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OFFICE: 444 Metairie Road ~ Metairie, LA 70005 WEBSITE: church.stfrancisxavier.com CLERGY: Pastor: Rev. Joe Palermo Parochial Vicar: Rev. Thien Nguyen Deacons: Robert D. Normand, M.D. Mr. Kevin J. Darrah Mr. V. M. Wheeler III

Secretary: Rachel Griffin Business Manager: Ray Massett Assistant: Jack Siciliano Office Phone: 504-834-0340; Office Fax: 504-837-8735 Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Fri. 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM SCHOOL Principal: Barbara Martin 215 Betz Place Asst. Principal: Jack Glover Metairie, LA 70005 Registrar: Liz Brisolara 504-833-1471 Admin. Asst.: Cheryl Toujouse Fax 504-833-1498 RELIGIOUS ED. OFFICE Director: Claudia Todaro 504-834-0348 CYO YOUTH MINISTER Parish Office 504-834-0340 Vince Liberto (Athletics) 504-250-9697 MUSIC AND LITURGY Choir Director: Bart Folse 504-613-7728 Music Coordinator: Alyce Coincon 225-936-5794 Contemporary Choir Director: Jamie Diliberto 504-258-8826 SHARING PROGRAM - Carol Pritchard 504-835-6809 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN – Paul Laiche 504-834-0340 ADORATION CHAPEL - Dottie Watson 504-339-4298

MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12N & 6:00 P.M. Holy Days: Vigil 4:00 PM; Feast as announced Weekdays: 6:30 & 8:00 AM MondayMondayMonday-Friday; Saturday 8:00 AM School Mass: Friday 9:10 AM (or as announced) Eucharistic Adoration Chapel: Open 24 hours daily. Confessions: Monday to Friday: 7:40-7:55 AM Saturday morning 7:40-7:55 AM and 8:30-9:00 AM Saturday afternoon: 3:00-3:45 PM And 5:00-5:30 PM Baptism: Contact Parish Center 1 month prior to due date. Seminar 7:00 P.M. - Second Monday of the month. Wedding: Contact parish clergy at least 6 months in advance. Coordinator: Linda Jones 504-421-7946.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2019 6TH SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2019 SIXTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME

The world’s values vs. God’s values. Lk 6:17, 20-26 Today’s Gospel, which is Luke’s version of the Beatitudes, contrasts the worlds values and God’s values. Here in Luke, Jesus explains to His Apostles and to us that there is a radical difference between Kingdom Life and secular life. His point is that we must be properly instructed as to what God desires from each one of us if we are going to live as God’s children. Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and hated. Immediately, we see there is something radical here. From the world’s standards, people who are in these situations are not considered blessed, but cursed. The world says that the rich, full, happy and well-liked are blessed. Jesus, on the other hand, declares woes on those who are rich, full, happy, and well-liked. Ultimately, the question is: will we be happy with the world’s riches and values or will we hold out for a greater treasure, namely, Jesus Christ? Our value system used to be that of the secular world around us. Now, it has to change. To be a part of God’s Kingdom means that His subjects live differently than the secular world around them. We must have a God-centered worldview. God has different priorities than the world does. God has different purposes than the world has. We must begin living by God’s standards and not by the ones from our former kingdom. Jesus knew this. He also knew that living for God’s glory and by His standards doesn’t happen automatically or come naturally. We all must be taught what God desires and then begin the hard work of conforming and submitting our lives to His sovereign rule.

"Lord Jesus, show us the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May we desire you above all else and find great blessing in you."

PASTOR’S COLUMN

Teething, Tithing and Joyful, Sacrificial Giving

As a priest celebrated Mass, he noticed a man, woman and baby in the front pew of church. The man and baby cried throughout Mass. When Mass ended, the priest asked the woman, “Why was your baby crying throughout Mass?” “Teething,” she replied. “Oh,” the priest responded. Turning to the man, he asked, “Why were you crying throughout Mass?” “Tithing,” he answered. (That’s a joke; I hope you laughed.)

