Because I have a free rein to write what I want I generally try to honor this by offering thoughts and reflections on our community. This article will expand our community to include our pets. During our last pet blessing a couple of weeks ago we so enjoyed this community of furry barks, howls, and hounds. In each case as the “owner” approached with their friend one could … [Read more...] about Gretchen’s Essay
A world in constant motion requires constant attention
Headlines: Trump Administration Asks Supreme Court to Legalize Workplace Discrimination Against Gay Employees (TIME.COM August 25, 2019) It is a dicey time in the U.S.A for faith folk and for Gay folk. Our society is in a great transition and none of us are sure of where its arc will bend. Recently Dr. King’s words have been reprinted and have been stuck in my mind, “The arc … [Read more...] about A world in constant motion requires constant attention
There is nothing else to talk about…
There is little else to talk about today that has more importance than gun violence and mass murders in the U.S.A. Perhaps by the time this reaches you, there may be a new news cycle and this topic will be beyond our memory or passion. Currently, however, there is nothing else to talk about. I write this as your friend, your neighbor, a veteran, and a priest. In all of these … [Read more...] about There is nothing else to talk about…
Partnerships
As you and I have so often walked together we have talked and dreamt of many things. “The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things: Of shoes—and ships—and sealing-wax—Of cabbages—and kings—And why the sea is boiling hot—And whether pigs have wings.” This past Sunday we enjoyed and rejoiced in the Feast of St. Anna. In it, we declared that it was a new day! We … [Read more...] about Partnerships
A Sermon by Luigi Mandile (by Fr. Bill)
About ten years ago, two men came into my life and the life of our church. Some of you know them, Luigi and Sean. Since first meeting them, we have become very close. Luigi works for the church; he and Sean make their home in Chalmette with three great dogs. It is really these two that St. Anna’s, and I personally, must credit with our presence in the LGBTQ+ … [Read more...] about A Sermon by Luigi Mandile (by Fr. Bill)
Sharing the joy and sharing the struggle SOLIDARITY!
This past week I had the pleasure of going to the San Diego area for a gathering of Kellogg Fellows. This group is made up of about 80 selected individuals from all over the country. New Orleans, the only city cohort, has 11 Fellows and 2 mentors, and we each have an individual coach. The idea is to improve the leadership skills of identified community leaders, and to provide a … [Read more...] about Sharing the joy and sharing the struggle SOLIDARITY!
“FUCK PRIDE” continuing the conversation.
I saw Frank Perez the other day and said, “Frank, if you wanted to get people to take notice and read your piece “Fuck PRIDE” was the way to do it.” It certainly got my attention. I’ve read his well-written column a couple of times now. As always, his prose is precise, on point, and well-written. He makes a strong point which interestingly coalesces with the idea of “A … [Read more...] about “FUCK PRIDE” continuing the conversation.
Pride and the Church
As I mentioned the last time that we visited, I had the honor of doing a Benediction for a Pride event several years ago. It was very modest by today’s standards. By the time you read this in the air-conditioned place of your choice, I will likely have lost ten pounds of water weight marching in the New Orleans Pride Parade this year. I will be following a float and a truck, … [Read more...] about Pride and the Church
Community Engagement
Over the next several issues my hope is to point out several opportunities for community engagement. I also want to acknowledge the ways in which our community is engaged as a model for the greater community. One of the issues I have as both a priest and member of our larger community is that we seem to talk a lot and act less. That is the way it seems. It is no different … [Read more...] about Community Engagement
Power and Abuse
Employer, priest, pastor, director, manager and teacherall are positions of power. There are other powerful positions as well. Abuse of that power is what much of the conversation revolves around today. Here are just some of the less sensational charges: • Substitute teacher accused of bedding teen allegedly sent him nudes on Snapchat • High school girls’ softball coach … [Read more...] about Power and Abuse
