We need catechists to instruct our children and our adults. Please consider becoming a catechist and volunteering your time. The Archdiocese of New Orleans Catechist Certification Program (ACCP) provides Catholic school teachers and administrators, Parish School of Religion catechists, catechetical leaders, and anyone interested the opportunity for instruction on core tenets of the Catholic faith. The Office Of Religious Education has stated, "Regarding catechist certification and re-certification classes that are normally held at the Archdiocesan Administration Building on Walmsley, these will continue but will be virtual, on Zoom, at no cost (FREE!). Deacon Michael Whitehouse will teach the April class on Church History, and Barbara McAtee will teach the May class on Ecclesiology. The ORE page on https://www.nolacatholic.org/accp has all the information on classes and registration."

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

What was going on from Good Friday to Easter Sunday? Scripture tells us very little about what was going on in the Upper Room and in the minds of the disciples. Based upon Luke's account of Easter Sunday Morning and the discussion of the disciples' journey back to Emmaus, there was a great deal of sadness and discouragement being felt. In the Gospel of St John, the Apostles were gathered together in fear and isolation with the door locked. The disciples and Apostles of Jesus had given up everything to follow Jesus and within 24 hours, Jesus was arrested, tried, brutally scourged, and put to a violent death. A dazzling and luminescent future was clouded in darkness. The disciples retreated from the world and isolated themselves. In their fear, they convinced themselves that all was lost and would never get better and would not return to normal. We, like the disciples, are sad and we can relate to what the disciples were feeling from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. It sounds and feels so familiar, so similar. To whomever we speak, we hear a common story about how each and every one of us has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic personally, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. Like the disciples during those 3 long days, we are scared, isolated, and uncertain of what the future holds. We, as the Church, are hurting. As Catholics, the high point of the week is Sunday Mass. To celebrate Mass without the full community is a reality no priest has ever dreamed would occur. Additionally, as a priest of Jesus Christ, we priests dearly miss the opportunity to serve and interact directly with our people. It is a tragedy that public celebrations, gatherings, and services cannot be held at this time but there are opportunities to still live out our Catholic Faith in our Parish without having large number of parishioners together all at one time. St Joseph Church is open daily from 8am to 4 pm. When I am present in the Church praying, I am available for Confessions and Pastoral Counseling. The Eucharist is exposed several hours a day. One can walk the Stations (inside the courtyard or inside the Church). Silent prayer and reflection can be done inside the Church in the comfort of a climate controlled Church. I am in the office in the morning and am available during that time also if you want to visit or call. One can even send me an email to let me know what is going on in your life and if we can help. Our Church building is relatively empty, except for the devout souls that come everyday to pray. Please consider stopping in to pray and to spend some time in God's Presence. It is truly rewarding! As a priest of Jesus Christ for almost seven years, I can say that I have experienced the joys and sorrows that were experienced by the Apostles, along with the light and darkness that they walked through. In our lives, we will feel scared, confused, hurt, and unsure about what the future holds. I heard Billy Graham once say, “I don't know what the future holds, but I know who hold the future”. I believe that with my whole being. I know and have totally given of my life to the hope and joy of the Resurrection. Even though these days will try our patience and our endurance, I know that God will get me and you through them. Our Redeemer lives! God's Ways are not our ways; but His Ways are the best. Let us remain faithful and loyal to God. He will never deny us or fail us. Together we stand; divided we fall. We may experience setbacks and challenges; but we will emerge from this crisis as a stronger, holier, and determined Church with increased zeal, with livelier testimony and witness, and with more heartfelt service to God and neighbor. Easter is the best time to hear and proclaim the Good News. Scripture tells us, “Do not fear!” The Second Sunday of Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday. Like the bottom the image says, “Jesus, I trust in You”. You are in my prayers each and every day --- Fr. Gary

Daily I celebrate a Mass at St Joseph for the parishioners in St Joseph and St Anthony Parish. I long for the day when we will be rejoined again at the Altar Of The Lord. During this time of Pandemic, please remember to pray and to trust in God. We will make it through this time with the Grace of God and our cooperation in God's Plans for us. May God bless us all during this turbulent time and bring us safely back together. St Joseph, pray for us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. ++++ Fr. Gary