VOL Parish Weekly Bulletin October 11, 2015 | Page 2

October 11th, 2015 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Views From The Pews 40 Days for Life Edna writes, “Please thank Father Daniel for the pet blessing. I love it more every year. It was kind of cold this year but my baby and I loved it anyway. Thanks a bunch.” “On behalf of Father Daniel, you are very welcome.” As the 40 Days for Life New Orleans Campaign continues, let us be reminded that our parish has adopted a day, Tuesday, October 13, 2015, to keep vigil outside of the abortion facility, Causeway Medical Clinic, at 3044 Ridgelake Drive in Metairie. We invite you to come out with us on this day to the site and keep a prayerful vigil. Please contact Anna A. Jouandot, Respect Life coordinator, at 340-3319 or [email protected] to reserve your one-hour time slot between 7 a.m. til 7 p.m. on October 13, 2015. Copies of the “Prayer to End Abortion” prayer cards are available in the vestibule of the church. Anonymous writes, “I thought it was wrong of you to try to shame people into protesting at the abortion mill. We are adults. We make our own decisions. We don't need or want you to do it for us.” “We can agree to disagree. When only four people sign-up to participate in a silent protest in front of a big abortion clinic, I think a few words from your priest, especially on Right to Life Sunday, are in order. We have approximately 4,000 people in our parish. I believe more than four can and should be more involved in the anti-abortion movement. We say an anti-abortion prayer at the end of Mass during October. In it we pledge to get involved in the antiabortion movement. So let’s walk our talk.” Anonymous writes, “I hear that the Vatican kicked out a high ranking priest because he came out of the closet with his lover. Don’t you think Pope Francis is being hypocritical. Didn’t he say we should love gay people.” “I do not believe Pope Francis is being at all hypocritical. The priest in question, a monsignor with a position in the Vatican, violated two of his vows: obedience and chastity. The monsignor admitted to a long term relationship with his lover. So, in effect, Pope Francis is loving the sinner while hating the sin. Jesus says we must forgive sin (which Pope Francis has), but that does not mean abandoning a just punishment for the sin. It’s called PENANCE. I believe that is what the pope did; he showed love by forgiving, but he imposed an appropriate penance.” Father Mike Did You Know? A recent national poll determined that 71% of American Catholics believe the annulment process is too complicated. Father Mike There is forgiveness and hope after abortion… If you or someone you love is hurting from an abortion, please consider attending this healing retreat. All faiths are welcome! The Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center 5500 St. Mary Street, Metairie, La. Friday, October 30th—Sunday, November 1st $170 per person (financial assistance is available) Priest Facilitator: Rev. Joseph Palermo To register or for more information, please contact either of the following retreat facilitators: Pam Richard at 460-9360 (cell) or 985-809-0773 (home) or [email protected] Melanie Baglow at 889-2430 (home) or [email protected]