St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church 6425 West Metairie Avenue Metairie, Louisiana 70003 THE OBEDIENCE OF ABRAHAM AND JESUS God tested Abraham by asking not for an ordinary sacrifice, which would have been a partial burning with the meat divided between God and the people and eaten by those who sacrificed, but for a holocaust, a total burning of the sacrificial animal. This type of sacrifice consecrated the entire offering to God alone. This is what God was asking of Abraham in offering his only son, Isaac. When Abraham demonstrated his obedience, that was enough. This story from today s scriptures foretells the completion of the blood sacrifices of the old covenant in the new covenant: the blood of God s own Son, offered to us on the cross and in the Eucharist. Abraham s obedience foreshadows the obedience of Jesus to God s promise of salvation. The obedience of Abraham is rewarded in the birth to him, through Isaac, of many nations. The obedience of Jesus is rewarded in the salvation of all people for all time. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc. St. Mary Magdalen Parish Mission Statement St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church is called to foster a welcoming community, to form disciples for Jesus Christ and to joyfully evangelize. Unifying Vision: Walking together with Christ, igniting the Spirit within, living God s Call. PARISH OFFICE Parish Fax: (504) 733-0869 Parish Website: www.stmarymagdalenchurch.com Parish Email Address: magdalen@smm.nocoxmail.com PARISH OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday...9:00AM - 4:00PM Friday....CLOSED After hours by appointment only WEEKDAY MASS SCHEDULE In CHAPEL Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM & 8:30AM Saturday, 8:00 AM CONFESSIONS Saturdays, 2:30-3:30 PM WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil Mass - 4 PM Sunday Masses - 8, 9:30 & 11AM; 6PM EXPOSITION OF BLESSED SACRAMENT: Sundays, 12:15-1:15PM 1st Monday, 9:15-10:15AM (Sept-May) In Church, be sure to visit: RESPECT LIIFE CORNER ADULT PARISH LENDING LIBRARY CHILDREN S CORNER/LIBRARY/PRAYER CENTER ************************************* SOCIAL APOSTOLATE MINISTRY Hours: Wednesdays, 5:30PM-6:30PM Facility Entrance on W. Metairie Ave. to right of church...734-5833 GIFT SHOP & PRAYER GARDEN NEW Hours: Mon.& Fri...1:00PM-5:00PM Saturdays...1:00PM-5:00PM Sundays...8:30AM-12:15PM Phone:...734-5833 Call Parish Office for further information BAPTISMS: Every 2nd Sunday before/during 11AM Mass & 3rd Sunday at 12:15PM. Pre-Registration for Baptism Seminars is now required by calling 733-8980. Archdiocesan Policy on Infant Baptism: www.arch-no.org/human Resources/Policies/Policy on Infant Baptism OR may be found on the Parish website. FIRST RECONCILIATION/COMMUNION& CONFIRMATION: Must have 2 consecutive years of Catholic religious instruction prior to reception of these sacraments. Contact Parish Religious Education for further information. WEDDINGS: Contact Parish priest at least 6 to 8 months prior to planned date of marriage. FOCCUS Survey by appointment only. Weddings Celebrated Friday evenings; Saturday mornings, early afternoons or evenings. Church Fee: $300; Chapel Fee: $100. FUNERALS: You are encouraged to celebrate funerals in our Church or Chapel. Wakes & visitation also possible. CARE OF THE SICK: Communion brought to Homebound weekly by Extraordinary Ministers of Communion. Anointing of Sick available on individual basis by appointment.
