A
C
atholic
April 2012
Volume 28
No. 4
St. Landry Church, Opelousas, LA
cadiana
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.� John 11:25
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The Official Monthly Publication of the Diocese of Lafayette
Acadiana Catholic
April 2012
Volume 28
Number 4
Bishop Jarrell to conduct Holy Week services at Cathedral
LAFAYETTE Bishop Michael Jarrell will conduct Holy Week services in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist On Holy Thursday (April 5), the bishop will lead clergy members from throughout the diocese in renewing their promises to serve during the Chrism Mass, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Also during the Mass, this year’s priest jubilarians will be recognized and Bishop Jarrell will bless the holy oils to be used in ceremonies throughout the year in the individual church parishes. Also on Holy Thursday, the Cathedral’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Holy Week began with the celebration of Palm Sunday on April 1. Photo by P.C. Piazza
Assisting Bishop Jarrell will be Cathedral Pastor, Father Chester
Arceneaux, and other clergy. The Blessed Sacrament will be ex-
Bishop Jarrell’s Good Friday & Easter Sunday messages for 2012 by Bishop Michael Jarrell LAFAYETTE Good Friday The Cross of Jesus is the most recognizable symbol of the Christian faith. It is present everywhere: in our homes, in our cars, on our person, inside and outside of our churches. Ironically, the omnipresence of the cross can sometimes render it invisible. We become used to it: we take it for granted. On Good Friday, Christians pause to take a long and prayerful look at the cross, remembering the Lamb of God who lovingly gave
his life for us. It is a reminder, too, that Jesus unites himself with all who suffer in this world. We remember those who are suffering in Syria, in the Sudan, in Haiti and is so many places in the world. We remember the poor among us in our own locale. They are one with Jesus on the cross. The cross leads to gratitude for God’s love and to compassion for all in need. Saint Thomas Aquinas said that contemplation of the cross teaches us all we need to know about our faith. A long and loving gaze at the cross is fitting on this day commemorating
Fourth-grade students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Lafayette distributed Reserection Eggs throughout the school and church parish . This crafty project allows students to creatively experience the journey of Jesus crucifixion. Each egg is filled with scripture and an symbolic item that corresponds with the reading. Photo submitted by Brandy Batiste
the suffering and death of Jesus. “Behold the Lamb of God,” the Church prays, “Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29) Easter Sunday So often in life, victories of various kinds begin to fade and lose their force. Even the Saints’ Super Bowl win no long electrifies as it once did, and that was only two years ago. It has been about 2000 years since Jesus’ victory over sin and death, but the resurrection has lost none of its force. What excited the first disciples of Jesus still excites his disciples today. The resurrection is a promise of life in the face of death, an enduring cause for hope. No ideology, no fact of history, no philosophy on earth has brought more people together, provided more consolation or given more meaning to life than the resurrection of Jesus. On this wondrous day, the Church prays, “Let all corners of the earth be glad, knowing an end to gloom and darkness.” (Easter Proclamation) May the Risen Lord bless us all on this day of rejoicing.
posed for public adoration until 10:00 p.m. On Good Friday (April 6), the Cathedral will host a “Living Way of the Cross” beginning at 12:00 noon—doors will open at 10:00 a.m. At 3:00 p.m., Bishop Jarrell will serve as the principal celebrant of the Commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord. Veneration of a relic of the true cross is conducted from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Bishop Jarrell will also celebrate the Cathedral’s Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday (April 7). The blessing of the new fire will be conducted outside the front door of the Cathedral at 8:00 p.m., and clergy members will assist the bishop as the ceremonies continue inside with the installation of the Paschal candle, the baptism of converts, and the renewal of Baptismal vows. On Easter Sunday (April 8), Cathedral Pastor, Father Chester Arceneaux, will celebrate the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Please refer to your local church bulletins for a schedule of Holy Week and Easter events in your parish.
Inside this issue
Catholic Schools Recognition Ceremony . . . . .9 St. Joseph’s, Loreauville Completion Campaign. . . . .13 Annual Diocesan Financial Report. . . . . . . 23-26 Mass to Honor Senior Citizens in May. . . . . . . . . . 27 Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Mexico/Cuba. . . . . . 31 Children’s Pages . . . . . . 34-35 Archbishop Flynn comments on Catholic education. . . . . 45
Page 4 April 2012
Holy Week at the Carmelite Monastery
LAFAYETTE The Discalced Carmelite Sisters would like to invite everyone to join them for Holy Week services at the Monastery of Mary, Mother of Grace in Lafayette. On Holy Thursday (April 5), The Lord’s Supper Mass will be celebrated at 5:30 p.m. On April 6, Good Friday services will be conducted at 12:00 noon. On Holy Saturday (April 7), the blessing of the new fire and Easter Vigil Mass will take place at 11:00 p.m. Lastly, Easter Sunday Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m.
April Ordination Anniversaries
Rev. Ambrose Akalawu, CSSP Apr. 17, 1971 Rev. Jaison Mangalath, SVD Apr. 17, 1999 Rev. Henry Broussard Apr. 22, 1972 Rev. Jerry Mesley Apr. 24, 1973 Rev. Thomas Nguyen Apr. 28, 1969
Rosary for autism
LAFAYETTE A rosary for those affected by autism, as well as those who care for, teach, treat, and support them, will be prayed at St. Edmond Church in Lafayette on Saturday, April 28. The rosary, which will start at 1:00 p.m., will be led by those who have been impacted by autism. All are invited to attend. For further details, please contact Michelle Mayer at (337) 654-5033 or michelle@professionalarts. com.
Acadiana Catholic
Faith Journey
NEW IBERIA Have you ever questioned why Catholics believe what they believe? Has it been difficult finding the answers? Please join others in studying and learning about the teachings of the Catholic faith every Thursday evening in the parish life center of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in New Iberia. Meetings will be held from 6:30-8:00 p.m. weekly. For more information, please contact Peggy Tauzin at (337) 380-4829, Linda Allen at (337) 256-2333, or Ella Bastian at (337) 364-1565.
April Birthdays
Dec. Tuan Anh Nguyen Apr. 02 Rev. Ronald Broussard Apr. 05 Rev. Curtis Mallet Apr. 07 Rev. Hernando Ramirez, SJ Apr. 07 Rev. Bryce Sibley Apr. 11 Dec. Jim Kincel Apr. 18 Rev. Greg Cormier Apr. 26 Rev. Jasilek Bartlomiej, SVD Apr. 26 Rev. Jose Padinjarepeedika, CMI Apr. 26 Rev. Grady Estilette Apr. 27 Rev. Austin Leger Apr. 27
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 May 2002 edition of the Acadiana Catholic At St. Jules Church in Lafayette, the Passover Meal was held during Holy Week, reenacting the Last Supper in which Our Lord instituted the Eucharist. Pictured above from left to right are: Mrs. James (Kathy) Ray, Mrs. Theresa Cook, James Ray, Msgr. Douglas Courville (Pastor), Rhiammon Ray, Nick Ray, and Mrs. Betty Cummings. Photo by P.C. Piazza
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
The Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions
April 2012
April’s General Intention: That many young people may hear the call of Christ and follow him in the priesthood and religious life April’s Mission Intention: That the risen Christ may be a sign of certain hope for the men and women of the African continent
Sunday
1
Palm Sunday
Monday
2
Monday of Holy Week
Tuesday
3
Tuesday of Holy Week
Wednesday
4
Wednesday of Holy Week
Meeting of the King’s Men “The Office of Tenebrae” 7:00 PM 6:00 p.m. Our Lady of Wisdom Church St. Leo the Great Lafayette Church, Lafayette
5
Thursday Holy Thursday
Chrism Mass 10:30 a.m. Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette
Food for the Journey 11:30 AM Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lafayette
8
Easter Sunday Resurrection of the Lord
9
Monday in the Octave of Easter
10
Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Diocesan Central Offices Meeting of the King’s Men Closed 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church Lafayette
11
Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
12
April 2012 Page 5
Thursday in the Octave of Easter
6
Friday Good Friday Passion of the Lord First Friday
7
Saturday Holy Saturday First Saturday
Easter Vigil Mass 8:00 p.m. Cathedral of St. John the Diocesan Central Offices Evangelist, Lafayette Closed Fast & Abstinence
13
Friday in the Octave of Easter
14
Saturday in the Octave of Easter
Catechist Retreat 9:00 a.m.-12:00 Noon St. Joseph Church, Rayne (Level II: 4 credits, 3 hrs) Divine Mercy Day of Reflection 8:00 a.m.-3:30 pm Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette
15
Sunday of the Divine Mercy
Divine Mercy Celebration 2:00 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette
16
Weekday
17
Weekday Registration opens for VLCFF Cycle 4
18
Weekday
25
St. Mark
19
Weekday
26
Weekday
20
Weekday
27
Weekday
21
Weekday
RCIA Workshop “Annulments” 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. St. Mary Church, Lafayette
Appreciation Luncheon for West Region Parish Secretaries & Bookkeepers 11:30 a.m. Rice Palace, Crowley Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM
Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette
22
Third Sunday of Easter
29
Fourth Sunday of Easter
23
Sts. George and Adalbert
30
St. Pius V
24
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church Lafayette
Rev. James Gelabert Rev. Edouard Fontaine Rev. Aldeo Gilbert Rev. Moise Hebert Rev. Oscar Chauvin Bishop Robert Tracy Rev. Robert Landry Rev. Columban Lesquivit Rev. Emery Labbe
Appreciation Dinner for West Deadline to register for Region Religious Women Mothers’ Day of Reflection & Deacons 6:00 p.m. Rice Palace, Crowley
Pray for our departed clergy:
Apr. 02, 1925 Apr. 02, 2002 Apr. 03, 2007 Apr. 04, 1949 Apr. 04, 1971 Apr. 04, 1980 Apr. 04, 2000 Apr. 09, 1994 Apr. 11, 1974
28
Rev. Frank Charles Krauss Rev. Louis Lam Vu Rev. Cornelius Van Merrianboer Dec. Carl Joseph Conrad Rev. Fidele Chaisson Msgr. Frederick Swenson Rev. Mathias Cramers Rev. Joseph Lebrerre Rev. Jean Marie Jammes
Sts. Peter Chanel & Louis Grignion de Montfort
Apr. 12, 1939 Apr. 16, 2010 Apr. 20, 1960 Apr. 25, 1997 Apr. 27, 1961 Apr. 27, 2007 Apr. 28, 1982 Apr. 29, 1939 Apr. 30, 2007
Page 6 April 2012
Louisiana Clergy Open Golf Tournament
NEW IBERIA Squirrel Run Golf Club in New Iberia will host the 37th Annual Louisiana Clergy Open Golf Tournament on Wednesday, May 16. The tournament is open free of charge to all priests and deacons of all Louisiana dioceses, as well as to all seminarians and diaconate formation participants of the Lafayette Diocese. This year’s tournament will be played in honor of Father Floyd J. Calais, retired priest of the Lafayette Diocese. Golfers’ registration and the
driving range will open at 7:00 a.m., with 18-hole individual stroke play to begin at 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., with a putt-off tournament and optional 9-hole team scramble also planned for the afternoon. Registration forms may be requested by calling (337) 2615613 or emailing sthompson@ diolaf.org. Additional information is available by contacting Msgr. Richard Greene, VE, at (985) 518-7124 or dolsouth2@ cox-internet.com.
2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection
LAFAYETTE The Central Region of the Lafayette Diocese will host the 2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection on Saturday, April 14, at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette. This event will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with registration and exhibits opening at 7:15 a.m. Based on the theme “Spark of Mercy”, guest speakers for this event will include Dave and Joan Maroney, Roy Petitfils, Annie Karto, and Fred Berretta. For further details, please refer to the ad located on page 15 of this edition of the Acadiana Catholic, or call Mary Bergeron at (337) 654-8682.
Acadiana Catholic
Samuel Fontana to be admitted into Ministry of Acolyte
Samuel Fontana Photo by Paul Kieu
The intersection of faith & finance
EMMITSBURG, MD The Most Rev. Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Bishop of Peoria, will admit Samuel Fontana into the Ministry of Acolyte at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The ceremony will be conducted on April 28. Mr. Fontana is a seminarian of the Lafayette Diocese, and the son of Rose Marie and Paul Andre Fontana of Lafayette. Please remember him in prayer as he continues along his journey to the priesthood.
LAFAYETTE George W. Holland, IV, a parishioner of Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette and a professional investment advisor, will present a Catholic perspective on what happens when faith and finance intersect. Mr. Holland’s presentation will be held on Saturday, April 14, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. inside Our Lady of Wisdom’s Jeanmard Hall. There is no charge for the event, although donations will be accepted at the door. “Whether we struggle to make ends meet, or have been blessed with a financial abundance, how we allocate our financial resources makes a difference, both practically and spiritually,” stated Mr. Holland. His presentation will include Church teachings and practical advice that will offer attendees a greater awareness of how to approach their finances in the light of their faith. For questions regarding this event, call the Our Lady of Wisdom office @ 232-8742.
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Acadiana Catholic
Pray for our priests Listed below are the priests for whom Catholics are asked to pray daily during the month of April. The calendar is sponsored by the Serra Club of Lafayette. 01 Pope Benedict XVI 02 Bishop Michael Jarrell 03 Bishop Glen John Provost 04 Archbishop Harry Flynn 05 Msgr. Robert Romero, VE 06 Rev. Mario Romero 07 Rev. William Ruskoski 08 Rev. Michael Russo 09 Rev. Gary Schexnayder 10 Rev. Robert Seay, OFM 11 Rev. Clinton Sensat 12 Rev. Augustinus Seran, SVD 13 Rev. Bryce Sibley 14 Rev. Gregory Simien 15 Rev. George Simon 16 Rev. Jody Simoneaux 17 Rev. Cedric Sonnier 18 Rev. Joseph Stemman 19 Rev. Michael Sucharski, SVD 20 Rev. Jared Suire 21 Rev. Richard Sutter, LC 22 Rev. Brian Taylor 23 Rev. Donald Theriot 24 Rev. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ 25 Rev. Paul Thibodeaux 26 Rev. Jude Thierry 27 Rev. George Thychery 28 Rev. C. Nicholas Trahan 29 Rev. Clint Trahan 30 Rev. Harold Trahan 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.
April 2012 Page 7
Mothers’ Day of Reflection
LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry will host a special Morning of Reflection for all mothers on Wednesday, May 9 at the Immaculata Center in Lafayette. The day will begin with coffee and a morning social, with the retreat scheduled for 9:00 a.m. This year’s presenter will be Father Neil McNeill, Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church in Mermentau. The theme for the day will be “A Labor of Love: A Catholic Perspective on Motherhood.” Father McNeill will also celebrate a special Mothers’ Day liturgy for the retreat participants prior to the catered lunch which will be provided. The cost of the day is $25 per person, and all registrations must be received no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, April 27. Due to limited space, early registration is recommended, and no registrations will be accepted at the door on the day of the retreat. Online registration and payment options are available at www.diolaf.org; please go to the “Marriage and Family Life” listing under the OFFICES tab located along the top of the home page. Additional information and registration options may also be requested by contacting the Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry at (337) 261-5653. The annual Mothers’ Day of Reflection is an excellent opportunity for mothers across all generations. The Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry looks forward to hosting these special women for the day.
