Catholic Connection February 2019

Connection The Catholic

Continuing the

Mission

2019 Annual Stewardship Appeal

Vol. 28 No. 7 February 2019

CONTENTS

19

5

21

8

FEATURES 5

Prayer Before Action: A Reflection on the Bishops’ Retreat

by Fr. Peter Mangum

14 Diocese of Shreveport

Annual Financial Report 19

Continuing the Mission: Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal

by John Mark Willcox

COLUMNS 7

FROM THE POPE

The Lord’s Prayer from the Vatican Press Office

8

MIKE’S MEDITATIONS

20

Are You Being Held Captive?

by Mike Van Vranken

2 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

9

LIBRARY NOTES

by Kate Rhea

NEWS 20 Saying Goodbye to

10 FAITHFUL FOOD

11 DOMESTIC CHURCH

A Love Note from the Almighty

by Kim Long Invite the Lord into Our Hopes and Dreams

by Katie Sciba

12 SECOND COLLECTIONS

Lenten Devotion and Second Collections for March

by Fr. Rothell Price

Father Richard Lombard

by Lucy Medvec

21 Knights Raise Funds to Purchase Ultrasound Machine

by Kelly Phelan Powell

22 Catholics and Methodists: Working

Together to Bring Christ’s Message of Love to the Poor and Vulnerable

by Tiffany Olah

25 HISPANIC NEWS

La Sagrada Familia por el Diácono Ricardo Rivera

13 NAVIGATING THE FAITH

26 School News

Liturgy

by Dianne Rachal

23 GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES

Shreveport 1873: No Greater Love

by Fr. Peter Mangum, W. Ryan Smith, & Dr. Cheryl White Illustration Deacon Andrew Thomas

28 Around the Diocese 30 February Calendar

FROM THE EDITOR

Preparing for Lent

Connection The Catholic

Publisher The Diocese of Shreveport Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors KimLong Fr. Peter Mangum Lucy Medvec Tiffany Olah Kelly Phelan Powell Fr. Rothell Price Dianne Rachal Kate Rhea

A

s we begin to prepare for Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season, our Diocesan Administrator, Father Peter Mangum, has asked the churches in our diocese to share their Lenten and Holy Week schedules with the diocese. This is allowing us to compose a comprehensive listing on the diocesan website (www.dioshpt.org) that can be a go-to resource on where and

when Lenten missions, penance services, Stations of the Cross and other activities will be held. We will also be sharing these events and resources on our diocesan Facebook page.

We hope you will take a moment to visit our website and look for opportunities to join with other Catholics in this important season of our church.

Diocesan Web Lenten Resources www.dioshpt.org/news/lent-and-holy-week-in-the-diocese-of-shreveport www.facebook.com/dioceseofshreveport

Connection The Catholic

Continuing the

Mission

2019 Annual Stewardship Appeal

TWITTER @CathConnect

Vol. 28 No. 8 February 2019

On the Cover:

2019 Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal Art St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport is photographed at sunset after Mass in this year’s 2019 Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal artwork.

FACEBOOK facebook.com/ dioceseofshreveport

INSTAGRAM @CatholicConnection

Jessica Rinaudo Ricardo Riviera Katie Sciba Ryan Smith Andrew Thomas Mike Van Vranken Dr. Cheryl White John Mark Willcox

Editorial Board Lisa Cooper Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Dianne Rachal Melina Sanchez Randy Tiller Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Stewardship 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.

FEBRUARY 2019 3

grow.

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Prayer Before Action A Reflection on the Bishops' Retreat

by Father Peter Mangum, Diocesan Administrator

W

e just celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and have brought the Season of Christmas to a conclusion. May the graces of that blessed season of peace and joy remain with us throughout 2019!

I think back to the Baptism of our Lord, which concluded the Christmas season. What was Jesus doing right after He was baptized?

The Gospel of Luke tells us: “After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying,” He saw the Holy Spirit descend and heard His Father’s voice, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22) Jesus speaks with His Father, and then Heaven opens above Him. Prayer first. The next thing Jesus did, according to Sacred Scripture, was to go off into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights, “filled with the Holy Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household, was the leader Spirit” it says, where He prayed and fasted, for the Bishops' Retreat in January. (photo: Catholic News Agency) (“went on retreat” we could say) and only then “He Appointed Twelve, to be with Him and to Send Out to did He start to teach!

Preach” based on Mark 3:14. Here’s the same pattern: Jesus The importance of prayer before appointed 12 disciples (whose successors are the bishops) first action is seen throughout Sacred to be with Him, and only after that to go about the ministry!

Scripture: the need to be prompted At the very start of the retreat, an eight-page letter was by the Holy Spirit and filled with the handed out to us from the pope, dated the day before. It Holy Spirit before acting is essential was written to the bishops for the beginning of the retreat. to move forward in the way God In it he says that the bishops’ “credibility… cannot be wants us to. regained by issuing stern decrees or by simply creating How wonderful our long tradition new committees or improving flow charts, as if we were in the Catholic Church is regarding the Fr. Mangum in charge of a department of human resources.” (emphasis necessary relationship between prayer and action, and the importance of prayer preceding action (a mine) This is precisely what the bishops, acting in a very American pragmatic way and without praying first, were lesson for us all). How many of us come up with our plan of action and then get on our knees and ask the Lord to help us trying to do back in November at the USCCB meeting where Pope Francis told them to postpone the vote for new accomplish it? But we’re supposed to get on our knees first, procedures. He goes on to say that the Gospel demands a find out what the Lord wants us to do, and then, guided by change of heart, and that the time and space a weeklong the Holy Spirit, we get to work. retreat together can provide for silence, prayer and penance I was away the first week of January with the bishops of is so essential to undertake necessary reforms, and to receive this country on a retreat at a seminary north of Chicago. the grace, courage and freedom to reform themselves and the This was at the request of Pope Francis who wanted all the Church. leaders of dioceses (as a group) to take time together in The pope’s goal was to draw the group of very different prayer (as a group) on the crisis of faith and conscience and men and their ideologies, theologies, ecclesiologies and ways credibility related to the abuse scandals, cover-ups and lack of doing things, closer to one another and our Lord to seek of action. The pope was so insistent on this that he sent Fr. together to find the wisdom and strength necessary to meet Raniero Cantalamessa, the very holy Capuchin preacher to the great challenges ahead. the last three popes, to direct the retreat under the theme of 4 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

grow.

and

germinate

to

earth

the

on

present

good

of

seed

every

lead

will

love

His

sure:

is

Lord

the

of

victory

The

pain

The

perpetuated.

and

up

covered

being

their

of

possibility

the

prevent

to

also

but

happening,

from

situations

such

prevent

to

able

culture

a

create

to

spared

be

must

effort

no

future,

the

to

ahead

Looking

sufficient.

be

ever

will

done

harm

the

repair

to

seek

to

and

pardon

beg

to

effort

no

past,

the

to

back

Looking

alike.

nonbelievers

and

believers

of

community

larger

the

in

and

members

family

their

in

also

but

victims,

the

among

primarily

powerlessness,

and

pain

of

wounds

deep

inflict

that

Crimes

persons.

consecrated

and

clerics

of

number

significant

a

by

perpetrated

conscience

of

abuse

the

and

power

of

abuse

the

abuse,

sexual

to

due

minors

many

by

endured

suffering

the

more

once

acknowledge

I

as

heart

my

in

echo

forcefully

Paul

Saint

of

words

These

12:26).

Cor

(1

it”

with

together

suffer

all

suffers,

member

one

If

I must admit, I didn’t realize how divided many of the bishops actually are, against each other, or against various groups of bishops, and even with their issues concerning the pope. I asked several bishops about this and they simply responded, “Yes, it’s true.” The pope knows it is true, as he addressed it in his letter, and he knew that huge decisions the bishops face could not be made by a group who were divided; they could not come up with a plan of action and just pray it worked.

Our retreat master, a man steeped in Sacred Scripture and the early Church Fathers, spoke to us several times each day, both in formal conferences and in the homilies at Mass.

There was time for quiet reflection, including silent meal times, adoration, Morning and Evening Prayer, as well as talks about the need for “Intimacy with Christ” as our first priority and what it means for the successors of the apostles “to stay with Jesus” on a personal and existential level, and to share Jesus’ “Ardent Prayer for Unity.”

We all participated in a beautiful Penitential Service led by one of the cardinals, themed “The Church on Her Knees,” highlighting the need to personally seek forgiveness and seek forgiveness as a group. There were multiple opportunities for confessions throughout the week, to which many of us availed ourselves.

Through it all, every bishop was so aware of the pain of everyone who has been let down by the Church.

The pattern was established for us all: Prayer and discernment first, then action. Retreat was essential — not to surrender and hide from reality, but to retreat to all that is real and most important, mindful that the future does not rest with any of us alone, but that it belongs to God.

