Feast of the Annunciation today

The Annunciation by Botticelli

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation. Our church bell, the Immaculate Conception Bell at St. Landry Catholic Church, has very strong ties to this feast.

It's name ... the Immaculate Conception ... refers to the Marian dogma that Mary was conceived without sin.

Our bell also tolls the Angelus prayer 3 times a day.

The Angelus is a ringing of the bell at 6:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. This custom of ringing developed over many years in the middle ages. It is a ring where there is a toll for three times, then a space of time followed by another ring of three tolls, then a second space of time followed by a third ring of three tolls, then a third space of time followed by a swinging ring.

The word Angelus means Angel. It is a prayer coming from the Bible calling to mind the Incarnation of Jesus. This is taken from St. Luke 1:26-38. “The angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.” In Latin it is “Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariæ.” Thus the naming of the prayer and ring of the bell is called Angelus.

In the development of the custom of three rings of the Angelus, the first development was to ring the Angelus at the evening. This ringing was focused on the Incarnation of Jesus which happened in the evening. Later the custom developed to ring the Angelus also in the morning. Here the focus was on Jesus’ resurrection which happened in the morning. As time continued, a third ringing at noon was added. This third ringing was focused on Jesus’ death which happened around noon.

During the year the Angelus is said. During Easter time the Regina Caeli (Queen of Heaven) is said.

The Angelus

(Prayer starts with bell ringing 3 times here)

V. The angel of the Lord announced unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

(Bell rings 3 times here)

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to your Word.

Hail Mary...
(Bell rings 3 times here)

V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary...
(Bell swings here)

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: We beseech you, O Lord, pour your grace into our hearts, that as we have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought to the glory of his resurrection; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Queen of Heaven – Regina Caeli(Said during Easter Season)

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
Has risen, as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
R. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray. O God, who gave joy to the world through the
resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we
beseech You, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary,
His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life.
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Anyone who would like to see the bell ringing the Angelus can see it on YouTube. The link to St. Landry Catholic Church’s YouTube channel is http://www.youtube.com/user/StLandryCatholic. The testing of the bell on October 30, 2010 can be seen.

3D virtual reality view of the Sistine Chapel

Here's another 3D virtual reality view ... this time of the Sistine Chapel. Notice the small + and - controls on the lower left to zoom in and zoom out. Drag around on the page. The link is down below.

http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html

This is hosted at the Vatican website. Thanks to our friend at the Opinionated Catholic blog for giving us a heads up.

Reconciliation at St. Landry Catholic Church during Lent

Reconciliation at St. Landry Catholic Church during Lent
Saturdays 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Weekdays: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

City Wide Penance Service... St. Landry Church
March 29, 2010 @ 6:30 p.m.

We ask parishioners to remember to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) before the Wednesday of Holy Week.

Ordinarily the last day for Confession before the Easter Triduum is the Wednesday of Holy Week. We have a City-Wide Penance Service here at St. Landry Catholic Church on Monday of Holy Week, March 29, 2010 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please remember confessions are heard on Saturdays (except Holy Saturday) from 3:00 pm until 3:45 p.m. in church. Confessions resume on Easter Monday, April 5, 2010.

And ... some thoughts from the Holy Father on reconciliation:

The ministry of Reconciliation is an act of extraordinary caring which the person needs in order to be perfectly healthy. Thus, this sacramental care begins with Baptism, which is the fundamental renewal of our life, and extends to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick. Of course, all the other sacraments and the Eucharist involve great care for souls. We have to care for people but above all – this is our mandate [as priests] – for their souls.

          Pope Benedict XVI’s meeting with clergy of the Dioceses of Belluno-Feltre and Treviso,
          July 24, 2007

New Kneeler Bumpers - Thanks to the Knights of Columbus

Pictured - Keith Normand of the Knights of Columbus

Thanks to the St. Landry Church Knights of Columbus Council 1173 for the pew kneeler bumpers we have for the kneelers in church. Nearly 1,000 old bumpers were removed and replaced with new ones! The Knights purchased these bumpers and installed them. I have heard good comments from parishioners. The kneelers are quieter as they are moved up and down. We appreciate the thoughtfulness and generosity of the Knights of Columbus. When we kneel in prayer, let us ask God to bless the Knights.

Schedule for Holy Week

Schedule for Holy Week

Holy Thursday;	April 1;	6:00 PM Mass
Good Friday;	April 2;	10:30 AM Children's Way of the Cross
Good Friday;	April 2;	6:00 PM Service
Holy Saturday;	April 3;	8:00 PM Vigil Mass
Easter Sunday;	April 4;	8:00 AM Mass 10:00 AM Mass NOT 5 PM MASS

Information on The Immaculate Conception Bell: ringing times, prayers, and an insert

From Monsignor J. Robert Romero:

I have heard good words from parishioners as our church bell is back in operation. With today’s bulletin, please find an insert updating parishioners of the times the bell tolls and swings. As the former equipment was damaged by lightning, Catholic Mutual, our insurance company, has replaced the equipment minus the deductible. This equipment replacement does more than the former equipment did. The new equipment is a ‘state of the art’ computer system and allows us to do more with our one bell. The insert explains all the many times and ways the bell calls us to conversation with God. Remember the bell was donated to us by the Catholic Daughters of America (they were called The Daughters of Isabella then.) In two more years, the bell will be 100 years old, as the installation was in November, 1912.