OFFICIAL:
Effective March 1, 2012: Father Martin Borcherding has resigned as Pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Lafayette for reasons of health. He is in residence at 309 Estate Drive, New Iberia, Louisiana 70563. Father Donald Leger has retired. He is in residence at Consolata Nursing Home, 2319 E. Main Street, New Iberia, Louisiana 70560. Effective March 7, 2012: Father Garrett McIntyre has been appointed Assistant Master of Ceremonies to the Bishop in addition to his present parochial assignments. Effective April 1, 2012: Father Mitchell Guidry has been appointed Administrator of Our Lady Queen of All Saints Parish in Ville Platte. Effective June 30, 2012: Father Henry Broussard will retire status for reasons of health.
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Page 8 April 2012
“BE FIRE!” By Graham N. Smith
It’ll be Easter before most folks read this, always a time for new beg i n n i n g s . Good thing, too, because Lent often leads me to a fresh perspective on where I need a new beginning. Here’s one: I’ve been way too busy. There’s a wonderful old hymn, “In the Garden”, about time alone with Jesus. The chorus goes, “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” That’s the kind of sweet fellowship that the Lord wants but I’m often too busy to seek. Not good. Time for a new beginning. The Holy Spirit speaks in a
lot of ways. I’ve mentioned the gift of prophecy, which is not “being a prophet.” It’s one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we all received at baptism. That often happens in a piercingly clear thought that cuts through the “background noise” of my mind, or perhaps a citation to a specific Bible passage comes. At prayer meetings, after a time of singing and praising the Lord we take time to listen for those thoughts and we speak them aloud, because they’re often meant to encourage the entire group or someone in particular who’s there (1 Cor. 14:3-4). That’s called a “prophetic word.” When that happens, we “test” it (1 Thess. 5:20-21) in a number of ways, including whether someone has another “word” that’s consistent with it, or is drawn to a Bible passage that lines up with it. That’s “confirming” the “word.” (It also has to line up with Scripture and the teachings of our Church.) Here’s part of a “word” that I spoke when it came to mind at a recent prayer meeting: “Do I have a seat at your table? Do I have a part in your discussions?
Can I share a joke with you, and you with me? Can I share your burdens?” No one else at that meeting had anything like this to share, or any Bible verse that supported it. However, I didn’t just toss it aside as coming from my own mind, because the Holy Spirit often speaks through others. This “word” was “confirmed” for me by something a priest friend had told me a couple of weeks earlier. He’d been going full-tilt trying to get a major project done that he fully believed God wanted, and was extremely busy. He was driving along when all of a sudden this thought came: “Could I do something?” When the Lord asks to help with what He wants you to do, it’s a real attention-getter! So, that prayer meeting “word” and the priest’s story lined up, and I have to take them seriously – to prayer. That “word” was for me. There’ve been other confirmations since then. A friend reminded me that if I want to know more about the Lord’s direction for my life, I need to spend more time in prayer listening. And today, I
Acadiana Catholic picked up a little piece of paper from my bookshelf and realized that it was a note I’d been given by someone else a few weeks ago. Guess what? Same message! There’s a pattern here that even I can see: I’m too busy! That raises a real danger that I’ll be doing things out of my own strength and gifts, and not leaning on Jesus! Time for a new beginning. The Lord has a sense of humor, too, that can really disarm me and get me back on track. Sometimes, He’ll give me the idea to pick up a particular book and go to a specific page. Today, I was trying to have some time praying before writing this, and I was getting distracted by a lot of things that were coming to mind. I wasn’t getting much done. Then, I felt I should pick up a book about Jeremiah, “Run With the Horses.” Turned out there was a piece of paper stuck in it. I opened the book there and saw this bold-faced heading: “GET A SCROLL AND WRITE.” Translation – “GET ON WITH THE COLUMN!”
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LAFAYETTE
Congratulations to Floyd Carey (right), a sophomore at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, who was the High Scorer in the Diocesan JV Quiz Bowl. A total of 11 high schools were represented at the tournament, but Floyd was the one to score 440 points throughout the competition. He is pictured above with his coach, Christine Wise (left). Photo submitted by the Office of Catholic Schools
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Acadiana Catholic
April 2012 Page 9
Office of Catholic Schools annual recognition ceremony
by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette recently hosted the 2011-2012 Diocesan Recognition Ceremony Honoring Outstanding Catholic School Achievers. The annual event, sponsored by the diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools, allows Bishop Michael Jarrell and other diocesan officials to express their appreciation for those who strive to educate the more than 14,000 Catholic school students currently enrolled in grades Pre-
This year, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools, each principal within the diocese’s Catholic School system was honored with the Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award. Photo by P.C. Piazza
The annual Catholic Schools Recognition ceremony allows Bishop Jarrell and other diocesan official to show their appreciation for those involved in Catholic education. Photo by P.C. Piazza
K through Twelve. “This is the story of the Church and of many of you, doing this day by day in our schools, doing your part in the evangelization of the world,” Bishop Jarrell commented during the ceremony. “It is a big mission and will be done in many ways, but Catholic
ACHIEVER/SUPPORTER OF THE YEAR Achiever/Support School Lyn N. Petitjean Notre Dame Amy & Johnathan Stanford Our Mother of Peace James Petitjean Rayne Catholic Marty Semmes Redemptorist Catholic Joseph Pousson St. Francis Mollie & Bobby Hanks St. Michael Clarence Reed Sacred Heart Mary & Tim LeBlanc Catholic High Jennifer & William Regard St. Edward Darlene & Roland Jeanlouis St. Edward Bobby Kenneson, Grand Knight Carencro Catholic (Knights of Columbus #6958) Renae & Hunter Trahan Cathedral-Carmel Allyson Hebert Cathedral-Carmel Melanie Broussard Holy Family Rev. Anderson Luis de Souza Immaculate Heart of Mary Kathy Ruckstuhl Our Lady of Fatima Kenny McIntyre St. Cecilia Sherry & Leonard Scrantz St. Genevieve Brandy & Scott Quebedeaux St. Genevieve Courtney & Corey LeBlanc St. Genevieve Elia Prejean St. Mary Early Learning Center Lorraine Guidry St. Pius Glenn Angelle St. Thomas More Julie Buller Sts. Leo-Seton Brunella & Robert Cormier Sts. Peter & Paul Sherry & Leonard Scrantz Teurlings Brandy & Scott Quebedeaux Teurlings Courtney & Corey LeBlanc Teurlings Jill Purser Opelousas Catholic Tonya & Brad Miller St. Edmund Patricia Wells St. Ignatius Jessica & Dale Huval St. Bernard Erica Ann Poirier Trinity Catholic Blake P. Douet Trinity Catholic Derrick Faucheux Hanson Memorial Chad Judice St. John Maltrait Christmas Store Elves Maltrait Memorial Michael P. Broussard Mt. Carmel Jodi & David Off Vermilion Catholic
schools have their parts and each one of us has his or her part in doing this work of Christ, bringing Christ to the world, and as always, necessarily, it must be done out of love.” During the ceremony, Bishop Jarrell presented awards to the Outstanding Educators and to
the Outstanding Achievers/Supporters of each Catholic School in the diocese. In years past, the bishop also presented awards to selected Outstanding Catholic School Administrators; however, this year each administrator was recognized with this honor in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the Office of Catholic Schools. To view the 2011 - 2012 Annual Diocesan Recognition Ceremony Honoring Outstanding Catholic School Achievers, please visit the diocesan website at www.diolaf.org. The video may be accessed through the Office of Catholic Schools section.
Photo by P.C. Piazza
EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR Educator School Ginger R. Roché Notre Dame Lindsey D. Richard Our Mother of Peace Sharon Lambousy Rayne Catholic Tonya B. Nolan Redemptorist Catholic Yvette Hollier St. Francis Courtney Elkins St. Michael Missie Soileau Sacred Heart Denise Fontenot Sacred Heart Erin Robison Catholic High Jennifer Hoffpauir Catholic High Jilly Bourque St. Edward Hallea Bullara Carencro Catholic Crystal Miciotto Cathedral-Carmel Sarah Arceneaux Holy Family Earline Price Immaculate Heart of Mary Gayle Dauterive Our Lady of Fatima Lisa Dugas St. Cecilia Kristina Doguet St. Genevieve Elementary Lorali Dupuis St. Genevieve Middle Jan Elmore St. Mary Early Learning Center Cristina Barry St. Pius Christine Wise St. Thomas More Amy Guidry Sts. Leo-Seton Rachel Kimble Sts. Peter & Paul Lauren Shomaker Teurlings Rhonda Schwartzenburg Opelousas Catholic Justin Boyd Opelousas Catholic Holly Bertrand St. Edmund Summer Berzas St. Edmund Lainie Myers St. Ignatius Dawn Berard St. Bernard Megan Delcambre Trinity Catholic Raquel Baker Hanson Memorial Rachel Ancona St. John Dawn M. Camel Maltrait Memorial Tanya Wirtz Mt. Carmel Shawna White Vermilion Catholic
Page 10 April 2012
Abril 2012 por Obispo Michael Jarrell El año pasado en el mes de Octubre, el Papa Benedicto anunció un Sínodo que se llevaría a cabo en el Vaticano en Octubre de este año. El tema del Sínodo es “La Nueva Evangelización para la Transmisión de la Fe Católica.” Uno tiene la esperanza de que el Santo Padre y los Obispos den una guía y dirección con respecto a la Nueva Evangelización. La Primera Evangelización, empezó con la instrucción que Jesús dio a los discípulos: “Vayan y hagan discípulos de todas las naciones bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo.” Podemos constatar la historia de la evangelización a través de los siglos y a través de los continentes. El desafío hoy en día es presentar a Cristo a la gente del siglo XXI, una tarea formidable. En esta carta, el Papa Benedicto habló sobre una “crisis de fe.” El quiso decir que muchas personas especialmente en el mundo occidental, han perdido su fe en Dios. Yo no creo que esto sea cierto en la Diócesis de Lafayette o
en la mayoría de las personas de los Estados Unidos. Así pues, me preguntado, “En qué consiste la crisis de fe en la Diócesis de Lafayette?” Para llegar a esa respuesta, recuerdo un incidente que sucedió en 1959, mi primer año en el seminario. Ese verano estaba trabajando en una parroquia y el párroco nos dio una tarea de levantar el censo de la parroquia. En las cálidas tardes del mes de Julio, estábamos caminando por las calles y tocando puertas y pidiendo a los residentes que se declaraban católicos llenar la hoja del censo. Me encontré con un anciano muy atento y cooperador, contestando debidamente a todas mis preguntas. Cuando pregunté, “Usted va a misa los domingos?” Respondió, “Bueno, no todos los domingos, en esa materia no soy un fanático.” Nunca he olvidado esta respuesta en todos estos años. Quizá su contestación nos da la pauta de un aspecto de la crisis de fe en nuestra Diócesis. Uno la podría llamar una crisis de espiritualidad o una falta de una debida relación con Dios. El Papa Benedicto frecuentemente ha dicho que lo más importante en la vida es la relación personal de cada uno con Dios. Para algunos, parece ser un Dios remoto, desinteresado y casi desconocido. No entra a formar parte de sus vidas. No hacen sus oraciones diariamente, no tienen una participación litúrgica en la iglesia. El hombre con quien hablé en el año 1959 claramente no estaba viviendo
St. Michael’s Seder Meal
Corrección: En la edición de Marzo de Acadiana Catholic, hubo un error en la traducción del mensaje del Obispo Michael Jarrell. La última oración, que termina con “Miércoles de Cuaresma”, debe leerse “Miércoles de Ceniza”. Nuestras disculpas por este descuido.
CROWLEY St. Michael Church in Crowley recently hosted a Passover Celebration of the Jewish Seder Meal. The Seder Meal forms a historical and beautiful expression of God’s saving action for his people. It harks back to the time when God, through Moses, delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt into the freedom of the Promised Land. Christians are interested in this
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una relación personal profunda con Dios. La crisis de la fe estaba más en la línea de negligencia y descuido, en la ausencia de algo positivo y vital. Quiero aclarar que no lo estoy juzgando. Yo no sé qué oportunidades tuvo él durante su crecimiento, ni tampoco sé cuánta instrucción religiosa tuvo o qué tipo de ejemplo se le dio. No se trata de estar juzgando al señor. El punto es el desafío de definir en qué consiste la Nueva Evangelización para nuestra Diócesis y un compromiso en la misión de la Iglesia invitando a todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas a la plenitud de la fe. Así, el Santo Padre anunció el Sínodo, y habló de la crisis de la fe. También anunció el Año de la Fe, que comenzará en Octubre 11 del 2012 para finalizar en Noviembre 24 del 2013, con la Solemnidad de Cristo Rey. La fecha del 11 de octubre marca el 50 Aniversario del comienzo del Concilio Vaticano Segundo y el 20 Aniversario de la publicación del Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica. Los Documentos del Concejo y del Catecismo son recursos muy importantes para enmarcar la Nueva Evangelización. He formado un comité para hacer recomendaciones con respecto a la vivencia del Año de la Fe en la Diócesis. Se puede encontrar más información y anuncios en los siguientes meses. La carta del Santo Padre a la cual me refiero se puede encontrar en el sitio web del Vaticano, bajo Las Cartas Apostólica, Porta fidei.
ritual meal that includes the consumption of foods and wine that signify deliverance a n d freed o m . At the Passo v e r Seder Meal, on the night before He died, Jesus Christ transformed the bread
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and wine into his Body and Blood. Jesus then offered Himself as the sacrificial Passover Lamb of God who delivers us from slavery into freedom. The picture shows the coordinators of St. Michael Church’s Seder Meal, Sister Justina Baker, MHS, and Barbara Guidry.
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April 2012 by Bishop Michael Jarrell Last year in October, Pope Benedict announced a Synod (meeting) of Bishops to be held at the Vatican in October of this year. The theme of the Synod is “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith.” One can hope that the Holy Father and the Bishops will give guidance and direction with regard to the New Evangelization. The Old Evangelization, so to speak, began with the instruction that Jesus gave to his disciples: “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” We can trace the history of evangelization through the centuries and across the continents. The challenge today is presenting Christ to the people of the 21st Century, a formidable task indeed. In his letter, Pope Benedict spoke about a “crisis of faith.” He meant that many people, especially in the western world, have lost faith in God. I do not think that is true in the Diocese of Lafayette or even for most people in
the United States. Thus, I have been asking myself, “What is the crisis of faith in the Diocese of Lafayette?” In forming an answer to that question, I recalled an incident which happened in 1959, my first year in the seminary. I was working in a parish that summer and the pastor gave several of us the task of taking a census of the parish. On hot July afternoons, we were walking the streets, knocking on doors and asking residents who were Catholic to complete a census card. I encountered one elderly gentleman who was very polite and cooperative, dutifully responding to all of my questions. When I asked, “Do you attend Mass on Sunday?” He replied, “Well not every Sunday, I am not a fanatic on that stuff.” I have remembered his reply all of these years. Perhaps his answer gives some idea of at least one dimension of the crisis of faith in our Diocese. One might call it a crisis of spirituality or a lack of a proper relationship with God. Pope Benedict has often said that the most important thing in life is one’s personal relationship with God. For some, it seems, God is remote, disinterested and almost unknown. He is not a part of their daily lives. There is no habit of daily prayer, communal worship or church participation. The man I spoke with in 1959 clearly was not living in a deep personal relationship with God. The crisis of faith was more in the line of neglect and alienation, an absence of something positive and life-giv-
Distinguished Graduate Award
OPELOUSAS Opelousas Catholic School recently honored Deacon Samuel Charles Diesi with the N.C.E.A. Distinguished Graduate award for his significant contributions to the community and his Catholic faith over his lifetime. An alumnus from the AIC 1968 class (now Opelousas Catholic), he is pictured with his wife Becky, also an AIC graduate, at a reception following the Mass where he received his award presentation.
