Volume 20 Issue 03 December 12, 2021 THE WORD First Reading: The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness. (Zep 3:17) Psalm: Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. (Is 12:6) Second Reading: The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. (Phil 4:6) Gospel: The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” (Lk 3:10) As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas we want to be ready to accept his love and be able to do whatever he asks of us. In order to do so, the Church encour- ages the parish community to come together to hear the Word of God, to pray and to sing in a formal litur- gy called the Rite of Penance (Penance Service). Gathered togeth- er we recognize our individual sin- fulness and the harm it does to the whole community, and so, pray for one another as well as for ourselves. With song, prayer and scripture we ready ourselves for the opportunity for private confession and absolu- tion. Our service is Wednesday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m. at St. Michael Church.
Transcript
Volume 20 Issue 03 December 12, 2021
THE WORD
First Reading: The LORD, your God, is in your
midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness. (Zep 3:17)
Psalm: Cry out with joy and gladness: for
among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. (Is 12:6) Second Reading:
The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. (Phil 4:6)
Gospel: The crowds asked John the Baptist,
“What should we do?” (Lk 3:10)
As we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas we want to be ready to accept his love and be able to do whatever he asks of us. In order to do so, the Church encour-ages the parish community to come together to hear the Word of God, to pray and to sing in a formal litur-gy called the Rite of Penance (Penance Service). Gathered togeth-er we recognize our individual sin-fulness and the harm it does to the whole community, and so, pray for one another as well as for ourselves. With song, prayer and scripture we ready ourselves for the opportunity for private confession and absolu-tion. Our service is Wednesday, December 15th at 6:30 p.m. at St. Michael Church.
St. Michael the Archangel 6490 Highway 44, Convent Fax: 225-562-3255 Deacon Adams: -225-562-3255
St. Joseph 2130 Rectory Street, Paulina 225-869-5751 Most Sacred Heart of Jesus 616 Main Street, Gramercy Priest Residence: 225-869-5324
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Chapel 2530 Louisiana Avenue, Lutcher Perpetual Adoration & Daily Mass
St. Peter Chanel Elementary School 2590 Hwy 44, Paulina Office: 225-869-5778 Fax: 225-869-8131 Cluster Personnel; DRE’S; Pastoral Staff; Maintenance Supervisor; Cemeteries & Pastoral Council Members Pastoral Center Staff Sherry Bourgeois, Tammy Martin & Allison Badeaux Deacon Sam Sammartino Social Responsibility, Marriage Preparation, Tribunal Advisor Maintenance Supervisor: Gordon Jenkins Cemeteries: Deacon Alfred or Gordon Jenkins Faith Formation Deacon Adams-DRE; High School PSR, Marriage Prep., Lay Ministry Coordinator Melissa Laurent-DRE, Youth Ministry, H.S. PSR, Lay Ministry Coordinator & Baptism Prep Harriet Melancon-DRE ; SH Elementary PSR, & Bulletin Editor Carol Ann Rome-DRE SM Elementary Donna Waguespack-DRE SJ Elementary St. Michael Pastoral Council Mollie Arceneaux, Jon Hotard, Rodney Roussel, Spencer Chauvin, Jane Poche & Laurie Roussel St. Joseph Pastoral Council John Abreo, Tania Bourgeois, Tim Detillier, Garland Poche, David Richard & Emery Forsythe Sacred Heart Pastoral Council Earl Deroche, Jr., Joellyn Hebert, Jody Ordeneaux, Donna Rochon & Connie Loupe
SUNDAY DEC. 12TH
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
8:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 5:00 P.M.