The pattern was established for us all: Prayer and discernment

first, then action.

A lasting conversion for the Church will not come without prayer. So this retreat ahead of next month’s Vatican summit on this very issue, (and the gathering of U.S. bishops in June) has given the bishops an opportunity to pray before acting, to heal divisions, work together, and discern the path forward under the inspiration of the same Holy Spirit we heard about at the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, who prepared the Son of God for ministry, but only after He prayed and spent time in retreat.

Now that the prayer and reflection has happened, my prayer and yours (I am sure) is that the bishops have the grace to understand where God is leading the Church and the courage to go there!

In our own lives we hope to follow the same pattern: to get on our knees first and find out what the Lord wants us to do, then, guided by the Holy Spirit, we get up and get to work. •

Oración Antes de la Acción

Reflexión sobre el Retiro de los Obispos Por el Padre Peter Mangum

A

cabamos de celebrar la Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor y así concluyó la temporada de Navidad. ¡Que las bendiciones de la temporada de paz y gozo permanezcan con nosotros todo el 2019!

Recuerdo que el Bautismo del Señor, es como culmina la temporada de Navidad. ¿Qué fue lo que Jesus hizo después de ser bautizado? El Evangelio de Lucas nos dice: “Después que la gente fue bautizada y Jesus también, él estaba orando,” cuando vio al Espíritu Santo descender del cielo y escuchó la voz de su Padre que decía, “Tu eres mi hijo amado; en ti pongo mis complacencias.” (Lucas 3:21-22) Jesus habla con Su Padre, y entonces el cielo se abre sobre él. Primero la oración. Después de orar, lo que Jesus hace, de acuerdo con las Sagradas Escrituras, es ir al desierto por 40 días y 40 noches, “lleno del Espíritu Santo” nos dice, que ahí oró y ayunó, (podríamos decir que “se fue a un retiro”) y hasta después de eso fue que comenzó a enseñar.

La importancia de la oración antes de la acción se ve en toda la Sagrada Escritura: la necesidad de ser inspirados por el Espíritu Santo y llenos del mismo Espíritu antes de actuar, es esencial para seguir en el camino que Dios quiere que sigamos.

Que hermosa es la antigua tradición de la Iglesia Católica sobre la relación entre la oración y la acción, y la importancia de orar antes de actuar (una lección para todos). ¿Cuántos de nosotros hacemos primero nuestro plan de acción y hasta después nos ponemos de rodillas para pedirle al Señor ayuda de cómo llevarlo a cabo? Pero primero debemos ponernos de rodillas, descubrir lo que el Señor quiere que hagamos y después guiados por el Espíritu Santo, ponernos a trabajar.

Estuve fuera la primera semana de enero en un retiro con los obispos de este país en un seminario al norte de Chicago.

Este retiro fue a petición del Papa Francisco, quien quería que todos los líderes de las diócesis (como grupo) se reunieran para darse un tiempo de oración, conscientes y con fe, en relación a los escándalos de abusos, encubrimientos, y falta de acción. El Papa fue tan insistente en esto que envió al padre Raniero Cantalamessa, predicador Capuchino del Vaticano y de los últimos tres Papas, para dirigir este retiro con el tema “Él Asignó a los Doce, para que Estuvieran con Él y Después Enviarlos a Predicar” basado en Marcos 3:14. Aquí está el mismo modelo: Jesus asignó a los 12 discípulos (y los obispos son sucesores) ¡primero para que estuvieran con Él, y después, ocuparse del ministerio!

FEBRUARY 2019 5

photo/ Catholic News Agency

Al comienzo del retiro, se nos entregó una carta de 8 páginas, del Papa, con fecha del día anterior. Estaba escrita para que la leyeran los obispos al empezar el retiro. En ella dice que la “credibilidad… de los obispos no se puede recuperar emitiendo decretos severos o simplemente creando nuevos comités o promoviendo gráficas, como si estuviéramos encargados del departamento de recursos humanos” (enfatizo esto yo) Precisamente es así como los obispo actuaron, a estilo practico, sin orar primero en la reunión de USCCB el pasado Noviembre en donde el Papa Francisco pospuso el voto por nuevos procedimientos. El Papa continúa diciendo que el Evangelio requiere que tengamos un cambio de corazón, y que una semana de retiro, compartiendo tiempo y espacio proporciona el silencio, oración, y penitencia esenciales para emprender reformas necesarias y recibir la gracia, valentía, y libertad de enmendarse a uno mismo y a la Iglesia.

El objetivo del Papa fue reunir un grupo de hombres con muy diferentes ideologías, teologías, eclesiologías, y formas de hacer las cosas para que unidos entre sí y con nuestro Señor encontraran la fuerza y sabiduría necesarias para enfrentar grandes retos a futuro.

Debo admitir que no sabía que tan divididos estaban los obispos unos con otros, o que algún grupo de ellos iba en contra de otro grupo, aun en cuestiones referentes al Papa. Les pregunté a varios obispos sobre eso y simplemente respondieron, “Si, es verdad.” El Papa sabe que es verdad, así lo dirigió en su carta, y él sabía que decisiones tan grandes, como estas, que enfrentan los obispos, no podían ser tomadas por un grupo que está dividido; ellos no pueden primero instituir un plan de acción y después orar para que este plan funcione.

Nuestro dirigente del retiro, un hombre sumergido en las Sagradas Escrituras y conocedor de los primeros Padres de la Iglesia, nos habló varias veces cada día, en las conferencias y las homilías. Tuvimos tiempo para reflexionar en silencio, incluso durante las comidas, la adoración, la oración de la mañana y de la noche. Igualmente tuvimos charlas sobre la 6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

necesidad de tener una “intimidad con Cristo” como nuestra primera prioridad y lo que significa para los sucesores de los apóstoles “quedarse con Jesus” en forma personal y existencial, y así poder compartir a Jesus en una “Oración Ardiente por la Unidad.”

Todos fuimos partícipes de un hermoso Servicio Penitencial titulado “La Iglesia de Rodillas” dirigido por un cardenal que enfatizaba la necesidad de pedir el perdón personal y en grupo.

Hubo múltiples oportunidades para confesiones durante la semana, para las cuales muchos de nosotros nos dispusimos a disposición de confesar.

Mientras tanto y durante toda la semana, cada obispo estaba consciente del dolor de las personas que han sido defraudadas por la Iglesia. Se estableció un modelo en todos nosotros: Primero la oración y el discernimiento, después la acción.

Sin renunciar o esconderse de la realidad, mas sin embargo retirarse a lo que es real y muy importante, conscientes de que a nosotros no nos pertenece el futuro, sino que el futuro le pertenece a Dios.

Una conversión perdurable para la Iglesia no va a llegar sin la oración. Así que este retiro a un mes de la convocación del Vaticano para resolver este problema, (y en conjunto con la reunión de los Obispos de E.U. en Junio) dio la oportunidad a los obispos de orar antes de actuar, para sanar divisiones, discernir, trabajar juntos, y dar el paso que sigue, bajo la inspiración del mismo Espíritu Santo que escuchamos en el Banquete del Bautizo del Señor, quien preparo al Hijo de Dios para el ministerio, pero solo después de que El orara y pasara tiempo en retiro.

Ahora que la oración y la reflexión se han llevado a cabo, mi oración y la de ustedes (estoy seguro) es que los obispos tengan la gracia de entender a donde está guiando Dios a la Iglesia y el valor de ir hacia allá.

En nuestras propias vidas esperamos seguir el mismo modelo: arrodillarnos primero y descubrir lo que el Señor quiere de nosotros, después, guiados por el Espíritu Santo, levantarnos e ir a trabajar. •

FROM THE POPE

The Lord's Prayer

C

from the Vatican Press Office

ontinuing the catechesis on the “Lord’s Prayer,” today we will start from the observation that, in the New Testament, the prayer seems to seek to arrive at the essential, to the point of being concentrated in a single word: Abba, Father.

We have heard what Saint Paul writes in the Letter to the Romans: “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And Pope Francis

by Him we cry, “Abba, Father” (8: 15). And to the Galatians, the Apostle says: “Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit Who calls out, “Abba,” Father (Gal 4: 6). Twice there returns the same invocation, in which all the newness of the Gospel is condensed. After having known Jesus and listened to His preaching, the Christian can no longer consider God as a tyrant to fear; he is no longer afraid but rather feels the trust in Him flourish in his heart: he can speak to the Creator, calling Him “Father.” The expression is so important for Christians that often it is conserved intact in its original form: “Abba.”

It is rare in the New Testament for the Aramaic expressions not to be translated into Greek. We must imagine that in these Aramaic words, the very voice of Jesus Himself remains as if “recorded:” they have respected Jesus’ language. In the first word of the Lord’s Prayer we immediately find the radical newness of Christian prayer.

