The Mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul - “A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.” Our Accomplishments – In 2018, within the in St Joseph and St Anthony Church Parishes boundaries, we assisted 68 families of all religious affiliations with rental assistance, utility payments, clothing, food, and moral support. How to Receive Help – Please leave a voice mail on our phone line (504) 298-6907. A team member will contact you to set up an appointment for a home visit. How to Provide Help – Monetary donations are accepted by placing funds in the Poor Box inside St Joseph and St Anthony Churches. How to Join the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – We welcome all to attend our monthly meetings held in the St Joseph Church Office on the first Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. We begin at 2:45 p.m. by reciting the Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. If you have any questions, please leave a message on our phone line (504) 298-6907.

My father and my mother were married for 55 years. In all the years that I have known my father, I have never known him to take off his wedding ring. Even when he worked for the Orleans Parish School Board as a TV/VCR repairman and was told that he could not wear his at work, he told them he could not take it off. It never left his finger. Even after the death of my mother 3 years ago, Dad still kept the ring on and it is buried with it on the finger that my mother put it on 58 years ago on June 12, 1960. *** When I got married on September 14, 1996, taking my inspiration from my father, I told my wife Judy that the only person that could the ring off my finger would be her. My wife died on November 22, 2009. I kept the ring on my finger until Holy Thursday 2014. The reason why I took the ring off is simple and profound. Holy Thursday is the day when the priest washes the feet of 12 people in imitation of Jesus washing the feet of the 12 Apostles. I was washing the feet of one parishioner. Once I had finished and was trying to stand up, I tripped over my alb, falling backwards. The only thing that I hit was my left hand ring finger, bending it to the side. As my finger began to swell, I removed my wedding ring. I think my finger was broken. I tried to put the ring back on; but it would not fit. Holy Thursday is also the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Origin of the Priesthood. By me taking off the ring, in a way, it was the way my wife was telling me from beyond the grave that I was no longer obligated to keep the ring on because I was now wed to the Church. Now you know the rest of the story.

Obituary for Leon L. Copping ** Leon L. Copping passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the age of 83. Beloved husband of the late Mary Frances Copping for 55 years. Father of Michael, David (Millie), Steven (Liza) and Father Gary Copping. Son of the late Eugenie and Charles Copping. Brother-in-law of Jim Valenti and Betty Ann Seals. Grandfather of Gemara Castin (Cory), Annabel Copping and the late Arnold Diaz. Great grandfather of Ezra, Amelia, and the late Sophia. Also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was an Orleans Parish School Board employee for 25 years and a member of Knights of Columbus JFK Council No. 2952. He was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Hammond, LA for 10 years following Hurricane Katrina before returning to New Orleans. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gretna, LA on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 11:30am. Visitation will be held at the church Wednesday morning from 9:30am until 11:30am. Interment, Panemah Cemetery, Bogalusa, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gretna, LA. Family and friends may view and sign the online guest book at www.mothefunerals.com.

For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven. for in this tent we groan, longing to be further clothed with our heavenly habitation if indeed, when we have taken it off, we shall not be found naked. For while we are in this tent we groan and are weighed down, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a first installment. So we are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Cor 5)

On the occasion of their first Mass, it is traditional that the newly ordained priest presents a gift to his parents. To his mother, he give the Maniturgium, which was used to cleanse his hands. The Maniturgium is given to the mother, because she was the first protector of the newly ordained priest, during his time in her womb. When the newly ordained priest's mother is called home to God, she is buried holding the Maniturgium so that all in Heaven and on Earth will know that she is the mother of a priest. And on the last day when we are raised from the dead, she can present the Maniturgium to Christ the Lord and say, "My son too shared in your priesthood." To his father, the priest presents his first confessional stole. The stole is the sign of priestly office, and the priest wears it when he engages in holy things, like celebrating the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Penance. It was the father of the newly ordained priest who first taught him about justice and mercy. And like the mother of the newly ordained priest, when his father dies, he is buried holding the purple stole so that all in Heaven and on Earth will know that he was the father of a priest. And on the last day when we are raised from the dead, he can present the purple stole to Christ the Lord and say, "My son too shared in your priesthood."

