West Bankers, and people from all over the metro area, will have the opportunity to meet and hear Frank Kelly, a man of faith and wisdom, who by all normal possibilities should not even be still on this earth to tell his tale. There will be Mass first and then a Healing Service on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Church and Shrine on the West Bank, 610 Sixth St., Gretna. Kelly will speak about his journey and offer a healing prayer with each individual. The public is invited to hear this incredible story of this humble man. All are welcome.

The Mel Ott Multipurpose Center was beautifully decorated and rolled out the red carpet for the large audience that attended the City of Gretna's 30th inauguration on June 30. When Rev. Gary P. Copping, the new pastor of St. Joseph Church and Shrine, heard about the special anniversary inauguration, he wanted to commemorate the special event for the city and create a wonderful memory for himself. He scheduled a special service for the next night, July 1. Usually at St. Joseph's there is just one Saturday vigil Mass at 4 p.m., but Copping added a 6 p.m. Mass, becoming the first Mass he would celebrate at his new church. The Mass was offered for the city officials, the city itself and all Gretna citizens. Deacons Jerry Labadot and Len Enger served at the special Mass. "The most important part of society is the family and both the church and the local community should work together to strengthen and foster the family. In the family, the education and ethical upbringing belong both to religion and public service," Copping said. "Good children mean later upstanding and moral adults. It is my firm hope that both St. Joseph Church and the city of Gretna can work side by side to promote civic and moral values and that we can grow together in this community." Gretna Mayor Belinda Constant, Councilman at Large Wayne Rau and Councilmembers Milton Crosby, Jackie Berthelot, Mark Miller and Michael Hinyub were included in the service by offering readings. The offertory gifts were presented by the Mayor, Police Chief Arthur Lawson and his wife, Brenda Lawson. "Father Gary," as he likes to be called, was born and raised in New Orleans. He attended H.C. Schaumburg Elementary, St. James Major Middle and graduated from Brother Martin High School. He attended UNO to study biophysics and was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. After three years of study at UNO, he enrolled in St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington and graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in liberal arts in 1991. He attended Notre Dame Seminary from 1991-93 but left before graduating or taking vows as a Catholic priest. In 1996, he married Judy Bennett and lived in uptown New Orleans. After his wife's death in 2009, he re-entered the seminary to fulfill his calling. He was ordained to the Transitional Diaconate in May 2012 and completed his Deacon Internship at St. Francis Assisi Parish in uptown New Orleans. He completed his Masters of Divinity Degree from Notre Dame Seminary on May 9, 2013, graduating magna cum laude and was ordained June 1, 2013 at St. Louis Cathedral. He served his first Mass at St. Francis of Assisi on June 2, 2013 before being appointed to St. Anselm Catholic Church as Parochial Vicar. Copping ministered three years to the parishioners of St. Anselm before being reassigned to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Slidell where he served for one year. Effective July 1, he was assigned as pastor of St. Joseph Church and Shrine on the West Bank and St Anthony Mission Church where he said he was looking forward to being a shepherd to his new flock. Copping enjoys several hobbies including making chain link rosaries and religious medal earrings. An avid reader, he especially enjoys reading J.R.R. Tolkien books and theology. The 30th inauguration program went off without a hitch. Retired State Rep. and "Gretna Boy" Joseph F. Toomy served as master of ceremonies. "Term in Review 2013-2017" was presented. All of the officials were unopposed in the election process and were sworn in by various officials of their choosing. Constant was sworn in by retired Judge Marion F. Edwards; Arthur Lawson by Judge Roy M. Cascio; Rau by Edwards; Crosby by Judge E. Adrian Adams; Berthelot by Judge Henry G. Sullivan; Miller by State Rep. Joseph Marino III; Hinyub by Sullivan. Presentation of Swords was smartly presented by T. J. Larkin Knights of Columbus #322 and Presentation of Colors by Gretna Police and David Crockett Fire Company. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Gretna Police Sgt. Alton Savage Jr. and VFW Post 3127/District 2 Commander Gerald G. Dugas. Young Gretna soprano Mia Ditta sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, Copping gave the invocation and Rev. Warren E. Johnson, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church offered the benediction. The inauguration committee included Cheryl Amacker, Allison Cuny, Ronnie Gauthreaux, Amie Hebert, Deborah LaBruzza, Susan Percle, Dodie Rackley, Azalea Roussel, Rebecca Schouest, Judy Sullivan, Wendy Thibodeaux and Jo Ann Toomy. Helen Williams is a Gretna resident who writes about people and events of community interest. She can be reached at 504.367.8481 or email her at gretnaglance@cox.net.

