A steady flow of individuals and families passed through St. Jude Community Center on North Rampart Street Nov. 20 to receive a turkey with all the trimmings just in time for Thanksgiving dinner.

Churches and faith-based groups need to organize collectively to pressure public officials to use data-based initiatives that have been proven to reduce high rates of murder and violent crime in several U.S. cities, a New Orleans pastor told the PICO National Gathering of Clergy Nov. 15.

Reminding the world each day of “the saving acts of Jesus” is the greatest privilege of the priesthood – and one that Archbishop John Favalora still marvels at 50 years after his ordination.

After months of preparation for the implementation of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, Catholics in the pew finally will hear and recite new English translations of Mass prayers and responses on the First Sunday of Advent Nov. 26-27.

But as might be the case with political elections – when people don’t really pay close attention until a few days before the polls open – it might not be surprising if even faithful church-goers will need some time to adjust to the new wording of prayers they have used for decades.

With construction completed on the James B. Branton Chapel, there is no doubt where the center of campus now is at Brother Martin High School.

“This chapel summarizes what Brother Martin High School has been, is and will be,” Archbishop Gregory Aymond said at a dedication Mass held Nov. 19 on the Gentilly campus. “It creates a loving shadow that God is present. ... This is holy ground, a holy place that summarizes what this Catholic school is all about.”

A Mass on Nov. 13 at Blessed Seelos Church proved that the spirit of the Garifuna people is alive and well in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

From the song in the opening procession, “We’re Coming from the Homeland of Our Ancestor,” to the final blessing and recessional, those of Garifuna descent sang and danced in their native customs. These descendants of slaves, originally from Africa, have not forgotten their roots.

“We have our own language and culture, and we hold on to it wherever we go,” said Sister of the Holy Family Jean Martinez, who attended the Mass. Her Garifuna heritage is from Belize, while most Garifuna who live in New Orleans hail from Honduras. “We express it publicly where we are. It’s a story of pride, heritage and closeness to the Lord, who kept us and helped us through when we were abandoned.”