Message of the Holy Father Good politics at the service of peace 1. “Peace be to this house!” In sending his disciples forth on mission, Jesus told them: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house!’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you” (Lk 10:5-6). Bringing peace is central to the mission of Christ’s disciples. That peace is offered to all those men and women who long for peace amid the tragedies and violence that mark human history.[1] The “house” of which Jesus speaks is every family, community, country and continent, in all their diversity and history. It is first and foremost each individual person, without distinction or discrimination. But it is also our “common home”: the world in which God has placed us and which we are called to care for and cultivate. So let this be my greeting at the beginning of the New Year: “Peace be to this house!” 2. The challenge of good politics Peace is like the hope which the poet Charles Péguy celebrated.[2] It is like a delicate flower struggling to blossom on the stony ground of violence. We know that the thirst for power at any price leads to abuses and injustice. Politics is an essential means of building human community and institutions, but when political life is not seen as a form of service to society as a whole, it can become a means of oppression, marginalization and even destruction. Jesus tells us that, “if anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mk 9:35). In the words of Pope Paul VI, “to take politics seriously at its different levels – local, regional, national and worldwide – is to affirm the duty of each individual to acknowledge the reality and value of the freedom offered him to work at one and the same time for the good of the city, the nation and all mankind”.[3] Political office and political responsibility thus constantly challenge those called to the service of their country to make every effort to protect those who live there and to create the conditions for a worthy and just future. If exercised with basic respect for the life, freedom and dignity of persons, political life can indeed become an outstanding form of charity. 3. Charity and human virtues: the basis of politics at the service of human rights and peace Pope Benedict XVI noted that “every Christian is called to practise charity in a manner corresponding to his vocation and according to the degree of influence he wields in the pólis… When animated by charity, commitment to the common good has greater worth than a merely secular and political stand would have… Man’s earthly activity, when inspired and sustained by charity, contributes to the building of the universal city of God, which is the goal of the history of the human family”.[4] This is a programme on which all politicians, whatever their culture or religion, can agree, if they wish to work together for the good of the 3 human family and to practise those human virtues that sustain all sound political activity: justice, equality, mutual respect, sincerity, honesty, fidelity. In this regard, it may be helpful to recall the “Beatitudes of the Politician”, proposed by Vietnamese Cardinal François-Xavier Nguyễn Vãn Thuận, a faithful witness to the Gospel who died in 2002: Blessed be the politician with a lofty sense and deep understanding of his role. Blessed be the politician who personally exemplifies credibility. Blessed be the politician who works for the common good and not his or her own interest. Blessed be the politician who remains consistent. Blessed be the politician who works for unity. Blessed be the politician who works to accomplish radical change. Blessed be the politician who is capable of listening. Blessed be the politician who is without fear.[5] Every election and re-election, and every stage of public life, is an opportunity to return to the original points of reference that inspire justice and law. One thing is certain: good politics is at the service of peace. It respects and promotes fundamental human rights, which are at the same time mutual obligations, enabling a bond of trust and gratitude to be forged between present and future generations. 4. Political vices Sadly, together with its virtues, politics also has its share of vices, whether due to personal incompetence or to flaws in the system and its institutions. Clearly, these vices detract from the credibility of political life overall, as well as the authority, decisions and actions of those engaged in it. These vices, which undermine the ideal of an authentic democracy, bring disgrace to public life and threaten social harmony. We think of corruption in its varied forms: the misappropriation of public resources, the exploitation of individuals, the denial of rights, the flouting of community rules, dishonest gain, the justification of power by force or the arbitrary appeal to raison d’état and the refusal to relinquish power. To which we can add xenophobia, racism, lack of concern for the natural environment, the plundering of natural resources for the sake of quick profit and contempt for those forced into exile. 