Acadiana Catholic

FAITH

cadiana A atholic C January 2012

Volume 28

No. 1

Recognizing the Celebration of Catholic Schools Week January 29-February 5, 2012

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The Official Monthly Publication of the Diocese of Lafayette

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012

Volume 28

Number 1

In Christmas message Pope Benedict XVI says Christmas shows God’s will to save people from sin, violence

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) God sent his son into the world to save it from evil, pride and violence, Pope Benedict XVI said in his Christmas message “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).

“The child whom we contemplate is our salvation! He has brought to the world a universal message of reconciliation and peace,” the pope said Dec. 25 as he stood on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and gave his solemn Christmas blessing.

Tens of thousands of people were gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the noon address and blessing. Under bright sunny skies, they listened to the music of military bands, admired the Vatican’s Nativity scene and snapped pictures of the Swiss Guards, who were wearing armor over their colorful medieval uniforms.

In his Christmas message, like in his homily at Mass the night before, Pope Benedict spoke about God’s desire to save humanity and his decision to do that by being born in Bethlehem, living among people, dying for them and rising from the dead.

Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd after delivering his Christmas message “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 25. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

“Come to save us! This is the cry raised by men and women in every age, who sense that by themselves they cannot prevail over difficulties and dangers,” the pope said. Jesus “is the hand God extends to humanity to draw us out of the mire of sin and to set us firmly on rock, the secure rock of his truth and love.”

Pope Benedict said most of the world’s problems are caused by human sin, “the evil of separation from God, the prideful presumption of being self-sufficient, of

trying to compete with God and to take his place, to decide what is good and evil, to be the master of life and death.”

Jesus came to earth to bring people back to God, to turn them from their sin and to promote reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation, he said.

As is customary, Pope Benedict used his message to ask Christians to pray and offer concrete help to people who are suffering this Christmas: from famine in the Horn of Africa; flooding in Thai-

Patriarch’s Christmas message offers hope to Middle East Christians

By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM (CNS) Amid continuing turmoil in the Middle East, Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal of Jerusalem sent a message of hope and support to Christians of the region.

“It is a very difficult situation. We have to support them. They must not lose hope,” the patriarch said at a Dec. 21 news conference where he delivered his Christmas message.

“We are not alone, many people, including the Vatican, are concerned about the situation and this gives more hope.”

Though he said he was concerned about the continuing struggle and bloodshed in Egypt, Syria and else-

where, in his message, Patriarch Twal expressed support for the political changes occurring and urged Christians in the region to become involved so they are not excluded from the movements.

He defended “the changes taking place in favor of freedom and democracy.”

“We want our Christian faithful to be involved and not feel foreign in this movement,” he said. “They have full citizenship. It is their land, their country, their present, their future.”

In his message, the patriarch emphasized the need for the protection of human rights and respect for

the dignity of people during these times.

“I also hope and pray that competent authorities make every effort to calm the spirits, without violence, and to protect the minorities who are an integral part of the population in the region.” Patriarch Twal’s message said. “We must grasp this moment of opportunity to build a new society based on equal citizenship for all.”

“We know how the change has started. But we don’t know how it will be finished,” he added, charging that purely political interests were fanning the flames in Syria, Libya, and elsewhere.

land and the Philippines; tensions between Israelis and Palestinians; violence in Syria; a lack of peace and security in Iraq and Afghanistan; the struggle for democracy and human rights in across North Africa and the Middle East; and for the people of Myanmar, South Sudan and Africa’s Great Lakes region.

Just before the pope appeared at the balcony, news agencies reported a bomb blast at a Catholic Church on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigeria. Initial reports said there were more than 10 dead.

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said (Continued on page 4)

Inside this issue Father Dan Mahan returns to Lafayette for Stewardship Day..............5 Bishop Jarrell’s Christmas and New year’s message...........................8 Mass of Healing and Anointing of the Sick to be offered............................12 Mass for Survivors of Violence offers comfort to participants.....................16 Anniversary year brings blessings to Discalced Carmelites......................18 Three seminarians admitted to candidacy for Holy Orders....................26 Catholic Schools Week is Jan. 29 - Feb. 5 ........27-40 St. Edmond Church to hold day of recollection..........45 Icon painting bonds together three generations of one family...................46

Acadiana Catholic

Page 4 January 2012

In Christmas message Pope Benedict XVI says Christmas shows God’s will to save people from sin, violence Continued from page 3

the blast, “precisely on the occasion of the celebration of Christmas, unfortunately once again is a sign of the ruthlessness of a blind and absurd hatred that has no regard for human life and tries to create and increase more hatred and confusion.”

“We are close to the suffering of the church and the entire Nigerian people so harshly tried by terrorist violence, even in these days that should be days of joy and peace,” Father Lombardi said.

At midnight Mass Dec. 24 in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope said, “God has appeared -- as a child. It is in this guise that he pits himself against all violence and brings a message that is peace.”

At the beginning of the two-hour liturgy, children from Italy, Guatemala, Gabon, Burkina Faso, South Korea and France brought white flowers up to a statue of the baby Jesus

near the altar.

The 84-year-old pope processed in on a mobile platform.

Children carried the gifts of bread and wine to the pope during the offertory. The procession was led by two very young Korean boys, and the pope, with a big smile, watched them approach, blessed them and patted their heads.

At the end of the Mass, the children took the flowers to the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Basilica, where a deacon placed the statue of baby Jesus. The pope followed behind them on his mobile platform and when everything was in place, fake snow began to fall on the scene. It was the first time, according to L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper.

In his homily, Pope Benedict said the birth of Jesus was something completely new in salvation history: God became visible.

“No longer is he merely an idea, no longer do we have to form a picture of him on the basis of mere words,” he said.

Before Christ’s birth, ancient people feared that God might be “cruel and arbitrary,” and instead, Christmas proves that “God is pure goodness,” the pope said.

“At this hour, when the world is continually threatened by violence in so many places and in so many different ways,” he said, the world cries out to God. They pray that God’s “peace may triumph in this world of ours,” he said.

Pope Benedict said Christmas is about the birth of the savior, the prince of peace, and not some sappy sentimentality.

“Today Christmas has become a commercial celebration, whose bright lights hide the mystery of God’s humility, which in turn calls us to humility and simplicity. Let us ask the Lord to help us see through the superficial glitter of this season, and to discover behind it the child in the stable in Bethlehem, so as to find true joy and true light,” he said.

Acadiana Catholic

ACADIANA CATHOLIC (ISSN0888-0247) (USPS507-760) is published monthly for $12 per year by the Southwest Press, 1408 Carmel Ave., Lafayette, LA 70501-5306. Periodical postage paid at Lafayette, LA and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Catholic, 1408 Carmel Ave., Lafayette, LA 70501-5306 Official Monthly Newspaper for the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana Copyright 2012

Publisher Most Rev. Michael Jarrell, D.D. Bishop of Lafayette

Marketing Director Business Mgr / Advertising Director Patrick Breaux (337) 261-5518 or (337) 235-7704 pbreaux@diolaf.org / pat@breaux.com Staff Writer Stephanie R. Martin (337) 261-5512 smartin@diolaf.org Contributing Writer Kathleen Toups Theological Consultants Msgr. H.A. Larroque, J.C.D. Father Curtis Mallet, J.C.L. Vicars General

From the diocesan newspaper, The Morning Star, April 10, 1985 — NORTHEAST DEANERY LEADERS – Representatives of Immaculate Conception Parish, LeBeau, received congratulations from Bishop Gerard L. Frey for achiebving 250 percent above the minimum goal for the BSA campaign in the Northeast Acadiana Deanery. They are (from the left) Jeanette St. Romain, co-chairman,; Bishop Frey; Leonard Tanner, co-chairman.-

The Diocese of Lafayette serves eight civil parishes with population of 331,000 Catholics. Published monthly.

Deadline for news and advertising copy is noon of the 15th day of the month preceding publication. For renewal subscriptions, the name of your church parish and your address label (if available) are requested. The publisher and editor reserve the right to reject, omit or edit any article or letter submitted for publication. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette and/or the Acadiana Catholic cannot be held liable, or in any way responsible for the content of any advertisement printed in this paper.

Diocese of Lafayette Web page: www.diolaf.org

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 5

Father Dan Mahan returns to Lafayette for Stewardship Day

Father Daniel Mahan

Michael Murphy

LAFAYETTE Father Daniel Mahan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis returns to the Lafayette Diocese on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 as Keynote Speaker for the 8th Annual Stewardship Leadership Day. Back by popular demand, Father Mahan will talk about the true meaning of Catholic Stewardship, the spirituality of stewardship and how stewardship as a way of life (discipleship) has renewed and reinvigorated parishes and its people.

Michael Murphy, former 20 year Stewardship Director for the Archdiocese of Detroit and President of the International Catholic Stewardship Council will deliver the topic “Everything you want-

ed to know about Fund-Raisers but were too pious to ask.” This presentation will help parish leaders understand how a typical parish capital campaign is conducted and receive tips on identifying and screening professional fund-raising firms.

Pastors, priests, deacons, religious, parish administrative personnel, stewardship committee members and anyone interested in fostering stewardship formation in the parish setting are urged to mark their calendars for February 29th.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the program is scheduled to conclude between 1:30-2:00 p.m. For more information or to register, please email cbabin@diolaf.org or call 337-261-5641.

Children carry flowers in procession during Christmas Eve Mass at Vatican

Children carry flowers to place around the figurine of baby Jesus at the start of Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 24. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Acadiana Catholic

Page 6 January 2012

Bishop Jarrell says Missal changes are a challenge

By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE The new changes in the liturgy present a challenge to be more aware of the Lord’s presence, Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette said in his homily for the First Sunday of Advent.

Bishop Jarrell was principal concelebrant of the 11:00 a.m.

Mass for the First Sunday of Advent at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist here.

Taking his theme from the Gospel for the day (Mark, 13), “May He not come suddenly and find you sleeping...” Bishop Jarrell noted the reference to sleeping in scripture often means we are “distracted, not aware of God’s presence. “ Noting there were previous changes in the liturgy, “we saw the vernacular, that is the use of English in the Mass, the celebrant began saying Mass facing the people and the re-introduction of the sign of peace,” Bishop Jarrell said.

“It is generally acknowledged,” he continued, “that at that time

two mistakes were made. The first was a lack of preparation of the priests and the people. This time I think we are prepared. Unless you have been in a coma for the past twelve months, you have heard about this many times. So I think indeed we did address the needs and give attention to adequate preparation of priests and people.

“The second mistake regarding the previous changes was an assumption that a change in the liturgy would bring about spiritual renewal in and of itself. Of course changes in the liturgy can be helpful. It is important. The change to English in the celebration of the Mass has indeed been very helpful in spiritual lives of Catholics.

“The new translation we began using today has untold benefits,” he pointed out,” but we should be aware it is just a translation....

They are a renewed effort to focus our attention and participation in the Mass, an awareness of God’s presence,” Bishop Jarrell said. “The translation is not an

end in itself Our spiritual renewal depends on our love for Christ, to wake up and cooperate with God’s grace, our willingness to be attentive to it.

In the Creed, we are reminded, “He (Jesus) will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end,” the bishop noted, “It is the same today. It was so when Jesus warned His disciples to watch and be alert. It was so in the time of the apostles, it was so in 325 AD when the Creed was formally adopted at the Council of Nicea. It is so today.

“Let us not be so distracted that the Lord finds us sleeping and unaware of His presence,” Bishop Jarrell concluded.

Concelebrating with Bishop Jarrell were clergy of the Cathedral, Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor; Father Kevin Bordelon, associate, with Msgr. Richard Mouton assisting in the sanctuary.

After the homily, candidates and catechumens of the RCIA class participated in the rite of acceptance and were welcomed by Father Arceneaux, with Richard Chiasson, director, assisting.

The first eucharistic prayer is seen on a page from a copy of the new Roman Missal in English published by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The introduction of the new English translation of the missal was the top Catholic story of the year, acco rding to editors’ picks in annual poll by Catholic News Service. (CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec)

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Acadiana Catholic

Guest Editorial To the youth of the Catholic Church in Acadiana,

Peace be with you and greetings from St. Joseph Seminary College near Covington, Louisiana! My name is Michael Richard. I am a seminarian from our diocese, and I would like to extend to you an invitation to Abbey Youth Fest, a youth rally coordinated by my seminary.

On March 10th, 2012, St. Joseph Abbey Seminary College will host its twelfth annual Abbey Youth Fest, which is a full day of contemporary Catholic music, inspiring keynote speakers, and the celebration of the Mass. As the sun sets, we unite with the Benedictines in Vespers, the Evening Prayer of the Church, and we end the night with candlelight Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament—all underneath the stars. Throughout the festival, you will have the opportunity for personal prayer in an outdoor chapel, confession with visiting priests, a tour of St. Joseph Abbey, and exposure to several religious orders and various ministries who set up information booths to share their charisms with the thousands of Catholic youth in attendance.

After attending my first Abbey Youth Festival as a teen, I came away with a true sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the Church. I saw dozens of religious, priests and seminarians who were full of joy as they walked around the field. I saw that the Church is bigger than just my hometown and that the Church is young and alive. In the talks throughout the day, I was challenged to grow in my faith and to start thinking about what God was asking for me to do with my life. After seeing 3,000 teens kneeling in silent candlelight adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, I left from the Abbey truly encouraged to go forth and live my faith as God is calling me to. Now, as a seminarian, I know I am truly blessed to help put this amazing event together for the youth of the local Church.

The theme for Abbey Youth Fest 2012 is, “Restless,” which is taken from St. Augustine’s, Confessions: “My heart is restless until it rests in you, O Lord.” The event will feature Mark Hart, Vice-President of LifeTeen and youth speaker. Catholic musicians L’Angelus and Ayleron, will provide a rockin’ good time! The event will provide reflections upon and an experience of the beauty of God. I hope that you will be able to join me, 80 other seminarians, the Benedictine monks of St. Joseph Abbey, several priests and religious from all over the country, and thousands of Catholic youth in worshipping our Lord and searching for the vocation to which He calls us.

While the first Benedictine monastery dates to around 530 AD, Saint Joseph Abbey was founded in 1889 on over 1200 acres of land in Southern Louisiana. The monks used the land to raise cattle and grow their own food. Now, the wooded areas are used for peaceful walks on the trails and some of the fields are used to host events like Abbey Youth Fest. In our 11 year history with Abbey Youth Fest, we have hosted over 25,000 teens. Currently, Saint Joseph Seminary College has 80 seminarians enrolled—all representing 19 different dioceses. This year we hope to see you and several thousand more of your brothers and sisters in our backyard!

For more information and pictures from previous festivals, check out our website at www.AbbeyYouthFest.com and find us on Facebook.

You are in my prayers; may our hearts, like St. Augustine’s, find eternal rest in the heart of God. In the peace of Christ, Michael Richard

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January 2012 Page 7

Five-week course on total consecration to Jesus through Mary

Deacon Cody Miller

LAFAYETTE Deacon Cody Miller, from St. Joseph Church, Milton, will be conducting a 5-week course on the total consecration to Jesus through Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort at Our Lady Of Fatima Church, Lafayette, beginning on January 9, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

Classes will be every Monday

for 5 weeks until the Consecration Mass on Saturday February 11 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Fatima Church.

Deacon Cody says, “Come learn more about your faith and why John Paul II loved the writings of St. Louis de Montfort and how we can fully live our Baptismal promises through Jesus and Mary. This will be a life-changing event and all are invited.”

For more information contact Deacon Cody Miller at (337) 8497963 (cell )337-856-5936 (work) or e-mail cajunfreshman@usa. net ‘The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.

Unless a man starts on the strange assumption that he has never existed before, it is quite certain that he will never exist afterwards. Unless a man be born again, he shall by no means enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.’

G. K. Chesterton

Acadiana Catholic

Page 8 January 2012

Annual Clergy Open Golf Tournament set for May 16, 2012 LAFAYETTE Bishop Michael Jarrell and the clergy of the Diocese of Lafayette announce that the 37th annual Louisiana Clergy Open Golf Tournament will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Squirrel Run Golf Club, 500 Darby Lane, New Iberia.

The tournament will be played in honor of retired Father Floyd J. Calais. Participation in the tournament and/or lunch are free of charge to all priests and deacons of all Louisiana dioceses as well as all of the Lafayette Diocese’s diaconate formation participants and seminarians.

A “putt-off” tournament at 1:00 p.m. and a nine-hole team scramble (“Best Ball”) at 1:30 p.m. will also be played for those wishing to make it a day of golf.

To receive a registration form for golf and/or lunch, phone (337) 261-5613 or email: sthompson@ diolaf.org.

Deadline for registration are: golfers no later than Monday, February 27, 2012; non-golfers for lunch – Monday, April 16, 2012.

For additional information, please contact Msgr. Richard

Greene, VE, at (985) 518-7124, or by Fax at (985) 395-9129, or by email at dolsouth2@cox-internet.com.