It is not only about using a symbol – in this case, the figure of the father – to link to the mystery of God; it is instead about having, so to say, all Jesus’ world poured into our heart. If we carry out this operation, we can pray the Lord’s Prayer with truth. To say “Abba” is something much more intimate, and more moving than simply calling God “Father”. This is why some have proposed to translate this original Aramaic word “Abba” with “Papa,” or “Dad.” Instead of saying “Our Father,” saying “Papa, dad.” We continue to say “Our Father,” but with the heart we are invited to say “Papa,” to have a relationship with God like that of a child with his father, who says “Papa,” and says “Dad.” Indeed these expressions evoke affection, they evoke warmth, something that is projected to us in the context of childhood: the image of a child completely wrapped in the embrace of a father who feels infinite tenderness for him. And for this reason, dear brothers and sisters, to pray well, we must arrive at the point of having a child’s heart. Not a sufficient heart: in this way one cannot pray well. Like a child in the arms of his father, his daddy.

But certainly it is the Gospels that introduce us better to the meaning of this word. What does it mean for Jesus, this word?

The “Lord’s Prayer” takes on meaning and color if we learn to pray it after having read, for example, the parable of the merciful

father, in the fifteenth chapter of Luke (Lk 15: 11-32). Let us imagine this prayer pronounced by the prodigal son, after having experienced the embrace of his father who has long awaited him, a father who does not remember the offensive works that he has said to him, a father who now simply makes him understand how much he has missed him. Then we discover how those words take on life, take on strength. And we ask: how is it possible for You, or God, to know only love? Do you not know hatred? No, God would answer, I know only love. Where in You is the vendetta, the demand for justice, the anger for your wounded pride? And God would answer: I know only love.

The father of that parable has in his way of acting something that reminds many of the heart of a mother. It is above all mothers who excuse their children, who cover up for them, whose empathy towards them is uninterrupted, who continue to love them even when they no longer deserve anything.

It is enough to evoke this single expression – Abba – for a Christian prayer to develop. And Saint Paul, in his letters, follows this same road, and it could not be otherwise, as it is the road taught by Jesus in this invocation that is a force that attracts all the rest of the prayer.

God looks for you, even if you do not seek Him. God loves you, even if you have forgotten about Him. God perceives in you a beauty, even if you think you have squandered all your talents in vain. God is not only a father; He is like a mother who never ceases to love her creature. On the other hand, there is a “gestation” that lasts for ever, well beyond the nine months of the physical one; it is a gestation that generates an infinite circuit of love.

For a Christian, to pray is simply to say “Abba”, to say “Papa”, to say “Dad”, to say “Father” but with the trust of a child.

It may be also that we find ourselves walking on paths far from God, as happened to the prodigal son; or that we fall into a solitude that makes us feel we are abandoned in the world; or even to make a mistake and be paralysed by a sense of guilt.

In those difficult moments, we can still find the strength to pray, starting from the word “Father”, but said with the tender meaning of a child: “Abba”, “Papa”. He will not conceal His face from us. Remember this well: perhaps someone has ugly things within themselves, things they do not know how to resolve, great bitterness for having done this or that… He will not conceal His face. He does not close up in silence. If you say “Father” to Him, He will answer you. You have a father. “Yes, but I am a delinquent…”. But you have a father Who loves you! Say “Father” to Him, start praying in this way, and in the silence He will tell you that He has never lost sight of you. “But, Father, I have done this…” – “I have never lost sight of you, I have seen everything. But I have always remained there, close to you, faithful to my love for you”. That will be the answer. Never forget to say “Father”. Thank you. • FEBRUARY 2019 7

MIKE'S MEDITATIONS

Are You Being Held Captive?

by Mike Van Vranken

L

ast month, we considered how Jesus explained the purpose of his ministry in Luke’s gospel. He said: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19).

We pondered his first reason for being anointed - that he came to bring glad tidings to the poor. Consequently, we contemplated how we might be poor in our desires to help the needy, forgive those who have hurt us, poor in our Van Vranken compassion to help the elderly, and how Jesus liberates us from all of this poverty with God’s loving grace. Hopefully, your daily prayers with this scripture helped transform your beginnings of 2019. This month, let’s consider the next reason for his ministry.

Proclaim Liberty to the Captives. Who are the captives here Jesus is talking about? Is he talking about you? As always, these are not questions to only casually consider. These are words of Jesus we want to take to God, and ask Him for His perspective about them. Sit quietly in total knowledge that God is with you. Slowly read again the passage quoted above: Luke 4:18-19. Now, say out loud: “Jesus came ‘to proclaim liberty to the captives.’” Say it again. Pay attention to your feelings inside you as you say it. Does it make you curious, anxious, joyful or sad? Whatever your feelings, take them to God and ask for His perspective on them and if they are coming from Him. And if so, ask Him to explain them. Listen quietly for His response, whether it comes as a thought, or an image or a memory of something. And remember, His response may be more quietness.

As you dialogue with God, ask Him to reveal to you where you are being held captive. And, be open to hear His response, even if it shocks you.

Sometimes, we can be held captive to our long-time prejudiced thoughts about other people. Am I captive to a thought that people on government assistance are lazy or freeloaders? Am I captive to an idea that people with same sex attractions are all sinners? Am I confined to a prejudice against Muslims 8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

or Jews? Am I held back because of fear that someone in need might be faking it or taking advantage of others? Am I trapped in a cage believing that anyone in the other political party is always wrong and sometimes evil? Am I locked up in some form of dualistic thinking that causes me to feel superior or elite because of my beliefs? Am I confined to the thought that it is wonderful for Christians to travel to Central America on a missionary trip to bless those poor souls living there in crime-ridden fear and poverty, and at the same time, am I firmly convinced we should build a wall to make sure those same poor, scared people cannot come into my country? Is my thinking so restricted that I believe the sins of others are much more serious than the sins I commit?

Do I think my own way of praying is better than the way others pray? Am I somehow held captive to all of these narrow and inhibiting ways of seeing the world and those around me?

Well, rejoice! Jesus came to proclaim liberty to us captives. And yes, we are all held captive to these kinds of beliefs at one time or another. But, God became human in Jesus of Nazareth and because of this incarnation, he showed us how to live in His created world. He demonstrated to us how “to love one another as” he has loved us (John 13:34, John 15:12). We cannot do it on our own. But, with his love and grace, “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Graciously allow God to show you all the ways you are held captive, and then faithfully ask Him for the grace to give you liberty from your captivities. Then, sit back and receive all of His gifts and graces. Be patient as they continue to unfold long after your prayer time is over. His graces will never run out; they are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23).

And one by one, you will be freed from all of your captive thoughts, words and actions. And, as we are transformed into this new liberty of freedom, we are now able to pray for and be incarnation to and for all the others who are held captive as well. • Mike is a spiritual director, author, speaker and teacher. You can contact him at mikevanvranken@comcast.net

LIBRARY NOTES

Explore the Slattery Library

Looking for a good read at the start of the New Year?

Check out a book from the Slattery Library inside the Catholic Center in Shreveport! Our vast collection spans across many subjects of faith and includes material for all ages. Librarian Kate Rhea shares some of the library’s featured titles and new books that can be borrowed.

About the Slattery Library

Revered and Reviled: A Re-Examination of Vatican Council I

by Archbishop John R. Quinn Working to shed new light and provide new insight into the conclusions of Vatican Council I, Most Rev. John R. Quinn, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, presents this concise yet thorough examination. “Anyone interested in the papacy should read this book,” said Patrick Granfield, Professor in the Dept. of Theology at the Catholic University of America.

The Fisherman’s Tomb: The True Story of the Vatican’s Secret Search

by John O’Neill New York Times Best Selling Author John O’Neill tells the thrilling and sometimes unbelievable story of a 75-year search for the long-lost burial place of the Apostle, Peter. With Christian history, true-life adventure featuring a Texas oil man, a brilliant female archaeologist, and an unknown world underneath the Vatican, The Fisherman’s Tomb is a story of the triumph of faith and genius against all odds.

How I Stayed Catholic at Harvard: 40 Tips for Faithful College Students

by Aurora Griffin Published in 2016, this handbook for the Christian university student has received praise from many university students and their mentors in academia. A quick read at 171 pages, [college kids have enough to read!] students can come back to this relatable story again and again to help them practice and express their faith confidently while confronted with what may be a difficult environment away from home.

A Pastor’s Toolbox: More Management Skills for Parish Leadership Edited by Paul A. Holmes

A follow-up edition to the first Pastor’s Toolbox, this volume again provides information, insights, and practical tools pastors and church leaders needed to handle the complexities of parish management. From intercultural competence and complex pastoring situations to human resources, change management, and Canon Law, The Pastor’s Toolbox is a wonderful resource for parish leaders.

Slattery Library is open every week day from 9am to 1pm!