From the opening paragraph of the insert:

As parishioners have noticed, our bell, donated to St. Landry Catholic Church by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Number 119, cast in April 1912, and installed in November 1912, is back in operation. We may remember some time ago it stopped ringing as a result of lightning striking some of the equipment. We were able to get it running on October 30, 2009 using 1960’s technology. Recently, we removed the 1960’s technology and have installed a ‘state of the art’ computer system to manage the ringing of the bell. This allows us to have the one bell do several types of ringing. These are the Angelus, Call to Worship, De Profundis, Hours of the Day, and other times. I would like to update parishioners about these.

Click here to read the rest and download the whole insert:  The Bell Insert in PDF form

The Vatican is now on Twitter

The Vatican announced this weekend that it is opening up Twitter accounts in various languages. Vatican Radio and the Vatican's news service will use it to keep all of us updated with the latest Vatican news.

This is all part of the Holy Father's call for everyone to embrace new communication systems for spreading the gospel.

For the English version of the Vatican Twitter Account, you can go here: http://twitter.com/news_va_en

Remember that you can follow St. Landry Catholic Church on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/StLandryCath

Tomorrow, we'll be announcing our newest presence on the internet: a Twitter account for the St. Landry Catholic Church Immaculate Conception Bell. If you want a preview, go here: http://twitter.com/StLandryBell

Fifth Sunday in Lent and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today, during his homily, Monsignor Romero referenced the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Compendium is a wonderful reference to Catholic teaching that, in turn, references back into the more detailed Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both books are wonderful reference texts to have.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

And the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

During the homily, Monsignor Romero referenced questions 487 through 494 in the Compendium on The Sixth Commandment: You Shall Not Commit Adultery.

487. What responsibility do human persons have in regard to their own sexual identity?

2331-2336
2392-2393

God has created human beings as male and female, equal in personal dignity, and has called them to a vocation of love and of communion.
Everyone should accept his or her identity as male or female, recognizing its importance for the whole of the person, its specificity and complementarity.

488. What is chastity?

2337-2338

Chastity means the positive integration of sexuality within the person. Sexuality becomes truly human when it is integrated in a correct way into the relationship of one person to another. Chastity is a moral virtue, a gift of God, a grace, and a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

489. What is involved in the virtue of chastity?

2339-2341

The virtue of chastity involves an apprenticeship in self-mastery as an expression of human freedom directed towards self-giving. An integral and continuing formation, which is brought about in stages, is necessary to achieve this goal.

490. What are the means that aid the living of chastity?

2340-2347

There are many means at one's disposal: the grace of God, the help of the sacraments, prayer, self-knowledge, the practice of an asceticism adapted to various situations, the exercise of the moral virtues, especially the virtue of temperance which seeks to have the passions guided by reason.

491. In what way is everyone called to live chastity?

2348-2350
2394

As followers of Christ, the model of all chastity, all the baptised are called to live chastely in keeping with their particular states of life. Some profess virginity or consecrated celibacy which enables them to give themselves to God alone with an undivided heart in a remarkable manner. Others, if they are married live in conjugal chastity, or if unmarried practise chastity in continence.

492. What are the principal sins against chastity?

2351-2359
2396

Grave sins against chastity differ according to their object:
adultery, masturbation, fornication, pornography, prostitution, rape, and homosexual acts. These sins are expressions of the vice of lust.
These kinds of acts committed against the physical and moral integrity of minors become even more grave.

493. Although it says only “you shall not commit adultery” why does the sixth commandment forbid all sins against chastity?

2336

Although the biblical text of the Decalogue reads “you shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), the Tradition of the Church comprehensively follows the moral teachings of the Old and New Testaments and considers the sixth commandment as encompassing all sins against chastity.

494. What is the responsibility of civil authority in regard to chastity?

2354

Insofar as it is bound to promote respect for the dignity of the person, civil authority should seek to create an environment conducive to the practice of chastity. It should also enact suitable legislation to prevent the spread of the grave offenses against chastity mentioned above, especially in order to protect minors and those who are the weakest members of society.

Homily for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

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. This week, The Fifth Sunday of Lent, is our fifty third podcast to be posted. This week, the homily is given by Monsignor J. Robert Romero.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download The Fifth Sunday of Lent homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

3D Tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Now online --- 3D tour of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is said to contain the grounds of Golgotha, the Hill of Calvary, where Christ was crucified. It also is said to contain the place of the tomb of Christ.

http://www.3disrael.com/jerusalem/Church_of_the_Holy_Sepulcher.cfm

Drag around inside of the image ... up, down, right and left ... to look around inside.

The Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem is also there.

http://www.3disrael.com/jerusalem/church_magdalene_out.cfm

Bishop Jarrell, Archbishop Aymond, and Louisiana Catholic Bishops release statement on health care reform

Archbishop Aymond and Louisiana Catholic Bishops release a statement on health care reform

Thursday March 18th 2010

The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly supports the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their opposition to the current Senate health care bill. Some in the Catholic Church maintain that the Senate bill will not provide taxpayer funding for abortions and that it will uphold longstanding conscience protections. They are mistaken. It is our belief that the Senate bill fails to maintain longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate conscience protections. Therefore, the bishops of Louisiana are disappointed in both the inaccurate interpretations of some within the church, as well as the confusion that this has caused. Our focus continues to be to advocate for health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all, while being both accessible and affordable. Please pray for those who represent us in Congress that they will re-examine the health care bill.

LOUISIANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS SPEAK OUT ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, issues the following statement on behalf of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops addressing the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ stance on health care reform.

“The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly supports the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their opposition to the current Senate health care bill. Some in the Catholic Church maintain that the Senate bill will not provide taxpayer funding for abortions and that it will uphold longstanding conscience protections. They are mistaken. It is our belief that the Senate bill fails to maintain longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate conscience protections. Therefore, the bishops of Louisiana are disappointed in both the inaccurate interpretations of some within the church, as well as the confusion that this has caused. Our focus continues to be to advocate for health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all, while being both accessible and affordable. Please pray for those who represent us in Congress that they will re-examine the health care bill.”

The Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans

The Most Rev. Sam G. Jacobs, Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux

The Most Rev. Michael Jarrell, Bishop of Lafayette

The Most Rev. Robert W. Muench, Bishop of Baton Rouge

The Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria

The Most Rev. Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles

The Most Rev. Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Shreveport

The Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre, Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans

Traditional Architecture Returns

Nice write up on the return of traditional architecture in the Wall Street Journal.

Click here.

Blessing of St. Joseph's Altar this evening

At Our Lady of Mercy, Opelousas, Louisiana, 207 North Camille Street, Opelousas, LA 70570 ...

The blessing of the St. Joseph’s Altar will be on Thursday March 18 at 5:30 pm followed by a rosary in the Church Hall. On Friday, March 19, there will be Mass and the Tupa-Tupa at 8:00 am at the St. Joseph’s Altar. Lunch will be served at 11 am. You may reserve your candles for the altar by calling Priscilla at 942-4174 ext. 212.

Proud to be Catholic

Mass at Iwo Jima.

From the blog "Why I Am Catholic" which can be found by clicking here.

Readings and Themes for the Week of March 21, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of March 21, 2010,
The Fifth Sunday of Lent

Reading Isaiah 43:16-21

The mystery of the Passover will be made new.

Psalm 126

"The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy."

Reading II Philippians 3:8-1

Paul desires a share in the paschal mystery of the land.

Gospel: John 8:1-11

No one is without sin except our merciful judge.

THEME:

Jesus’ love and forgiveness offer true freedom.

Today’s Gospel passage, perhaps more than any other, captures the immensity of God’s mercy. The Lord Jesus shows the kind of mercy that we strive to show to others. When we take on the mind and heart of Saint Paul, who considered everything as a loss compared to his knowledge of Jesus Christ, we will know the tender mercy of our God. As the word of God is proclaimed, let us ask God to open our hearts to the transforming power of that word.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

How does the Sacrament of Reconciliation help us experience God’s forgiveness?

Question for Youth:

Whom among your family and friends do you need to forgive so that you can heal a broken relationship and experience newness?

Question for Adults:

Against whom do you hold prejudices?

Who do you believe is a greater sinner than yourself?

Bulletin for the Week of March 21, 2010

The bulletin for the week of March 21, 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.

Fourth Sunday in Lent and The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today, during his homily, Monsignor Romero referenced the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Compendium is a wonderful reference to Catholic teaching that, in turn, references back into the more detailed Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both books are wonderful reference texts to have.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

And the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

During the homily, Monsignor Romero referenced questions 299 through 302 in the Compendium.

299. Do the baptized have need of conversion?

1427-1429

The call of Christ to conversion continues to resound in the lives of the baptized. Conversion is a continuing obligation for the whole Church. She is holy but includes sinners in her midst.

300. What is interior penance?

1430-1433
1490

It is the movement of a “contrite heart” (Psalm 51:19) drawn by divine grace to respond to the merciful love of God. This entails sorrow for and abhorrence of sins committed, a firm purpose not to sin again in the future and trust in the help of God. It is nourished by hope in divine mercy.

301. What forms does penance take in the Christian life?

1434-1439

Penance can be expressed in many and various ways but above all in fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These and many other forms of penance can be practiced in the daily life of a Christian, particularly during the time of Lent and on the penitential day of Friday.

302. What are the essential elements of the sacrament of Reconciliation?

1440-1449

The essential elements are two: the acts of the penitent who comes to repentance through the action of the Holy Spirit, and the absolution of the priest who in the name of Christ grants forgiveness and determines the ways of making satisfaction.

Homily for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

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. This week, The Fourth Sunday of Lent, is our fifty second podcast to be posted. This week, the homily is given by Monsignor J. Robert Romero.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download The Fourth Sunday of Lent homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

The Scrutinies

Samaritan Woman at the Well - 1593 Annibale Carracci

Last Sunday we began the Scrutinies. These are special times where we pray for those who are in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. These adults are in preparation to celebrate the Sacraments of Christian Initiation at the Easter Vigil. A dictionary gives us three views of scrutiny. Scrutiny is a careful inspection that is a close, cared, and thorough examination or inspection. Scrutiny is an observation that is a careful study or surveillance. A scrutiny can be a gaze where we give a searching look.

