Welcome to Holy Ghost Catholic Church

Fifth Sunday of Lent

March 29, 2020

First Reading: EZ 37: 12-14

Responsorial Psalm: PS 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

Second Reading: ROM 8: 8-11

Gospel: JN 11: 1-45

Click here for the Mass readings.

Click here for online Mass, access prayers, inspirational messages from the Pope, and at home resources.

Please pray with us this Sunday, the liturgy is below, especially pray the Prayers of the Faithful which includes the deceased in our parish and the mass intentions. Thank you!

**Be sure to check out our Church Facebook page and if you want to be added to our email updates, please email us (holyghost@hgchurch.org) **

**As of March 23rd at noon, the church office is closed until further notice. Church employees are working from home, please email us if needbe.**

A Special Stewardship Request

Dear Parishioners, as you have seen in previous updates, Bishop Duca has dispensed Catholics from their Sunday obligation; therefore, your decision to attend Mass is a personal one for the next several weeks.

In the midst of this national crisis, we are reminded that everything we have is truly a gift from God. The life of a Christian steward models the life of Jesus.  It is challenging and even difficult, in many respects, yet intense joy comes to those who take the risk to live as Christian stewards, even in the midst of adversity. Women and men who seek to live as stewards learn that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him" (Rom 8:28).

If you're not going to attend Mass, I ask that you please remember your financial stewardship to Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Please consider mailing your contributions weekly to 601 N. Oak Street, Hammond, LA 70401 or making regular online contributions on our church website, Online Giving: https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/499.

While these weeks will be difficult for us all, we will get through this together with God's help and your generous spirit! I remain with you in prayer ~Fr. Robert

Online Giving allows you to make contributions to Holy Ghost Church without writing checks or worrying about cash donations. This site lets you set up automatic contributions and change the timing or the amount of your gift at any time.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: COVID-19 03/23/2020 @10:45

Dear Parishioners:

Our community has now arrived at a time where critical intervention is required to reduce harm from further spread of the Coronavirus. Several jurisdictions have provided “stay at home” orders for their communities throughout the United States, and this is also true now in Louisiana. While not total isolation or full quarantine, the faithful are encouraged to minimize contact with outside individuals aside from family in the household by only participating in essential activities such as visiting the doctor, grocery shopping, or purchasing prescriptions and other medical supplies.

It is the Church’s desire that the faithful continue to receive the sacraments as necessary, but it is also in the interest of public health and good social order that our ministry and work interface with the recommendations of our government.

Here are some updates for you and how this affects Holy Ghost:

1. Fr. Robert and Fr. Cayet will continue to offer the sacraments as was outlined in previous posts on Facebook and our website and in accord with the directives of Bishop Duca from 17 March 2020. Some of these sacraments are surely essential (viaticum and Anointing in danger of death; abbreviated graveside funeral services). Even with these opportunities, everyone is reminded to practice proper social distancing, promote practices of good hygiene especially handwashing, and to be prudent and limited in interactions with each other and with clergy.

2. All non-sacramental events at Holy Ghost continue to be postponed or cancelled until further notice.

3. The Parish Office will close for all outside business beginning on Monday, 23 March 2020 until further notice. Parishioners are encouraged to do business and interface with Holy Ghost by means of electronic media (Facebook and the Website), by email, or by traditional mail. You are especially encouraged to continue your generous financial stewardship by using the “Online Giving” button on the Holy Ghost website or by mailing your contribution.

Holy Ghost’s employees will continue to work according to a modified schedule and usually off campus. Some employees are designated as “essential” for our operations, and Fr. Robert has ensured all employees that they will continue to be compensated for their work as long as Holy Ghost’s financial predicament allows us to do so. Fr. Robert and the staff will follow the stay at home order from Governor Edwards, federal guidelines, and any future directives from our Bishop.

I will continue to monitor the situation and make further determinations about extending or retracting any of these provisions based upon the current situation in our community with the Coronavirus.

While our situation is not optimal given the incarnational nature of our Church, I remain excited with the creative ways that our Parish is beginning to reach out to you despite the many obstacles provided by the Coronavirus. Be smart! Follow Governor Edwards’ order! Be safe and help slow the spread of this pandemic; know that I am thinking of you and praying for everyone in our community of faith!

~ Fr. Robert

Safe Haven Sunday ~ March 7 & 8

Bishop Duca has declared this weekend as Safe Haven Sunday...the goal of this weekend is to both raise awareness of the dangers of the evil of pornography in our culture and to empower parents to address this issue with their children in order to make their home a “safe haven.”

We are making available a booklet for all families that have children in the household. The booklet is entitled: Equipped: Smart Catholic Parenting in a Sexualized Culture. This booklet is meant to equip parents with tools to address this issue with their children. Booklets are available in the Gathering Area, please take one booklet per family with children.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

Tuition assistance is available for Holy Ghost Catholic School students whose families are active, registered parishioners of Holy Ghost Parish.

Applications will be received Feb. 5th - April 3rd.

Click here to access tuition assistance.

St. Vincent de Paul Mass and Breakfast

at St. Aloysius in Baton Rouge on June 23, 2019

Members of SVDP Holy Ghost Conference in attendance: Frank and Fran Cannino, Larry and Beth Gray, Jeanann Haughey, Madeline and Benny Gex, and Mimi Nothacker.

Do you enjoy singing? If so, the Holy Ghost choir has a seat for you!

The choir sings at 9:30 mass every Sunday and rehearses for one hour on Wednesday evenings. You do not have to be a trained musician to participate, and anyone over age 13 is invited to join this ministry. If interested, please meet the choir in the chapel at 9:00 Sunday mornings, or email Jane Wear for more information.