Catholic Connection March 2013

Vol. 22, No. 8 March 2013

Farewell

Pope

Benedict XVI Pope announces retirement after nearly 8 years of service

March 2013 1

bishop’s march calendar Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Bishop Michael Duca Peter Finney, Jr. Megan Funk Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Theresa Mormino Fr. Rothell Price Rosalba Quiroz Francis X. Rocca

Katie Sciba Jane Snyder John Thavis Duane Trombetta Marcos Villalba Mike Van Vranken Fr. Mark Watson Christie Weeks John Mark Willcox

Editorial Board Cathy Cobb Rev. Charles Glorioso Kim Long Kelly Phelan Powell Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers John Mark Willcox Mission Statement The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport.

Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

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

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

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

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

2 Catholic Connection

MARCH 1 Stations of the Cross & Benediction; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

MARCH 2 Encounter Faith Youth Rally; Catholic Center, Shreveport

MARCH 19 St. Joseph School Mass; St. Joseph Church, Shreveport; 9:45 a.m.

MARCH 4-5 Louisiana Interchurch Conference Annual Assembly; New Orleans

Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Joseph Church, Shreveport; 7:00 p.m.

MARCH 6 Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Jude Church, Bossier City; 5:00 p.m.

MARCH 20 Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Benedict Church, Grambling; 7:00 p.m.

MARCH 8 Catholic Center Staff Retreat; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport

MARCH 24 Palm Sunday Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 11:00 a.m.

Year of Faith Parish Visit; Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Bossier City; 6:30 p.m.

MARCH 26 Clergy Day of Reflection; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

MARCH 14 Notre Dame Seminary & St. Joseph Seminary Board of Trustees meetings; St. Joseph Seminary, Covington; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

MARCH 15 Legislators’ Luncheon; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Stations of the Cross; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

MARCH 16 Diocesan Liturgical Conference; Catholic Center, Shreveport MARCH 18 Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 1:00 p.m.

Chrism Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:00 p.m.

MARCH 28 Mass of the Lord’s Supper; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:00 p.m.

MARCH 29 Ecumenical Way of the Cross; Forsythe Park, Monroe; 10:00 a.m.

Good Friday Service; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 3:00 p.m.

MARCH 30 Easter Vigil; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 8:00 p.m.

UPCOMING

Year of Faith

Parish Visits

MARCH 6 St. Jude Church, Bossier City; 5:00 p.m.

APRIL 16 St. Lucy Church, Hodge; 6:15 p.m.

MARCH 8 Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Bossier City; 6:30 p.m.

APRIL 17 St. Clement Church, Vivian; 5:30 p.m.

MARCH 19 St. Joseph Church, Shreveport; 7:00 p.m.

APRIL 18 Little Flower of Jesus Church, Monroe; 7:00 p.m.

MARCH 20 St. Benedict Church, Grambling; 7:00 p.m.

AUGUST 24 St. Terence Church, Many; 6:00 p.m.

APRIL 9 Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

OCTOBER 2 Sacred Heart Church, Rayville; 5:30 p.m.

APRIL 10 St. Lawrence Church, Swartz; 6:00 p.m.

* Later visits will be published in subsequent issues of the Catholic Connection.

contents

march 2013

columns Forget Speculation; Search for Spiritual Truth by Bishop Michael G. Duca............... 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: How Often Do I Encourage? by Mike Van Vranken............6 Second Collections: Holy Land & Diocese of Shreveport Vocations

by Fr. Rothell Price .....................................................................................................6

Domestic Church: Rejoice for Laetare Sunday by Katie Sciba...........................................7 Refreshing Lenten Commitments by Katie Sciba ....................................................7

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Vocation Education: Discerning Your Call by Duane Trombetta ............................8 Appeal Ministries: Hispanic Ministries by John Mark Willcox .....................................9 Moveable Feast: Saints in the Kitchen by Kim Long ...............................................9 Documents of Vatican II: Presbyterorum Ordinis & Optatum Totius

by Christie Weeks .....................................................................................................10 Decree on Ministry and Life of Priests & Decree on Priestly Training

Year of Faith Saint: St. Katharine Drexel, SBS by USCCB.......................................10 Sacraments of Initiation by Fr. Mark Watson ..........................................................11

