The 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
From The Font
“It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king.”
The story of the seven brothers is certainly the most well known part of the two books of Maccabees. The books of Maccabees are part of the so-called Apocrypha - the books which are in modern Catholic Bibles but not in their Protestant counterparts… Generally, these seven books are: Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Baruch, Ecclesiasticus (AKA Sirach), and I & II Maccabees. But there are also chapters from the Books of Daniel, Esther, and others which are excluded.
The shortest possible explanation as to why these books are excluded goes back to Martin Luther who translated the Bible into “low” or “vulgar” German (just the language folks spoke on the street). Luther had some limitations in terms of what source texts he had at hand and his own language skills. He was also neck-deep in a very politically dangerous coup-d'etat against the pope in which he was more a useful idiot than a real religious innovator. (That story is fascinating!)
At any rate, Luther created a bible which excluded several chapters and several whole books from the Old Testament. When the King James Bible was being prepared in 1611, several books were moved into a kind of third section of the Bible which functioned as a kind of appendix. These were labeled “Apocrypha'' and were treated by non-experts as vaguely suspect and not on par with the rest of the Bible. Of course, most of the people who could read were experts… By the time we get to modern translations and so-called “Bible Christianity,” these Apocryphal books were simply excluded by the same kinds of overconfident editors who freely retranslate or even paraphrase the Bible to say whatever they want it to say (The Message or the CEV).
Simply put, the Apocryphal Books are inspired books of Scripture equal to any other book of the Old Testament. They are not suspect or theologically insufficient. BUT they are also not secretly full of new or shocking teachings. They are worth reading, but not worth being worried about either.
Thoughts from Fr. Ryan
Our usual Thanksgiving-time social was to be on Nov 20 this year. Sadly, due to a lot of factors, I’ve decided to cancel it for this year only. Our Mardi Gras social and our other 2023 socials will be on the schedule as usual… Without question, though, this won’t be the last time we have to make adjustments - big or small - to our parish program of events… In fact, for better or worse, lots of changes are on the horizon.
While our parish is particularly blessed to have so many enthusiastic and generous volunteers, Churches all over the US are entering into a new type of situation that demographers have been warning us of for years and that we need to pay attention to here as well. In short, we’re at the start of the single largest transition of leadership in our national history. The so-called “Baby Boomer” generation was forced by circumstance to step into positions of leadership at a relatively young age and they have remained in leadership for much longer than has been the case with previous generations. Those same circumstances gave rise to all sorts of organizations and traditions. Now, those venerable leaders who have been such a benefit to us for so many years are stepping aside due to age and passing those positions of leadership to the next generation.
But… The timing isn’t working out. Generation X would have expected to be drawn into leadership fully thirty years ago. But they were mostly passed over because of some of the same historical circumstances that put the previous generation into leadership earlier than usual. We saw this dynamic with our national political party leadership which is dominated by 40-somethings and 70-somethings. For better or worse, there is a de facto leadership vacuum in between. Surely, plenty of individual GenXers are in leadership, but the broader trend is well established.
The core problem with these age gaps is that the values, priorities, etc of divided generations (so-called “Boomers” and “Millennials”) are polar opposites… And so the transition of leadership from one to the other is anything but smooth. In fact, many Millennials want to start their terms of leadership by abandoning entirely the work done by the previous generations and starting fresh with something new. Many of us have seen this dynamic play out in our community and in all sorts of organizations of which we are a part.
Thankfully, our community is a bit more insulated than most, but this leadership dynamic isn’t localized, it’s universal! Everyone is facing it. I’ve been talking about it with the parish council since my first days here in 2016. It’s something we need to be thinking about in our parish, at TA, in politics, and even in family business dealings.
The landscape of leadership in our nation and our community is going to change radically in the next 5-10 years. That’s unavoidable. It’s going to be part of our Catholic experience as well. For better or worse, this transition is happening and the best thing we can do is to be open, honest, kind, and compassionate about the realities of change in the coming years. Nothing and no one is served - certainly not Jesus - by pretending that dramatic change isn’t on the horizon.
Let’s pray for each other as we face it!
