Catholic Connection

VOL. 18, NO. 8

Catholic Schools Week: A Success for the Community p. 7

> Bishop’s Lenten Reflection p. 5 > Consecrated Life Mass, p. 10 > Seminarians March for Life in D.C. p. 14

MARCH 2009

Bishop Michael Duca’s March 2009 Schedule

From the Chancellor

Sunday, March 1, 2:30 p.m., Rite of Election, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans

aryHill Renewal Center in the Diocese of Alexandria has asked that we remind our parishes of the variety of retreat opportunities offered throughout the year at the center. Information about the Center’s schedule may be obtained by calling 318-640-1378.

Monday, March 2 & Tuesday, March 3, Louisiana Interchurch Conference, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Shreveport Friday, March 6 , 5:30 p.m., Stations of the Cross, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Saturday, March 7, 5:00 p.m., Knights of Peter Claver & Ladies Auxiliary Annual Statewide Youth Conference Mass, Clarion Hotel, Shreveport Sunday, March 8, 10:00 a.m., Mass, St. Lawrence Church, Swartz Tuesday, March 10, 12:00 p.m., Catholic Women’s League Luncheon, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport Wednesday, March 11, 12:00 p.m., Church Vocations Board Meeting, Catholic Center Thursday, March 12, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Notre Dame Seminary & St. Joseph Seminary Board of Trustees Meetings, St. Joseph Seminary, Covington Wednesday, March 18, 6:00 p.m., Calling Catholics Home, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Thursday, March 19, 2:30 p.m., Ordination and Installation Mass of Bishop-Elect Richard F. Stika, Diocese of Knoxville, Knoxville Convention Center Sunday, March 22, 10:00 a.m., Mass followed by St. Joseph Altar, St. Joseph Church, Bastrop Wednesday, March 25, 11:00 a.m., Circle of Catholic Women Meeting, Catholic Center Thursday, March 26, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Dallas Legatus Group Mass followed by Reception and Banquet, Dallas Saturday, March 28, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Andrew Dinner, Catholic Center Sunday, March 29, 9:00 a.m., Confirmation, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport

2009 Confirmation Schedule Sunday, March 29th – 9:00 a.m. – Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport Saturday, April 18th – 4:00 p.m. – Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Bossier City Sunday, April 19th – 11:00 a.m. – Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe Sunday, April 19th – 4:00 p.m. – St. Joseph Church, Shreveport Saturday, April 25th – 4:00 p.m. – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport Sunday, April 26th – 11:00 a.m. – Christ the King Church, Bossier City Sunday, April 26th – 5:30 p.m. – Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport Wednesday, April 29th – 6:00 p.m. – St. Joseph Church, Zwolle Sunday, May 3rd – 11:00 a.m. – St. Paul Church, Minden Sunday, May 3rd – 5:00 p.m. – St. Matthew Church, Monroe Sunday, May 17th – 9:00 a.m. – St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport Friday, May 22nd – 7:00 p.m. – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Farmerville Saturday, May 23rd – 4:30 p.m. – Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe Sunday, May 24th – 11:00 a.m. – St. Joseph Church, Mansfield Saturday, May 30th – 5:30 p.m. – St. Paschal Church, West Monroe Sunday, May 31st – 9:00 a.m. – St. Clement Church, Vivian Sunday, June 7th – 10:00 a.m. – St. Benedict the Black Church, Grambling Sunday, June 14th – 10:00 a.m. – St. Lawrence Church, Swartz Sunday, June 21st – 9:00 a.m. – Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Shreveport

by

Christine Rivers, Chancellor

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Lenten Regulations

The holy season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2009. During this special time of penance and prayer, it is helpful to review the Lenten regulations for the church in the United States.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence from meat. In addition, all Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from eating meat. The obligation to abstain from meat is binding on Catholics age 14 years and older.

The obligation to fast (limiting oneself to one full meal and two light meals per day with no solid foods eaten between meals) binds Catholics from age 18 to 59 years.

With regard to Good Friday, the Second Vatican Council encouraged prolonging the Easter fast throughout Holy Saturday when possible. Individuals with medical histories or other conditions in which fasting or abstinence from meat would be harmful are not obliged to fast or abstain, but are encouraged to perform another act of penance or charity.

Holy Saturday and the celebration of the Easter Vigil is April 11, 2009. Celebrations ordinarily may not begin before sunset, which should take place at 7:42 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8, 2009.

On the Cover: St. Frederick High School and Jesus the Good Shepherd School students kneel during Eastern Deanery All Schools Mass at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church in Monroe.

Photo by Jessica Rinaudo.

table of contents

Seminarians March for Life pg.14 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 March 2009 Schedule......................................................................... 2 2009 Confirmation Schedule....................................................................................................... 2 From the Chancellor.................................................................................................................... 2 A Message from Bishop Michael Duca on the Appeal............................................................ 4 Bishop’s Reflection by Most Rev. Michael Duca................................................................... 4-5 Second Collections by Fr. David Richter................................................................................... 6 Fr. Phil Michiels Celebrates 40 Years in Priesthood

by Cathy Cobb, Carole Moon and Anna Provenza............................................................ 6 Cara Center Set for Opening by Sally Croom........................................................................... 6 Catholic Schools Week: A Success for the Community by Frank Israel................................ 7 Priest Spotlight: Father Phil Michiels........................................................................................ 8 St. Thomas Aquinas Church Focuses on Future by Star-Beth Regan................................... 9 Liturgy Lines: Mixing of Water and Wine by Dianne Rachal.................................................. 9 Greco Announces New Program by Fr. Pat Madden............................................................. 10 Consecrated Life Mass.............................................................................................................. 10 School News .............................................................................................................................. 11 Young Adult Conference a Hit by Gabriela Argueta.............................................................. 11 From Tiny Seeds, Vocations Take Root by Martha Fitzgerald........................................ 12-13 Feast of Blessed Cyriac Elias Chavara by Fr. Job Edathinatt & Dr. Carl Thameling......... 13 Diocese of Shreveport Seminarians March for Life by Deacon Matthew Long & Seminarian Joshua Sanders.......................................................................................... 14 Aging with Reflection by Sr. Martinette Rivers ..................................................................... 15 Family Friendly Helpers: St. Maximilian Kolbe by Kim Long.............................................. 15 Twelve Receive Ministry of Acolyte at St. Meinrad............................................................... 16 Hispanic Ministry Celebrations at Sacred Heart by Evelyn Nagen Ridings....................... 16 Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página por Rosalba Quiroz........................................................ 17 News Briefs by Catholic News Service................................................................................... 18 Lenten Missions......................................................................................................................... 19 Lent and the Slattery Library by Debby Smith...................................................................... 19 March Calendar......................................................................................................................... 19

upcoming events March 7 - Movie Night at St. John Berchmans featuring Bernadette. Free admission, donations go to local pro-life education. 5:30 p.m. Chris Davis, 318-349-3279.

March 17- Cara Center Dedication and Open House. Dedication will be at 11:00 a.m. and facility tours will take place throughout the day. Cara Center will house Gingerbread House, which helps child abuse victims through the legal and interview processes and provides followup counseling. 318-681-6652.

March 17- Fundraiser for Scholarships to Loyola College Prep hosted by St. Vincent’s Alumnae at the Catholic Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

March 21- Abbey Youth Festival at St. Joseph Abbey in Covington, LA.

Presentations by Josh Blakesley, Stephanie Davis. Performances by Curtis Stephan and Covenant 7. Begins at 9:00 a.m. www.abbeyyouthfest.com March 28- Holy Hour for Vocations at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Fr. David Richter and Fr. Phil Michiels will lead the holy hour. 7:00 p.m.

318-798-1887.

April 4 & 5 - Passion Play at Mary Queen of Peace. 6:00 p.m. Free admission. 318-752-5971.

April 25 - The Diocese will host a special planned giving seminar featuring Estate Attorney Joe Gilsoul from 10:00 a.m. until Noon. This is an excellent opportunity to evaluate your estate plans with a professional in the field.

318-868-4441

La Reflexión del Obispo

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A Message from Bishop Michael Duca:

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ppeal Sunday occurred last month on February 15th; and thanks to the generous support of our faithful, we are off to a good start on this year’s campaign. If you have provided your pledge to this year’s Appeal you have my sincere appreciation. Thank you and God bless you for your support.