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features Pope Benedict’s Pontificate Marked by Teaching, Call to Return to Faith

by John Thavis & Francis X. Rocca, CNS.................................................................... 12-14 Text of Pope Benedict XVI’s Resignation Announcement ............................... 15 On Ash Wednesday, Pope Preaches on Humility, Christian Unity

by Francis X. Rocca, CNS.......................................................................................... 15

news Vocation Visits by Fr. Matthew Long........................................................................16 Catholic Charities Update by Theresa Mormino....................................................16

16 on the cover

John Paul II Exhibit in New Orleans by Peter Finney, Jr..........................................17 Celebration of Service Mass by Jane Snyder ........................................................17 Hispanic Corner by Marcos Villalba.........................................................................18 Across the Globe by Catholic News Service...........................................................19 Benedict will be prayerful presence in next papacy, spokesman says; Vatican’s new app lets users follow live events

Vatican News and Notes by Catholic News Service..............................................19 Around the Diocese ...............................................................................................20 School News ...........................................................................................................21 Upcoming Events....................................................................................................22 March Calendar ....................................................................................................23 Picture of the Month by Megan Funk.....................................................................24

Pope Benedict XVI greets the world from St. Peter’s Basilica after his election April 19, 2005.

(CNS photo by Nancy Wiechec)

March 2013 3

LA REFLEXIÓN del obispo

por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Olvida la Especulación; Busca la Verdad Espiritual

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l 11 de febrero me recibir la Eucaristía y a desperté escuchando escuchar el Evangelio. el inesperado Así, que ¡métete al anuncio de que Nuestro carro!” En su clara Santo Padre, Benedicto sabiduría me enseñó XVI renunciaba como que no pasamos por Papa a partir del 28 la Iglesia para llegar a de Febrero, del 2013 Dios, encontramos a a las 8:00 p.m. Pienso Cristo en la Iglesia, en que cuando reciban la los sacramentos y en Connection de este mes el Cuerpo de Cristo. ya cerca del primero Es verdad que la Misa de Marzo, varias cosas es mejor cuando la habrán pasado o estarán música es bonita y el por pasar. Ya que no hay sermón nos inspira y el necesidad de esperar los Papa es más efectivo de Pope Benedict with the bishops of Louisiana. días que se requieren de cierta manera cuando duelo cuando muere un está lleno de energía. permanentes de las enseñanzas católicas.

Papa, el Conclave será llamado rápido en Pero cuando éstos faltan, la Iglesia es aun así Además de todas las especulaciones, porque las primeras semanas de Marzo y puede que la Iglesia y Cristo esta aun así con nosotros. son solo eso, especulaciones. Nuestra ya lo hayan hecho, o muy pronto lo hagan.

