Bob and Penny Lord coming to the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana

Bob and Penny Lord will be visiting in our Diocese over the next week. Many of you have seen them on EWTN in series that cover their travels to various shrines and holy places around the world.

For more information including ordering DVD's of their various shows or information about participating in a pilgrimage with them, visit their website at http://www.bobandpennylord.com/

The schedule for them this week is:

Monday, April 19, 6:30 PM
Subject: Super Saints
St. Peter And Paul Catholic Church
1110 Old Spanish Trail
Scott, Louisiana

Tuesday, April 20, 6:30 PM
Subject: Priesthood and the Mass
St. Anne Catholic Church
716 6th Street
Mamou, Louisiana

Wednesday, April 21, 6:30 PM
Subject: Super Saints - Visionaries, Mystics & Stigmatics
St. Peter Catholic Church
108 East St. Peter Street
New Iberia, Louisiana

The Third Sunday of Easter and the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today, during his homily on The Passion, Monsignor Romero referenced the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism is a wonderful reference to Catholic teaching.

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 127 thru 129 of the Compendium in the section "Jesus Christ descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead."

127. What are the signs that bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus?

639-644
656-657

Along with the essential sign of the empty tomb, the Resurrection of Jesus is witnessed to by the women who first encountered Christ and proclaimed him to the apostles. Jesus then “appeared to Cephas (Peter) and then to the Twelve. Following that he appeared to more than five hundred of the brethren at one time” (1 Corinthians 15:5-6) and to others as well. The apostles could not have invented the story of the resurrection since it seemed impossible to them. As a matter of fact, Jesus himself upbraided them for their unbelief.

128. Why is the Resurrection at the same time a transcendent occurrence?

647
656-657

While being an historical event, verifiable and attested by signs and testimonies, the Resurrection, insofar as it is the entrance of Christ's humanity into the glory of God, transcends and surpasses history as a mystery of faith. For this reason the risen Christ did not manifest himself to the world but to his disciples, making them his witnesses to the people.

129. What is the condition of the risen body of Jesus?

645-646

The Resurrection of Christ was not a return to earthly life. His risen body is that which was crucified and bears the marks of his passion. However it also participates in the divine life, with the characteristics of a glorified body. Because of this the risen Jesus was utterly free to appear to his disciples how and where he wished and under various aspects.

Homily for The Third Sunday of Easter

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 Third Sunday of Easter, is our sixty 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 Third Sunday of Easter homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Readings and Themes for the Week of April 18, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of April 18, 2010,
Third Sunday of Easter

Reading Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

The apostles openly give witness to the power of Jesus' name.

Psalm 30

"I will praise you Lord, for you have rescued me."

Reading II Revelation 5:11-14

John declares the glory of Jesus, The Lamb of God.

Gospel: John 21:1-19

The risen Christ welcomes his own at the seashore.

THEME:

Jesus, feed us so that we can feed and serve others.

In today’s Gospel, we witness one of the Lord’s post-Resurrection appearances. Jesus prepares breakfast for his disciples. Peter, who had betrayed Jesus a few days earlier, is invited to eat the fish Jesus has prepared. Just as Peter had denied Jesus three times, so today he professes his love for Jesus three times. Let us see in this simple seaside meal the expression of reconciliation that today’s Eucharist offers to all who believe.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

Jesus asks Peter three times if Peter loves Jesus.

What one thing can you do this week to show Jesus you love Him?

Question for Youth:

Jesus asked Peter three times to "feed my sheep".

Whom are you being called to help in your life right now?

Question for Adults:

Christ continues to feed us as his disciples, even after his death and resurrection.

How does the Eucharist feed your faith?

Stewardship
"Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you."

After appearing to the disciples two times in a room behind locked doors in Jerusalem, Jesus reveals Himself a third time to seven of His disciples who are fishing at the northwest end of the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee).

The scene is a reminder of His first call to them to become fishers of men. After preparing and sharing a breakfast of fish with them, Jesus asks Simon Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, finally says, “Lord you know everything, you know that I love you”. Peter reveals his great faith in Jesus. Only God knows everything and only God could know what was in Peter’s heart.

When we encounter Jesus He asks us, “Do you love me?” Is our faith in Jesus such that we have no doubt that He is God and that He knows what is in our heart?

How do we respond to Jesus?

Stewardship Expressions

Many people will receive the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation in April and May.

Celebrate their progression in faith formation.

Pray for their continued development throughout life.

Serve as a good role model and mentor to encourage further personal and spiritual growth.

Stewards mentor others toward a closer relationship with God.

Bulletin for the Week of April 18, 2010

The bulletin for the week of April 18, 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.

La Vita Monastica

A beautiful photo project has been posted on the web. The photos were taken by Robert Falcetti. From his website:

La Vita Monastica (The Monastic Life) is my photographic study of the cloistered community of Benedictine nuns at the Abbey of Regina Laudis in Bethlehem, Connecticut. The roots of The Abbey of Regina Laudis, founded in 1947, have their origin in the ancient Abbey of Notre Dame de Jouarre, which was founded in the 7th century and is located northeast of Paris. This personal project started as a single assignment. Many of the images here are being shown for the first time.

