Common Currents THE. September 23, 2018 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Transcription

1 Common Currents THE Serving the Roman Catholic Community Along the Amite River in Southern Livingston Parish September 23, 2018 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time CLUSTER SUPPORT STAFF Carmela Pulliam... Bulletin/Website Bill Abbott... Bookkeeping Laura Wutke... Secretary / Bookkeeping Dana Vicknair / Duane Lee... Financial Overview Randy Millet / Joe Ganaway / Jason Cates... Maintenance Lynda Dupuy... Housekeeping Angela Cavalier... Church Custodian Jinx Berthelot / Kim Bourgeois... Elem. Religious Education Dana Vicknair... HS Religious Education Adrienne Halphen... RCIA Coordinator Glen Forbes / Colby Chabaud... Music Coordinators Kade Guitreau... Music Ministry Selena Guitreau... Youth Ministry Office / Darci Delatte... Child Protection Denise Aydell / Patsy Brignac... SJ Sacristans Buck Fontenot / Mary Louise Leader... SS Sacristans OFFICE HOURS MondayThursday...8:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Friday...8:00 a.m.12 Noon ST. JOSEPH CHURCH LA Highway 16 French Settlement, LA Fax: stjosephfs@eatel.net ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR CHURCH LA Highway 22 Maurepas, LA Fax: saintstephen@eatel.net stjosephststephen.weconnect.com MINISTERIAL TEAM Rev. Jason Palermo... Pastor Deacon James Little... Pastoral Associate Deacon Leon Murphy... Pastoral Associate MASS SCHEDULE Saturday... 4:00 p.m. (St. Stephen) Saturday... 5:30 p.m. (St. Joseph) Sunday... 9:00 a.m. (St. Joseph) Sunday... 10:45 a.m. (St. Stephen) Monday...8:00 a.m. (St. Stephen) Tuesday... 6:00 p.m. (St. Stephen) Wednesday... 8:00 a.m. (St. Joseph) Thursday... 7:00 a.m. (St. Joseph) First Friday... 8:00 a.m. (St. Joseph) First Saturday... 8:00 a.m. (location varies) Fourth Sunday, Charismatic Mass... 2:00 p.m. (St. Joseph) SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Saturday... 3:153:45 p.m. (St. Stephen) Sunday... 8:158:45 a.m. (St. Joseph) Tuesday... 5:305:50 p.m. (St. Stephen) Wednesday... 8:45 a.m. (St. Joseph) Other times are available by appointment. ADORATION OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT Tuesday... 5:305:50p.m. (St. Stephen) Wednesday... 6:00 a.m.7:00 p.m. (old St. Joseph Church) Please contact the St. Joseph Parish Office if you would like to commit to an hour of prayer on a weekly basis or if you would like to be called to substitute as needed. Sign up forms on the rack near the church entry. MISSION STATEMENT We exist to help individuals get to Heaven and be part of the Communion of Saints. Fed by the Word of God and the sacraments of the Church, we strive to battle mediocrity and seek holiness and spiritual discipline. Our challenge: to understand God s vocation for each of our lives, to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, to recognize that the spiritual life necessitates personal change, and to love and serve our God and neighbor.

2 SACRAMENTS Baptism policy brochures are located near the church main entry.* *Baptism & Confirmation sponsors must be CONFIRMED PRACTICING Catholics in good standing in the Catholic Church. Confirmation is celebrated with students in the 11th grade PSR program upon completion of sacramental preparation and to adults upon preparation.* Marriage: Couples are asked to contact the priest at least six months prior to the projected date of the marriage. FAITH FORMATION / SPIRITUAL GROWTH Parish School of Religion (PSR) provides religious education and sacramental preparation for students attending public or noncatholic private schools in grades 111 at either St. Joseph or St. Stephen. RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) sessions are offered for adults, not yet baptized or previously baptized in another Christian faith, interested in the Catholic faith. RCIA meets at 6:30 PM on Mondays beginning in August and is open to all as continued spiritual growth. Children s Church provides for the sharing of God s Word for children from 3 years of age to grade 3 on the 3 rd Sunday of each month during the 9:00 AM Mass at St. Joseph. Study groups meet at 6:30 PM on Tuesdays at St. Stephen. FORMED is a parish subscription online platform, at Formed.org, the best Catholic content all in 1 place, 24/7 on computer, tablet, smartphone. WORSHIP Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is open in the old St. Joseph church on Wednesdays from 6:00 AM 7:00 PM. Adoration: Tuesday, 5:30pm followed by Benediction 5:50 PM, at St. Stephen before 6:00 PM Mass. St. Joseph Rosary Group leads the rosary before Masses at St. Joseph and at 9:00 AM on Wednesdays in St. Joseph chapel. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Novena is offered on Wednesdays along with 8:00 AM Mass in the St. Joseph chapel. Charismatic Praise & Worship: 6 PM, 2 nd Sunday; 1:30 PM, 4 the Sunday, SJ Charismatic Mass: 2:00 PM, 4th Sunday ALL at St. Joseph Music Ministry rehearses at St. Joseph on Wednesdays at 7:15 PM. COMMUNITY Parish Registration: A parish registration / census form must be completed for an individual or family to be considered a parishioner of St. Joseph or St. Stephen the Martyr Parish. Ministry to the Sick: Please contact the parish office regarding the ill, hospitalized, homebound, or in need of a visit, the Eucharist, or anointing. Christian Burial: Families should contact the parish office as soon as possible prior to making other funeral arrangements. Youth Ministry: St. Joseph / St. Stephen youth group, Teens for Christ, The Next Generation, is open to all students in the cluster, from any school, in grades 712. Contact Selena, Altar Society St. Joseph: 6 PM, 4 th Monday / month. St. Stephen: 5:30 PM, 3 rd Sunday / month, Wendi Berthelot, Knights of Columbus, St. Eugene Council 6753 St. Joseph / St. Stephen K.C monthly meetings: 6:30 PM, 3 rd Tuesday in St. Joseph hall Grand Knight, Robert Clouatre, Pro Life: Call Leslie Verdin, "SINGLES4CHRIST" is a multiparish ministry for single persons and those who find themselves divorced or widowed. For information contact Janice Kosak at or janice.kosak@gmail.com. St. Vincent de Paul ministry assists those with emergency needs. Call and leave a message for a return call. Assistance is not handled out of the parish offices. Cluster St. Vincent de Paul conference meetings are held monthly on the 2 nd Tuesday at 5:15 PM at St. Joseph. Catholic Daughters of the Americas is an organization for women at least 18 years of age. The two Chapters meet monthly: St. Joseph Court: St. Catherine Laboure #2701, First Thursday St. Stephen Court: St. Louise de Marillac #2703, Third Wednesday Common Ministries WEEKLEY READINGS Sunday, Sept. 23 Wisdom 2:12, 1720 / James 3:16 4:3 / Mark 9:3037 We hear how the wicked plan to revile and torture the just one, putting God to the test of defending him. Next, James contrasts the character of those who have wisdom from above with those who are bound by earthly things. In the Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death and resurrection. When they fail to understand, he exhorts them to have an attitude of service to the least among them. Our world is full of arguments and conflicts, fighting, jealousy, and selfish desires. Jesus calls on us to be different from the world and learn to serve others. This is how we can be the greatest in his eyes. Monday, Sept. 24 Proverbs 3:2734 Luke 8:1618 Proverbs gives us insight into how we should treat others, such as being hospitable, peaceful, just and upright. In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the lamp to emphasize that we are to share the light of faith we have been given. We may feel inadequate to speak about our faith and the fullness of life in the Church, but our living example of love and kindness can be a great testament, like a light not hidden. Tuesday, Sept. 25 Proverbs 21:16, 1013 / Luke 8:1921 Proverbs are a collection of wise sayings; today s verses emphasize righteousness, justice and wisdom. In the Gospel, someone tells Jesus that his mother and brothers are near (since they could not reach him due to the