Please know that we still have a long way to go before we reach our pledge goal of $1,250,000. The month of March is a critical time each year for our Appeal, as follow-up efforts are taking place in each worship location to secure additional pledges to this combined effort to serve the needs of the people of our diocese. Please take some time now to consider your pledge to support our array of Appeal ministries. A pledge card can be found on page 16, and you may use this to facilitate your annual gift to our Appeal. Those making pledges this month will receive their first Appeal statement in the month of April.

Missed the Appeal Video?

Missed the 2009 Appeal Video or want to see it again to review the ministries the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal supports?

Check it out online! Visit us at: www.dioshpt.org/stewardship/ stewardship.html

4 Catholic Connection March 2009

ué tal les va de Cuaresma? Ya estamos en el tiempo de Cuaresma y para ahora tal vez ya tuvieron la tentación de darse por vencidos o tal vez ya fallaron en el cumplimiento de las promesas de Cuaresma. ¡Escuchen! No es importante el ser perfecto en su disciplina de Cuaresma si no el ser fieles.

La Cuaresma es la temporada de renovación.

Originalmente este era un tiempo para que los Catecúmenos (los que se preparan para el bautismo en la Pascua) hicieran las últimas preparaciones para convertirse en cristianos. Los 40 días de la Cuaresma nos recuerdan de los primeros Catecúmenos, y también a nosotros nos recuerda de los 40 días que Jesús pasó en el desierto preparándose para su ministerio público. De la misma manera la Cuaresma es un tiempo de renovación y conversión para ayudarnos mejor a vivir nuestro compromiso de cristianos.

Espero que hayan escogido una práctica cuaresmal concreta que los desafiara en áreas de su vida que necesitan estar mas en conexión con Cristo. No tiene que ser un compromiso grande sino uno al que se comprometan fielmente. Como seguro que ya escogieron su compromiso, me gustaría sugerir que hagamos nuestra meta fundamental esta Cuaresma lo que sea nuestra práctica cuaresmal, que sea de fe y no perfecta. Una persona que trata de ser perfecta en la Cuaresma está intentando llegar a una meta noble, pero no es la meta mas importante y por lo regular lleva a la persona a un orgullo espiritual o a darse por vencida.

Por ejemplo, si en algún momento falla con su promesa, y si su meta es ser perfecto, entonces ya se dan por vencidos y dicen “Ya la regué….. le intenté. Se sentirán suficientemente culpables pero después de un tiempo ya no harán nada más por el resto de la Cuaresma.

Cuando nuestra meta es ser fieles, no nos damos por vencidos cuando fallamos, sino que al contrario,

intentamos otra vez inmediatamente.

Comenzamos cada día como si fuera Miércoles de Ceniza, y aun si fallamos cada día de la Cuaresma, hemos tenido una buena Cuaresma. ¡Porqué? Porque no nos dimos por vencidos y cada día de la Cuaresma abrimos nuestros corazones a la gracia de Dios para hacer un cambio en nuestras vidas.

Así es como se ve más la conversión. intentamos cada día hacer lo correcto.

Admitimos nuestras fallas pero volvemos a comenzar, respondemos a la gracia de Dios, sabiendo que ser perfectos no es nuestra meta; nuestra meta es ser fieles y el intentarlo cada día. Siendo fieles es seremos perfectos.

La fidelidad también nos abre a una vida espiritual más rica. Si de verdad intentamos cada día buscaremos perdón por nuestras fallas, tendremos humildad, sacaremos fuerza de los Sacramentos y cada día nos daremos cuenta de cuanto necesitamos la gracia de Dios. Si prometemos cada práctica Cuaresmal con esta clase de compromiso podremos ver que no es solo una meta que alcanzar, sino también un encuentro con la debilidad humana y con el amor y la gracia de nuestro Salvador Jesucristo.

Rezo porque no perdamos el corazón y que intentando cada día ser fieles nuestros corazones sean cambiados a ser mas como el corazón de Jesús. No todo será cambiado en 40 días, pero será por seguro un buen comienzo. De verdad busquemos el ser fieles esta Cuaresma, no el ser perfectos.

Michael G. Duca

Obispo de la Diócesis de Shreveport

Bishop’s Reflection by

Bishop Michael G. Duca

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ow is your Lent going? We are into the Lenten season and, by now, we may have been tempted to give up, or even failed to live up to our Lenten commitments.

Take heart. It is not important to be perfect in your Lenten discipline but to be faithful.

Lent is the season of renewal.

Originally it was the time for the Catechumens (those preparing for Baptism at Easter) to make a final preparation for becoming Christians.

The 40 days of Lent reminded the first Catechumens, and us as well, of the 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert preparing for his public ministry. In the same way Lent is a time of renewal and conversion to help us better live our Christian commitment.

I hope you have chosen a concrete Lenten practice that will challenge you in areas of your life that need

This is more what real conversion is like. We keep trying each day to do what is right. We admit failure but keep starting over, responding to God’s grace, knowing that being perfect is not our goal; our goal is to be faithful to trying each day. It is in being faithful that we are perfected.

Faithfulness also opens us up to a richer spiritual life. If we really try I hope you have chosen a concrete Lenten practice that each day then we will need to seek forgiveness for our failings, have will challenge you in areas of your life that need humility, draw strength from the to be more configured to Christ.

Sacraments and each day realize how much we need God’s grace. If we do nothing for the rest of Lent. to be more configured to Christ. It approach each Lenten practice with When our goal is to be faithful, we doesn’t have to be a big commitment this kind of commitment you can see but one that you will stick to faithfully. don’t give up when we fail, no, we begin that it is not just a goal to be achieved, Since you have probably chosen your again immediately. We start each day but also an encounter with our human as though it was Ash Wednesday, and commitment, I would like to suggest weakness and the love and grace of even if we fail every day in Lent, we will that we make our fundamental goal our Savior Jesus Christ have had a good Lent. Why? Because this Lent, what ever our Lenten I pray we will not lose heart and we did not give up and each day of Lent practice is, to be faithful and not that by trying each day to be faithful we opened our hearts to the grace of perfect. A person who tries to be our hearts will be changed to be God to make a change in our lives. perfect in Lent is trying for a noble more like the heart of Christ. Not every change will be made in 40 days, but a good beginning can be made for ishop uca s oly eek chedule sure. Let us strive to be faithful this Lent, not perfect.

Tuesday, April 7th – 5:30 p.m. – Chrism Mass

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goal, but it is not the most important goal and will usually lead a person to spiritual pride or to giving up. For example, if at some point a person fails in their Lenten commitment, if being perfect is their goal, then they will give up and say, “Well I blew it…I gave it a good try. They will feel sufficiently guilty but after a while they will simply

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Thursday, April 9th – 5:30 p.m. – Mass of the Lord’s Supper Friday, April 10th – 3:00 p.m. – Good Friday Service Saturday, April 11th – 7:45 p.m. – Easter Vigil Mass

Michael G. Duca

Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport

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Catholic Relief Services & Operation Rice Bowl by

Fr. Phil Michiels Celebrates 40 Years in the Priesthood by Cathy Cobb, Carole Moon & Anna Provenza

Fr. David Richter, Vicar General

Announcement Dates: March 8 & 15 Collection Dates: March 21 & 22 atholic Relief Services provides both shortterm and long-term responses to hunger.

Emergency funding helps hungry people in the U.S. and around the world. The current food crisis has impacted hundreds of millions of people -- agricultural products’ costs have increased by 40% in the last year and 83% over the last three years. The causes have included the rise in energy prices, the growing middle class populations in developing countries and changing climate in particular regions. Addressing world hunger recently, Pope Benedict has reminded all of us who have enough to eat that “everyone has a right to live.”

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Holy Land

Announcement Dates: Mar. 8 & Apr. 5 Collection Dates: April 10, Good Friday atriarch emeritus of Antioch of the Syrians, Cardinal Ignace Moussa Daoud, called to our attention that the political and economic crisis of the Holy Land “has not yet been resolved and shows evidence each day of unspeakable suffering.” Catholic Christians, fewer in number over these last years, are dependent on assistance that the Holy Land office provides; it is used wisely. Please consider their needs in their recent trying times.

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Diocese of Shreveport Church Vocations

Announcement Dates: Mar. 29 & Apr. 5 Collection Dates: Apr. 11-12, Easter ishop Duca’s background in vocations and seminary leadership has brought a renewed interest in praying for and seeking out vocations to the priesthood for our diocese.

We hope to find new good, strong candidates for the seminary, but these candidates will require education, no small cost to our small diocese.