The photo gallery is at http://www.photoshelter.com/c/falcetti/gallery/La-Vita-Monastica/G0000IQOa9HH3N3s/

For the website of the Abbey, go to: http://www.abbeyofreginalaudis.com/sitelive/index.htm

Thursday April 15 last day to submit name for Pastoral Council

The St. Landry Catholic Church Pastoral Council elections for 2010
Council members are coming in May. The pastoral council member term is a 3-year commitment with a monthly meeting held on the first Monday of each month.

The purpose of the church pastoral council is to advise our pastor on issues and events within the church parish. This year we have two positions to fill.

Parishioners interested in becoming a candidate are to submit your name and a brief paragraph of your call to church parish involvement to the Church Office.

The deadline for submitting candidates is Thursday. April 15, 2010. For more information, contact Yvonne L Normand, Church Trustee, and Election Chair at 337-308-3474.

Year for Priests

YEAR FOR PRIESTS

Faithfulness of Christ, faithfulness of priests

I think these things are essential [in the daily life of a priest]: the Eucharist, the Office of Readings, prayer and a conversation every day, even a brief one, with the Lord on his words, which I must proclaim. And never lose either your friendship with priests, listening to the voice of the living Church, or the availability to the people entrusted to me, because from these very people, with their suffering, their faith experiences, their doubts and difficulties, we too can learn, seek and find God, find our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the Roman Major Seminary on February 17, 2007.

Appreciations from Monsignor J. Robert Romero

Many thanks to all who helped care for the Church’s liturgical environment during Lent and the Easter Triduum. I thank all who worked on the Easter decorations. A great job!!

I also thank all the altar servers, lectors, extra ordinary ministers of communion, ushers, sacristans, and music ministers for their good work. The many demands of the Easter Triduum Liturgy were surpassed with trouble-free teamwork.

In addition, acknowledgement is due to all who participated in the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday. These are Shelby Boudreaux, Alice Cormier, Lloyd Cormier, Howard Fournier, Mark Fuselier, Frances Hargroder, Audra LeJeune, Lee LeJeune, Gloria Miller, Madisonne Ned, Tyler Smith, and Beau Stelly.

Thanks to one and all!
 
Monsignor J. Robert Romero

Vatican Information Services launches a blog

Vatican Information Services has launched a blog.

I would like to think they are following St. Landry Catholic Church's example ... ha ha!

To see the latest on the blog of the Vatican's news site, click below.

http://visnews-en.blogspot.com/

Greeting in the Lord

Descent to Hell by Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308-11

Monsignor J. Robert Romero included a section of an Ancient Homily for Holy Saturday in the weekly bulletin as an example of "Greeting in the Lord". Jesus greets Adam after the crucifixion.

The painting above portrays the event. Christ in a robe trimmed with gold stands on a vanquished demon as he reaches out to help Adam up. Eve sits beside him. You can see the crushed doors of hell below as well. David appears with a crown. Other ancient forefathers surround them.

Below is the full homily as it read in the Liturgy of the Hours for Holy Saturday. The greeting is in the third paragraph.

The Lord's descent into hell

"What is happening? Today there is a great silence over the earth, a great silence, and stillness, a great silence because the King sleeps; the earth was in terror and was still, because God slept in the flesh and raised up those who were sleeping from the ages. God has died in the flesh, and the underworld has trembled.

Truly he goes to seek out our first parent like a lost sheep; he wishes to visit those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. He goes to free the prisoner Adam and his fellow-prisoner Eve from their pains, he
who is God, and Adam's son.

The Lord goes in to them holding his victorious weapon, his cross. When Adam, the first created man, sees him, he strikes his breast in terror and calls out to all: 'My Lord be with you all.' And Christ in reply says to Adam: ‘And with your spirit.’ And grasping his hand he raises him up, saying: ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.

‘I am your God, who for your sake became your son, who for you and your descendants now speak and command with authority those in prison: Come forth, and those in darkness: Have light, and those who sleep: Rise.

‘I command you: Awake, sleeper, I have not made you to be held a prisoner in the underworld. Arise from the dead; I am the life of the dead. Arise, O man, work of my hands, arise, you who were fashioned in my image. Rise, let us go hence; for you in me and I in you, together we are one undivided person.

‘For you, I your God became your son; for you, I the Master took on your form; that of slave; for you, I who am above the heavens came on earth and under the earth; for you, man, I became as a man without help, free among the dead; for you, who left a garden, I was handed over to Jews from a garden and crucified in a garden.

‘Look at the spittle on my face, which I received because of you, in order to restore you to that first divine inbreathing at creation. See the blows on my cheeks, which I accepted in order to refashion your distorted form to my own image.

'See the scourging of my back, which I accepted in order to disperse the load of your sins which was laid upon your back. See my hands nailed to the tree for a good purpose, for you, who stretched out your hand to the tree for an evil one.

`I slept on the cross and a sword pierced my side, for you, who slept in paradise and brought forth Eve from your side. My side healed the pain of your side; my sleep will release you from your sleep in Hades; my sword has checked the sword which was turned against you.

‘But arise, let us go hence. The enemy brought you out of the land of paradise; I will reinstate you, no longer in paradise, but on the throne of heaven. I denied you the tree of life, which was a figure, but now I myself am united to you, I who am life. I posted the cherubim to guard you as they would slaves; now I make the cherubim worship you as they would God.

