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January 24, 2016 • Third Sunday in Ordinary TimeThe Gospels of Matthew and Luke can be said to have two beginnings. Like Mark's Gospel, they have dramatic

accounts of the baptism of the Lord. These accounts inaugurate the public mission of Jesus.Matthew and Luke, how-ever, prefaced this beginning of their Gospels with the accounts of Jesus' infancy. We can note what a careful crafts-man Luke is, for a key phrase in both beginnings of his Gospel is "glad tidings." On Christmas Eve, we heard the angelproclaim the "glad tidings" of the birth of Jesus; today we hear Jesus himself proclaim glad tidings for the poor, thecaptive, the blind, and the oppressed. We likewise hear him proclaim that the coming time of his ministry will be ayear acceptable to the Lord, what we today would call a year of jubilee. And here we look for a model for our ownvocations.

Sunday MassesVigil: 4:00 PM (Church)

Sunday: 9:00 AM (Chapel): 10:30 AM (Church)Weekday Masses

Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM (Chapel)Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM (Rectory)St. Mary's ChapeV1516 Jackson Avenue

BEGINNING A VOCATION FOR LIFEL-uke intentionally depicts Jesus so that he will remind people of Ezra, standing tall and proud, opening the scroll

to proclaim the word of God. Ezra did so as the people of Israel began a new era in their lives: the rebuilding ofJerusalem and the temple after their long exile in Babylon. Jesuswas doing so at the beginning of a new era for allpeople. Today's Gospel passage sounds like a beginning-and so it is-but a quick glance at which passageswe haveheard will show us that three chapters of the Gospel have been passed over. Today we hear Jesusannouncing the mostimportant beginning of his public ministry: the inbreaking of the healing and forgiveness that the Spirit has anointedhim to bring. Our own vocation in Christ must always begin like this: we do not work merely to build a nation or anearthly kingdom, but to build the reign of God.Today'sReadings:Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10; Ps 19:8-10,15; 1 Cor 12:12-30 [12-14,27]; Lk1:1-4; 4:14-21

Copyright © 2016, J. S. Paluch Company, Inc., 3708 River Road, Suite 400, Franklin Park, IL 60131-21581 800621-5197. With Ecclesiastical Approbation.

St. Alphonsus Parish,st. Mary's Assumption Church

National Shrine of Blessed Francis Seelos2030 Constance Street t New Orleans, LA 70130

(504) 522-6748 t Fax: (504) 523-3734

I January 24, 2016 Page 2

Our Faith Community welcomes all members and visitorsSt. Alpbonsus Parish Mission Statement

In the tradition of our immigrant founders, St. Alphonsus Parish continues to be a welcoming and caringRoman Catholic community offaith. We are inspired by the Holy Spirit, formed by the Gospel under themantle of Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, and since 1843 served by the Redemptorists, men offaith such asBlessed Francis Xavier Seelos. We are committed to carry forward a living history that shapes us into a Eucharis-tic community which strives for a more just society through service to each other and to the community.

Parish Office HoursMonday-Friday: 8:30 AM-2:30 PMEmail: stalphonsusoffice@parishmail.com

Pastoral StaffUnder the pastoralcare ofthe Redemptorists since 1843

Father Richard Thibodeau, C.Ss.R.rthibs@aol.com , 'Pastor/Local Redemptorist Superior

Father Ivan Dawson, C.Ss.R.Fr.ipdawson@gmail.comParochial Vicar

Sheila McDermottsmcder@dcc.eduVocalist

Lillian Moranlrm 1254@hotma:il.eomOffice Manager/Bulletin Editor

Robert Zancargzuno@aol.comMusic Director

IN RESIDENCE

Father Harry Grile, C.Ss.R.Director.Blessed Seelos Welcome Center

Father Gerard LaPorte, C.Ss.R.Father Maurice Nutt, C.Ss.R.Xavier University Director,Institute. of Black Catholic Studies

Brother Leo Patin, C.Ss.R.Blessed Seelos Welcome Center

Father Thomas Pham, C.Ss.R.U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps

Ify~)U would liJ{e to b~co~t a parish.m~IIlber ofSt •.Alphonsus please call the parish ofllceor goto.;!urparis'h.website www.stalphonsusno.com and register on line. ,. . "HB

r-------------------------------I Parish Committees and Chairs: Finance Committee Edward BerbuesseI eberbuesse@wdco.biz .ISunday Hospitality Mignon Schafer

mschaferI550@att.netHuman Concerns Marty Kauchak

mpkauchak@cox.netLiturgical Design Jennifer Burton

jennc76@gmail.comMarketing Darlene Gaiennie

sgaiennie@aol.comRespect Life John Endes

johnaendres@gmail.comSocial Group Grace and Mario Valtierra

mario.valtierra@gmail.com * Gracee.torres.r@gmail.comI

Vision Group Fr. Richard rthibs@aol.com I

-------------------------------~Confessions: Saturday: 3:15-3:55 p.m. (church)or by arrangement

Baptisms: To arrange a baptism please contact one ofthe parish priests.

