January 29 , 2017 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2
Views From The Pews
Several of you ask whether VOL will give money to the family of Simone Veal , the pregnant woman who was murdered last week near our school . Shelly writes in response to our announcement that we would have a second collection for Michael Louviere , the Westwego Deputy who was killed in trying to help Simone . “ That ’ s ( the second collection for Officer Louviere ) very nice , but did we forget a pregnant young lady who was also murdered .”
“ Our church will donate $ 1,000 to Simone ’ s family .”
Anonymous writes , “ You sure got in our face in your homily about going to confession . I thought it was way too much .”
“ I ’ m sorry you feel that way but going to confession is a commitment we make as Catholics and the overwhelming majority of Catholics ignore the commitment .”
Several of you have nice things to say about my homily . Here ’ s one of them . Willie writes , “ I loved the story about Babe Ruth going to confession . Your homily will get me inside the box soon .”
“ Thanks for the compliment and congratulations on the decision to go to confession . I know it takes courage .”
Fr . Mike
Visitation of Our Lady School ’ s Registration for 2017-2018
Registration for the next school year will be held February 6th - February 10th for any new students entering Pre K-2 through 7th grade .
An Open House is scheduled for Wednesday , February 1st , 2017 for Pre K-2 , Pre K-3 , Pre K-4 , and Kindergarten parents considering enrollment for next year . Please join us at 6:30 p . m . in the gym for an informational session followed by a tour of the early childhood classrooms . Teachers and administrators will be available to explain the curriculum , policies and procedures .
Private tours will be conducted for 1st — 7th grade parents beginning January 17th . More information can also be found on our school website at school . vol . org .
Did You Know ?
Although the rate of abortion in America is still absurdly high , the rate in 2016 was the lowest since the passage of Roe v . Wade . Close to a majority of Americans now believe there should be more limits on when abortions are allowed and for what reasons . Sixty-nine percent of Americans , though , still believe Roe v . Wade should not be completely overturned .
Candlemas Day
Blessing of Throats
Friday , February 3rd is the Feast of Saint Blaise . The blessing of throats will take place February 4th & 5th following all weekend Masses .
Fr . Mike
Thursday , February 2 is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord , traditionally known as Candlemas Day , upon which the candles used in the liturgical services of the church throughout the year and the candles for home use by the faithful are blessed .
Blessed candles for home use will be available for purchase after all Masses February 4th & 5th . A donation of $ 2.00 for each vigil light is requested .
Bake Sale
The VOL BBQ Cookoff Committee will sponsor a bake sale on February 11th & 12th after all Masses . The bake sale will help with costs for the upcoming BBQ Cookoff in the Fall .
Mary ’ s Helpers 30thAnniversary
Congratulations to Mary ’ s Helpers on their 30th anniversary ! Members of this dedicated ministry help spread the messages of Our Lord and Our Lady all over the country and the world .
Spiritual Adoption Program
The Spiritual Adoption Program began on January 14th . You may join the Spiritual Adoption Program anytime during the month of January by simply taking a blank pledge card from the vestibule of the church , fill it out , and place it into the basket by the Blessed Mother statue anytime BEFORE OR AFTER masses . Keep the prayer card and say the prayer daily for your spiritually adopted baby .