by Fr. John Marse

This weekend, parishes throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans and in the United States will take up the 138th annual National Black and Indian Mission Collection. The support of this collection helps build the Church in African American, Native American, and Alaska Native communities from coast to coast. The Archdiocese of New Orleans does receive grants from this collection.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

by Fr. John Marse

We come today to listen to God’s Word and celebrate the Eucharist. Gathered in this place, we look around and see our neighbors. Many of them are people much like us. The neighbor in today’s Gospel—the Good Samaritan—is not. Samaritans were seen as outcasts by the Jewish people who frequented the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. It was this foreigner, this outsider, this stranger, who is the true neighbor to the Jewish victim. As we hear Jesus tell us this parable, may it expand our understanding of “neighbor” as it moves our hearts to reach out to those not like us.

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

by Fr. John Marse

In our mission as disciples of the Lord Jesus, He instructs us to say two things every time to everyone, regardless of how we think they will respond and whether or not they welcome us and the Gospel we bear, First, we say, “Peace to this household.” Even before we know whom we are speaking to or what their reaction will be, we bless them with peace by our words and our deeds. The Gospel will never be heard by force but by peace. Second, whether or not we are welcomed, we proclaim through out words, attitudes, and actions that “the kingdom of God is at hand.” The invitation of God’s reign is given without judgment—freely to all. Our mission is not to change people’s minds but to be Christ’s presence of peace— visible signs of God’s reign in our world.

Thank you from Deacon Richard and Diane Abbondante

Deacon Richard and I were so overwhelmed with your gift to us this past Sunday. Your presence to just wish us well would have been enough and we were in awe of all who attended to say their good-byes. We especially want to thank Fr John and the committee for all their hard work and gift of time. We would like to especially thank them by name, Joel Ocmand, Peggy and Alden Bienvenu, Regina Remondet and Rachel Triche, Kim and Perry Scioneaux. It was over the top!! We so appreciated the KCs for providing Deacon Richard’s favorite food, Hot Dogs and Jambalaya. To Ryan Remondet for the poster which was perfect. Ms Regina for her famous chili . Lori Hattala for our personal cake to enjoy at home. The KC auxiliary for the presentation cake. The ladies altar society for the beautiful plant, flowers and drinks. The decor was designed beautifully from the gardens from homes in Reserve by Kim, Peggy and Regina. We want to thank in a special way all those who came or acknowledged us with their cards, gifts and words, they all were received with great joy and appreciation. We hope to acknowledge each one by card very soon. Thank-you all, our hearts are full and we take all of you with us in prayer, you will always be our family and we hope to come back often to visit . Once Deacon Richard receives his new assignment in Baton Rouge we will let you know. With our prayers, gratitude and love, Deacon Richard and Diane

13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

by Fr. John Marse

“Follow me,” Jesus calls out in today’s Gospel. He summons us as well, and His call is challenging. Being a disciple means putting aside one’s own personal concerns. It also means following Jesus no matter how difficult. Up until now, Jesus spent His time preaching, teaching, and healing around Galilee. Now Jesus set off for Jerusalem. Though the disciples don’t realize it, He has embarked on the journey that leads to the cross. Jesus calls each of us to give up the things of the world, to repent of our sins, and to follow Him no matter the cost. He does not violate our freedom; however, He allows us to choose whether we will stay where we are or follow the way of the cross, which ultimately leads to everlasting life.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

by Fr. John Marse

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). We are invited to share in this sacred meal in which Christ Himself provides the food and drink for us to consume—the bread of life and the cup of eternal salvation. Saint Paul tells us that Jesus told His disciples to remember Him each time they celebrated the Eucharist. So today, two thousand years later, after the first time His followers did, we celebrate the Eucharist— remembering that Jesus offered His body and blood to redeem us from sin, giving His earthly life to give us heavenly life.

Father's Day Bake Sale is back

Father's Day Bake Sale is Next Weekend under the Portico after all Masses. You can support the Youth Religion Program by donating baked goods or purchasing some baked goods for Father's Day. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Holy Trinity

by Fr. John Marse

We have returned to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. However, today and next Sunday, the Church celebrates two solemnities—special days that call our attention to central mysteries of our faith. Today, we celebrate the Most Holy Trinity. This feast invites us to consider what we believe about God, who has revealed Himself to us in the Trinity—one God in three persons. The simplest prayer that we learned as children was how to make the Sign of the Cross and to pray the words: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” May God: Father-Son-and Holy Spirit continue to be a guiding source in our daily lives.

Pentecost Sunday

by Fr. John Marse

The Easter season concludes with today’s celebration of Pentecost. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. As the world was transformed when Christ was born, making God incarnate in our world, the world is transformed once more with God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to all who are baptized, making God present continuously and forever in our world. In fire and wind, the Holy Spirit descends with God’s seven-fold gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence, and wonder. Let us use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to bring healing and reconciliation to our community—to our world.

