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ST JOSEPH AND ST ANTHONY OPEN FOR BUSINESS I.E. PUBLIC MASSES
Effective May 16, public Mass can be celebrated in church using 25% of the occupancy of the church.
For St Joseph 100 people and
St Anthony 200 people.
Please follow the guidelines listed below:
1. The people of the Archdiocese are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. If you are uncomfortable attending Mass, continue to watch it at home.
2. If someone is vulnerable and not feeling well, they should not celebrate Mass in church with other people.
3. Attendance at Mass: The number of people who can gather in the church is 25% of the occupancy of the church. This applies also to Baptisms, Weddings, funerals and receiving candidates who are to enter the church. This number will increase gradually.
4. First Communion can be celebrated with 25% occupancy on Sunday or a weekday.
5. For those who feel obliged to fulfill the Sunday obligation, a weekday Mass could accomplish this.
6. Additional Vigil Masses may be added to accommodate more people depending on turn-out.
7. The Four o'clock Vigil Mass at St Joseph tends to be the mass the elderly who are in good health attend. Please give preference to them.
8. Family members may sit in the same pew.
9. Social distancing must be observed – 6 feet apart.
Six feet apart applies to the communion line as well.
10. Holy water fonts will remain empty. Holy Water for home use is in the reservoir.
11. Please observe proper hygiene of your hands.
12. All are encouraged to wear a mask for Mass.
13. Communion will be given with no bodily contact. The Host will be gently dropped into the hand without touching the person. Communion on the tongue is not encouraged but permitted. The chalice with the precious blood is not offered. The communal offering of the sign of peace will be omitted. As people depart from Mass, social distancing must be observed.
14. Hand sanitizer is offered at the entrances of Church. Please utilize this before and after Mass. Disinfectant spray will be in Church if you feel the desire to disinfect where you sit. If you are concerned about surfaces, you are welcome to bring your own sanitizer, disinfectant, or other means of keeping yourself safe. Remember: no one can clean a surface better than you.
15. Continue to pray!
16. See you all soon at Mass -
Links
- Online Giving To St Joseph Church And Shrine -- $$
- Online Giving to St Anthony Church -- $$
- Read Online Clarion Herald Here
- Click Here For Past Bulletins
- Formed.org -- like NetFlix(R) for Catholics -- Join for free
- GRETNA GLANCE -- YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THINGS GRETNA
- St Anthony School Gretna LA
- Purchase A Commemorative Brick In Our Holy Family Garden
- Become A Knight of Columbus -- Online Application
- Become a Volunteer Firefighter at David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1
- Find A Mass Wherever You Are @ DiscoverMass.com
- Safe Environment Website For The Archdiocese Of New Orleans
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May Is The Month Of Mary
Stained glass window from Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, New Orleans
It is May, the new life of Spring has arrived, and in Catholic Churches in New Orleans and throughout the world the popular refrain of, "O, Mary, we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May!" is sung by young and old alike. May is Mary's Month. An entire month set aside to honor our Blessed Mother and aks her intercession for us to bring us closer to her son.
St. John Bosco once said, "If you love her, she will shower on you many graces in this life, and be an assurance to you of Heaven hereafter." Over the centuries, Saints and Holy Men and Women have shown great devotion to Our Lady, speaking with great reverance of her and her powerful intercession to her son on behalf of sinners.
Below are two common prayers to our Blessed Mother:The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.The Memorare
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
https://nolacatholic.org/may-marys-month
Archdiocese of New Orleans Chapter 11 Restructuring
Greetings and best wishes to you. Many of you heard the news last week regarding the decision by the Archdiocese of New Orleans to file for Chapter 11 reorganization in Federal Bankruptcy Court.
It is important for our friends, supporters, and parishioners to know that St Joseph and St Anthony Parishes are a separate legal entity from the Archdiocese of New Orleans, specifically a non-profit corporation. St Joseph and St Anthony are not part of this Chapter 11 filing. The Parishes' assets are protected, and therefore, the Churches will not experience any negative effects from this filing. St Joseph and St Anthony will continue our mission and ministry without interruption.
