24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

As Catholics, we belong to a liturgical church. One aspect of this is the observation of the Church Year—a fixed, three-year (Sunday) calendar. In other words, we follow the Lectionary. We do not freely choose the readings, but rather, subject ourselves to the discipline of a Lectionary that proclaims the same message to all members. This is part of being a universal Church. That being said, on 9/11, today’s celebration just happens to proclaim stories of God’s mercy in each of the readings, as well as the responsorial Psalm 51. It is the great penitential psalm known as the Miserere. This anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy becomes even more significant in the light of subsequent terrorism in our country. Today’s Second Reading from Saint Paul to Timothy expresses the evangelist’s gratitude to Christ for being treated with mercy and patience. The Gospel’s parable of the prodigal son completes the mercy and forgiveness circle.

The second collection this weekend will be for the Religious Education program of St. Peter.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) will be celebrated in every church parish of the Archdiocese on Wednesday, September 14th, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, from 5:00 P.M.-6:30 P.M.

Next week our special collection supports the Catholic Communication Campaign. This campaign engages and builds Catholic communities in the United States and developing countries using the internet, television, radio, and print media. Half of the money collected remains here in the Archdiocese of New Orleans to fund local communications efforts. Your support helps spread the Gospel message.

The priests state convention will be held on September 19th through 21st. The convention will be held in New Orleans. All priests of the Archdiocese are required to attend. There will be no 6:30 A.M. Mass on Tuesday, September 20th and Wednesday, September 21st.

Have a Blessed Week!