We are encouraged by the enthusiasm shown by many of our Catholics and hope that with your support, seminary tuition, room and board costs will be met. Thank you for all you can do.

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How well did the diocese do?

Hispanic Ministry $11,326.93 Latin America $1, 478.42 East Europe $1,087.92 Catholic University $3,085.03

Black & Indian Missions

$17,216.33

Mission Sunday

$19,435.59

6 Catholic Connection March 2009

Msgr. Joseph Susi, Msgr. Murray Clayton, Msgr. Franz Graef, Rev. Pat Madden, Rev. David Richter and Rev. Pike Thomas stand around Rev. Phil Michiels, who celebrated his 40th anniversary, and Bishop Michael Duca.

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Mass of Thanksgiving in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Fr. Phil Michiel’s ordination to the priesthood was celebrated on Sunday, February 8 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Bishop Michael Duca presided at the Mass, which was concelebrated by Msgr.

Murray Clayton, Msgr. Franz Graef, Rev. Patrick Madden, Rev. David Richter, Msgr. Joseph Susi, and Rev. Pike Thomas.

Special guests included members of Fr. Phil’s immediate and extended family and friends, a number of women religious, parishioners from each of his assignments throughout his

priesthood, including the first person baptized by Fr. Phil.

Over 450 attendees joyfully participated in the Mass and the reception that followed in the Burleigh Center. Members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s adult and children choirs and orchestra shared their gifts during the Mass and reception.

Fr. Phil was presented with a beautiful vestment at the reception, and a basket overflowing with cards and well wishes. Our community is deeply grateful for Fr. Phil’s ministry and for the gentle way that he encourages each one of us to live our own baptismal call to the fullest.

Cara Center Set for Opening by

Sally Croom, CHRISTUS Schumpert Health Systerm

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here will be a dedication of the new Cara Center, which provides medical services for suspected victims of child abuse, on March 17 at 11 a.m. with facility tours throughout the day. The Cara Center will also house Gingerbread House, which helps child abuse victims through the legal and interview processes and provides follow-up counseling.

In addition, Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana will be housed there.

The result will be a centralized,

focused child abuse center so children don’t have to be shuttled around for the services they need.

We think March 17 is a fitting date for the dedication, since Cara is the Irish word for “friend” and was selected in honor of our Irish sisters from our sponsoring congregation, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The Sisters orchestrated the fundraising for the new center and have raised $350,000 of the $450,000 goal.

All are invited to attend!

Catholic Schools Week: A Success for the Community by

Frank Israel, Principal of Loyola College Prep

he Diocese of Shreveport Catholic Schools, both in Monroe and in Shreveport, celebrated “Catholic Schools Week” January 26-30 with the theme “Catholic Schools Celebrate Service.”

Service learning has always been an important part of Catholic education. For over a century, Catholic schools have been an intrinsic part of North Louisiana. Each school found unique ways to celebrate our shared Catholicity. “The service component of Catholic Schools is far-reaching and lasts a lifetime,” said Lisa Patrick, principal of Jesus the Good Shepherd School.

At Loyola, the week began and ended with Eucharistic Adoration in the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. During the week, the sacrament was exposed during the school day in the student chapel. Students, faculty and parents were invited to spend time in reflection and prayer, after hearing remarks by Loyola chaplain Fr. Peter Mangum, who made the event come to life for students. Each grade has also chosen a religious sister in the diocese for whom the students will pray and to whom the students will write letters. During the week, students learned about service opportunities in theology class that would help the Flyers earn the required hours for graduation.

Nationally known motivational speaker Mike Patin spoke to Loyola’s students and then travelled to St. Joseph’s where he spoke to their school. Mr. Patin delivered an energetic and humorous address that covered many areas of faith and family; his presentation was a great success, hitting areas that students need to hear about.

St. Joseph’s students hosted a “Celebrate Community” assembly attended by Mayor Cedric Glover and former State Representative Billy Montgomery.

Other highlights of the week included a Sunday afternoon Open House and a school-wide Students take flag ceremony Communion at to “Celebrate Eastern Deaner y Our Nation.”

All Schools Mass.

St. John Berchmans Catholic School marked the week through speakers and opportunities to practice service for others. Superintendent Sr. Carol Shively greeted the students Monday morning, welcoming them into the week-long celebration; and later in the week, Colonel Steven Shinkle spoke to the school comparing the mission of SJB to the mission of the Air Force. Students had a Jeans Day; the money raised was

presented to Schumpert Foundation Bishop Duca Kid’s celebrates Council, Western Deaner y who All Schools Mass invited the students to participate in the volunteer group at Schumpert Sutton’s Hospital. A collection was taken up by different classes to donate to seminarian Joshua Sanders to further his vocation.

The week ended with speaker G.B. Cazes highlighting the role of cyber technology and its proper use in the future of the students.

At Our Lady of Fatima, students celebrated with themed dress days ranging from “Camouflage Day” to support our troops to “Red, White, and Blue Day” featuring area rescue personnel who spoke to the students about safety. Students also wore their favorite sports jersey one day and collected cans of soup for the local St. Vincent de Paul Society. The theme of the week was, “We are God’s Army.”

At Jesus the Good Shepherd School, students raised $700 that was given to the DeSiard Street Homeless Shelter. The school’s Student Council served a meal to the homeless and gave each person a basket of necessities.

The highlight of Catholic Schools Week was an “All Schools Mass” celebrated in the Eastern and Western deaneries of the Diocese of Shreveport. Large gatherings celebrated the presence of Catholic Schools in our Diocese.

In Shreveport, students from Loyola, St. Joseph’s, St. John Berchmans, and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament gathered in Loyola’s gym on Wednesday, January 28th.

Bishop Duca presided over the Mass, celebrating the history, the accomplishments and the call to service of Catholic Schools. He was joined by Fr. Mangum, Fr. Daigle, Fr. Richter, Fr. McGrath, Fr. Michiels, Deacon Roche, and Deacon Straub. A choir comprised of students from all the schools provided music for the worship.

The three Catholic Schools in Monroe came together on January 30th to celebrate a beautiful culmination of Catholic Schools Week. Bishop Duca was the celebrant, along with Fr. Watson and Msgr. Moore. The Mayor of Monroe, Jamie Mayo, recognized the importance of Catholic Schools in Monroe by presenting them with a Proclamation of Catholic Schools. With the theme of community service this year, the schools recognized those who dedicated years of service to the Catholic Schools of Monroe.

The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Shreveport wish to thank Bishop Michael Duca for his enthusiastic leadership at both “All Schools Masses.” His presence was the highlight of a truly exciting week for the 2,000 students enrolled in the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Shreveport.

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Priest Spotlight: Fr. Phil Michiels, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church

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n February 8, I celebrated with Bishop Duca, parishioners, family and friends a Mass of Thanksgiving honoring the 40th anniversary of my ordination to the Sacred Priesthood.

During my seminary years, it seemed to take so long to get to that year of ordination. Now each assignment in a parish feels too short.

I have had the privilege of being happy in every assignment, and that continues to be true today.

I come to this time in my priesthood only because of the loving support of family, friends and parishioners from each community I have served. During my time in seminary, priests were right there to be examples and special guides.

Some of these fine priests were Msgr. John Wakeman, Msgr. Henry Thompson, Rev. Hugh Biggar and Msgr. Franz Graef, who was an unofficial class moderator. Rev. Msgr. Murray Clayton, who was assigned to my home parish during my altar boy years, became spiritual director at Maryhill Seminary and remained a spiritual adviser throughout my seminary training.

He and Fr. Gerald Bordelon, rector of the Cathedral in my hometown of Alexandria, were energetic and happy mentors during my deaconate year and first years of priesthood. I will be indebted to them for the rest of my life. I was assigned with Fr. Michael Kammer immediately after ordination, and we became the best of friends. My heart smiles each time I remember him.

My studies for the priesthood began in the late 1950s and continued in the 1960s, culminating in my ordination in 1969. Those were momentous years for the world as well as for the Church. When I was ordained, the reforms of Vatican

8 Catholic Connection March 2009

II were just beginning. The Church into which I was ordained was much different from the one in which I began my studies. One of the biggest changes was the concept of the “emerging laity.”

Before Vatican II, lay people were, for the most part, recipients of the Church’s sacramental and catechetical ministries, rather than being active in them. The word “Church” usually referred primarily to the pope, bishops and religious.

