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March 2012

Volume 28

No. 3

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The Official Monthly Publication of the Diocese of Lafayette

Acadiana Catholic

March 2012

Volume 28

Number 3

People urged to take action/educate themselves on HHS ruling

LAFAYETTE By now, many of us have heard the news. On January 21, 2012, the US Department of Health and Human Services ruled that employers—including those with close ties to the Roman Catholic Church—provide health care coverage for birth control, sterilizations, and abortion-inducing drugs. Institutions are being given one year to comply. Why, then, is an issue that’s already more than a month old still making the Acadiana Catholic’s front-page news? It is to urge all readers to understand that as a community of moral and conscionable Catholics, we simply cannot sit back and let this become “old news.” We must educate ourselves on the exact impact this ruling will carry, and act accordingly to let the US government know that it is unacceptable. “This is an unprecedented attack on our religious liberty, which is a founding principle of our na-

tion,” declared Archbishop Gregory Aymond of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Archbishop Aymond penned these words in a letter he wrote to address the Health and Human Services (HHS) ruling while he was in Rome with several other Louisiana bishops for their Ad Limina visit with Pope Benedict XVI and other Vatican officials. “This ruling is an example of

government violating our rights to make choices based on our morals and Church teaching,” Archbishop Aymond continued. “As I visit with church officials and the Holy Father here in Rome, they too are asking about this issue and expressing grave concern.” On February 6, the Lafayette Diocese’s Bishop Michael Jarrell also released a letter to the people, urging them to educate themselves

continued on page 4

Inside this issue

CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec)

Bishop Michael Jarrell’s Lenten message for the Lafayette Diocese

by Bishop Michael Jarrell LAFAYETTE The season of Lent is the Church’s penitential season. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Scripture and the Fathers insist above all on three forms [of penance]: fasting, prayer and almsgiving, which express conversion in relation to oneself, to God, and to others. (#1434; cf Matthew 6:1-18) Thus, fasting expresses conversion in relation to oneself. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fasting and abstinence (from meat). The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence. Some people think that the idea of fasting was dropped by the Church after the Second Vatican Council. It is true that some rules were

on this ruling and take action. “I join my voice to his [Archbishop Aymond] and those of my brother bishops in the United States to vigorously protest this governmental action as a violation of the protections of the First Amendment of the Constitution,” emphasized Bishop Jarrell. “Allowing the government to crack the armor of protection for the free exercise of religion in the United States would set a dangerous precedent with far reaching consequences. Efforts by the bishops to secure conscientious exemptions were disregarded. This is the type of radical secularism consistently condemned by our Holy Father.” Both Archbishop Aymond and Bishop Jarrell urged Catholics to visit the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at www.usccb.org/con-

changed, but the idea of fasting was taught by Jesus himself. It can never be discarded. For many, it needs to be discovered or rediscovered. The discipline of fasting is a great form of Lenten penance. Giving up “By the solemn 40 days of Lent, the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.” (#540; cf. Matthew 4:1-11)

certain foods or other pleasures is a popular form of fasting. Prayer expresses conversion in relation to God. The Church has many forms of prayer. In Lent, many people attend Mass more frequently, even daily. I believe the biggest obstacle to prayer is generosity with one’s time. There has to be a will to

pray and a will to give up other activities. The discipline of prayer is a great form of Lenten penance. Almsgiving is giving to the poor out of obedience to God. It expresses conversion in relation to others. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me,” the Lord said. (Matthew 25.40) Works of charity are great forms of Lenten penance. Again, I quote the Catechism: “By the solemn 40 days of Lent, the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.” (#540; cf. Matthew 4:1-11) It is a season of grace bringing about a communion with Christ. It is season of blessing for all of God’s people.

Pope Benedict XVI’s Lenten Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 2012 Priest Jubilarians. . . . .12 Central Region to host two Divine Mercy events. . . . . . . . 17 Our Lady of Wisdom Church celebrates 70 years. . . . . . . .18 Lenten activities. . . . . . . . . .21 Meditations on the Stations of the Cross. with Father Michael Champagne, CJC . . . . . . . . 23 “Marriage 101” with Kelley Chapman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Children’s Pages. . . . . . .38-39 Diocesan-wide collections for CRS & the Holy Land. . . . . 46

Page 4 March 2012

HHS ruling continued from page 3

science to learn more about the HHS ruling. “Never before has federal law forced citizens to purchase what violates their deeply held beliefs and ethical convictions,” the site stated under its Action Alert asking citizens to write Congress and voice their objections to the violation. “For many Americans, that means choosing between violating our conscience or foregoing health care—literally an unconscionable dilemma. Our country’s longstanding laws protecting conscience rights must now apply fully to the implementation of health care reform.” In addition to the Action alert, the USCCB website is currently providing a multitude of information to help educate and inform visitors of the full scope of this recent HHS ruling. “The HHS has issued a rule forcing nearly all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptive drugs and devices, as well as surgical sterilization.

These are listed among ‘preventive services for women’ that all health plans will have to cover without co-pays or other cost-sharing—regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage. “The exemption provided for ‘religious employers’ is so narrow that it fails to cover the vast majority of faith-based organizations, including Catholic hospitals, universities, and service organizations that help millions every year. “During the public comment period last fall, the bishops’ grassroots campaign alone generated over 57,000 comments to HHS opposing their mandate. Now that the Administration has refused to recognize the Constitutional conscience rights of organizations and individuals who oppose the mandate, the bishops are now urging Catholics and others of good will to fight this unprecedented attack on conscience rights and religious liberty.” The site also contains a growing list of links to bishops’ statements throughout the country,

Acadiana Catholic

and to the video response of Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, president of the USCCB. There is also a two-page FAQ summary entitled “The HHS Mandate for Contraception/Sterilization Coverage: An Attack on Rights of Conscience” and access to several news releases which have been prepared by the USCCB in regards to the ruling. The letters from Archbishop Aymond and Bishop Jarrell included their pleas for us all to continue praying for our nation, in the effort to change the hearts of decision-makers and to protect the dignity of human life and religious freedom in this country. Important online links are also available through the diocesan website at www.diolaf.org, under the section for the Office of the Pro-Life Apostolate.

Acadiana Catholic

ACADIANA CATHOLIC (ISSN0888-0247) (USPS507-760) is published monthly for $12 per year by the Southwest Press, 1408 Carmel Ave., Lafayette, LA 70501-5306. Periodical postage paid at Lafayette, LA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Acadiana Catholic, 1408 Carmel Ave., Lafayette, LA 70501-5306 Official Monthly Newspaper for the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana Copyright 2012

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

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

From the March 1999 edition of the Acadiana Catholic, Bishop Edward O’Donnell is shown distribtuing ashes at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette on Ash Wednesday. File photo

The Diocese of Lafayette serves eight civil parishes with population of 331,000 Catholics. Published monthly. Deadline for news and advertising copy is noon of the 15th day of the month preceding publication. For renewal subscriptions, the name of your church parish and your address label (if available) are requested. The publisher and editor reserve the right to reject, omit or edit any article or letter submitted for publication. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette and/or the Acadiana Catholic cannot be held liable, or in any way responsible for the content of any advertisement printed in this paper.

Diocese of Lafayette Web page: www.diolaf.org

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PRAY FOR YOUR DEPARTED CLERGY: Dec. Luke Norbert Mar. 01, 2002 Fr. J.D. Morin Mar. 01, 1943 Fr. Charles Marin Mar. 02, 1995 Dec. Lester Breaux Mar. 03, 1996 Fr. Louis Laroche Mar. 03, 1931

Dec. Ron Borel Mar. 08, 2009 Fr. Jules Lanoie Mar. 08, 1981 Fr. Charles Gaudin Mar. 11, 1995 Fr. Harry Benefiel Mar. 13, 2011 Fr. Albert Boumans Mar. 17, 2005 Fr. Eugene Senneville Mar. 18, 2006 Fr. A.J. Maltrait Mar. 20, 1937

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Fr. Francois Garneau Mar. 22, 1970 Fr. Paul Fusilier Mar. 22, 1990 Fr. Patrick Regan Mar. 27, 1969 Fr. Francois Bernier Mar. 28, 1960 Fr. James Geraghty Mar. 30, 1990 Fr. John Roguet Mar. 31, 1931 Fr. Auguste Viel Mar. 31, 1950

Wednesday

March 2012

Thursday

Lenten Weekday

March 2012 Page 5

For a schedule of Lenten activities, please refer to the articles beginning on Pages 21 and 29 of this edition.

Friday

Abstinence First Friday

The Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions February’s General Intention: That the whole world may recognize the contribution of women to the development of society. February’s Mission Intention: That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia.

Second Sunday of Lent

Diocesan Marriage Anniversary Celebration 2:00 PM St. Peter Church, New Iberia

Lenten Weekday

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity

Diaconate Class 7:00 AM-5:30 PM Immaculata Center Lafayette

Theresians Day of Renewal 8:30 AM-2:30 PM St. Pius X Church, Lafayette

St. John of God

Companions Along the Journey (Bereavement Support Group) 6:00 PM Immaculata Center, Lafayette

Food for the Journey 11:30 AM Crowne Plaza Hotel, Lafayette

Saturday

St. Katharine Drexel

St. Frances of Rome Abstinence

Lenten Weekday

St. Patrick

Lenten Weekday

“Retreats: Forming Faith, Transforming Lives” Workshop 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Immaculata Center, Lafayette

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

Fourth Sunday of Lent

Catholic Schools Recognition Ceremony 1:30 PM Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Fr. Chad Partain visits St. Joseh Church, Milton to celebrate Masses @ 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM

Lenten Weekday

St. Joseph Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lenten Weekday

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

Lenten Weekday

Solemn Mass in Honor Meeting of the King’s Men Theology on Tap of St. Joseph 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 5:30 PM Our Lady of Wisdom Church Tsunami Sushi, Lafayette Monastery of Mary, Mother of Lafayette Grace, Lafayette

The Annunciation of the Lord

Lenten Weekday

Presentation on Vaccine Evening of Affirmation Manuafacturing, Confor Caregivers taminants, & Conscience 6:30 PM Rights St. Joseph Church, Rayne 9:30 AM St. Jules Church, Lafayette Meeting of the King’s Men 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Wisdom Church, Lafayette Our Lady of Wisdom Church Lafayette

Lenten Weekday

Lenten Weekday Abstinence

Immaculée Ilibagiza Conference Immaculée Ilibagiza Conference 5:00 PM 3:00 PM Cajundome Convention Center Cajundome Convention Center

St. Turibius de Mogrovejo Abstinence

Come, Lord Jesus! Conference Come, Lord Jesus! Conference 6:30 PM 8:00 AM Holiday Inn, Lafayette Holiday Inn, Lafayette 70th Anniversary Mass 12:00 NOON Our Lady of Wisdom Church Lafayette

Lenten Weekday

Lenten Weekday Abstinence

Diaconate Class 7:00 AM-5:30 PM Immaculata Center Lafayette

Lenten Weekday

Page 6 March 2012

March Ordination Anniversaries

Fr. Harold Trahan Mar. 01, 1969 Fr. Luiz Dutra Mar. 05, 1955 Fr. Michael Arnaud Mar. 14, 1975 Fr. John Finley Mar. 14, 1975 Msgr. Robert Romero Mar. 14, 1975 Fr. Wilson Matt Mar. 17, 1945 Fr. George Thychery Mar. 25, 1960 Fr. Juan Luis Gandara Mar. 27, 1967 Fr. Jairo Castano, SDS Mar. 29, 1966 Fr. Michael Moody, SVD Mar. 31, 1964

Pro-life scientist to make 2 local presentations

LAFAYETTE On Monday, March 26, St. Jules Church in Lafayette will host Dr. Theresa Deisher, PhD, who will speak on Vaccine Manuafacturing, Contaminants, and Conscience Rights. Dr. Deisher’s presentation is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. She will repeat her presentation later that evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Wisdom Church on the UL campus. As president and CEO of AVM Biotechnology, Dr. Deisher is also is a pro-life scientist in molecular and cellular physiology from Stanford University. Her presentation will focus on educating the audience on how to act responsibly in the pro-life quest for moral and healthy vaccines. She will include information on how the pharmaceutical companies produce and package vaccines and other biologics; how vaccine contaminants biologically could trigger auto-immune reactions and genomic disruption; and how conscience rights are compatible with vaccine manufacturing practices. Dr. Deisher will also identify those non-fetal containing alternatives vaccines. The invitation to either presentation is open to all at no cost. For further information regarding this topic, please call (337) 234-2727 or go online to laityaction. org/Issues/Vaccines.html.

Acadiana Catholic

Pray for our priests Listed below are the priests for whom Catholics are asked to pray daily. The calendar is sponsored by the Serra Club of Lafayette. Mar. 1 Pope Benedict XVI Mar. 2 Bishop Michael Jarrell Mar. 3 Fr. Charles Moffatt, SSJ Mar. 4 Fr. Thomas Montelaro Mar. 5 Fr. Michael Moody, SVD Mar. 6 Fr. Randall Moreau Mar. 7 Fr. Jason Mouton Mar. 8 Msgr. Richard Mouton Mar. 9 Fr. Jerome Neyrey, SJ Mar. 10 Fr. Chanh Nguyen Mar. 11 Fr. James Nguyen Mar. 12 Fr. Thomas Nguyen Mar. 13 Fr. Gayle Nunez Mar. 14 Fr. Godwin Nzeh, CMF Mar. 15 Fr. Jude Obiechina, CMF Mar. 16 Fr. John O’Hallaran, SSJ Mar. 17 Fr. Paul Onuegbe Mar. 18 Fr. Antony Ostini, SJ Mar. 19 Fr. Jose Padinjarepeedika, CMI Mar. 20 Fr. Paul Patin, SJ Mar. 21 Fr. Donald Pelous Mar. 22 Fr. Daniel Picard Mar. 23 Fr. Mikel Polson Mar. 24 Fr. Donald Pousson Mar. 25 Fr. Salvino Primor Mar. 26 Fr. Hernando Ramirez, SJ Mar. 27 Fr. Louis Richard Mar. 28 Fr. Rusty Richard Mar. 29 Msgr. Robie Robichaux, JCL, VJ Mar. 30 Fr. Raymond Robitaille Mar. 31 Fr. William Rogalla 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. March Birthdays Fr. Paul Thibodeaux Mar. 01 Fr. Michael Guidry Mar. 02 Dec. Leon Lejune Mar. 02 Fr. William Rogalla Mar. 03 Fr. Theodore Broussard Mar. 04 Fr. Bill Gearheard Mar. 05 Fr. Keith LaBove Mar. 05 Dec. Nolton Senegal Mar. 15 Dec. Carlton Lee Mar. 16 Fr. William Ruskoski Mar. 16 Msgr. Richard Von Phul Mouton Mar. 17 Msgr. Robie Robichaux Mar. 18 Fr. James Brady Mar. 22 Fr. Dismas Mauk, SVD Mar. 25 Dec. Louis Lloyd Mar. 31 Fr. Jaison Mangalath, SVD Mar. 31

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Angola bus trip LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace is organizing a bus trip to Angola State Penitentiary on Sunday, April 1. This trip is being offered free of charge to those in need of transportation to visit incarcerated loved ones during the Lenten season. The bus has a seating capacity of 56 persons, and reservations must be made in advance by contacting the Office of Justice & Peace at (337) 261-5545. A name is required for each reservation, and those who wish to participate are urged to contact the office as soon as possible in order to ensure available seating. The bus will depart at 7:00 a.m. from the parking lot of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Lafayette and return there at approximately 6:00 p.m. This trip will allow family members to spend an entire day with their incarcerated loved ones, with snacks, bag lunches, and other refreshments

provided for them at no cost. Those who wish to make the trip must be on the inmate’s visiting list if they are over the age of 14, and they must bring a current pictured Louisiana-issued driver’s license or ID. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult. No shorts, sleeveless shirts or t-shirts, or jeans may be worn. No purses or wallets are allowed. For further information, please contact Ed Boustany, director of the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Justice & Peace, at (337) 2615545.

