Acadiana Catholic December 2012

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December 2012

Volume 28

No. 12

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The Official Monthly Publication of the Diocese of Lafayette

Acadiana Catholic

December 2012

Volume 28

Number 12

Advent campaign encourages people to receive sacrament of reconciliation in preparation for Christmas LAFAYETTE “In this sacrament, the sinner, placing himself before the merciful judgement of God, anticipates in a certain way the judgment to which he will be subjected at the end of his earthly life. For it is now, in this life, that we are offered the choice between life and death, and it is only by the road of conversion that we can enter the Kingdom, from which one is excluded by grave sin.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church It is in this spirit that Bishop Michael Jarrell and the Council of Priests are encouraging all people to receive the sacrament of reconciliation during the Advent season. According to the Catechism, members of the Roman Catholic Church are obligated to confess serious sins at least once a year.

The season of Advent, which exists for the purpose of preparing to

celebrate the birth of the savior Jesus Christ, is in many ways an ideal time to fulfill this obligation.

Thus, to further aid people in this endeavor, Bishop Jarrell has asked all church parishes of the Lafayette Diocese to support a

church parishes will also be offering penance services and opportunities for confession between now and Christmas. Those who are in need of receiving the sacrament of reconciliation should refer to “Advent activities planned

special campaign entitled “The Light is ON for You” by offering opportunities for confession from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on the three Wednesdays of Advent. In addition to these services, many

throughout the diocese” on page 19 of this edition, and also refer to their local church parish bulletins for additional dates on which confessions may be heard in their area.

Central office employees celebrate Bishop Jarrell’s 10th anniversary

LAFAYETTE Employees of the Diocese of Lafayette’s central offices recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of Bishop Michael Jarrell’s installation as the sixth bishop of the diocese. He was installed on December 18, 2002, after having served as bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

For the occasion, Bishop Jarrell celebrated Mass for the central office staff, which was followed by breakfast in Immaculata Center’s Marian Hall. During the breakfast, diocesan Chanellor Msgr.

Russell Harrington presented Bishop Jarrell with a token of appreciation on behalf of the entire central office staff.

Bishop Michael Jarrell is a native of Opelousas. He was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Lafayette in 1967, and appointed as the second bishop of the

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in December of 1992. His ordination to the episcopy and his installation took place on March 4, 1993, and he remained in service

to the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux until November 2002.

Congratulations, Bishop Jarrell, on 10 remarkable years.

To learn more and help prepare themselves to receive the sacrament of reconciliation, individuals may also visit the diocesan website at www.diolaf.org and look for “The Light is ON for You” logo found on the home page.

Clicking on this graphic will take viewers to a special page which features a list of Frequently Asked Question regarding the sacrament, as well as a printable PDF copy of an examination of conscience to guide people in a prayerful review of their conduct to help them prepare to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

Father Michael Delcambre will also appear on the December 9 episode of Tell the People to talk about “The Light is ON for You” campaign. The program airs every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. on KATC TV-3. For a full schedule of Tell the People for the month of December, please see page 18.

Inside this issue Annual collection supports those in religious orders. . . . .6 Mr. Bernel Fontenot: “You might be retiring, but in our hearts, you’re not going anywhere!”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Marriage 101: the real meaning of a family Christmas. . .14 Advent activities planned throughout the diocese. . . . .19 Let Advent enrich your family’s Christmas. . . . . . . . . . . 23 Pope tells young to welcome Christ’s embrace. . . . . . . . . .40

As Chancellor of the diocese, Msgr. Russell Harrington (right) presented Bishop Michael Jarrell with a token of appreciation on behalf of the entire diocesan central office staff at a recent breakfast in honor of the 10th anniversary of the bishop’s installation as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette. Photo by Eugene Thibodeaux

As Sandy recovery continues, parishes meet needs. . . . . . .44

Page 4 December 2012

Lessons & Carols at the Cathedral

LAFAYETTE In honor of the Advent and Christmas seasons, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette will host “A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols” on Sunday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. The Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Mr. Thomas Niel, will sing seasonal favorites which will be interspersed with readings from Holy Scripture and the Office of Readings. Father Chester

Day of Recollection

ST. MARTINVILLE Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center in St. Martinville will host a Day of Recollection for Men and Woman Considering a Vocation to the Priesthood or Consecrated Life on Saturday, December 22.

The event will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and will include the celebration of Mass as

Arceneaux, pastor, will officiate.

This service is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, please call (337) 232-1322 or email tniel@saintjohncathedral.org. well as Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Men and women who have responded in faith to a religious vocation will be on hand to offer their testimonies, and participants are asked to bring a brown bag lunch.

For more information, please contact Father Michael Champagne, CJC, at (337) 394-6550.

Acadiana Catholic

Annual basketball fundraiser

Men’s work day

OPELOUSAS Opelousas Catholic School will host the annual basketball game fundraiser to benefit the seminarians of the Lafayette Diocese on Tuesday, December 18. The game will be held inside the school gymnasium and will feature the Runnin’ REVS verses Slammin’ SEMS The fun-filled family event, sponsored by the St. Landry Church Knights of Columbus, helps to promote vocations as it supports the Diocese of Lafayette Office of Religious Vocations and Opelousas Catholic School.

For more information, contact Jared Normand at (337) 945-2906 or Charlie Roy at 337-942-9701.

ST. MARTINVILLE A men’s work days has been scheduled for Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center in St. Martinville on December 15. The day will begin at 8:00 a.m. and conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon, and lunch will be provided.

All men are encouraged to lend a hand with carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and concrete work. For more information, please contact Vic Guidry at (337) 824-3045 or the Community of Jesus Crucified at (337) 394-6550.

Acadiana Catholic

ACADIANA CATHOLIC (ISSN0888-0247) (USPS507-760) is published monthly for $12 per year by the Southwest Press, 1408 Carmel Drive., Lafayette, LA 70501-5298. Periodical postage paid at Lafayette, LA and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Catholic, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA 70501-5298.

Official Monthly Newspaper for the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana Copyright 2012

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

Managing Editor Stephanie R. Martin (337) 261-5512 smartin@diolaf.org Marketing Director Business Mgr / Advertising Director Patrick Breaux (337) 261-5518 (337) 280-2862 pbreaux@diolaf.org Contributing Writer Kathleen Toups Theological Consultants Msgr. H.A. Larroque, J.C.D. Father Curtis Mallet, J.C.L. Vicars General

From December 18, 2003 Bishop Michael Jarrell (center) blesses the entrance of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette as he enters before his installation Mass. Photo by P.C. Piazza

The Diocese of Lafayette serves eight civil parishes with a population of 304,921 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

December 2012 Page 5

December 2012

For a list of Advent parish missions and opportunities for confession, please refer to “Advent activities planned throughout the diocese” on page 19 of this edition, and to your local church parish bulletins.

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Midnight Mass December 24, 2012 Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette Those who are unable to attend may tune in to KATC TV-3 to watch from home.

First Sunday of Advent

2

Survivors of Violence Mass 2:00 PM Immaculata Chapel, Lafayette

3

St. Francis Xavier

Divine Mercy Night 6:30 PM St. Peter Church, New Iberia

Wednesday

Friday

Thursday

The Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions for December: General Intention: That migrants throughout the world may be welcomed with generosity and authentic love, especially by Christian communities.

Missionary Intention: That Christ may reveal himself to all humanity with the light that shines forth from Bethlehem and is reflected in the face of his Church.

St. John Damascene

4

Food for the Journey 11:30 AM-12:45 PM Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lafayette

Holy Hour for Vocations 6:00-7:00 PM St. Patrick Church, Lafayette

5

Weekday

Deadline for Child Smile Donations Donations may be dropped at the Immaculata Center, Lafayette

6

St. Nicholas

Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith, Part 8 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville 6:30 PM

First Friday St. Ambrose

7

Saturday

First Saturday BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

1

Kaycee Auxiliary Shopping Extravaganza 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Crowley (Corner of S. Avenue E & Elm Streets) Safe Environment Initial/Continuing Education Session 4:00 PM St. Francis School, Iota

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8

Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette

9

Second Sunday of Advent

Weekday

10

St. Damasus I

11

Healing Mass 5:30 PM St. Joseph Church, Parks

Our Lady of Guadalupe

12

Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette

16

Christmas Concert 2:00 PM Church of the Assumption, Franklin

17

Weekday

23

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph

30

Meeting of the King’s Men 7:00 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church, Lafayette

19

Weekday

Annual Basketball Fundraiser: Runnin Revs vs.

Slammin Sems Opelousas Catholic School Gym Scrpiture Study, Session 4 Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Opelousas 6:00-7:00 PM

Lessons & Carols 7:30 PM Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette

Fourth Sunday of Advent

18

Weekday

Weekday

24

The Nativity of our Lord (Christmas)

25

Diocesan Central Offices Diocesan Central Offices Are Closed for the ChristAre Closed for the Christmas/New Year’s holidays Diocesan Central Offices mas/New Year’s holidays Are Closed for the ChristSeventh Day, Octave mas/New Year’s holidays of Christmas St. Sylvester I

31

New Year’s Eve Diocesan Central Offices Are Closed

13

Companions Along the Journey Immaculata Center, Lafayette 6:30-8:30 PM Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith, Part 9 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville 6:30 PM Year of Faith Catechism Series Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center, St. Martinville 7:00-8:30 PM

Scrpiture Study, Session 3 Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Opelousas 6:00-7:00 PM

Third Sunday of Advent

St. Lucy

20

Weekday

Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith, Part 10 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville 6:30 PM

14

St. John of the Cross

St. Peter Canisius

21

Diocesan Central Offices Are Closed for the Christmas/New Year’s holidays

Year of Faith Catechism Series Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center, St. Martinville 7:00-8:30 PM

St. Stephen

26

Diocesan Central Offices Are Closed for the Christmas/New Year’s holidays

27

St. John

Diocesan Central Offices Are Closed for the Christmas/New Year’s holidays

The Holy Innocents

28

Diocesan Central Offices Are Closed for the Christmas/New Year’s holidays

15

Weekday

Men’s Work Day Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center, St. Martinville

Weekday

22

Day of Recollection for Men & Women Considering a Vocation to the Priesthood or Consecrated Life 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center, St. Martinville

Fifth Day, Octave of Christmas St. Thomas Becket

29

Page 6 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Annual collection supports those in religious orders

LAFAYETTE The 25th annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be taken up December 8-9, 2012, in the Diocese of Lafayette, La. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C., and offers financial support for the day-to-day care of over 34,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests.

Last year, the Diocese of Lafayette, La., contributed $92,978.63 to this collection. In 2012, the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the Sisters of the Most Holy Sacrament received financial assistance made possible by the national appeal. Additionally, religious who serve or have served in the diocese but whose communities are based elsewhere may also benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious.

The collection was initiated in 1988 by Catholic bishops of the United States. Proceeds are distributed to eligible religious

communities to help underwrite retirement and health-care expenses. Nearly 95 percent of donations directly support senior religious and their communities.

Contributions to the 2011 appeal totaled $27.4 million and enabled the NRRO to distribute

The annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious will be taken up December 8-9. $23 million in financial assistance to 453 religious communities. Additionally, nearly $2.9 million was disbursed to assist religious communities with the greatest needs and to support ongoing education in retirement and elder-care delivery.

Since the collection began, Catholics in the United States have donated over $671 million to support senior religious. “Words

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cannot express our gratitude,” said NRRO Executive Director and Precious Blood Sister Janice Bader. “We are humbled by the generous and prayerful support that so many people share with our elder religious each year.”

Despite the unparalleled generosity to the collection, religious communities continue to face significant challenges in meeting the high costs of care. Last year’s distributions amounted to approximately $907 per eligible religious. Yet the average annual cost of care for a senior religious stands at $37,200 per person, while skilled care can exceed $56,000. In 2011 alone, the total cost of care for women and men religious was over $1.1 billion.

Religious communities are financially autonomous and thus responsible for the care and support of their elder members.

Traditionally, senior religious worked for small stipends, and any surplus income was often reinvested in community ministries. As a result, many religious

Christmas concert

FRANKLIN The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will present its annual Christmas Concert entitled “Lessons and Carols” on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to attend.

The concert will consist of three distinct choirs, all of which have been well-received by the community in the past. The adult vocal choir, under the direction of Dexter Thibodeaux, the handbell choir, under the direction of Dale Fangue, and the youth choir of Hanson Memorial High School will all perform.

The Church of the Assumption is also pleased to announce that accompanying the choirs again this year will be guest musicians performing on violin, trumpet and flute, as well as a renowned local guest soloist.

Performances of traditional and contemporary Christmas pieces, interspersed with the beautiful liturgical narrative of the birth of Christ, are sure to enhance the spirituality of the Christmas Season.

communities now lack adequate savings for retirement and elder care. Annual distributions from the Retirement Fund for Religious offer religious communities supplemental retirement funding and help to furnish various necessities, such as prescription medications and nursing care.

“Our goal is to help religious communities develop retirement strategies that will enable them to care for their senior members today and in the years to come,” said Sister Bader.

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

01 Pope Benedict XVI 02 Bishop Michael Jarrell 03 Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, SJ 04 Fr. Paul Thibodeaux 05 Fr. Jude Thierry 06 Fr. George Thychery 07 Fr. Nicholas Trahan 08 Fr. Clint Trahan 09 Fr. Harold Trahan 10 Fr. Joseph Sai Tran, SVD 11 Fr. Gene Tremie 12 Fr. Stephen Ugwu 13 Fr. Jason Vidrine 14 Fr. Richard Vidrine 15 Fr. Thomas Voorhies 16 Fr. Thomas Vu 17 Fr. Richard Wagner, SSJ 18 Fr. Arthur Warren 19 Fr. Andrew Whitman, SJ 20 Fr. Lawrence Abara 21 Fr. Ambrose Akalawu, CSSP 22 Msgr. Robert Angelle 23 Fr. Chester Arceneaux 24 Fr. Jules Arceneaux 25 Fr. Michael Arnaud 26 Fr. Arockiam Arockiam, SVD 27 Fr. Justin Arockiasamy, SVD 28 Fr. Herbert Bennerfield 29 Fr. Lloyd Benoit 30 Fr. Paul Bergeron 31 Fr. Conley Bertrand 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.

Acadiana Catholic

Year of Faith, a chance to grow

by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE Participation in Year of Faith activities offers opportunities to grow in the faith, Father Tom Voorhies told those attending the November Food for the Journey luncheon meeting.

Father Voorhies, pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Scott, is chairman of the diocesan Year of Faith committee. He began by explaining the significance of the Year of Faith logo, a large reproduction of which was on display in the meeting room.

The logo symbolically depicts a large boat, representing the Church with a large main mast of a cross and sails emblazoned with an IHS, the Latin initials for Jesus. A large circle back of the sails represents the sun, for the Son of God, our Eucharist.

Father Voorhies noted Pope Benedict XVI has described the Year of Faith as an opportunity to grow in faith, to spread it, and to share it with our brothers and sisters.

In his papal statement Porta Fidei, the Pope quotes from Acts 14:21, which relate the travels of Paul and Barnabas opening the faith to the Gentiles. From the beginning of Benedict’s pontificate, Father Voorhies recalled that the pope has tried to get people excit-

RCIA workshops

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Christian Formation would like to remind everyone to mark their calendars for two RCIA workshops which have been scheduled for 2013. Both workshops will be conducted from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on the given dates, and will be conducted by John Schexnaildre, RCIA consultant for the diocese.

On January 26, St. Joseph Church in Lafayette will host “Rites in the Catechumenate.”

ed about a journey of faith. “He was especially concerned about those who have lost their faith, to reach out and bring them back,” Father Voorhies said.

The Year of Faith started on October ll, Father Voorhies noted, and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council. It is also the 20th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in which Cardinal Ratzinger, now the pope, was involved.

Pope Paul VI proclaimed a Year of Faith in 1967, Father Voorhies said, to combat the confusion following Vatican II. It was a year of renewal which the Church always needs after a council.

Blessed Pope John Paul II was the first to speak of a new evangelization, Father Voorhies pointed out. This pope also expressed concern with helping those who have lost the faith to get it back.

Back in 1992 John Paul II was looking forward to the jubilee year 2000 and emphasized all Catholics have a duty to proclaim Christ to all people. He also cited the Catechism as a great tool in undertaking the faith.

“We have faith by the grace of God,” Father Voorhies emphasized, “and we can never have faith without the grace of God. We should choose to respond to On March 2, Nativity of Our Lady Church in New Iberia will host “Prayer in the Catechumenate.”

These workshops provide an excellent opportunity for representatives from the various church parishes of the diocese to meet and share their best RCIA practices as they receive training on a specific RCIA topic. There is no fee to attend, but participants are encouraged to register with Lynne Broussard at (337) 261-5550.

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that grace to follow Christ.”

Father Voorhies quoted from l Peter l,6-9, which encourages the disciples to believe in Jesus, to praise and rejoice with Him, “because you are receiving the purpose of your Faith, the salvation of your souls.”

To participate in the Year of Faith, Father Voorhies pointed out, there are ten activities suggested. These include participation in the Mass, reconciliatrion, learn about the lives of the saints, ead the Bible, read and study the documents of Vatican II, study the Catechism of the Church, volunteer in your church parish, help those in need, invite a friend to Mass, incorporate the Beatitudes in your life.