Pienso en este momento de la historia, esperanza en estos tiempos de cambio se Ciertamente ustedes están atareados con una en que el Papa Benedicto hizo un acto encuentra en la verdad espiritual de nuestra carga de predicciones, opiniones y puntos desinteresado en hacerse a un lado por el fe. Creemos que el Espíritu Santo está de vista de la prensa seglar y los medios de bien de la Iglesia. Ahora estamos viendo trabajando en este proceso y la iglesia es aun comunicación, en relación no solo sobre la manera maravillosa de este misterio mas grande que el Papa. quien será el próximo Papa, sino también que del trabajo del Espíritu Santo en nuestra Esto se puede ver un poco más claro cambiará el siguiente Santo Papa en la Iglesia. cuando consideramos que la mayoría de Iglesia. Nuestra respuesta a este misterio que Es mi esperanza que ustedes no hayan sido los Papas mueren durante su Papado y no enfrentamos no debe ser especulación o de envueltos en este drama sino que vean que posición, sino más bien nuestra respuesta renuncian al él, porque esto nos recuerda hay un lado profundamente espiritual en este que el Papa es el padre espiritual más que debe ser de oración. Oremos esta oración, momento de la historia. Desafortunadamente un gerente de una gran corporación. (un en este Año de la Fe por el Papa que será los medios seglares parecen ver a la Iglesia escogido. presidente o gerente es elegido o contratado más que nada como una corporación u y puede salir de la oficina o lo pueden correr. organización donde las decisiones del dogma Oración por la Iglesia En Un padre, por otra parte, es un padre por son hechas por el Papa reaccionando al espera de la Vacante de la Sede toda la vida.) sentimiento y opinión. Claro que sabemos de San Pedro Continuar en su oficina es también una que la primera misión del Santo Padre es Oh Señor Jesucristo, Supremo Pastor de Tu manera de mostrar absoluta entrega a la recibir la fe que viene de los apóstoles a esta Iglesia, te damos gracias por el ministerio del voluntad de Dios, que a través del Espíritu generación y mantener la verdad para que Papa Benedicto XVI y el cuidado desinteresado Santo, escogió al Santo Padre para este se pueda pasar así a la siguiente generación con el que nos ha dirigido como sucesor de ministerio. Nos recuerda que la máxima de creyentes. De hecho, la misión del Santo Pedro, y Tu Vicario en la tierra. autoridad y seguridad de la sobrevivencia de Padre es preservar la fe, no cambiarla. Es Buen Pastor, que fundaste Tu Iglesia en la Iglesia no está en el Papa, sino en Jesucristo, verdad que le pertenece al Santo Padre roca de la fe de Pedro y que nunca has dejado que estableció la iglesia en la Roca de proclamar la Buena Nueva en maneras que a Tu rebaño desatendido, míranos con amor Pedro y continúa guiando su crecimiento se puedan entender en estos tiempos, aplicar ahora, y sostén Tu iglesia en la fe, esperanza y y estabilidad a través del Espíritu Santo el Evangelio a nuevos desafíos, buscar justicia guiando al vicario de Cristo en la tierra. caridad. para todos en las circunstancias únicas de Danos, Señor Jesus, en Tu abundante amor Mi mamá me explicó esto cuando yo era la vida en países de todo el mundo. Así por nosotros, un nuevo Papa para Tu iglesia pequeño y no quería ir a la Misa porque que mientras que el Papa tiene muchas que Te complazca con su santidad y nos dirija pensaba que el sermón estaba aburrido. Ella oportunidades de hacer un impacto original me dijo: “tu no vas a la Misa por el sermón (o fielmente hacia Tí, que eres el mismo ayer, hoy y en la Iglesia, no lo hace cambiando las partes la música o por cómo te hace sentir), tu vas a por siempre. Amén.

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bishop’s reflection

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

Forget Speculation; search for spiritual truth

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n February 11, I awoke to the unexpected announcement that Our Holy Father, Benedict XVI, was resigning as pope effective February 28, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. I anticipate that when you receive this month’s Catholic Bishop Duca Connection, near the first of March, several things have or will soon have begun. Since there is no need to wait the required days for mourning the death of the previous pope, the Conclave will be called quickly in the first weeks of March and may already be underway, or soon will be. Certainly you are overwhelmed with an overload of predictions, opinions and viewpoints from the secular press and media, concerning not only who the next pope will be, but also what the next Holy Father will change in the Church.

It is my hope that you have not been caught up in this endless stream of drama, but see that there is a deeply spiritual side to this moment in history. Unfortunately the secular media mostly seem to understand the Church as a kind of corporation or organization where decisions about dogma are made by the pope reacting to public sentiment or opinion. Of course we know the Holy Father’s primary mission is to receive the faith handed down from the apostles to this generation, and to keep that truth the same so it can be handed on to the next generation of believers. In fact, the Holy Father’s mission is to preserve the faith, not change it. It is true that it falls to the Holy Father to proclaim the Good News in ways that are understood to the present age, to apply the Gospel to new challenges, to seek justice for all in the unique circumstances of life in countries throughout the world. So while the pope has many opportunities to make an original impact on the Church, he does not do it by changing the unchanging parts of Catholic teaching. Forget about all the speculation because it is just that, speculation. Our hope

in this time of change, will be found in the spiritual truth of our faith. We believe the Holy Spirit is at work in this process and the Church is always bigger than even the pope.

This can be seen a little clearer through the consideration that most popes die in office, rather than resign, because it reminds us that the pope is a spiritual father more than a CEO of a big corporation. (A president or CEO is elected or hired and will go out of office, or can be fired. A father, on the other hand, is a father for life).

Remaining in office is also a way to show absolute surrender to the will of God who, through the Holy Spirit, chose the Holy Father for this ministry. It reminds us that the ultimate authority and assurance of the Church’s survival is not in the pope but in Jesus Christ, who established the Church on the Rock of Peter and continues to guide its growth and stability through the Holy Spirit guiding the Vicar of Christ on earth.

