Jan. 23 from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Infant Jesus of Prague Church Diaconate Center is the Informational Meeting to learn about requirements for the Permanent Diaconate. +++++Men who believe they may have a vocational call to the permanent diaconate are invited to attend one of four information sessions to learn more about the formation process and what it means to serve as an ordained deacon of the Catholic Church. The information nights, which will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., are scheduled for Jan. 22 at the Corpus Christi-Epiphany Center, 2022 St. Bernard Ave, New Orleans; Jan. 23 at the Infant Jesus of Prague Church Diaconate Center, 700 Maple St., Harvey; Jan. 29 at the Northshore Pastoral Center, 4465 Highway 190 East Service Road, Covington; or Feb. 5 at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Administration Building, 7887 Walmsley Ave., New Orleans. This diaconate class would be ordained in 2025 following a 5 1/2-year formation process, said Deacon Ray Duplechain, director of the archdiocesan Permanent Diaconate Office. +++Men are asked to preregister for one of the sessions by email – pdiaconate@arch-no.org. More information can be obtained by calling the Permanent Diaconate Office at 861-6329.

Lutheran Bishop Vsevolod Lytkin, the Bishop of Salem Lutherans's sister church in Siberia, will be visiting Salem Lutheran with two laypeople the weekend of January 24-27. The Bishop will be preaching for Rev. Larry Beane's Congregation at their Divine Service on Sunday January 26. There will be a potluck for them after the service, and they will give a presentation in Schmid Hall (behind the Church) at 1:00 pm. Please consider going and bringing a dish to share with them highlighting our great New Orleans cuisine.

Immaculée Ilibagiza, a Rwandan genocide survivor and New York Times best-selling author of Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Genocide will be the keynote speaker at Tulane Catholic’s annual speaker series on Friday, January 24, 2020, at 7:00 PM at Dixon Hall on Tulane University’s campus. A powerful speaker with a powerful message, Immaculée survived the Rwandan genocide by hiding in a cramped bathroom with seven other women. She credits her survival to prayer and a set of rosary beads given to her by her devout Catholic father. Instead of succumbing to anger and resentments, she chose prayer and forgiveness—eventually even forgiving her family’s murderers. “It’s nearly impossible not to be profoundly impacted by Immaculee’s story,” said Father Thomas Schaefgen, OP. “It’s one of survival based upon the Christian values of faith and forgiveness.” Open to the public, the event is free for students and $10 for adults. To register, go to https://catholic.tulane.edu/keynote For more information, please contact Lisa Alden or Courtney Chisholm at 504-866-0984 or lalden@tulane.edu or cchisholm@tulane.edu.

Bible Marathon Coming to New Orleans January 28, 2020 What : Reading the entire Bible in public for 100 hours NON-STOP When : Begins at 12:30pm, January 28, 2020 (Tuesday); ends 6:00pm February 1, 2020 (Saturday) Where : Front yard of Notre Dame Seminary, Who : Anyone who reverences the Scriptures as the Word of God 5 possible ways to help: 1. Sign up as a proclaimer a. Proclaimers read the word for one 20 minute slot each. b. Sign up at: https://goo.gl/forms/gBsdjg1KysVeQxBx1 2. Sign up as a captain a. Captains coordinate for one 2 hour slot each. b. Sign up at: https://goo.gl/forms/gBsdjg1KysVeQxBx1 3. Cook food for the event (at any meal time) a. Directly email me ( johnbourque@nds.edu) b. Can also help serve popcorn 4. Listen to the Word of God and bring friends! 5. Help spread the WORD! Any questions email johnbourque@nds.edu.

Mr. Ray Kelly with Diocesan Publications will be in town the week of January 21st to 24th. Parishioners interested in placing ads in the Parish Bulletin for 2020 please call St. Joseph's Office to set up an appointment.

Continuing Education Opportunity for Physicians – Converging Roads Health Care Ethics Conference – Dignity & Disability in Medicine. The St. John Paul II Foundation, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Notre Dame Seminary, present the second annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 8:30AM to 6:15PM at Notre Dame Seminary. The conference theme is Dignity & Disability in Medicine, and continuing education credits for healthcare professionals will be offered. To register or for more information, visit convergingroads.com.

Women's Retreat in Lafayette LA with presenters: Johnette Benkovic Williams (Founder and President of Women of Grace; Author; EWTN Host), Fr. Mark Goring (Director of Catholic Charismatic Center, Houston TX), and Women's Retreat Team with Deacon Larry Oney.

