211 Atlantic Ave.
Shreveport, Louisiana 71105
Phone ~ (318) 865-3581
Fax ~ (318) 865-5125

BISHOP ELECT DUCA

 

Lord our God, you have chosen your servant, Michael Duca to be a shepherd of your flock in the tradition of the apostles. Give him a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care may he build your Church as a sign of salvation for the world.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Bishop-Elect Duca’s ordination will be held at the Shreveport Convention Center at noon on May 19, 2008. Please look at next week’s Sowing for complete details on Bishop-Elect Duca’s ordination and installation ceremony.

Bread for the Journey

 

Jesus' ascension marks both the end and the beginning.  While it was the end of Jesus' physical presence with his beloved disciples, it marked the beginning of Jesus' presence with us in a new way. Jesus promised that he would be with them always to the end of time. He assured them of his power, a power which overcame sin and death. Now as the glorified and risen Lord and Savior ascended to the right hand of the Father in heaven, Jesus promised to give us the power of His Holy Spirit, which we see fulfilled next weekend on the Feast of Pentecost. When Jesus departed physically from the apostles, they were not left alone or powerless. Jesus assured them of His presence and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' last words to His apostles and to us today point to his saving mission and to our mission to be witnesses of His saving death and His glorious resurrection and to proclaim the Good News of salvation in our daily lives. God's love and gift of salvation is not just for a few, or for a nation, but it is for the whole world, “for all who will accept it.” The gospel is the power of God, the power to forgive sins, to heal, to deliver from evil and oppression, and to restore life. “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

“Lord Jesus, through the gift of your Holy Spirit, you fill us with an indomitable spirit of praise and joy which no earthly trial can subdue.  Fill me with your resurrection joy and help me to live a life of praise and thanksgiving for your glory.  May I witness to those around me the joy of the gospel and the reality of your resurrection.”

POPE BENEDICT XVI'S APOSTOLIC VISIT TO THE U.S.

This past weekend we were honored to have our very own seminarian, Matthew Tyler Long, in attendance at Yankee Stadium for the celebration of the mass at Yankee Stadium with Pope Benedict XVI!

Matthew said, “I had the most amazing weekend not only in the City but by just being in the presence of the Vicar of Christ. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and it gave me the shot in the arm I needed. He is truly an amazing man and a wonderful Pope. The genuineness and love he radiates is wonderful and his pastoral abilities I admire.”

 

Ministry Spotlight

This ministry is all about the children. These volunteers who instruct our children who attend public or non-Catholic private schools are required to participate in the Protecting God’s Children program. Extensive training is NOT required. Active faith and love for children ARE all that is necessary.

If you have been confirmed, and are willing to be there on Sunday class mornings from September through April, from 10:30 to 11:55 am, then you have what it takes to be a catechist. You might think you don’t know enough, but you know a lot more than these children who want to know what you hold near and dear to your heart.

The parish will provide materials and guidance. All you need is love! Contact Deacon Bill if you are interested in volunteering.

Right of Christian Initiation (RCIA)

RCIA sessions are held Tuesday Evenings beginning at 6:45 pm until 8:00 pm in the Family Life Center Main Hall. Encourage husbands, wives, or friends that may have been thinking about the Catholic Church to come to the information session and to start the Inquirer sessions in August. If you don’t invite them, who will?

The Catholic Church is always ready to welcome those who wish to become part of our faith community.  We of St Joseph Church make a special effort to reach out to anyone interested in exploring the possibility of becoming Catholic.  There is never any pressure or obligation to actually become Catholic.

Have you ever asked yourself the following questions?

·         How is the Catholic Christian faith different from other Christian religions?

·         Will being a member of the Catholic Church make a difference in my life?

·         Will being a Catholic help me develop and strengthen my relationship with God?

·         Will my participation in the Mass and the sacraments really enhance the fullness of life for me that is promised in the Scriptures and help me in my pilgrimage to heaven?

If you have asked yourself any of these questions, the RCIA process will help you answer them.  Life is a journey on which a person is constantly learning, growing, and changing.  This process is a step in that journey and lays the groundwork, through information and experiences, in helping you decide if you want to be a member of the Catholic faith.  The RCIA will provide you the opportunity to ask questions, pray, and experience what is meant by being a Catholic Christian and entering into a relationship with God and the Catholic community. 

You may be wondering:  Who can be a part of the RCIA ?

·         Someone who has never been baptized.

·         Someone who has been baptized in another faith tradition, but who wishes to join the Catholic faith.

·         A person who has been baptized a Catholic, but not fully catechized, that is, not having received their first Holy Communion and/or the sacrament of Confirmation.

We enthusiastically welcome you to join us on our spiritual journey.  If you have an interest or know of someone who may be interested in the Church, please give us a call (865-3581). You may also email Deacon Bill Roche for more information.

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