The Baptism of the Lord

Dear Parishioners,

Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Christmas season. The emphasis on Jesus’ baptism comes at the end of today’s Gospel reading with a voice from the heavens saying, “You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).

This day also begins the Year of the Eucharist for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. It will be a time of renewal, healing, and communion. This year is dedicated to helping all of us, clergy, religious, and laity, grow in our relationship with Christ.

We begin this important year on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord because baptism marks the beginning of our initiation into Jesus the Christ—a lifelong journey toward union with Christ and one another. The Eucharist is communion with God. Christ nourishes us with His very Body and Blood so that we can be joined more closely to Him and to all humanity.

Throughout this year, we will join with Catholics around the world to call upon the prayers and patronage of St. Joseph to help us more fully understand the meaning of the parts of the Mass, the theology of the Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and the obligation we have as Catholics to participate in Mass on Sunday.

As the universal church observes a special Year of St. Joseph as proclaimed by Pope Francis, we in the Archdiocese of New Orleans call upon St. Joseph’s powerful intercession to bring us closer to Jesus in the Eucharist.

Have a Blessed Week!