The 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time
From The Font
“...the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently…”
There are complicated bible stories, there are hard teachings, and then there are stories like today’s Gospel which seem to praise sin and evil… How can Jesus say “...make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth…?”
As is so often the case with bible verses that make us scrunch up our faces and exclaim “WHAT?!?,” the problem is largely due to language and translation. “Dishonest wealth” or “Filthy Lucre” isn’t meant to be considered as the opposite of honest wealth or clean lucre, in this passage all worldly possessions, wealth, and property is “dishonest” or “filthy” because it isn’t eternal wealth or “treasure in Heaven.” So Jesus isn’t saying be crafty or clever with money laundering and grifting, He’s saying be clever with worldly wealth because it’s only a means to an end.
And this is a major blow to those shallow readers of Scripture who try to claim that Jesus was a kind of early Socialist. He wasn’t. Jesus didn’t propose that private wealth should be abolished by law and/or replaced by a common government, He taught that worldly wealth is all just monopoly money anyway… So we should use it for what it’s good for and we should be wise and prudent with it, but we should be very clear that it’s only value is in being put to use to get folks to Heaven.
So when the Apostles lived in common, they didn’t do so because money is evil, they did it because it made their work of preaching easier and more effective.
This whole issue of language and translation is really important for us to keep in mind when we read scripture because ALL translations are interpretations. One of my favorite phrases is the Swiss french “S’encoubler” which literally means “Encumbered” but which is used to mean getting your feet caught in a rope or hose and falling over comedically… Now, French is easy to translate into English. Half of English is already French or French-derived… Translating ideas and passages from Greek - which was already a translation of the original Aramaic words of Jesus - means that we must take care not to become S’encoubler by the text itself.
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
We all know by now that Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II of England went to her rest this month. She was a truly remarkable woman and regardless of politics, she has accomplished a great deal from a position of very little actual authority. Most profoundly, she has been an icon of self-restraint, dignity, and the vocation - yes - vocation of leadership. There are plenty of books and movies that lean into the trope of a princess who feels weighed down by her royal duties, but it’s a very real thing. Consider Princess Anne, the Princess Royale whose ENTIRE life has been scripted by her mother. She had no real option to consider a career or a normal family life. Even worse, she wasn’t in line to rule and so she gave up those things entirely to live in her mother’s shadow. That’s a serious weight for someone to bear. Even moreso, to live one’s entire life in the brightest of spotlights is difficult beyond words. Consider Princess Di or poor William. That lad has never had a moment of freedom and likely never will.
As Americans, it’s hard for us to see the royals as anything other than rich mascots or tabloid fodder, but for the Brits, generally speaking, the royals are something altogether more important. They are icons of aspiration and the dignified face of the British legacy and legend. That’s a meaningful thing. When Charles is crowned at Westminster Abbey, he’ll sit in the so-called Coronation chair which was built in 1296. The chair has a painted image of St. Edward the Confessor. He’ll be crowned at the High Altar which is mere yards from the tomb of St. Edward the Confessor who - as you know - died in 1066. When he’s crowned, he’ll be crowned with the Edwardian Jewels which, according to legend, contain the famous jewel from the ring of St Edward which he gifted to a beggar in Jerusalem which turned out to be Jesus in disguise. The ring was returned to Edward in England years later with the message… That legacy is just one of the jewels on the crown!
Royalty is an essential part of the history of our world and of our Church! We’ll celebrate in two months the feast of Christ the King. In May, the First Communion children will crown the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each time we pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, we recall that Our Lady is Queen of Heaven, Queen of the Saints, and Queen of the Angels.
The passing of Her Majesty is a blow to our world whether we see it or not. His Majesty, King Charles may well be an excellent ruler. His son William is likely to be a beloved and long-seated ruler in the tradition of his grandmother. Still, Queen Elizabeth looked the part. She was universally known as the Queen Mum and every part of her from her conspicuously inoffensive dressing style to her corgis to her beloved Christmas address just felt regal. Even her love for sweets (especially Scottish strawberries) just felt like what the Regent of England should be like. It’s worth taking a moment to pray for the Brits. This is a tough time that’s very, very hard for us to relate to. It’s going to have cultural and social consequences that seem outlandish.
Bless us, the Queen is dead, long live the King.
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Jackie Jumonville/Family
- Sun 9:00a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish
- Mon NO MASS
- Tue 9:00a In memory of Lee Rome/E LeBeau
- Wed 9:00a In memory of Rosa Gremshell
- Thurs 9:00a In memory of deceased members of Regan, Adams, & Weimer families/family
- Fri 5:30p In memory of Lee Rome/K Collins
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Father Ferre/Mills and Thompson
- Sun 9:00a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish
ALTAR CANDLES this week are burning for the special intentions of Blanche and Skeeter Wilks
Assistants at Holy Mass
| Date | Servers | Lector(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 9/17 5:30p | None Scheduled | M Rome |
| 9/18 9:00a | Cooper and Maura | Youth (MaryKatherine) |
| 9/24 5:30p | None Scheduled | C VanderVieren |
| 9/25 9:00a | Henry and MaryKatherine | K Collins |
| 10/1 5:30p | None Scheduled | P Wilks |
| 10/2 9:00a | Chandler, Annie, & Maura | D Ellerbee |
Upcoming Events
- Confessions every Friday & Saturday from 5p until Mass at 5:30p
- Sunday Morning Catechism in the Hall after the 9:00a Mass unless otherwise indicated
Pastoral Council meeting monthly on the third Tuesday at 6p unless otherwise indicated
September 20 Pastoral Council Meeting – Parish Hall – 6 p.m.
- September 21 Wednesday Evening Catechism – Parish Hall – 6 p.m.
- October 2 Potluck Brunch (third quarter social group acting as hosts) - after Sun Mass
For Your Information:
UN-ASSESSED COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND… Twice a year, the diocese allows us a 100% untaxed collection to help us offset the subsidies we pay to the chancery. One of those collections is on Easter Sunday and the other is this weekend for Retired Priests. All monies given this weekend will be kept 100% at St. Edward. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
PRAYERS FOR OUR FARMERS! Many of our farmers are facing damaged or ruined crops. Please, in charity, pray for them, their families, and our community as we all confront an already difficult financial situation made worse by difficult weather.
O God, Source and Giver of all things, Who manifests Your infinite majesty, power and goodness in the earth about us, we give You honor and glory. For the sun and rain, for the manifold fruits of our fields,for the increase of our herds and flocks we thank You. For the enrichment of our souls with divine grace, we are grateful.
Supreme Lord of the harvest, graciously accept us and the fruits of our toil, in union with Christ Your Son, as atonement for our sins, for the growth of Your Church, for peace and charity in our homes, for salvation to all. Amen.
ROSARY GROUP… a group of parishioners is meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. to pray the Rosary. Everyone is invited to join the group. If you need additional information, please contact the Coordinator, Louise Magoun, at 318-341-2403.
PASTORAL COUNCIL… will hold its regular meeting on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m in the Church Hall. At large members of the Council are: MaryKathryn Book, Kendra Collins, Norman Ernst, Louise Magoun, Jason Trichell and Blanche Wilks. Trustees are Michel Lancaster and Cathy VanderVieren. Finance Council Chair is Darryl Ellerbee. All members are requested to make a special effort to attend. Parishioners are encouraged to attend and contribute to the discussions.
WEDNESDAY EVENING CATECHISM on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022 at 6PM in the Hall. This month’s topic is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Q&A to follow. Guests are welcome!
POTLUCK BRUNCH on October 2, 2022 following Sunday Mass.Third Quarter (July, Aug, Sept) Social Committee - Shannon and Bart Wood and Betty and Kenny Smith, co-chairs, MaryKathryn Book, Kendra and Dave Collins, Connie and Dan Copes, Bruce and Kate Copes, Dana and Randy Dukes, Lance and Stephenie Marsh, Susie and Terry Murphy, Peggy and Phil Scurria, Beth and Chip Sullivan. All are encouraged to join in this faith family event.
PRAYER FOR HURRICANE SEASON… O God, Master of this passing world, hear the humble voices of your children. The Sea of Galilee obeyed your order and returned to its former quietude; you are still the Master of land and sea. We live in the shadow of a danger over which we have no control. The Gulf, like a provoked and angry giant, can awake from its seeming lethargy, overstep its conventional boundaries, invade our land and spread chaos and disaster. During this hurricane season, we turn to You, O loving Father. Spare us from past tragedies whose memories are still so vivid and whose wounds seem to refuse to heal with the passing of time. O Virgin, Star of the Sea, Our Beloved Mother, we ask you to plead with your Son in our behalf so that spared from the calamities common to this area and animated with a true spirit of gratitude, we will walk in the footsteps of your Divine Son to reach the heavenly Jerusalem where a stormless eternity awaits us. Amen (Fr. Al Volpe, Cameron Parish, LA, originally dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Audrey in 1957)
Our Return to the Lord
| Weekly Budget FY 2020-21 | $ 2,111 |
| August Budget | $ 8,444 |
| August Income | $ 9,993 |
| August Expenses | $ 11,352 |
| September Budget | $ 8,444 |
| September 10-11 Collection | $ 2,247 |
| September Income To Date | $ 4,212 |
Stewardship The dishonest manager in today’s parable knew how to manipulate money to his own advantage. But, the Gospel warns that no one can serve both God and money. Which do I serve? Is my stewardship such that anyone can tell?
SECOND COLLECTION Our second collection is dedicated to the Retired Priests Fund
Let us Rejoice in the Lord!
Happy Birthday Bruin Johnson (Sept 18, 2002), “Bugs” Brown (Sept 23), Leslye Ellerbee (Sept 25)
Happy Anniversary Isabell and Sylvester Hernandez (Sept 23, 1967)
In Our Daily Prayers…
Please let us know of anyone who is ill or hospitalized and would like to receive a visit from Father. Also, help us keep our prayer list up to date by advising us of those who should be added or removed.
Our Holy Father Pope Francis and Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI; Bishop Robert Marshall, and our Diocesan leaders, our President, Governor, Mayor and national, state and local elected representatives
Our parishioners who are sick, shut-in, or otherwise in need of our prayers: Connie and Dan Copes, Elizabeth Crothers, Leslye Ellerbee, Marie, Norman, and Mary Ernst, Susan and Johnny Gilfoil, Bill Kennedy, Ed Mills, Kathleen Mills, Terry and Susie Murphy, Sue & Mike Rome, Delia Trichell, and Don Wood
Those under full-time care: Frances Kennedy, Carol Dunning
Our friends and relatives who need our prayers: Lee Adams (Smith), Ashley Alexander (Regan), Graham Allen (S Gilfoil), Kathryn Wood Allsopp (D Wood), Jenna Faye Allen (Florence), Pam Amacker (Gilfoil), James Arceneaux (Book), Marie Farlow Bellard, Chris Breard (Gilfoil), Sarah Cannon (Gilfoil), Ruthie Coenen (Wilks), Kevin and AnnaBeth Collins (Book), Diane Collins, Jami Cook (Wilks), Susan Ward Daigle (Gilfoil & Keene), Don Deweese, Mac Donaldson (Ellerbee), Ashley and Chuck Edwards (Keene), Joe Farlow, Mike Farlow, Patty Farlow, Monique Florence, Judy Fortenberry, April Franklin (Wilks), Thom Gilfoil, Charlotte Green, Rita Hargrave, Arlice Evans Headley, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), John and Carlyle Ashly Hoogland, Melissa Jennings (Gilfoil & Keene), Dee Jones (Keene), Lyn and Calvin Lisonbee (Keene), LaLa Lopez (Hernandez), Caroline Marcello (Watts), Michelle McGuire(Gilfoil), Mona Martin (MA Gilfoil), Caryn Oliver, Sue Perrilloux (D Wood), Wayne Pitre (Gilfoil), Frances Robinson (Wilks), Bailey, Scott and Tiffney Rome, Dianne W. Roper (Murphy), Albert Thom (Rome), Janice Spencer and family (Wilks), Vance Sullivan and grandmother, Judy Sullivan, Meg Keene Thomas, Gabby Trejos (Wilks), LeeAnn Rome Tranchina (Rome), Joe Yerger
Our collegiates: Aidan Collins, Callie Ezell, Lilly Falgout, Chris Hall (USMC), Nick Hall, Bruen Johnson, Caroline Marsh, Emmy Lu Marsh, Maddie Oliver Bridges, Blake Sullivan, Carter Sullivan, Walker Sullivan, Brice Wood, Marsh Wood