"The cherubim throne has been prepared, the bearers are ready and waiting, the bridal chamber is in order, the food is provided, the everlasting houses and rooms are in readiness; the treasures of good things have been opened; the kingdom of heaven has been prepared before the ages."
 
Source: Ancient Homily for Holy Saturday: PG 43, 440A, 452C; LH, Holy Saturday, OR

Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction this afternoon

At 3 PM this afternoon at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Opelousas, Louisiana, there will be a benediction as well as the praying of the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

We hope to see you there.

Divine Mercy Sunday and the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today, during his homily on The Passion, Monsignor Romero referenced the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism is a wonderful reference to Catholic teaching.

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 paragraph 445 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church under the topic of "The Only Son of God".

445 After his Resurrection, Jesus' divine sonship becomes manifest in the power of his glorified humanity. He was "designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his Resurrection from the dead".57 The apostles can confess: "We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Homily for Divine Mercy Sunday

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, Divine Mercy Sunday, is our sixty 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 Divine Mercy Sunday homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Bulletin for the Week of April 11, 2010

The bulletin for the week of April 11, 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.

Readings and Themes for the Week of April 11, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of April 11, 2010,
Divine Mercy Sunday

Reading Acts 5:12-16

Peter's faith in Jesus enables him to work signs and wonders.

Psalm 118

"Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting."

Reading II Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

He is the first and the last, the one who lives.

Gospel: John 20:19-31

How blessed are those who have not seen but have believed.

THEME:

Receive the Holy Spirit

Today’s scriptures invite us to gather around the risen Christ, whose words echo across the millennia to each person in this holy place: “Peace be with you.” This blessing is at the heart of the message of Easter. As the scriptures are proclaimed, let us pray for a continued outpouring of peace on a world grown weary by war and violence.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

Jesus appeared to the disciples even though they were afraid and locked in the closed room.

How can you show Jesus to another person this week by the way you act?

Question for Youth:

Thomas didn't believe because he hadn't seen Jesus with his own eyes.

How hard is it for you to believe in God without being able to see God?

How do you see God in the words and actions of others?

Question for Adults:

Jesus said: "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Give one example of how you will show your belief in Jesus this week -- how you are being sent forth.

Stewardship
"Blessed are those who have not seen and believe."

John tells us that the disciples who abandoned Jesus when He was arrested and taken to the cross [John was one of them] were locked in a room a week after they had seen him risen from the dead and had appeared to them in that same room. Jesus had good reason to be disappointed with them, but He says to them, “Peace be with you!” He knew it was difficult for them to believe even though they had seen. And He knew how difficult it would be for us who had not seen to believe. That is why, at our Baptism, our parents, or we ourselves if we are old enough, promise to make our faith constantly grow stronger in our hearts and to bring that faith unstained into heaven. We renewed our Baptismal Promises on Easter Sunday. What have we done to make our faith grow stronger in our hearts? What are we doing? What will we do in the future? Are we being good stewards of our faith?

Stewardship Expressions

Stewardship starts with the personal experience of the Risen Christ in our midst and in our hearts. It is a vocation to discipleship. We have so much to consider as we progress through Easter and Spring.

Learn about Our Lord’s special grants of mercy and forgiveness to sinners on Divine Mercy Sunday (April 11th). Citizen stewardship is reflected on tax day (April 15thth). We celebrate and value God’s Creation in special ways on Earth Day (April 22nd). Throughout the month, let us strive to further develop our personal relationship with the Risen Christ and give witness to our discipleship through our stewardship expressions of daily living.

Al Soileau to speak to Imperial St. Landry Genealogical and Historical Society

Al Soileau will speak to the Imperial St. Landry Genealogical and Historical Society this Saturday, April 10th. He will discuss history and interesting facts about St. Landry Catholic Church.

Society meetings continue to be held at 10:00 am on the second Saturday of each month (except December.) Doctor's Hospital is now referred to as the SOUTH CAMPUS of OGH (Opelousas General Hospital) and the Society continues to meet in the first floor Conference Room. Coffee and other refreshments will be served beginning at 9:30 am before each meeting. The public is always welcome.

Images from Holy Week in Rome

Images from Holy Week in Rome

From Rome Reports' YouTube channel, here's a video of the best images from Holy Week at the Vatican with the Holy Father.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D3dl5zMgnc

Te Deum - You, God

Today, for those who pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the Te Deum is prayed. This hymn will be prayed every day during the octave of Easter as well as the Sundays of Easter. It's name, Te Deum, comes from the opening line, "Te Deum Laudamus --- You, God, we praise!"

Historically, it was said that the hymn was written and sung by St. Ambrose and St. Augustine on the night of St. Augustine's baptism around the year 387 A.D. More recent scholarship says it was written by Nicetas of Remesiana (modern day Romania) 100 years later. During the Jubilee Year of the Church in 2000, Pope John Paul II declared this hymn the Jubilee Hymn.

YOU ARE GOD (Te Deum)

You are God: we praise you;

You are the Lord: we acclaim you;

You are the eternal Father:

All creation worships you.