5. Good politics promotes the participation of the young and trust in others When the exercise of political power aims only at protecting the interests of a few privileged individuals, the future is compromised and young people can be tempted to lose confidence, since they are relegated to the margins of society without the possibility of helping to build the future. But when politics concretely fosters the talents of young people and their aspirations, peace grows in their outlook and on their faces. It becomes 4 a confident assurance that says, “I trust you and with you I believe” that we can all work together for the common good. Politics is at the service of peace if it finds expression in the recognition of the gifts and abilities of each individual. “What could be more beautiful than an outstretched hand? It was meant by God to offer and to receive. God did not want it to kill (cf. Gen 4:1ff) or to inflict suffering, but to offer care and help in life. Together with our heart and our intelligence, our hands too can become a means of dialogue”.[6] Everyone can contribute his or her stone to help build the common home. Authentic political life, grounded in law and in frank and fair relations between individuals, experiences renewal whenever we are convinced that every woman, man and generation brings the promise of new relational, intellectual, cultural and spiritual energies. That kind of trust is never easy to achieve, because human relations are complex, especially in our own times, marked by a climate of mistrust rooted in the fear of others or of strangers, or anxiety about one’s personal security. Sadly, it is also seen at the political level, in attitudes of rejection or forms of nationalism that call into question the fraternity of which our globalized world has such great need. Today more than ever, our societies need “artisans of peace” who can be messengers and authentic witnesses of God the Father, who wills the good and the happiness of the human family. 6. No to war and to the strategy of fear A hundred years after the end of the First World War, as we remember the young people killed in those battles and the civilian populations torn apart, we are more conscious than ever of the terrible lesson taught by fratricidal wars: peace can never be reduced solely to a balance between power and fear. To threaten others is to lower them to the status of objects and to deny their dignity. This is why we state once more that an escalation of intimidation, and the uncontrolled proliferation of arms, is contrary to morality and the search for true peace. Terror exerted over those who are most vulnerable contributes to the exile of entire populations who seek a place of peace. Political addresses that tend to blame every evil on migrants and to deprive the poor of hope are unacceptable. Rather, there is a need to reaffirm that peace is based on respect for each person, whatever his or her background, on respect for the law and the common good, on respect for the environment entrusted to our care and for the richness of the moral tradition inherited from past generations. Our thoughts turn in a particular way to all those children currently living in areas of conflict, and to all those who work to protect their lives and defend their rights. One out of every six children in our world is affected by the violence of war or its effects, even when they are not enrolled as child soldiers or held hostage by armed groups. The witness given by those who work to defend them and their dignity is most precious for the future of humanity. 7. A great project of peace In these days, we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in the wake of the Second World War. In this context, let us also remember the observation of Pope John XXIII: “Man’s awareness of his rights must inevitably lead him to the recognition of his duties. he possession of rights involves the duty of implementing those rights, for they are the expression of a man’s personal dignity. And the possession of rights also involves their recognition and respect by others”.[ 5 Peace, in effect, is the fruit of a great political project grounded in the mutual responsibility and interdependence of human beings. But it is also a challenge that demands to be taken up ever anew. It entails a conversion of heart and soul; it is both interior and communal; and it has three inseparable aspects: - peace with oneself, rejecting inflexibility, anger and impatience; in the words of Saint Francis de Sales, showing “a bit of sweetness towards oneself” in order to offer “a bit of sweetness to others”; - peace with others: family members, friends, strangers, the poor and the suffering, being unafraid to encounter them and listen to what they have to say; - peace with all creation, rediscovering the grandeur of God’s gift and our individual and shared responsibility as inhabitants of this world, citizens and builders of the future. The politics of peace, conscious of and deeply concerned for every situation of human vulnerability, can always draw inspiration from the Magnificat, the hymn that Mary, the Mother of Christ the Saviour and Queen of Peace, sang in the name of all mankind: “He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm; he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly; …for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever” (Lk 1:50-55). From the Vatican, 8 December 2018 [1] Cf. Lk 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased”. [2] Cf. Le Porche du mystère de la deuxième vertu, Paris, 1986. [3] Apostolic Letter Octogesima Adveniens (14 May 1971), 46. [4] Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate (29 June 2009), 7. [5] Cf. Address at the “Civitas” Exhibition-Convention in Padua: “30 Giorni”, no. 5, 2002. [6] BENEDICT XVI, Address to the Authorities of Benin, Cotonou, 19 November 2011. [7] Encyclical Letter Pacem in Terris (11 April 1963), ed. Carlen, 24.