Evening of Affirmation for caregivers

RAYNE The Family Life Center of St. Joseph Church in Rayne will host “An Evening of Affirmation for Caregivers” beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27. The presentation will be made by MarMarlene Foreman lene Foreman, ACNS-BC, ACHPN, Clinical Nurse Specialist/Education Coordinator with Hospice of Acadiana. Ms. Foreman will offer ways to assist and affirm those who, for whatever reason, have become caregivers; of elderly parents/relatives, spouses, the chronically ill, disabled children/siblings or to any individual who is in need of care. There is no cost or need to register in order to attend, and the invitation is extended to all. This evening may be credited as a Level III or IV: Parish class or workshop (3 credits). For further details, please contact Janeth Harrington at (337) 2580073 or JHarrington@diolaf. org.

March 2012 Page 7

Fr. Chad Partain to visit St. Joseph’s, Milton MILTON On Sunday, March 25, St. Joseph Church in Milton will host a special visit from Father Chad Partain, Chancellor of the Alexandria Diocese and National Director of the Congregation of the Children of Mary. Father Partain will celebrate Masses at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 5:00 Father Chad Partain p.m. Father Partain has spearheaded a worldwide project entitled “St. Philomena’s Youth for Purity Campaign and Children of Mary Movement.” In an effort to promote purity and innocence among the youth, and to enlist them in the cause of Christ, the Universal Living Rosary Association and the Archconfraternity of St. Philomena have joined together to promote the “St. Philomena’s Youth for Purity Program” which takes for its model the spirituality of St. Louis de Montfort and his Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. It also aims to introduce St. Philomena, the

power of her intercession and the integrity of her example to the youth of the 21st century. According to Father Partain, “The Congregation of the Children of Mary, the youth arm of the Family of St. Philomena, is a wonderful way for us to fulfill what was requested by Our Lady of Fatima—that our children gather together on the First Saturday of each month, receive Holy Communion in reparation, pray the Rosary, and consecrate their lives to Jesus through Mary. Through this Congregation, they learn and are formed so that they can make Mary’s “Yes” their own. It is a tremendous Crusade. We are called to live and to act, to work and to pray like St. Philomena as Children of the Light, as Children of Mary!” For more information on the Congregation of the Children of Mary, please visit online at www.childrenofmary.info, or email Father Partain at frpartain@catholic.org. For details regarding his upcoming visit to St. Joseph Church in Milton, please email Deacon Cody Miller at cajunfreshman@usa.net or Kim Sonnier at sonnierkim1@yahoo.com.

Page 8 March 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Lent is time to help others spiritually, materially, pope says

By Mary Shovlain Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) In his Lenten message, Pope Benedict XVI called on the faithful to be concerned for one another and “not to remain isolated and indifferent” to the fate of others. Materialism and a sense of self-sufficiency are obstacles to a Christian life of charity, the pope said. Instead of looking first to God and then to the wellbeing of others, people often have an attitude of “indifference and disinterest born of selfishness and masked as a respect for ‘privacy.’” He said that God’s commandment to love “demands that we acknowledge our responsibility toward those who, like ourselves, are creatures and children of God.” The annual Lenten message was presented during a Vatican news conference Feb. 7 by Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the office which handles the pope’s charitable giving, along with Msgr. Segundo Tejado Munoz, the council’s undersecretary. The cardinal highlighted the pope’s call for “fraternal correction” and the church’s prophetic mission in denouncing situations of injustice and poverty in the world. To overcome such injustices, one must get to the moral roots of such situations, he said. Corruption, accumulation of wealth, violence, and living off the work of others without contributing are all cancers that weaken a so-

Catholics throughout the Lafayette Diocese marked the beginning of the Lenten season by receiving the ashes on Ash Wednesday. Bishop Michael Jarrell is shown above distributing the ashes to those in attendance at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Photo by P.C. Piazza

ciety from within, the cardinal said. But, he said, the true root of the world’s injustices stems from ignoring or denying God’s existence. By not acknowledging there is a creator and Lord who is greater than man, society degenerates into a “conflictual individualism” and a struggle of one person against another, Cardinal Sarah said. The theme of the 2012 Lenten message was taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews: “Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works.” The pope outlined his message with three points taken from St. Paul’s letter: “concern for others, reciprocity and personal holiness.” Concern for others, the pope said, means wanting what is good physically, morally and

spiritually for one’s neighbor. But he noted that contemporary culture “seems to have lost the sense of good and evil.” “There is a real need to reaffirm that good does exist and will prevail,” the pope said, defining good as “whatever gives, protects and promotes life, brotherhood and communion.” The pope warned against what he called “spiritual anesthesia,” which numbs people to the suffering of others. Only a “humbleness of heart and the personal experience of suffering can awaken within us a sense of compassion and empathy,” he said. The suffering of others is not only physical or material, he said, but it is also spiritual, and he encouraged Christians to remember their “spiritual responsibility” toward their neighbor. He called for a renewal of a forgotten aspect of the Christian life, that is, “fraternal correction.” Fraternal correction, he said,

is a kind of Christian charity that speaks out against people indulging in sin. “We must not remain silent before evil,” he said. Often, “out of human regard or purely personal convenience,” Christians fail to warn others against ways of thinking and behaving that are contrary to the truth. The reluctance to confront others in the name of truth, he said, stems from a world view dominated by individualism, which “accepts any moral choice in the name of personal freedom,” which then makes people blind to physical suffering and the spiritual and moral demands of life. However, God wants Christians to help and encourage each other to strive for the truth, for good and holy lives, he said. Fraternal correction must never be motivated by a spirit of accusation or recrimination, but instead be both loving and admonishing, as God is with his children, he added. “Both our sins and our acts of love have a social dimension,” which is why the church asks forgiveness for the sins of its members and at the same time rejoices in examples of virtue and charity in the church, he said. The pope said time is precious and people must not become lukewarm about performing good works and using their God-given spiritual and material riches for the benefit of others. In a world “which demands of Christians a renewed witness of love and fidelity to the Lord, may all of us feel the urgent need to anticipate one another in charity, service and good works,” he said.

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St. Joseph’s Altar RAYNE

LAFAYETTE Charitable actions are an essential part of the Lenten season, and in support of this church parishes and Catholic schools throughout the Lafayette Diocese are once again participating in Operation Rice Bowl. This special campaign not only helps to raise funds that benefit Catholic Relief Services (CRS), but it also provides a rich educational opportunity to learn about the needs of others all over the world. “Through CRS’ Operation Rice Bowl, millions of Catholics across the United States pray as a community of faith, fast in solidarity with those who hunger, learn about the joys and challenges in the lives of people around the world, and give sacrificial contributions to assist the poor,” stated Bishop Michael Jarrell in this year’s letter appealing to the church parishes for their support and participation. “These actions provide tangible assistance to our brothers and sisters in need.” Operation Rice Bowl is a sixweek program utilizing various resources and materials—which

may be accessed through www. orb.crs.org—to connect the people of the United States with their brothers and sisters around the world. However, 25% of the funds raised in the Lafayette Diocese are also designated for local use in order to provide support for local hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. The beneficiaries are a total of 13 food banks, soup kitchens, and service centers throughout the diocese’s eight civil parishes. The remaining 75% of the funds raised each year by Operation Rice Bowl help many of CRS’ overseas humanitarian programs. These endeavors include helping farmers in Madagascar, supporting vocational training for disabled students in Vietnam, providing clean water for families in El Salvador, and more. “Your prayers and contributions during the season of Lent do make a difference,” stressed Bishop Jarrell. “On behalf of all those who benefit from your participation in Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl, I thank you for your continued support.”

The community of St. Joseph Church in Rayne would like to invite everyone to join them in honoring their patron as the Feast of St. Joseph approaches. Beginning on Saturday, March 10, the parish’s Ultreya group will start a novena to St. Joseph, to be recited approximately 15 minutes prior to each daily Mass. The novena will conclude before Mass on Sunday, March 18. Also on Sunday, March 18, the parish will gather for the recitation of a multi-lingual rosary and the blessing of the altar after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. During the multi-lingual rosary, the decades will be recited in five different languages. On Monday, March 19 (the Feast of St. Joseph), the church will host a special St. Joseph Mass and Tupa Tupa ritual beginning at 9:00 a.m. The Tupa Tupa is a reenactment of the Holy Family’s search for food and shelter. Viewing of the St. Joseph Altar inside the parish’s Family Life Center will be possible throughout the day, with refreshments available and a full tradi-

March 2012 Page 9

tional Italian meal to be served at noon. There is no charge to visit and take part, although donations will be gratefully accepted. Any net proceeds collected will be donated to serve the poor and needy of the area. This celebration has become a parish-wide event that encompasses a large number of ministries and dedicated parishioners as they come together to represent the true meaning of the community of Christ. For example, students of Rayne Catholic Elementary School will be conducting a canned good drive leading up to the celebration; these donations will be blessed as part of the St. Joseph Altar and brought to a local homeless shelter once the altar is dismantled. The parish’s senior citizen group, the Elderberries, will also assemble approximately 1,000 goodie bags which will be distributed on the day of the celebration. For additional information on the St. Joseph Altar at St. Joseph Church in Rayne, please contact volunteer coordinator Linda Ancona at (337) 660-5314, or co-chair Bonnie Demette at (337) 334-0099 or (337) 334-4056.

Page 10 March 2012

Acadiana Catholic

Marzo 2012 Por Obispo Michael Jarrell Después de haber sobrevivido otro “Mardi Gras” y Miércoles de Ceniza ahora nos enfocamos en la temporada de Cuaresma, un tiempo de oración y penitencia en preparación para la celebración anual de la resurrección del Señor. En los primeros siglos de la Iglesia, la Cuaresma era un tiempo especial para aquellos que se estaban preparando para el Bautismo. Estos eran, en su mayor parte, adultos convertidos del paganismo. Las semanas que preceden a la Pascua de Resurrección era un tiempo de preparación final para entrar a la Iglesia. Nuestro actual Rito de Iniciación Cristiano para Adultos imita esta práctica Cristiana de esos tiempos. La lectura del Evangelio para la Misa del Miércoles de Ceniza marca el tono para la Cuaresma (cf. Mateo 6:1-6, 16-18). El Señor habla a Sus Discípulos sobre la limosna, la oración y el ayuno. Les dice que estas prácticas dan muchos frutos, si se hacen por las razones correctas. Aparentemente, algunas personas, quizás los Fariseos, hicieron estas buenas obras con el propósito de lucirse. A menudo he pensado que si Jesús estuviese hablando de este asunto hoy en día, daría un sermón muy diferente; casi nadie hoy en día ora o ayuna para lucirse. El desafío más grande para

Sisters’ appreciation dinner a great success by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE Every year the Serra Club of Lafayette invites the religious women of the Central Region to join them for a meal at a local restaurant. This year’s event at the Petroleum Club was well attended by both the religious women and Serrans. Sister Judith Coreil, M.S.C., director of religious women, set the

todos nosotros es hacer del todo estas buenas obras. Las tres obras penitenciales mencionadas por Jesús forman la base de nuestras penitencias para la Cuaresma. Sé de muy pocas personas que hacen la penitencia de dar limosna, sin embargo es la primera mencionada por Jesús. En los Estados Unidos hay varias oportunidades para que los católicos puedan dar limosna a través de sus parroquias durante la Cuaresma : • Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – (Servicios Católicos de Ayuda al Damnificado) El Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma, Marzo 18, 2012: El CRS fue formado por los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos en el año 1943 con el propósito de responder a las necesidades de las víctimas de desastres en el extranjero. Tiene lugares permanentes en cien países y tiene una marca excelente otorgada por el Instituto Americano de Filantropía. Opera con un muy bajo costo operativo con un 95% de sus ingresos para programas. Cuando hay una catástrofe en algún lugar del mundo, como por ejemplo el terremoto en Haití, generalmente hay una gran demostración de generosidad de parte de las personas que desean ayudar. Esto es muy bueno. Yo les digo a los católicos que si donan anualmente al CRS esa ayuda seguramente ya está siendo entregada en su nombre. El CRS es una causa buena y santa. (Para mayor información puede visitar el sitio web www.crs.org) • Operation Rice Bowl – (Operación Plato de Arroz): Este programa de oración, ayuna y limosna se

theme for the evening with her invocation as she invited those in attendance to sing the words, “Bless our food, bless our friends, Bless our dear Serrans forever” set to the melody of “Eedelweiss.” Sister Mildred Leonards, C.D.P., spoke about the 250th anniversary celebration of her community, the Sisters of Divine Providence, which began in France in January, 1762 and has spread all over the world. Another highlight of the evening was a report by Bishop

ofrece en muchas parroquias. Para mayor información véase el sitio web mencionado arriba. • En Viernes Santo hay una colecta que es destinada a la Tierra Santa. Los cristianos que viven en este lugar, como en muchos otros lugares del Medio Oriente, están pasando graves dificultades y persecución incluyendo la limpieza étnica. Esta también es una causa que vale la pena. Con respecto a la oración, me siento seguro al decir que, para la mayoría de nosotros, existe una necesidad de orar más y orar de una mejor manera. Muchos católicos hacen la penitencia de ir a misa todos los días durante la Cuaresma. Algunas personas no pueden hacer esto debido a otras obligaciones, pero todos pueden poner más atención a la oración de alguna manera. La Iglesia requiere que se haga abstinencia y se ayune en pocos días durante la Cuaresma. La mayoría de los párrocos informan a sus fieles de sus obligaciones. La ayuna de la que habla la Iglesia es la base para muchas penitencias de renunciar a algo durante la Cuaresma. Estas son prácticas que valen la pena si, como dijo el Señor, se hacen por las razones debidas. Las prácticas penitenciales de dar limosna, orar y ayunar forman parte de una sólida espiritualidad cristiana. Por siglos esto ha acercado a la gente a Jesús y al Padre. De la misma manera lo puede hacer por nosotros, incluso si no se ha empezado el Miércoles de Cuaresma.