To you all the angels, all the powers of heaven,

Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:

    Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

    heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you:

    Father, of majesty unbounded,

    your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,

    and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are the king of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you became man to set us free

you did not spurn the Virgin's womb.

You overcame the sting of death,

and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.

You are seated at God's right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come, and be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints

to glory everlasting.

V. Save your people, Lord, and bless your inheritance.

R. Govern and uphold them now and always.

V. Day by day we bless you.

R. We praise your name for ever.

V. Keep us today, Lord, from all sin.

R. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy.

V. Lord, show us your love and mercy;

R. for we put our trust in you.

V. In you, Lord, is our hope:

R. and we shall never hope in vain.

Photos from the Easter Vigil

Deacon John Miller lights the candles of altar servers from the Easter Candle.

We've got photos up from the Easter Vigil Mass. It's the full mass along with the lighting of the Easter Candle and confirmation.

See the photo gallery here ... http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/gallery2/main.php/v/20100403EasterVigilMass/

We also have photographs of the practice before the mass here: http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/gallery2/main.php/v/20100403EasterVigilPractice/. Our altar servers worked very hard during the Easter Triduum as well as throughout the year and we want to thank them.

Our bell started ringing again during the Gloria at Easter Vigil and we now celebrate the Easter season.

A little music from the Easter Triduum - Pange Lingua & Ye Sons and Daughters

Something a little different today ...

Two links to music from our choir at St. Landry Catholic Church, headed up by Curt Miller.

Click here for Pange Lingua from Holy Thursday Mass during the Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, April 1, 2010.

Click here for Ye Sons and Daughters from Easter Vigil Mass during communion, April 3, 2010.

Lyrics of "Pange Lingua"

Pange, lingua, gloriosi

Corporis mysterium,

Sanguinisque pretiosi,

quem in mundi pretium

fructus ventris generosi

Rex effudit Gentium.

Sing, my tongue, the Savior's glory,

of His flesh the mystery sing;

of the Blood, all price exceeding,

shed by our immortal King,

destined, for the world's redemption,

from a noble womb to spring.

Of a pure and spotless Virgin

born for us on earth below,

He, as Man, with man conversing,

stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;

then He closed in solemn order

wondrously His life of woe.

On the night of that Last Supper,

seated with His chosen band,

He the Pascal victim eating,

first fulfills the Law's command;

then as Food to His Apostles

gives Himself with His own hand.

Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature

by His word to Flesh He turns;

wine into His Blood He changes;

what though sense no change discerns?

Only be the heart in earnest,

faith her lesson quickly learns.

Down in adoration falling,

This great Sacrament we hail,

Over ancient forms of worship

Newer rites of grace prevail;

Faith will tell us Christ is present,

When our human senses fail.

To the everlasting Father,

And the Son who made us free

And the Spirit, God proceeding

From them Each eternally,

Be salvation, honor, blessing,

Might and endless majesty.

Amen. Alleluia.

Lyrics of "Ye Sons and Daughters"

[Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!]

Ye sons and daughters of the King,

whom heavenly hosts in glory sing,

today the grave bath lost its sting. Alleluia!

On that first morning of the week,

before the day began to break,

the Marys went their Lord to seek. Alleluia!

An Angel bade their sorrow flee,

for thus he spake unto the three:

'Your Lord is gone to Galilee.' Alleluia!

That night the Apostles met in fear,

amidst them came their Lord most dear,

and said: 'Peace be unto you here!' Alleluia!

When Thomas afterwards had heard

that Jesus had fulfilled hiœ word,

he doubted if it were the Lord. Alleluia!

'Thomas, behold my side,' saith he,

'my hands, my feet, my body see;

'and doubt not, but believe in me.' Alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied;

he saw the feet, the hands, the side;

'Thou art my Lord and God,' he cried. Alleluia!

Blessed are they that have not seen,

and yet whose faith bath constant been,

in life eternal they shall reign. Alleluia!

On this most holy day of days,

to God your hearts and voices raise

in laud, and jubilee, and praise. Alleluia!

And we with holy Church unite,

as evermore is just and right,

in glory to the King of Light. Alleluia!

St. Landry Catholic Church in the Opelousas Daily World

Take a look at the Daily World newspaper, page 2A at the top left. There's a photo from our Holy Thursday mass featuring Monsignor J. Robert Romero and Mr. Howard Fournier!

Thanks Daily World!

He is risen, Alleluia Alleluia!

The Resurrection Window, over the altar

St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana

Easter is here --- and we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord. The Resurrection Window at our church is a powerful image. One of the Roman soldiers has been knocked down. Christ stands on an opened sepulchre with a staff bearing his standard. Below him is a casted off cloak and the crown of thorns. He's clothed now in fine clothes and raises his right hand in a blessing. A flower next to the sepulchre blooms.

Today is also the 1st anniversary of our new look website and our blog. It's been a wonderful year, sharing all of the things going on in and around our parish as well as all things Catholic around the world. We've received kind comments and questions from around the world, have had some of our artwork featured in diocesan magazines as far as Spain, and have had some of our information featured in other blogs on the internet. We've started a presence on Twitter and Facebook, set up a YouTube channel, and have started a new presence for the St. Landry Bell on those social sites as well.

