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For the past several weeks, we have been listening to the living word of God, which has asked much of all of us. Today, the Lord Jesus ask that whoever among us wishes to be first should become the servant of all. In a society where being in first place is espoused as a great value, this teaching seems difficult to embrace. We pray that, as we reflect on today’s word, we will be strengthened in our resolve to become servants of others.

Living as a disciple of Jesus is a daunting task. Jesus challenges us and the way we live our lives. The Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that the “the word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts from the heart. We pray that God’s word will continue to be planted deep within in our hearts, leading us along the road to conversion. As the young man in today’s Gospel approached Jesus, let us approach the Lord with our joys and sorrows, our accomplishments, and disappointments. Take some time this week to allow God’s word to penetrate your heart.

As Catholics, we are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its natural end, and every point in between. During October, the Church in the United States, celebrates Respect Life Month, a time in which we are invited to reflect on the dignity of every human life. This year, Respect Life Month, is closely connected with the celebration of the Year of Saint Joseph. During this year, each of us can find in Saint Joseph, “an intercessor, a support, and a guide in times of trouble.” Saint Joseph shows us how to say “yes” to life, despite our fears and frailties. He was the true ‘miracle’ by which God saved the child Jesus and His mother.” May we, too, be ‘miracles’ in the lives of those who are in most need at the beginning of life and the end of life and everyplace in between. Saint Joseph, defender of life, pray for us.

RCIA is intended for adults who:  Are unbaptized and would like to be fully initiated in the Catholic Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.  Were baptized in another Christian community/ tradition and seeks to be received into full communion of the Catholic Church through the profession of faith and the reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.  Were baptized in the Catholic Church but did not receive the Sacraments of Confirmation or Eucharist. When does it begin?  To be announced. To register or inquire about more information, call the rectory at 985-536-2887.

We gather today to listen to God’s word and to share in the Eucharist. In today’s first reading, we hear the story of two of Moses’ friends, Eldad and Medad, who missed the gathering when the Lord bestowed the spirit of prophesy on all the elders. Yet the spirit of the Lord came to rest on them as well. Let us keep in mind all those who are not with us today, for whatever reason, and pray that the Holy Spirit may bear fruit in them as well as all of us.

Today, our Gospel readings return to the Gospel of Mark. For the last seven (7) weeks we read from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John on the discourse of the Bread of Life and on the 15 th of August we celebrated the Assumption of Mary. In the Second Reading today, Saint James tells us to “humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only…” May each one of us take a few minutes today and reflect on how we are implementing Saint James’ instruction.

The theme for today’s Scripture Readings is fidelity between God and His people. Today, we hear Joshua ask the tribes of Israel which god they will serve. They had other options, for their neighbors worshiped other gods. We have other options as well. We could serve wealth or status or power or pleasure, allowing something else to lead us and drive us in another direction. We come here today, along with our families, friends, neighbors, as a sign of our commitment to serve the living God, to follow Christ, the true Bread of Life, as we journey through life to the life promised us at our baptism.

Congratulations to Deacon Richard & Diane Abbondante for being named Family of the Year. Congratulations to Perry Scioneaux for being named Knight of the Year. Congratulations to Gerald & Cheryl Keller for being named Family of the Month for August. All practical Catholic gentlemen 18 years and older are invited to join our council, no dues for your 1st year. Contact Robert Beadle or Joel Ocmand for details. Like us also on Facebook! (Knights of Columbus 2436)

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast of the Assumption was first celebrated near Jerusalem where it is said that Mary rested on her way to Bethlehem. By the end of the fifth century, the feast was celebrated at her tomb in the basilica in Gethsemane. Originally, the feast was called the Dormition, “the falling asleep of Mary.” The word “Assumption” wasn’t used until around 770 A.D. Devotion to Mary grew, but liturgical prayer remained vague until November 1, 1950, when Pope Pius XII, in his apostolic constitution, Munificentissimus Deus, declared the Assumption dogma.

