December 3 , 2017 First Sunday of Advent 2
Views From The Pews
Anonymous writes , “ Would you consider taking a vote to see how many parishioners that attend the 5 pm Vigil Mass would be interested in moving the time to 4 pm ? The weekend of the recent storm when you moved it up to 4 pm felt great for me and some others . Your consideration in the above matter would be greatly appreciated .” “ I have held two votes on this matter . Both times , few votes were cast and the majority chose to keep the Mass at 5 pm . I prefer it at 5 pm for two reasons . One , most of our neighboring parishes have their Vigil at 4 pm . So , our 5 pm Vigil provides an alternative . Two , I visit the sick and shut-ins on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and moving our Vigil up one hour would make my Saturday afternoons more hectic . However , it ’ s your parish . If I get 33 requests ( approximately 15 % of our average Mass attendance ), we will have another election . If you turn-in a request , please sign it so that I don ’ t count the same person ’ s request more than once . Requests may be placed in the “ Suggestion Box ” to the right of the far right door as you leave church , in the mail slot of the Pastoral Center , or in the collection basket .”
Many of you compliment the homily I gave last weekend . Here is one of those compliments . Emily writes , “ I love the stories in your homilies . They hold my interest and they make important points . I also like the way you begin and end your homilies . I don ’ t exactly know how to describe what you do but it ’ s like you tell us what you want to say in just a few words . I especially liked this week ’ s story on King Ernest . It was beautifully told and it really did help explain the point Jesus made in the Gospel . Keep it up .” “ Thanks for the compliment and I will do my best to keep it up .”
Altar Flowers
Father Mike
The flowers that beautify the altar this weekend were donated in memory of :
Joe Burregi
Please call the Pastoral Center at ( 504 ) 347-2203 , if you would like to donate flowers to honor a loved one , in thanksgiving , or other remembrance .
Did You Know ?
Since my ordination in 2001 I have had the privilege to deliver more than 4,000 different homilies .
Safe Environment Training at VOL
Father Mike
Visitation of Our Lady Parish offers Safe Environment Training on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 9 a . m . in the Church . The next class will be held on Saturday , December 9th . There is no fee to attend .
The Safe Environment process is used across the Archdiocese of New Orleans as a means of protecting individuals of all ages from abuse of any kind . All employees and volunteers with ongoing contact with minors need to complete all parts of the Safe Environment process .
The Safe Environment class and background check must be renewed every three years .
Please check out our website at vol . org for more information .
Christmas Flower Memorials
Envelopes have been placed in the pews for those wishing to help defray the cost of flowers and decorations for the church this Christmas . Anyone wishing to make a donation of at least $ 10.00 per name may memorialize a deceased family member or friend . Please print legibly the information on the envelope . The names of all persons in whose memory flowers have been donated will be printed in a special memorial booklet and distributed at all Christmas Masses . These special envelopes may be placed in the collection with your Sunday Offering . Your efforts will not only help beautify the church for the coming of Christ , but will also honor a loved one in a very special way .
All envelopes must be turned in by Sunday , Dec . 17th . NO EXCEPTIONS !
Download the new VOL app !
Text APP to 88202 Scan the QR Code
Search “ myParish ” in your App Store
AFTER DOWNLOADING , SELECT VISITATION AS YOUR CHURCH !