October 9, 2016

One of the blessings we enjoy as members of St. Elizabeth Seton Church Parish is belonging to the Diocese of Lafayette under the guidance and leadership of our new Shepherd, Bishop Douglas Deshotel. The Diocese of Lafayette has 121 Church Parishes and 28 Missions. Located over eight civil parishes, stretching from Pine Prairie to Berwick, from Mermentau to Henderson, from Pecan Island to Melville and all towns and cities in between, we are the Diocese of Lafayette. As we strive to live our Catholic Faith in these 121 Parishes and 28 Missions, once a year we do something together: we unite our faith, our generosity and our gifts in supporting the annual Bishop’s Services Appeal. Last year, we as a Diocese gave a total of $2,152,000; as a Church Parish, we here at St. Elizabeth Seton gave $36,990. As your Pastor, I thank all of you for your support, your prayers and your willingness to share your faith and your financial resources.

This year, we begin the 43rd annual Bishop’s Services Appeal to help Bishop Deshotel continue the many works of service, education and ministry to the Catholics and people of the Diocese of Lafayette. The theme of this year’s Appeal is ‘Christ’s Love Impels Us.’ This verse from St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 5:14) is on Bishop Deshotel’s Coat of arms. May our love of the Lord guide us in our decision to share with the Bishop and the Diocese.

The Annual Bishop’s Services Appeal helps to provide the money to support our Seminarians and our retired Priests, the pro-life apostolate, the offices of Afro-American, Hispanic and Vietnamese ministries, the office of Worship and Liturgy, the office of Migration and Refugee Services, the Msgr. Sigur Center and many others. As your Pastor, I am asking all of you to pray and to consider making a pledge for the 2016-2017 Bishop’s Services Appeal. There are brochures in the pews and at the doors of the Church with details about the Bishop’s Appeal. Please inform yourself about the different aspects of this year’s Appeal. The best way to support the annual Bishop’s Services Appeal is making a pledge for the coming months. Our Parish Goal for this year’s Appeal is $38,161. If all of us make a pledge and follow through on our commitment, we at St. Elizabeth Seton can do our part and help the Diocese of Lafayette reach its goal of $2,797,000. As the Lord blesses you and as the Lord blesses me, may we share and give generously to assist Bishop Deshotel lead our Diocese to provide the services for the poor, the needy, the elderly and the many excellent services and ministries that our Diocese provides. Over the years that I have been a Priest and a Pastor, I have consistently made a pledge for the Bishop’s Services Appeal. This year I will pledge to give $500 over the coming months to share my faith in the Church, my love for Jesus the Savior and the Teacher, my resources and my commitment to the programs and the services of the Diocese of Lafayette.

Last Sunday (October 2), we had a delightful and enjoyable Faith for Families gathering in the Family Center after the 10:15AM Mass. A wonderful time was had by all. The theme was Going for the Gold in keeping with the Olympics of several months ago. My thanks to all of you who came and shared the meal, the games, the fun, the goodies, the community and the being together! Being with our own family and being with the family of the Church are so important and so essential to our well-being, our spiritual vitality and our overall health. My appreciation to all who were involved in the planning and in the carrying out of the food, the games and the desserts. As a Church Parish, we are so blessed! May the spirit of community and hospitality continue to deepen and strengthen within the family of St. Elizabeth Seton Church Parish. My gratitude to Leah Lormand, Tonia Harrington, and all the adults and youth who did so much for the Faith for Families gathering. If you have any ideas or suggestions for future socials and gatherings, please let me or Leah or Tonia know.

In the spirit of the Gospel of today’s Mass from St. Luke 17:11-19, may we have a grateful attitude to the Lord for all his gifts, blessings and graces given to us, to our families and to our Church. My prayers, best wishes, love and gratitude to you and to your loved ones, for who you are, for all you do for the Lord and for the good of St. Elizabeth Seton Church Parish.

SHALOM,

Fr. Gary

Homework for the week of October 9 – October 15
Galatians 5:22-26