After Vatican II, the scene began to change. The council recognized that every baptized Christian, not just the clergy, has been commissioned

by God to participate in the saving mission of the Church, as indicated in the council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church. The Church is not only a hierarchical institution, the bishops declared, but also the People of God called to community and service.

The council indicated that by baptism, all are called to a ministry of service in the real life circumstances of family, work and society. During these years, lay people began to serve in parishes as pastoral associates, directors of religious education, youth ministers, liturgists, lectors and so on. Therefore, immediately following my ordination, I knew that my life as a priest was going to be different than that of the pastor during the years of my youth. The role of the priest was beginning to evolve from institutional leader and dispenser of the sacraments to that of leader of community and service.

In this context, I came to view my role as a priest as one who is “a minister to other ministers.” That phrase helped me understand that in my role as an ordained priest, I am

called to help each layperson claim their baptism and serve one another as the Body of Christ. Obviously this means that being a parish priest is not “a solo act.” Leaders in the Church began talking about “collaboration.” I knew the vast call of ministry was too much for me alone and that others not only had a right to share in the ministry, but I also wanted them to share their gifts and training with others in the parish.

As St. Paul said so eloquently, no one person has all the gifts.

Today, my ministry takes on a special importance through my collaboration with the pastoral staff members, who are ministers in their special way, serving the parish community. While such service presents moments of challenge, there are many more moments of grace that glow within our hearts because we know that ministry is what it is all about in the kingdom of God on earth.

The collaboration I love the most is when we share liturgy, especially during the Sunday Mass. It is “our” Mass, not “my Mass” as priests use to say. Only when we all are fully active and conscious in our common praise of God do we give proper worship to the Father, through Christ in the Spirit. I feel privileged to have now, as well as in past pastorates, such wonderful and responsive liturgies with fine musicians, readers, servers, ministers of hospitality and the ministry of all in the assembly.

Ultimately worship is the most important call for each of us, and I find much fulfillment in sharing worship with the community.

During my free time, I enjoy walking for exercise, watching favorite TV shows that I record and keeping up with Church news as well as that of the nation and world.

I also spend some of my free time at my family home, which I have cared for since the deaths of my parents.

There I relax, do a little yard work, visit old friends and return to continually embrace the next “forty years” of priesthood.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church Focuses on Future Star-Beth Regan, St. Thomas Aquinas Church

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aint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ruston is actively campaigning for funds to build a new Catholic Life Center. The Building Committee calls upon all members of the community to honor the past, celebrate the present and work toward building the future by pledging support for this endeavor.

As the only Catholic Church in Ruston, St. Thomas Aquinas is dedicated to meet the needs of the Louisiana Tech students as well as the faithful in the area. Over the past 65 years, the population has experienced great change. The membership has grown from 50 families to over 300 families. Twenty-five years have passed since any new additions have been added to the physical facilities.

However, the parish events and activities continue to increase.

Architectural rendering of future Catholic Life Center. Rendering by Tim Brandon & Associates.

The parish school of religion is enrolling more students. Classrooms can no longer accommodate the number of children participating in religious education. The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), which serves 6th through 12th graders, is growing as well. CYO meets on a regular basis in St. Francis Hall, which was built in the 1940s and originally meant to house a grade school. The building has served well, but is not suited to provide additional classrooms as well as a recreational area.

All events and activities which encompass the St. Thomas community as a whole depend upon the use of the E. Donn Piatt Catholic University Student Center, home of the Association of Catholic Tech Students

(A.C.T.S.). The Center is primarily for the use of college students. Their activities take priority. Simply put, the space available for the college student activities and the entire parish is grossly inadequate.

The only kitchen facility available is in the E. Donn Piatt Catholic Student Center. The space in the kitchen is limited and the appliances outmoded.

Annual parish events such as the Women’s Guild gumbo fundraiser must rent the Civic Center’s kitchen to meet the demand. Service Organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul offer an untold number of volunteer hours in the Ruston area. They, too, are finding the limited space available restricts all they are capable of doing.

For the reasons stated above, the Building Committee, at the direction of the congregation, engaged a professional architectural group to work on designing a multi-purpose Catholic Life Center to meet the current and future needs of the parish.

The center would provide additional classrooms, a large functional kitchen, and a multi-purpose space which could accommodate seating up to 500 people or serve as a gymnasium or for other recreational activities.

The estimated cost of this project is $2 million. Over the past year and a half, pledges, donations and memorials have provided close to half of the amount needed to bring the Catholic Life Center into reality. Fortunately, St. Thomas owns the land upon which the new center would be built.

The current volatile economy may look to some as a setback. However, the Building Committee is 100% agreed that the project must go forward. By doing so parishioners demonstrate respect for the past, recognize the present challenges and pledge to devote their time, talent and treasure, to ensure a healthy Catholic environment for future generations.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic community envisions the new Catholic Life Center as an outward symbol of their loving support for a growing faith community that is paving the way for future generations as it meets the challenges of today.

Liturgy Lines: Mixing

of Water and Wine

by

Dianne Rachal, Office of Worship

“She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table;” Proverbs 9:2 he mixing of water and wine is an ancient liturgical practice in both east and west. Because of the wine’s heavy texture it became customary in both secular and religious usage to dilute the wine with water to render it less strong. The early Christians continued this custom in the celebration of the Eucharist.

This utilitarian action was soon endowed with a symbolic interpretation.

In the west the mingling came to represent the union of Christ with the faithful: just as wine receives water, so Christ takes us and our sins to himself. The eastern interpretation was that the wine and water represent the divine and human natures in Christ. In Rome the rite was eventually given a prayer whose text was taken from an ancient Christmas oration expressing both symbolic meanings. Today an abbreviated version of this prayer is said softly by the deacon (or priest): “By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.”

The mixing of water and wine, seemingly maintained for reasons of tradition, recalls that what was initiated in the Incarnation is realized in the Sacrament of the Lord’s Body and Blood. Through the Eucharist we are to share in the divine dignity of Christ who became incarnate for us.

From The Mystery of Faith

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9

Greco Announces New Program by Fr. Pat Madden

Consecrated Life Mass

Photos by John Mark Willcox

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he Greco Institute and the School of Ministry of the University of Dallas are collaborating on a course to be offered at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. The course will be the first year of the four-year curriculum of the Catholic Biblical School. The CBS began in Denver nearly 30 years ago and has grown around the nation in diocesan and educational settings.

Now it is coming to the Diocese of Shreveport.

Jim McGill, former Jim McGill instructor in the Greco Institute and currently on the faculty of the School of Ministry, will offer a year-long, 11-session class on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. beginning August 29, 2009. The class will meet once a month and will include opening prayer, small group discussion and presentations by the instructor. This first year of the CBS will cover the Pentateuch (includes Genesis and Exodus) and several historical books (includes Joshua and stories of the kings of Israel).

This program is intended for adults who want to deepen their knowledge of the Bible. No special educational background is required. The program addresses both the head and the heart in a process that includes reading the text of the Bible, doing some background research and writing short answers to discussion questions in preparation for class. All adults are welcome, but it may be especially helpful to those in catechetical, liturgical or social ministries.

On Saturdays March 28, May 30 and July 18 information sessions and a lecture introducing the Bible will be offered by Jim McGill at the Catholic Center at 9:00 a.m. and repeated again at 1:00 p.m. By attending one of these sessions you can meet the instructor, find out more about the program and, if you wish to participate, submit your application and tuition payment, receive your summer reading assignment and become part of this new, exciting study.

Perhaps this is the year for you to begin a serious Bible study. If so, a new opportunity will be available beginning in the fall! For more information, contact Greco Institute at 318-219-266 or the School of Ministry at 1-888-447-4777 or http://www.udallas.edu/ ministry/cbs/applicationinfo.cfm.

10 Catholic Connection March 2009

The Diocese of Shreveport held its first ever Mass for Consecrated Life at the Cathedral on February 8, honoring those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church.

Fr. Adrian Fischer,ofm, Bro. Cletus Riederer, ofm, Fr. Andre McGrath, ofm, std, & Fr. Zacharias Prakuzhy, cmi celebrated anniversaries as religious with Bishop Duca.

Members of Religious communities serving in the Diocese of Shreveport bring up the gifts during Mass.

Women Religious of the Diocese of Shreveport were honored at Mass.

Bishop Duca and priests of the diocese stand with Loyola College Prep students outside of the Cathedral.