I want to stress that all donations made to St Joseph and St Anthony remain here at the Church and are only used for the Churches' programs of operations, maintenance, and other specific purposes as intended by our generous donors.
Thank you for your continued support of and prayers for St Joseph and St Anthony Parishes
Humbly Yours In Christ Through Mary,
Fr. Gary Copping, Pastor
PARISH SUPPORT
Your generous contribution to support the mission and ministries of St Joseph and St Anthony parishes has always been greatly appreciated. Your stewardship is an act of thanksgiving for all that God has done for you and you loved ones. During the Coronavirus pandemic, we cannot be physically together to celebrate the Holy Mass but we can still make a gift of ourselves by continuing to support our parish by digital giving or through the US mail. No gift is too small or insignificant. God bless you in advance for your parish support.
LETTER FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
May 12, 2020
To: Clergy, Religious and Laity
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Welcome home! Yes, our parish church is a home where we gather as God’s family to experience the risen Christ. So many have expressed to me a real hunger to receive Christ in the Eucharist during the last 2 months.
The “stay home mandate” called for a radical change in daily life and called us to patience. Thanks to health care workers, First Responders, community leaders and those who had to work on the front lines for the good of the community. Thank to parents, school administrators and teachers who created virtual schools for our children.
I know some are still hesitant to gather with others. Please recall that Catholics are dispensed from the obligation to celebrate Mass on Sunday during the pandemic. Heartfelt gratitude to our clergy who continue to lead God’s people in this challenging time. Pastors were very creative in finding ways to bring the church into the homes of so many people.
Please join me in asking God for his healing touch on those who are ill and peace to those who have lost loved ones in death.
In time more will be allowed to gather for Mass. Please be patient! Please wear a mask. Please observe social distancing. Please pray!
Wishing you God’s peace and protection, I am
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans -
Mother Church Cookbook For Sale
The Mother Church Cookbook Is the Perfect gift for Mom, mother's to be, or anyone that likes to cook or is forced to cook.Founded in 1857, St. Joseph Church in Historic Gretna is the “Mother Church” of 14 Catholic parishes in West Jefferson all the way to Grand Isle. Built in 1927, this building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The Mother Church needs your help. She needs a “face-lift” and major “do-over.” The protective sealant over the stucco on the exterior of the church is crumbling and a minimum of 80% of the sealant must be removed and re-applied, with a paint job to follow. Work on the auditorium is needed as well.
The cookbook benefits the $500,000 Restoration Fund needed to return the Mother Church to her former beauty!
Thank you for your help.
To order, go to top line of this website and click on Mother Church Cookbook or, if you are on a cell phone, look to the left for the three vertical bars on top of each other and click the bars.
Prayer for a Stewardship Parish
Dear Heavenly Father,
My parish is composed of people like me; I help make it what it is.
It will be friendly, if I am.
Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them.
It will do great work, if I work.
It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver.
It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I invite and bring them.It will be a parish of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a parish with a noble spirit, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these same things.
Therefore, with Your help, O God, I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all things that I want my parish to be.