If more motivation is needed to perform some of these activiies, Father Voorhies suggested one of his favorite writers, Scott Hahn who reminds us that God loves us even though we have sinned.

Christ died for us and we have to respond to this. We have to go no further than to learn more about our faith.

The Year of Faith calls for certain spiritual actions, Father Voo-

December 2012 Page 7

rhies noted, conversion, catechumens, communion. This includes evangelizing, catechizing, sacramentalizing.

“We take part in a spiritual courtship, engagement and marriage, with a goal of the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb in Heaven,” he said.

In conclusion, Father Voorhies encouraged his audience to take part in the activities of the Year of Faith and noted a major diocesan event next year will be a visit to the diocese by Cardinal DiNardo of Houston. He also recommended the monthly Faith of our Fathers series sponsored by the Central Region.

Page 8 December 2012

“Be Fire!”

by Graham N. Smith

This is my absolute favorite time of the year. I’m sure part of that is nostalgia, memories of waiting excitedly for Santa Claus to come, with images of reindeer and elves and tinsel everywhere I looked and the smell of a Christmas tree being set up in the house.

I see that expectant joy now in the eyes of my little grandkids.

But it’s more than that. All year long, we celebrate wonderful feasts of God’s love for us, particularly Easter, with the Passion of Jesus and our redemption through His Cross. And, there’s Pentecost, with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to be witnesses for the Good News!

Christmas is different. It’s about a promise, one as big as they come, that no matter how

bad things get, don’t be afraid!

God loves you, and He’s coming to rescue you!

When I really feel burdened, the start of the Gospel of Luke is one of my favorite places to go, because there that promise rings out like a bugle call above the chaos of a battle. Zechariah, married to Elizabeth and childless in old age, is burning incense in the sanctuary of the Lord when the Archangel Gabriel appears.

Gabriel’s first words are, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard.” He goes on to tell Zechariah that after all these years of waiting, Elizabeth will give birth to a son to be named John, who will be great in the sight of the Lord and will turn many in Israel to God. (Lk. 1:7-16). Gabriel then appears to Mary and says, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” He tells her that although she is a virgin, by the power of the Holy Spirit she will give birth to Jesus, who will

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be called “Son of the Most High” and whose kingdom will have no end. (Lk. 1:26-35) And then there are the shepherds. Guarding their sheep in the dark of night, suddenly they’re surrounded by the glory of the Lord and an angel appears. “Do not be afraid,” the angel says, “for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been

Don’t be afraid! God loves you, and He’s coming to rescue you!

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born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” And the sky is filled with angels proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Lk. 2:8-14) Don’t be afraid! God loves you, and He’s coming to rescue you!

This has been a turbulent year.

We’ve just been through an election campaign that seemed to have a lot more divisiveness sown on all sides than solutions. The HHS mandate threatens our religious freedom. The Middle East seems ripe to erupt into full-scale war almost any day. Superstorm Sandy devastated the Northeast.

The economy has been badly battered and doesn’t seem to be heading for meaningful recovery any time soon.

Don’t be afraid! God loves you, and He’s coming to rescue you!

I think we need to burn that message into the marrow of our bones. When the Yuletide festivities are behind us and we’re in the bleak, cold rains of January and February, it still needs to be shining bright inside us so that we can give it away and light up the darkness around us.

When the Communists threw the missionaries out of China in the late 1940’s, there were about 2 million Christians there. The government launched a severe crackdown, killing and imprisoning Christian leaders, outlawing worship gatherings, and seizing churches. Evangelizing was a serious crime. When foreign missionaries were allowed back into China in the late 70’s, they expected to find very few believers but were astonished to discover that there were about 60 million!

How did that happen, with no seminaries, almost no ordained clergy, very few Bibles and in the face of crushing persecution?

According to Alan Hirsch, writing in “The Forgotten Ways,” it was because of the power of that simple message: Don’t be afraid!

God loves you, and He’s coming to rescue you! It was what Hirsch calls a “sneezable” idea – easily passed on and easily “caught”, from one heart to another.

No matter how bleak things may be this coming year, I’m standing on that Good News, and I’m sharing it with everyone I can!

The love of Jesus is the greatest Christmas gift of them all!

Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 9

Bishops agree on need for better preaching, more penance; Nov.12, the archbishop said born Redemptorist priest who tions Department that would inOK Day cause ment preaching must be done “more ministered throughout antebelclude hiring a director of public

by Catholic News Service BALTIMORE (CNS) During their annual fall general assembly in Baltimore Nov. 12-15, the U.S. bishops voted down a document on the troubled U.S. economy, passed documents on penance and better preaching, approved a reorganization of their Communications Department and endorsed the sainthood cause of Dorothy Day. On the assembly’s opening day, the bishops discussed on the nation’s troubled economy and what their response to it should be, but a day later their proposed document “The Hope of the Gospel in Difficult Times: A Pastoral Message on Work, Poverty and the Economy” did not gain the two-thirds vote required for passage.

When it was introduced Nov. 12, some bishops criticized the document for being too long to be practical and for failing to include a variety of points and historical references.

On the assembly’s second day, the bishops approved their first new document in 30 years on preaching. The document, “Preaching the Mystery of Faith: The Sunday Homily,” encourages preachers to connect the Sunday homily with people’s daily lives.

The document was prepared by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, chaired by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis.

When he introduced the docu-

effectively in the context of the new evangelization. ... Our people hunger for better preaching, preaching that would help them rediscover their faith.”

The bishops also overwhelmingly approved -- in a 236-1 vote --an exhortation encouraging Catholics to take advantage of the sacrament of penance, or reconciliation.

The text was prepared by the bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, chaired

by Bishop David L. Ricken of Green Bay, Wis. The exhortation, to be made available in pamphlet form, will aim to ease the fears of Catholics who have not gone to confession for some time.

It will be made public in time to allow for dioceses to prepare for Lent 2013.

On a voice vote, the bishops endorsed the sainthood cause of Dorothy Day, co-founder of the Catholic Worker movement.

New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, USCCB president, is promoting Day’s cause; her Catholic Worker ministry was based in New York City. The cause was first undertaken by one of Cardinal Dolan’s predecessors in New York, Cardinal John O’Connor.

Cardinal Dolan and other bishops who spoke Nov. 13, including some who had met Day, called her sainthood cause an opportune moment in the life of the U.S. church.

The bishops also approved expanding the memorial for Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, a German-

lum-era America for more than 20 years. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, Ala., noted that Blessed Seelos ministered at a time when “immigrants were not welcomed well in many circumstances,” which he said has contemporary significance.

A year after U.S. Catholics began using a new translation of the missal at Masses, the bishops agreed to begin revising the Liturgy of the Hours -- updating hymns, psalms, various canticles, psalm prayers, some antiphons, biblical readings and other components of the liturgical prayers used at various parts of the day.

Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond of New Orleans, chairman of the Committee on Divine Worship, said the work would probably take three to five years to complete and the aim would be to more accurately reflect the original Latin texts.

The bishops approved a reorganization of their Communica-

affairs who would work to unify messages on the activities and stances of the USCCB -- not individual dioceses or bishops -- and better carry out church campaigns related to new evangelization, according to Cardinal Dolan.

Cardinal Dolan said the USCCB’s communications effort must take advantage of new communications technologies. The cost of hiring a public affairs director and support staff and other services is estimated at $400,000 annually, according to the supporting document.

The plan calls for a reorganization of the Communications Department, which includes a media relations office, customer and client relations, creative services, which is responsible for online and video messages, and Catholic News Service.

The bishops were also urged to broaden their support for their national collections. In a Nov. 13 continued on page 14

Page 10 December 2012

Deciembre 2012

por Obispo Michael Jarrell El Centro para la Investigación Aplicada sobre el Apostolado, (CARA), localizado en Georgetown University en Washington, D.C., lleva a cabo numerosas investigaciones sobre la Iglesia Católica y sus actividades. Publica informes muy interesantes. Muchos de éstos pueden ser leídos en la página web: cara.georgetown.edu. Los siguientes puntos me llamaron la atención: • Entre el 1992 y 2010 el número de sacerdotes en el ministerio pastoral disminuyó de 32,729 a 26,652; el número de diáconos aumentó de 10,672 a 17,289; y el número de ministros laicos aumentó de 21,569 a 37,929. Así, el número de personas en ministerios para los feligreses ha aumentado en 17,200 en los últimos 18 años. De muchas maneras, nuestro pueblo está mejor atendido ahora que en el pasado.

• Se estima que 74 millones

de estadounidenses se identifican como católicos. De este número 50 millones asisten a misa en Navidad y Pascua de Resurrección. De los 50 millones, 36 asisten a misa por lo menos una vez al mes, y de los 36 millones, 17 millones asisten semanalmente, aproximadamente el 23 por ciento de los 74 millones.

Es también interesante saber que el 31% de los que se identifican como católicos asisten a misa en cualquier Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario; el 45% asiste al Miércoles de Ceniza; y el 68% asiste a misa en Navidad y Pascua de Resurrección.

• CARA también mide la tasa de permanencia entre las religiones dentro de los Estados Unidos, esto es, el porcentaje de aquellos adultos que conservan la misma fe con la que fueron criados. Los resultados son los siguientes: Hindú – 84%

Judía – 76% Musulmán – 76% Griega Ortodoxa – 73% Mormón – 70%

Católica – 68% Bautista – 70%

Luterana – 59% Pentecostal – 50% Budista – 49% Metodista – 46%

Acadiana Catholic

Anglicana/Episcopal – 45% Sin denominación – 44% Iglesia Reformada – 42% Congregacionalista – 37% Testigos de Jehová – 37% Atea – 30%

Iglesia de Santidad – 32% • Este estudio en particular, fue una revelación para mí. Escuchamos mucho acerca del número de católicos que abandonan la iglesia. A menudo, se pinta una imagen desalentadora y sentimos que estamos fallando en nuestra misión como pastores, padres de familia y maestros. Mucho de esto es verdad y debemos incrementar nuestros esfuerzos de evangelización. No debemos estar satisfechos hasta que nuestro nivel de pertenencia sea del 100%. Aun así, podríamos sentirnos bien por el hecho – y es un hecho – que los católicos están mejor que la mayoría de las denominaciones cuando se habla de pertenencia de los miembros. El orgullo no es apropiado, pero los números enseñan que los esfuerzos de los padres de familia, clero, escuelas, equipos de las parroquias y de las comunidades están teniendo un efecto positivo. Todas las misas, homilías, oraciones en los hogares, clases de religión, retiros, estudios de la Biblia, actividades de la juventud, etc., están dando resultados. No deberíamos estar satis-

fechos, pero tampoco deberíamos pensar que somos un fracaso. Los números son mejores de lo que nos han hecho pensar.

• Entre los años 2007 y 2008, la población católica aumentó por 555,789 miembros. Solamente una parte del crecimiento fue debido a la inmigración, dejando 316,979 sin explicación.

• En la generación del preVaticano II, 96% de los católicos eran blancos no-hispanos, y el 2% era hispano. En la generación del milenio (nacidos en el año 1982 o después), el 50% eran no-hispanos blancos, y el 45% eran hispanos.

• La razones más importantes de asistir a misa para la generación del milenio son la de “experimentar la liturgia” y la “necesidad de la Eucaristía”. Las razones más importantes para no asistir son que “simplemente no son personas religiosas” y por las “responsabilidades familiares.”

El Tiempo de Adviento se centra en la Segunda Venida de Cristo al final de los tiempos y en su primera venida a Belén. Celebramos el nacimiento del Salvador.

Es nuestro privilegio proclamar con un nuevo ardor en estos tiempos, esta Buena Nueva, siempre antigua y siempre nueva.

Feliz Navidad a todos.

Catholic home missions grants to help fund 84 poor home mission dioceses

USCCB WASHINGTON The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions announced November 19 the approval of over $8.4 million in grant funding to aid in evangelization, religious education, min-

istry training and other support of 84 mission dioceses across the country.

These home mission dioceses across the United States face great challenges due to the rugged terrain of their location and the poverty of the population they serve.

“Each year we are presented with the opportunity to share the generous gifts of the nation’s Catholics with mission dioceses here at home. Most people are surprised to learn that over 40 percent of the dioceses in the United States receive our support,” said Bishop Michael W. Warfel of

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Great Falls-Billings, Montana, chairman of the subcommittee.

“We hear regularly from the bishops of home mission dioceses how essential our funding is to their ability to provide the sacraments and spread the Gospel.” continued on page 11

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December 2012

by Bishop Michael Jarrell T h e Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), located at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., conducts volumes of research on the Catholic Church and its activities. It usually produces very interesting reports. Most of these can be read on its website: cara.georgetown.edu.

Some items which caught my eye are: • Between 1992 and 2010, the number of priests in pastoral ministry decreased from 32,729 to 26,652; the number of deacons increased from 10,672 to 17,289; and the number of lay ecclesial ministers increased from 21,569 to 37,929. Thus, the number of persons in ministry to parishioners has increased by 17,200 over the past 18 years. In many ways, our people are better served now than they were in the past.

Home missions continued from page 10

The Subcommittee primarily supports home mission dioceses in the United States that are unable to offer their communities the basic pastoral ministries without assistance. The grants are financed through the annual fund-

December 2012 Page 11

Hindu—84%

Jewish—76% Muslim—76%

Greek Orthodox—73% Mormon—70%

Catholic—68% Baptist—60%

Lutheran—59% Pentecostal—50%

Buddhist—49% Methodist—46%

Anglican/Episcopal—45%

Non-denominational—44% Reformed—42% nones (nothing in particu- lar)—38% Jehovah’s Witnesses—37% Congregationalists—37% Holiness—32% Atheists—30% • This particular study was a revelation to me. We hear so much about the number of Catholics leaving the Church. Often, a very dismal picture is painted and we feel that we are failing in our mission as pastors, parents and teachers. Much of this is true and we do have to increase our evangelization efforts. We should not be satisfied until our retention rate is 100%. Yet, we might take some comfort in the fact—and it is a fact—that Catholics are doing better than most denominations when it comes to retention of members. Pride is not appropriate, but the numbers do show that the efforts of parents, clergy, schools, parish staff members and the community are having a positive effect.

All of those Masses, homilies, home prayers, religion classes, retreats, bible studies, youth activities, etc., are accomplishing something. We should not be

satisfied, but neither should we think of ourselves as complete failures. The numbers are better than we have been led to believe.

• Between 2007 and 2008, the Catholic population increased by 555,789 members.

Only a part of the growth was due to immigration, leaving 316,979 unaccounted for.

• In the pre-Vatican II generation, 96% of Catholics are non-Hispanic White, and 2% are Hispanic. In the Millennial generation (b. 1982 or later), 50% are non-Hispanic White, and 45% are Hispanic.

• Milleninals’ top reasons for attending Mass are “experiencing liturgy” and “need for the Eucharist.” Their top reasons for not attending are “just not a religious person” and “family responsibilities.”

The Advent Season focuses on the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time and on his first coming at Bethlehem. We celebrate the birth of the Savior. It is our privilege to proclaim afresh in our own time and place, this Good News, ever ancient, ever new. Merry Christmas to all.

raising campaign known as the Catholic Home Missions Appeal and support such pastoral services as: evangelization activities; religious education; training for priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers, and laity, as well as ministry with ethnic groups.

Three examples of dioceses funded from the Catholic Home

Missions Appeal are the Dioceses of Fairbanks, Alaska; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and El Paso, Texas.

The Fairbanks Diocese faces many challenges given its limited access to 41 of its 46 parishes. Many villages see a priest only once a month. A team of two priests, three sisters and three brothers serve eight villages.

Grants will allow the diocese to offer adult catechesis and to train deacons and Eucharistic ministers. The diocese will receive $135,000 next year.

The Cheyenne Diocese faces challenges found in small congregations scattered over vast distances. There are 31 active

• In rounded numbers, 74 million Americans self-identify as Catholics. Of this number 50 million attend Mass at Christmas and Easter. Of the 50 million, 36 million attend at least once a month, and of the 36 million, 17 million attend weekly, about 23 percent of the 74 million. It is also interesting that 31% of selfidentified Catholics will attend Mass on any given Sunday in Ordinary Time; 45 % attend on Ash Wednesday; and 68 % attend on Christmas and Easter.

• CARA also measures retention rates among religions in the United States, that is, the percentage of those raised in a faith who remain affiliated with the faith as an adult. The results are:

continued on page 28

Page 12 December 2012

St. Edmund students combine lessons in science & prayer with “floating rosary�

EUNICE Who says science and prayer aren’t compatible with one another?

Physics students at St. Edmund High School in Eunice recently took on a class project which helped them learn about gravitational force. They constructed a rosary made of helium ballons, with the goal of finding out how much gravitational force it would take to lift a cross (made of Styrofoam) to the “heavens.�

Prior to the ‘Rosary Lift,’ the elementary students prayed a rosary in the elementary courtyard.

At the moment of lift-off the entire student body gathered in the parking lot of St. Anthony Church and sang the Hail Mary while watching the balloons rise to the heavens.

Current totals show that the St. Edmund Catholic School Facebook page photo received over 1,600 likes, 112 shares and over 80 comments, Below is an email received from a fan of the project: “Greetings St. Edmund Catholic Family!!!

