Tonight I'm relaxing after another busy day at the office; fulfilling yet busy. I had to take a ride this afternoon to the Southshore and witnessed some of the flavor of the New Orleans Saints fever sweeping the whole region. We are continuing to soak in all the excitement of these amazing days where we are preparing to witness the Saints in the SuperBowl. Even our bank office is decorated with all things Saints! And the clients love it! I can never fully explain what this football team and this magical season have meant to the psyche of a people; of an entire community. Geaux Saints.
I recently had a pretty deep, and sincere, conversation about all the Catholic Churches that are canceling or rescheduling evening Mass on Sunday because of the phenomena of the Saints in the Super Bowl. The concern goes something like this; are we placing the Super Bowl ahead of God or does the Saints in the big game mean more than the holy sacrifice of the Mass? Good questions. Of course, the answer is we all indeed understand priorities and would never diminish praising God. Here is the deal. None of the parishes that are adjusting the schedule have a Sunday evening Mass only. Parishes are working with their neighbor parishes and insuring ample opportunity to celebrate Mass on Super Bowl weekend. Masses are being added on Saturday evening, Sunday morning and late afternoon masses are replacing Sunday night. Pastoral concerns call for the Mass to be available to the largest number of folks possible and do nothing to encourage skipping Mass all together. During the NFC championship two weeks ago, we had 40 people for Mass when 200 or more is the norm. And don't worry, the Archdiocese has blessed the plan as we Catholics even understand the miracle that is the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl.
Now, on an all-together different subject; more sad news coming from the island-nation of Haiti. Today, officials declared that the death toll has officially surpassed the 200,000 mark. The pain & agony is still real and raw. Aid continues to pour in yet reports still claim that much of the aid does not get to those most adversly affected. Please continue to pray for and donate to the people of Haiti.
Mardi Gras is also upon us in south Louisiana and Friday night begins a week and a half of non-stop parades and other Carnival activity. Over here on the Northshore we have a big night parade Friday in Mandeville, the quirky Push-mow parade in Abita Springs Saturday morning and another night parade in Covington on Saturday. Just remember, this is the prelude to Lent.
Saturday brings the election for a new mayor, city council and other offices in the City of New Orleans. Because of the excitement of the Saints and Mardi Gras too, it's been a big yawner. After enduring some sloppy leadership post Katrina my concern is that New Orleans will do little to change the political dynamic that continually prevents New Orleans from maximizing it's full potential. And if you can believe early polls, it looks like more of a political coronation of the son of a good ole boy political family dynasty; Louisiana's version of the Kennedy's.
In my profile, I explain that I love all things LSU. The fact that the Tigers have won two national football championships and one national baseball championship in the past 6-7 years helps. But what is the deal with LSU men's basketball. They stink. The roundball Tigers are losing like crazy and have yet to win a SEC game. C'mon LSU; is not your program capable of producing something we can be proud of?
Well, I said these are random thoughts. So let's just end with a sincere Who Dat and Geaux Saints!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
St. Blaise and blessing throats
In our neck of the woods (no pun intended) Catholics look forward to the annual opportunity to have their throats blessed on the Feast of St. Blaise. That opportunity was today. A larger than normal turnout out daily Mass, plus an additional evening Mass for another 45-50 folks confirms this.
Who is St. Blaise and what is the deal with blessing throats on his feastday.
All that is truly known about St. Blaise is that he was a Bishop in Armenia and was martyred in 316 a.d.
Tradition says he was born to sa wealthy family and made Bishop at a young age. He fled to a life of seclusion during a Christian persecution and was captured by a hunter who claimed he observed St. Blaise curing sick and wounded animals.
It has been reported that he once healed a dying boy who was choking to death on fish bone lodged in his throat. From this report comes the long held custom of the blessing of throats on February 3rd.
The Bishop was tortured unmercifully before being beheaded.
So the blessing is imparted to the individual while the Priest or Deacon holds two blessed candles in his left hand to their throat and says:
By the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and every other disease, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
So that's the story of St. Blaise and the blessing of throats.
Who is St. Blaise and what is the deal with blessing throats on his feastday.