January Birthdays Deacon Charles Ortego

Jan. 2 Deacon Harris Soileau Jan. 4 Father Joseph Stemmann Jan. 4 Father Clair Cazayoux, SJ Jan. 5 Father Jerome Neyrey, SJ, Jan. 5 Father Paul Onuegbe Jan. 5 Deacon Michael Yenik Jan. 6 Deacon Wayne Boudreaux Jan. 7 Father C. Nicholas Trahan Jan. 7 Father Richard Kalinowski, SVD Jan. 8 Father Martin C. Leonards Jan. 8 Father Mikel Polson Jan. 8 Father Donovan Labbe Jan. 9 Deacon Albert Marcel Jan. 10 Deacon Alvin Dejean Jan. 12 Deacon Samuel Henry Jan.15 Deacon Timothy Ledet Jan. 18 Father Donald Pousson Jan. 18 Father L. Allen Breaux Jan. 20 Father Donald Pelous Jan. 20 Msgr. Keith DeRouen Jan. 21 Father Gregory S. Chauvin Jan. 22 Father Neil McNeill Jan. 23 Father Glen M. Meaux Jan. 26 Father Juan Luis Gandara Jan. 27 Father Cyprien Eze Jan. 27 Father Richard Vidrine Jan. 27 Father John DeLeeuw Jan 30 FEBRUARY Father T.J. Hebert Feb. 2 Father Michael Sucharski Feb. 5 Father Michael J. Arnaud Feb. 5 Father James Lambert, SJ Feb. 11 Father Michael Keith Landry Feb. 11

To report the abuse of children and young people, contact the Diocese of Lafayette Victim-Assistance Coordinator, Sister Kathleen Farrelly, O.Carm., LCSW 1001 West Pinhook Road, Suite 205 Lafayette, LA

(337) 322-7255

Bishop Jarrell’s Christmas and New Year’s message LAFAYETTE Bishop Michael Jarrell issued his Christmas and New Year’s message to the people of Acadiana.

Reflecting on St. John’s Gospel, Bishop Jarrell said the most sublime description of the Christmas event was expressed in the first verses of John’s Gospel.

Both messages follow: “Saint John the Evangelist, after years of reflection, gave the most accurate and most sublime description of the Christmas event. He wrote, “In the beginning was the Word…He was in the beginning with God, …and the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1.12,14) The eternal word took on human flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all mankind was enlightened and ennobled and made holy.

This is indeed a reason to celebrate and be merry. But, we also take time to bend our knees in humble adoration and to offer heartfelt prayers to Christ Our King, for he lives and reigns forever and ever. I pray that you and your family may enjoy a very Merry Christmas.

“Saint John the Evangelist, after years of reflection, gave the most accurate and most sublime description of the Christmas event. He wrote, “In the beginning was the Word…He was in the beginning with God, …and the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1.12,14) The eternal word took on human flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all mankind was enlightened and ennobled and made holy.

This is indeed a reason to celebrate and be merry. But, we also take time to bend our knees in humble adoration and to offer heartfelt prayers to Christ Our King, for he lives and reigns forever and ever. I pray that you and your family may enjoy a very Merry Christmas.”

New Year’s Message

“Reflecting on the New Year, American poet, Edith Lovejoy Pierce wrote, “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called “Opportunity” and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” “There are 365 pages ahead of us waiting for words and deeds. In the coming year, we in the United States will make choices that affect peace in the world, the welfare of the poor, the prosperity of the nation and the health of our planet. Let us pray for divine guidance in making noble and principled choices for the common good. May God stand beside us and guide us to all that is good and right in the year that lies before us. Once again, we open the book called Opportunity. May the words that we write this year bear fruit in time and in eternity.

“Happy New Year everyone!”

Acadiana Catholic

January schedule of pro-life activities

LAFAYETTE As the notorious anniversary of Roe v. Wade approaches, prolife citizens throughout the nation will once again assemble in peaceful protest of the Supreme Court ruling which legalized abortion in this country. Several local communities and organizations will be hosting such activities, and all pro-lifers in the Acadiana area are encouraged to attend and show their support for the ministry.

On January 11, the Lafayette Diocese will host its annual ProLife Oratory Contest for high school juniors and seniors. For further details regarding this special event, please contact the office at (337) 261-5607.

On January 14, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Knights of Columbus Council 7557 in Broussard will host a Pro-Life March/ Rally. Marchers will depart from Sacred Heart Church at 8:30 a.m. and proceed to Broussard Middle School before returning to the church. Refreshments will be served, and a guest speaker is also to be announced. For further information, please contact Mike Malagarie at (337) 3444701.

On January 17, the South Region March for Life and Silent Procession will be held in New Iberia. The procession will depart from the Lourdes Grotto at 5:30 p.m. and continue on to the grounds of St. Peter Church, where Mass will be celebrated.

Also in conjunction with the march, St. Peter Church will host a five-day, 24-hour Rosary Congress with Eucharistic Adoration. The pro-life rosary will be recited every hour following the Mass on January 17. For further information, please call (337) 369-3816.

On January 18, St. Cecilia School in Broussard will sponsor a Pro-Life School Walk immediately following the 8:30 a.m. school Mass. For details, please contact Glenda Serio at (337) 837-6363.

From January 21-24, several representatives of the Lafayette Diocese will travel to Washington, DC in order to participate in the National March for Life outside our nation’s capital. Please remember these individuals in your prayers.

January 2012 Page 9 Several local events have also been scheduled for January 21, including the “Right to Life” walk in Lafayette, the St. Landry “Right to Life Walk” in Opelousas, and the Louisiana Life March in Baton Rouge.

In Lafayette, the St. Edmond Knights of Columbus #10293 will begin its event at 8:30 a.m. with praise and worship at St. Edmond Church on West Congress.

Participants will then depart at 9:00 a.m. and march to St. Mary Church on Doucet Road before returning to St. Edmond’s. For further details, please contact Patsy and Norris Thibodeaux at (337) 984-9947 or (337) 9626208, or Pat La Borde at (337) 988-5580 or (337) 298-3586.

In Opelousas, the St. Landry Right will begin its “Right to Life” walk by departing from Our Lady Queen of Angels Church at 10:00 a.m. Participants will proceed to the New Life Center, where a special blessing and refreshments will be offered. For further information, please contact Jeri and John Miller at (337) 948-9559.

In Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Life March will start with at 9:00 a.m. gathering behind the old state capitol at 100 North Boulevard; the march itself is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. This event is sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life, Louisiana Baptist Convention, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Life/Justice Committee, Louisiana Family Forum, the Knights of Columbus, and Louisiana’s Concerned Women for America. For more information, please visit www.

LALifeMarch.com or call 1866-463-5433.

Local individuals should note that Acadiana Right To Life is chartering a CALCO/HOTARD BUS to go to Baton Rouge for the march. The bus will be at the Louisiana Avenue Mall near I10 for pickup at 8:00 a.m. Parking will be available in the Target parking lot, closer to Louisiana Avenue. The return to Lafayette will be no later than 2:30 p.m.

The cost to ride is $12 per person and $25 per family. Please contact: Suzanne Tierney at (337) 235-4327 or Jackie Richard at (337) 981-1596 for further details.

On January 22, the Ville Platte Pro-Life Walk will depart from Our Lady Queen of All Saints Church immediately following

10:30 a.m. Mass. Walkers will proceed to Sacred Heart Church, where a speaker (TBA) will address the crowd. For further details, please contact Stephanie Andrus at (337) 831-0638 or Pitchy Tuminaro at (337) 363-4533.

Also on January 22, pro-life walkers may depart at 10:00 a.m. from St. Ann Church in Mamou and proceed to the parish’s religious education building. For further information, please call (337) 468-3159.

On January 31, Notre Dame High School in Crowley will host a Pro-Life March & Rally. For details, please contact Mary Ann Hadaway at (337) 783-3849.

Mass for the Unborn LAFAYETTE The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette will celebrate a special Mass for the unborn at 5:30 p.m. on January 9. Prior to the Mass, people are asked to gather in front of the Cathedral (near the grotto at L’Evéché) to join in the praying of the pro-life rosary. All are invited to attend.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass to be celebrated Jan. 13 LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Black Catholic Ministries would like to invite everyone to the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass on Friday, January 13. The Mass, to be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette will begin at 7:00 p.m., with Bishop Michael Jarrell to serve as celebrant. The homily will be offered by Father Chester Arceneaux, and all priests of the diocese are invited to join the bishop in concelebrating this special Mass.

The Mass will also include the recognition of all those who have been nominated this year to receive the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. Church parishes throughout the diocese are given the opportunity to nominate individuals for the award, and all recipients will be given a plaque in honor of their achievement. For further details, please contact the Office of Black Catholic Ministries at (337) 261-5694.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 10 January 2012

Pray for our priests Listed below are the priests for whom Catholics are asked to pray daily. The calendar is sponsored by the Serra Club of Lafayette.

Jan. l Pope Benedict XVI Jan. 2 Bishop Michael Jarrell Father Brian Garry, SJ Jan. 3 Jan. 4 Father Willian Gearheard Jan. 5 Father Joseph Gillespie, LC Jan. 6 Msgr. Richard Greene, VE Jan. 7 Father Michael Guidry Father Mitchell Guidry Jan. 8 Jan. 9 Father Brad Guillory Jan. 10 Father Joshua Guillory Father Thomas Habetz Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Father Jude Halphen Jan. 13 Msgr. Russell Harrington, VE Father David Hebert Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Father T.J. Hebert Jan. 16 Msgr. Michael Herpin Jan. 17 Father Matthew Higginbotham Jan. 18 Father Kenneth Howard, SSJ Jan. 19 Father Godwin Imoru Jan. 20 Father Thomas James, SVD, VE Jan. 21 Father Johnathan Janise Jan. 22 Father Bartlomiej Jasilek, SVD Jan. 23 Father Stanley Jawa, SVD Jan. 24 Father Ryszard Kalinowski, SVD Jan. 25 Father Donavan Labbe Jan. 26 Father Keith LaBove Jan. 27 Father Paul LaFleur Jan. 28 Father James Lambert, SJ Jan. 29 Father Keith Landry Father Oneil Landry Jan. 30 Jan. 31 Father Ralph Landry

Eternal Father, we lift up to You these and all the priests of the world. Sanctify them. Heal and guide them. Mold them into the likeness of your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

‘Spiritual Spa Day’ at St. Joseph Spirituality Center BATON ROUGE The St. Joseph Spirituality Center will host a Spiritual Spa Day. The event will be presented by Patti Clement on January 14, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon in the St. Joseph’s Academy Dining Hall, 3080 Kleinert Ave., Baton Rouge, LA. The fee will be $35.

This morning of reflection

is designed to pamper the soul.

There will be a series of 3 practical presentations to assist all participants in finding rest in the love of God. The session will close with a sharing session for all to gift one another with insights.

To register for this program please call the St. Joseph Spirituality Center at 225-383-3349.

Cause for Blessed Marianna Cope advances

Father Arockiam, SVD, to speak at February 2012 “Food for the Journey�

Blessed Marianne Cope of Molokai is pictured in an undated file photo. The path to sainthood for the Franciscan nun, who ministered to people in the leprosy colony on the Hawaiian island of Molokai, has been advanced by Pope Benedict XVI. The church has recognized the second miracle needed for her canonization. (CNS photo)

Cathedral employee honored LAFAYETTE Mrs. Marella Wilkerson, who is retiring at the end of the year after many years as an employee and volunteer at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, was honored at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass on December 18.

Mrs. Wilkerson received the Parish Medal of St. John and the Bishop’s Medal for Devoted Service. Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor, who made the presentations, cited her “faithful and

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deserving� service over twenty years as receptionist, secretary, manager of the cemetery office and gift shop. She was also the founder of the French rosary group and served as a Eucharistic minister.

Bishop Michael Jarrell, who was principal celebrant of the Mass, offered his congratulations. Concelebrating with him was Father Arceneaux, Father Kevin Bordelon, associate pastor.

Msgr. Richard Mouton, in residence, was present in the sanctuary.

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LAFAYETTE The Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette presents “Food for the Journey,� a monthly lunchtime speaker series designed to help Catholics live out their faith in their daily lives.

Speaker for February 7, 2012, Father Arockiam will be Father Arockiam Arockiam, SVD, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Broussard, and its mission, St. Anthony Chapel, Cade. “Food for the Journey� is held each month at Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1801 W. Pinhook Road, beginning at 12:00 noon. An optional buffet lunch is available beginning at 11:30 a.m. Cost is $12.00 and includes meal, drink, dessert and tip.

All are welcome to come “eat and be fed�. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, please call Mary Bergeron at (337) 654-8682 or visit www. centralregiononline.org

Percentage of Americans who are married reaches alltime low, Pew says WASHINGTON (CNS) With cohabitation, single-person households and single parenthood on the rise, the percentage of Americans who are currently married has reached an all-time low.

A new report from the Pew Research Center analyzing Census Bureau data found that only 51 percent of Americans 18 and over were married in 2010, compared with 72 percent in 1960.

Among Hispanics and AfricanAmericans, the decline is even more steep. “If current trends continue, the share of adults who are currently married will drop to below half within a few years,� said the report by Pew senior writer D’Vera Cohn, senior demographer Jeffrey S. Passel and research associate Wendy Wang.

Fifty-five percent of white Americans were married in 2010, down from 74 percent 50 years earlier. But among Hispanics and blacks, married people are already in the minority. Fortyeight percent of Hispanics and 31 percent of African-Americans were married in 2010, compared with 72 percent and 61 percent, respectively, in 1960.

The authors said it was “beyond the scope of this analysis to explain why marriage has declined,� but they noted that its popularity has fallen less sharply among college graduates. They said a recent drop in the number of new marriages could have to do with the economic recession, but the linkage “is not entirely clear.�

The Pew report found that the median age at first marriage has been steadily rising for both men and women over the past five decades, from 22.8 for men and 20.3 for women in 1960. The median age in 2010 was 26.5 for women and 28.7 for men in 2010.

PRAY FOR YOUR DEPARTED CLERGY Father Simon Catherin, Jan. 1, 1955 Msgr. Jules O. Daigle, Jan. 2, 1998 Father Wayne Richard, Jan. 4, 2005 Father John Spekschate, Jan. 5, 2010 Father Hughes Dandurand, Jan. 6, 1973 Msgr. John A. Vigliero, Jan. 8, 1968 Father Oris Broussard, Jan. 8, 2006

Sunday

1

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

2

Father Alfred J. Dupret, Jan. 9, 1934 Father Oscar J. N. Drapeau, Jan. 12, 1958 Father Arnold Verheem, Jan. 16, 1959 Msgr. William Frantzen, Jan. 17, 1970 Father Gus J. Johnson, Jan. 17, 1988 Father Desire Senneville, Jan. 19, 1977 Father John P. Ferret, Jan. 20, 1936 Father Louis Espitallier, Jan. 20, 1954

Monday

Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors Diocesan Offices closed, New Year’s Holiday Divine Mercy Night, St. Peter Church, New Iberia 6:30 p.m.

8

Epiphany of the Lord

15

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

3

Tuesday

The Most Holy Name of Jesus LIMEX Class, Immaculata Center, Levasseur, Room #221 5:00 - 9:30 p.m.

Father Jules Speyrer, Jan. 21, 2010 Bishop Maurice Schexnayder, Jan. 23, 1981 Father Odilion Brise, Jan. 26, 1952 Father Lloyd Hebert, Jan. 28, 2004 Deacon Hector Naquin, Jan. 29, 1993 Father Willis A. Petteault, Jan. 29, 1968 Father Peter Blom, Jan. 30, 1993 Father Roy Edwards, Jan. 30, 2006

4

Wednesday

St. Elizabeth Seton, Religious

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

29

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time Catholic Schools’ Week begins

January general intention:

That the victims of natural disasters may receive the spiritual and material comfort they need to rebuild their lives.

Mission intention:

That the dedication of Christians to peace may bear witness to the name of Christ before all men and women of good will.

Thursday

St. John Neumann, Bishop

6

10

11

12

13

16

17

18

19

20

Baptism of the Lord Rosary Makers Meeting, Katharine Drexel, Immaculata Center, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Weekday Martin Luther King Day Diocesan Offices Closed

Weekday (First Week in Ordinary Time) Commission Pastoral Care for the Elderly, Immaculata Center, 2:00 p.m.

Weekday LCCB Catechist Committee Meeting, Immaculata Center, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Weekday Pro-Life Oratory Contest, Immaculata Center, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Weekday LCCB Life & Justice Committee Meeting, Immaculata Center, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

23

24

25

Development Directors’ Meeting, Immaculata Center, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Francis de Sales, Conversion of St. Paul Bishop and Doctor the Apostle Religion Administrators’ Technology Coordinators’ Meeting, Immaculata Center, Meeting, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Immaculata Center, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

30

31

Weekday

(Day of Penance)

Weekday

St. John Bosco, Priest Retresat Ministry / Youth Ministry Networking at Rayne Catholic, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Weekday Companions Along the Journey (Bereavement Support Group) Katharine Drexel Room, Immaculata Center, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Weekday Council of Priests’ Meeting Immaculata Center, 9:30 a.m.

Diocesan Pastoral Council Meeting, Immaculata Center, 6:30 p.m.

26

Sts. Timothy and Titus, Bishops West Region Advisory Council Meeting 2011 at Rayne Catholic Ellementary School Teachers’ Lounge, 6:30 p.m.

Friday

Christmas Weekday

9

March for Life Silent Eucharistic Procession & Mass for Life, from Main St. Grotto to St. Peter Church, New Iberia, 5:30 p.m.

22

5

The Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions

Weekday

Weekday Guidance Counselors’ Meeting, Immaculata Center, 8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

27

Weekday

7

Saturday

Christmas Weekday Permanent Diaconate Class, Immaculata Center, John XXIII, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

14

Weekday

21

St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr RCIA Workshop, Topic: Interviews on the RCIA, St. Edward Church, New Iberia, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

28

St. Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor Permanent Diaconate Class, Immaculata Center, John XXIII, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

January 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Page 12 January 2012

Mass of Healing and Anointing of the Sick to be offered LAFAYETTE With a pontifical letter in 1992, Pope John Paul II instituted a World Day for the Sick. In his words, he stated it should be “a special time of prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ who, by suffering, dying, and rising, achieved the salvation of mankind.� This global observance of the Roman Catholic Church is celebrated every year on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 11th.