Photo submitted by St. Edmund School

I saw your post/photo of the “floating rosary�!!! What a beautiful witness to the traditions of our Catholic Faith!!! I’ve already posted the photo on my FB wall.

I called a homeschool mom and dear friend in Huntsville, Alabama to post it on her wall as well. THANK YOU for making my morning. If “I� am this happy, I can only imagine how happy CHRIST feels for St. Edmund.�

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Did You Know?

Safe Environment Tips

Internet Safety for Kids The Internet has become the new schoolyard for child molesters seeking girls or boys to victimize. Internet “chat rooms� provide a teenager with an opportunity to engage in a “live� conversation with friends from school or church, or with other teenagers from around the world. A chat room is similiar to an old-style telephone party line, except that teens are typing. Law enforcement has found that child molesters use chat rooms to gain easy and safe access to teens. Because of the seemingly caring and seductive talent of child molesters, teenagers should be warned that when they are in a chat room, they should never provide anyone with private informations, personal information, and especially their specific physcial location.

Source: Bob Farley, “Exposing the Dangers of Chat Rooms,� featured March 14, 2005, at www.virtusonline.org/virtus.

Where Do Your Kids Go to Have Fun? Protecting children from harm extends beyond the time that they are under your direct supervision. Know where your children spend their time when schoool is out or they are not in the house. Where do they gather and play with other kids?

Are there other adutls in the area? If so, who are they, and what reason do they have to be there? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you to keep your kids safe even when you are not with them.

Source: www.missingkids.com 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) 298-2987

Vermilion Catholic School receives visit from founder/director of Respire Haiti

Vermilion Catholic School in Abbeville recently received a visit from Megan Boudreaux (pictured third from right), founder and director of Respire Haiti. In two years, Ms. Boudreaux has built up this organization to provide schooling for more than 500 children of Gressier, Haiti, and is currently working to construct a church, medical clinic, and community center as well. Photo submitted by Vermilion Catholic School

Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 13

In honor of Mr. Bernel Fontenot: “You might be retiring, but in our hearts, you are not going anywhere!”

LAFAYETTE In the November 2012 edition of the Acadiana Catholic, it was announced that Mr. Bernel Fontenot, Director of the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Community Development, had retired. Mr. Fontenot’s role with the office spans nearly 37 years, during which he represented the diocese in the development of more than 30 facilities designed to provide housing for the elderly, handicapped, and low-income individuals and families throughout the eight civil parishes of the diocese.

From a business perspective, Mr. Fontenot has maintained the image of a consummate professional, working with a variety of people throughout all levels of development to ensure that each and every facility has been completed according to its necessary specifications.

As important as this attribute is, however, it is not the first that came to the minds of his associates when they heard of his retirement. Those who have had the privilege of working most closely with Mr. Fontenot over the years simply recalled how much they will miss the pleasure that opportunity has provided.

“As I reflect over the past 23 years, I have been blessed to work as Bernel’s secretary,” offered Connie Lantier. “Bernel has a gift of not looking at outward appearances, but seeing the value and dignity of each person he served. He has had a great impact, not only on me, but also others who worked under his supervision. I will never forget the kindness and generosity he has given me, and what a great role model

he has been. I feel honored to have constructed under the Office of him as a part of my life.”

Community Development. “Un“For many years, I have had the der Bernel, we expanded Consolata privilege to provide architectural Home from 77 beds to 114, with services for the Diocese of Lafayan additional six-bed wing for the ette by working through the Office clergy of the diocese. It has been a of Community Development with great honor to work under Bernel; I Bernel Fontenot,” added Jack K. consider him a very close friend and Tolson of Ardoin, Gaudet & Tolwish him nothing but the best.” son, Ltd. “It is very evident that he “I first learned of Bernel while has exemplified working at a true compasthe Deaf Acsionate heart tion Center in by providing 1992,” said affordable livPaulette Guthing facilities to rie, Activities serve very low Coordinator income elderly, at Village du frail elderly, and Lac, which disabled persons is another of who otherwise the diocesanwould not have owned housing a safe place to facilities. “In live. The apartOctober 2004, ments and nursI went to him ing homes now requesting to serve over 1,250 work in Vilpeople. . .plus lage du Lac, so those who will I could work live in two new directly with Mr. Bernel Fontenot complexes now under development. the residents, particularly the deaf I certainly appreciate the trust and and deaf/blind. I brought my folder confidence which Mr. Fontenot has with the ideas I had to improve the placed in those who work with our quality of life for those living in the firm to design and administer the village, and he began opening the many successful apartment develdoors for me that very day to the opments.” most incredible eight years of my “I have worked for the Diocese career. of Lafayette for over 35 years, un“Bernel’s love for the residents der the supervision of Mr. Fonwas beautiful to watch; he’d come tenot,” said David Landry, former to have lunch almost every day, and Administrator and current consulthe residents would wait for him. tant for Consolata Nursing Home He was a man in power, but he was in New Iberia, one of the facilities kind and gentle with the residents,

and he gave me the freedom to do my job, with the trust that I’d do it well.”

Karol Meynard (Director of the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate) and her assistant Trista Littel also echoed those sentiments.

“Bernel always shared words of encouragement. We witnessed his pro-life stance through the joy and mutual respect exchanged in his interactions with the disabled, elderly, infirmed and the poor who visited him. He personified Matthew 25— ‘When you did it for the least of my brothers you did it to me.’ We thank God for Bernel.”

“I will always remember Mr. Bernel Fontenot as kind, considerate, thoughtful, and a true gentleman,” said Cristina LeBlanc, Director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry.

“When I first started working at the diocese, he would bring his secretary for lunch on Secretary’s Day and he would invite me as well , out of kindness. Thank you, Mr. Bernel.”

Fellow central office employee Lisa Frederick (Safe Environment) was also touched by Mr. Fontenot’s gentlemanly behavior.

“When I first started working for the diocese, Mr. Bernel made a big impression on me, because he always remembered my name. It was a small thing, but he was just always such a thoughtful person and made you feel special whenever he spoke to you.”

“Congratulations on the occasion of your retirement!” declared Charles Tate, Consultant with Arcontinued on page 18

Page 14 December 2012

Marriage 101: the real meaning of a family Christmas

by Kelley Chapman What is Christmas? For me, Christmas is about family and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and not the materialistic things. The holidays are a great time for families to turn their focus on their blessings and what they are grateful for, whether it is family, friends, your job, being able to give, etc. Family time can be spent in many different ways.

If you have small children in the house, help them understand the meaning of Christmas early. Nativity scenes, especially those that children are able to play with, books that focus on the Christmas story, driving around looking at Christmas lights, baking cookies, and/or donating clothes or toys for those children who are less fortunate are just a few things that you can do to help children understand the meaning of Christmas.

Families that have grown children can establish traditions as extended family: the whole family volunteering at a shelter serving lunch, coming together to hear the Christmas story read from the Bible, enjoying gumbo on Christmas Eve with the whole family, or adopting a child or a parishioner in need to whom the whole family can give.

The birth of Jesus Christ shows us that we are all family. As Archbishop of New Orleans Gregory Aymond said, “May this special feast of Jesus’ birthday help us to renew our commitment to family life. In the rush of our daily routines and the thousand things that seek our attention, we must not take for granted our family and those closest to us in friendship”.

Christmas is not about the parties or how much you spend on each gift. Christmas is about family and the birth of Jesus Christ our savior. Enjoy the time that you have with your family instead of focusing on the stress of the holiday season.

Acadiana Catholic

Bishops’ fall general assembly continued from page 9

report, they heard that a decline in diocesan participation in these collections since 2009 has been a loss of $8.7 million to Catholic programs that benefit from the collection.

Bishop Kevin J. Farrell of Dallas, chairman of the Committee on National Collections, described the collections as “an important mechanism for mobilizing collective action in the church universal and a way for all the faithful to participate in solidarity with the rest of the church.”

The bishops were initially scheduled to consider a document titled “Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities for the Exercise of the Teaching Ministry of the Diocesan Bishop,” developed by the Committee on Doctrine. The document urged bishops to take advantage of new technologies - social media, blogging and cell phone technology -- to respond and explain church teaching when it is portrayed inaccurately, particularly by theologians.

Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, committee chair-

man, decided to withdraw the document in favor of a more comprehensive statement in line with the bishops’ new communication plan and the ongoing work throughout the USCCB related to the new evangelization. The bishops, on Nov. 12, agreed in a voice vote to the appointment of a working group -- made up of the committee chairmen for doctrine, evangelization and catechesis, and canonical affairs and church governance -- to draft the document.

The bishops voted for a strategic plan that will guide the USCCB’s work for the next four years, a “road map” to shape conference programs and activities to strengthen the faith of Catholics and help them actively live out their faith.

During the first year, the focus will be on faith and activities closely tied to the Year of Faith.

In 2014 and 2015, initiatives will strengthen parish life and worship. The final year calls for Catholics to be witnesses to the wider world. continued on page 15

St. Basil KCs raise funds with poboy sale

For volunteer information, please visit the following websites: www.catholicservice.org and click on volunteer www.use.salvationarmy.org/ (or visit your local office for locations of the Angel Tree) Sources for this article: www.arch-no.org/news frosted.wordpress.com/2007/12/22/family-the-meaning-of-christmas/

The Knights of Columbus, St. Basil Council #10721 recently held its annual Po Boy Sale at the church hall. Members cooked and served over 1,400 sandwiches to raise funds for various community projects. The Council includes among its many charitable organizations the residents of LARC and schools in the Ridge and Judice area. Photo submitted by Rick Latiolais

Acadiana Catholic

Bishops’ fall general assembly continued from page 14

The bishops also approved a 2013 budget of $220.4 million and agreed to add a national collection for the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services. The budget for 2013 represents a 1.3 percent increase from 2012.

The new collection for the military archdiocese would begin in 2013. Under the plan, it would be taken voluntarily in parishes every three years. Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va., USCCB treasurer, said the 2013 budget includes a surplus totaling more than $749,000.

He also told the bishops that there was a projected surplus of $250,000 for 2014, meaning there was no need to seek an increase in the annual diocesan assessment for USCCB operations.

In his presidential address to open the assembly, Cardinal Dolan Nov. 12 told the bishops they cannot engage culture, dialogue with others or confront challenges unless they first recognize their own sins and experience the grace of repentance.

The cardinal also said the sacrament of penance was something the USCCB planned to stress for all Catholics year-round with reflections on re-embracing Friday as a day of penance, including the possible reinstitution of abstinence on all Fridays.

The bishops’ assembly, which opened nearly a week after Election Day, included discussions about religious liberty, marriage and immigration.

In a statement issued Nov. 13, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H.

of Baltimore, chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty, said Nov. 12 the work of defending religious liberty would continue despite “setbacks or challenges.”

San Francisco Archbishop Sal-

December 2012 Page 15 vatore J. Cordileone, chairman of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, said Election Day was “a disappointing day for marriage,” which points to the need to “redouble our efforts.”

Marble statue donated to Teurlings campus

At their annual fall meeting in Baltimore, the U.S. bishops issued a call to Catholics to take advantage of the sacrament of penance, especially those who have not gone to confession for some time.

In a 2009 file photo, Bishop Michael O. Jackels of Wichita, Kan., hears confession during a youth rally in Washington.

CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz

Gomez, as chair of the migration committee chair, urged President Barack Obama and congressional leaders to work together on a bipartisan immigration reform bill. He also encouraged people to make their voices heard in support of an immigration system “which upholds the rule of law, preserves family unity and protects the human rights and dignity of the person.”

During a news conference just after the statement was released, several bishops underscored their support for immigration reform.

The bishops’ assembly, which opened nearly a week after Election Day, also included discussions about religious liberty and marriage.

Archbishop William E. Lori

A marble statue of the Virgin Mary was donated to Teurlings Catholic High School by Mrs. Joann Delhomme and her children and grandchildren in memory of Mr. Rene “Poochie” Delhomme. The statue, sculpted from marble found in Carrara, Italy, is housed within a newly constructed grotto at Teurlings Stadium. Bishop Michael Jarrell, along with TCH Chancellor Hampton Davis, Fr. Brian Taylor, and Fr. Gary Schexnayder, blessed the statue. Photo submitted by Teurlings Catholic High School

Bishops urged to broaden support for national collections through 2011 show the amount colBALTIMORE (CNS) A decline in diocesan participation in national collections has cost programs benefiting from the collections about $8.7 million since 2009, statistics from the Office of National Collections at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops show. Patrick Markey, executive director of the national collections office, told Catholic News Service Nov. 14 that dioceses have dropped some collections or otherwise combine two or more national collections, resulting in less funds for vital programs that serve church programs in the U.S. and around the world. Statistics from the office covering 2009

lected was off about $2.9 million annually from earlier years. The six collections administered by the national collections office raised $56.1 million in 2011, Markey said. While the losses are small, they do affect the programs that benefit from the collections, Bishop Kevin J. Farrell of Dallas, chairman of the Committee on National Collections, said in a report during the bishops’ fall general assembly in Baltimore. “The fact is that the good that the national collections do is even deeper than the projects they fund,” Bishop Farrell said. “In our parishes, when done correctly, the national collections are an important instrument of evangelization and catechetical formation.”

Page 16 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Seminarian Burses What is a seminarian burse?

A seminary burse is a “named” portion of the seminary endowment trust fund, which was started for the Diocese of Lafayette in the year 1919. Burses are commonly “named” either by the person or persons who established them, or in memory of a deceased loved one.

Incomplete Burses Dennis Boudreaux is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Boudreaux.

He is sponsored by St. Theresa Parish in Abbeville, and is currently in his first college year at St. Joseph Seminary College, LA.

How do seminarian burses contribute to the diocese’s ongoing seminary formation?

Money donated to the seminary trust fund remains as untouched principal, while interest from the trust is used to pay for the diocese’s annual cost of seminary formation. Currently, the interest from the trust pays 20% of this expense, while the remainder is supplemented by funds raised during the Bishop’s Services Appeal Campaign..

When is a seminarian burse complete?

Typically, a burse is completed when its balance reaches $15,000. This amount represented the total cost of educating a single seminarian back when the practice was first established, although today that cost has risen to approximately $200,000. Once a burse has reached $15,000, a new burse may be opened if those who established the original wish to continue their donations.

At this time, a total of 98 burses have been completed for the Diocese of Lafayette.

Payton Bourque is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jared Bourque. He is sponsored by the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, and is currently in his third college year at St. Joseph Seminary College, LA.

Joseph Boustany is the son of Deacon and Mrs. Edward Boustany. He is sponsored by Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Lafayette, and is currently in his third college year at Theological College, Washington, DC.

Complete Burses 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 220 222 223 224 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 235 237 238 241 243 245 246 251 252 253 355 255 256 258 259 261 262 263 265 267 269 270 273 277 279 282 285

Bishop Jeanmard Memorial Burse Bishop Jeanmard Assumption Burse Bishop Jeanmard-Sacred Heart Burse Msgr. Amable S. Doutre Burse Msgr. Joseph Peeters Burse Msgr. Louis Massebiau Burse Msgr. George Mollo Burse Rev. Louis P. Castel Burse Rev. Julian Van Exem Burse #1 Bishop Duburg Assembly Burse Henry Lastraps Burse Genevieve Lastrapes Burse Church Point Burse St. John Marie Vianney Burse Rev. Auguste M. Viel Burse St. Andre Fournet Burse Julie Landry Burse A.C. Maraist Burse Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #1 Rev. Moise Hebert Burse Jeff Bienvenu Burse Immaculate Conception Burse #1 Gaspard Petitjean Family Burse Msgr. John A. Vigliero Burse Lay Honorees Burse#1 J.M. Lapeyre Family Burse St. Stephen Burse M/M P.J. Reiners Burse John Joseph Borel Burse Msgr. L.C. Habetz Burse Rev. J. Otto Jud Burse #1 Rev. J. Otto Jud Burse #2 Msgr. Hubert A. Lerchen Burse St. Theresa Burse #1 Serra Club Burse Gabriel Lucas Memorial Fund (Morse) Burse CDA Burse #1 Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #2 Heck & Langlois Guillot Burse M/M Fournet Burse #1 Rev. OJ. Chauvin Burse Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #3 Denise & Erin Canan Burse O’Neil Hebert Burse Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #4 Lay Honorees Burse #2 Military Chaplains Burse Bishop Schexnayder Memorial Burse #1 Bishop Schexnayder Memorial Burse #2 Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #5 Caliste A. Duplantis, Jr Burse Rev. Verbis Lafleur Burse #1

287 289 296 298 299 302 305 306 307 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 320 321 324 325 328 329 333 334 335 336 338 339 341

Msgr,. John Disch Burse Msgr. Lawrence Fournet Burse A Priest Burse #1 Msgr. Paul Fuselier Burse #6 James J. Frey, Sr Burse Ben & Louisa Larriviere Burse Laperouse Family Burse Marcel/alfred Gaudet Burse #1 CDA Burse #2 Msgr. George Bodin Burse Rev. Verbis Lafleur Burse #2 M/M Milton Esteves Burse Sacred Heart Parish, Ni Burse Luke/Rita Bernard Burse Marcel/Alfred Gaudet Burse #2 Marcel/Alfred Gaudet Burse #3 Marcel/Alfred Gaudet Burse #4 Lay Honorees Burse #3 Fr. Jean Paradis Burse #1 Msgr. Albert Bacque Burse #1 Fr. Raphael Gauthier Burse #1 Anonymous #1 Sonnier Burse Lay Honorees Burse #4 Anonymous #2 Msgr Edward D. Fruge Pro-life Priest Burse M/M Milton Esteves Burse #2 M/M Milton Esteves Burse #3 Luke & Rita Bernard Memorial Burse #2 342 Coignard/Gremillion Burse 343 St. Theresa Of Lisieux Burse 344 Eula Mae Bernard Burse 345 Leonas & Alice Freyou Fam Memorial Burse 347 Anonymous #3 349 Bishop’s Helper Burse #1 350 Bishop’s Helper Burse #2 353 Nativity Of Our Lady Burse 355 Gabriel Lucas Mem (Morse) 357 Therese Esteves Burse #4 360 Lay Honorees Burse #5 361 Anonymous #4 362 St. Jude Burse 365 Msgr. Guy Lemoine Burse 369 Anonymous #5 371 Mildred Arceneaux Burse 374 Anonymous #6 382 Anonymous #7 388 Blessed John Paul II 391 Florence Mauboules Trust

Patrick Broussard is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven J. Broussard. He is sponsored by the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, and is currently in his third theology year at Pontifical North American College, Rome.