Michael Jarrell on his recent trip to Rome and report to the Pope on the status of the Church in the diocese. Bishop Jarrell commended the Serra Club for its constant support of vocations both spiritually and financially, stressing the importance of personal contacts and encouragement with seminarians. Serra President George Arceneaux called on representatives of the religious communities present to introduce themselves and say

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March 2012 Page 11

March 2012 by Bishop Michael Jarrell Having survived another Mardi Gras and Ash Wednesday we now settle in to the season of Lent, a time of prayer and penance in preparation for the annual celebration of the Lord’s resurrection. In the early centuries of the Church, Lent was a special time for those preparing for Baptism. These were, for the most part, adult converts from paganism. The weeks preceding Easter were a time of final preparation for entrance into the Church. Our current Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults imitates this early Christian practice. The Gospel reading for Mass on Ash Wednesday sets the tone for Lent (cf Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-18). The Lord speaks to His disciples about almsgiving, prayer and fasting. He tells them that these are fruitful practices, if they are done for the right reason. Apparently, some people, perhaps Pharisees, did these good works for the purpose of showing off. I have often thought that if Jesus were discussing the subject today he would give a different speech; almost no one today prays or fasts to show off. The main challenge to all of us

is to do these works at all. The three penitential works mentioned by Jesus form the basis of our Lenten penances. I hear of very few people taking a penance of almsgiving, but it is the first one mentioned by Jesus. Alms are funds given for the poor out of love for God and for the poor. In the United States several opportunities for almsgiving are provided to Catholics in their parish Churches during Lent: • Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – Fourth Sunday of Lent, March 18, 2012: CRS was formed by the Catholic Bishops of the U.S. in 1943 for the purpose of responding to the needs of victims of disaster overseas. It has permanent locations in one hundred countries and enjoys an “A” rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy. It operates with very low overhead with ninety-five percent (95%) of its income going to programs. When there is a catastrophe somewhere in the world, such as the earthquake in Haiti, there is usually an outpouring of generosity on the part of people who want to help. This is good. I tell Catholics that if they give annually to CRS chances are that relief is already being given in their name. CRS is a good and holy cause. (For more information check online at www.crs.org). • Operation Rice Bowl: This program of

Annual St. Michael Altar Society Tea

prayer, fasting and almsgiving is offered in many parishes. For more information, see the CRS website listed above. • On Good Friday there is an offering taken for the Holy Land. Christians there, like in so many places in the Middle East, are enduring severe hardships and persecution including ethnic cleansing. This too is a worthy cause. With regard to prayer, I feel safe in saying that, for most of us, there is a need for more of it and for prayer of a better quality. Many Catholics take a penance of attending daily Mass during Lent. Some are not able to do this because of other obligations, but everyone can give more attention to prayer in some way. The Church requires fasting and abstinence on a few days during Lent. Most pastors inform parishioners of their obligations. The Church’s fast is the basis for many Lenten penances of giving something up. These are worthy practices if, as the Lord said, they are done for the right reasons. The Penitential practices of almsgiving, prayer, and fasting form part of sound Christian spirituality. They have for centuries brought people closer to Jesus and to the Father. They can do so for us, even if we didn’t start on Ash Wednesday.

RCIA workshop The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Christian Formation would like to remind everyone of an upcoming RCIA workshop on April 21. The free workshop will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Church in Lafayette. The topic will be “Annulments.” The workshop will address several

of the questions that constantly arise from various parishes in the diocese and will thus provide a forum in which they may gather and discuss common problems, and also learn from one another’s experiences. All parishes that conduct the RCIA process are encouraged to attend. Those who are interested should register with Lynne Broussard by calling (337) 261-5674.

(At left) In Crowley, the St. Michael Altar Society Annual Tea was recently enjoyed by all those in attendance. The purpose of the Altar Society is to promote the spiritual advancement of its members, and to provide for the care and needs of the church parish. Pictured above are members Georgie Petitjean, Carolyn Sittig, Jo Ann LeBlanc, and Sarah Bercier. Photo submitted by Elsie Rowell

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2012 priest jubilarians to be honored during Chrism Mass

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese will honor its 2012 priest jubilarians as part of the Chrism Mass to be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Holy Thursday (April 5). The term “jubilarian” refers to one who is celebrating a milestone anniversary, in this case a priest’s ordination to the priesthood and continuing devotion to serving the people of God. This year’s priest honorees include Fathers Louis Vernon Ledoux; Ralph James Landry; Austin Leger; Henry J. Broussard; Anthony H. Ostini, SJ; L.F. Jose Padinjarepeedika, CMI; and Randall Paul Moreau. Father Louis Vernon Ledoux is celebrating 60 years in the priesthood. He was ordained for the Lafayette Diocese on December 27, 1952 and later served as pastor of St. Mary Parish in Port Barre. Though he is now retired and residing in New York, he also served as a chaplain of the Armed Services. Father Ralph James Landry is celebrating the 50th anniver-

sary of his ordination on June 6, 1962. His first assignment was to Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish Fr. Ralph Landry in Lake Charles. Though he is now retired, he also served the parishes of St. Ann’s in Mamou, St. Joseph’s in Iota, St. Michael’s in Crowley, St. Catherine’s in Arnaudville, St. Edward’s in Richard, St. Joseph’s in Plaisance, Holy Trinity and Immaculate Conception in Washington, St. Anthony’s in Krotz Springs, and Sts. Peter & Paul and St. Martin de Porres in Scott. In regards to those who influenced his decision to become a priest, Father Landry credits the Brothers of the Christian Schools DeLaSalle, Bishop Warren Boudreaux, and Fathers Floyd Calais and Charles Soileau.

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Father Austin Leger is also celebrating 50 years in the priesthood. He was ordained on June 2, 1962 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Now retired, in the past he served the parishes of Holy Rosary in Kaplan, St. Landry in Opelousas, St. Peter in Morrow, St. Francis Regis and St. Catherine in Arnaudville, St. Bridget in Lawtell, and St. Martin de Tours in St. Martinville. He also served as diocesan consultor and a member of the Priests’ Council, and as chaplain for the 4th Degree KC Council #2213. Father Henry J. Broussard is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination. He was ordained on April 22, 1972 at St. Anthony Church in his hometown of Eunice. Presently, he serves as pastor of St. John Berchmans Parish in Cankton. His past parish assignments have included St Michael’s in Crowly, St. Joseph’s in Rayne, Sacred Heart in Ville Platte, St. Joseph’s in Evangeline, Holy Rosary in Kaplan, St. John in Henry, St. Bridget’s in Lawtell, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Leroy, and St. Basil’s in Judice. Father Anthony Ostini, SJ, is also celebrating his 40th anniversary as a Jesuit priest. Originally Fr. Anthony Ostini, SJ from Mobile, AL, he received his higher education from local Spring Hill College as

well as St. Louis University, MO. He was ordained on May 19, 1972 in St. Joseph Chapel at Spring Hill College, and his first assignment was to serve as chaplain of Jesuit High School in New Orleans, LA. Throughout the years, Father Ostini also served as rector of the same school, as well as spiritual director/professor at Notre Dame Seminary, NOLA, superior/director at Manresa House of Retreats in Convent. Presently, he serves as rector of St. Charles College and spiritual director of the Jesuit Spirituality Center, both in Grand Coteau. Father L.F. Jose Padinjarepeedika, CMI is also celebrating 40 years as a priest with the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate. A native of Kerela, India, he was ordained on December 8, 1972 and served in Delhi from 1984-1993. He is a former Superior of CMI House and came to the Lafayette Diocese in May of 2005 to serve as pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish in Coteau Holmes. He continues to serve there, as well as at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Melville. Father Randall Paul Moreau is celebrating 25 years in the priesthood. A graduate of St. Edmund School in his hometown of Fr. Randall Moreau Eunice, Father Moreau received his higher education from the University of Dallas/Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, TX, and Notre Dame continued on page 13

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Jubilarians

Seminary in New Orleans, LA. He was ordained on May 23, 1987 at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette before being assigned as Associate Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Abbeville, where he remained in 1990. Other pastoral assignments have included service at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Jeanerette, St. Peter Parish in Grand Prairie, Our Lady Queen of Saints Parish in Ville Platte, St. Anne Parish

in Cow Island, and Sts. Peter & Paul Parish in Scott. At the present time, he is in residence at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Church Point. “My parents’ living of their faith and teaching it to me and my brother and sister led me to be open to the call of God,” reflected Father Moreau when asked about the influences on his vocational calling. “Our parish priests’ encouragement helped me to think more seriously about and pursue a possible vocation to the priesthood.”

LAFAYETTE Congratulations are extended to Mr. André Courville, music director at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette, for recently taking the top prize in the district competition of the prestigious Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Mr. Courville also placed second in the regional competition. The Metropolitan Opera National Council was founded in 1952. The purpose of the National Council Auditions Program is to find exceptionally talented opera singers, to assist in their development, to discover new talent for the metropolitan and other opera companies here and abroad, and to search for possible participants in the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program of the Metropolitan Opera Association. Every year around 1,500 singers compete across the country. Mr. Courville, who was valedictorian of the 2004 graduating class of Cecilia High School, began studying voice during his fresh-

man year. He went on to attend Loyola University in New Orleans as a vocal performance major and also continued his stud- André Courville ies privately in New York and Philadelphia. He has played the organ for 18 years, began his first church job at the age of 12, and was a featured harpsichord soloist with the Acadiana Symphony in last year’s performance of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. Last summer, Mr. Courville also spent nearly two months in New York City, singing the lead bass role in Puccini’s La Rondine with the Martina Arroyo Foundation. Mr. Courville’s next local performance will be as the bass soloist with Chorale Acadienne in Beethoven’s Mass in C on Friday, April 20 at 7:30pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette.

continued from page 12

Music director of Our Lady of Fatima wins top prize at district competition

St. Francis School students help Faith House

St. Francis School in Iota collected items needed for Faith House, including baby items, blankets, and stuffed animals. On hand for the presentation to Faith House were (L/R) Ryley Crochet, Joseph Dupre, Tricia Jones with Faith House, Braeden Hebert, and Sydnee Siebert. Photo submitted by St. Francis School

March 2012 Page 13

Disc One

Baptism Disc TwO Communion Disc Three Confirmation Disc FOur marriage Disc Five reConCiliation Disc six ordination Disc seven anointing

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Acadiana Catholic

Rite of Election brings catechumens one step closer in their journey to join the faithful of the Catholic Church

LAFAYETTE On the first Sunday of Lent, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafaytte hosted the Rite of Election, during which catechumens from throughout the diocese were declared members of the Elect. The Rite of Election is a significant ceremony within the the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). “I know one of the focal points of today’s gathering is the idea of people seeking the Sacrament of Baptism and being received into full communion with the Church,” stated Bishop Michael Jarrell. “We all rejoice in that fact today and the gift of faith which has been given to all of us. “This is indeed a happy and joyous day for me,” he continued. “This is a very special day for me. This is a very special gathering I look forward to each year because it is a meeting of faith, a meeting of people who have become Catholic, or aspired to be Catholic, who work for the church, a variety of people but all of us called to the same thing, to friendship with Christ, and to grow in Communion with Him.” During the ceremony, parish presenters read the names of their church parish’s catechumens from the Book of Elect. As their names were read, the catechumens approached Bishop Jarrell as he stood on the altar of the cathedral, waiting to shake each one’s hand in greeting. Altogether, 38 church parishes participated in the Rite of Elec-

comed as full-fledged members of the Catholic Church during individual parish celebrations of the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. A special thanks is extended to all of this year’s catechumens and candidates, godparents and sponsors, as well as to the presenters, RCIA teams, priests, and deacons who have participated in and supported the RCIA programs in their church parishes. Watch the Rite of Election

During the Rite of Election, catechumens from throughout the Lafayette Diocese were presented to Bishop Jarrell at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. Photo by P.C. Piazza

tion ceremony, to present a total of 84 catechumens and 129 candidates to Bishop Jarrell. The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Radio/TV Ministry filmed the Rite of Election ceremony, which will air at various times on Acadiana Open Channel (Cox

Photo by P.C. Piazza

As their names were read from the Book of Elect, each catechumen approached Bishop Jarrell where he stood on the altar of the cathedral. Photo by P.C. Piazza

Ch. 15). Please refer to the AOC programming scheduled at www. aocinc.org for viewing times. The Rite of Election video will also be posted online at www.diolaf.org. To view the video, please select “Radio TV Ministry” from the green OFFICES tab located along the top of the home page. The catechumens will be wel-

To watch the Lafayette Diocese’s 2012 Rite of Election Ceremony, please visit the “Radio TV Ministry” section of the diocesan website at www.diolaf.org. The Rite of Election will also air at various times on Acadiana Open Channel (Cox. Ch 15). For AOC’s programming schedule, please visit www.aocinc.org.

Acadiana Catholic

March 2012 Page 15

A reminder of the Catholic Church’s Lenten regulations

LAFAYETTE The Roman Catholic Church’s observation of Lent began on February 22, with the observation of Ash Wednesday. On this day of fast and abstinence, many Catholics attended Mass and received the ashes as a symbol of our dependence on God’s mercy and forgiveness. During this Lenten season, the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (www.usccb. org) reminds us all that: “The three traditional pillars of Lenten observance are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The Church asks us to surrender ourselves to prayer and to the reading of Scripture, to fasting and to giving alms. The fasting that all do together on Fridays is but a sign of the daily Lenten discipline of individuals and households: fasting for certain periods of time, fasting from certain foods, but also fasting from other things and activities. Likewise, the giving of alms is some effort to share this world equally—not only through the distribution of money, but

through the sharing of our time and talents. “The key to fruitful observance of these practices is to recognize their link to baptismal renewal. We are called not just to abstain from sin during Lent, but to true conversion of our hearts and minds as followers of Christ. We recall those waters in which we were baptized into Christ’s death, died to sin and evil, and began new life in Christ.” Every Catholic, even children and older adults, should participate in some way in the spiritual disciplines and penitential practices of Lent in order to go up to Jerusalem with Jesus. These are the regulations for the Church in the United States. • Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence. This means that we do not eat meat and we have only one full meal. Concerning the Good Friday fast, the Second Vatican Council teaches: “Let the Easter fast be kept sacred. Let it be celebrated everywhere on Good Friday and, where possible, pro-

longed throughout Holy Saturday, so that the joys of the Sunday of the Resurrection may be attained with uplifted and clear mind.” • The other Fridays of the season of Lent are also days of abstinence from meat. The obligation to abstain from meat binds Catholics 14 years of age and older. The obligation to fast, limiting oneself to one full meal and two lighter meals in the course of the day, binds Catholics from the age of 18 to 59. Those who are younger or older may freely embrace these disciplines. But Lenten disciplines should never endanger your health. • The Fridays of the year outside of Lent are also days of penance. Abstaining from meat is the traditional way of observing these days of penance. However, each person is free to replace the traditional abstinence from meat with some other practice of voluntary self-denial or personal penance. It is obvious that abstaining from meat is meaningless for vegetarians, who must choose some other form of abstinence. It

is equally obvious that replacing meat with a gourmet seafood meal is not in keeping with the spirit of Lent. Abstaining from meat may be replaced on Fridays during the year with abstaining from some other food. It may also be replaced with time spent reading and studying the Scriptures, special prayers, such as the rosary or visits to the Blessed Sacrament, acts of thoughtfulness and charity to those in need, or acts of personal witness to one’s faith, such as teaching a religion class or speaking out on the sinfulness of abortion, euthanasia, racism, and other social evils. • While the season of Lent is the primary period of Catholic penitential practices, these regulations are not intended to limit the occasions of Christian penance. The practice of spiritual discipline is always appropriate during periods of special need for the individual and the larger community. Parishes, for example, may undertake such disciplines continued on page 17

2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection Saturday, April 14, 2012 | 8:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church | Lafayette, Louisiana Guest Speakers:

Dave and Joan Maroney, Mother of Mercy Messengers All are invited to attend a special “2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection” on Saturday, April 14, 2012, from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2319 Johnston Street, Lafayette. Registration and Exhibits open at 7:15 a.m. Our theme for the day is “Spark of Mercy”.