crowds). Jesus responds by declaring that his family are those who hear and act on the Word of God. Instead of kinship ties by birth and blood, whether or not one is a disciple of Jesus becomes the primary factor for prioritized relationship. Jesus defines his family as those who hear the word of God and act on it. This tenet becomes foundational for the early Church. Wednesday, Sept. 26 Proverbs 30:59 / Luke 9:16 Proverbs reveals that God is a shield to those who take refuge in him, and that nothing can improve upon that. In today s Gospel, Jesus instructs the Twelve Apostles on going forth to proclaim the Good News and to heal all who are sick. Every word of God has been tested and shown to be perfect: nothing can improve upon them, and nothing better than his words will ever come to us. He has always been our refuge and our shield, and when we needed it most his Word became flesh and dwelt among us. God s Word is everything we need. Let us proclaim that Good News to the world. Thursday, Sept. 27 Ecclesiastes 1:211 / Luke 9:79 The reading from Ecclesiastes examines the purpose and value of life on earth. The author suggests that as generations come and go, life is futile and empty since nothing is new under the sun. In the Gospel, Herod is curious about the identity of Jesus as he sorts through rumors that he is John or Elijah raised from the dead. Generations pass and we still have evil, wars, poverty and injustice in this world, so we can easily fall into despair. Some think life is meaningless. Nothing seems to change and we are forgotten and replaced over the years. But Jesus comes and offers salvation and new life eternal life, giving meaning and hope to our struggles here. Friday, Sept. 28 Ecclesiastes 3:111 / Luke 9:1822 There is a time, known only to God, for human activity to take place. As the writer of Ecclesiastes notes, There is an appointed time for everything. In the Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples who the crowds say that he is, and then warns them of his death and resurrection. God is allpowerful, allknowing, allgood. God s actions in this world are beyond the scope of human comprehension. Humanity is bound by the time of this world, but God is not limited as human beings are. Let us profess that Jesus is The Christ of God. Saturday, Sept. 29 Daniel 7: / John 1:4751 Daniel describes his vision of the glory of the Lord. Present before him is a host of angelic beings. In the Gospel, Jesus describes the angels ascending and descending as they serve the Son of Man. Scriptures are full of references to angels interacting with humanity, worshiping the Lord, and protecting us as we advance along the way of salvation. Not the soft, cuddly beings seen in children s stories and art, angels are awesome pure spirit arrayed as a mighty army, prepared to go to battle to fulfill the will of God.

3 Common Currents CURRENT EVENTS Saturday, Sept. 224:00pm Mass, SJ No 4pm SS Mass or 5:30pm SJ Mass Sunday, Sept. 23 8:50am, SS K8 PSR 5pm, SS High School PSR Monday, Sept. 24 No Mass 6pm, SJ Altar Society Meeting 6:30pm, RCIA: Jesus & the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist video, SJ Hall Tuesday, Sept. 25 No Adoration, Benediction, Mass, Bible Study, SS Wednesday, Sept. 266am7pm, Adoration, SJ No Mass, 9am, Rosary, SJ 5:30pm, PSR Group B, SJ Thursday, Sept. 27 7am, Mass, SJ Sunday, Sept. 30 8:50am, SS K8 PSR 9am, YG Mass, Meeting, Zoo 1:3opm, Praise & Worship, SJ 2pm, Charismatic Mass, SJ 5pm, SS High School PSR CURRENT ANNOUNCEMENTS Additional committed adorers are needed for the following hours on Wednesdays in the St. Joseph old church museum: 8:009:00am, 9:0010:00am, 12 noon1:00pm, 3:004:00pm, 4:005:00pm, 5:00 6:00pm, 6:007:00pm. Please contact Laura at or to volunteer. Please consider spending one quiet hour with Our Lord! LAST CHANCE LECTOR ALERT! Requests for personal copies of the Cycle C, LECTOR WORKBOOK must be submitted to the office NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, October 5. , or call, , to submit request. Online Giving Giving made easy! TexttoGive available. Call, , ext. 2127, or , OnlineGiving Now is your chance to think about clearing some space in your home by gathering that clean, good STUFF you just don t use any more and donate it to the youth group garage sale. NO CLOTHING ACCEPTED Make room for new Christmas toys and STUFF! YOUTH GROUP OCTOBER ACTIVITIES Oct PSR Saints Program for Group A Oct Mark Garage Sale Items; NO CLOTHES Oct Garage Sale Oct PSR Saints Program for Group B Oct World Youth Day A Taste of Heaven, the youth group cookbook, is available for purchase, $15 each, at the SJ office. Youth Group Garage Sale