Branson Cambre is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rick Cambre. He is sponsored by St. Pius X Parish in Lafayette, and is currently in his second college year at St. Joseph Seminary College, LA.

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 (12,400.00) 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 (8,250.00) 332 Ben/Louisa Larriviere Burse #2 (3,750.00) 337 Col. Chap Kenneth Bienvenu Bur (13,814.99) 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 (10,750.63) 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 (500.00) 376 Bishop Jeanmard Burse (6,214.00) 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 (3,600.00) 386 Coignard/Gremillion Burse #2 (2,500.00) 387 In Memory Of Mr & Mrs Scranton Mouton (9,000.00) 388 Blessed John Paul II (21,030.00) 389 Rev. Donald Leger Mem Burse (960.00) 390 Claire & Allen Anding (15,000.00)

November Donors 253 Serra Club 1,000.00 376 Halina Kozeill 500.00 389 Richard & Nadine Cain 25.00 391 Francis Mauboules Trust 15,000.00

Photos by Paul Kieu

Who can establish and contribute to a seminarian burse?

Anyone is capable of establishing a burse and naming it as desired, and anyone can contribute simply by specifying the designated burse name when the contribution is made. Contributions may be mailed to the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Vocations, 1408 Carmel Drive, Lafayette, LA 70501.

How is a seminarian burse established?

Anyone who is interested in establishing a new seminarian burse may also contact the Office of Vocations at (337) 261-5690.

Correction

On the Seminarian Burses page of the October edition of the Acadiana Catholic, the incorrect sponsoring parishes were given for seminarians Andrew Schumacher and Brent Smith. The correct sponsoring parish for both is Our Lady of Wisdom Parish, Lafayette.

Acadiana Catholic

Quiz Bowl winners

LAFAYETTE Congratulations to the winners of the recent Quiz Bowl competition hosted by the Immaculata Center in Lafayette.

First place was awarded to the team for the Academy of the Sacred Heart Schools in Grand Coteau. Members include David Venable, Raven Bouvier, Kate Edwards, Bre’Anna SonnierThompson, Theresa Aubert, and Mallory Manuel.

Second place was awarded to the team for St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette. Members include Dylan Simon, David LaCour, Ethan Duhon, Brandy Storey, Floyd Carey, Austin Ladd,

December 2012 Page 17

Sacred Heart School seniors recognized by Heisman program

First place winners, Academy of the Sacred Heart Schools, Grand Coteau.

Timothy Andries, Gerard Drake, and Mrs. Christine Wise.

St. Thomas More team member Austin Ladd was also recognized as the competition’s High Scorer.

Photos submitted by Dr. Nancy Ehret

Second place winners, St. Thomas More High School, Lafayette

High Scorer Austin Ladd, St. Thomas More High School, Lafayette

LAFAYETTE Lafayette’s Community of Discalced Carmelite nuns recently elected Sister Mary John Billeaud to serve as prioress for the next three years. Sister Mary John succeeds Sister Regina Mullins, who served in this capacity for many years.

Sister Mary John is the fourth daughter of the late Louis M. Billeaud and Lucile Corne Billeaud of Broussard. She entered Carmel immediately after graduating from St. Cecilia High School in Broussard, where she was valedictorian of her class.

In Carmel, Sister Mary John has served in many capacities over the years, including a term

as prioress, several terms as council sister, and many years as the Director of Formation.

“It is in a spirit of trust in God and love for my community that I accept this duty,” said Sister Mary John. “In expressing my gratitude to my sisters for their support, I use the words of Sister Regina that, together, we can continue to go forward ‘hand in hand,’ growing in our vocation of constant prayer and intimacy with Our Lord in order to be of greater service to the Church and to all who depend on our prayers.”

Along with the new prioress, elected council members include Sisters Regina Mullins, Catherine Arceneaux, Jacinta Cormier, and Camille Hoang.

Carmelites elect Sr. Mary John Billeaud to serve as prioress for next three years

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VILLE PLATTE Sacred Heart High School is extending a special congratulations to Sadie Costanza and Brandon Soileau, who were recently named School Winners for the prestigious Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. Costanza and Soileau were chosen for their outstanding excellence in academics, athletics, and community/school leadership and will move on to the next round of judging to compete to win the coveted National award.

“On behalf of Sacred Heart High School, we are extremely proud to celebrate the exceptional athletic and scholastic achievements of Sadie and Brandon with this prestigious award,” said Diane Fontenot, Principal.

The Wendy’s High School Heisman celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom.

Just as the collegiate Heisman is known for being the highest award in college football, the Wendy’s High School Heisman award is recognized as the most esteemed award

Congratulations to Sadie Costanza (left) and Brandon Soileau (right) for winning the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. Photo submitted by Sacred Heart School

at the high school level as it encourages future leadership by acknowledging well-rounded students.

“These students are an inspiration to those around them and will honorably represent their school in the next stage of Wendy’s High School Heisman award judging,” said Archie Griffin, the only twotime winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy and Wendy’s High School Heisman program spokesperson. “

Page 18 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Heal all people while keeping Catholic identity alive, says archbishop

by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) In their mission to serve all people, Catholic health care facilities also must be vigilant in maintaining their Christian identity and protecting the life and dignity of the human person, said the head of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry.

“It’s fundamental that Catholic health centers maintain their proper identity without compromise, welcoming everyone without, however, ceding to harmful forms of secularization or relativism,” said Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, council president.

The archbishop opened the council’s Nov. 15-17 international conference, which focused on “The Hospital, Setting for Evangelization: a Human and Spiritual Mission.”

Adhering to the Gospel is “almost impossible to undertake and maintain faithfully” if people don’t see their work as “an authentic vocation” and if people’s lives are “devoid of faith in humanity and charity-love,” he told the nearly 600 participants from around the world.

While Catholic health workers are expected to be at the forefront in medical and scientific developments and therapies, they must also “humanize” such progress, protect patients from being turned into “mere objects,” and respect all human life from its conception to its natural end, he said.

Catholics who are inspired by their faith “have to be proponents and pioneers of an ethical formation that will accompany their pro-

fessional studies,” said Msgr. JeanMarie Mupendawatu, the council’s secretary.

Health care workers can’t ignore ethical problems they encounter on the job thinking such dilemmas are a concern only for ethicists and

to political whims” that go against church teaching and their facilities run the risk of forfeiting public funding when they refuse to cooperate with unethical policies, he said.

Bishops and the religious orders

Archbishop Zygmunt Zimowski, president of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry, talks with Dr. Patrizio Polisca, Pope Benedict XVI’s personal physician, during the council’s international conference at the Vatican Nov. 15. CNS photo/Paul Haring

moral theologians, he told journalists Nov. 13.

Experts in ethics and morality aren’t making abstract pronouncements “from an ivory tower” nor are they regarding “the necessary and exciting progress of science and technology” with suspicion and distrust, he said.

Morality and medicine, ethics and science have to work together in partnership and translate into ethical and moral practice in the workplace, he said.

In a talk Nov. 15, South African Cardinal Wilfrid Napier of Durban told conference participants that “bishops need to speak up in support of health care workers” and to support them spiritually.

Catholic “workers are under tremendous pressure to conform

that run Catholic facilities need to be “the caregivers of the caregivers,” helping them face the risks and withstand the pressures by bolstering their faith, he said.

Offering people in the health field spiritual and pastoral support “dignifies their work, grounds their work in God and inspires workers to see their work as a service to

Bernel Fontenot continued from page 13

doin, Gaudet & Tolson, Ltd. “The numerous housing and community developments sponsored by the Diocese of Lafayette have been blessed by your leadership and compassion to do far more than simply shelter the least fortunate among us. They have offered a

Christ and to the least of his brothers and sisters,” Cardinal Napier said.

U.S. Father David G. Murray, who worked at the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry for 12 years, has begun a project with the Rome Diocese to help Catholics apply the Gospel in the field of health care.

The Christian Association for Health Care, which can be set up in any facility -- public, private or Christian -- by Catholics who work there, aims to gather Catholic employees and help ensure their identity shines through in action, he told Catholic News Service Nov. 10.

“There is a lack of communion among the different health professionals” in each facility, said Father Murray, who also works with the Idente Missionaries of Christ the Redeemer.

Professional barriers need to be broken down so Catholic administrators, doctors, nurses, assistants, volunteers, janitors, security and so on can unite to manifest the Gospel, he said.

“You can’t testify the Christian spirit unless there’s a genuine Christian spirit” manifest in the unity of people coming together as continued on page 20

refuge where our brothers and sisters can be seen about. While those kind souls perhaps are unable to acknowledge for the service you have so long provided in His name, nor the immense obligations each of us must assume if we are to maintain the high standards you have set for us. You might be retiring, but in our hearts you are not going any-

Acadiana Catholic

Advent activities planned throughout the diocese

LAFAYETTE In preparation for the celebration of Christmas, the Lafayette Diocese encourages everyone to participate in the many Advent missions and penance service which will be offered in the church parishes. While the following events will help guide individuals in this endeavor, readers should note that this article does not necessarily represent all Advent activities planned throughout the diocese. People are also encouraged to refer to their local church parish bulletins for information on any additional events which may be scheduled.

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette will host “The Christ Child is Coming—Is There Room at Your Inn?” on December 9 (7:00-8:00 p.m.) and 10 (6:30-7:30 p.m.). The event will be presented by Deacon Randy Hyde.

St. Joseph Church in Plaisance will host its Advent parish mission from December 10-11, beginning at 6:00 p.m. nightly.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lafayette will present “Going on Faith” from December 10-12, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. nightly (with musical prelude at 6:45 p.m.). Presenters will be Father Michael Champagne, CJC; Deacon Michael Morrison; and Sister Eva Regina Martin, SSF. St. Joseph Church in Parks will host a healing Mass, with the rosary, prayers for healing,

and confessions to follow, at 5:30 p.m. on December 11. The event will be led by Father Brad Guillory, pastor.

St. Charles Borromeo Church in Grand Coteau will host Advent penance services beginning at 7:00 p.m. on the evenings of December 12 and 19.

Holy Ghost Church in Opelousas will host an Advent penance service beginning at 6:00 p.m. on December 13.

Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in Opelousas will host a city-wide penance service from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on December 17.

St. Thomas More Church in Eunice will host a tri-parish penance service beginning at 6:00 p.m. on December 17.

St. Peter Church in Carencro will host “The Person of Christ” from December 17-19, beginning at 6:30 p.m. nightly. The presenter will be Father Michael Champagne, CJC. Immaculate Conception Church in Morse will host its Advent parish mission at 6:00 p.m. on December 18. The presenter will be Father Kendall Faulk.

St. Theresa Church in Crowley will host its Advent parish mission from December 18-20, beginning at 5:00 p.m. nightly.

St. John the Baptist Church in Lyons Point will host its Advent parish mission at 6:00 p.m. on December 20. The presenter will be Father Kendall Faulk.

Sts. Leo-Seton football team wins championship

Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School’s 7th and 8th grade football team recently participated in the Acadiana Christian League championship game against Opelousas Catholic. At the final buzzer of the game amidst the roar of the fans, SLS players were announced as winners of back-to-back championships allowing them to enjoy the cherished ACL championship trophy for yet another year. Pictured are this year’s championship team along with their ever-supportive cheerleaders, mascot and coaches. Photo submitted

by Sts. Leo-Seton Catholic School

December 2012 Page 19

News from Opelousas Catholic School

OPELOUSAS Opelousas Catholic students in lower elementary grade levels are enjoying math through the Singapore Math program. These math strategies for working word problems help the students have fun with math.

The teachers have been trained in using this program to give the students a concrete set of steps they can use to solve the majority of word problems. Part of the program involves teaching the kindergarten stu-

dents to determine identical objects based on attributes such as shape, color and pattern.

In other school news, local physican Dr. Kim Hardey recently spoke to Opelousas Catholic high school students as part of their introduction into the “Theology of the Body” study for grades seven through twelve. This course in the religion program will delve deep into the moral sanctity of relationships and marriage.

Singapore math strategies at Opelousas Catholic School. Photo submitted by Opelousas Catholic School

Page 20 December 2012

Health identity continued from page 18

one family, he said.

By coming together, the Catholic staff can lobby administrators on policies and practices, which could include simple measures to protect patient dignity during an exam or even working for recognition of the right to conscientious objection for more grave matters, he said.

“We feel it’s useless to talk about the Christian spirit if you don’t fix something that’s wrong in the health system. People will never believe that you are actually doing the will of God if you don’t take care of these details” of concretely protecting and respecting human life and dignity, he said.

Association members also would come together for prayer and education aimed at developing “a deeper understanding of the human being” and its unity of body, mind and soul, he said. Such

a strategy is even more necessary as dioceses or religious orders sell their facilities or turn control over to secular administrators, Father Murray said.

In these instances “we can concentrate on the spirit of the Catholics who are at the facilities,” he said, “empowering them spiritually, humanly and doctrinally so that they can be the church in the health field.”

Bishop Robert J. McManus of Worcester, Mass., who is a member of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine and chairs its subcommittee on health care issues, attended the Vatican health care conference.

He said that in the United States, the Catholic identity of Catholic hospitals “is rooted in and overseen by” the bishops’ document, “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.”

“That document really presents the Catholic framework and identity which should characterize the hospital that calls itself Catholic,” he told CNS Nov. 15.

As the number of religious men and women who worked at and ran Catholic facilities in the United States decreased, the need grew to articulate clearly the elements that constitute a Catholic insitution, he said.

“When the sisters and the brothers were there, the Catholic identity was very much enforced by their presence,” said Bishop McManus.

As they began leaving, the bishops saw the need for guidelines to ensure “the identity would not wither away with the absence of the religious.”

The directives reaffirm ethical standards taught by the church and offer guidance on specific moral issues, especially concerning respect for life and human dignity, and ministering to people’s physical and spiritual needs.

Acadiana Catholic

“Faith of Our Fathers” is accessible online

LAFAYETTE In conjunction with the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry, the diocesan website is now hosting a special archive which will eventually contain the entire “Faith of Our Fathers” series.

“Faith of Our Fathers” is sponsored by the Central Region of the diocese, in recognition of the Year of Faith that has been declared by Pope Benedict XVI. “Faith of Our Fathers” conists of six separate sessions, with each session feature three different speakers on three consecutive evenings. For specific dates and times, please refer to the “Events” calendar located on the Year of Faith page at www. diolaf.org.

The first session was recently hosted by Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Scott, and featured Msgr. Robie Robichaux, JCL, VJ; Father Michael Russo, and

Father Bryce Sibley. The Office of Radio/TV Ministry filmed each evening, and produced the video segments which have now been uploaded to the web for viewing at any time. Those who were unable to attend, or those who simply want to watch again and share with others, may do so by visiting www.diolaf.org to access the videos.

Presently, the “Faith of Our Fathers” video featuring Msgr.

Robichaux is accessible on the home page of the site, directly under Bishop Jarrell’s photo. A link which will take viewers to the archive of the other videos in the series is located there as well.

The Office of Radio/TV Ministry does intend to continue the filming and production of the “Faith of Our Fathers” segments, and the videos will continue to be uploaded to the web as soon as they are available.

For those unable to attend, videos of the “Faith of Our Fathers” speaker series will be posted online at www.diolaf.org. To access the entire video archive of the series, click on the “Year of Faith” banner located at the top of the home page, and select “Faith of Our Fathers: A Year of Faith speaker series” from the options provided.

Acadiana Catholic

Hit by upheaval, people need stability, hope of God’s word, pope says

by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) In a world hit by natural disasters, wars and violence, people need the stability and hope found only in God’s word, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Instead of being obsessed with predictions and forecasts of the end of the world, people of faith need to take responsibility for their lives and personal behavior and look to God for guidance, he said.

“In the midst of the upheavals of the world,” Jesus “remains the solid and steady anchor,” he said Nov. 18, commenting on the day’s Gospel reading during his midday Angelus address.