S chool N ews

Our Lady School by

of

Fatima

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St. Joseph School

by

Katie Sciba, Secretary & Reading

Lucy Medvec, Director of Development

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n January 31, 10 chaperones and 22 members of Junior Beta, an academic and service club, headed towards Saline, LA, where they competed against Beta students from other schools in District 1 of the Jr. Beta Club. St. John’s Beta members placed in every event they entered!

Winners included Eric Johnson, Victoria Brooks, Alex Bozeman, Rachel Bonk, Sophia Simon, John Fenton, Kim Le, Andy Nguyen, Steven Stringfellow, Connor Brooks, Morgan Murray and Julia Vanchiere. Winners of the math, spelling, poetry writing, impromptu speech, t-shirt, and poster contests all qualified to compete at state level and will do so on May 7 in Lafayette, LA.

Jesus the Good Shepherd School by

Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Asst. Principal Nia Mitchell, Principal Susan Belanger, Gwen Campbell, Billy Montgomery and Fr. Karl Daigle.

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t. Joseph School kicked off Catholic Schools Week with a special ceremony on Monday, January 26th. Former Louisiana Representative Billy Montgomery served as guest speaker and spoke to the students about the importance of service and education.

Gwen Campbell, from Mayor Cedric Glover’s office, read a proclamation from the City of Shreveport. Assistant Principal Nia Mitchell announced that St. Joseph students had completed 125,509 minutes of service during the month of January and had surpassed their goal of 2,009 hours.

Young Adult Conference a Hit Gabriela Argueta

Missy McKenzie, Dir. of Development

ur Lady of Fatima students recently attended the 2009 Ag Expo at the Ike Hamilton Center in West Monroe. The children enjoyed learning about different aspects of farm life and agriculture in northeast Louisiana. They had fun handling ducklings and baby chicks, learning how to milk a cow, observing various local wildlife and watching as trained horses herded cattle. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s Expo!

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St. John Berchmans Cathedral School

Student Jefferson Manning, who spearheaded the king cake fundraiser, stands in front of the 90-foot-long king cake.

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ollowing Eastern Deanery All Schools Mass, students from Jesus the Good Shepherd School bought and ate pieces of North Louisiana’s largest kingcake, donated

by Thurman’s.Hidden inside the 90-foot-long cake were different colored “babies.” Those who found a baby in their slice won a prize.Proceeds from the cake sale went to support the City of Monroe Community Outreach.

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n February 6 and 7, the Young Adult Conference took place at the Catholic Center.

Many young adults from around our diocese and other dioceses throughout the state joined us for an evening of music, worship and a day of spiritual enrichment.

Friday evening started with the fantastic music of Bethany, a praise and worship band from Monroe, followed by an inspirational message from keynote speaker Fr. Michael Joly, who joined us from Yorktown, Virginia. It ended with Mass and a delicious meal. The evening left many looking forward to the next day.

On Saturday morning, Fr. Rothell Price joined us for a quick opening introduction to Fr. Mike Joly’s presentation, followed by the sacrament of reconciliation for which four priests from our diocese where present; including, Fr. Charles Glorioso, Fr. Joseph Howard, Fr. David Richter and Fr. James McLelland.

The series of breakout sessions were a huge success. Everyone enjoyed learning from one another on topics such as, “how to educate one’s children as Catholics,” “how to communicate better with others,” “how to understand the true meaning of the Mass,” etc.

The day ended with Mass celebrated by Bishop Michael Duca, Fr. Mike Joly and Fr. David Richter.

As a young adult, I must say that this conference was truly a wonderful experience and I encourage other young adults to attend next year’s conference.

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Good News About Vocations Pt. 6 of 6

From Tiny Seeds, Vocations Take Root by

Martha H. Fitzgerald,

projects through

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formerly a columnist and associate editorial page editor for

Martha Fitzgerald Consulting and Little Dove Press.

o let’s review some of the joyful news explored in earlier columns—the positive trends about U.S. vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

• Ordinations are ticking upwards.

The number of men being ordained has risen, though slowly, for nearly 10 years.

• Enrollment is increasing at many seminaries. Several, in fact, are reclaiming long unused residences, or building new ones.

• Interest in the religious life is growing as Web sites and blogs make information more readily available.

• Many communities of sisters, brothers, or priests are reporting more entrants—more women or men in the early stages of formation—than in previous decades.

• And young Catholics are fueling the increases. They are making bold, countercultural choices to lead lives of meaning, to turn toward God. Social scientists warn the data is too new, the numbers are too small to authenticate a long-term trend.

But hope is burning in the hearts of many vocations directors—hope that the decades-long decline in priestly and religious vocations has begun to reverse. “People are searching and the Holy Spirit is working,” says Father

The Shreveport Times, develops independent book

share the thoughts of several of those included in previous articles, men and women involved in vocations work. But first, the family perspective, from a woman whose son became a priest and husband became a Mary Daigle stands next to her son, Fr. Karl Daigle (right), while talking to deacon.

Fr. Kallookalam before Bishop Duca's Ordination.

Mary Daigle But don’t push. Allow the seedlings of Bossier City, Louisiana, witnessed to grow at their own pace. And keep two men in her life respond to that in mind that the call to holiness is “strong inner nudge,” that feeling that universal. In that sense, every child God needed and wanted them in service has a vocation, whether to married life, to Him and His people. She considers single life, ordained or consecrated life. both vocations a blessing in her own And parents are the first vocational role life. “From a mother’s perspective, you models. want your son to be a priest. It’s a great “A lot stems from the marriage,” says honor.”

Mrs. Daigle. Theirs was a home aware The Daigle home created the kind of God’s presence, where commitment of environment in which vocations was a given, where doing for others flourish—naturally, not by pressure or enriched their lives. even conscious effort. “We kept telling Her advice for other parents? “Desire [our son], ‘It’s whatever makes you to have an open heart and a willingness happy. Pray about it.’ And we prayed to help others.”

“...ever y child has a vocation, whether to married life, single life, ordained or consecrated life. And parents are the first vocational role models.”

Other avenues churches and dioceses could explore: • Encourage prayer. In 1996 the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis had 19 Eucharistic adoration chapels about it, that he would know what to Joseph Noonan, vocations director for and 42 seminarians. “It’s not a do, what God wanted him to do. It’s not coincidence,” says Father Tom Wilson, the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Not everyone shares their optimism, what Mom and Dad wanted; it’s what he vocations director from 2001 to 2008. of course. Many dioceses are painfully wanted and what God wanted him to do. “Where Jesus is adored and his physical “What more can a mom ask for than presence is appreciated, the seriousness short of men and women in service to for a child to be happy?”

Our Lord and the Church. They are of Holy Orders will be appreciated.”

Vocations are not career choices; struggling to create environments that • Emphasize the role of the bishop. they are a state of being. They cannot nurture vocations—families, schools, In today’s culture, says Father Wilson, be earned or produced, says Sister and churches where young people, we communicate values by how we Catherine Marie, O.P. of the Nashville especially, feel connected to God. “If spend our time and money. “Bishops Christ isn’t at the center of their life, it’s Dominicans. They are profound gifts have little of either,” so personal nurtured by love, beginning in the hard to hear the call,” says Noonan. contact with young people and those in home. “While it is God who plants the discernment sends a powerful message.

So what steps can one take to seed, He calls on parents to help till the encourage vocations where they are • Expose schoolchildren to priests, soil,” she wrote in Canticle Magazine. scarce? In this wrapup column, I will Tiny Seeds continued on page 13

12 Catholic Connection March 2009

Tiny Seeds continued from page 12.

sisters and brothers. Have seminarians and young sisters in formation tell their stories.

“Personal testimonies can be powerful and a great way to plant the seed of a vocation,” says Sister Catherine Marie.

Arrange visits to local convents, monasteries or seminaries. Or organize vocations fairs in which students represent the religious, making posters, giving out flyers, dressing like members of the orders.

• Strengthen youth ministry programs. “Cultural and societal factors are essentially forcing young people to make a decision for discipleship much sooner” than before, Father Wilson says. Ground young Catholics in catechesis, teaching the fundamentals of the faith. Create enthusiasm through youth rallies, retreats, conferences, and World Youth Day. Hold a nightlong adoration several times a year.

• Expand university ministries. Support and engage young people who are away from home, questioning, and focused on their future. Model college programs on the campus ministries at the University of Nebraska and Texas A&M, which produce vocations at a hearty rate.