Thanks to St Joseph Parish, St Anthony Parish, and the Knights of Columbus (Archbishop Blenk Council 1905), a new 3D ultrasound machine was purchased to help save unborn babies. Since its inception in 1995, the Community Center for Life that offers "a message of God's love and hope during a crisis pregnancy" has been able to serve over 8,500 women. The faith-based nonprofit center, located at 539 Lafayette St., Gretna, offers free pregnancy testing, confidential counseling, Medicaid application aid, abortion education, ultrasounds, doctor referrals, adoption referrals, STD education, maternity and baby clothes, plus prenatal, post-abortion healing and parenting classes. There is an all important 8-week prenatal class that prepares young mothers and fathers for birth and parenthood. The center also offers an 8-week course that provides a confidential bible based forum, which sets women free from guilt and shame of past abortions. "We are not just a place for a free pregnancy test. Community Center for Life is a safe haven and a lighthouse for many mothers and families in the community," Executive Director Deya Onsotti said. Other devoted staff members include Center Director/Licensed Counselor Ashley Constant, Counselors Frances Autry, Heather Allen and Lonnie Kerce, as well as weekly volunteers Nancy Sarver, Joy Guillot and Dorie Shipp. Onsotti and the staff are very excited and grateful about their new 3D Ultrasound Imaging machine that was recently donated by the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1905. There was a ribbon cutting when the new ultrasound machine was delivered where KC members, Mayor Belinda Constant and other community leaders, as well as center staff and volunteers gathered. Rev. Gary Copping offered a blessing of thanksgiving. Although Council 1905 are the heroes of the center, having the new machine wouldn't have happened without the efforts and generosity of many people. The chain of events began last summer when Rev. Gary Copping was assigned as the new pastor of St. Joseph Church and Shrine, located just a block from the pregnancy center. During his first week, he was walking around the neighborhood to familiarize himself with the area. When Father Gary, as he's known to locals saw the Community Center for Life, he entered and was impressed by the facility. When he learned that it is a prolife women's health center, he offered to help in any way. Director Onsotti told him that their ultrasound imaging machine was broken beyond repair. Fr. Gary asked her to write a description of what they needed and he would check into it. When he presented the request to K C Council No. 1905, it grew wings. Turns out the national Knights of Columbus Supreme Office will match up to one half of the cost for a new ultrasound machine, but there are stipulations with this offer. First, the equipment could only be for a prolife center and an inspection of the facility and program had to be approved by the New Orleans Archdiocese. All went well with the inspection "earning gold stars" and there was a green light to proceed. "Our council started the fund campaign with a $1,000 donation. Our initial fundraising program was to produce yard sign "garden angels" with a prolife message. The angels were made of cedar fence boards and sold for $25. That program worked very well, but it was the generosity of other K C councils and individuals that allowed us to reach our goal of $16,800, half the cost of the unit," Don Caskey, the council's culture of life director said. "The total cost of the machine was $33,600. Of interest is that within this year, six councils around the state raised money to acquire 6 other ultrasound machines. "The primary and common factor expressed by each person that was involved in this process was prayer. This is what started us and carried us through, with some great surprises along the way," Caskey said. A recent additional donation of $500 was made by Council 1905 to the center to help with consumables needed for the machine, like gel and other materials. The pregnancy center was founded by Swiss missionary and midwife, Dagmar Mueller with a vision to help mothers in the Greater New Orleans area who might be experiencing a crisis pregnancy, perhaps unplanned. The pregnant mother may be feeling a lack of resources and contemplating abortion. Mueller founded the organization and led it along with the Board of Directors from 1995 until 2006 when her green card was rejected. She had to return to Switzerland for what she thought would be a short period of time while paperwork was straightened out. Mueller asked Dotty Crotwell, who was at that time a volunteer, to run the center for the expected month that she would be gone. Mueller was not able to return and Dotty Crotwell took over as director. She served the ministry for over 10 years before leaving to explore another season in her life. Crotwell was an instrumental part of the expansion of services offered at the center. Free services that were initially offered included one pregnancy test, pregnancy education and counseling. No-cost-to-client services were expanded to include increased follow-up visits, ultrasounds, prenatal and parenting classes, postpartum education and an emergency shelter. The center offers a diaper program for newborns to 3 year olds. Mothers are able to go to the center once a month and receive diapers, clothing and other resources for her baby or babies. The center is in partnership with Junior League of New Orleans from which bulk diaper donations are received. Counseling and literature to Spanish-speaking clients is also available. The Community Center for Life organization owns the building that houses the center. Thankfully the White Dove Fellowship paid off the remaining mortgage on the building, but it has countless structural needs. The facade structure requires reinforcement and the facade needs stucco and paint replacement. Other serious renovations and repairs are badly needed. There are leaks from the outside, old and leaky pipes, as well as counseling rooms and restrooms that need updating. Ultimate on the wish list is a dedicated space very near the center for additional parking and classes. The Community Center for Life provides resources to support, assist and encourage mothers in their choice to choose life for their babies. Building families, saving and restoring lives with God's truth and principles provide help, hope and healing. Those needing services or anyone wanting to donate or volunteer can reach Community Center for Life at 504.227.9090 or by email at cclife@bellsouth.net.