Speaking to pilgrims gathered below his apartment window in St. Peter’s Square, the pope commented on the apocalyptic imagery Jesus used when he told his disciples “the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.”

Jesus transformed the images and words from the Old Testament when he put himself at the center as “the son of man coming from the clouds with great power and glory,” the pope said.

“Jesus is not describing the end of the world, and when he uses apocalyptic imagery, he is not acting like a clairvoyant,” he said.

“To the contrary, he wants his disciples, of every era, to lose all curiosity for dates and predictions,” he said. “Instead he wants

A woman raises rosaries for Pope Benedict XVI to bless as he leads the Angelus from the window of his apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Nov. 18. The case of the rosaries features an image of Blessed John Paul II. CNS photo/Paul Haring

to give them the key to a deeper, essential reading and, above all, to show the right way to go, today and tomorrow, to find eternal life.”

Jesus reminds his followers that “everything passes, but the Word of God does not change, and before the Word, each one of us is responsible for his or her behavior. It is upon this, that we shall be judged,” the pope said.

“Today there is no shortage of natural disasters, and unfortunately also wars and violence. Still today we need a steady foundation for our life and our hope, even more so because of the relativism in which we are immersed,” he said.

The word of God gave rise to all of creation and creation obeys that word; the sun, the moon and the stars exist because they were “called” into being, the pope said.

With Jesus’ incarnation, God’s words became “the true ‘stars’ that guide man’s thinking and journey on earth.”

At the end of the Angelus, the pope also praised food banks and other initiatives that teach “sharing as a response to the difficulties of so many families.”

December 2012 Page 21

Tell the People for December

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry invites everyone to tune in for Sunday Mass at 10:00 a.m. on KATC TV-3. The diocesan television program, Tell the People, is also scheduled to air on the channel immediately following the Mass.

On December 9, Father Michael Delcambre will discuss “The Light is ON for You” campaign. Father Michael Russo will focus on “Living by Truth” and Bishop Michael Jarrell will review Church statistics.

The December 16 episode will feature an interview with Mrs. Stephanie Bernard, new Program Coordinator of the Office of Justice & Peace. Mrs. Bernard, who is also the Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry, will also talk about the upcoming Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ceremony. Father Russo will address the topic of “Joy” and Bishop Jarrell will reflect on the 10th

anniversary of his installation as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette.

On December 23, there will be a special segment designed to help viewers deal with holiday stress, while Father Russo and Bishop Jarrell each deliver a special Christmas messages.

On December 30, Karol Meynard will talk about upcoming pro-life activities and Father Russo will offer insights into the Holy Family. Bishop Jarrell will conclude the show with a yearend review for the diocese.

On January 6, Ashton Mouton will talk about the upcoming “Catholics Come Home” workshop to be held at St. Pius X Church in Lafayette. Father Hampton Davis will be featured on the segment “What It Means to be Catholic”; his topic will be announced at a later date. To conclude the show and start the new year, Bishop Jarrell will focus his segment on a look ahead to 2013 in the Lafayette Diocese.

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Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd after praying the Angelus from the window of his apartment overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Nov. 18. CNS photo/Paul Haring

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Acadiana Catholic

Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 23

Let Advent enrich your family’s Christmas preparations

by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE This past Sunday marked the beginning of Advent, the fourweek liturgical season of the Roman Catholic Church which aids in the preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Of course, Advent doesn’t refer to the type of preparation that probably first comes to mind as Christmas approaches. It’s not about decorating or shopping or cooking; some of those things can be included in family Advent activities, but the real heart of Advent is to help us prepare spiritually for the celebration of the birth of the savior, Jesus Christ.

“Advent, this powerful liturgical season that we are beginning, invites us to pause in silence to understand a presence.,” offered Pope Benedict XVI during his homily at First Vespers of Advent in 2009. “It is an invitation to understand that the individual events of the day are hints that God is giving us, signs of the attention he has for each one of us.”

Perhaps one of the most recognized symbols of the season is the Advent wreath. Typically, the wreath is set up on a table near the altar in most churches. Versions will differ, but usually the wreath is composed of evergreen boughs in a circular shape that represents God’s unending love. Four candles are set into the wreath--one

Families can obtain “Blessing of an Advent Wreath” by visiting online at www. usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgicalresources/advent. The USCCB site also contains many other great Advent and Christmas resources designed to help families focus on the spiritual aspects of the Advent and Christmas seasons.

for each of the four Sundays in Advent. Three of the candles are purple, and one is pink.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the parish pastor will bless the Advent wreath, usually before the start of the Mass, and the first purple candle will be lit. The remaining candle will subsequently be lit over the next three weeks of Advent--another purple for the second week, the pink for the

the process.

Once the Advent wreath is set up at home, families can also bless them just as their pastor blesses the one used in their church parish. “Blessing of an Advent Wreath” may be obtained through the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/liturgical-resources/advent.

While the Advent wreaths seen in churches are traditionally made of evergreen branches, and use one pink and three purple candles, homemade variations can also be made. If you find it difficult to find pink and purple candles, for instance, simply tie pink and purple ribbons around plain white candles. Photo by Cathy Bourque

third, and the final purple for the fourth. It really is a remarkable ritual, beautiful and intriguing to witness, but the blessing and lighting of the Advent wreath does not have to be confined to a church. Families can also set up an Advent wreath in their very own homes.

The wreath does not have to be anything fancy--even a small table with just the four necessary candles will do. Also, if you find it too difficult to find pink and purple candles in the store, use plain white candles and simply tie apprioprately colored ribbon or yarn to distinguish them. The important thing is to create the wreath as a family--let everyone contribute a little something to

After the wreath has been blessed, families should make it a point to gather around it at least once a week--every day if possible--to light the candles and have family time together. Some families might enjoy sitting down and reading bible stories during this time, or they could create their very own Advent calendar to help remind them of special prayer intentions they wish to offer up each day during this family prayer time. To make an Advent family prayer calendar, simply draw up a calendar grid to represent all the days of Advent, and let each family member take turns contributing his or her desired daily intention until all of the days are filled. Some possible intentions

could be: • Prayers for grandparents & other family members • Prayers for those less for tunate • Prayers of thanksgiving for personal blessings • Prayers for teachers & classmates Another Advent family activity might be the preparation of the nativity crib. Take an empty crib and place it near the Advent wreath, and each evening after the respective candles have been lit, go around and ask each family member to share whatever kind acts he or she has performed in Jesus’ name throughout that day.

For each act performed, that family member can then place a piece of straw (or a piece of yarn) into the crib. Thus, by the time Christmas arrives, the crib will be filled with evidence of the family’s good deeds upon which the infant Jesus can rest.

Families may also use their Advent prayer time to recognize other special feast days that fall into the timeframe. These may include the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8; and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12.

On a final note, families--especially those with older children-should take some time to talk about the sacrament of reconciliation, and consider making a family effort for each member to receive the sacrament in preparation for Christmas. To access a list of frequently asked questions to help lead a family discussion, and also to print “An Examination of Conscience” to help each individual prepare to receive the sacrament, please visit the diocesan website at www.diolaf.org and click on the image shown below.

Church parishes throughout the diocese will be participating in “The Light in ON for You” by offering the opportunity for confession from 6:30-8:00 p.m. each Wednesday during Advent. All are welcome to attend.

Page 24 December 2012

Joyous Signs That

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Photo submitted by St. Francis School

The lighting of the Advent Wreath. Photo by P.C. Piazza

Prayer and Reflection

Students from Sts. Leo-Seton School in Lafayette performed at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center last year during Advent to help share the story of Jesus’ birth.

Photo submitted by Sts. Leo-Seton School

Acts of Goodwill

Right: Last year, seniors from Hanson Memorial School’s Touch Class visited an area nursing home to bring Christmas wreaths to the residents, taking the time to visit with them and help them decorate their doors for the Christmas season. Photo submitted

by Hanson Memorial School Left: In another act of goodwill, students from the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau visited a Cerebral Palsy clinic to perform a fun holiday skit for the clinic’s Christmas party. Photo submitted by the Schools of the Sacred Heart

t Christmas is Near Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 25

For a child is born to us. . . .(Isaih 9:5) Photo by Cathy Bourque

The 12th annual Luminary Message of Love. Photo submitted by Sacred Heart High School, Ville Platte

Photo by P.C. Piazza

Page 26 December 2012

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December 2012 Page 27

Page 28 December 2012

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Nativity story’s significance continues to unfold today, pope writes

by Carol Glatz and Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) The Nativity story, like the whole story of Christ, is not merely an event in the past, but has unfolding significance for people today, with implications for such

issues as the limits of political power and the purpose of human freedom, Pope Benedict writes in his third and final volume on the life and teachings of Jesus.

“Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives” is only 132 pages long, yet it includes wide-ranging reflections on such matters as the

significance of the Virgin Birth and the distinctive views of nature in ancient pagan and JudeoChristian cultures.

The book was formally presented at the Vatican Nov. 20, and was scheduled for publication in English and eight other languages in 50 countries Nov. 21.

In the book, Pope Benedict examines Jesus’ birth and childhood as recounted in the Gospels of Sts. Matthew and Luke. His interpretation of the biblical texts refers frequently to the work of other scholars and draws on a va-

Home missions

Pope Benedict XVI holds a copy of his book “Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives” as he talks with RCS Publisher Paolo Mieli and Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, at the Vatican Nov. 20. Pope Benedict published the last part of his trilogy on the life of Jesus, delivering an early childhood narrative which strongly reaffirms the doctrine of the virgin birth as an “unequivocal” truth of faith. The book is being published simultaneously around the world in 21 languages. CNS photo/L ‘Osservatore Romano via Reuters

riety of academic fields, including linguistics, political science, art history and the history of science.

The book’s publication completes the three-volume “Jesus of Nazareth” series, which also includes “From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration” (2007) and “Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection” (2011).

Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said at the Nov. 20 book launch that the three books are the “fruit of a long inner journey” by Joseph Ratzinger, whose personal views

continued from page 11

continued on page 30

diocesan and 14 active religious priests to serve 53,000 Catholics spread over 98,000 square miles.

The diocese was granted $75,000 to help cover the costs of education for 11 seminarians.

The El Paso Diocese ministers to 678,000 Catholics, who represent over 79 percent of the total population of the area. The diocese also has a large and mostly uncatechized Hispanic population that is constantly changing because of its proximity to the Mexican border. The ratio of priests to Catholics is 1:6,800.

A grant totaling $105,000 will fund youth and evangelization programs in nine parishes and 15 missions in rural west Texas, reaching out to 26 towns and communities.

The national date for the Catholic Home Missions Appeal is the fourth Sunday in April; however, some dioceses take up the Appeal at other times.

For more information on the work of the Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions, visit http://www.usccb.org and search “home missions.”

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following church parishes/missions for having reached their fundraising goals for the 2012-2013 Bishop’s Services Appeal Campaign

Parish St. Thomas

Pastor Fr. James Nguyen

% of Goal Met 140.2%

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Registration now open for Cycle 1 of VLCFF

LAFAYETTE Registration is currently open for Cycle 1 of the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF). Registration for the cycle will remain open until January 9, and classes will be conducted from January 13February 16.

The VLCFF is coordinated and sponsored by the Institute for Pastoral Initiatives (IPI) at the University of Dayton - a Catholic Marianist Institution. Its goal is to support the Church’s professional ministry of religious education and faith formation in cyberspace by offering adult religious education and faith formation anytime and anywhere via the internet. The VLCFF has proved to have a worldwide reach, as illustrated by a September 2012 release which announced that 12 religious educations teachers from the Diocese of Guyana, South America were enrolled to participate. To read the full article, please visit https://vlc.udayton. edu/news.

The Diocese of Lafayette is in partnership with the University

of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiatvie. As such, residents of the diocese are able to participate in these online courses at the reduced cost of $40 per course (the cost for residents of non-partnering dioceses is $90 per course). Successful completion of VLCFF courses may be applied toward a Certificate in Catechesis or continuing education hours as required by the Diocese of Lafayette’s Office of Catholic Schools.

A total of seven cycles have been scheduled for the 2013 calendar year, with offered courses varying from cycle to cycle.

Some courses being offered during Cycle 1 include: Catholic Beliefs; Communication & Community; Designing and Implementing Adult Learning and Faith Formation; Sacraments; and The Second Vatican Council : An Overview.

A full list of all courses being offered during Cycle 1, along with specific descpritions of each, may be accessed through http://vlc.udayton.edu/calendar.

Registration for Cycle 2 of the VLCFF will open on Janu-

Community celebrates special Feast day

The community of St. Martin de Porres in St. Martinville recently celebrated the Feast Day of their parish patron. After the Mass, several parishioners gathered with pastor Father Herb Bennerfield to show their love for the church. Photo submitted by St. Martin de Porres Church

ary 15, with classes to be conducted from March 3-23. To review which courses will be offered during this cycle, as well as other cycles througout the year, please refer to the link above.

December 2012 Page 29

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

2013 VLCFF Schedule of Cycles * All dates and offerings subject to change.

Cycle 1: January 13 - February 16 Cycle 2: March 3 - March 23 (Seminars Only) Cycle 3: April 7 - May 11 Cycle 4: May 26 - June 29 Cycle 5: July 14 - August 17 Cycle 6: September 1 - October 5 Cycle 7: October 20 - November 23 To view offered courses and their description, or to register to participate, please visit http://vlcff.udayton.edu

Page 30 December 2012

Nativity story continued from page 28

they represent. While much of what the pope says is accepted Catholic dogma, the texts themselves are not part of the church’s Magisterium and their arguments are free to be disputed, Father Lombardi said.

In his new book, the pope argues that Matthew and Luke, in their Gospel accounts, set out to “write history, real history that had actually happened, admittedly interpreted and understood in the context of the word of God.” The pope calls the virgin birth and the resurrection “cornerstones” of Christian faith, since they show God acting directly and decisively in the material world.

“These two moments are a scandal to the modern spirit,” which expects and allows God to act only in ideas, thoughts and the spiritual world, not the material, he writes. Yet it is not illogical or irrational to suppose that God possesses creative powers and power over matter, otherwise “then he is simply not God.”

The pope enriches the Gospel accounts with personal reflections as well as questions and challenges for his readers.

For example, considering the angel’s appearance to the shepherds, who then “went with haste” to meet the child Savior, the pope asked “How many Christians make haste today, where the things of God are concerned?”

Pope Benedict examines the political context of the time of Jesus’ birth, which featured both the so-called “Pax Romana” -the widespread peace brought by the Roman ruler Caesar Augustus -- and King Herod’s thirst for power, which led to the slaughter of the innocents.

“Pax Christi is not necessarily opposed to Pax Augusti,” he writes. “Yet the peace of Christ surpasses the peace of Augustus as heaven surpasses earth.”

The political realm has “its own sphere of competence and responsibility;” it oversteps those bounds when it “claims divine status and divine attributes” and makes promises it cannot deliver.

The other extreme comes

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with forms of religious persecution when rulers “tolerate no other kingdom but their own,” he writes.

Any sign God announces “is given not for a specific political situation, but concerns the whole history of humanity,” he writes.

The pope writes that the Three Wise Men symbolize the purification of science, philosophy and rationality.

“They represent the inner dynamic of religion toward selftranscendence, which involves the search for truth, the search for the true God,” the pope writes.

The pope also argues that the star of Bethlehem was a true celestial event.

It “seems to be an established fact,” he writes, that the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn happened in 7-6 B.C., which “as we have seen is now thought likely to have been when Jesus was born.”

A key topic in the book is the role of human freedom in God’s divine plan for humanity.

“The only way (God) can redeem man, who was created free, is by means of a free ‘yes’

to his will,” the pope writes. It is precisely “the moment of free, humble yet magnanimous obedience,” such as Mary and Joseph showed when listening to God, “in which the loftiest choice of human freedom is made.”

Jesus, too, in his human freedom, understood he was bound to obedience to his heavenly father, even at the cost of his earthly life.

The missing 12-year-old, rediscovered by an anxious Mary and Joseph in the Temple, was not there “as a rebel against his parents, but precisely as an obedient (son), acting out the same obedience that leads to the cross and the resurrection,” the pope writes.

Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection is a story filled with contradiction, paradox and mystery, the pope writes, and “remains a sign of contradiction today.”

“What proves Jesus to be the true sign of God is he takes upon himself the contradiction of God,” Pope Benedict writes, “he draws it to himself all the way to the contradiction of the cross.”

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Diocese of Lafayette names new Program Coordinator for Office of Justice & Peace

LAFAYETTE The Diocese of Lafayette is pleased to announce that Mrs. Stephanie Bernard has accepted the position of Program Coordinator for the Office of Justice & Peace. Mrs. Bernard will also continue in her role as the diocese’s Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministries.

Mrs. Bernard first began working for the diocese when she was hired as the audio/visual librarian and secretary for the Office of Justice & Peace in 1984. She filled that position for two years before she departed the central offices to accept a position as Director of Religious Education at St. Anthony Church in Lafayette.

In 1987, she returned to the central office staff in the role of secretary for the Office of Religious Education (now known as Christian Formation), and eventually resumed her former responsibilities as audio/visual librarian as well.