RESTORATION LOAN ACTIVITY
PRINCIPAL BALANCE AS OF 04/01/2020 $280,394.40
INTEREST CALCULATED DURING PERIOD $1,057.22
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TOTAL PRINCIPLE + INTEREST $281,451.62
PLEASE REMEMBER TO GIVE TO OUR RESTORATION PROJECT. -
HOLYART.COM RELIGIOUS GOODS STORE
Holyart is an online store that sells religious art and original sacred products and religious handmade items. -
Parish Events
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April 16 - June 30
Open position for : Executive Director Community Center for Life Crisis Pregnancy Center Gretna, LA Community Center for Life is currently seeking an Executive Director. Qualified candidate must be actively following Christ. Candidate should have excellent communication skills, a desire to develop skills in non-profit crisis counseling atmosphere, and the ability to complete projects to drive ministry mission and vision with little supervision. Strong family support is a must. Candidate will be required to effectively communicate the mission of Community Center for Life with compassion and conviction. Candidate must have the ability to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, work under pressure, work with sensitive situations, and be able to prioritize duties and multi-task. Competency in administrative and computer skills, budgeting and financial management, networking and community outreach is essential. Business administrative experience required. Applicants should send resume to Ashleyconstant.ccl@gmail.com.Read More -
April 17 - May 31
Dear Friends in Christ, Starting on May 1st, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, we bring to you a unique opportunity during the month of May to journey with us into the heart of St. Joseph. It's a perfect way to grow in fellowship and prayer with a group at your parish, but it can also be done individually. Join men and women around the world for a 30-day journey with St. Joseph. Join us for 30 days! Thirty days of one-on-one with St. Joseph; a man who had God, lost God, found God, knew God and served God! Mark masterfully weaves the life of Joseph with our lives in an approachable and applicable fusion. Spiritual gems emerge, calling one to extraordinary virtue and great spiritual heights. – Fr. Arthur St. Joseph is an incredible witness for each one of us, regardless of our vocation. His faithfulness to God, and the family given to him, remind us of the joy possible when we grow in relationship with the Lord.Read More -
Sunday, May 24, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
St Joseph Church has the 3:00 slots on Sundays and Mondays at the Gretna Bingo Palace. Please come out to play BINGO and support our Church.Read More -
Tuesday, May 26, 6:30 PM
In this novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (also known as Our Mother of Perpetual Help from this icon pictured on the left) we pay tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary in asking for her assistance. This picture of the Blessed Mother with her Divine Son above has helped her provide strength, comfort and even miracles to the faithful for centuries! Come join us for Mass and Novena.Read More -
Tuesday, May 26, 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Do you want to be a volunteer fire fighter or belong to a company of dedicated first responders? Consider becoming a Volunteer Firefighter or an Honorary Member. Meetings are held once a month on Fourth Tuesday of the Month. Click on links on St Joseph Website for application.Read More -
Thursday, May 28
53 is a prime number. Does that mean Fr. Gary is still in his prime?Read More -
Thursday, May 28, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
With professional instruction, Natural Family Planning has proven itself to be safe, effective, and a moral way for couples to plan their families. It is a method which respects the meaning of human sexuality as God created it and thus marital love is enhanced and strengthened. This class series the Office of Marriage and Family Life is offering in the SymptoPro™ Method of Natural Family Planning will be conducted by Kelly Donahue of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This series will be virtual by using Zoom. The dates of the class series are May 1, May 15, May 29 and June 26, 2020. The Zoom class hours are 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The cost is $105.00 and includes all classes and materials. Preregistration is required. Register online https://nolacatholicfla.regfox.com/sympto-thermal-nfp-course.Read More -
May 30 - May 31
The Peter’s Pence Collection has ancient roots in New Testament times, when people would provide material support for those who preached the Gospel to distribute to those in need (see Acts 4:34- 35, 11:29). Today, the collection is the way we unite ourselves to the concerns of the Holy Father as members of the Catholic Church. Through the Peter’s Pence Collection, we stand in solidarity with Pope Francis as he reaches out to foster the faith and dignity of people on the margins. How Pope Francis Invites Us to Serve All Over the past seven years, Islamist terrorists have attacked religious and ethnic minorities in northern Bangladesh, killing and wounding aid workers, destroying homes, and displacing families. During his apostolic visit to Bangladesh, Pope Francis called “leaders and followers of the religions present in this country to live together in mutual respect and good will” (address, Ecumenical and Interreligious Meeting for Peace, Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 1, 2017). How We Can Join Pope Francis and Be a Witness of Charity Showing mutual respect and good will toward the victims of violence in Bangladesh, the Holy Father funded a project to rebuild the homes of 55 families of all faiths who were attacked. When you support the Peter’s Pence Collection, you help Pope Francis take concrete steps to foster reconciliation and peace anywhere conflict and violence exist in the world.Read More -