With this in mind, the knights and dames of the of the Order of Malta in Lafayette are sponsoring the second annual Mass of Healing and Anointing of the Sick.

The Mass is to be celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, located at 2319 Johnston St. Doors will open at 9:15 a.m. with Mass starting at 10:00 a.m.

Abbot Placid Solari, OSB, the Chancellor of Belmont Abbey College, will be the celebrant.

Father Hampton Davis, chaplain

of the Lafayette Order of Malta and Father Michael Russo, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima, along with several other local priests will be concelebrants.

In the 1960s, Vatican II renewed the seven Sacraments and restored the original intent of the Anointing of the Sick, (Latin: Unction Infirmatis), which was intended to pray for healing for the sick who were not near death.

The revision’s intent, said Pope Paul VI in 1975, was “to lead to a wider availability of the sacrament and to extend it—within reasonable limits—even beyond cases of mortal illness.� This should not be confused with the Last Rites, (Latin: Unction in Extremis) which is the last anointing and is indeed done only for those who are at the point of death.

What is the Anointing of the Sick?

The Anointing of the Sick properly understood is the Sacrament which asks God for healing of body, mind and/or soul which is reserved to a priest to confer.

It is intended for those baptized persons who are seriously ill,

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chronically ill, or weakened by old age. For the healing of the soul, the sacrament forgives sins and restores sanctifying grace.

For healing of the body and mind, the sacrament places the condition of the sick person in the hands of God for a cure. God will heal every person according to His divine will and wisdom.

We participate in that divine will, through this Sacrament. Many times healing is accelerated by the power of this sacrament, given to the Church for our good and the up building of the faithful.

The Sovereign Military Hos-

pitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta is the oldest lay religious order in the Catholic Church. The Order of Malta has provided care to the sick and served as defenders of the Faith since 1099 AD. In the daily prayer of the Order of Malta, an important verse states: “Be it mine to practice charity towards my neighbors, especially the poor and the sick.� One of the ways the knights and dames of the Order put this concept into practice by sponsoring Masses of Healing and Anointing of the Sick in most major cities where they are located.

To learn more, please call (337)837-6079 or email tim@ westcott.net

Chrism oil sits near the altar during the chrism Mass at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Chrism is used in baptismal anointing, confirmation, priestly and episcopal ordinations, and during the dedication of churches. The other holy oils are used in the anointing of the sick and for catechumens. (CNS photo/Karen Callaway)

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 13

Acadiana Catholic

Page 14 January 2012

Dos próximos eventos para promover vocaciones Por Obispo Michael Jarrell

La semana pasada recibí una carta de su Eminencia, el Cardenal Tarciscio Bertone, Secretario de Estado para La Santa Sede. Decía: “El Santo Padre me ha solicitado que dé a conocer la ofrenda de $55,770.11, que usted envió de la Diócesis de Lafayette como Óbolo de San Pedro por el año 2011. Le agradece a usted y a su comunidad por esta expresión de su devoción al Sucesor de Pedro y su deseo de cooperar en los trabajos de su ministerio.” Pienso que todos estamos complacidos de hacer nuestra parte y agradezco a todos los benefactores que contribuyen al Óbolo de San Pedro que se lleva a cabo en Junio.

En las próximas semanas tendremos dos eventos que reclamarán nuestra atención acerca de las vocaciones religiosas.

La Semana Nacional sobre la Concien-

Country star wanted newest album to sound ‘like you were in church’ WASHINGTON (CNS) Collin Raye, the Catholic country singer who had a string of hits in the 1990s, said he wanted to make his latest album “feel like you were in church for an hour or so.” “His Love Remains,” the title of Raye’s new release, contains some familiar church melodies, like “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep

ciación de Vocaciones (National Vocations Awareness Week) tendrá lugar del 9 al 14 de enero. Se llevará a cabo en conexión con la Fiesta del Bautismo de Nuestro Señor que marcó el comienzo de su ministerio público.

Este año la Fiesta se celebra el 9 de enero.

Una Misa especial sobre la concienciación de Vocaciones se celebrará el Domingo, 8 de enero, en la Catedral Saint John the Evangelist. La semana está orientada como un tiempo de catequesis y oración para fomentar una cultura de vocaciones en los hogares y en las parroquias. En relación con las vocaciones hacia el sacerdocio, la Diócesis tiene actualmente 33 seminaristas. Nos estamos preparando para la ordenación de un sacerdote en el año 2012, seis en el 2013 y seis en el 2014. Se necesitan la oración y el aliento de todos. Yo creo que realmente estamos desarrollando una cultura sobre vocaciones a través de la Diócesis de Lafayette.

El Día Mundial para la Vida Consagrada se tendrá en dos días, el 2 y el 5 de febrero.

El 2 de febrero indica la Fiesta de la Presentación del Señor. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las celebraciones se llevarán a cabo el Domingo, 5 de febrero. Oremos todos por los hermanos religiosos, hermanas en la vida consagrada quienes han hecho tanto

Silence” and “Here I Am, Lord.”

In the liner notes to the album, Raye, 51, said he was inspired to make the album from witnessing his granddaughter Haley’s struggle with a disease that ultimately claimed her life. Haley would be 10 were she still alive, he noted.

“Any anger or frustration I had for the Lord not getting involved the way I wanted him to get involved went away the moment she passed away,” he said. “He gave us this peace that was his from the beginning.”

Making a religious album was

para construir la Iglesia en nuestra Diócesis y quienes todavía son una parte muy importante de nuestra vida diocesana.

No debemos olvidarnos que el 22 de enero indicará el 39o Aniversario de la triste decisión de Roe versus Wade de la Corte Suprema, una decisión que legaliza la práctica del aborto y que abrió camino a la destrucción de millones de vidas humanas. Los sentimientos de Pro-Vida parecen estar creciendo en este país. Cada año hay más y más marchas y demonstraciones de pro-vida. Muchas son apoyadas por parroquias y grupos en la Diócesis. Existe hoy en día una Demonstración anual en el Capitolio de Baton Rouge. El respeto por la vida humana es una causa buena y sagrada, una que merece nuestro tiempo, energías y oración. Para mayor información, llamar a la oficina diocesana del Apostolado de Pro-Vida, 337-2615607, o visite la página web www.diolaf. org Cada año a medida que el año se renueva, nosotros renovamos el sentido de esperanza para el futuro con oraciones por la paz y la justicia por todo el mundo. Feliz Año Nuevo a todos.

“something I’d been dreaming of doing for over 20 years,” Raye added. “So I said, ‘Let’s do it, let’s do it, let’s make the best one possible.’ I’m thinking maybe God has given me a new niche here.

If I did nothing but these kinds of records the rest of my life, I’d be happy.”

After a career with No. 1 singles and platinum albums, “I would be thrilled to have a hit record on contemporary Christian radio, because that’s crossing the barriers,” Raye said. “That’s a primarily Protestant fan base.

NATIONWIDE CELLULAR SYSTEM

PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEMS

Raye became a Catholic in the early1980s. After a show when he was chatting with a married couple who were fans of his, he noticed the wife wearing a necklace bearing a crucifix. Before the conversation ended, Raye said he asked the couple if he could go to Mass with them. Raised “a heavy, heavy Baptist,” by his own reckoning, in Texarkana, Texas, Raye said he felt he always had a good relationship with God. “I have a pretty good Bible knowledge,” he added. “But I always felt there had to be something more to it.”

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Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 15

Two upcoming events for fostering vocations

By Bishop Michael Jarrell

Last week I received a letter from His Eminence, Tarciscio Cardinal Bertone, Secretary of State for the Holy See. It said, “The Holy Father has asked me to acknowledge the offering of $55,770.11, which you sent from the Diocese of Lafayette as Peter’s Pence for the Year 2011. He thanks you and your people for this expression of your devotion to the Successor of Peter and your desire to cooperate in the works of his ministry.” I think we are all pleased to do our part and I thank all donors to the annual Peter’s Pence Collection which is held in June.

In upcoming weeks, two events will fo-

Bishops hope North Korea’s regime change will bring peace, unification VATICAN CITY (CNS) The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has opened a window of opportunity for renewed dialogue and possible reunification of the peninsula, said two South Korean bishops.

Bishop Peter Kang U-il of Cheju, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, said the leader’s death Dec. 17 “may be the beginning of a turning point for the path of the reunification of the Koreas. We hope that the Lord gives the

cus our attention on religious vocations. National Vocations Awareness Week is observed on January 9-14. It is held in connection with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord which marked the beginning of his public ministry.

This year the Feast is celebrated on January 9.

A special Vocations Awareness Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, January 8, at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist. The week is envisioned as a time of catechesis and prayer to foster a culture of vocations in the home and parish. With regard to vocations to the priesthood, the Diocese now has 33 seminarians. Plans are to ordain one priest in 2012, six in 2013 and six in 2014. Everyone’s prayer and encouragement are needed. I believe that we are truly developing a culture of vocations throughout the Diocese of Lafayette.

The World Day for Consecrated Life will be observed on two days, February 2 and 5. February 2 marks the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. However, most celebrations will take place on Sunday, February 5. Let us all pray for religious brothers, sisters in the consecrated

light and strength to the North Korean brothers so that there is a return for a policy focused on dialogue, peace and reconciliation,” he said in an interview Dec. 19 with Fides, the Vatican’s missionary news agency.

Bishop Lazzaro You Heung-sik of Daejeon, South Korea, told the Rome-based AsiaNews Dec. 19 that “we must focus on dialogue for peace but remain alert.” He said he feared the leader’s death would prompt “a period of great confusion. Inside the regime, there will (be) a clash between the party and the army. The young age of the heir will not help a smooth transition,” said Bishop You. Kim’s youngest son, 27-yearold Kim Jong-un, was declared the country’s next leader.

life who have done so much to build up the Church in our Diocese and who are still very much a part of our diocesan life.

We should not forget that January 22 will mark the 39th Anniversary of the infamous Roe versus Wade decision of the Supreme Court, the decision which legalized the practice of abortion and paved the way for the destruction of millions of human lives.

Pro-life sentiment seems to be growing in this country. Each year there are more and more pro-life marches and rallies. Several are sponsored by parishes and groups in the Diocese. There is now an annual Rally at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. Respect for human life is a good and holy cause, one well worth our time, energy and prayer.

For information, call our diocesan Office of Pro-Life Apostolate, (337) 261-5607, or visit online at www.diolaf.org.

As each year renews itself, we renew our sense of hope for the future with prayers for peace and justice for all in the world.

Happy New Year everyone.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 16 January 2012

Mass for Survivors of Violence offers comfort to participants

by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE Near the start of the holiday season, the Lafayette Diocese hosted its annual Mass for the Survivors of Violence at the Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette. Celebrated

by Bishop Michael Jarrell, the Mass serves as a special occasion during which people can honor the memories of loved ones who were lost through violent actions.

It has been a tradition in the Lafayette Diocese since 1985, when the Office of Justice & Peace organized the first Mass in response to a request from Lloyd LeBlanc.

LeBlanc’s only son was murdered in 1977 by Elmo Sonnier, the man upon whom Sister Helen Prejean based her book Dead Man Walking, which is now well known for its strong stance against the death penalty.

Prior to Sonnier’s eventual execution in 1984, he asked LeBlanc to forgive him for his actions. Though LeBlanc did grant that forgiveness, he also invested much time in petitioning those who so adamantly opposed the death penalty on Sonnier’s behalf to also acknowledge the pain and

Lindy Soileau served as one of the readers for this year’s Mass for Survivors of Violence. Ms. Soileau, whose son Matt also served as Cross Bearer, participated in honor of her brother Tim, who was murdered just one day shy of his 51st birthday. Photo by Ed Boustany

suffering he and his family endured because of his son’s murder. He attended the Mass for the Survivors of Violence every year until his own passing in 2008.

The death of a loved one is always sorrowful, but violent deaths seem to ripple even more resoundingly within a community. We are all horrified when we hear of or read the tragic headlines in the local news, but often-

times our sympathies fall short of actually comprehending the grief suffered by the families and close friends of those who have lost their lives in such a manner. The Mass for the Survivors of Violence is an opportunity for those families and friends to seek comfort among others who have experienced similar sorrows.

Many, like Lindy Soileau and her son Matt, also find solace by actively participating in the Mass.

Ms. Soileau’s brother Tim Falgout was murdered in 2010—one day before his 51st birthday— while he was working as a pizza delivery driver in Lafayette Parish. After attending last year’s Mass in honor of his memory, she volunteered this year to serve as a reader while Matt served as Cross Bearer.

The Mass is traditionally followed by a private reception inside the chapel’s adjoining Marian Hall so that Bishop Jarrell may personally visit with all those in

attendance. Being so close to Christmas, this year’s reception also provided a special opportunity to commemorate their departed loved ones in the spirit of the season by writing their names on a tag and attaching it to a decorative “gift” box. The boxes were then placed beneath a tabletop tree, symbolizing what a gift their lives were to those who loved them during their time on earth.

The Office of Justice & Peace would like to recognize to Deacons Ken Soignier and Frank Cormier for assisting Bishop Jarrell with the celebration of the Mass. The office also extends its appreciation to the St. Jude Men of Worship Choir for its musical contributions, as well as to the Ladies of Grace Knights of Peter Claver Fourth Degree of St. Paul Church in Lafayette for providing refreshments for the reception.

At the reception that followed the Mass, participants were encouraged to write the names of their departed loved ones and attach it to a “gift” box.

The boxes were placed on a special table in honor of their memories. Photo by Sally Segura

January Ordination Anniversaries

Father Neil McNeill

Jan. 2, 2001 Msgr. Douglas Courville Jan. 3, 1976 Father Michael S. Guidry Jan. 8, 1971 Father Edward Degeyter Jan. 24, 1970

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 17

A Vacation with the Lord

Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau, La. (337) 662-5410 www.ourladyoftheoaks.com

The Incarnation

John Schexnaildre Adult Faith Formation: Holy Cross Church, Spiritual Director

“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth”(John 1:14).

The incarnation is the great mystery of God humbling Himself by becoming one of us. It’s about the incredible journey from heaven to earth, even farther than the two million light years to the nearest galaxy. In his book The Holy Longing, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser says that the Incarnation is not only the central mystery of our faith but also the mystery that is the most misunderstood. Of course we can never fully understand a mystery, but that doesn’t mean we cannot know something about it. A mystery is something that is infinitely knowable.

So what can we understand about the incarnation and what are the implications of the incarnation in our lives? Is it something that happened two thousand years ago and ended with the death of Jesus?

Fr. Rolheiser says that the incarnation never ended and that it is still going on today in us. Jesus showed us the way, the way to become human. Now we are called not only to believe in Him but to be His ongoing presence in the world. We are His mystical body. We are the ongoing mystery of death and resurrection of Christ. What happened to Him continues in us.

In our liturgy we gather as the body of Christ to receive the Body of Christ. St. Augustine says we are to become what we receive. We are to become the very presence of Christ in the world.

During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, how can we become that presence in our world? It seems that the season of buy, buy, buy can bury the spiritual life of any Christian under the deadness of secular compulsions. Perhaps we are called to the small sacrifices that define compassion as we wait in line, drive through heavy traffic, or deal with a difficult relative. Christ incarnates himself within us when we speak with kindness instead of hostility, show patience instead of competitiveness, offer unconditional love in the place of judgments and condemnation of another. Then it is his light that shines in the world, so needed as we see and understand how great a darkness has yet to be overcome, even within ourselves.

Fr. Rolheiser concludes his chapter on the Incarnation in his book The Holy Longing with these words: “The fire energy of God that so burns inside us will come to maturity, creativity, and calm when we shape our lives and our bodies in the way that Jesus shaped his, when we help him carry the incarnation forward.”

“What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race.”(John 1:4-5) Plan to attend retreat at Our Lady of the Oaks in the New Year. Become a part of Christ’s light brought forth to a darkened world. Come to maturity, compassion, creativity, and calm in Christ.

“Marriage 101” coming to the Acadiana Catholic LAFAYETTE Attention all married couples!

The Acadiana Catholic is pleased to announce that a new column will be coming to its pages beginning with the February 2012 edition. “Marriage 101: Essential Tips for a Happy, Healthy, Holy Marriage” will be dedicated to lending reliable, spiritually based information that supports marriage and family life. The column will be written by Kelley Chapman, Program Coordinator with the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Marriage & Family Life.

Mrs. Chapman is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts, concentrating in the area of Child and Family Studies.

She is a wife and mother of two, and in addition to her duties with the Office of Marriage & Family Life, she is currently studying Theology through the Aquinas Institute. Mrs. Chapman is also working toward her certification as a Natural Family Planning (NFP) instructor through the Northwest Family Services.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to support couples in developing a healthy marriage, and to help them build a strong family structure,” said Mrs. Chapman. “My goal for the column is to provide a quick, useful tool for this purpose.”

The mission of the Office of Marriage & Family is to conduct programs and activities which strengthen marriage and the family, and to provide reliable resources to help Catholics educate themselves on all issues related to the sanctity of marriage and family life. While several of these resources

Kelley Chapman

can already be accessed through the Marriage & Family Life section of the diocesan website (www.diolaf. org), the “Marriage 101” column will now offer individuals yet another way to keep up with the latest news and developments regarding a number of family-oriented topics such as: •The Power Behind a Family Dinner Table •Effective Use of Family Time •Keeping the Family Together While Dealing with Teenagers •Planning Your Child’s Finan cial Future •How to Manage Empty Nest •Infertility & Options Within the Catholic Faith •Dealing with Stressors at Work & at Home •Natural Family Planning Awareness The Office of Marriage & Family Life would also like to invite readers to suggest other potential topics for this ongoing column. Anyone with a particular question or idea they wish to see addressed may submit the request to kchapman@diolaf.org.