CONSECRATION OF PARISHES TO THE PIERCED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY OH SACRED HEART OF JESUS, you have loved humanity to the extreme of allowing yourself to be pierced, becoming a living fountain were abundant graces of salvation and of conversion flow. From your open Heart flows, with power and strength, the Blood and the Water which purify, transform, vivify and liberate us.  It is from your Pierced Heart, visible sign of your love, that life flows as an ever-flowing torrent of grace which brings fecundity to the world. It is from your Heart opened by the lance, and moved by your love and mercy, that the Church, –your Spouse, your Mystical body and our Mother–, is born filled with your grace, holiness and fecundity as a perennial sacrament of your presence and seed of your unending Reign. Today, as pastor of these parishes and in communion with the faithful entrusted to me, I consecrate to your Most Sacred Heart, the parishes of St Joseph Church and St Anthony Church . We acknowledge, by this act of consecration, our desire to live in communion of love with your Eucharistic Heart, center and pillar of the life of the Church. We dispose ourselves to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, who seeks to transform us and to give to us a heart like Your own. May we enter into the school of your Heart so as to acquire the virtues of humility and meekness; of obedience and self-denial; of generosity and sincere charity. Protect us from all sin, selfishness, error and indifference. Living within your Heart and allowing ourselves to be transformed by your love, may these parishes be a channel of grace, light, truth, justice, peace, mercy and charity for the world so in need. Consecrated to your Heart, we dispose ourselves to fulfill your merciful designs and to construct with authentic holiness and with fruitful, apostolic work, the civilization of love and life: the Reign of your Heart. OH IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, spiritually pierced at the foot of the Cross as a result of your perfect and indissoluble communion with the Heart of Jesus. Your Heart was also opened in order to receive, in virtue of your spiritual maternity, the Mystical Body of Christ, born from the Pierced Heart of your Son. Your Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart, receives the Church in the person of St. John the Apostles so that you may take care, nourish, protect and accompany Her, with the same dedication which you had with your Son.  To you, Virgin Mother, the Pierced Heart of Christ commissioned to protect with your attentive, maternal Heart, the Church, destined to advance the Kingdom of God in history, in the face of great battles and dangers. Today, the parishes of St Joseph Church and St Anthony placing themselves in the person of St. John, receive with profound gratitude, your maternal mission in the life of the parish and in the life of each faithful. We consecrate ourselves to your Immaculate Heart and we ask you, who are the living school of total consecration and dedication to the Heart of Jesus, to teach us to love the Heart of your Son without divisions; to listen to Him with complete openness and docility; to obey Him with diligence and exactness; to actively cooperate with responsibility in the designs of His Heart in the historic moment in which we live. Guard us and defend us in your Immaculate Heart, sure refuge of sinners. Protect us from all that can separate us from the love of the Heart of Christ and from His Will.  Defend us, with your maternal care, from all the dangers against our eternal and present life.  OH HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY, Hope of Humanity! Today, these parishes consecrate themselves completely to the love of your Hearts.  Today we dispose ourselves to lift on high, as if on a luminous banner, the names of Jesus and Mary.  From our littleness, we desire to participate in the merciful designs which the Pierced Hearts are manifesting in the Church and in humanity. Having been consecrated to the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, we renew with greater love, fidelity and zeal, our commitment towards the call for a New Evangelization received from our Holy Father, Pope St. John Paul II. We renew our commitment towards holiness and coherence of life and to the faithful and enthusiastic proclamation of the truth, taught to us by the Magisterium of the Church. May this consecration result in fruits of conversion, charity, justice, peace, generosity and mercy in each one of us. May the Two Hearts establish their reign of love in each heart, in the priests, religious, laity committed in service and in each one of us, for the greater good of the entire Church. Amen.