All that is truly known about St. Blaise is that he was a Bishop in Armenia and was martyred in 316 a.d.
Tradition says he was born to sa wealthy family and made Bishop at a young age. He fled to a life of seclusion during a Christian persecution and was captured by a hunter who claimed he observed St. Blaise curing sick and wounded animals.
It has been reported that he once healed a dying boy who was choking to death on fish bone lodged in his throat. From this report comes the long held custom of the blessing of throats on February 3rd.
The Bishop was tortured unmercifully before being beheaded.
So the blessing is imparted to the individual while the Priest or Deacon holds two blessed candles in his left hand to their throat and says:
By the intercession of St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and every other disease, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
So that's the story of St. Blaise and the blessing of throats.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Presentation of the Lord
February 2nd is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord; that day when Mary and Joseph took the recently circumsized baby Jesus to the Temple to be presented to the Lord. Mary and Joseph were obedient and fulfilled the letter and the spirit of the Jewish law. At the Temple, the Holy Family encountered two religious and devout folks; Simeon and Anna.
Simeon knew that he would not personally experience death until his own eyes saw the Messiah. As soon as he took the babe in his arms he knew and proclaimed the great canticle which is recited at every night prayer. He proclaims: "Now, Master you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."
And then we read of Anna, advanced in years who also gave thanks to God for seeing the Messiah. And she spoke of Jesus to all who were awaiting redemption of Jerusalem.
Simeon and Anna could be you and me in this current day. As Jesus is presented to us how do we respond? Jesus is presented to us in the Eucharist and the Word, the Sacraments, the Church and in our brothers and sisters. How do we respond? Do we rejoice in prayer; do we speak of Him to all we meet; do we serve those who need our help and do we give thanks to God?
These are reflections we can carry with us in the week ahead as we reflect on the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Maybe this would be a good week to pray the rosary; both the Joyful Mysteries and the 7 Sorrows Rosary reflect on the Presentation.
Simeon knew that he would not personally experience death until his own eyes saw the Messiah. As soon as he took the babe in his arms he knew and proclaimed the great canticle which is recited at every night prayer. He proclaims: "Now, Master you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."
And then we read of Anna, advanced in years who also gave thanks to God for seeing the Messiah. And she spoke of Jesus to all who were awaiting redemption of Jerusalem.
Simeon and Anna could be you and me in this current day. As Jesus is presented to us how do we respond? Jesus is presented to us in the Eucharist and the Word, the Sacraments, the Church and in our brothers and sisters. How do we respond? Do we rejoice in prayer; do we speak of Him to all we meet; do we serve those who need our help and do we give thanks to God?
These are reflections we can carry with us in the week ahead as we reflect on the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Maybe this would be a good week to pray the rosary; both the Joyful Mysteries and the 7 Sorrows Rosary reflect on the Presentation.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Catholic Relief Services Update on Haiti
Haiti Earthquake
The U.S. Catholic Church Responds
Special Report *
Haiti’s 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. Brendan’s 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 Valentine’s 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.org for 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 Haiti’s debt, and help for Haitian refugees.
Please share this with other Catholics interested in responding to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.
*Special Report #2, rev 2-1-10 cl/SE
The U.S. Catholic Church Responds
Special Report *
Haiti’s 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. Brendan’s 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 Valentine’s 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.org for 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 Haiti’s debt, and help for Haitian refugees.
Please share this with other Catholics interested in responding to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.
*Special Report #2, rev 2-1-10 cl/SE
Looking forward to February
Where the heck did January go? Here we are in the 2nd month of the New Year and we look forward to a great month. Why? Well, let me get it out of the way. It's February 1st and we are all waiting to watch the New Orleans Saints play in the Super Bowl. Here is a sentence I could never construct before: Saints in Super Bowl. Yet it is true. This coming Sunday, all of us from southeast Louisiana will watch with great anticipation, some emotion and sheer joy at seeing our Saints in the Super Bowl. We are all awash in preparing for the game; Saints gear is flying off the shelves, workers are being allowed to wear Saints jerseys to work, some schools are closing next Monday, restaraunts and other businesses are closing on Sunday and Church services, including plenty of Masses are being rescheduled (pastoral reasons!).