Sunday, May 31, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
St Joseph Church has the 3:00 slots on Sundays and Mondays at the Gretna Bingo Palace. Please come out to play BINGO and support our Church.Read More
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Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 PM
In this novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (also known as Our Mother of Perpetual Help from this icon pictured on the left) we pay tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary in asking for her assistance. This picture of the Blessed Mother with her Divine Son above has helped her provide strength, comfort and even miracles to the faithful for centuries! Come join us for Mass and Novena.Read More
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Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Christ in the City, an evening of Eucharistic Adoration for young adults 18-39, is held at St Rita Church on Lowerline the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm sponsored by the CYO/Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The hour-long service of adoration includes scripture and a reflection, music, silent time for prayer, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and benediction. A social follows across the street at Rock n' Bowl.Read More -
Wednesday, June 3
Al Mansfield, Coordinator -- Office Hours MWF 10-5 -- 1901 Division St Metairie LA -- CCRNO Prayer Meeting and Mass 7:30 pm Every Wednesday at St Benilde -- Youth Prayer Meeting at Rummel Raider Room at 7:30 pm Sunday Nights.Read More -
Wednesday, June 3, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Come join the St Vincent DePaul Society or come volunteer to help the poor in our parishes.Read More -
Wednesday, June 3, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
The Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic, Family, Fraternal, Service, organization in the world. Becoming a Knight can transform your life. As a Knight, you have the opportunity to support your parish, give back to your community, grow in your faith and gain exclusive access to the top-rated insurance program in the country to protect your family. Charity is the first principle of the K of C. Knights are men who get things done. By working together, our Order had the ability to donate more than $1.5 billion to charity and provide 691 million volunteer hours to worthy causes in the past decade. Unity and Fraternity are the second and third principles of the Knights of Columbus. The K of C was founded so men could work together to serve their parishes and communities, protect the well-being of their Catholic families, and support each other in faith and in many other ways.Read More -
Thursday, June 4, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
With professional instruction, Natural Family Planning has proven itself to be safe, effective, and a moral way for couples to plan their families. It is a method which respects the meaning of human sexuality as God created it and thus marital love is enhanced and strengthened. This class series the Office of Marriage and Family Life is offering in the SymptoPro™ Method of Natural Family Planning will be conducted by Kelly Donahue of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. This series will be virtual by using Zoom. The dates of the class series are May 1, May 15, May 29 and June 26, 2020. The Zoom class hours are 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The cost is $105.00 and includes all classes and materials. Preregistration is required. Register online https://nolacatholicfla.regfox.com/sympto-thermal-nfp-course.Read More
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Friday, June 5, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be held at St Anthony Church every 1st Friday after the 8:30 am morning mass.Read More -
Saturday, June 6, 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
On First Saturdays, the Rosary will be prayed after Mass. ++ The Five First Saturdays devotion is one of the principal points of the Fatima message. It centers on the urgent need for mankind to offer reparation and expiate for the many injuries that the Immaculate Heart of Mary suffers from the hands of both impious and indifferent men. On the First Saturday during 5 Consecutive Months, the Devotion consists of: 1. Going to Confession, 2. Receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion, 3. Saying five decades of the Rosary, 4. Meditating for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary. All this offered in REPARATION for the sins of blasphemy and ingratitude committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.Read More -
Sunday, June 7, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