Mass Intentions for the Coming Week
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Donald Trichell (ann of death on 7th)/family
- Sun 9:00a Pro Populo for the Living & Deceased Members of our Parish
- Mon NO MASS
- Tue NO MASS
- Wed 9:00a In memory of Lee Rome/Lancaster
- Thu 9:00a In memory of May DiTomasso
- Fri 5:30p In memory of A.J.S. “Jackie” Jumonville (death)/family
- Sat 5:30p In memory of Donald Trichell (anni of birth)/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 Margo Corulla
Assistants at Holy Mass
| Date | Servers | Lector(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 11/5 5:30p | None Scheduled | M Rome |
| 11/6 9:00a | Chandler and Annie | S Marsh |
| 11/12 5:30p | None Scheduled | C VanderVieren |
| 11/13 9:00a | Courtland, Preston, Maura | A Oliver |
| 11/19 5:30p | None Scheduled | P Wilks |
| 11/20 9:00a | Cooper and Volunteer | Youth |
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
Nov 15 Pastoral Council Meeting – Parish Hall – 6 p.m
- Nov 16 Wednesday Night Catechism - Parish Hall - 6 p.m.
- Dec 4 Christmas Along the Bayou
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.
FR RYAN’S RECOMMENDATION AT FORMED.ORG… If you haven’t had a chance to watch The Chosen (https://watch.formed.org/the-chosen) yet, don’t wait another second!!! It’s amazing! Remember to sign in using our parish’s zip code (71282) at http://signup.formed.org
WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE!! St. Edward has a new Website at http://www.SaintEdwardTallulah.church You can find the bulletin there (and subscribe to our emails). In the coming months, Fr Ryan will be putting videos of talks and presentations up there as well as links to info at FORMED.ORG.
PASTORAL COUNCIL... will hold its regular meeting on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2022 at 6:00 p.m in the Church Hall. Appointed members of the Council are: MaryKathryn Book, Kendra Collins, Norman Ernst, Louise Magoun, Jason Trichell and Blanche Wilks. Appointed as Trustees by the Bishop are Michel Lancaster and Cathy VanderVieren. Appointed by the pastor to serve as 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.
CHRISTMAS ALONG THE BAYOU… the community choir that will provide music on Sunday, December 4, 2022 for the community festival is seeking members interested in singing with the group. If you would like to join in, rehearsals are on Sunday at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Show up and join in!!!!
EMPOWERING GOD’S CHILDREN… parish volunteers must be VIRTUS trained and go online regularly at www.virtus.org for the latest training bulletins. Any questions or issues can be reported to the office. Printed resources are available on the table at the entrance to the Church. “Protecting our Children, Understanding and Preventing Child Sexual Abuse” includes Resources and Contact Numbers for reporting abuse. “Protecting God’s Children, Teaching Touching Safety Quick Reference Guide” The Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Minors and The Diocesan Code of Pastoral Conduct for Priests, Deacons, Pastoral Ministers, Administrators, Staff, and Volunteers are available in the Safe Environment section of the diocesan website at DioceseAlex.org or a copy may be requested from the Safe Environment Office (318) 445-2401.
PLEDGE TO HEAL... If you or a family member has been abused or victimized by a representative of the Catholic church or a member of the clergy, please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. Dr. Lee Kneipp, Clinical Psychologist, Victim Assistance Coordinator, Diocese of Alexandria encourages those persons to come forward and speak out. Dr. Kneipp is establishing support groups in the central Louisiana area for victims and family members. The focus of these groups is to further emotional and spiritual healing as an adjunct to therapy, in an atmosphere of others who understand the pain, betrayal, and fear associated with abuse. Dr. Kneipp can be reached at 318-542-9805. All calls are confidential.
Our Return to the Lord
| Weekly Budget FY 2020-21 | $ 2,111 |
| September Budget | $ 8,444 |
| September Income including Retired Priests Fund | $ 20,892 |
| September Expenses | $ 9,966 |
| October Budget | $ 10,555 |
| October 29/30 Collection | $ 1,570 |
| October Income To Date | $ 8,695 |
Stewardship In today’s second reading, St Paul prays that the Thessalonians may be strengthened “in every good deed and word.” May we, too, be strengthened and empowered to use our time and talents for the good of others.
SECOND COLLECTION Is for our once monthly Building Fund.
Let us Rejoice in the Lord!
Happy Birthday Jason Trichell (Nov 5), Randy Dukes (Nov 11), Brian Johnson (Nov 11), Bernadette McFall (Nov 12), Brian McFall (Nov 13), Cathy VanDerVieren (Nov 13)
Happy Anniversary Stephenie and Lance Marsh (Nov 6), Marie and Norman Ernst (Nov 10)
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, 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 & Keene), Rita Hargrave, Arlice Evans Headley, Evie Hilburn (Lancaster), 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), 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