4 25 th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 23, 2018 The Oscars. The Super Bowl. TV talent shows. Your son's Little League championship. We live in a culture set on competition. The desire to "be the best" goes beyond hobbies and into politics, the corporate world, and parenting comparisons at the park. This desire is as old as the human race, and it surely arose in Jesus' day. While Biblical society was significantly less open and upwardly mobile than our own, power was attractive. From what we know, many of Jesus' disciples had come from lowly backgrounds. Now they followed an increasingly popular rabbi who seemed primed to do something big. Jesus does his best to dissuade their high hopes by prophesying his own defeat. "The Son of Man is to be handed over and they will kill him." Internalizing the message proves challenging for the disciples, and their attention remains fixed on earthly glory. "They [discuss] among themselves on the way who was the greatest." True to style, Jesus flips their pretensions on their heads. "'If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.'" We have heard these Biblical principles before. Do we believe them in our professional lives, do we do whatever we can to get ahead, or are we concerned with the entire team succeeding? In the lives of our children, are we more concerned with victory or with building character? Jesus doesn't condemn success, but he reframes it. "'Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me.'" Today's Gospel is a reality check. In God's eyes, our success will not be measured by worldly output alone but by how much love and service we offer to others in the process. Why Do We Do That? Common Currents Everyday Stewardship Recognize God in Your Ordinary Moments If you have traveled on Southwest Airlines, you are aware of how they line people up prior to boarding. You receive a lettered group of A, B, or C and a number. You line up with your group and in sequence based on your numbers. This means that before every flight, you'll hear people ask over and over, "What number are you?" Some don't ask and simply place themselves in the line. I have been A1 before and had someone stand in line in front of me. There is nothing before A1 in the line! It is crazy the urgency of some to board the plane and get the perfect seat. For some, I think it has more to do with a sense of entitlement. No one is going to cheat me out of my place in line! I deserve it! Of course, you can't deserve your place in the line more than another. We are all getting on the plane and going to the same place. In life, some of us act like people in a Southwest boarding line. We want our place in line, and we will sometimes put ourselves ahead of others without merit. Good stewardship allows us to see our actions in this regard as folly. Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." We are called to serve and not to be served. If we seek what we truly deserve in this life, we will find that we are not actually entitled to much. If we humble ourselves and seek to serve others, we will receive an abundance of good things, even though we still won't deserve it. For all we receive, whether we are A1 or C30, is a gift. Catholic Life Explained Question: Our parish has been focusing on issues of peace and justice. What are the principles that guide decision making and social morality? Answer: There are seven principals of Catholic social teaching that guide our sense of social morality. These seven key points are the hallmarks of a just society, moral laws, and good leadership. They help shape our social "conscience" and lead us to choose those things that characterize social justice. They are 1) respect for the life and dignity of the human person; 2) call to family, community, and participation; 3) rights and responsibilities; 4) a preferential option for the poor; 5) the dignity of work and the rights of workers; 6) solidarity; and 7) care for God's creation. Catholic social teaching has had a great influence in our history and continues to guide us well. We must value every person in all walks of life, but especially those who are weak, vulnerable, and least able to defend themselves. We cannot justify the ends with the means, so no life can ever be sacrificed for the sake of another. The basic necessities of life cannot be denied someone: food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. We can and must find ways to put into practice the Gospel values we preach and proclaim, so that all people can know and experience God's love for them. That might be the greatest principle of all!

5 Common Currents The Feast of the Holy Archangels: Their Identity and Mission On September 29 th the Church honors the Holy Archangels.Although there are believed to be seven archangels (based on Tobit 12:15 and Rev. 8:2), only these three are mentioned by name in the Catholic Bible: Saint Michael the Archangel Michael means, Who is like God? Of the three angels mentioned by name in the Catholic Bible, St. Michael the Archangel is mentioned the most. He is found in the Old Testament in Daniel 10:1321, 10:21, 12:1, and in the New Testament in Rev. 12:79 and Jude 1:9. St. Michael is most known for doing battle against Lucifer (who could have been a seraph) and casting him and the other fallen angels out of heaven. Because of this feat, he is known as the leader or prince of the angels. St. Michael is the champion of God s people and the protector of the Church. He is also regarded as the angel who brings the souls of men to their judgment before God, thus being the angel of