Deacon Samuel Charles Diesi (right) and his wife Becky (left). Photo submitted by Opelousas Catholic School
April 2012 Page 11
ing. I want to be quick to say that I do not judge him. I do not know what opportunities he had growing up, nor do I know how much religious instruction he had or what kind of example he was given. Judgment is not the point. The point is the challenge of defining the nature of the New Evangelization for our Diocese and of commitment to the mission of the Church by inviting all of our brothers and sisters to the fullness of faith. Thus, the Holy Father announced the Synod and spoke of the crisis of faith. He also announced a Year of Faith, beginning on October 11, 2012 and ending on November 24, 2013, the Solemnity of Christ the King. The date of October 11 marks the 50th Anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th Anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Documents of the Council and the Catechism are important sources in framing the New Evangelization. I have formed a Committee to make recommendations with regard to the observance of the Year of Faith in the Diocese. Look for more information and announcements in the months ahead. The letter of the Holy Father to which I referred can be found on the Vatican website, under Apostolic Letters, Porta fidei.
Antique rosary exhibit
LAFAYETTE The museum and gift shop of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette will host a special exhibit of religious art and antique rosaries from April 1 through June 30. The featured artist will be Mrs. Ira Thomas, while the collection of antique rosaries will contain rosaries from around the world. For further details, please contact the office of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at (337) 232-1322.
St. Francis crawfish boil
IOTA St. Francis School in Iota will be having a crawfish boil from 5:007:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20. Tickets for take-out orders only may be purchased during the week of April 6-15 by calling and leaving a message at (337) 779-2527. The cost is $15 per order, with each order to consist of four pounds of boiled crawfish with potatoes. If extra crawfish are available on the night of the event, they will be sold at the cost of $17 per four-pound order. All proceeds will benefit St. Francis School.
Page 12 April 2012
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April 2012 Page 13
Completion campaign for St. Joseph Church, Loreauville
LOREAUVILLE “While many of us would not live in incomplete homes, for over 50 years we have worshipped in an incomplete church.” In mid-February, parishioners of St. Joseph Church in Loreauville read these words in a brochure that was distributed to mark the start of the parish’s completion campaign. It is a reminder to them that while the exterior of the current church building was completed according to its original design, a lack of funds forced sacrifices to be made in completing its interior. These sacrifices included the construction of an arched ceiling and interior columns. St. Joseph Parish was established on February 9, 1873, and the church community goes back even further. A chapel was built on the land of Mr. Joseph Ozere Loreau around 1869, and in 1871 Mr. Loreau donated this land and all buildings on it to the Catholic Church. In August of the following year, Archbishop Perché visited this church in Loreauville to bless it and administer the sacrament of confirmation to 87 individuals in the area; he was so impressed by what he saw of the community that he made the decision to create the new parish in 1873. As the parish continued to grow throughout the years, parishioners of the time—many of whom were farmers—chose to donate an acre’s worth of profit from their sugar cane harvests in order to subsidize the building of a new church building. The campaign was known as “God’s Acre” and it paved the way
side entrances to their original design. Today, St. Joseph Parish is the spiritual home of more than 1,000 Catholic families in the area. Those who are interested in learning more about the parish, or in contributing to its completion campaign, may contact the parish office by telephone at (337) 2294254 or email at saintjoseph1@ cox-internet.net.
Although the exterior of St. Joseph Church was completed according to its original design, the completion campaign aims to raise funds that will allow for the final completion of its interior features, as well as a number of renovations to help restore the church more fully to its original beauty. File photo
to hire Louisiana architect A. Hays Town to design the building. In 2011, plans began to form to raise the necessary funds for the completion and renovation of St. Joseph Church. In addition to adding the final interior elements of A. Hays Town’s original design, the community wishes to restore pews and flooring to their original beauty, replace the central air conditioning and lighting systems, install a state-of-the-art sound system, and also return the church’s
Goals of St. Joseph Church’s current completion campaign include the construction of an arched ceiling and finishing interior columns. These features were a part of the church building’s original design, as envisioned by architect A. Hays Town, but a lack of funds forced the features to be sacrificed when it was being built 50 years ago. Image submitted by St. Joseph Church
About A. Hays Town St. Joseph Church in Loreauville is the product of a design by the famed “Louisiana Archtitect” A. Hays Town. Born in 1903, Town was a native of Crowley and received his engineering degree from Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now UL). His architectual designs were so popular and sought-after that he maintained his career well into his 90’s. The desire to fulfill his original design for the church is yet another credit to his legacy which has literally helped to shape southwestern Louisiana.
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Acadiana Catholic
Office of Catholic Schools recognizes “Students of the Year”
b y Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools is pleased to recognize this year’s recipients of the “Student of the Year” Award. The three students, representing elementary, junior high/middle, and high school levels, recently met with Bishop Michael Jarrell so that he could personally congratulate them on their achievements. The elementary school “Student of the Year” was awarded to Emma Luke, a fifth grader at St. Cecilia School in Broussard. Emma is the daughter of DeeDee and Robert Luke of Youngsville. Her brother, Thomas Luke, was also selected as this year’s “Student of the Year” at the junior high/middle school level. Thomas is an eighth-grader and also attends St. Cecilia School in Broussard. The high school “Student of the Year” is Catherine Briley, a senior at Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte. Catherine is the daughter of Gretchen and Nicky
tary school teacher, one junior high/middle school teacher, one high school teacher, one central office administrator, and three community members representing business/industry, labor, and civic organizations. Based on established criteria, the committee selects one candidate for each catergory from among the names submitted for their review. In addition to being recognized and honored by the Office of Catholic Schools, these students also go on to be considered for the state level “Student of the year” award.
The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools is pleased to honor this year’s Students of the Year. Pictured above from L/R are Thomas Luke (8th grade, St. Cecilia School, Broussard), Emma Luke (5th grade, St. Cecilia School, Broussard), Bishop Michael Jarrell, and Catherine Briley (12th grade, Sacred Heart School, Ville Platte). Photo submitted by the Office of Catholic Schools
Briley of Washington. The “Student of the Year” awards program is sponsored by the Louisiana State Superintendent through the State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; its purpose is to recognize outstanding students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership
ability, and citizenship. In order to be considered for the award, candidates must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4-point scale. In the Lafayette Diocese’s Catholic School system, each Catholic school is allowed to submit the name of one qualifying student for each applicable level (elementary, junior high/middle, and high school). These names are then reviewed by an appointed Student Achievement Committee consisting of one elemen-
Congratulations “Students of the Year” Catherine Briley Thomas Luke Emma Luke
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April 2012 Page 15
Our Lady of Fatima to host celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday
LAFYETTE The Central Region of the Lafayette Diocese will host its 2012 celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on April 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette. The afternoon will include the recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and other Divine Mercy prayers, Reposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Bishop Michael Jarrell will also celebrate Mass at 3:00 p.m. Very Rev. Thomas James, SVD, VE, (Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region) and other clergy will concelebrate, and Father Hampton Davis (Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Lafayette) will serve as homilist. P a r k ing will be available at Father Hampton Davis Our Lady of
Fatima Church, with additional parking also available at Blackham Coliseum. A uniformed police escort will be on hand to assist people in crossing Johnston Street in order to get to the church. For more information regarding the celebration, please visit www.centralregiononline.org or contact Mary Bergeron by telephone at (337) 654-8682 or email at mbergeron@diolaf.org. Celebrated on the Sunday after Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday was declared by Pope John Paul II following the canonization of St. Faustina Kowalska in the Jubilee year of 2000. This year, Pope John Paul II will be beatified on Divine Mercy Sunday. The celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday offers individuals an opportunity for extraordinary and unlimited graces. Those who wish to receive the special graces of mercy are required to place complete trust in God’s mercy; repent of all sins and go to Confession sometime during Lent; celebrate God’s mercy by attending Mass on the Sunday after Eas-
ter; receive the Eucharist while in the state of grace; venerate the image of the Divine Mercy; and be merciful to others by action, words or prayers. Those Catholics who celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday will be able to receive a plenary indulgence, as granted by Pope John Paul II. St. Faustina St. Faustina was born in 1905 in the village of Glogowiec near Lodz (Poland) as the third of ten children in the family of Marianna and Stanislaw Kowalska. From her childhood, she was distinguished by a love for prayer, diligence at work, obedience, and sensitivity for the poor. She attended just under three years of elementary schooling before leaving her family home to work as a domestic servant. At the age of 20, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy, where she spent 13 years performing the duties of cook, gardener, and door-
keeper. Her life, though seemingly very ordinary, concealed an exceptionally profound union with God. She desired to become a great saint and she consistently strove toward that goal, offering her life as a sacrifice for sinners. Therefore, her life as a religious was marked with the stigma of suffering, but also with extraordinary mystical graces. She died on October 5, 1938 at the age of 33, when she died of tuberculosis. On the first Sunday after Easter in 1993, Pope John Paul II declared her one of the community of the blessed. On the following day during his general audience, he said: “God has spoken to us through the spiritual wealth of Blessed Sister Faustina Kowalska. She left to the world the great message of Divine Mercy and an incentive to complete self-surrender to the Creator. God endowed her with a singular grace that enabled her to experience His mercy through mystical encounter and by a special gift of contemplative prayer.”
2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection Saturday, April 14, 2012 | 8:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church | Lafayette, Louisiana Guest Speakers:
Dave and Joan Maroney, Mother of Mercy Messengers All are invited to attend a special “2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection” on Saturday, April 14, 2012, from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2319 Johnston Street, Lafayette. Registration and Exhibits open at 7:15 a.m. Our theme for the day is “Spark of Mercy”.
Roy Petitfils, Counselor, Speaker, Author and Writer Annie Karto, Catholic Singer and Songwriter Fred Berretta, Speaker, Author, Survivor—“Miracle on the Hudson”
Registration is $25.00 per person and includes lunch; additional details are below. Please complete the Registration Form and submit as indicated. For more information, please contact Mary Bergeron (337-6548682 or mbergeron@centralregiononline.org) or visit www.centralregiononline.org. Sponsored by Central Region, Diocese of Lafayette, and Holy Trinity Catholic Resource Center
2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection—Saturday, April 14, 2012 Registration—$25.00 per person (includes lunch) Name (please print):______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________________ Phone:_______________________________ Amount Enclosed:_______________________________________
Check No.:_______________________________
Email:________________________________
Please submit one Registration Form for each participant. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through Thursday, April 5, 2012, or until sold out. Registrations will not be accepted at the door. Checks should be made payable to “Vicar’s Account— Central Region” and mailed to Central Region, Diocese of Lafayette, 140 Decal Road, Lafayette, LA 70508. Exhibits featuring our speakers and sponsors will have items for sale (cash or check only, please). Host hotel is Hilton Garden Inn (2350 W. Congress Street, Lafayette; 337-291-1977; Group Code “DMCONF”). Please bring a jacket or sweater for your personal comfort. For more information, please contact Mary Bergeron (337-654-8682; mbergeron@centralregiononline.org) or visit www.centralregiononline.org.
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Acadiana Catholic
St. Joseph’s Altar at Our Lady of Fatima
LAFAYETTE Like several church parishes in the area and throughout the world, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph by honoring an oldtime Sicilian tradition. Parishioners contributed numerous food dishes and items to build a threetiered altar in honor of St. Joseph, an act that can be traced back to medieval times when the Sicilians constructed a similar altar to thank St. Joseph for answering their prayers to end the famine
from which they were suffering. The three tiers are said to represent the Holy Trinity. In addition to the altar, children from Our Lady of Fatima Parish performed the Tupa Tupa ritual, a re-enactment of the Holy Family’s search for food and shelter. Those who joined the celebration were also treated to a meatless spaghetti dinner and given a take-home bag containing special tokens and prayer cards to commemorate the event.
Children of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Lafayette performed the Tupa Tupa ritual as part of the parish’s celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph. Photo by Renee Ory
Keeping a Cajun prayer tradition alive
by Joan Theriot-Broussard YOUNGSVILLE It was the last thing I could do for my grandfather, Don Louis Theriot and I was unable to do it. The rosary was being prayed during his wake in May, 1985 and I could not pray it. It was being prayed in French. I had heard these familiar prayers all my life, but had never learned them by heart. The sadness that overcame me was profound; but then was replaced with a resolute heart that was determined to learn my prayers in French for him. A few weeks later, I obtained a cassette tape of the Rosary prayed in French by an elderly gentleman praying it at the bedside of his dying wife. I wore out this tape, rewinding it over and over, till I was able to pray my rosary in French with ease. I quickly realized that praying these sacred prayers was more meaningful to me than praying in English. God blessed my effort by enabling me to pray the Rosary in French for my Mother, Luda Bernis-Theriot, when she died the following year, in March 1986. I have been praying the rosary in French for the last 25 years. Several funeral homes call me to come and recite the Rosary for the deceased, a true blessing for me. It seems there are not many people left who still pray their rosary in French and, as I pray it, in Cajun French. In an effort to encourage others to learn this beautiful Cajun tradition, I have recorded the Rosary in French, and in English. Included on the inside cover are the prayers in French to make it easy to learn for those wishing to keep this holy tradition alive. The CDs of the rosary, both in French and English are available at Crossroads Book Store in Lafayette, The Rosary House in New Iberia, Cades Grocery in St. Martinville and Farmer’s Drugs in Youngsville. Joan Theriot-Broussard is a native of St. Martinville. She completed her studies in Spiritual Direction in the Diocese of Lake Charles, Louisiana.