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Acadiana Catholic

Page 18 January 2012

Anniversary year brings blessings to Discalced Carmelites

By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE Blessings of a jubilee year could very well be the way the Discalced Carmelite nuns describe some special events of 2011.

The nuns arrived in Lafayette in 1936 and celebrated this anniversary year in appropriate events.

On the 75th anniversary day, May 16, Bishop Michael Jarrell of Lafayette was the celebrant of the Mass with thirteen priests as concele b r a n t s .

Msgr. Robie Robichaux chose the Sister Teresa of Jesus theme for his homily “love is repaid by love alone,” words inscribed on the mural which dominates the wall of the sanctuary of the monastery chapel.

Discalced Carmelites of Mary, Mother of Grace Monastery, Lafayette gather for the Divine Office.

One of the nuns, Sister Mariette, celebrated her golden anniversary, 50 years as a Discalced Carmelite.

Two nuns came from Vietnam on “a pilgrimage of love.” Sister Joseph of the Eucharist and Sister Camille of Jesus, had their formation in Vietnam and have given generously of their talents to the community.

They made their solemn vows

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on July 16, feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

“Newest bloom on the vine of Carmel,” as was described on the Christmas card is Brittlyn Sonnier of Eunice. On October 15, the feast of St. Teresa of Avila, Brittlyn became Sister Teresa of Jesus. She is the daughter of John and the late Monique Sonnier.

Newest postulate is Danielle Viellon of Eunice, who entered on the anniversary day, May 16.

The Discalced Carmelite nuns

came to Lafayette at the invitation of the late Bishop Jules B. Jeanmard, first Bishop of Lafayette. He had served as chaplain to the Carmelite monastery when he was a young priest in New Orleans. After his appointment as Bishop of Lafayette in 1918, he asked the nuns to establish a monastery here. But they were not able to do so until 1936. The first location was a former residence on College (now University) avenue.

The community flourished and a new and larger monastery was needed.

The present location on Carmel (named for the nuns) Avenue was completed in 1957 and blessed by Bishop Jeanmard, one of his last official functions.

On this year’s Christmas card, the nuns review their jubilee blessings, as outlined above, “You have crowned the year with your blessings” (Ps. 65).

For seventy five years, their mission has been, “proclaiming His mercy at dawn and His fidelity every night.” (Ps. 92).

Acadiana Catholic

“BE FIRE!”

By Graham N. Smith

Some writers say that the most terrifying thing they encounter is a blank page (or blank screen, n o w a d a y s ) .

That’s because everything they write has to come from inside.

What if there’s nothing there worth writing about?

Sometimes they talk about “invoking the muse,” a mythological goddess who, it was said, inspired creative artists. I don’t think anyone really believes that anymore, but it’s obvious that sudden inspiration comes from somewhere.

Or from Someone.

God created us and gave us the talents that we bring to writing, sculpture, painting, or whatever else we create. So, when I write this column, I’m praying and trusting that the Holy Spirit is standing behind it.

If you haven’t tried that, give it a whirl!

OK, ready? Tear off the old 2011 page. New start, new story.

Put at the top “What I want to do in 2012.” Since we’re talking about being led by the Holy Spirit, maybe a better title would be “What I think God wants me to do in 2012.”

To know that, we have to ask, and we have to see what’s been happening in our lives and where The Lord has taken us so far.

For those who don’t remember this from earlier columns, I’m a convert who’s married to a “cradle Catholic.” I came into the Church in 1991 after a lot of prayer and searching. One of the ways that prayer was answered was during a conversation over lunch with a Protestant pastor friend who didn’t know what I’d been praying about. Suddenly, he said, “I think you need to look at where God has put you and where your ministry is. You’re surrounded by Catholics. I think you should become a Catholic.”

I’d had another conversation a few months earlier with a priest friend who also didn’t know about my prayers but suddenly said, “I feel in the strongest way that I need to invite you to come

January 2012 Page 19 into the fullness of the Faith.”

At that point, I realized that God was pointing me into the Church and I obeyed.

That’s just one example. I’d bet that if you sit and reflect on your life, you’ll see time and again places where there’ve been Holy Spirit “road signs” that you’ve seen and followed.

Chances are pretty good that we’ll see more of those “road signs” if we’re actively asking the Holy Spirit to lead us and if we’re expecting that He’s going to show us where to go.

Looking at my new page, here’s how I think God’s 2012 “wish list” for me begins: 1) Get more balance in my life. There are only 24 hours in my day, and every one of them is a precious gift. However, I’m not supposed to spend every moment working. I need time alone with the Lord at the top of my schedule. I’m thinking that I really need to be working toward “tithing” my time to Him. That means a little over two hours of prayer a day. I don’t know that I will ever get there, but it’s worth trying. Peter Kreeft, in his book “Making Choices,” observed that we may not think we have time to pray, but that if we start our day with a good prayer time we’ll find we have more than enough time to get done what needs doing.

2) Spend more time looking for God’s Kingdom around me, in how He is moving in my life and the lives of others, and in how He makes provision for things that we often don’t even know we’re going to need until suddenly the need is there.

3) Do a better job of letting the Love of Jesus flow out from me to others so that they will know that God loves them and values them more than they can imagine.

4) Stop worrying and trust God more. Jesus said, “Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.”

(Lk. 8:50) Or, as St. Padre Pio put it, “Pray, hope and don’t worry.”

5) Get more rest and take better care of myself. Anxiety generates busyness. Jesus told us, “Do not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” (Mt. 6:34) 6) Put up a sign on my computer that says, “God’s in charge.

I’m not.”

That’s the start of my list.

How’s yours coming?

Happy 2012!

Not an abstract idea, evangelization calls for real witness, pope says VATICAN CITY (CNS) New evangelization is not an abstract idea to pitch, but rather a call to authentically live the Gospel message, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“Christian faith provides a surer basis for life than the secular vision; for ‘it is only in the mystery of the Word made flesh that the mystery of humanity truly becomes clear,’” he said quoting from “Gaudium et Spes,” the Second Vatican Council document on the church and society.

The pope was speaking Dec. 17 to bishops from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands who were making their “ad limina” visits to the Vatican. He said he was aware of the challenges they faced because of increased secularization such as “a weakened appreciation for the sacred nature of Christian marriage and the stability of the family.

In such a context the struggle to lead a life worthy of our baptismal calling and to abstain from the earthly passions which wage war against our souls becomes ever more challenging,” he said.

The pope added it was precisely these challenges that prompted him to establish the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization.

“Since the Christian faith is founded on the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, the new evangelization is not an abstract concept but a renewal of authentic Christian living based on the teachings of the church,” he said.

Life in the Spirit seminar LAFAYETTE A “Life in the Spirit” Seminar will be offered at St. Edmond Church in Lafayette beginning on Wednesday, January 11. The seminar, scheduled for 7:00 p.m., will continue for six consecutive Wednesdays. A local prayer group will be facilitating the sessions and all ages are invited. The presentations will be designed to help foster a fuller spiritual life in accordance with the Holy Spirit becoming more active in all aspects of life. For more information, please contact Dell Trahan at (337) 984-6091.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 20 January 2012

Registration soon opening for Cycle 2 of VLCFF LAFAYETTE Registration for Cycle 2 of the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) is scheduled to open on Tuesday, January 10 and close on February 22. Courses within Cycle 2 will be conducted from February 26-March 31, and residents of the Lafayette Diocese may participate at the cost of $40 per course. Successful completion may be applied toward a Certificate in Catechesis, or toward the continuing education hours required by the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools.

Courses being offered during Cycle 2 will include: Collaboration and Community; Evangelization and Discipleship; History of Catholic Social Action, Praying with Children, and Roman Missal. A complete listing of courses for Cycle 2, as well as the other remaining cycles scheduled for 2012, is available through www.vlc.udayton.edu.

Individual course descriptions are also accessible through the site.

For further information on the partnership between the University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiative and the Lafayette Diocese, please contact the Office of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5550.

Monthly Manna comes to a close FRANKLIN With mixed feelings of gratitude and sadness, the South Region Pastoral Council has elected to cease the gatherings known as Monthly Manna. The ecumenical lunchtime speaker series began in February 2005 and has since hosted more than 70 different speakers during its existence.

The last meeting of Monthly Manna was held on December 14 and featured Father Eugene Tremie (Pastor, St. Marcellus Church, Rynella) as the speaker. He focused on the relationship between religion and science, referencing a book by Edward Fischer entitled Everybody Steals From God, which refers to science as revealing the face of God. Father Tremie also mentioned the hope that science and professors of science will come to show a new respect for the faith of young people, rather than trying to deconstruct the foundations of their faith. He noted Antony Flew, a British philosopher born in 1923 who found God after six decades of atheism.

The South Region Pastoral Council would like to extend a special thank-you to all those who have participated in Monthly Manna throughout

During the last gathering of Monthly Manna, Father Gene Tremie (left) took time to visit with local astronomer Francis Todd (right). Father Tremie’s presentation focused on the relationship between religious and science. Photo submitted

by Deacon Gerald Bourg

the last six years. The council also thanks all of the churches that so faithfully supported and promoted the event each month. Last but not least, a thank-you is extended to Al Kuhlman of the Forest Restaurant in Franklin for the free use of his facility to host the gatherings, and to all those who cooked and served the delicious meals.

As one door closes, so another will open. The council is certain that God will direct them to another means of bringing His Word, love and fellowship to the faith-filled community of the Lafayette Diocese’s South Region.

Holy Spirit women’s retreat by Father Richard McAlear, OMI LAFAYETTE Father Richard McAlear, OMI, will preach the annual Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat, January 27-29, 2012, at the Hilton Hotel in Lafayette.

He has a worldwide ministry of preaching and healing and is highly sought after as a retreat

master. Women of all ages are invited to this weekend of spiritual refreshment, healing and inspiration.

Father McAlear will be joined in ministry by Deacon Larry Oney of New Orleans, Marilyn Quirk, foundress of Magnificat and Patti Mansfield, author and international speaker.

Hundreds of women from the Gulf South have been attending this retreat for over twenty years.

It features a chapel with continuous Eucharistic adoration, uplifting music, inspiring teachings, lively worship and warm fellowship.

The Holy Spirit Women’s Retreat is sponsored by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans. For more information and to register visitwww. ccrno.org.Commutersare also welcome.http://www.ccrno.org/ CallCCRNO at (504) 828-1368.

PREPARE/ENRICH training seminar LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese will host a PREPARE/Enrich training seminar from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18 at the Immaculata Center in Lafayette. The seminar is open to all priests, deacons, and lay facilitators who wish to be trained in the utilization of the PREPARE/ENRICH premarital and/or counseling assessment tool. The diocese is working toward the full implementation of this tool to replace the previously used FOCUS model. The training seminar on February 18 does qualify as continuing education, and those who are interested may contact the Office of Marriage & Family for further details and registration information.

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 21

National Black Catholic Congress releases “National Black Catholic Survey”

WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Black Catholic Congress, Inc. (NBCC) released an unprecedented national study of African American Catholics.

The study, commissioned by NBCC in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame’s Institute of Church Life and the Office of the President. Notre Dame social scientists Dr. Darren W. Davis and Dr. Donald B. Pope-Davis coauthored the report.

The NBCC aims to use this survey to better serve African-American Catholics and their religious needs.

The data from the study will be used by the National Black Catho-

lic Congress as it prepares to develop its five-year plan for pastoral priorities at the meeting in Indianapolis July 19-21, 2012. About a thousand participants are expected to attend the national convention.

According to Bishop John H. Ricard, president of NBCC, “The study includes important findings about African American Catholics today. It also provides direction for setting pastoral priorities nationally and also in dioceses and parishes. The survey is a superb resource for improving evangelization efforts.”

“Close to 900 Black Catholics were surveyed which makes this a historic study,” said Dr. Darren

Timeline of key events related to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

A prayer for the canonization of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is seen behind a statue of her July 4 inside St. Peter’s Chapel on the grounds of the shrine dedicated to the 17thcentury Indian maiden. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

By Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) Here is a brief timeline of key events related to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. Pope Benedict XVI cleared the way for her canonization Dec. 19 by approving a miracle attributed to her intercession, but no date has been set for the canonization ceremony.

-- 1656: Born in a village on the Mohawk River near Auriesville, N.Y. Her father was a Mohawk chief and her mother a Christian Algonquin.

-- 1660: Orphaned at age 4 when a smallpox epidemic claimed her parents and her baby brother.

-- 1676: Baptized on Easter at age 20.

-- 1677: Fled to Canada, taking refuge at St. Francis Xavier Mission in the Mohawk Nation at Caughnawaga. Reportedly made

her first Communion on Christmas.

-- 1680: Died at age 24, is buried at Caughnawaga.

-- Late 1800s: American Indians began making appeals to the Catholic Church that she be recognized for her deep spirituality and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. ª 1932: Documentation for her sainthood cause was sent to the Vatican. ª 1939: National Tekakwitha Conference started to promote evangelization among indigenous Catholics who are members of more than 300 tribes and nations in the United States and Canada. ª June 22, 1980: Beatified by Pope John Paul II. ª Dec. 19, 2011: Pope Benedict XVI approves miracle attributed to her intercession.

Davis. “African Americans in general are rarely surveyed and traditionally aren’t studied. This survey is the first of its kind and the largest sampling of African-American Catholics in academic history.”

The survey was conducted July 7, 2011- August 1, 2011, and the report was presented to the NBCC board on November 11, 2011.

The survey compares the religious life of African-American Catholics, white Catholics, African-American Protestants and white Protestants. Areas examined were parish engagement, reasons of faith and satisfaction with the Church.

For additional information, contact Daniel Medinger, NBCC Media Representative, 410-740-5077.

The National Black Catholic Congress, Inc. is an umbrella of support for organizations that share the same purpose of providing spiritual guidance to African-American Roman Catholics. They represent AfricanAmerican Roman Catholics for the purpose of the evangelization of African Americans, and are committed to the freedom and growth of African Americans as full participants in church and society.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 22 January 2012

Father Mesley expresses concern for younger generation

By Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE Concerns for a younger generation which seems to be falling away from the Church were expressed by Father Jerry Mesley at the December 6 meeting of Food for the Journey. Father Mesley is in residence at St. Genevieve Parish, Lafayette, and has served in several parishes in the diocese.

He noted in the scriptures when Christ uses the word “faith,” He is not speaking of dogma but of faith as an experience, as a relationship.

Father Mesley recalled the example of his father who had as he described it, “a quiet faith, reciting the rosary and other prayers privately...He was very private about his faith.”

In contrast, his mother was “more outward, led the family rosary, adding endless special intentions, my brother and I thought ‘when is this going to end?’

“We went to a rural church,” he remembered, “my brother and I knelt on either side of my mother and waited for her to pray.”

In the seminary, Father Mesley said, he began to realize his faith

was “boxed in.” He described the boxes, “God is love, Jesus is our brother, Mary is our mother.

This impedes our relationships, our faith journey, to have Jesus and Mary in a box,” Father Mesley pointed out. “After all, Jesus has no boundaries.”

Looking at current events, he cited a national poll which reported large numbers of fallen-way Catholics, citing such reasons as “the message is stale, pastors are insensitive, too many regulations, people felt unwelcome.

“People are leaving the church,” he said, “because they don’t experience God in your faith. Too many churches are filled with only the older generation. What example are you giving?” he asked his audience at Food for the Journey.

Father Mesley is optimistic that today’s children are open to the faith experience and we should reach out to them by example and proper instruction.

“You must be examples to others,” he emphasized, noting “Catholics who join other churches frequently boast of their new ‘faith experiences.’

Father Jerry Mesley, cenmter, was guest speaker at the December “Food for the Journey” Speakers’ Series at Crowne Plaza in Lafayette. Introducing Father Mesley was Mrs. Mary Bergeron, left, executive assistant to the Central Region Vicar, Father Thomas James, SVD (not pictured). Representing Father James was Father Anderson de Souza, SVD, right.

“We must do the same,” he said, “After all, we have been baptized in Christ, He is already in us. We have a calling to be all He wants us to be.

“Advent is a great time to look at your faith experience, say to Jesus ‘at Your coming I am open for You to work in my life,’” Father Mesley concluded.

Father Mesley was introduced

by Mary Bergeron, executive assistant to Father Thomas James,

S.V.D. vicar for the Central Region which sponsors Food for the Journey. Representing Father James, who was absent, was Father Anderson de Souza, S.V.D., associate pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Lafayette.

Guest speaker for the January 3 Food for the Journey will be Father Kevin Bordelon, director of Vocations, who will be bringing some seminarians as his special guests.

Catholic papers’ deadlines could shift if Postal Service downsizes

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WASHINGTON (CNS) A proposal by the U.S. Postal Service to close more than half of its mail-processing facilities around the nation could mean earlier deadlines for Catholic papers.

Another potential change affecting all mail delivery would be the end of Saturday service. After complaints from 22 senators, though, the Postal Service issued a five-month moratorium on the plans Dec. 13.

The Postal Service has been showing red ink in the billions in recent years.

While some of the losses are the result of changes Congress instituted in 2006 on the agency funding future retirees’ health care benefits in advance, it is possible the Postal Service may not have enough cash on hand sometime in 2012 to meet its payroll. “For Catholic newspapers, if they’ve been targeting Saturday (delivery), they’ll have to target Friday,” said Tony Conway, executive director of the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers.