St Joseph Church has the 3:00 slots on Sundays and Mondays at the Gretna Bingo Palace. Please come out to play BINGO and support our Church.Read More
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Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 PM
In this novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (also known as Our Mother of Perpetual Help from this icon pictured on the left) we pay tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary in asking for her assistance. This picture of the Blessed Mother with her Divine Son above has helped her provide strength, comfort and even miracles to the faithful for centuries! Come join us for Mass and Novena.Read More
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Thursday, June 11
"An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints". To gain indulgences, whether plenary or partial, it is necessary that the faithful be in the state of grace at least at the time the indulgenced work is completed. A plenary indulgence can be gained only once a day. In order to obtain it, the faithful must, in addition to being in the state of grace: — have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin; — have sacramentally confessed their sins; — receive the Holy Eucharist (it is certainly better to receive it while participating in Holy Mass, but for the indulgence only Holy Communion is required); — pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. It is appropriate, but not necessary, that the sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the prayer for the Pope's intentions take place on the same day that the indulgenced work is performed; but it is sufficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act. Prayer for the Pope's intentions is left to the choice of the faithful, but an "Our Father" and a "Hail Mary" are suggested. One sacramental Confession suffices for several plenary indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and a separate prayer for the Holy Father's intentions are required for each plenary indulgence. For the sake of those legitimately impeded, confessors can commute both the work prescribed and the conditions required (except, obviously, detachment from even venial sin). Indulgences can always be applied either to oneself or to the souls of the deceased, but they cannot be applied to other persons living on earth.Read More
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Roumie shows us a tender, funny, and personal side to Christ, offering a performance that enriches prayer and invites the audience to know the person of Jesus in a new and intimate way. He has led...
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Flash forward to 2020 and all I want to do is throw my cell phone in the trash, my computer out the window, and connect in person with all of my best friends.
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We as a Church know the importance of creating beautiful spaces in which to meet God. But, in this season, many of us are not able to worship in the spaces of our home parishes, and even praying...
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Overcome by anger, I turned to Jesus, who also experienced anger. When Jesus turned the tables at the temple (Mark 11:15-17), he did so because the people who were trying to encounter God there were...
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I might not be able to fully satisfy every question you have regarding organized religion, but my hope is that you might start to better understand (and maybe even begin to love) organized religion...
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Catholic Link
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You are missed. In his magnificent biography of Saint John Paul II, George Weigel writes that to Father Karol Wojtyła,... The post Three Thoughts From A Priest About Quarantine appeared first on...
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Our Lady of Fatima is one of the most well-known, famous, and venerated Marian apparitions of our day. What is... The post 13 Things To Know About Our Lady Of Fatima appeared first on Catholic Link.
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Life Teen Video
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Photo Albums
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Burgundy Dance
3 Photos
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St Nicholas Party
41 Photos
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Pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece
657 Photos
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Third Annual Blessing Of The Motorcycles
57 Photos
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Second Annual Chili Cook-off November 2, 2019
51 Photos
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Silver Rose 2019
4 Photos
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2019 Blessing of the Pets
61 Photos
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Gretna Heritage Festival 2019
24 Photos
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2019 MEDJUGORJE TRIP
138 Photos
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Fr Gary in Medjugorje
82 Photos
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2018 Chili Cook Off
53 Photos
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Corpus Christi Procession
15 Photos