Dynamic Catholic events are not about feeling. They are about doing. Our engaging speakers don’t just give you something to think about. They give you a plan. They help you make your life work better. On March 7, 2020, come to Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in LaPlace, LA for a life-changing event titled Find Your Greatness. Our goal is not to just inspire you for a few hours. At Find Your Greatness, you’ll walk away with more than just knowledge about four life-changing habits. You’ll leave with a personalized plan on how to engage these habits in your normal, ordinary, everyday life. Concerned about attending a dry, boring Catholic event? Come and see Allen Hunt change your expectations about Church events. His highly entertaining and personal stories will make you laugh and inspire you. The event runs for four hours and includes two breaks. You’ll be amazed by how much you learn, and how quickly the day passes! Tickets can currently be purchased by visiting DynamicCatholic.com/LaPlace We can’t wait to see you there!

This week you will receive a brochure detailing the Increased Offertory Program our parish will be participating in over the next few weeks. This informative brochure is intended to communicate the financial needs of our parish and why we are having a dedicated focus on our parish offertory. We encourage all parishioners to spend some time in prayer and discussion with your family reflecting on the parish's needs and your current level of giving. We look forward to seeing all our parishioners at Mass next weekend for this very important Commitment Sunday. If you have any questions regarding the Increased Offertory Program please feel free to contact the Parish Office.

The archdiocesan Champions of Catholic Education Fund provides tuition assistance to families seeking a Catholic education for their children. Funds are raised through individual, foundation and corporate gifts and through the annual second collection for Catholic Schools held during Catholic Schools Week each year. Awards will be emailed out by the end of June. Those wanting to make a gift to this fund should visit The Catholic Community Foundation website at www.ccfnola.org for more information or donate through this link: https://nolacatholic.org/donate - selecting the ‘Champions Fund’ option.

Save the Date! Jan. 18: GACC members’ dinner; guest speaker, author Earl Higgins, 6 p.m. Feb. 15: Fasching (German Carnival) celebration at the GACC members’ dinner, 6 p.m.

On March 7, 2020, the Archdiocese of New Orleans is hosting a life-changing Archdiocesan Men’s Conference from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at St. Catherine of Siena in Metairie. All men aged 18 and over are highly encouraged to make plans to be there and to bring all of their closest friends, teammates, brothers, fathers, men's groups, etc. We are expecting over 1,000 men! Meet fellow men seeking holiness and hear inspiring talks from Focus CEO Curtis Martin, Catholic evangelist Peter Herbeck, and former Saints player and current NFL coach Jack Del Rio.

In 1993, Saint Pope John Paul II imparted his Apostolic Blessing on World Marriage Day. World Marriage Day honors husband and wife as the foundation of the family, the basic unit of society. It highlights the beauty of the faithfulness, sacrifice, and joy of daily married life. World Marriage Day is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in February.

There will be a training session for married couples in parishes who are interested in providing the In-Home Marriage Preparation program. The training will be offered by Lloyd and Jan Tate on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. It will last from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Couples may register online at https://nolacatholicfla.regfox.com/in-home-marriage-prep.

March 27-29, 2020 Annual CCRNO Southern Regional Conference featuring Sr. Briege McKenna, Fr. John Gordon, Fr. Beau Charbonnet, Jean and Janice Charbonnet, Alex Lorio, Danny Loar, and Joyful Noise. For more information email infor@ccrno.org call 504-828-1368 or go on-line at www.ccrno.org

St Joseph Church has the 3:00 slots on Sundays and Mondays at the Gretna Bingo Palace. Please come out to play BINGO and support our Church.

The Father/Son Program for 11-14 Year old boys and the Mother/Daughter Program for 10-12 year old girls will be held in the St. Catherine of Siena Barrett Complex (boys) and Melancon Center (girls) on March 30, 2020. The purpose of these programs is to foster open communication between parent and child and to provide sexuality information and fertility appreciation in a Christ-centered atmosphere of love. The cost is $35.00 for parent/guardian and one child. Pre-registration is required. Flyers and further information are available from the Office of Marriage and Family Life 504- 861-6243. Online registration is available, Mother/Daughter-- https://nolacatholicfla.regfox.com/motherdaughter Father/Son-- https://nolacatholicfla.regfox.com/fatherson

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest (Mt 11:28) Consoled by Christ to be ourselves the consolation of the afflicted Matthew’s verse, though it may be read as addressing primarily sick or suffering persons, should correctly be understood as also addressing health workers. Although traditionally we have understood care to be provided by the healthy towards the sick, we should actually understand care as a relationship among the sick, as health workers, in addition to their burden of care, are also exposed to illness which, if it isn’t physical, and temporary, may be spiritual or psychological, deriving from common daily life experiences. Health pastoral care is without a doubt directed towards those who, in their suffering, receive care, but it must actually begin with the health workers or volunteers who care for them. We cannot seek to give solace in Christ if we have not personally received solace.

