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.com

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.

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.

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."

The Women’s Club met to bag the leftover cookies from the Altar. Second Harvest could not take them since they were not made by a commercial establishment. They were distributed to David Crockett Fire Station on Monday; some bags went to the St. Joseph Apartments and the remainder, which filled up 2 vehicles, went to West Jefferson Hospital to feed healthcare workers and 3 fire stations nearby. All cookies are gone, as are the casseroles. This is a small way that we can thank our First Responders and Health Care Workers on the front lines. We truly appreciate them

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. Gary

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. Gary

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.

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.)

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 Orleans

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 Copping

We are very happy to announce that Sr. Jeannette Daniel, SLW and Sr Judiann Derhake, SLW who taught Montessori Kindergarten at St Anthony School for 32 yrs and will be retiring from the St Anthony School in Bunkie, LA after 15 years will be returning to our area and will be living on their own. We would like to help them obtain the necessary items needed to furnish and run their new residence. We are planning a welcome back reception for them (and a surprise house shower) on Saturday, April 18, after the 5 pm mass in the St Anthony School Cafeteria. We are seeking volunteers to help with set up and decorating and donations of cash, debit cards, or items for their new home. For more information, please call Jan Mitchell (504) 701-4391 or Toni Richard (504) 228-6913

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.

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.

Dear Parish Community- These past weeks we have had discussion with you about our Building On Our Past, Living In The Present, Securing Our Future Program. Our parish has so much to offer to those in the Gretna community. We are a beacon of hope for those in need, for those suffering, for those who are hungry, searching, and need our prayers and assistance in a multitude of ways. We are also there for our parish family through the administration of the sacraments, the celebration of Mass, and the Holy Eucharist. How blessed we are to be able to serve so many in our parish and community! We are called by God to continue to advance our mission and to build up God’s Kingdom here in Gretna. There are so many more people who need our assistance. There is so much more work to be done. The reality is that we will always need resources to do God’s work. Until the needy are clothed, the hungry are fed, and the Gospel is spread to the ends of the earth, we will need resources. Many of you have already submitted your Commitment Card to the church and have committed your offertory support to continue to advance our parish mission. Thank you! Many of you have not yet submitted your commitment card. Our goal through this initiative is 100% participation from our parish community. Please turn in your Commitment Card this week if you have not already done so. Please pray for our parish. Please become involved in the life of our parish by joining a ministry to help serve those in need. St Joseph and St Anthony Churches are wonderful parishes because of YOU and what each one of you make of it! I thank you for your generosity and am humbled by your sacrifice. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. May the Lord continue to bless us and the work we are doing!

The guidelines for Catholics on fasting and abstinence are as follows: Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound to fast may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to each one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. Abstinence from meat is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years or older on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and on all Fridays of Lent. The determination of certain days as obligatory days of penance should not be understood as limiting the occasions for Christian penance.

Feeling hopeless after a past abortion? You're not alone. Forgiven and Set Free Winter Bible Study 2020 Hosted by COMMUNITY CENTER FOR LIFE 539 Lafayette St, Gretna LA 70053 (504) 227-9090 * cclife@bellsouth.net Call now to register! Contact is confidential. ++ The annual Forgiven and Set Free Bible Study is tailored to women who have had a past abortion. This is a unique aspect of Community Center For Life's ministry as it is a specific outreach to women that are already connected to a local church.

Lutheran Bishop Vsevolod Lytkin, the Bishop of Salem Lutherans's sister church in Siberia, spoke at Salem Lutheran Church on Sunday January 26 about the Persecution of Lutheran Church in Russia under Communist Rule and the hardships they are still enduring in a post Cold-War world. Please pray for all persecuted Christians throughout the world. To learn more about the persecution, click on title of this article.

Serenity Hospice is currently seeking volunteers who have a desire to serve and be a companion to our patients or serve in the administrative office. All volunteers will go through orientation/training in the office and will match the volunteer with the patient. Contact June at (504) 366-3996

Learn about the 4 steps of the L.O.V.E. Approach™ by going to https://www.respectlife.org/l-o-v-e "L" is for "Listen & Learn"; "O" is for "Open Options"; "V" is for "Vision & Value"; and "E" is for "Extend & Empower".