When we come to the scrutiny of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, scrutiny is mainly spiritual. The Scrutinies are intended to purify the mind and heart, to strengthen against temptation, to purify intentions, and to help make a firm decision of those in the RCIA. We ask that they remain more closely united with Christ and make progress in their efforts to love God more deeply.

We pray that they arrive at an intimate knowledge of Christ and his Church, and progress in sincere self-knowledge in a serious appraisal of self, and in true penance.

The Catechumens in the RCIA learn the mysteries of Christ who frees from sin. We pray they be free of the effects of sin and from the influence of the devil. We pray they are strengthened in their journey and open their hearts to receive the gifts of the Savior.

Each scrutiny focuses on Christ the Redeemer. In the first scrutiny, the Samaritan woman discovers Christ is the living water. In the second scrutiny, the man born blind discovers Christ the light. In the third scrutiny, Lazarus discovers Christ is the resurrection and life. As the Scrutinies proceed, parishioners grow deeper with the elect in our understanding of sin and in our desire for salvation.

Year for Priests - 35th Anniversary of the Ordination of Monsignor J. Robert Romero

YEAR FOR PRIESTS

Faithfulness of Christ, faithfulness of priests

Sunday, March 14, 2010, in this Year of Priests, I celebrate my 35th Anniversary of ordination as a priest. Bishop Frey ordained me on March 14, 1975 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette.

Others ordained with me as a priest were Father Mike Arnaud and Father Tom Finley. I am grateful God has called me to be a priest. I am grateful I am here at St. Landry Church. In this Year of Priests, may God strengthen all priests in his Church with an intense renewal of being Christ to the baptized, Christ as head of the Church. May God also make real in the life of the baptized an intense realization of being the Body of Christ to the world. May God bring together, the head, in his priests, and the body, in the baptized. So that the whole body of Christ – head and body - may grow in holiness and witness of Christ.

Monsignor J. Robert Romero

Happy anniversary, Monsignor, from your friends and the parishioners of St. Landry Catholic Church.

Readings and Themes for the Week of March 14, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of March 14, 2010,
The Fourth Sunday of Lent

Reading Joshua 5:9a, 10-12

The people celebrate the first Passover in the promised land.

Psalm 34

"Taste and see the goodness of the Lord."

Reading II 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Jesus reconciles us to his Father.

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Forgiveness and reconciliation are reasons for celebration.

THEME:

God wants us to come back. Now is the time to reconcile.

As we listen to the word of God today, let us be open to the power of the Holy Spirit. We often become lost in sin, hoping for a way out. Today’s Gospel serves as an everlasting reminder that God is always there when we admit our sinfulness and come home to God’s loving embrace. Let us truly taste and see the goodness of the Lord as that goodness is made present in the proclamation of the word.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

Who is the one person you most need to say, “I’m sorry” to in your family?

Question for Youth:

Is it difficult for you to say, “I’m sorry” when you hurt another or get off track in your own life?

Question for Adults:

How have you or your family welcomed a family member who has been distant and/or absent from you?

Bulletin for the Weekend of March 14, 2010

The bulletin for the weekend of March 14, 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.

Two Wolves and Ash Wednesday

Someone forwarded to me a story about TWO WOLVES with a hand written note saying, “Reminds me of your sermon on Ash Wednesday.” Here follows the story called TWO WOLVES:

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.”

“One is Evil – It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”

“The other is Good – It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wolf wins?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

On Ash Wednesday I referred to Mark 7:21-23 and Galatians 5:19-26. Anyone wanting to listen to it again can find in on the church’s website at www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org, click on ‘Prior Bulletin and Homilies’, on the Homily Column click ‘Ash Wednesday 5:30 p.m. mass’. Or just click here to go directly to the homily.

Monsignor J. Robert Romero

Chamber's Citizen of the Year - James Douget

Congratulations to Mr. James Douget on receiving the ‘Citizen of the Year Award’ from the Opelousas St. Landry Chamber of Commerce. This award was given last Thursday night, March 4, 2010. Mr. Douget attends the 8:00 a.m. mass. He has been active in researching and portraying characters in our annual cemetery tour. He also is very involved in the preservation of the Michel Prudhomme home near St. Landry Catholic Church. Thank you Mr. Douget for all you do in our community.

Blessing for the Keeping of Lent

“Lent is a privileged time of interior pilgrimage towards him who is the fount of mercy ... Even in the ‘valley of darkness’ ... while the tempter prompts us to despair ... God is there to guard us and sustain us. In the desolation of misery, loneliness, violence, and hunger that indiscriminately afflict children, adults, and the elderly, God does not allow darkness to prevail. The gaze of Jesus embraces individuals and multitudes, and he brings them all before the Father, offering himself as a sacrifice of expiation. In turning to the Divine Master, in being converted to him…we will discover a ‘gaze’ that searches us profoundly and gives new life to…each one of us. It restores trust to those who do not succumb to skepticism.”