My mother summed this up for me when I was young and did not want to go to Mass because I thought the sermon was boring. She said, “You do not go to Mass because of the sermon (or the music or for how it makes you feel) you go to receive the Eucharist and to hear the Gospel. Now get in the car!” In her clear wisdom she taught me that we do not go through the Church to get to God, we encounter Christ in the Church, in the sacraments and in the Body of Christ. It is true that the Mass is better when the music is good and the sermon inspiring and the pope is more effective in some ways when he is filled with energy.

But when these are lacking, the Church is

still the Church and Christ is still with us.

I think in this moment of history, Pope Benedict made a selfless act in stepping aside for the good of the Church. We now are watching the wonderful unfolding of this mystery of the working of the Holy Spirit in our Church. Our response to this mystery unfolding before us should not be speculation or posturing of position, but rather our response should be prayer. Let us pray this prayer, in this Year of Faith, for the pope who is to be chosen.

Prayer for the Church In anticipation of the Vacancy of the See of St. Peter, O Lord Jesus Christ, Supreme Pastor of Your Church, we thank you for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI and the selfless care with which he has led us as Successor of Peter, and Your Vicar on earth.

Good Shepherd, who founded Your Church on the rock of Peter’s faith and have never left Your flock untended, look with love upon us now, and sustain Your Church in faith, hope, and charity.

Grant, Lord Jesus, in Your boundless love for us, a new pope for Your Church who will please You by his holiness and lead us faithfully to You, who are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

March 2013 5

mike’s meditations

by Mike Van Vranken

second collection

by Fr. Rothell Price

How Often Do I Encourage? second collections Push negativity aside and build one another up

Holy Land & Diocese of Shreveport Vocations

Diocese of Shreveport seminarians with Fr. Matthew Long.

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ecently, a friend of mine was working through a very painful experience. In the midst of his tribulation, one of his colleagues suggested that the outcome of this trial would be very negative. And, while the colleague meant well in preparing for a possible worst-case scenario, it resulted in confusion, alarm, dismay and a pierced heart. Do you ever find yourself on the receiving end of a discouraging word? And sometimes, that disheartening message comes from someone who loves us dearly. Or worse, are we ever the bearer of negative thoughts?

In his first letter to the Thessalonians, St. Paul said: “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up ...” Paul understood how the enemy loves to choke off our hope and circumvent our faith with messages that obstruct our relationship with God. The author of Hebrews wrote: “Encourage yourselves daily while it is still today...” (Hebrews 3:13 NAB) One definition of the word encouragement is “to stimulate spiritually.” In other words, when we encourage each other, we inspire each other. We bring comfort, we bring cheer, we bring consolation. We spiritually stimulate a fellow believer when we offer words of encouragement, which result in a restoration and strengthening of their hope and their faith.

Our offerings of spiritual stimulation bring joy to the recipient – which reminds us that the “joy of the Lord is our strength.”

(Nehemiah 8:10) Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. When we offer words or advice or thoughts that discourage others, we instill fear that hinders and retards the very faith and joy that another person may need at that very fragile moment.

The New Testament is a message of good news. It is a message that offers the fruit of walking in the Spirit, such as love, peace, patience, kindness and more. The presence of Jesus is reassuring, energizing and spirit lifting. The next time someone speaks forth a disheartening word, forgive him or her and replace that word with encouragement. You just may be the force that enables someone to remain in complete faith in Jesus.

Mike started a teaching ministry after graduating from the University of Dallas’ School of Ministry in 2006 (www. mikevanvrankenministries.org). He also serves as an adjunct professor for the Diocese of Shreveport’s Greco Institute.

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Pontifical Good Friday Holy Land Collection Announcement Dates: March 17th & 24th Collection Date: Good Friday, March 29th he Pontifical Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land not only preserves our revered holy sites, but also makes possible those pastoral, charitable, educational and social works which are so urgently needed by the rapidly dwindling Christian communities in the Holy Land. The proceeds from this collection fund the spiritual, physical and material well-being of our Christian brothers and sisters. They are heavily burdened by war, famine and ever decreasing resources and opportunities to live peacefully and securely in the cradle of the world’s salvation.