I know many of you will never understand the relationship we, as a community, have with the Saints. But we are excited and so looking forward to Sunday. Geaux Saints!
For us too we are in the earliest stages of Mardi Gras. Parades will be rolling in earnest this weekend and will continue until Mardi Gras Day on February 16th. Now I don't do Mardi Gras anymore but it is an amazing cultural tradition that makes New Orleans and the surrounding area so unique.
If Mardi Gras is the 16th then the penitential season of Lent begins the next day, Ash Wednesday, February 17th. The Lenten season gives all of us that time to reflect, repent, pray and fast as we look forward to Easter hope. The great Catholic traditions of ashes, Stations of the Cross, the liturgical color of purple and abstaining from meat is soon to be upon us. For my local Knights of Columbus Council this includes our Lenten fish fries.
February also is the start of LSU baseball and this year the Tigers will be defending their national championship. For a die hard LSU fan, Tiger baseball is about all we have had to cheer for lately. Geaux Tigers.
Yes, friends, I will be knee deep in ministry. February marks my 14th month serving God and his people as a Permanent Deacon. I look forward to the many and various opportunities God places in my path to be a servant.
And finally, come this Saturday this humble blog will celebrate it's one year anniversary. Thanks for your support as this blog continues to grow.
Welcome to February; make the most of it and walk with God every day.
I know many of you will never understand the relationship we, as a community, have with the Saints. But we are excited and so looking forward to Sunday. Geaux Saints!
For us too we are in the earliest stages of Mardi Gras. Parades will be rolling in earnest this weekend and will continue until Mardi Gras Day on February 16th. Now I don't do Mardi Gras anymore but it is an amazing cultural tradition that makes New Orleans and the surrounding area so unique.
If Mardi Gras is the 16th then the penitential season of Lent begins the next day, Ash Wednesday, February 17th. The Lenten season gives all of us that time to reflect, repent, pray and fast as we look forward to Easter hope. The great Catholic traditions of ashes, Stations of the Cross, the liturgical color of purple and abstaining from meat is soon to be upon us. For my local Knights of Columbus Council this includes our Lenten fish fries.
February also is the start of LSU baseball and this year the Tigers will be defending their national championship. For a die hard LSU fan, Tiger baseball is about all we have had to cheer for lately. Geaux Tigers.
Yes, friends, I will be knee deep in ministry. February marks my 14th month serving God and his people as a Permanent Deacon. I look forward to the many and various opportunities God places in my path to be a servant.
And finally, come this Saturday this humble blog will celebrate it's one year anniversary. Thanks for your support as this blog continues to grow.
Welcome to February; make the most of it and walk with God every day.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Praying FOR the Saints
Fr. Tony Ricard is one of our New Orleans Arcdiocesan Priests and the chaplain on the New Orleans Saints. He composed the following prayer for the Saints in this wonderful year:
Good and gracious God,
just as the nation of Israel stood on the banks of the river Jordan, we the Who Dat Nation now stand on the banks of the Mississippi, filled with joyful anticipation. We stand on these banks looking back from whence we came. Although we do not share a history of slavery in Egypt, we do share a common history of pain and heartache.
We remember the National Football League Season of 1980 and our downtrodden days of 1-and-15. We repent for our shameful past of wearing bags on our heads, forgetting that you were on our side. We recall the days when instead of looking forward to the playoffs, we could only look at each other and tearfully say, "Wait 'til next year."
Indeed, we have been through a long journey through the desert of athletic despair. But as we stand on these banks today, we know that our days in the desert are over.
Just like the Hebrew children, our 40 years of wandering in the desert have come to an end. With eyes of faith, we can see the promised land! We can taste the Super Bowl! And, yes Lord, we believe.
Lord, it is our time to claim the blessings that you promised our ancestors. In the name of Hap Glaudi, Jim Finks and Buddy Diliberto we now claim our rightful place among the elite teams in the NFL.