Pope Benedict XVI

Bulletin for the Weekend of March 07, 2010

The bulletin for the weekend of March 07, 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.

Forming Good Stewards - This week's gospel message

"For three years I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down! Why should I exhaust the soil?" Luke 13:1-9

Jesus tells of a gardener who pleads to save a fig tree so he can cultivate it and hope to make it productive. In chapters one and two of Genesis, God reveals that He created man and woman and gave them dominion over His Garden---all creation.

Bishop Robert Morneau poignantly describes how God made us stewards of many gardens; the gardens of our faith, our body, our family, our mind, our creativity, our many abilities and most importantly, our ability to reason and our free will. He points out that all of the gardens belong to God and poses the question, “How are we caring for our gardens? Are we being good stewards? Have we cultivated our gardens or let them go fallow? Are our gardens as productive as God intended? If not, it is not too late. The first step is to identify and accept responsibility for the gardens that God has entrusted to our care. Do not be afraid. We have Jesus as our helper in our garden.

Readings and Themes for the Week of March 07, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of March 07, 2010,
The Third Sunday of Lent

Reading Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15

I AM sent you to me.

Psalm 103

"The Lord is Kind and Merciful."

Reading II 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

The life of the people with Moses in the desert was written down as a warning to us.

Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did.

THEME:

Lent calls us to conversion

The sacred word of God is a spring that flows forth in this holy place to reveal our sinfulness and strengthen us in holiness. As we listen to God’s word, let us pray that we will cease all grumbling and grow into real evangelizers, unafraid to share the wonders the Lord has worked in each of our lives.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

God wants your faith to result in good living.

What steps can you take during Lent to make sure that happens?

Question for Youth:

What needs changing in your life right now and how will you invite God into that change?

Question for Adults:

What steps are you taking this Lent to make sure that your faith bears fruit in good works?

Year for Priests

YEAR FOR PRIESTS

Faithfulness of Christ, faithfulness of priests

It seems to me that throughout his time of discipleship, even until his own crucifixion, Saint Peter always had to listen anew to Jesus, to enter more profoundly into the mystery of his priesthood, of Christ’s priesthood communicated to the Apostles and their successors. In this sense, the figure of Peter appears to me like the image of all of us in these days.

Pope Benedict XVI’s address at the conclusion of the annual Lenten retreat, February 16, 2008

Opelousas Catholic School Spring Barbecue Dinner

OC CORNER

The OC Athletic Council is holding their Spring Barbecue Dinner sale on Sunday, March 7th, for $6.00 per dinner with the option of chicken or pork. Contact any OC student or Dwayne Joubert @ 594-8408 as soon as possible for tickets.

OC classes are enjoying masses with Msgr. Louis Melancon in the school’s new chapel during Lent. Parents and family members may attend the masses and should check with their children for the scheduled times.

Parents are urged to register children for the 2010-2011 school year as classes are filling. Call 942-5404 ext. 101 for more information.

Way of the Cross - Fridays, 6 PM during Lent

The Way of the Cross is celebrated at St. Landry Catholic Church on Fridays of Lent (except Good Friday) at 6:00 p.m. Following the Way of the Cross is a short period of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. We use for the Way of the Cross , the version composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori.

Background of Way of the Cross: It is called Via Crucis (or Via Dolorosa) in Latin. In the early centuries the common starting point was the Antonia Fortress and the Praetorium near the northwest corner of the second Temple. Through the decades various routes led to Golgotha, the place of the Skull. Eventually a traditional path developed, although it is not until the middle of the fifteenth century into the writings of an English pilgrim, William Wey, that there is a description that somewhat matches what could be described as the traditional Way of the Cross today. In Jerusalem, only nine of the typical Stations exist on the way. The others are inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Over the years various meditations have been written for the Via Crucis, one of the more popular classic ones by St. Alphonsus Liguori. In recent years Pope John-Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have sought to focus more on the scriptural roots of the events of Christ’s final hours. Consequently, a new ordering of the Via Crucis with newly written meditations is celebrated in Rome at the Coliseum each Good Friday. We can download those meditations at: http://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/documents/index_via-crucis_en.html.

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for March 2010

Pope Benedict XVI kneels during spiritual exercises, AP Photo/L'Osservatore Romano

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for March 2010 is: "That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equity, taking account of the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest."

His mission intention is: "That the Churches in Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice in every part of that continent."

Transfiguration as Christophany

"The Transfiguration" by Raphael, circa 1520

Today, Monsignor referred to the transfiguration as a Christophany.

The following is a quote from an article by Father Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., a professor of New Testament at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass.

The transfiguration narrative is about a Christophany, that is, it describes a manifestation or revelation of who Jesus really is. The term Christophany is a variation on the more familiar word theophany, a scene in which God reveals God’s self to humans—as, for example, in the encounter between God and Moses in Exodus 3 and 4. In the transfiguration story Jesus is revealed as a glorious figure superior to Moses and Elijah, and is identified by the heavenly voice as the Son of God. In the Markan context of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, the transfiguration gives a glimpse of Jesus’ true nature and the goal to which his journey leads.

