Catholic Connection January 2015

Vol. 24, No. 6 January 2015

New Life Supporting

in

North Louisiana January 2015 1

Coming Soon to a Station Near You!

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Jessica Rinaudo Jacquie Bierwirth Marie Rinaudo Shelly Bole Bishop Michael Duca Sr. Martinette Rivers Katie Sciba Kim Long Duane Trombetta Sr. Carolyn Martin Bonny Van Theresa Mormino Kelly Phelan Powell Mike Van Vranken Bro. Mike Ward Fr. Rothell Price John Mark Willcox Rosalba Quiroz Editorial Board Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Kelly Phelan Powell Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement 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.

Subscriptions & Address Changes Contact: Jessica Rinaudo, Editor Email: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org Write: Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609 Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org

The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call Glennda Lawson.

Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law enforcement agency.

2 Catholic Connection

W

e are excited to announce that plans for North Louisiana Catholic Radio (NLACR) are underway!

So just what is, or what will, North Louisiana Catholic radio be? The planning committee for this new evangelical endeavor has several goals, but the primary one is to bring the message of Christ and the teachings of the Catholic faith to listeners through broadcasting biblical readings, prayer, sacred music, devotionals and informative forums bringing glory to Jesus Christ.

The new radio station will be implemented in a series of steps. The first goal is to get the station online where anyone with Internet access can log on and listen to NLACR’s streaming service and download and listen to locally-produced content.

Our second goal will be to move to a broadcast station that can be listened to through local radio transmitters.

Please keep the success of this new Catholic evangelical endeavor in your prayers. Stay tuned to the Catholic Connection for more updates on the new radio station!

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

bishop’s january calendar JANUARY 1 Mass, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish; Shreveport; 9:30 a.m.

JANUARY 3 Annual Mardi Gras Mass; St. Pius X Parish, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

JANUARY 4-8 Region V Bishops’ Retreat, Christian Life Center at St. Joseph Abbey, St. Benedict, Louisiana JANUARY 8 Solemnity of Our Lady of Prompt Succor – The Bicentennial Eucharistic Celebration of Thanksgiving for the Miraculous Victory in the Battle of New Orleans; National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, New Orleans; 4:00 p.m.

JANUARY 12 LSUHSC Catholic Medical Students Association Luncheon; LSUHSC, Shreveport; 11:30 a.m.

Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center; 1:30 p.m.

JANUARY 13 St. Frederick High School Board Meeting; Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

JANUARY 17 2nd Annual Louisiana Life March-North; Shreveport-Bossier City Center for Ministry Development Mass; Catholic Center Chapel, Shreveport; 5:15 p.m.

JANUARY 18 State Association of Student Councils Convention Mass; St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport; 7:00 a.m.

JANUARY 20 Southern Deanery Stewardship Appeal Donor Reception; St. John the Baptist Church Parish Hall, Many; 6:30 p.m.

JANUARY 21 Investment Committee meeting; Catholic Center; 10:00 a.m.

JANUARY 22 Loyola College Prep Board of Trustees meeting; Loyola College Prep, Shreveport; 5:15 p.m.

JANUARY 26 All Schools Mass; St. Frederick High School, Monroe; 9:30 a.m.

Eastern Deanery Stewardship Appeal Donor Reception; Home of Dr. & Mrs. Ralph Armstrong, Monroe; 6:30 p.m.

JANUARY 27 Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops’ meeting; Baton Rouge; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

JANUARY 28 St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors’ Meeting; Monroe; 11:30 a.m.

JANUARY 29 Western Deanery Stewardship Appeal Donor Reception; Shreveport Club, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

JANUARY 31 Confirmation; Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Monroe; 4:30 p.m.

contents

january 2015

columns Looking to the Future for the Diocese

by Bishop Michael G. Duca........................................................................................... 4-5

Mike’s Meditations: Is There Room in Your Heart for God to Answer?

by Mike Van Vranken.................................................................................................6 Second Collections: Diocesan Catholic Schools & Church in Latin America

by Fr. Rothell Price .....................................................................................................6 From the Pope: Like Mary, Welcome Grace and Correspond with Faith

by Vatican Information Services..................................................................................7 In the Words of Pope Francis by Vatican Information Services...............................7 Catholic Food: Clean Sweep by Kim Long............................................................8 Domestic Church: Catholic New Year's Resolutions by Katie Sciba...................9 Faith Filled Resolutions by Katie Sciba ....................................................................9 Book Review: Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human Christian Maturity Written by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI by Marie Rinaudo .......................................10 New DVD's at Slattery Library.................................................................................10 Navigating the Faith: Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus...............................11 Vocations Corner: Studying at the Institute of Priestly Formation

by Duane Trombetta..................................................................................................14 Vocations Corner: Wake Up the World! by Sr. Carolyn Martin, LSP.........................14

11

12

feature Supporting New Life in North Louisiana Bishop's Pro-Life Banquet and Mary's House Support Local Catholic Pro-Life Ministries

by Kelly Phelan Powell .............................................................................................. 12-13

15

news Reflection: Oceans and Seasons of Life by Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS ...................15 Tech Students Reach Out to Community by Bro. Mark Ward..............................15 Farmerville's Musical Treasure by Bonny Van ........................................................16 The Eastern Deanery Celebrates Family Style! by Shelly Bole..............................16 Catholic Charities Celebrates Christmas with Local Children

by Theresa Mormino...................................................................................................17 Youth Visit Ware Youth Correctional Facility by Jacquie Bierwirth........................17 Hispanic Corner by Rosalba Quiroz ........................................................................18 Around the Globe Council of Cardinals Meeting Themes Included Reform of Curia & Protection of Minors; Religious Leaders Gathered to Eliminate Modern Slavery

by Vatican Information Services.................................................................................19 School News ...........................................................................................................20 Around the Diocese ...............................................................................................21 Upcoming Events....................................................................................................22 January Calendar ..................................................................................................23 Picture of the Month...............................................................................................24

on the cover

Shannon Furr with her son, Landon.

(Photo by Jessica Rinaudo)

January 2015 3

LA REFLEXIÓN del obispo

por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Viendo Hacia el Futuro para la Diócesis

P

ara cuando ustedes reciban la edición de este mes de la Catholic Connection, la mayoría de las emociones y maravillas de la temporada Navideña se estarán ya apagando y nuestros pensamientos se estarán turnando hacia un nuevo año con sus posibilidades y retos.

Generalmente mis pensamientos esta temporada están puestos en mis resoluciones de año nuevo, pero este año mi mente y mi corazón han sido capturados por el deseo de engendrar una nueva esperanza con nuevas posibilidades y retos para nuestra diócesis.

Voy a cumplir siete años como Obispo de Shreveport el mes de mayo. Estos años han sido de los más satisfactorios de mi vida. Disfruto visitar nuestras parroquias y estar con ustedes como su pastor. El tiempo que he sido obispo me ha inspirado con un nuevo entendimiento del llamado de Dios en mi vida. Además de haber disfrutado y continuaré disfrutando mi tiempo visitando y orando con ustedes en la parroquia, un obispo es llamado a ser algo más. Me toca a mí leer las señales de los tiempos y tratar de dirigir el Cuerpo de Cristo, la diócesis de Shreveport hacia el futuro. Creo que es hora de que comencemos a considerar las prioridades diocesanas que nos ayudarán a satisfacer los retos de años venideros y crear oportunidades que apoyarán nuestra misión del Evangelio: construir el reino de Dios en nuestros hogares, nuestras parroquias, nuestras ciudades y, de hecho, en el Norte de Luisiana.

Viajando por la diócesis ya he podido ver las oportunidades y desafíos. Veo que nuestros sacerdotes diocesanos y religiosos están fielmente viviendo su vocación sacerdotal fervientemente y tratando de 4 Catholic Connection

ser buenos pastores para sus fieles. Pero también están preocupados por los hermanos sacerdotes que están envejeciendo y piensan que más podrán hacer ellos en el futuro para satisfacer las necesidades sacerdotales cuando haya menos y menos sacerdotes.

Veo la esperanza en el número creciente de seminaristas y los retos en tratar de animar a otros en el futuro a responder al llamado de Dios.

Veo como muchos fieles en toda la diócesis buscan renovar su fe a través de los retiros de ACTS, del grupo Magnífica, de grupos de oración y de apoyo matrimonial, de la Adoración del Santísimo Sacramento, y otras oportunidades de gracia que con frecuencia son iniciadas y dirigidas por laicos.

Mientras que me es claro que estos programas de renovación necesitan tener un apoyo más consciente por parte de la diócesis, también es claro que cada programa espiritual debería formar personas para que puedan ser participantes activos y fervientes en la misión de la Iglesia Católica por medio de su parroquia.

Veo que todos estamos sufriendo con los cambios en leyes y cultura. ¿Cómo puede la Iglesia ayudarnos a descubrir nuevas maneras de satisfacer los retos de vivir en una cultura que sea siempre promovedora de nuestra fe? ¿Cómo podemos nosotros mismos ayudar a satisfacer los retos con convicción, gozo y celo?

Veo hambre en los jóvenes y los no tan jóvenes de aprender más sobre la fe, por lo que debemos considerar crear mejores maneras de ofrecer oportunidades catequéticas y formación para adultos que reflejen la naturaleza del mensaje del Evangelio y la realidad de lo ocupado que tenemos nuestras vidas. Nuestros programas

de educación religiosa para jóvenes y los no tan jóvenes necesitan un modelo nuevo para la catequesis, la oración y el aprendizaje.

Algo que no sea visto como un proceso hacia calificaciones, sino de desarrollo de hábitos de toda una vida de aprendizaje y oración que nos lleven a una vida Cristiana y de servicio.

Veo el valor de la educación Católica, pero también veo la necesidad de prepararnos para los retos del futuro financiera y culturalmente.

Veo muchos de los católicos de nuestra diócesis involucrados en trabajo de caridad con Caridades Católicas, San Vicente de Paul, los bancos de comida, el testimonio del movimiento Pro-Vida con apoyo para mujeres embarazadas con necesidad de ayuda, el programa de Meals on Wheels (Comida sobre Ruedas) y los programas de ayuda diaria de las parroquias. ¿Cómo podemos poner nuestro trabajo de caridad más al centro de nuestra misión y continuar este trabajo haciéndolo parte integral de la vida diaria Católica?

Pienso que podemos estar listos esta primavera para programar reuniones planeadas por toda la diócesis para poder tener oportunidades de escucharlos sobre como deberíamos enfocar nuestros esfuerzos y dar forma a nuestras parroquias para satisfacer estas necesidades en el futuro.

Pronto enviaré una carta a todas las parroquias para que se lea en una Misa y describir un proceso en el que yo pueda escuchar y ver sus esperanzas para la Iglesia Católica en el futuro. De estas sesiones espero que para el otoño del 2015 podamos discernir juntos prioridades que reflejen nuestra visión del futuro para la diócesis de Shreveport.

Por favor oren por un futuro exitoso.

Mis energías van ahora al discernimiento de nuestras nuevas prioridades para la diócesis.

Pido para que este proceso de escuchar y crear una nueva visión para nuestra diócesis engendrará en todos, un nuevo entusiasmo para nuestra fe y una nueva esperanza para nuestro futuro.

bishop’s reflection

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

Looking To the Future for the Diocese

B

y the time you receive this month’s Catholic Connection, most of the excitement and wonder of the Christmas season is fading and our thoughts turn toward a new year with all its possibilities and challenges. Usually my thoughts are more about my own new year’s resolutions, but this year my mind and heart have been Bishop Duca captured by a desire to engender a new hope with new possibilities and challenges for our diocese.

I will complete my seventh year as Bishop of Shreveport this coming May. These years have been some of the most rewarding years of my life. I enjoy visiting our parishes and being present to you as your shepherd and pastor. My time as bishop inspires me with a new understanding of God’s call in my life. Yet, as much as I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy my time visiting and praying with you in the parish, a bishop is also called to do more. It falls to me to read the signs of the time and to try to lead the Body of Christ, the Diocese of Shreveport, into the future. I believe that it is time we begin to consider our diocesan priorities that will help us meet the challenges of the coming years and create the opportunities that will support our Gospel mission: to build up the kingdom of God in our homes, our parishes, our cities and indeed throughout all of North Louisiana.

In travelling around the diocese I already see opportunity and challenges. I see that our diocesan and religious priests are faithfully living their priestly vocations and are fervent in trying to be good pastors to their parishioners. They are, however, also concerned about the aging of their brother priests and they wonder how much they can do in the future to fill priestly needs when there are fewer and fewer priests. I

see the hope of our growing number of seminarians and the challenge of trying to encourage others in the future to answer God’s call.

I see so many parishioners throughout the diocese seeking to renew their faith through the ACTS retreats, the Magnificat group, marriage support prayer groups, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and other opportunities of grace often led and initiated by the laity. While it is clear to me that these programs of renewal need to have a more conscious support from the diocese, it is also clear that each spiritual program should form individuals in how to become lively participants in the mission of the Catholic Church through the parish.

I see we are all struggling with the changes in our laws and culture. How can the Church help us to discover new ways to meet the challenges of living in a culture that is not always supportive of our faith?

How can we help ourselves to meet this challenge with conviction, joy and zeal?

I see a hunger in both the young and old to learn about the faith, so we should consider creating better ways to offer catechetical and adult learning opportunities that reflect the nature of the Gospel message and the reality of the busyness of our lives. Our religious education programs for both young and old need a new model for catechesis that blends prayer and learning and is not seen as a progression through grades, but the development of a lifetime habit of learning

and prayer which leads to Christian living and service.

I see the value of Catholic education, but also a need to prepare for both financial and cultural challenges in the future.

I see so many of the Catholics of our diocese engaged in charitable work with Catholic Charities, St. Vincent de Paul, food banks, pro-life witness with support for pregnant women in need of help, Meals on Wheels and daily parish outreach programs. How can we better place our charitable work more at the center of our mission and continue this work and make it an integral part of every Catholic’s life?

I think we can be ready this spring to schedule planned meetings across the diocese in order to provide opportunities for me to listen to you about how we should focus our efforts and shape our parishes to meet the challenges of the future.

Soon I will send out a letter to all the parishes to be read at Mass to describe a process for me to listen and hear your hopes for the Catholic Church in the future. Out of these listening sessions I hope that by the fall of 2015 we can discern together a set of priorities that will reflect our vision of the future for the Diocese of Shreveport.

Please pray for our success. My energies will now turn to discerning these new priorities for our diocese. I pray this process of listening and creating a new vision for our diocese will engender within all of us a new enthusiasm for our faith and new hope for the future.

January 2015 5

Meditations MM Mike's

by Mike Van Vranken

Collections SC Second

by Fr. Rothell Price

Is there Room in Your Heart Diocesan Catholic Schools & Church in Latin America for God to Answer?

J

esus said: “Have faith in God... all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions” Mark 11:22, 24-25. Notice Jesus is combining our faith in God, our belief that we will receive, and our forgiveness of others. Just how connected are our faith and our willingness to forgive?

God created us in his image and likeness. To be like God would have to mean we have the ability to believe in him and all he can do. You could say we were born to believe. And the Bible assures us that “with God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26. So Jesus tells us to believe that we will receive when we pray and it will be ours. But, why does he add forgiving others as part of our prayer life?

It appears that Jesus is telling us that as long as we hold on to our grudges, our anger, our inability to forgive, our hearts are so filled with animosity and resentment there is no room to receive God’s love in the form of answers to our prayers. Our unwillingness to forgive forms a barrier or obstacle that forbids us from receiving God’s best. We become so filled with hurt or anger there is just no room for the love of God. Think of it like a sponge filled with water. We can put it under the faucet trying to put more water in the sponge, but until we wring it dry there is not room for more water. But once we squeeze the old water out, the sponge can absorb new and fresh water instantly.

When our hearts are filled with the bitterness of unforgiveness, we must squeeze them dry by forgiving those who have wronged us. At that moment, we become free to receive all of God’s graces and favors. Only then, can he fill us up with the answers to our prayers.

New habits are sometimes difficult to create. But the Holy Spirit made sure that Jesus’ words about prayer and forgiveness are recorded in his Sacred Scriptures. Let’s make a commitment to habitually approach each prayer with a faith so strong we know God wants to bless us. Let’s couple that faith with a heart so loving, we squeeze it dry of any grudge or animosity by forgiving anyone against whom we have a grievance. Then, we make room for God to answer our prayers in ways that abundantly exceed our imaginations and expectations.

Mike is a writer and teacher, and co-author of the book: Faith Positive in a Negative World. You can contact him at www. mikevanvrankenministries.org 6 Catholic Connection

Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection Collection Dates: January 17 & 18 Announcement Dates: January 4 & 11

O

ur diocesan Catholic Schools are beautiful places where miraculous things happen. Through the ages, Catholic schools have been such a tremendous gift to the Church and the world. Whether our young ones are attending or have completed Catholic schooling, we deeply believe that Catholic schools are cherished, important and valuable places. Join me in financing Catholic schools for our children. Participate with me in providing assistance to parents who ardently desire a Catholic education for their children. Give with me to lighten the economic load parishes bear as they include parish schools in their annual budgets. This is one of your Christmas gifts that lasts the whole year through! Your gift to God makes it possible for our children and their parents to feel Jesus gather the children in his arms in our own day and time.

Aid to the Church in Latin America Collection Collection Dates: January 24 & 25 Announcement Dates: January 11 & 18

T

he theme for this collection this year is “Share Your Faith.” The collection for the Church in Latin America supports pastoral programs in all the countries in Latin America. Your participation provides the means for our U.S. bishops to support evangelization, formation of the laity, the formation of consecrated men and women religious, as well as seminarians, youth ministry and catechesis.

Our participation provides spiritual inspiration and programs to strengthen the faith and devotion of our Catholic brothers and sisters. In Latin America, where Christian values remain important, many families are wounded by hostility from the surrounding environment and by broken relationships within the family. Yet throughout the hemisphere, the Church continues to point the way to Christ as the source of hope and healing, both within the family and in society. Many family and catechetical ministry projects funded by this collection offer a way to strengthen, affirm and celebrate their life together in faith, offering a different and hopeful vision of relationships with one another and with God. Your kindness to God for the sake of His children empowers the people of Latin America to deepen their faith and share it with the world.

Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Special Collections.

from the

from Vatican Information Services

Like Mary, Welcome Grace and Correspond with Faith

V

atican City, 9 December 2014 corresponds with faith, on a spiritual level.

(VIS) – “Everything is given freely This mystery of the acceptance of grace,

by God, all is grace, all is a gift of that in Mary by unique privilege was His love for us”. This, said Pope Francis, without the obstacle of sin, is a possibility is the message of for all. … As Mary is greeted by St. the Solemnity of Elizabeth as ‘blessed among women’, so the Immaculate we too have always been ‘blessed,’ that Conception, is, loved, and therefore ‘chosen first from appearing at the the creation of the world to be holy and window of his study immaculate.’ Mary was preserved, whereas to pray the Angelus we have been saved thanks to baptism at midday with the and faith: all of us, however, Mary and Pope Francis faithful gathered in ourselves, through Christ.”

St. Peter’s Square.

“Faced with love, faced with mercy, The Holy Father explained that in the with the divine grace poured into our Annunciation, the Archangel Gabriel hearts, just one consequence is imposed: called Mary “full of grace,” since “in her gratuity. None of us can buy salvation! there was no space for sin: God had always Salvation is a gift freely given by the chosen her as the mother of Jesus, and so Lord, a free gift from God who comes He protected her from original sin. Mary to us and abides in us. In the same way corresponds to this grace and abandons as we have received his gift freely, so we herself to it, saying to the Angel, ‘Be it are called to freely give, in imitation of done to me according to your word.’ She Mary, who straight after having received does not say ‘I will do it according to the Annunciation of the Angel, goes to your word,’ but share the gift rather, ‘Be it of her fertility The attitude of Mary of done to me…’ with her relative And the Word Nazareth “shows us that being Elizabeth. was made flesh Because, if all we comes before doing, and in her womb. has been given, We too are must let God act in order everything must asked to listen be given again to truly become what He to God Who in turn. How? speaks to us and By letting the wants us to be. to accept His Holy Spirit will; according make of us a to the logic of the Gospel, nothing is gift for others. The Spirit is a gift for us more active and fruitful than to listen and and we, through the Spirit, must be a gift receive the Word of the Lord.” for others and enable the Holy Spirit to The attitude of Mary of Nazareth make us into instruments of acceptance, “shows us that being comes before doing, instruments of reconciliation, instruments and we must let God act in order to truly of forgiveness.” become what He wants us to be. It is “If our existence is allowed to be He Who works so many marvels in us. transformed by the Lord’s grace, so that Mary is receptive, but not passive. Just the Lord’s grace may transform us, we as, at a physical level, she receives the cannot keep for ourselves the light that power of the Holy Spirit but then gives comes from His face, but must instead flesh and blood to the Son of God Who pass it on so that it may illuminate grows in her, she also receives grace and others.”

Words

In the of

Pope Francis

“But we cannot be messengers of God’s consolation if we do not first experience the joy of being consoled and loved by Him. This happens especially when we listen to the Word, the Gospel, which we should carry with us in our pockets … and when we remain in silent prayer in His presence, when we encounter Him in the Eucharist or in the sacrament of Reconciliation.” (Angelus 12/9/14) “I think of St. Therese of the Baby Jesus, who said that she and the Church were like a rod: when the wind rises and the storm comes, the rod bends but it does not break. At the moment, you are like this rod: you bend painfully, but you have the strength to carry forth your faith, which is a testimony to us. You are God’s rod today! The rods that bend under this ferocious wind, but then rise up again.” (Pope’s Video Message for the Christians and People of Iraq 12/9/14) “The future of humanity depends upon the family, and it is therefore necessary to allow it to play its role. But it is not enough to reiterate the importance of the family and to affirm its rights: it is necessary to consider how the tasks of the family and of society can be structured in real terms, especially with regard to the relationship between professional life and family life.” (In a message to the the Festival of Family 12/5/14) The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church. He gives life, he brings forth different charisms which enrich the people of God and, above all, he creates unity among believers: from the many he makes one body, the Body of Christ.

The Church’s whole life and mission depend on the Holy Spirit; he fulfills all things.” (During visit to Latin Cathedral of the Holy Spirit 11/30/14) January 2015 7

CF

Catholic Food

by Kim Long

Clean Sweep

I

t’s January, the month of new beginnings and New Year’s resolutions.

There is usually a day after Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord when I find myself alone and in truth very glad for a bit of “down time” after the welcome but exhausting round of friends, food and family. I have come to think of this as a little chunk of grace carved out of the in-between time of Advent/ Christmas/New Year’s revelry and before Mardi Gras sets in and we begin the dance of Carnival. On these days I remove decorations, storing some and sorting things that no longer have a bit of sparkle left with a big plan to “repurpose” these once treasured objects.

As I sweep, dust, wipe down cabinets and counters, I tend to think about the year which has just finished and the gift of the one before me. With the passing of each Christmas, each New Year’s Eve, I am more aware of time and much more grateful for the chance to enter the next moment, day, year. When we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord on January 11 and Christmas “officially” ends, I am reminded that it’s a perfect time to think

of new life and things that further life.

Along with this comes a desire for balance, a yearning to “have enough time” for the things I want to do. So as I

wheat, no wheat – food doesn’t make you fat, fat makes you fat! Balance is the key for me.

As I finish up the last load of laundry I move toward the kitchen and pray that I continue to make better and healthier food choices and also that I am doing so in a way that honors balance. Scripture reminds us in 1st Corinthians 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?”

That strikes a chord with me today.

If I am to live in a way that honors that Spirit I pray that I can be present to that in a balanced, healthy way. Look, I am always going to eat “stuff that isn’t healthy;” I like flourless chocolate cake at Easter, pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving and Halloween treats too, and don’t try to catch sweep and prepare to greet the next year, me not eating King Cake and birthday I think about how to do my part, to be cake….you get the idea. But eaten in more cognizant of what is on my plate moderation, not in a spirit of gluttony and in my mouth, of the material, the but an attitude of gratitude for the fuel I am giving my body. I confess I have sweetness of God, is, I think, a better lived through many “fads” where eating approach than the one I would have taken habits are concerned; everything from all in my youth when I would have sworn off organic, no sugar, nothing white, whole any nutritional offender that disturbed my narrow diet path for about a week, then I would have leapt headlong into Cauliflower Crust Pizza a pan of bread pudding. No, I am 2) Grate the cauliflower using a Ingredients: not speaking of that approach at all.

• Nonstick spray box grater until you have two cups of God made all this wonderful world • 2 1/2 cups cauliflower, grated (about cauliflower crumbles. Place in a large bowl so I want to enjoy it, but sensibly this 1/2 a large head) and microwave for seven to eight minutes, year.

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten With that in mind I decided to try • 1 1/4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella or until soft. Remove from the microwave and let cool. cheese a new approach to an old favorite: • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese 3) Mix in the egg, one cup mozzarella, pizza. Most of us enjoy a love/hate • Kosher salt and freshly ground black parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. relationship with pizza – tastes great, pepper Once combined, pat into a 10-inch round but it can really pack on the pounds.

• 1/4 cup tomato sauce on the prepared pizza pan.

Spray lightly I know and respect several people • 1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half with nonstick spray and bake for 10 to 15 who are singing the praises (health, • 2 cloves garlic, sliced taste, ease) of the Paleo and Caveman minutes, or until golden.

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • Fresh basil leaves, optional eating strategies; we don’t say “diet” 4) Top the pizza with the sauce, 1/4 cup anymore. Books are available in mozzarella, grape tomatoes, garlic, and Directions: scholarly to humorous tones on the red pepper flakes. Bake in the oven until 1) Line a rimmed baking sheet with subject. So I delved in armed with melted and bubbly, another 10 minutes. parchment paper, and preheat oven to a love for pizza and a desire to eat it Top with basil before serving.

425ºF. with a bit less guilt.

8 Catholic Connection

Church DC Domestic

by Katie Sciba

Faith-Filled

Catholic New Year's Resolutions Look for ways to prevent your faith from going stagnant

A

NEW YEAR! A fresh start!

Nothing gives hope like a blank slate and this, the beginning of 2015, offers all the opportunity for improvement that I could possibly hope for. Like any American, I fantasize about pursuing health, maybe finally running a 5k or half marathon, but the best I can do this year is refresh my soul by drawing closer to God as an individual, with my husband and with my family. Prevent your faith from going stagnant with these Catholic New Year’s resolutions.

1) Attend Mass more often than each Sunday. Blessed Pope Paul VI called Mass “the source and summit of the Christian life.” Above all else, seek to receive Christ in Holy Communion; it’s literally Heaven on Earth.

2) Commit to quiet personal prayer for at least five minutes a day. Find a favorite corner of your house, detach from obligations, and draw close to God. Read the Bible or pray a Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Gradually increase your time.

3) Pope Francis exemplifies the fact that Catholicism is an active faith of love and mercy because he strives to imitate Christ.

Follow his instruction by going out of your way to be helpful to a stranger, a friend or, better yet, your own spouse.

4) Go to confession once a month or every couple of weeks to receive absolution and sacramental grace frequently. It’ll keep you humble and at peace.

If you’re married, prayer with your spouse is arguably more important than individual prayer since your vocation is the means by which you reach Heaven.

A couple who clings to Christ will consequently be drawn closer together.

Make 2015 the year you and your sweetheart become more prayerful.

1) Read the daily Mass readings together,

easily found through the Magnificat app or on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) website. It takes little time and can be the perfect way to begin or end the day.

2) Check in with each other. Once a month or so, have an open conversation specifically about how you and your spouse are doing with each other, with the kids and with God. Begin by asking the Holy Spirit to be present to help you improve your love for each other.

Allow ample time, get a babysitter if necessary, and enjoy being able to freely communicate.

3) Go on a marriage retreat! So many offer holy insight into your relationship and it will send your sacrament through a good ol’ fashioned revival. Nothing will give you a strong sense of the greatness and teamwork of your relationship like a retreat.

Pope St. John Paul II said, “As the family goes… so goes the whole world in which we live.” As the most basic unit of society, the family should grow in faith to fortify the small community therein, as well as each member.

1) Simplify your family’s schedule and list of commitments to make room for more time together.

2) Dedicate your family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Seal it by hanging images of each in your home.

3) Pray a Rosary every day as a family.

This devotion is surprisingly possible even with little kids, and there is the added bonus of a plenary indulgence attached when the Rosary is recited as a family.

Pray for grace and strength to stay the course while you strive to become closer to God in your life!

Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife.net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and four children, Liam,Thomas, Peter and Jane.

A new year is the perfect time to set some new goals. Before you resurrect your running shoes, blow the dust of your Bible and Rosary, and commit to a few Catholic resolutions. Make 2015 your best yet for spiritual improvement…

...

As an Individual

• Go to confession once a month • Go to daily Mass at least once a week • Carve out at least 5 minutes of quiet personal prayer each day • Practice acts of kindness to strangers, friends, and family

• Read the daily Mass readings together • Start each date night by popping into the Adoration Chapel to ask God to be with you during your time together • Check in with each other once a month to make sure you’re on the same page

...

As a Parent

• Cut out unnecessary commitments from your family’s schedule; fill the gaps with time together • Dedicate your family to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts • Feature religious art in your home, especially places where the family congregates the most • Pray a Rosary daily or weekly as a family. Reciting it together carries a plenary indulgence!

January 2015 9

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Book Review

by Marie Rinaudo

Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human Christian Maturity by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI

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r. Ronald Rolheiser, an Oblate priest and recognized Catholic writer, has already accomplished part of his ambitious plan to complete a three-volume study on spiritual maturity. The first book in the series, The Holy Longing, focuses on the initial stages of spiritual development, the time when we are attempting to make sense of our lives. Now in the follow-up work, Sacred Fire: a Vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Maturity, he focuses on developing spirituality.

Because Sacred Fire is, in a way, a “how to” book, Fr. Rolheiser frequently refers to spiritual heroes. He credits St. John of the Cross with establishing the three categories of spirituality: the essential, the mature and the radical stages.

In part one of Sacred Fire, he centers on the first stage of spirituality characterized by emotional swings, restlessness, loneliness, morality, security – the temptations that plague us in our youth. We come to the end of this first stage successfully when we selflessly put others before our own desires and dreams.

In part two, he launches a detailed study of mature discipleship in which we give our lives for others. The struggles at this point are often severe when we become angry and frustrated at our own weaknesses. Rolheiser is honest: desire for maturity does not come without a struggle—a struggle that is fraught with our lingering inclinations to be willful, self-centered and bitter.

Rolheiser encourages turning to Scripture to move us beyond ourselves and into maturity. His interpretations of Biblical passages are often surprising. Each of the scriptures he chooses tells the joy of mature discipleship.

For me, the most powerful scriptural passage that Rolheiser reflects on is the Baptism of Jesus, which he contrasts with that of John the Baptist. John’s baptism, he contends, is one of repentance while that of Jesus is a “baptism into grace and community” by which we grow spiritually 10 Catholic Connection

and are empowered to reach “fire beyond our own” strength.

But to make the transition from fear and confusion to faith and hope, we need God’s grace. Rolheiser concedes that we may revert to adolescent longing and dreams and we may even fall into the desert of boredom and apathy, but he is confident spiritual maturity is possible regardless the struggles.

In a provoking interpretation of the Blessed Mother, he clarifies how even the most tragic events lead to deepening spirituality. Rolheiser’s analysis of Mary praying and pondering the many events in her life from the annunciation to the crucifixion leads her to a higher level of spirituality, where bitterness and pain are transformed into love and forgiveness.

In a detailed chapter dedicated to the transformative power of prayer, Rolheiser is a convincing teacher. He defines prayer as our attempt to reach God, to express our love for Him and to receive His love. Recognizing that sometimes prayer does not seem to be working, he advises persistence: focus on God, not on ourselves, and in the end we will arrive “at an ever deepening intimacy with our God.” He concludes that prayer gives us “the strength we need to be virtuous.” In the end, prayer helps us to give our lives for others.

In part three, Fr. Rolheiser gives a brief overview of the highest level of spirituality: radical discipleship. Here he dwells on leaving a legacy built on worthwhile contributions.

Having passed the youthful active stage, we now reflect on our lives and try to determine how to leave this world without bitterness and anger, how “to give our deaths away.”

Sacred Fire deserves close reading and thoughtful prayer. I may never reach the radical discipleship that he envisions, but I have much to ponder as I consider the question that Rolheiser raises: How do we “give our deaths away?”

Sacred Fire: A Vision for a Deeper Human Christian Maturity can be found in Slattery Library at the Catholic Center, as well as Amazon.com.

New DVD's in

Slattery Library

In addition to a huge collection of books, the Slattery Library, located inside the Catholic Center also houses a number of great DVD’s available for rental. Here are some of the new additions.

Our Father’s Plan– Salvation History From Genesis To The Catholic Church A 3 disc set, each program is about 60 minutes in length.

This is the 13-program series from EWTN-TV featuring Dr. Scott Hahn and Jeff Cavins using the chronological narrative of the Bible.

Family – God is in the mix of it all with Father Joe Kempf A dynamic family mini-retreat with 3 talks and a guided reflection: 1. The mess and blessedness of family life; 2.

Marriage: love is primarily a choice; 3. Parenting: “What was I thinking?”; 4. Guided reflection: Entrusting your child to God. The Miracle of Father Kapaun The inspiring and true story of an American spiritual and military hero; (45 minutes) Why Be Catholic?

Tim Staples, Director of Apologetics and Evangelization at Catholic Answers, tackles the questions that Catholics get asked but seldom know how to answer. (90 minutes)

Navigating the Faith

Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus

by Kim Long, DRE, St. Mary of the Pines Parish

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hen I was a child growing up in the St. Joseph Baptist Church, we sang so many wonderful old hymns many of which spoke of the name of Jesus: “There’s Just Something About That Name,” “Take the Name of Jesus With You,” along with “The Name of Jesus is So Sweet.” They formed a big part of our choir’s lineup. I still hear them in my memory, they made quite an impression.

The giving of a name is an ancient and holy practice. Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Naomi, upon losing her sons and husband, took the name Mara meaning bitter, and the naming of John the Baptist caused quite the stir! In Judaism the naming of a child is of great importance. It is believed that the name of a person is closely related to its essence, a connection to previous generations. The parent is also making a statement when they name their child about their hopes for them and who they will become. How often do we hear of couples wrangling over the first or middle name of a child?

At birth, Baptism and Confirmation we are shaped and molded by the names conferred upon us in those moments of transition. I prayed over the names of my children and wrangled over them, too. Choosing their baptismal saints was especially profound and I recall thinking that Patrick, not unlike Simon Peter, was a rock and my son was the firstborn; Brendan was the navigator and my son was going places; Francis loved animals and my son was a gentle soul; Anthony, is the patron of lost objects, and my son had found his place alongside his brothers.

Names are important.

January is the month of Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. When I mentioned this topic most of the people I spoke with weren’t really sure what it meant or much of anything about it other than the standard “don’t take the name of the Lord in vain.” Along those lines when my children were young I overheard them saying, “O God.” I asked them if that was a prayer or a swear. They quickly

abandoned that particular phrase. Sadly we now employ it at every opportunity, even as we text one another the phrase “OMG.” So many people use that phrase and think little if anything of it, including, at times, myself. Over time words become co-opted, meanings appropriated, however with January being a clean slate and St. Blase Day and its throat blessing looming large at the beginning of February, I began to think how to clean up my act, so to speak, and restore a sense of the sacred to my thinking ... and to my speaking.

Devotion to the Holy Name is deeply rooted in Sacred Scripture, especially in the Acts of the Apostles. St. Bernard, St. Bernadine of Siena, St. John Capistrano and the Franciscan Order worked to promote this devotion. It was extended to the entire Church in 1727 under the pontificate of Innocent XIII. While the feast marks no progress in the development of the Church year, it magnifies and extends the celebration just observed when the Child received the name Jesus as foretold by an angel. The celebration was held on different dates, usually in January because January 1 was eight days after Christmas and commemorates the circumcision of the child Jesus as recounted in the Gospel read on that day, “at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.”

The feast is observed on January 3 by Catholics following the general Roman

Calendar. The feast is meant to impress on us the dignity of the Holy Name.

St. Bernard said, “ ... for when I name Jesus I set before me a man who is meek and humble of heart, kind, prudent, chaste, merciful, flawlessly upright and holy in the eyes of all; and this same man is the all-powerful God whose way of life heals me, whose support is my strength.”

(Sermon 15 on The Song of Songs).

There are many beautiful prayers surrounding this feast: a novena, a chaplet and a beautiful litany. So how to observe this feast, get started or restarted with the devotion to that name which scripture tells us is the name above every other name? Here are a few things I am going to try.

1. Take an inventory of my speech. Am I praying or swearing when I call out the name of Jesus?

2. Make an act of contrition (never hurts!) and attend Mass on January 3.

3. Pray the novena and meditate on the beautiful litany of the Holy Name as well as those wonderful songs of my childhood.

4. Watch my mouth! Employ the dictate of is it true, is it helpful, does it improve the silence, is it necessary, is it kind.

5. Watch my texting! No more OMG for me!

6. Think about my own name and those of my children and reflect on the tone I speak them in, the ways I use those words and ask our patron saints to keep us close in prayer.

7. Think about and be aware of what I bring into being with my speech.

There is a wealth of information available on the internet and in books on this devotional practice and the feast day. We give honor to the Name of Jesus, not because we believe that there is any intrinsic power hidden in the letters composing it, but because the Name of Jesus reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer.

As our Holy Father Pope Francis said in a homily, “Only the name of Jesus is our salvation. Only he can save us.”

Please consider spending a bit of time sitting with the Jesus prayer “Oh Jesus have mercy on me a sinner.” All in all not a bad way to begin again.

January 2015 11

New Life Supporting

in

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North Louisiana

by Kelly Phelan Powell

t’s difficult to think of an issue more pressing than abortion. In from abortion. L’Anne Sciba, Communications Volunteer for this country alone, the number of unborn lives that are lost each Diocesan Pro-Life Information, had the idea after she moved to day is staggering – the Guttmacher Institute reported that for this area from Dallas eight years ago. She saw a need for a Christ2011, there were 1.05 million abortions in the U.S. As Catholics, centered pregnancy crisis center and also found that there were we know that life is sacred from the moment of conception to limited pro-life volunteer opportunities at the existing crisis center. natural death, but we are also well aware that abortion is a complex As part of her efforts to help women who want to turn away from societal issue, one that will not be remedied by any simple means. abortion as well as those who have already suffered an abortion, she Many of us want to get involved beyond praying for these innocent went on a retreat in Dallas with Rachel’s Vineyard, an experience victims, but the problem of abortion is so overwhelming that she calls “life-changing.” sometimes we’re not sure where to begin.

Rachel’s Vineyard is an organization that holds weekend retreats Throughout the Diocese of Shreveport, parishes and individuals “where women and men can express, release and reconcile painful are tackling abortion and its many post-abortive emotions to begin facets head-on. The first, and the process of restoration, renewal The Mary’s House committee arguably the most important, is and healing,” as their website says. awareness. That’s how the Bishop’s Sciba said she saw first-hand the hopes the center will be a calm, Pro-Life Banquet, now in its fifth pain both men and women had year, began. “We as Catholics and welcoming and safe haven where tried unsuccessfully to bury in Christians can come together and their lives and it not only renewed pray for life and witness to life,” said her compassion and desire to help they can walk women through Bernadette Boyd, chairwoman of people post-abortion, it also vividly their entire pregnancies and help illustrated for her how urgently this the event. The banquet has grown each year since it began, but last year, area needs an abortion alternative. them explore non-abortive options.

Bishop Duca asked the committee to Sciba held an interest meeting double the number of attendees, and at St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport, they did, bringing the total from 250 to 500. They’re attempting and to her happy surprise, 20 people showed up, all of whom to do it again this year, and if they succeed, this highly visible were prepared to volunteer their specific talents. “There are so fundraising event will be 1,000 strong. many people who are pro-life and want to help,” she said. This Boyd happily reported that although the event, the theme also became abundantly clear during the Louisiana Right to Life of which is “Witness to Life,” isn’t until March 11, they’re well Federation’s Louisiana Life March North, in which thousands on their way to their 1000-ticket goal. They nevertheless need marched across the Texas Street Bridge in downtown Shreveport everyone’s help, so tickets are still being sold and sponsorships, to take a stand against abortion in Louisiana. The next march is which begin at $1,000, are still available. planned for Saturday, January 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Tickets are $60 each, and the proceeds from the banquet will Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City. Participants will march across benefit pro-life activities throughout the diocese, one of which the bridge to Shreveport’s downtown Festival Plaza. For more is brand-new. Mary’s House will be a pregnancy crisis center for information, visit LALifeMarch.com. women who have an unwanted pregnancy but want to turn away The Mary’s House committee hopes the center will be a calm,

L

12 Catholic Connection

welcoming and safe haven where they can walk women through her entire pregnancies and help them explore non-abortive options.

They also want to help women beyond their pregnancies by ministering to them, helping them find work and resources to improve their lives and counseling them to make good choices and positive life changes in the future. Mary’s House will be located in Shreveport, which is also where Hope Medical Group for Women, Shreveport’s main center for abortions, which performed 3,803 such procedures in 2013, is located.

Having an alternative within the same city will strike a powerful blow for pro-life efforts in Northwest Louisiana.

Sciba said the Mary’s House message to women is “You’re not just your body – you have dignity and worth.” Acknowledging that abortion is a societal issue that won’t be fixed by simply providing an alternative, ethical, social and religious news topics. To this work he brings she added, “You kind of have to do it by a pastor’s heart as well as a journalist’s eye. In addition to his being a light, not just fix their problem with a Band-Aid.” One of work as a journalist, he serves as Parochial Vicar of the historic the features of the Bishop’s Pro-Life Banquet will be informational Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York City from booths about local pro-life activities and ways the faithful can help 2009 to 2013 and currently ministers at Corpus Christi Church not only Mary’s House, but other pro-life organizations, such as near Columbia University. Ordained in 2002, he has served in a Vita –the pro-life ministry at St. Joseph Parish, as well. number of capacities, including theological advisor in the making Each guest at the banquet will receive a custom-created, of the feature film The Passion of the Christ. In 2008, he published limited-edition holy card along with something else very special: the book The Promise: God’s Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts. a medal blessed by Pope Francis. In November, Boyd traveled He wrote the book in order to address one of the most common on a pilgrimage to Rome. She and the other pilgrims were and profound questions people ask, which is “How can a loving accompanied by Fr. Mike Joly. In addition to being a dedicated and merciful God allow pain and suffering?” He also authored priest, Fr. Mike is also an God Wants You Happy: From Selfaccomplished singer, songwriter Help to God’s Help. and pianist, which is all the more Besides Fr. Morris, the banquet impressive given that he is blind. will feature a professional string The pilgrimage happened to quartet and singers from Loyola coincide with the 20th anniversary College Prep. In fact, all students of his priesthood, and Boyd are encouraged to volunteer and decided that she wanted him to should contact Boyd at drsboyd@ meet and receive a Papal Blessing bellsouth.net to find out what from the Holy Father. service opportunities are available.

Determined but knowing the Students also receive a discounted chances were remote, Boyd carried price on tickets. all 1,000 medals through the “We are excited to bring Fr. streets of Rome so she could hold Morris to our diocese to promote them up during Pope Francis’s our pro-life efforts and energize general blessing. But through Boyd, Chairwoman of the Bishop's Pro-Life Banquet, the faithful on how to continue a series of godly interventions brought holy medals with her to be blessed by Pope Francis. They will be given out to banquet attendees. uplifting the sacredness of life in disguised as coincidences and our region,” said Bishop Duca. “I good luck as well as a lot of prayer, am truly pleased at how our banquet has grown over the years and Boyd’s wish for Fr. Mike came true, and she was blessed too, all I am hoping to see 1,000 people in attendance on March 11.” For while holding the medals herself. “I am humbled and know that more information about the Bishop’s Pro-Life Banquet, go to www.

I am very blessed to have been given this amazing spiritual gift,” she said. “I revere this as a special blessing from God and I respect dioshpt.org and click on Pro-Life Ministry under the Ministries tab. If you’d like to purchase tickets, inquire about a sponsorship or that honor.” donate to the event, email Bernadette Boyd at drsboyd@bellsouth.

Vocations Director Fr. Matthew Long will emcee the Bishop’s net. She said, “I know that it will be an amazing night for our Pro-Life Banquet, and the keynote speaker will be Fr. Jonathan diocese that many volunteers have come together with the common Morris. A news coordinator for the Fox News Channel, Fox spirit of wanting to be a witness for life.” • Business Channel and the Wall Street Journal, Fr. Morris covers January 2015 13

Corner VC Vocations

by Seminarian Duane Trombetta

Vocations Corner

by Sr. Carolyn Martin, LSP

Studying at the Institute of Priestly Formation

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he Catholic Church considers the education and formation of future priests to be among the most demanding and important tasks of evangelization. The Institute of Priestly Formation (IPF) was established to meet this challenge. In 2014, IPF celebrated 20 remarkable years of operation. Headquartered at Creighton University in Omaha, IPF serves bishops throughout the United States by developing spiritual formation programs for priests and seminarians.

IPF has educated nearly 2,000 people from over 154 dioceses across the United States.

During the summer of 2014, I had the honor of attending the IPF Summer Program for Seminarians. I undertook a 10-week curriculum of studies on theology, prayer, liturgy and the unique spirituality of diocesan priesthood. IPF’s rigorous academic program counts for nine hours of graduate credit toward the Master’s Degree in Divinity. With guidance from Diocese of Shreveport Vocation Director Fr. Matthew Long, I prepared for IPF by establishing some goals for theological knowledge and understanding, pastoral skills and abilities, and attitudes and actions by which to pursue a spiritual life characterized by prayer. I am pleased to report that I experienced encounters with God in each of those areas, and in ways greater than I could have even imagined.

My first class at IPF, “Prayer and Virtues,” included an eight-day silent retreat, modeled after the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The retreat proved to be among my most enriching experiences of the summer.

In addition to our robust class schedule, my 180 new seminarian friends and I were privileged to undertake volunteer apostolic assignments around Omaha. I worked at the Franciscan Adult Day Center, which offers daytime support services for adults with dementia, 14 Catholic Connection

Alzheimer’s disease and age-related disabilities. I experienced encounters with Jesus Christ in every patient during every visit. By working with the patients at Franciscan, I also experienced some real-life applications of my studies on Catholic life issues: the gift of life is beautiful and valuable from conception to natural death.

Among the most memorable events of IPF, was my class on “Christian Spirituality and Celibacy.” We studied how effectively-lived Christian identity is conferred by Christ, and how the gift of celibacy can be joyful and generative.

For the final project, I teamed with two other seminarians to write a “Way of the Cross” for seminarians and priests.

We incorporated the teachings from our class, along with excerpts from Sacred Scripture, the Sacred Liturgy, the Rite of Christian Marriage and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Since IPF, I have continued to pray our Way of the Cross. I find it a source of encounter with Christ’s sacrificial love.

Throughout the fall semester back at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, I have continued to learn from my lessons and experiences at IPF. I have taken on my classwork and formation with reinvigorated optimism and enthusiasm.

I am grateful to the Diocese of Shreveport for the opportunity to have attended the IPF Summer Program.

Duane Trombetta is a seminarian for the Diocese of Shreveport in first year theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, LA.

Wake Up the WOrld! “

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ake up the world!” says Pope Francis, as he challenges believers to embrace the call to consecrated religious life and to go out as never before as prophetic witnesses for Christ and His Gospel. It is with this same ardent zeal that our Holy Father has proclaimed 2015 the “Year of Consecrated Life,” actualizing his desire to bring into sharper focus the vocation to consecrated religious life, which he deems indispensable to the Church and to her mission.

But who will answer this invitation? The young people of our Church, according to many indications, are showing an evergreater readiness to discern a religious vocation. Passionate in their love for Christ and His Church, many of our young adults – some well-catechized and others not blessed with that opportunity – sincerely desire to open their hearts to the Lord’s awesome plan for their lives. An upsurge in vocation inquiries and discernment visits attests to this fact in our own religious family, the Little Sisters of the Poor, as well as in many other communities. Vocation directors and individual religious men and women stand ready to welcome and walk with these young people on their discernment journey.

So what are the laity called to do in this Year of Consecrated Life? Be an ambassador for religious vocations! Invite those special young men and women you know to consider such a vocation; encourage them along their path of discernment. Help them to connect with consecrated religious who will journey with them and nurture that inspiration which the Holy Spirit has placed in their hearts. Help to spread the word about vocation retreats and other discernment opportunities.

With a host of vibrant and holy young men and women embracing the vocation to the consecrated religious life, the Gospel will be proclaimed in word and action and the Church in our time will indeed be able to “wake up the world!”

For more information about the Little Sisters of the Poor and vocation discernment opportunities, contact Sr. Carolyn at vocmobile@littlesistersofthepoor.org.

NEWS

Reflection: Oceans & Seasons of Life “

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here is a time for everything... a Season for every activity under the heavens... ” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Where do we find models of the rhythm of life which are consistent and helpful?

Living in Italy for so long and being near the Adriatic Sea has provided an exquisite model for me of what the rhythm of life is or could be for us oldsters. As I walk along its shores, leaving my footprints in the sand, which will be gone in seconds as the waves lap them up, leaves me with a calmness that is unexplainable.

With the endless flow of the tide, I can see how consistent it is and how consistent I have been during the changing seasons of my life. I find my joy in the flow of those waters. Those mighty waters retreat somewhat in order to bring about another mighty wave to its shores.

Aren’t we like that?

God speaks to us in different ways and to me, along the shores of the sea. When very quiet, I can hear the waves lapping up on the shore as I walk out the convent gate to the sea, not even a block away.

Knowing that in these precious moments, no matter where we are, God can bring about the positive change we need in our lives.

“They were to seek God... though he is not really far from any one of us...”

Acts 17:27. God is faithful and is full of surprises. These seasons in our lives which happen each new year, can be found in the inner depths of our souls, because within them, there lies an unquenchable fire shining within each person. If your winter is cold, you might feel restless and bored (check out this fire within), but during the spring, with all the flowers blooming, that arthritis flares up and it blossoms penance and sacrifices for us. Then the heat of summer makes a recluse out of us as we attach ourselves to

air-conditioned places. Not very much remains the same and the colorful leaves of autumn bring new life and power to our souls. Don’t put your own interests before that of others when you can be of help with a kind word, or with the power of your joy, just surprise someone with your unquenchable fire. Remember this is a sacred fire coming from the soul.

If all the seasons have made us healthy older people, then we are a resource for our families, our communities and even the economy. We must stay as healthy and active as possible because we still have a critical role to play in life.

Consider what your new role might be in 2015. Are you still making a difference in the lives of others? What is that mighty ocean wave doing in our lives: making us retreat, pull back? That’s what will empower us with our next move. For 2015, pay attention to your surroundings and let them become an integral part of your lives. Nature can really help us in many ways and must we not live our lives to the fullest in the midst of its beauty?

Let’s be prepared for the plan of God for us. Keep a positive outlook because there is still a lot of magic to life, and we have to be mindful of this constantly.

This is the only way we can make a difference again in the New Year. Pope Francis once said to the youth, “With Christ the HEART never grows OLD.” Those words keep passing before me and I think in the depths of our hearts, where the seasons come and go, year after year, our youthful hearts will be forever YOUNG. In 2015 there is another opportunity for us to give of ourselves to others who still need us.

Perhaps this is the year for us to find where memory and beauty meet again and again.

by Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS

Tech Students Reach Out to Community

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or the fourth year, students from ACTS (Association of Catholic Tech Students) and the resident parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, have reached out to the local Ruston area providing food, paper items and toiletries for 15 families. The student run ministry, called “Operation: Help,” was begun by ACTS members in an effort to provide assistance to those in Ruston who were finding it difficult to make ends meet. Each year, St. Thomas parishioner Solidad Broyles locates the needy families and works with the ACTS Social Justice Committee to coordinate shopping lists and distribution of the goods.

During November, the student parishioners of ACTS solicited the assistance of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Community, collecting items and funds. To complete the shopping lists, the students created a “Scavenger Hunt” around Ruston that required active participation. Over 40 college students participated in the event performing various acts like singing Christmas Carols to strangers. Through this rather ingenious event, not only does the local community benefit, but the student parishioner community is strengthened through healthy competition and fun.

Although initiated by the student parishioners of ACTS, the entire parish of St. Thomas can take credit for this Advent Season tradition that operates from generous hearts and creative minds.

by Brother Mike Ward January 2015 15

NEWS

Farmerville’s Musical Treasure The Eastern Deanery celebrates Family Style! ust off Hwy. 2, in North him far from his Union Parish roots

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Louisiana, sits a tiny brick church that boasts some of the most heavenly sounds every Sunday morning. It’s all thanks to the spry piano playing of Hoppy Hallman.

Hallman became a fixture at the 9:00 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Farmerville in 2000, when he returned home to care for his aging mother.

“Gaye Gillum was a high school classmate from Farmerville High and she called me and asked if I wanted to play for the church,” Hallman recalls. “There were no other churches in town needing a piano player so I told her yes.”

Hallman’s arrival at Our Lady of Perpetual Help helped transform the liturgical service into a vibrant, musical event. Borrowing elements from such musical genres as jazz, country and gospel, Hallman puts his own special touch on each song during the Mass. “I just try to play each song as the composer would have wanted it to sound,” he says.

“Hoppy enhances our liturgy through his ability to lift spirits,” says Fr. Al Jost of OLPH. “You can see what happens when he’s not here,” he jokes.

Hallman’s journey into music began at the age of five when he started taking piano lessons. By his teens, he was playing in the Farmerville High School band as well as at the First Baptist Church in Farmerville, where his family attended. After high school graduation in 1962, Hallman headed to Baton Rouge to major in music composition at LSU. He was also a member of The Golden Band from Tigerland. In 1973, he earned his master’s degree in music and from there, his musical talents would take 16 Catholic Connection

to compose and arrange songs for orchestras.

For several years, Hallman worked for the Our Little Miss Pageants based in Baton Rouge. There he composed a number of songs which are still used by the pageant today. He also worked the beauty pageant circuit in Texas.

Soon, though, Hallman would find his way to Hollywood where he served as script doctor on a number of movies for Disney Film Studios.

After returning to Louisiana, Hallman was hired by Jeremy Davis to help create a big band sound for The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra.

The band, which began in Northeast Louisiana, is now based in Savannah, GA. “Hoppy is extremely talented,” says Davis. “He’s put together some really great songs for us.”

Now, Hallman’s musical talent continues to lift voices and souls at a small church on Water Street.

“Hoppy is one of the things that keeps the church together and helps us grow,” says long-time parishioner Dickey Cole. “And, people come to hear his music. I think that his music enlightens our spirits. It all ties in and it makes you feel good.”

Joan Jung, another long-time member of OLPH, says, “He lifts us up spiritually, emotionally and mentally every time he plays. And, he plays beautifully.”

And, the reason why this talented Baptist keeps playing at the Catholic Church? “It’s wonderful,” says Hallman. “The people are so nice.

That’s why I’ve stayed there so long.

Plus, there’s much more music in the Catholic service than in the Protestant service.” And, that is music to everyone’s ears!

by Bonny Van

T

wo parishes in the Eastern Deanery hosted their first intergenerational catechetical events.

Intergenerational catechesis is a model which brings the parish family of all ages together for fellowship, catechesis and prayer. A teaching is offered which speaks to all ages and then groupings by family or age break off for discussion or projects.

Sacred Heart Parish, Oak Grove celebrated St. Nicholas Day with a family retreat offered by Catechesis Director Shelly Bole. Through the life of St. Nicholas, the participants learned about the Advent virtues of charity, zeal and mercy. From a wee baby of four months to a wise woman in her 70s, the families were challenged to create their own Advent calendar focusing in on how to practice charity, zeal and mercy.

On Sunday December 7, St. Matthew Parish in Monroe offered its first intergenerational event at a Parish Advent Gathering. Eighty participants gathered around food, song and activities. Fr. Richard Norsworthy and Susan Guthrie, the catechetical leader, knew there had to be another way to offer catechesis beyond the traditional classroom model. What began as an idea quickly grew into a possibility and then a reality. Hoping for 20 participants, registration grew to 80. Extra food was ordered and volunteers were dispatched in search of purple and pink candles for the Advent wreaths. After a teaching from Fr. Norsworthy and singing of Advent songs, the children learned about the Jesse Tree and made decorations while the adults played Advent bingo. The day concluded with Betty Malson guiding everyone in making their own Advent wreaths.

The primary purpose of all catechesis is to draw people to Jesus and the life of the Church. Using saints and the liturgical calendar as focal points speaks to all Catholics.

by Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis

Catholic Charities Celebrates Christmas with Local Children

O

ne of the challenges of being a charitable organization is finding the best way to say thank you to those who donate time, talent and treasure to keep the agency open and offering help. Sometimes it seems a written thank you is just not enough, so we are taking the opportunity in this forum to offer a resounding thank you to every one of you who has given in any way to support Catholic Charities throughout this past year.

Every time we keep someone from becoming homeless, or keep utilities on it is because you made the decision to give of yourself. Each day when we open our doors to the marginalized in our community, it is because you thought about their needs. It’s hard to imagine what would happen without you!

There are so many individual stories that come to mind. Lives are forever changed because someone in our financial education class “got it” and made the hard decisions and changes that will edge them toward better lives. Lives are changed when a new mother, who can’t buy her baby a bed, receives that and much more from Gabriel’s Closet.

Perhaps, even more than the items for the baby, what sustains that young mother is the loving concern for her as an individual. The exceptional volunteers at Catholic Charities are the best listeners with the biggest hearts we’ve ever known. Love is a priceless gift that is given every day at Catholic Charities.

When we talk about the help we give our clients, we can always cite numbers, like the more than 5,000 people we have assisted in some way this past year; but what matters most is the people who sit in front of us asking for help and showing them that we care enough

Youth Visit Ware Youth Correctional Facility

T to help them endure through their crisis. We know you can’t be here to see those faces, but we want you to know that your concern and your gifts turn tears into smiles!

Of the many ways you have given, our first ever children’s Christmas party showcased how your gifts can make a big difference for those who have so little. On December 12, we hosted a party for the little ones. There were refreshments, singing, candy canes from our volunteer Santa, a reading of the Christmas story and gifts for moms. The large group of volunteers had almost as much fun as our guests! Had it not been for such enormous generosity from you, we could not have offered this fun event for our clients and their children.

We are thankful to each and every one of you who has given in any way to support Catholic Charities. Each day, when we have our morning devotional, we thank God for our donors, our volunteers, our board of directors and our staff because we know they are all gifts from God to Catholic Charities!

by Theresa Mormino, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

he feast of St. Nicholas presented an incredible opportunity to take the message of hope 29 miles south to the youth imprisoned at Ware Correctional Facility in Coushatta. Under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Ampatt at Mary, Queen of Peace Parish in South Bossier, our friends from St. Jude, St. Joseph Zwolle and St. Joseph Shreveport caravanned to bear gifts and good will for those who will spend Christmas alone with only childhood memories to warm their hearts and minds.

Once our group was settled into the common area of the prison, the anxious chatter quickly ceased as the inmates filed into the room wearing their solid orange attire, waiting for their next instruction from the guards.

The overwhelming fear of first-time visitors quickly subsided as Deacon Michael Straub began walking among the youth sharing the message of hope. He talked about all the things we hope for and the slight chance that those hopes become reality. He then alluded to the Hope that is promised by the Savior – hopefulness and confidence in the Word that will never fail any of us.

Peter Nolten led the groups in traditional Christmas carols. The room was filled with beautiful singing, truly resembling a choir of angels. Sacred Scripture was shared by some of our youth. Fr. Ampatt then expounded upon the Word in a message of resounding faith, hope and love. Gifts were exchanged and a little time was spent talking with the youth at Ware one-on-one. A young man from St. Joseph sat and discussed the books of the Bible with an inmate, spending his entire time sharing Scripture and exchanging friendly conversation. One of the imprisoned youth was celebrating his birthday that day and was happy to share some of his artwork with our young people. It was truly moving to see the Spirit flowing through our young people.

It is a stark reality of imprisoned youth that catches one’s breath each and every visit to Ware. This annual visit has become a tradition and a grace-filled experience for all. What a privilege to fulfill a corporal work of mercy, visiting the imprisoned, in preparing for the birth of our Savior, Jesus!

by Jacquie Bierwirth, Mary, Queen of Peace Parish January 2015 17

HISPANIC corner

por Rosalba Quiroz 318-868-4441

Calendario del Mes de Enero 2015 1

Solemnidad de la Virgen María, la Santa Madre de Dios

4 Epifanía del Señor (Celebramos el 6 como Día de Reyes, Epifanía) 4-10 Semana Nacional de Migración, con el tema, Somos una Familia de Dios.

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17 Escuela de Fe, Centro Católico, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

22 Reunión Consejo Ejecutivo Hispano

Feliz Año 2015, ¡Que todos tus Sueños se conviertan en Realidad!, pero sobretodo ¡Que en todo busques hacer la voluntad de Dios!

across the

Vatican Information Services

by Vatican Information Services

Council of Cardinals Meeting Themes included Reform of Curia & Protection of Minors

V

atican City, (VIS) – The seventh meeting of the Council of Cardinals (the so-called C9) concluded December 12. The cardinals' three-day meeting, which began on the morning of December 9, was mostly dedicated to three themes: the reform of the Curia, the composition of the Commission for the Protection of Minors and the reorganization of the economic organs of the Holy See. With regard to reform of the Roman Curia, alongside general observations on the criteria that must guide this task, the Cardinals also addressed the specific question of the reorganization of the Pontifical Councils that work in relation to the laity, the family, justice, peace and charity. However, no formal decision was reached; the director of the Holy See Press Office, Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., remarked that reform will be a long and gradual process.

The Commission for the Protection of Minors, which currently has eight members and a secretary, is to be enlarged with the addition of representatives from various ecclesial and cultural contexts around the world, reaching a total of around 18 members. The candidates have been

selected and their availability to participate is currently in the process of being verified. From February 6-8, 2015 the Commission will hold its plenary session and it is expected that all members will be confirmed by that date, enabling it to define its field of action and activities.

Professor Joseph Zahra, the lay deputy coordinator of the Council for the Economy, reported to the Cardinals on the matter of the reorganization of the economic dicasteries. Although no specific decisions were made, the importance of continuing good coordination between the Council for the Economy and the C9 was emphasised. It is hoped that another meeting of the Council for the Economy will take place before the next C9 meeting, to allow an overview of the reform process to be presented at the latter event.

The next plenary session of the C9 will be held from February 9 to 11, 2015, immediately before the Consistory convoked on the 12 and 13 of the same month, at which its work and proposals will be presented. Finally, it was announced that a consistory for the creation of new cardinals will be held on February 14 and 15.

Religious Leaders Gathered to Eliminate Modern Slavery

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atican City, (VIS) – For the first time in history, the leaders of the world’s major religions gathered together in the Vatican on December 2 with the aim of eliminating modern slavery. A ceremony was held in the seat of the Pontifical Academy for Sciences in the Vatican’s Casina Pio IV for the signing of the Declaration of Religious Leaders against Slavery. This solemn act follows the agreement signed on March 17 in the Vatican, established by the Global Freedom Network to eradicate, by 2020, modern forms of slavery and human trafficking. The Declaration was signed by Pope Francis, along with eminent Orthodox, Anglican, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu representatives.

During the event, Pope Francis said, “Inspired by our confessions of faith, we are gathered here today for an historical initiative

and to take concrete action: to declare that we will work together to eradicate the terrible scourge of modern slavery in all its forms. The physical, economic, sexual and psychological exploitation of men, women and children that is currently inflicted on tens of millions of people constitutes a form of dehumanization and humiliation.

“Every human being, man, woman, boy and girl, is made in God’s image. God is the love and freedom that is given in interpersonal relationships, and every human being is a free person destined to live for the good of others in equality and fraternity.

Every person, and all people, are equal and must be accorded the same freedom and the same dignity. Any discriminatory relationship that does not respect the fundamental conviction that others are equal is a crime, and frequently an aberrant crime.”

VAtICAN news & notes • The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops has issued a press release regarding the publication of the Lineamenta of the next Ordinary General Synod of Bishops, to take place from Oct. 4 to 25, on the theme “The vocation and the mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world.” The Lineamenta, or rather the first document for this Assembly, as indicated by Pope Francis in the concluding discourse of the Third Extraordinary Assembly, are constituted essentially by the Relatio Synodi, drafted by the same Assembly. However, to facilitate the reception of the synodal document and to allow its themes to be considered in depth, the Relatio is accompanied by a series of questions that help to further the Synod's progress on the path it has undertaken, and to assist in the preparation of the subsequent Instrumentum laboris for the next Ordinary Synod.

• On December 16, a press conference was held in the Holy See Press Office to present the Final Report of the Apostolic Visitation of Institutes of Women Religious in the United States.

The Visitator, Sr. M. Clare Millea, A.S.C.J., remarked that the Visit had provided many opportunities for “reflection, dialogue and communion among women religious in the United States as well as with the Church's pastors and lay faithful.

•Pope Francis' message to Sebastian Kurz, Austrian federal minister for Foreign Affairs and Integration, was read Dec. 9 during the Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons held in Vienna. Pope Francis said, "The humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons are predictable and planetary. While the focus is often placed on nuclear weapons’ potential for mass-killing, more attention must be given to the 'unnecessary suffering' brought on by their use. Military codes and international law, among others, have long banned people from inflicting unnecessary suffering. If such suffering is banned in the waging of conventional war, then it should all the more be banned in nuclear conflict."

January 2015 19

school NEWS < A record number of food baskets were distributed to the local community as part of Loyola College Prep's 25th annual F.Ai.T.H. Day (Flyers Aiding the Hungry). Canned food collection has been ongoing throughout the school year as well as various fundraisers to have enough to supply each family with a complete meal and toys for children. > Ralph Brockman (8th grade) and Brandon Tramontana (12th grade) were each announced as St. Frederick High School 2014-2015 Student of the Year in their respective divisions.

^ Jesus the Good Shepherd School is is very proud of their Student of the Year, James Mayronee. He will represent the school during the District Competition this spring.

This was quite an accomplishment as James had to keep a high GPA, score highly on the Terra Nova Test, show leadership and display Christian character. > Gary Myers from the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo brought small animals to Our Lady of Fatima School for the students to hold and learn about them.

Pictured with the Kindergarten class is a young falcon, which is the school’s mascot.

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^ Sixth grader Michael Calvaresi won the 2014-15 Spelling Bee for St. John Berchmans School. His winning word was “festinate.” Seventh grader Carolynne Davis took second place and two-time champion Sarah Siharath came in third.

Michael will compete in the Regional Spellling Bee in March 2015.

^ St. Joseph School is proud to announce its fifth and eighth grade students of the year for 2014 are Maximus Crofton (5th grade) and Luke Jackson. This program is an excellent opportunity to recognize those students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship.

around the DIOCESE

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Christ the King Parish celebrated their 75th Anniversary as a parish with a number of events that lasted an entire weekend. Some events included plate lunches on Saturday and a special Mass followed by a reception on Sunday.

CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration, managers and associates celebrated the final steel beam being placed on top of the West Wing addition the Highland campus. Isaac Palmer, interim COO, opened the program followed by a prayer from the new Spiritual Care department Director, Khoa Nguyen. Stephen Wright, CEO, spoke about the past, present and future, and that this final beam being placed is the foundation of what the ministry will look like in the future. Physicians and managers that will inhabit the addition were asked to sign the steel beam first.

Associates wrote messages, Bible verses or just signed their name.

Once the beam was signed, McInnis Brothers Construction placed it at the top of the West Wing.

3 4

Over 45 young adults participated in the Hispanic Young Adult retreat EXPERIENCIA CRISTO 4 during the third weekend in November. This was the most ever, thanks be to God! St. Theresa Circle members were guests of honor at the appreciation dinner hosted in the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Sam A. Rivers. The ladies were thanked for all their hard work during the past year for their church and circle by their captain Valda Sepulvado and secretary Christina Ezernack.

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On Wednesday, Nov. 19, Senator Barrow Peacock visited Ms. Boleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8th grade Louisiana History classes at St. Joseph School to discuss his position as a Louisiana State Legislator. The eighth grade students have been learning about the structure of state government in Louisiana, so Senator Peacock offered great insight into the responsibilities and duties of a state senator. The students enjoyed asking questions and learning more about the state government.

5 January 2015 21

upcoming EVENTS January 11 : Seelos Healing Mass with Sacrament of Anointing Fr. Philip Dabney, C.Ss.R, will celebrate a Birthday healing Mass at the National Seelos Shrine at St. Mary's Assumption Church, located at 919 Josephine Street in New Orleans. There will be confessions before Mass, veneration of relic missionary crucifix, free parking and one-on-one intercessory prayer in the back of the church in in the shrine beginning at 11:45 a.m. For more information, call 504525-2495. seelos.org January 20- February 10 : Apologetics Classes at the Cathedral Have you wanted to learn how to defend your faith, and explain why we live our faith the way that we do? The Bible exhorts Christians to “always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for the hope that is in you, but do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15-16). The Bible also encourages us to “earnestly contend for the Faith” (Jude 1:3). Apologetics 102 will be offered on January 20, 27 and February 3 and 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Loyola Cafeteria. Call the church office at 318-2215296 or visit www.sjbcathedral.org for more information.

January 22 : St. Frederick High School Open House St. Frederick Catholic High School will host an Open House for prospective parents on Thursday, January 22, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

January 23-25: Retrouvaille Returns to Maryhill “Is Your Marriage Tearing You Apart?” If you have experienced, or are experiencing the misery of an unhappy marriage, or if someone you know and love is having marriage problems, HELP IS ON THE WAY! Retrouvaille of Acadiana is offering the relationship-saving program at Maryhill in Pineville, LA. The next available weekend will be January 23-25, 2015.

Retrouvaille, founded in 1977, is an international Catholic peer-to-peer ministry which offers a “lifeline to troubled marriages.” For more information, or to register for the upcoming weekend, please visit www.retrouvaille.org or call 337-8733981. All inquiries and registrations are held in the strictest confidence.

January 24: Mary, Queen of Peace Western Dinner & Dance This Western Dinner & Dance will be on January 24, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. It will be held in the church hall (7738 Barksdale Blvd, Bossier City). Cost is $35 a person with door prizes to be given at the dance. A raffle will also be held. Steak dinner will be served with

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D

Calling Catholics Home

uring the 2015 Lenten season, parishes throughout the diocese are taking the opportunity to welcome back those who were “once Catholic” through the program “Calling Catholics Home.” If you are a Catholic who has been away from the Church for a while, this invitation is for you. Our faith community misses you and is incomplete without you. No matter how long you have been away, and for whatever reason, we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with the Catholic Church.

Please join us for informal sessions and an update of the Catholic faith. The sessions are conducted in a support-group format with speakers including local lay people, priests, deacons and Bishop Michael Duca. Everyone is welcome.

Please keep this program in mind while visiting with friends and family who might be fallen away Catholics.

This six week program will take place at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Library, located at 939 Jordan Street in Shreveport, on Wednesdays, February 10 March 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. For more information, contact Jane at St. Joseph Church in Shreveport at 318-865-3581, or go to www.callingcatholicshome.com

desserts to follow. You must be 21 or older to attend. If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please call Charlene Barrow at 318-470-1043.

February 1: St. Brigid Feast Day Celebration at St. Mary of the Pines Parish St. Mary’s will celebrate the life of St. Brigid of Ireland on her feast day, February 1, with a rosary in English and Irish, procession of the icon of St. Brigid and Mass. After Mass the celebration will continue with an Irish brunch and a St. Brigid’s Prayer Walk. Everyone is invited to this special day. For more information, call Kim at 318-687-5121. Don’t worry – they will be finished in plenty of time for the Super Bowl! A rosary and icon procession will begin at 8:30 a.m. and Mass will begin at 9:00 a.m. A ceili and brunch will follow in Vandegaer Hall.

February 12: Shreveport-Bossier Pro-Life Oratory Contest The An opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to express their prolife views on one of four topics, (the tragedy of abortion, the tragedy of euthanasia, the tragedy of infanticide, or the tragedy of embryonic stem cell research.) Talks: 5-7 minutes long; do not have to be memorized.

The event will take place Thursday, February 12, 2015, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport.

Cash prizes are $250 for first place, $200 for second place and $150 for third place.

The winner of the local contest is invited to speak at Bishop Duca’s Pro-Life Banquet on March 11, 2015 at the Bossier Civic Center, and advances to the state competition.

For more information, or to register, contact Christine Rivers at the Catholic Center, 318868-4441, or criverss@dioshpt.org

February 28: Living Christ in Your Marriage: A Day of Adult Formation in Your Marriage Covenant in Christ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Shreveport will host this event beginning at 9:00 a.m. Together couples will deepen their adult theological reflection skills on the remarkable covenant of Christian marriage; focus hopes, dreams and worries on Christ; learn how their experience of marriage is nurtured through the Church's foundational teachings on the sacrament; and develop spirituality around marriage as a vocation. The presenter will be Jim Schellman. Registration is $40 per couple.

Contact Anna Provenza at the church office to register: aprovenza@bellsouth.net or 318-798-1887.

March 7: First ever 1-day G.K. Chesterton Conference. The first ever 1-day Chesterton Conference will be held in Ponchatoula, LA at Chesterton Hall in Chesterton Square, behind the world’s only life-sized statue of G.K. Chesterton. It will feature EWTN regulars, Joseph Pearce, Dale Alquist, Kevin O’Brien and Chuck Chalberg (who portrays Chesterton on the series The Apostle of Common Sense, which airs on EWTN Sunday evenings). The title of the conference is A Day With G.K. Chesterton. This event is for anyone would like to learn more about or who enjoys reading G. K. Chesterton. It will take place on Saturday March 7 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (lunch included) with Mass to follow.

Register now to get your seats reserved at www.chestertonbr.com. For more information, contact Karen Hornsby at 225-312-5824.

calendar

january 2015

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

28 29 30 31 1 2 3 NEW YEAR'S EVE

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

NEW YEAR'S DAY Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazisnzen, bishops & doctors

The Most Holy Name of Jesus

Most Holy Name of Jesus / JAN 3

4

The Epiphany of the Lord

5

St. John Neumann, bishop

St. AndĂŠ Bessette, religious

6

7

St. Raymond of Penyafort, priest

8

9

Deadline for the February Catholic Connection

10

Epiphany / JAN 4

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 The Baptism of the Lord

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1:30pm

St. Hilary, bishop & doctor of the Church

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm

Louisiana Life March - North, LA Boardwalk, 10am 2nd Collection: Catholic Schools

Louisiana Life March/ JAN 17

St. Anthony, abbot

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2nd Collection: Diocese of Shreveport Catholic Schools

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

St. Fabian, pope & martyr; St. Sebastian, martyr

St. Agnes, virgin & martyr

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

St. Vincent, deacon & martyr

2nd Collection: Church in Latin America St. Francis de Sales, bishop & doctor of the Church

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day/ JAN 19

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 2nd Collection: Church in Latin America

Catholic Schools Week Begins

LCCB Meeting, Baton Rouge

All Schools Mass, St. Angela St. Frederick High Merici, virgin & School, 9:30am religious founder St. Timothy & St. Titus, bishops

St. Thomas Aquinas, priest & doctor of the Church

Religion Scholars Bowl, St. John Berchmans School, 8am

Confirmation, Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, 4:30pm St. John Bosco, priest

Catholic Schools Week / JAN 26 January 2015 23

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

â&#x20AC;˘

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Photo of the month

St. Francis Medical Center held a Blessing and Ribbon Cutting on December 9 for the new location of its Community Health Center (CHC), located at 2600 Tower Drive in Monroe. Pictured: Sr. Barbara Arceneaux, Provincial of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady - North American Province, and Scott Wester, Interim President and CEO of St. Francis Medical Center, cutting the ribbon.

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