Through the prayers and guidance of our elders Tom and Gayle Benson, and the leadership of Rita Benson LeBlanc, we have become the strong nation that you, our God, have always intended us to be.
We, the Who Dat Nation, are ready to do what was often considered impossible. We are ready to march around the city of New Orleans, as Joshua marched around Jericho. We are ready to band together in a spirited dance, as David did in Jerusalem. We are ready to walk together united, as the Israelites walked across the dry bed of the river Jordan. But, we need you to hold back the waters of doubt, just as you held back the waters of the Jordan.
Endowed with Your amazing grace, we formally begin our march to the Super Bowl!
With the faith of our ancestors, we call down the power of God to strengthen our players and coaches.
With the courage of our elders, we call down the protection of the angels to guard them from major injuries.
With four decades of hope, we call down the presence of the heavenly saints to lead the New Orleans Saints onto the battlefield of the gridiron.
We thank you for giving us a taste of what is to come. But, now we are ready for the banquet. We have proven ourselves worthy of your grace.Now, through your providence, may we, the Who Dat Nation, finally reach the Promised Land.
Amen!
The Rev. R. Tony Ricard
Pastor, Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish
Good and gracious God,
just as the nation of Israel stood on the banks of the river Jordan, we the Who Dat Nation now stand on the banks of the Mississippi, filled with joyful anticipation. We stand on these banks looking back from whence we came. Although we do not share a history of slavery in Egypt, we do share a common history of pain and heartache.
We remember the National Football League Season of 1980 and our downtrodden days of 1-and-15. We repent for our shameful past of wearing bags on our heads, forgetting that you were on our side. We recall the days when instead of looking forward to the playoffs, we could only look at each other and tearfully say, "Wait 'til next year."
Indeed, we have been through a long journey through the desert of athletic despair. But as we stand on these banks today, we know that our days in the desert are over.
Just like the Hebrew children, our 40 years of wandering in the desert have come to an end. With eyes of faith, we can see the promised land! We can taste the Super Bowl! And, yes Lord, we believe.
Lord, it is our time to claim the blessings that you promised our ancestors. In the name of Hap Glaudi, Jim Finks and Buddy Diliberto we now claim our rightful place among the elite teams in the NFL.
Through the prayers and guidance of our elders Tom and Gayle Benson, and the leadership of Rita Benson LeBlanc, we have become the strong nation that you, our God, have always intended us to be.
We, the Who Dat Nation, are ready to do what was often considered impossible. We are ready to march around the city of New Orleans, as Joshua marched around Jericho. We are ready to band together in a spirited dance, as David did in Jerusalem. We are ready to walk together united, as the Israelites walked across the dry bed of the river Jordan. But, we need you to hold back the waters of doubt, just as you held back the waters of the Jordan.
Endowed with Your amazing grace, we formally begin our march to the Super Bowl!
With the faith of our ancestors, we call down the power of God to strengthen our players and coaches.
With the courage of our elders, we call down the protection of the angels to guard them from major injuries.
With four decades of hope, we call down the presence of the heavenly saints to lead the New Orleans Saints onto the battlefield of the gridiron.
We thank you for giving us a taste of what is to come. But, now we are ready for the banquet. We have proven ourselves worthy of your grace.Now, through your providence, may we, the Who Dat Nation, finally reach the Promised Land.
Amen!
The Rev. R. Tony Ricard
Pastor, Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish
The Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of New Orleans
The Permanent Diaconate of the Archdiocese of New Orleans is looking for a few good men. Sometime this spring an inquiry session will begin for those men who may feel a calling to the diaconate or perhaps have been encouraged to give the diaconate a look by a pastor or ministry leader in the local parish. Ultimately, in the end, a man is ordained a Deacon by the will of God after a long period of formation. The process always starts with an inquiry. Those who participate in this year's inquiry and make application to formation will form the class of 2014.