Second Sunday of Lent - The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today, during his homily, Monsignor Romero referenced the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Compendium is a wonderful reference to Catholic teaching that, in turn, references back into the more detailed Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both books are wonderful reference texts to have.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

And the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

During the homily, Monsignor Romero referenced paragraphs 101 and 387 in the Compendium.

101. In what sense is the life of Christ a Mystery?

512-521
561-562

The entire life of Christ is a revelation. What was visible in the earthly life of Jesus leads us to the invisible mystery of his divine sonship: “whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Furthermore, even though salvation comes completely from the cross and the resurrection, the entire life of Christ is a mystery of redemption because everything that Jesus did, said, and suffered had for its aim the salvation of fallen human beings and the restoration of their vocation as children of God.

387. What is hope?

1817-1821
1843

Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire and await from God eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ's promises and relying on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit to merit it and to persevere to the end of our earthly life.

Homily for the Second Sunday in Lent

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. This week, The Second Sunday of Lent, is our fifty first podcast to be posted. This week, the homily is given by Monsignor J. Robert Romero.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download The Second Sunday of Lent homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Forming Good Stewards - This week's gospel message

“Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” Luke 9:28b—36

Tradition holds that the Transfiguration occurred on Mount Tabor just after Jesus predicted his suffering and death, and then explained the conditions of discipleship. When Peter observed Jesus change in appearance and conversing with Moses, the Great Law Giver, and Elijah, the Great Prophet, he was frightened, but then felt privileged and secure. He proposed to make three tents or dwellings. It is possible Peter wanted to keep Jesus safe. OR he may have realized that disciples of Jesus risked the same fate and he wanted to avoid the consequences of being a disciple of Jesus. That is particularly true when we feel called to be good stewards of God’s world by fully sharing our time, our abilities, and our resources. In the end, the Father leaves us no choice. He says of Jesus, This is my chosen Son, listen to Him.”

Readings and Themes for the Week of February 28, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of February 28, 2010,
The Second Sunday of Lent

Reading I Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

In a holy covenant, God promises Abram a homeland.

Psalm 27

"The Lord is my light and my salvation."

Reading II Philippians 3:17 - 4:1

The journey of faith is open to all.

Gospel: Luke 9:28B - 36

His face changed in appearance and his clothes became dazzling white.

THEME:

Lent calls us to transform our lives

Today’s readings are all about promises. God promises Abraham that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the skies. In the story of the Transfiguration, we are given a glimpse of the promise of glory made to those who put faith in Christ. Bathed in the brilliant light of the Transfiguration, we open our hearts to listen once again to the dazzling promises made by our loving and compassionate God.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

Jesus invites you to be close to him, to see him with clear eyes. What is Jesus like as a friend?

Question for Youth:

What do you most want God to help you with?

Question for Adults:

Sometimes we can see Christ with clear eyes, as the disciples did on that mountain.

What can you share about such a time in your life?

Bulletin for the Weekend of February 28, 2010

The bulletin for the weekend of February 28, 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.

Last Night of Lenten Mission - Father Neyrey

Father Neyrey gave a wonderful talk again tonight during the last night of our lenten mission.

Click here to listen to his talk.

Click here to download a copy of the handout from his talk.

Last Night of the Lenten Mission - tonight at 6:30 PM

Tonight at 6:30 PM at St. Landry Catholic Church, we continue our Lenten Mission with Father Neyrey. For an overview of the entire mission, click here.

The topic of the mission is, "The Paschal Mystery: What the New Testament and the Early Church have to say about the Death and Resurrection of Jesus".

The third night's topic is, "You killed him, God raised him: What do Christians say about Jesus who was raised?".

The notes for tonight's talk can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/Brochures/2010LentenMissionNight3.pdf

Second Night of Lenten Mission - Father Neyrey

Father Neyrey gave a wonderful talk again tonight during the second night of our lenten mission.

Click here to listen to his talk.

Click here to download a copy of the handout from his talk.

Click here to see a photo gallery of the images of the crosses referred to in his talk.


Click here for more details about the Lenten Mission.

The mission continues Wednesday, February 24, at 6:30 PM at St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana. Please join us.

Second Night of Lenten Mission Tonight - 6:30 PM

Tonight at 6:30 PM at St. Landry Catholic Church, we continue our Lenten Mission with Father Neyrey. For an overview of the entire mission, click here.

The topic of the mission is, "The Paschal Mystery: What the New Testament and the Early Church have to say about the Death and Resurrection of Jesus".

The second night's topic is, "How the Early Church Imagined the Cross". There will be an audio/visual presentation of a large number crosses, examining them in detail.

The notes for tonight's talk can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/Brochures/2010LentenMissionNight2.pdf

First Night of the Lenten Mission - Father Neyrey

Father Neyrey gave a wonderful talk tonight during the first night of our lenten mission.

Click here to listen to his talk.

Click here to download a copy of the handout from his talk.

Click here for more details about the Lenten Mission.

The mission continues Tuesday, February 22, at 6:30 PM at St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana. Please join us.

Lenten Mission begins tonight at 6:30 PM

Tonight at 6:30 PM at St. Landry Catholic Church, we begin our Lenten Mission with Father Neyrey. For an overview of the entire mission, click here.