Thanks to everyone for all of the positive feedback and we hope to be an even better resource into the future.

Homily for Easter Vigil

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, Easter Vigil, is our fifty eighth 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 Easter Vigil homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Homily of Pope Benedict XVI for the Easter Vigil at St. Peter's, April 3, 2010

What follows is the Homily of Pope Benedict XVI for the Easter Vigil at St. Peter's, April 3, 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

An ancient Jewish legend from the apocryphal book “The life of Adam and Eve” recounts that, in his final illness, Adam sent his son Seth together with Eve into the region of Paradise to fetch the oil of mercy, so that he could be anointed with it and healed. The two of them went in search of the tree of life, and after much praying and weeping on their part, the Archangel Michael appeared to them, and told them they would not obtain the oil of the tree of mercy and that Adam would have to die. Subsequently, Christian readers added a word of consolation to the Archangel’s message, to the effect that after 5,500 years the loving King, Christ, would come, the Son of God who would anoint all those who believe in him with the oil of his mercy. “The oil of mercy from eternity to eternity will be given to those who are reborn of water and the Holy Spirit. Then the Son of God, Christ, abounding in love, will descend into the depths of the earth and will lead your father into Paradise, to the tree of mercy.” This legend lays bare the whole of humanity’s anguish at the destiny of illness, pain and death that has been imposed upon us. Man’s resistance to death becomes evident: somewhere – people have constantly thought – there must be some cure for death. Sooner or later it should be possible to find the remedy not only for this or that illness, but for our ultimate destiny – for death itself. Surely the medicine of immortality must exist. Today too, the search for a source of healing continues. Modern medical science strives, if not exactly to exclude death, at least to eliminate as many as possible of its causes, to postpone it further and further, to prolong life more and more. But let us reflect for a moment: what would it really be like if we were to succeed, perhaps not in excluding death totally, but in postponing it indefinitely, in reaching an age of several hundred years? Would that be a good thing? Humanity would become extraordinarily old, there would be no more room for youth. Capacity for innovation would die, and endless life would be no paradise, if anything a condemnation. The true cure for death must be different. It cannot lead simply to an indefinite prolongation of this current life. It would have to transform our lives from within. It would need to create a new life within us, truly fit for eternity: it would need to transform us in such a way as not to come to an end with death, but only then to begin in fullness. What is new and exciting in the Christian message, in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, was and is that we are told: yes indeed, this cure for death, this true medicine of immortality, does exist. It has been found. It is within our reach. In baptism, this medicine is given to us. A new life begins in us, a life that matures in faith and is not extinguished by the death of the old life, but is only then fully revealed.

To this some, perhaps many, will respond: I certainly hear the message, but I lack faith. And even those who want to believe will ask: but is it really so? How are we to picture it to ourselves? How does this transformation of the old life come about, so as to give birth to the new life that knows no death? Once again, an ancient Jewish text can help us form an idea of the mysterious process that begins in us at baptism. There it is recounted how the patriarch Enoch was taken up to the throne of God. But he was filled with fear in the presence of the glorious angelic powers, and in his human weakness he could not contemplate the face of God. “Then God said to Michael,” to quote from the book of Enoch, “‘Take Enoch and remove his earthly clothing. Anoint him with sweet oil and vest him in the robes of glory!’ And Michael took off my garments, anointed me with sweet oil, and this oil was more than a radiant light … its splendour was like the rays of the sun. When I looked at myself, I saw that I was like one of the glorious beings” (Ph. Rech, Inbild des Kosmos, II 524).

Precisely this – being reclothed in the new garment of God – is what happens in baptism, so the Christian faith tells us. To be sure, this changing of garments is something that continues for the whole of life. What happens in baptism is the beginning of a process that embraces the whole of our life – it makes us fit for eternity, in such a way that, robed in the garment of light of Jesus Christ, we can appear before the face of God and live with him for ever.

In the rite of baptism there are two elements in which this event is
expressed and made visible in a way that demands commitment for the rest of our lives. There is first of all the rite of renunciation and the promises. In the early Church, the one to be baptized turned towards the west, the symbol of darkness, sunset, death and hence the dominion of sin. The one to be baptized turned in that direction and pronounced a threefold “no”: to the devil, to his pomp and to sin. The strange word “pomp”, that is to say the devil’s glamour, referred to the splendour of the ancient cult of the gods and of the ancient theatre, in which it was considered entertaining to watch people being torn limb from limb by wild beasts. What was being renounced was a type of culture that ensnared man in the adoration of power, in the world of greed, in lies, in cruelty. It was an act of liberation from the imposition of a form of life that was presented as pleasure and yet hastened the destruction of all that was best in man. This renunciation – albeit in less dramatic form – remains an essential part of baptism today. We remove the “old garments”, which we cannot wear in God’s presence. Or better put: we begin to remove them. This renunciation is actually a promise in which we hold out our hand to Christ, so that he may guide us and reclothe us. What these “garments” are that we take off, what the promise is that we make, becomes clear when we see in the fifth chapter of the Letter to the Galatians what Paul calls “works of the flesh” – a term that refers precisely to the old garments that we remove. Paul designates them thus: “fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing and the like” (Gal 5:19ff.). These are the garments that we remove: the garments of death.