Christmas is filled with symbols, many of which have lost their Christian symbolism in a secular world. Here you will find the Christian meaning of Christmas symbols. Let us pray, Lord, the symbolism of Christmas is replete with many secular symbols, all of which point to You. You are the Beginning and the End, the Word made flesh, God in a manger. Help me, Lord, to imitate Your lowliness so that I can serve You well. Amen. HOLLY: Holly is an extremely hardy shrub that can be grown most places, making it one of the few plants that can withstand temperatures from 110 degrees F to – 40 degrees F. Holly plants are noted for their attractive red berries and glossy, sharp-toothed green leaves which remain on the plant year round. The holly bush represents immortality, a trait that God has given to each human being. We are all destined to live forever, either with the Lord or separated from Him. The sharp-toothed edge of the holly leaf reminds Christians of the crown of thorns with which the soldiers mocked Our Lord during His Passion. As a Christmas symbol, the red holly berry represents Christ's blood, shed for all people including those who reject Him. GIFTS: For many people, gifts define Christmas. They focus on the giving and receiving of gifts instead of on our greatest Gift Jesus Who gave Himself to us at Christmas. The wise men who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the infant King in Bethlehem's manger have inspired the concept of gift giving at Christmas. God also gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit which help us to follow God's direction in our lives. The seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Piety, Fortitude, and Fear of the Lord (Awe of God's Greatness and Power). FRUIT: People give fruit baskets as gifts. At the turn of the last century, good children would receive their only orange of the year as a Christmas gift. As a Christmas symbol, fruit recalls the twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits result from the activity of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit are: Charity (Love), Joy, Peace, Patience, Benignity (Kindness), Goodness, Long-Suffering (Patiently Bearing Suffering over a Long Period of Time), Mildness, Faith, Modesty, Continency (Purity), Chastity. MISTLETOE: Mistletoe is an aerial parasite that has no roots of its own. It lives off the tree to which it attaches itself and, without that tree, it would die. Mistletoe is a Christmas symbol of our love which derives from and exists only because God loves us. God, Who is Love, created us in love and caused us to be able to love. EVERGREENS: In cool climates, many plants are deciduous. That is, they lose their leaves in the fall, remain dead-looking all winter, and begin to sprout new growth in the spring. Evergreens are, broadly speaking, any type of plant that retains its green leaves or needles all year round. As Christian Christmas symbols, evergreens symbolize perseverance and resiliency to adversity. They remind us of Jesus' words, "The ones who persevere to the end shall be saved." Our faith must remain vibrant in all spiritual, economic, political, and social environments. CHRISTMAS TREE: In the early 700’s, Saint Boniface, who converted the German people to Christianity, demolished the Oak of Thor, the mighty sacred tree worshipped by the Saxons. From its roots grew a fir tree which Boniface took as a sign of the Christian faith. About the year 1500, inspired by a snow covered fir tree, a small tree was brought indoors and decorated with candles in honor of Christ’s birth. By the 18th century, the custom of decorating a Christmas tree was well established in France, Germany, and Austria. Thus, the Christmas tree represents the original Tree of Paradise, the burning bush which spoke to Moses, the branch of Jesse from which Jesus was born, the life-giving tree of the cross of Christ, and the tree which St. John the Apostle saw in the Book of Revelations whose leaves have medicine for the people and which yields fruit each month for the healing of the nations. Because it is green year-round, the evergreen tree represents hope. Its needles and its narrow crest point upward, turning our thoughts to heaven. Because the tree is cut down and then erected again, it is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection. TINSEL: Tinsel are the thin, metallic strands that are used in Christmas decorations. A legend tells of a poor, faithful family who wished to decorate a Christmas tree in honor of the Christ Child but who had no money for decorations. In the night, spiders came and spun webs across the tree. Then the Christ Child, honoring the family's faith, turned the threads into silver. CANDLES AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Candles and Christmas lights represent Christ, the Light of the World. Candles and Christmas lights also remind us that we are to be light to others, to show them the way to Christ. BELLS: Bells were part of the