In 1991, Mrs. Bernard became the secretary for Parish Services and Justice & Peace. She served as the consultant for elementary and sacramental catechesis from July 1997-June 2002, when she was promoted to serve as the Director of Black Catholic Ministries for the diocese.

“My primary responsibility will be to carry out the mission of the Office of Justice & Peace,

which is to strive to fulfill the principles of social justice by intergrating the full body of Catholic social teaching, so that it may be lived out daily as an essential element of our faith,” stated Mrs. Bernard.

Ministries of the Office of Justice and Peace include: Catholic Campaign Against Poverty; Catholic Relief Services: Operation Rice Bowl | Global Fellows; Commission on the Pastoral Care of the Elderly; Service to the Survivors of Violence; Prison Ministry | Prevention of Violence; and Long Term Disaster Recovery. The office recently hosted the annual Mass for Survivors of Violence on December 2, and also hosts the annual Mass for the Elderly.

Other recent activities of the Office of Justice & Peace include the Child Smile project, which oversees the collection and distribution of Christmas presents for children whose parents are incarcerated. The office also hosts a special Christmas party for these children, during which Santa makes an apperance to hand out gifts.

For further information on the many ministries and programs supported by the Office of Justice & Peace, please visit www. diolaf.org and select “Justice and Peace” from the green OFFICES tab located along the top of the home page.

Sts. Peter & Paul School 4-H officers

The Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School 4-H Club is proud to announce their officers for the 2012-13 school year. They are treasurer Lanie Fontenot, vice president Cullen Gravouia, president Megan Laurie, secretary Alexandra Broussard, reporter Avin Domingue, and program leaders Natalie Broussard and Kylee Bobbitt. Photo submitted by Sts. Peter & Paul School

December 2012 Page 31

Berchmans robotics team regional competition GRAND COTEAU The Berchmans Academy Saints Robotics Team competed in the Louisiana Regional Competition on Saturday Nov. 10th at McNeese State University. The team placed 1st in the robot competition with 185 points. This year’s theme is Senior Solutions. The team has been working hard for the last 2 months researching, developing and strategizing a way for their

robot to conduct missions set forth in the challenge. The team will go on to represent Berchmans Academy of the Sacred Heart at the State Competition in New Orleans on December 8th. Congratulations to the participating team members Lainie Manuel, Claude LaHaye, Andrew Hebert, Hayden Reiners, Shallon Breaux, John Paddock, William Hebert, Micah Manzanares.

Berchmans students with coaches and faculty members, left to right, Mary Claire Trant, Lainie Manuel, Claude LaHaye, Andrew Hebert, Hayden Reiners, Shallon Breaux, John Paddock, William Hebert, Micah Manzanares, Emily Dawkins. Photo submitted

by Berchmans Academy

Page 32 December 2012

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Loyola Institute for Ministry, CNS launch new website for Year of Faith

by Catholic News Service WASHINGTON (CNS) The Loyola Institute for Ministry of Loyola University New Orleans and Catholic News Service have launched a new website where Catholic media and others can post news and information on the Year of Faith.

The new site will aggregate stories, multimedia treatments and social media sites that deal with the yearlong celebration of the Catholic faith.

“We at Loyola University New Orleans are excited about this collaboration for a number of reasons. It represents a way for Catholic higher education and the Catholic media to work together,” said Institute for Ministry director Tom Ryan. “It will facilitate publicity about the Year of Faith by gathering in one place the range of information about it, from event announcements to content in print and online media.”

Ryan added that the site is a “resource for those who want to grow spiritually during this time.”

“CNS is delighted to partner with

the Loyola Institute for Ministry in this excellent project,” said Tony Spence, director and editor in chief of CNS. “It will be a great repository for resources on the Year of Faith and new evangelization, locally, regionally, nationally, and even across countries. Users also can post information in English and Spanish.”

The site can be found online at http://lim.loyno.edu/yearoffaith.

Also supporting the project is the Catholic Press Association of the U.S. and Canada, which is working with the Loyola Institute on other Catholic media projects.

“We have been working on closer collaboration between the Catholic press and Catholic higher education. The Year of Faith project is a great way for both apostolates can work together for the benefit of the greater church,” said Tim Walter, CPA executive director.

Earlier this year, Pope Benedict XVI called for a worldwide celebration of a Year of Faith to kick off the new evangelization, which is an effort for Catholics to deepen their personal faith, as well as a call to

St. Ignatius School helps “Dreams Come True”

GRAND COTEAU During the 2011-2012 school year, students at St. Ignatius School in Grand Coteau participated in a school-wide service project to benefit “Dreams Come True.” This is a non-profit organization that provides “dreams” to Louisiana children from the ages of 3-18 with a terminal illness.

Over the course of five months, students, faculty, and families of St. Ignatius School raised over $4,700 for one of the special children. Re-

cently, representatives of the school presented this special “dream child” her Disney Packet. It was heartwarming to see her family’s gratitude and be in the presence of their love for each other.

“It is within our faith to help those in need,” offered Melissa Richard, Advancement Director for the school. “As the holidays approach, it is more important to give than to receive. I’m proud to know that St. Ignatius truly understands the unselfish act of giving.”

Catholics who have separated themselves from the faith to return and share the faith with those who have had no experience with Christ.

The pope opened the Year of Faith in a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica Oct. 11, marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962. The year will close Nov. 24, 2013.

The site was conceived following a recent webinar on the Year of Faith hosted by the Loyola Institute and CPA. The new website is available to all Catholic media, dioceses, education institutions and other Catholic apostolates to post everything from news and faith-sharing stories to local and national events throughout the year. Both Loyola and CNS are beginning to populate the site with its first materials.

The Loyola Institute for Ministry is a division of the College of Social Sciences of Loyola University New Orleans. It provides graduate and certification programs in English and Spanish, pastoral studies, theology, spirituality and religious education. Its highly regarded LIMEX program, an extension program for educating pastoral associates and others, has been used by more than 50 dioceses in the U.S. and around the world.

Local Year of Faith Events for the month of December Dec 11, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Scripture Study--Session 3 (A Year of Faith Event) Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Opelousas Dec 13, 2012 6:00 PM Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith--Part 9 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville (Ministries Building) Dec 13, 2012 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Year of Faith Catechism Series Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center, St. Martinville Dec 18, 2012 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Scripture Study-Session 4 (A Year of Faith Event) Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, Opelousas Dec 20, 2012 6:00 PM Rediscover Your Knowledge of Your Catholic Faith--Part 10 St. Mary Magdalen Church, Abbeville Dec 20, 2012 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Year of Faith Catechism Series Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center, St. Martinville For more information on the Year of Faith celebration in the Lafayette Diocese, please visit www.diolaf.org and click on the Year of Faith banner located at the top of the page.

K-9 officers visit Carencro Catholic School

z After reading the story “Officer Mike and Aero”, Carencro Catholic School’s third grade classes were visited by K-9 Officers Barry Baldwin and Sandy of the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office. Officer Baldwin spoke with students about what it is that he and Sandy do as police partners. They also demonstrated some of the techniques they use on a regular basis. Photo submitted by Carencro Catholic School

z

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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

Do You Hear Me Now?

by Susan LaHaye, L.P.C. and Spiritual Director “He who made us without us cannot save us--- without us.” St. Augustine Deacon Chuck Ortego of St. Ann’s Parish in Mamou presented a short, but riveting, sermon a few weeks ago. He shared the conversion story of pro football linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens. Chuck told us of Ray’s rise to fame, of his participation in two super bowls, and, also, of his love of celebrity and a life of parties and fun that turned into debauchery. This path of darkness led Ray Lewis into a jail cell, indicted on murder and aggravated assault charges.

Ray Lewis, this strong football star, suddenly found himself at his lowest point, and then he heard a Voice. This Voice in his heart whispered, “Can you hear me now?” And Ray did. With the charges eventually dropped, he turned his life around and reached out to others. He is involved in numerous charitable activities and is a committed Christian and the father of six children. In 2006, Sports Illustrated featured him on the cover and wrote a story about Ray Lewis’s Christian faith and his good works.

We as Catholics have recently been called to, “A Year of Faith.” I have a question for all of us: Do we hear the Voice? The Voice of Love? Have you and I slowed down enough to hear our Lord Jesus whisper to us of his compassion and care? Most of us are familiar with the biblical quotation, “I stand at the door and knock.” Jesus stands at the door to our hearts; must they be broken like Ray Lewis’s in order for us to open up and let Christ in?

I believe that the Great Creator, the one who crafted us out of his love, is waiting patiently for our surrender to that very same love. As the quote says, “He cannot save us without us.” When we do turn out lives over to Him we find the special path that awaits: a way to use the gifts that have been so freely given to us, a way to serve others and to live in peace and joy.

Take some time during this often hurried and stressful, yet deeply godly season, to discard what holds you back from the Lord. Consider making a retreat with us at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House. Spend some time in silence. Rest in the loving arms. Listen to the Voice…and open the door to your heart.

I hope to say with you as I walk in the New Year, “Yes, Lord. I hear you now.”

December 2012 Page 33

Cross Catholic Outreach’s golf tournament, dinner and auction feeds hundreds in Haiti

ABBEVILLE The 18th Annual Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction recently held in Abbeville achieved its goal of raising $75,000 for Kobonal Haiti Mission. Fr. Glenn Meaux, the Mission founder and director, said the funds will be used for his feeding outreach that provides monthly food staples for elderly Haitians and their families in a remote community.

The feeding program is a crucial part of a broader, holistic ministry that also includes housing, education, income-generation and spiritual support. By integrating the Gospel into his charitable ministry, Fr. Meaux is transforming Kobonal village into a close-knit community of faith that prays together, worships together and is energized with hope for the future.

This year, the fundraising event was hosted with Cross Catholic Outreach, a South Florida-based Catholic relief and development organization that has been a supportive partner with Kobonal

Since 2003, Fr. Glenn Meaux (founder of the Kobonal Haiti Mission) has partnered with Cross Catholic Outreach to help the poor and needy of Haiti. Photo submitted by Cross Catholic Outreach

Haiti Mission since 2003.

The event was underwritten through the generous support of: Magdalen Place, Mr. Donald Messenger, Mr. Michael Harson, D.A., K&R Manufacturing, LLC, Ray Chevrolet, God’s Holy Angels, St. Pius Outreach Catholics Come Home, Doerle Food Services, LLC, Carmelite Monastery of Lafayette, Senior Helpers, Horace Mann Insurance, Mestayer Machine, Eagle Pest Control, Thrifty Way Pharmacy of Abbeville, Inc., MicahTek, Inc., Bank of Abbeville, and Hospice Compassus of Lafayette.

We’re open when you close.

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River Ranch | 1318 Camellia Blvd Lafayette, Louisiana 70508 800.807.5107 | 337.235.4660 bradleyandmoreau.com Attorneys front: Tim Bradley and Angie Moreau Attorneys back: Angelle MacDougall, Ferdie Iseringhausen, Jimmie Stagg and Maria Pitre

Page 34 December 2012

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Our Lady of Wisdom promotes new evangelization on UL campus

by Fr. Bryce Sibley The Year of Faith called for by Pope Benedict XVI encourages Catholics throughout the world to commit themselves to the work of The New Evangelization. The New Evangelization is focused primarily on “reproposing” the Faith to “to those regions where the roots of Christianity are deep but who have experienced a serious crisis of faith due to secular-

The UL campus is blessed to have the presence of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students), a national organization that provides formation to recent college graduates before sending them to college campuses throughout the country to evangelize. Photo submitted by Our Lady of Wisdom Church

ization.” In the United States there is no more fertile ground for The New Evangelization than on college and university campuses.

It is believe that somewhere between 50 and 75 percent of Catholic students will no longer practice their faith once they leave college. It should be no surprise to most people that the environment on most college campuses is not conducive to the flourishing of faith. Many students face challenges from professors and peers, if not outright hostility, because of their belief in Christ. Many also fall prey to habits of sin and the abuse of their freedom as a result of ever-present temptations.

This is why Catholic college campus ministry is so important, especially at secular universities. Not only can students find an oasis of faith in the midst of the secular mentality, but they are able to be formed and

Our Lady of Wisdom Church in Lafayette serves the students and faculty of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, ministering to hundreds of individuals each week to provide them with access to the sacraments, opportunities for prayer, bible studies, mission trips, and much more. Photo submitted by Our Lady of Wisdom Church

equipped for The New Evangelization. Here at the University of Louisiana we have the most active and thriving Catholic college campus ministry in the state, and one of the most active in the South. We minister to hundreds of students each week by providing them with access to the sacraments, opportunities for prayer, bible studies,

Florida relief flown to Cuba church leaders to help those hurt by Sandy

by Ana Rodriguez-Soto Catholic News Service MIAMI (CNS) A planeload of nonperishable food items -- about 8,500 pounds -left Miami Nov. 19 for the hard-hit Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba to help the Catholic Church there feed people affected by the ravages of Hurricane Sandy.

“This is an initial response to the devastation wrought by the hurricane in Cuba,” said Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski during a press conference at Miami International Airport an hour before the flight took off. “This will allow the church in Cuba to minister to the people that were most severely affected by the storm.”

The food -- cans of tuna, Vienna sausages, Parmalat milk, rice, beans and other nonperishable staples -was collected by various groups in south Florida.

The groups included: the Friends of Caritas Cuba, the LaSallistas, who are alumni of schools run by the De LaSalle Brothers in Cuba; the Municipios de Santiago en el Exilio, an exile group of former residents of the various towns in the province of Santiago de Cuba; and the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, who have convents throughout the island.

The Archdiocese of Miami also took up a collection over the past two weekends at all its parishes to raise

funds to aid those hit by Hurricane Sandy, in Cuba but also in Haiti and the northeastern U.S. “We purchased the remaining food products so we could have the plane take off at capacity,” Archbishop Wenski said.

Miami Air Cargo loaned the airplane and the pilots donated their time, he noted. Santiago Archbishop Dionisio Garcia Ibanez and representatives of Caritas Cuba were among those expected to receive the shipment in Santiago.

Within the Archdiocese of Santiago, 100,000 dwellings were destroyed along with 13 church build-

ings.

“It’s a disaster that touches the heart,” Archbishop Wenski said, and a “tremendous challenge for the church over there.”

He noted, however, that the Catholic Church in Cuba “has always sought to help its people from within its own poverty.”

“This is an opportunity for us to express our solidarity with the church in Cuba,” he said.

He added that the archdiocese hopes to send more supplies at a later date, possibly by sea, which allows a greater quantity of items to be shipped at a lower cost.

People stand outside their houses on a street littered with debris after Hurricane Sandy hit Santiago de Cuba Oct. 26. The first shipment of relief supplies -- 8,500 pounds of non-perishable food -- collected in the Archdiocese of Miami for the Archdiocese of Santiago took off Nov. 19 to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy’s passage through the island Oct. 25. CNS photo/Desmond Boylan, Reuters

mission trips, community gatherings, pilgrimages, college-level theology courses, and much more. We are also blessed to be on a secular campus where, unlike other places in our nation, many of the faculty and staff are devout Catholics who are supportive of our ministry.

We are particularly blessed to have the presence of FOCUS missionaries here at UL. FOCUS is an acronym for “Fellowship of Catholic University Students” (www.focus.org) and is a national organization that provides formation to recent college graduates and then sends them out to college campuses around the country to evangelize and to disciple college students. FOCUS has been a tremendous success here at UL. In just over a year we have over 250 students in Bible studies, 30 in discipleship and we are bringing close to 150 students to Orlando, Florida in January for the national FOCUS College Student Conference (seek2013.com) As pastor and chaplain of Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Catholic Student center on UL’s campus, during this Year of Faith and beyond, I ask you to keep our ministry in your prayers. If you are interested in keeping up with what we are doing, feel free to visit our website at www.ragincajuncatholics.org or like us on Facebook. What happens here impacts the lives of thousands of students, but also it impacts our diocese in a tremendous way. These students will return to their parishes to be involved in the life of the faith community there. If they become firmly grounded in their faith during their years in college, their presence in their own parishes will bear fruit for years to come. We depend on the prayers and support of the good people of the diocese to fulfill our mission.

Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 35

Page 36 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Sharing the gifts of faith: Phyllis and Tommy Boumans

by Stephanie R. Martin BROUSSARD In the town of Broussard, there is a house that has stood for more than 100 years, a family home passed down over time to Daniel Boumans, his wife Phyllis, and their son Tommy. Daniel passed away several years ago, but Phyllis and Tommy still reside there admidst a number of very special accomodations Daniel added to the home during his lifetime.

There are wheelchair ramps and even a pool that Daniel dug with his own hands, all for the benefit of his son Tommy.

“When Tommy was born, he was not expected to survive,” Phyllis recalls. There were complications from the umbilical cord having been wrapped around his neck, but throughout the ordeal Phyllis believed resolutely that her son would live, and that God had a plan for him to fulfill.

“Faith means to me that God will take care of you, if you keep his commandments and do His will,” Phyllis explains. “He provides for what He gives, and He gave us Tommy.”

And so, even when they real-

ized they would be raising a child with very special needs--Tommy has cerebral palsy--Phyllis and Daniel trusted that God would see to it that they were always able to meet Tommy’s needs and their own.