PARISH WEEKLY BULLETIN St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church Metairie, Louisiana Vol. XXXVII, No.13 HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? PARISH OFFICE Fr. Chris DeLerno, Pastor (504) 733-0922; cdelerno@yahoo.com Fr. Vincent Phan, Parochial Vicar (504) 733-0922; vinhph2003@yahoo.com Deacon Chuck LeBlanc (504) 733-0922; cleblanc@archdiocese-no.org Dr. Jim Heneghan, Acolyte Barbara Croy, Parish Secretary (504) 733-0922; bcroy@smm.nocoxmail.com Cathleen Guidry, Parish Bookkeeper (504) 733-0922 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE- (504) 733-8980 Parish School of Religion (PSR) Director Linda Earle learle@smm.nocoxmail.com Parish Coordinator Susie Sullivan ssullivan@smm.nocoxmail.com SMM SCHOOL Valerie Rodriguez, Principal (504) 733-1433; vrodriguez@smmcougars.org Melanie Gaumond, Religion Coordinator (504) 733-1433; mgaumond@smmcougars.org Dianne Hughes/Caren Favaloro, Secretaries (504)733-1433;stmarymag@archdiocese-no.org BEFORE/AFTER-CARE (504) 733-4768 Shari Mader & Caren Favaloro, Co-Directors WEEKLY MASS INTENTIONS Monday, February 26 6:30 AM Living Intention for J.A. 8:30 AM Living Intention for Steve Scalise Tuesday, February 27 6:30 AM Catherine Wisecarver 8:30 AM Josefina Gonzalez Wednesday, February 28 6:30 AM J.C. Mixon 8:30 AM Delores Ann Restivo Thursday, March 1 6:30 AM Ronco Family 8:30 AM Fr. Martin Smullen Friday, March 2 6:30 AM Esther Barbier 8:30 AM JoAnn Henry 8:00 AM Poor Souls 3rd Sunday of Lent Vigil 4:00 PM Jack & Rosalie Couch, Aimee Marus, Joe Paci, Kevin Reynolds, Bobb W. Hunley, John & Clare McDermott, Walter Howat, Abadie Family, Dee Broussard, Vetter Amadeo Taylor, Mr/Mrs. W.B. LeDoux, Dot Leonard, Joan Ferry, Elizabeth Fabregas, Dean D Arcangelo, Hazel & Harold Howat Sunday, March 4 3rd Sunday of Lent 8:00 AM Bertucci & Trapani Families 9:30 AM SMM Parishioners 11:00 AM Fr. Michael Joseph Nguyen, Laura Alphonse Barone, Gayle Young 6:00 PM Bonura/Harmon Families If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31b
PRAY FOR THE SICK OF OUR PARISH Mark Lucich, Willie Arnouville, Sherry Gaffney, Ray Talbot, Norvin Schexnaildre, Joyce Chiusano, Richard LeBlanc, Marsha Robert, Rose Keller, Leah Conlin, Abigail Robertson, Patrick Mulhern, Marilyn Reynolds, Carole Coronna, George Mickey Krause, Tommy Keller, Julie Periou, Brenda Simon, Jena Serigne, Deborah Woodward, Kevin Pineo, Rosemarie Entringer, Teresa Lacour, Mary Ann Meaux, Gayle Songy, Jerry Fender, Jonathan Robertson, Judy Massa, Kevin & Kenneth Teen, Gracelynn Chaplain, Celine Wild, Carol P. Ramos, Dominic Manthey, Deavon Dill, Lauretta Erwin, Larry & Clara Leslie, Dennis Coughlin, Jr., Billie Surratt, Hector Benoit, Kevin Colton, Lori Lambert, Gail LeJeune PRAYER LIST FOR SERVICE MEN & WOMEN We pray for those in our parish who are fighting overseas for our country and against terrorism. PFC Scott Hale, USMC Prayer for our Men and Women in Military Service O Prince of Peace, we humbly ask Your protection for all our men and women in military service. Give them unflinching courage to defend with honor, dignity and devotion the rights of all who are imperiled by injustice and evil. Guard our churches, our homes, our schools, our hospitals, our factories, our buildings and all those within from harm and peril. Protect our land and its peoples from enemies within and without. Grant an early peace with victory founded upon justice. Instill in the hearts and minds of men and women everywhere a firm purpose to live forever in peace and good will toward all. Amen. BURIED IN CHRIST Sadie Gilmore FOSTERING STEWARDSHIP In gratitude for God s gifts we gratefully appreciate: Envelopes (2/11) $ 5889.00 Loose Collection $ 1521.86 Total $ 7410.86 Thank you for your generosity! EVANGELIZATION 12 Tips for Effective Catholic Evangelization 5. Establish a common interest a. As an instrument in God s hands, work pa tiently to establish mutual interests with oth ers, beginning first where their interests lie, so as to prepare the ground for profitable dis cussion together on spiritual matters. To do this listen! b. Listen long enough to begin to know the indi vidual and where he or she is coming from, in this manner also gaining their trust and their willingness to listen to your interests and thoughts. ****************************************** I plead with you--never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid. ~St. Pope John Paul II VOCATIONS If you need examples of persons responding to God s call, look at Abraham and Sarah called in old age to leave their country and have a child. Then Abraham was asked to sacrifice that child. What faith! Answering God s call to be a priest, brother, sister or deacon is also taking a great risk. If you are willing, and think God is calling you to a Church vocation, contact the Archdiocesan Vocations Office at 861-6298. ************************************ Readings for Sunday, March 4: First Reading God gives the law through Moses (Exodus 20:1-17 [1-3, 7-8, 12-17]) or Exodus 17:3-7. Psalm Lord, you have the words of everlasting life (Psalm 19) or Psalm 95. Second Reading We proclaim Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:22-25) or Romans 5:1-2, 5-8. Gospel Many began to believe in Jesus name when they saw the signs he was doing (John 2:13-25) or John 4:5-42 [5-15, 19b- 26, 39a, 40-42].The English translation of the Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.
