Homily for the Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- one year ago. This week, the Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our ninety first podcast to be posted. The homily is given by our pastor Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Thirty First Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Cemetery - Blessing of the Graves

Schedule for Blessing of the Graves:

Saturday, October 30 at 5:30 pm

• St. Landry Cemetery
• Myrtle Grove Cemetery

Sunday, October 31 at 2:00 pm

• Bellevue Memorial Park

Pastor's Corner - All Saints Day and All Souls Day

Sunday October 31st, is Halloween, which of course is followed by the Solemnity of All Saints on Monday and All Souls Day on Tuesday. Please be sure to check the schedule in this bulletin for Mass times and location, since our liturgies on these two days will take place in church (not Valentin Hall) in order to accommodate the expected larger attendance. This year, because All Saints Day falls on a Monday, it is not a holy day of obligation, meaning that attendance at Mass that day is not required. However, the celebration of this feast is no less solemn or important just because, for this year, it is not a holy day of obligation. I encourage you to celebrate All Saints Day and All Souls Day by attending mass, even though it is not required. In addition, the blessing of graves in St. Landry Cemetery will take place after the Vigil Mass on Saturday, October 30 at 5:30pm.

All Saints Day is the celebration of what is commonly referred to as the "Church Triumphant," those people who have gone before us from this life, and whose souls are now living in eternity in union with God. We hope many of our family members and friends are members of Church Triumphant, and we celebrate them because they are now living in a state that we hope is also our final end, and because while living here on earth, they gave us an example of living a life in Christ, which is the greatest gift any of us can give to another. All Souls Day celebrates what is known as the "Church Suffering," meaning that they have passed from their human life on earth and are now in purgatory, but "suffer" because they have not yet reached fullness of union with God. Praying for the dead is a good and pious act, and is one of the traditional Spiritual Works of Mercy. Both these pious devotions are good for our souls and help us to grow in our knowledge and love of Jesus Christ, so I encourage all of us to not only attend mass, but also to participate in the other prayer services offered during these days.

Father James Brady

First Saturday Parish Work Day

We will have a parish workday on First Saturday, November 6, 2010. The day will begin with our traditional First Saturday worship of Benediction at 7:45am and 8:00am Mass in the Valentin Hall Chapel. After, we will work until about mid-day.

The main project for this day is to scrape and sand the garage located on Prudhomme Street in order to prepare it for painting. After the work, lunch will be provided by the parish in the Valentin Hall kitchen.

Bulletin for the Week of October 31, 2010

The bulletin for the week of October 31, 2010 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- one year ago. This week, the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our ninetieth podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Readings and Themes for October 24, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of October 24, 2010,
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

The God of justice knows no favorites.

Psalm 34

"The Lord hears the cry of the poor."

Reading II 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

I have competed well, I have finished the race.

Gospel Luke 18:9-14

"O God, be merciful to me a sinner."

THEME:

God knows and sees our hearts.

Today’s scriptures invite us to come before God with all honesty, admitting our sinfulness and seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. The responsorial psalm reminds us that our God “hears the cry of the poor.” Let us be attentive to God’s sacred word and seek the peace that only God can give.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

Jesus teaches us to be humble – but what does that mean?

How do you show you are humble?

Question for Youth:

God knows when we are doing things just for show, and when they come from the goodness of our heart.

When have you caught yourself doing something just to be more popular or liked?

How does it feel to do something that you know is good and just?

Question for Adults:

The Gospel reading suggests that we approach God and each other with humility.

What does this mean, in practical terms?

How do we “humble” ourselves? What does that mean?

Bulletin Bites
"O God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

Jesus tells of two very different men, a Pharisee and a tax collector. Both went to the temple to pray. Actually, the Pharisee went to the temple to brag: “O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity…”The Pharisee is probably a good man but he thanks God that he has no need of God because he believes he is a self-made man. The tax collector does not even raise his eyes to heaven. He prays, “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner”. He acknowledges his dependence on God. He stands before God with all of his flaws and faults and ask God’s forgiveness for the ways in which he has failed to be all that God created him to be. Both are stewards of all that God gave them. But it is the tax collector who understands that. It is the tax collector who asks for forgiveness. Good stewards know and admit when they have failed to be a good steward and are willing to ask their loving God to forgive them. Do we?