Our Archdiocese has been very active in forming and ordaining men to the Permanent Diaconate. A class of about 18 men were ordained in the spring of 2006. These servants endured not only the rigors of formation but the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Their actual ordination was postponed 6 months while the Archdiocese struggled to get back on her feet. In 2008 we witnessed the ordination of 23 new Deacons, a class that included yours truly. We too were greatly impacted by Katrina as we discontinued formal formation activities for an entire year. We all were involved in various recovery efforts around our parishes and for some, they were busy rebuilding their lives. In 2010, just 10 months from now, we will ordain a class of 10. And a class that began just a year ago with 20 is scheduled for ordination in 2012.
With so many ordinations in the last few years why begin a new inquiry group? The reason is simple: the need is great.
The Permanent Deacon is an ordained ministry distinct from that of the Priest. Permanent deacons are ordained to be ministers of charity and service. While it is true that Deacons are seen in ministries that Priests used to be more visibly involved, the need for more Deacons is not simply a response to any shortage of Priests. Permanent Deacons are fulfilling the three-fold hierarchy of orders that can be traced to Scripture: Bishop - Priest - Deacon.
In New Orleans the Permanent Diaconate ordained it's first class in 1974. From these humble beginnings we currently have 153 men serving the Archdiocese. Currently, 75 parishes in our Archdiocese are served by a Permanent Deacon. In addition to parish ministry, Permanent Deacons in this Archdiocese serve in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, prisons, youth rehabilitation centers, Stella Maris ministry for seamen at the port of New Orleans, chaplains at high schools, members of the Archdiocesan tribunal, work with the homeless, run alcohol and drug rehab centers and more. They serve as chaplains for the FBI, several sheriff and police departments and other secular associations. Permanent Deacons are often found during the week preparing couples for marriage, parents for the baptism of their baby, counseling those in grief, working on someone's annulment, conducting prayer services and retreats.
The need for an ordained presence in the ministry of service is great. Of the 153 Permanent Deacons in New Orleans only 1 is under the age of 50 and only 18 are under the age of 60. Almost half of our Deacons, 75 to be exact, are in the age group between 65-75. There are currently 37 dedicated servants continuing their ministry beyond the standard retirement age of 75.
Permanent Deacons must learn to carry out their ordained ministry while continuing to balance family concerns as well as careers. Sometimes, job responsibilities or family commitments may cause conflicts with diaconal assignments. In some cases, the Deacon may need a leave of absence or is transferred by the employer. Deacons, like anyone else, get sick and some may die before the age of 75. And then you have those life changing events like Hurricane Katrina that dislocated many Deacons, the number of which still sits at 27 today.
If you, or if you know someone, are interested in the upcoming inquiry process please contact your pastor or the Permanent Deacon at your parish. If there even is the slighest possibility that God is calling you to ordained ministry, come and see.
Even in this Year for Priests, even when we are all called to pray for and support vocations to the Priesthood, the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of New Orleans is striving to fulfill our vocational call. You just may be an important part of that plan.
More details to follow.
Our Archdiocese has been very active in forming and ordaining men to the Permanent Diaconate. A class of about 18 men were ordained in the spring of 2006. These servants endured not only the rigors of formation but the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Their actual ordination was postponed 6 months while the Archdiocese struggled to get back on her feet. In 2008 we witnessed the ordination of 23 new Deacons, a class that included yours truly. We too were greatly impacted by Katrina as we discontinued formal formation activities for an entire year. We all were involved in various recovery efforts around our parishes and for some, they were busy rebuilding their lives. In 2010, just 10 months from now, we will ordain a class of 10. And a class that began just a year ago with 20 is scheduled for ordination in 2012.
With so many ordinations in the last few years why begin a new inquiry group? The reason is simple: the need is great.
The Permanent Deacon is an ordained ministry distinct from that of the Priest. Permanent deacons are ordained to be ministers of charity and service. While it is true that Deacons are seen in ministries that Priests used to be more visibly involved, the need for more Deacons is not simply a response to any shortage of Priests. Permanent Deacons are fulfilling the three-fold hierarchy of orders that can be traced to Scripture: Bishop - Priest - Deacon.
In New Orleans the Permanent Diaconate ordained it's first class in 1974. From these humble beginnings we currently have 153 men serving the Archdiocese. Currently, 75 parishes in our Archdiocese are served by a Permanent Deacon. In addition to parish ministry, Permanent Deacons in this Archdiocese serve in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, prisons, youth rehabilitation centers, Stella Maris ministry for seamen at the port of New Orleans, chaplains at high schools, members of the Archdiocesan tribunal, work with the homeless, run alcohol and drug rehab centers and more. They serve as chaplains for the FBI, several sheriff and police departments and other secular associations. Permanent Deacons are often found during the week preparing couples for marriage, parents for the baptism of their baby, counseling those in grief, working on someone's annulment, conducting prayer services and retreats.
The need for an ordained presence in the ministry of service is great. Of the 153 Permanent Deacons in New Orleans only 1 is under the age of 50 and only 18 are under the age of 60. Almost half of our Deacons, 75 to be exact, are in the age group between 65-75. There are currently 37 dedicated servants continuing their ministry beyond the standard retirement age of 75.
Permanent Deacons must learn to carry out their ordained ministry while continuing to balance family concerns as well as careers. Sometimes, job responsibilities or family commitments may cause conflicts with diaconal assignments. In some cases, the Deacon may need a leave of absence or is transferred by the employer. Deacons, like anyone else, get sick and some may die before the age of 75. And then you have those life changing events like Hurricane Katrina that dislocated many Deacons, the number of which still sits at 27 today.
If you, or if you know someone, are interested in the upcoming inquiry process please contact your pastor or the Permanent Deacon at your parish. If there even is the slighest possibility that God is calling you to ordained ministry, come and see.
Even in this Year for Priests, even when we are all called to pray for and support vocations to the Priesthood, the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of New Orleans is striving to fulfill our vocational call. You just may be an important part of that plan.
More details to follow.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Homily for 4th Sunday/Ordinary Time/January 31, 2010
All you need is love; love is all you need!
Recognize the lyrics from that Beatles classic? All we really need is love.
Who do we love? What do we love? Do we catch ourselves using the word love for almost everything?
The same word we use to express our love to our spouse, our children, our grandchildren and our dear friends we use when talking about many things.
Here is a list of things I know that I have said I love:
The Saints (geaux Saints), sports, politics, all things LSU, food, ice cream, riding my tractor, traveling, the fall, cool weather, a good book, the mountains, writing, watching old shows on TV Land, a great movie, old songs from the 70’s, the Deadliest Catch, Abita Springs. Get the point?
I love my ministry, especially here at St. Jane’s, baptizing babies, helping a couple and ministering at the prison.
What do you love? How would your list look if I asked you to list anything you have said you love?
As people of faith, do we truly love? Do we know what love is and what it is not?
St. Paul has done just that for us in today’s second reading. His letter to the people of Corinth, written around the year 56, just 23 years after the Resurrection, was a response to deep divisions among the Christian faithful of that community. He tells what love is: patient, kind, it rejoices with the truth, it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. And St. Paul tells us what love is not: it is not jealous, pompous, inflated, rude, it is not seeking self interest, quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing. And then he concludes with that beautiful 3 word sentence: Love never fails!
St. Paul knew that the Corinthians needed to hear this message of love to heal the wounds of sin and division, to reestablish a Christian sense of community and to focus their prayer and worship on God. Today, this beautiful reading has become a center piece at many Catholic weddings. It’s a good fit. It’s a beautiful message for the bride and groom to hear. It’s equally important for the greater community to hear as well.
If St. Paul was writing a letter to the community in Abita Springs, would he have to instruct us on love? Would he believe that all of us have made a strong commitment to love?
Do we love the difficult to love? Can we say we love the angry or disinterested spouse, the parent who we believe is too mean, a disobedient child, a boss who places unreasonable demands and expectations on us? And who have we decided is unlovable? Can we love the homeless, the marginalized, the families that stand in line at the food bank, those on welfare, the immigrant, the convicted felon (I know something about this), our national enemies, the separated black sheep of the family, people of different faiths, nationalities or race?