• Connect those discerning with role models. When a young man expresses interest in the priesthood or religious life, put him in touch with a seminarian or a member of a community of priests or brothers. What makes young guys stay, says Brother Charles Johnson, vocation director for the Society of Mary, is interaction with members of the order, “with men who have the same kind of goals in terms of serving God, serving the church.

That’s true for me. I am here because of the men I grew to respect and love in the order.”

• Engage families and young adults on the parish level.

Renew commitments to married life, organize family service projects, and evangelize. “A local church that seeks to reach out and evangelize is going to see more vocations,” says Father Noonan. “That’s the natural fruit of the work.”

• Keep vocations directors on the job longer. Father Wilson suggests that dioceses commit to terms of six to 10 years and consider making vocations a full-time assignment. “That will bear great fruit.” Be passionate, Brother Charles advises those in vocations ministry. You have something wonderful to share with the next generation.

No matter how it’s achieved, the hand of God is evident in today’s renewed interest in priestly and consecrated vocations. Social factors still weigh heavily against it—smaller families, broken homes, closing of churches and schools, loss of respect and prestige for priests, America’s strong streak of me-first individualism and materialism.

And yet young Catholics yearn for more. “They see the bankruptcy of what the world has offered their parents,” says Father Wilson.

Undeterred by cynicism and pessimism, inspired still by John Paul II, this new generation of Catholics finds that God is the answer to their questions and the source of inner peace. Young men and women are increasingly willing to explore vocations of greater sacrifice, lives that require vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

What we are witnessing is the leading edge of a long-awaited rise in vocations. May we support these men and women in their calling. And let us spread the good news. © 2009 Martha H. Fitzgerald

“From Tiny Seeds, Vocations Take Root” may be reprinted only with permission of the Catholic Connection magazine and Martha H. Fitzgerald.

Feast of Blessed Cyriac Elias Chavara by

Fr. Job Edathinatt, CMI & Dr. Carl Thameling, PhD

Carmelite priests Fr. Job Edathinatt, Fr. Thomas Kalam and Fr. Peter Pulivelil along with, Deacon Tim Cotita, gather around the altar to honor Blessed Cyriac Elias Chavara.

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he Priests of the religious Congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI), engaged in pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Shreveport, recently celebrated the Feast of their Founder, Blessed Cyriac Elias Chavara; the first man to be beatified from India. Blessed Chavara founded the CMI Congregation in 1831 in order to form a group of committed religious men to be at the assistance of dioceses and parishes in different ways, such as preaching, rendering pastoral services, educating the youth and organizing developmental activities for lifting the spirits of the under-privileged. Approximately 2,500 CMI’s are active in spreading the word of Jesus’ Kingdom in almost every continent, but mostly in India.

Presently, there are seven CMI priests serving in the Diocese of Shreveport.

At the invitation of Reverends Job Edathinatt (Catholic Chaplain, ULM) and Zacharias Prakuzhy (Coordinator of Trivandrum Province of the CMIs), parishioners from the churches where CMI priests are working celebrated the feast of the Blessed Chavara at Christ the King Chapel, located on the University of Louisiana at Monroe campus on January 4. CMI priests, diocesan priests, Franciscan priests, other religious and guests filled Christ the King Chapel to near capacity.

Father Thomas Kalam, CMI, Director of the Carmel Spirituality Center in Liberty, TN, who was visiting Monroe, gave the homily during the Mass which was concelebrated by several priests.

A reception of Indian and local culinary delights followed the celebration.

Congratulations to the CMI on their founding and 176 years of service to the faithful! May the Congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate continue to grow, thrive and work to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. And may these priests be an encouragement to others considering the life of a religious.

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Diocese of Shreveport Seminarians

March for Life Deacon Matthew Long

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n January 21 Michael Petty and I joined 63 other men from Saint Meinrad and journeyed to our nation’s Capitol for the March for Life.

We arrived on the Mall at around 10:00 a.m. and were greeted by cheers from college age kids because the majority of us were wearing clerical shirts. What was most touching to me in those first hours was the number of men and women who came up to me thanking me for being willing to be at the March and for being willing to commit my life to the service of the Church.

As the hour approached for the March to begin, I saw graduates of St. Meinrad from all over the country leading groups of youth from their home dioceses. I was amazed to see the great diversity of men and women there. It was apparent that the issue of protecting human life brings together the old and the young, men and women, and every ethnicity and cultural group. I was also impressed that during this week of Christian Unity so many of our Protestant and Orthodox brothers and sisters joined us to protest Roe v. Wade.

This sea of humanity also included our Jewish brothers and sisters as well.

As the estimated 250,000 people assembled there pervaded over the entire gathering, a sense of joy and hope that we as a people had come together to protect those who cannot protect themselves: the aged, the imprisoned and the unborn.

The speeches were rousing as victims of abortion shared their stories and we were inspired by priests, rabbis and Protestant ministers who reminded us of God’s great commitment to life and His protection of it.

Following the speeches the March began and, in that noble city of Freedom and Democracy surrounded by the monuments of our history and government, we headed up the Hill towards that bastion of Justice, the Supreme Court Building.

I heard no angry words spoken and the good-natured atmosphere continued as we marched together. I heard groups praying the Rosary and singing the Salve. We soon neared the Supreme Court Building and the March came to an end. The Spirit of the March did not end however, smiles

14 Catholic Connection March 2009

illuminated the faces of most of the participants and for a moment on that day we were all united in a common cause, a holy cause, committed to protecting and defending one of the Sacred Principles of our Constitution: the Seminarian Joshua Sanders (fourth from left) stands with fellow seminarians at the March for Life in Washington D.C. Right to Life. This spirit should continue to pervade our lives The main celebrant was Archbishop Wuerl, the Archbishop of DC. as we rededicate ourselves to defending The crowd went wild as the Archbishop life in all its stages and doing whatever we recognized every bishop, archbishop can, wherever we are, to end the Culture of and cardinal there. The Mass itself was Death in our nation and our world. unbelievable. The Verizon Center’s full Seminarian Joshua Sanders 33,000 seats were taken and more people he day before the youth Mass and were still outside.

March, we stopped at the Basilica After Mass Archbishop Wuerl asked the of the National Shrine of the priests to stand and be recognized. Every Immaculate Conception for daily Mass, person in the center was on their feet where I had the honor of serving with cheering for them. They then asked us, Christopher, a fellow seminarian. the seminaries, to stand. The cheering was In the process of walking around DC and so loud that the ground itself was shaking visiting the National Holocaust Museum, a little. I remember as the people were still we met many of the other people that we cheering for us seminarian Christopher would soon be marching with the next day. leaned over and said, “I think they like us After leaving the museum, our bus, for a little.” the first time that week, was so quiet you Following Mass, all 33,000 people joined could hear a pin drop. The silence was in with the over 250,000 people outside as broken when three students asked Robert we began our march for unborn children. (who was the other seminarian riding that There were so many people that I had a bus) and me what we were reading. The tough time seeing anything other than book was our breviary and we told them the people marching. So many people of that we were praying night prayer. We also every race, creed, gender and religion told them we use this book throughout the were screaming at the top of their lungs day to pray the liturgy of the hours. After chanting, praying, singing. They were hearing this, everyone on the bus wanted there only to show our government that to get involved. So Robert and I got the bus life must be respected. We marched for microphone and prayed night prayer with almost two hours but no one was tired. the entire bus.

The “yellow hats,” as we called ourselves, At 5:00 a.m. the next morning it was 19 wanted to go further. They were not ready degrees and we were all standing outside to quit. They were not ready to say die; they the Verizon Center, cassocks on, waiting wanted to keep marching. for the doors to open. Once we were in the The high school students with us center all the seminaries were rushed off to afterwards said they knew they did not a specific area. As we waited for Mass, we change the world, but hoped they helped watched thousands packed into the Center. one woman see the gift of life for what it Once Mass started we were overwhelmed was, and helped her decide to keep her with the site of over 200 priests and more child. By helping one person, that one than 50 bishops, archbishops and cardinals. person could help another and so on.

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Aging with Reflection

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n my elder years I have learned that my head does not hear anything until my heart has listened.

We must begin our journey of aging in our hearts. Let your heart open gently to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit and breathe in His love. Your heart is a safe place to be when you reflect on the true meaning of what your aging means. The body, mind and spirit all work together deep down in the recesses of your heart and soul. We must keep our minds open to the ‘whisperings’ and hear them in our hearts.