Bulletin for the Week of October 24, 2010

The bulletin for the week of October 24, 2010 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for the Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- one year ago. This week, the Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our eighty ninth podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Cemetery Tours start again today!

We had a very successful first weekend of cemetery tours. Lots of old and new friends came by to learn about the history of Opelousas and to help preserve our culture and history.

Don't forget today, Saturday October 16, we have tours at 6 PM, 7 PM, and 8 PM. On Sunday October 17, tomorrow, we have tours at 2 PM and 3 PM.

Bulletin for the Week of October 17, 2010

The bulletin for the week of October 17, 2010 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Cemetery Tours - Again next weekend

We had a very successful first weekend of cemetery tours. Lots of old and new friends came by to learn about the history of Opelousas and to help preserve our culture and history.

Don't forget next week, Saturday October 16, we have tours at 6 PM, 7 PM, and 8 PM. On Sunday October 17, we have tours at 2 PM and 3 PM.

Homily for the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- just over one year ago. This week, the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our eighty eighth podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Cemetery Tours - October 9 & 10 and October 16 & 17 2010

Cemetery Tours start tomorrow! October 9,10,16 & 17, 2009.

Voices from our Past

Remembering the Call to Community Service

Travel to a place where voices from the past will greet you as you journey back remembering the call to community service. The tours of the St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery give one a perspective into how our past has shaped our present and influenced future generations of our community. Learn which families were here and what their lives were like, and what events helped to shape our present day history.

Opelousas, Louisiana’s third oldest city, founded in 1720, is comprised of many cultures, each with unique histories which should be shared.

The St. Landry Catholic Church Parish, Opelousas Little Theatre, St. Landry Parish Tourist Commission along with Community Volunteers are pleased to be able to share these historic portrayals of such an important time period with each of you.

All proceeds from the cemetery tours fund the Cemetery Historical Restoration project. The tours began in 2003 and, so far, 20 grave sites have been restored.

Imperial St. Landry

Standing under the massive cedar trees of St. Landry Catholic Church Cemetery, there is a calm that will transport you back in time to a place named Opelousas. From its beginnings as a Spanish Fort to the City of today, it has beckoned people from all ethnic groups to be part of its colorful history. Each person who has been a part of Opelousas and St. Landry Parish has left their mark. Epidemics such as Yellow Fever and Typhus claimed many families and this cemetery, consecrated in 1798, reminds you of the lives that were lost. For nine months during the Civil War, Opelousas was Capitol of Louisiana. In fact, when Union Soldiers occupied the town they even camped out on the church grounds. As with wars before and after the Civil War, here you will find soldiers who fought in every war for what they believed in and the families that remained at home. They helped to create a foundation rich in its culture and traditions, one that Opelousas is proud of.

We invite you to experience it all. Spend some time with the voices from our past and listen to their stories. Some are happy while some are sad and others will leave you wanting more. You will be amazed at what they are willing to share about their live and the struggles they endured. Time and Mother Nature have taken their toll on some of the graves in this cemetery. Many buried here are lost forever but those that do remain await your visit. You’re always welcome beneath the cedars.

Tour Dates:

Saturday: October 9 & 16 Times: 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM

Sunday: October 10 & 17 Times: 2 PM, 3 PM


Information Available at office below or click here to download brochure. Click here for information at parish website.

St. Landry Catholic Church, Valentin Hall
1020 N. Main St.
Opelousas, LA 70570

(337) 942-6552

Not handicap accessible. Not suitable for children 10 years of age or under.

Large Groups/Bus Groups (20 or more), please call ahead:

(337) 942-8318

Readings and Themes for the Week of October 10, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of October 10, 2010,
Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I 2 Kings 5:14-17

The foreigner Naaman humbles himself and receives God's healing.

Psalm 98

"The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power."

Reading II 2 Timothy 2:8-13

If, like Christ, we hold out even to death, we will reign with Christ.

Gospel Luke 17:11-19

Ten lepers show faith in obeying the Lord, but in the thankfulness, one goes a step farther - straight into the kingdom of God.

THEME:

We are Eucharistic People.

We live in praise and thanksgiving.

The word of God proclaimed today is a word of healing and comfort. At this Mass we bring all our needs to our loving and compassionate God. May the words we hear today inspire us to cry out to God for mercy, healing, and reconciliation. Let us be grateful for the opportunity to be fed so generously at the table of God's word.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

Are you able to make up a prayer, which tells God you are thankful for everything you have, even if it is not all you want?