Then, in the practice of the early Church, the one to be baptized turned towards the east – the symbol of light, the symbol of the newly rising sun of history, the symbol of Christ. The candidate for baptism determines the new direction of his life: faith in the Trinitarian God to whom he entrusts himself. Thus it is God who clothes us in the garment of light, the garment of life. Paul calls these new “garments” “fruits of the spirit”, and he describes them as follows: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22).

In the early Church, the candidate for baptism was then truly stripped of his garments. He descended into the baptismal font and was immersed three times – a symbol of death that expresses all the radicality of this removal and change of garments. His former death-bound life the candidate consigns to death with Christ, and he lets himself be drawn up by and with Christ into the new life that transforms him for eternity. Then, emerging from the waters of baptism the neophytes were clothed in the white garment, the garment of God’s light, and they received the lighted candle as a sign of the new life in the light that God himself had lit within them. They knew that they had received the medicine of immortality, which was fully realized at the moment of receiving holy communion. In this sacrament we receive the body of the risen Lord and we ourselves are drawn into this body, firmly held by the One who has conquered death and who carries us through death.

In the course of the centuries, the symbols were simplified, but the
essential content of baptism has remained the same. It is no mere cleansing, still less is it a somewhat complicated initiation into a new association. It is death and resurrection, rebirth to new life.

Indeed, the cure for death does exist. Christ is the tree of life, once more within our reach. If we remain close to him, then we have life. Hence, during this night of resurrection, with all our hearts we shall sing the alleluia, the song of joy that has no need of words. Hence, Paul can say to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). Joy cannot be commanded. It can only be given. The risen Lord gives us joy: true life. We are already held for ever in the love of the One to whom all power in heaven and on earth has been given (cf. Mt 28:18). In this way, confident of being heard, we make our own the Church’s Prayer over the Gifts from the liturgy of this night: Accept the prayers and offerings of your people. With your help may this Easter mystery of our redemption bring to perfection the saving work you have begun in us. Amen.

Bulletin for the Week of April 04, 2010

The bulletin for the week of April 04, 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.

Photos from Good Friday Service - Join us for Vigil tonight at 8 PM

A parishioner venerates the cross held by altar servers at St Landry Catholic Church during Good Friday Services.

We've got photos up from the Good Friday Service. It's the full service along with the veneration of the cross.

See the photo gallery here ... http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/gallery2/main.php/v/20100402GoodFridayService/

We also have photographs of the practice before the service here: http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/gallery2/main.php/v/20100402GoodFridayPractice/. Our altar servers work very hard during the Easter Triduum as well as throughout the year and we want to thank them.

You'll notice there is no activity on the Twitter, Blog, and Facebook accounts for the St. Landry Bell. The bell rang during the Gloria of Holy Thursday Mass and won't be heard again until the Gloria of the Easter Vigil. Our church is quiet and is awaiting the Risen Lord.

Please join us tonight at 8 PM for The Easter Vigil Mass. Or come Easter Day for our two masses, one at 8 AM and the other at 10 AM - no 5 PM mass. St. Landry Catholic Church, 1020 North Main Street, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Easter Blessing

Christ yesterday and today,

the beginning and the end,

Alpha, and Omega,

all time belongs to him,

and all the ages,

to him be glory and power,

through every age forever.

Amen.

By his holy and glorious wounds

may Christ our Lord

guard us and keep us.

Amen.

May the light of Christ, rising in glory,

dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.

(From the Blessing of the Easter Candle, Easter Vigil Liturgy)

A Reflection on Baptism - by St. Basil

We imitate Christ’s death by being buried with him in baptism. … The bodies of the baptized are in a sense buried in the water as a symbol of their renunciation of the sins of their unregenerate nature. As the Apostle says: “The circumcision you have undergone is not an operation performed by human hands, but the complete stripping away of your unregenerate nature. This is the circumcision that Christ gave us, and it is accomplished by our burial with him in baptism.” Baptism cleanses the soul from the pollution of worldly thoughts and inclinations: “You will wash me,” says the psalmist, “and I shall be whiter than snow.” We receive this saving baptism only once because there was only one death and one resurrection for the salvation of the world, and baptism is its symbol. (From a work ‘On the Holy Spirit’ by Saint Basil, bishop).

Readings and Themes for the Week of April 04, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of April 04, 2010,
Easter

Reading Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Peter is an eyewitness: The Lord is risen.

Psalm 118

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad."

Reading II Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

All who are baptized, set your hearts in heaven. Christ our Passover is sacrificed: Out with the old, in with the new.

Gospel: John 20:1-9

Three witnesses, Mary, Peter, and John, each in her or his way respond to the empty tomb.

THEME:

We are a resurrection people!

Today we follow Mary of Magdala, Peter, and John to the tomb where we find the stone rolled away. Sharing their amazement, we find that the tomb is empty. That empty tomb stands as an everlasting sign of hope – hope for a world free from fear, free from sin, free from death. As God’s word is proclaimed, let us be filled with joy and gladness on this Easter day.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

What is good and new in your life?

Question for Youth:

Resurrection reminds us that what looks bad can lead to something good.

What has resurrected or gone from bad to good in your life over the past year?

Question for Adults:

In what way have you risen from "deadness" in your life?