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Restoration
63 Photos
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2019 Women's Club Outing
5 Photos
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Palm Sunday Procession
12 Photos
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2018 Blessing of the Pets
103 Photos
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St Joseph Altar March 19, 2019
30 Photos
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St Nick Pics 2018
15 Photos
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2018 Advent Mission
7 Photos
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2018 Biker Blessing
30 Photos
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Mass Times
- Saturday: 4:00 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Sunday: 7:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 9:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 11:30 AM EnglishEnglishEN 6:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Haitian Creole
- MonFri 12:10 PM EnglishEnglishEN
- Tuesday: 6:30 PM EnglishEnglishEN Perpetual Help Novena said during mass
- 1st Friday: 8:00 AM EnglishEnglishEN followed by adoration to 12:00 noon benediction
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Parish News
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May 23
Ms. Chris Ziifle goes from sharp shooter to straight shooter about how we can do our parts to show God's Love for those who most need it. Click on the link to learn more from GretnaGlance.comRead More -
May 15
Helen Williams, a parishioner of St Joseph who loves her Church and her Gretna Community, has now taken her journalism to the internet in her new blogsite http://gretnaglance.com/ She is best known on the Westbank as the Times Picayune/Nola.com columnist covering Gretna community news, as well as other Westbank events. For almost a decade, she penned the “Gretna at a Glance” column, wrote feature stories, including cover articles for Inside Out magazine until the paper was sold in 2019. Check out her new blogsite and "like" her on facebook.Read More -
May 14
On Saturday, May 16, 2020, at 10:00 AM at St. Louis Cathedral, Archbishop Aymond will ordain Ajani Gibson, Michael Lamy, William Mumphrey, Henry Nwaeze, Truong Pham and Andrew Sanchez for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Thomas Bamoah for the Diocese of Yendi, Clement Manjas for the Archdiocese of Tororo, Ares Jonathan Perez Leon and Casey Weber for the Diocese of Memphis and Robert Johnson and Bobby Thomas Kennedy for the Diocese of Alexandria. A link will be provided on all social media and on the NolaCatholic website. Deacon Thomas Bamoah will be our Transitional Deacon here in the Parish from June 1 to the beginning of October. Please make sure to meet and greet him when he arrives.Read More -
April 23
We need catechists to instruct our children and our adults. Please consider becoming a catechist and volunteering your time. The Archdiocese of New Orleans Catechist Certification Program (ACCP) provides Catholic school teachers and administrators, Parish School of Religion catechists, catechetical leaders, and anyone interested the opportunity for instruction on core tenets of the Catholic faith. The Office Of Religious Education has stated, "Regarding catechist certification and re-certification classes that are normally held at the Archdiocesan Administration Building on Walmsley, these will continue but will be virtual, on Zoom, at no cost (FREE!). Deacon Michael Whitehouse will teach the April class on Church History, and Barbara McAtee will teach the May class on Ecclesiology. The ORE page on https://www.nolacatholic.org/accp has all the information on classes and registration."Read More -
April 15
What was going on from Good Friday to Easter Sunday? Scripture tells us very little about what was going on in the Upper Room and in the minds of the disciples. Based upon Luke's account of Easter Sunday Morning and the discussion of the disciples' journey back to Emmaus, there was a great deal of sadness and discouragement being felt. In the Gospel of St John, the Apostles were gathered together in fear and isolation with the door locked. The disciples and Apostles of Jesus had given up everything to follow Jesus and within 24 hours, Jesus was arrested, tried, brutally scourged, and put to a violent death. A dazzling and luminescent future was clouded in darkness. The disciples retreated from the world and isolated themselves. In their fear, they convinced themselves that all was lost and would never get better and would not return to normal. We, like the disciples, are sad and we can relate to what the disciples were feeling from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. It sounds and feels so familiar, so similar. To whomever we speak, we hear a common story about how each and every one of us has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic personally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Like the disciples during those 3 long days, we are scared, isolated, and uncertain of what the future holds. We, as the Church, are hurting. As Catholics, the high point of the week is Sunday Mass. To celebrate Mass without the full community is a reality no priest has ever dreamed would occur. Additionally, as a priest of Jesus Christ, we priests dearly miss the opportunity to serve and interact directly with our people. It is a