Ascension of the Lord

by Fr. John Marse

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Ascension, when Jesus having risen from the dead and appeared to His disciples with His gift of peace and His command to preach to all the nations, ascended to Heaven to be with Father forever. The portion of Jesus’ mission which necessitated His physical presence here on earth had ended, but the mission was far from over. The mission of Jesus was first entrusted to His disciples, then in turn to every baptized Christian. Do you consider yourself a part of the mission of Jesus?

6th Sunday of Easter

by Fr. John Marse

Today, we enter the sixth week of Easter. As we continue reading from the Gospel According to Saint John, we are brought back to the Last Supper. Jesus, knowing that His disciples will need encouragement for the events that lie ahead, grants them the gift of peace and the promise of the Spirit. We also need those gifts as we strive to live the Gospel life and be faithful to Christ.

St. Louis Medallion

Congratulations to Mrs. Loyce Ann Vicknair. She will receive the St. Louis Medallion this afternoon from Archbishop Aymond. Loyce Ann has been in the choir for many years and has been the choir director for over twenty years. Thank you, Loyce Ann for your dedication and commitment to St. Peter Church Parish and for your love of music.

5th Sunday of Easter

by Fr. John Marse

Since the beginning of Christianity, we have been told that it is not enough to simply fulfill the law. In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a new commandment. He says, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” It is not a suggestion that we love—but a commandment of the Lord. Can we be recognized by our love? Do we show the love we have for one another in what we say and do? Do we love one another as much as Jesus loves us? May the God of Love, bless us in the challenge to love each other as Jesus loves us.

4th Sunday of Easter

by Fr. John Marse

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all of our Moms. May your special day be filled with God’s blessings, as we, your children honor you on this day. At the end of Mass, there will be a special blessing prayed over all mothers.

3rd Sunday of Easter

by Fr. John Marse

The Church takes a week of Sundays, seven to be exact, to celebrate the Easter mysteries. In today’s Gospel, Jesus appears to His disciples for the third time since the Resurrection. From the shore, Jesus directs the disciples how to fish, and then hosts breakfast for them. Peter denied Jesus three times in His Passion, but we hear in today’s Gospel that Peter is given three chances to reaffirm his love for Jesus. This is how Jesus deals with those friends who hurt Him? Can we do the same?

Divine Mercy Sunday

by Fr. John Marse

Today, the Church continues to celebrate the Easter message: “Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again. On this Second Sunday of Easter, we focus on God’s Divine Mercy. Today is known as Divine Mercy Sunday. Divine mercy is like the wind: invisible, but with effects that can be sensed. We may feel the lifting of a burden off our shoulders as a fresh breeze on a new day and a new chance to do good. Today on Divine Mercy Sunday we hear from the Gospel According to Saint John of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Saint John speaks of the breath of Christ bringing the Spirit upon the disciples. May we realize God’s divine mercy in the cleansing, comforting, and renewing breath of new life. As we continue to live the Easter message, may we experience God’s Divine Mercy this day and always, knowing that our God extends His Divine Mercy to everyone.

Easter Sunday

by Fr. John Marse

Happy Easter!! Alleluia!! This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!! Let us live the Easter message today and every day. The following is an excerpt from the Urbi et Orbi (blessing to the city of Rome and the world) given by Pope Benedict XVI on Easter of 2008: “Dear brothers and sisters! Let us allow the light that streams forth from this solemn day to enlighten us; let us open ourselves in sincere trust to the risen Christ, so that His victory over evil and death may also triumph in each one of us, in our families, in our cities, and in our nations. Let it shine forth in ever part of the world.” May the Light of the Risen Christ shine in us today!

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

by Fr. John Marse

Today, we enter the most sacred week of the year. We begin Holy Week. On this Palm Sunday, the palm branches that are blessed and carried by us symbolize the welcome Jesus received as He entered Jerusalem. In riding upon a colt, with people spreading their cloaks on the road before Him, Jesus entered the city, as the messianic king. Though He was not the Messiah they expected, the victory He went on to win on the cross over sin and death made Him a king for all humanity—for all ages. May the palms we raise today be symbols of the praise we give our Savior as He begins the days of His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.

5th Sunday of Lent

by Fr. John Marse

Jesus reveals the heart of the Father, who is love. Although we turn away from Him, God does not choose to condemn or turn away from us. As we enter the Fifth week of Lent, today’s Gospel continues to offer lessons about God’s mercy and forgiveness. Last Sunday we heard the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Today the scribes and Pharisees test Jesus by bringing a woman who had been caught in adultery. Jesus tells them that the one without sin can cast the first stone.

4th Sunday of Lent

by Fr. John Marse

We are at the mid point of our Lenten journey. As we enter the Fourth Week of Lent, today is traditionally know as Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word meaning “rejoice.” Today’s Gospel describes the reason for our joy. God’s great love for us has been revealed in Jesus. Through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection, Christ has reconciled us with God and one another. The Gospel today, Luke 15: 1-3,11-32, is one of the most familiar Gospel passages in our faith tradition. It is commonly referred to as the Gospel of the Prodigal Son. It is great comfort to know that, even when we feel lost in sin, God is waiting to embrace us and forgive us when we return with repentant hearts.