For: The Parishioners of St. Michael For: The Parishioners of St. Joseph For: The Parishioners of Sacred Heart
Caldarera Sr., Nolan & Mae Matherne, Roland “Shawee” Roussel, Rosemary L. Roussel & Family, Margaret T. Poche, M/M Nelson Duhe, Camille Arceneaux, Carolyn (Kooky) Millet, Wilmer Louque, Ryan T. Bourgeois, Augustine (Tina) Tramonte, Terry Louque, Rose Rouillier, Mary Jane (Cookie) Merrill, Doris Hymel, Ellis & Camille Roussel, Chester Bourgeois, Ella & Andrew Louque Sr. & Andy Louque, Lois & Neil Simon, Brent & Bren-nan Louque, Jeanine Zachary, Mary Arceneaux, Kenny Pham, Jonathan Bourgeois, Hazel Martin Simon, Eusebe & Hilda Lam-bert, Nathan Louque, Kathleen Mire Andermann, Jackie J. Rous-sel, Special Intentions, Souls in Purgatory
For: Roger Louque Sr.; Guise, Ana & John Nguyen; Joe Samrow
Jr. & Thekla Samrow, N.J. & Byron Madere, Anna Mae & Joe Bourgeois, Felix Donald Poche, Katherine G. Robichaux, Sheldon Roussel, Kenny Pham, Clarence & Mary Ann Torres Marse; Irma, William, Francis & Lucille Duhe; Gerald Waguespack, Souls in Purgatory
Reconciliation: 3:00-3:50 P.M. (P)
Jer 23:5-8/Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 [cf.
7]/Mt 1:18-25
Mass Times; Intentions and Readings
Sanctuary Candle In Memory of: Shelly Manual Long (SM)
Kenny Pham (SJ)
Jonathan Bourgeois, Ethel & Joe Martin &
Ferrel Bourgeois (SH)
Gina Troxclair (AC)
Gerald Accardo (LC)
Sherilyn Poche Robert “Bean” Montelius
Braylee Lambert Damien Powers
Kathleen Canatella Betty Brignac Gerald Levet
Myrrh H. Poche
Cathy Nosacka Diane Rome Sean Roussel
Those In Need of Our Prayers:
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DECEMBER 12, 2021 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
BAPTISM: You must be registered parishioners to request baptism in one of the cluster churches. Baptisms are celebrated on the 1st Sun.-St. Michael, 2nd Sun.-St. Joseph & 3rd Sun.-Sacred Heart. Parents & Godparents are required to attend baptismal prep seminar, or complete on-line course now offered. REGISTER at least two weeks before the seminar by calling Missy Laurent (869-5751).
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Children): If you are interested in becoming a Catholic, contact Ernie or Lisa Sieber @ 266-0569, or Fr. Vincent Dufresne for more information about the RCIA process.
MATRIMONY: Couples planning a wedding are asked to contact Deacon Alfred Adams at
562-3255 at least six months prior to their planned wedding date. No tenta-tive wedding date can be confirmed before initial meeting with the priest.
PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK: For emergency sick calls, please contact the Pastoral Center for a priest. If it is after hours follow the phone prompts to contact a priest.
RECONCILIATION: Reconciliation available in churches before 7:00 A.M. daily Mass: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and weekend Masses as scheduled. CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Please contact the Pastoral Center as soon as possible prior to making funeral arrangements.
Sacraments & Services
Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention monthly.
You are invited to answer the Holy Father's request and to join with many worldwide in
praying for this intention each month.
For:
People Who Suffer from Depression We pray that people who suffer from depression
or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.
Sunday: For Francis, our Pope, Michael, our Bishop, Vincent, our Pastor, Alfred & Sam, our deacons, that they may be
strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
Monday: Spirit of meekness and humility.
Tuesday: Spirit of Faith.
Wednesday: Spirit of Charity.
Thursday: Love of the Holy Eucharist.
Friday: For peace within our country.
Saturday: Love of chastity & the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Apostleship of Prayer Intentions of Pope Francis
Please pray for all expectant mothers
especially those listed:
Traci Hymel
Michaela M. Sisson Kristin Sweeney Ashley Montz
Kimberly B. Keller Emily Duebler
Elisabeth Laurent Hailey P. Waguespack
Lord Jesus, we thank you for your protection of these mothers-to-be and their babies. Thank you for keeping their babies safe and secure in their mother’s womb and in your love. Thank you for strengthening these precious babies, keeping them healthy, and preparing them for the plans you have set before them. For as long as their pregnan-cy lasts, we pray that you will be doing the mighty and marvelous work that only you can do, creating life and bringing beauty into the world through your creations. Amen.