Stewardship
Easter Sunday
The Lord has truly been raised.
He was made known to us in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24:13-35

The location of Emmaus has not been definitely established. Two sites northwest of Jerusalem make strong claims. One is approximately seven miles from Jerusalem, as reported in Luke’s gospel, the other is approximately twenty miles, but makes a stronger case. The disciples that encountered Jesus would have left Jerusalem early in the morning. Walking at a brisk pace they could cover twenty miles in one day. They do not recognize Jesus, but are impressed with his knowledge of Scripture. They urge him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over. “It would be nice to know the location of Emmaus, but it is much more important that the two disciples realized, “Our hearts were burning within us?” They recognized Jesus as the Risen Lord in the Breaking of the Bread and rushed back to Jerusalem to tell the others. Do we recognize Jesus as the Risen Lord in the Breaking of the Bread? Do we rush out to tell others? This Easter is a good time to start to do that!

Stewardship Expressions

Consider what you have learned in Lent and Easter. Have you realized a new appreciation for Christ’s life, death and resurrection in direct relationship to your life and eternal future? How will you continue to appreciate and develop this special bond of love that Christ extends to each person?

A steward is grateful for God’s love and returns love abundantly.

Homily for Good Friday

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, Good Friday, is our fifty 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 Good Friday homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

3 PM - Good Friday

"It is finished."

John 19:30

Way of the Cross - 7 PM from the Colosseum in Rome

Joseph Fuhrich (1800-1876)
Way of the Cross 1844-46
Church of St. John Nepomuk - Vienna

Anniversary of the First Mass at St. Landry Catholic Church

Today is the 101st anniversary of the first mass at St. Landry Catholic Church in Opelousas, Louisiana!

In 1900 a temporary church was completed. In 1902 the task of removing and clearing away the old church was started. In 1903 the foundation was formed with concrete and brick from the old church. On August 8, 1908 the cornerstone was laid. During the winter of 1908-1909 construction of the walls continued and was completed and occupied. On April 2, 1909, the first Friday of April and 101 years ago today, the first mass was said in the current St. Landry Catholic Church. The interior of the church was not completed. Father John Engberink was our pastor who built the church. Father Engberink is buried in the floor of the church near the sanctuary. Monsignor Albert Benedict Colliard followed Father Engberink as Pastor. Monsignor Colliard completed the interior. Monsignor Colliard is buried in St. Landry Cemetery near the cross. Monsignor. Broussard was the pastor following Monsignor Colliard. Monsignor Broussard in 1963 had the interior of the church redecorated and air conditioned.

Photos from Holy Thursday Mass - Join us tonight at 6 PM for Good Friday Services

Monsignor J. Robert Romero washes the feet of parishioner Howard Fournier during Holy Thursday Mass.

We've got photos up from Holy Thursday Mass. It's the full mass along with the traditional foot washing and the reposition of the blessed sacrament.

See the photo gallery here ... http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/gallery2/main.php/v/20100401HolyThursdayMass/

We also have photographs of the practice before the mass here: http://www.stlandrycatholicchurch.org/gallery2/main.php/v/20100401HolyThursdayPractice/. Our altar servers work very hard during the Easter Triduum as well as throughout the year and we want to thank them.

You'll notice there is no activity on the Twitter, Blog, and Facebook accounts for the St. Landry Bell. The bell rang during the Gloria of Holy Thursday Mass and won't be heard again until the Gloria of the Easter Vigil. Our church is quiet and is awaiting the Risen Lord.

Please join us tonight at 6 PM for Good Friday services including veneration of the cross at St. Landry Catholic Church, 1020 North Main Street, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Homily for Holy Thursday

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, Holy Thursday, is our fifty 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 The Holy Thursday homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana.

Mass of the Lord's Supper - Tonight at 6 PM

Pope Benedict XVI washes the foot of a priest during the Cena Domini mass at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in central Rome April 1, 2010.

REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool (ITALY - Tags: RELIGION)

Tonight, please join us at 6 PM for the Mass of the Lord's Supper at St. Landry Catholic Church, 1020 North Main St., Opelousas, Louisiana. This mass focuses on Our Lord's Last Supper with his apostles and directly points to the institution of the Eucharist and the institution of the priesthood. During the mass, Monsignor J. Robert Romero will wash the feet of parishioners reenacting the Gospel of John, Chapter 13, verses 14 thru 16:
 

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.

 

The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions for April 2010

Pope Benedict XVI blows inside an amphora containing holy oil during a Chrism Mass, in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Thursday, April 1, 2010. The Chrism Mass marks the start of the Easter celebrations.
(AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)

Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for April 2010 is: "That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by constant respect, by tolerance and by dialogue among all believers."

His mission intention is: "That Christians persecuted for the sake of the Gospel may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in faithfully witnessing to the love of God for the entire human race."

Schedule for the Easter Triduum

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 NO 5 PM MASS

City Wide Penance Service - Tonight at 6:30 PM

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

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.

Pastoral Council Elections

This year we have two positions on the St. Landry Pastoral Council to fill.

In April, we will seek nominations. They must be in by April 15th.

In May, we will have an election.

Parishioners are asked to pray for enlightenment as we begin our discernment for Pastoral Council membership.