Jewish high priest's garb. Christmas bells not only symbolize the joy of Christmas; they also remind us that Christ is the High Priest. CANDY CANE: The candy cane is shaped like a shepherd's crook, reminding us that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came into our world at Christmas. The red stripe symbolizes Christ's sacrifice and the white background His purity. Candy canes have a peppermint flavor, reminiscent of hyssop which had medicinal purposes. The peppermint flavor reminds us that our healing came at the price of Christ's life. The candy cane is meant to be broken and shared, just as Jesus' Body is broken and shared at every Eucharist. SANTA CLAUS: Santa Claus is an alteration of Saint Nicholas, fourth Bishop of Myra (located in modern Turkey) whose feast day is December 6. Saint Nicholas was known for taking to heart Jesus' words about almsgiving being very generous to the poor, but most often anonymously. The most famous story concerns three young women whose destitute father was going to force them into prostitution in order to survive. To prevent this heinous crime, Nicholas, on three different nights, anonymously went to their father's house and threw a bag of gold though an open window. The bishop's miter and fur trimmed red winter garments were corrupted into Santa's outfit, while Saint Nicholas's generosity was transferred to the "jolly old man" who delivers gifts anonymously on Christmas Eve. WREATH: Wreaths combine several Christmas symbols including holly, fruit, mistletoe, evergreens, tinsel, and so on, all of which retain their symbolism on the wreath. The word wreath comes from an old English word, meaning to writhe or twist. Greens twisted into a circle made "crowns" for kings, military leaders, and athletes. Because wreaths, due to their circular shape, symbolize eternity, the circle of life, and endless hope, they began to be used at Christmas and hung. Because a wreath has neither beginning nor end, but is a continuous circle, it symbolized God Himself. CHRISTMAS COOKIES, BREADS, PASTRIES: Christmas pastries are made with flour and remind us of the many uses of bread in Scripture. The Jewish people offered cakes made with oil to the Lord. The Israelites took their unleavened loaves with them when they fled Egypt. They recalled this event yearly in the feast of Unleavened Bread. The manna in the desert tasted like wafers made with honey. Elijah performed a miracle in which a widow's flour did not run out during a time of famine. When David brought the Ark of God back to Jerusalem, he gave each person in Israel a loaf of bread, a cut of meat, and a raisin cake. Jesus multiplied loaves twice in Scripture and came as the Bread of Life. He comes to us in every Mass under the form of Eucharistic bread and wine. This rich history is present to us with every taste of Christmas pastries. STOCKING: The tradition of placing gifts into Christmas stockings come from another tradition regarding Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. In this tradition, the three women who needed dowries in order to be kept from a life of prostitution had hung their stockings by the fireplace to dry. When the saint came by to help them, the money that he threw into their house fortuitously landed in the stockings. CHRISTMAS CAROLS: Christmas carols remind us of the angels who announced the birth of Christ by singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and peace to His people on earth!" Song has been a part of worship since the beginning. Miriam composed and sang a hymn of Thanksgiving when God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptians. David sang and danced before the Ark of the Lord when he was accompanying back to Jerusalem after having rescued it from the Philistines. He composed the Psalms, all of which are to be sung. Many of the Psalms mention times when the Jewish people sang, some of which are: bringing in the harvest, going up to the temple, success over one's enemies. Jesus mentioned funeral songs in one of His exhortations. People use song as an expression of highest emotion. How fitting that we sing about the birth of Christ! XMAS: While Xmas is seen by some as a secular way to "cross Christ out of Christmas," the word actually is an abbreviation for Christmas. Christ was often written as "XP" or "XT" and the Greek letter Chi X stood for Christ in the ancient Greek symbol for Christians. ANGEL: Angels are God's messengers. They appear several times in Scripture and continue to protect us today as each person has his or her own guardian angel. The angel Gabriel announced the birth of Christ and also told St. Joseph to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt to escape Herod's plan to kill the Christ Child. Angels appeared to the shepherds when Christ was born, singing and praising God and instructing the shepherds to hurry to Bethlehem to see the newborn King. Angels symbolize God's presence, and remind us of obedience to Him and praise of Him.