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Aquinas Institute courses for summer 2012
LAFAYETTE Registration for the summer 2012 session of the Aquinas Institute will begin on Monday, April 30 and close on Friday, May 4. New and current credit students may call the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5550 for a registration application during this time, and the application will be forwarded to them according to space availability within the requested class. The cost for all credit students is $250 per course. All audit students may contact the office from Friday, May 4 through Friday, May 11, and the same procedure will be followed. The cost of auditing a course $75 per class. Aquinas Institute courses are SACS accredited, and faculty members hold MA degrees or higher in their areas of instruction. Courses scheduled for the summer 2012 session include THE 210 The Doctrine of God (Trinity) and THE 190 Intro to New Testament Greek. THE 210 The Doctrine of God (Trinity) with Father Clinton Sensat will count as three
nate in the study of the Christian and Trinitarian doctrine of God. A special emphasis will be given to Jesus’ revelation of the Trinity in the New Testament, as well as it was developed in the patristic era and elucidated by St. Thomas in the Summa Theologiae. THE 190 Intro to New Testament Greek with Anne-Christian Heinen, SSL will also count as three semester hours. Classes will begin on June 4 and conclude on August 13, and will meet every Monday Fides Quaerens Intellectum and Wednesday from 6:30-8:45 p.m. at 1522 Please visit us on the web at Carmel Drive www.diolaf.org/aquinasinstitute in Lafayette. This course will semester hours. Classes will be present an introductory study of held from 6:30-8:45 p.m. every koine Greek—the Greek used Tuesday and Thursday in Knight in the New Testament. Basic Hall Auditorium (2319 Johnston nouns, adjectives, and verbs will Street, Lafayette), beginning on be mastered. By the end of the June 5 and concluding on July course, students should be able 31. The course will study the to translate some of the simpler concept of God, beginning with texts of the New Testaments the way mankind has responded with the use of a lexicon. to the Mystery of God in varied cultures from earliest times to the present. The course will also study the dual approaches of humanity in search of God and God in search of the human person through revelation, and culmi-
Aquinas Institute
Certified Recognition Masters www.awardmaster.com
April 2012 Page 17
Catechist retreat to be held Apr. 14
LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Christian Formation will sponsor a catechist retreat on Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon at the St. Joseph Family Life Center in Rayne. The presenter will be Father Kendall Faulk, and the workshop is classified as Catechist Certification Level II: Catechist Retreat (4 credits, 3 hours). Catechist retreats may be repeated each year for hours. The cost of registration is $10 per person, with checks made payable to the Office of Christian Formation. The deadline to register is March 23, and early registration is advised to ensure seating. Onsite registration on the day of the workshop will not be accepted. For additional information, please contact the Office of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5550.
Page 18 April 2012
Acadiana Catholic
Louisiana Right to Life names Ryan Verrett as director of Center for Medical Ethics General and within the Afford-
LAFAYETTE The Louisiana Right to Life Federation has announced a new branch in its overall outreach to protect and promote the sanctity of life during all its stages. The group has now established the Center for Medical Ethics, and named Mr. Ryan Verrett to serve as the center’s director. The following statement regarding the center’s purpose can be found on
Ryan Verrett Photo courtesty of www.prolifelouisiana.org
the group’s website, www.prolifeable Care Act louisiana.org. • Wills to Live, Advanced “For years, Louisiana’s pro-life Medical Directives movement has focused the major• Medical Discrimination ity of it energies on the destrucagainst Children/Adults with Distion of life through abortion, but abilities a lack of a sense of urgency and • Healthcare Rights of Coninadequate education has led to science confusion surrounding these and As Director other questions of the Center for dealing with For more information on Medical Eththe ill, disabled, ics, Ryan Verrett and elderly. The the Center for Medical holds an MA in new Center for Ethics, please visit Theology, with Medical Ethics www.prolifelouisiana.org an emphasis in serves as LouiBioethics from siana Right to St. John’s at BosLife’s arm in ton College. He also holds an MA fighting to protect the elderly and in Graduate Clinical Psychology individuals with disabilities and from the Institute for the Psyillnesses from both direct killing chological Sciences in Arlington, and denial of lifesaving medical VA. He has worked for several treatment.” years in Palliative and Hospice The Center for Medical Ethics Care administration, and in the will target the following educaDepartment of Health and Hospition areas: tals. The highlight of his training • Euthanasia, Assisted Suiwas working within the Missioncide and Denial of Treatment aries of Charity AIDS Hospice in • Healthcare Rationing in
Washington, DC. Mr. Verrett currently resides in Breaux Bridge, along with his wife Mary-Rose and their two children, Azelie and Andre. Mr. Verrett will talk about the Center for Medical Ethics on the Lafayette Diocese’s television program Tell the People on Sunday, April 22. Tell the People airs on KATC TV-3 each Sunday at 11:00 a.m., as well as various other days and times on Acadiana Open Channel; for further details, please refer to the AOC programming schedule at www.aocinc. org. Those who are interested in booking Mr. Verrett to speak at their event may contact him at 1-866-463-5433 or rverrett@prolifelouisiana.org.
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April 2012 Page 19
Development Office hosts annual Stewardship Leadership Day
by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Stewardship & Development recently hosted its Eighth annual Stewardship Leadership Day at the Immaculata Center in Lafayette. The purpose of the day was to offer clergy members, parish staff, and lay volunteers an opportunity to learn more about cultivating stewardship as a natural way of life within their individual church parishes. “I do want to say how pleased I am to see how many of you have come,� declared Bishop Jarrell in his opening remarks to an audience of more than 100 people. His sentiments were later echoed by Father Steve LeBlanc, chairman of the Bishop’s Stewardship and Development Council and moderator for the day, as he stressed his appreciation to those who took the day off from their regular work day in order to attend. The first presentation of the morning was made by Father Dan Mahan, Executive Director of the O’Meara Ferguson Center for Catholic Stewardship at Marian University in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, IN. “Whenever I say I’m going to talk about stewardship, people always think I’m going to talk about it as a capital ‘S’ with a line drawn through it [dollar sign],�
The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Stewardship & Development recently hosted its Eighth annual Stewardship Leadership Day. On hand for the event were (L/R) Michael E. Murphy, Father Daniel Mahan, Connie Babin, Ashton Mouton, Jr., Bishop Michael Jarrell, and Father Steve LeBlanc. Photo by Stephanie R. Martin
admitted Father Mahan. “But stewardship is so much more important.â€? Father Mahan’s presentation went on to define stewardship as “a practical spirituality, the connection between the spiritual and the material.â€? Therefore, he also defined a steward as one who: • Receives God’s gifts gratefully • Cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner • Shares them in justice and love with all • Returns them with increase to the Lord From this perspective, Father Mahan emphasized that stew-
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ardship is indeed a matter of the heart, as well as a way to grow in holiness by being close to the Lord, being close to the Church, and knowing that each person is here to fulfill a purpose in life which no one else can fulfill. Also on the day’s agenda was a frank discussion of parish capital—or fundraising—campaigns. This topic was addressed by Mr. Michael E. Murphy, Executive Director of the International Catholic Stewardship Counsel in Washington, DC. Mr. Murphy offered his insights into the many different elements that pastors and parish organizations must consider when devising such a campaign. He recommended a three-phase approach to include preparation, invitation, and response, and discussed each phase in detail. Mr. Murphy also urged planners to make specific gift requests when necessary, citing that people generally give when and because they are asked to meet specific needs. Lastly, participants heard from Mr. Ashton Mouton, a parish-
ioner from St. Pius X Church in Lafayette who spoke on the aspects of organizing a parish ministry exposition. Mr. Mouton compared the concept to that of a school social studies fair, and stressed the need to communicate and coordinate efforts with all parish ministry leaders in order to present the most dynamic and effective overview of the many ways in which lay volunteers can contribute their personal gifts and resources. While Stewardship Leadership Day is an annual event hosted by the Office of Stewardship & Development, a variety of supporting resources may also be accessed at any time through the diocesan website at www.diolaf. org; simply choose “Stewardship and Development� under the OFFICES tab located on the home page.
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Acadiana Catholic
Hispanic community welcomes Father Medina to Lenten retreat by Emily Buyers LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry and the Preachers of Christ and Mary Sisters (P.C.M.) hosted a Lenten Retreat for the Hispanic community on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the Immaculata Center. in Lafayette. The theme of the retreat was “Recharge Your Faith!” and the day included music, talks, dancing, a play, the celebration of Holy Mass, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Special guests included keynote speaker Father Nelson Medina, O.P. of Colombia, a Dominican priest, theo-
logian, and retreat director (www.fraynelson.com); internationally-known musician and worship leader Carolina Herrera of Miami, FL ; dancer Angela Sanchez of Colombia; and actress and playwright Andrea Castaño of Colombia, a lay missionary with the Preachers of Christ and Mary. Approximately 300 people of all ages attended the retreat, which was a great success thanks to the collaboration of a truly fantastic team of volunteers. To everyone who helped with the retreat, the Office of Hispanic Ministry would like to say ¡Muchas gracias!
The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry extends its thanks to all Hispanic community leaders who assisted in the planning of this year’s Lenten retreat. Photo submitted by the Office of Hispanic Ministry
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Father Nelson Medina of Colombia recently visited St. Jules Church in Lafayette to speak at a Lenten retreat for the Hispanic community. Father Medina spoke about migration, the Roman Catholic Church’s responisibility toward Hispanic migrants, and how those already in the U.S. should welcome them and help to meet their needs. Photo by John J. Broussard of Here & Now Photography
Hispanic Holy Week Services Schedule 2012: Celebrant: Rev. Juan Luis Gándara, priest-in-residence at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Iberia. Holy Thursday 6:00 p.m. Spanish Mass, Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette Good Friday Way of the Cross , Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Iberia 11:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Spanish Service, Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil 8:00 p.m. Spanish Mass, Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette
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April 2012 Page 21
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April 2012 Page 23
Diocese of Lafayette Financial Report for the Fiscal Year of July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011
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Acadiana Catholic
Incoming Funds The figures used in this report are audited by the Certified Public Accounting Firm of Broussard, Poche, Lewis, and Breaux, LLC. Under Incoming Funds, readers must note that contributions from the Annual Bishop’s Opus Christi Magnum are not included, as this income is given directly to the agencies which make up the Lafayette Catholic Services Centers, Inc.; this corporation reports to its own board and is audited separately. Funds raised through Opus Christi Magnum efforts also help the Opelousas New Life Center and several small charity outreach centers throughout the diocese. The Outgoing Funds section does not include the activities of the Consolidated Deposit and Loan Program (CDLP). The CDLP is our “bank” into which parishes and other diocesan entities deposit their excess revenues at good interest rates. These funds are then available on demand so that the CDLP may utilize them to provide loans at very favorable rates to parishes building new facilities or for other needs. It is not a part of our operating budget.
RECEIVED
Represents the origin of all diocesan funds PARISH ASSESSMENTS $5,869,648 This is the major source of diocesan income. The assessment rate ranges from 1% on parish income to 15% (only 12 pay 15%). Parishes in turn are relieved of financial burdens under diocesan auspices. BISHOP’S SERVICES APPEAL $2,375,086 This is the once-a-year appeal for the support of diocesan projects. This annual pledge and gift is your way of supporting the diocese as you support your own parish every week. RECEIPTS GENERATED BY OFFICES & PROGRAMS $1,728,177 Some offices generate income for the support of their programs. This helps offset the cost, although in almost all instances, the diocese makes up the shortfall between income and expenditures. RECEIPTS GENERATED BY AGENCIES $2,462,520 Agencies generate income from grants and donations to cover the total cost of their operation. Grants are mostly from external sources, such as Religious Grants and Federal/State Grants. LEASES $357,152 Generous people sometimes give property to the diocese. Some of it is sold, and some is leased. INVESTMENT INCOME $537,321 Specified funds are limited in their expenditures by the intention of the donors. Others are disbursed in line with our judgement. Fiscal responsibility requires adequate reserves so that in a financial emergency, we would be able to pay our employees, protect their retirement benefits, and maintain skeleton services for a reasonable time.
TOTAL
$13,329,904
Parish Assessments
Receipts Generated by Agencies
Bishop’s Services Appeal
Leases
Receipts Generated by Offices & Programs
Investment Income
CURRENT GENERAL STATISTICS FOR THE LAFAYETTE DIOCESE
Total Population Catholic Population Diocesan Priests (Active) Religious Order Priests Seminarians Deacons (Permanent) Brothers Sisters Parishes Missions
627,285 High Schools 304,921 Students 120 Parish Schools of Religion 40 Elementary Schools 33 Students 73 Parish Schools of Religion 14 Social Services Total Assisted 147 Baptisms 121 Marriages 30 Funerals
10 3,631 6,352 30 11,236 13,489 162,763 3,821 1,024 3,259
Your contributions help to support and promote the works and ministries that define the presence of the Catholic Church throughout all areas of the diocese.
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Outgoing Funds
OFFICES
Represents the total cost of operating the various offices of the diocese EXECUTIVE OFFICES Residence of Bishop $163,393 Tribunal 166,577 Total 329,970 ADMINISTRATION Chancellor 113,684 Archives 95,293 Auxiliary Services 149,857 Information Technology 346,754 Maintenance Services 465 Maintenance Serv. Prog. 682,720 Total 1,388,773 CLERGY & RELIGIOUS Vicar for Priests 8,165 Permanent Deacons 148,533 Seminarians & Vocations 871,062 Ongoing Formation of Priests 210,174 Minister to Priests 30,937 Religious Brothers & Sisters 26,141 Total 1,295,012 COMMUNICATIONS Acadiana Catholic 477,909 Radio & Television 104,094 Website Coordinator 32,187 Total 614,190 COMMUNITY SERVICES Institutions & Housing 145,984 Justice & Peace 141,439 Maternity & Adoption 199,087 Migration & Refugee Services 355,863 Persons with Disabilities 538,649 Total 1,381,022 FAMILY SERVICES Marriage & Family Life 145,440 Pro-Life Apostolate 107,149 Youth Ministry 124,364 Total 376,953 FORMATION Religious 26,141 LSU-E Campus Ministry 73,954 Campus Ministry 78,454 Catholic Schools 260,966 Christian Formation 272,074 Total 711,589 PASTORAL SERVICES Vicar General 65,682 Hispanic Ministry 175,737 Black Catholic Ministry 94,222 Liturgy & Worship 72,955 Total 408,596 STEWARDSHIP Vicar General Secretariat 92,843 Accounting 256,548 Parish Finance 234,164 Building & Renovation 103,964 Stewardship & Developmnet 109,613 Bishop’s Services Appeal 214,932 Human Resources 130,798 Safe Environment 88,340 Finance 212,138 Total 1,443,340 SECRETARIAT ASSISTANTS South Region 76,396 Central Region 79,154 North Region 76,469 West Region 73, 112 Total 305,132 Office Totals 8,254,578
PROGRAMS/SERVICES
Represents ongoing responsibilities that are more properly listed as programs than offices DIOCESAN Priests’ Health Care Retired Clergy Chaplains & Hospital Ministry Needy Parishes & Institutions Diocesan Assessments & Contributions Priests’ Council & Committee Expenses Bishop Discretionary Fund Capital Outlay Special Diocesan Costs Holy Rosary Plant Account Programs/Services Total
343,178 722,053 177,117 295,236 192,703 2,990 3,375 384,673 207,881 66,828 2,396,033
AGENCIES
Represents the disbursement of agencies working in the diocesan family of apostolates Society of Propagation of Faith Evangelization Grant Account Drug-Free Grant Account Technology/OCS Account Migration Agency Account School Clearing Account Aquinas Institute
Agencies Total
4,371 276 30,139 70,148 77,458 2,088,944 23,800 2,295,136
ALLOCATIONS/DESIGNATED FUNDS
Represents funds used for the continuity of vital ministries and services of the diocese Allocations to Priests’ Welfare Trust General Fund Investments Total Total Office & Program Disbursements Allocation to Designated Funds Total Agency Disbursements
GRAND TOTAL
175,000 209,158 384,158
10,650,610 384,158 2,295,136 13,329,904
Total Office & Program Total Agency Disbursements Disbursements Total Allocation To Designated Funds
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Acadiana Catholic
Keeping the Faith The operation expenditures of the Lafayette Diocese help to ensure that the people of Acadiana are fully supported in keeping the faith of their Roman Catholic heritage alive and well.