Please join me on Good Friday. Together let us make an outpouring of gratitude to the Lord. We recall Pope Benedict’s expressed concerned “for the people of those countries where hostilities and acts of violence continue, particularly Syria and the Holy Land.” As we faithfully recall our Lord’s passion, let us follow the prompting of the Spirit and our hearts to give as abundantly to him, as he gave to us. Give devoutly and generously to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection for the Holy land.

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Diocese of Shreveport Church Vocations Collection Announcement Dates: March 17th & 24th Collection Date: Easter Sunday, March 30th & 31st he Diocese of Shreveport Church Vocations Collection allows you to help Bishop Duca fund the education of our diocesan candidates for the priesthood. Your generosity makes it possible for Fr. Matthew Long to meet, counsel, recruit, discern with and form men and women in our diocese who sense that the Lord is reaching out to them.

As we approach the last three weeks of Lent in this unique Year of Faith, we are evangelizing ourselves so we can more effectively evangelize others. Our five diocesan seminarians are experiencing this in a truly unique way. The Lord is keeping company with them, and they with Him. Their names are John Bosco Nyirenda, Jerry Daigle, Keith Garvin, Duane Trombetta and John Parker.

Through your gift to the Church Vocations Collection, they are walking with the Lord to get to know Him better, and see if they are called to work shoulder to shoulder with him for the salvation of the world.

Help them in their walk of discernment. Give generously to the second collection for Church Vocations at Easter. Participate so more men in our diocese can also answer the Master’s call and other women and men can walk with Jesus in the incubator of a religious house to discern their vocation to the consecrated life.

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

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domestic church

by Katie Sciba

Rejoice for Laetare Sunday Encouraging the faithful during a solemn season

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ope the Israelites’ Benedict 40 years in the urged dessert draws the Church in a near and they letter to youth, no longer eat “You need to manna, but food know what from Canaan, you believe!” the Promised I’m a cradle Land from God. Catholic with a The Gospel Theology major, reading is the but because beloved story my textbook of the Prodigal knowledge isn’t Son; similar to Fr. Peter Mangum in rose vestments. (Photo Megan Funk) tested often, it Joshua, it speaks gets pretty rusty. I find myself faced with joyfully to the fulfilled promises of God the the same, seemingly elementary questions Father’s mercy and forgiveness. that I did before beginning my studies You’ll notice at Mass that the church at Benedictine: Why does God love me? will be adorned with flowers, usually What is “joy in suffering?” Recently forgone during the season of Lent, and my husband brought up Lent’s Laetare the priest will wear rose vestments instead Sunday (pronounced “Lay-TAR-ay”) and, of purple to celebrate the happy halfslightly embarrassed because we share the way point. Some parishes silence their same education from the same college, I organs and other instruments during hesitated to ask, “What’s that?” Thus began Lent to accentuate the seriousness of the my most recent faith-educational excursion season. If that’s the case for your church, focusing on the Sunday strangely marked instrumental music might resume for the with rejoicing amid a more solemn and day as well. During Mass at the Vatican, somber observation. It is the mid-point the pope will follow a tradition of his of the season that carries a multitude of predecessors – he will carry and bless a Catholic liturgical traditions with it. As golden rose to symbolize Christ as the with every other aspect of Catholicism that “flower sprung from the root of Jesse,” I’ve learned about, I was fascinated and in then present the flower to a church or awe at the depth of Church tradition. shrine.

Laetare is Latin for “rejoice”; the day Being Catholic is a lifelong blessing itself is named for the Mass Introit that and in order to reap its abundant fruits, reads “Rejoice Jerusalem...you who have we need to investigate it. To learn the been in sorrow...” (Isaiah 66:10) It’s on Faith is to love it! The mere mention of this particular Sunday, falling on March Laetare Sunday from my husband peaked 10th this year, that the austerity of Lent my curiosity to see what this day was all is set aside to celebrate and encourage about. After reading the planned Liturgy the faithful in an otherwise solemn and of the Word and researching the Sunday penitential season. Amid times of prayer, itself, my eagerness for Lent and its holy fasting and almsgiving, Laetare Sunday is a mid-point increased. There is an exciting sign of hope for Easter - almost there! Keep sense of life and anticipation within it up!