God makes an aging heart beautiful in his own time. As we age we permit our hearts to wait patiently, quietly and attentively because it is a balance point for emotions. My aging heart reaches out to touch, to help and support others.

It involves your body, mind and spirit to take a journey to your heart and listen to what it is saying. You will find God there making all things new for you as you age. My heart is not happy unless it is beating for someone else.

I think one of the secrets of longevity is not having all the answers. The mystery of God is larger than our minds can contain. We don’t really know what

Family Friendly Helpers

by

Sr. Martinette Rivers, Spiritual Gerontologist

of doing things God has in store for that kept his body these bodies of ours. It and soul together. is important we remain By staying active open and listen to our and keeping fit, we hearts when the Lord continually remind speaks. ourselves that God Be beautiful, with made every part the gentle spirit of the of us spiritual and Lord which resides physical. in your heart. “Your Blessed are adornment is rather they who cherish the hidden character their happy aging of the heart, expressed moments for they in the unfading beauty Chiara Lubich pictured with Pope John Paul II will make a fine of a calm and gentle cushion for old age disposition.” I Peter 4. in 1982. (CNS photo/KNA). and shall be seated with grace.

The more I think about the delights We are like mirrors, a reflection of of aging, the more I realize that what the moon on a quiet pond. God is only happens to my body, mind and spirit makes my ‘invisible self’ become visible. looking for our grateful hearts, so give Perhaps this is because my ageless soul them to him. No new Bible will be written, but I believe that at the moment connects me to my God, my Master of our birth, when we began to age, the Designer. In Pope John Paul II’s, The Theology of the Body, he said the human Holy Spirit began a new chapter in the life of each of us and has been writing body cannot be disconnected from the all these years with our lives as his pen spirit: “The body in fact, and it alone, and ink. At our death, he will close that is capable of making visible what is chapter in his Book. Mine will be called invisible: the spiritual and the divine.” the “Epistle of Martinette”... what will The late Pope did his ‘spiritual workout’ and was a remarkable example yours be called ?

temporary vows in 1911.

He had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and, with six friends, founded

by Kim Long, DRE, St. Mary of the Pines the Immaculata Movement to spread love and devotion to our Lady. don’t know a family He returned to Poland who isn’t touched following his ordination in by addiction or 1918, and began the magazine incarceration. Addiction The Knight of the Immaculata. is a difficult disease to He founded a monastery of understand and a source Niepokalanow, the “Cities of the of pain for everyone Immaculate.” Here he published concerned. So much more magazines and started a so that families often radio program. don’t want to tell anyone Maximilian opened similar or talk about it. What monasteries in Japan and India a comfort to know before returning home in 1936 that we have a patron due to poor health. By 1939, his saint for such a painful St. Maximiliam Kolbe monastery housed almost 800 experience! men and was totally self-sufficient. In 1941 St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Feast Day is August 14. He is the patron saint for drug Maximilian was arrested and sent to the addiction, families, prisoners and the pro- concentration camp at Auschwitz where he was assigned to a workgroup with life movement. other priests. He received the worst jobs Maximilian Kolbe was born in 1894 and the most beatings for his dedication in Russian occupied Poland. He entered to faith and calm demeanor. the Franciscan junior seminary in 1907 Near the end of July, a group of 10 men and became a novice in the Conventual were chosen to be executed in exchange Franciscan Order at age 16, making

St. Maximilian Kolbe

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for one prisoner who had escaped. When Francis Gajowniczek, a young husband and father was chosen, he cried out in despair. Maximilian volunteered to take his place and, after weeks of starvation, dehydration and neglect, he was given an injection of carbonic acid. He died August 14, 1941 and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982.

Prayer seeking intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe O Lord Jesus Christ who said “greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions…(here mention the requests you have).

He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all men, a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen in order to better love and serve our brothers and sisters in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.

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Twelve Receive Ministry of Acolyte at Saint Meinrad

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Hispanic Ministry Celebrations at Sacred Heart by Evelyn Nagen Ridings

welve priesthood students from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, St. Meinrad, IN, received the ministry of acolyte on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, in the School’s St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel.

Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, OSB, of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, installed the acolytes.

The seminarians receiving the ministry were Jose Ernesto Calvillo Michael Petty, Diocese of Corona and Jorge Alfonso Gomez Shreveport Seminarian.

Alvarado, Diocese of Tulsa; Noah Diehm, Archdiocese of Dubuque; Jeffrey Estacio, Diocese of Lexington; Ignacio Jimenez Morales and Ryan McCoy, Diocese of Biloxi; Byron Macias, Diocese of Owensboro; Jacob Niemand, Diocese of New Ulm; Dexter Noblefranca; Diocese of Memphis; Michael Petty, Diocese of Shreveport; David Proctor III; Archdiocese of Indianapolis; and Leonardo Soncaire, Archdiocese of Nassau, Bahamas.

An acolyte is appointed to assist a deacon or priest, primarily in the celebration of Mass. He attends to the needs of the altar and may distribute Communion as an auxiliary minister. He also may be entrusted with the public veneration of the Blessed Sacrament, but does not give the Benediction, since he is neither a priest nor a deacon.

Saint Meinrad School of Theology offers initial and continuing education for priests, permanent deacons and lay ministers. A two-year pre-theology program leads to a Master of Arts in Catholic Philosophical Studies. The fouryear theology program leads to a Master of Divinity degree.

The Grupo Impacto Musical Band: Raymundo Solis, Carmelo Salvador, Alberto Juarez and Cesav Gercia at Sacred Heart Church, Oak Grove.

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n December 21, Fr. Al Jost, who works with the Spanish ministry in our diocese, came to Sacred Heart Church in Oak Grove to celebrate Mass. He speaks English and Spanish and helps our pastor, Fr. Zacharias.

Mass was beautifully celebrated with songs and music by the Grupo Impacto Musical Band composed of Raymundo Solis, Carmelo Salvador, Alberto Juarez and Cesav Gercia.

Fr. Al celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Christmas that day. To honor Our Lady of Guadalupe a novena was prayed. It was preceded and concluded with song.

After Mass our Spanish Church family celebrated Christmas with a Posada (play). Joselyn Alvizo played Mary and Tomas Alvizo played Joseph. The two served as narrators while the congregation responded in English and Spanish.

The Posada helped everyone focus on Jesus’s birth and on Joseph and Mary’s humility in accepting the stable as a place to rest. It helped everyone give thanks and praise to our Savior for teaching us love, humility and unselfish sacrifice to others.

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

16 Catholic Connection March 2009

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

Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página

La humillación y Grandeza de Cristo “

D

estruyan este templo y en tres días volveré a levantarlo” (Juan 1:19) Esto dijo Jesús, cuando vio que los comerciantes hacían de la casa de su Padre un mercado. Ellos creyeron que hablaba de la estructura del templo que les había tomado mas de cuarenta años construir y que usaban para vender toda clase de mercancía. Jesús, nos pide respeto para sus lugares santos como lo son los templos. Sin embargo, en esta ocasión se refería al templo de Su Cuerpo que después fue puesto a muerte y resucitado en tres días.

El apóstol San Pablo nos enseña también que todos formamos el Cuerpo de Cristo y nos enseña como vivir en unión con nuestros hermanos que como nosotros son parte del cuerpo de Jesús. “Ustedes son el cuerpo de Cristo, y cada uno de ustedes es parte de ese cuerpo” (1a Corintios 12:27) “No hagan nada por rivalidad o por orgullo, sino con humildad, y que cada uno considere a los demás como mejores que él mismo.

Ninguno busque únicamente su propio bien, sino también el bien de los otros. Tengan la misma manera de pensar que tuvo Cristo Jesús, el cual: Aunque era de naturaleza

divina, no insistió en ser igual a Dios, sino que hizo a un lado lo que le era propio y tomando naturaleza de siervo nació como hombre y al presentarse como hombre se humilló a sí mismo, y por obediencia fue a la muerte, a la vergonzosa muerte en al cruz. Por eso, Dios le dio el mas alto honor y el mas excelente de todos los nombres, para que, al nombre de Jesús, doblen la rodilla todos y los que están en los cielos, y en la tierra, y debajo de la tierra, y todos reconozcan que Jesucristo es el Señor, para honra de Dios Padre”. (Filipenses 2:3-11) Como práctica por la Cuaresma, pidamos al Señor que nos enseñe a ser humildes como Jesús.

Por nuestra parte, busquemos oportunidades de ser como Jesús, especialmente respetando nuestros cuerpos que son templos santos de Dios y nuestras parroquias que son lugares santos de oración.