“There’ll be some sacrifice,” Conway added, but the sacrifices are more palatable than a hike in postage rates. “We think that’s the worst of all possible worlds,” he said.

The changes suggested by the Postal Service, which have yet to be acted on by Congress, would virtually eliminate next-day delivery for first-class mail sent by 5 p.m. “There’s no advantage to being in a big city” if the changes take effect, Conway said. Conway said the Postal Service’s excess capacity is in the processing of first-class mail, which in terms of volume is down close to half from a decade ago, largely because of email and other forms of digital communication, with the volume expected to decline by half again by 2020.

The closing of more than half of its 461 processing plants and the elimination of Saturday mail delivery, proposed earlier, would cut into the Postal Service’s workforce; Conway estimated that 80 percent of the Postal Service’s costs are labor-related.

Acadiana Catholic

OBITUARIES

Zerben H. Bienvenu, Jr., M.D. LAFAYETTE A Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Zerben H. Bienvenu, was concelebrated in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist by Bishop Michael Jarrell and Bishop Glen John Provost of Lake Charles with area clergy as concelebrants.

These included Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor; Msgr. Keith DeRouen, former pastor; Msgr.

Robie Robichaux, judicial vicar, and others.

Bishop Jarrell in his homily noted “He was a good man, and he would want this funeral to be an expression of faith, a reminder of the faith that was at the very core of his being....”a challenge to all of us to put Christ at the center of our lives.”

“He gave so much” Bishop Jarrell continued. “The Church of Lafayette owes much to him, his devotion was inspiring, his generosity, his joy. The bishop concluded, “Rest well, servant of God. We will miss you, remember you, pray for you, rest well.”

Lectors were Robert Bienvenu and Edward Landry. The prayer of the faithful was read by Natalie Bienvenu. Special music was provided by Raymond Hebert and Karen Melancon, vocalists and Tom Niel, organist.

A scripture service on the eve of the funeral was conducted by Mgr. Robichaux.

A native of St. Martinville, Dr. Bienvenu was the son of Zerben Bienvenu Sr. and the former Zoe Hoffman. He attended Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now U. of L.L) and graduated from LSU Medical School. He began practice in Lafayette with Doctors Hamilton, Davis and Breaux. He took leave to serve two years in the Navy during the Korean war.

Returning to Lafayette to join the Hamilton Medical Group.

He also served as chief of staff at Lafayette General Hospital. He left private practice in 1989 to become house physician at Cypress Hospital and also worked with the Tyler Mental Health Clinic and Lafayette Substance Abuse Clinic, retiring in 2001.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1286 for 50 years and an active member of St. John Cathedral

January 2012 Page 23 parish where he was a trustee for 15 years, helped organize and serve as president of the first parish council, served as lector and Eucharist minister along with his wife. He also served as president of the Mount Carmel parents club, was team physician for the Cathedral athletes. He was cofounder of the Acadiana Right to Life organization, served as president and district deputy for the Lafayette Serra Club, officer and committee member for the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.

For all of these activities he was received the Humanitarian Award of the HCA/Columbia; the Service to Mankind award of Sertoma; Acadiana Right to Life cited his work. He was honored by the Catholic Church being made a Knight of St. Gregory by Pope Paul VI. He is survived by his wife of 64 years the former Gertrude Natalie Gauthier; seven children, Philip M. Bievenu, Boulder, Colo.; Rene C. Bienvenu, Lafayette; Natalie G. Bienvenu, Lafayette; Gregory Stephen Bienvenu, MD, Little Rock, Ark; Stephen F. Bienvenu, James C. Bienvenu, MD, both of Lafayette; Robert M. Bienvenu, Baton Rouge; nineteen grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one sister Dr. Charmaine Mamantov, Knoxville, TN. Interment was in the Cathedral cemetery.

Pope to visit Mexico March 23-26, spokesman confirms

By Catholic News Service MEXICO CITY (CNS) A spokesman for the Mexican bishops’ conference confirmed details of Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming visit to Mexico originally published by the newspaper Reforma, which reported the papal visit would occur March 2326.

The spokesman, Father Manuel Corral, stressed that details of the visit “are not official,” although he said the pope would only visit the state of Guanajuato and its environs in west-central Mexico.

Father Corral said specific details of the visit would likely be made public before the end of the year.

Reforma, citing comments from the president of the bishops’ conference, Archbishop Carlos Aguiar Retes of Tlalnepantla, re-

ported that Pope Benedict would celebrate Mass March 25 at the Parque Guanajuato Bicentenario in Silao, near the city of Leon and 220 miles northwest of Mexico City.

Pope Benedict also is expected to visit Cuba during his trip, the first to both countries since he was elected in 2005.

Pope, at audience, encourages parents to teach children to pray

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) If children do not learn to pray from their parents, it will be difficult for them to ever learn to communicate with God naturally, simply and deeply, Pope Benedict XVI said.

“In the family, children from the tenderest age can learn to perceive the sense of God thanks to the teaching and example their parents give of living in the presence of God,” the pope said at his weekly general audience Dec. 28.

Continuing a series of audience talks on prayer, Pope Bene-

dict looked at the Holy Family as a model of family life marked by faith, work and regular moments of prayer together.

“The Holy Family is the icon of the domestic church called to pray together. The family is the domestic church and must be the first school of prayer,” he said.

While the Gospels do not give many details about Jesus’ childhood, he said, the Bible is clear that Mary and Joseph were observant Jews, which means they prayed at regular times throughout the day and before meals.

They went to Jerusalem to present Jesus in the temple when he was 40 days old and journeyed to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.

“An authentically Christian education cannot lack the experience of prayer,” the pope said.

“If one does not learn to pray in the family, it will be difficult to fill this void, so I want to invite you to rediscover the beauty of praying together as a family in the school of the Holy Family of Nazareth and, in that way, to become truly one heart and one soul, a true family.”

Acadiana Catholic

Page 24 January 2012

The myth of “Everyone Else”

By Roy Petitfils

One evening last week my wife, Mindi, was frantically searching for a “paper” that needed to be signed and returned to school with our 1st grade son Max. After an exasperated, resigned sigh, she said “Why can’t we get it together? What’s wrong with us? It seems like everyone else has it all together except us.”

“I hear ya.” I said. “I feel that way too–a lot. But I know for a fact that everybody doesn’t have it all together.”

Despite well maintained homes, vehicles, clothing, shiny credit cards, trendy Christmas cards, the latest in Halloween décor, and the smiles no one has it all together. The reality is that on any given day most people…. …feel stuck in the quicksand of grief watching life pass them by *…put their lives on hold in order to take care of a sick relative. *…watch urgent items on their “to do” list fall through the cracks because life served them up something critical which demanded all their attention. *…worry they are not doing enough,

saying the right things or doing too much for their kids. *…feel as though they should be doing something more meaningful, “purpose driven” with their lives. *…regret not spending enough time with or saying I love you enough to a loved one before they died. *…live beyond their means *…get behind on their taxes. *…regret making poor decisions. *…sleep, eat, drink, spend, talk, surf, play too much. *…pray too little, not well enough. *…put off important things to play with their kids. *…put off their kids to get important things done. *…feel a mixture of guilt and anxiety about both of the previous two. *…don’t exercise—or at least as often as they should. *…don’t follow their doctor’s, therapist’s advice. *…feel that they’re not getting anything out of Mass. *…believe everyone’s holier than they. *…wish their kids would eat their vegetables. *…wish they ate their vegetables. *…see the connection between the previous two but don’t feel like doing anything about it.

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*…have messy houses which they scramble to clean (throw stuff in closets and under beds) or have cleaned before guests arrive. *…put off visiting our sick or aging relative. *…don’t go to the graveyard. *…don’t visit relatives or friends in the nursing home. *…forget to send thank you notes. *…have to borrow money from relatives, friends and institutions. *…have had days when they don’t want to get out of bed. *…wonder if God hears their prayers. *…wonder if God cares.

St. Paul said it best: we all fall somewhere short of God’s glory. This isn’t a pass to be a “slacker”, but does help to explain why no one has nor ever will have it all together. It invites us to trust a God who dwells within and among us who does hold it all together. It points to the counterintuitive love of a God who cares more about being together with us than us holding it together for him.

Prayer: God, give us the grace to allow you to be the Lord of the Messiness and Untogetherness of our Lives. Amen.

Roy Petitfils is a speaker, author and counselor practicing at Pax Renewal Center in Lafayette, LA. Contact him at roypetitfils@yahoo.com.

The Family Tree receives grant from the Junior League of Lafayette LAFAYETTE The Junior League of Lafayette recently selected The Family Tree to receive a $5,000 grant to support the organization’s Parenting through the Arts workshops in partnership with The Compound.

The workshops will provide parentinghealth education through cultural arts to The Family Tree’s Healthy Start participants and their children, as well as mothers and children in the community.

Parenting through the Arts is a 12 month project designed to provide a service to a population that may not otherwise have the means to participate in an arts program.

The grant from the Junior League of Lafayette will provide a cultural experience and parenting education for approximately 50 women with children (birth to 12 years). “The arts are such an important component of

our culture. Through this program, mothers will have an opportunity to creatively express themselves and model this behavior for their children leading to self-growth and deeper bonding,” stated Dr. Jessica Baudoin, Chief Executive Officer of The Family Tree. All workshops will focus on personal storytelling with an emphasis on building self-esteem and personal character.

Dates and times for the workshops will be released in early 2012.

The Family Tree is a nonprofit center designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, youth and future generations through education, counseling and information services that are delivered in a professional, accessible and compassionate manner.

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 25

Acadiana Catholic

Page 26 January 2012

Three seminarians admitted to candidacy for Holy Orders

LAFAYETTE Three seminarians were admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders in a ceremony at Immaculata Chapel, Diocese of Lafayette, on December 20, 2011. Bishop Michael Jarrell conferred Candidacy on Andre Robert Metrejean, Mark Hugh Miley, and Garrett Brian Savoie.

Metrejean and Savoie are in Third Theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and Miley is in Third Theology at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin.

Incomplete Seminary Burses Your Contributions Help Educate Future Priests MAX HARRINGTON is the son of Mr. and Mrs. David Harrington.

He is presently serving his pastoral year. He is sponsored by Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette.

Mark Miley

MATTHEW HEBERT, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hebert, is in his third college year at St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La. He is sponsored

by St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville.

QUINN HEBERT, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Hebert is in his first college year at St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La..

He is sponsored by Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette.

Andre Metrejean

Garrett Savoie

SAL ISTRE is the son of Mr. Miguel Alejandro Alcocer and Mrs. Linnea Christine Istre. He is in his first college year at St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La. He is sponsored

by Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette.

ALEX LeBLANC, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven C. LeBlanc, is in his first college year at St. Joseph Seminary College, St. Benedict, La. He is sponsored by St. Theresa Church, Abbeville.

Photos by Paul Kieu, photo of Alex LeBlanc furnished

219 Msgr. Wm. J. Teurlings Burse #1 13,417.00 236 John E. Lee Jr. Burse 9,324.60 239 St. Joseph Burse 9,076.48 242 Lee C. Lavergne Burse 7,079.73 244 Rev. Julian Van Exem Burse #2 12,524.06 248 Msgr. Alphonsus Martel Burse 11,000.00 253 Serra Club Burse 15,534.49 254 Rusty Randol Burse 1,742.76 260 St. Theresa Burse #2 5,697.46 266 Paul and Mary Karre Burse 2,105.00 268 M/M Willie Fournet Burse #2 570.65 271 Msgr. Joseph Van Brero Burse 710.00 272 Msgr. P. Alexandre Borel Burse 1,625.00 274 Msgr. Emery Labbe Burse 6,310.00 278 Msgr. Daniel Bernard Burse 3,674.64 281 Rev. Harry Van Tiel Family Burse 3,969.00 283 Noemie L. Petitijean Burse 2,000.00 284 Msgr. Daniel Habetz Burse 6,590.00 286 P.J. Reiners Burse #2 9,500.00 288 Rev. Oscar Drapeau Burse 2,000.00 290 Rev. P.G.J. Kemps Burse 1,000.00 291 Lucille M. Griffin Memorial Burse 5,000.00 292 Anonymous Burse 10,470.00 293 Msgr. Fernand Gouaux Burse 4,770.00 294 Robert A. Frey Memorial Burse 7,360.00 297 “A Priest” Burse #2 7,400.00 308 Harold/Ruby Moreau Family Memorial Burse 5,000.00 309 Libby Holcombre Memorial Burse 2,000.00 318 Msgr. Marcel Murie 5,260.00 319 Rev. Marcel & Alfred Gaudet #5 1,942.80 322 Rev. Jean Fidele Paradis #2 5,000.00 323 Charlene Richard 3,030.00 326 Fr. Raphael Gauthier #2 3,757.17 327 Msgr. Albert Bacque #2 325.00 330 Rev. Verbis Lafleur #3 100.00 332 Ben & Louisa Larriviere #2 3,750.00 337 Colonel, Chaplain Kenneth A. Bienvenu, USAF, Burse #2 14,814.99 340 Rev. James Doiron 2,272.17 346 Msgr. Alexander O. Sigur Memorial 2,250.00 348 Rev. J. Wilson Matt & Mire Families 450.00 351 Rev. Alcide Sonnier Burse #2 11,300.00 352 St. Edmond Church Parish (In memory of Frs. Dowling & Murray, SM) 9,000.00 354 Catholic Daughters #3 10,200.63 355 Gabriel Lucas Seminary Memorial Fund (Morse) 15,194.21 356 Mrs. Louise L. White Memorial Fund 10,110.00 358 Therese Esteves #5 7,516.49 359 St. Peter’s Parish – New Iberia 10,422.35 363 Ramona Crosby Bennerfield Burse 2,155.52 364 St. Jude Burse #2 8,030.00 366 A. Otis and Etta B. Hebert Memorial Burse 5,000.00 367 Bishop Edward J. O’Donnell Burse 3,545.00 368 Rev. J.C. Speyrer Burse 10,000.00 370 Msgr. C. Burton Mouton Burse 10,700.00 375 Msgr. Charles Marin 100.00 376 Bishop Jeanmard Burse 5,464.00 377 Marie Louise Franques Kenneth N. LaCaze Burse 3,000.00 378 Bishop Gerard L. Frey Memorial Burse 12,522.00 379 Rev. Moise Hebert #2 3,403.61 380 Lay Honorees #7 3,974.50 381 In memory of Mrs. Dorphi Duhon 2,181.50 382 Anonymous 11,000 383 James Kerney Bourque Memorial Burse 3,930.00 384 Bishop Schexnayder Mem. Vurse #3 940.19 385 Rev. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse 3,200.00 386 Coignard/Gremillion Burse #2 2,000.00 387 In memory of Mr. & Mrs. Scranton Mouton 3,000.00 DECEMBER DONORS 283 Georgie M. Petitjean 330 Carrol/Richard Lafleur 386 Charles Coignard

1,000.00 100.00 500.00

Acadiana Catholic

FAITH At St. Francis School in Iota, Advent is recognized each morning when a student lights a candle on the Advent wreath. Advent prayers are recited, followed by mornings prayers in which the entire student body participates. With Advent being the season to prepare for Jesus’ birth, this is truly a time for all to examine their lives and actions. Photo submitted by St. Francis School

by Stephanie R. Martin The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools would like to invite everyone to join them in recognizing the attributes of Catholic eduction through the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week. This year, Catholic schools throughout the nation will participate in the celebration during the week of January 29-February 5, 2012.

The theme of the celebration honors three elements that are strongly embraced by Catholic education: Faith, Academics, Service.

According to the website for the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), “the theme focuses on three priorities that Catholic schools establish that make them stand out from other educational in-

January 2012 Page 27

SERVICE Opelousas Catholic School sophomores recently participated in a parish cleanup on the grounds at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church as part of their Journey with Jesus program. Each high school class at OCS adopted a Catholic church parish within Opelousas to serve.

Photo submitted by Opelousas Catholic School.

ACADEMICS Students at Trinity Catholic School in St. Martinville take advantage of the school’s library facilities. Photo submitted by Trinity Catholic School

stitutions. Children are taught faith--not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God; academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential; and service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship. In honor of this theme, the Acadiana Catholic is pleased to showcase a sampling of faith, academics, and service in action among the Catholic schools of the diocese.

SERVICE The Honor Society of St. Genevieve School in Lafayette recently held a coat drive in conjunction with its annual Christmas dance. Students were asked to bring a coat from home that was gently used or outgrown as their admission into the dance. All of the coats collected were donated to the Coats for Kids drive. Photo submitted by St. Genevieve School

FAITH In an annual tradition at Cathedral-Carmel School in Lafayette, students participate in the sacredness of the May Crowning. Photo submitted by Cathedral-Carmel School

ACADEMICS (At Left) Junior high students at Carencro Catholic School enhanced inclassroom learning with an immersive overnight field study to NASA and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Participating students are pictured with a rocket booster at NASA’s Space Center Houston. Photo submitted by Carencro Catholic School

Page 28 January 2012

FAITH At Maltrait Memorial School in Kaplan, parents created unique stations designed to help the students learn more about patron saints. Pictured above is one parent representing St. Elizabeth, patron saint of bakers. Other saints who were represented during this activity included St. Brendan (sailors) and St. Appollonia (dentists). Photo submitted by Maltrait Memorial School

Acadiana Catholic

SERVICE In Franklin, seniors from Hanson Memorial High School’s Touch Class visited the nursing home to deliver Christmas wreaths to the residents. The school’s seniors adopted residents for the holiday season, visiting them weekly, decorating their doors, and raising money to purchase Christmas gifts for them. Photo submitted by Hanson Memorial High School

Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated nationwide from January 29-February 5, 2012.