“Tithing” is donating a tenth of one’s income to the work of the Church. Tithing was a requirement of Jews in ancient Israel and still is a requirement for membership in some Christian Churches today. Tithing is not a requirement in the Catholic Church. However, Catholics are called to support the work of the Church through financial giving: “The Christian faithful are obliged to assist with the needs of the Church for divine worship, apostolic works, works of charity and decent sustenance of ministers. They are obliged to promote social justice and assist the poor from their resources.” (Canon Law, Para. 222)

Financial giving is part of being a faithful Catholic, but the Catholic Church doesn’t specify an amount or percentage for financial giving. Rather, the Church holds up certain principles to guide us in our financial giving, including (1) Money is a gift from God [“The Lord makes poor and makes rich” (1 Sam. 2:7)]; (2) God expects charitable giving [“I was hungry and you gave me food” (Mt. 25:35)]; (3) God expects generosity and joy in giving [“Whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6,7)]; (4) God expects sacrifice in giving [Jesus praised the poor widow who gave from her poverty and not her surplus (Lk 21:1-4)]; (5) God will require an accounting of our stewardship in the end [“Well done, my good and faithful servant” (Mt. 25:23, Parable of the Talents)].

Summing it up, our faith teaches that everything we have, including our money, is a gift from God. God expects us to be intentional, generous, joyful and sacrificial in using our treasure to support the work of the Church and the needs of the poor.

St. Francis Parish could not survive without the consistent, generous, sacrificial giving of our parishioners. Thanks to all who donate to the work and upkeep of our Parish on a regular basis – please consider if you can increase your financial giving at this time. If you are not a regular financial contributor to our parish, please consider becoming one through weekly envelope usage or Faith Direct. And remember: God is never outdone in generosity (Mt. 19:27-30).

God bless, Fr. Joe

PARISH FINANCIAL REPORTING FEB. 3RD YEAR TO DATE WEEKLY OFFERING $14,112.00 $63,395.00 OTHER (Faith Direct) $1,091.00 $15,273.00 MISCELLANEOUS* $1,213.00 $26,796.00 TOTAL INCOME $16,416.00 $105,464.00 WEEKLY BUDGET** $20,395.00 $101,975.00 SURPLUS (DEFICIT) ($3,979.00) $3,489.00

St. Francis Xavier Volunteer Thank-You Party

Wine, Cheese and Specialty Desserts Saturday, February 23, 2019, 7:00 – 9:30 PM

St. Joseph Hall

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“AREA NEWS” FIRE DAMAGE AT DE LIMON PLACE

A number of our parishioners sustained property damage due to a fire at De Limon Place on Saturday, February 2. If you would like to donate a Walmart or other gift card to help in the recovery, please contact the parish office.

DIVERSITY IN THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT On Thursday February 21 at 7:00 PM, there will be a panel discussion on “Diversity in the Pro-Life Movement” at Loyola University, Miller Hall Room 114. The discussion will focus on two questions “Can you be Feminist, Atheist, or Progressive, and be Pro-Life?” and “Is Social Justice compatible with Pro-Life Activism?” Come out and hear what human rights activists think.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY The Archdiocesan Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration will take place on Sunday, June 2, at 3:00 PM, at St. Philip Neri Church in Metairie. Contact our parish office at 834-0340 if you are interested in attending. The deadline to register is March 1.

CONVERGING ROADS CONFERENCE The St. John Paul II Foundation, Archdiocese of New Orleans and Notre Dame Seminary present the first annual Converging Roads health care ethics conference on Saturday, March 16, 2019 from 8:30 AM to 6:15 PM at Notre Dame Seminary. The conference will focus on health care and human dignity. Continuing education credits for healthcare professionals will be offered. Visit convergingroads.com.

A COUPLE’S REPSONSE TO CHRIST’S CALL Just in time for Lent, you are invited to a Married Couple’s Retreat on March 8-10, 2019 at St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, in Chatawa, Ms. Presenters are Lloyd and Jan Tate, married since 1972 and trained spiritual directors for the Archdiocese. They have been preparing couples for marriage in the Church for over 42 years and lead retreats for men, women and married couples. Suggested donation for the weekend is $360 per couple. Contact Sr. Sue Von Bank SSND at 601-783-0801 or retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.

CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC HEALING CONFERENCE

“The Spirit of Truth: Signs, Wonders and Miracles” is the theme of the annual Catholic Charismatic Conference, March 29-31, at the Copeland Conference Center in Metairie. Speakers and authors include: Dr. Mary Healy, Fr. Mathias Thelen, and Barbara Heil. The program will include a greeting by Archbishop Aymond, dynamic preaching, prayer for healing, Eucharistic celebrations, late night worship, adoration, inspiring music, charismatic ministry and prayer for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. For more information and to pre-register go to www.ccrno.org or call 504-828-1368.

“PARISH NEWS”

THANK YOU, WHODAT NATION Thanks to all who wore their Saints Black and Gold on Super Bowl weekend. It was a great sign of our love for the Saints and our unity as a region. Special thanks to Suzy Friedrichs, Wayne Wetzel, and our Hospitality Ministers for the receptions after each Mass.