Kate Rhea is the Administrative Assistant for the Library and Cemetery, and is available to help patrons research information, search and select reading material, and even host group meetings in the library. With themed displays each month and many newly cataloged materials ready to borrow, our library is revitalized and ready to serve our patrons.

To sign up for the newsletter featuring topical and seasonal collections, information on newly catalogued books, book and movie reviews, information on book clubs, and more, please e-mail Kate at krhea@dioshpt.org.

Visit the Slattery Library Visit the Slattery Library inside the Catholic Center!

The library is open Monday Friday from 9am to 1pm.

3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 318-868-4441 FEBRUARY 2019 9

FAITHFUL FOOD

A Love Note from the Almighty

F

ebruary guides us into the season of Ordinary Time. We find ourselves counting, marking time, and more or less going from one week to another, one lesson to the next, a time when Christ, the Lamb of God, walks among Long us and transforms our lives. Each calendar month and liturgical season has its challenges and opportunities. February is no exception.

In my elementary school days, February’s standard practice involved decorating a shoebox with hearts and cupids. Our mothers' ironclad instructions that every classmate receive a card were obeyed, and the next day during the school party we reveled in the fact that we had mail... and lots of it! Amid pink iced cupcakes and candy hearts, we enjoyed the love of friends, the innocence of childhood, and the caring touch of parents providing treats. With petty playground disputes momentarily cast aside, we were transformed.

One way my family showed their love for us was through food and its glorious presentation. When they quietly created an involved dish and brought it forth to the table, they were showering us with love. My mother’s homemade beef stroganoff was a nice companion to my grandmother’s flaming desserts, but it was my Aunt Carolyn who took this to a different level. She had the patience to take things at a slower pace, and through the years brought to our table a series of real show-stoppers.

One of these show-stopping desserts was a plate of simple cream puffs piled high with drama and spun sugar, which tasted heavenly. Later I learned its formal name, Croquembouche.

As Valentine’s Day falls in the season of Ordinary Time and I reflected on the element of transformation, I was led to the scriptures, and surprisingly it was not the Song of Songs with its unapologetic 10 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

by Kim Long

Croquembouche Mrs. Redditt’s Cream Puff Recipe Ingredients: • ¼ cup of butter (unsalted) • ½ cup boiling water • ½ cup flour (plain) • 2 eggs, unbeaten

Directions: 1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2) In pan over medium heat, add butter to water and heat until butter melts.

3) Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until ball forms in the center of the pan.

4) Remove from fire and let cool slightly.

Directions: 1) Add all ingredients to a heavy pot.

Bring to a boil and do not stir.

5) Add eggs one at a time beating after each addition.

2) Cover pan with lid for 2-3 minutes, the steam will dissolve any sugar crystals.

6) Drop by spoonfuls on a parchment covered baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. When cool, fill with pudding or cream.

3) Uncover and boil for about five minutes, or until syrup turns amber.

Remove from heat.

Pudding

Directions: 1) You will need to work quickly. Dip the bottom of each puff into the syrup and place on a cake stand. You are making a tower of puffs so I used a smaller diameter plate so my puffs would stack taller. Continue dipping and stacking until all puffs are used.

I used Godiva instant pudding mix, dark chocolate and white chocolate in two batches. The box called for two cups of milk, but I used one cup of milk and one cup of heavy whipping cream. Chill until ready to fill puffs. When ready, spoon pudding into a pastry bag fitted with a piping tip.

Syrup

Ingredients: • 2 cups sugar • ⅔ cup water • 2 tablespoons corn syrup

and exuberant celebration of love I turned to, rather a passage from the Revelation of St. John: “For I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away.”

(Revelation 21:1). A bit later the writer assures us “that God is making all things new.” This passage seemed a natural sequel to the madness of a January filled with its resolutions. Transformation is defined as a thorough or a dramatic change in form or experience. I crave that with a hunger

Croquembouche

2) Take a fork or a metal whisk with the end snipped off and the whisk opened up to resemble a cage. Dip fork or whisk into syrup and twirl it over the tower of puffs to form a sugar web around it. This has to be done quickly, as the syrup cools it hardens.

that no candy, flowers or cards can satisfy.

And in this passage, which is usually read at funerals, I find a love note from the Almighty. If we are open, they are abundant, they are everywhere; in a smile, a beautiful sunset, the food we serve, and even at a long-ago classroom party. I pray to be open in February and beyond. • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport, LA.

DOMESTIC CHURCH

Invite the Lord into Our Dreams and Hopes

by Katie Sciba

M

y dear readers, I have to share with you news and plans I am just over the moon about. After spending way too long believing it could never happen, I am going to Iceland. It’s happening; granted, I won’t be there until a year or so from now, but my future excursion is so real that it might as well be next week. I’ve been saving every month, selling stuff on eBay and I have going with me a dear friend who’s an experienced world traveler. Our proverbial sails are set and Sciba soon I’ll live what, until recently, was just a sweet, unreachable fantasy.

I fell for Iceland watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It feels a little superficial that this Bucket List item came from a little-known movie, but inspiration can strike from any direction, right? The film features stunning shots of long, winding roads, waterfalls and seascapes along the Icelandic coast; this coupled with the thrill of adventure and the unknown drew me in and held on tight. I’ve always been drawn to travel and all things nautical, but either life or, quite honestly, a lack of planning prevented me from taking steps to make it happen. Plus I had Iceland totally written off as impossible because I have a family - a young one at that - and I assumed my husband wouldn’t like the idea of handling the kids solo while I skip across fields half a world away.

So my dream stayed just that - a dream; but I grew up learning that desires in our hearts, the deeply set ones that nearly cause pain because we want them so much, are planted by the Lord; after all who else can make the impossible possible? At the very least, Jesus Himself cares about the hopes that we have and the things that we’re drawn to experience.

He’s not a distant Savior passively granting and refusing wishes; He’s here and ready to be involved in every detail of life.

What does Jesus have to do with my plans to go to Iceland?

Everything. In fact, I should have realized He was part of the whole scheme from the beginning.

He soon showed me that He alone could and would turn Iceland from a wouldn’t-it-be-nice idea to a concrete plan. In a moment of grace, I voiced my long shot wishes to my husband who responded not with the hesitation I anticipated, but with encouragement. Giddy with excitement, I shared my plans with my traveler-friend who volunteered to go with me. God also threw in plenty of time before my trip happens so I can adequately save.

And so, though I was eager to share news of my trip with you, the bigger news is this: Jesus cares. What is it that seems

... desires in our hearts, the deeply set ones that nearly cause pain because we want them so much, are planted by the Lord; after all who else can make

the impossible possible?

like just a nice idea to you, a far-fetched wish? What’s your Iceland - a thing that seems out of reach because it’s not practical or priority? Give it to Jesus. Let Him in on it. Even a simple, “Jesus I really wish I could…” or a “I want this, God.” Once we invite the Lord into our dreams and hopes, we’ll be able to see more clearly how He’ll make them happen, or if they’re not part of His plan. Confident in Jesus, the King of Impossible, we can move forward with faith and trust. • Katie Sciba is married to Andrew. Together they have five children. She is the author of thecatholicwife.net.

FEBRUARY 2019 11

SECOND COLLECTIONS

Lenten Devotion & 2nd Collections for March

by Father Rothell Price

COLLECTION FOR AID TO THE CHURCH IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE Announcement Dates: February 24th & March 3rd Collection Dates: Ash Wednesday, March 6th

T

he need for participating in the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe may seem far removed from our day-to-day Catholic life. It is not! Our Catholic brothers and sisters in Central and Eastern Europe greatly need our help. The religious liberty and vitality we are working to hold on to in the U.S. is being lost in Central Europe and slowly recovering in Eastern Europe. Our financial ability to support the Gospel and pastoral mission of our parish churches is far ahead of Price what is possible elsewhere. I encourage you to willingly participate in the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe for their good and our own.

This collection supports the Church in 25 countries that are still struggling to recover from the aftermath of communist rule. Your support restores the Church and rebuilds the future in this region. Funds from this collection support pastoral care, catechesis, building renovations and seminary formation. Please be generous in your sacrificial gift to the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe.

OPERATION RICE BOWL Announcement Dates: February 24th & March 3rd Participation Dates: March 6th – April 21st

O

peration Rice Bowl is a Lenten devotion of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) that runs from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. This annual Lenten devotion intentionally unites us with the Lord Jesus and the least of his brothers and sisters. The Rice Bowl devotion offers each of us the opportunity to practice the spiritual pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through Operation Rice Bowl we advance in the way of Christian love as we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit the sick and care for the imprisoned (Matthew 25).

Each year the CRS Rice Bowl appears on our parish information tables and classrooms, beckoning us to do something for Jesus Christ and the least of His people. Each year I take mine home, read each side of the bowl as I put it together, and begin to place my daily offering in it. Every now and then I miss a day or two, but I am motivated to make up for those missed days before the next week begins.