Roy Petitfils, Counselor, Speaker, Author and Writer Annie Karto, Catholic Singer and Songwriter Fred Berretta, Speaker, Author, Survivor—“Miracle on the Hudson”

Registration is $25.00 per person and includes lunch; additional details are below. Please complete the Registration Form and submit as indicated. For more information, please contact Mary Bergeron (337-6548682 or mbergeron@centralregiononline.org) or visit www.centralregiononline.org. Sponsored by Central Region, Diocese of Lafayette, and Holy Trinity Catholic Resource Center

2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection—Saturday, April 14, 2012 Registration—$25.00 per person (includes lunch) Name (please print):______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________________ Phone:_______________________________ Amount Enclosed:_______________________________________

Check No.:_______________________________

Email:________________________________

Please submit one Registration Form for each participant. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis through Thursday, April 5, 2012, or until sold out. Registrations will not be accepted at the door. Checks should be made payable to “Vicar’s Account— Central Region” and mailed to Central Region, Diocese of Lafayette, 140 Decal Road, Lafayette, LA 70508. Exhibits featuring our speakers and sponsors will have items for sale (cash or check only, please). Host hotel is Hilton Garden Inn (2350 W. Congress Street, Lafayette; 337-291-1977; Group Code “DMCONF”). Please bring a jacket or sweater for your personal comfort. For more information, please contact Mary Bergeron (337-654-8682; mbergeron@centralregiononline.org) or visit www.centralregiononline.org.

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March 2012 Page 17

Central region to host two events for Divine Mercy Sunday

LAFAYETTE The Central Region of the Lafayette Diocese is pleased to announce two special events which will be held in conjunction with the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. On Saturday, April 14, Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette will host the 2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection (please see the registration flyer located on page 15 of this edition). Registration and exhibits will open at 7:15 a.m., with presentations to begin at 8:00 a.m. The “Spark of Mercy” theme will be supported by speakers Joan and Dave Maroney of Mother of Mercy Messengers; local counselor, speaker, and author Roy Petitfils; Catholic singer and songwriter Annie Karto; and Fred Berretta, speaker, survivor, and author of Miracle on the Hudson.

Joan and Dave Maroney

Joan and Dave Maroney are Directors of “Mother of Mercy Messengers”, an apostolate of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception from the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Since 1999, they have delivered more than 700 inspiring multimedia Catholic programs supporting their mission to bring the Divine Mercy message to families, parishes and communities and putting mercy into action. The Maroneys operate their ministry in the Texas Hill Country outside San Antonio, Texas. R o y Petitfils earned his Masters in counseling from UL-Lafayette and is a proud Roy Petitfils

alumnus of St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington. He is the author of several books, and for the last five years has written a monthly internationally syndicated column called “Our Young Church.” He has served as a religion teacher and director of campus ministry at St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, and as a counselor and administrator at St. Cecilia School in Broussard. Currently, he is a counselor intern at Pax Renewal Center in Lafayette. Annie Karto belongs to the Eucharistic Apostles of the Divine Mercy, an outreach of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The title Annie Karto song of her hit CD, Overshadow Me, won liturgical song of the year in 2002. The song “I Am Yours”, a song of consecration to the Blessed Mother, won an international award in Guatemala in November 2002. Annie has traveled extensively and appeared on EWTN’s Backstage program. She frequently sings and speaks at parishes and conferences across the country and internationally. She is married to Dave Karto. Annie was featured as Singer and Speaker for the “Divine Mercy Conference 2010” in Lafayette, Louisiana. Fred Berretta grew up in southeast Florida and is the son of a stockbroker. As a young boy, his parents’ divorce parked his search for a greater truth in life. While exFred Berretta posed to many different Christian faiths during his youth, he embraced Catholicism in his mid-twenties. Through the span of a twenty year investment management career, he did his best

2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection Saturday, April 14 7:15 AM until 3:30 PM Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette The day’s theme will be “Spark of Mercy” (Please see the flyer on page 15 for registration details)

Central Region’s Divine Mercy Celebration

Sunday, April 15 2:00 PM Our Lady of Fatima Church, Lafayette Bishop Michael Jarrell will celebrate Mass at 3:00 PM For more information, please contact Mary Bergeron by telephone (337) 654-8682 or email at mbergeron@centralregiononline. org. Details may also be found at www.centralregiononline.org or www.diolaf.org/centralregion.

to live his faith fully in the midst of a demanding job, constant change, business travel, fathering four children and losing a parent and a son in the same year. His experience of surviving a near-death plane crash on January 15, 2009 in the Hudson River profoundly impacted his Catholic faith journey and led him to a deeper realization of the importance of trusting in God’s mercy and providence. For more information on the 2012 Divine Mercy Day of Reflection, please contact Mary Bergeron by telephone (337) 654-8682 or email at mbergeron@centralregiononline.org. Details may also be found at www.centralregiononline.org or www.diolaf.org/ centralregion. In addition to the Day of Reflection, Our Lady of Fatima will also host the Central Region’s annual celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on April 15. This special afternoon of prayer will include the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and other prayers, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell at 3:00 p.m., with Father Hampton Davis (Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Lafayette) to serve as homilist. Very Rev. Thomas

James, SVD, VE, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Region, will concelebrate along with other clergy from the region and across the area. Additional details regarding the Divine Mercy celebration are also available online, or by contacting Mary Bergeron.

Lenten regulations continued from page 15

as part of their communal prayer for vocations or the eradication of a problem in the community. • The Catholic faithful should be reminded of the teaching of Pope Paul VI concerning the seriousness of being faithful to Lenten disciplines. He said that the obligation to follow these disciplines in solidarity with the Church is a serious one. However, Catholics should not become scrupulous in this regard. Failure to observe individual days of penance is not considered a serious matter. However, the faithful should look for ways to do more rather than less. Fast and abstinence on the days prescribed, and works of religion and charity on the Fridays outside Lent, should be considered a minimal response to the call of Jesus to go up to Jerusalem with Him in order that we might experience true Christian conversion in our lives.

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Acadiana Catholic

Our Lady of Wisdom Church & Catholic Student Center celebrates 70 years

LAFAYETTE Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Catholic Student Center on the UL campus in Lafayette is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. All are invited to the anniversary celebration mass on Friday, March 23 at 12:00 noon. After Mass, lunch will be served for all students and alumni. The Ragin’ Cajun Catholic Student Ministry is one of the oldest and most prestigious student groups on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Beginning in 1923, Catholic students of the Southwestern Louisiana Institute had an organization to call their own in the Newman Club. Named for Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman and long recognized as an organization representative of Catholic students on secular university campuses, the Newman Club was established at what is now known as UL Lafayette. In 1924, members of the Newman Club expressed the need for a clubhouse. That desire came to fruition 18 years later when the Most Reverend Joseph R. Rummel, Archbishop of New Orleans, dedicated Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Catholic Student Center. It marked the beginning of a significant era in the presence of the Catholic Church on

Situated on the UL campus in Lafayette, Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Catholic Student Center was established in 1942 in order to serve the spiritual needs of UL students and faculty. Photo submitted by Katie Austin

the campus of a secular college in Southwest Louisiana. Thanks to the continual growth of the Catholic Student Ministry, a number of additions and renovations have happened in the decades following, most notably, the expansion and renovation of the Church in 1965 and 2007, and the Catholic Student Center in 1955 and 1966. On any day of the week the Catholic Student Center is buzzing with students meeting for Bible studies, catching up on homework, hanging out between classes, or planning one of the 20+ student-led programs.

Located adjacent to Our Lady of Wisdom Chapel, the center features a café area with free WiFi, a library with study space, classrooms, meeting spaces, the

Jeanmard Hall banquet facility, offices for the pastor and chaplain, FOCUS team, and Wisdom staff, and a 24-hour adoration chapel. Over the last several decades, the presence of the Catholic Church on UL’s campus has been a home away from home for an untold number of students, served thousands of free lunches, featured nationally renown speakers such as Flannery O’Connor, Mortimer Adler, Peter Kreeft, Brant Pitre, and Curtis Martin, introduced countless young couples resulting in hundreds of holy marriages, fostered dozens of vocations, and has been essential to the development of many of today’s local Catholic leaders. For more information on Catholic campus ministry at UL, check out www.RaginCajunCatholics.org.

For more information on Catholic campus ministry at UL, check out www.RaginCajunCatholics.org. Photo submitted by Katie Austin

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Acadiana Catholic

St. Bernard School participates in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Change for Milesâ&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Changes for Milesâ&#x20AC;? has become a Catholic Schools Weeks tradition for students of St. Bernard School in Breaux Bridge. This year, the school raised $7, 359.76 to help support cancer patients through Miles Perret Cancer Services. Since the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Change for Milesâ&#x20AC;? program began in 2008, St. Bernard School has contributed more than $32,500. Photo submitted by St. Bernard School

Notre Dame seniors celebrate Literacy Week

March 2012 Page 19

Come, Lord Jesus! Conference March 23-24 LAFAYETTE The annual Come, Lord Jesus! Conference will take place during the weekend of March 23-24 at the Holiday Inn in Lafayette. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event will feature a Friday evening â&#x20AC;&#x153;retreatâ&#x20AC;? with confession beginning at 6:30 p.m. and Mass at 7:00 p.m., followed by Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the rosary, and spiritual meditations by Father Conley Bertrand, Founder and Director of the Come, Lord Jesus! Program. The evening

will end with Benediction and Divine Praises at 10:00 p.m. Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schedule will begin with the celebration of Mass at 8:00 a.m., followed by the start of the conference at 9:15 a.m. The dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s speaker will be Dr. Brant Pitre, who will present three conferences on his latest book, Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist. All events and activities are scheduled to conclude at approximately 2:00 p.m. For further details, please contact the Come, Lord Jesus! office at (337) 233-6277.

OFFICIAL: Rev. Dan Picard has been appointed to the Office of Administrator of St. Mary Parish in Port Barre in addition to his present parochial assignment. Rev. Randall Moreau has been appointed as Sacramental Minister of St. Mary Parish in Port Barre. Rev. Godwin Nzeh, CMF, has left the Diocese of Lafayette. Rev. George Vaniyepurackal has left the Diocese of Lafayette

In honor of Literacy Week, seniors from Notre Dame High School in Crowley took the time to read with students at the Crowley Kindergarten. Photo submitted by Notre Dame High School

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Immaculée Ilibagiza conference Mar. 16-17

Immaculée Ilibagiza, survivor of the Rwandan Genocide, is shown above during a trip home to her native village. Since escaping death in the horrific genocide that claimed the lives of approximately 20% of her country’s population, Immaculée has become a renowned advocate of prayer and peace. Photo submitted by Jan Risher

LAFAYETTE Immaculée Ilibagiza will return to Lafayette during the weekend of March 16-17 to host a conference at the Cajundome Convention Center. Doors to the conference are scheduled to open at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16, and a healing Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. All are invited, and participants may register online at www.Immaculée.com. For further information, please call (337) 2789257.

Acadiana Catholic

Father Arockiam: count your blessings

by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE “Each of us is blessed and each of us is a blessing,” Father Arockiam Arockiam, S.V.D., told those attending the February 7 Food for the Journey luncheon meeting. Father Arockiam, a native of India, is pastor of St. Joseph, Broussard. He recalled his own personal blessings, growing up in his village in India. Four girls had been born before him, and his mother visited a shrine praying for a son. She promised to name him Arockiam after his father and the shrine which was named Arockiamatha. His parents sacrificed to provide him a good education. However, he conceded to be a “rascal” and got kicked out of schools, including the Divine Word Seminary. Somewhere along the way he came to his senses, persevered in his studies for the priesthood, and was ordained for the Divine Word Missionaries. “That doesn’t mean I was without trouble. . .even today I have my own way of doing things and funny ways that make people mad at me,” Father Arockiam noted. “All I know is that the Lord has given me this precious call to be His servant and He will guide me through and use me for His good in spite of my humanness and imperfections. “Why did the Lord allow me to experience such poverty and so many blessings and help from so many friends all over the world?”

he asked. “How did I end up in this part of the world in this Cajun country which I like so much, my ministry and people and friends that I became a citizen? “As I said in the beginning, we all are blessed by God. Yes, I too am blessed in a special way, with a precious vocation to the priesthood, with simple hardworking and self-giving parents, a wonderful international family called the Society of the Divine Word,” Father Arockiam continued. “When the Lord formed me in the womb He had His own special plan for me. He allowed me to be mischievous and live in poverty, to grow by the help and mercy of others, so that I can be more tolerant, understanding and compassionate toward others’ faults and imperfections, to have a special heart for the poor and the needy. “I am a blessing to the Society of the Divine Word and I try my best to be a blessing to the people to whom I am sent. Please pray for me that I may continue to be a faithful servant of God and a friend to His people. “Each one of us is a miracle. Let us always count His blessings and be a blessing to each other,” he concluded. Father Arockiam was introduced by Mary Bergeron, executive secretary to Father Thomas James, S.V.D., Vicar for the Central Region which sponsors Food for the Journey on the first Tuesday of each month at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Several priests were present for the February 2012 session of “Food for the Journey”. Pictured L/R are Fr. Vincent Alexius, SVD( Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church, Baton Rouge), Very Rev. Thomas James, SVD, VE (Episcopal Vicar of the Central Region), Fr. Robert Seay, OFM (Pastor of St. Paul the Apostle Church, Lafayette), speaker Fr. Arockiam Arockiam, SVD (Pastor of St. Joseph Church, Broussard & St. Anthony Chapel, Cade) Fr. Anderson De Souza, SVDv (Associate Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Lafayette) and Fr. Lambert Lein, SVD (Pastor of St. Anthony Church, Lafayette). Also present but not pictured was Rev. Glenn Meaux, SOLT Haiti Mission. Photo submitted by Mary Bergeron