Traveling Chalice & Statue of Our Lady of Fatima Host family: Dec. 15th-22nd Timmy & Harriet Melancon
Interested in becoming a host family? Call: Cheryl Louque, 225-206-2929
Our Lady of Fatima Statue with Rosary Host family Dec. 12th-18th Shirley Haase (St. Michael);
Regina Falcon (St. Mary) Call: Geraldine Hoover, 225-562-7129
Prayer Line: Praying for parishioners needs: To join this ministry or add someone to the prayer list contact:
Nancy Cashio, 225-869-8124; Geraldine Hoover, 225-562-7129; Etta Ruiz, 225-869-8425 or Marcy St. Pierre, 225-869-9820.
Expectant Mothers Prayer Corner
Sidney Paul Lambert, Sr.
November 25, 1937-November 22, 2021
A Mass of Christian burial was held in his honor at St. Joseph Church followed by burial in St. Joseph Cemetery.
May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
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DECEMBER 12, 2021 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Knights of Columbus Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, December 14th beginning with the Rosary at 6:30 P.M., dinner at 7:00 P.M. and meeting at 7:30 P.M.
St. Joseph Parish Council Meeting: The monthly meeting of the St. Joseph Parish Council will be on Tuesday, December 14th begin-ning at 6:30 P.M. in the Pastoral Center.
St. Vincent de Paul’s Society will not be able to do the usual Share A Gift event this year due to the damage sustained to the building dur-ing hurricane Ida. As of now there is no place to store the gifts that are usually collected.
However, in place of gifts they will be distributing “gift cards” to needy families. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause please mail your donation to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, Post Office Box 504, Lutcher, LA 70071.
Your gift will help spread some Christmas cheer to needy families throughout our community.
WORSHIP & MEDITATION
“From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us!" St. Teresa of Avila
We’ve all heard the adage, “Laughter is the best medicine.” In many ways, it really is. When was the last time you really laughed? The gift of imagination allows us to see possible things that are yet to be. Imagine a world filled with laughter. We take life too seriously sometimes. Fear, uncertainty, pressure, negativity, disap-pointment, and myriad other human experiences can rob us of the joy needed for laughter. God never promised us an easy road, and we do have to take the course of our lives seriously. However, there is a balance to be sought and a possible joy that can be brought even to the darkest and most challenging of en-counters.
St. Therese of Lisieux reminds us that, “Joy is not found in the material objects surrounding us but in the inner recesses of the soul. One can possess joy in a prison cell as well as in a palace.” Falling in love with God, who is present in all of creation, allows us to bring a depth of understanding to everything we do and experience. We can more easily see above and beyond things while pursuing the only One who can truly satisfy our hearts. When we realize that God, the king of Israel, is in our midst and with us, there is no further misfortune to fear. We can celebrate the wonder and beauty of God’s gift of joy. It is no wonder that many saints radiate joy and have no reservations expressing laughter. They are happy because they have found a pearl of great price.
We celebrate with joy today with hearts filled with expectation,
wonder, awe, and beauty as we ready ourselves, even more excit-
edly, for the coming of our Savior. Do not fear and do not be
discouraged. If you haven’t laughed in a while, why? Something
is preventing you from expressing the magnificence of your soul
and the presence of God who dwells within. God’s power and
presence within us assures us that we are loved and kept in that
presence. What more is really needed? Rejoice and laugh in the
presence of God! It really is the best medicine and a most perfect
way to convince others that God is really with us. “Go ahead,
laugh! Live your life with joy and serve the Lord with laughter!
Joy, with peace, is the sister of charity. Serve the Lord with laugh-
ter.” (St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina)
A Call To Reflect & Respond
First Reading: The words of the prophet Zephaniah focus on hope for a new begin-ning of the Lord’s presence in their midst. How has the season of Advent thus far brought you spiritual renewal? Second Reading: As his letter draws to a close, Paul encourages the Philippians to be a community that rejoices in the Lord. How would you rate your own spiritual happiness?