In this novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help (also known as Our Mother of Perpetual Help from this icon pictured on the left) we pay tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary in asking for her assistance. This picture of the Blessed Mother with her Divine Son above has helped her provide strength, comfort and even miracles to the faithful for centuries! Come join us for Mass and Novena.

Do you want to be a volunteer fire fighter or belong to a company of dedicated first responders? Consider becoming a Volunteer Firefighter or an Honorary Member. Meetings are held once a month on Fourth Tuesday of the Month. Click on links on St Joseph Website for application.

Louisiana's Attorney General Jeff Landry and Solicitor General Liz Murrill will argue the monumental case June Medical Services v. Gee on March 4, 2020. This case will have a lasting impact for Louisiana and the entire nation. We must commit to praying daily for Landry, Murrill, and the entire Attorney General's Office as they prepare to argue before the Supreme Court. Pray also for wisdom for the nine Supreme Court justices as they deliberate and decide on this case.

Suddenly single again? Dreading being alone? Feeling the pain of having to go on with life but . . . everything has changed? Have you lost your spouse due to divorce, death or separation? Having difficulty coping? Help is on the way. Beginning Experience Ministry under the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Office of Marriage and Family Life will begin a 10 week program, "Coping With Life Alone", to help those struggling to cope with this loss. The coping program will begin on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at St. Angela Merici's conference hall adjacent to the Church, 835 Melody Street, Metairie. The cost will be $40.00. Call Bette Armentor at 504-339-7776 to register and for questions.

Converging Roads Health Care Ethics Conference – Dignity & Disability in Medicine. The St. John Paul II Foundation, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Notre Dame Seminary, present the second annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 8:30AM to 6:15PM at Notre Dame Seminary. The conference theme is Dignity & Disability in Medicine, and continuing education credits for healthcare professionals will be offered. To register or for more information, visit convergingroads.com.

A Call to Battle: Catholic Men's Conference, presented by Men of Immaculata, is held annually in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on the first Saturday of Lent. This nationally recognized conference draws over a thousand men from across the Gulf Coast to experience a day of prayer, worship, world-reknown Catholic speakers, and fellowship. The 2020 Call to Battle Conference, titled "What is Truth?" features key note speakers, Fr. Wade Menezes (Fathers of Mercy), from EWTN Television and Radio, Catholic Bible Scholar and Author, Jeff Cavins, and dynamic parish priest, Fr. Mark Beard, of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. In exploring the question, "What is Truth?" posed to Jesus by Pilate in the Gospel of John 18:38, this conference will expose the distorted view of relativism in the modern world and clearly reveal the Truth, Who is Jesus Christ. With keynote talks by our featured speakers, Mass with Bishop Michael Duca, lunch by chef John Folse, and 1200 men praying the Rosary, this is an event that will ignite the Holy Spirit within all in attendance. In addition, there will be time for fellowship with other Catholic men, to discover ministries and resources in the exhibit area and experience the Lord's mercy and forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconcilation offered throughout the day. Early discount ticket pricing of $50 for adults and $25 for students (ages 13-24) is available through December 29th, 2019. On December 30th, tickets price increase to $60/$30 while available. Demand for this annual conference is always high and with limited seating, this conference will sell out early. Don't wait to reserve your tickets, get yours today! Begin your Lent with over 1000 brothers in Christ! Join us in Baton Rouge, St. George Church on Saturday, February 29th,2020 for the 4th Annual Men of Immaculata: A Call to Battle Conference - "What is Truth?"

Dynamic Catholic events are not about feeling. They are about doing. Our engaging speakers don’t just give you something to think about. They give you a plan. They help you make your life work better. On March 7, 2020, come to Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in LaPlace, LA for a life-changing event titled Find Your Greatness. Our goal is not to just inspire you for a few hours. At Find Your Greatness, you’ll walk away with more than just knowledge about four life-changing habits. You’ll leave with a personalized plan on how to engage these habits in your normal, ordinary, everyday life. Concerned about attending a dry, boring Catholic event? Come and see Allen Hunt change your expectations about Church events. His highly entertaining and personal stories will make you laugh and inspire you. The event runs for four hours and includes two breaks. You’ll be amazed by how much you learn, and how quickly the day passes! Tickets can currently be purchased by visiting DynamicCatholic.com/LaPlace We can’t wait to see you there!

Session 14:What Must I Do · Story of Failed Leadership · Saddest Story in the Gospel · What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life · Personal Invitation from Christ · The Path of Transformation · Recap of the Spring