I thank you for participating in the 2019 Operation Rice Bowl. I hope it is as special to you as it is to me to present your CRS Rice Bowl in church on Easter Sunday. Check out the 12 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Support the Collection for the Church in

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

RESTORE THE CHURCH

BUILD THE FUTURE Copyright © 2018, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: © Getty Images.

60200201

downloadable CRS Rice Bowl apps on the bottom of the Rice Bowl at crsricebowl.org. Thank you for your Lenten devotion.

COLLECTION FOR THE BLACK & INDIAN MISSIONS Announcement Dates: February 24th & March 3rd Collection Dates: March 9th & 10th

T

he Black and Indian Missions Collection embodies the Church’s concern for evangelizing the Black and Indian people of the United States. The Catholic Church still has a great desire to reach the African American, Native American and Alaska Native communities. Your donation is used to support and strengthen evangelization efforts across our nation to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ as faithfully proclaimed by the Catholic Church. Your gracious participation in the Black and Indian Missions Collection allows our U.S. bishops to provide grants to dioceses across the country to operate schools, parishes and other missionary services that build the Body of Christ in Native American, Alaska Native and Black Catholic communities.

The Black and Indian Missions Collection secures good teachers, forms lay ministers and catechists, and encourages young African Americans and Native Americans to give their lives to the Lord as priests, brothers or sisters. In Alaska and the Arctic regions, your donation makes it possible for priests, deacons and catechists to reach remote communities that are cut off from the world. Please, make it possible for the Light of Jesus Christ to shine in Alaska, the Arctic and among African Americans in rural and urban North America. Give generously to this work of the Church. Thank you for participating in the Black and Indian Missions Collection. • Father Rothell Price, Moderator of the Curia, is the Director of Second Collections for the Diocese of Shreveport.

NAVIGATING THE FAITH

Liturgy

by Dianne Rachal

T

he liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time it is the fount from which all her power flows.” Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 10 December 4, 2018 marked the 55th anniversary of the promulgation of Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. This was the first of the 16 documents to be ratified by the bishops of the Second Vatican Council, illustrating the importance of liturgy to the Council and to the Church. The Church experiences and shows forth its true identity in the liturgy, strengthening the faithful to go forth and carry out the mission and message of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit into the world.

When we attend Mass each Sunday, do we just go through the motions and mindlessly say the words—getting our Sunday obligation out of the way so we can get back to the really important busy-ness of our lives?

Or: • Do we enter the mystery of Divine Encounter and relationship with the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

• Do we join the daily struggles and joys of our lives to the Paschal Mystery: the dying and rising of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

• Do we understand that liturgy is communal, and that the very meaning of liturgy, leitourgia, is “the work of the people”?

• In the liturgy do we comprehend that we are the Church, that we comprise the Body of Christ?

• Do we experience, encounter Jesus Christ in His Word, in the priest, in the assembly, and especially in the Real Presence

of the Eucharistic elements of his Body and Blood?

• Do we fully appreciate the great gift it is to be nourished

by Christ’s Body and Blood?

• Do we join our voices with our brothers and sisters, with the Communion of saints, and with the angels to offer praise and thanksgiving to God the Father?

• Do we know that past, present, and future all coalesce in the liturgy—the “already” and the “not yet”: salvation history, God acting now in our lives, and anticipation of the heavenly kingdom?

• Do we genuinely profess our faith in the Creed, letting the words of the liturgy be the words of our belief?

• Do we allow God’s grace to permeate and strengthen us to become ambassadors and evangelists to others?

• Do we acknowledge that our participation in the liturgy sanctifies not only us, but all creation as well?

A covenant people called by God, and gathered together in faith, we offer to God an act of thanksgiving for the great things he has done. We are a pilgrim people on a journey, showing our solidarity with one another in grace, in our need for forgiveness, in our belief. In the richness of our diversity we try to be united ‘with one heart, and with one soul.’

According to Pope Francis, “The Mass is the very ‘heart’ of the Church and the source of her life... At every celebration of Mass, our lives, offered in union with Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, become, in him, an offering of praise and thanksgiving pleasing to the Father, for the salvation of the world.” (—Pope Francis, Libreria Editrice Vaticana) • FEBRUARY 2019 13

Diocese of Shreveport

Annual Financial Report 2018 2017 - 2018 Total Operating Revenues Total Operating Revenues are the income sources that fund all chancery operations.

These revenues come from: • Parish Assessments (50%) • The Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal (which funds mission-based programs only - such as Communications, the Office of Worship and Youth & Young Adult Ministry) • Investment Income • Special Collections (which include Infirm Priests, Hispanic Ministry and Vocations) • Donations & Grants • Other Income

2017 - 2018 Total Operating Expenses Total Operating Expenses are the funds spent by the diocese. These expenses are: • Catholic Center Operations • Clergy Welfare • Social Outreach Inside the Diocese (includes campus ministry, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana, Society of St. Vincent de Paul).

• Social Outreach Outside the Diocese (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Holy See, VOA) • Appeal Costs • Capital Purchases 14 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Allocation of Operating Revenue Sources in the Diocese of Shreveport Fiscal Year 2017 - 2018 These graphs show how each revenue source is dispersed. For descriptions, see the page to the left.

%

This graph details how revenue is used for Catholic Center operations.

FEBRUARY 2019 15

16 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Diocese of Shreveport Annual Financial Report 2018 Independent Auditors’ Report

Diocese of Shreveport Annual Financial Report 2018 Statements of Financial Position

FEBRUARY 2019 17

18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Diocese of Shreveport Annual Financial Report 2018 Independent Auditors’ Report

Continuing the

Mission

2019 Annual Stewardship Appeal

by John Mark Willcox, Director of Development

ne might ask these days, “Since our diocese is without a bishop, will we be conducting the Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal?” The answer to that question is a resounding YES! Even though the Diocese of Shreveport is without a chief shepherd, the needs of our Catholic faithful have not dissipated, in fact they remain constant, and some of these needs have even grown larger.

As with our Appeal each year, major funds are allocated to providing for our retired and infirm clergy while subsidizing the education of our seminarians who will become our future priests. Our list of retired priests includes nine holy men who have given a life of service to the people of our diocese and they are certainly worthy of Appeal assistance. Replacing these men with newly ordained priests remains an urgent priority and your Appeal donations support the cost of room and board for educating our seminarians. Our diocese is fortunate to have a strong contingent of seven men in seminary training and we were blessed to ordain Fr. Duane Trombetta to the priesthood in 2018 and look forward to Kevin Mues’ ordination in May of this year!

The charitable endeavors of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana, Campus Ministry still depend on Appeal generosity to actively pursue their missions to make a real difference in thousands of lives within our regional boundaries. Appeal funding this year will help fund efforts to increase the leadership capacity of our diverse and growing Hispanic population. It also sponsors outreach to our youth and young adults through programs like “Theology on Tap,” which serves and supports members among our faithful in their young years of adulthood.

Appeal dollars also support our Office of Catholic Schools, catechesis for our youth in local parishes, and consistent, high quality liturgies through our Office of Worship. Our wonderful Slattery Library is now staffed each weekday and our Appeal supported Safe Environment Program continues to assist our parishes and schools in providing the very best in enriching environments for youth and young adults. Every issue of our monthly diocesan news magazine, The Catholic Connection is also completely funded by your generosity to our Appeal.

“Continuing the Mission” is our Appeal theme for this year and that is exactly what we intend to do,” comments our Diocesan Administrator, Very Rev. Peter B. Mangum. “So much of our outreach and ministry as a committed family of Catholic Christians is impacted by our Annual Appeal and that is why we plan to work diligently to keep the success of our Appeal a priority. I ask that every capable member of our united Catholic family choose to support our Appeal this year so that working together, we can see to the many needs of our worship community.”

Appeal Sunday this year falls on February 17th; please take some time until then to consider your 10-month pledge to support our array of Appeal ministries. A pledge card can be found on page 31, and you may use this to facilitate your annual gift to our Appeal. Please take time to join me in prayer for the success of our Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal. • FEBRUARY 2019 19

Saying Goodbye to Father Richard Lombard

by Lucy Medvec

Farewell

from Social Media R.I.P. Father Lombard. I shall always remember him as he was the priest who performed our marriage ceremony almost 49 years ago. – Dee Bustillo

F

r. Lombard is why my family is at St. Joseph. When he baptized our son in 1995, and one year later welcomed me into the Catholic Church, our family knew that we had found a home. He made St. Joseph Church a special place for all of us because he loved this parish so much; and as Fr. Long said at Mass, because he loved every one of us so much. We were his family. Fr. Lombard had that special gift of making everyone feel special – we all believed that we were his favorite. He was wise, quiet and kind, sometimes stubborn and gruff, but he was always faithful and had a heart of gold. I only knew him for the past 25 years, but I would have loved to have seen him as a priest in his younger days.