This photo of the interior of St. Anthony Church in Krotz Springs was taken on Easter Sunday morning, 2011. St. Anthony’s suffered damage when Hurricane Gustav hit the area in September 2008, creating the need for repairs and remodeling that was thankfully possible through insurance coverage and the continued support of St. Anthony’s dedicated parishioners throughout the renovation process. Submitted photo
With the launch of an improved diocesan website in early 2011, many were able to access special programs produced by the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry. These programs include seasonal videos such as The Stations of the Cross, the recitation of the rosary in both English and French, and annual events such as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass & Awards ceremony. File photo
The implementation of the New Roman Missal went into effect with the start of the Advent season in 2011, but diocesan preparations for the implementaion were underway well before that time. The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Worship spearheaded many workshops for priests, deacons, and laity in order to help everyone prepare for this important transition. Photo by Deacon Tom Sommers
In June 2011, four new priests were ordained to serve the people of the Lafayette Diocese. Their journey up to this monumental day was made possible by the generous monetary contributions and outpouring of prayers and support from those very same people. Photo by P.C. Piazza
In October 2011, the diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace sponsored the 11th Annual Campaign Against Poverty workshop to help educate and encourage local individuals to become involved in efforts to help others in need. Photo submitted by the Office of Justice & Peace
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Annulments in the RCIA
LAFAYETTE The Office of Christian Formation is offering a workshop concerning annulments in the RCIA on April 21 from 9:00– 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Lafayette. Every year, the Office of Christian Formation receives questions from the parishes concerning annulments weeks before the Easter Vigil. This workshop will discuss the various problems many parishes face when RCIA candidates have been divorced and remarried.
Deacon Ricky Picard with Holy Cross Parish will help facilitate the workshop and will discuss his experience in dealing with the various types of cases. John Schexnaildre with the Office of Christian Formation will also facilitate the workshop and will discuss the many problems he has experienced as the RCIA Consultant for the Lafayette Diocese. To register for the workshop please call Lynne Broussard at (337) 261-5550. There is no charge.
Bishop’s Medal awarded to OMM parishioners
Bishop Michael Jarrell has awarded the Bishop’s Medal to two members of Our Mother of Mercy Church in Church Point. Pastor Father Francis Butler, SSJ (center), presented the medals to Jackie Monroe and Sylvia Sims, who accepted on behalf of her brother, Austin Guidry. Mrs. Monroe is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and church choir, as well as a faithful worker for the annual parish festival. Mr. Guidry is an usher at the church, a member of the Knights of Peter Claver, and was a devoted custodian for the school and parish for many years. Photo submitted by Church Point News
April 2012 Page 27
Mass to honor senior citizens on May 1
LAFAYETTE The Diocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of the Elderly, will host the annual Mass to Honor Senior Citizens on Sunday, May 6. The Mass, to be celebrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell, will start at 2:00 p.m. at the Immaculata Chapel in Lafayette. All are invited to bring their elderly loved ones to attend this special celebration. A reception hosted by the Ladies of Grace of the Knights of Peter Claver is also planned immediately following the Mass. Near the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Jarrell will also present certificates of appreciation to recognize those who are actively dedicated and involved in service programs to benefit the elderly. Nominations for this honor were reviewed by the Commission for the Pastoral Care of the Elderly as well as Bishop Jarrell; certain individuals may receive the bishop’s Devoted Service Award. This medal will be presented during the Mass to Honor the Elderly. To learn more about the functions of the Diocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of the
During the Mass to Honor Senior Citizens, the Bishop’s Medal may be awarded to certain individuals who have been nominated for their active involvement in serving the elderly.
Elderly, please go online to www. diolaf.org and selected “Justice and Peace” from the OFFICES tab located along the top of the page. “Pastoral Care of the Elderly” is located under the Submenu listings found in the upper left-hand corner of the page. For further details about the upcoming Mass to Honor Senior Citizens, please contact the Office of Justice & Peace at (337) 261-5545.
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Second African National Eucharistic Congress 2012
BETHESDA NORTH, MD The National Association of African Catholics in the US (NAACUS) and the African Conference of Catholic Clergy and Religious in the US (ACCCRUS) in collaboration with the USCCB Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church are convening the second African National Eucharistic Congress (ANEC) to gather African Catholics in the US to reflect on “The Eucharist as our nourishment: Catalyst for Unity, Justice and Peace for African Catholics as new Migrants in the US.” The Congress is scheduled for August 3-5 at the Bethesda North
Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, Bethesda, Maryland in the Archdiocese of Washington. Additional information and registration details are available online at www.cvent.com/d/2cq9vd/1Q. The Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church/USCCB invites all to join African Catholics for a time of prayer, enrichment, and fellowship in the Second African National Eucharistic Congress. The Congress will include an opening Eucharistic celebration, Eucharistic adoration and all-night vigil, enlightening and inspiring workshops on the Eucharistic, breakout/dialogue sessions, youth workshop and essay competition award. His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at the Vatican, will be one of the presenters. His Eminence, Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, will be the celebrant and homilist at a special closing Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday, August 5, 2012. Both Peter Cardinal Turkson and Timothy
Cardinal Dolan have been invited as keynote speakers on the topic of the Eucharist as a catalyst for unity, justice, and peace. In a letter to promote the upcoming Congress, Bishop Juan del Riego (Auxiliary Bishop of San Bernardino and Chair of the Subcommittee on Pastoral Care of Migrants, Refugees, and Travelers) stated the following: “The Church in the United States is truly blessed with many African Catholics whose presences have enriched her. African priests and sisters are engaged in various ministries that assist and care for the faithful, among whom are many that have come from distant countries. We are very grateful for their service. “This Eucharistic Congress is a powerful witness to the world of our faith in the Eucharist and the redeeming power of the Body and
Blood of Jesus Christ. It is a tremendous opportunity for our African brothers and sisters to feel at home with their faith while being so far away from their homeland. It is a strong expression of our Catholicity and our unity in diversity as a Church. It is truly an opportunity for grace—the grace to commit ever more deeply to our Catholic faith and ultimately contribute to the welfare of the Catholic Church here in the United States.” African National Eucharistic Congress August 3-5, 2012 Bethesda North Marriott Hotel Maryland For further details visit www.cvent.com/d/2cq9vd/1Q.
Eighth graders re-enact Way of the Cross
Eighth graders at Carencro Catholic School participated in a “living” Way of the Cross to help the students visualize the journey that all Catholics are encouraged to walk with Jesus during the Lenten season. Photo submitted by Carencro Catholic School
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The King’s Men
LAFAYETTE If you desire to experience your faith in a masculine way, you are invited to check out The King’s Men. This exciting, masculine faith formation group provides opportunities for men to gain a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith and grow in holiness and manly virtue. Weekly meetings of the King’s Men gather every Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Upper Room at Our Lady of Wisdom in Lafayette, on the UL campus. All men are invited to attend. For more information, please visit online at www. TheKingsMen.org, or contact Barney Lejeune by email at barneylejeune@hotmail.com, or telephone at (337) 896-3491 or (337) 344-3544.
Married couples cruise retreat
LAFAYETTE Fathers Jude Halphen, PhD and Neil McNeill would like to invite all married couples to join them for a special married couples retreat on board the Holland America cruise ship. The sevenday cruise is scheduled to depart from Seattle, Washington on September 22, with ports of call to include: Juneau, Alaska; Glacier Bay; Sitka, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. Space is limited, and early booking is recommended to ensure accommodations. Additional information—including rates—may be obtained online at www.globetrektravel.com.
Mount Carmel students participate in science fair
Several student from Mount Carmel Elementary School in Abbeville participated in the Regional Science Fair on the ULL campus in Lafayette. Over 300 students took part in the fair, and Mount Carmel is pleased to recognize three of its students who will go on to compete at the state science fair in Baton Rouge. They are Malorie Savoie (2nd place, Behavorial Sciences), Camille Robichaux (1st place, Engineering), and Elise LaFleur (1st place, Chemistry). Photo submitted by Mount Carmel Elementary School
Catholic High students take honors at Region VI Science & Engineering Fair
NEW IBERIA Several students from Catholic High School in New Iberia recently participated in the Region VI Science and Engineering Fair held at ULL. By placing either first or second at this competition, eight of the students have earned the opportunity to compete at the state fair, which will be held on the LSU campus in April. Catholic High of New Iberia is extremely proud to report that Alexandra Badeaux not only won first place in the senior division for Animal Science; she was also awarded first place overall in the entire competition. This honor will allow her to attend this year’s International Science and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, PA. It will be the second year in a row she attends. Catholic High would also like to congratulate three more first place
winners from the senior division: Nicholas Bonin in Behavorial Science, Kaleb Harris in Earth Science, and Matthew Lasseigne in Physics. Matthew Lasseigne also received the special US Airforce Award. In the junior division, Catholic High congratulates second place winners Nicholas Badeaux in Animal Science, Taylor Marks and Madeline Mixon in Compter Science, Margaret Bourg in Medicine & Health, and Karley Rockwell in Microbiology. Third place winners included Jon Michael Judice in Chemistry, Chris White in Computer Science, and Bryanna Shannon in Energy & Transportation. A special Gulf Coast Safety Award was also given to Grace O’Brien and Isabell Gilfoil.
April 2012 Page 29
Registration for VLCFF Cycle 4
LAFAYETTE Registration for Cycle 4 of the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) will open on Tuesday, April 17 and remain open until Wednesday, May 16. Residents of the Lafayette diocese may participate in any of the offered courses at the cost of $40 per course. Successful completion of each course may be applied toward a Certificate in Catechesis, or as continuing education hours required by the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools. Cycle 4 of the VLCFF will be conducted from May 20-June 23. Courses to be offered during this cycle will include: Communication and Community; Digital Catechesis: Web Literacy; Pastoral Approach to Culture; and more. For a full listing of all courses to be offered, as well as individual course descriptions, please visit www.vlc.udayton. edu. A schedule of the remaining 2012 cycles is also available through this site. Those who would like to participate in Cycle 3 of the VLCFF (April 15-May5) are reminded that registration for this seminars only cycle closes on April 11. 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.
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Day of Renewal
LAFAYETTE The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office of the Lafayette Diocese will host a Day of Renewal on Saturday, April 28 from 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the parish hall of St. Patrick Church in Lafayette. Registration, which will open at 10:00 a.m., will be $5 per person. The day will include a one-hour lunch break, and participants are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch. The day will begin with praise and thanksgiving led by State of Grace Music Ministry, followed by a presentation from Genie Summers of Family Missions Company. Genie and her husband Frank have formed and led Family Missions Company in Abbeville for many years, training missionaries to go out and spread the gospel message to others in their missionary fields abroad and in the U.S. Mrs. Summers has authored a book entitled Go, You Are Sent and is in the process of having her second book published. She recently returned from a mission trip to China and continues to inspire countless young people and the more ‘seasoned’ in age to serve the Lord with her own personal testimonies sprinkled with humor, and an urgent call to listen for the Lord’s prompt-
ings and to step out in faith and serve Him. T h e afternoon session will feature talks and possible Genie Summers prayer ministry, as well as music ministry. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the more recent outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Catholic Church through the Charismatic Renewal, and as part of that celebration the Renewal will also host an open house at their new office location at 2006 West Pinhook Road, inside the State Council building of the Knights of Columbus. The open house will begin immediately after the Day of Renewal and continue until 5:00 p.m. for all those interested. For more information call the Renewal Office at (337) 265-3773.
May Day Celebration
ST. MARTINVILLE St. Martin de Tours Church in St. Martinville will hold its annual May Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 1, beginning with Holy Mass at 5:30 p.m. Mass will be followed by the
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Cub Scouts celebrate Scout Sunday with Mass
Cub Scout Pack 326 recently celebrated Scout Sunday by attending Mass at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville. Several Scouts completed work on religious medals and received them at a special ceremony, and the pack received the National Catholic Quality Unit Award-Pope Paul VI. Photo submitted by Marty J. Hebert
crowning of the statue of the Blessed Mother before the congregation departs for a onemile procession to the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site; the rosary will be recited along the way. Upon reaching the park, a play depicting the life of Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal will be performed. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal will be portrayed by a high school senior parishioner of St. Martin de Tours Church. St. Martin de Tours’ May Day tradition began in 1949, when Father Henri Hamel planned the first one in direct opposition to Russia’s parade of military arms in Red Square. Father Hamel organized a parade of prayer and Eucharistic procession to counter the parade of arms with the Church’s arms as soldiers of Jesus Christ. This tradition has remained for over 60 years to honor the Blessed Mother in her month of May. Everyone is invited to attend; please bring lawn chairs or blankets and mosquito repellent to the park. For more information, please contact Gwen Douet at (337) 3947965.
Catholics Returning Home sessions begin soon
LAFAYETTE Beginning on Tuesday, April 17, Holy Cross and St. Pius X Churches in Lafayette will sponsor a six-session series designed to welcome inactive Catholics back to the renewed practice of their faith. Catholics Returning Home is a special ministry for people who have been away from the Church, so that they may ask their questions and feel supported in their decision to return. Holy Cross Church will host the sessions each Tuesday from April 17-May 22, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Grace Meeting room in Building A. Those who know of any inactive Catholics who may be interested in attending are encouraged to invite them. For more information on this program, please contact the Catholics Returning Home coordinator, John Schexnaildre, at either (337) 9849636 or (337) 654-9671, or by email at aduldtfaith@holycrosslafayette.com. Individuals may also contact Ashton Mouton at (337) 232-4656 or email at evangelization@stpiusxchurch.org.
To report the abuse of children and young people, please contact Sister Kathleen Farrelly, O.Carm, LCSW Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Lafayette 1001 West Pinhook Road, Suite 205 Lafayette, LA (337) 322-7255
Acadiana Catholic
April 2012 Page 31
Father Gandara offers thoughts on Pope’s trip to Mexico/Cuba: by Father Juan Luis Gándara LAFAYETTE Since the official announcement of the Pope’s visit to Mexico, which took place from March 23-26, there have arisen among the Mexican people sentiments of enthusiasm and hope, due to the deteriorating situation of violence and insecurity which various regions of the country are currently experiencing. Many are remembering the historic visits of Pope John Paul II, who during these visits won the hearts of the Mexican people – people who are, on the whole, devoted to their Catholic faith and to their patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe. It is precisely under these circumstances that the visit of Pope Benedict took place, in the hope of confirming and renewing the faith of the Mexican people, who as a nation were “born” under the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who brought them the Faith, Christian culture, and the Gospel, with its personal message communicated through the work of missionaries. It seems clear that the primary objective of this visit was that of reaffirming and strengthening the faith of the people during this particular time of tribulation. This is part of the universal mission of the Pope as Successor of Peter: to pray for peace in Mexico, and without a doubt, to invite the Mexican people to actively participate in bringing peace to their country by way of personal and communal conversion to the Gospel of
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Church in Abbeville is also home to a large concentration of Hispanic Catholics. Recently, Father Gándara administered the sacrament of First Communion and the sacrament of Confirmation to two brothers in the González family. Pictured above from left to right are Kevin González, who received his First Communion; Father Juan Luis Gándara; and Uidemar González, who was confirmed. Photo submitted by the Office of Hispanic Ministry
Visita de S.S. Benedicto XVI a México
of Lafayette since 2005 and currently resides at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in New Iberia.
Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic journey
Although Pope Benedict XVI did not visit the to United States during his recent trip, his visit to Mexico and Cuba meant a great deal to many in the Hispanic communities established throughout this country. Here in the Lafayette Diocese, Father Juan Luis Gándara, a native of Mexico, lends a hand in several church parishes where the Hispanic population is concentrated. He assists these members of the Catholic Church in practicing their faith and preserving their native culture. The above picture was taken at St. Jules Church in Lafayette during a baptism. From left to right are Dora Ruiz (mother), Jaden Alexander Pu (child), Esteban Pu (father), Father Juan Luis Gándara, Fanny Rodríguez (godmother), and Ivan Mejía (godfather). Photo submitted by the Office of Hispanic Ministry
Christ the King. It is for this reason that the great Mass gathering with the Holy Father took place before the monument to Christ the King which is in the Cerro de Cubilete in Silao Guanajuato, considered to be the geographic and spiritual center of the Mexican nation. In the difficult era of persecution between 1926 and 1929, a great many Mexican Catholics, laity as well as priests, were assassinated there by firing squad as they cried: “Long live Christ the King! Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe!” And so the central event of the Pope’s visit, in which practically all of the Archdioceses and Dioceses of Mexico participated, took place at the site of this historic martyrdom. With this end in mind, a generous amount of free tickets were sent to all of the dioceses of Mexico to encourage the faithful to participate in this event as representatives of their local churches. The youth of these churches had an especially noteworthy participation in this event. They, with their enthusiasm and spontaneity, brought a young and joyful spirit to this gathering. The Church, despite the passing of years, must not lose her youthfulness! It is evident that in the current climate of insecurity and violence, there has also arisen a sense of
fear and concern for the security of the crowds and especially, of the Holy Father himself; however, the state and federal governments of Mexico guaranteed that they would monitor the situation carefully. With this in mind, the faithful organized prayer vigils to pray that the Pope’s visit would be celebrated in total peace and harmony, with no regrettable or tragic occurrences. For the Spanish translation of Father Gándara’s article, please visit the Hispanic Ministry section of the diocesan website at www.diolaf.org Father Gándara is a native of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico and a priest of the Diocese of Parral. He has served the Hispanic community of the Diocese
CNS From March 23-29, Pope Benedict XVI met with Cuban President Raul Castro, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and bishops and Catholics from the region as he visited Mexico and Cuba. He also greeted bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, and prayed at the shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre in Cuba. It was his third visit to the Americas, following his trips to the United States in 2008 and Brazil in 2007. During his trip, Pope Benedict celebrated three outdoor Masses, including one marking the 400th anniversary of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre, patroness of Cuba. In Mexico, he had a special meeting with children and a vespers service with bishops from Latin America. In Cuba, he also made a private visit to the shrine of Our Lady of Charity of El Cobre. Due to its production schedule, the Acadiana Catholic regrets that further coverage of Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic visit to Mexico and Cuba could not be accommodated. Additional coverage will be provided, however, in the May edition.
It was a happy day for the González family as their sons were able to receive the sacraments of the Catholic Church. Pictured above from left to right are Alicia González (mother), Kevin González (who received his First Communion), Father Juan LuisGándara, Uidemar González (who was confirmed), and Enrique González (father). Photo submitted by the Office of Hispanic Ministry
Page 32 April 2012
Obituary for Deacon Charles Michael Clark
Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Deacon Charles Michael Clark were held on Monday, March 5, 2012 at Holy Cross Church in Lafayette. Deacon Clark, 74, died Friday, March 2, 2012. Father Howard Blessing, Pastor of Holy Cross Church, served as celebrant of the Funeral Mass. Concelebrants were Father Floyd J. Calais, who delivered the eulogy, and Very Rev. Thomas James, SVD, VE, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lafayette, who served as homilist. Deacons Rickey Picard and Louis Lloyd served as deacons of the Mass. Lectors included Tonya Clark (daughter-in-law) and Scotty Baudoin. Deacon Clark’s grandchildren and daughter, Michelle Binnings, served as giftbearers. Interment took place in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery. Deacon Clark was born on August 28, 1937 in Scott, Louisiana to Dallas Clark and the former, Laurence Domingue. He was a resident of Lafayette for most of his life and was a member of Holy Cross Church community for 46 years. In addition to serving in the U.S. Marine Reserve from 1955-1963, he was employed by Mayfair Window and Door as a design engineer and purchasing agent for 38 years. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon for the Diocese of Lafayette on August 9, 1980 and was assigned to serve Holy Cross Church, with an emphasis on developing lay ministry. He served Holy Cross for over 31 years. In 1981, Deacon Clark was appointed Associate Director of the Diaconate Formation Program, and on July 1, 1983, he was appointed Vicar of Deacons for the Diocese of Lafayette. He served on various diocesan committees in addition to his Deacon ministry at Holy Cross. Deacon Clark retired from Mayfair in 1996 to become a full-time deacon and served as administrator of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, LA for six years. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Gloria Norman; daughter, Michelle Bin-
nings and her husband Mike; son, Chuck Clark and his wife Tonya; grandchildren, David Binnings and his wife Jennifer, Lori McGrew and her husband Travis and Jenny Clark; step-grandchildren, Matt and Paul Robichaux, Jeremy and Jenee’ Benoit; great grandchildren, Mia and Lila Mae Binnings and Noelle McGrew; step-great grandchildren, Parker, Brechen and Rhylan Robichaux; sister, Mary Alice Clark; brotherin-law, Robert Norman; sistersin-law, Sharon Norman and Doris Clark; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, M.J. (Bill) Pertuit; brothers, James (Jimmy) Clark and John (Butch) Clark; and great-granddaughter, Madeline McGrew.
Obituary for Dudley Joseph Patin
Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial were held for Mr. Duley J. Patin at St. Genevieve Church in Lafayette. Mr. Patin died at home on March 7 with his wife by his side. He was 100 years old. Entombment took place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Bishop Michael Jarrell served as celebrant of the funeral Mass. Mr. Patin’s stepson, Father Kenneth J. Domingue, served as homilist. Mr. Patin, a resident of Lafayette, was born June 18, 1911. As a young man, he worked the printing press at The Daily Advertiser from 1927 to 1932; a Welding Foreman at Mobile Shipyard in
Acadiana Catholic Survivors include: his wife, Margaret Thibodeaux Patin of Lafayette, and his six grandchildren: James Lee Smith of Greensboro, N.C., Jennifer Ann Smith Benesch of Eugene, Oregon, Steven Paul Smith of Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, Michael Allen Smith of Leesville, Rhonda L. Patin, and Richard James Patin, II, both of Lafayette; and a multitude of great-grandchildren. One sister, Mary Patin Jenkins of Baton Rouge, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his step-children: Bubba Wayne Domingue, Pam Domingue, Fr. Ken Domingue, and David B. Domingue. He is also survived by his close friend of the family, Vel Champagne and his favorite terrier, “T-Boy.” He is preceded in death by his parents, Armand and Isabella Champagne Patin, his first wife, Marie Louise Mouton Patin, his daughter, Judy P. Smith, and his son, Richard “Rick” Patin. His two brothers, George Lee Patin, Sr., Floyd Joseph Patin, Sr.; and six sisters, Orleans Patin Connor, Helen Patin Boulanger, Alma Patin Duplantis, Anna Belle “Addy” Patin, Lena Patin Rivette, and Hazel Patin Posey.
Obituary for Mrs. Eileen Fontenot Guillory
Obituary for Mrs. Lucia Kelodos
Please remember in prayer Mrs. Lucia Kelodos who died in her sleep at her home in Indonesia. Mrs. Kelodos was the mother of Father Lambert Lein, SVD, Pastor of St. Anthony Church in Lafayette.
1941 to 1946 building “Liberty ships” one of which was named after him, the “S.S. Dudley Patin” which sailed to France in the winter of 1945 with war supplies. After WW II, he was employed by Gulf Oil, during which time he established D.J. Patin and Son, Inc. from 1962 to 1984. Upon his retirement in 1984 he donated his company to his son the late Richard “Rick” Patin.
Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial were held for Mrs. Eileen Fontenot Guillory on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Kaplan. Mrs. Guillory, 60, died on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She was laid to rest at Kaplan Cemetery with her son, Father Josh Guillory, officiating the services. Mrs. Guillory is survived by her husband of 39 years, D. Joseph Guillory Jr. of Kaplan; two sons, Father Joshua Guillory of Ville Platte, and Jacob Guillory of Lafayette; one daughter, Chelsey Guillory Schexnider and her husband, Mitchell of Kaplan; one sister, Nina Simon of Atlanta, Georgia; two brothers, Stephen Fontenot of Duson and Victor Fontenot of Mamou; and three grandchildren, Micaela, David, and Luke Schexnider. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dulan Fontenot and the former Sally Savant.
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A Vacation with the Lord
Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, Grand Coteau, La. (337) 662-5410 www.ourladyoftheoaks.com
Dr. Reggie Segar, M.D., Emmaus Spiritual Director I would like to begin this article with a scripture from the Gospel of Mark that I cherish: “Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; then from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” (Mark 9:7.) As I meditate on these words I realize that there are many ways in which we “listen” to Jesus. I, myself, can best hear him when I silence my mind and body and focus all my attention on his presence. I experience Jesus personally when I am immersed in meditation and contemplation. I hear his voice speak to me when I ponder scripture in the quiet of my heart. In his message titled “Silence & Word: Path of Evangelization,” Pope Benedict XVI writes, “In silence, we are better able to listen.” It follows that by remaining silent we allow the other person to speak and we are able to truly receive what is said. Silence then gives rise to more active and authentic communication. “When God speaks to us in silence, we in turn discover the possibility of speaking with God and about God. We need that silence, which becomes contemplation, which introduces us into God’s silence and brings us to the point where the word is born,” says the Holy Father. We are all longing for this word to be born into our hearts, to taste and see the very goodness that is Jesus. But the world we live in today is very noisy and materialistic, and it is very easy for us to lose our focus on Jesus. In Matthew14:22-33 we discover that when Peter gets out of the boat and starts to walk on water, he is able to do so as long as he keeps his focus on Jesus. When he becomes afraid and looks at the water, he sinks. So it is with us when we get too busy with work, family and worry--- when we are lost in all the things of this world that occupy our time and our minds. We take our eyes off Jesus, and often, we sink! As I look at my own life, I realize that even though I pray daily, try to attend Mass during the week, and seek to bring Jesus to work with me each day, I still often lose my focus. I have found that attending a silent retreat at Our Lady of the Oaks places a spotlight on the Lord and gives me food for my spiritual journey. The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius are a wonderful way for me to experience God’s love. As I ground myself in the love of God I experience a foundational joy that gives me direction in my life. I rise to the challenge to grow spiritually. God’s love and my immersion in that love renews my spirit and I can find God in all things---I am able to see Jesus in all the people I encounter each day---the patients I take care of, my family, friends, employees, and those relative strangers whose paths cross mine. Come on retreat with us at Our Lady of the Oaks and listen to God’s voice. He is the one who lifts us up when we are sinking in the chaos of the world. Come on retreat and hear about God’s love and special care for you.
Camp Maryhill reunion plans
LAFAYETTE Plans are currently underway to host a reunion for all girls—ladies now—who once attended the Knights of Columbus Maryhill Youth Camp in Pineville, Louisiana. Established by the late Bishop Charles Greco, the KC Supreme Chaplain and his fellow Knights started the camp in 1951. It remained in operation until 1983, hosting thousands of girls from ages 9-15 as they en-
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joyed weeklong camp sessions that included swimming, horseback riding, archery, canoeing, hiking, crafts, sports, and talent shows. The reunion is being planned for August 2012 in the Lafayette area. Unfortunately, no records exist to help guide the organization committee in contacting those who attended Camp Maryhill. Therefore, anyone who is interested in attending the reunion is urged to contact the committee by emailing maryhillreunion@ yahoo.com.
