Catholic Connection

VOL. 18, NO. 6

Feast

of

Epiphany

p.7

•

Catholic Connection Expands, pg. 2

•

Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Celebrate “Year of Elisabetta”, pg. 6

•

Fr. Rothell Price Celebrates 25 Years as Priest, pg. 19

January 2009

From the Chancellor by

Christine Rivers, Chancellor

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ishop J. Kevin Boland, acting in his position as Promoter of the Apostleship of the Sea, has requested that the accreditation process for cruise ship priests offered by the Apostleship of the Sea be encouraged throughout the dioceses of the United States. It has been noted that Roman Catholic priests who serve occasionally on cruise ships respond to the spiritual needs of vacationers and crew members and may visit dioceses that serve as ports of call. Bishops in these dioceses have expressed concern that priests who serve on cruise ships often are not screened. The Apostleship of the Sea accreditation process includes verification that a priest is in good standing. This process is a way to ensure that qualified and suitable ministers serve the faithful. For additional information, telephone 202541-3035 or go to the website at www.aos-usa.org.

A Day of Prayer and Penance for Life: January 22, 2009

In all the dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23, when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion, and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. The Mass “For Peace and Justice” (no. 22 of the “Masses for Various Needs”) should be celebrated with violet vestments as an appropriate liturgical observance for this day.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal, no. 373

Other Calendar Items: January 1:

Mary, Mother of God (Catholic Center Closed) January 2: Catholic Center Closed January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Birthday January 22: A Day of Prayer and

Penance for Life January 28: Diocesan Finance

Council Meeting On the Cover: Three Wisemen. Photo © Sylwia Tulajew | Dreamstime.com

Bishop Michael Duca’s January 2009 Schedule

Jan. 3: Annual Mardi Gras Mass at St. Pius X Church, 9:00 a.m.

Jan. 4 - 8: Region V Bishops Retreat, Manresa Retreat Center.

Jan. 11: Mass and Prayer Garden Ground Breaking at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 11:00 a.m. / St. Joseph Church, Shreveport Youth Group at 6:00 p.m.

Jan. 12: St. Joseph School PTO Meeting at St. Joseph Family Life Center in Shreveport, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 24: Diocesan Liturgical-Catechetical Conference, Catholic Center, 9:00 a.m.

Jan. 25: Mass at St. Mary of the Pines Church, 9:00 a.m.

Jan.28: Western Deanery All Schools Mass at Loyola College Prep, 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 29: Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Board Meeting, Baton Rouge.

Jan. 30: Eastern Deanery All Schools Mass at Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, 9:00 a.m.

Catholic Connection Expands

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s we enter 2009, your Catholic Connection magazine continues to grow and receive support from our community. During my first year as editor I was pleasantly surprised at the number of article submissions I received each month. As the year progressed, I had to start cutting out articles due to lack of space in the publication. I tried a number of things to relieve this overcrowding, including bringing text and image sizes down, editing down lengthy articles, and eliminating some sections all together!

It was a bittersweet problem to have.

How exciting that so many people want to contribute to our publication.

After fighting the space battle for several months, I put together a proposal for expanding the Catholic Connection for Bishop Michael Duca. After weighing the pros and cons of adding more pages, both Communications Director John Mark Willcox and Bishop Duca agreed that it was time for the Catholic Connection to take the next step.

Beginning with this issue, the Catholic Connection will expand from its traditional 16-page format to a larger 20-page format. With this page increase comes several new columns. By request of Hispanic Ministries, there is now a page of our magazine dedicated to events and issues in the Latin community.

The expansion also allows for monthly

by

Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

columns on Church vocations, aging and more room for national and international Catholic news.

Additionally, with the help of your parish secretaries, the Catholic Connection now receives your weekly bulletins, alerting me to upcoming events in parishes that we can share with all the churches in the diocese.

Although I have lots of big ideas about the ways this new space can be utilized, it is the information you provide that keeps us going. I would like to thank all of the parishioners across our diocese who have so enthusiastically submitted articles, photos, poetry and newsletters to the magazine this past year. Your interest in this publication is what makes the Catholic Connection successful and keeps our information relevant to those all over the Diocese of Shreveport.

How appropriate that as the Catholic Connection celebrates its twentieth year as a publication, that it grows to 20 pages. As always, please continue to submit your articles and pictures. I look forward to hearing from you during the coming year!

table of contents

Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Celebrate Year of Elisabetta, pg. 6 Publisher • Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor • Jessica Rinaudo Editorial Board Christie Weeks Felicia Gilliam Dianne Rachal John Mark Willcox Cathy Cobb Christine Rivers Rev. Charles Glorioso Kim Long The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

For a free subscription, address changes or article submissions: EMAIL: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org WRITE: Catholic Connection The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 CALL: 318-868-4441

OR 800-256-1542 FAX: 318-868-4609 WEBSITE: www.dioshpt.org The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

Our Diocese is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals as a Non-Profit Organization capable of giving Immigration Legal Advice. We offer Immigration Professional Services to Low-Income Families.

To find out if you or someone you know qualifies for an Immigration benefit, please contact Mrs. Rosalba Quiroz at 1-800-2561542, ext. 265 or 318-219-7265 or email rquiroz@dioshpt.org

From the Chancellor by Christine Rivers.............................................................................. 2 Bishop Michael Duca’s January 2009 Schedule................................................................... 2 Catholic Connection Expands by Jessica Rinaudo................................................................ 2 Official Appointments by Christine Rivers............................................................................ 4 Fr. Phil Michiels to Celebrate 40th Anniversary by Anna Provenza.................................. 4 Bishop’s Reflection by Most Rev. Michael Duca............................................................... 4-5 Diocese of Shreveport Catholic Schools Collections by Fr. David Richter....................... 6 Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Celebrate "Year of Elisabetta" by Sr. Sandra Norsworthy.... 6 Feast of Epiphany by Dianne Rachal..................................................................................... 7 Priest Spotlight: Father Pike Thomas . ................................................................................. 8 Statement of the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops........... 9 Holy Hour for Vocations by Kevin Nolten........................................................................... 10 The Wisdom of Aging by Sr. Martinette Rivers.................................................................. 10 Greco Institute Spring 2009 Schedule............................................................................ 11-14 School News .......................................................................................................................... 15 Catholic Schools Celebration Set for Last Week of January by Sr. Carol Shively........... 15 International Seminarians in Demand by Martha Fitzgerald...................................... 16-17 Highlights of 2008 USCCB Fall General Assembly by Chaz Muth.................................. 17 Christ the King Feast Day Celebration by Nancy Miller................................................... 18 Diocesan Liturgical-Catechetical Conference..................................................................... 18 Father Rothell Price Celebrates 25 Years of Service by Kim Long.................................. 19 World Day for Consecrated Life by Sr. Marilyn Vassallo................................................... 19 Woodley Family Spearheads Operation Stocking Stuffer by Jessica Rinaudo................ 20 Louisiana Seminarians Compete in Annual Football Game by Joshua Sanders............. 20 Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página por Rosalba Quiroz.................................................... 21 Marriage Encounter by Deacon Mark Campbell............................................................... 22 Happy Together: The Blueprint for a Loving Marriage by Dotye Sue Stanford............. 22 Night with Mike Patin by Julia Norton................................................................................ 22 Calling Catholics Home......................................................................................................... 23 Deaf Ministry Offers Sign Language Class by Deacon Freeman Ligon.......................... 23 January Calendar................................................................................................................... 23

upcoming events Jan. 3 2008 - Movie Night at St. John Berchmans Cathedral. One Life group will show Saint John Bosco: Mission to Love. 5:30 p.m. Free Admission.

Jan. 24 2009 - Diocesan Liturgical - Catechetical Conference. Keynote Speaker will be Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin. Catholic Center, 9:00 a.m.

Jan. 6 2009 - The Irish Come South!

St. Jude will be hosting the University of Notre Dame Chorale at 6:30 p.m. The Chorale is the official concert choir of Notre Dame. Contact Jeremy Dixon at 318-746-2508 for more information.

Jan. 28 2009 - Holy Hour for Vocations with Fr. David Richter at Mary Queen of Peace Church. 6:00 p.m.

Feb. 6-7 2009 - “Live in the Light” Young Adult Conference for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s at the Jan. 9-10 2009 - Marriage Enrichment Catholic Center. Featuring Fr. Mike Joly.

Retreat at St. Joseph Church, Shreveport. Feb. 6, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Feb. 7 from Hosted by the Office of Family Life 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. $20 registration.

Ministries of St. Joseph Church and the For more info call 1-800-256-1542 or Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. The 318-868-4441 or visit www.dioshpt.org/ cost is $40 per couple. To register or for yyaministry/yyaministry.html more information, please call Dotye Sue Feb. 8, 2009 - Fr. Phil Michiels’ 40th Stanford at 318-841-8208. anniversary to the priesthood. 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Official Appointments by

Christine Rivers, Chancellor

La Reflexión del Obispo

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he following information is provided at the direction of the Most Reverend Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Shreveport.

Reverends Peter B. Mangum, Philip F. Michiels, LaVerne “Pike” Thomas and Mark A. Watson are appointed to membership on the Presbyteral Council for a term of 3 years.

Very Reverend David T. Richter is appointed to serve as ex-officio member of the Presbyteral Council until the end of his assignment as Vicar General.

Very Reverend Timothy C. Hurd is appointed to one additional year of service as Dean of the Southern Deanery to end December 31, 2009, and to a voting position on the Presbyteral Council in association with the appointment as Dean.

Reverend Monsignor Earl V. Provenza is appointed to one additional year of service as Dean of the Western Deanery to end December 31, 2009, and to a voting position on the Presbyteral Council in association with the appointment as Dean.

Very Reverend Joseph Puthuppally is appointed to one additional year of service as Dean of the Eastern Deanery to end December 31, 2009, and to a voting position on the Presbyteral Council in association with the appointment as Dean.

Given at the Chancery on the 3rd day of November 2008.

Fr. Phil Michiels to Celebrate 40th Anniversary A P

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by

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lease plan to join with Bishop Michael Duca in the celebration of a Mass of thanksgiving for Fr. Phil Michiels’ 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on February 8, 2009 at the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Afterwards our celebration will continue with a reception in the Burleigh Center honoring Bishop Duca and Fr. Phil.

4 Catholic Connection January 2009

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sta es mi primera celebración del Año Nuevo en Shreveport y quiero hacia el futuro, pero no quiero verlo solo. Juntos como diócesis comenzaremos un plan para el futuro. Pero primero, como ya mencioné a nuestros sacerdotes, necesitamos comenzar a crear un sueño en común de cómo queremos que crezca nuestra iglesia. Esta es una declaración importante porque con frecuencia nos proponemos metas y esperamos el resultado que PRIMERO soñamos. Antes de ponernos metas necesitamos estar juntos en la imagen de la Iglesia y como la soñamos. Les muestro unas ideas para comenzar que espero nos ayuden a crear un sueño en común para el futuro.

Estoy convencido de que debemos continuar remarcando la necesidad que tenemos de vocaciones sacerdotales y religiosas en la diócesis. Mi esperanza no es solamente animar a más hombres y mujeres jóvenes al servicio de la iglesia, sino de crear en todos nosotros un deseo de servir a Dios que sea más grande que nuestro deseo por el éxito en cosas terrenales. Si nuestra relación con Dios y con Su iglesia es el segundo o tercer número en nuestra lista, entonces el mensaje de esta relación no nos es tan importante. Piensen cuantas cosas durante el año son más importantes que ir a Misa el domingo o que darnos el tiempo para hacer un acto de caridad.

Quiero imaginar una Iglesia en Shreveport que está tan viva en Cristo que nuestra fe sea obviamente el compromiso más importante en nuestras vidas y que sea una parte visible de todos nuestros

compromisos. Así mujeres y hombres jóvenes verán el valor de dedicar sus vidas a Cristo porque ven vida en la parroquia.

En este año voy a crear y reunir un Consejo Pastoral Diocesano de gente laica de toda la diócesis para que pueda escuchar directamente las necesidades y sueños de todos y cada uno en la diócesis. Esta será una parte importante en mantener nuestros sueños para el futuro de la iglesia basados en la vida real y experiencias vivas de toda la Gente de Cristo.

Finalmente, seguiré conociendo la diócesis con visitas regulares a las parroquias. Ya le puse 10,000 millas al carro en este tiempo y seguro que le voy a poner otras 10,0000 más para antes del verano. Espero que esto me mantenga conectado con ustedes y sus sueños para el futuro.

Nuestra fe en Jesucristo nos recuerda que Él hace todas las cosas NUEVAS. Podemos comenzar este año nuevo como Iglesia y como individuos, confiando que con SU gracia podemos crear un nuevo camino, vencer nuestras fallas y ser mas como Cristo en nuestra vida diaria. Al imaginar nuestra Iglesia para el futuro, necesitamos alejar la oscuridad del pesimismo y lo que parezca una carga del pasado.

Necesitamos fijar nuestras metas con el optimismo de que las podemos lograr solamente con fe en el poder de Dios que hace todas las cosa nuevas. Que Dios los bendiga a todos con un Año Nuevo lleno de gracia y esperanza.

Michael G. Duca

Obispo de la Diócesis de Shreveport

Bishop’s Reflection by

Bishop Micheal G. Duca

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his is my first New Year celebration in Shreveport and I want to look ahead, but I do not want to look alone. Together as a diocese we will begin to set a plan for the future. But first, as I have mentioned to our priests, we need to begin to create a common imagination of how we want our Church to grow.

This is an important statement because we often set our goals to meet a hoped for result that we have FIRST imagined. Before we set goals we need to be together on the image of the Church we want and how we imagine it to be. Here are a few Judge Wendall Manning, Fr. Joseph Puthuppally, Bishop Michael Duca and Fr. Mark Watson at beginning ideas that I hope will help Eastern Deanery Red Mass. Photo by Jessica Rinaudo. us create a common imagination for the parishes. I already have 10,000 alive in Christ that our faith is the future. miles on my new car and I am sure obviously the most important I am convinced that we must I will put another 10,000 miles on commitment in our lives and a continue to stress the need for visible part of all of our commitments. before summer. I hope this will keep priestly and religious vocations in me in touch with you and your hopes Then young men and women will the diocese. My hope is not only see the value of dedicating their lives for the future. to encourage more young men Our faith in Jesus Christ reminds to Christ because they see it lived in and women to the service of the us that He makes all things NEW. the parish.

Church, but to create in all of us We can begin this New Year both as I will in this New Year create and a desire to serve God that is greater a Church and individually, trusting convene a Diocesan Pastoral Council than our desire for earthly success. If that with HIS grace we can create of Laity from throughout the diocese our relationship with God and His a new path, overcome our faults so I can directly listen to the needs Church is only second or third on our list, then the message is that this and hopes of everyone in the diocese. and be more like Christ in our daily lives. As we imagine our Church This will be an important part in relationship is not that important. for the future, we need to cast off keeping our imaginations for the Think of how many things during the darkness of pessimism and the I want to imagine a Church in Shreveport that is so seeming burden of the past. We need to set our goals with the optimism alive in Christ that our faith is obviously the most that can come only with faith in the important commitment in our lives and a visible power of God to make all things new.

May God bless you all with a hopeful part of all of our commitments. and grace-filled New Year. future of the Church based in the real the year are more important that life experiences of the whole People attending Mass on Sunday or more of Christ. important than making time for an Finally I will continue to get to act of charity. I want to imagine a Michael G. Duca know the diocese in regular visits to Church in Shreveport that is so Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport

5

Diocese of Shreveport Catholic Schools

the traditions and liturgical practices of our

by Fr. David Richter, Vicar General Faith, and with Announcement Date: Jan. 11 & 18 them, a solid Collection Date: Jan. 24 & 25 foundation to engage the hat is the place of Catholic Schools in our local Church? world in our day. They Our society has become will offer the more complex, presenting us with a Church capable leadership in the future. changing and challenging cultural and There is a need for tuition assistance moral environment. Catholic schools for Catholic families who strongly desire meet this challenge, collaborating with such an education for their children but parents in forming their children by a are not able to cover all of the costs. sound education that is rooted in the Your contribution to this collection will Person of Jesus Christ, his Gospel, both help some of these families and and his Church. Young people learn help make our schools strong.

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How well did the diocese do?

How well did you, the lay faithful, contribute to the Diocese of Shreveport’s Second Collections? Here is a recent report from our Diocesan Business Office of monies collected.

Diocese of Shreveport Retired Priests Fund $55,601.54 Home Mission Appeal $19,547.87 Peter’s Pence

$24,811.78

Thank you especially for your generosity for the Retired Priests Fund! We are making progress on our unfunded liability.

Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows Celebrate "Year of Elisabetta" by

Sr. Sandra Norsworthy

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he Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows opened the "Year of Elisabetta" in honor of the 150th anniversary of the death of their Mother Foundress, Elisabetta Renzi on November 19.

Blessed Elisabetta Renzi was born in 1786 in Saludecio, Italy to wealthy and devout parents. As a young child she was educated and catechized by the Poor Clares. As a teenager she entered the Augustinian monastery at Pietrarubbia.

There she became a novice and lived a remote and impoverished life with the cloistered nuns. Before completing the novitiate, a decree by Napoleon caused all religious houses to close and she returned to her parents’ home. For the next several years, she remained with her family, uncertain of what would become of her life. She had a strong desire to live out a religious vocation, but at that particular time in history, it was no longer a possibility.

As the years went by, Elisabetta became dissatisfied with her life and felt a longing for something more than what she was living. She felt a calling to give her life to the service of God. Elisabetta’s spiritual director invited her to explore a small school for girls in the town of Coriano. It was there Elisabetta began to work as a teacher and became a role model for poor girls. Elisabetta’s desired to educate young women in the responsibilities of being a good mother and wife, as well as to educate them in the basic subjects of reading, math and,

6 Catholic Connection January 2009

above all, religion. She believed that if young girls become good and holy women, their families, in turn, would become good and holy families.

During this time, Elisabetta desired to join the Daughters of Charity, the congregation of Maddalena of Canoss, yet God had something else in mind for her. In 1828, Elisabetta became director of the small Employees and residents of Holy Angels and the Sisters of Our school in Coriano and she was Lady of Sorrows at the balloon release opening the Year of also encouraged to start her Elisabetta. Photo by Sherry Crider. own religious congregation. including child development centers, day On August 26, 1839, Elisabetta cares, schools, orphanages, residential received diocesan approval to begin a facilities for individuals who are mentally new religious congregation and three challenged, community homes, parish days later, on August 29, Elisabetta and ministries, and nursing homes. In the 10 companions received the religious Diocese of Shreveport, the Sisters of Our habit of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows. She and her sisters continued Lady of Sorrows serve at Holy Angels to serve God’s people through education Residential Facility for children with special needs, Elizabeth Renzi Child - focusing on the young, the poor, the Development Center, Renzi Education weak and the needy. and Art Center, and Our Lady of Sorrows On August 14, 1859, after a life of struggle and suffering, but also of great Convent, a house of formation and retirement. spiritual joy, Mother Elisabetta died, On June 18, 1989, Mother Elisabetta leaving an example of holiness of life and of great trust in God. The Congregation was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Rome, thus given the title “Blessed has grown from it’s Italian beginning Elisabetta Renzi.” to reaching out to God’s people in The Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows several countries throughout the world, invite you to join them in praying for including Italy, Louisiana, USA, Mexico, specific needs to Blessed Elisabetta, Brazil, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. especially during this special year The Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows dedicated to her. We continue to hope are primarily educators and find and pray that she may soon be canonized. themselves in a variety of ministries

Feast of Epiphany by

Dianne Rachal, Director of the Office of Worship

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piphany means “to show forth” or “shining forth.”

This feast celebrates the revelation of God to mankind in human form in the person of Jesus Christ. Epiphany is among the oldest of the Church’s feasts, next to Easter. The roots of the feast of Epiphany on January 6 lie in the East, while the oldest witness for the feast of Christmas on December 25 originates in the West.

The celebration of Epiphany enters into various western rites as late as the fourth century. The Eastern feast of Epiphany was originally a festival with several themes, above all that of the birth and baptism. Epiphany included the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity at his birth and his baptism, but also the coming of the Magi and the changing of water into wine at Cana. Originally, these themes were combined with each other in the eastern feast of Epiphany, and the notion of the manifestation of Jesus’ divinity lay at the root of them.

The early Christian church at Syria originally celebrated the birth of Jesus, brought about by the Holy Spirit at his baptism in the Jordan. Syrian extra-canonical Gospels narrate the appearance of fire and a great light at the baptism of Jesus, as well as the stopping of the current of the Jordan River. Gradually, there was a shift of emphasis to the inclusion of the physical birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, likewise worked by the Holy Spirit. There was tension between the baptism of Jesus, understood as his birth, and his birth in Bethlehem. The emphasis either shifted to Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, as was the case in Jerusalem for a time, or else a new feast was introduced. This new feast of Christmas on December 25, which commemorated Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, was separated from Epiphany on January 6, the feast of Jesus’ baptism.

The original understanding of the baptism of Jesus

was as his divine begetting and birth, not a rebirth and not a revelation of his deity. Jesus was born as the Son of God at his baptism, “You are my Son, this day have I begotten you.” The baptism of Jesus itself was understood as his birth, and the occasion of his glorification.

The oldest attestation of the Feast of Epiphany comes from Basilides, originally from Syria before making his way to Egypt, and his followers in the first half of the second century.

The followers of Basilides celebrated the baptism of Jesus in Egypt on the eleventh of the month of Tybi in the Alexandrian festal calendar. This date corresponds to January 6, the date of the Feast of Epiphany as we know it. The great light, originally a part of the baptism of Jesus, expanded to the account of his birth in Bethlehem. The theme of the feast of Epiphany expanded from the baptism of Jesus, formerly understood as his birth, to his baptism in the Jordan along with his birth in Bethlehem. Fourth century Alexandria celebrated both the baptism of Jesus and his birth on January 6.

Great significance was attributed to the shining light as the sign for the divine origin of Jesus: starting from the baptism at the Jordan, where the light originally substantiated the divine begetting of the Son. The great light then became combined with his equally miraculous birth, with his transfiguration, and also with his ascent into heaven.

During the fourth century the two themes of Epiphany, baptism and birth, separate and a new feast was introduced, namely, the celebration of the birth of Jesus on December 25.

John Chrysostom will speak of two epiphanies: the “epiphany” at Jesus’ birth and the “epiphany” of his baptism on January 6. (To this day, the Armenians have no birth festival on December 25, but celebrate the birth and baptism of Jesus on January 6.) The writings of Egeria’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the second half of the fourth century indicate that at that time the liturgical year began with the feast of Epiphany on January 6. This is due to the fact that the feast of Epiphany was originally associated with the beginning of Jesus.

About the time that the East took up the December birth celebration, the West took up the Eastern Epiphany feast on January 6. Initially, Epiphany in the West retained all of its chief characteristics: baptism, Magi and Cana. As time went on, the West attached overwhelming importance to the apparition of the Magi. This has given rise in the West to the notion of a twelve day festival, starting on December 25, and ending on January 6, called the twelve days of Christmas.

Prior to 1970, the Roman Catholic Church reckoned Epiphany as an eight-day feast, beginning on January 6 and continuing through the Octave of Epiphany, or January 13.

More recently, Roman Catholics in the United States mark Epiphany on the Sunday after the first Saturday in January.

Now Catholics formally end the Christmas season on the Sunday immediately following January 6, or for American Catholics, the ensuing Monday in years when the Epiphany falls on January 7 or 8. The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is observed on the following Sunday.

From Gabriele Winkler, “The Appearance of the Light at the Baptism of Jesus and the Origins of the Feast of Epiphany: An Investigation of Greek, Syriac, Armenian, and Latin Sources” in Between Memory and Hope, Readings on the Liturgical Year, Maxwell E. Johnson, editor.

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Priest Spotlight: Fr. Pike Thomas, St. Jude Church, Bossier City

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can trace my call to the priesthood all the way back to my youth, even though it did not come to fruition until I was 39-yearsold. I really tie the working out of my decision over so many years to a series of model priests.

My first memory of church is Fr. Joe Gremillion, who ran an exciting new parish (St. Joseph) where Mass was held in a movie theatre only 24 hours after we kids had screamed our way through our favorite westerns and mysteries, cheered the heroes and booed the villains lustily. From the time of my first communion, I was always attracted to the spiritual life, I even had a little “shrine” in my closet: a statue of Mary, the Sacred Heart and St Therese of Lisieux (Little Flower).

In New Orleans as a young teen, I was an altar server, loving the connection with the Lord in the Mass.

(I even made a slide presentation to teach others) I served with wonderful Jesuit Fr. O’Callaghan – a “bigger than life joker”– and relished the adventure of navigating my bike through the streets at 5:30 a.m.

On moving to Baton Rouge, I entered public high school and through virile young Fr. Lester Lacassagne I was chosen as President of Young Chritian Students (YCS), a Vatican II–style discussion group in which we attempted to integrate our spirituality and our responsibility in the world.

Then a very difficult college freshman year away from family caused my first brush with seminary.

Fr. Condry of Jesuit High School in New Orleans heard my plea and brought me to the Grand Coteau novitiate for an interview.

The incisive Jesuit Director saw immediately I was not ready but only using God to escape. I continued college and put the vocation on the backburner for 20 years!

For too many young adult years, my faith was only a horizon which provided limits to otherwise unbridled self-centered behavior. I blush at admitting this, but it was

8 Catholic Connection January 2009

true. I moved around a good bit, sometimes sang in church choirs, but generally that was but a selfish activity as well, since it gave me great pleasure to sing. I cannot say I was more than a peripheral church member. I feel the loss of those precious years deeply even today.

I finally landed in California in my early 30’s, and it was only after a good friend and colleague to whom I had entrusted my home (my job of fund-raising for colleges, cultural institutions, hospitals kept me away for weeks at a time as I managed large campaigns) grew seriously ill that I began to reconsider where my life was leading, and felt God beckoning me to a different vision.

When my friend died, I turned in earnest to my faith and enlisted the aid of Dominican Fr. DeSylva in the Bay area, where I was at the time.

He shepherded me through several months of heavy spiritual lifting to discern that this crazy idea of being a priest seemed a genuine God-driven movement. Bt this time, the focus of my vocation was not primarily my own holiness, but assisting others to find their own close relationship with the Lord. And this has lasted from that time in the early ‘80s.

My time at Seminary was idyllic and exciting, which deepened my conviction of making the right decision, and it was there that I developed, with the aid of my leprechaun mentor Fr. McMurray, a sort of personal spirituality amid that of the wider Church. I learned to pray, to do spiritual reading and meditation, to love the Eucharist as the Lord’s greatest gift to us, and to relish the sweet work of collaborating with others for the betterment of church and society. That direction has been constant, as many know.

My joy is to watch some layperson – youth or elder – discover the joy of using their own special gift! A companion joy is to help parishioners see the immense spiritual benefits of participating fully in the Eucharist and the renewed vision we have of that Sacrament thanks to Vatican

Fr. Pike Thomas. Photo by Mike Silva.

II. To be able to lead God’s People at Mass is a humbling, but exalting spiritual experience. I find other great satisfaction in my Spiritual Direction and my teaching through Greco and other avenues.

I confess that the pace of my life as a priest means I am often identifying myself almost 24/7 as pastor. It is not a burden, but a joy! But as I move closer to the “senior” life (above 70), I look forward to a more leisurely walk with the Lord. But even now I find enough “free time” to involve myself in the classical music scene in our area. Every so often I get to have a total immersion experience, as at Santa Fé several summers ago, with my best friend Fr. Adam of Connecticut and Poland – with four Operas in five nights! A second love is family history, derived from my deep interest in American history. I have written two popular books on my family (LeDoux and The Scotts of Southwest Virginia) both of which have found a considerable audience (1000 copies+ each) . I find genealogy akin to a giant puzzle which never ends. You can always find more!

That elusive “more” is perhaps my life metaphor. For some, around the corner is simply an unknown, maybe even serious sin. For me, around the corner we find God’s Amazing Grace!

Statement of the President of the United States Conference of F E. G Catholic Bishops C by

ardinal

rancis

eorge

“If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.” Psalm 127: 1

T

he Bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States welcome this moment of historic transition and look forward to working with President-elect Obama and the members of the new Congress for the common good of all. Because of the Church’s history and the scope of her ministries in this country, we want to continue our work for economic justice and opportunity for all; our efforts to reform laws around immigration and the situation of the undocumented; our provision of better education and adequate health care for all, especially for women and children; our desire to safeguard religious freedom and foster peace at home and abroad. The Church is intent on doing good and will continue to cooperate gladly with the government and all others working for these goods.

The fundamental good is life itself, a gift from God and our parents. A good state protects the lives of all. Legal protection for those members of the human family waiting to be born in this country was removed when the Supreme Court decided Roe vs. Wade in 1973. This was bad law. The danger the Bishops see at this moment is that a bad court decision will be enshrined in bad legislation that is more radical than the 1973 Supreme Court decision itself.

In the last Congress, a Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) was introduced that would, if brought forward in the same form today, outlaw any “interference” in providing abortion at will. It would deprive the American people in all fifty states of the freedom they now have to enact modest restraints and regulations on the abortion industry. FOCA would coerce all Americans into subsidizing and promoting abortion with their tax dollars. It would counteract any and all sincere efforts by government and others of good will to reduce the number of abortions in our country.

Parental notification and informed consent precautions would be outlawed, as would be laws banning procedures such as partial-birth abortion and protecting infants born alive after a failed abortion. Abortion clinics would be deregulated. The Hyde Amendment restricting the federal funding of abortions would be abrogated. FOCA would have lethal consequences for prenatal human life.

FOCA would have an equally destructive effect on the freedom of conscience of doctors, nurses and health care workers whose personal convictions do not permit them to cooperate in the private killing of unborn children.

It would threaten Catholic health care institutions and Catholic Charities. It would be an evil law that would further divide our country, and the Church should be intent on opposing evil.

On this issue, the legal protection of the unborn, the bishops are of one mind with Catholics and others of

Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Sklba of Milwaukee speaks from the floor at the annual fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore Nov. 11. The bishops were commenting on a proposed letter from the USCCB president regarding the political situation in the United States.

(CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) (Nov. 11, 2008)

good will. They are also pastors who have listened to women whose lives have been diminished because they believed they had no choice but to abort a baby. Abortion is a medical procedure that kills, and the psychological and spiritual consequences are written in the sorrow and depression of many women and men. The bishops are single-minded because they are, first of all, single-hearted.

The recent election was principally decided out of concern for the economy, for the loss of jobs and homes and financial security for families, here and around the world. If the election is misinterpreted ideologically as a referendum on abortion, the unity desired by President-elect Obama and all Americans at this moment of crisis will be impossible to achieve. Abortion kills not only unborn children; it destroys constitutional order and the common good, which is assured only when the life of every human being is legally protected. Aggressively pro-abortion policies, legislation and executive orders will permanently alienate tens of millions of Americans, and would be seen by many as an attack on the free exercise of their religion.

This statement is written at the request and direction of all the Bishops, who also want to thank all those in politics who work with good will to protect the lives of the most vulnerable among us. Those in public life do so, sometimes, at the cost of great sacrifice to themselves and their families; and we are grateful. We express again our great desire to work with all those who cherish the common good of our nation. The common good is not the sum total of individual desires and interests; it is achieved in the working out of a common life based upon good reason and good will for all.

Our prayers accompany President-elect Obama and his family and those who are cooperating with him to assure a smooth transition in government. Many issues demand immediate attention on the part of our elected “watchman.”

(Psalm 127) May God bless him and our country.

9

Holy Hour for Vocations at St. Joseph Church

W

hen we look around our country today, we see that the general population is increasing, that the number of Catholics is increasing, but at the same time, the number of priests is decreasing. What is wrong with this picture? It is with this decreasing number of priests where, in 20, 10, or even five years from now we will soon see (if not already seen) Masses being offered decrease, sacraments being offered decrease, all leading to the decrease of the Consecrated Eucharist for the faithful to be fed. It is this food that is a staple for our existence on this earth as Christians, as Catholics, as believers in the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

It is now when we need to turn to this Bread in prayer, not only for our nourishment but for the nourishment of the seeds that have fallen on fertile and rocky soil. Prayer is to vocations as water is to the crop in the field. Both need to

The Wisdom of Aging

by

Kevin Nolten

be nourished. It is through our prayer at the foot of the Blessed Sacrament that will inspire, instill and foster the courage for young men to take up their cross and follow Christ; to be the shepherd of His flock, and to feed His people through the nourishment of the Body and Blood of Christ.

“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to gather in His Fr. David Richter leads the Holy Hour for Vocations at St. Joseph Church, Shreveport. Photo by James Barnard. harvest” (Mt 9:37; Lk 10:2).

Fr. David Richter in conjunction the Eucharist; that God will enable and with the Office of Vocations and the Serra empower those to answer God’s call to Club has begun to hold Holy Hours for minister to His people. Encourage your Vocations. These Holy Hours are held parish family as well as your own family once a month at various churches around to participate in the Holy Hour offered the Diocese of Shreveport. The first was in your parish or neighboring parish. It held at St. Joseph Church in Shreveport, is going to be through your prayer and with the next scheduled for Mary Queen encouragement that the fostering of of Peace on January 28, at 6:00 p.m. The vocations in the Diocese of Shreveport focus of this Holy Hour is prayer through will be plentiful.

by Sr. Martinette Rivers, Spiritual Gerontologist you spiritually and physically, go for The hexagon represents living in hat wonderful and funny it. Healthy, spiritual aging can be lived harmony while being aware of God’s things happen to us as we with passion as old things pass away and grace given to you each season as you find ourselves growing older new things burst forth like a seasonal needed it. The peaks and grayer, as we resurrection. outside the hexagon travel through the This makes the symbol of the butterfly represent the mountains different avenues all the more important, because as we we have climbed, those of the seasons of flit and fly from season to season, we we may have faced with our lives. As Agers become the new person, the resurrected great difficulty, yet faced our spring, summer and newly transformed person we were with faith in our hearts. and fall are finished Our faith helps us remove meant to be, with a restored body, and we have now doubt and despair from our mind, spirit, heart and soul. Become an entered our last hearts and fill it with trust enthusiastic, passionate Ager so you can stage, winter. Our Sr. Martinette with her symbol for aging. in God. The red represents bring about attitudinal change in others.

Aging can not be judged by our other seasons or how we the powerful, passionate, love of a Father, God is offering each of us 8,776 hours in who shed His blood for us and the same 2009 to share with others the treasure are living out our winter. We can only and blessing that we are. Time is our judge the person by the “essence” of who passion we should have for Him. The boundless enthusiasm we should friend so let us use it wisely. they became and whether they had a Be grateful for who you have become joy-filled season in the midst of pain and have for life is passion. Your passion for and do not become “geriatric hazards” as diminishment. Have we allowed the pain prayer should help you improve your you age. The older the butterfly becomes, memory. What’s to stop you? Age only of one of our seasons to destroy the joy makes it better. Meditation will clear your the more beautiful and fascinating it of all the rest? Only God can measure mind of its cobwebs. It helps you release becomes. With the time you have, let at the end how we have lived out each yourself age with grace, surrender and the thoughts in your mind and the season of our lives. tension in your muscles. Let your prayer sweet adventure. Keep moving your My Apache Indian friend in Texas body, mind, spirit, heart and soul away become the retreat for your soul. It will is an artist. Together we brainstormed from the past and launch out into the put you in a natural state of well being and created a symbol for aging. The future. Lose yourself in the new moments each day and carry you into tomorrow. circle represents the seasons of life. It you will create. Aging belongs to you Keeping passion, prayer and helps us find life’s purpose through the now. Experience the exhilaration of the enthusiasm alive in your heart as you seasons of holiness, so that when we discovery of the new aging you. The new age is the antidote one needs to keep have completed it we have reached the blessing yet to be in 2009. the mind sharp. Whatever nourishes fullness of God, our wholeness.

W

10 Catholic Connection January 2009

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12 Catholic Connection January 2009

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14 Catholic Connection January 2009

S chool N ews Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy by

St. John Berchmans Cathedral School by

Katie Sciba, Secretary

Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Catholic Schools Celebration Set for Last Week of January by

A

The picture with the group of students (Science Olympiad) shows: Top Row (from R to L): Crystal Bordelon, Kim Le, John Fenton, Morgan Murray, Connor Brooks, Christopher Fenton. Bottom Row (from R to L): Sophia Simon, Nathan Cowart, Andrew Pousson, Andy Nguyen, Stephen Stringfellow

s part of National Children’s Book Week, Bishop Michael Duca read The Cow That Went Oink by Bernard Most to the students t St. John Berchmans Catholic at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, we are proud to have Academy. The children were very our Science Olympiad teams and enthusiastic and chimed right in with our chapter of the National Junior Beta Bishop Duca. After he finished reading Club.

Both organizations encourage the book, the children sang a song to the students to challenge themselves to bishop and thanked him for his visit. excel in academics and as upstanding St. Joseph School citizens in their communities. Beta

by Lucy Medvec, Director of Development recently held their induction ceremony, accepting new members into the club.

While our Science Olympiad teams traveled to Dallas to compete in the Greenhill Invitational, where they won six medals and the Spirit Award for the second consecutive year.

A

Jesus the Good Shepherd School by Missy McKenzie Anna Katherine Harvey, Elizabeth Anne Fleniken, Reagan Stewart, Beth Ann Arcement and Sarah Catherine LaCour at the annual “Breakfast with Santa” pancake breakfast.

D

ecember was a busy month for the students and families at St. Joseph School. Here is a glimpse of our holiday activities: • “Bridging to the Big School” Open House welcomed prospective kindergartners and first graders.

• Annual SJS Family Fun Night.

• Santa and his elves visited the St. Joseph Family Life Center for our “Breakfast with Santa.”

• Our Christmas musical, “I Witness News: Live from Bethlehem.”

• A holiday clothing drive in conjunction with our school Mass.

Students brought in new clothing to be donated to Christian Services.

J

GS students McKenna Sanderson, John Mitchell McDuffie, and Elizabeth Hancock along with Fr. Mark Watson are shown at the lighting and blessing of the school Advent wreath. Each week the students will light a candle in honor of the liturgical season of Advent and to prepare for Christmas.

Sr. Carol Shively, Superintendent

C

atholic Schools Week, the annual celebration of Catholic schools and their contribution to their communities and the nation, is set for Jan. 25 through Jan. 30, 2009. For more than three decades, the nation’s Catholic schools have spent the last week of January recalling what makes Catholic education special.

The 2009 theme is “Catholic Schools: Celebrate Service,” which highlights the mission of Catholic schools to provide a faith-based education that supports the whole child academically and spiritually and prepares students for future success.

The Catholic schools in the diocese will host many activities including open-house.

The western deanery Catholic school communities will gather together Wednesday, January 28th at Loyola College Prep to celebrate and pray. Bishop Michael Duca will serve as the main celebrant. Bishop will be joined by the priests of the area at the Mass. Please consider joining us as we celebrate Catholic Schools in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

The eastern deanery Catholic schools will gather on Friday, January 30th, at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church to celebrate and pray. Bishop Michael Duca will serve as the main celebrant. The priests of the area will join Bishop in celebrating Catholic Schools.

15

Good News About Vocations Pt. 4 of 6

International Seminarians in Demand by

Martha H. Fitzgerald,

projects through

F

formerly a columnist and associate editorial page editor for

Martha Fitzgerald Consulting and Little Dove Press.

oreign-born priests have served the Americas since Ferdinand and Isabella colonized the New World. Franciscans joined Christopher Columbus on his second voyage, and Jesuits accompanied Lord Baltimore, founder of the colony of Maryland. Driven by successive waves of immigration, the Catholic Church in America survived and thrived by importing its priests from western Europe—Spain, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and, especially, Ireland.

Today’s international priests, however, hail from more exotic places—Asia, Latin America, eastern Europe, and Africa. And they’re likely to have come to our shores before—not after—ordination.

Foreign-born seminarians, in fact, account for much of the recent uptick in ordination numbers.

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, 32 percent of the priests ordained in 2008 are native to other countries. That’s up eight percent since 1999. By the time of ordination, these immigrant priests had lived in the United States an average of 13 years.

They hail from 15 countries, but most were born in Mexico, Vietnam, Poland, or the Philippines.

Seminaries report a similar diversity headed for ordination in 2009 or later.

About fifteen percent of students enrolled are Hispanic or Latino, and twelve percent are Asian.

Many immigrant seminarians come to this country as youths or young men.

Others transfer from theologate training in their home countries. Several U.S. dioceses, pressed by the late 20th century wave of new immigrants and shortage of native-born vocations, actively recruit overseas seminarians and pay for part if not all of their final years of training.

By all indications, this growing trend of international seminarians augurs well for the future. It helps address some of the challenges of importing priests, particularly language issues and cultural differences.

“While they’re studying, they’re able to learn not just the academics but the culture,” says Father Joe Noonan, director of the archdiocesan vocations office in Chicago.

The archdiocese has separate formation programs for priest candidates from

16 Catholic Connection January 2009

The Shreveport Times, develops independent book

Spanish-speaking countries (Casa Jesus, founded in 1987), from Poland (Bishop Abramowicz Preparatory Seminary), and from Africa (Tuite House). They spend a year or more in language training and cultural orientation while determining whether the U.S. priesthood is their future.

“The one struggle that is universal is accent. People want to be able to understand their priests,” Noonan says.

Stewardship and Communications Director John Mark The archdiocese offers accent Willcox with Diocese of Shreveport seminarian John Bosco reduction classes. “We work on Nyirenda, a native of Songea, Tanzania attending seminary that a lot.” at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

As it happened, all of Chicago’s and spirituality. Foreign-born students, diocesan ordinands in 2008 were however, need something entirely foreign-born, and all but one of the 2007 different: “a rather thorough and longclass. That wasn’t intentional, Noonan says. It reflects two things: success of the term orientation to the [U.S.] culture, so they have an understanding of American outreach programs and the precipitous parish life, theology, everything about the drop of native-born seminary entrants American church.” seven years ago, during the most heated Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans media coverage of the priest abuse addresses both needs. It offers a Hispanic scandals. But enrollment of native-born Studies program and, for international students is beginning to rebound at students, intensive language training, Mundelein Seminary outside Chicago.

Immigrant seminarians are most likely pastoral experiences, and other encounters to be recruited by an archdiocese or attend with local culture.

Last fall Notre Dame enrolled 32 a major urban seminary. They reflect the changing demographics of the Church in foreign-born seminarians—fully onethird of its student body. Most were America, particularly in large cities.

Since 1965, the U.S. Catholic population natives of Vietnam, others of Mexico, the has jumped by nearly 19 million. Hispanics Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.

Sixteen are already U.S. citizens, or represent more than 70 percent of the permanent residents. Six were sent by growth. But the Church no longer has religious institutes or overseas dioceses, the luxury of national or culture-specific such as Tororo in the Republic of Uganda, parishes—Irish Catholic churches down the street from Italian ones, for example. and will return to their native countries.

The rest will seek resident status when Instead, this new wave of immigration their studies end. spawned parishes of mixed cultures in Many of those who stay in this country dioceses across the country, and created will serve Anglo congregations, but others a greater need for priests who are will enter specialized ministries. With the multilingual. demand for multicultural priest candidates One in five of all U.S. parishes has a growing, “I wish we had more,” says the Hispanic ministry. The archdiocese of Los seminary’s president rector, Father Jose Angeles offers liturgies in 28 different Lavastida, himself a native of Cuba and a languages or dialects.

Today’s diversity complicates Catholic U.S. citizen since 1974.

It must be noted, however, that far ministry, says Sister Katarina Schuth, OSF, an authority on priestly training. She holds more international seminarians show interest in coming to America than are the Chair for Social Scientific Study of Religion at Saint Paul Seminary School of admitted. Diocesan vocations directors receive unsolicited email inquiries Divinity in Minnesota. Few priests in the every week. They prefer to recruit their past had multicultural training. But that own candidates, using screening tests, is changing, she says. Most seminarians today at least learn about Hispanic culture International Seminarians continued on page 13.

International Seminarians continued from page 12.

background checks, and personal contacts at seminaries and dioceses abroad. Also, Noonan says, tighter immigration laws keep out of the seminaries those aspirants who may have lived in the United States since childhood but were never documented.

However they arrive on these shores, immigrant clerics are essentially missionaries to America, much as their counterparts were in previous generations.

They serve in small as well as large dioceses across the country.

“We’ve been blessed by their presence,” says retired Bishop William B. Friend, former shepherd of the Diocese of Shreveport in northwest Louisiana. “Were they not present, we would have more pastors with multiple churches to serve.

That is particularly difficult in rural areas.”

The bishop well understands the cultural challenges of international priests and seminarians. He was chairman of the board of CARA, the Center for Applied Research of the Apostolate, from 1997-2003, and coedited The Culture of Bible Belt Catholics.

(Paulist Press, 1995), a scholarly look at the strength of Catholicism in the heart of the Anglo-Saxon Protestant South.

Before his retirement in 2006, the bishop imported priests from vocations-rich India. The diocese also partnered with an African order to help educate brothers and future priests in exchange for their work in pastorates, hospitals, and social ministry.

Immigrant priests and seminarians, he points out, have value far beyond supplementing the native-born ranks of clergy. “They help prepare us for the world, the global culture,” the day in which the United States will become a nation of minorities.”

What’s more, Bishop Friend says, “They offer a beautiful spirituality. They’ve brought a great gift to the diocese.”

Noonan agrees. “The culture in other countries is often very rich.” Learning their traditions, such as devotions to Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Czestochowa, expands our own understanding of Catholic doctrine and belief, he says.

In short, priests and priests-to-be from other countries remind us, in a personal and very powerful way, of an essential truth: Catholicism is a universal church.

Coming next: New Orders of Religious Emerge © 2008 Martha H. Fitzgerald

“International Seminarians in Demand” may be reprinted only with permission of the Catholic Connection magazine and Martha H. Fitzgerald.

Highlights of 2008 USCCB Fall General Assembly C M by

haz

uth,

Catholic News Service

U.S. bishops go about their work Nov. 11 at the annual fall meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore. At top from left is conference vice president Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., president Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago and Msgr. David Malloy, USCCB general secretary. Henry M. Robert III, the meeting's parliamentarian, is at right. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) (Nov. 11, 2008)

B

ALTIMORE (CNS) -- At the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Nov. 10-12 fall general assembly in Baltimore, the bishops: -- Heard their president, Chicago Cardinal Francis E. George, acknowledge the historic significance of the election of President-elect Barack Obama and pray that the incoming president will be able to succeed in his task for the good of all.

-- Warned the new administration and new Congress that lifting existing federal abortion restrictions would permanently alienate tens of millions of Americans and could be seen as an attack on religious freedom.

-- Said the church will continue in a time of economic crisis to reach out to those in need, stand with those who are hurt, and work for more just and compassionate policies.

-- Approved another lengthy section of the English translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal, which must now be confirmed by the Vatican.

-- Chose the Revised Grail Psalter produced by the monks of Conception Abbey in Missouri over the Revised New American Bible translation of the Book of Psalms for liturgical use in the United States.

-- Overwhelmingly approved a liturgical service in English and Spanish for blessing children in the womb.

-- Elected Bishop George V. Murry

of Youngstown, Ohio, as USCCB secretary-elect and chose chairmenelect for five USCCB committees.

-- Approved a $144 million budget and a lengthy list of plans and programs for the USCCB in 2009.

-- Set a host of goals for five task forces on issues ranging from strengthening marriage to addressing cultural diversity in the church as priority initiatives through 2011.

-- Heard a report from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development that it cut off funding earlier this year to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, known as ACORN, for reasons unrelated to the organization’s current troubles over voter registration and partisan politics.

-- Voted in favor of a revised process for submitting “varia” -- new issues that an individual bishop or group of bishops would like to see considered by the full body.

-- Explored how domestic and international charitable organizations have found encouragement and helpful guidance in Pope Benedict XVI’s first encyclical,“Deus Caritas Est” (“God Is Love”).

-- Learned The Catholic University of America in Washington has had a record-breaking year for freshman enrollment and for national fundraising, but lost millions in investments in the 2008 economic meltdown.

17

Christ the King Feast Day Celebration

C

hrist the King Catholic Church celebrated the feast day of Christ the King on November 22 with a beautiful liturgy and a reception following. Bishop Duca celebrated and our pastor, Fr. Charles Glorioso concelebrated the 11:00 a.m. bilingual Mass. The church was filled close to capacity with our English and Spanish communities coming together for this special celebration.

Bishop Duca delivered a richly inspiring homily encouraging the people of Christ the King to live a Christ-like life. He emphasized that we should be a people of hope and that Christ will come again. The Bishop went on to say if we have strived to live a Christian life and heard the Word of God, we can look forward to eternal life with our Father in Heaven. Some things we can do while here on earth are clothe the naked, feed

by Nancy Miller, Christ the King Church other parishioners and the poor, and visit the visiting with the Bishop sick and imprisoned as and Fr. Charles.

Jesus did.

This event was made At the closing of possible because so the Mass, everyone many of our parishioners, walked over to the both American and auditorium for a Hispanic, came together celebration of one as one community and another and lots of created a very special food! Finger foods, liturgy and reception. sandwiches, desserts There are so many to of all kinds, and name that we won’t hot tamales galore attempt to at the risk of were prepared missing someone. May by parishioners.

God bless everyone There were meat, who helped make this vegetable and dessert Fr. Charles Glorioso and Bishop a joyous occasion. And hot tamales. Our Michael Duca celebrate Mass on we wish to extend a very English and Spanish Christ the King Feast Day. Photo by Manuel Quiroz. special thank you to communities certainly Bishop Duca for joining Christ the King shared their expertise in cooking. parish on our Feast Day. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship with

2009 Diocese of Shreveport

Liturgical-Catechetical Conference Saturday, January 24, 2009 • 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Catholic Center • 318-868-4441 3500 Fairfield Avenue • Shreveport, LA 71104 Keynote Speaker:

Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. Irwin

Dean, School of Theology and Religious Studies, Catholic University of America and Advisor to the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship to speak on his book

18 Catholic Connection January 2009

Models of the Eucharist

Fr. Rothell Price Celebrates 20 Years of Service K L , DRE, S . M

S

by

im

ong

t

ary of the

Pines

we were when we experienced a significant event. Fr. Price has served the following parishes- St. Mary of the Pines, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, St. John’s, St. Benedict the Black, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Jude, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Chapel, Sacred Heart of Jesus and once again St. Mary of the Pines.

St. Mary’s holds a distinctive place in the map of the last 20 years for Fr. Price. He was first assigned here in 1988 as a Parochial Vicar. Before he had completed his six year appointment, he was transferred to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament. We cried our tearful goodbyes but knew that the Blessed Sacrament community was in for a treat!

Eighteen years later, the St. Mary’s faith community welcomed him back as pastor. During these past few years we were privileged to be with him as he celebrated his 50th birthday; we were Bishop Michael Duca and Fr. Rothell Price at Fr. Rothell's humbled to be with him as 20th anniversary to his ordination of the priesthood he sustained the loss of his celebration. grandmother, mother and with new ears that familiar passage nephew and our tears flowed once reminding us that when we have again for him. Now as we gathered done it to the “least of these, you on the Feast of Christ the King, we have done it to me also.” brought gratitude and thanks to the Fr. Price, known for his homilies, Mass for the many years of service gave us more than just food for Fr. Price has rendered to our God and thought; he gave us lessons for life. our Church. We were also grateful as As he recounted those cherished individuals for the times he baptized words of that particular gospel our children, confirmed our teens, passage, he reminded us that we witnessed our marriages, heard won’t be judged on what we materially our heartbreaks in confession and accomplished and amassed but rather our joys in everyday conversation, on how well we loved. and helped us say goodbye as we Bishop Duca stated that in suffered our own losses. In addition, affirming the one, we affirm the many. Fr. Price has also served the diocese In honoring our priest, Fr. Price, we on a number of committees and in a honor all those who have chosen to number of roles. serve God in this way. In praying for As a token of appreciation, Fr. our priest, we are also to pray for all Price received a vestment and plaque our priests. as well as many good wishes, hugs Some places remain, for a variety and handshakes. When asked what of reasons, significant in our memory. was next, Fr. Price stated that he had Perhaps it is the place we met “twenty years down and eighty to go!” someone who influenced us, the place Talk about going forward in hope! t. Mary of the Pines in Shreveport was the setting on November 22, the vigil of the feast of Christ the King, for the celebration of Fr. Rothell Price’s 20th year anniversary to the priesthood.

The celebration began with the brandishing of swords by the Knights of Columbus and a procession by the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver and ended with a lavish reception in Vandegaer Hall.

As the readings were proclaimed we heard of shepherds who look after and tend the sheep of the Lord; in the gospel of Matthew we heard

World Day for Consecrated Life February 8, 2009

by Marilyn Vassallo, Coordinator for Religious

Sr. Cristina Angelini and Fr. David Richter at the planning meeting for World Day for Consecrated Life.

O

n Sunday, February 8, 2009, a special Liturgy will be celebrated

by Bishop Michael G. Duca for the religious men and women serving in the Diocese of Shreveport. The Centenary Camerata will join in this celebration of prayer, worship and song as we honor the religious of our diocese!

In 1997, Pope John Paul II instituted World Day for Consecrated Life as a universal event to celebrate the call to religious life. This event in our diocese coincides with the celebration conducted in Rome this year by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. All parishioners in the diocese are encouraged to attend this celebration.

Bishop Duca has also extended a special invitation to students in our religious education programs and Catholic schools. Our young people preparing for Confirmation are especially encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to experience the church’s celebration of religious life.

The Eucharistic Liturgy will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, followed by a reception at the multi-room in the Cathedral School.

This is an excellent opportunity to encourage vocation awareness, as well as celebrate the jubilees and anniversaries of religious serving in our diocese. For more information contact Sister Marilyn Vassallo, CSJ, Coordinator for Religious at 318868-4441 or email Ann Goelden at agoelden@dioshpt.org.

19

Woodley Family Spearheads Operation Stocking Stuffer by

Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Louisiana Seminarians Compete in Annual Football Game by

Joshua McLean Sanders, Seminarian

“Strap on your cleats again. It’s time for football, the fire, and your friends. Cutting down trees, camaraderies. It’s bonfire at St. Ben’s again.” o this is not me trying out for a career in writing music, this is the first part of the St. Ben’s bonfire song that is sung before and after bonfire day at St. Joseph. Once a year, like clockwork, St. Joseph Seminary College and Notre Dame Theology College duke it out on the football field for the glory of winning the St. Ben’s Bonfire Trophy, followed by a grand light show that is the bonfire.

Each year the student body tries to make the bonfire taller than the year before. This year was no exception with a bonfire that stood 24-feet tall, breaking last years height of a mere 21-feet. Everyone was excited about the day’s events, none more than Keith Meshell and myself, because Bishop Duca had been invited to come and celebrate a special Mass for the students of both schools just prior to kick-off. Many knew Bishop Duca from his previous days as Rector of Holy Trinity in Texas, and everyone was very happy to have him say Mass for us. Although we have many different priests come and celebrate Mass thoughout the year, Bishops do not get the time to come that often, and this year only one other Bishop came.

Once the Mass was finished it was off to the football game between the St. Joseph Ravens and the Notre Dame Hunchbacks, and I am very happy Seminarian Joshua Sanders, Bishop Michael Duca and to say we Seminarian Keith Meshell at the St. Joseph Seminary demolished the Bonfire Games.

Hunchbacks with a score of 38-0. GO RAVENS! After the game was finished, we all went in for evening prayer and a delicious roasted pig for dinner.

Finally, the moment came for the senior class to light the 24-foot bonfire. Within seconds, the fire grew to twice the size of the bonfire itself! As the night went on, we all watched and waited to see when the first tier of logs would fail. After about an hour or so into the bonfire, Bishop Duca, Keith and myself got a pleasant surprise when our seminary brother from Notre Dame, John Bosco Nyirenda, was finally able to come and join in the celebration. But as the night grew later, John Bosco had to get back to Notre Dame, Bishop Duca had to rest for his early departure the following morning and Keith had to prepare to leave for his Mexico trip at 4:00 a.m. that morning. So we all decided to call it a night and retreat back to our bed after enjoying this year’s bonfire.

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Joseph, Maria and Lucy Woodley stand with some of the 200 stockings stuffed with gifts that were sent to troops in Iraq and Afganistan.

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uring each holiday season the Woodley family puts together a special family project. This year, Joseph and Rosie, along with their children Lucy, Maria and Joseph, headed up Operation Stocking Stuffer. The purpose of this effort was to send Christmas stockings stuffed with a host of non-perishable items, such as food, medical supplies and stationary, to troops overseas. Rosie Woodley said with the help of Operation Support Our Troops, they were able to send these gifts to men and women in remote locations of Iraq and Afghanistan who are not normally reached by military Christmas efforts.

Although this started out as a family project, the Woodleys were quickly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from their parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Loyola College Prep, where all three of their children attend school. This community effort resulted in donations of over 200 stockings as well as payment for the cost for over $600 in postage.

Each stocking included personal cards and greetings and this message: “Here is a touch of the holiday from your friends back home in the U.S.A. Though far away, may you be blessed this season. Merry Christmas and prayers for a safe return. Your friends at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.”

The support of Shirley Olivieri-Mathies at Operation Support Our Troops played a big role in the success of the Woodley’s project. This organization helped donors find and reach remote troops, as well as provide important guidelines on the types of things to send to support our men and women without offending Islamic authorities.

When talking about the success of their project, Rosie Woodley was overjoyed and amazed at the number of donations made by such a loving community.

For more information on Operation Support Our Troops, please visit www.west-point.org/family/support-our-troops.

20 Catholic Connection January 2009

Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página Como Católicos Pertenecemos a la Diócesis de Shreveport

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e informamos que El Ministerio Hispano ya cuenta con su página en español dentro de la revista mensual (Catholic Connection) de la Diócesis. Este es un excelente medio para enterarse de eventos diocesanos, horarios de Misas y comunidades que ya cuentan con ministerios en español. Otro medio es la página de internet www.dioshpt.org de la diócesis, la cual tiene también la sección en español donde encontrará links a páginas católicas. Para recibir la revista mensualmente gratis llámenos al Centro Católico con Gabby la secretaria 318-219-7311 o Rosalba 318-219-7265 o gratis al 1-800-256-1542 y marque la extensión 311 o 265. O simplemente llene la forma adjunta y entréguela al coordinador de su comunidad. ¿YA PERTENECE A SU PARROQUIA? Pertenecer a una parroquia en Estados Unidos no es una opción. Si usted y su familia son católicos y quieren recibir beneficios que la iglesia ofrece y estar sentir la cercanía de sus hermanos católicos hispanos, necesita buscar la parroquia mas cercana con comunidad activa y registrarse. La parroquia mantiene

una lista de los feligreses activos.

Como miembro activo usted: 1. Recibe la revista mensual en su hogar sin costo y se mantiene informado de actividades y eventos que ayudan a practicar y crecer en la fe.

2. Su congregación lo conoce, conoce sus necesidades, dones y le puede asistir de acuerdo a sus posibilidades.

3. Se une en oración a su comunidad, pidiendo juntos por necesidades mutuas, de sus familias y del mundo entero.

4. Aprovecha servicios comunitarios en el área y clases como Año Litúrgico, Sacramentos, Biblia Inglés como segundo idioma y muchos más.

La iglesia también lo necesita a usted… Sí, a usted y a todos los católicos hispanos. Nuestra diócesis necesita gente que quiera utilizar y compartir sus talentos sirviendo al Señor en su comunidad. ¿Qué espera? ¡Anímese y participe, Conéctese!

Calendario Diocesano del mes

4-10 Semana Nacional de la Migración – La conferencia Episcopal de

Obispos de Los Estados Unidos nos pide que oremos de una manera

especial esta semana por los refugiados, por las víctimas de tráfico

humano, por la dignidad humana y por una reforma migratoria justa.

5 Reanudación de clases escolares y catequéticas.

5-6 Celebraciones de La epifanía de los Reyes – Levantadas del niño Dios.

24 Conferencia Diocesana Litúrgica-Catequética Centro Católico. (Inglés)

Si usted o alguien que usted conoce aun no recibe esta revista en su hogar, por favor pídale que corte esta forma, la llene y se la entregue a su coordinador(a).

Nombre y Apellido(s)______________________________ Teléfono (___) - ________ - _________ Dirección____________________________________________ Ciudad________________________ Estado__________ Código Postal _______________

Misas Bossier City: Parroquia de Cristo Rey (Christ the King) 425 McCormick Street Bossier City, LA 71111 Domingo 3:00 p.m.

Representante: Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) 600 E. Water Street, Farmerville, LA 71241 Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Representante: P. Luis Jost Tel: 318-243-0115 Mansfield: Parroquia de San José (St. Joseph) 305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield, LA 71052 2do Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.

Representante: Teresa Pérez Tel: 318-871-8037 Minden: Parroquia de San Pablo (St. Paul) 410 Fincher Road Minden, LA 71055 Viernes 7:00 p.m.

Representante: Margarita Bratton Tel: 318-377-9684 Oak Grove: Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart) 201 Purvis St, Oak Grove, LA 71263 Domingo 5:00 p.m.

Representantes: Feliciano y Rosa Alviso Martinez Tel: 318-428-2137 Ruston: Iglesia de Santo Tomás de Aquino (St. Thomas Aquinas) 810 Carey Ave, Ruston LA 71270 2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Representante: Padre Blane Tel:318-225-2870 Ext.15 Shreveport: Santa María de los Pinos (St. Mary of the Pines) 1050 Bert Kouns Ind Lp. Shreveport, LA 71118 Domingos 1:00 p.m.

Representante: Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-671-9111 West Monroe: Parroquia de San Pascual (St. Paschal) 711 N 7th Street, W. Monroe, LA 71291 Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Representante: Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

Rosalba Quiroz

Directora Interina del Ministerio Hispano

Rev. Al Jost

Coordinador de La Vicaría del Este

Gabriela Argueta Secretaria

21

Deacon Ministries: Marriage Encounter Deacon Mark Campbell

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s a requirement for our ordination to the diaconate, aspiring deacons had to attend a Marriage Encounter weekend. My wife Libby and I thought we had a good marriage and did not need to go, but we decided to view this as a blessing instead of a requirement. We decided we would open our hearts and our minds to this retreat, and trust others that had gone before us. We put ourselves, for one whole weekend, in the hands of God and the retreat team.

When a marriage is enhanced by a M.E weekend, everyone in the family and community benefits. Not only us as couples, but our friends, community and children are blessed by the grace given to us during this time.

My wife and I found we do have a good marriage. Before we went to Marriage Encounter we were flying through life and getting by. After our weekend, I was able to let her completely into my life and share deeper than I ever had before. I was able to love her and myself with a beautiful joy that came deep from within. I discovered my wife and who she is, not who I thought she was, more deeply than before. We were very good communicators and we did not think we needed help in that area, but since then our spiritual and physical togetherness has become better.

Even though it was tough getting Little did we know that when Fr. Calvo away for a whole weekend, we did started Marriage Encounter, it would it, and we were pleasantly surprised. become the “in thing to do.” According We had a wonderful weekend and to a recent Good Morning America, you received what God had in store for should give your marriage a check-up us. Of course, we did not realize that just as you check out your furnace, your He had in mind our becoming the car and your health. They suggested Clergy Couple for the team for future counseling sessions to see how you weekends, but as God surprises us all, are doing in your marriage. Marriage and that is exactly what happened.

Encounter has been offering this for This article isn’t long enough to tell years and you do not have to keep going the history of our journey to Marriage back every week.

Encounter, but we can tell you that God’s A Marriage Encounter weekend plan was not our plan. I thought my introduces you to a communication ministry, besides my duties at St. Pius technique that offers unlimited growth X, would be with Holy Angels or the in your relationship. This weekend is nursing homes. We are very grateful designed for all married couples, young to have the counsel of all who have and old, in all walks of life. Through gone before us in National Marriage focusing on your spouse you will be Encounter, including Fr. Bob Inzina, Rev. amazed at the renewed closeness that Wesley and JoAnn Pittman and Deacon can result in just one weekend.

Clary and Mary Nash. We are new and National Marriage Encounter learning, but feel very blessed to be able is presently a non-denominational, to help the faithful of our community Christian weekend experience which enjoy, grow and fulfill their Sacrament helps you to understand the part God of Marriage with more understanding, plays in a Christian marriage. For dedication and joy.

Catholics it is our Sacrament that brings Genesis makes it clear. Marriage grace and blessings into our lives. is a place where people develop the The next Marriage Encounter is capacity to love in a way that reveals scheduled at Camp Harris in Minden on God. This passage says a human being Feb. 13-15. You can call Deacon Mark cannot be the image of God in isolation. and Libby Campbell at 318-425-3901, or Only in relationship with one another email mark-libby@att.net or Maureen in LOVE are we most truly God’s and Bob Barber at 318-746-3978, or email image. Marriage is a HOLY way of life. them at mb7997@bellsouth.net.

22 Catholic Connection January 2009

Happy Together: The Blueprint for a Loving Marriage by

Dotye Sue Stanford

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here is no such thing as a perfect marriage. There are only imperfect men and women who marry to find happiness in each other’s company. The fact is that many of us struggle and face challenges as a couple that we never imagined we would encounter on the day we said “I do.” The marriage enrichment program on January 9 and 10, led by Chris and Kathy Owen (Director of Family Life and Pro-Life of the Lake Charles Diocese), will share a blueprint for a loving marriage that is based on the Christian belief that God made the relationship of husband and wife in His own image. Marital happiness is achieved when couples love as God loves. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to fall in love with your spouse all over again! The cost is $40 per couple. To register or for more information, please call Dotye Sue Stanford at 318-841-8208.

Night with Mike Patin

by Julia Norton, Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at St. Joseph Church

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ll Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers are invited to come Thursday, January 29th to St. Joseph Church, Shreveport in Mike Patin the Activity center from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for an amazing night with our guest speaker Mike Patin.

Mike has been in youth ministry for many years and has been all around the world for youth events.

He brings a remarkable “new light” on the good news of God’s presence among us, with his humor and energy. He has been to over 95 dioceses around the world and led hundreds of teens at World Youth Day in 2007 in Vancover, Canada.

Calling Catholics Home

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uring the 2009 Lenten season, parishes throughout the diocese are taking the opportunity to welcome back those who were “once Catholic” by beginning the program, Calling Catholics Home.

The Calling Catholics Home program has been initiated to reach out to those who have left the Catholic Church. As Catholics we know it is important to recognize hurts, apologize, make amends and move forward.

Fallen-away Catholics are people who for one reason or another have stopped attending the Catholic Church and no longer participate in the sacraments.

This will be the fifth year for this successful and educational program in our diocese with more people attending each year. Please keep this program in mind while visiting with family and friends who might be fallen-away Catholics and encourage them to attend.

This six week program will begin in Shreveport and Bossier City on February 16 at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport.

Deaf Ministry Offers Sign Language Classes by

Deacon Freeman Ligon

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he Diocese of Shreveport Deaf Ministry in conjunction with the Hands of Praise Deaf Ministry and the members of the Northwest Louisiana Deaf Community will be offering a sign language class for hearing persons interested in communicating with the deaf. The class will also be a gateway for those interested in interpreting in the religious setting. It is set to begin February 5 through April 30. The class will be held at the Hands of Praise Deaf Ministry building, which is located at 521 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City.

We are also excited to announce a workshop seminar focused on how to interpret in all religious settings. If you are interpreting, signing songs, or know some signs and would like to learn more, a group of interested people are meeting at the Broadmoor Branch Library on Saturday, January 10 at 10 a.m. Come, meet, learn and share your faith. The library is at 1212 Captain Shreve Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105. For more information or to register for these exciting classes, go to www.dioshpt.org/dfministry/ deafministry.html, or email Deacon Freeman Ligon at deaconligon@hotmail.com or Peggy Gray at pjgray@comcast.net.

J anuary Calendar

All events are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Jan. 1:

Jan. 2: Jan. 3: Jan. 4: Jan. 5:

Jan. 6: Jan. 7:

Jan. 8: Jan. 9: Jan. 11: Jan. 13: Jan. 14: Jan. 15:

Jan. 17: Jan. 18: Jan. 19: Jan. 20: Jan. 21: Jan. 22: Jan. 24:

Jan. 25: Jan. 26: Jan. 27: Jan. 28:

Jan. 29: Jan. 30: Jan. 31:

New Years Day Catholic Center & Catholic Schools Closed Octave Day of Christmas The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God World Day of Prayer and Peace Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, bishops, doctors The Most Holy Name of Jesus The Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Center & Catholic Schools Reopen John Neumann, bishop Blessed André Bessette, religious Raymond of Peñafort, priest Orthodox Christmas Feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Deadline for Catholic Connection February Issue Baptism of the Lord Hilary, bishop and doctor Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6:30pm Advisory Board for Religious, Catholic Center, 11:30am Serra Club Meeting and Mass, Catholic Center, 12:00pm Anthony, abbot Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Fabian, pope & martyr; Sebastian, martyr Agnes, virgin & martyr Day of Prayer and Penance for Life Liturgical-Catechetical Conference: Models of the Eucharist Catholic Center, 9:00am Second Collection: Catholic Schools Francis de Sales, bishop & doctor Second Collection: Catholic Schools Timothy & Titus, bishops Angela Merici, virgin All Schools Mass, Loyola College Prep, 9:00am Holy Hour for Vocations, Mary Queen of Peace, 6:00pm Thomas Aquinas, priest & doctor LA Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting, Baton Rouge All Schools Mass, Jesus the Good Shepherd, 9:00am John Bosco, priest 23

High School Rally

The High School Rally titled, "Encourage the Storm" took place at St. Joseph Church in Sheveport on November 15. High School students gathered to hear Bishop Michael Duca talk about how God is calling them.

DIOCESE

OF

3500 Fairfield Ave.

SHREVEPORT •

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

24 Catholic Connection January 2009