FOR THE CHILDREN CELEBRATING CATHOLIC FAMILIES Living the Word As a Lenten family activity, take a hike or walk to a beautiful spot in nature, or visit a zoo, planetarium, or butterfly house. Sit together in quiet and study something amazing a frozen stream, a coral reef, a decaying log, a chrysalis. Reflect on how amazing God who created all of these beautiful and intricate things really is. CHILDREN S CORNER FEBRUARY: Month of Jesus loves me. Prayer Center Theme is: I can show Jesus how much I love Him by. Put written intentions in prayer pig; they will be offered up at all Sunday Masses once a month. SMM SCHOOL & PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION PROGRAMS During this prayerful season, we will participate in some special projects to help bring us closer to Jesus. SMM SCHOOL COUGAR NEWS Thanks to all of our SMM Cougars who donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Pennies for Patients Campaign. We raised $1931.33 in just three weeks. Our winning class was the 6th grade with $658.52. They will be treated to an Olive Garden pasta party compliments of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We have such generous students! MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The Archdiocesan Golden Anniversary Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 3:00 PM in St. Philip Neri Church, Metairie, for all couples married 50 years this year. This ceremony will be a Prayer Service, not a Mass. Attendance of Mass for Sunday obligation must be met within one s parish. To register call 733-8980 before Wednesday, March 7. ADULT FAITH FORMATION ADULT CONFIRMATION PROGRAM This program is for Baptized, catechized Catholics who have received 1st Communion, but were never confirmed. For more call the Parish Religious Education Office at 733-8980. 1 st SATURDAY DEVOTION SERVICE Mar. 3 The Prayer Warriors of St. Joan of Arc invites everyone every 1 st Saturday of the month from 10AM- 12Noon in SMM Church for a special program praying for the conversion of Greater New Orleans, our Country & our world to our Lord Jesus Christ. The service will consist of Eucharistic Devotion, Confessions, Holy Rosary, devotional prayers requested by Our Lady of Fatima, Holy Mass, Chaplet of Divine Mercy and other intercessory prayers. Fr. Chris is the group s spiritual director and will be the Celebrant of the mass. For more info please contact Cindy Hemelt (883-5783) or Marylyn Comesana (559-0965). TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION The second Sunday of Lent every year recalls the Transfiguration of the Lord. Since the fourth century, Mount Tabor has been the focus of devotion to this event. As mountains go, it is not particularly lofty, rising about fifteen hundred feet, within view of the Sea of Galilee and very close to Nazareth. Scripture doesn t identify the mountain, but in the year 348 Saint Cyril of Jerusalem said he preferred Mount Tabor to Mount Hermon as the site of the Transfiguration, and his opinion won. It has long been a strategic military site, and ancient fortresses are visible on the heights. Over the centuries, churches and fortified monasteries rose on the mountaintop, only to be destroyed by various invaders. Six hundred years ago, local Christians started to decorate the ruins with flags and banners on the Feast of the Transfiguration. In 1631, the Sultan granted permission to the Franciscans to live on Mount Tabor, and they have been there ever since, discovering the ruins of an old Crusader church and constructing the present church on the site in 1924. The top of the mountain is divided into Greek Orthodox and Latin (that s us) zones. At one time, tourists arrived on the summit by bus, but this is no longer permitted. Some ride bicycles up a challenging and winding path, while others take the four thousand three hundred steps constructed for Christian pilgrims in the fourth century. It s hard to imagine the fishermen following Jesus up this craggy mountain without complaint. Visitors will sympathize with Peter s plan to construct booths and stay put with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah for a while, enjoying the view, and planning the trip back down. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.
THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH Monday, February 26 Come, Lord Jesus in Convent Bldg 9:00 AM Parish School of Religion Classes, 6:45PM-8:00 PM Bereavement Ministry in Convent Bldg 7:00 PM Tuesday, February 27 Marian Servants of Our Father s Love in Convent Bldg, 9:30AM-12Noon Come, Lord Jesus in Convent Bldg 7:00 PM Wednesday, February 28 Lenten Prayer Series in Convent Bldg, 9:30-11 AM & 7-8:30 PM Social Services Building open from 5:30PM-6:30PM St. Jude Society Meeting in Chapel 7:00 PM Thursday, March 1 Come, Lord Jesus in Convent Bldg Friday, March 2 Way of the Cross in Church 7:00 PM 2:30PM & 700 PM Rosary after Mass in Chapel 8:30 AM St. Joan of Arc Prayer Warriors in Chapel10:00 AM Confessions in Church, 2:30-3:30 PM 2 nd Collection - Building & Maintenance Fund Sunday, March 4 2 nd Collection - Building & Maintenance Fund Family Mass 9:30 AM Adoration of Blessed Sacrament 12:15-1:15 PM Fridays in Lent at 2:30PM & 7PM in Church SPECIAL PARISH EVENTS NEW BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY At our recent Parish Ministries Fair, several people expressed an interest in starting up a Bereavement Ministry at SMM. Jim Heneghan, our Acolyte, has volunteered to lead an evening of discussion about the possible formation of this new ministry on Monday, February 26 from 7-9PM in the Convent Building. All are invited to participate. LENTEN NIGHTS OF RECONCILIATION On Wednesdays, March 7, 14 & 21 the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available from 5:00-6:30 PM in the Church. On these days, all Churches in the archdiocese will have a light on in the confessional as a sign that Christ is not only the light of the world but one who is eager to forgive and heal us. You are encouraged to take this opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS AND PARENTS In order to be eligible to be confirmed in 2019, Candidates and Parents must attend a MANDATORY Meeting on Sunday, MARCH 18, 2018 at 7:00 PM in Massett Hall. This meeting is ONLY open to interested, unconfirmed students who are presently in the 10 th or 11 th grades attending a Catholic High School or Catholic Parish High School of Religion Program for at least the last 2 years. Pre-registration is not required. RESPECT LIFE SAFE HAVEN SUNDAY Equipping the Family, Safeguarding Children Our Safe Haven Sunday was a big success! The Archdiocese of New Orleans and St. Mary Magdalen Parish extends a tremendous Thank You! to all who made Safe Haven Sunday possible and to all parishioners for their support of the education and awareness on the issues of pornography at our Sunday celebration made possible through this Archdiocesan wide awareness day. Again, thanks to our parish community for your openness to the topics of Internet safety and the dignity of the human person in light of the pornographic culture. Just because Safe Haven Sunday is over for this year, it doesn t mean our efforts to make our homes safe havens is over. Stay informed and learn more about how to protect and guide your family and friends.