Question for Youth:

Only one of the lepers returned to give thanks.

This past week, when have you stopped to thank someone for something good they have done for you?

When have you thanked God this week?

Question for Adults:

What are some ways you can think of to show gratitude to God?

Bulletin Bites
"Ten were cleansed, were they not?"
"Where are the other nine?"
"Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"

Are we the one? Or are we one of the other nine? Gratitude begins with the recognition that someone has done something good for us. In order to be grateful to God for all that we are and all that we have, we must be aware of and acknowledge that God is the source of all that we are and have. Our response to God should be gratitude. And we can best express our gratitude to God by accepting, developing and using to the best of our ability all that He gave us for ourselves and for others. Note that the one who comes back to thank Jesus is a Samaritan who recognized that Jesus., a Jew, had done something miraculous for him. The Jewish lepers should have done the same, but did not. We may not be able to repay the good and kindness others do for us, but we can acknowledge what they have done and say “Thank you!” Gratitude is an important part of being a good steward.

Bulletin for the Week of October 10, 2010

The bulletin for the week of October 10, 2010 has been posted. Click here to see it.

The calendar on the website has been updated with all events for the coming week along with prayer intention information and information on the second collection for all of the masses. Take some time to look at our calendar here.

Updates are also being made to our St. Landry Catholic Church blog. You can get to the blog from the church home page under the Bulletins and News section or you can just click here to go to it.

Don't forget, we're also sending out live updates via Twitter. Our Twitter name is StLandryCath. You can see updates by clicking here.

And we're also on Facebook --- friend us! You can see our updates on our page StLandryCatholicChurch.

Homily for Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homilies are now available to download and listen to!

As part of our answering the challenge of the Holy Father to go out and evangelize utilizing new technologies, we're now offering the homily each week for download. Clicking the link to the homily should download it and automatically start it playing in whatever music player your computer is set up with.

On the technical side, the file sizes are about 5 megs which means it may a minute or two to download on slower Internet connections. It is also an MP3 formatted file which means that these are essentially podcasts. Don't worry if all the technical words don't mean much to you. It means we're using the latest in technology in order to make sure our church parish can reach the most people.

The current week's homily is available on a link on the front page of the website next to the link for the current week's bulletin. On the page with the prior bulletins, the corresponding homily will be sitting side by side with its bulletin. We started on the anniversary of the start of the Catholic Church, Pentecost Sunday --- just over one year ago. This week, the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our eighty seventh podcast to be posted. The homily is given by Father James Brady.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download the Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Pastor's Corner - Father James Brady

This weekend, Bishop Jarrell addresses us about the Bishop's Services Appeal ("BSA"). Many of you have already received packets regarding this year's BSA. The BSA is the annual diocesan wide appeal which funds programs that help the poor and vulnerable in our diocese. As a practical matter, individual parishes do not have the resources to provide certain kinds of help to those in need, but with the pooled resources of all the parishes, the diocese is able to provide for those needs. One beneficiary of the BSA is our very own New Life Center here in Opelousas, which provides shelter and transitional housing for homeless women and children. Many of our own parishioners use services provided by the diocese, which are funded by the BSA. Let us respond generously to Bishop Jarrell's appeal for the poor and vulnerable of our parish and diocese.

Fr. James Brady

Jesus tells us “Whatever you did for the least ones, you did for me.” (Mt 25:40). Jesus knows that an act of generosity will satisfy many hungers and quench many thirsts for those in our communities who are most in need.

There are a number of priorities facing our Diocesan Church that no one parish alone can address. Some require the strength and resolve of our entire Catholic Community working and sacrificing together as One Body. That is why every parish participates in the Bishop’s Services Appeal, so that through our collective efforts, we can build the Father’s kingdom by advancing the work of the Church.

Please respond generously.

Prayer Intentions of the Holy Father for October 2010

AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito

Prayer intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI for the month of October 2010:

Catholic Universities

General: That Catholic Universities may more and more be places where, in the light of the Gospel, it is possible to experience the harmonious unity existing between faith and reason.

World Mission Day

Missionary: That the World Mission Day may afford an occasion for understanding that the task of proclaiming Christ is an absolutely necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity.