The 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time
From The Font
“...from the netherworld…”
One of the first lessons of ministry and preaching is that the preacher has to speak the language of the people. He has to use words they understand, images to which they can relate, and the worldview to which they are accustomed. St. Paul famously mastered this in his sermon at the Areopagus in Athens in Acts 17. He talked about Jesus as “the unknown God.” Now, that’s Heresy! But St Paul wasn’t writing a theological essay, he was speaking to people about how they could understand Jesus in the context of their own limited pagan world… As a sermon, it’s truly amazing, even if it’s theologically dodgy.
Jesus does the same thing in the Gospel today. He speaks to the Pharisees about the so-called “netherworld.” We don’t have his original Aramaic wording, but He was probably referencing the Jewish idea of “Sheol,” a place of shadows in which the dead dwelt. Even though Jesus has basically made clear by this point that Sheol is faulty theology, it’s an idea they can understand and so He makes use of it to excellent effect.
I point this out because A LOT of the teaching that we get in the Church nowadays is actually preaching. Preaching has as its purpose, “kerygma” and “evangelization.” These are different aspects of the human desire to know the Lord. Preaching, to use a simple idea, is meant to “fire us up.” Teaching is meant to give content and focus to that enthusiasm.
In years past, our Catholic education system in the US was pretty excellent. There was learning in the home, religious schools, CCD run by the nuns, and ongoing formation led by Holy Name Societies and a culture that encouraged Catholics to read, and attend parish missions. Sermons were also more sophisticated because most Catholics had a more sophisticated degree of theological understanding. That was all abandoned in the 1960s for no reason whatsoever. As such, sermons nowadays tend to be Catholicism 101 all the time.
As I said, though, sermons aren’t a great way to learn accurate and detailed theological truths. Sermons are GOOD, but it’s up to us to continue our spiritual education beyond them.
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
This Thursday is the birthday of the first Bishop of our Diocese, The Most Reverend Auguste Marie Martin, D.D. He died in 1875. Our own Fr. Chad Partain wrote a fascinating and exhaustive biography of this great man which is available through the Diocese.
Martian came to Natchitoches in 1853. He was responsible for ministering to all of North Louisiana. So, if you draw a line from about Leesville to Oakdale to St. Francisville, Bp. Martin had everything north of it.
When he got here, there were 3-6 priests in the entire area. One of the first things he did was to go back to France and recruit. He managed to convince about 10 priests and seminarians to come back with him. They lasted less than 10 years. By 1860, the bishop had to go back to France for more recruiting. At that time priests were “riding circuits” on horseback. They rode from town to town on a monthly schedule offering Mass in small chapels or in private homes. By the time the War Between the States was raging, the Bishop finally had his footing and was able to establish some parishes with resident pastors in Hydropolis (~Marksville), Shreveport and Monroe.
The story is long and complex and summarizing it isn’t easy. But the first Bishop of our diocese had very little to work with and the people were not especially cooperative. (Can you imagine, the people of Natchitoches or Marksville being uncooperative? Shocking!) Even so, the Bishop remained faithful, focused and dedicated. Our situation now looks more and more like his situation then…
The general populace of our area (Tallulah AND the entire Southern United States) are generally Christian but antagonistic toward Catholicism specifically. We have too few priests and many of those that we have fail to inspire. We have the greatest gift on the planet as Catholics. We have Jesus, Himself, sacramentally present in the Holy Eucharist! We have his teaching which can heal minds far more effectively than Psychotherapy, Xanax, and The Secret combined. We have a supernatural purpose. We have beautiful liturgy, sacred chant, and mystical teaching that has been proven to be effective across cultures, languages, locations, and centuries.
The biggest difference between us and Bp. Martin is that he was unafraid to offer people the fullness of the Catholic Faith. He was unafraid to tell people that contraception is toxic for marriages. He was unafraid to tell people that homosexuality is disordered and that acting on that disorder is always sinful. He was unafraid to say that following Jesus is hard… and painful… and demanding… and isn’t merely a part of our lives. Our clergy today are afraid of those teachings.
But I have good news! Throughout history, the clergy have, at times, been weak as they are now. But the Holy Spirit isn’t limited by anyone or anything. When the clergy have been weak, the Holy Spirit has raised up lay people who love the Lord to preach the truth to those who want to find the freedom it promises. As we remember our first Bishop, let us all ask the Holy Spirit to raise up among us clergy and laity alike unafraid to preach Jesus in His full glory!
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Father Ferre/Mills and Thompson
- Sun 9:00a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish
- Mon NO MASS
- Tue 9:00a In memory of Lee Rome/Lancaster
- Wed 9:00a In memory of Gus Gremshell
- Thurs 9:00a In memory of Becky Lancaster/family
- Fri 5:30p In memory of Michael Mills/Mills and Thompson
- Sat 5:30p In honor of Jude Marlin Nadeau and his parents, Courtney and Billy/family
- 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) |
|---|---|---|
| 9/24 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 |
| 10/8 5:30p | None Scheduled | MK Book |
| 10/9 9:00a | Courtland and Preston | C Guizerix |
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
October 1 First Saturday Devotions to our Blessed Mother - Mass and Holy Hour - 9 a.m
- October 2 Potluck Brunch (third quarter social group acting as hosts) - after Sun Mass
For Your Information:
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.
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.
ANGEL TREE RECIPIENTS….Do you know of a family who needs help with Christmas gifts and food items for their children? We are attempting to identify those persons by the end of October. If you know of need, please advise Father Ryan or the Church Office as soon as possible.
VICKSBURG CATHOLIC MOM’S GROUP: Please join us Wednesday, September 28, 6 pm in Glynn Hall, St Paul Catholic Church as we learn about St. Thérèse and "The Little Way. " Email vicksburgcatholicmomsgroup@gmail.com with any questions.
FIRST SATURDAY …OCTOBER 1 … Mass and Holy Hour … 9 a.m. Our Lady of Fatima called for special devotions to be offered on the first Saturday of each month. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.
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… Our Father in Heaven through the intercession of our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us during the Hurricane Season from all harm. Protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hastened to help us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Our Return to the Lord
| Weekly Budget FY 2022-2023 | $ 2,111 |
| August Budget | $ 8,444 |
| August Income | $ 9,993 |
| August Expenses | $ 11,352 |
| September Budget | $ 8,444 |
| September 17-18 Collection | $ 2,345 |
| September Income To Date | $ 6,557 |
Stewardship The sin of the rich man in today’s parable was not that he was rich, but that he failed to share his wealth with the beggar at his gate. He knew Lazarus, perhaps walked by him every time he came in or out, but did nothing to relieve his suffering. Is there a Lazarus in my life? What am I doing to help?
RETIRED PRIESTS COLLECTION for last weekend was $2,151. Thank you for your generosity.
Let us Rejoice in the Lord!
Happy Birthday Leslye Ellerbee (Sept 25), Blake Sullivan (Sept 26), Levi Hamilton (Sept 30, 2018), Susie Murphy (Oct 1)
Happy Anniversary Peggy and Phillip Scurria (Sept 23, 1978)
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, Carol Drawe Guidry (Gilfoil), Rita Hargrave, Arlice Evans Headley, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), John and Carlyle Ashly Hoogland, Melissa Jennings (Gilfoil & Keene), Dee Jones (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, Blake Sullivan, Carter Sullivan, Walker Sullivan, Brice Wood, Marsh Wood