tragedy that public celebrations, gatherings, and services cannot be held at this time but there are opportunities to still live out our Catholic Faith in our Parish without having large number of parishioners together all at one time. St Joseph Church is open daily from 8am to 4 pm. When I am present in the Church praying, I am available for Confessions and Pastoral Counseling. The Eucharist is exposed several hours a day. One can walk the Stations (inside the courtyard or inside the Church). Silent prayer and reflection can be done inside the Church in the comfort of a climate controlled Church. I am in the office in the morning and am available during that time also if you want to visit or call. One can even send me an email to let me know what is going on in your life and if we can help. Our Church building is relatively empty, except for the devout souls that come everyday to pray. Please consider stopping in to pray and to spend some time in God's Presence. It is truly rewarding! As a priest of Jesus Christ for almost seven years, I can say that I have experienced the joys and sorrows that were experienced by the Apostles, along with the light and darkness that they walked through. In our lives, we will feel scared, confused, hurt, and unsure about what the future holds. I heard Billy Graham once say, “I don't know what the future holds, but I know who hold the future”. I believe that with my whole being. I know and have totally given of my life to the hope and joy of the Resurrection. Even though these days will try our patience and our endurance, I know that God will get me and you through them. Our Redeemer lives! God's Ways are not our ways; but His Ways are the best. Let us remain faithful and loyal to God. He will never deny us or fail us. Together we stand; divided we fall. We may experience setbacks and challenges; but we will emerge from this crisis as a stronger, holier, and determined Church with increased zeal, with livelier testimony and witness, and with more heartfelt service to God and neighbor. Easter is the best time to hear and proclaim the Good News. Scripture tells us, “Do not fear!” The Second Sunday of Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday. Like the bottom the image says, “Jesus, I trust in You”. You are in my prayers each and every day --- Fr. GaryRead More -
April 5
Daily I celebrate a Mass at St Joseph for the parishioners in St Joseph and St Anthony Parish. I long for the day when we will be rejoined again at the Altar Of The Lord. During this time of Pandemic, please remember to pray and to trust in God. We will make it through this time with the Grace of God and our cooperation in God's Plans for us. May God bless us all during this turbulent time and bring us safely back together. St Joseph, pray for us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. ++++ Fr. GaryRead More -
April 1
Someone from telephone # 504-290-3620 is sending out a text message saying that they are Rev Gary Copping and is in need of a favor. DO NOT FALL FOR THIS SCAM! This is not Fr. Gary's cell phone number.Read More -
March 18
Let us pray. Loving and faithful God, the coronavirus reminds us that we have no power and we are dependent on you. We place ourselves in your loving hands. Give eternal rest to all who have died from the virus. Place your healing hand on those who are ill, and give your protection to us in this time of fear and uncertainty. Calm our fears and help us to trust you as our faithful God. Enlighten our government and Church leaders as they are faced with important decisions. Give blessing to those in health care and protect them. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. Blessed Francis Seelos, pray for us. (His life was taken while caring for the sick in the yellow fever epidemic.)Read More -
March 16
Dear Friends in Christ: In light of the announcements from President Trump and Governor Edwards today, effective immediately, public Mass cannot be celebrated. Priests may celebrate Mass privately. Wednesday night confessions scheduled for the upcoming three Wednesdays are canceled. Stations of the Cross and any other gatherings for prayer must also be canceled. All St. Joseph Altars that have not already been canceled or postponed must cancel as of today. Let us pray for those who have died because of the virus, and for the healing of those who have been affected. Let us turn to our loving God and implore his protection. This is a time to lean on our faith and to act responsibly as has been requested by our government officials. May the healing power of Jesus be with you and all you hold in your heart. Be assured of my prayers daily and I will pray for you in my private daily Mass. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. Wishing you God’s blessings, I am Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond Archbishop of New OrleansRead More -
March 12