Gospel: John the Baptist
exhorted the crowds, tax collectors, and
soldiers to live a moral and other-centered life
within the parameters of their day-to-day work. What would this look like for you in your
SPC Christmas Break Monday, December 20th - Monday,
January 3rd Classes Resume on Tuesday, January 4th
2590 Louisiana Hwy. 44 Paulina, LA
225-869-5778
SAINT OF THE WEEK
A name that means “light,” St. Lucy (283 – 304) is the patron saint of those blind or suffering with eye trou-ble. Not much is known about her life, except that she was determined to re-main a virgin and thus refused mar-riage. History tells the story of a frus-trated suitor who eventually accused St. Lucy of being a Christian (a crime at the time), and she was executed in Sy-racuse, Sicily, in the year 304.
Today, we celebrate a number of
traditions that incorporate symbolic
meaning of St. Lucy as the “bearer” of
light in the darkness of winter. This is
particularly seen in Scandinavian coun-
tries, with their long dark winters.
There, a young girl dressed in a white
dress and a red sash (as the symbol of
martyrdom) carries palms and wears a
crown or wreath of candles on her
head. In Denmark, Norway and Swe-
den, girls dressed as Lucy carry rolls
and cookies in procession as songs are
sung.
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DECEMBER 12, 2021 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Nov. 28, 2021 (SM) (SJ) (SH)
Offertory $1,140.00 $4,680.00 $1,182.00
On-line $802.00 $4,535.00 $1,295.00
Thanksgiving $717.00 $1,272.00 $772.00
WHY DO WE DO THAT?
CATHOLIC LIFE
EXPLAINED
Question: What is holy water and how do I ex-plain the reason that it is placed at the entrances of churches to my non-Catholic friends?
Answer:
Holy water is a sacramental, a reminder of the life of the Church expressed and celebrated through the sacraments. God’s grace is mediated through word and gesture (the outward signs). This comes to us through Jesus (instituted by Christ) as he entrusts to the Church his saving mission (to give grace). In turn the Church, through the sacra-ments, shares that grace and mission with us.
On Ash Wednesday, we receive ashes on our foreheads to remind us of our origins, humbly created from the dust. But by blessing ourselves with holy water, we are reminded of our destiny! We are baptized sons and daughters of God. This is also a call to conversion, to live more fully our baptismal call to live as disciples of Jesus. We see holy water whenever we renew our baptismal promises. This will occur during the Easter liturgy as well, reminding us that we are indeed on a journey of faith and renewed in Christ. Blessing ourselves with holy water re-minds us that we are baptized into a community faith, and always in need of turning from sin and toward God. Holy water is a visible sign of our baptism!
Depending on how your mood is today, the words of Paul will hit you differently. “Rejoice al-ways,” he tells us. Well, if your football team is poised to win this weekend or next, maybe you’re really feeling this vibe. But if you’ve got a long slog at work ahead of you this week and a to-do list that only seems to grow and never shrink, it may make you grumble. “Rejoice always? Always? When I’m tired? Cranky? When I’m sick of doing and giving? Thanks, Paul. I’ll be sure to scribble that phrase on a Post-It and stick it to my dashboard for when some entitled punk inevitably cuts me off on tomorrow’s morning commute.”
When we feel this way, we know it’s time to head back to the well. Think of all the places
in Scripture where God com-pares His love, His mercy, His salvation to water. And not just any water — living water, water that moves. God’s strength is not a stagnant puddle sure to evaporate and disappear. It’s water you can keep coming back to. It’s water that never dries up.
Which is good news for us, be-cause we never stop failing to do what we should, never stop failing to feel the joy and the compassion and the selflessness we are called to. We need a source of living water if we are going to ‘rejoice always.’ To be everyday stewards, we need a well that never empties. The fountain of salvation never
dries up. There is always more
there for us to draw from. It’s a
sign of His commitment — so
let us, in turn, be committed to
Him.
Today’s Gospel provides a blueprint for good stewardship: “Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none.
The man who has food should do the same.”
See Luke 3:11
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