Acadiana Catholic

March 2012 Page 21

2012 Lenten missions and activities in the Lafayette Diocese

LAFAYETTE The Lenten season is one of intense reflection and preparation for the coming celebration of Easter Sunday. To help guide Catholics throughout the area in these endeavors, the following list of Lenten missions and activities has been compiled. Please note that this is not necessarily a complete list of all Lenten missions that have been scheduled in the Lafayette Diocese. Individuals are encouraged to refer to their local church parish bulletins for additional events and information. St. Mary Mother of the Church in Lafayette has scheduled its Lenten retreat for 6:30-7:30 p.m. each Tuesday evening throughout Lent. The selected theme is “Food from Heaven: The Eucharist in Scripture” and presentations will be made by Susan Castille. Further details may be requested by contacting Cindy Guidry at (337) 981-3379, ext. 231. St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville will host a “Theology of the Body” series for adults at 6:30 p.m. on all five Sundays during Lent. There is no fee, but participants must register by calling (337) 893-0244. St. John the Evangelist Church in Mermentau will host adult Catholic formation classes at 6:00 p.m. on each Tuesday throughout the Lenten season. The classes, which are open to all those ages 18 and above, will focus on the “Catholicism” series by Father Robert Barron. Classes will conclude on the evening of Palm Sunday with a viewing and ex-

planation of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Erath will host a special bible study with pastor Father Bill Melancon each Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. and each Thursday at 6:00 p.m. throughout the Lenten season. St. Pius X Church in Lafayette is hosting a six-week Lenten scripture study of Dr. Scott Hahn’s entitled “The Bible and the Virgin Mary.” The study will be conducted every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. inside SPES library. For further information, please contact Ashton Mouton by telephone at (337) 232-4656 or email at evangelization@stpiusxchurch.org. Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Coteau will host a video presentation of An Introduction to the Theology of the Body: Discovering the Master Plan for Your Life from 6:00-8:30 p.m. during every Tuesday in Lent. St. Peter Church in New Iberia will host the Way of the Cross at 6:00 p.m. every Friday during the Lenten season. Additionally, the KC Council #1208 will host the Way of the Cross at 4:30 p.m. every Friday in Holy Family Cemetery. From March 7-8, Immaculate Conception Church in Washington will host Father Richard Vidrine, CHC USNR, Pastor of St. Peter Church in Grand Prairie. Father Vidrine’s talks, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening, will center on “Remaining a Faithful Catholic in a Changing/Challenging World” and will

be appropriate for all ages. The presentations will be followed by the opportunity for confession each evening. On March 10, a Lenten Morning of Recollection for Men will be held inside the Rayne Catholic Elementary Schools chapel. Led by Father William Ruskoski and Deacon Tim Ledet, the morning is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. . For more information, please call the parish office at (337) 334-2193. From March 12-13, St. Anthony Church in Lafayette will host its Lenten revival with Father Stephan Brown, SVD. The revival will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening; more information may be obtained by contacting the parish office at (337) 234-5855. Also from March 12-13, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Broussard will host “Matthew Kelley’s Rediscover Catholicism” as presented by Fathers Louis Richard and Edward Duhon. The presentations, which will include the viewing of Matthew Kelley’s DVDs will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening. For more information, contact Sr. Carmelita Latiolais at (337) 837-1864. From March 12-14, St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville will host Father Joshua Guillory, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Ville Platte. The mission is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. each evening. Also from March 12-14, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lafayette will present “Seeking God, Finding God” with Father Chester Smith, SVD. A mu-

sical prelude will begin at 6:45 p.m. each evening, with the mission to be conducted from 7:008:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the parish office at (337) 235-4618. Also from March 12-14, Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Erath will host its parish mission with Father Clint Trahan, beginning at 6:00 p.m. each evening. From March 12-15, St. Anne Church in Cow Island will host Deacon Cody Miller, whose topics will include The Church: Splendor of Christ; The Creed; The Our Father; The Hail Mary; and The Eucharist. For starting times, please contact the parish office at (337) 643-7714. Also from March 12-15, St. Pius X Church in Lafayette will host “Road to Emmaus” with Linda and Deacon Glenn Harmon. The sessions will be held at 7:00 p.m. each evening, with an additional morning session also scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on March 14. For further details, please contact Vicki Custer at (337) 232-4656. Also from March 12-15, St. Anthony of Padua Church in Eunice will host its parish mission beginning at 6:30 p.m. each evening. The presenter will be Father Rudy Papes. On March 17, a Lenten Morning of Recollection for Women will be held inside St. Joseph Church in Rayne. Led by Father William Ruskoski and spiritual director Mary Comeaux, the morning is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. For more continued on page 27

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Acadiana Catholic

March 2012 Page 23

The Stations of the Cross The First Station Pilate Condemns Jesus to Die We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world God is condemned…to death! Pilate represents the world with its ambitions, comfort, and empty promises. He finds truth uncomfortable and thus closes his mind to Jesus: “What is truth?” And He hands Jesus over to be crucified. Have I have become a Pilate to Jesus? I have remained silent in public when Truth is denied, condemned, and rejected. The innocent suffer and die while I condemn Christ, remaining silent and refusing to act. Jesus, forgive me for all the times I have failed to defend you and your little ones in the world, especially the unborn. May I never again be afraid of the Gospel! Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Second Station Jesus Accepts His Cross

We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world “The Sin of the Century is the loss of the sense of sin.” The weight of the sin of the world is laid upon the already bruised, lacerated, and bleeding shoulders of Jesus. How excruciating is that cross that I helped fashion! And, yet, for love of me and for love of them, He stretches to embrace it…He kisses it…and carries my guilt away. “Upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole, by His stripes we have been healed” (Is. 53:5). Jesus, in pondering this Station of the Cross, give me a true sense of sin so that I might come to know True Love. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Third Station Jesus Falls for the First Time We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world Oh the Humility of God! We do not have a God Who saves us from afar, but rather One Who became like us in all things except sin. We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with us, but rather One who allowed Himself to be beset with weakness. Under the crippling weight of the Cross Jesus fell with me, so that with Him I might get back up and follow after Him. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine! Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

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Acadiana Catholic

The Fourth Station Jesus Meets His Sorrowful Mother

We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world

There is a proverb, “Behind every great man there is a great woman.” Behind the Great Man of Sorrows is the bereft Mother of Sorrows. Jesus could have arranged for His Mother to be “out of town” on Good Friday. And yet Jesus loved Mary more than that. He allowed her the privilege of being with Him in His sorrow. Mary loved Jesus enough to let Him suffer and die in order that we might live. How unlike Jesus and Mary I am! How impure yet is my love! Mary, you understood God’s Plan in the life of your Son. You met Him along the way and were a consolation to Him in His pain and loneliness. Teach me about the mystery of suffering! Do for me what you did for Jesus! Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Fifth Station

We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world

Simon of Cyrene Helps Carry the Cross

The slow death march suddenly halts. Jesus seems unable to proceed much further. The soldiers, not wanting Him to die prior to crucifixion, force Simon to help Jesus. Can we not imagine that what Simon initially shunned he in due time came to embrace as an honor and grace? “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Lk. 9:23). Jesus, give me your Cross! May I not need to be forced, but may I willingly help you carry your Cross in the sick, the lonely, the prisoner, and the dying. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Sixth Station Vernonica Wipes the Face of Jesus

We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world

Little things done with great love. How moving is this example from tradition! A courageous woman approaches the inapproachable Man of Sorrows, with nothing to offer Him but to wipe His blood and dust stained Face with her veil! And yet, even more amazing, Jesus lets her love Him! In extending mercy to Mercy, she receives Mercy! His true image is left imprinted on her veil. Jesus, save me from my damnable pride. Never let me refuse to give and receive such little acts done with such great love. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Seventh Station Jesus Falls for the Second Time We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world Jesus rolls to the ground, again. Is He tempted to stop now? I would be! He has come so far in loving me, and yet the hill of Calvary is yet at a distance. It would be so much easier to succumb to temptation, weakness, and pain, considering the past struggle exerted enough. No! Jesus does not stop. He gets up and continues on. My Lord, like you, may I get up one more time than I fall. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

Acadiana Catholic

March 2012 Page 25

The Eighth Station Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem

We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world

Every fall, every hesitation of Jesus in His progress along the way unleashes a renewed inundation of scourging by the barbaric soldiers. And yet, Jesus stops when He notices this group of pious women weeping, and has words for them. His head is pounding with migraines, His body faints from loss of blood; His lips are swollen from the many falls and ensuing blows of the soldiers. Jesus lovingly bears it all to enter the suffering of others. When I hurt, I too often hurt others. I turn within in self-pity and become oblivious to those suffering around me. Jesus hurts and in that pain He perceives mine and reaches out. Jesus, help me to forget my own suffering and become sensitive to the suffering of my brothers and sisters. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Ninth Station We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world

Jesus Falls for the Third Time

Jesus collapses a third time. Again ensue the barrage of kicks, whipping, and mocking. The addict and the habitual sinner all find the inspiration and the strength to continue the daily battle with ourselves, the world, and the devil as Jesus slowly but resolutely rises yet again and sets His Face forward toward Calvary. “For the sake of the joy that was laid before Him, He endured the Cross and its shame” (Heb. 12:2). Jesus, give me hope! Then, like you, let me become an apostle of hope for all those tempted to despair. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Tenth Station Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world

Finally we arrive at the place of destiny. The cup of suffering is full. Can the Son of God be further abused? The soldiers grab at His garments and wrench them away exposing His Sacred Body. His wounds are once again opened and He grimaces in pain. Yet, a far deeper wound is that of His soul. The Fairest of Men, the Most Chaste Jesus, sees and now experiences the Wounds of Humanity present today – pornography, masturbation, adultery, sexual abuse. The Temple of God, once radiant in beauty, is robbed of His dignity. Jesus, lover of chastity, make me chaste! Jesus, abused, heal all who have been robbed of their dignity through sexual sin. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Eleventh Station We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world

Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

The trembling Body of Jesus is stretched out across the cold cross. A soldier, hammer in hand, selects some large nails from a rusty bucket. Breathless, Mary watches. The pounding of the hammer begins, interspersed with shrill cries. Jesus prays aloud, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” As He had taught His disciples, Jesus forgives and prays for His enemies. Father of Mercy, Your Beloved Son, nailed to the Cross, prayed to You for me. I know You always hear and answer Your Son. I, too am your son! Answer my prayer! Give me your Son’s forgiveness. Forgive all those who cause me pain. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

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Acadiana Catholic

The Twelfth Station Jesus Dies Upon the Cross We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world The sun darkens as the last semblance of life fades from His Face. Jesus lifts His eyes toward heaven and prays a final time: “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46). He takes His last breath, and then gives up the spirit. A soldier, seeing the manner of His death, said: “Truly this man was the Son of God” (Mk. 15:39). Holy Spirit, breathe into me Jesus’ final breath! Inflame me with Jesus’ divine thirst for souls, His trust and surrender. Give me the Spirit of Jesus Crucified so that I might “daily carry in my own body the dying of Jesus” (cf. 2 Cor. 4:10) and thus help others to believe in Him. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Thirteenth Station Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross

We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world The limp, lifeless Body of Jesus is lowered from the Cross into the arms of His grief stricken Mother. She holds His head to her bosom and she often did in Bethelehem. At the Foot of the Cross Mary adores her God, dead in her arms. Life has died and all seems empty of promise. Yet, Mary hopes against hope. She believes His words, “Unless the grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat. But if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn. 12:24). Mary waits and so must I. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

The Fourteenth Station Jesus is Placed in the Tomb We adore Thee O Christ and we praise Thee Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou has redeemed the world Mary is not able to hold Jesus long. His Body must be buried quickly. The Passion continues. The Sacred Body of Jesus, lifeless, remains the Son of God. God experiences being a corpse and is buried. The Soul of Christ, also united to the Person of the Son, descends into the Hell of the Just. The great silence of Holy Saturday prolongs the self-emptying of Jesus. What is emptied will be soon filled. Jesus, mould me in Your likeness. Share Your Passion with me. And, as Mother Teresa would often pray, let me always remember that Your Passion ends with the joy of the Resurrection. Our Father. . . .Hail Mary. . . .Glory Be. . . .

Meditations on the Stations of the Cross by Father Michael Champagne, CJC Photos of the Stations of the Cross (Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Broussard) by Stephanie R. Martin

Acadiana Catholic

Lenten activities continued from page 21

information, please call the parish office at (337) 334-2193. From March 19-20, St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Lafayette will present “Forgiveness” with Deacon Nelson Schexnayder. The mission will be begin at 7:00 p.m. each evening, with further details available by calling the parish office at (337) 235-1483. From March 19-21, St. Joseph Church in Maurice will host a mission revival at 7:00 p.m. each evening, featuring Father Chester Smith, SVD. In anticipation of the mission, Father Smith will also preach at the 5:00 p.m. Mass on March 17 and the 10:00 a.m. Mass on March 18. Also from March 19-21, St. Bernard Church in Breaux Bridge will host its parish mission with the Sisters of Reparation of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The

mission, themed “Living the Beatitudes”, will begin at 7:00 p.m. each evening and will include Eucharistic Exposition, Benediction, and confession. Also following Benediction, veneration of a first-class relic of St. Faustina will be offered to those in attendance. Mass will be celebrated prior to the mission each evening at 6:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Nadine Cain at (337) 332-1237. Also from March 19-21, Our Lady of the Lake Church in Delcambre will host “Embracing Calvary” with Deacon Randy Hyde. The mission will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening. From March 20-22, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Church Point will host its parish mission beginning at 6:30 p.m. each evening. The speaker will be Father Dan Picard, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Port Barre, and his presentation

Redemptorist Schools students help others

As part of Catholic Schools Week activities at Redemptorist Catholic School in Crowley, Beta Club members collected new and gently used blankets to be donated to the poor to provide them with warmth during the remaining winter months. Additionally, the school’s 4-H Club held a food drive to help stock the shelves of Crowley Christian Care; the students were excited about the opportunity to help feed hungry families within their very own community. Photo submitted by Redemptorist Catholic School

will focus on the “Eucharistic Foretaste of Heaven.” From March 26-28, St. John the Evangelist Church in Mermentau will host the Sisters of Reparation of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as they present a mission on mercy and the Beatitudes. The mission will begin at 6:00 p.m. each evening; further information may be obtained by contact the parish at (337) 824-2278. Also from March 26-28, St. Joseph Church in Rayne will host its parish mission beginning at 7:00 p.m. each evening. The speaker will be Father Michael Russo, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette, who will offers insights into “A Faithful Heart”, “A Pure Heart”, and “A Contrite Heart”. Mass will be celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday evenings, and a penance service will be held on the Wednesday evening. For more information, please call the parish office at (337) 334-2193. Also from March 26-28, Christ the King Mission Chapel in Bellevue will host a mission beginning at 7:00 p.m. each evening. The presenter will be Deacon Ig-

March 2012 Page 27

natius Joseph. From March 26-29, St. Joseph Church in Parks will host its Lenten mission with Deacon Cody Miller. The mission will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening, with further details available by contacting the parish office at (337) 845-4168. From April 2-4, Nativity of Our Lady Church in New Iberia will host “The Seven Last Words of Jesus From the Cross” with Father Michael Champagne, CJC. The mission will be conducted from 6:30-7:30 p.m. each evening, with the opportunity for confession to be offered afterward. On April 6, Sacred Heart Church in Ville Platte will host its 25th Annual “Walk with Christ.” Participants will depart at 9:00 a.m. from the parking lot of Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, and the walk will conclude around noon at Sacred Heart Church. From April 11-13, St. Peter Church in New Iberia will hosts its parish mission with the Sisters of Divine Mercy. Their presentation is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. nightly.

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Acadiana Catholic

Seminarian reflects on recent meeting with Pope Benedict XVI

by Patrick Broussard LAFAYETTE Patrick Broussard is the son of Barbara and Steven J. Broussard, and a graduate of Lafayette High School. He entered seminary formation for the Lafayette Diocese in 2008 and was assigned to St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, LA. In the fall of 2010, he was accepted as a seminarian at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He is currently in Second Theology at the seminary in Rome. On January 26th, I had the great privilege of meeting the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. The reason for the visit was Bishop Jarrell’s Ad Limina Apostolorum visit (literally meaning “to the threshold of the Apostles”). Every bishop in the world must meet with the Holy Father once every five years. The purpose of this visit is for the bishops to make a pilgrimage to Rome in order to be renewed through prayer at various holy sites, including the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul, to gain a renewed sense of their mission as

Patrick Broussard, a seminarian of the Lafayette Diocese, was privileged to meet Pope Benedict XVI as part of the activities which occurred during Bishop Michael Jarrell’s recent Ad Limina vist to Rome. Photo copyrights owned by the Diocese of Lafayette

the successors of the Apostles, and to renew their union with the Successor of Peter, the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. The meeting with the Holy Father was brief, but it was something that I will always treasure. After making it to the Pope, I bent down and gave the traditional sign of respect by kissing his “fisherman’s ring”. After this I was able to utter “Holy Father,

We’re open when you close.

thank you for your faithfulness and service to the Church”. He thanked me and said four simple words which I will never forget: “PLEASE PRAY FOR ME”! These words may not seem too inspiring to some, but they struck deep in my heart. Why are these words so amazing to me? It’s simple. I look up to and greatly respect the Holy Father because of his holiness, faithfulness and untiring service on behalf of the Church and the People of God. To hear him utter these words reminds me that we can do nothing without God. I know this, but this holy man lives it. I think that this realization was accentuated because of something I recently read. In doing research, I came across a quote from an article from one of Pope Benedict’s first audiences held with a group of German pilgrims. In that audience, he said how he prayed that he would not

become pope. When he saw that it was likely that he would be elected, he had to come to accept this decision. He told them how he came to realize that “The ways of the Lord are not comfortable, but we were not created for comfort, but for greatness, for good.” The humility I have witnessed in Pope Benedict and in many other of our bishops and cardinals is truly inspiring. They realize that they are in no way worthy of the great task that has been entrusted to them. It is only by lives of constant prayer and reliance on God that they are able to carry out the duties their offices require. Having encounters with men of such heroic virtue gives me great hope. I realize that I am not worthy of the great calling which God has for me, but if I allow myself to rely on Him for strength, I too will be able to do what He is asking of me. During every Mass the Church prays for Pope Benedict. I also offer prayers for him every time I pray the rosary. Since meeting him and hearing him utter these simple humble words, praying for the Holy Father has taken on a whole new meaning. Please join me in praying for Pope Benedict, that he may continue to do God’s will and lead souls to heaven. I also ask that you pray for me, that I too will grow ever closer to our loving God and be more able to carry out His will in my life as I continue my formation to serve as a priest of Jesus Christ in the great Diocese of Lafayette. Please be assured of my prayers for all of you.

Catechist retreat to be held Apr. 14

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LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Christian Formation will sponsor a catechist retreat on Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m.12:00 noon at the St. Joseph Family Life Center in Rayne. The presenter will be Father Kendall Faulk, and the workshop is classified as Catechist Certification Level II: Catechist Retreat (4 credits, 3 hours). Catechist retreats may be repeated each year

for hours. The cost of registration is $10 per person, with checks made payable to the Office of Christian Formation. The deadline to register is March 23, and early registration is advised to ensure seating. Onsite registration on the day of the workshop will not be accepted. For additional information, please contact the Office of Christian Formation at (337) 2615550.

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March 2012 Page 29

Lenten opportunities for confession in the Lafayette Diocese

LAFAYETTE During the Lenten season, all Catholics are strongly encouraged to receive the sacrament of reconciliation in preparation for the celebration of Easter. To aid in this endeavor, the Executive Assistants of the four regions of the Lafayette Diocese have helped the Acadiana Catholic compose the following list of penance services and opportunities for confession. Other opportunities may also be available, and individuals are advised to refer to their local church parish bulletins for such schedules. Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Erath has scheduled additional confession times from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on every Wednesday during Lent. The opportunity for confession will also be made available at the church from 4:00-8:00 p.m. during Holy Week. On March 7, St. Bernard Church in Breaux Bridge will host one of five regionally sponsored opportunities for confession in the Central Region. Several priests will be available to hear confessions from 6:45-8:00 p.m.

From March 7-8, confessions will be heard at Immaculate Conception Church in Washington each evening after the parish mission, which begins at 6:30 p.m. On March 14, St. St. Anthony Church in Lafayette will host one of five regionally sponsored opportunities for confession in the Central Region. Several priests will be available to hear confessions from 7:00-8:30 p.m. On March 16, St. Mary Magdalen Church in Abbeville will host a penance service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Though hosted by St. Mary Magdalen, this event is jointly sponsored by St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church. On March 20, St. Charles Borremeo Church in Grand Coteau will host a penance service beginning at 7:00 p.m. From March 19-21, the opportunity for confession will be offered at St. Bernard Church in Breaux Bridge, in conjunction with the parish mission. On March 21, St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Lafayette will host one of five regionally sponsored oppor-

tunities for confession in the Central Region. Several priests will be available to hear confessions from 7:00-8:30 p.m. On March 27, Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Scott will host an opportunity for confession beginning at 7:00 p.m. Also on March 27, St. Ann Church in Mamou will host a penance service beginning at 6:00 p.m. On March 28, St. Joseph Church in Rayne will host a penance service in conjunction with its parish mission, which begins at 7:00 p.m. Also on March 28, St. Joseph Church in Parks will host an opportunity for confession. For more information, please contact the parish office at (337) 845-4168. On March 29, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Broussard will host one of five regionally sponsored opportunities for confession in the Central Region. Several priests will be available to hear confessions from 6:30-8:00 p.m. On April 2, St. Landry Church in Opelousas will host a city-wide penance service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Also on April 2, St. Anthony of Padua Church in Eunice will host a tri-parish penance service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Also on April 2, St. Peter Church in New Iberia will host a penance service from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Confessions will be heard at Nativity of Our Lady Church in New Iberia each evening from April 24, after the parish mission which is scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m. nightly.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend

BATON ROUGE A Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend has been scheduled for July 27-29 at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center in Baton Rouge. The weekend will offer married couples an opportunity to strengthen their relationship through a powerful experience focused on the sacrament of matrimony as a sign of love in a world that hungers for stability and commitment. To register, please contact Stacy and Jason Verret at 1-800-586-5469, or go online to www.wwme.org. Space is limited.

Page 30 March 2012

Registration for Cycle 3 of VLCFF

LAFAYETTE Registration for Cycle 3 of the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) will close on Wednesday, April 11. This particular cycle of the VLCFF, which will be conducted from April 15-May 5, is a seminars-only cycle. The seminars to be offered are: Designing a Parish Catechetical Plan; On Bended Knee; Our Hearts Were Burning; Overview of the GDC & NDC; and Theological Reflection: Key to Connecting Faith and Life. Residents of the Lafayette Diocese may participate at the cost of $40 per course, and successful completion may be applied toward a Certificate in Catechesis or continuing education hours as required by the Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools. Seminar descriptions, as well as a schedule of the remaining 2012 cycles, are also available online at www. vlc.udayton.edu. For further information on the partnership between the University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiative and the Lafayette Diocese, please contact the Office of Christian Formation at (337) 261-5550.

Nomination deadline is Mar. 31

Theology on Tap

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry would like to encourage all young adults to participate in Theology on Tap. Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Tsunami Sushi in Lafayette. The next Theology on Tap evening is scheduled for March 21, during which participants will be treated to a presentation from the Sisters of Reparation. Additional upcoming speakers for the program include Ed Boustany (April 18), and Katie and Kyle Hodges (May 16). For additional information about Theology on Tap, please contact the Office of Marriage & Family Life Ministry at (337) 261-5653.

Sacred Heart students serve food to homeless

As part of Catholic Schools Week, sophomore students from Sacred Heart School in Ville Platte visited St. Joseph’s Diner in Lafayette to help serve food to the homeless. The diner, which is part of Lafayette Catholic Service Centers, has been serving hot meals to anyone in need since 1983. In addition to helping out, the students also brought canned goods and paper products donated by the entire student body to help stock the diner’s kitchen. The students found it to be an exciting opportunity to put their Christian morality into action. Photo submitted by Sacred Heart School

LAFAYETTE The deadline to submit nominations of individuals and groups who are actively involved in service programs for the aged is March 31. All nomination forms should be submitted to the Office of Justice & Peace by this date so that they may be reviewed by the Commission for the Pastoral Care of the Elderly. Recommendations will then be submitted to Bishop Jarrell for his approval. Each year, the Diocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of the Elderly recognizes and commends those involved in such exemplary work. Recipients will be selected within three categories: individual honorees; parish or school youth group honorees; and parish or organizational adult group honorees. To nominate an individual or group, simply complete a onepage form which may be accessed online; go to www.diolaf. org, select the Office of Justice & Peace and click on the appropriate nomination form under the “Forms” heading. The form may also be requested by contacting Sally Segura at (337) 261-5545 or ssegura@diolaf. org. The awards will be presented at the conclusion of this year’s Annual Mass and Reception Honoring the Elderly; certain honorees may also receive the Bishop’s Medal if so deemed. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell on Sunday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. in Lafayette’s Immaculata Chapel.

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April’s “Food for the Journey” LAFAYETTE The Central Region of the Lafayette Diocese will host its next meeting of “Food for the Journey” on Tuesday, April 3 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Lafayette. The speaker will be Father Johnathan Janise, Associate Pastor of St. Peter Parish in Carencro. The presentation will begin at 12:00 noon, with an optional buffet lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. for the cost of $12 per person. No pre-registration is required, and all are welcome to come “eat and be fed” by the program. For more information, please call Mary Bergeron at (337) 654-8682 or visit www.centralregiononline. org.

Married couples cruise retreat

LAFAYETTE Fathers Jude Halphen, PhD and Neil McNeil would like to invite all married couples to join them for a special married couples retreat on board the Holland America cruise ship. The seven-day cruise is scheduled to depart from Seattle, Washington on September 22, with ports of call to include: Juneau, Alaska; Glacier Bay; Sitka, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. Space is limited, and early booking is recommended to ensure accommodations. Additional information—including rates—may be obtained online at www.globetrektravel. com.

Acadiana Catholic

Seminarian to be admitted into Ministry of Reader HALES CORNERS. WI Mr. Taj Glodd, a seminarian for the Lafayette Diocese, will be admitted into the Ministry of Reader in a liturgical rite on March 21. The ceremony will take place inside the Sacred Heart Chapel of the Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, with the Most Rev. J. Terry Steib, SVD (Bishop of Memphis) presiding.

Taj Glodd is the son of Mrs. Zelma K. Glodd of Crowley, and his home parish is St. Theresa Church in Crowley. Please Taj Glodd rememPhoto by Paul Kieu ber him in prayer as he continues his journey toward the priesthood.

Sts. Leo-Seton fifth-grade students visit Cathedral

Fifth-grade students of Sts. Leo-Seton School in Lafayette visited the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist to study the impact of the many vocations throughout the Catholic faith. During their visit to the Cathedral, the students learned about local leaders such as Msgr. William J. Teurlings, who oversaw the construction of the Cathedral back in 1916. The students also took time to visit the Cathedral oak, estimated to be almost 500 years old, and attend Mass. Photo submitted by Sts. Leo-Seton School

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Archbishop Flynn comments on HHS ruling LAFAYETTE “It’s not about contraception, it’s about religious liberty.” Archbishop Harry Flynn was quite adamant in his comment about the national controversy over the administration’s requiring religious institutions to provide contraceptive services. Though he is now a retired archbishop emeritus of the Diocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN, Archbishop Flynn also served the Lafayette Diocese from 1986-1994. His comments regarding the ruling handed down by the US Department of Health & Human Services were made during a recent visit to the area. “It is an important issue to people who realize it is an infringement on our religious liberty. I have heard it over and over, here and up in St. Paul, that it is an infringement, but people who don’t look at it closely will think it is just about contraceptives.”

March 2012 Page 31

Carmelites set St. Joseph Fete LAFAYETTE The Discalced Carmelites at the Monastery of Mary, Mother of Grace, will celebrate the feast of St. Joseph with a solemn Mass at 5:30 pm on Monday, March 19. The nuns will make a nineday novena privately in the cloister in anticipation of the feast and invite their friends to join in these prayers to St. Joseph. They suggest asking “for a faith in God that will keep us valiant, obedient, faithful and patient, whatever the challenges and difficulties in our lives.” In related news, the Carmelites honored the late Dr. Zerben Bienvenu during this year’s annual 40-Hours Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, which was dedicated to his memory. Dr. Bienvenu played an instrumental role in beginning the holy hours for vocations at Carmel.

Page 32 March 2012

The legend of the trees—a vocation story by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE As one of his past assignments, Father Tom Voorhies was diocesan vocation director. Now the pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul in Scott, he still knows how to talk about vocations and recently celebrated a vocation Mass for Cathedral-Carmel students. Father Voorhies told the students the legend of the three trees on top of the mountain. One tree wanted to be a treasure chest, another wanted to be a grand sailing ship, and the third wanted to be the tallest tree in the world so that when people looked at it they would think of God. However their dreams were not exactly realized, Father Voorhies related. One became a feed box for animals, another was an ordinary fisherman’s boat, and the third was tossed into a pile of lumber and possibly forgotten. Yet the feedbox became a cradle for a baby, the Christ Child. The

fisherman’s boat carried Christ when he calmed the seas for His disciples. From the pile of lumber came the cross on which Christ was crucified. After His resurrection, people looked at the cross and thought of God. “This is a beautiful vocation story,” Father Voorhies pointed out. The three trees had an idea of what they wanted to be, but God used them in a different way. The lesson for all of us is we put our lives in the hands of God and allow Him to use us as He wants. Our dreams can be fulfilled in an even more beautiful way than we can ever imagine.” “So I’m asking you today,” he continued, “start asking God ‘what do you want me to do in life for your Kingdom?’ Most of you will be married and raise a family, but for some of you, God will call you to become priests or religious sisters. God only calls us to a life that will make us most happy. God will not call you to a life in which you will be unhappy, so you don’t need to fear what God calls you to do,” Father Voorhies emphasized.

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St. Joseph Altar at Our Lady of Fatima LAFAYETTE The community of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Lafayette would like to invite everyone to join them in celebrating the parish’s 5th annual St. Joseph’s Altar on Monday, March 19. Mass will be celebrated inside the church at 8:15 a.m., and will be immediately followed by the blessing of the altar in Knight Hall (behind the church) and the traditional Tupa Tupa ritual. A meatless spaghetti

dinner will also be served beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the celebration to conclude at 2:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the parish office at (337) 232-8945. Our Lady of Fatima hosts 5th Annual St. Joseph’s Altar Monday, March 19 Contact the parish office at (337) 232-8945 for details

Carencro Catholic parents volunteer to help school

Carencro Catholic School would like to thank its parent volunteers who recently helped trim Community Coffee labels as part of the school-wide collection contest. In just two weeks, the students brought in a total of 8,790 points’ worth of labels. Pictured above are Jill Fontenot, Sandie Enlund (librarian), Lesley Brunet, Kimberly English, and Julie Perry. Photo submitted by Carencro Catholic School

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Marriage 101: What is natural family planning? by Kelley Chapman What is natural family planning? According to Blessed John Paul II, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Natural family planning is the act of total self-giving. You must be willing to give everything you have to someone you love. When you are withholding your fertility you are withholding something that belongs in the sexual act. Therefore you are not giving yourself completely to your spouse. It is the virtue of self-mastery and chastity.â&#x20AC;? Furthermore, natural family planning (NFP) is the scientific way of determining when a woman is fertile, based on the observation of naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP avoid pregnancy by abstaining from intercourse and genital contact during the fertile phase of the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are involved. Now that we know what NFP is, how exactly does it pertain to the teachings of the Catholic Church? It is said by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and the life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. The purpose and nature of sexual intercourse, for bonding and reproduction, belong only within marriage. Natural law states that if you want things to prosper, you must use them in accordance with their nature. Not only are you following the natural rhythm of your body, but you are maintaining a positive relationship within your marriage with God. The church objects to contraception because it refuses to let God perform His creative act in the area in which He chooses. Natural family planning also refers to the scientific approach that allows a woman to identify her fertile and infertile cycles based on the observation of her own bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signs and symptoms throughout her menstrual cycle. To effectively utilize NFP, there are several steps to which she must be attentive. She must take her waking temperature every morning with a basal thermometer, and record it on a daily chart to help her take note of changes when they occur. These temperature changes, along with changes such as cervical mucus and other sensations that she will also note during a self-tissue exam, reflect hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle. Such changes will signal when a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fertile cycle is beginning, when it peaks, and when it has ended. A rise in temperature provides the final confirmation that her fertile period has ended. By helping her to be aware of her fertile and infertile periods, natural family planning allows a woman to follow the natural rhythm of her body while maintaining a healthy relationship within her marriage with your spouse and more importantly, God. Also, by not using contraception such as birth control or other devices, the couple is allowing God to work His wonders naturally within a holy marriage. Article Sources: www.usccb.org (search for Natural Family Planningâ&#x20AC;? www.diolaf.org/marriage (view NFP tab for info and future class schedules) www.NWFS.org

March 2012 Page 33

Join in to hear Newman lecture series

LAFAYETTE Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Catholic Student Center would like to extend an invitation to all who are interested in attending a special lecture on Monday, March 12. Bishop James D. Conley, STL, will present â&#x20AC;&#x153;Atheocracy and the Battle for Religious Liberty in Americaâ&#x20AC;? beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the parishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jeanmard Hall. The Newman Lecture Series, presented by the Raginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cajun Catholics, is a forum for individuals who are experts in their respective fields to speak on topics dealing with the intersection of faith and the various university disciplines. After his conversion to Catholicism during college, Bishop Conley entered St. Pius X Seminary in KY and continued his formation at Mount St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, where he earned a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in divinity. After his ordination in 1985, he went on to serve the Church in various capacities, including being pastor of the Newman Center at WSU, chaplain to the Univer-

Bishop James D. Conley, STL

sity of Dallas-Rome campus, instructor of theology at Christendom College-Rome campus, and auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Denver. Most recently, Bishop Conley was named apostolic administrator of Denver, CO. For information on this and other exciting events happening on ULâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus, go online to www.RaginCajunCatholics.org or email Amy Stout, amy@ourladyofwisdom.org.

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Page 34 March 2012

2012 retreats with Community of Jesus Crucified

ST. MARTINVILLE The Community of Jesus Crucified would like to remind everyone of four retreats scheduled for the year 2012. All of these retreats will be hosted by Our Lady of Sorrows Retreat Center in St. Martinville, and participants are reminded to provide their own towels, toiletries, bibles, pens, and paper. Registration confirmation and details may be obtained by contacting Cheryl Moss at (337) 453-2385. A Married Couples retreat is planned for the weekend of June 8-10, with Father Michael Champagne, CJC to serve as director. This preached retreat will consist of talks and meditations pertinent to living out the sacrament of matrimony. In addition to Father Champagne’s presentations, married couples will also be on hand to offer their perspectives. A Women of the Eucharist retreat is scheduled for the weekend of October 19-21. The retreat will be conducted

free of charge by members of the Community of Jesus Crucified, and will include quiet time for prayer, opportunities to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation, Mass, adoration of the Eucharist, and free time to stroll through the retreat center’s beautiful grounds. The retreat focus will be on the splendor and power of the great sacrament of the Eucharist. Lastly, two Men of God retreats have also been scheduled for the weekends of August 10-12 and November 30-December 2. Presented by Father Michael Champagne, CJC, the Men of God retreat is especially designed to help men better understand and respond to their baptismal call to holiness in their state of life. The retreat is silent and will include talks from Father Champagne on topics such as conversion, call to holiness, prayer, sacraments, and apostolic action.

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“Iron sharpening Iron!”—The King’s Men

LAFAYETTE If you desire to experience your faith in a masculine way, you are invited to check out The King’s Men. This exciting, masculine faith formation group provides opportunities for men to gain a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith and grow in holiness and manly virtue. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Under Christ the King’s universal call to serve, The King’s Men pledge to unite and build up other men in the mold of leader, protector, and provider through education, for-

mation and action. Please join this band of brothers in seeking development in our God-given roles as leader, protector and provider. Weekly meetings of the King’s Men gather every Tuesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Upper Room at Our Lady of Wisdom in Lafayette, on the UL campus. All men are invited to attend. For more information, please visit online at www. TheKingsMen.org, or contact Barney Lejeune by email at barneylejeune@hotmail.com, or telephone at (337) 896-3491 or (337) 344-3544.

Louisiana Squires participate in pro-life march

As part of a retreat experience, several Louisiana Squires participated in the Louisiana Right to Life March in Baton Rouge. Sponsored by local councils and assemblies of the Knights of Columbus, the Squires are part of an international fraternity of approximately 25,000 young Catholic men from the ages 10-18. Squires from the local areas of Broussard, Carencro, and Youngsville joined others from throughout the state for the occasion. Photo submitted by George Martin

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March 2012 Page 35

Diocese receives its first “consecrated virgin livingtheirincommunity. the world” They are bound

LAFAYETTE The Lafayette Diocese recently received its first Consecrated Virgin Living in the World. AnneChristian N. Heinen, S.S.L. was consecrated by Bishop Michael Jarrell, D.D. on December 30, 2011, at Immaculata Chapel. She is a teacher at Sacred Heart High School in Ville Platte, as well as with the Aquinas Institute in Lafayette. She also serves throughout the diocese as a retreat and spiritual director and conference speaker. In 2001, Ms. Heinen received her B.A. degree in philosophy and theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. In 2007 she received her bachelors in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas (Angelicum) in Rome, Italy, and in 2010 she received her licentiate in sacred scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, Italy. Ms. Heinen’s vocation as a “consecrated virgin living in the world” is one of the most ancient and, at the same time, one of the newest forms of consecrated life in the Church. In the earliest centuries of Christianity, many women sought to dedicate themselves to a life of perpetual virginity, in imitation of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Prior to the formation of communities

Photo collage provided by Adam and Erin Falgout Photography

for religious sisters, such as the Benedictines or the Dominicans, virgins in the early Church lived a life of prayer and holy service while residing in their family homes. By the fourth century, a rite of consecration by the bishop developed, but eventually fell out of use for the consecration of virgins living in the world (outside of a convent). It was not until the Second Vatican Council that this treasure of sacred liturgy, the Solemn Rite of Consecration, was revived for virgins living in the world. In its contemporary form, the life of a consecrated virgin living

in the world bears some similarity to that of a religious sister. Both women forsake marriage in order to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to prayer and to the service of Christ and of His Body, the Church. However, these lifestyles also differ. Religious sisters profess vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to a superior elected from within

by a common rule of life and live together in a monastery, set apart from the world. The consecrated virgin lives a life of simplicity. Although she is not given a particular assignment from the bishop, she looks for ways to employ herself that will give service to the people of the diocese in accordance with the pastoral vision of her bishop. The virgin who presents herself for consecration must be mature and ready to embrace her vocation as a public figure in the Church for a lifetime. She first undergoes a period of discernment and preparation, the nature of which is determined by her bishop. He typically assigns a priest or some other competent person to direct her formation. On the day of her solemn consecration, the virgin becomes a living sign in the midst of the world that union with God in heaven is every Christian’s ultimate hope. For more information on consecrated virgins, visit www.consecratedvirgins.org.

Commissioned char coal drawings by Louisiana ar tist

St. Cecilia students remember the unborn

“Believe and be Blessed” Students at St. Cecilia School in Broussard recently remember unborn children during their weekly school Mass and their annual Pro-Life School Walk. The students were joined by faculty and staff as they prayed the rosary and marched for the precious gift of life. As the walk came to an end, everyone was treated to a special pro-life rally presentation from Mr. Roy Petitfils, a local counsellor, writer, and speaker who helped the students understand the many things they can do daily to be pro-life. Photo submitted by St. Cecilia School

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Page 36 March 2012

St. Thomas More seniors create vegetable garden

St. Thomas More High school is the first high school in Lafayette to have a school garden. It is maintained by students in the school’s Options program, which is designed to meet the needs of the developmentally disabled. Photo submitted by St. Thomas More High School

by: Hailey Curtis LAFAYETTE St. Thomas More Catholic High School senior religion classes helped to create, build and plant a vegetable garden for the Options program. This program is designed to meet the needs of developmentally disabled students. The Gardening committee, made up of seven seniors, attended a special training class that included a meeting with a master gardener who helped them plan the school garden. Each hour, a different class worked on building the garden.

All of the tasks from start to finish were completed by the students—from tilling the ground, building the frame, adding the soil, and planting the seeds. The Options garden will give the students the opportunity to learn life skills in addition to the simple joy of gardening. The Options program plans to donate some of their vegetables to St. Joseph’s Diner, and classroom lessons will include learning how to cook with vegetables. St. Thomas More is the first high school in Lafayette to have a school garden.

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New officers elected for Council of Priests

LAFAYETTE At its January meeting, the Council of Priests has elected officers to serve for 2012. Father Tom Voorhies was elected Chairman, Father Michael Delcambre was elected Vice-Chairman and Father Jim Brady was elected Secretary. These priests will serve as officers for a term of one year. T h e Council of Priests is a representative group elected by the priests that is advisory to the Bishop in his govFather Tom Voorhies ernance of the diocese, in order that the pastoral welfare of the people of God be promoted as effectively as possible in accordance with current Canon law. The presbyterate is divided into five age groups, and the members of the Council represent the Father Michael Delcambre various age groups; additionally, there are at-large members and appointed members. Repre-

sentatives of the age groups and at-large members are elected by their brother priests for three year terms. The Bishop appoints four members to the Council. The terms of elected and appointed members are staggered to allow for continuity on the Council. Three new members were also recently elected to serve for three year terms beginning in January 2012. Elected for Age Group 1 was Father Harold Trahan; Father Michael Arnaud for Age Group 2; and Father Michael Champ a g n e for Age Group 4. Father Michael Delcambre and Father Lambert Lein were Father Jim Brady re-appointed to the Council by Bishop Jarrell for a term of three years. The remaining members of the Council of Priests include Father Chester Arceneaux (Age Group 3); Msgr. Richard Mouton (Retired/Senior Priests), Father Jason Vidrine (Age Group 5), and Fathers Jim Brady and Tom Voorhies at-large members. The other appointed members are Father Keenan Brown and Father Donavan Labbe. Msgr. Russell Harrington, Msgr. H. A. Larroque, and Very Rev. Curtis Mallet serve as ex-officio members.

Come and See retreat COVINGTON The Lafayette Diocese’s Office of Vocations would like to extend an invitation to men of high school age and older to attend a “Come and See” weekend retreat at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington. The retreat, scheduled for March 30-April 1, is for those who are considering or trying to discern their vocational calling. Transportation will be provided, and the retreat is offered at no cost to the attendants. Men will be able to meet the faculty and seminarians of St. Joseph’s as they enjoy great food and fun, and pray

about a priestly vocation. Those who are interested are encouraged to register as soon as possible, but no later than March 23. For further details, please contact Father Kevin Bordelon by telephone at (337) 261-5690 or email at vocations@diolaf.org. Come and See Retreat March 30-April 1 St. Joseph Seminary College Covington, LA For men of high school age & older to pray about a priestly vocation

Acadiana Catholic

What is a Seminary Burse?

by Fr. Kevin Bordelon It is quite possible that you have been a loyal subscriber to the Acadiana Catholic for years. You have seen listed month after month names attached to burses. They have different monetary values associated with them. Some are designated as “complete.” Yet you have no idea what a burse is. You’re not alone. I was a priest for six years before I learned exactly what a burse is. So what is a burse? What is a complete

burse? How do I begin a burse? The concept is really quite simple. A burse is “named” portion of the seminary endowment or trust fund. A complete burse is $15,000. This was the amount it cost to educate a new priest at the time the program was implemented. The cost today is about $200,000. The money donated to the seminary trust fund by way of the burse system remains untouched principle. Only interest from the trust is used to pay for

Incomplete Seminary Burses Neil Pettit is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Michel Edward Pettit. He is attending Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, and is sponsored by St. Mary Mother of the Church Parish in Lafayette. Michael Richard is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Richard. He is in his second year (Pre-Theology) at St. Joseph Seminary College in LA and is sponsored by St. Bernard Parish in Breaux Bridge. David Rozas is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Kent Rozas. He is in his third collge year at St. Joseph Seminary College in LA and is sponsored by St. Peter Parish in Carencro.

*Garrett Savoie is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Brian Savoie. He is in his third Theology year at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and is sponsored by Assumption of the BVM Parish in Mire.

Rev. Mr. William Schambough is the son of Mr. Robert Schambough. He is in his fourth Theology year at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and is sponsored by St. Anthony Church in Eunice. Photos by Paul Kieu & *Peter Piazza

Your Contributions Help Educate Future Priests

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 ERRA CLUB (15,534.49) 254 RUSTY RANDOL (1,742.76) 260 ST. THERESA #2 (5,697.46) 266 PAUL & MARY KARRE (2,105.00) 268 M/M FOURNET #2 (570.65) 271 REV. J.A.M. VAN BRERO (710.00) 272 MSGR P. ALEXANDRE BOREL (1,625.00) 274 MSGR EMERY LABBE BURSE (6,310.00) 278 MSGR DANIEL BERNARD (3,674.64) 281 HARRY VAN TIEL FAMILY (3,969.00) 283 NOEMIE L. PETITJEAN (2,000.00) 284 MSGR. DANIEL HABETZ (6,590.00) 286 P.J. REINERS #2 (9,500.00) 288 REV OSCAR DRAPEAU (2,000.00) 290 REV. P.G.J. KEMPS (1,000.00) 291 LUCILLE M. GRIFFIN MEM. (5,000.00) 292 ANONYMOUS (10,470.00) 293 MSGR. FERNAND GOUAUX (4,770.00) 294 ROBERT A. FREY MEMORIAL (7,360.00) 297 A PRIEST BURSE #2 (7,400.00) 308 HAROLD/RUBY MOREAU FAMILY MEMORIAL (5,000.00) 309 LIBBY HOLCOMBRE MEMORIAL BURSE (2,000.00) 318 MSGR. MARCEL MURIE BURSE (5,260.00) 319 MARCEL/ALFRED GAUDET #5 (1,942.80) 322 FR JEAN PARADIS BURSE #2 (5,000.00) 323 CHARLENE RICHARD BURSE (3,030.00) 326 FR. RAPHAEL GAUTHIER BURSE #2 (3,757.17) 327 MSGR. ALBERT BACQUE BURSE #2 (325.00) 330 REV VERBIS LAFLEUR #3 (7,900.00) 332 BEN/LOUISA LARRIVIERE BURSE #2 (3,750.00) 337 COL. CHAP KENNETH BIENVENU BUR (13,714.99) 340 REV. JAMES DOIRON BURSE (2,272.17) 346 MSGR. ALEXANDER O. SIGUR MEM. (2,250.00) 348 REV. J. WILSON MATT & MIRE FAM (500.00) 351 SONNIER BURSE #2 (11,300.00) 352 ST. EDMOND CHURCH PARISH (9,000.00) 354 CDA #3 (10,200.63) 355 GABRIEL LUCAS MEM FUND (MORSE) (15,194.21) 356 MRS. LOUISE WHITE (10,110.00) 358 THERESE ESTEVES #5 (7,516.49) 359 ST PETER PAR-NEW IBERIA (10,422.35) 363 RAMONA CROSBY BENNERFIELD (2,180.52) 364 ST. JUDE BURSE #2 (8,030.00) 366 A. OTIS & ETTA HEBERT MEMORIAL (5,000.00) 367 BISHOP O’DONNELL BURSE (3,545.00) 368 REVEREND JULES SPEYRER (10,000.00) 370 MSGR. BURTON MOUTON BURSE (10,700.00) 375 REV CHARLES MARIN BURSE (100.00) 376 BISHOP JEANMARD BURSE (5,464.00) 377 MARIE FRANQUES KENNETH LACAZE (3,000.00) 378 BISHOP GERARD FREY BURSE (12,522.00) 379 REV. MOISE HEBERT #2 (3,403.61) 380 LAY HONOREES #6 (3,974.50) 381 MRS DORPHI MARIE DUHON MEM. (2,181.50) 382 ANONYMOUS RETIRED PRIEST #7 (15,000.00) 383 JAMES K BOURQUE MEM BURSE FUND (3,930.00) 384 BISHOP SCHEXNAYDER BURSE #3 (940.19) 385 FR. MIKE BAKOWSKI MEM BURSE (3,200.00) 386 COIGNARD/GREMILLION BURSE #2 (2,000.00) 387 IN MEMORY OF MR & MRS SCRANTON MOUTON (3,000.00) 388 BLESSED JOHN PAUL II (500.00) FEBRUARY DONORS 330 Carrol/Richard Lafleur 100.00 337 Rev Kenneth Bienvenu 600.00 388 Rev. Kevin Bordelon 500.00

the annual cost of seminary formation. Currently the interest from the trust pays 20% of this expense. The Bishop’s Services Appeal largely covers the remainder of the seminary formation cost. Always be generous to the BSA! Active use of the burse system is advantageous because the more we add to the principle of the trust, the percentage of our annual cost covered by interest from the fund will increase. What a great way to honor the memory of a loved one: have a burse with their name help fund the formation of future priests. I am happy to announce the creation of a new burse to honor the memory of Blessed Pope John Paul II. It has a beginning balance of $500. Let’s make it a complete burse by October 16th (the anniversary of his election to the papacy)!Or if you prefer to contribute to another existing incomplete burse or if you would like to start a new one (there is no minimum amount) please send your contribution to the Office of Vocations and Seminarians, 1401 Carmel Dr., Lafayette, LA 70501.

March 2012 Page 37

St. Leo the Great choir performance LAFAYETTE The choir of St. Leo the Great Church in Lafayette will perform “The Office of Tenebrae” at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4. Under the direction of Rafael Henry, the choir will sing psalms and anthems by Gabriel Fauré, James Hansen, Brian Crain, and Glenn D. LeCompte, with organ works by Tomaso Albinoni and Marcel Dupré. Msgr. Robie Robichaux, Pastor of St. Leo the Great Church, will serve as celebrant for the service. Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows” or “darkness”; it is a Christian religious service celebrated by the Western Church on the evening before or early morning of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday of Holy Week. The distinctive ceremony of Tenebrae includes the gradual extinguishing of candles while a series of readings and psalms are chanted or recited. In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the Tenebrae readings and psalms are those of Matins and Lauds.

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Acadiana Catholic

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Acadiana Catholic

“BE FIRE!” By Graham N. Smith

I’m generally respectful of the religious beliefs of others, even if I have considerable disagreement with them. We should “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence. . .” (1 Pt. 3:1516). I’ll have a civil discussion about Jesus with anyone. My faith and theirs fall under the same umbrella of religious freedom that the Founding Fathers of this country carefully wove into the bedrock document of our governmental system, the United States Constitution. The First Amendment begins, “Congress shall make no law regarding an establishment of religion or the free exercise thereof. . .” It then lists freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to peaceable assembly, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances, but religious freedom is at the top. I’ve thought a lot about the First Amendment because I’ve worked as a lawyer for over three decades and because I was a journalist for years before that. I’m convinced that the First Amendment heads our Bill of Rights in the Constitution because it guarantees the freedoms that are essential to our survival as a free people. You’re probably familiar with the First Amendment’s prohibition against any law regarding “establishment of religion”. It often comes up in controversies over “separation of church and state.” Now, the “free exercise” clause is in the spotlight, thanks to the federal Department of Health and Human Services’s mandate on insurance coverage for birth control, sterilization and abortifacient medications. At first, the mandate required employers (with very narrow religious exceptions) to provide such coverage, even Catholic in-

stitutions such as hospitals and EWTN that aren’t “churches” but are based on Catholic teaching and values. After considerable public backlash, it was changed to put the burden of providing those coverages on insurance companies. Of course, Catholic employers who subsidize group coverage for employees would still have to violate Church teaching on contraception and abortion to do it, or else not have health insurance at all. The mandate may have been withdrawn completely by the time you read this, but I doubt it. Some have tried to spin this as just a “Catholic issue” with such comments as, “Who else cares about birth control?” Our bishops have been very clear about their opposition. Fortunately, a good number of non-Catholic voices have also begun to speak out against it. Sixty-five bishops of the Orthodox Church issued a statement calling the mandate a “violation of the Church’s conscience.” Rabbi Meir Soloveichik of Yeshiva University told a congressional hearing on the mandate that “Freedom of conscience and of religion . . . is first and most sacred to Americans.” Evangelical writer Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, called the mandate “the greatest threat to religious freedom in our lifetime.” He urged Protestants to stand with Catholics in opposing the mandate and to pray that it is reversed. Even USA Today blasted the mandate as infringing on religious freedom. There’s a lot more at stake than what meets the eye. Last year, a ballot initiative in California sought to have San Francisco voters consider a total ban on circumcision of male infants as dangerous and painful. That may not matter to you but to observant Jews circumcision is required by God’s covenant with Abraham. The measure was blocked when a court ruled that it violated the “free exercise” clause. In Canada, which has a “hate speech” law, pastors have been prosecuted for speaking out against practicing homosexuality, which the Catholic Church regards as “intrinsically disordered” (C.C.C. 2357).

And what about the Gospel? If we let this mandate slip by without protest, will we eventually find ourselves unable to say publicly that the Good News of Jesus Christ is the truth, because that implies that someone else’s religion (or lack of it) is somehow wrong? So much for the “civil discussion about Jesus” that I mentioned earlier.

March 2012 Page 41

I am no alarmist, but on this we need to pray and get behind our bishops. We need to let our Congress members, senators, and the President himself know that this mandate must be overturned, that we’re watching, and that we’ll remember come November. Churches don’t vote. People do.

37th Annual Louisiana Clergy Open Golf Tournament Wednesday, May 16 Squirrel Run Golf Club in New Iberia The tournament is open free of charge to all priests and deacons of all Louisiana dioceses, as well as to all seminarians and diaconate formation participants in the Lafayette Diocese.

Golfers’ Registration & Driving Range Opens @ 7:00 a.m. 18-hole Individual Stroke Play begins @ 8:00 a.m. Lunch served @ 12:30 p.m. Putt-Off Tournament @ 1:00 p.m. Optional 9-hole Team Scramble @ 1:30 p.m. Registration forms may be requested by calling (337) 261-5613 or emailing sthompson@diolaf.org. Additional information may be requested by contacting Msgr. Richard Greene, VE, by telephone at (985) 518-7124, by Fax at (985) 395-9129, or by email at dolsouth2@cox-internet.com. This year’s tournament will be played in honor of Father Floyd J. Calais, retired priest of the Lafayette Diocese.

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Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Council

Members of the parish council of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lafayette recently set the ground work to lead the parish in adopting a five-year strategic plan focused on improving facilities, as well as strengthening membership and youth development. Pictured above are council members Father Thomas James, SVD, VE, pastor; Marshall Porter; Wayne Wiltz; Angela Morrison; Debbie Broussard, president; and Father Anderson Luis de Sousa, SVD, associate pastor. Not pictured are Joseph Walker and Brenda Andrus. Photo submitted by Brenda Andrus

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Acadiana Catholic

St. Michael students recognized by Duke University

St. Michael School in Crowley recently recognized 16 fourth-grade students who merited academic recognition by Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP). These students scored a 95% or higher on one or more sections or designated sub-sections on their SAT test which places them in the top 5% of students in their grade level. They will have the opportunity to participate in Duke TIP Talent Search starting in July 2012. Photo submitted by St. Michael School

Mass remembers deceased bishops

by Kathleen Toups LAFAYETTE The recollection of deceased bishops of Lafayette was a highlight of the homily by Father Chester Arceneaux, pastor of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at the Mass for deceased bishops. The Mass is a traditional event in this historic edifice where these bishops officiated at many liturgies for the past 94 years. This year, those who were remembered included Bishops Jules B. Jeanmard, Maurice Schexnayder, Gerard L. Frey and Edward J. O’Donnell, who all served the Lafayette Diocese. Also recognized were former Auxiliary Bishops Warren L. Boudreaux and Robert E. Tracy, who went on to serve as ordinaries in other dioceses; and Bishops Harold Perry, Raymond Caesar, and Joseph Francis, who were born in this diocese but were appointed to other dioceses. “We especially welcome the relatives and friends of our deceased bishops,” stated Father Arceneaux. “We remember them as family and lift them up in our prayers. “In the workplace, there are supervisors; in our households, we have our parents and grandparents. Our pastors have authority, and the bishops of our diocese have been given the authority to shepherd the people of God. How privileged and beautiful is the position of authority! “We have been blessed with bishops who opened their hearts to God’s Spirit to move their judg-

ment to speak with authority, and their work blessed our church,” Father Arceneaux continued. “We take a moment at this Mass to reflect on the beautiful privilege of being loved by the authority of God’s love and mercy.” Bishop Jeanmard, first bishop of Lafayette, was as native of Breaux Bridge; he headed the diocese from 1918 to 1956. Bishop Schexnayder, a native of Wallace, was ordinary from 1956 to 1972. Bishop Frey, from New Orleans, was ordinary from 1971 to 1989. Bishop O’Donnell, from St. Louis, was ordinary from 1994 to 2002. Bishop Boudreaux, a native of Berwick, was auxiliary bishop from 1964 to 1972, when he was appointed Bishop of Beaumont, Texas; he later served as Bishop of Houma-Thibodaux. Bishop Tracy, a native of New Orleans, was auxiliary bishop from 1958 to 1961, when he was appointed Bishop of Baton Rouge. Bishops Perry, Caesar, and Francis were all members of the Divine Word Missionaries. Bishop Perry, a native of Lake Charles, was appointed auxiliary bishop of New Orleans and served there until his death in 1991. Bishop Caesar, a native of Eunice, was appointed coadjutor bishop of Papua New Guineau, and later served as bishop there until his death in 1987. Bishop Francis, a native of Lafayette, served as auxiliary bishop of Newark, New Jersey, until his death in 1997.

Acadiana Catholic

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Acadiana Catholic

2012-13 School Year

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Acadiana Catholic

A Vacation with the Lord

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

Jimmy L. Dauzat For those who embrace the Christian life, there is a profound symbolism in the frivolity and excesses of Mardi Gras being followed so quickly by the austerity and self sacrifice of Ash Wednesday. In our Catholic faith, this stark contrast is made visible by the reception of ashes, marked upon our foreheads with the solemn reminder that we are dust and to dust we shall return. Far from filling us with a feeling of despair, Ash Wednesday presents us with a season of opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal, culminating in the glory of the Resurrection. How we respond to that opportunity determines the extent to which we experience joy in the Risen Lord on Easter Sunday. Lent reminds us that, filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus went into the desert empty-handed, facing hunger, physical deprivation and the perils of the wilderness alone with nothing more than an abiding faith that God was with him. He willingly accepted the weakness and powerlessness of his humanity, exposing himself to all the temptations of the flesh, so that God’s power through the Holy Spirit might flow in him without limit. It is interesting that Jesus was led into the desert by the Spirit, suggesting that the desert holds not only dark forebodings but also the potential for intimate union with God. This evokes the image presented by the prophet, Hosea, eight centuries before Christ, of God seeking us as a lover, the way a young man might woo his beloved. “So I will allure her; I will head her into the desert and speak to her heart.” It is in the “desert experiences” of our lives, in our woundedness and helplessness against seemingly insurmountable woes that God can be most closely present to us, if we allow him. The foreboding wilderness can be transformed into an oasis of spiritual joy, not that our struggles are ended, but that Christ, living deeply within us, shares fully in those struggles. Jesus is unafraid. He walks directly, out of love, into the most traumatic places in our lives to heal our brokenness and make us whole. In the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola, one enters in silence into a prayerful experience of the life of Christ through scriptural

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meditation and contemplation. The Exercises are designed to bring an individual into a deep, personal relationship with God whose love for each one of us is unconditional, eternal and without limits. At Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House, the Exercises are presented weekly throughout the year in a serene and comfortable environment. Under the guidance of a trained spiritual director, retreatants are lead to discover a God of infinite mercy and compassion, eager to remove the impediments and personal pain which prevent us from enjoying “wholeness”, union with Him. This Lent may be just the time for you to “waste time with the Lord” who may be alluring you in love to this “desert place” where He will speak gently to your heart.

John Angotti performs at Opelousas Catholic School

Christian music artist John Angotti and his band performed in the Opelousas Catholic School gymnasium as the highlight of Catholic Schools Week. In addition to this performance, Mr. Angotti also presented a three-day mission at neighboring St. Landry Catholic Church. Photo submitted by Opelousas Catholic School

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Acadiana Catholic

Local Catholics urged to contribute to upcoming collections struggling immigrants through the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC). Similarly, on Good Friday all Christians are united in a special way to the Holy Land. As a pontifical collection requested by Pope Benedict XVI, the annual Good Friday collection unites all Christians to support Christians in the Holy Land. The Good Friday collection offers a direct link for parishioners to be witnesses of peace and to help protect the Holy Places. Franciscans and others in the Holy Land are housing and feeding the poor, providing formation and education, maintaining

LAFAYETTE Church parishes of the Lafayette Diocese are soon scheduled to participate in two diocesanwide collections which will help benefit Catholics throughout the world. During the weekend of March 17-18, funds collected within the parishes will go toward the support of Catholic Relief Services. Also, on April 6 (Good Friday), special collections will be taken up in support of the Holy Land. In a recent letter to all church parishes, Bishop Michael Jarrell stated, “Soon our dioceses will take up the Catholic Relief Services Collection. This important collection not only provides for our marginalized, impoverished, and vulnerable brothers and sisters all over the world—it does much more. This collection gives hope to Jesus in disguise.” The Catholic Relief Services Collection prioritizes families, values their fundamental role in society, and strives to protect them. The Collection funds six Catholic agencies that work to protect families by providing basic humanitarian aid and lifeskills training to those in need, protecting poor families all over the world, advocating for policies that strengthen families abroad, and resettling and welcoming refugees forced from their homes. Funds from the collection also help Parishes Organized to Welcome Refugees (POWR). POWR is an initiative sponsored

by the USCCB Department of Migrant and Refugee Services that works to develop longterm, sustainable programs to help resettle refugees across the United States. In the Diocese of St. Augustine in Florida, POWR helps refugees find work. Many of them lack employment and credit histories and, often times, job skills. The POWR program stresses the importance of good interview skills and explains U.S. hiring procedure. Donations to the collection also help: • Alleviate suffering and provide assistance to people in need through the international Catholic humanitarian agency, Catholic Relief Services • Supply outreach and pastoral care to refugees, migrants, and travelers through the USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church • Provide assistance to victims of natural disasters and other emergencies around the world through the Holy Father’s Relief Fund • Advocate for poor and vulnerable people and for international justice and peace through the USCCB Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development • Actively help victims of human trafficking and refugees by providing resettlement services and public policy advocacy through the USCCB Department of Migration and Refugee Services • Provide legal services to

shrines and parishes, and conducting pastoral ministry. The Franciscans have been in the Holy Land since 1209, walking in Jesus’ footsteps and keeping Christianity alive. The continued existence of programs that support Christians in the Holy Land depends on the faithful financial support received from brothers and sisters in Christ during the Good Friday collection. All Catholics of the Lafayette Diocese are encouraged to give as generously as possible to both of these worthy collections.

Our Lady of Fatima School hosts book signing

Our Lady of Fatima School in Lafayette recently hosted a book signing to promote the March release of Belair Cove: A Novel of Life, Love, and Loss in a Prairie Cajun Village. The book is the debut novel of school librarian Dianne Dempsey-Legnon. Photo submitted by Our Lady of Fatima School

Acadiana Catholic

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