For the past few weeks, I have been thinking of my favorite memories and stories of Fr. Lombard – you know 20 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

we all have at least one. Like the time a baby yelled “YAY” at the end of the Alleluia and he got so tickled, he could barely read the Gospel. We all laughed along with him, which made him laugh even more. Or the time that Mark, my husband, was in the ER for a minor heart issue, yet he panicked and believed that the end was near because Fr. Lombard immediately came to see him.

He was a humble servant who lived a simple life filled with love for God and for all of us. He encouraged so many of us to do more for St. Joseph than just attend weekly Mass. He believed that each of us had a special gift – our time, talent, and treasure – that would enrich our lives and those of our fellow parishioners. Years ago someone told me their nickname for him – The Great Lombardo. This name eventually morphed in our household into The Great One. That was what we called him within our family, but it was with sincerity and love. So as we celebrate his life, let us always remember the man who gave us a home at St. Joseph Parish that is filled with love. I am thankful to have known Fr. Richard Lombard and am blessed to have had him in our family’s life.

I think all of you will agree with me when I say that God truly blessed us when he sent us The Great One. •

In January, 1995 I met with Father Lombard about joining RCIA at St. Joseph. He smiled and welcomed me. RCIA was always special to him.

I am thankful he said yes and I am now a practicing Catholic. He was truly a kind and wonderful servant of God. I will miss him, but I know he is in heaven. God Bless you Father!

Rest In Peace! – David Harmon Rest In Peace, Father, I will always remember you held my hand during my father’s funeral and our many visits at Albertson’s. – Mary Ann Van Osdell Fr. Lombard is a priest that I will always associate with my childhood and my 10 wonderful years at St. Joseph’s School. He is one of the kindest and most caring people I have ever met. And he always gave me a hug every time he saw me!

RIP Fr. Lombard. You will be greatly missed! – Jessica Miller Loar Pretty sure I served as an altar boy for his first Mass at St. Joseph’s!

Such a generous, loving Priest!

–Ken Mitchell Rest In Peace Father. You were so instrumental in our family’s faith and journey. – Tara Horton Woodman Rest in peace, dearest Father Lombard. I have the best memories of our days at St. Catherine of Siena.

You were a wonderful servant and will always be in my heart.

– Birdie McCole Mitchell

Knights Raise Funds to Purchase Ultrasound Machine story and photos by Kelly Phelan Powell

Council publicly set a goal in 2017 to save 1 million unborn lives with the help of technology that helps mothers choose life over abortion. Knights of Columbus CEO, Carl Anderson, said they will accomplish this by placing 1,000 ultrasound machines in pregnancy care centers by the time the Ultrasound Initiative reaches its 10th anniversary this year. Machines donated by the Knights are already in use in all 50 states.

The new technology available to pregnant women at Mary’s House will no doubt make it clear to hundreds of mothers just how precious the tiniest lives are. The new ultrasound machine replaces an old The Knights of Columbus gather around the newly purchased ultrasound machine for Mary's House Pregnancy Care Center. machine from the ‘90s - obviously, not the clearest picture or sound available today. ne of the most encouraging Marian Council Grand Knight John As if to underscore just how vital these signposts in the recent years Walker agreed. “It brings an awareness machines can be to the cause of life, the of the pro-life movement is to the woman of the condition of herself very first mother who had a scan by the the enthusiastic involvement of men. So and the baby. She can see for herself that new machine discovered she was expecting often shouted down and scolded that it’s not just tissue - it’s a living organism. twins. Though there are few studies abortion is a matter of women’s (and By seven weeks [gestation], you can see regarding the effect of ultrasound viewing only women’s) “reproductive freedom,” the baby’s heartbeat.” on women’s abortion many men, Catholic men in particular, The fight for life decisions, Draper are finally finding their places and voices is an important told the Knights of within this life-or-death issue. The issue to every Columbus assembled on Knights of Columbus (KoC) Ultrasound knight. Rooted in January 4 that, in her Initiative is one of the most crucial ways the four principles time at Mary’s House, local men are aiding the movement. of charity, unity, only one woman has Four local councils of the Knights of fraternity and ever made the decision Columbus raised several thousand dollars patriotism, to have an abortion after through activities such as the baby bottle the Knights seeing her child in the campaign, in which empty baby bottles of Columbus womb via ultrasound. are distributed to individuals and families endeavor to “build That’s a powerful who fill them with money, then return a culture of life testimony to the impact them, and the Knights use the money to and a civilization of this equipment, support local culture-of-life programs. of love” through to say nothing of the A church and KoC council in Baton programs like the Sonographer Julie Draper, Clinic Rouge that closed contributed about March for Life Director, Trisha Johnson, and Mary's women who work at Mary’s House.

House founder L'Anne Sciba. $10,000. Together with matching funds and the Special Another way to from the Supreme (national) Council, Olympics, in support Mary’s House and the cause of all these donations enabled the staff at addition to the Ultrasound Initiative life is by attending the Annual Pro-Life Mary’s House Pregnancy Care Center to and countless prayers, rosaries and Banquet, the Fête For Life - A Mary’s purchase a new abdominal ultrasound fundraising activities.

House Pregnancy Care Center Fundraiser machine.

Walker, a member of the Knights at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, at At the official presentation of the new of Columbus since 1986, said a local the Bossier City Civic Center. For tickets machine at Mary’s House on January 4, KoC council is a great place for any and more information, please visit ultrasound technician Julie Draper told man interested in furthering the cause https://maryshouseoflafoundation.org or the assembled knights, “This technology of life. “Every life is precious, no call 318- 220-8009. • literally saves lives.” matter the age,” he said. The Supreme

O

FEBRUARY 2019 21

Catholics and Methodists:

Working Together to Bring Christ’s Message of Love to the Poor and Vulnerable

by Tiffany Olah, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

C

of baby items and atholic Charities of North clothing. A yearLouisiana (CCNLA) round drop-off has been working center is located together with area Methodist at Broadmoor churches to fulfill its mission of Methodist for bringing Christ’s message of love members to donate to the poor and vulnerable by items for Gabriel’s providing quality social services Closet and a baby’s to families and individuals crib holds the without discrimination. Through Michelle Osborn donations until the relationships that have been they are delivered to established with local United Catholic Charities Methodist Churches, CCNLA is multiple times carrying out its vision statement: throughout the year.

Together we invest in people to This past summer, alleviate poverty, distress and Catholic Charities injustice. was honored when Since 2013, Catholic Charities Shawn Hornsby, of North Louisiana and First Associate Minister United Methodist Church at First United (FUMC) Shreveport have Shawn Hornsby Methodist Church established a partnership in A year-round drop-off center is located at Broadmoor in Monroe, accepted which FUMC financially supports Methodist for members to donate items for Gabriel’s a position as a the Emergency Assistance Program Closet and a baby’s crib holds the donations until they board member for at CCNLA on a monthly basis. In are delivered to Catholic Charities.

CCNLA. Hornsby fact, although FUMC does manage a saw the value in grant system open to organizations in what Catholic Charities does and advocated for funding from the community, CCNLA holds the distinction of being one FUMC Monroe to support the Emergency Assistance Program of only just a handful of local organizations that FUMC has that CCNLA now receives. decided to include as a line item on their annual budget.

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana continues to be “We love the way they do the program, constantly assessing it and finding ways to make it bigger and better,” said Michelle blessed by the relationships with these other churches and look forward to what more we can do together in 2019! • Osborn, Director of Local Missions at FUMC Shreveport.

“We feel that the Catholic Charities organization is a very good steward of [our] funds.”

Graphic Novel Series on Osborn and her department refer the many people who contact FUMC every month for rent and utility assistance Shreveport 1873 Yellow Fever directly to Catholic Charities of North Louisiana. She Epidemic Martyrs estimates that no less than five people a day contact her office asking for help, a figure that she feels is extremely conservative.

RIGHT: The Catholic Connection is running a graphic novel “We really believe in what that program does,” Osborn series each month, featuring the story of five priests who gave said. “We really do. And we need it.” their lives in service to others in the Shreveport Yellow Fever A direct result of this partnership is that FUMC Shreveport epidemic of 1873. The third page of this series depicts the recently announced that it is increasing its annual funding to hysteria of the outbreak as two of the priests walk the city.

CCNLA. This graphic novel is provided courtesy of the Cathedral of St. Broadmoor United Methodist Church regularly supports John Berchmans and is illustrated by Deacon Andrew Thomas.

CCNLA’s Gabriel’s Closet program through their donations 22 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

FEBRUARY 2019 23

Join us for a night of celebration and inspiration - Louisiana style!

Buy Tickets Now! Call (318) 220-8009

Seminarian Burses

For more information on donating to seminarian burses for the support of educating men in formation for the priesthood for our diocese, contact Fr. Jerry Daigle at 318-868-4441, or jdaigle@dioshpt.org.