Laetare Sunday that is certain to revitalize Something not commonly known about your Lenten efforts and heighten your the liturgy is that each Mass has a theme anticipation for Easter. set by the first reading and the Gospel, and Katie Sciba is the author of the theme for Laetare Sunday definitely thecatholicwife.net. She lives in Shreveport holds cause for rejoicing. The Liturgy of with her husband, Andrew, and two sons, the Word starts with Joshua 5: the end of Liam and Thomas.

Refreshing Lenten Commitments

Easter is on the horizon, but with nearly a whole month of Lent left, now’s the time to think about refreshing or adding to your Lenten commitments.

Prayer

Add a daily Bible reading, attend the Stations of the Cross, pray the Rosary on your commute, go to confession before Holy Week, read a book on one of the saints, pray with your family every day. Already doing one of these? Pick another to add!

Fasting

We fast from meat each Friday and in-between meals on Good Friday, but what about other sacrifices? In addition to the soda and sweets, fast from activities that draw your attention away from your vocation and when Lent is over, keep it up!

Almsgiving

This doesn’t necessarily mean financial giving; try donating clothes, baby items or canned foods to Catholic Charities of Shreveport. Skip eating out and put the money you would have spent in your Rice Bowl. While you’re at it, teach your children how to tithe and live simply.

March 2013 7

vocation education by Duane Trombetta

DISCERNING Your Call

Differentiating between diocesan and religious

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n his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul taught that every person is a member of the Body of Christ, and that every person is called to serve God in a unique way. Priestly vocation discernment is the process by which a young man prayerfully considers a path of service through the ministry of priesthood. An important part of this process is learning about the responsibilities and rewards of priesthood, and noting the distinctions between diocesan priesthood and religious life.

My formal vocation journey began with Seminary and formation with the Congregation of the Mission (the “Vincentians”). After two academic terms, I began to draw two important conclusions. The first was a feeling of reassurance From left to right: Fr. James McLelland and Fr. Richard Norsworthy are about my call to priesthood, and the second was a feeling that I priests of the diocese of Shreveport. Fr. James Thekkemury is a diocesan could better thrive in a model of diocesan – rather than religious priest for the Roman Catholic Syro Malabar Diocese of Kanjirapally, Kerala, India. Fr. Al Jost and Fr. Adrian Fischer are both Franciscan order priests. order – service. Now that I am studying for the Diocese of Shreveport, I feel even more reassured in those feelings. Having community. experienced formation from both religious and diocesan The common elements outnumber the differences between perspectives, I am always pleased to share insights that may be diocesan and religious priesthood. Even helpful to others in discernment. their formation requirements are similar: Diocesan priests undertake Diocesan priests undertake a life of both specify a program of religious study, a life of religious service to the an undergraduate degree (or 30 credit religious service to the bishop and Bishop and the parishioners of hours) in Philosophy and a graduate their diocese. Their ministry the parishioners of their diocese. degree in Divinity. Both must dedicate is prominently focused on the their lives to the work of Christ and be vital work of administering the faithful to daily prayer.

It is certain that diocesan and religious sacraments: Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing priests serve vital roles in the church – the Body of Christ. of the Sick and Matrimony. While diocesan priests do not swear

by Duane Trombetta, Seminarian solemn vows, they do promise obedience to their Bishop and his successors, and they commit to a life of celibate chastity. Diocesan priests most often Celebrating the Presence of work in parish assignments, but sometimes Christ in the People of God also teach in Catholic schools, minister as hospital chaplains and operate in diocesan Sisters of the administration. Diocesan priests earn a salary and receive health and retirement support Eucharistic Covenant from their diocese.

The mission of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Religious priests are those committed to Covenant states, “We are women who experience a life in religious community and follow God’s call to respond in faith by living the Gospel values and embracing the a common charism, mission and defining vowed life… Convinced of God’s presence and power within us, we strive to spirituality. They swear the solemn vows of enable others to discover this Presence… by their poverty, chastity and obedience. Some wellknown religious communities include the presence and service to the people of God.” previously-mentioned Congregation of the We minister as educators, hospital chaplains, Mission (“Vincentians”), the Society of Jesus social workers, campus ministers and pastoral (“Jesuits”) and the Order of Friars Minor assistants. (“Franciscans”). Religious priests pursue Sr. Ann Middlebrooks works in the diocesan a wide range of ministries such as mission office of Child Nutrition. Ask Sr. Ann about her work, teaching, counseling and parish life as a Sister of the Eucharistic Covenant. assignments. Their daily lives vary from To learn more about us, visit www.secsisters.org, strict monasticism to active outreach to the or email Sr. Ann at amiddlebrooks@dioshpt.org, world. Religious priests’ financial matters and email info@secsisters.org, or call (318) 469-6440. Sr. Ann Middlebrooks, SEC retirement are generally administered by their 8 Catholic Connection