Financially, it wasn’t always the easiest task, but even harder than that at times was the ability to even find the resources they needed. Both Phyllis and Tommy laugh now as they look back and realize that in many ways, they became the pioneers in paving the way for other handicapped inviduals in the community, even when it came to designated seating at church. They live within walking distance of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, where they attend Mass every weekend, rain or shine.

“There was one time that we almost had to float home,” Phyllis laughs. “We usually try to go to a different Mass, if I know the weather is going to be bad, but we still get caught sometimes.”

Neither she nor Tommy seem to mind, however. They just embrace the fond memories that it gives them instead.

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His physical limitations did not allow Tommy to attend school when he was younger, so the Boumans invested in equipment that allowed him to participate in classes through a speaker in their home that connected to a speaker in the classroom, and a homebound tutor also lended a hand.

When it was time for Tommy to receive religious instruction, it was again through homebound courses, although he was able to receive his first communion at Sacred Heart along with the other children. Tommy is a life-

ministry for about four or five years, and Phyllis admits that bonds have formed between them and the residents.

“They ask about Tommy if they don’t see him, and we ask about them if we don’t see them,” she says. “We pray for them if they’re sick, and they pray for us.”

In addition to the time they spend at the nursing home, Tommy and Phyllis are also active with a local chapter of Civitan, an international organization dedicated to helping those who

Phyllis and Tommy are parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Broussard, where Tommy has been a life-long member. Photo submitted by Sacred Heart Church

long member of the parish, where Phyllis also volunteers as an office receptionist on a regular basis.

In fact, she and Tommy are both very, very big on volunteerism.

“Anybody can volunteer and offer that spark of faith to others,” stresses Phyllis. “Sometimes, you have to spread the Gospel by the way you live, and truthfully, everybody has something to offer, whether it’s private prayer or bringing people to church who wouldn’t otherwise have a way to go, or just visiting with them if they’re lonely.”

That is why she and Tommy volunteer each week to visit a local nursing home with other members of the Camelot ministry. As a part of this group, they help to provide prayer services and offer the sacrament of holy communion to the elderly residents who might not be able to participate or receive the sacrament any other way. Phyllis and Tommy have been active in this

are disabled.

“We’re also very ecumenical with our volunteer work, because we love to help the First Baptist Church with some of their activities, too, like the Fall Festival they do for the children, as an alternative to trick-or-treat on Halloween.”

When they aren’t volunteering, Phyllis and Tommy enjoy just being social with others. Tommy bowls every week, and loves to go to the mall just to do a little window shopping and people watching. His physical abilities may be limited, but his life is most certainly not.

He laughs when his mother credits him for being such an inspiration to keeping her faith over the years, but Phyllis is still sure that she was right in thinking that God had a plan for him when he was born.

Perhaps this line from the bible sums it up best of all.

“Faith is the realization of things hoped for and evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 37

By the numbers: Consistory to expand variety in College of Cardinals

by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) Shortly after announcing he was creating six new cardinals, Pope Benedict XVI said he was doing so to show that “the church is a church of all peoples, (and) speaks in all languages.”

The six new “princes of the church” hail from six different countries in North America, Latin America, Africa and Asia, and represent both the Latin-rite of the Catholic Church as well as two of the Eastern Catholic Churches.

Inducting them into the College of Cardinals Nov. 24, Pope Benedict brought up to 120 the number of cardinal-electors -- those under the age of 80 and eligible to vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.

With the exception of the Catholic newspaper Avvenire, the headlines in Italian newspapers the morning after Pope Benedict announced the new cardinals all pointed out the absence of new Italian or new European cardinals.

Painting the pope’s move as drastic and trying to make sense of it, Il Foglio and several other papers jumped to the conclusion that the pope deliberately excluded Italians because of the “VatiLeaks” scandal. The scandal saw the publication of private Vatican and papal correspondence, much of it painting a picture of careerism and corruption in the Vatican, mostly involving Italian curial officials and bishops.

Il Foglio’s headline was: “A consistory to lead the church out of its Roman misgovernance.”

The new cardinals will make up only 5 percent of the electors in the College of Cardinals, but they shift the continental balance, even if just slightly. The percentage of European electors will drop from almost 55 percent Nov. 16 to just over 51 percent Nov. 24; the figure contrasts sharply with the fact that, according to Vatican statistics, less than 24 percent of the world’s Catholics live in Europe.

The new consistory will bring the percentage of Asian electors from 7 percent to 9 percent. Catholics in Asia account for just over 10 percent of the worldwide Catholic population.

Naming two prelates in their 50s to the college also will lower the average age of the cardinal-electors; as

Pope Benedict XVI inducted six new cardinals into the College of Cardinals Nov. 24 during a consistory at the Vatican. The appointment of six non-European cardinals represents the diversity and geographical reach of the church. CNS photos

of Nov. 16 the electors’ average age was just over 72.

The six new cardinals are: U.S. Archbishop James M. Harvey, 63, prefect of the papal household; Lebanon’s Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai, 72; Indian Archbishop Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, 53, head of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church; Nigerian Archbishop John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan of Abuja, 68; Colombian Archbishop Ruben Salazar Gomez of Bogota, 70; and Philippine Archbishop Luis Tagle of Manila, 55.

When Pope Benedict created 22 cardinals in February, 16 of them were Europeans.

Obviously, the pope does not make his choice based on geography first of all. Most of the cardinals hold positions that by Vatican norms or by ancient tradition are held by cardinals.

Given the large number of Italians heading Vatican offices and the numerous Italian archdioceses traditionally led by cardinals, the Italians would have a numerically powerful bloc of votes in a conclave to elect a new pope. In fact, after the consistory is over and the six new cardinals are welcomed into the group, the Italians still will have 28 voters, 20 of whom were created cardinals by Pope Benedict.

With the exception of Europe, no single continent has the number of electors Italy has; Latin America comes closest with 21 electors.

But sometimes those who should

be cardinals are kept in an archbishop’s magenta for a while; the most obvious example of that is Archbishop Gerhard L. Muller, who was named prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in July.

Vatican norms -- and the practical responsibilities of a job that involves doctrinal oversight of Vatican offices headed by cardinals -- dictate that the prefect be a cardinal. He’ll just have

to wait a bit.

Of the 120 electors who will be part of the college Nov. 24, 40 of them work in or have retired from positions in the Roman Curia. The other 80 are archbishops who head dioceses or patriarchs and major archbishops who head Eastern churches.

Cardinal-designate Rai, the Maronite patriarch, will bring to 21 the number of cardinal-electors who entered the priesthood and ministered as members of religious orders. The Salesians top the list with four cardinals -- three of them, including Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state -- work in the Roman Curia. The group of electors also includes three Franciscans and two Jesuits.

A greater variety of nations, languages, spiritual and liturgical traditions in the College of Cardinals obviously means a more “catholic” group of participants in the cardinals’ most solemn responsibility: electing a new pope. But the variety also has a very real impact on the Roman Curia because each cardinal becomes a member of one or more Vatican congregations or councils, bringing his experience to bear on decisions that impact the universal church.

Page 38 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Diocese of Lafayette – Office of Pro Life Apostolate

Acadiana Catholic

PRO-LIFE ORATORY CONTEST

February 19, 2013

December 2012 Page 39

FOR HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS

Annual pro-life oratory contest to be held February 19

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate will host its annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest on Tuesday, February 19. The contest will be held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Pius X Life Center in Lafayette.

The contest is open to all high school juniors and seniors, including public and homeschooled students. Speechs must be five-seven minutes in length, and based on one of the pro-life topics listed to the right.

Those who wish to participate in the oratory contest must register with the Office of the ProLife Apostolate by February 12.

To register, simply complete the registration portion of the guideline form to the left and return it to: Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate 1408 Carmel Drive Lafayette, LA 70501 Online registration is also available at www.diolaf.org.

From the homepage, look for the green OFFICES tab located just below the Diocese of Lafayette heading, and select “Pro-Life Apostolate” from the pull-down menu. A link to the oratory contest’s online registration form is located directly under the office’s mission statement.

Participants in the oratory contest may also utilize the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate’s web page to research their selected topics for the competition. By visiting the Resources page, viewers will find an alphabetized list of online links organized according to the pro-life topic to which they pertain. All those who plan to participate in the pro-life oratory contest are welcome and encouraged to refer to these links, in addition to their own reserach, to obtain reliable information for their presentations.

Prizes will be awarded to the first and second place winners of the contest, and the first place winner will receive the opportunity to represent the Diocese of Lafayette at the statewide ProLife Oratory Contest later in the year.

Please note the location change this year: St. Pius X Catholic Church – Life Center – 201 East Bayou Parkway – Lafayette, LA 70508

2012-2013 USCCB Respect Life Theme: “Faith Opens Our Eyes to Human Life in all its Grandeur and Beauty” Local Coordinator: Date/Time Location Change Topics (Choose One): What: Who: How: Judging Criteria: (Panel of three judges) LOCAL CONTEST: Prize: STATE FINALS: First Place Prize: Second Place Prize: NATIONAL FINALS: First Place Prize: Second Place Prize: Suggestions:

Karol Meynard, Director - Office of Pro-Life Apostolate, Diocese of Lafayette Tuesday, February 19, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

St. Pius X Life Center, 201 East Bayou Parkway, Lafayette, LA 70508

+The Tragedy of Abortion +The Tragedy of Euthanasia, +The Tragedy of Infanticide +The Tragedy of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

5–7 minute speech (Must not be less than 5 minutes and does not have to be memorized). Note cards acceptable.

No props allowed.

Must be high school junior or senior to participate Complete Registration Form listed below and return to address noted.

Contest standards: † Clear thesis and sense of direction in the speech † Speech should be logical, clear and organized † General sense of confidence/good word usage † Good eye contact and fluent delivery Lafayette, Louisiana – February 19, 2013 (Tuesday) $250 Check - Winner participates in State Oratory Contest Knights of Columbus State Convention – TBA $500 cash, + all expense paid trip with parent/guardian (up to $1,000) to Nat’l. Competition $250 Cash National Right to Life Convention – TBA $1,000 $ 750 •Research and understand your subject; your speech will reflect your efforts.

•Believe in what you are saying; speak with enthusiasm, but maintain your poise.

•Be creative; the judges are interested in hearing YOUR point of view.

•Practice your speech in front of others, and invite constructive criticism in order to perfect your content and delivery.

•Keep in mind the judging criteria when practicing and giving your speech: + Does the introduction make the audience want to hear more and does it have a clear thesis? + Is each point relevant to the topic and substantiated with current documentation? + Are the facts and figures used current? Does it have a logical, clear organization? + Does it send a pro-life message? Does the conclusion sum up the main points of the speech?

•Dress appropriately (dress shirt and slacks for men, and a dress or nice pant suit for women).

Keep the top portion of this form. The bottom portion is the entry form and must be completed and returned by February 12, 2013

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------cut here and use form, below-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

PRO-LIFE ORATORY CONTEST ENTRY FORM Student’s Name_________________________________________________ Social Security Number ___________________________________ E-Mail Address __________________________________________ Address/City/State/Zip____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Must be High School Jr. or Sr.

Telephone: (please include area code) _______________________Cell:________________ Age___________ Grade_____________________ Parent’s Names:______________________________School:_________________________________Topic:_________________________________ School’s Address/City/State/Zip____________________________________________________________________________________________ Student’s Signature_________________________________________ Parent Signature_______________________________________________ Completed Registration Form must be returned by February 12, 2013 to: Trista Littell · Diocese of Lafayette · Office of Pro-Life Apostolate · 1408 Carmel Dr. · Lafayette, LA 70501

Page 40 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Pope tells young to welcome Christ’s embrace, share his love

by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) When young Catholics from around the world gather in Rio de Janeiro in July, they will be under the gaze of the city’s famous statue of Christ with outstretched arms, a reminder of his desire to embrace all people, Pope Benedict XVI said.

In his message for World Youth Day 2013, the pope asked young people to welcome Christ’s embrace and share with others the joy of being loved by him.

In preparation for the international youth gathering July 23-28, Pope Benedict asked young Catholics to “reread your personal history,” looking at how the faith was passed down to them from previous generations.

The pope also asked them not to wait to begin the task of sharing their Christian faith with others.

“We are links in a great chain of men and women who have

transmitted the truth of the faith and who depend on us to pass it on to others,” he said in the message released Nov. 16 by the Vatican.

The theme of World Youth Day 2013 is: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”

“This mandate should resound powerfully in your hearts,” the pope told young people.

In fact, he said, the heart has a major role to play in bringing them closer to Christ, motivating them to share his Gospel and determining the words and actions they should use in approaching others.

“Many young people today seriously question whether life is something good and have a hard time finding their way,” the pope said.

Faith helps people see that “every human life is priceless, because each of us is the fruit of God’s love,” he said. “God loves everyone, even those who have fallen away from him or disregard him.”

 

Pope Benedict asked young Catholics to reach out with love to their questioning or doubting peers, helping them find the hope and meaning faith brings.

As the Catholics most impacted by globalization and new technology, Pope Benedict said, young people need a special awareness and have special responsibilities in those areas.

“We are passing through a very particular period of history,” he told them. “Technical advances have given us unprecedented possibilities for interaction between peoples and nations. But the globalization of these relationships will be positive and help the world to grow in humanity only if it is founded on love rather than on materialism.”

“Love is the only thing that can fill hearts and bring people together,” he said.

While asking the young to bring their Christian values to their social media networks and other online activities, he also cautioned them to use the media wisely.

“Be aware of the hidden dangers they contain, especially the risk of addiction, of confusing the real world with the virtual, and of replacing direct and personal encounters and dialogue with Internet contacts,” he said.

Pope Benedict also told the young people that the responsibility to share the faith flows from their baptism into the church, is sustained by prayer, nourished by receiving the Eucharist, purified through confession and strengthened by confirmation.

“If you are to remain firm in professing the Christian faith wherever you are sent, you need the church,” he said. “No one can bear witness to the Gospel alone.”

Thanksgiving prayer service at St. Francis School

 

         

   

St. Francis School in Iota celebrated Thanksgiving with their grandparents by having a Thanksgiving Prayer service before having lunch with their grandparents. The seventh grade class led the service. Those participating are from L/R; Mathew LeLeux, Will Rose, Luke Foreman, Brennan Stanley, Allison Daigle, MacKenzie Leonards, and Vincent Shreve. Photo submitted by St. Francis School

Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 41

Fight the New Drug presents throughout Acadiana

by Katherine McCormick LAFAYETTE Fight the New Drug (FTND), national experts specializing in the scientific dangers of pornography, were recently hosted by several Acadiana Foundations for the purpose of educating both private and public school students in our area. FTND presented to students from the following schools: Catholic High of New Iberia, Vermillion Catholic High School, Opelousas Catholic High School, St. Edmund High School, Sacred Heart of Ville Platte High School, Hanson High and Middle School, Academy of the Sacred Heart High School, Westminster Christian Academy High School and Carencro High School.

Fight the New Drug specializes in 50-minute school assemblies designed to engage and educate students about the harmful and addictive effects of pornography on their brains and the social consequences in our culture.

“Both parents and students are talking about this issue [of pornography use] more than ever before,” said Cam Lee, cofounder of the non-profit group.

“We’ve had more requests for assemblies in the first few months of 2012 than we did for the whole of 2011. Assemblies are conducted in the school setting utilizing both live action presentations from FTND executive members and videos produced to tell stories and highlight risks. The kids are able to see how the pornography industry focuses on kids barely old enough to use the internet.”

In addition to the school presentations, FTND members conducted a Parent seminar at

St. Thomas More High School.

They encouraged parents to ask as many questions as they would like in order to become familiar with the information being taught to their children.

Fight the New Drug made their first tour of Lafayette schools during March of this year. After presenting in Acadiana for the first time, Cam Lee noted, “The education tour in Lafayette was a huge success in our minds.

We weren’t quite sure what to expect given it would be our first time in Louisiana however our experience far exceeded our expectations. It was incredible to watch the students responses to the presentation and witness their “aha” moments as they listened and participated. Within the short time frame of 50 minutes the skeptical students would often be the first turn into a “Fighter”, jumping up and flooding the stage to sign the Fighter Pledge and support the cause.”

Lee further commented on his experience with teens by saying, “The truth is, many of these teens have never been educated on the harmful effects of pornography. This was the first time for many of them to hear the truth about pornography.

With each assembly came a new set of challenges as well as a new set of stories from young people who had been personally affected by it or affected by it through a family member or friend. We received emails daily from students who were struggling with an addiction and were looking for help.” If we’re going to help those who are suffering from this addiction and prevent suffering for others we have to talk about it and talk of-

ten about it. There is no better prevention than pure education.

We love coming to Acadiana and can’t wait to come back.”

Notre Dame Principle, Cindy Istre, had this to say about the presentation, “Fight the New Drug brings a powerful message regarding the dangers of pornography. The format of live presenters in combination with a relevant and visually appealing media production allows the program to grab and hold the interest of its target audience of high school students.

Don’t miss an opportunity to educate your students and faculty about this danger in today’s world!”