Incomplete Seminary Burses Brother Brian Webre is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Webre. He is sponsored by the Community of Jesus Crucified, and currently in his second theology year at St. Philip Neri Seminary in Canada. Travis Abadie is the son of Mr. Jules Abadie and Mrs. Sharon Hubacher. He is sponsored by St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Lafayette, and currently in his third theology year at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Alex Albert is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Albert. He is sponsored by Our lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette, and is currently in his fourth college year at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA. Matthew Barzare is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel Barzare. He is sponsored by St. Anthony Church in Eunice, and is currently in his second theology year at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. Donald Bernard is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Donald Bernard, Sr. He is sponsored by St. Pius X Church in Lafayette, and is currently in his first college year at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA. Photos by Paul Kieu
219 Msgr. Wm. J. Teurlings (13,417.00) 236 John E. Lee, Jr. (9,324.60) 239 St. Joseph (9,076.48) 242 Lee C. Lavergne (7,079.73) 244 Rev. Julian Van Exem #2 (12,524.06) 248 Msgr. Alphonse Martel (11,000.00) 253 Serra Club (15,534.49) 254 Rusty Randol (1,742.76) 260 St. Theresa #2 (5,697.46) 266 Paul & Mary Karre (2,105.00) 268 M/m Fournet #2 (570.65) 271 Rev. J.A.M. Van Brero (710.00) 272 Msgr P. Alexandre Borel (1,625.00) 274 Msgr Emery Labbe Burse (6,310.00) 278 Msgr Daniel Bernard (3,674.64) 281 Harry Van Tiel Family (3,969.00) 283 Noemie L. Petitjean (2,000.00) 284 Msgr. Daniel Habetz (6,590.00) 286 P.j. Reiners #2 (9,500.00) 288 Rev Oscar Drapeau (2,000.00) 290 Rev. P.g.j. Kemps (1,000.00) 291 Lucille M. Griffin Mem. (5,000.00) 292 Anonymous (10,470.00) 293 Msgr. Fernand Gouaux (4,770.00) 294 Robert A. Frey Memorial (7,360.00) 297 A Priest Burse #2 (7,400.00) 308 Harold/Ruby Moreau Family Memorial (5,000.00) 309 Libby Holcombre Memorial Burse (2,000.00) 318 Msgr. Marcel Murie Burse (5,260.00) 319 Marcel/Alfred Gaudet #5 (1,942.80) 322 Fr Jean Paradis Burse #2 (5,000.00) 323 Charlene Richard Burse (3,030.00) 326 Fr. Raphael Gauthier Burse #2 (3,757.17) 327 Msgr. Albert Bacque Burse #2 (325.00) 330 Rev Verbis Lafleur #3 (8,000.00) 332 Ben/louisa Larriviere Burse #2 (3,750.00) 337 Col. Chap Kenneth Bienvenu Bur (13,714.99) 340 Rev. James Doiron Burse (2,272.17) 346 Msgr. Alexander O. Sigur Mem. (2,250.00) 348 Rev. J. Wilson Matt & Mire Fam (500.00) 351 Sonnier Burse #2 (11,300.00) 352 St. Edmond Church Parish (9,000.00) 354 Cda #3 (10,200.63) 355 Gabriel Lucas Mem Fund (Morse) (15,194.21) 356 Mrs. Louise White (10,110.00) 358 Therese Esteves #5 (7,516.49) 359 St Peter Par-New Iberia (10,422.35) 363 Ramona Crosby Bennerfield (2,180.52) 364 St. Jude Burse #2 (8,030.00) 366 A. Otis & Etta Hebert Memorial (5,000.00) 367 Bishop O’Donnell Burse (3,545.00) 368 Reverend Jules Speyrer (10,000.00) 370 Msgr. Burton Mouton Burse (10,700.00) 375 Rev Charles Marin Burse (100.00) 376 Bishop Jeanmard Burse (5,464.00) 377 Marie Franques Kenneth Lacaze (3,000.00) 378 Bishop Gerard Frey Burse (12,522.00) 379 Rev. Moise Hebert #2 (3,403.61) 380 Lay Honorees #6 (3,974.50) 381 Mrs Dorphi Marie Duhon Mem. (2,181.50) 382 Anonymous Retired Priest #7 (15,000.00) 383 James K Bourque Mem Burse Fund (4,330.00) 384 Bishop Schexnayder Burse #3 (940.19) 385 Fr. Mike Bakowski Mem Burse (3,200.00) 386 Coignard/Gremillion Burse #2 (2,500.00) 387 In Memory Of Mr & Mrs Scranton Mouton (3,000.00) 388 Blessed John Paul Ii (2,600.00) March Donors 330 Carrol/Richard Lafleur 100.00 383 Gayle Bourque 200.00 386 Charles Coignard 500.00 388 Bryan/Deborah Meche 100.00 388 Reverend Gilbert Dutel 2,000.00
Your Contributions Help Educate Future Priests
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God’s Word: new exhibit shows Bible’s evolution, beauty, perseverance
by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) Desecration, censorship, the ravages of time and even nesting mice have been unable to destroy the word of God, handed down for millennia by people of faith. The endurance of sacred Scripture is the centerpiece of a new interfaith exhibit called Verbum Domini, which brings to the Vatican rare biblical texts and artifacts spanning a period from the third century B.C. to the 17th century. “We seek to tell the amazing story of the preservation and translation of the most loved, most debated and the best-selling book every year and of all time,” said Steve Green, an entrepreneur and the primary benefactor of The Green Collection, a private collection of more than 40,000 biblical antiquities. Plans are under way to set up a permanent museum for a portion of the collection, ideally in Washington, D.C., he said. The show, which brought together about 100 items from The Green Collection and 50 items from other collections, opened to the public March 1 and will run until April 15 in the Vatican’s Braccio di Carlo Magno, a hall next to St. Peter’s Basilica. The rare biblical texts from Jewish, Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant traditions have been handpicked to reflect the inter-confessional heritage and cooperation behind efforts to preserve and pass on God’s word. The Bible’s endurance, however, has at times
come at great cost. “It’s a remarkable part of the story (in terms of) both the sacrifice of human investment whether through time and labor or even the cost of life, as well as how the book itself has survived,” said Scott Carroll, manuscripts scholar and director of The Green Collection. Carroll said papyrus fragments of some of the earliest
plete Bibles in the world. One exhibition shows a Torah whose singed edges speak of its escape from the pyres of Spanish Inquisitors; others show how Nazis desecrated sacred texts by cutting them up and turning them into shoe liners, a soldier’s satchel and table coverings. Ironically, “their ill-intentions actually had worked to preserve the book,”
A 1611 first edition of the King James Bible is seen in the Verbum Domini exhibit of rare biblical texts and artifacts at the Vatican. The new interfaith exhibit showcases 150 items from the third century B.C. to the 17th century. CNS photo/Pau l Haring
known texts of the Gospel from the second and third centuries A.D. have been found at digs at an ancient garbage dump in Oxyrhynchus, Egypt. Even more surprising has been the discovery of early Old Testament Greek texts inside Egyptian funerary masks, he said. Layers of papyri and plaster had been used to make the papier-machelike painted masks. The most precious find, according to Carroll, is the Codex Climaci Rescriptus -- one of the earliest, near-com-
Carroll said. Even the church itself had spurred a collection and preservation frenzy, he said, when in medieval times it banned the publication and spread of an English translation of the Latin Bible; censored works often become black market best-sellers. But as the translation of sacred Scripture into the vernacular became more widely accepted and standardized, the Bible was crucial to the spread of literacy and learning throughout the world,
as people sought to deepen their faith. One illustration of this can be seen in a 13th-century Gospel book -- one of the earliest-surviving Ethiopian manuscripts, whose lower page margins were gnawed through by mice. It had been commissioned by a woman for her daughter, Carroll said, and reflects the extent of female literacy and the importance that families placed on reading Scripture. The common thread running through the eight-gallery exhibit is how Jews, Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants found ways to cooperate and collaborate in the preservation, translation and dissemination of Scripture. People often think sacred texts are used more often as a weapon to hurt or divide; however, as experts study the different communities’ texts and artifacts, “you’ll see that Jews, Orthodox, Catholic and Protestants really work together and benefit from each others’ devotion to the same book,” Carroll said. Jesuit Father Stephen Pisano, dean of the Pontifical Biblical Institute’s biblical faculty, said the ways in which a text is interpreted can be divisive “because when you interpret, you give a particular meaning to something and that meaning may not be necessarily shared by everyone.” However, the different faith communities do have common ground in the biblical text, he said, and an exhibit like Verbum Domini is a reminder of that joint heritage.
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Diocesan representatives continue efforts to repeal death penalty
by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE At their most recent meeting, members of the Lafayette Diocese’s Death Penalty Repeal Team heard from special guests Tricia Tsai and Tom Lowenstein. Ms. Tsai and Mr. Lowenstein are with the Louisiana Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (LCADP), which is a partner of Louisiana Catholics Committed to the Repeal of the Death Penalty (LCCRDP). The LCCRDP exists to educate, advocate, and organize members of the Catholic community in repeal efforts against the state’s current use of the death penalty. The group discussed its ongoing work on the “I Want to Serve” campaign, which addresses the fact that people who would not impose a death sentence are not allowed to serve on capital juries and have their views represented in what is a moral judgment of the community. Tricia Tsai encouraged everyone to visit www. IWantToServe.org to see the video testimonies that members of the Diocese’s Death Penalty Repeal Team had previously provided, as well as other faith leaders and individuals throughout Louisiana. In his own testimony which is on the website, Archbishop Gregory Ay-
This billboard, erected across from a graveyard in the city of New Iberia, expresses a strong stance on three very important life issues that are often at the center of much debate in today’s society. The billboard is sponsored by St. Peter Church in New Iberia and serves as a constant visual reminder of the Catholic Church’s moral teachings on each of these issues. Photo submitted by the Office of Pro-Life Apostolate
mond of the Archdiocese of New Orleans suggests that, “We have a right to believe what we believe, and that should not exclude us from the democratic process.” Members of the “I Want to Serve” campaign are also in support of a proposed “Religious Liberty in Jury Selection Bill,” which would call for the amendment of Louisiana Criminal Code, Article 798. This amendment would guard against discrimination of potential jurors based upon their religious affiliations, practices, and beliefs and promote more equal representation of views on a capital jury. Tom Lowenstein also addressed
Prayer to end the use of the death penalty
Merciful Father, we ask your blessing on all we do to build a culture of life. Hear our prayers for those impacted by the death penalty. We pray for all people, that their lives and dignity as children of a loving God may be respected and protected in all stages and circumstances. We pray for victims of violence and their families, that they may experience our love and support and find comfort in your compassion and in the promise of eternal life. We pray for those on death row, that their lives may be spared, that the innocent may be freed and that the guilty may come to acknowledge their faults and seek reconciliation with you. We pray for the families of those who are facing execution, that they may be comforted by your love and compassion. We pray for civic leaders, that they may commit themselves to respecting every human life and ending the use of the death penalty in our land. Compassionate Father, give us wisdom and hearts filled with your love. Guide us as we work to end the use of the death penalty and to build a society that truly chooses life in all situations. We ask this Father through your Son Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
the group regarding outreach to family members of murder victims. He commented that people often view him as a “saint” because he is opposed to the death penalty despite the fact that his own father was a murder victim. However, Mr. Lowenstein pointed out that it is a fallacy to believe that all family members of such victims are always in sup-
port of the death penalty, and that oftentimes, the more people actually know about the way the death penalty system operates, the more they are opposed to it, regardless of the circumstances. During the meeting, attendees Father Charles Langlois and Deacon Patrick Burke shared pictures of a local billboard sponsored by St. Peter Church in New Iberia. The billboard promotes a range of pro-life issues by encouraging people to “Just Say No” to abortion, assisted suicide, and lethal injection. Other committee members present expressed interest in soliciting their own church parishes to sponsor similar billboards throughout the diocese. In closing, everyone was reminded that the Diocese of Lafayette will host a historic meeting of the LCCRDP and other organizations working to repeal the death penalty on May 12. For more information please contact the diocesan offices of Justice and Peace at 337 261-5545 or Pro Life Apostolate at 337-261-5607.
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St. Paul Assembly #3 & Chapter #3 annual awards/installation banquet
LAFAYETTE St. Paul Assembly #3 and St. Paul Chapter #3 recently held its annual awards and installation banquet at the Petroleum Club in Lafayette. The evening began with opening prayers offered by Father Robert Seay, OFM, Pastor of St. Paul Church in Lafayette, followed by a welcome address given by Faithful Navigators Sir Knight Lestor Jones and Gra-
cious Lady Mary Darby. Others who attended the event included Most Esteem Supreme Lady Geralyn C. Shelvin, Deputy Supreme Knight Paul Jones, and Gracious Lady Rita Lewis (Mistress of Ceremony). Dinner was served, and music was played by Brother John Solomon. After dinner, those in attendance listened to presentations made by Gracious Lady Hilda Wiltz (Na-
From L/R: Faithful Navigator SK Lester Jones, Eddie Cretein, SK Daniel Francis, SK Herman Segura, SK Felix Johnson, SK Paul Carter, and SK Corey Jeanlouis. Photo submitted by Lester Jones
From L/R: GL Mary Elaire, GL Elizabeth Reaux, Faithful Navigator GL Mary Darby, GL Deborah Smith, and GL Margaret Wiltz. Photo submitted by Lester Jones
tional Lay Board Member) and Sir Knight Felix Johnson (Supreme Outer Sentinel). Later in the evening, Gracious Lady Gail Lee received the “Gracious Lady of the Year” award. Gracious Ladies Mary Elaire, Margaret Wiltz, Dolores Noel, Deborah Smith, and Elizabeth Reaux received “Outstanding Worker of the Year” awards. Sir Knight Daniel Francis received the “Sir Knight of the Year” award, while Sir Knight Felix
Johnson received the “Outstanding Worker of the Year” award. Lastly, Mr. Eddie Cretien of New Iberia received the “Citizen of the Year” award from the St. Paul Assembly #3, in honor of Sir Knight Herman Segura. The 2012 officers were also installed by Father Seay and the banquet committee was introduced by Gracious Lady Elizabeth Goodwill and Sir Knight Leroy Goodwill before the evening concluded with Benediction.
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Father LaFleur talks about ancient texts by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE The authenticity of ancient Biblical texts was discussed by Father Paul LaFleur at the March 6 program of Food for the Journey. Father LaFleur, Pastor of St. Bernard Church in Breaux Bridge, reviewed a number of scripture texts and the contributions of the early Church fathers. He cited the difficulties determining the authenticity of such texts as the Gospel of Judas (the traitor), or the Gospel according to Mary Magdalen. They have known about the Gospel of Judas since the second century, but the text was not discovered until the 1970’s in Egypt. The Gospel of Judas does not speak of the divinity of Christ; it ends with Judas’ betrayal. Many of these early “Gospels� were written by gnostics, whose strange core of beliefs were sinful; to preserve oneself, for instance, suicide was suggested. The early bishops of the Church had to contend with this. Among these was St. Iraeneus of Lyon
who defended traditional teachings. Another was St. Ignatius of Antioch, who wrote seven letters to the seven major churches of the time. In them, he used the word “Catholic� for the first time; St. Paul had described early believers as “Christians.� Four hundred years after Christ, the books of the Bible were decided by the bishops at one of the early councils. Early Christians looked to the pope in Rome for guidance in the true faith. Read about the “Church Fathers� before 300 and similar books which are available at Catholic bookstores. St. Justin in the second century wrote about the Eucharist, describing it as the Body and Blood of Christ. Father LaFleur also suggested reading The Desert Fathers, one of whom was St. Anthony of Egypt; he is credited with starting Christian monasticism. The Desert Mothers describes the feminine side of the early Church. In conclusion, Father LaFleur noted it is useful to become acquainted with early church his-
tory to appreciate the traditions we have inherited and practice
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today.
Father Paul LaFleur and Mary Bergeron (Executive Assistant to the Vicar for the Central Region) at the March meeting of Food for the Journey. Photo submitted by Mary Bergeron
May Food for the Journey
LAFAYETTE The Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette will host its next meeting of “Food for the Journey� on Tuesday, May 1, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lafayette. The speaker will be Father Brad Guillory, Pastor of St. Joseph Church and St. Louis Chapel in Parks. “Food for the Journey� is a monthly lunchtime speaker series designed to help Catholics live out their faith in their daily lives. The presentation begins at 12:00 noon, with an optional buffet lunch to be served beginning at 11:30 a.m.; the cost of the meal is $12 per person. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, please call Mary Bergeron (654-8682) or visit www.centralregiononline.org.
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Federal budget should affirm human life and dignity, put the needy first, reflect shared responsibility to promote the common good USCCB WASHINGTON Congress should base decisions on the federal budget on whether they protect or threaten human life and dignity, whether they put the needs of the hungry, the homeless and the unemployed first, and whether they reflect the shared responsibility of government and other institutions to promote the common good of all, especially “workers and families who struggle to live in dignity in difficult economic times,” said the two U.S. bishops who lead the justice and peace efforts of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “In the past year, Congress and the Administration have taken significant action to reduce the federal deficit, while attempting to protect programs that serve poor and vulnerable people,” wrote Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, California, and Bishop Richard Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, in a March 6 letter. “Congress will continue to face difficult choices about how to allocate burdens and sacrifices and balance resources and needs. We fear the pressure to cut vital programs that protect the lives and dignity of the poor and vulnerable will increase. As Catholic bishops, we have tried to remind Congress that these choices are economic, political, and moral.” Bishop Blaire and Bishop Pates chair the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human De-
velopment and the Committee on International Justice and Peace, respectively. The bishops voiced support for moves to strengthen programs that help the poor and vulnerable, such as Pell Grants and improved workforce training and development. They also opposed moves negatively impacting poor families such as increasing the minimum rent that can be charged to families receiving housing assistance and a proposal to eliminate funding for the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. The bishops also made the case for protecting programs that help the poor internationally. “As pastors, we see every day the human consequences of budget choices. Our Catholic community defends the unborn, feeds the hungry, shelters the homeless, educates the young, and cares for the sick, both at home and abroad. We help poor families rise above crushing poverty, resettle refugees fleeing conflict and persecution, and reach out to communities devastated by wars, natural disasters and famines,” the bishops wrote. “The moral measure of this budget debate is not which party wins or which powerful interests prevail, but rather how those who are jobless, hungry, homeless or poor are treated. Their voices are too often missing in these debates, but they have the most compelling moral claim on our consciences and our common resources.”