Palm Sunday and the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Today, during his homily on The Passion, Monsignor Romero referenced the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism is a wonderful reference to Catholic teaching.

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 paragraph 1992 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church under the topic of Justification.

1992 Justification has been merited for us by the Passion of Christ who offered himself on the cross as a living victim, holy and pleasing to God, and whose blood has become the instrument of atonement for the sins of all men. Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith. It conforms us to the righteousness of God, who makes us inwardly just by the power of his mercy. Its purpose is the glory of God and of Christ, and the gift of eternal life.

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins; it was to prove at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus.

Two Homilies - Blessing of the Palms and The Passion

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.

This week, we have TWO homilies. The current homilies are available on links 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 homilies 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, Homily for the Blessing of the Palms and the Homily for the Passion, are our fifty fourth and fifty fifth podcasts to be posted. This week, the homilies are given by Monsignor J. Robert Romero.

So, take a listen and let us know what you think. Click here to download The Palm Sunday, Blessing of the Palms homily from St. Landry Catholic Church, Opelousas, Louisiana. And click here to download The Palm Sunday, The Passion homily.

Stewardship during Holy Week

Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. Jesus’ arrival in town was cheered and celebrated before attitudes changed later in the week. This week let us especially show our constant love of Christ. Reread the Gospel from Ash Wednesday (Matt. 6:16, 16-18). Attend Holy Week services.

Celebrate the gift of the Eucharist. Fast and abstain with a willing and loving spirit. Be attentive for opportunities to be servant leaders. Good stewards live in communion with Christ.

Let Every Tongue Confess that Jesus is Lord

Once again, we have reached that special week we call “Holy’. Once again, Christ is striding across its days, leaving his bloody footprints on his way to our salvation. Once again we are looking at a way to come to know THAT Jesus. This time we turn to Scripture, specifically the Passion according to Mark. Pray for the grace to come to know Christ as you read slowly through this dreadful time in his life. Give yourself time that you may pause when you need to, bow in your heart if you need to, weep if you need to. Let the Spirit guide you in this meditation.

Customs of the Triduum

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper:

The first day of the Triduum begins in the Upper Room with Jesus sharing His Body and Blood in bread and wine. The re-enactment of the Washing of the Disciples Feet takes place at this mass also.

The Stripping of the Altar:

At the end of Mass on Holy Thursday, all the altar coverings and decorations are removed, symbolizing the fact that Christ was stripped of His garments upon His arrest.

The Veneration of the Cross:
The Good Friday liturgy features a reading of the Passion according to St. John, veneration of the cross and Holy Communion as well as prayers for the Church and the whole world.

Easter Vigil:

The selected set of readings for the Easter Vigil follows the story of salvation from God’s creation of the world, the sparing of Noah and his family from the flood and the deliverance of God’s people from Egypt to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ rising from the grave to redeem all people.

A Day in the Diocese

Here are a few photos from around the diocese yesterday.

Click here to see them: http://stlandrycatholicchurch.org/gallery2/main.php/v/20100326DayInTheDiocese/

(1) The adoration chapel at St. Anthony of Padua in Eunice, Louisiana
(2) The grave of Charlene Richard in Richard, Louisiana
(3) The altar at St. Edward's in Richard, Louisiana. Painting of Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac
(4) Baptism of Christ, stained glass, at St. Edward's in Richard, Louisiana.
(5) Candle at St. Edward's in Richard, Louisiana
(6) Tabernacle at the chapel in Opelousas General Hospital, Opelousas, Louisiana
(7) Altar at the chapel in Opelousas General Hospital, Opelousas, Louisiana
(8) Crucifix at the chapel in Opelousas General Hospital, Opelousas, Louisiana

Way of the Cross - last one of Lent

Tonight, we have our last Way of the Cross for Lent. It's at 6 PM at St. Landry Catholic Church and is followed by about 15 minutes of Eucharistic Adoration.

Please come by. The prayers come from the classic prayers of St. Alphonsus Ligouri.

Pictured above is one of the beautiful stations inside at St. Landry Catholic Church.

Readings and Themes for the Week of March 28, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of March 28, 2010,
Palm Sunday

Reading Isaiah 50:4-7

The Suffering Servant speaks to the weary.

Psalm 122

"My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

Reading II Philippians 2:6-11

Jesus emptied himself, and God filled this emptiness with exaltation.

Gospel: Luke 22:14 - 23:56

The Passion of the lord itself gives witness to the shout: 'Cleary this is the Son of God!'

THEME:

Jesus shows us how much He truly loves us.

Let us prepare ourselves to feast at the table of God’s word. The story of Christ’s passion and death has drawn countless billions to declare their belief that Jesus is the Son of God. As the Lord forgives the repentant thief, let us ask for the same outpouring of mercy. Let us be open to the wonders of the power of Christ’s death - - a power that brings new life to those who have lost hope, a home to the lost, and healing to all who suffer.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

In your own words, what does the suffering and death of Christ mean to you?

Question for Youth:

How can you spend time with each member of your family this week in a way that will communicate your love for them?

Question for Adults:

In your own words, what does the suffering and death of Christ mean to you?

Bulletin for the Week of March 28, 2010

The bulletin for the week of March 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.

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