In national news… United States bishops have pledged to help rebuild church institutions in Haiti.  Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of San Antonio was in Haiti leading a three-day tour of the earthquake-damaged Haitian capital as part of an advisory group from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The group's task was to explore ways to help the Haitian church and the people of Haiti move forward after the quake. Besides damage to the structure of the whole archdiocese, losing the archbishop and the cathedral has created a vacuum and emptiness that the bishops are trying to fill with all of us in rebuilding the church. The Haitian bishops were explained to the archbishop that approximately 300,000 are dead.

 

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In other news…. Capuchin Father James Stump’s work is a Christ-centered "ministry of presence." As a chaplain at the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto, Father Stump makes his rounds with one purpose in mind: to invite sick and wounded veterans to encounter the living Christ.

The Capuchin Order assigned Father Stump to the VA chaplaincy to succeed an older priest. He wasn't sure how he would take to hospital work, but it would turn out to be an opportunity that opened up his gift for one-on-one encounters. Father Stump does all he can to put the veterans at ease and in a good mood. He creates an environment where Christ's presence can become a part of almost any encounter he initiates. The Kansas-born Father Stump came to the priesthood late in life. He was a corporate lawyer until he was about 40 years old. He yearned for more meaningful work, gravitated toward the priesthood and joined the Capuchin community at St. Francis Friary in Burlingame.

 

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The expression "the devil is in the details" is turned on its head in the exhibit "The Sacred Made Real" at Washington's National Gallery of Art where 22 sculptures and paintings from 17th-century Spain portray Jesus, Mary and a few saints with intensely precise detail. According to museum officials, the works were intended to "shock the senses and stir the soul" when they were created 400 years ago. And the exhibit's curator hopes they will evoke a similar response today. The curator, Xavier Bray from London's National Galleryexplains that just as the works of art were "meant to speak to people" when they were designed, they remain "incredibly powerful even out of context" in the museum setting. The exhibit is being shown in Washington D.C. at the National Gallery of Art where it will remain until May 31.

 

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That’s what’s happening nationally in the Church today. Catholic Life News will be back with local news in just a moment. But first here are some events taking place around the Diocese in the upcoming weeks…

 

Our Lady of Mercy’s Divine Mercy Novena continues on Tuesday nights during Lent. Mass is celebrated at 6:00pm followed by the chanting of the chaplet of Divine Mercy, recitation of Novena Prayers, and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. For more information call the Church Office at 926-1883.

 

Notre Dame Seminary M.A. Program in Theological Studies will host a Baton Rouge Satellite Information Night on Tuesday, March 9 beginning at 6pm at the Catholic Life Center. Details are available by calling (504)866-7426

 

St, Jude the Apostle Church will hold its annual St. Jude Fair from March 19^th through the 21^st. All ages are welcome to join in the games, rides and food, as well as the Silent Auction, book sale and more. St. Jude Church is located at 9150 Highland Road in Baton Rouge.

 

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In local news… The Community Life Commission of St. Aloysius Parish recognized during a recent parish assessment renewal process that there existed a need to fill the gap between those entering the parish and those actually becoming an active part of the parish life. In response the Commission decided to create the Ambassadors Ministry. Its goal is to couple the new parishioners with an Ambassador who will contact and guide them through their first year of parish life by providing insight and advice regarding ministries and others happenings in the Church.

 

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On January 13, 2010 students in grades K-6 had a party for the Pope. Mandy Robichaux from Lake Charles conducted this activity. Eighth grade students participated as leaders who reviewed facts about Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II and about the office of the Pope.  The children then got to play games as they answered questions about the Pope. Each group ended their activity by yelling “Long live the Pope!” Each child received a picture of Pope Benedict XVI and a coin asking them to pray for the Pope. Students also created a spiritual bouquet for the Pope.

 

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The St. Jean Vianney Community Life Commission sponsored a Dads and Daughters Valentine Dance. Girls, ages six to fifteen, were escorted by their fathers as they enjoyed an evening of dance and fellowship. A DJ provided the entertainment as the young ladies and their fathers shared a special night of being together. Fr. Tom Ranzino, pastor, also joined the festivities and gave appreciation to those who planned the wonderful event of great fun.

 

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Finally today, Lent is a time of prayer and penance. But what are some of the circumstances which may prevent someone from the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Consider these

 

·      "It's been a long time and a long list of big sins are frightening me."

·      "It's been a long time, but I don't think I do that much wrong."

·      "I go frequently, but I confess the same serious things over and over again."

·      "I go frequently, but I confess the same venial sins over and over again."

 

 

The Collaborative Ministry of Creighton University with regards to these circumstances reminds us of the following:

 

·      The Sacrament of Reconciliation is an invitation to give us a chance to experience the incredible freedom of forgiveness and a new beginning. No one is going to judge us and we'll experience God's mercy, as we never imagined.

 

·      More frequent confession will often lead to a better examination of conscience.    

 

·      It is so important to keep coming to the Sacrament. We need God's grace and mercy.

 

·       It is also very important to put a pattern of prayer in place in our lives so that, throughout the day, we are surrendering to and thanking God for grace-filled lives.