The topic of the mission is, "The Paschal Mystery: What the New Testament and the Early Church have to say about the Death and Resurrection of Jesus".

The first night's topic is, "Despising the Shame of the Cross". This references the Book of Hebrews, the beginning of Chapter 12:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Father Nehrey will look to the Book of Matthew and his story of the Death of Jesus.

The notes for tonight's talk can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/Brochures/2010LentenMissionNight1.pdf

Way of the Cross - Fridays, 6 PM, during Lent

St. Landry Catholic Church hosts the Way of the Cross at 6 PM each Friday during Lent. We use the prayers of St. Alphonsus Liguori. You can read the complete Way of the Cross at another website here. The stations in St. Landry Catholic Church are each over 6 feet tall and beautifully painted.

After the stations, we spend some time in Eucharistic adoration as well. It is a wonderful way to spend an hour on Fridays during Lent.

Pictured above is the Seventh Station, Jesus Falls the Second Time. Monsignor Romero referenced it and St. Alphonsus Liguori's prayer during his homily today.

My most gentle Jesus,
how many times You have forgiven me;
and how many times I have fallen again
and begun again to offend You!

By the merits of this second fall,
give me the grace to persevere
in Your love until death.

Grant, that in all my temptations,
I may always have recourse to You.
I love You, Jesus, my Love, with all my heart;
I am sorry that I have offended You.

Never let me offend You again.

Grant that I may love You always;
and then do with me as You will.

The First Sunday of Lent - Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Compendium

Today, during his homily, Monsignor Romero referenced the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Compendium is a wonderful reference to Catholic teaching that, in turn, references back into the more detailed Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both books are wonderful reference texts to have.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

And the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

During the homily, Monsignor Romero referenced first referenced paragraphs 596 and 597 in the Compendium. This is from the section detailing the Our Father and references temptation and deliverance from evil.

596. What does “Lead us not into temptation” mean?

2846-2849
2863

We ask God our Father not to leave us alone and in the power of temptation. We ask the Holy Spirit to help us know how to discern, on the one hand, between a trial that makes us grow in goodness and a temptation that leads to sin and death and, on the other hand, between being tempted and consenting to temptation. This petition unites us to Jesus who overcame temptation by his prayer. It requests the grace of vigilance and of final perseverance.

597. Why do we conclude by asking “But deliver us from evil”?

2850-2854
2864

“Evil” indicates the person of Satan who opposes God and is “the deceiver of the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). Victory over the devil has already been won by Christ. We pray, however, that the human family be freed from Satan and his works. We also ask for the precious gift of peace and the grace of perseverance as we wait for the coming of Christ who will free us definitively from the Evil One.

Monsignor Romero also referenced the Catechism paragraph 2847, section VI, "Lead us not into temptation."

That paragraph has a quote from Origen.

2847 The Holy Spirit makes us discern between trials, which are necessary for the growth of the inner man, and temptation, which leads to sin and death. We must also discern between being tempted and consenting to temptation. Finally, discernment unmasks the lie of temptation, whose object appears to be good, a "delight to the eyes" and desirable, when in reality its fruit is death.

"God does not want to impose the good, but wants free beings. . . . There is a certain usefulness to temptation. No one but God knows what our soul has received from him, not even we ourselves. But temptation reveals it in order to teach us to know ourselves, and in this way we discover our evil inclinations and are obliged to give thanks for the goods that temptation has revealed to us."

Homily for First Sunday of Lent

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. This week, The First Sunday of Lent, is our forty seventh podcast to be posted. This week, the homily is given by Monsignor J. Robert Romero.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download The First Sunday of Lent homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Ladies Altar Society - Morning of Recollection

This morning at Valentine Hall, the Ladies Altar Society is having a Morning of Recollection with guest Father Tom Voorhies. He will talk to our group for about an hour, starting at 9 AM.

Afterwards, there will be a mass celebrated.

If you are a member of our Ladies Altar Society or are interested in becoming a member, please attend.

Forming Good Stewards - This week's gospel message

"When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time." Luke 4:1-13

Now there’s a scary thought. Jesus, the Word made Flesh, Son of God, and Son of Mary, is tempted by the devil—not just once, but again and again. How was Jesus really tempted?

Turn stones into bread. That is a temptation to acquire material security and financial wealth. The Holy Land is full of stones. Turning stones into bread would have made Jesus very wealthy.

All the kingdoms of the world ... will be yours. That is temptation to use wealth to gain power over others. Tyrants, large and small, national and in families, use wealth to control others. Many people live in poverty and fear of a tyrant who has political and military power. Some people spend their lives catering to the whims of the person who controls a family’s fortune.

Throw yourself down and the angels will protect you. This is the most sinister temptation of all. To do something that will amaze people so you can gain control over their minds and hearts and souls. In various ways, we constantly face these same temptations in our lives.

How do we deal with them? Jesus resisted them again and again. As his disciples, we must do the same.

Readings and Themes for the Week of February 21, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of February 21, 2010,
The First Sunday of Lent

Reading I Deuteronomy 26:4-10

The Lenten fast, like the Exodus, leads to a land flowing with milk and honey.

