March 1, 2020 First Sunday of Lent

THE HOLY YEAR STARTS HERE

MARCH 19, 2020

St. Joseph Catholic Church

SACRAMENT INFORMATION

Baptism - Instructions are offered

for both parents and godparents

during the months of February, May ,

August, and November . Plan

accordingly when expecting a child or

choosing godparents and call 395-

3881 to register for the class or to

schedule a baptism.

Confirmation - Young people are

prepared for Confirmation

through the Confirmation Program.

Adults are prepared for Confirmation

through the R.C.I.A.

Matrimony - Diocesan Policy

requires that a couple make

arrangements with the pastor at least

6 months prior to desired date.

Sacrament of The Sick - Call the

rectory to make arrangements for

Communion and Anointing.

Rite of Christian Burial -

Arrangements to be made with a

priest by the family.

Sacrament of Holy Orders or

calling to religious life - please

contact the priest in order to discern

God’s will.

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian

Initiation of Adults) - This process

is structured to provide information

for the formation of those who are

seeking a fuller life as Christians in

the Catholic Tradition. For

information, please call the Office of

Religious Education.

Religious Education For Children

Call the Office of Religious Education

for information about registering

your child.

Knights of Columbus - Meet the

second Thurs. of the month at 7pm.

Come Lord Jesus Groups -

Seeking to become closer to God,

learning more about scripture and

being spiritually prepared for Sunday

liturgy….consider joining a CLJ

Group Call Marguerite Sumrall

395-5304 for more information.

Celebration of Holy Mass

Weekdays:

Mon. Wed. & Fri. 6:30am

Tues. Nursing Home 9:30am,

Thurs. 12:10pm

Reconciliation 20 minutes before Masses begin or

anytime by appointment.

Rectory Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9am - 3pm

Friday 9am - Noon

Education Office Hour. Monday-Thursday 9am to 4pm

Friday by appointment

New Parishioners

We welcome you with great joy and

invite you to register and worship with

us regularly. Forms are available in the

rectory.

Summer Weekends :

Saturday 4:30pm

Sunday 9am & 5:00pm

First Sunday of Lent: The Fight Against Evil

This Sunday’s readings begin with the account of the Fall of Man. The thought that hu-mankind would be handed over to evil because the First Man and First Woman ate an apple or some sort of fruit certainly seems like an overre-action by God. However, look carefully at the reading. Before they turned from God, Adam and Eve were innocent. They were told that they could eat from the abundance of the Garden of Eden with the exception of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Notice the name of the tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In the Bible to know is to experience. Mary was surprised that the angel said she would have a baby because she did not know man. Back to Adam and Eve. God did not want them to experience evil. But he also gave them a free will with the ability to choose good or evil. They were tempted by the serpent. The nature of the temptation is so important. The serpent did not tell them that the fruit tast-ed better than the fruit of the other trees. Nor did Adam and Eve eat the fruit because they were hungry. The serpent told them that if they ate this fruit, they would be like gods. Then they would not need God. They ate the fruit as an attempt to push God out of their lives. Their pride led them to experience evil. Once they ate the fruit, they were no longer innocent. They were no longer like that toddler who runs around the

house in his or her birthday suit. They experienced sin, and with it shame. The essence of evil is a turning from God. St. Augustine speaks about it as a flight to nothingness. For God is the source of all that is. Evil perverts His Creation so that instead of the good things He creates leading

us to Him, we use His gifts to run away from Him. The Genesis story of the Fall is not about fruit. It is about the temptation we all have to act as though we do not need God. This is also at the heart of the three temptations the Lord endured in today’s Gospel. Jesus was hungry. The devil didn’t tempt him to pray to His Father to provide food. He tempted him to turn the rocks into bread, and use the power His Father had given Him for himself. We are all tempted to selfishness. We are tempted to hoard for ourselves the gifts the Lord has provided. The second temptation the Lord endured, throw yourself from the parapet of the Temple and expect your Father to catch you, was a temptation to show superiority to the Father, a temptation to demand that the Father go into action. We do this when we demand something from God. Sometimes we say that we pray but God does not never hears our prayers. That is wrong. God hears our prayers. Sometimes, though, He says, “No.” There are times and incidents in all our lives when we have to join the old country singer, Garth Brooks, and thank God for unan-swered prayers. The temptation to force God into action is seen even among some well-meaning but ill-informed people who believe

that certain prayers will always produce the desired results. God is God, and we are not God, or gods. That third temptation the Lord endured is the temptation we all have to accumulate possessions and power as though these gifts from God will make our lives happy. Jesus did not fall for this lie as He stood on that mountain top and viewed all the Kingdoms of the world, all His if only He worshiped the devil. Many people in the world worship evil if it increases their fortunes or their status in life. They even call it the way of the world. Interesting expression. The Way of the World is the Way of the Devil. Think about the dark places in our society, the places of drugs, the places of the sex industry, the places where the powerful plot to destroy the weak, plot to take advantage of those who cannot protect themselves. Those misusing their positions and their possessions happily choose evil;

choose to worship the devil, so that they might increase their own wealth. At the beginning of Lent we are summoned to take a serious look at the conduct of our lives. Are we committing the original sin of pushing God aside? Is He a low priority in our lives and therefore no priority at all? Lent calls us to examine how we are using His Gifts. Are we selfish? Do we take advantage of others? Or do we recognize our dependence on God and do whatever we can to serve

His presence in others? The number 40 is used throughout the Bible whenever the world is going to experience a major change. There were 40 days of rain in Noah’s time when God gave man a new start. Moses went onto Mt. Sinai for 40 days and received God’s Law for the peo-ple. Elijah traveled for 40 days to that same mountain, in his time called Horeb, and restored the worship of Yahweh. And Jesus spent 40 days in the desert before beginning the proclamation of the Gospel. We spend 40 days of Lent, not just to complete some tasks, not

just to give up things. We spend 40 days preparing to transform our lives so that we might be an Easter People.

Parish Directory

Mailing Address: 1011 First St.

Patterson, LA 70392

Email: stjoepat@cox-internet.com

Office / Rectory: 985-395-3616

Fr. Herb Bennerfield, Pastor ext. 3 ~ Bobbie Diaz (Office Manager) ext. 4 ~

Office Fax: 985-395-9129

Education Office: 985-395-3881 Mamie Perry (DRE) ext. 5 ~

Education Fax: 985-395-3685 Email: stjoedre@teche.net

Websites: St. Joseph Church

www.stjosephpatla.org

Diocese of Lafayette www.diolaf.org

SAFE HAVEN SUNDAY-EQUIPPING THE FAMILY: HAVING CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS The most powerful tool we have when it comes to teaching our children about the beauty of their sexuality in

the digital age is conversation. Real, honest, “look them in the eyes” conversation about their deep questions. In the

digital age, passive parenting is not an option-the internet never rests. Bishop Douglas Deshotel has set aside this weekend, Feb. 1– Mar. 2 to celebrate our second annual Safe Haven

Sunday in order to provide free resources to assist you with confidently talking to your children about internet

dangers, as well as their online and offline choices. Safe Haven Sunday is celebrated through prayer and reflection within the context of the Mass. After Mass you may pick up a book, Confident: Helping Parents Navigate Online Exposure. This book includes a free seven-day text

to opt in program that provides practical tips for caring adults to create safer digital environments for themselves and

young people. Simply text SECURE to 66866 to begin receiving guidance today. Thank you for celebrating with us! If you have any questions about this awareness weekend, please contact the

parish office or visit www.diolaf.org/safehaven

Mar.7 & Mar. 8 Extra Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist: Lectors: Altar Servers:

Sat. 4:30pm Linda Thomas, Joy Guarisco, Sandra Marshall Shannon Freeman May Frances Cali

Sun. 9:00am Janet Carmody, Paula Boutte, Gloria Roy Mallory Perry Lainey Taylor

Sun. 5:00pm Mike & Loretta Brocato, Angela Harrington Mike Brocato Jude Guarisco

MONDAY, MAR. 2

6:30 A.M: Want to convert hearts?...come and pray the rosary@

8:30am every Monday morning in church.

TUESDAY, MAR. 3

9:30AM: Nursing Home –

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 4

6:30 A.M:

THURSDAY, MAR. 5

12:10 A.M: Charles & Kevin Cortez

FRIDAY, MAR. 6

6:30 AM: Fr. Louis Vu

SATURDAY, MAR. 7

4:30 P.M: Sylvia Felterman, Alex Martin,

Gertrude Bailey, Nola Cali, Scott Leonard,

Eliska Rice, Leo Becnel, Marie & Anthony

Morella, JP Morella,

SUNDAY, MAR. 8

9:00am: Floyd Estay, For the People of our

Parish, Beverly & Ernest Felterman,

Charpentier & Costa Families, Harold

Allemond, Chris Costa, Etienne Kidder 5:00pm: Beth Verret, Katherine Cardinale,

Judy Clark, Elsa Y. Parchmont, Jackie Couture,

John DiMatteo, Sanctuary Light

Harold Allemond Note: If a name is not printed above, due to

human error, be assured that God has accepted

your intention in heaven.

St. Joseph is now accepting Bulletin ads. You may purchase an Ad for your business or in memory of someone. Ads are $20.00 a month or $240.00 a yr. If you would like to place an Ad in the Bulletin

MASS INTENTIONS

Stewardship Area “Give to the Most High as He has given

to you, for the Lord is one who always

repays, and He will give back to you

sevenfold.” Sirach 35:10

Last Weekend Offerings: $2923.00

Property & Liability $811.00

Ash Wednesday $1175.00

Sick Relatives & Friends

Please pray for the sick of our parish &

their caregivers: Stella Saleme, Jason

Hernandez, Nicole Hingle, Wilda Cali, Angelle

Hebert, Iris Roy, Celeste Jumonville, Owen Hebert,

Jackie & B.L. Como, David Hartford, Lee Michel,

Gulley Taylor, Anne Broussard, Wilson Bailey,

Cursey Gordon, Rose Johnson, Robert Johnson,

Scott Governale, Daisy LeBlanc, Gail Smith, Shira

Rideau, John Siracusa, Kristen Murphy, Dianne

Austin, Terrance Overland, Cecilia Lawnicki, Mary

Fontonet, Christina Murphy, Candy Hoekstra,

Anna Balance, Sally Rogers, Ora Mae Wilson, Luke

Pitre, Barbara L. Vinning, Diane Bonnaffee, Pat

Vidos, Ahney Chauvin, Annie Russo, Frank

Guarisco, Josie Moncada, Kevin Tabor, Leona

Cloud, Melissa Boutte, Linda Horn , Verlie Loup,

Helena August , Nash Tabor, Mary Sehon, Melissa

Prince Tarleton, Holly Newbolt, Laura Larive, Ed

Shilling, Rip& Cheryl Verdin, Clyde & Angelina

Aucoin, Frank Jones, Norma Amos, Jerry

Barrileaux, Sandra Grogan, Russel Cardinale, Linda

Thomas, Bob Opperman, Maritta Race, Angie

Findley, Kay Olds, John Falgout, Amada Murphy,

Alice Guzzetta, Joann Landry, Bonnes Guidry,

Dalton Hilliard Jr., Austin Gabourel, Christine

Tabor, Ruth Blocker, Troy Broussard, Ken &

Nadine Montgomery, Sandy Mire, Mary Bellard,

Francis Daugherty, Larry Besse, Sr.,Luby Grimball,

Mathilde Harrington, M /M Theonis Harrington, Dr.

Charlie Ballay, Ella SanMiguel, Ruby & Herman

Pellerin, Inger Peterson, Denver Jenkins

Please call the rectory to add or delete a name

on the list.

MORGAN CITY

SUPPLY OF LOUISIANA,

UPCOMING EVENTS…

Father’s Adult Discussion Group :

Monday, 6:30pm @ the parish hall.

First Saturday Rosary: The Holy Rosary will be prayed before the Vigil Mass in

church beginning at 4:00 P.M. the first Saturday of each

month. Please join us.

Catholic Daughters will meet the first Thursday of

each month at 6:00 P.M. in the parish hall. If you are

interested in joining please call the rectory.

