Congratulations to our two altar servers of the year: Carter Magness from St Anthony and Eli Cannon from St Joseph. We thank them for their dedicated service to the Church and we appreciate the time they give to assist the Priest and the Parish assisting at the Masses.

Come join Fr. Gary on Pilgramage June 3-12, 2022. Click this article for more information. Zoom Meeting with details is forthcoming. See Parish Events area on right hand side to view a webinar on the trip.

Help fight crime in our community. Text anonymous tips to Gretna Police Department to fight crime and help keep our community safe! Fighting crime is a partnership. In Gretna, the public is the greatest crime fighting resource. With tip411, you can share anonymous information about crime, drugs, domestic violence, bullying, suspicious activity and other crimes via text message or the free smartphone app. It is 100% anonymous. The tip411 system removes all your identifying information so officers receive no identifying information about you -- not your name, not your phone number, not your address. Nothing! How do I use it? 1. Send anonymous text tips -- send a text message to 847411, then type the keyword GPDTIPS, add a space, type your tip info, and hit send. 2. Submit anonymous tips using FREE smartphone app. Download free Gretna PD app for iPhone and Android to submit anonymous tips from a smartphone. 3. Use anonymous web tip form on your computer. Visit the Gretna PD website at www.gretnapolice.com

This season has brought about several changes for Community Center for Life, but our ministry has been privileged to remain open as an essential services operation. We have served families across 20 different zip codes with a specific increase in requests for assistance with diapers, groceries, baby formula, and other necessities. We have continued to provide crisis intervention and long-term counseling, ultrasounds, prenatal and parenting classes, and more - all at no cost to our clients. Since the pandemic, we have conducted over 550 varied appointments ranging from in-person, virtual, curbside pick-up, and home delivery. Even with the onslaught of changes, the mission to glorify God by sharing the overwhelming love and hope of Christ remains the same. Here is a testimony of one woman who was considering abortion during the pandemic and texted a staff member the next day with this message: “I wanted to thank you for just being able to hear me, not judge me, and welcome me with open arms. I thank you for the counseling because I did notice a few things about myself that I never took the time to think about or even speak about to anyone. Thank you for just helping women all over make us feel comfortable enough to trust you. You are a blessing and I thank God for meeting you!” This is the testimony of a mother who remembered us after receiving help in the past and recently gave birth during the pandemic: “I am a single mom with one daughter and I do it all on my own. When I found out I was pregnant again, I felt lost and had no hope. The center immediately popped into my head the moment I found out. I knew they could help me see over this mountain. They not only helped me to keep my baby but also helped me to see a different version of myself. I learned a lot talking with the counselor…and now I have hope!” Please join us in our mission via this virtual Baby Bottle. Click on link for more information on how to participate and get involved. We rely completely on the support of our local churches to protect the unborn and serve the most needy and vulnerable families in our community. We covet your prayers and your partnership! Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or for requests to help families in your area.

In an effort to better serve the faithful of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, we are pleased to announce the creation of the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation. The Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation will include Catholic schools, parish schools of religion, RCIA programs, evangelization, adult education, and catechist certification programs focused on a shared ministry of forming life-long disciples. Dr. RaeNell Houston will serve as Executive Director and Superintendent of Catholic Schools and will be supported by Deputy Superintendents, Deacon Michael Whitehouse and Mrs. Martha Mundine along with additional professional staff. By creating this department, it is our hope to eliminate a duplication of efforts enabling us to focus resources on Catholic education and religious education for all ages in both our parishes and our Catholic schools. The mission statement of the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation is: Led by the Holy Spirit and centered in the person of Jesus Christ, the mission of the Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation is to provide service, support and guidance to all parish and school communities in the shared ministry of evangelizing, catechizing and educating with standards of excellence to form life-long Disciples who witness God’s love with joy.

Watch special Elections 2020 programming at EndAbortion.TV or any of the platforms listed on that page. Programming includes a daily airing of political speeches without the spin given by the fake news. Priest For Life will also have hard-hitting detailed presentations and discussions about how to educate and mobilize voters each weeknight, live, at 8pm CT.

Remember to sign up for FORMED so you can watch free Catholic films, read Spiritual Books, and listen to relevant topics of our Faith. It is easy to do.

TMIY is back this coming fall! Starting Friday September 11 -- 5:45 am Breakfast, 6:20 Presentation, 7:30 dismissal. Whether you plan to meet in person, plan to meet virtually, or need to do a combination of the two, we've got you covered! Men need spiritual development now more than ever. Don't delay. Let's get started!