Registration for the parish high school religion will take place on Saturday, August 21, 2021 starting at 10:00 a.m. in Church. Students currently enrolled in Confirmation Preparation, and those who were in 8th Grade CCD classes will have registration forms mailed to their homes. Any new student and students in 9th grade attending Catholic School, will need to email Mary Kay at mkfrizzle@yahoo.com or call the rectory to be added to the list.

Each year all Catholic church parishes participate in the missionary activity of the Roman Catholic Church. There are three goals of the Missionary Cooperative Plan: a) to educate the people of the Archdiocese regarding the missionary work of Christ, b) to solicit prayers and financial support for the missionaries, and c) to harmonize efforts and guarantee a fair distribution of aid. This year the Diocese of Obala, Cameroon was assigned by Archbishop Aymond for the appeal. As I mentioned earlier, because of the COVID-19 pandemic the missionary for the Diocese of Obala, Cameroon will not be present for the appeal. I will incorporate the appeal message into my homily this weekend. The second collection this weekend will be for the Diocese of Obala, Cameroon.

It is with great pleasure that we announce that Jenna Hickman and Joshua Beadle have been chosen as the Outstanding Youth of St. Peter Parish for 2021. These well deserving recipients will be honored at the Leadership Celebration to be held at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Kenner, on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10:00 am. Thank you for all you do for our Parish. Congratulations!!

Registration for the Parish School of Religion (CCD) will take place on Saturday, August 14th from 9:30 A.M.-10:30 A.M. in the Lacour Center. Elementary students in grades 1st - 8th, who are not attending a Catholic school must register for religious education classes.  

When we come together today, as we do each Sunday, we receive the Lord—the Bread of Life—in the Eucharist. As we continue to listen to the Discourse on the Bread of Life from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of Saint John, we are reminded that on the journey of Life, no matter its twists and turns, the Lord continues to travel with us and to care for us, nourishing us with heavenly food as He once fed the Israelites in the desert. The Eucharistic Lord satisfies our hunger. When we receive the Lord, in the Eucharist and into our hearts, He brings fullness, mission, God’s grace, and the promise of everlasting life into our lives.

In today’s Gospel we hear the story of the feeding of the five thousand. This story is found in all of the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Beginning this weekend until the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 22) the Gospel will be from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John. Chapter Six of John’s Gospel is known as “The Bread of Life” discourse. Saint John devotes an entire chapter on Jesus as the Bread of Life—the Eucharist.

Today, our parish will take up the 137th annual National Black and Indian Mission Collection. Our support of this collection helps build the Church in African American, Native American, and Alaska Native communities from coast to coast. Schools, parish religious education programs, and diocesan ministries depend on your generosity to help them spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

We have responded to the call of the Lord by gathering together in this holy place to worship God, to listen to the Word, and to share in the Eucharist. When we leave, we are asked to go forth as changed persons, nourished by the Lord so that we can witness to our faith outside these four walls. In today’s Gospel, the disciples are set out on their first missionary venture. Jesus sent the disciples out to carry on His mission, empowering them with His authority. Through baptism, we have been empowered by Christ to carry on His mission.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY OR HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! As we celebrate the anniversary of our independence, we come together as a faith community appreciative of our freedom to worship as we desire, while continually aspiring to build a more perfect union. In places of worship across this country, we gather to give praise to God for the blessings that we have received. May we always remember that we belong to “one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Today’s opening antiphon invites us to clap our hands and shout with joy, for our God is a God of life. God brought life to the world at creation, making us in the divine image. Jesus brought new life to the world, redeeming us and preparing us for eternal life with the Lord. We come here today, as we do each Sunday, to hear the Word of God, to be nourished in the Eucharist, and to give praise and glory to God. May our lives, energized by the Holy Spirit, witness to the wonderful generosity of our God—our God of life.