WORKSHOP, NEW EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS This Saturday, February 16, there will be a workshop for new Eucharistic Ministers presented by Msgr. Kenneth Hendrick at 7887 Walmsley Ave., New Orleans in the Archdiocese Admin Bldg from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Contact Carolyn Diaz at 513-2323 to register.

FIRST COMMUNION MEETING ON FEB. 19TH This Tuesday, February 19th at 7:00 PM, our Parent/Child Communion Meeting will be held in the school auditorium. At least one parent/guardian and the Communion children are asked to attend. Parents will receive Eucharist Books. The Communion Retreat and Communion Day information will be reviewed. Attendance is required. For questions, call (834-0348).

ST. JOSEPH ALTAR PALMS AND COOKIES We are in need of Palms for our St. Joseph Altar. Please let us know if you have any (834-0340). Don’t forget the cookie workshops continue until Saturday Feb. 23rd in the school cafeteria from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Please come help us bake for our Altar.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALES It is that time of year again! SFX Girl Scout Troops will sell cookies after all the masses next weekend, Feb 23-24. Support our four Girl Scout Troops by purchasing cookies in time for your Mardi Gras celebrations.

OLD METAIRIE FEST HEADS WEST Save the date for SFX School’s 19th annual “Old Metairie Fest”--April 6, 2019 from 11:00 AM-8:00 PM. This year’s theme is “Old Metairie Fest Heads West” with the Bucktown All Stars at 5:00 PM. Become a sponsor at SFXOldMetairieFest@gmail.com.

COMING EVENTS IN THE PARISH Saturday, 2/16

- Cookie Workshop in SFX café 9:00AM to 12:00Noon - CubScouts Pinewood Derby,1:00-3:30PM in SFX gym

Sunday, 2/17 - Special collection for Archdiocesan Catholic Charities - PSR classes 4:00 PM—5:45 PM; - Confirmation classes 7:00 PM—8:30 PM

Tuesday, 2/19 First Communion Mtg for Parents & Students, 7:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday, 2/23-2/24 Girl Scout Cookie Sales after all weekend masses

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ST FRANCIS 6-WEEK LENTEN BIBLE STUDY Our Parish Lenten Bible Study will begin Thursday, March 7th. We will study St. Paul’s Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. Bible study is a great way to deepen one’s faith in Lent.

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On Black and Gold Weekend, Parish sees marriage vow renewal after 72 years!, Saints celebration, and Welcome Weekend goodies and friendship

Oneil and Vickie Williams repeat their wedding vows to Fr. Joe on their 72 anniversary!

Fr. Joe thanked parish-ioners for their support of the weekend-long event, and, at the Vigil Mass, the congregation was treated to a rousing cho-rus of the Gospel hymn “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In,” by Princi-pal Cantor Miss Linda C. Jones.

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PRAYER LIST FOR THE SICK Ann Marie Briuglio White, Kaylin, Barbara Johnson Arghiro Kleamenakis, Mary Guidry, Mr. Greg, L.P.T. Toni Edwards, Sherron Smith {If you would like yourself or your loved one to be placed on our Parish Prayer List, call our church office at (834-0340).}

ADORATION CHAPEL ADORERS NEEDED The Adoration Chapel needs permanent adorers for: Tuesday 1 AM-4 people/once a month; Tuesday 2:00 AM- 3 people/once a month; Tuesday 11:00 PM- 1 person/every week; Wednesday- 2:00 AM-2 people/once a month; Sunday 5:00 PM- 1 person/ every week. Urgent need also for substitutes who receive notification by text message. Call Dottie Watson at (504) 339-4298 to help.

SANCTUARY LAMP The sanctuary lamp will burn In Memory of Kelly Harper Miller.

VOCATION PRAYER CHALICE This week the Vocation Chalice will be at the home of David and Yvonne Adler. Please join them in praying for vocations to the priesthood, religious life and permanent diaconate. Call the Parish Center (834-0340) and speak to Rachel Griffin, the Parish Secretary, to sign up to have the chalice in your home for one week.

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR There are no remembrances for flowers this weekend. If you’d like to schedule a weekend, in memory of a loved one, call the parish center at 834-0340. The cost is $45 per arrangement and we need two arrangements for the altar.