Remember to bless your Christmas Tree when you put it up

Blessing of a Christmas Manger or Nativity Scene The custom of displaying figures depicting the bisth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to st. Francis of Assisi.In its present form the custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus Christ owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi, who made the Christmas crèche or manger for Christmas Eve of 1223. The blessing of the Christmas manger or nativity scene may take place on the Vigil of Christmas or at another suitable time. When the manger is set up in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another family member. All make the sign of the cross as the leader says: Our help is in the name of the Lord. R/. Who made heaven and earth. One of those present or the leader reads a text of sacred Scripture, for example, Luke 2:1 (lines 1-8) or Isaiah 7:10 (lines 10-15, the birth of Emmanuel). Reader: The Gospel of the Lord. R/. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. The leader prays with hands joined: God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. R/. Amen. —From Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers

Our Trinity Group -- the lovely ladies that hold our raffle in the back of the Church --- raised $4000 in this last raffle. We give thanks to them for their hard work and we thank all who purchased tickets that made this such a great success. We are slowly getting to our goal for the Restoration Project. Restoration begins early next year -- after the Christmas Holidays.

As the first-ever online giving day created to celebrate our unique Catholic heritage, the #iGiveCatholic Giving Day inspires faithful stewards to "Give Catholic" on #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving. The goal of the #iGiveCatholic Giving Day is to rally our Catholic communities across the country in support of the organizations that shape our souls: Our parishes, schools, and nonprofit ministries. We know that, for Catholics, generosity and giving have a profound meaning. As children of God, giving is the ultimate expression of mercy as we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless, and preserve our Catholic heritage for future generations. Compelled to action by our shared faith, Catholics are energized to give back knowing that little is much when God is in it.

St Anthony School hosted two Parenting Sessions to help parents in raising their children. The first session on "Parenting for School Success" had a whopping 36 people in attendance. The second session on "Responsibility & Discipline, Part I" had 13 in attendance. Because of the busyness of the last part of the year, it was decided to postpone the last 5 sessions until the beginning of next year, 2019. Please join us again when we host the next parenting sessions at St Anthony School.

In October 2017, the Restoration Committee was formed to raise an estimated $500,000 to remove and re-apply the protective sealant over the stucco on the church’s exterior, with a paint job to follow and to repair old termite damage in the auditorium. The Restoration Committee, which also serves as the Parish Finance Committee included, Mary Helen Williams as Chairman, Belinda Constant, Kim Enger, Linda LaBorde, Mary Grace Orsag and Bill Swiler. After Bill’s untimely death, James Rolf III was invited to serve. Father Gary and Deacon Jerry are included. To date an estimated $340,000 has been raised that includes money from Major Sponsors, generous donations from the parishioners and local residents, several raffles and special events that started with selling hot dogs at Gretna’s Lundi Gras and a School Reunion chaired by Toni Hollis in May. Chairman Debbie Swiler began the Rummage Sale in June to be a part of the annual Gretna Citywide Yard Sale on Oct. 13. On Wednesdays, two Women’s Club members accepted donations and every Monday, a group of mostly non-parishioner volunteers sorted and packed. Collections were stopped at the end of August. With generous furniture donations and the hard work of everyone involved, the Rummage Sale made a phenomenal $16,000. There were three major events in three weeks. Slated to become an annual fundraiser for St. Joseph’s, Chili Cookoff on the River, set for Oct. 27 got hit with a big blow two days before the event when the river flooded the batture! Thanks to Mayor Constant and Police Capt. Russell Lloyd, Chili Cookoff NEAR the River was moved to the largest parking lot in Gretna which turned out to be a blessing. Over 400 people attended to enjoy chili cooked by 16 teams, 40 volunteers helped and the Chili Poker Run had 50 bikers and riders. Chili Cookoff made over $20,000. Winners were 1st Place-Brett’s Jambalaya Company, 2nd Place-NOLA Gold Rugby, 3rd Place-Entergy Lineman. Trosclair Electric was Honorable Mention. Thanks to our own parishioners: Mayor Belinda Constant, Linda LaBorde, Geri Mayville, James Rolf, Glenn Esteve, Garry Vedros, Jill DeBroeck, Peter DeBroeck, Ray Markase, Paul Coles, Leon Cuccia, Debbie Morse, Val Coles, the St. Joseph office staff and the Women’s Club members who stepped up. Judging was in a blind method by 15 Judges that included real judges and community leaders. Gratitude to Holly Williams and her committee that volunteered from Gretna Historical Society to handle all phases of judging and our own Darrell Hollis, CPA to keep everything orderly. Then there was Neal Vaught, everything from Weigh-in guru to a Final Judge and countless outsiders like Ryan Templet, Jeff Parish Councilman Ricky Templet, Gretna Councilmen Mike Hinyub, Tony Buckley, David Crockett Fire Company, Academy of Our Lady students and West Jeff ROTC. On Nov. 2, the $10,000 Raffle/Gala, chaired by Darnell LeBlanc was a huge success earning $24,000. The 300 - $100 raffle tickets were all sold and the pick-a- prizes, silent auctions and 50/50 split raffles were very successful. Charlotte Roussell was the winner of the $10,000 Grand Prize. But, the constant in the Restoration Campaign has been the steady sales of our Mother Church Cookbook. We took delivery of 1,000 cookbooks on the Thursday before St. Joseph’s Day, March 2018. One week later we ordered a second 1,000. We are now promoting cookbook sales as “gifts you can give for Christmas!” Cookbook sales so far is $33,000. Projected costs to restore the church are greater than the original estimate. A contractor will be selected shortly and work will commence. It is important to keep up the efforts so we can pay for the repairs without burdening the budget with monthly payments. Thanks to all of you that have been so generous. Please continue to keep the Restoration Fund in mind with your donations and prayers for success.