appeal ministries

by John Mark Willcox

Hispanic Ministries

moveable feast

by Kim Long

Saints in the Kitchen

Helping Hispanics of all ages engage with the Church

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n the fall of 2012, the Office of Hispanic Ministry for our diocese celebrated a very active twenty-fifth anniversary as the Latino culture in our diocese continues its dramatic growth.

A new emphasis on Hispanic Youth has become a special concentration in this “Year of Faith,” as a full-time Hispanic Youth Coordinator has been added with help of Catholic Extension Society.

Appeal donations over the past two-and-a-half decades have helped fund special outreach to these important members of our faith community including our Hispanic youth. Outreach via retreats, Spanish radio, sports outreach through soccer clubs, Masses celebrated in Spanish and the preparation of those seeking Confirmation continue to benefit from Appeal donations.

As our diocese seeks to more fully incorporate these critical Catholic members of our region, your Appeal donations will continue to assist our Hispanic Ministry efforts in a number of locations throughout our diocese.

John Mark Willcox is the Director of Stewardship & Development. To give to the annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal that supports ministries like these, visit www.dioshpt.org/ stewardship/stewardship.html.

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ur parish recently hosted a women’s retreat day. The focus was the life, ministry and mission of St. Brigid of Ireland. Our presenter told us St. Brigid was the keeper of the hearth fire. While we may not have actual fires to tend to, there are many ways to incorporate this concept into our own lives.

Two parishioners recently passed away and I brought food for their funeral meals.

Many times I have almost thoughtlessly thrown together a salad or casserole, or stirred up a cake for these occasions; not really thinking much about it. After hearing the remark of St. Brigid’s tending of the hearth fire and her ministry of hospitality I did a mental double take. I thought of how many people do just that, the simple yet powerful act of cooking for a funeral meal, bringing a meal to someone in need, someone who is ill, someone who is hungry. How can my awareness grow so that simple actions become more meaningful in my own life? Mindfulness is the key. As a need is made known, as recipes are chosen, ingredients gathered and blended, and the final product delivered I can pray for the needs of that individual, that family, our community. Such a simple thing but I had for years focused mainly on the practical side: Should the recipe be doubled? How many will this feed? Will it keep or have to be served quickly? Now it seems that even my kitchen has taken on a different purpose.

St.Patrick’s Day is one of our family’s “high holy days,” but unlike the revelry that is often associated with the day, for us it’s a family

time. We go to Mass, pray the Breastplate of St. Patrick, and enjoy an Irish dinner. My brother usually edges out one of my sons, just barely though, for eating the most corned beef. Our meal would be incomplete without soda bread.

There are as many recipes for this classic Irish dish as there are cooks who bake it.

As you are stirring up the flour, soda and buttermilk say prayers for your family and ask “holy Patrick and Brigid” to pray for those you love.

I have been blessed to visit Kildare Ireland, St. Brigid’s hometown, and to walk the Brigid pilgrimage. To this day it’s still a bit hard to believe I was actually there. I thought I had only walked “with Brigid” once, but now I realize as a spiritual companion she walks with me everyday!

Bain taitnermh as do bhe’ile! May your appetite be good!

Irish Soda Bread Ingredients: • 4 cups all purpose flour • ¼ cup sugar • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt • 2 large eggs (room temp) • 1 ¼ cups buttermilk • ¼ cup corn oil • 2 teaspoons carraway seeds • 1 cup golden raisins (you can use regular but the taste will be different) Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly grease a baking sheet. In a large bowl, stir the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder and salt together. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk and oil together. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the buttermilk mixture. Add seeds and raisins. Stir until a soft dough is formed.

Shape the dough into a large ball on a lightly floured board or pan (flour hands to make handling the dough easier as it is a bit sticky). Take a large and sharp knife and make a cross on top (do not cut all the way through, only partly). Place on the prepared pan. Brush the top with milk.

Bake in the center of the oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Enjoy with lashings of butter and a good cup of tea!