Psalm 91

"Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble."

Reading II Romans 10:8-13

The journey of faith is open to all.

Gospel: Luke 4:1-13

The fast can be a sign that we live on more than bread.

THEME:

Lent is time to open our hearts more fully to Jesus.

Real conversion begins when we recall the deeds God has accomplished throughout salvation history, as well as in the histories of our own faith journeys. Today’s sacred word summons us to remembrance and strengthens us in our own deserts of temptation. As the word is proclaimed, we humbly ask for this strength and, echoing the words of the psalmist, ask the Lord to be with us in times of trouble.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

When you feel tempted to do wrong, how do you remain strong in your faith?

Question for Youth:

What is one thing you will do during Lent to become more open to God in your life?

Question for Adults:

As you come to understand the temptation of Jesus in the desert, which one of the devil’s offerings is hardest for you to resist?

Bulletin for the Weekend of February 21, 2010

The bulletin for the weekend of February 21, 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.

Homily for Ash Wednesday

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. This week, Ash Wednesday, is our forty sixth podcast to be posted. This week, the homily is given by Monsignor J. Robert Romero.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download Ash Wednesday homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

The Beatitudes on a snowy day at St. Landry Catholic Church

We had a nice snow on Friday, February 12, 2010 at St. Landry Catholic Church.

This photo seems timely with the gospel over the weekend on the Beatitudes.

Saying goodbye to Alleluia

Today is the last Sunday that we sing the Alleluia. From Ash Wednesday and all through Lent, we give up the singing of the word that the choirs of angels use in adoration of God.

Through the season of Lent, we will focus on readings from the Old Testament that point to the coming of Christ. By not joining in the song of the angels, we remember the time before Jesus' great gift of salvation. For us now, it also helps us to focus on the second coming of Christ and our life to come in heaven.

When Easter Vigil arrives, and we again sing the Alleluia, we celebrate Christ risen and once again acknowledge how, in the mass, we are joined with the angels in heaven, praising God.

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today, during his homily, Monsignor Romero referenced the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Compendium is a wonderful reference to Catholic teaching that, in turn, references back into the more detailed Catechism of the Catholic Church. Both books are wonderful reference texts to have.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

And the Catechism of the Catholic Church is available by clicking here for the Vatican website.

During the homily, Monsignor Romero referenced paragraphs 359 thru 362 in the Compendium. This section is called "Our Vocation to Beatitude". Beatitude means, "the state of supreme happiness".

359. How do we attain beatitude?

1716

We attain beatitude by virtue of the grace of Christ which makes us participants in the divine life. Christ in the Gospel points out to his followers the way that leads to eternal happiness: the beatitudes.

The grace of Christ also is operative in every person who, following a correct conscience, seeks and loves the true and the good and avoids evil.

360. Why are the beatitudes important for us?

1716-1717
1725-1726

The beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus’ preaching and they take up and fulfill the promises that God made starting with Abraham. They depict the very countenance of Jesus and they characterize authentic Christian life. They reveal the ultimate goal of human activity, which is eternal happiness.

361. What is the relationship between the beatitudes and our desire for happiness?

1718-1719

The beatitudes respond to the innate desire for happiness that God has placed in the human heart in order to draw us to himself. God alone can satisfy this desire.

362. What is eternal happiness?

1720-1724
1727-1729

It is the vision of God in eternal life in which we are fully “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4), of the glory of Christ and of the joy of the trinitarian life. This happiness surpasses human capabilities. It is a supernatural and gratuitous gift of God just as is the grace which leads to it. This promised happiness confronts us with decisive moral choices concerning earthly goods and urges us to love God above all things.

Homily for Sixth 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. This week, The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, is our forty fifth podcast to be posted. This week, the homily is given by Monsignor J. Robert Romero.

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

Lenten Mission - February 22, 23, and 24

Lenten Mission at St. Landry Catholic Church
Monday Feb. 22, Tuesday Feb. 23, Wednesday Feb. 24
6:30 PM

Presenter: Father Jerome Neyrey, S.J.

Title: The Paschal Mystery: What the New Testament and the Early Church have to say about the Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Contents:
1st night: Monday, Feb. 22 - Despising the Shame of the Cross

2nd night: Tuesday, Feb. 23 - Looking at the Cross as the Early Church Did

3rd night: Wednesday, Feb. 24 - You killed him, God raised him: What do Christians say about Jesus who was raised?

Father Jerome Neyrey, a native of New Orleans, entered the Jesuits in 1957. He received academic degrees of a B.A. at St. Louis University, two Masters of Theology at Regis College in Toronto, and a Ph.D. at Yale University. He taught for 14 years at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology and 15 years at the Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN, from which he retired May 2007. As professors must, he taught for 36 years at all levels: undergraduate – masters – doctoral students. He published books and especially articles which are available full text at http://www.nd.edu/~jneyrey1. He is a recent president of the Catholic Biblical Association. As a “retired” Jesuit he took up a new ministry, that of preaching retreats at Our Lady of the Oaks, Grand Coteau LA. Most importantly, he is an avid bird watcher, a stamp collector, and a glutton for fiction, good and bad.