The Jefferson Chorale (an affiliate of JPAS) and the Loyola University Chorus present Et In Terra Pax. Chorale directed by Dr. Louise LaBruyere. This concert is free and open to the public. Sunday Dec 9 at 4pm at St Joseph Catholic Church.

Think About Life… We often hear people argue that women need legal abortion in order to achieve success in their lives. By this, they usually mean that having an abortion will make it easier for women to finish school, get ahead in their careers, or earn a comfortable salary. But this claim contains a very skewed notion of “success.” People who are willing to sacrifice their own dreams for the sake of another human being often feel MORE successful than when they were pursuing their own educational or career goals, or spending money on things they wanted. Christians believe that true “success” is about making a difference to other people and allowing God’s unconditional Love into our lives. If you agree with that, then success cannot be defined by how many things you own, or by how smart, talented, beautiful, or able-bodied you are. Abortion advocates frequently claim that if abortion becomes illegal, women will lose opportunities for success. But this ignores the fact that most parents believe the greatest accomplishment they’ve ever had was giving life to their children and raising them. It also ignores the fact that there are many ways to pursue your dreams without having to kill your own child. Sometimes when people use the success argument to support abortion, they aren’t talking about the success of the mother or the father. They’re talking about the baby’s chances of success in life. Some people believe that abortion should be legal if, during the pregnancy, the unborn baby is diagnosed with a disability, a serious illness, or a defect. They claim these children can never be successful. The first major problem with this attitude is that these diagnoses are frequently wrong – which means that the abortion would kill a healthy baby. Secondly, and more importantly, it isn’t true that people cannot be successful just because they are disabled. We wouldn’t say that to an adult person with a disability, so why is it okay to say it about someone who is unborn with a disability? Just because people can’t do things in the same way that others can doesn’t mean they can’t have a successful life. The composer Ludwig van Beethoven was deaf; the famous physicist Stephen Hawking is quadriplegic, Franklin Delano Roosevelt (the 32nd President of the United States of America) had polio and was confined to a wheelchair his entire life; the Hollywood actor Tom Cruise is severely dyslexic. These people accomplished amazing things with their lives, despite their disabilities. In extreme cases, there are some people born with disabilities that are so severe that they actually cannot do many physical or mental activities like walking, talking, and responding to others. But Christians believe that true success does not come from our physical or mental abilities. It comes from making a positive difference to other people, and surrendering to God’s Love. The more we make a positive difference to others and the more we surrender to God, the more free we are to find true success. Who says that a person with severe physical or mental disabilities cannot make a positive difference to other people? Who says she cannot surrender everything to God? In fact, many disabled people find that it is easier to focus on what’s really important in life – like family, friends, love, generosity, patience, and putting their faith in God – because of their disability. By Camille Pauley © 2015 Healing the Culture Reprinted with permission Visit www.healingtheculture.com, or visit our Facebook page to comment.

CatholicJourneys.com is the premier provider of Catholic Pilgrimages to Medjugorje. They provide pilgrims with the opportunity to increase one's spirituality, grow in faith and better understand God's presence in our lives. May 2 - 10, 2019 Special Pilgrimage_____ Fr. Gary Copping+++ St. Joseph Church & Shrine in Gretna, LA =====$2439 From New York=====$2699 From New Orleans^^^ Double Occupancy

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.