Thanks to Our Recent Donors

• (006) William Marak in Memory of Carl Liberto ($100) • (006) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($1,982.12) • (008) William and Dolores Walker ($100) • (011) Deborah L. Priest ($100)

Completed Burses

• (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse ($10,000) • (006) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($10,000) • (010) Memory of Rita Scott, John Scott Family ($10,000) • (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse ($10,000) • (012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10,000) • (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10,000)

Incomplete Burses

• (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($800) • (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2,300) • (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,200) • (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) • (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($350) • (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse ($242.12) • (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1,300) • (008) St. Jude Parish ($5,818) • (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus

#10728 ($550) • (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($104) • (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($6,200) • (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($260) • (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1,000) • (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus

#1337 ($7,521) 24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

FÊTE FOR LIFE

A MARY’S HOUSE PREGNANCY CARE CENTER FUNDRAISER

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 - 6 PM Bossier Civic Center

Featuring special guest speaker Jason Jones Author & Movie Producer

Catering by

HISPANIC NEWS

La Sagrada Familia Por el Diácono Ricardo Rivera

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l nacer la Virgen María hace más de dos mil años, Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, santificó el hogar familiar.

Desde entonces, el hogar formado por Jesus, María y José, ha sido el modelo perfecto para todas las familias. En la familia de Nazaret había respeto, espíritu de ayuda, y sobre todo, amor. Cualidades que, como cristianos, debemos imitar en nuestras familias.

Al formar el hogar los padres deben recordar que ellos son los primeros educadores de sus hijos y lo más importante es educarlos en la fe Católica. Si les enseñamos a seguir a Dios, por medio del Evangelio y con la ayuda de Las Sagradas Escrituras, lo demás les vendrá con más facilidad.

Aunque todos nacimos en el seno de una familia, algunos crecieron con muchas dificultades de todo tipo, incluyendo la falta de amor. Sin embargo, ellos pueden mejorar para que sus hijos no sufran igual. Hay personas que no dan importancia ni al hogar ni a la familia; malgastan su tiempo fuera del hogar, no le dan amor al hogar que quisieron formar – no respetan la obligación que tomaron al casarse. Por esa razón, la familia cristiana está en peligro.

Primeramente, para poder llevar bien una familia hay que ser seguidor de Cristo. Cuando el amor a Dios no está en el hogar, o esta solamente de apariencia, es imposible que haya unión y paz.

Afortunadamente también hay muchos hogares que siguen a la familia de Nazaret.

Hay padres y madres que viven entregados incondicionalmente a su hogar. Estos hogares están ya cerca de Dios y siguen acercándose más cada día, aunque ellos no lo noten. Necesitamos más familias formadas en el amor a Dios, entre ellos, y en sacrifico. Nos atreveríamos a decir que la esperanza de nuestra sociedad para mejorar son más familias bien formadas.

Nuestro mundo necesita que formemos bien la familia para que a su vez, sus miembros puedan formar nuevas familias buenas.

Solamente el amor y la responsabilidad bien aceptada podrán salvarla. Recordemos siempre quienes somos y que todo lo que hacemos tiene efectos profundos en nuestros esposos, esposas, hijos, padres y en toda la familia de Dios.

Pidamos a la Sagrada Familia, por todas las familias del mundo, especialmente por las que tienen problemas serios. Oh Jesús, danos la gracia y la comprensión que necesitamos desesperadamente para ser familia; ser cristianos de nombre y de verdad. ¡Jesús, Jose y María, Rogad por nosotros!

Calendario Diocesano del Mes Febrero, 2019 16. Escuela de liderazgo pastoral. Tema: Exhortaciones Apostólicas.

Parroquia de Cristo Rey Rey – de 9am-5pm 20. Clase de Virtus – Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios, Cristo Rey 6-9p.m.

MINISTERIO HISPANO CATOLICO - DIOCESIS Rosalba Quiroz, Directora (318) 219-7265; rquiroz@dioshpt.org Melina Sanchez, Secretaria (318) 219-7257; msanchez@dioshpt.org Cristo Rey: Bossier City

425 McCormick Street P. Rigo Betancurt P. Mark Watson (318) 221-0238 Domingo-1:00pm Lunes y Martes-7pm Sabado-6pm

Santo Tomás Aquino: Ruston

810 Carey Avenue P. Tony Posadas (318) 243-0115 Domingo-1:30pm

Sta Maria de los Pinos: Shreveport

1050 Bert Kouns Ind. Loop P. Fidel Mondragon (318) 455-2300 Domingo-11:30am

Vicario General para la Diocesis de Shreveport Padre Rothell Price, V.G. (318)219-7259; rprice@dioshpt.org Coordinador de la Vicaria del Este Padre Luis Jost, OFM (318) 243-0115; pluisofm@yahoo.com

San Pascual: W. Monroe

711 North 7th Street P. Luis Jost (318) 243-0115 Domingo-4:00pm Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro: Farmerville

600 East Water Street P. Luis Jost (318) 243-0115 Sábado-7:00pm

San Juan Bautista: Many

1130 San Antonio Ave. P. Francis Kamau (318) 256-5680 1er Domingo de Mes-5pm

Sagrado Corazon: Oak Grove

201 Purvis St. P. Joseph Kallookalam (318) 559-2876 Domingo-5:00pm

FEBRUARY 2019 25

SCHOOL NEWS

St. John's Second Graders Welcome Newly Baptized Babies

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t. John Berchmans School’s 2nd grade First Holy Communion class created cards for the newly baptized babies at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. They delivered the cards to Family Life Director, Dotye Sue Stanford, who will deliver them to the families. •

JGS School Announces Pre-K 2 Program

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oming August 2019, Jesus the Good Shepherd School is excited to announce the expansion of their successful pre-kindergarten program to include Pre-K2. The Pre-K program at JGS currently consists of two sections of Pre-K3, two sections of Pre-K4 and will now include two sections of Pre-K2. Children who are 2 years of age by September 1, 2019 will be eligible for enrollment. Registration for the Pre-K2 program will begin in February. For inquiries, please call the JGS school office at 318-325-8569. • 26 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Haney Named Fatima's Student of the Year

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ur Lady of Fatima School has named their 5th grade Student of the Year, Luke Haney. He and his parents Randy and Stephanie Haney, are pictured. •

Gill Selected to Sing in All-State Choir

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t. Frederick High School student Anna Grace Gill was selected to participate in the LA-ACDA All-State Choir in November where she had the privilege of working with world-renowned composer, Z. Randall Stroope. This also qualified her to represent SFHS at the District One Honor Choir at the University of LA at Monroe in January. Anna Grace is the daughter of Mitchell & Monique Gill. Pictured are Anna Grace, her mother Monique Gill, and Jennifer Patterson, SFHS choir director. •

Joe Landreneau Inspires Faith and Law at Loyola

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by Bianca Stakes

oe Landreneau joined the Loyola family as a law teacher after years of work as an attorney in private and public legal practice. Devoted to Catholicism and law studies, he has brought a special experience to learning the ins and outs of court proceedings.

Landreneau began his secondary education career as an instructor in Huntington High School’s law and business magnet program before bringing his expertise to Loyola in August. The Flyers always strive for academic excellence, but the objective of secondary education for Landreneau goes beyond curriculum and straight to the hearts of students.

“I see teaching as a serviceoriented opportunity,” Landreneau said.

“Serving the underlying mission of the Church and the community of Shreveport by building strong, ethical leaders for the future matters to me.”

Landreneau’s course design has students starting the fall semester focused on court proceedings and finishing the spring semester focused on a business law perspective.

Each of his law studies students participates in Mock Trial, which allows students to develop greater knowledge of court proceedings

in civil and criminal cases.

Students are also encouraged to participate in Loyola’s inaugural Flyers and Buyers business expose in the spring to present business pitches to a panel of established entrepreneurs.

Landreneu’s involvement in Mock Trial pairs with service as an assistant coach on the football team. He believes this additional time with students invites further engagement in the classroom and more opportunities to be the example of faith he has in Catholic education.

“We’re on a mission to build the kingdom of God, and that’s not something that just happens by chance.

You have to work at it and develop habits along the way,” Landreneau said.

“There are teachers from when I was in Catholic school that helped me develop habits that have served me well, particularly when I’ve been in professional environments that have been hostile to my faith.

That’s what I see as important in this very formative time of life, during their high school years, and if they can form those habits now, when they go off to college and off to start working in a professional environment, they can carry that faith life with them.” •

Savant & Dufrene Named St. Joseph Students of the Year

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t. Joseph Catholic School is proud to announce our Students of the Year for 20182019: (5th grade) Ezekiel Savant, (8th grade) Audrey Dufrene. Each year, members of the faculty and staff volunteer to form a committee that interviews each candidate as part of the process for choosing a Student of the Year to represent SJS. The caliber of candidates each year makes it difficult on this committee, and this year was no different.