Choir Practice Wednesday at 5:00pm in the church. Way of the Cross: Fridays at 6:00pm KC’s Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month @7pm in the parish hall. St. Joseph Altar : St. Joseph Altar schedule for week

of March 2 in Parish Hall. Work begins at 9:00 A.M. :

Monday, March 2nd - workers off

Tuesday, March 3rd - making breadballs and mudrica. Wednesday, March 4th - making of breads for

prayer card bags Thursday, March 5th- Prayer card

bagging Friday, March 6th - workers off Saturday,

March 7th - St. Joseph Altar to be moved to the

Parish Hall. Want to thank A.J. and Jeannie

Gaudet for the grinding and rolling of the figs

for the fig cookies.

Class Mass Schedule 2019-2020

March 8- 7th Grade 15- 8th Grade 22- 9 & 10 th Grs

1st Communion Mass: Sunday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. Confirmation Mass: Sunday, May 3, 9:00 a.m. Raffle tickets for Ipad air can be purchased in the rectory , tickets are $2.00 each. Please support our education program!

Mausoleum Crypts Are still available here

at St. Joseph. If interested please

call the rectory.

395-3616

Frank’s Agency,

Inc.

Complete insurance

Services

985-395-9351

frankg@bellsouth.net

MORGAN CITY

SUPPLY of Louisiana

985/384-3650

6911 Hwy 182 E

Morgan City, LA

Town & Country

Florist & Gifts,

Owner: Glynda Lasseigne

3515 Hwy 182,Berwick 985/385-6929 www.tandcflorist.com

Member FDIC

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CARDINALE

CARDINAL LUMBER

& SUPPPLY, INC.

985-395-9580

800 HWY. 90 WEST

PATTERSON, LA

Bulletin Ad’s

Available —

call the office

395-3616

Knights of

Columbus

#1710

Protecting

Catholic Families

for Generations

PATTERSON STATE

BANK

Office of Religious Education &

Formation Mamie Perry 395-3881 stjoedre@teche.net

YOU NEED TO KNOW: We’ve now entered the season of Lent, one of our oldest seasons

in the Catholic Church. Remembering that Easter was the first and greatest celebration in the

Church’s calendar, Lent was established as a preparation period for those who would be becoming

Catholic at Easter (most of whom were adults in those days). We continue to see this emphasis

with the various scrutinies which are conducted throughout the Lenten season for RCIA

candidates. It’s noted that the word “Lent” comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for “spring” and is a shortened derivative of “lengthen”. In the northern hemisphere where the Church was first established, Lent occurs as days

become lengthened, and the beginning of spring always occurs curing Lent (indeed, this year the Vernal Equinox is

scheduled to occur on our beloved St. Joseph’s feast day—the earliest in over 100 years). Eventually, Lent evolved

into a penitential preparation season for all Christians, hence its length of forty days– the same time Jesus spent in

the desert preparing for His ministry. As Sundays are always celebrated as “mini-Easters,” not days of penance, the

forty days are achieved by beginning Lent in the middle of the week—hence Ash Wednesday. Virtually all Christian

churches observe Lent to some degree. The practice of Lent was formalized by the Council of Nicaea in 325. Violet

is the liturgical color of Lent, as it is with the newer, shorter Advent, as both are penitential in nature. Lent is the

more solemn of the two and no “alleluias” may be heard during the Lenten season. Days of fasting and abstinence

are required during Lent which are not mandated in Advent. When exactly Lent ends has been speculated and argued about by many-does the Easter Triduum belong to Lent? What is determined is Lent’s forty days, thus it

would seem that Lent continues through Holy Saturday. The important aspect of Lent remains preparing for our

God and the world to come. May you use this time well in growing in holiness-in addition to its being something

You Need to Know! My love & prayers,

Fr. B

LENTEN MISSION

W/ FR. GARRETT MCINTYRE

NIGHT 1

THE GOD OF UNITY

THE GARDEN OF EDEN TO THE UPPER ROOM

NIGHT 2

THE GOD OF MERCY

EAST OF EDEN TO CALVARY

NIGHT 3

THE GOD OF LIFE

THE DESERT TO THE GARDEN OF THE RESURRECTION

ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

MARCH 9, 10 ,11TH AT 6PM

A Day of Prayer for Women

“Lent: Fasting, almsgiving, Prayer”

Tuesday, March 3, from 8:30amto 2:15pm Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand

Coteau, La

Cost $25.00 P

Presented by Fr. Lou McCabe, S.J.