Father Albert

Homily for Christmas: What Should I Get Him?

Posted on December 25, 2020December 25, 2020 by Father Albert

Christmas December 25, 2020Fr. Albert St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette https://youtu.be/gns-hSBBzXE What should I get them? Especially after a year like 2020, we’ve all asked this question countless times these past few months. What kind of gift is the best thing to give to my loved ones? How best to convey the love and hope they most need to receive? What makes for a good gift? Expensive? Thoughtful? Practical? Helpful? Like most children, as a kid I often thought the most expensive gifts were the best. The Playstation 2… the new computer – knowing...Read More

Homily for the 4th Sunday of Advent: The Secret of Joy

Posted on December 20, 2020December 20, 2020 by Father Albert

4th Sunday of Advent, B December 20, 2020Fr. Albert St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette https://youtu.be/DHSpmke_dnI Do you know the secret? This advent, I’ve warned you about the end of the world. I’ve told you to follow the Holy Spirit. I’ve called you to rejoice and promised you joy as a result. But are aware of the secret to this world-ending, spirit-filled, unbeatable joy? The secret is poverty. That might surprise you. You’ve surely heard the maxim “money can’t buy happiness,” but this goes a bit further than that. Scripture is actually pretty clear about it...Read More

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Advent: Rejoice!

Posted on December 13, 2020December 13, 2020 by Father Albert

3rd Sunday of Advent, B December 13, 2020Fr. Albert St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette https://youtu.be/lNXlwOj7IVg ♫Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you O Israel♫. That joyful refrain is from one of the best known hymns in the Christian tradition. And it is a great time to sing it since today is Gaudete Sunday, Latin word that means “rejoice.” That’s why I am wearing this bright color, because rose vestments represent great joy. The Lord is near, our salvation is at hand, and our anticipation is building. And the longer we’ve waited, the greater our joy....Read More

Pastor Column: Winter Ember Days

Posted on December 12, 2020December 12, 2020 by Father Albert

From the bulletin of December 13, 2020 We’ll pause temporarily on our journey through Rerum Novarum to remember an ancient practice called the “Ember Days.” You may remember that we’ve observed these before. The Ember Days are a traditional time of prayer and fasting connected to each season of the year. The idea is to sanctify – to make holy – each season. While not as popular now, the practice of fasting has always been a central part of the Christian call to holiness. It purifies our attachment to food, reminds us of the fact that many go without,...Read More

Homily for the Immaculate Conception: What Mary Knows

Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020 by Father Albert

Immaculate Conception December 8, 2020Fr. Albert St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette https://youtu.be/qx3mpYP2VNg Mary, did you know? If you’re not familiar, that is the title of a popular song that circulates around this time of year. After centuries of being almost anti-Marian, it is encouraging to see many protestants take another look at Mary with the affection that we hear in this song. It makes for some pretty music and many people want to hear it at Church and while they’re out and about during this run up to Christmas. For all its merits, however, what...Read More

Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent: Why Wait?

Posted on December 6, 2020December 6, 2020 by Father Albert

2nd Sunday of Advent, B December 6, 2020Fr. Albert St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette https://youtu.be/_xhplRF-n6E Why wait? It’s been a tough year, why wait to have the Christmas parties? Why not have the gifts now? It’s been a tough twenty centuries, why does God wait? Why has it taken more than 2000 years for Jesus to come again and just put an end to this mess of a world? Peter addresses that question in our second reading. His answer is simple: God waits so that we have time to repent. St. Peter tells us that...Read More

Pastor Column: Rerum Novarum IV

Posted on December 5, 2020December 5, 2020 by Father Albert

From the bulletin of December 6, 2020 Last week, we saw that it was wrong to assume that different “classes” of society are naturally hostile to each other. Pope Leo XIII instead suggested that each member of society learnt o recognize their shared interest in the common good of society and that each remember the duties they owe to the rest. In this regard, the Church can serve as an intermediary by reminding each of their role in contributing to the good of all. Taking up the typical distinction of worker and owner, the pope explains that workers...Read More

Homily for the 1st Sunday of Advent: Journey or Destination?

Posted on November 29, 2020November 29, 2020 by Father Albert

1st Sunday of Advent, B November 29, 2020Fr. Albert St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette https://youtu.be/yVT9H1--wTw “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” You’ve probably heard that in conversation or on TV, or perhaps read it on cards and inspirational placards. As a reminder to take our time and enjoy things on our way through life, it speaks to an important truth. Yet, taken at face value, it is actually quite wrong and dangerously so. When you apply it to life as a whole, the saying can leave a person in existential dread, wondering...Read More

Father Alexander Albert

Author: Father Albert