Encuentra mucho mas sobre el respeto y amor al Señor, a nuestro prójimo y a nosotros mismos leyendo las Santas Escrituras donde encontrarás las enseñanzas de Jesús, que es el Templo Mayor.

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

Calendario Diocesano del mes de Marzo

7: Cambio de horario- recuerde adelantar una hora su reloj antes de dormir 11-12: Retiro de Directores y Coordinadores del Ministerio Hispano del Estado de Louisiana en Grand Coteau 21-22: Segunda Colección Del 30 de marzo al – 11 de Abril: Actividades Cuaresmales y de Semana Santa: retiros, confesiones y Vía Crucis. El Padre Francisco Javier Varela que viene de México ayudará con estas actividades.

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)______________________________

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

Teléfono (___) - ________ - _________ Dirección____________________________________________ Ciudad________________________ Estado__________ Código Postal _______________

Rosalba Quiroz

Directora Interina del Ministerio Hispano

Rev. Al Jost

Coordinador de La Vicaría del Este

17

NEWS BRIEFS

by

Catholic News Service

Vatican: Bishop’s Holocaust statements ‘strongly rejected’ by pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican said a traditionalist bishop who has minimized the full extent of the Holocaust must disavow his positions before he will be accepted into full communion with the church. A Vatican statement Feb. 4 said Pope Benedict XVI did not know about the controversial statements by British-born Bishop Richard Williamson when he lifted the excommunication of him and three other traditionalist bishops ordained illicitly in 1988.

“The positions of Bishop Williamson on the Holocaust are absolutely unacceptable and are strongly rejected by the Holy Father,” the statement said. In order to function as a bishop, Bishop Williamson must distance himself from his previous statements in “an absolutely unequivocal and public manner,” the Vatican said. In a statement meant to deflect the increasing public outcry over the papal decree lifting the excommunication, the Vatican said the decree did not change the juridical status of the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, which still has no canonical recognition in the Catholic Church. The society was founded by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who also incurred automatic excommunication when he ordained the four bishops against papal orders. The society has not accepted the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council and its concepts of religious freedom and ecumenism.

Vatican

launches video news channel on YouTube

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican launched a video channel on YouTube that will feature news coverage of Pope Benedict XVI and major Vatican events. It marked the start of the Vatican’s strategic vision of working “to be present wherever people are,” said Archbishop Claudio Celli, head of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. The Vatican officially unveiled the new channel Jan. 23 during a press conference that presented Pope Benedict’s message for World Communications Day, which was dedicated to new media technology. Addressing pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 25, the pope said he hopes the YouTube channel “will enrich a wide range of people -- including those who have yet to find a response to their spiritual yearning -- through the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.” The new Vatican initiative will make information and news about the Vatican more readily accessible on the Internet, the pope said at the end of his midday Angelus address.

Obama

orders faith-based office be reworked, its scope expanded

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- President Barack Obama created by executive order Feb. 5 a White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, which will expand upon and rework the Bush administration’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. The office’s top priority, according to the White House release,

18 Catholic Connection March 2009

PAGE FROM VATICAN'S YOUTUBE VIDEO NEWS CHANNEL The Vatican's YouTube video news channel features news clips of Pope Benedict XVI and major Vatican events. The channel, www.youtube. com/vatican, was unveiled Jan. 23. (CNS) (Jan. 23, 2009)

will be “making community groups an integral part of our economic recovery and poverty a burden fewer have to bear when recovery is complete.” It also will focus on reducing demand for abortions, encouraging fathers to stand by their families and working with the National Security Council to “foster interfaith dialogue with leaders and scholars around the world.” In the same order, Obama created a new President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, comprised of 25 leaders of religious and community organizations, including Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, and Arturo Chavez, president of the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, formerly known as the Mexican American Cultural Center.

Once

controversial, U.S.-Vatican relations mark silver anniversary

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican and the United States quietly celebrated a silver anniversary in mid-January, marking 25 years of formal diplomatic relations. The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See observed the event with a symposium and a dinner, where about 50 guests raised their glasses in a toast to a milestone that today seems inevitable, but once seemed unthinkable. The U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Mary Ann Glendon, who was to leave her post six days later to return to a teaching job at Harvard, drew appreciative laughter at the dinner when she read from an 1865 letter that described Rome as the perfect listening post. At that time, the secretary of the U.S. legation to the Papal States wrote to his superiors in Washington and asked for a bigger budget so he could give “small but frequent entertainments” to other diplomats and the monsignors heading Vatican departments. “European diplomacy is carried on by dinners and parties -- you gather information this way to be obtained in no other manner,” he wrote. A glance around the embassy’s banquet tables found clerical and diplomatic guests nodding in assent.

Lenten Missions March 2-4 - Paulist Mission with Fr. John E. Collins, CSP at St. Mary of the Pines Church.

ALL ARE INVITED! 318-687-5121.

March Calendar

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

All

March 9-11 - Lenten Parish Mission at St. Joseph Church, Shreveport. Mission will be on “Jesus-Mary-Joseph.” Reflections by Fr. Rothell Price. St. Joseph Church, Shreveport at 6:30 p.m. 318-865-3581 March 9-11 - Lenten Parish Mission at Mary Queen of Peace with Fr. Joe Martina. At closing on March 11 will be communial reconciliation.

318-752-5971.

March 14-18 - Lenten Mission with Fr. Patrick Collins at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Mission will cover the “Celebration of Eucharist.” Fr. Collins will also celebrate Mass each morning of the retreat at 9:30 a.m.

Childcare provided for evening sessions. 318798-1887.

March 24 - A Lenten Reflection at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Many, by Fr. Chad Partain of the Diocese of Alexandria on “The Sacristy of our Souls.” 6:00 p.m. 318-256-5680.

March 30 - April 1 - Lenten Mission at Holy Trinity Church with Fr. Chad Partain.

Fr. Partain specialized in 19th century Louisiana church history and is currently writing the biography of Bishop Auguste Martin. Fr. Partain will speak at Masses on March 29 and hold a Lenten reconciliation on March 30 at 7:00 p.m. 318-221-5990.

Lent and the Slattery Library by

Debby Smith, Library Technician

L

ent is underway once again. If you need some contemplative reading material, we have a wonderful array of free brochures on How to Celebrate the Easter Season and How to Celebrate Holy Week. We have free booklets on How to Say the Rosary or the Way of the Cross in English and Spanish. “We Watch and Pray,” a free prayer card on the Paschal Triduum, and several devotional booklets by various authors are also available for your reading pleasure.

We also have an assortment of videos in VHS and DVD formats and many books that may be checked out. See our Lenten Display on the south wall in the library.

Please come by and “Check us out!”

March 1: Rite of Election, Cathedral of

St. John Berchmans, 2:30pm

First Sunday of Lent March 2: Louisiana Interchurch Conference

Annual Assembly March 3: Louisiana Interchurch Conference Annual Assembly

Katharine Drexel, virgin March 4: Casimir March 7: High School Youth Rally, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport

World Day of Prayer

Perpetua & Felicity, martyrs March 8: Daylight Savings Time Begins

Second Sunday of Lent March 9: Frances of Rome, religious March 10: Deadline for Catholic Connection April Issue March 11: Protecting God’s Children,

Catholic Center, 6:00pm March 15: Third Sunday of Lent March 17: Monroe Catholic Schools Spring

Break Begins

Cara Center Dedication and Open

House, 11:00am

St. Patrick's Day, Patrick, bishop March 18: Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop & doctor March 19: Serra Club Meeting, Catholic Center,

12:00pm

Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary March 20: Spring Begins March 21: Second Collection: Operation Rice Bowl March 22: Second Collection: Operation Rice Bowl

Fourth Sunday of Lent March 23: Toribio de Mogrovejo, bishop March 24: Principals' Meeting, Monroe March 25: Annunciation of the Lord March 26: Principals' Meeting, Monroe March 29: Confirmation, Sacred Heart

of Jesus Church, Shreveport,

9:00am

Fifth Sunday of Lent

19

DIOCESE

OF

3500 Fairfield Ave.

SHREVEPORT •

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

2009 LiturgicalCatechetical Conference This year’s conference was a great success with over 200 people in attendance from across the diocese. Msgr. Kevin Irwin inspired attendees with his keynote address on the “Real Presence” of the Eucharist.

20 Catholic Connection March 2009