judgment. Saint Gabriel the Archangel Gabriel means Power of God. St. Gabriel the Archangel is mentioned the most in the Bible after St. Michael. He is found in the Old Testament in Daniel 8:1526 and 9:2127, and in the New Testament in Luke 1:1138. St. Gabriel is most known for his messenger role in the Annunciation. He is the angel who appeared to Zachariah and the Blessed Virgin Mary announcing the birth of St. John the Baptist and Incarnation of Jesus Christ, respectively. He is also believed by some to be the angel who appeared to St. Joseph and the shepherds at Christ s nativity, as well as the angel who comforted Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Because of this he is known as the herald angel, and the angel of mercy and consolation. Saint Raphael the Archangel Raphael means God has healed. St. Raphael the Archangel is only mentioned once in the Catholic Bible, in Tobit chapter 12. In this passage he was a companion, protector, and healer. He is also believed to be the angel who stirred the water in the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, giving it its healing properties, as mentioned in the New Testament. He therefore is regarded as a healing angel and a companion angel. SWEET POTATO SALE St. Joseph LAS $20 a Box Orders after SJ Masses Order Deadline: Oct.14 Pick Up: 3:306:30pm, Oct. 25 From the Responsorial Psalm of the Mass reading for the Feast of the Archangels: R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord. I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. September 28, 2016 By Gretchen Filz

6 Ourso THIS SPACE IS Rose s Flowers & Gifts Family Oriented Restaurant On the Diversion Canal Hill Top Rd, Maurepas Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials Cajun Seafood, Steaks, Homemade DESSERTS! LA Hwy. 16 French Settlement A&G Accepting patients birth to 21 STUCCO LLC New & Repairs Waterway Dr Maurepas Licensed & Insured (225) Funeral Home Serving our families for over 70 years Hwy. 22 Maurepas Walker S Rd Denham Springs Your locally owned AG food store Your locally owned AG food store Airline Hwy. Gonzales, LA Kids Haircuts $12 and Up (225) Hwy. 22, Ste. D, Maurepas Creative Touch Wood Floors Discover the Catholic Difference Rely on the Knights of Columbus to protect your family s future. Hardwood Creative Quality Craftsmanship Custom Sand and Finish Dustin Dean, FICF,MBA,MDRT (225) dustin.dean@kofc.org LIFE INSURANCE DISABILITY INSURANCE LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE RETIREMENT ANNUITIES msholar@eatel.net Follow us on The Waterfront 24-HOUR ACCESS TANNING GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES Home Port Dr Maurepas (next to Kevin s) Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes & Crematory BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN LOUISIANA (985) Sundays Only: Free Appetizer with the purchase of 2 Entrees Queso or Guacamole Monday Night: Senior Citizen 20% off Tuesday Night: Kids Night Everyday: 20% Active Military Discount LA -22, Maurepas, LA YOUR 1 STOP SHOP FOR ALL Waterfront Animal Hospital YOUR DMV, DL & NOTARY NEEDS IF IT HAS WHEELS & DL, ID CARDS, HC ID S & HANG TAG A TITLE WE CAN RENEWALS, DMV PROCESSING OF HANDLE IT FOR YOU!! TITLES, REGISTRATIONS, PLATES & STICKERS, NOTARIZING YOUR BILL CALL US FOR MORE INFO AT OF SALES, DONATIONS, AFFIDAVITS, LOCATED ON HIGHWAY 431 ST. AMANT POA S, WILLS & REAL ESTATE, WILDLIFE & FISHERIES, TRANSFERS (BETWEEN CAJUN DAIQUIRIS & MARLIN S PIZZA) JAMIE FREDERIC-BRAUD, PTA/NOTARY AND PROCESSING ALSO THIS SPACE IS Maurepas Your pet s family doctor Desiree Thomas, DVM Homeport Drive Suite D Maurepas, LA Phone: (225) Fax: (225) waterfrontanimalhospital@gmail.com (225) Contact Kim Broyard to place an ad today! kbroyard@4lpi.com or (800) x HWY 16 PORT VINCENT, LA ad of Islan He Storage d Phone: SAFETY/RISK FACILITY SERVICES PIPING INSTRUMENTATION ENVIRONMENTAL CIVIL STRUCTURAL ELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURAL MECHANICAL STAFFING PROCESS SURVEY FIELD SERVICES CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT PROCUREMENT LASER SCAN Located at Plaza 22 Mini Warehouse Boat Trailer RV LA Highway 22, Maurepas headofisland@eatel.net LET US PLACE YOUR AD HERE. D N S CONSTRUCTION SERVICES New Construction, Remodeling, Drywall, Roofing, Trim Work, Vinyl Siding, Wood Floors, Ceramic & Electrical Bryan J. Hollis, D.D.S. P.C. Braces for Children & Adults Complimentary Initial Exam Dutton Road, Prairieville Free Estimates LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Free Estimates Darrell Parent Home of 3 World Green House Bed & Breakfast Fabre Ln. Champion Cooks Take-Out Orders or Eat-In Ph Ashley Fanguy, Travel Specialist Ashley@YourMagicalVacations.com DAVID WILCOX State Farm Insurance Auto - Life - Fire - Health 1214 E. Cornerview St Alan & Melissa Guitreau, Owner Operated Existing Homes Mobile Homes Commercial Refrigeration Licensed Insured We Service All Makes & Models 2-B-4-2 For ad info. call greenhouse@eatel.net Licensed & Insured Hwy 431 Ste. A St. Amant website: bandbgreenhouse.com Your Magical Vacations mikeandersons.com French Settlement, LA Phone: Cell: