Catholic Connection

VOL. 18, NO. 7

Diocesan Service Appeal,

p.7

• Annual Diocesan Report, p. 11 • St. Frederick School Receives Endowment, p. 9

February 2009

Bishop Michael Duca’s February 2009 Schedule February 1st: Annual Catholic Scouting Mass, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 11:00 a.m. Mass

LSUS Catholic Student Union by

Kevin Nolten, CSU President

A

re you or is February 2nd – 4th: National Catholic Bioethics someone Workshop for Bishops, Dallas you know attending LSUS February 7th: Young Adult Conference, Catholic this semester?

Center Please plan to February 8th: Mass in honor of Father Philip Michiels’ join with the 40th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood, LSUS Catholic St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport, 11:00 a.m.

Student Union on Wednesdays beginning January 28 during the February 8th: Mass in Celebration of Consecrated Life, Cathedral of St. John common hour (11:00 a.m.) in BE 341.

Berchmans, 5:30 p.m.

This semester, we will have a Bible February 9th: Western Deanery Appeal Reception, Shreveport Club, 6:30 p.m.

Study on the Acts of the Apostles. For February 10th: Southern Deanery Financial Workshop, Church of Jesus the Good more information about this student organization, contact LSUS campus Shepherd, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. minister Cathy Cobb (catcobb@ February 11th: Western Deanery Financial Workshop – Catholic Center, bellsouth.net), CSU President Kevin 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m Nolten (dunkijacobsnoltenk@lsus. edu) or faculty adviser Dr. Tim February 11th: Religious Prayer Service, Forcht Wade Correctional Center, Shaughnessy (timothy.shaughnessy@ Keithville, 6:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. lsus.edu). All are welcome!

February 14th: Andrew Dinner, Catholic Center, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

February 15th: Confirmation, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston, 9:30 a.m.

February 15th: Confirmation, St. Jude Church, Bossier City, 6:00 p.m.

Sign of the Month Give, Contribute, Present, Award, Bestow

February 18th: Presbyteral Council Meeting, 1:00 p.m.

February 22nd: Mass/Minister of Reader Ceremony, St. Mary’s Seminary, Houston, 9:30 a.m.

February 25th: Ash Wednesday Mass, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 5:30 p.m.

Calling Catholics Home

D

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

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

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

This will be the fifth year for this successful and educational program in our diocese with more people attending each year.

Please keep this program in mind while visiting with family and friends who might be fallen-away Catholics and encourage them to attend.

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

The hands take something and present it to another.

Formation: Move both hands with the thumbs touching the fingertips and the palms facing up in front of the chest, upward and forward in an arc opening into upturned “5” hands.

Note: This is a directional sign toward whomever is the recipient of the gift. The beginning position may have the palms facing up or down.

This sign may be done with the right hand only.

On the Cover: Stewardship Appeal Ministries. Design by Jessica Rinaudo.

table of contents

Bishop Duca at St. Frederick High School for Big Announcement, pg. 9 Publisher • Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor • Jessica Rinaudo Editorial Board Christie Weeks Felicia Gilliam Dianne Rachal John Mark Willcox Cathy Cobb Christine Rivers Rev. Charles Glorioso Kim Long The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

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

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

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

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

Bishop Michael Duca’s February 2009 Schedule........................................................... 2 Calling Catholics Home...................................................................................................... 2 LSUS Catholic Student Union by Kevin Nolten............................................................... 2 Vietnamese New Year Celebration at Our Lady of Fatima by Gary Guinigundo......... 4 Bishop’s Reflection by Most Rev. Michael Duca.......................................................... 4-5 LA Tech Students Take Vocations Trip by Rose Serio.................................................... 6 Liturgy Lines: Rite of Election by Dianne Rachal............................................................ 6 Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal by John Mark Willcox....................................... 7 Magnificat NOWELA February Prayer Bunch............................................................... 8 Priest Spotlight: Father Blane O’Neill ............................................................................. 8 St. Frederick’s Kicks Off Development Effort with Significant Endowment............... 9 Finding Grace Through Novenas by Kim Long............................................................ 10 Annual Report 2008..................................................................................................... 11-18 School News ..................................................................................................................... 19 New Orders of Religious Emerge by Martha Fitzgerald......................................... 20-21 My Path Will Be Indelible by Sr. Martinette Rivers...................................................... 21 Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Honors Bishop with Hand-Carved Crosier

by Jessica Rinaudo.................................................................................................... 22 Hispanic Communities Join in Celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St Juan Diego by Fr. Al Jost, Rosalba Quiroz and Gabriela Argueta ................... 22 News Briefs by Catholic News Service.......................................................................... 23 Hispanic Ministry Celebrates 15th Anniversary at St. Joseph’s

by Fr. Larry Niehoff and Bonnie Ibara.................................................................... 24 Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página por Rosalba Quiroz............................................... 25 Diocese of Shreveport Seminarians................................................................................ 26 Diocesan Youth Celebrate the Christmas Season with Love and Tradition............... 27 February Calendar........................................................................................................... 27 Healing the Pain of Abortion One Weekend at a Time by Janice Gonzalez............... 28

upcoming events February 2 - Movie Night featuring Maria Goretti at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Free admission. 5:30 p.m.

For more information, call Chris Davis, 318-349-3279.

February 6-7 - “Live in the Light” Young Adult Conference for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s at the Catholic Center. Featuring Fr. Mike Joly. Feb. 6, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and Feb. 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. $20 registration.

For more info call 1-800-256-1542 or 318-868-4441 or visit www.dioshpt.org/ yyaministry/yyaministry.html

at 11:00 a.m. in the Desoto Room of the University Center. Students, faculty, staff and other parishes are welcome. Fr. Karl Daigle will preside.

February 28 - Holy Hour for Vocations with Fr. David Richter and Fr. Charles Glorioso at Christ the King Church, Bossier City. Immediately following 4:00 p.m. Mass.

March 2-4 - Paulist Mission with Fr. John E. Collins, CSP at St. Mary of the Pines Church. ALL ARE INVITED! Contact St. Mary of the Pines Church at 318-687-5121.

February 8 - Fr. Phil Michiels’ 40th March 17- Fundraiser for Scholarships anniversary to the priesthood. 11:00 a.m. to Loyola College Prep hosted by St. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Vincent’s Alumnae at the Catholic Center February 25 - At LSUS a campus-wide from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Mass will be held on Ash Wednesday

Vietnamese New Year Celebration at Our Lady of Fatima by

Gary Guinigundo, Our Lady of Fatima

Three Vietnamese men pay respects to their ancestors during the Vietnamese New Year celebration at Our Lady of Fatima. Photo by Gary Guinigundo.

Fr. Sebastian Kallarackal, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church, with Vietnamese girl during the New Year Celebration. Photo by Gary Guinigundo.

T

he Vietnamese Community celebrated the New Year Mass on January 11, 2009 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe. The Vietnamese New Year, Tét, is based on the Lunar calendar and is celebrated on the same day as the Chinese New Year. It takes place from the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar, which is late January or early February on our calendar, until at least the third day of the Chinese calendar.

This year is the year of the Ox (representing prosperity through fortitude and hard work).

On the day of the New Year, the family usually gathers at the home of eldest relatives, usually the grandparents or parents. The children receive a red envelope which contains money, called lì xì, or “luck money” (usually not for spending).

There is also plenty of food and there may be an altar which pays respects to their ancestors.

4 Catholic Connection February 2009

La Reflexión del Obispo

M

e he dado cuenta que en mi trabajo siempre estoy planeando y atento a los eventos que se presentarán en un futuro.

Ya ahora en febrero estoy programando las confirmaciones, graduaciones, la Semana Santa y la Pascua y mi primer año en la Petición de Cooperación Anual Diocesana. En todos los Bishop Duca with students at Our Lady of Fatima School. hermosos eventos que Part of the annual Appeal goes to support Catholic voy a celebrar quiero education. Photo by Gary Guinigundo. dar atención particular 20 por ciento de los feligreses en la a nuestra Cooperación porque es Diócesis. Yo se que hay mucho estrés el fondo que le da fundamento en nuestras finanzas y entiendo que financiera al trabajo de la Iglesia muchos se sienten incapaces de dar. en el Norte de Luisiana. Esta Pero por favor no dejen de dar algo Cooperación apoya el funcionamiento porque piensen que su regalo es muy de ministerios como estudiantes pequeño. El ochenta por ciento de en la universidad, apoyo a la vida, nuestra diócesis podría ser 10,000 sacerdotes que visitan la prisión, personas capaces de dar. Si cada una sacerdotes retirados y programas de ellas diera un regalo generoso para la educación de nuestra de $10.00 (que es el costo de un gente joven y de los adultos. Estoy viaje a McDonald’s) se acumularían realmente impresionado de encontrar $100,000.00 a la Cooperación o si que como Diócesis tenemos uno de dieran un promedio de $25.00 se los niveles mas altos de regalo en juntarían $250,000.00. Esto hace a un Estados Unidos. Esto me recuerda regalo pequeño ser parte importante que para darle a la iglesia no importa del apoyo que damos al trabajo el tamaño de la diócesis, ni siquiera el espiritual de la Iglesia. Aunque nunca tamaño de la cartera, sino más bien hayan dado a la Cooperación en el el dar es una cuestión del corazón. pasado, regalen algo este año sin Dar es una decisión importar el tamaño. En tiempos de profundamente personal y podemos crisis si más gente da solo con un considerar muchas diferentes poquito, entonces habrá suficiente. razones para darle a una Cooperación Voy a estar viajando por la u a otra. Pero nuestra Cooperación diócesis durante el tiempo de la Diocesana es para que la Iglesia Cooperación con todos los eventos alcance a dar a los que necesitan y que tengo programados, y voy a para que apoye el trabajo de nuestros visitar la mayoría de las parroquias sacerdotes y ministros laicos en en los próximos cuatro meses. sus diferentes apostolados, que Estoy emocionado de verlos durante con frecuencia van más allá de los mis visitas, porque ustedes me límites de una parroquia. Para esto muestras mucho entusiasmo y apoyo. necesitamos la ayuda de todos.

Continuemos construyendo el rendo Mencioné que tenemos un de Dios aquí en la Diócesis y con promedio de los más altos niveles corazones amorosos apoyemos los de regalo por persona en la nación. ministerios de la Iglesia Católica.

Pero lo que también es verdad es que aquí en la Diócesis de Shreveport, como en muchos otros lugares, la ichael G. Duca mayor parte de cooperación viene del M Obispo de la Diócesis de Shreveport

Bishop’s Reflection by

Bishop Micheal G. Duca

I

have noticed that in my work as Bishop that I am always planning and aware of the events coming in the future.

Even now in February I am looking forward to confirmations, graduations, Holy Week, Easter and my first Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal.

In all the wonderful events I will celebrate I want to give particular attention to our Appeal because it is the fund that gives a financial foundation to the work of the Church in North Louisiana.

This Appeal supports handson ministries such as students in college, pro-life ministry, prison Bishop Duca poses with attendees of the Junior High Rally at St. Paschal Church in West Monroe. Funds from the annual Appeal help support programs for young Catholics in the Diocese of Shreveport. chaplains, retired clergy and programs for the education for I mentioned that we have one of the provide for the spiritual work of the our young people and adults. I highest gift-per-person averages in the Church. In the end it is not the size of have been truly impressed to find the gift but the way we open our hearts nation.

But what is also true here in that as a Diocese we have one of the highest levels of giving in the United the Diocese of Shreveport, as in many to support the work of the Church.

Even if you have never given to the places, most of the Appeal comes States. This reminds me that giving Appeal in the past, give something this from about 20 percent of the Diocese. to the Church is not a matter of the year no matter the size. In tough times I know that there are many stresses size of the Diocese, or even the size if more people give just a little, then on our finances and I understand that of the wallet, but rather a matter of there will be enough. many may feel unable to give.

But the heart.

I will be travelling around the please do not fail to give because Giving is a deeply personal diocese during the time of Appeal This reminds me that giving to the Church is not a with all the events I have scheduled, and I will be visiting most of my matter of the size of the Diocese, or even the size of the parishes in the next four months. I am excited to meet you during my wallet, but rather a matter of the heart. visits, because you show me such you think your gift is too small. For decision and we consider many enthusiasm and support. Let us example, if 80 percent of our Diocese different reasons to give to one continue to build the kingdom of God could represent 10,000 parishioners Appeal or another. But our Diocesan here in the Diocese and with loving Appeal is about the Church reaching capable of giving. If each gave a hearts support the ministries of the generous gift of $10.00 (cost of a trip to Catholic Church. out to those in need and supporting McDonalds) it would add $100,000.00 the work of our priests and lay to the Appeal or an average gift ministers in their apostolate, which of $25.00 would mean an added often reaches beyond our parish boundaries. We need everyone’s help $250,000.00. That makes a small gift Michael G. Duca an important part of the support we to make this happen.

Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport

5

LA Tech Students Take Vocations Trip

by

Rose Serio, Campus Minister at Louisiana Tech University

stay with the friars, we experienced a impressed with the small taste of the daily routines of the lives of religious Franciscan brothers. It was refreshing women, “Our time with to wake up each morning and join the the sisters and nuns brothers in morning prayer and Mass, was amazing! They and participate in their daily activities. welcomed us into their Throughout the weekend we helped homes and showed the friars collect rocks for a Mary us how fulfilling a life Garden, and listened to the brothers devoted to God is. share their vocation stories. We also Any girl considering met with a Cistercian monk from the a vocation as a sister Danielle Howard, Sister Mary Joseph, Sam Graves, Karlye abbey who described the peacefulness should most definitely Mathews, Dawn Jason, Claire Rioux, Allison Marcel, Claire Gauthreaux and Rose Serio at the Carmelites of the Divine Heart take time out to visit and of the monastic life. In the end, we left of Jesus convent in St. Louis, MO. with a broadened perspective of what see how wonderful life life is like in a religious order, gaining in the convent is.” he day after their last final a greater appreciation for the different Student Danielle Howard agreed, exam, 10 Louisiana Tech walks of life that God may call us to.” students woke up early to begin “I think my favorite part of the nun a journey to explore religious life. The run was being able to pray with the sisters during the women visited the Carmelites of the Divine Heart of Jesus, the Sisters of St. day. I liked that they spent so much time in prayer Francis of the Martyr St. George and the trip was just as much a the Daughters of Charity in St. Louis, MO. The men stayed with Franciscan retreat as it was a learning experience.” friars and Trappist monks in Ava, Students Jorge MO. For three days they lived, ate Montesdeoca and Alex and prayed with the different orders, Marquardt were also learning about their lives and their excited about their individual calls to follow God. Student Dylan Jason, Louis, Brother Joe, Brother Joseph and experiences, “During our Student Karlye Mathews was sudents Jorge Montesdeoca and Alex Marquardt in Ava, MO.

T

Liturgy Lines: Rite of Election by Dianne Rachal, Office of Worship

T

he catechumenate is the lengthy period of formation for unbaptized persons coming into the Church via Christian initiation.

The second step in Christian initiation is the liturgical rite called the Rite of Election. The Rite of Election is usually celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent. This rite marks an important transition into the period of final, more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. This more concentrated preparation includes scrutinies and catechesis on the gospel. As a result of having participated in this rite, the catechumens have been called electi (the elect) or competentes (petitioners); photizomenoi or illuminandi (those who are being enlightened) or baptizomenoi (those who are being baptized), and even fideles (the faithful) in Jerusalem.

It is the Church that makes its “election”, that is, the choice and

6 Catholic Connection February 2009

declares the Church’s approval of the catechumens. The enrollment of the catechumens takes place and their names are entered into the Book(s) of the Elect.

Candidates are those preparing either for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or reception into the full communion of the Church. A combined rite has been approved for use in the dioceses of the United States: Celebration of the Rite of admission of those catechumens who Election of Catechumens and of have the dispositions that make them the Call to Continuing Conversion fit to take part in the sacraments of of Candidates. This combined initiation. During the Rite of Election, rite is used when the election of the catechumens are presented and catechumens and call to continuing their godparents and catechists give conversion of candidates are testimony about the catechumens. celebrated together.

The catechumens themselves reaffirm Celebration of the Rite of Election their intention to be initiated into the of Catechumens and of the Call to sacramental life of the Church. The Continuing Conversion of Candidates community agrees to support the will take place on Sunday, March 1, catechumens in their preparation for 2009 at 2:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. the Easter sacraments. The bishop John Berchmans. Reception to follow.

Annual Diocesan Appeal by

John Mark Willcox, Director of Stewardship and Development

uilding on the positive momentum of the most successful Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal campaign in history, the Diocese of Shreveport stands ready to launch its 2009 Appeal Campaign with our newly ordained Bishop Michael G. Duca.

Despite the tough economy and the predictions of “doom and gloom,” our 2008 Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal was record setting in almost every category of giving.

This year, we are filled with hope in the Lord and great optimism in the leadership gifted to us by our new bishop, yet the real needs and challenges of providing for others and making our faith community strong not only remain with us, but continue to grow exponentially.

That is why this year’s Appeal effort is so important.

That is why we remain “The Body of Christ,” as we seek to take the next positive steps in securing and enhancing our future together.

The coming months will see our community of faith again striving to provide for our retired and infirmed clergy who represent nearly one-third of our entire roster of diocesan priests. Men who have given lives of service to this local Church are worthy of our combined care. The charitable endeavors of St. Vincent de Paul, Pro-Life Ministry, Campus and Prison ministries still seek the Church’s assistance for people in need.

Adult education through Greco Institute, catechetical ministries for our youth and consistent, high quality worship also complement our lives as Catholic Christians due to Appeal support.

Our ever growing and diverse Hispanic Catholics benefit from your Appeal, as well as our youth and young adults who comprise the future leadership of local parishes. In the ministry of education, your Appeal dollars support the Office of Catholic Schools Superintendent, Continuing Education for our clergy and the education and formation of our five diocesan seminarians.

Our wonderful Slattery Library as well as our Safe Environment Program also benefit from Appeal support and don’t forget, the very magazine you are reading has received most of its funding from our Annual Appeal for over twenty years!

“I realized the critical importance of our Annual Appeal immediately after arriving in the Diocese of Shreveport,” comments our second Bishop, Most Rev. Michael G. Duca. “The impact this annual campaign has on almost every avenue of ministry is significant, and I am committed to keeping our Appeal success level high.

This same commitment to our Annual Appeal has been shown by our many Appeal volunteers over the years and you are to be both thanked and congratulated for a job well done.”

Appeal Sunday this year falls on February 15th; please take some time before then to consider your 10-month pledge to support our array of Appeal ministries. A pledge card can be found on page 26, and you may use this to facilitate your annual gift to our Appeal. Please take time to pray for the success of our Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal.

7

Magnificat Nowela Chapter February Prayer Bunch

T

he Magnificat, Nowela Chapter is sponsoring a prayer brunch on Saturday, February 7 from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Activities Center at St. Jude Sid McDaniel Catholic Church on Viking Drive in Bossier City, LA. The guest speaker will be Sid McDaniel from Alexandria, LA. Sid McDaniel is a native Louisianan and sister to our own Fr. Pike Thomas of St. Jude Catholic Church.

Sid has been married to her best friend and love, John McDaniel, for the past 35 years. She is a mother of four and a grandmother of three with her fourth cherub due to arrive in June.

Sid is retired after 21 years of formal ministry at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Alexandria where she served as the Director of Religious Education, Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Coordinator of Parish Ministries. During this time, she also served as the Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Alexandria for three years. She felt that it was a privilege to serve the Body of Christ in this way. She and her husband were active in the Cursillo movement for 10 years.

Please join us as Sid shares her story and discusses how all of us have our own stories and our own journeys.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

The Magnificat is a ministry for Catholic women and this day is set aside to speak to the hearts of women and rejoice in the presence of the Lord.

Please no children.

Admittance is $12.00 and reservations must be made prior to February 5 by calling Barbara McAlister at 318-747-7029 or Helen Langley at 318-746-6223. No admittance will be sold at the door.

Mail to: Magnificat NOWELA Chapter c/o Sandy Chapman, 4686 Hwy 71, Shreveport LA 71107.

8 Catholic Connection February 2009

Priest Spotlight: Fr. Blane O’Neill, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston The Call

M

y call to the priesthood began in the seventh grade at St. Helena’s School in South Minneapolis in the great state of Minnesota. I had written an essay for class in which I had mentioned that I enjoyed looking out an upper story window as I watched people passing by below. Our teacher Sister Ellen Joseph, of the St. Paul Province of Sisters of St. Joseph, invited me to see her after class. At that time she said, “I didn’t know you liked to look down on people; I thought you were going to become a priest.” Since a classmate was already signed up, I applied, was accepted, and eventually went to St. Joseph’s College Prep Seminary, a Franciscan enclave in Oak Brook, IL, in suburban Chicago.

Priesthood

My life as a Franciscan priest has encompassed various careers.

First, there was my appointment as an instructor at my old stomping grounds, St. Joseph’s in Oak Brook.

Here lay before me the opportunity to accompany seminarians along the paths of Academe in the realms of English and later in Spanish.

After almost a quarter century of pounding the academic path, I escaped to parochial ministry.

When the seminary closed in 1977, I was transferred to San Antonio, TX, to work first as an assistant in a huge Tex-Mex parish, and not long thereafter as pastor of the old Spanish San Jose Mission.

A few years later I returned to Chicago and career number three.

As editor of the Franciscan Herald Magazine, headquartered at the Franciscan Herald Press in Chicago, I truly enjoyed contacts from all over the world with people who were

deeply involved with the ideals of saints like Francis of Assisi, Anthony of Padua (Lisbon), and Bonaventure.

Here began the deeper look at my Franciscan vocation.

At present, in semiretirement at St. Thomas in Ruston, I have the opportunity to participate in the evangelization of young university students, a parish comprised of teachers and other professionals, and ever more newly arriving Hispanic immigrants.

But most of all, at present I enjoy the time I have for personal prayer and most interesting hobbies. Henri Nouwen’s work is clear, uplifting and a most fruitful source for spiritual insights. To meditate on the religious work of artists of the caliber of Michelangelo, especially in his ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, or to view the religious works of someone like El Greco, in a word, attempting to enter the world of artistic communication, is truly rewarding.

Role

model

As might be expected along the lengthy road above, there have been many to whom I could have looked to as role models; but there is one special person. Fr. Linus Hohendorf, OFM, was a member of the St. Barbara Franciscan Province for many years.

I met him while working for a year in our West Coast Province. Linus and I worked with Secular Franciscans.

This holy man, unassuming and hard working, was someone with whom I could speak easily and for whom I had a very deep respect. Linus went to his eternal reward while I was in California. At his funeral I acquired a memorial card of him and to this day he greets me daily with his heartwarming smile from inside the cover of my breviary. The photo is fading, but still there is the unmistakable countenance of a humble, holy, unassuming first-rate role model of a Franciscan priest.

St. Frederick High School Kicks Off Development Effort with Significant Endowment

Bishop Michael Duca celebrates Mass for the students at St. Frederick High School. During Mass students were told about the significant endowment given to the school by Edward Dalton. Photo by Jessica Rinaudo.

S

t. Frederick has received a significant endowment from a Catholic school graduate to ensure the school can continue its academic excellence by attracting and retaining qualified teachers.

The Edward F. Dalton and Mary Bergevin families bequeathed approximately $1.2 million to retain and recruit teachers at the only Catholic high school in northeast Louisiana. Interest from the donation will be used to fund a trust and will represent a long-term investment in the school.

Edward Dalton, 94, was a 1930 graduate of St. Matthew High School, which was a predecessor of St. Frederick.

Dalton was a devout Catholic who lived a life of service in Sun City West, AZ, where he retired after his career with Ashland Oil. Dalton, who was married to Mary Bergevin, had no children. Dalton died on July 18, 2008.

The endowment marks the beginning of development efforts by the school to make up for financial shortfalls.

Principal Jennifer Malone said, “The school is eternally grateful to the Daltons for this extraordinary gift. It is in part because of their generosity that we will be able to continue the tradition of Catholic school excellence.”

The money is to be used specifically for teacher retention and recruitment, Malone said. A board of trustees and the principal will determine the uses of the money based on annual needs.

“The gap between what Catholic school teachers earn and what is paid to public school teachers is significant,” she said, with about a $15,000 difference in salaries.

“We often find ourselves challenged with trying to retain and attract the best teachers, given these obstacles,” she said.

The school is also faced with filling the gap between what it costs to educate a child versus what the school actually charges in tuition. Tuition lags about $800 per child behind the true costs.

“We are ever mindful of trying to keep Catholic education affordable,” Malone said. “Many of our parents are working

hard to send their children here, making many sacrifices.”

Therefore, the school is using the news of this donation to kick off a development program that reaches out to the entire St. Frederick family.

“There is no way the families of St. Frederick can solely foot the cost of a Catholic education,” Malone said. Private schools almost always have to turn to their greater families (alumni, grandparents, friends) to continue providing a much-valued education.

“Tough economic times are on everyone’s mind at this time,” Malone said.

“We are truly blessed to be able to begin our development efforts with such a significant contribution.”

Bishop Michael Duca views this gift as a great start to endow St. Frederick High School, “All great institutions are Plaque honoring the Dalton family for supported by a foundation. their gift to St. Frederick High School.

From one generation to the next we stand upon each others’ shoulders and grow.

These are great times and days for St. Frederick’s.”

Bishop Duca also emphasized that the diocese is doing its part to secure the funds in firm and transparent ways.

While the school has no set amount to raise annually, it does have a goal of closing the gap in teachers’ salaries and helping make tuition more affordable to more families.

“While the Dalton donation is significant, the school must aggressively work toward reducing the burden on families,” Malone said.

“For more than 140 years, the greater Monroe community has said it values Catholic education,” Malone said. “It is because of families like the Daltons that St. Frederick and Catholic education continue to thrive in northeastern Louisiana.”

9

Finding Grace Through Novenas

I

love to receive mail all year round with the exception of the weeks when I await the results of my yearly mammogram. Then the postman goes from hero to zero until I receive the letter containing my yearly reprieve. This year I got the letter all right, but with disturbing news – I was asked to come in for further tests.

Eighteen years of annual tests and never a call back. I have a strong family history of breast cancer and I was terrified. I called my confirmation sponsor and asked for her prayers. She, full of love and concern, told me we would storm heaven with our prayers and we would pray that this would be nothing; I said no, we mustn’t pray that, instead, that I be able to accept whatever was going to happen.

During this period of waiting, retesting and even more waiting I had time to make a novena. I don’t usually pray novenas, the rosary is my default, but I needed something a little different – after all this was a completely different scenario for me!

(Of course I still fell asleep clutching my rosary!)

I had stumbled upon a wonderful novena booklet called “A Novena of Holy Communions.” I pulled it off the shelf and sat down to pray. It’s based on the beatitudes and the practice of receiving Holy Communion daily for nine days. I got started the next morning. Days passed and I finished the novena. A feeling of peace began to settle over me. I almost forgot I was waiting for test results.

Then one day I received a phone call at the Parish office. The doctor’s office was on the line with good news, my tests were all clear. I knew I wanted to thank God in a big way so I planned to make another Holy Communion novena – this one in thanksgiving.

I don’t know why people pray novenas, I am not sure why God led me to this particular set of prayers but I do know that the practice of praying at a specific time for a specific number of days had become a place marker in my day, in my

10 Catholic Connection February 2009

by

Kim Long, DRE, St. Mary of the Pines

prayer life. My novena prayer helped me trust in my heavenly Father. I know in my own family I have prayed for various relatives with breast issues and, more often than not, cancer was a certainty. In all those cases, death occurred. I know my prayers helped settle my mind, calm my spirit and prepare me to accept whatever was going to happen.

Days of relief turned into reflection. While the novena I prayed wasn’t invoking the prayerful aid of any particular patron saint, I still feel that the practice is a wonderful way to settle down, dedicate a small amount of time to prayer and “be still and know that He is God.” It is so easy for me to “direct God” in prayer, kind of like when as a child and made a Christmas list to Santa asking for my will to be done. The Holy Communion novena helped me realize that a more mature way to pray is that wonderful and intimidating phrase uttered by Jesus (and my grandmother!) “Thy will be done.”

I wondered about some troubles that all people experience. Who are some saints that could identify with those areas and help? And how can our parish minister to those needs?

After talking with one of my former RCIA teachers, five issues were identified that many families are facing. Patron saints are regarded as intercessors or advocates in heaven and are associated with a particular place, craft, activity or ailment.

We knew there are patron saints for virtually everything so we hit the internet and came up with the following “family friendly helpers:” • St. Peregrine, the patron saint of cancer sufferers (St. Agatha for breast cancer).

• St. Joseph, the patron saint of employment (St. Joseph is a multitasker, he is associated with many things).

• St. Maximilian Kolbe, the patron saint of addiction and inmates.

• St. Dymphna, the patron saint of mental and nervous disorders including depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

• St. Aloysius Gonzaga, patron of youth.

Each of these saints were human beings with the same concerns many of us have; they sought help from God and they trusted. At St. Mary’s during Lent we plan to offer information about each of these saints as well as prayers asking for their intercession.

We will be praying a different prayer each day of the week.

Novenas are typically prayed for nine consecutive days although some novenas, like the Infant of Prague, are for nine consecutive hours. If you are new to novenas I encourage you to explore this prayer possibility. There is nothing magical or superstitious about this practice. If you see novenas as archaic and not in tune with the times, remember that when we repeat behavior it becomes a pattern – even prayer.

Sometimes I need to be reminded to pray, I need to be reminded that prayer includes an exchange, listening as well as talking to God. These family friendly saints are just waiting to be asked to pray for us and with us – just as many of our earthly family and friends are. What are we waiting for?

AnnuAl RepoR t 2008 Diocese

of

shRevepoR t

A diocese is a portion of the people of God entrusted to a bishop for him to shepherd with the cooperation of the presbyterate, so that, adhering to its pastor and gathered by him in the Holy Spirit through the gospel and the Eucharist, it constitutes a particular church in which the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church of Christ is truly present and operative. – The Code of Canon Law, Canon 369

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n May 19, 2008, Michael Gerard Duca was ordained and installed second Bishop of Shreveport. With over 3000 people in attendance at the Shreveport Convention Center, it was a day of joy and thanksgiving. Building on his motto, Hope in the Lord, Bishop Duca addressed the faithful by saying, “I pray that together with you this will become a dynamic diocese…then we will become a new fire in this area of Louisiana and that would be my hope.”

Bishop Duca is a native of Dallas, Texas, and was ordained a priest for service there on April 29, 1978.

The local announcement of the appointment was made at a press conference at the Catholic Center on April 1. “I think the role of the bishop is to be the shepherd of the people, to be a man in service of the diocese. I’m called here and I give my life to this diocese,” stated Bishop Duca.

The Diocese of Shreveport is pleased to offer this report of ministry and finance for 2008. The first section of the report provides a brief description of the purpose and activity of each diocesan office. The second section includes the professional audit conducted on diocesan finances with charts showing the source and use of funds received.

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ministries through leadership formation, identification of resources and networking opportunities. Junior and senior high rallies and an annual young adult conference are sponsored. University students are encouraged to participate in spiritual reflection sessions and to take an active leadership role by serving as retreat teams for high school youth.

Through a collaborative and inclusive approach to ministry, this office encourages the lay faithful in their efforts to provide leadership in the areas of these specific ministries.

Office of Canonical Ser vices

Sister Marilyn Vassallo, CSJ, Director

S

Office of Business Af fairs Jill Branif f, Director

T

he Office of Business Affairs manages the fiscal, legal and insurance operations of the diocese. The duties of the office also include coordinating the recordkeeping of St. Joseph Cemetery and reviewing various parish reports such as budgets, financial statements, construction requests and agreedupon procedures. Significant activities include facilitating the annual diocesan audit and reception of an unqualified (clean) opinion; negotiating insurance renewals with reductions for property/liability/workers’ compensation and health premiums and conducting diocesan and parish land surveys in connection with mineral leases. Day-to-day operations involving diocesan Appeal pledges and receipts also were carried out in cooperation with the Stewardship Office.

Office of Campus, Youth and Young Adult Ministries Ethel Papillion, Director

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his office fosters a spirit of spiritual growth and information-sharing among youth leaders in order to further the development of youth and young adult ministry in the diocese.

Parish and university ministries are supported

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ervices pertaining to the Tribunal, the legislative branch of the Bishop’s role, are directed through this office. In order to promote a better understanding of the canonical and pastoral dimensions of the annulment process, informational presentations are provided each year in locations throughout the diocese.

Educational opportunities are offered to support priests, deacons and advocates who help to carry out the Church’s mission in regard to this ministry. To fulfill one of the many aspects of canonical ministries, the Office of Canonical Services now serves religious men and women residing in the diocese through the establishment of an advisory board assisting with events that support and celebrate the religious life.

Catholic Schools Office

Sister Carol Shively, OSU, Superintendent

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he Office of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools serves the Bishop as advisor in all aspects of Catholic schools in the diocese. This includes two high schools and five elementary schools, enrolling about 2000 students. Ongoing support to pastors, principals and school boards is an area of special importance.

In-service and staff development are provided for curriculum, technology advancement, parental relations, supervision of teachers, school legal issues and institutional advancement. Two schools in the diocese host a state-funded pre-K4 program for families who are below the poverty level. The superintendent works to ensure that all levels of responsibility among the diocese, school and state are being achieved.

Office of Facilities Management John Townley, Manager

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Deacon Michael Straub, Director

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he day-to-day operations of the Catholic Center, Fairview House and St. Joseph Cemetery are administered by the Facilities Office. Primary duties include maintenance of the buildings and grounds, guest reception, hospitality and event planning, security, purchasing, mail and coffee service and office equipment support. Over the past 12 months, the Catholic Center hosted over 8000 guests for conferences, workshops, convocations, classes, meetings, luncheons, receptions, days of retreat and reflection as well as several communitybased ceremonies or events. In addition to the priests who reside at Fairview House, the residence accommodated over 350 overnight guests.

he main function of this office is support for the employees of our Catholic churches, schools and the diocesan offices. Information and assistance is offered with the administration of benefits including health insurance, flexible spending accounts and retirement plan coverage. Updates on employment law and hiring practices are communicated to all locations, and training is provided on basic human resources issues for Monroe and Shreveport area churches and schools. The Office of Human Resources is responsible for the implementation and continuation of the diocesanwide safe environment program with training given this year to 459 adults and to more than 4200 children in parish schools of religion.

Greco Institute

Reverend Patrick J. Madden, Director

Office of Information Systems Management, Patricia Pillors, Director

reco Institute serves as a center for adult education. Throughout the diocese, programs are offered to foster a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the faith as it relates to daily life. During the past three semesters registrations totaled 446 with 391 course completions.

Greco Institute also provides the faithful with ready access to Catholic higher education and supplies the academic component for the certification of our catechists and liturgists though the foundations courses. These are available in internet format as on-line classes. The director of this office serves as chaplain for the Catholic Medical Students Association at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

he Office of Information Systems Management is responsible for implementation, management and technical support for the diocese’s Internet, email, desktops, servers, network and data security systems while serving also as technical support to parishes and parish-based organizations. The design, development, security and maintenance of the diocese’s public web site and private extranet site are carried out through this office. The diocese operates five servers, supports 45 users at the Catholic Center site and parish personnel as needed. Desktop computers have been upgraded to XP Professional or Windows Vista. Users were trained in the Windows Vista operating system and Microsoft Office 2007 business suite.

Office of Hispanic Ministr y

Office of Mission Ef fectiveness

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F

G

Rosalba Quiroz, Interim Director he work of the Office of Hispanic Ministry and Immigration Services includes facilitating the development of active Hispanic faith communities in each deanery of the diocese, enabling persons from Spanish-speaking cultures and recent immigrants to participate in the life of the local church, promoting leadership development and faith formation within Hispanic communities and assisting recent immigrants with resources and legal services.

Currently there are 9 parishes with active and growing Hispanic communities where a primary concern is the ability to offer Mass in Spanish. The Office of Hispanic Ministry estimates that there are about 9000 Hispanic Catholics in the diocese.

Office of Human Resources

T

Randy Tiller, Director

ulfillment of the Church’s mission in the diocese through education, formation and dialog is the focus of this office. Attending hearing and listening sessions and hosting workshops within a parish, on a deanery level or the diocese as a whole provide the opportunity to communicate the intent and understanding of diocesan policies, procedures, decrees and protocols along with examples of best practices. The Office of Mission Effectiveness also assists diocesan directors with the scope and focus of their offices. A series of Quick Reference Handbooks as well as the electronic publication, Leadership Services Quarterly, continue to assist parishes with administration and ministry issues.

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Office of the Permanent Diaconate Deacon Clar y Nash

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he basic function of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate is to assist and supervise the permanent deacons in their ministry and assignment. Three continuing education days per year are planned for the deacons, one in conjunction with the priests of the diocese. In addition this office serves as a resource for men who are interested in receiving more information about the diaconate. This year the deacons are working together to establish a citywide Catholic Church youth program where each church sponsors an activity every other month and invites other locations to attend. All deacons are helping in planning stages to assist their church in this process.

Slattery Library and Resource Center Deborah Smith, Librar y Technician

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variety of books, periodicals, audiotapes and videos in VHS and DVD formats are offered through the Slattery Library to assist in the study of the Catholic faith. There are nearly 10,500 volumes in the main and reference sections. The VHS and DVD collection is close to 1200 items. The catalog of print materials in the main section of the library is fully accessible for search on the diocesan web site as well as most of the video collection. Unlike most libraries the collection of about 48 periodical subscriptions may be checked out by patrons. The library also has available most of the Papal documents and publications of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Office of Stewardship and Communications John Mark Willcox, Director

T

he Office of Stewardship and Development directs major fund-raising efforts on behalf of the diocese, primarily accomplished through the Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal.

The Appeal goal for 2008 is $1,250,000 and it is anticipated that a little over $1,000,000 will be collected on pledges. The Communications

14 14 Catholic Connection February 2009

Office serves as the media contact for facilitating official news and press releases as well as audio visual support tools and is the lead agent in oversight and supervision of the monthly diocesan news magazine, The Catholic Connection. This year the Connection celebrates its 20th year of publication and is expanding its size. A special photo gallery of recent events is offered through the online version of the magazine.

Office of Vocations

Reverend David T. Richter, V.G., Director

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he work of the Vocations Office involves inviting and guiding individuals and parish communities to a more active Christian life in order to generate and support vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This office provides support and encouragement to our current seminarians, one of whom is scheduled for ordination to the priesthood in May 2009.

Seminaries are visited and contact is maintained with seminary formation teams. Activities during the year include “Thinking of Priesthood� days, altar server recognition day, vocation panels and visits to various schools, parishes and universities to promote vocations. Packets of promotional materials as well as a new vocations poster are available.

Office of Worship

Dianne Rachal, Director

T

he primary duty of the Office of Worship is to assist the Bishop with his responsibility as guardian of the liturgical life of the Church entrusted to his care, a three-fold mission in the diocese: liturgical, educational and spiritual. This office organizes diocesan liturgies such as ordinations, Chrism Mass, Rite of Election, White Mass and Blue Mass and assists with the annual All Schools Mass, the Corpus Christi procession, anniversary celebrations and conference liturgies. Guidelines for worship and the Sacraments are developed in collaboration with the Diocesan Liturgical Commission. The Liturgical-Catechetical Conference each year is facilitated by the Office of Worship.

Financial Position

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16 16 Catholic Connection February 2009

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S chool N ews Our Lady by

of

St. Joseph School by

Lucy Medvec, Director of Development

Fatima School

Missy McKenzie, Director of Development

Students of the Year at St. Joseph School are eighth grader Madison Dunman and fifth grader Sarah Donaldson.

M

rs. Horrell and Mrs. Sistrunk’s class of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School studied The Polar Express before getting out for the Christmas holidays. The children wore their pajamas and boarded The Polar Express for a magical adventure. The children received a ticket to board the train and then ate popcorn and watched the movie in their “special seats.” The children really enjoyed this experience!

Loyola College Prep

S

t. Joseph School recently announced its selection of “Student of the Year” for the 2008-09 school year. The winners are eighth grader Madison Dunman and fifth grader Sarah Donaldson. The students will compete later this year at the Regional level with other students from area schools.

Madison Dunman is President of the National Junior Honor Society, Student Council Secretary, member of the cheerleader squad, basketball team and yearbook staff. She also serves as an Altar Server for St. Joseph Church.

Sarah Donaldson is on the Highest Honors Academic Roll and consistently scores the highest points in the Accelerated Reader program at St. Joseph School. She is a Girl Scout and participates in CABOSA soccer and on swim team.

Jesus by

Students Erin Howell and Vaughn Shapen participate in Loyola's F.A.i.T.H. program during the holidays.

L

oyola College Prep’s F.A.i.T.H. (Flyers Aiding the Hungry) organization is a student-inspired and organized effort to provide a holiday meal for 500 disadvantaged families in the Shreveport/Bossier Area.

Supported through fundraisers, donations, and basket sales, Chairmen and Officers join the majority of the Loyola students in distributing baskets of food for families and a toy for each child that accompanies parents on this special distribution day.

the

Good Shepherd School

Missy McKenzie, Director of Development

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ur “JGS Millionaires Club” members have read over one million words in the Accelerated Reader Program just in the first semester of school! The A.R. program is used in the first through sixth grades as a tool to encourage and help guide students in their individual reading level. A.R. is the most popular and successful reading product of all time.

Mrs. Ellen Galligan and Mrs. Karen Embanato’s classes have achieved the status of Model Classroom by maintaining an average of 90% correct or more, as well as meeting other qualifications for the honor. Congratulations to these classes and the members of the “JGS Millionaires Club”.

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Good News About Vocations Pt. 5 of 6

New Orders of Religious Emerge by

Martha H. Fitzgerald,

projects through

formerly a columnist and associate editorial page editor for

Martha Fitzgerald Consulting and Little Dove Press.

The Shreveport Times, develops independent book

NUN SIGNS DOCUMENT DURING PROFESSION OF VOWS AT TENNESSEE CATHEDRAL After making her first profession of vows to Mother Ann Marie, left, Sister Beatrice Clarke, a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, signs the document of profession at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, Tenn., in this July 30, 2007 file photo. The Nashville Dominicans, a growing religious order, are an example of an exception to a 50-year decline in women religious.

(CNS photo/Theresa Laurence, Tennessee Register) (Jan. 9. 2009)

O

ptions abound for men and women dedicating their lives to God. Nearly every year, Catholics establish new communities in hopes of becoming full-fledged institutes of sisters, priests, or brothers—or some combination of lay and consecrated religious. Thanks to satellite media and digital communications, the news spreads quickly to would-be members.

And the rest of us have the awesome opportunity to track the growth of orders-in-the-making—and stumbles along the way.

Consider the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Israel’s Hope, a contemplative/active community announced last year by Rosalind Moss, an EWTN host and a staff apologist for Catholic Answers. Her dream to restore floor-length habits to the world, as visible signs of God’s presence, has generated headlines for nearly a year. With the blessing of Archbishop Raymond Burke, the community would locate in St. Louis, Missouri. “I want to be out in the streets in our habits when people go to work and when children go

20 Catholic Connection February 2009

to school,” she told Saint Louis Catholic blog in March 2008, “because I want them to think of God.” A convert from Judaism, Moss received more than three hundred inquiries from potential members

by September. But with Burke’s reassignment to Rome, the community is now on hold. Next steps await the naming of a new archbishop.

Have religious communities emerged at a faster rate since Vatican II than before? Possibly. Recent studies document the birth of aspiring religious institutes in forty U.S. states and eighty-eight dioceses since 1965.

Those communities that are meeting with success create points of hope and heighten today’s sense of forward momentum in religious vocations.

Among them: • Monks of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel (www. carmelitemonks.org). Founded in 2003 in Wyoming by a former member of a Minnesota hermetic order. Today they are thirteen in number, including two novices and five postulants.

The cloistered community has received more than five hundred inquiries. Soon, says Brother Peter Joseph, the community hopes to have mountainside property to house a church, retreat center and residences. The monks make and sell Mystic Monk Coffee “to help realize our vision.”

• Sisters of Life (www.sistersoflife. org). Founded in 1991 by New York’s John Cardinal O’Connor as a prolife ministry. Sisters of Life, a religious institute since 2004, now comprises sixty-six members and twenty-three postulants and novices, residing at eight convents. “Our work is primarily prayer,” says Sister Mary Gabriel, SV. “We proclaim the dignity of the human person, we protect human life and those who are vulnerable, and we heal those who’ve been wounded by the culture of death.”

Founders of such communities follow a rich tradition dating to the fourth century: men and women, responding to needs of their time, who establish monasteries or convents and write rules by which to live out their lives together for God. Many orders have survived—Franciscans, Benedictines, and Jesuits among them—but most have not, faltering in their first years or disappearing generations later.

And yet, still more forms of vowed or consecrated life arise.

Pope John Paul II celebrated this phenomenon in 1996. “The perennial youth of the Church continues to be evident even today,” he wrote in the apostolic letter Vita Consecrata.

“These new forms of consecrated life now taking their place alongside the older ones bear witness to the constant attraction which the total gift of self to the Lord, the ideal of the apostolic community and the founding charisms continue to exert, even on the present generation.”

The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University conducted two studies of emerging U.S. New Orders continued on page 21

New Orders continued from page 20.

communities, published as directories in 1999 and 2006. Excluding new branches of existing orders, CARA in 2006 identified 165 communities founded since Vatican II. Peak decades were the 1980s and 1990s, accounting for 106 of the total.

Most of the groups were small; only twenty-six percent had more than fifteen members. Altogether, however, they reported more than 13,000 full members (including lay associates) and several hundred members in formation. Seventy percent already had canonical status, or legal Church standing.

Typically new communities begin as a private or public association and seek recognition as an institute of consecrated life or a society of apostolic life (taking no vows as a religious community).

The study noted that ministries prevalent earlier in the 20th century— teaching, nursing, and social work— were in decline. New communities were more likely to engage in catechesis or retreat work and to emphasize prayer and contemplation.

Even so, many of the communities lived with and ministered to the poor, and they were more likely to attract new members than others. Among the best known: Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, based in the Bronx, which now has fourteen friaries across the world. Its 130 members work with the homeless and destitute, preach, teach, and evangelize. The community dates to 1987 when eight Franciscans, including Father Benedict Groeschel, sought to live their Capuchin tradition more authentically and founded a new community.

Other associations similarly began with some form of renewal, reform, or transformation. The result for the Church, according to sociologists Sister Patricia Wittberg, SC Ph.D. and Roger Finke, Ph.D., is a healthy pattern of internal change.

In their view, the continual proliferation of new spiritualities and new religious orders actually helps preserve the Church. Catholicism constantly renews itself, they wrote in the Journal for the Scientific

Study of Religion. “Operating as sanctioned social movements (or sects) within the Roman Catholic Church, religious orders become channels for experimentation and adaptation without leading to schisms.”

Consider this: Several of the new communities root themselves in traditional liturgies, devotions, and sacred music. Since Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 pronouncement embracing pre-Vatican II liturgies, their gifts or charisms are more accepted and in demand. Both the Chicago-based Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, founded in 1998, and the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), an international society of apostolic life dating to 1988, offer workshops in the Latin or Tridentine Mass. And both are ordaining new U.S. priests. Last May, St. John Cantius ordained two men and FSSP four men.

FSSP leads traditional-rite parishes across the world. It was established by former members of the Society of St. Pius X who wished to be in full communion with the Church. Its seminary for English-speaking priests relocated to the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1998. But until 2007 the fraternity was considered somewhat on the fringes of the Church. Now there is “a greater openness on behalf of bishops towards the old liturgy,” says Father Charles Ryan FSSP, vice rector of Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary.

“Invitations have multiplied” to lead parishes within U.S. dioceses. “We find now is that it’s much harder to keep up with the demand … .We’re small, and so we’re very, very thankful that [other] priests are interested in learning the old rite.”

In short, new and emerging communities in this country enlist thousands of men and women in the cause of God and the Church, developing new spiritualities and preserving older ones for generations to come.

Coming next: Creating a Culture of Vocations © 2009 Martha H. Fitzgerald

“New Orders of Religious Emerge” may be reprinted only with permission of the Catholic Connection magazine and Martha H. Fitzgerald.

My Path Will be Indelible

by Sr. Martinette Rivers, Spiritual Gerontologist

“We will be remembered forever by the tracks we leave.” - Native American saying

A

s an aging person I believe that aging is a God given force brought about by God Himself and that it teaches me how to become comfortable with myself as I pass through the seasons of my life. None of them are the same but they have made me the more authentic me and people like this new me that I have become in my elder years. Perhaps I am acting old age better than I think. Just celebrate this aging moment as if it were your birthday.

What must I do in order to capture the spirituality of aging? Let God’s love surprise you as you age. Let your aging be iced over with happiness and decorated with love. As you age, live, laugh and love as much as you can with a grateful heart.

Thank God for all the tomorrows that you know nothing about and live into the future with Him. God loves to surprise our aging bodies with good things.

Your attitudes and values are at the very core of your aging and define the heart of what you are actually doing day by day. The happiness of our lives is made up of little things, a smile, a hug, a moment of laughter, a good cry, a letter from a friend, flowers for your birthday or a visit from a friend. Hug every moment and be grateful that you are still loved by someone. You have made a difference in their lives. Keep a positive attitude.

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Sacred Heart of Jesus Honors Bishop with Hand Carved Crosier J R ,E

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n December 14, Bishop Michael Duca was welcomed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport with open arms.

Bishop Duca’s first visit to the church was met with much excitement.

While celebrating Mass, Bishop Duca spoke about being proclaimers of the Good News, having strong faith and rejoicing in things to come. At the end of Mass, Bishop blessed baskets of heart ornaments that were handed out to the families of Sacred Heart.

During one of the most exciting moments of his visit, Bishop Duca was presented with a wooden crosier, hand carved by parishioner Dock Harris. The crosier is made from mesquite wood, native to Bishop Duca’s home state of Texas.

by

essica

inaudo

ditor

Bishop Duca was overwhelmed and impressed with the thoughtful gift, as he had been looking for a wooden crosier to call his own. Harris, who has been carving items for nearly 50 years, laughed at the coincidence, “I just liked making it [the crosier], I had no idea bishop had been looking for one.” The crosier was a gift from all the members of the parish.

Harris felt both blessed and glad that he was able to create such a gift, “Making the crosier gave me a super feeling. One doesn’t often get these kinds of chances to create a gift for the bishop. It was a pleasure to do this for our parish. We are a small church with a big heart.”

Additionally, Harris carved a special crucifix as a gift from the Sacred

Bishop Michael Duca holds the wooden crosier hand-carved for him by parishioner Dock Harris, seated at right.

Heart choir. Both pieces took Harris two weeks and a lot of imagination to create.

Hispanic Communities Join in Celebrations of Our Lady of Q G A Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego F . A J , R

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ur Lady of Guadalupe celebrations were the order of the day throughout the United States, Latin America and the Philippines, long before the feast day celebrated on December 12.

Our Diocese was no exception. All eight parishes with Spanish speaking communities participated in a variety of activities leading up to the Our Lady of Guadalupe feast. Some events began as early as October with the “virgin peregrina,” an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe that is taken from house to house where it will stay for a night or more before traveling to the next home where people gather to pray the rosary, sing and enjoy each other’s company. St. Joseph (Mansfield), St. Mary of the Pines (Shreveport), St. Thomas (Ruston) and Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Farmerville) shared in this experience and the “novenario” a novena celebrated nine days prior to the feast.

The feast of St. Juan Diego, celebrated December 9, was also highlighted in a special way by many; but all attention was definitely focused on the long awaited feast. Our Bishop Michael G. Duca was the main celebrant in two of the communities, including St. Joseph Church in Mansfield which also

22 Catholic Connection February 2009

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ost

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Sacred Heart (Oak Grove), celebrated the feast sincerely and simply with Mass followed by a gathering.

Devotion to Mary under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe has expanded over the years, especially since John Paul II visited the Basilica in Mexico City on January 23, 1999, prayed to the Virgin and stated: “I wish to entrust and offer the future of this continent to Most Holy Mary, Mother of Christ and The Church. That is why I have the great joy to announce today that I have declared December the 12th, as a Liturgical Holy Day for the whole Fr. Charles Glorioso, Luisa Rodriguez and continent.” John Paul II also canonized Bishop Michael Duca at the Mass celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe at Christ the King St. Juan Diego in July 2002.

Church. Photo by Manuel Quiroz.

Prayer of Pope John Paul II to Our celebrated 15 years of Hispanic Ministry Lady of Guadalupe: Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of in its parish.

Peace!

Save the nations and peoples of Both St. Paschal (West Monroe) this continent. Teach everyone, political and Christ the King (Bossier) were overflowing with parishioners the night leaders and citizens, to live in true freedom and to act according to the of December 11 where parishioners requirements of justice and respect for serenaded the Virgin and recalled the apparition story before celebrating the human rights, so that peace may thus be Mass. At St. Paschal, Fr. Mark Watson established once and for all.

To you, O Lady of Guadalupe, Mother and Fr. Al Jost, OFM concelebrated of Jesus and our Mother, belong all the the mass as midnight approached; and at Christ the King our Bishop Michael love, honor, glory, and endless praise of your American sons and daughters!

G. Duca concluded the celebrations Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of with a Mass on December 12. The America, pray for us. communities of St. Paul (Minden) and

NEWS BRIEFS

by

Catholic News Service

Financial

crisis calls for new economic model, solidarity, pope says

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The current financial crisis should be seen as a challenge to find new economic models that promote honesty, development and concern for the environment, Pope Benedict XVI said. “We need to try to establish a ‘virtuous circle’ of living simply and fighting poverty,” the pope said Jan. 1 as he celebrated Mass for the feast of Mary Mother of God and World Peace Day. During the Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and reciting the Angelus afterward with people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict focused on the 2009 World Peace POPE GREETS VATICAN DIPLOMATIC CORPS AT THE VATICAN: Pope Benedict XVI greets the Vatican diplomatic corps at the Vatican Jan. 8. In his annual address to the ambassadors, the Day theme, “Fighting Poverty pope called for major new efforts to reduce global poverty, end regional conflicts and restore ethics to to Build Peace.” But he also financial systems. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano via Reuters) (Jan. 8, 2009) called for an end to the “massive violence” in the Gaza Strip and Movement of Father Charles de Foucauld, an order of offered special prayers for “the small, but fervent parish men and women religious who live in small communities in Gaza.” The pope said, “We place at the feet of Mary in the midst of slums, refugee camps and other areas of our concerns for the present and our fears for the great poverty. future, but also our well-founded hope that with the wise and farsighted contributions of everyone it will not be More than two dozen US bishops impossible to listen to one another, meet together and could retire for age reasons in give a concrete response to the widespread aspiration to 2009 live in peace, security and dignity.”

ASHINGTON (CNS) -- Following the Jan. 5

Pope appeals for release of Italian nuns, prays for kidnap victims

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI appealed for the release of two Italian nuns in Kenya and prayed for the many victims of political abductions in global trouble spots. The pope made his plea at a noon blessing Dec. 26 at the Vatican, where he addressed pilgrims from his apartment window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. The pope said that at Christmastime he wanted the kidnapped nuns to feel his spiritual closeness and that of the whole church. Sister Caterina Giraudo, 67, and Sister Maria Teresa Oliviero, 61, were seized by armed men Nov. 10 in northeastern Kenya near the border with Somalia. “May the Lord, who was born to grant us the gift of his love, touch the hearts of the kidnappers and allow our sisters to be freed as soon as possible, so they can resume their unselfish service to the poorest brethren,” he said. The nuns kidnapped in Kenya are members of the Contemplative Missionary

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retirements of 78-year-old Cardinal Adam J. Maida of Detroit and Bishop John J. McRaith of Owensboro, Ky., up to 27 more U.S. bishops, including three cardinals, could retire because of age this year.

There are 16 active U.S. bishops, including three cardinals, who have already turned 75. Eleven more will celebrate their 75th birthday in 2009. At age 75 bishops are requested to submit their resignation to the pope.

Cardinal Bernard F. Law, archpriest of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome and a cardinal since 1985, turned 75 Nov. 4, 2006. Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York, whose 75th birthday was April 2, 2007, also celebrated 50 years as a priest that year. Cardinal F. James Stafford, a Baltimore native who marked his 75th birthday July 26, 2007, has been the Vatican’s major penitentiary since 2003. Following a tradition begun by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI often has asked cardinals to stay on the job after they reached the age of 75. Even when a cardinal retires in his 70s, he remains an active member of the College of Cardinals, eligible to enter a conclave and vote for a new pope, until age 80.

23

Hispanic Ministry Celebrates 15th Anniversary at St. Joseph’s by

Juanita "Bonnie" Ibarra and Fr. Larry Niehoff

Fr. Al Jost, Bishop Michael Duca and Fr. Larry Niehoff celebrate Mass at St. Joseph Church, Mansfield during the 15th anniversary of Hispanic Ministries. Photo by Manuel Quiroz.

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n December 14, 2008, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mansfield celebrated the 15th anniversary of its Hispanic Ministry.

The celebration began at 2:00 p.m. with a Mass celebrated in Spanish

by Bishop Michael G. Duca. Joining Bishop Duca as concelebrants were Rev. Edmund A. “Larry” Niehoff, Pastor of St. Joseph Church and Rev. Al Jost, priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A fiesta followed the Mass with food, music and dancing.

The Hispanic Community in Mansfield, like Hispanic Communities elsewhere, is composed of people from many different Spanish speaking countries. Their combined cultures reflect strong family loyalty, deep love for their children and reverence for the aged. Their approach to God, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the Saints, Sacraments, sacrifices and personal penances exhibit their traditional and unwavering devotion to their Catholic faith. Hispanic Ministry is a vital force in the Diocese of Shreveport and DeSoto Parish.

Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Shreveport began at St. Mary of the Pines with a Mass celebrated in Spanish

by Bishop William B. Friend and Rev. Mario Vizcaino. Not long after that, Mass and other celebrations in Spanish

24 Catholic Connection February 2009

Mrs. Juanita “Bonnie” Knapp accepted the position of Coordinator for Hispanic Ministry at St. Joseph’s and the Ministry began in earnest. In early 1994, Rev. Patrick Scully was Pastor at St. Joseph’s. With the assistance of a translator, he continued the Masses in Spanish.

On November 1, 1994, Rev. Edmund A. "Larry" Niehoff was appointed pastor. At this time St. Joseph’s had a large, active Hispanic community.

Father Niehoff was able to read the Mass in Spanish but still needed to use a translator for preaching. He celebrated Baptisms, First Communions and arranged Confirmation for this special community. For a short while, a Church Bulletin was published in Spanish. By 1997 the Hispanic community took an active part in the Church’s anniversary celebration that year.

Rev. Philip Michiels became Pastor at St. Joseph’s in July 1999.

Hispanic Ministry continued under his administration, but because of a changing job market, the numbers of Hispanic people began to dwindle.

After six years in Shreveport, Father Niehoff returned to St. Joseph’s as Pastor. During the past few years, the number of active participants in the Mansfield area has diminished. Yet, the Hispanic Ministry continues, under

were being held at St. Joseph’s in Mansfield. Elisa Milazzo was appointed the first Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Coordinator. She served in this role for several years. She was succeeded

by Sister Dolores Sanchez, OSF. Sister Dolores continued to build a vibrant Ministry in the Diocese of Shreveport, adding a Ministry for Immigration Services. In July 2008, at the request of her religious community, Sister Dolores moved on to other assignments.

Rosalba Quiroz is her successor and continues the work begun by these two dedicated women.

Hispanic Ministry began in Mansfield with the help of the pastor, Rev. John Scanlan. The Ministry had a limited outreach at the time and did not last very long. In 1993, Mr. Salomon Salamanca, teacher of Spanish in the DeSoto Parish School System, helped the Mansfield Ministry Members of the Hispanic community gather outside St. Joseph Church. Photo by Manuel Quiroz. get going again. He the leadership of Fr. Niehoff, as pastor, was approached by Rev. Richard and Juanita and Jose Ibarra, as Hispanic Norsworthy, St. Joseph’s pastor at Ministry Coordinators at St. Joseph’s the time, and was asked to help as a for the Diocese of Shreveport. translator for the Masses in Spanish.

Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página Miércoles de Ceniza; Comienza la Cuaresma

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l Miércoles de Ceniza marca el comienzo de Cuaresma y recibiendo ceniza demostramos con una señal visible que queremos volver a Dios. Como dice San Mateo “Demuestren su arrepentimiento poniéndose ropas ásperas y ceniza” (Mt.11:21).

El Evangelio de San Lucas dice: Jesús, lleno del Espíritu Santo, volvió del Río Jordán, y el Espíritu lo llevó al desierto. Allí estuvo cuarenta días, y el diablo lo puso a prueba. No comió nada durante esos días, así que después sintió hambre. El diablo le dijo: Si verdaderamente eres el Hijo de Dios, ordena a esta piedra que se convierta en pan. Jesús le contestó: No solo de pan vivirá el hombre. Luego el diablo lo levantó y mostrándole todos los países del mundo le dijo: Yo te daré todo poder y grandeza de estos países porque yo lo he recibido, y se lo daré al que quiera dárselo, si te arrodillas y me adoras, todo será tuyo. Jesús le contestó: La Escritura dice: Adora al Señor tu Dios y sírvele solo a él.

El diablo lo llevó a la parte mas alta en Jerusalén y le dijo: Si de veras eres Hijo de Dios, tírate abajo desde aquí, porque la Escritura dice: Dios

mandará que sus ángeles te cuiden y protejan; te levantarán con sus manos para que no tropieces con piedra alguna. Jesús le contestó: También dice la escritura: No pongas a prueba al Señor tu Dios.

Cuando el diablo no encontró otra forma de poner a prueba a Jesús, se alejó de él por algún tiempo. (Lc. 4:113) Como a Jesús, el diablo nos tienta pero si como Jesús rechazamos sus tentaciones, se aleja – por un tiempo- Acompañemos a Jesús en los sufrimientos que pasó durante su vida, incluyendo los cuarenta días que pasó en el desierto sin comer ni beber.

La iglesia nos recomienda hacer siempre, pero especialmente durante la Cuaresma, ayuno, oración y obras de misericordia como visitar a los enfermos, encarcelados y ayudar a los más necesitados. Busca oportunidades y recursos que te ayuden a caminar con Jesús y te guíen a llevar una vida católica más plena esta temporada y siempre.

Pasajes sacados con permiso de la Santa Biblia, Versión Popular, Copyright Sociedad Bíblicas Unidas.

Calendario Diocesano del mes 7

6-7

8 11 14 25

Reunión con los líderes comunitarios, parroquia de Santo Tomás de Aquino en Ruston, LA. Conferencia para jóvenes adultos (en inglés), para más información llame al (318) 219-7311 Día mundial de oración por los matrimonios Día mundial de oración por los enfermos Retiro/Convivencia Matrimonial, Parroquia de Cristo Rey, Bossier City Miércoles de Ceniza/ Comienzo de la Cuaresma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Representante: Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

Rosalba Quiroz

Directora Interina del Ministerio Hispano

Rev. Al Jost

Coordinador de La Vicaría del Este

Gabriela Argueta Secretaria

25

Diocese

of

Shreveport Seminarians

Diocese of Shreveport seminarians pose with Bishop Michael Duca at the Serra Club Christmas party. From left: John Bosco Nyirenda, Deacon Matthew Long, Bishop Michael Duca, Michael Petty, Keith Meshell and Joshua Sanders. Photo by John Mark Willcox.

2009 Diocesan stewardship Appeal I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a yearly pledge of: $10,000 $7,500 $5,000 $3,500

$2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000

Please send monthly reminders to:

$800 $750 $650 $500

$400 $350 $300 $250

At this time I / we are enclosing:

$200 $150 $100 $_______

$_____________

Print Name_ ______________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________State_________Zip Code____________

Diocese of Shreveport The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104

My / Our Church Parish_ ___________________________________________________________________ Signature_ ________________________________________________________________________________ You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Stewardship)

26 Catholic Connection February 2009

Diocesan Youth Celebrate the Christmas Season with Love and Tradition

F ebruary Calendar

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

Feb. 1: Feb. 2:

Feb. 3: Members of St. Joseph in Bastrop sang Christmas carols Feb. 5: to Delores Youngblood at Cherry Ridge Nursing Home.

Feb. 6:

Feb. 7: Feb. 8:

Feb. 9: Feb 10: Meka and Gina Floyd at the reinactment of the Nativity at St. Joseph Church, Bastrop.

Feb. 11:

Feb 12: Feb. 14:

Feb. 15:

Feb. 16: Annalisa Stewart as Mary, Luke Haney as Baby Jesus, Feb. 17: Bradley Myers as Joseph and Hien Nguyen as angel in Our Lady of Fatima’s Christmas play.

outh from across the diocese celebrated

this past Christmas season with love,

comfort and tradition.

Feb. 19: Sixteen parishioners from St. Joseph Church in Bastrop spent an afternoon singing Christmas Feb. 21: Carols to the sick and shut in members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Bastrop.

Feb. 22: The Youth of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Feb. 23: Bastrop also did a beautiful job of re-enacting Feb. 24: the birth of our Lord on Sunday, Dec. 21st.

Feb. 25: Youth members at Our Lady of Fatima Feb. 28: Church in Monroe also celebrated the

Christmas Story with a performance for

parishioners.

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Annual Scouting Mass, St. John Berchmans, 11:00am World Day for Consecrated Life The Presentation of the Lord Blaise, bishop & martyr; Ansgar, bishop Agatha, virgin & martyr John Neumann, bishop Anniversary of the Constitution Young Adult Conference, Catholic Center, 6:30pm Paul Miki, martyr & his companions, martyrs Young Adult Conference, Catholic Center, 9:00am Fr. Phil Michiels 40th Anniversary to the Priesthood, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 11:00am Celebration of Consecrated Life Mass, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 5:30pm Editorial Board Meeting, Catholic Center, 10:00am Deadline for Catholic Connection March Issue Scholastica, virgin World Day of the Sick Protecting God’s Children, Catholic Center, 6:00pm Our Lady of Lourdes Lincoln’s Birthday Valentine’s Day Cyril, monk & Methodius, bishop Appeal Sunday Confirmation, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 9:30am Confirmation, St. Jude Church, 6:00pm Presidents’ Day, Catholic Schools Closed Principals Meeting, Catholic Center, Western Deanery Priests Meeting, Catholic Center, 10:30am Diocesan Liturgical Commission Meeting, 12:30pm Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, religious Principals Meeting, Monroe Serra Club Meeting, Catholic Center, 12:00pm Peter Damian, bishop & doctor Washington’s Birthday Polycarp, bishop & martyr Flag Day Ash Wednesday Holy Hour for Vocations, Christ the King Church, 5:00pm 27

Healing the Pain of Abortion One Weekend at a Time

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ore than 30 million women have had one or more abortions in the 36 years that our nation has argued about abortion and Roe v. Wade.

While both sides of the debate fight to win the war of words, millions of post-abortive women and men struggle in silence with shame, guilt and other emotional problems caused by their decisions.

To address this struggle, Rachel’s Vineyard is offering a local retreat in the Shreveport area on March 13-15, which is open to women, men, couples, grandparents and others directly affected by the harmful aftereffects of abortion.

The program was established 14 years ago to provide those impacted by abortion with the opportunity to release deep feelings of anger, grief, ambivalence and guilt. Through a focused retreat weekend that combines psychological and spiritual exercises, Rachel’s Vineyard provides a supportive, confidential and non-judgmental outlet for post-abortive women and men to explore the ways their abortion has affected them.

DIOCESE

OF

3500 Fairfield Ave.

“A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat provides a time and place to tell their stories of loss and pain in a supportive group environment of love and spiritual healing,” said Dr. Theresa Burke, founder of Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries and author of Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion. “Many women say they regretted their abortions, or that they were pressured to have an abortion by parents, boyfriends, coaches or other societal demands. Rachel’s Vineyard helps participants learn to accept forgiveness and healing and to forgive others who were involved as well.”

Weekend-long retreats incorporate the use of living scripture, which combines meditation, scripture readings, facilitated exercises and group discussions to replace traumatic memories and images with ones of compassion, forgiveness and acceptance.

“Many people are sidestepping the politics of abortion and finding healing and hope through a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat,” said Burke. “Combined with their courage, Rachel’s Vineyard is healing one heart at a time.”

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

28 Catholic Connection February 2009

Janice Gonzales

Our own Bishop Michael Duca feels very strongly about the healing qualities of these retreats and has actively participated in several of them, “Rachel’s Vineyard is a retreat for women who have experienced an abortion and want healing, forgiveness and peace of mind and heart. I have served as a Chaplain on many Rachel retreats and know that they are powerful experiences of God’s healing and forgiving grace. Often, abortion causes a woman to believe that their sin is unforgiveable and that they are unlovable. For anyone who feels this way know that it is a lie. Our God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ wants to forgive and love. Rachel’s Retreat helps us to believe this again and reconnects us to God’s infinite love.”

For more information or to register for a retreat, visit www.rachelsvineyard.org or call the national, toll-free hotline 877HOPE-4- ME. The local Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat will be March 13-15, Shreveport, LA. For more information, call 318-820-1505 or e-mail: vineyardshv@earthlink.net. All calls are confidential.

SHREVEPORT •

by