SERVICE Interact Club students at Ville Platte’s Sacred Heart High School work together to sponsor a monthly BINGO event at the local nursing home. In addition to providing refreshments and monetary prizes, most of the students also l“buddy-up” with the residents to assist them with BINGO while they visit. Photo submitted by Sacred Heart High School

ACADEMICS With the help of the Education Excellence Fund, St. Ignatius School in Grand Coteau is moving through the 21st century with unsurpassed technology. Promethean Boards are in all classrooms Prek–8th grades with student response systems. Prek–2nd classes have I-Touches and grades 4th–8th have a 1:1 computer/student ratio. Photo submitted by St. Ignatius School

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 29

Page 30 January 2012

FAITH One of the most beautiful times at St. Edward School in New Iberia is Friday Mass, when students lift their precious voices in worship and praise. They continue to grow in their faith formation by serving the Lord, carrying the gifts, reading, as altar servers, liturgical dancers and music ministers. Photo submitted by St. Edward School

There are nearly 7,000 Catholic schools in the U.S., with more than 2 million students.

FAITH In Lafayette, senior ministers of St. Thomas More High School will administer the Eucharist to patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. In addition, as part of their service project, these seniors will volunteer to help with clerical work at the St. Bernadette Clinic. Photo submitted by St. Thomas More High School

Acadiana Catholic

SERVICE In December, girls from Grand Coteau’s Academy of the Sacred Heart 7th grade class participated in a service project with the Cerebral Palsy Clinic of Opelousas. The girls sang carols and performed a fun holiday skit at the clinic’s Christmas party and also learned about careers in the fields of occupational and physical therapy. Photo submitted by the Schools of the Sacred Heart

ACADEMICS (Left) Students get a jump start on college careers at Teurlings Catholic in Lafayette by earning college credit while still in high school. Eligible students can graduate with as many as 27 hours of college credit at Louisiana Tech and South Louisiana Community College.

Teurlings Catholic has the state’s largest dual enrollment program. Photo submitted by Teurlings Catholic School

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 31

FAITH In Abbeville, Vermilion Catholic practice their faith in and out of the classroom setting.

Pictured above is Coach Trev Faulk along with players and fans as they bow their heads in prayer following a play-off game. It is tradition at VC to gather in the middle of the football field and join in prayer following football games. Photo submitted by Vermilion Catholic School

At the college level, 234 Catholic institutions enroll more than 700,000 students

ACADEMICS As a SACS accredited school, St. Michael’s in Crowley strives to provide an academic education of the highest quality for its students. Through active learning techniques that include critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills, students will be prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of a changing society in the light of Christ’s teaching. Photo submitted by St. Michael School

Enrollment continues on a downward trend for U.S. Catholic elementary and high schools, while Catholic colleges and universities are taking in more students.

(CNS graphic/Emily Thompson)

SERVICE As part of their community service project, 4-H Club members at St. Francis School in Iota met to help with cleaning of local graves. Preparing for All Saints’ Day, they placed flowers on forgotten graves, removed faded flowers, and pulled grass along the edges of the graves. Members stopped to say a prayer by each gravesite. Photo submitted

by St. Francis School

ACADEMICS A kindergarten student in Mrs. Courville’s class at Rayne Catholic demonstrates a Promethean Board lesson to parents. The integration of technology into the Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms has enhanced our academic program. Photo submitted by Rayne Catholic School

Acadiana Catholic

Page 32 January 2012

FAITH In Ville Platte, Sacred Heart Elementary students take a break from their classroom activities to offer prayers. Our commitment to our faith begins every day and the beginning of each class with prayer. Photo submitted by Sacred Heart School

SERVICE Sophomore Rebels share holiday happiness as they gather at school to cook and prepare, package and deliver a Thanksgiving Day feast to others less fortunate. Deliveries are made from Teurlings Catholic in Lafayette to area apartment dwellings for the elderly & handicapped, and churches. Food supplies are shared with St. Joseph’s Diner. Photo submitted by Teurlings Catholic School

ACADEMICS At Cathedral-Carmel School in Lafayette, each grade level from PreK-8th interacts and learns with state-of-the-art technology. Photo submitted by Cathedral-Carmel School

ACADEMICS Students at Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School enjoyed taking a recent science experiment to new heights. The objective of this 6th grade experiment was to determine how many planners they could stack on a paper cylinder before it collapsed. Photo submitted by Sts. LeoSeton School

ACADEMICS In Lafayette, Holy Family School’s newly formed 7th grade class participates in the Accelerated Reading program. The curriculum for the 7th grade is advanced with high expectations that will assist the students in advancing to high school.

Photo submitted by Holy Family School

The Lafayette Diocese proudly supports a total of 34 Catholic schools throughout Acadiana.

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 33 S T A T E M E N T O F

ADMISSION POLICY SCHOOLS OF THE DIOCESE OF LAFAYETTE

SERVICE Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School’s 4-H Club collected canned goods from students and provided over 20 families in the Scott community with ingredients for Thanksgiving meals. Photo submitted by Avin Domingue, 4-H Reporter

Catholic Schools Week Jan. 29-Feb. 5, 2012

The Diocese of Lafayette, the Diocesan Schools Advisory Council, and the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools reiterate their policy of nondiscrimination in admission to the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Lafayette.

There is to be no discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in accepting applications for student admissions, as well as in the administration of educational policies, of scholarship and loan programs, and of athletic and extracurricular programs.

This policy applies to all schools under diocesan auspices.

ACADIA PARISH 9-12 Notre Dame Pre-K – 8 Our Mother of Peace Pre-K – 8 Rayne Catholic Pre-K – 8 Redemptorist Pre-K – 8 St. Francis Pre-K – 8 St. Michael EVANGELINE PARISH K-12 Sacred Heart

FAITH The St. John Elementary third graders portrayed the saints on the Feast of All Saints at Church of the Assumption in Franklin. Elijah Fitch is pictured as St. Thomas the Apostle. Photo submitted

by St. John Elementary School

SERVICE Maltrait Memorial 4-H Members serviced the needy of our community with Food Drive collections. Pictured above are club members Ethan Zaunbrecher, Kaitlyn Bertrand, Lori Lange, Wyatt Broussard, Aimee’ Bourque, Mary Margaret Meaux, Jessica Jarred, Zanesia Bernard, and Bella Doucet. Photo submitted by Maltrait Memorial School

SERVICE At St. Ignatius School in Grand Coteau, we strive to teach our students that “giving is more gratifying than receiving” by participating in various non-profit organizations.

One of our service projects this year is raising money for the Dreams Come True Organization. Baked goods were sold to students after lunch. Photo submitted by St. Ignatius School

IBERIA PARISH 4-12 Catholic High Pre-K – 3 St. Edward LAFAYETTE PARISH Pre-K – 8 Carencro Catholic Pre-K – 8 Cathedral-Carmel Pre-K – 7 Holy Family Pre-K – 8 Immaculate Heart of Mary Pre-K – 8 Our Lady of Fatima Pre-K – 8 St. Pius Pre-K – 8 St. Cecilia Pre-K – 8 St. Genevieve Pre-K – 8 Sts. Leo-Seton 9-12 St. Thomas More 9-12 Teurlings Catholic Nursery – Pre-K St. Mary Early Learning Center Pre-K – 6 Sts. Peter & Paul

ST. LANDRY PARISH Pre-K – 12 Schools of the Sacred Heart K-12 Opelousas Catholic Pre-K – 12 St. Edmund Pre-K – 8 St. Ignatius ST. MARTIN PARISH Pre-K – 8 St. Bernard Pre-K – 8 Trinity Catholic ST. MARY PARISH 6-12 Hanson Memorial Pre-K – 5 St. John VERMILION PARISH Pre-K– 8 – Maltrait Memorial K-8 Mt. Carmel Pre-K – 8 St. Peter 9-12 Vermilion Catholic

Most Rev. Michael Jarrell Bishop, Diocese of Lafayette Greg Landry President, Diocesan Schools Advisory Council Anna Larriviere Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Acadiana Catholic

Page 34 January 2012

FAITH Students, Faculty and Parents at Hanson Memorial High school gathered together at the Grotto to pray the rosary. Photo submitted by Hanson Memorial High School SERVICE Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School 7th graders partnered with LARC for their annual community service project. During a monthly visit to the LARC facility, students (L/R) Tyler Bruno, Hunter Mouton, Logan Guillory, Morgan Dohmann and Gabbi Castille priced creative Treasures merchandise to sell in the Acadian Village General Store.

FAITH In St. Martinville, Trinity Catholic students dressed like saints for All Saints’ Day. Photo submitted by Trinity Catholic School

ACADEMICS At Berchmans Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, boys are challenged with academics that are taken outside of the textbooks and outside of the classroom.

Here, a math lesson comes to life as Prep students tried their hands at archery, involving calculations of arc and distance. Photo submitted by the Schools of the Sacred Heart

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Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 35

Last year in the United States, Catholic schools were responsible for the education of 2,065,872 students throughout the country.

SERVICE Following the school’s annual Thanksgiving food drive, members of the Holy Family School’s student council delivered food for the poor to St. Joseph’s Diner in Lafayette.

The entire student body participated by bringing in food during the drive. Photo submitted by Holy Family School

In the Lafayette Diocese, a total of 14,854 students were enrolled for the 2010-2011 academic year.

SERVICE In Abbeville, Vermilion Catholic students dressed in VC aprons provided service to their school by serving the attendees at the 2nd Annual VC Scholarship Dinner. Each table had its own friendly waiter/waitress for the evening. Shown carrying plates out of the kitchen are Caleb Zaunbrecher and Mark Laporte. Photo submitted by Vermilion Catholic School

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Acadiana Catholic

Page 36 January 2012

ACADEMICS In Franklin, St. John Elementary fifth grade student Aleksandra Adams has read over 3,000,000 words in Accelerated Reader books this academic year.

Congratulations, Allee! Photo submitted

by St. John Elementary School

FAITH Carencro Catholic School recognized All Saints’ Day with a school procession to St. Peter Church for the celebration of Holy Mass. Students dressed as their favorite saint as a reminder of the sacrifices it takes to become a saint in heaven. Photo submitted by Carencro Catholic School

ACADEMICS Opelousas Catholic School English V seniors are pictured focusing on the class Promethean Board as they work with their new laptops this year as part of the school’s inaugural VTEC program.

They use these laptops for their daily lessons, taking notes and surfing the web.

Photo submitted by Opelousas Catholic School

FAITH Education at St. Michael School in Crowley is steeped with teachings in faith and morals, inspiring students to live as Jesus commanded. The school strives to instill in its students a lifelong commitment to the hallmark of a St. Michael education–Faith, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service. Photo submitted by St. Michael School

ACADEMICS The faculty at Mt. Carmel demonstrate their talents by using the new Promethean boards that have been placed in their classrooms. Students have responded to these new boards in a very positive way. The boards have helped the teachers work in a more efficient setting and has also helped the students attain a better view of each subject. Photo submitted by Mt. Carmel School

A Tradition In Excellence since 1967

FAITH While on retreat, juniors at Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish participated in a bonding exercise, solidifying their commitment to class unity. Photo submitted by Notre Dame High School

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 37

St. Edmund seventh-grader advances to Eagle Scout

ACADEMICS St. Thomas More is the first co-ed high school in the Lafayette area to provide a one-toone laptop program. Every teacher and student works on a Fujitsu tablet for continuous use both in the classroom and at home. STM principal, Dr. Audrey Menard says, “with our one-to-one tablet program and the infrastructure to support it now in place, our students will have the world in their hands. We will no longer be limited to a curriculum defined by the textbook. We will be able to offer a truly 21st century education taking advantage of the unlimited resources now available.” Photo submitted by St. Thomas More High School

EUNICE John Hull, a 7th grader at St. Edmund High School in Eunice and member of Troop 425 recently received the rank of Eagle from the Boy Scouts of America.

He began Scouting as a Tiger Cub and worked his way through scouting, earning his Arrow of Light. He then proceeded through the Boy Scouts ranks of Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life and now Eagle.

Hull has held leadership positions such as chaplain’s aide, den chief, patrol leader and senior patrol leader. He has already earned enough badges to qualify for the Bronze, Gold and Silver Arrow Award.

He has spent countless hours of community service as well as service to the local Boy Scouts.

John has recently joined Venture Crew 425, a co-ed 14 – 21 year old high adventure program also through the Boy Scouts and has earned the Bronze and Ranger Award.

Hull has been the recipient of the Young Christian Award every year that he has attended St. Edmund and is also an all-star baseball player who enjoys fishing and hunting.

Statistics prove that Catholic high schools have a 99.1% graduation rate.

From the left, St. Edmund teacher Rikki Martin and Eagle Scout John Hull. Photo submitted by St. Edmund Catholic School

Tasters’ dinner & auction at OC OPELOUSAS Opelousas Catholic School will hold its 13th annual Tasters’ Dinner, Auction and Culinary Competition on Wednesday, February 8 at the Opelousas Civic Center (located off the Creswell Lane Extension). Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., and several area chefs will share their delicious dishes in a friendly “people’s choice” competition.

A silent auction will present a variety of unique offers, while a live auction is also on the agenda. Tickets are available in the O.C. Development Office, Piggly Wiggly on Heather Drive, St. Landry Homestead Bank, and Bodemuller the Printer; the cost is $30 per person. For further information, please contact the school’s development office at (337) 942-5404, ext. 105.

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Pope says teaching young about human dignity promotes peace, justice

by Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) When young people recognize the dignity and beauty of every human life, including their own, and are supported in their natural desire to make the world a better place, they become agents of justice and peace in the world, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Peace and justice are built on “a profound respect for every human being and helping others to live a life consonant with this supreme dignity,” the pope said in his message for the World Day of Peace 2012. The Catholic Church celebrated World Peace Day on January 1, but the pope’s message for the occasion was released on December 16 at the Vatican. It was sent through Vatican ambassadors to the leaders of nations around the world.

The theme the pope chose for the 2012 celebration was “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace.”

He asked parents and teachers to be more attentive to the hopes and fears of young people today and to their search for true values, and asked governments to put more resources into education and job creation. The pope also asked young people themselves to take their schooling seriously and to be open to the example and knowledge their elders have to share. He asked them “to be patient and persevering in seeking justice and peace, in cultivating the taste for what is just and true, even when it involves sacrifice and swimming against the tide.”

Adults have a serious responsibility to help the young fulfill

their potential, not just by sharing information with them, but by being examples of what it means to live lives marked by the joy of faith, charity, and respect for others, he related.

“Today more than ever we need authentic witnesses, and not simply people who parcel out rules and facts. We need witnesses capable of seeing farther than others because their life is so much broader,” the pope said.

Educating people in justice and peace begins in the family, where they learn to value the gift of life, solidarity, respect for rules, forgiveness, and hospitality.

Too many young people today are missing that basic human formation because “we are living in a world where families, and life itself, are constantly threatened and not infrequently fragmented.”

Presenting the message at a Vatican news conference, Cardinal Peter Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, said the pope’s message highlights the fact that he sees young people not only as hope for the future, but as “an active part, the most vital part of the human family” in a world that needs energy and new ideas now.

Bishop Mario Toso, secretary of the justice and peace council, said the young people who energized the Arab Spring movements toward democracy this year illustrate the fact that the young have a positive role to play in society today. They proclaimed to the world that “there can be social justice in their societies if there is democracy and, vice versa, that if there is democracy, there can be social justice,”

“In order to be true peacemakers, we must educate ourselves in compassion, solidarity, working together, fraternity, in being active within the community and concerned to raise awareness about national and international issues and the importance of seeking adequate mechanisms for the redistribution of wealth, the promotion of growth, cooperation for development and conflict resolution.”

Pope Benedict appealed to parents to give their children “the most precious of treasures,” which is the gift of their time.

The pope also urged governments to make it possible for parents to choose the type of education they want their children to receive and to enact immigration reforms aimed at “reuniting families separated by the need to earn a living.”

he said.

The heart of the pope’s message focused on what he called the “integral formation of the person, including the moral and

spiritual dimension. . .Man is a being who bears within his heart a thirst for truth—a truth which is not partial, but capable of explaining life’s meaning—since he was created in the image and likeness of God,” the pope wrote in his message.

Acknowledging God as creator leads to recognizing “one’s own profound dignity and the inviolability of every single person,” Pope Benedict said. Based on that dignity, people come to understand that there are certain things that always are either right or wrong. “Deep within his conscience, man discovers a law that he did not lay upon himself, but which he must obey. Its voice calls him to love and do what is good, to avoid evil and to take responsibility for the good he does and the evil he commits.”

Pope Benedict said peace is not simply a gift to be received from God; it is a task people of good will must undertake.

“In order to be true peacemakers, we must educate ourselves in compassion, solidarity, working together, fraternity, in being active within the community and concerned to raise awareness about national and international issues and the importance of seeking adequate mechanisms for the redistribution of wealth, the promotion of growth, cooperation for development and conflict resolution.”

FAITH Redemptorist Catholic School is pleased to announce a new school club. Raider Athletes for Christ (RAC) is a club for athletes to practice their faith and share the Gospel of Christ through sports. The club’s mission is to build the kingdom of Christ through athletics by inspiring athletes to share the Gospel of Christ. Club Sponsors are: Mrs. Tonya Nolan (8th Grade Teacher) & Ms. Christy Olivier (PE Coach/Religion Teacher) Pictured are the RAC Officers: Captain- Damon Guidry, Co-Captain- Michael Thibodeaux, Sports Analyst- Abbie Simon, Team Publicist- Luke Stutes, Financial Advisor- Tabitha Leonards, and Team Publicist- Mallorie LeBoeuf. Photo submitted by Redemptorist Catholic School

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A PRAYER FOR OUR SCHOOL God, our Father and Creator, be with us in our school.

