In the time that Most Reverend James Checchio has been Archbishop of New Orleans, there are a few things that have become very clear to him about the Catholic Church in Southeast Louisiana. Amongst his observations are the people here are faithful and loyal, and that the Church, though wounded, is vibrant and in a season of renewal.
Jesus once invited some of His first disciples to “Come away with me and rest awhile.” As we come to the end of summer, I hope you were able to find some time to relax and be renewed during this summer season with your family and friends.
An idea born from a conversation with two brothers who graduated from Jesuit High School, quickly grew into a full-blown “Works of Mercy Bus Tour” for young professionals organized by Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans (CCANO) coming this Aug. 22.
Today is the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene. Pope Francis elevated the liturgical celebration of St. Mary Magdalene from an obligatory memorial to a full Feast on the Catholic calendar in 2016. Celebrated annually on July 22, the elevation honors her as the "Apostle to the Apostles" for her critical role as the first witness to the Resurrection.
While Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans has been forming priests for more than 100 years, they have a mission to form the hearts and minds of laity as well. The seminary’s Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry (ILEM) is currently offering enrichment and formation opportunities for lay men and women who serve the church in various roles and are interested in learning more about Catholicism and topics relating to the Catholic faith.
In a world that can be confusing and offer mixed messages, local author and teacher Aimee MacIver is asking two simple questions in her new children’s books. Released May 13 by Ascension Press, “What Kind of Girls Does God Make?” and “What Kind of Boys Does God Make?” were both written by MacIver who credits her 25 plus years of teaching and ministry work with the church as her inspiration for the books.
Eighteen-year-old Michael Delaney is currently training for one of the biggest competitions of his life, and then, he’s preparing to train to be a priest.
Having heard that the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X consecrated four new bishops this week against the explicit will of our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, and with disregard of his public cries for unity and his prior request for them to not proceed with the consecrations, I was truly disheartened. Whenever there is division in the Church, the entire body of Christ is affected. “If one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it,” (1 Cor. 12:26)