Marriages: Please make arrangements at least sixmonths in a:dvance.

Home Visits: Please call the parish office whensomeone is ill and would like to receive the Sacramentof the Sick or receive Holy Communion.

Rosary: The rosary is prayed every Sunday at 10:00a.m. in the Seelos Shrine.

Phone NumbersDaily Spiritual MessageFriends of St. AlphonsusHope HouseMercy EndeavorsSt. Alphonsus SchoolSeelos Welcome Center

586-1803524-8116525-2561568-0607523-6594525-2495

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I.~~'!.~~?.~~~..~.?.!..~ :.~'!..~..! .1PASTOR'S CORNER

Dear Parish Family,

If you come to the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass this weekend you will experience something not often seen. Inhonor of the Week of Christian Unity you will see men and women march into the beginning of Mass wearingcapes. No, this isn't a re-enactment of a medieval play; this is a very contemporary manifestation ofthe mem-bership of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem.

We are very happy and honored to welcome this distinguished group representing the Grand Commandery ofthe South who has chosen our church for this yearly celebration. It should be noted that this is the first timesuch a celebration for this Commandery has occurred in a Catholic Church.

In honor of this occasion the Commandery has very generously commissioned a new Sunday lectionary andlectionary cover for our parish. While it may not yet be here for this Sunday, it will be here in the days ahead.The Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem is an order of Christian chivalry composed ofmen and women, lay and clergy, from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond. Foundedin 1098 in the Holy Land, it was the only chivalric order organized to care for the needs of "Lepers," victimsof the dreaded disease which plagued civilization for centuries.

Today the Order remains actively engaged in service to others. While continuing its fight against leprosy (nowknown as Hansen's Disease) in many countries including the United States, members support a variety of othercauses ranging from relief following natural disasters to promoting organ and tissue donation awareness andregistration.

Spiritually the Order is ecumenical. Members come from a wide variety of Christian faith traditions and arepledged to the realization of Christian Unity.

Members represent various professions and backgrounds all sharing the desire to serve. Service comes in theform of financially supporting the.Order's local, national, and international efforts as well as volunteering toprovide service to those in need. The eight points of their green Maltese cross remind members of the Beati-tudes and the importance of serving others. .

I am happy and privileged to be a member of this wonderfulChristian group. Not only does it talk the talk but it also walks thewalk in helping others. It is an organization whose endearingvalues are timeless and just as necessary today as back in 1098.Welcome!

... Thought for the Week: "No one follows a pessimist into battle."

Have a great week ahead!

Fr. Richard

I January 24, 2016 Page 4

Organ Recital This Weekend Here---------~---------------------~

At 3:00 p.m. today, January 24, Robert Zanca willpresent a recital of organ music on the newly in-stalled Pels & vanLeeuwen organ in S1. Mary's As-sumption Church. The recital will include works byBuxtehude, Frescobaldi, Zipoli, Peeters, Bach, andothers. The recital is free and open to the public.

('

_ .._ .._ ..-.._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._ .._.,-.,CONSECRATED LIFE

Sin isn't the absence oflove; love is already there. Ratherit's the failure to choose to take advantage of opportuni-ties to love. Review your day and see where you did notbother to love. Then take the trouble to do it tomorrow.

Take Five for Faith

@~makes all things possible

~n.•akes all things ea..••y

~ernakes all t.hings work

.. _ .. _ .. _ •. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. _ .. 1-------------------------------1The following have asked for our prayers ...Diana Parham, ID~vid Barber, Clifford Chensam, Gina Meche, Marlene Durel, :LIOnel Brumfield, Brandon Granger, Christina Fowler, PaullFroeba, Cathy Foulks, Andrea Mcl.ellan, Fr. Gerard LaPorte, Carol ISanchez, Lizzie Williams, Jean & Robert Cooper, Bowen Family, IJudy Michaels, Christine Gallagher, Susie Kirchner, Sammy & Tom:Blankenship, Ernst Stringfellow, Narvaletta Parker, Diana Crespo, IPeggy Simmons, Brandon Isbell, Cissy Rowley, Amanda Arthur, IRichie Spottswood, Judy Favolora, Nick Baroni, Brittany & Shelton IBaudoin, Tina Bellas, Leslie Munster, Piero Cenni, Kathy Murphy, :Jean Diaz, Courtney Releford, Miriam Bailey, Dr. A. J. Giorlando, IJanice Douglas, Julia Callahan, Lisa Huber, Adele Faucheux, Barrie IByrnes, Isabelle Russo, plus all other sick and infirmed. :

ITo place or keep a name on our sick list, please caU the Irectory every 3 weeks to let us know that you or a loved one or Ifriend are still in need of prayers. :

J

: .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ··1

! Current Parish Financial Summary! Year to Date: (7/1/15 to 12/31/15)! Total Income for December: $47,473.00iTotal Expenses for December: $34,801.90iNetIncome for December: +$12,671.10,Total Income Year to date: $212,407.42, Total Expenses Year to date: $216,118.14,Net Income Year to date: -$3,710.72, Your generosity is needed and appreciated!I

Golden Wedding Anniversary CelebrationThe Archdiocesan Golden Anniversary celebration willtake place on Sunday, June 5, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. in St.Philip Neri Church in Metairie.

