Slain AmeriCorps volunteer’s father preaches hope in defiance of loss

 Posted by at 11:41 am  church, city government, crime, Featured, public safety
Jun 132013
 

Pastor Andre Massenburg, leader of the City of Refuge Ministry in Chicago and father of slain AmeriCorps volunteer Joseph Massenburg, speaks at the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday evening. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)

Andreas Hoffman of Green Light New Orleans presents the parents of Joseph Massenburg with a plaque to mount on an oak tree planted in their son’s honor. (Robert Morris, UptownMessenger.com)

With prayers for comfort, songs about shelter and scripture about sacrifice, the people of New Orleans offered their heartfelt apologies Wednesday evening to a pair of grieving parents for the loss of their son’s life on our streets.

The young man’s father, a church leader from Chicago, needed no apology, however. Instead, using an adopted pulpit in the far end of west Carrollton, he returned their condolences with a thundering message of resilience and defiance. Continue reading »

Allan Katz and Danae Columbus: Pope Francis is off to a great start, but has a tough job

 Posted by at 11:41 am  church, opinion
Mar 212013
 

Allan Katz and Danae Columbus

While neither Danae (Greek Orthodox) or Allan (Jewish) happens to be Catholic, both of us have just been amazed and pleased by the aura of optimism and good feelings that have surrounded the rise of the new Pope, Francis I.

Our friends, regardless of their religious faith, have been almost unanimous in expressing their positive reactions to the naming of Francis I, the way that he has handled his brand-new papacy and his initial comments. Continue reading »

jewel bush: A Hail Mary for my alma mater

 Posted by at 10:26 am  church, Featured, opinion, schools
Feb 262013
 

jewel bush

As a graduate of Xavier University Preparatory School, I long dreamed that if I ever had a daughter she would attend “The Prep” like I did. This will likely never happen.

Last week, the Sisters of Blessed Sacrament, a Pennsylvania-based religious order, announced that my alma mater would close at the end of the school year. “The figures do not reflect that the future of the Prep will be financially sustainable,” stated a letter I received in the mail on Monday, February 25. Continue reading »

Eight-home development slated for site of former Lower Garden District church that burned in 2011

 Posted by at 11:51 am  blight and demolition, church, city government, Featured, neighborhood groups, public safety, recovery
Jan 302013
 

The vacant lot at 2101 Prytania (image via Google maps).

Firefighters battle the flames consuming the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church on Prytania Street in January 2011. (UptownMessenger.com file photo)

A vacant lot on Prytania Street in the Lower Garden District where a century-old church burned down two years ago could become a small development of eight homes, based on plans discussed Tuesday afternoon by the city’s architectural review team. Continue reading »

Major new shopping center planned for Claiborne and Toledano

 Posted by at 5:22 pm  business, church, city government, food and drink
Dec 112012
 

A site plan for Magnolia Marketplace, as submitted to the City Planning Commission.

If you thought the new Taco Bell on South Claiborne was exciting news for Uptown New Orleans, just wait till you meet its new neighbors.

If Tuesday afternoon’s approval by the City Planning Commission is any indication, a major new shopping center called Magnolia Marketplace is soon headed for the large open area just off South Claiborne Avenue adjacent to the Harmony Oaks development. Continue reading »

Scandinavian festival returns to Norwegian church on Prytania this weekend

 Posted by at 1:46 pm  arts, books and music, church, events, food and drink
Oct 292012
 

Traditional Norwegian food, such as open-face sandwhiches, smoked salmon, cakes and cookies, are on display during the 2011 Scandinavian Festival. (UptownMessenger.com file photo by Nicole Harvey)

Heart-shaped waffles, open-faced sandwiches, the Scandinavian Jazz All-stars and Christmas crafts will all be a part of the annual Scandinavian Festival at the Norwegian Seaman’s Church at 1772 Prytania Street this weekend. Continue reading »

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Costume contest, spooky movie night in the First Presbyterian pumpkin patch

 Posted by at 10:16 am  church, events
Oct 262012
 

Hulk smash little pumpkins! (submitted photo)

Kids of all ages are invited to show off their Halloween styles in a costume contest Saturday afternoon (Oct. 27) in the pumpkin patch at First Presbyterian Church, followed by “Casper the Friendly Ghost” cartoons upstairs in the fellowship hall. Continue reading »

Neighbors United to wrap up discussion of alcohol permits on Freret, hear updates on former Sojourner Truth building

 Posted by at 12:21 pm  business, church, food and drink, schools
Aug 142012
 

Freret Neighbors United plans to conclude a long-running conversation about alcohol permits on Freret Street at its monthly meeting tonight, as well as to receive an update on the school opening in the Our Lady of Lourdes now that Sojourner Truth Academy has closed. Continue reading »

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Archbishop to celebrate Mass prior to Saturday’s annual St. Henry’s reunion block party

 Posted by at 2:00 pm  arts, books and music, church, events
Jul 132012
 

J. Monque’D Blues Band performs during the 2011 Feast of St. Henry Mass and Reunion. (UptownMessenger.com file photo by Sabree Hill)

Just a month after bringing joy to St. Henry’s parishioners by announcing the return of daily mass to the church, Archbishop Gregory Aymond himself will celebrate Vigil Mass in St. Henry’s prior to Saturday afternoon’s annual reunion block party. Continue reading »

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