The Rucks Family Foundation, The Moody Company Foundation, Pinhook Foundation Inc. and The Stuller Family Foundation are pleased to announce plans to bring “Fight the New Drug” back into our private and public school systems in March of 2013. Recognizing the importance of education and awareness of the

harms and dangers surrounding pornography, the following organizations have endorsed this endeavor with their encouragement and support: Lafayette Police Department, Crime Stoppers, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Hearts of Hope, Faith House, Family Tree, Heath Evans Foundation, Desormeaux Foundation Inc., Lemoine Company LLC., Hank Perret Family, Louisiana Knights of Columbus, Tigers against Trafficking and Morality in Media.

If a group you know may be interested in taking advantage of this free opportunity for students and faculty in educating them to better understand this serious problem affecting our present culture and to better assist those dealing with pornography addictions, please contact Margaret Rucks at 337-2328460 To learn more about Fight the New Drug or view clips from the 2012 tour please see their website, at www.fightthenewdrug.org.

Page 42 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Central region hosts nursing home workshop for Eucharistic Ministers

by Deacon Tim Maragos LAFAYETTE Going to Mass on Sunday is easily taken for granted with so many Catholic Churches available in our diocese. There are those who cannot get to Church no matter how much they want to.

They are our parents, our grandparents, our relatives and neighbors who live in nursing homes.

If they can no longer go to Church to receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, then the Church goes to them by providing Communion Services. There are hundreds of volunteers who conduct such Communion Services every week, and many attended a recent workshop to help these volunteers conduct these services in the correct manner.

These Communion Services are one of the few points of contact many elderly and infirm people have with the Church.

Recently the Central Region sponsored a workshop for lay ministers, held at St. Genevieve Catholic Church (Mystical Rose Hall), and over one hundred volunteers came to learn from Deacon Edward Boustany the proper preparation so that the service can be conducted prayerfully.

They learned from Deacon Timothy Maragos the correct form for the Rite of Holy Communion Outside of Mass, and from Dea-

The Central Region of the Diocese of Lafayette recently hosted a workshop entitled “A Special Call to Serve: Nursing Home Eucharistic Ministers� in Mystical Rose Hall at St. Genevieve Catholic Church. Over 100 people were in attendance. Pctured from left to right are presenters Deacon Timothy Maragos (Our Lady of Fatima); Deacon Michael Morrison (St. Elizabeth Seton), and Deacon Edward Boustany (Our Lady of Fatima).

Also present were Very Rev. Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region, and Rev. Alphonse Thainese, Associate Pastor of St. Genevieve, along with several other deacons. Photo submitted by Mary Bergeron

con Michael Morrison the special needs of the elderly.

Deacon Boustany stressed that these services are official rites of the Church and the volunteers who conduct them are representing the Church. Therefore it is vital that the volunteers have the permission of the pastor before beginning this ministry. Only those who have been appointed by the pastor as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist may conduct Communion Services.

For the same reason it is important that Communion Service

be conducted according to the proper rite set forth by the Catholic Bishops of the United States.

While our bishops naturally want to bring the Eucharist to those who can no longer go to Mass, it is important that no one confuse a Communion Service for Mass, Deacon Maragos explained.

Deacon Morrison emphasized the special considerations that must be made when bringing the Eucharist. Among these are making sure the person seeking to receive Holy Communion is in fact a Catholic, and that they be physically able to receive and consume the Sacred Host. Deacon Morrison also stressed the importance of speaking clearly and slowly, and that if Communion is brought

to individual rooms that certain prayers accompany the reception of the Eucharist in order to give the resident time to prepare and to recognize the sacredness of the occasion.

All workshop participants received handouts to use, including the proper rite for conducting Communion Services. The three deacons answered questions, but unfortunately there were more questions than time allotted.

Still, those in attendance gave very positive feedback and were grateful for the instruction and the emphasis on the spirituality of this special ministry.

For additional information on Nursing Home ministry in the Central Region, please contact Father Thomas James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar, or his Executive Assistant, Mary Bergeron (6548682).

To subscribe to the Acadiana Catholic, or to sign a loved one up to receive give a gift subscription, please contact Connie Lantier at (337) 261-5650.

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Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 43

Family Missions Company to host retreat

St. Joseph’s Diner receives donation

Calling all Catholics! To celebrate the Year of Faith, Family Missions Company will host a two-day “Evangelization 101� retreat from February 15-16 at FMC’s new retreat center in Abbeville. FMC missionaries will share their expertise about witnessing your Catholic faith. St. Pius X Parish’s evangelization outreach will be attending the retreat, but it is open to all parish groups and individuals. The cost for this overnight retreat, including food and housing is only $95 per person. Space is limited, so sign up soon by calling the FMC office at 337.893.6111, or FMC’s retreat coordinator, David Yarborough, at (337) 652-6450 Photo submitted by Family Missions Company

St. Joseph’s Diner in Lafayette recently accepted a donation from local law firm Preis & Roy that will fund Thanksgiving and Christmas Day meals for Acadiana’s hungry and homeless. The local law firm has a longstanding tradition of supporting the diner’s holiday efforts. The diner has served those in need since 1973 and currently provides over 200 meals a day. Pictured above are Holly Gauthier, Preis & Roy Director of Marketing (left) and Kim James Boudreaux, Lafayette Catholic Service Center Executive Director (right). Photo submitted by Preis & Roy

“Catholics Returning Home� at St. Pius X LAFAYETTE St. Pius X Church in Lafayette has begun a parish-based program called “Catholics Returning Home� which is designed to reach out to non-practicing Catholics with an invitation for them to return to the Catholic Church. “Catholics Returning Home� is one of twelve model programs listed in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) directory, A Time to Listen, A Time to Heal.

As part of the program, St. Pius X Church will host a special evangelization workshop from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 19. The workshop will feature Sally L. Mews, author of the book entitled Catholics Returning Home.

A Special Invitation “Meet & Greet� with Sally L. Mews, author of Catholics Returning Home Friday, January 18 Immaculate Heart of Mary School Cafeteria Immediately following 6:00 p.m. Mass inside the church.

All are welcome

Mrs. Mews, who was born and raised in central Wisconsin, returned to the Catholic Church in 1980 and was inspired to develop a parish-based ministry to help others do the same.

The workshop is ideal for

priests, deacons, evangelization teams, religious educators, youth ministers, parish leaders and staff members, liturgical ministers, and all those who are interested in learning more about the ministry of evangelization.

The cost is $5 per person, which includes light refreshments and

lunch. Registration forms are available at www.stpiusxchurch. net.

Additional information may be requested by contacting Robert Delafosse at (337) 319-2438, John Schexnaildre at (337) 6549671, or Ashton Mouton at (337) 296-6713.

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Page 44 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

As Sandy recovery continues, parishes help meet theirs, others’ needs

by Pete Sheehan Catholic News Service OYSTER BAY, N.Y. (CNS With the hurricane winds, massive tides and driving rain now more than two weeks behind them, Long Islanders continue to help rebuild their community, homes and lives.

Hurricane Sandy hit all of the Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island, which lies east of New York City, but some communities, particularly those on the South Shore, were devastated by the swollen tides created by the storm.

Damage caused by Sandy has been estimated at $50 billion, though some reports put the figure at $60 billion.

As of Nov. 14, the Long Island Power Authority had restored electricity to 99 percent of its customers, more than two weeks after Hurricane Sandy made landfall. About 35,000 customers still had no power, because their homes were damaged by flooding and in need of electrical repairs.

At the peak of the storm, power was knocked out for 8.5 million customers in 10 states, with the majority in New York and New Jersey.

The Rockville Centre Diocese has asked parishes to take up both a monetary collection and a collection for needed items such as food, blankets and hygiene supplies, and set up four distribution centers.

“We’re coordinating the response,” said Auxiliary Bishop Robert J. Brennan, diocesan vicar general, assigned by Bishop William F. Murphy to organize the diocese’s response. “That way the parishes that were not as badly hit can help those that were.”

Long Beach was one of the hardest-hit areas in the region.

On Nov. 14, Long Beach Catholic Regional School was able to reopen.

A message on the school’s website announced a Nov. 13 parent meeting. “We hope that many of you can join us,” it said,

“but if this meeting time causes a hardship and you cannot make it, then please feel free to contact us either through email or call school -- once we are open - and we will answer any of your questions. Be well, stay safe and God bless you all.”

“Long Beach looks like the Gulf Coast of Louisiana during Katrina,” said Father Kevin Smith, Nassau County fire chaplain and pastor of St. Dominic’s Church in Oyster Bay. He had visited several hard-hit areas.

St. Ignatius Martyr on Long Beach, a barrier island off the South Shore of Long Island, “is a disaster,” Father Smith added.

“It’s located near the beach and the storm surge waters came up to the building. There are four to five feet of sand on the church property.” The rectory basement was flooded.

Long Beach was evacuated before the storm and many homes were destroyed, Father Smith explained. Some remained despite warnings, “afraid to leave because they fear that they might

be able to get back,” he added.

Other South Shore parishes were hard hit, such as St. Jude’s in Mastic Beach.

“We had about 1,000 families whose homes were affected,” Father Gregory Yacyshyn, pastor of St. Jude’s, “and possibly as many as half of those will have to be condemned.”

Diocesan Catholic Charities officials have been focusing on repair and cleanup efforts of its facilities and trying to plan for the long-term response.

The agency has partnered with the diocese to coordinate donations of goods and services, said Kristy D’Errico, disaster relief coordinator for Catholic Charities.

A tractor-trailer of supplies from St. John’s University arrived at the agency’s Hicksville offices Nov. 11. Staffers and volunteers divided the goods to deliver to four parishes across Long Island, where the items were to be divided again and sent continued on page 45

Acadiana Catholic

Sandy recovery continued from page 44

to the parishes in most need.

The North Shore suffered less intense storm surges but still had extensive power loss.

Father Larry Duncklee, pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Riverhead, described celebrating an evening Spanish Mass Nov. 1, four days after Sandy hit, despite the power outage.

The church was cold, he said, and “people brought candles and flashlights and I used a Karaoke machine.”

One North Shore church, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Centerport, was spared any damage or power outage, said Msg. John Gilmartin, pastor, “but 95 percent of our parishioners weren’t spared.”

For several nights, the par-

ish community center was an emergency shelter. “We had as many as 90 people staying there one night,” Msgr. Gilmartin said, with fewer people coming as more homes had power restored.

In addition, parishioners responded to an appeal for needed items, filling several truckloads that went to two other parishes.

“We weren’t hit as hard as some parishes,” said Msgr. Brian McNamara, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in West Islip, on the South Shore. “We have people who are hurting, but many of them haven’t come to us yet.”

After he urged parishioners to donate needed items, he said, “we got a ton of stuff.”

Though his church lacked power for days, said Msgr. Joe Granata, pastor of St. Hugh’s

A statue of Christ is seen Nov. 12 in front of homes destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in Union Beach, N.J. More than 100 people in the U.S. perished after the storm made landfall Oct. 29 in New Jersey, causing an estimated $50 billion in property damage and economic losses. It ranks as one of the most destructive natural disasters to hit the U.S. Northeast. CNS photo/Eric Thayer, Reuters

Little ones celebrate All Saints’ Day

In recognition of All Saints’ Day at the beginning of November, several church parishes and Catholic schools encouraged their young ones to dress as their favorite saint.

Submitted photos are from St. Leo IV Church in Roberts Cove (top left), Trinity Catholic School in St. Martinville (top right), St. Mary Early Learning Center in Lafayette (bottom left), and St. John Elementary School in Franklin (bottom right).

December 2012 Page 45

A Bible is seen Nov. 14 amid flood-damaged family belongings cleared out of Shawn McKeon’s house after clearing it out in the Midland Beach area of Staten Island, N.Y. McKeon has been told his damage claims have been denied by his homeowners insurance, flood insurers and FEMA because of loop holes in the different policies. The federal government’s flood insurance program may not have enough funding to cover anticipated claims from Hurricane Sandy victims, a top official at the Federal Emergency Manage ment Agency said. CNS photo/Brendan McDermid, Reuters

near the North Shore, parishioners took part in an interfaith effort with the town of Huntington.

Three churches and one Jewish temple set up warming sites for people to spend a few hours to get warm, recharge cell phones, and, in some cases, have a meal.

“I was touched by the number of people who knocked on the

rectory door and asked how we were doing,” noted Msgr. Granata, adding he has been moved by the many who have offered to help.

“We still have the long-term response,” helping people rebuild their lives,” Bishop Brennan said. “And, of course, there is always prayer.”

Page 46 December 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Year-end review: a look back at key diocesan events of 2012

by Stephanie R. Martin LAFAYETTE As the year 2012 comes to a close, let’s take a moment to reflect on the many events which impacted the Diocese of Lafayette throughout the last twelve months.

From January 29-February 5, Catholic schools in the diocese joined others throughout the nation in celebrating Catholic Schools Week, recognizing the theme of “Faith. Academics.

Service.”

Also during the month of January, Bishop Michael Jarrell and Chancellor Msgr. Russell Harrington travelled to Rome for the bishop’s Ad Limina visit with Pope Benedict XVI.

In late January, Bishop Jarrell and Msgr.

Harrington (diocesan Chancellor) travelled to Rome for the bishop’s Ad Limina visit with Pope Benedict XVI. Photo copyright owned by the Diocese of Lafayette

On the first Sunday of Lent, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette hosted the Rite of Election, a significant ceremony within the RCIA process. A total of 38 church parishes participated to present 84 catechumens and 129 candidates to Bishop Jarrell.

In March, the Central Region of the diocese was pleased to welcome the return of Immaculée Ilibagiza, survivor of the Rwandan genocide, who once again visited the area to speak at the Cajundome Convention Center.

The diocese also welcomed the internationally known musician and worship leader, Father Nelso Medina, OP, as he visited the area to speak at a Lenten retreat

for the Hispanic community.

In April, the Acadiana Catholic reported that a scholarship fund in honor of Lt. Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur had been started.

Father Lafleur was an Opelousas native who died in service to his country as a military chaplain during World War II. Bishop Jarrell also celebrated a uniquely special funeral Mass for the unclaimed at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

It was the first such funeral Mass held in the diocese.

In May, six men were ordained to the transitional diaconate for

the Diocese of Lafayette. They were Andre Metrejean, Dustin Dought, Garrett Savoie, Neil Pettit, Brian Harrington, and Mark Miley.

Mrs. Cristina LeBlanc, Director of the diocese’s Office of Hispanic Ministry, was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Southeast Regional Office and the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI).

Administrators also announced that the Secretariat of Catholic

On the first Sunday of Lent, a total of 84 catechumens and 129 candidates were presented to Bishop Jarrell during the diocesan-wide Rite of Election ceremony hosted by the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Photo by P.C. Piazza

On the last Saturday of April, people from throughout Acadiana gathered at the Cathedral for a funeral Mass for the unclaimed, the first such Mass ever to be held in the diocese. Photo courtesy of the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry

Charities had been added to the organizational structure of the diocese. Deacon Ed Boustany was appointed to serve as Director of the Secretariat.

In June, Rev. Mr. William Schambough was ordained to the priesthood to serve the people of the Lafayette Diocese. His first assignment was to St. Pius X Church in Lafayette.

The diocese’s Office of Vocations also sponsored Quo Vadis Days on the grounds of John Paul the Great Academy in Lafayette.

The event was focused on supporting young men from the ages of 15-25 as they explored a possible vocational calling.

In May, Rev. Mr. William Schambough read the Gosepl at the Mass to ordain six gentlemen to the Transitional Diaconate.

The following month, he was himself ordained to the priesthood. Photo by P.C. Piazza

In July, church parishes throughout the diocese hosted special events and programs in recognition of the USCCB’s “Fortnight for Freedom” which called for prayer, education, and action in support of religious freedom.

In August, the diocese announced that Cardinal Daniel DiNardo would visit Acadiana in September 2013 as part of the celebration of the Year of Faith declared by Pope Benedict XVI. Bishop Jarrell also ordained a total of 26 men to serve the diocese as permanent deacons.

In October, church parishes throughout the diocese joyfully joined other throughout the world

in celebrating and promoting the Year of Faith; the Church-wide celebration will continue through November 2013. In conjunction with this, the diocese launched its 2012-2013 BSA Campaign with the theme “United in Faith to do Good Works.”

In November, Bishop Jarrell’s monthly column in the Acadiana Catholic focused on “The Light is ON for You” campaign, encouraging people to receive the sacrament of reconciliation during the Advent season. It was also announced that Mr. Bernel Fontenot, Director of the diocese’s Office of Community Development for nearly 37 years, had retired, and Deacon Ed Boustany was appointed to serve as the

In July, church parishes such as Our Lady of the Lake and St. Martin de Porres in Delcambre came together to host special events commemorating the USCCB’s “Fortnight for Freedom.” Photo submitted by Father Herb Bennerfield

new director.

Last but certainly not least, central office employees honored Bishop Jarrell with a special gift in recognition of the 10th anniversary of his installation as the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette.

Additional diocesan news and events from the year 2012 may be reviewed through the online archive of the Acadiana Catholic. To access the archive, please visit the Office of the Acadiana Catholic page at www.diolaf.org, and look for the link to “Read Past Issues Online” located along the lefthand side of the web page.

On the last two Saturdays in August, Bishop Jarrell ordained a total of 26 men as permanent deacons for the Diocese of Lafayette. Photo by P.C. Piazza

Acadiana Catholic

December 2012 Page 47

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