A personal PA allows parishioners to use their own audio device to listen to priest/speaker/lector so that they may hear what is being said. The sound is broadcast on 72.9MHz which is a FM frequency (although not on the regular radio which is 87 to 109MHz). Devices can be purchased from William Sound retailers, online retailers, EBay, and the like. Some cheaper units will be available for purchase from Parish Office. In general, the device allows the listener to control the volume and hear better what is being audibly conveyed. These devices are not necessarily for those whose hearing is impaired but also for those who want to hear more clearly and distinctly what is being said. The better the device and/or earphones; the better the sound quality. It is well worth the investment to get something that allows one to hear better. Our Church is like a cave with an echo. It is great for concerts and chorales but not so great for public addresses. Bad acoustics, area of seating, and other factors affect how we hear. This system will help us all out. These PA devices help eliminate a lot of the interference that comes from these negative factors. If interested in utilizing this system, speak to your Pastor, Fr. Gary.

Edward Michael Falterman passed away on April 17, 2020. Beloved husband of Cynthia Blanchard Falterman for 29 years. Father of Dane Falterman (Stephanie), Darrell Falterman (Jimmy), Gerald Falterman (Stephanie), and the late Eddie Falterman Jr. Grandfather of Dylan Falterman, Peyton Falterman, Hannah Spahr, Tristan Falterman, and Jennifer Falterman. Stepfather of Kelly Cannon (Jack) and Laurie Uzee (Jay). Step-grandfather of Joshua Palombo, Holly Seal, Lacey Melling, Rikilyn Root, Neil Neyrey, John Nathan Arguello, Chris Arguello, Jeremy Uzee, and Lance Uzee. Step-great-grandfather of 11. Son of the late Lin Falterman and Sadie Verdin Falterman. Brother of Carroll Falterman, Georgia Knight, Mary Dufour, Martha Thibodaux, and the late Jimmy Vincent. Age 77 years, a native of Lafitte, LA and a resident of Gretna, LA. Eddie was a graduate of West Jefferson High School Class of 1960. He worked at Shell Oil Company for 35 years until retirement. He then worked for the Archdiocese of New Orleans at St. Joseph Church and Shrine in Gretna for 28 years where he loved to greet parishioners at the door. Relatives and Friends of the Family are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Gretna, LA on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 10 AM. Memorial Visitation will be held at church from 9 AM until mass time.

A STATEMENT FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS RESPONDING TO THE SUPREME COURT DECISION IN JUNE MEDICAL SERVICES V. RUSSO June 29, 2020 Today the Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 in the June Medical Services v Russo case to strike down a Louisiana law that would have required abortion doctors to have hospital admitting privileges. This is very disappointing to us as people of faith who believe in the dignity of human life. We believed this law would have protected women from the possibility of harmful medical care preventing long-term health issues for them and saving lives. As Catholics, we see abortion as an action that denies the fundamental human right to life and harms women physically, mentally, and emotionally. We will continue to pray and fight for justice for mothers and children and offer them the support needed to choose life. We invite all people of faith to pray for women seeking abortion, often under enormous pressure, that they will find alternatives that truly value them and the lives of their children.

Some of the civil parishes are sending representatives to visit churches and businesses to make certain that the guidelines regarding large gatherings are being enforced. A report is given to law enforcement regarding compliance. Please make sure that social distancing is observed and that masks are worn. In Orleans and Jefferson parishes MASKS ARE REQUIRED. We want to observe these rules so as not to spread the virus. The Catholic Church is a leader in this effort.

Catholic Charities’ food pantry is open Monday – Thursday from 10 am – 2 pm. The food pantry is located at 2505 Maine Ave in Metairie. Clients should go down the driveway to the left of the building. The food pantry is located in the back building, fourth door from the front. Clients can receive a pre-packed bag of food and some optional supplemental items every two weeks. Clients fill out a simple intake form at their first visit, and at subsequent visits only need provide their name. Please wear a mask and respect social distancing when receiving assistance.

The death of George Floyd is indeed a very sad tragedy. We pray for his eternal rest in God’s kingdom and consolation for his family and friends. Mr. Floyd’s death reminds us that we are called to believe in the dignity of each person because each person is created by God. This belief leads to respecting every individual, regardless of race, religion, political affiliation or any other difference. In the Gospel, there is no room for racism, violence or hatred. What makes this tragedy even more unconscionable is that a law enforcement officer, who has pledged to protect and to serve, is the person who took Mr. Floyd’s life. No matter who we are or what power we have, Jesus calls us to a deep, abiding respect of every person. If there are protests, we plead for peaceful nonviolent protests. In several cities, some have protested against violence but used violence to do it. That does not show respect for the dignity of other people or their property. Revenge should never be a part of our lives; yet, at the same time, we are necessarily angered and saddened by what has taken place in Minneapolis. This is an opportunity for us to give thanks to God and affirm our law enforcement in New Orleans and throughout our state. Obviously, our law enforcement training through the NOPD and through law enforcement agencies in other cities and parishes, as well as the state police, upholds the dignity of each person and the treatment of each individual in a nonviolent way. Likewise, our protests usually are peaceful and nonviolent. That is the right thing to do, and, perhaps, we can be an example to other cities and states.

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