Dear Parishioner, With so much uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 virus and increasing recommendations to avoid crowds and take proper safety precautions, we wanted to remind you that we have options in place now that you can use today. This option is an ideal way to support the parish and our mission should you elect to stay home and worship. Online Giving is available for you to make contributions to the church. This option makes use of current technology and security standards and allows you to easily setup recurring contributions. It also enables our church to take advantage of new tools to become more efficient. Online Giving Parishioner Benefits Secure and confidential. No need to share payment information with the church office. Efficient. Set up direct withdrawals from your checking, savings account or a credit card. Simple. Start, stop and change your contributions at any time. Convenient. No need to write a check or have cash available. Remote flexibility. You can give from virtually anywhere anytime. Online Giving is intended to be a convenient tool for you to use, and we strongly support both Online Giving and Offering Envelopes for contributions to the parish. Online Giving is the electronic way to participate in weekly offertory. Start giving online today! 1. Visit our church website at www.stjosephgretna.com and click on the online giving link for either St Joseph or St Anthony 2. Create an account. 3. Schedule your recurring gifts. Please prayerfully consider giving online. If you have any questions, contact the church office. God Bless, Fr. Gary CoppingRead More -
March 9
There is obviously - and appropriately - a great deal of concern about the spread of the coronavirus. I share that concern. By now you know that I am very big on both faith and science. I applaud all the steps that are being taken by medical science to halt the spread of the coronavirus. I am incredibly disappointed by an almost nonexistent call to prayer. We should all heed the medical advice and take appropriate simple actions to lessen the risk of contracting or passing on the coronavirus. I personally find that the best force for information, which is neither minimized nor sensationalized, is the Wall Street Journal. They have an entire section dedicated to the coronavirus that is updated regularly as new information is available. At the same time that we take practical action, we need to take spiritual action. Interestingly enough, the original spread of the coronavirus relates to two major feast days of Our Lady. The first reported case was to a person named Chen on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. On December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a vendor in the Hua'nan market fell sick. Shortly thereafter, the coronavirus began a rapid spread into the population of the Wuhan region in China. In "days of old" when "pestilence" broke out, there would be a call for prayer and fasting to halt the pestilence and for recovery of those afflicted. I think we need to turn to Our Lady. The Rosary has been an incredibly important weapon in times of need for Christianity. This Lent, I ask you to say the Rosary every day for the halt of the coronavirus and the full and speedy recovery of all those afflicted. I also think it appropriate during Lent to add a sacrifice or fast to your prayers. Please remember to wash your hands and if you are sick, you may miss Mass, or, you can not drink from the chalice.Read More
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February 28
Deacon Len and his son, Liam, are on a field trip to Washington DC and are standing outside the Oval Office. Try to Trump that and make a precedent with your son too.Read More
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Welcome to St. Joseph Catholic Church
Since 1857, when Fr. Thaddaeus Anwander, CSSR, celebrated the first Mass in Gretna on Christmas Day, until the present time, God has blessed our St. Joseph Parish with dedicated priests, religious nuns, and laymen and women, to carry on the life of St, Joseph Parish.
May this Website help us to acknowledge our past, to recognize our brothers and sisters in Christ of the present, and to unite our parish family ever more in the future. -
Today's Readings / Lecturas Del Día
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Reading 1 Acts 1:12-14Responsorial Psalm Ps 27:1, 4, 7-8Reading 2 1 Pt 4:13-16Gospel Jn 17:1-11a
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Primera lectura Hch 1, 1-11Salmo Responsorial Salmo 46, 2-3. 6-7. 8-9Segunda lectura Ef 1, 17-23Evangelio Mt 28, 16-20
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Confession Times
- Tuesday: 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM and on request
- Saturday: 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM and on request 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM AT ST ANTHONY (also available by appointment during week)
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Adoration Times
- Monday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Rosary and Adoration take place 1 hr before Noon Mass M-F
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Rosary and Adoration take place 1 hr before Noon Mass M-F
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Rosary and Adoration take place 1 hr before Noon Mass M-F
- Thursday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Rosary and Adoration take place 1 hr before Noon Mass M-F
- Friday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Rosary and Adoration take place 1 hr before Noon Mass M-F
- 1st Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM AT ST ANTHONY after mass, along with novena to Sacred Heart
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NOLACatholic News
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Word on Fire
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Grotto Stories
