1st Sunday of Lent

Dear Parishioners;
            We began our Lenten journey this past Wednesday on Ash Wednesday.  As we enter the first full week of Lent, this First Sunday of Lent we hear the shortest story of Christ’s temptation in the desert.  The Gospel of Mark does not elaborate on Satan’s temptations, but Jesus obviously resisted successfully.
            The Archdiocese of New Orleans is setting aside this weekend, February 18-19, the First Sunday of Lent, as “ Safe Haven Sunday” to address the harmfulness of pornography and other online threats in marriages, family life, and culture.
            Safe Haven Sunday is celebrating its first year of raising awareness throughout dioceses of the United States regarding negative impacts of pornography on individuals, marriages, families and society. 
            As you leave church today, please pick up a booklet entitled “Equipped: Smart Catholic Parenting in a Sexualized Culture.” This book includes a unique seven-day text-to-opt program: The Equipped 7-Day Challenge.  This Challenge provides practical tips any caring adult can take to create safer digital environments for themselves and our young people.
            The second collection this weekend is for Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New Orleans.  Your support in this collection provides crucial funds that enable Catholic Charities to be a source of hope and help for over 76,000 individuals and families each year.
            Next weekend, February 24-25, the Archdiocese of New Orleans will take up a Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.  This collection is taken up every three (3) years in the Archdiocese supports the Church in over 25 countries that are still struggling to recover in the aftermath of communist rule. Funds from this collection support seminary formation, pastoral care, catechesis, and building restorations.  Your support restores the Catholic Church and builds the future in this region.  Please prayerfully consider how you can support the collection.
            Next weekend, we back Father Christopher L. Krymski, O.S.M. to lead our Parish Mission.  The theme this year is: We join our Mother of Sorrows at the Cross of Jesus Christ.” Father Chris lead our Parish Mission last year.  He is excited to be back in Louisiana as he leads our Parish Mission.  He will preach at all the Masses next weekend.  The Mission will be for three days: Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday, February 26-27-28, beginning at 7:00 P.M. each evening.  I hope to see you at the Mission.  Invite your family and friends to join you in the Mission.
            Have a Blessed Week!