St. Francis School inducts new Beta Club members
St. Francis School in Iota recently inducted new members into the Beta Club. Pictured above from L/R are: Brennan Stanley, Luke Foreman, Vincent Shreve, and Allison Daigle. Second row, Cole LeJeune, Caleb Smith, Luke Dupre’,Ali Smith, Rhiannon Smith, and Taylor Dupre. Mrs.Yvette Hollier, club sponsor, is in the back row. Not pictured is Alyce Bertrand. Photo submitted by St. Francis School
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Rayne Catholic Elementary “Locks of Love”
Twin sisters Karley and Kiley Castille were among 28 young ladies from Rayne Catholic Elementary who participated in the school’s 2012 “Locks of Love” by donating their hair to the program which creates wigs for children who have lost their own hair due to medical conditions. Photo submitted by Rayne Catholic Elementary School
RAYNE Rayne Catholic Elementary would like to extend a special thanks to 28 young ladies who helped continue a school tradition started six years ago. With the help of haircuts provided by Madelene Boudreaux and Blair Thibodeaux, the girls all donated at least 10 inches of their hair to the “Locks of Love” program which provides wigs to children who have lost their own hair due to medical conditions. “Locks of Love” began in 1997 and has since provided customfitted hairpieces for more than 2,000 children. Over 80% of the donors to the program are other children.
This year’s participants at Rayne Catholic Elementary were Paige Cramer, Gracie Menard, Sydney Menard, Alyssa Dorsett, Isabel Dore, Sophie Robichaux, Analie Jennings, Therese Koch, Kaylee Bedel, Hannah Istre, Taylor Miller, Morgan Boudreaux, Maddie Murrell, Madison Aucoin, Madison Boudreaux, Addy Gautreaux, Giselle Habetz, Meagan Austin, Katie Reed, Dawn Reed, Lacey Castille, Corinne Dorsett, Catherine Cramer, Mendie Cramer, Allie Moore, Sydney Guidry, Karley Castille, Kiley Castille. Each donor was given a special t-shirt for their special donation, along with a free hair style following their haircuts.
2012 retreats with Community of Jesus Crucified
ST. MARTINVILLE The Community of Jesus Crucified invites everyone to attend one of the following retreats at Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center in St. Martinville. A Married Couples retreat with Father Michael Champagne, CJC, is planned for the weekend of June 8-10. The experience will consist of talks and meditations pertinent to living out the sacrament of matrimony. Members of the Community of Jesus Crucified will also conduct a free Women of the Eucharist retreat during the weekend of October 19-21. The retreat will include quiet time to pray, oppor-
tunities to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation, Mass, adoration of the Eucharist, and free time to stroll through the retreat center’s beautiful grounds. Lastly, two Men of God retreats have also been scheduled for the weekends of August 1012 and November 30-December 2. Presented by Father Michael Champagne, CJC, these silent retreats are designed to help men better understand and respond to their baptismal call to holiness in their state of life. Further details and registration information for all retreats may be obtained by contacting Cheryl Moss at (337) 453-2385.
Acadiana Catholic
April 2012 Page 43
“Sleep in a Box” helps students raise money for the homeless
NEW IBERIA One hundred thirty-five students in grades 9-12 at Catholic High in New Iberia recently participated in the school’s first annual “Sleep in A Box” event. Facilitated by the CHS Student Council, the event was designed to raise awareness about homelessness and spend some time outside in solidarity with the needy. The purpose of the evening was to encourage the students to reflect upon needs in the community as they experienced a glimpse of what life is like for many who are in need within the local community. The student council hopes to repeat the event in the future. The all-night event, hosted by Panther Stadium, began at 7:30 p.m., when students were allowed to set up their sleeping quarters on the football field. Later, a creative contest was held so the students could show off their dwelling places. A jambalaya dinner was also held in conjunction with the event, and
A total of 135 Catholic High students participated in the school’s first-ever “Sleep in a Box” event to help raise money and awareness for homelessness in Acadiana. Photo submitted by Catholic High School
each student was required to sell at least two tickets to the dinner and take part in other fundraising endeavors in order to participate. Other activities for the evening included midnight Zuumba and a game of “Simon Says” with Catholic High principal Ray Simon. Fun and games continued until 4:30 a.m., when all of the students were required to sleep
for at least two hours in their boxes or sleeping bags. At 6:30 a.m., the students awoke to participate in an outdoor prayer service before having breakfast and heading home. Altogether, the students were able to raise over $10,000, all of which will be used to directly benefit local organizations serving the homeless and those on the verge of homelessness in New Iberia. Door prizes were provided by local vendors, and Raising Canes in New Iberia pledged to devote 15% of its March 8 profits to the cause.
The students’ efforts raised more than $10,000 to benefit local organizations that serve the homeless. Photo submitted by Catholic High School
Page 44 April 2012
Acadiana Catholic
VC students “heart-to-heart” project
Mrs. Reba Broussard’s senior theology class at Vermilion Catholic in Abbeville recently accompanied three extraordinary ministers from St. Mary Magdalen Church as they visited homebound citizens and brought them communion. The seniors participated as part of their class’ heart-to-heart project. Photo submitted by Vermilion Catholic School
Scholarship fund started in memory of Lt. Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur
OPELOUSAS With the help of a North Carolina couple, a scholarship fund has been started in honor of Lt. Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur, a local World War II military chaplain who perished during service to God and his country in 1944. The scholarship will be awarded to students of Sacred Heart School in Ville Platte, which Father Lafleur attended as a boy; Opelousas Catholic School in Opelousas, where his vocation began; and Vermilion Catholic School in Abbeville, because of Father Lafleur’s dedication to the youth of the area during his assignment as associate pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Church. Several months ago, Loretta and Alex Theroit were down from North Carolina for a stay in the home they maintain in Denham Springs. On a visit to a local religious shop, they discovered But He Dies Not, a biography on Father Verbis Lafleur. As they learned more about Father Lafleur’s life and legacy, the Theriots made a generous contribution to the Father Lafleur Memorial Fund and also learned of the efforts to establish an additional scholarship fund in the priest’s memory. In October 2011, the Theriots offered another donation matching up to $50,000 in local donations. The Friends of Lt. Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur continue to seek donations to complete the scholarship fund with a principal amount of $100,000. The hope is to have the funds raised over the next year. Donations can be mailed to: St Landry Catholic Church, ATTN: Lt. Father Joseph
Verbis Lafleur Endowment Fund, 1020 North Main Street, Opelousas, LA 70570. Mr. and Mrs. Theriot have also generously agreed to donate the funds so that the first scholarships may be awarded this year in May. Applications are due by April 20 so that they may be reviewed by a committee to select the recipients. The application process is open to any eighth-grade student who wishes to attend either Sacred Heart School in Ville Platte, Opelousas Catholic School in Opelousas, or Vermilion Catholic School in Abbeville. The applicants will be judged on: • A submitted essay expressing knowledge of the life witness of Lt. Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur •Involvement/leadership in church parish, school, and community • Pastor’s testimony of the applicant’s faith, church involvement, character, values, and verification that the applicant is a registered parishioner committed to Mass attendance • Financial need Scholarship forms and additional information on the essay portion requirements may be requested by contacting St. Landry Church in Opelousas at (337) 942-6552, Guaranty Glass in Opelousas (337) 948-7700 or (337) 948-6130. Those who may be interested in contributing to the future assets of the future of the Lt. Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur Endowment Scholarship Fund are also urged to contact the parish office for details on where to send their donations.
Acadiana Catholic
Archbishop Flynn talks about “Why Catholic Education”
by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE “Why Catholic Education” was the topic chosen by Archbishop Harry J. Flynn for his talk at the fifth Veritas Gala. The event held at the Cajundome Convention Center here was sponsored by a privately owned Catholic school. Archbishop Flynn spent eight years in the Lafayette diocese, three as coadjutor bishop to the late Bishop Gerard L. Frey, with five of them as ordinary after Bishop Frey retired. He is now Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN where he was appointed after his tenure in Lafayette. Archbishop Flynn began by recalling correspondence between the Ursulines in New Orleans and President Thomas Jefferson in 1804, concerning the property and school which the nuns owned in New Orleans. The nuns wanted assurances they could continue their work in the “formation of youth.” Quoting Jefferson’s response, Archbishop Flynn said the president assured the nuns, “Your institution will be permitted to govern itself according to its own voluntary rules, without interference from civil authority.” The archbishop emphasized, “I happen to be a product of the Catholic school system and it is a passion for me to do everything to keep that system strong and
vibrant. I believe that it is the way, par excellence, to take the mandate of Jesus Christ, ‘Go and teach,’ responding to that mandate in the best and most practical way of making the name of Jesus Christ known and loved.” He said he recently visited a rural Catholic school in Minnesota which was admittedly struggling with finances, but the students ranked first in a Knowledge Bowl Contest and received a national award for innovations in technology, “a struggling school but with academic excellence,” he pointed out. “Graduates of Catholic schools can take their place alongside graduates of any other school system. They have been intellectually prepared and academic achievements are outstanding across the board,” Archbishop Flynn emphasized. He commended those involved in Catholic schools, “Your task is not easy, continually to struggle to educate and form young people in ways that are faithful to the Church’s tradition and sensitive to the needs of today’s youth...you are collaborators in the great mission of making the name of Jesus Christ known and loved. You must be creative, diligent and enthusiastic, but most of all you must be faith-filled. We must believe and live what we teach. We proclaim a living person who is the center of our lives--Jesus Christ.”
St. Michael School celebrates Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
St. Michael School in Crowley participated in the National Education Association Read Across America by celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Pictured above from L/R are Abigail Landry, Maria Ladner, Grace Broussard, Mrs. Jessica Hebert, Raimi Abshire, Colin Sittig, and Eli Gros. The pre-K students enjoyed a snack of green eggs and ham while they read the book that made the unusual treat famous. Photo submitted by St. Michael School
April 2012 Page 45
Teurlings Rebels support literacy
The varsity baseball team of Teurlings Catholic School in Lafayette took time to read to students at SJ Montgomery School. The Rebels stressed literacy awareness as they shared several books from Dr. Seuss with 10 classrooms of kindergarten and firstgraders. In one classroom, players wore microphone headsets connected to speakers and had signers available to translate for hearing impaired youngsters. Team members also compared baseball and practice to the importance of reading practice to improve skills. Pictured above are Hunter Trahan and Reno Dupuis. Photo submitted by Teurlings Catholic School
Sts. Leo-Seton students “Feel the Growl”
LAFAYETTE Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School recently facilitated the 29th Feel the Growl retreat under the direction of Stephanie Leger (Religion Administrator), high school student counselors and staff/parent volunteers. The purpose of the “growl” is to provide an opportunity for attendees to appreciate the far-reaching impact of poverty. An awareness of what desperate hunger really feels like is experienced throughout the retreat. The overnight event consists of a 20-hour fast where participants are served rationed water, 100% juice, milk, and baked bread which is prepared by each group before it is portioned out to its individual members. Small and whole group activities conducted during the retreat afford opportunities to strengthen the spiritual bonds among the participants.
Guest speaker Eric WoWoh shared information about how his organization’s efforts in Johnsonville, Liberia, Africa address education and basic humanitarian needs in the local community. Attendees also participated in a re-enactment of the Passion of Christ and a closing prayer service. At the conclusion of the retreat, students departed personally encouraged and empowered to seek opportunities and ways to help address the critical needs of those directly affected by poverty and hunger. This year’s “growl” resulted in SLS and growlers collecting 290 lbs. of food to be donated to the school’s community service partner and local food bank, Second Harvest. Left-over juice was donated to the local shelter and Faith House, and approximately $3,100 was collected and dedicated to local, national and global non-profits.
During the SLS “Feel the Growl” retreat, a group of 8th and 7th graders assisted staff member and parent, Angela Lee, in preparing the recipe for their group bread. Photo submitted by Sts. Leo-Seton School
Page 46 April 2012
Acadiana Catholic
Art display showcases talent of nine local artists
by Faye Drobnic LAFAYETTE Sacred artists walk many different roads in life, but in recent decades some have found common ground in their study of Byzantine iconography. In his apostolic letter Duodecimum Saculorum, Pope John Paul II saw this Roman Catholic interest in eastern iconography as “a sign of the growing need for a spiritual language of authentically Christian art.” The diocesan Office of Worship at Immaculata Center is currently hosting an exhibit of icons painted by nine students who studied at iconography workshops held at the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Grand Coteau. Four of these students are clergy and religious. Two are active pastors of parishes in the Diocese of Lafayette—Rev. Rex Broussard at St. Basil Church in Judice and Rev. Gregory Cormier at Sacred Heart Church in Baldwin and Immaculate Conception Church in Charenton. Msgr. Michael Herpin is a retired priest of the diocese who is currently working on a series of icons for Sacred Heart
Church in Broussard. Sr. Mavis Champagne of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, who previously worked at Our Lady of Wisdom on the UL campus, currently resides in Moreauville, where she is formation director of her community’s postulants, assistant principal at Sacred Heart School, and administrator of the OLS Community Homes in Alexandria. The other five students are members of the laity. Barbara Wiltz has spent most of her life as a homemaker; she has 6 children, 14 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She lives in Opelousas and is a member of St. Landry Parish. Barbara’s daughter Bonnie
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Fairbanks is the mother of 2 and is employed as a pharmaceutical manager by Reckitt Benckiser in Houston, Texas. Guy Kilchrist, a music minister at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Grand Coteau, is a retired engineer who is now a math teacher at Carencro High School. Teresa Meza, a medical doctor from Paraguay, is the wife of Lafayette oncologist Dr.
Luis Meza. The mother of 4 and the grandmother of 6, she is also an accomplished chef who studied at the Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Paris. She attends Mass regularly at the Carmelite Monastery. Pam Zuschlag, the mother of 2 grown sons, is married to John Zuschlag and is a professional cosmetologist. She is a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Broussard. Nine busy people from different walks of life encounter the Sacred in quiet hours of prayer as they write the Gospel in line and color, using egg and pigments and brushes and boards to transmit the ancient images of the early Church for today’s faithful. The product of their prayers can be seen in the icons currently hanging in the reception area at Immaculata Center, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette.
The Office of Worship recently hosted a luncheon for the iconographers. In the back row from left to right are Faye Drobnic, (Office of Worship), Msgr. Michael Herpin, Guy Kilchrist, and Darlene Savoy (Office of Worship). Seated from left to right are Teresa Meza, Father Rex Broussard, Sister Mavis Champagne, and Barbara Wiltz. Not pictured are Pam Zuschlag, Father Gregory Cormier, and Bonnie Fairbanks. Photo by Stephanie R. Martin
“Hearts for Haiti” at St. Edmund School
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St. Edmund School in Eunice participated in a fundraiser called “Hearts for Haiti” which allowed students to wear jeans and red shirts on Valentine’s Day for a donation. The school raised $877, and the money will be used by Catholic Relief Services to help build homes for people in Haiti. Pictured above are Alexis Darbonne (CRS representative) and fifth-graders Logan Landry and Catherine Martel. Photo submitted by St. Edmund School
Acadiana Catholic
April 2012 Page 47
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