If you are going to celebrate your 50th anniversary this yearplease contact the rectory to obtain a registration form.Remember all forms have to be returned before February24,2016

MASS INTENTIONS AND UPCOMING EVENTSMonday - January 25

7:00 am8:00 am3:30pm

Tuesday - January 267:00 am8:00 am6:00pm6:30pm

Wednesday - January 27700 am8:00 am

Thursday - January 287:00 am8:00 am

Friday - January 297:00 am8:00 am

Saturday - January 308:00 am4:00pm

Sunday January 319:00 am

10:30 am

Justine & Joseph Williamson+Lillian MoranReligious Ed

A. 1. & Marie GiorlandoSabrina Jolly

Hope House DinnerMarketing Committee

Mathilde Thomas Stone +Theresa Kelleher

Harold Baquet +Fr. Thomas Pham

Marcus & Elda Heiny +Jimmie Isbel & Family

Miriam OgdenDr. Karen Blessey

Mildred & Ted Borgman +For All S1. Alphonsus Parishioners

Harold Sidney Blaum +

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I January 24, 2016 PageS(_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._.-.-.-.-.-.~ .. ,

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PEACE PRAYER WALK: "We ask the risen Jesus, who turns death into life, to! change hatred into love, vengeance into forgiveness,,!war into peace. Yes, Christ is our PEACE, and:through him to implore PEACE for all the world."!Pope Francis,:Join us as we follow Pope Francis' call to go out into!i the community to encounter and dialogue with :,i others to promote PEACE.,i Tuesday, January 26,2016,:Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church:2212 Prentiss Ave., NOLA 70122 .! 6pm (Gather in front the church) Peace Prayeri Walks will be held the last Tuesday of each month:ALL ARE WELCOME Office of Racial Harmonyi For more information, contact Kristina Gibson at: (504) 310-8772.

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i Loving God, we remember the following Ii Virginia Boyd Barr ii Robert (Bobby) Beyer, Jr. i, Lois & Robert Beyer, Sr. i

Dennis Cross :;

William & Thelma Crotty & Family iWalter Palmer Diaz, M.D. iElsie Dufresne Duffel &. V. L. Duffel i

iClaire & Walter Preston iIrene Gelderman !Nancy Stafford Hartson !Katherine Walet Hartson lDeacon Maurice John Hartson, III !Pamela & Gerard D. Krummel ~

;

Margaret Simmons McBride :;

William Russell & Sam Moran Families j;

Mr. & Mrs. Felix Rousset, Jr., & Sr. and Rosemary j;

, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Schafer j

i Ted Sternberg i! Mercedes & Pete Waldron !i If you want to have a loved one listed for each week of the iI year please call Lillian at the parish office for details. I

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i Human Concerns Committee Report iI 2015 St. Alphonsus Parish/St. Mary Church Ii 1. Food drive service project. Thank you iI for your thoughtful support of our January i

;i monthly food drive at last weekend's j

i Masses. If you are unable to contribute II food on food drive weekend - the third i! full weekend of the month - you may drop' II off your non perishable items in the rear i! of the church or chapel at any other time. We look for- 1

i ward to your continued, great help for "Project 7000" -- ilour effort to collect at least 7,000 non-perishable food I

;

i items in 2016. If you are interested in helping to j

I coordinate the food drive at any of the Masses on a third Ii weekend of the month, contact Marty Kauchak at !

;

1504.265.8968 or <mpkauchak@cox.net>. ii ~

i :i 2. Hope House Dinner Program. ii Hope House Dinner Program. Help feed II the hungry from our parish and parish i! neighborhood! On the second and fourth ii Tuesday nights of the month, an average of II four or five parishioners help Catholic ii Workers serve a warm, nutritious meal to II individuals in need. If you can devote i

;i about 1.5 hrs between 6:00-7:30PM on one :i of our nights of service, contact Marty Kauchak at I1504.265.8968 or <mpkauchak@cox.net>. We also ii welcome any contributions of a main entree, side dish or ii dessert on those nights! Team assignments for January ii include: !I Jan. 26: Judy Arceneaux, Sylvia Donado, Sean Cahill and Ii Marty Kauchak Ii. I

i i;

I 3. Tutoring. Interested in helping toi prepare our school's children for futurei success? We continue to have an average ofI three parishioners support our parishi school's after school program each week.lOur tutors are at the school, as their time! permits, for about 1.5 hrs starting ati 3:3Opm any Monday-Thursday. Interested in also helpingI to prepare pur next generation of New! Orleanians for success? Contact Marty Kauchak at1504.265.8968 <mpkauchak@cox.net>.

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;,14. Poverty & Justice Workshop.i We will soon confirm the date our;

I parish will host a four-hour workshopi on the broad topics of poverty and; .

i justice. Stay tuned!

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