can be given to CRS through the website (www.crs.org), by calling 1-877-HELP-CRS, or by texting RELIEF to 30644 and following the instructions.  Please continue to pray with us for the victims of this earthquake and all those affected by this terrible disaster.

 

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