All candidates exhibit dedication to their studies, leadership skills, a strong Catholic identity and exemplary behavior in the classroom.

Zeke Savant has attended SJS since PreK-3. He is smart, well rounded, and works very hard. He is very responsible, a great friend to everyone, and is always willing to help others. Audrey Dufrene has been a Falcon since K-5. She is self motivated, goes above and beyond, and she always puts forth the maximum effort. She is kind, helpful and very smart.

This year also brought about the return of a Christmas play to SJS, a great performance called, “Believe,” by Faye Couch Reeves. The entire student body participated in this performance, either as a class, singing Christmas carols between scenes, or as an actor. The play centers around a child who wants to believe in Christmas, but is struggling to find peace in the midst of greed, busy schedules and shopping.

From Pre-K3 through 8th grade, the play offered both beautiful sounds of the Christmas season, as well as a great message for all who strive to focus on the birth of the Christ child. • FEBRUARY 2019 27

AROUND THE DIOCESE

1

St. Thomas Christmas Pageant

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t. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ruston held their annual Christmas Pageant featuring children ages Pre-K, Kindergarten and first grade. (1)

Birthday for Residents

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he St. Martha Circle hosted the Toledo R&R January residents’ birthday! (2)

2

3

Minden Celebrates Guadalupe

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t. Paul Parish’s church hall was filled to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which included a processional around the church, music, rosary and authentic Mexican food afterwards. (3)

Tech Students Serve the Community

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28 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

ecember was a busy time filled with service and fun for the members of the Association of Catholic Tech Students (ACTS). In the spirit of service, ACTS members collected food for local needy families via a student-led program named “Operation Help.” This was the tenth year that ACTS members collected items within the context of a scavenger hunt throughout the city of Ruston. Musically inclined ACTS members headed off to local senior living homes and sang Christmas carols with the residents. This year, the group took along Santa and one of his elves!

Finally, as a way to unwind, ACTS members hosted its 8th annual White Elephant Party in which nearly 60 members opened gifts and shared many laughs before going home for the Christmas Break. Upon returning to Ruston, ACTS members headed off to the annual winter retreat where the guys of ACTS and the young women of ACTS coordinated and executed their own separate retreats! (4)

T

St. Francis Medical Center Celebrated Christmas Service

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6

he St. Francis Medical Center team members celebrated the Christmas season through a special service of prayer and music on December 18, in the St. Francis Chapel. (5)

Christ the King Posadas

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rom Sunday, December 16, to Sunday, December 23, the parishioners of Christ the King Parish in Bossier City celebrated the Posadas. The Posadas included reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for a place to stay upon entering Bethlehem, praying the Rosary, playing games and enjoying a meal. (6)

7

St. Jude Youth Hosted Notre Dame Choir

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otre Dame Choir visited St Jude for a concert on January 10. St. Jude families brought choir members home with them, so they would have a warm place to spend the night before heading to their next concert. (7)

St. Lucy Youth Make Christmas Visit

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t. Lucy’s parishioners and youth visited Wyatt Manor during the Christmas season. They delivered gifts to all of the residents and sang Christmas carols. (8)

8

9

Little Flower Knights and Daughters Joint Service Project

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he Knights of St. Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary, Little Flower of Jesus Parish, Court 160, as well as members of the Junior Daughters and Junior Knights, completed one of its annual joint service projects on December 18. The group prepared and delivered about 70 gift bags for residents of Mary Goss Nursing Home (9)

Send submissions to "Around the Diocese" to jrinaudo@dioshpt.org.

Please include a photo that has not been resized and a brief description.

FEBRUARY 2019 29

FEBRUARY CALENDAR information, email Deacon Mike Straub at mstraub@dioshpt.org.

February 26

Protecting God’s Children Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, 9:00 a.m. For more information, email Deacon Mike Straub at mstraub@dioshpt.org.

PARISH EVENTS February 2

LaCaze Lagniappe Gala • Feb. 16

FEAST DAYS February 2

The Presentation of the Lord World Day for Consecrated Life

February 5

St. Agatha, virgin & martyr

February 6

St. Paul Miki & companions, martyrs

February 8

St. Jerome Emiliani St. Josephine Bakhita, virgin

February 11

Our Lady of Lourdes World Day of the Sick

February 14

DIOCESAN & MINISTRY EVENTS February 3

Appeal Announcement Sunday

February 4

Protecting God’s Children Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, 6:00 p.m., 2510 Emerson St., Monroe. For more information, email Deacon Mike Straub at mstraub@dioshpt.org.

February 6

Protecting God’s Children Catholic Center, 6:00 p.m. For more information, email Deacon Mike Straub at mstraub@dioshpt.org.

Sts. Cyril, monk, & Methodius, bishop

February 10

February 21

February 17

St. Peter Damian, bishop

February 22

The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle

February 23

St. Polycarp, bishop & martyr

HOLIDAYS February 14

Valentine's Day

February 18 Presidents’ Day

30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Appeal Education Sunday Appeal Sunday

February 19

Fete for Life The Annual Pro-Life Banquet changes names this year. Please join us at 6:00 p.m. at the Bossier Civic Center. Buy tickets by calling 318-220-8009. See speaker Jason Jones and support Mary's House Pregnancy Center of Louisiana.

February 20

Protecting God’s Children Christ the King Parish, 425 McCormick St., Bossier City, 6:00 p.m. For more

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Presents: Bingo on the Delta: West Monroe Convention Center at 6:00 p.m. For more information contact Tiffany Olah at development@ccnla.org. 318-8650200, ext. 101.

February 9

Magnificat Brunch with Maxine Sarpy: Women are invited to Magnificat’s Brunch, February 9, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport. Maxine Sarpy has been a member of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish for 55 years.

She served as publicity chairman for the Diocesan Evangelization Committee under Bishop Friend.

She was on the formation committee

Thursday Morning Greco Class Father Pat Madden is lecturing on The Book of Judith. He also is leading a discussion on videos that present Church History from the Apostles to Vatican II. This class meets Thursdays through April 4, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. in Alumni Hall inside the Catholic Center in Shreveport. All are welcome to attend.

Reflections with Fr. Ron Hoye St. Mary of the Pines Parish Shreveport

Fr. Ron Hoye • Feb. 10 – 12 for the reorganization of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the Diocese of Shreveport in the early 90’s. She received the Diocesan Medal of Honor for service to the Church in 2005.

Tickets are $15 and checks should be mailed to Magnificat Nowela Chapter, P. O. Box 4293, Shreveport, LA 71134, by February 6. Please include the name of attendees with your check. For questions call 318-564-2672 or 318-222-0007.

February 10, 11, 12

Reflections with Fr. Ron Hoye: Please join St. Mary of the Pines Parish on February 10, 11 and 12 at 6:30 p.m. nightly with speaker Fr. Ron Hoye, C.M. Father Ron will share scripture, laughter, reflection and prayer. Baby sitting will be provided. A light reception will be held following each night’s service. For more information, call the church office at 318-687-5121.

Diocese of Shreveport Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, Louisiana 71104 www.dioshpt.org

February 16

LaCaze Lagniappe Gala: The Diocese of Shreveport and the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans are hosting a Memorial Gala in honor of Msgr. Carson LaCaze on Saturday, February 16, in the Cathedral’s Multi-Room.

As part of the event, there will be both silent and live auctions of Msgr. LaCaze’s collections, donated by his family. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Diocesan Retired Priests’ Fund. Tickets are $50 and include a buffet dinner, as well as a drink ticket. Table sponsorships are highly encouraged. Tickets are available for sale at both the Catholic Center front desk, the Cathedral office and website (sjbcathedral.org). Join us in celebrating the life of an amazing priest, and take home a memento of a legend. For more information, contact Randy Tiller rtiller@dioshpt.org, or Carol Gates, cgates@sjbcathedral.org.

February 22

Dynamic Catholic: Find Your Greatness: Dominick Albano, Catholic author and speaker, is coming to Shreveport on February 22! Join St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport, for a great evening of listening, learning, scripture and prayer. Find Your Greatness is based on Matthew Kelly’s best-seller The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic. Tickets are $25. Visit DynamicCatholic.com/ Shreveport, or call 859-980-7900 to purchase.

2 0 1 9 D I O C E S A N S T E WA R D S H I P A P P E A L

I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a total 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

$200 $150 $100 $_______

At this time I / we are enclosing: $_____________

Print Name________________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________ State________ Zip Code____________ My / Our Church Parish______________________________________________________________________ Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Stewardship)

FEBRUARY 2019 31

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

The children of Saint John the Baptist placed third in the Town of Many Christmas Parade with their entry, "Soldiers of Christ."

32 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Fairfield