Help us to treasure your gift of life and treat one another with care.

Let us always remember that we are all created in your image.

John Angotti to appear in Opelousas

A PRAYER FOR CHILDREN & TEACHERS God of life and love, Open my heart and mind to the abundance of your blessings.

Open my eyes to your presence among us.

Open my ears to the sound of your voice.

Open my hands so I can serve others.

Open my mind to learning and knowledge.

Open my imagination so I can grow in wisdom and joy.

Open my heart so I can grow in faith, Help me to respond to the gift of your love.

Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus, and be with us in our school.

Guide our teachers, guide our parents, and lead our students to recognize you in all people.

Come, Holy Spirit, and be with us in our school.

Give us a vision for the future, and the determination for shaping a faith-filled future.

Amen.

SERVICE U.S. Navy Veteran and member of the Crowley VFW Post 6720, Mr. Charles J. Spaetgens, taught Redemptorist Catholic School Student Council members how to raise the American Flag & fold it properly. Mr. Spaetgens shared with them his appreciation and respect for the American Flag. This was a very important lesson for these students because it will help them with their new responsibility of raising the flag each morning and putting it away each afternoon. Photo submitted by Redemptorist Catholic School

OPELOUSAS Opelousas Catholic School will host a special performance for internationally known Christian music artist John Angotti as a part of its Catholic Schools Week festivities. Angotti will perform and speak at the school on Monday and Tuesday, January 30 and 31, from 1:152:30 p.m. inside the school’s gym.

To accommodate the community, St. Landry Catholic Church will host Angotti on these Monday and Tuesday evenings following 6:30 p.m.

Mass. The program will be entitled “Believe, Belong and Make a Difference.”

Opelousas Catholic School will also host a faith rally and concert with Angotti for its students on Wednesday, February 1. That evening, there will be a community concert with Angotti in the Opelousas Catholic School gym. All are invited to attend.

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Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 41

Page 42 January 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 43

READ MORE ABOUT IT: Matthew 2 Q&A

1. What three gifts did the Magi give to Jesus?

2. Why did Joseph take Mary and Jesus to Egypt?

BIBLE ACCENT:

The readings from the Scriptures during Mass are planned over three years, called cycles A, B and C. Over these three years, much of the Bible is read. There are readings from the Old Testament, the New Testament and one of the Gospels, and very often a psalm. The Gospel is read by either a priest or a deacon, and the other Scriptures are usually read by a volunteer called a lector.

The church year is the basis of the readings and is planned around the celebration or remembrance of important events in the life of Jesus Christ, and divided into periods of time called seasons.

These seasons are Advent (leading up to Christmas), Christmas, Lent (leading up to Easter), the Easter triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday), Easter and Ordinary Time. The year begins with Advent and the last Sunday of the year is the feast of Christ the King.

St. Adrian

PUZZLE:

Circle the name or word that makes Adrian (d. 710), who had been born in Africa, rose to the position of abbot of Nerida, the following statements true. Some near Naples, Italy. After the death of the Archbishop of Canterbury in England, Pope St. hints have been provided: Vitalian wanted Adrian to become archbishop, but he said no. He said that St. Theodore 1. The first book of the New Testament. should become archbishop, and Adrian agreed to be Theodore’s assistant and adviser.

(Genesis, Matthew) Theodore made Adrian abbot of the monastery of Sts. Peter and Paul in Canterbury, where he taught languages and set an example of a holy life. Adrian’s reputation as a 2. Number of Gospels. (seven, four) man of God and as a teacher attracted some of the finest students from the European 3. Peter's occupation. (fisherman, carpenter) continent. We honor him Jan. 9.

4. City where Jesus was born. (Jerusalem, Bethlehem; see Luke 2)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

5. Last book of the Old Testament.

(Malachi, Isaiah) 6. Earthly father of Jesus. (John, Joseph; see Matthew 1) 7. The apostle who betrayed Jesus.

(James, Judas)

COLOR ME

Answers: 1. Genesis, 2. four, 3. fisherman, 4.

Bethlehem, 5. Malachi, 6. Joseph, 7. Judas.

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Share your thoughts on this week’s Bible story with family and friends by writing an essay in response to this question:

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Page 44 January 2012

Cardinal Foley remembered as friend to Catholic press around the world

By Catholic News Service PHILADELPHIA (CNS) U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley, longtime Catholic journalist and advocate of Catholic communication, was being fondly remembered after his Dec. 11 death as a friend to the Catholic press around the world.

The cardinal, a Philadelphia native, was residing at Villa St. Joseph in Darby, the home for retired Philadelphia archdiocesan priests, when he died of leukemia at age 76.

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia described Cardinal Foley as “a man of great apostolic energy” and said anyone who met him “was immediately aware of his intense love for the church and his zeal for communicating the Gospel.”

“By the sheer force of his personality, he drew people to the faith and to himself,” he said, adding that the cardinal’s “charisma and gentle spirit will be sorely missed throughout the universal church.”

Cardinal Foley was known for his many different roles: editor of Philadelphia’s archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Standard & Times, 1970-1984; head of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, 1984 to 2007; and most recently, grand master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, a chivalric organization dedicated to supporting the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and to responding to the needs of Catholics in the Holy Land.

To many, he was known as the Vatican’s “Voice of Christmas” in his role as English-language commentator for the pope’s mid-

night Mass for 25 years.

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien, apostolic administrator of Baltimore, similarly praised the cardinal’s work, saying he has “long been regarded as the patriarch of the American Catholic press.”

The archbishop said Cardinal Foley’s “professionalism and integrity was universally respected among his peers. For members of the press and for the English-speaking public around the world, in press conferences and radio and television commentaries, he was a gifted evangelizer, explaining Catholic teaching and practice clearly and thoroughly and often with a self-deprecating humor.”

Archbishop O’Brien, who was recently appointed pro-grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusa-

lem, praised the cardinal’s work with that organization, noting that it grew significantly under his leadership because of his “devoted commitment to the church in the Holy Land and his constant travel.”

He also noted the cardinal’s love for the priesthood and said he faced “impending death with remarkable serenity.”

The cardinal stressed the importance of the Catholic press, saying it “continues to have a very important role to play in the work of the church in North America today.”

“Like the crucifix above the bed in every Catholic home, a Catholic publication in the living room or the family room is a continuing reminder of our identity as Catholics,” he said.

Tony Spence, director and

U.S. Cardinal John P. Foley sits among other cardinals after receiving his red biretta from Pope Benedict XVI during a consistory in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican in this Nov. 24, 2007, file photo. Cardinal Foley, a dean of the Catholic press in the United States, died Dec. 11 in Darby, Pa., after a battle with leukemia. He was 76. Cardinal Foley spent more than two decades leading the church’s social communications council and later worked for the church in the Middle East. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

editor-in-chief of Catholic News Service, said there was “no greater friend or advocate for” CNS than Cardinal Foley, who was always “a champion of professional church news service and, indeed, of a professional Catholic press.”

Msgr. Philip Cribben, also a seminary classmate and lifelong friend, described the cardinal as someone who “never took himself seriously. He was genuinely humble, even recently in the face of death. He was a brilliant man and a man of great faith.”

Paula D’Arcy to appear in Lafayette LAFAYETTE The Friends of Rox Richard and Crossroads Catholic Bookstore are pleased to announce that Paula D’Arcy will be visiting in two Lafayette appearances scheduled for late January.

On Thursday, January 26, Ms. D’Arcy will be at Crossroads Bookstore for a book signing and brief presentation from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Several of Ms. D’Arcy’s books will be available for purchase, and individuals are welcome to bring their own copies for her to sign.

On Friday, January 27, Holy Cross Church in Lafayette will also host Ms. D’Arcy as she delivers her presentation entitled “How We Love.” The presentation is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m., and further information is available by contacting Maggie Baudoin at (337) 988-3755.

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January 2012 Page 45

St. Edmond Church to hold day of recollection LAFAYETTE Bishop Michael Jarrell will be the celebrant for the 12:10 p.m.

Mass for the St. Edmond Altar Society day of recollection on Thursday, February 23, 2012. The chuerch is located at 4131 W. Congress in Lafayette.

Donuts and coffee will be served in the atrium at 9:00 a.m.

Recitation of the RoFather Clint Trahan sary begins in the church immediately after the break.

Father Clint Trahan, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Morse, St. John the Baptist, Lyons Point and St. Aloysius, Midland will be retreat master.

In addition to the conference, Mass and Rosary, Benediction and Stations of the Cross will be celebrated.

Tickets are $10 each and include lunch. Tickets must be purchased in advance in order to

make adequate arrangements.

For ticket information please contact RaNelle Simon at (337) 232-2849. To purchase tickets, please send check by February 16, 2012 to St. Edmond Altar Society, 116 Delmar Lane, Lafayette, LA 70506.

Father Trahan is a native of Kaplan, the son of Bonnie and Benny Trahan. He has one brother and two sisters. He graduated from Kaplan High School and attended St. Joseph Seminary College , graduating with honors in 2004 in Liberal Arts and Philosophy.

He attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, graduatin, again with honors, with a master’s degree in Divinity.

He has had pastoral assignmenmts at St. John Berchmans in Cankton, St. Peter in Carencro, St. Marcellus, Rynella; he studied Spanish in Pueblio, Mexico for 15 weeks, St. Thomas, Eunice; chaplain at Carolina’s Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina; and St. Landry in Opelousas. H ewas ordained a deacon on January 12, 2008 and priest on June 7, 2008.

Pictured above are, seated, Judy Dixon, St. Edmond Altar Society president and general chairman. Standing, from the left, RaNelle Simon, co-chairman and ticket sales; Father Gilbert Dutel, pastor of St. Edmond Church; Elaine Prather, speaker and in charge of getting priests for the Sacrament of Penance and Judy Nelson, food and arrangements. Not pictured: Pat Hebert and Alverta Hasling, in charge of decorations and doorprizes.

To subscribe to the ACADIANA CATHOLIC Please call Connie at (337) 261-5650

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Page 46 January 2012

Icon painting bonds together three generations of one family

by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Worship is pleased to have an opportunity to showcase a series of icons created by three generations of women from a single family. The icons, currently on display inside the lobby of the Immaculata Center in Lafayette, are the works of Barbara Wiltz, her daughter Bonnie Fairbanks, and her granddaughter Alice Fairbanks. Barbara is a local woman from the Opelousas area, while Bonnie and Alice currently reside in Houston, Texas.

Barbara’s artistic background extends to the 1970’s, when she pursued an interest in oil painting. She eventually set the ability aside in favor of other responsibilities and interests, but later sought to renew her artistic endeavors to help occupy her time following the death of her husband. In January 2006, Barbara signed up for a week-long icon painting workshop at the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Grand Coteau. It was the second such workshop sponsored by the Lafayette

This icon exhibit, which is currently on display inside the Immaculata Center in Lafayette, represents the artistic endeavors of three generations in a single family--mother, daughter, and granddaughter. Photo by Stephanie R. Martin

Diocese’s Office of Worship, allowing participants to study this deeply spiritual art form under the guidance of instructors from New York’s Prosopon School of Iconology.

Icons have a long established history in Christian art, particularly in the eastern churches, but in recent years the western church has also revived a great deal of interest in the tradition. Pope John

Paul II even stressed their importance in the area of authentic Christian art in his 1987 apostolic letter written in commemoration of the 1200th anniversary of the Second Council of Nicaea: “Art for art’s sake. . . .does not have its place in the Christian concept of the icon. No matter what style is adopted, all sacred art must express the faith and hope of the Church. The tradition of

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Barbara Wiltz, a resident of Opelousas, first became interested in iconography through a workshop hosted by the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Grand Coteau and sponsored by the diocese’s Office of Worship. She enjoyed the experience so much that she inspired her daughter and granddaugther to join her for the workshop the following year. Photo by Stephanie R. Martin

the icon shows that the artist must be conscious of fulfilling a mission of service to the church.”

Barbara Wiltz did indeed find her experience to be fulfilling, so much so that she inspired her daughter and granddaughter to join her for the workshop the following year. Although neither Bonnie nor Alice had much of an artistic background, they too connected with the overall process involved in iconography so that now, three generations of women from one family have strengthened the bonds of their faith and with one another through this spiritual medium.

Barbara, Bonnie, and Alice continued to attend the annual icon workshops in Grand Coteau until 2009, when the last one was held. The three have also attended additional workshops together in Austin, Texas, and Bonnie is pleased to have helped stoke a greater interest in the art form within her own Houston community. She is also happy to witness the prayerful and artistic connections that her daughter Alice, who is developmentally challenged, has been able to make through their studies of iconography.

“One does not have to be a professional iconographer in order to appreciate or embrace the art form, or everything that it entails,” noted Faye Drobnic, Assistant to the Director of the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Worship. Ms. Drobnic is herself deeply involved in iconography and played a crucial role in introducing the icon workshop to the diocese. “The process of creating an icon is just as spiritual as it is artistic, and so the Church has room for both amateurs and professionals to be involved.”

To learn more about iconography and possible workshop opportunities, please contact Ms. Drobnic through the Office of Worship at (337) 261-5554.

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 47

Office of Justice & Peace shows appreciation for prison ministry volunteers

by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace recently hosted a special gathering for prison ministry volunteers. Approximately 30 volunteers attended the annual event to enjoy an evening of fellowship and to share a gumbo dinner with one another. This Christmastime social serves as a thank-you to the volunteers who dedicate themselves to prison ministry throughout the year.

Altogether, there are roughly 100 volunteers involved in various aspects of prison ministry in the Lafayette Diocese. That may seem like a large number, except when one considers that these volunteers are divided among a total of 13 correctional facilities located throughout the eight civil parishes of the diocese; basically, this means an average of about seven volunteers per facility. Some of these facilities can house as many as 950 inmates, which is a very large number to divide by seven. That is why the Office of Justice & Peace provides constant encouragement and support to anyone who is interested in

Chaplain Katherine Alex, Religious Coordinator for the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center, expressed her gratitude for the faithful service of the prison ministry volunteers during a gumbo social hosted by the diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace. Photo submitted by the Office of Justice & Peace

joining this special ministry.

“The purpose of prison ministry anywhere in the diocese is to reach out to as many incarcerated individuals as possible by granting them opportunities to receive the sacraments or simply participate in scripture studies and spiritual formation,” said Ed Boustany, office director. “The Diocese’s goal for this ministry is to one day offer weekly Mass or Communion ser-

vices to all the incarcerated within our boundaries, in order to serve that purpose.”

Of course, there are priests who volunteer in prison ministry, but much of their time during visits is invested in hearing confessions since only they can administer the sacrament of reconciliation. Deacons and Eucharistic ministers are able to offer Communion services, and any individual who is willing may lead

inmates in a scripture study. Bibles, daily devotional books, rosaries and other such materials are available through the Office of Justice & Peace for that purpose; the greatest need is simply for volunteers to help the inmates utilize these resources.

At the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center, prison ministry volunteers work together to coordinate a total of eight Communion services for the inmates every week.

This center is the largest within the diocese, but the needs of the other facilities are just as great, and Mr. Boustany is hoping to recruit more volunteers in order to minister just as effectively in every correctional facility within the diocese, including those in more rural areas.

Anyone who wishes to become involved in prison ministry will have to obtain security clearance from any and all facilities they intend to visit. Procedures for this do vary from facility to facility, but those who are interested may contact the Office of Justice & Peace to request guidance for the process.

Further information regarding prison ministry in general may also be requested by contacting the office at (337) 261-5545.

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Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital photo selected for NACHRI photo exhibition Baton Rouge One Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital photographs

by Elizabeth Guidry Badeaux, senior graphic designer, Our Lady of the Lake, was selected by the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) for its 2011 traveling exhibition of 50 photographs, that are on display now at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

The local photo selected by NACHRI for this display is of Dayton Suire of Eunice.

Dayton was five when he was airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital with severe head trauma after being accidentally run over by a truck in his driveway. Doctors said he had only a 3% chance of speaking or walking again.

The photo was taken in September of 2010, after Dayton had completed several surgeries and therapy. He is seven now – walking, talking and excited to play Tball in the spring.

The Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital photo of Dayton was chosen from nearly 250 photographs submitted to NACHRI by children’s hospitals across the country. The photo was on display at Our Lady of the Lake in

Baton Rouge, along with 49 other photos from children’s hospitals across the country.

The NACHRI traveling photo exhibition is designed to illustrate the vital role children’s hospitals, including Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, play in children’s lives through compelling visual images of child patients at children’s hospitals, their family members and the caring and compassionate staff.

N.J. nurses don’t have to assist in abortion in new hospital agreement NEWARK, N.J. (CNS) A group of 12 nurses who sued the University Hospital in Newark over a policy requiring them to care for patients before and after abortions can no longer be compelled to assist in these procedures, under an agreement reached in federal court.

The nurses in the same-day surgery unit of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey can remain in their current jobs and will only be required to help patients with abortions in a life-threatening emergency when no other nonobjecting staff members are available and only until someone can be brought in to relieve them, according to the Dec. 22 agreement.

U.S. District Judge Jose Linares, who mediated the agreement, said the nurses would be allowed to remain in the unit and would not be discriminated against because of their stance on abortion. He declined to rule on how the hospital would configure its nursing staff, calling that a contract issue.