It’s not about what it is. It’s about Who it is. Explore the mystery of God’s love expressed in the Eucharist with this new original series by Augustine Institute Studios. Worldrenowned presenters unveil the truth and beauty behind the “source and summit” of the Christian life, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and its members. Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist “Presence left me speechless! I learned of truth and beauty I never knew before.” —Shel C, Los Angeles, CA FORMED PICK OF THE WEEK Watch on stjosephgretna.formed.org

Sixty-seven parents attended the Parenting Workshops sponsored by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Catholic Charities, and St Anthony School. There was an average of 33 parents per workshop where 15% had perfect attendance and over a third attended 4 or more workshops. Parent attitudes and belief improved by over 50% and overall Parent Behavior improved. There were many positive comments given by the parents, guardians, and grandparents that attended these workshops. + Everything was right on target. It taught me so many things. + I saw a lot of things that I could improve on and I am happy to see that other kids do the same things as my kids. + All the classes helped me and taught me some very helpful ideas to handle situations with my children. The next phase of Isaiah 43 will resume in the Fall. Please be attentive to future announcements so that you can join us next time.

Congratulations Peter DeBroeck GHS Member, Peter DeBroeck has been selected as this year’s recipient of the C.W. Cox Life Enhancement Award, given by the Gretna Community Association. This award is given out annually to an outstanding member of our community who demonstrates high moral character and is dedicated to the service of Gretna. Peter has performed in the GHS Cemetery Tour in the last 5 years. He is a past officer with the Gretna Economic Development Association, a board member of the Gretna Farmer’s Market, a volunteer with the Gretna Heritage Festival, and a newly appointed member of the Gretna Historic District Commission Committee. Thanks Peter for your dedication to serving Gretna.

On April 24 at 6:30 pm we had a Peace Prayer Walk through McDonoughville to pray for an end of violence and racism. We as a community prayed for the community. All were invited to attend and to walk in solidarity. We had Catholics from across the Archdiocese who joined us as well as the pastor from Hosanna Fellowship Church, a lady from the Church of Latter Day Saints, and several other denominations were represented. Thank all who came out to support peace.

I am grateful for all those who have contributed in one way or another to helping with our Restoration Project. It is moving along nicely but we need your help still. Purchase your cookbook and buy some for friends, relatives, and gifts. Come to the Reunion May 19. Don't forget to put in envelopes when we collect at Mass. Keep praying that we will reach our goal soon with the help of God and the assistance of all you good people. St Joseph, pray for us. ---- Fr. Gary, Pastor.

We thank Emily and all the members of the Ladies Club and KCs, along with all members and volunteers who helped at the St Joseph Altar. Over 3000 cookie bags were made days before the Altar to distribute and we made 200 more bags the day of the Altar because we ran out. Over 1,632 people were served. We ran out of fish and pasta and almost ran out bread and cakes. Thank you for your support and thank you for making this the best St Joseph Altar Ever! Kudoos to St Joseph and our wonderful parish.

Fr. Gary dressed up as St Nick just to take pictures with the parishioners and to share the joy of giving

Sri Lankan Delegation Meets Benedict XVI

Characterized by Personal Elements and Novelties

Reports Reveal Warmth and Openness