Perhaps we should understand that in the Christian tradition, influenced by the Greek language, love is expressed in different words, three of which I want to explore: eros, philia and agape. Eros is the “I’m in love” kind of love. It’s romantic love. It’s love heavily dependent on feelings. Eros can be fickle, as it requires feelings, emotions and circumstances to be in harmony. Philia we should recognize as the root for Philadelphia. In our country we refer to Philadelphia as the city of brotherly love. Philia is the love of friendship, fellowship, our fellow man. We too can say that sometimes, friendships are subject to feelings, emotions and circumstances. But St. Paul’s exhortation on love is agape love. Agape is love freely given with no expectation, none whatsoever, of anything being given in return. Agape says my love is for you and I expect nothing. Agape love is two arms outstretched on the cross, for you and me, to share eternal life with God in Heaven. Agape love is God sending Jesus in the first place, remember John 3:16. Agape love is Jesus’ command to love our enemies; love them and do not persecute them; Luke 6:35. Agape love is the love that sends us to the poor boxes or to the people of Haiti; it is the love of God within that allows me to take care of the brother in need; 1 John 3:17.
This love; agape love, is why we support the benefit dinner today in St. Joseph Hall, for a family so totally in need of our love today. This love is why we continue to give from our heart to the people of Haiti. This love is why I and others who assist me go to the prison as others go to hospitals and nursing homes as well.
In addition to supporting the benefit today, show your agape this week by reflecting on your love for those you easily love and those you find difficult to love. Love an enemy this week; may I suggest the Indianapolis Colts as an example!
Spend some time this week in reading John’s Gospel, called by many the Gospel of love or John’s 1st letter, especially verse 4:8 where we read, Deus Caritas Est: God is Love. Reread this passage in the week ahead. And when you do, see if you can change the word “love” to your name. (Mike is patient, Mike is kind…).
The Beatles were right; all you need is love; eros, philia and agape.
Agape love: loving unconditionally expecting nothing in return.
I love it!!!
Recognize the lyrics from that Beatles classic? All we really need is love.
Who do we love? What do we love? Do we catch ourselves using the word love for almost everything?
The same word we use to express our love to our spouse, our children, our grandchildren and our dear friends we use when talking about many things.
Here is a list of things I know that I have said I love:
The Saints (geaux Saints), sports, politics, all things LSU, food, ice cream, riding my tractor, traveling, the fall, cool weather, a good book, the mountains, writing, watching old shows on TV Land, a great movie, old songs from the 70’s, the Deadliest Catch, Abita Springs. Get the point?
I love my ministry, especially here at St. Jane’s, baptizing babies, helping a couple and ministering at the prison.
What do you love? How would your list look if I asked you to list anything you have said you love?
As people of faith, do we truly love? Do we know what love is and what it is not?
St. Paul has done just that for us in today’s second reading. His letter to the people of Corinth, written around the year 56, just 23 years after the Resurrection, was a response to deep divisions among the Christian faithful of that community. He tells what love is: patient, kind, it rejoices with the truth, it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. And St. Paul tells us what love is not: it is not jealous, pompous, inflated, rude, it is not seeking self interest, quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing. And then he concludes with that beautiful 3 word sentence: Love never fails!
St. Paul knew that the Corinthians needed to hear this message of love to heal the wounds of sin and division, to reestablish a Christian sense of community and to focus their prayer and worship on God. Today, this beautiful reading has become a center piece at many Catholic weddings. It’s a good fit. It’s a beautiful message for the bride and groom to hear. It’s equally important for the greater community to hear as well.
If St. Paul was writing a letter to the community in Abita Springs, would he have to instruct us on love? Would he believe that all of us have made a strong commitment to love?
Do we love the difficult to love? Can we say we love the angry or disinterested spouse, the parent who we believe is too mean, a disobedient child, a boss who places unreasonable demands and expectations on us? And who have we decided is unlovable? Can we love the homeless, the marginalized, the families that stand in line at the food bank, those on welfare, the immigrant, the convicted felon (I know something about this), our national enemies, the separated black sheep of the family, people of different faiths, nationalities or race?
