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NOLA Catholic Parenting blogger/columnist Philip Garside delves into teaching children what is probably the most spiritually immature type of prayer of supplication, the “imprecatory prayer.” A prayer that invokes a curse upon one’s enemies – It is the duty of a parent to quickly teach children that praying for something “bad” to happen to others is not charitable.

NOLA Catholic Parenting blogger/columnist Gina Sternfels writes about God working in her heart and calling her to awareness.

More than 720 people are planning to enter the Catholic Church at Easter through their parish Order of Christion Initiation (OCIA) programs. During his homily at the Southshore Rite of Election, Archbishop Checchio talked about St. Francis of Assisi and his devotion to Jesus and rebuilding the church. “Jesus told St. Francis to rebuild his church and he took it literally, but we need to also look at the broader call of renewing our Christian vows for ourselves and the community,” he said. “We need to be like St. Francis and fall more in love with Jesus and follow his example by changing our lives and hearts first.”

First Sunday of Lent Matthew 4:1–11 February 22, 2026

The former civil rights lawyer led the school for nearly 50 years, from the Civil Rights Movement through Hurricane Katrina and beyond. Francis will lie in state at Xavier University on March 2. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on March 3 at St. Louis Cathedral.

This column was originally published in September 2022

Ash Wednesday dates back to the 11th century. Yet the tradition of receiving ashes has even earlier roots to the ancient Hebrew custom of clothing oneself in sackcloth and dusting oneself with ashes as a sign of penance.

"There is no more appropriate way to begin my first Clarion Herald column as your new archbishop than with these words of gratitude. I am honored and privileged that our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, sent me to serve here. Since arriving here in New Orleans a little less than three months ago as your Coadjutor Archbishop, you have been so kind and gracious. Thank you for being so warm in welcoming me to my new home and making my transition so enjoyable."

NOLA Catholic Parenting blogger/columnist Stacy LaMorte is grateful for the patience God provides and the calmness it brings to raising her children.

NOLA Catholic Parenting blogger/columnist Charla Misse found a new Mardi Gras tradition she shared with her family this year.

It's (almost) Friday Fish Fry time! While the city and region are preparing for the big Carnival Weekend and Mardi Gras Day, let's not forget the Ash Wednesday and Lent follow. This year, there are several parishes getting the oil hot for a fish fry on Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and abstinence, and we don't want you to miss out!

"The introduction of Gospel Music into the Catholic Church was not a hostile takeover. It was more like Pentecost with a new drum beat. As Acts 2 reminds us, when the Spirit descended, people heard the Good News in their own languages. Well, for Black Catholics, one of those “languages” was Gospel Music. And as Psalm 150 commands us: “Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp… praise Him with tambourine and dance!”

Today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, it was announced that Pope Leo XIV formally accepted the resignation of Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans formally making Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, the 15th Archbishop of New Orleans.

As the anniversary of the tragic carpool accident approaches – and with the passage of a state law in 2023 – the archdiocesan Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation is observing Feb. 11 as “Wear Yellow Day” and asking students, teachers and faculty to wear yellow to increase awareness about school carpool safety.

In telling the story of the Black Catholic Community, the Church does more than honor the past. It recommits itself to a future shaped by justice, inclusion, and holiness. Black Catholics have long known that faith and struggle can coexist, that hope can rise from hardship, and that grace truly is life. Our witness continues to call the entire Church to deeper conversion and more faithful discipleship.

Each year, men from across the region gather for the Archdiocese of New Orleans Men’s Conference.This year’s Conference will be held on Feb. 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Dominic Church in New Orleans. This year’s theme, “Let It Be Done,” takes its cue from Mary’s “yes” to the Angel Gabriel.

St. Joan of Arc Church in LaPlace looks to reinvigorate its prolife ministry by honoring St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of human trafficking and the victims and survivors of human trafficking, on the eve of her memorial.