Linares will retain jurisdiction over the case to rule on its enforcement or any disputes that arise because of it. The Associated Press reported that the judge praised both sides for reaching an agreement on a case that was not an easy one to resolve since it concerned a highly emotional issue and the complexities of a hospital’s obligations to its patients.

An alternate, distorted view of reality on TV

By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) The need for media literacy may be no more evident than when it comes to reality TV. Reality TV may show real events, but it’s a director’s and editor’s version of events. It can be the visual equivalent of a newspaper story where the subject complains that he was interviewed for a half-hour, but the only thing that appears is a quote taken out of context.

Of course, reality shows bind their subjects to nondisclosure clauses until it suits the network – like having them appear on the network’s morning news program the day after they’re voted off the island.

But there is emerging evidence that reality TV can be damaging to girls – not that they had been considered any more or less immune to the genre than other demographic groups.

The Girl Scouts commissioned a study, released in October, that demonstrated the impact of reality TV on girls.

One of the more eye-opening findings is that girls who view reality TV regularly are more focused on the value of physical appearance. Seventy-two percent say they spend a lot of time on their appearance compared to 42 percent of nonviewers.

The study, “Real to Me: Girls and Reality TV” by the Girl Scout Research Institute, also found that 78 percent of the viewers vs. 54 percent of the nonviewers believe that “gossiping is a normal part of a relationship between girls.”

The news isn’t necessarily all bad. The study also disclosed that 68 percent of girls agree that reality shows “make me think I can achieve anything in life” and 48 percent said that they “help me realize there are people out there like me.”

“Girls today are bombarded with media – reality TV and otherwise – that more frequently portrays girls and women in competition with one another rather than in support or collaboration. This perpetuates a ‘meangirl’ stereotype and normalizes

this behavior among girls,” said a statement by Andrea Bastiani Archibald, a developmental psychologist for the Girl Scouts.

“We don’t want girls to avoid reality TV, but want them, along with their parents, to know what they are getting into when they watch it.”

Archibald’s remark about “girls and women in competition” is borne out in another study, released in November by the Parents Television Council, which examined the four toprated reality shows on the MTV cable channel.

The study, “Reality on MTV: Gender Portrayals on MTV Reality Programming,” looked at “Jersey Shore,” “Teen Mom 2,” “16 and Pregnant” and “The Real World.”

According to the study, the reality shows do women no favors.

“Overall, women were more disparaging than men when speaking of themselves or someone of their own gender,” the study said.

“Females talked about sex acts more than men, talked about sex more graphically than men, mentioned sexual body parts more than men, and talked about intercourse and preliminaries to intercourse more than men,” it added, noting, “Females were the recipients of an ‘F-word’ or ‘S-word’ 662 times or once every four minutes and 10 seconds.”

Another common word used by women to describe other women: the B-word, “b---h,” along with “stupid” and “dirty.”

These three ranked as the mostused derogatory words.

What may be the least surprising statistic is that “Jersey Shore” accounted for 59 percent of all of the sexual references used on the four MTV reality series surveyed.

Perhaps the saddest stat of all: When all the shows’ dialogue was taken into account, only 24 percent of what females said about themselves was positive.

And to think that the music videos that were a staple of MTV 30 years ago caused such a fuss.

Acadiana Catholic

January 2012 Page 49

National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor will celebrate 197th anniversary Mass January 8, 2012

By GEORGE GURTNER Special to Acadiana Catholic NEW ORLEANS In a city of monuments like New Orleans, you’ve got to be something special to have the designation of “national” placed before your name. Such is the case of the “National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor.”

What makes this shrine, located on the uptown campus of Ursuline Academy on State Street, so special is that Mass has been celebrated each January 8, the feast day of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, for the past 197 years by the Archbishop of New Orleans. The yearly mass is the fulfillment of a promise made by the Ursuline nuns as General Andrew Jackson and a small army of 1,000 men, supplemented by a ragtag band of about 3,000 pirates led by the infamous Jean Lafitte, along with various and sundry other citizens of New Orleans, took on 8,000 crack British troops in the swamps of Chalmette some seven miles downriver from the city.

On a cold, misty January morning in 1815, Jackson’s commandos engaged in what was called the “key battle of the War of 1812.” Never mind that the Treaty of Ghent, supposedly ending hostilities, was signed two weeks earlier. Word was slow in getting to General Jackson and his lieutenants in the field.

Still, by all odds, Jackson and his men didn’t stand a chance against the polished, hardened British troops who were led by General Edward Packenham, one of Britain’s top military commanders. The British marched smartly through the swamps just south of the city in their bright red uniforms heading for what they figured would be a ‘quick dust up’ before moving into and capturing the city of New Orleans itself.

In the face of those seemingly insurmountable odds, the Ursuline sisters began a night of prayer at their convent in the French Quarter asking “Our Lady of Prompt Succor” for victory for General Jackson and his men.

The full night of prayer ended with Mass at sunrise and a prom-

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor is a haven of hope for thousands each year.

ise made to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady or Prompt Succor each year in Thanksgiving.

During the Mass, a runner came from the battlefields at Chalmette and burst into the ceremony to thank the sisters for their prayers and to announce that General Jackson’s forces had thoroughly vanquished the British and New Orleans had been saved.

Jackson, of course, became President of the United States.

After he left office, “Old Hickory,” as Jackson was known because of his toughness, visited the quiet convent of the Ursuline sisters to thank them in person for their prayers for what he called a “miracle victory” on the Chalmette battlefield.

“As a native of New Orleans, this story, this miracle, is especially poignant to me,” says Sister Carla Dolce, O.S.U. Prioress of the Ursuline Sisters of New Orleans. “I can’t begin to count the number of people who have sent petitions to Our Lady of Prompt Succor over the years asking for her intercession in sickness and in financial distress and family matters. The stories are heartbreaking, but the faith they show is heartwarming. It all goes back to that battle so long ago, and to General Jackson and his brave, determined men. The enemy put its faith in weapons. General Jackson and those men under his command put their faith in God and in His mother.”

The shrine where so many thousands of men, women and

children come from all over the world each year to place petitions and to pray will be the site of a major celebration in 2015 – The Bicentennial of the Battle of New Orleans.

“It will be a great celebration, but there must be major renovations first,” Sister Carla says.

“The ravages of time and our sub-tropical climate, not to mention so many storms and hurricanes, have left a great deal of damage over these many years.

We must first replace the roof and do so many repairs to the interior to make the shrine ready for the bicentennial and beyond. When 2015 is over, the faithful will still come to petition Our Lady of Prompt Succor. If we don’t make these repairs now, the damage that is already there will only get worse. We can’t let that happen.

This shrine represents more than just memories of a battle fought.

This shrine is a national treasure.

A landmark of faith of the people of New Orleans. So many, many troubled and hurting people come to the Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor filled with faith.

They leave with hope. ” Sister Carla says the cost of restoring the shrine will run about $2 million and that a campaign to raise funds has already begun.

Donations and petitions may be sent to: National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Preserving our heritage! Promising our future!

2734 Nashville Ave. New Orleans, La. 70115

Our Lady of Prompt Succor is the patroness of the State of Louisiana

Tours of the Shrine at 2701 State St. may be arranged by calling (504) 975-9627. Mass is celebrated each weekday at 5 p.m.

Saturday Mass is at 11:30 a.m. and Sunday Mass is at 9:30 a.m.

Information about annuities, wills and long-term support for the restoration and maintenance of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor may be obtained without obligation by contacting Peter Quirk, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of New Orleans at: 1000 Howard Ave. Suite 700 New Orleans, La. 70113 or by calling (504)-596-3063. e-mail inquiries may be made at pquirk@archdiocese-no.org.

For more information on the historic National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, please contact the shrine website: www. shrineofourladyofpromptsuccor. com.

Acadiana Catholic

Page 50 January 2012

Sisters of Bon Secours chart the future with International Vocation and Formation Summit Marriottsville, Maryland, December 21, 2011—While most of us have been busily preparing for Christmas, twenty of the Sisters of Bon Secours have also been busy planning future efforts for vocation and formation. The first international Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours Vocation and Forma-

tion Summit, December 10-14, was held at their US headquarters in Marriottsville, Md. This Summit over five days brought together sisters representing the United States, Peru, Ireland/Great Britain, France and South Africa to focus on their ministries with vocation and formation areas of the congregation.

The Sisters of Bon Secours, an international community of Catholic women religious (sisters) with ministries in healthcare, human and social services, education and spiritual retreats, recently gathered for the first international Vocation and Formation Summit. Sisters from the United States, Peru, Ireland, Great Britain, South Africa and France gathered to form congregation-wide plans to strengthen efforts to invite women into religious life and accompany them on their journey through formation.

“The Sisters held the international Summit in response to the Congregation’s priority to invite women to consider a vocation to religious life and to address how we can better accompany women during their initial formative years,” noted Sister Patricia Dowling, CBS, chairperson of the Congregation’s International Membership Committee,.

The sisters met as a large group each day for prayer and then broke into two work groups to focus specifically on either vocations or formation efforts. The sisters shared their experiences from their own country and learned that though culturally there are differences they share similar successes and challenges. They formed plans based on these experiences, research, and audits of their vocation and formation programs. They developed a Congregation-wide vocation plan with goals that can be rolled out across countries and developed an

action plan to better prepare new members for full incorporation as sisters. “It’s time for us to focus our resources and our own intentions and believe that there are people who want to do the same thing we’re doing with our lives.

The needs of our world are so incredibly great…for healing, compassion and liberation…the gifts that I think we can bring,” Sr. Fran Gorsuch, CBS commented.

Despite the natural language and multicultural challenges, the sisters share a common bond of their Congregation’s charism and mission as reflected by the amazing spirit, enthusiasm and energy amongst the group. “Being here gives me the opportunity to become more integrated with other sisters and what they are actually doing and familiarizing myself with their practices,” said Sister Fedelina Berrú Peña, CBS, of Peru. “That excites me.”

Court #2572 holds Christmas meeting

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court Sacre’ Coeur #2572, recently held its Christmas meeting, but instead of exchanging gifts among themselves, the group brought gifts to be distributed to various charities. This included food for an emergency aid center, household items for an organization that aids battered women, and toys for Toys for Tots. Photo furnished by Court Sacre’ Coeur #2572

St. Paul Assembly #3 Day of Recollection

St. Paul Assembly & Chapter #3 recently held its annual Day of Recollection and Memorial Mass at St. Joseph Church in Maurice. The day began with a welcome address

by Gracious Lady Hilda Wiltz and also included scripture sharing and reflection by Gracious Lady Mary Darby, along with words from guest speaker Sir Knight Father Michael Sucharski, SVD (pastor, St. Joseph’s). A reception was held before the start of the Memorial Mass, which honored deceased Sir Knights Opehelius Menard, Louis Guidry, and Joseph Wilson Thomas, Sr.. Photo submitted by Grace Hebert

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January 2012 Page 51

Page 52 January 2012

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January 2012 Page 53

Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver host Thanksgiving Ball

those who are interested should contact Lynne Broussard at (337) 261-5674 in order to register.

The first workshop is scheduled for January 21 (9:00-10:30 AM) at St. Edward Church in New Iberia. The topic will be “Interviews of the Candidates Prior to Beginning the Process & Before Each Rite.”

The second workshop will be held on April 21 (9:00-10:30 AM)

at St. Mary Church in Lafayette.

The topic will be “Annulments.”

The third workshop will be held on June 16 (9:00-10:30 AM) at Sacred Heart Church in Broussard. The topic will be “Prayer in the RCIA.” The last workshop is scheduled for August 25 (9:00-10:30 AM) at Holy Ghost Church in Opelousas. The topic will be “Rites in the Catechumenate.”

Dr. Sarah Brabant offers grief presentation

Standing: Brothers Earl Angelle, Terry Godfrey, Lady Yvonne Wilkins, Brother Danny Hebert, Lady Brenda Andrus (co-chair), Brothers Eldra Boudreaux, Andrew C. Senegal, Lady Betty Alexander and Brother Anthony Cormier. Seated: Brother John Benjamine (Chair), Lady Mildred Taylor, Grand Knight Royal Colbert, Grand Lady Mary Elair and Lady Mary Cormier. Photo furnished by Brenda Andrus

LAFAYETTE The 41st Annual Thanksgiving Ball was held at the Martin Luther King Center recently hosted by the Knights and Ladies of St Peter Claver, Immaculate Heart of Mary Council and Court 76.

The Knights and Ladies have made a commitment to support Immaculate Heart of Mary School, so each year part of the proceeds from this annual function is donated to the school in hopes that the funds will provide the proper tools to prepare the young people for the future.

Father Manny Fernandez to visit STM High School

beginning at 7:00 p.m. and will remain exposed throughout the entire evening. The event will conclude with Benediction.

The STM Parents for Light is a monthly speaker program hosted by parent volunteers in order to foster the parent-student relationship in Spiritual Formation. In addition to STM students, parents, and faculty, guests from throughout the diocese are invited to attend. For more information, email STMParents4Light@ gmail.com, “like” the group on Facebook at Parents4LightSTM, or follow at twitter.com/Parent4LightSTM.

2012 RCIA workshops LAFAYETTE Father Manny Fernandez, pastor of St. John Parish in Henry and St. James Parish in Esther, will be the featured guest at the February 2, 2012, “Parents for Light” gathering at St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Lafayette. The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments and fellowship, followed

by Father Fernandez’s healing service at 7:00 p.m. The Blessed Sacrament will also be exposed

The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Christian Formation has scheduled four RCIA training workshops for the year 2012. These workshops will address several of the questions that constantly arise from various parishes in the diocese and will thus provide a forum in which they may gather and discuss common problems, and also learn from one another’s experiences. All parishes that conduct the RCIA process are encouraged to attend. There will be no charge for the workshops, but

St. Joseph Church in Maurice recently hosted an evening with Sarah Brabant, PhD., Professor Emeritus of Sociology at ULL. Dr. Brabant spoke on the topic of grief, basing her presentation on the book she has written entitled Mending the Torn Fabric: For Those Who Grieve and Those Who Want to Help Them. Pictured above from left to right are Msgr. Jefferson DeBlanc (Vicar of the West Region), Dr. Sarah Brabant, and Janeth Harrington (Executive Assistant to Vicar of the West Region). Photo submitted

by Janeth Harrington

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Page 54 January 2012

Bishops awarded grant to study Latino vocations Grant to explore why Hispanics underrepresented among clergy, religious CARA at Georgetown to conduct nationwide survey of young people. Previous studies find Asians strongly represented in U.S. seminaries, novitiates WASHINGTON The Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has been awarded a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation that largely underwrites a comparative cultural survey of Catholic youth in the United States.

The survey aims to identify common and distinctive cultural traits that affect the openness and ability of Catholic youth to respond to a call to a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. The Secretariat has commissioned the Center for Applied Research (CARA) at Georgetown University to conduct a national survey of never-married Catholics, ages 14 and older, to study their views about vocations and their own consideration of a vocation.

Statistical data found in two

reports commissioned by the Secretariat, “The Class of 2011: Survey of Ordinands to the Priesthood” and “The Profession Class of 2010: Survey of Women Religious Professing Perpetual Vows,” indicate fewer than expected religious vocations among the Hispanic and Latino Catholic population in the U.S. Father Shawn McKnight, executive director of the Secretariat, said that Hispanics/Latinos constituted 15 percent of the ordination class and 10 percent of the religious profession class, while constituting 34 percent of the total adult Catholic population.

“There is not enough objective data to explain the reasons for their underrepresentation,” Father McKnight said.

The Secretariat seeks to identify specific reasons for their underrepresentation, to guide the efforts by dioceses and religious communities to promote vocations.

In the same reports, other cultures show a stronger representa-

tion. For example, Asians constitute four percent of the adult Catholic population in the U.S., yet 10 percent of the past year’s ordination class were Asian. This is a consistent trend over the past 15 years. In the 2010 class of women who made their religious profession of perpetual vows, 19 percent of the entire class was Asian. Further study is needed to explore why there is such a difference in representation.

The identification of cultural elements that support and challenge a culture of vocations among Asian, Latino and the general youth population would be helpful information for collaborating organizations, such as the National Religious Vocations Conference and the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors. The results of this study would also benefit those involved with the evangelization of youth, as they would indicate how the influences of culture impact the ability to reach out to all Catholic youth.

“This study will aid in the New Evangelization by serving as a helpful resource in determining emerging needs within the Church as well as assisting in the development of timely and effective responses,” said Peter Murphy, PhD, executive director of the USCCB Secretariat of Evangelization and Catechesis.

“The success of ministry among a growing number of Hispanics/ Latinos requires leadership from the Hispanic/Latino community

itself, especially in the priesthood and religious life,” added Father Allan Deck, former head of the USCCB Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church. “This proposal is the single most important effort to find the best ways to provide the priestly leadership necessary for Hispanics/Latinos to flourish in the Church.”

New Pew study estimates global Christian population at 2.18 billion

WASHINGTON (CNS) According to a new study, there are currently 2.18 billion Christians in more than 200 countries around the world, representing nearly a third of the estimated 6.9 billion 2010 global population.

The study, conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, found Christians to be so geographically widespread that no single continent or region can indisputably claim to be the center of global Christianity.

The Pew study, “Global Christianity: A Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population,” cites that 100 years ago, two-thirds of the world’s Christians lived in Europe but today only about a quarter of all Christians live there.

More than one-third of Christians reside in the Americas; about a quarter live in sub-Saharan Africa and 13 percent live in Asia and the Pacific.

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January 2012 Page 55

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