Perhaps we should understand that in the Christian tradition, influenced by the Greek language, love is expressed in different words, three of which I want to explore: eros, philia and agape. Eros is the “I’m in love” kind of love. It’s romantic love. It’s love heavily dependent on feelings. Eros can be fickle, as it requires feelings, emotions and circumstances to be in harmony. Philia we should recognize as the root for Philadelphia. In our country we refer to Philadelphia as the city of brotherly love. Philia is the love of friendship, fellowship, our fellow man. We too can say that sometimes, friendships are subject to feelings, emotions and circumstances. But St. Paul’s exhortation on love is agape love. Agape is love freely given with no expectation, none whatsoever, of anything being given in return. Agape says my love is for you and I expect nothing. Agape love is two arms outstretched on the cross, for you and me, to share eternal life with God in Heaven. Agape love is God sending Jesus in the first place, remember John 3:16. Agape love is Jesus’ command to love our enemies; love them and do not persecute them; Luke 6:35. Agape love is the love that sends us to the poor boxes or to the people of Haiti; it is the love of God within that allows me to take care of the brother in need; 1 John 3:17.
This love; agape love, is why we support the benefit dinner today in St. Joseph Hall, for a family so totally in need of our love today. This love is why we continue to give from our heart to the people of Haiti. This love is why I and others who assist me go to the prison as others go to hospitals and nursing homes as well.
In addition to supporting the benefit today, show your agape this week by reflecting on your love for those you easily love and those you find difficult to love. Love an enemy this week; may I suggest the Indianapolis Colts as an example!
Spend some time this week in reading John’s Gospel, called by many the Gospel of love or John’s 1st letter, especially verse 4:8 where we read, Deus Caritas Est: God is Love. Reread this passage in the week ahead. And when you do, see if you can change the word “love” to your name. (Mike is patient, Mike is kind…).
The Beatles were right; all you need is love; eros, philia and agape.
Agape love: loving unconditionally expecting nothing in return.
I love it!!!
St. John Bosco
I first heard the name of this Saint when I became a student at Archbishop Shaw High School. This all male high school was, and still is, run by the Salesians of St. John Bosco. Other than his odd sounding name, I knew little of St. John Bosco.
My personal journey in the Salesian tradition comes full circle as I moved to Abita Springs and became a parishioner at St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church. St. Jane's personal spiritual adviser was none other than St. Francis de Sales, whom Bosco named his religious order for. In fact, new stain glass windows are being prepared for installation at our beautiful church, one of which will be dedicated to St. John Bosco.
Bosco was ordained a Priest in the first half of the 19th century and soon became a chaplain for an all boys refuge. By 1856 he was in charge of over 150 boys with another 500 being cared for by other priests. Bosco was well regarded for his care of the boys and encouraged them in educational pursuits and religious studies. He paid for the care of the boys by preaching, writing books and soliciting donations.
He soon founded the Salesians, the Society of St. Francis de Sales, which received approval from Pope Pius IX in 1859. St. John Bosco also founded the Daughters of Our Lady, Help of Christians, to care for poor and neglected girls.
St. John Bosco died in 1888 and was canonized on January 31, 1934.
To this day, the Salesians have a strong presence in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
St. John Bosco, pray for us.
My personal journey in the Salesian tradition comes full circle as I moved to Abita Springs and became a parishioner at St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Church. St. Jane's personal spiritual adviser was none other than St. Francis de Sales, whom Bosco named his religious order for. In fact, new stain glass windows are being prepared for installation at our beautiful church, one of which will be dedicated to St. John Bosco.
Bosco was ordained a Priest in the first half of the 19th century and soon became a chaplain for an all boys refuge. By 1856 he was in charge of over 150 boys with another 500 being cared for by other priests. Bosco was well regarded for his care of the boys and encouraged them in educational pursuits and religious studies. He paid for the care of the boys by preaching, writing books and soliciting donations.
He soon founded the Salesians, the Society of St. Francis de Sales, which received approval from Pope Pius IX in 1859. St. John Bosco also founded the Daughters of Our Lady, Help of Christians, to care for poor and neglected girls.
St. John Bosco died in 1888 and was canonized on January 31, 1934.
To this day, the Salesians have a strong presence in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.
St. John Bosco, pray for us.
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