CELEBRANTS, READERS & EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS FOR FEBRUARY 16 & 17

Saturday, 2/16—4:00 PM Celebrant: Rev. Thien Nguyen Reader: Robert Thomas EM: Julie Bellsu, Carol Pritchard, Peter Quick Suzanne Thomas, Tracy Vogelsanger

Sunday, 2/17—8:00 AM Celebrant: Rev. Joseph Palermo Reader: Betty Laizer EM: Dcn. Kevin Darrah, Aileen Foley, Patty Jourdan Diane Killeen, Fran D. Tarantino

Sunday, 2/17—10:00 AM Celebrant: Rev. Joseph Palermo Reader: Dufour Bayle EM: Lex Allain, Beth Buchler, Timothy Curren Dcn. Robert Normand, Dianne Walet

Sunday, 2/17—12:00 Noon Celebrant: Rev. Thien Nguyen Reader: Frank Sunseri EM: Ann Rhodenhiser, Linda Sunseri, Charlotte Syll William Syll, Christine Zazulak

Sunday, 2/17—6:00 PM Celebrant: Rev. Thien Nguyen Reader: Paul Cassou EM: Ray Massett, Cuqui Moore, Doug Robicheaux Norris Robicheaux, Dcn. V. M. Wheeler III

READINGS FOR FEBRUARY 17 thru FEBRUARY 23 Sun: Jer 17:5-8; Ps 1:1-4, 6; 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20; Lk 6:17, 20-26 Mon: Gn 4:1-15, 25; Ps 50:1, 8, 16bc-17, 20-21; Mk 8:11-13 Tues: Gn 6:5-8, 7:1-5,10; Ps 29:1a, 2, 3-4, 9c-10; Mk 8:14-21 Wed: Gn 8:6-13, 20-22; Ps 116:12-15, 18-19; Mk 8:22-26 Thurs: Gn 9:1-13; Ps 102:16-18, 19-23, 29; Mk 8:27-33 Fri: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps 23:1-3a, 4-6; Mt 16:13-19 Sat: Heb 11:1-7; Ps 145:2-5, 10-11; Mk 9:2-13

MASS INTENTIONS FOR THE WEEK

Saturday, February 16, 2019—4:00 PM Mr. & Mrs. C. L. Phillips Jr. Raymond Bailey, Sr., Earl Noble Raymond Bailey Jr, Elizabeth Rooney Fitzwilliam, Alton Cro-chet Mary Ellen Rooney, Jacques Nouy, August T. Mora Esmond De Vun, Sr., Frances Ferran, Laverne Flannigan Harold A. Buchler, Jack Culotta, Charles Sabrio, Joseph Briuglio Karen Gordon Crawford, Louis Gilbert Lafleur, Carolyn Zan-grilli Sunday, February 17, 2019—8:00 AM Dorris Sylvester Sunday, February 17, 2019—10:00 AM Stephen J. Laizer, Jr., Stephen J. Laizer III, Thelma Laizer Edward Laizer, Estelle Laizer, Janet Brignac, Dr. John Daly Aimeé Perrault, Harold A Buchler, Doris Staples, Dayna Creasy Bonnie Murray, Adrienne Miller, Robert Harper, Gregory Brunet Kelly Harper Miller, Barbara Eigenbrod, Etta & Anthony Failla Emma Lou Richardson Huck, Sue Rooney, Betty Bowen Karen Gordon Crawford, Lee Montgomery, Jeannie Maloney Dr. Luis Antonio Balart, Henry Richard Merritt Dolores Cheairs*, Speedy rec of Ann Marie Briuglio White* Sunday, February 17, 2019—12:00 Noon For all parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Parish Sunday, February 17, 2019—6:00PM Sean Patrick Griffin Monday, February 18, 2019—6:30 AM Special intentions of Fr. Leo Meyer* Monday, February 18, 2019—8:00 AM Harold A. Buchler, A special intention* Tuesday, February 19, 2019—6:30 AM Mary Ellen Mohr Tuesday, February 19, 2019—8:00AM Harold A. Buchler, Theodore Kraft Wednesday, February 20, 2019—6:30 AM Mary Bordelon Wednesday, February 20, 2019—8:00 AM Harold A. Buchler, Ashley Capra Thursday, February 21, 2019—6:30 AM For all parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Parish Thursday, February 21, 2019—8:00 AM Harold A. Buchler, Charles Sabrio Friday, February 22, 2019—6:30 AM Kelly Harper Miller Friday, February 22, 2019—8:00 AM Harold A. Buchler, Charles Sabrio Saturday, February 23, 2019—8:00 AM For all parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Parish *Denotes Living