Recipe from Irish Heritage Cookbook

by Margaret M. Johnson March 2013 9

and advisors to their bishop. Hospitality and fostering community life with brother priests are critical. Experienced priests should be helpful to newly ordained men. Priests should promote the dignity of lay people and accept and nurture their competence. The faithful ocuments of are reminded of their obligations to their priests—respect, help and filial love.

The final chapter addresses the life of priests. Prayer, spiritual direction and care resbyterorum rdinis of their own spiritual health are vital. They ptatam otius should strive to set an example for the faithful Decree on Ministry and Life of Priests and commit to their own formation and education. They should be paid fair salaries, & Decree on Priestly Training allowed vacation time and be given proper

by Christie Weeks support in ill health and old age. he final year of the Second Vatican The introduction to Optatam Totius, the Council (1965) saw the promulgation Decree on the Training of Priests, opens of two decrees specifically addressing the with the Vatican Councils admission that priesthood. “the desired renewal of the whole Church Presbyterorum Ordinis, Vatican II’s Decree depends in great part upon a priestly ministry on the Ministry and Life of Priests focuses animated by the spirit of Christ and it on the pastoral mission of priests. Through solemnly affirms the critical importance of its “aim of giving more effective support to priestly training.” It reminds us that we all the ministry of priests and making better have the responsibility of fostering vocations provision for their life,” the decree reminds to the priesthood. us that our priests are drawn from the people The decree emphasizes that every aspect and called to service. of a seminarian’s formation should be Three major functions of priests are developed with a pastoral view. Candidates described in the first chapter: should be thoroughly screened, provided sound scriptural “Priests should strive to set an and theological education, deeper example for the faithful and commit to spiritual training their own formation and education.” and a realistic understanding of priestly life. The decree envisions seminary programs that are “an initiation to the students’ future lives as priests.”

Especially important in a formation program are the principal • To announce the Gospel of God through areas of ministry including catechetics, preaching, by their example and behavior, preaching, liturgical worship and teaching and by inviting all to conversion. administration of the sacraments, works of • With the Eucharist central to their charity and pastoral duties. Training and ministry they are to teach people how to fully opportunities for practical experience should participate in the Liturgy. be provided to seminarians.

• To build up the Church by encouraging Finally the decree explains that ongoing people to seek increased Christian maturity priestly training in the spiritual, intellectual and by promoting communities that are and pastoral arenas is crucial for the renewal charitable, missionary, prayerful and faithful. and progress of our clergy. We can see then, Chapter II of the decree discusses the that the sound implementation of Optatam priest’s relations with their bishops, other Totius provides foundational support for priests and lay people. They are to be helpers Presbyterorum Ordinis.

V atican II P O D

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Year of Faith Saint: March 2013

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10 Catholic Connection

W

hen Katharine’s family took a trip to the Western part of the United States, she saw the plight and destitution of the native Indian-Americans.

This experience aroused her desire to do something specific to help alleviate their condition. This was the beginning of her lifelong personal and financial support of numerous missions and missionaries in the United States. When she asked Pope Leo XIII to send more missionaries to Wyoming, he asked her, “Why don’t you become a missionary?” As a young, wealthy, educated girl from Philadelphia, this was hardly the expected lifestyle for young Katharine Drexel. But raised in a devout family with a deep sympathy for the poor, Katharine gave up everything to become a missionary to the Indians and African Americans. She founded schools in 13 states for African Americans, 40 mission centers and 23 rural schools. She also established 50 missions for Indians in 16 different states. She died at the age of 96 and was canonized in the year 2000. from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops & vatican.va

Navigating the Faith Sacraments of initiation

by Rev. Mark Watson

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ne of the greatest gifts which resulted from the Second Vatican Council has been the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This gift continues to shape the lives of church communities and the candidates and catechumens they welcome.

RCIA has certainly helped to shape my spiritual life. After Graduate School I moved to Shreveport to work at the LSU-Medical Center. Soon after arriving I became a sponsor in the RCIA process at my new parish, the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. I was a sponsor for four years. Being a part of the RCIA process brought a sense of acceptance and a new understanding of my faith. Now as pastor I enjoy working with candidates who wish to explore living their faith in the Catholic Church.

In my first two years as pastor of St. Patrick Church and Sacred Heart Church, I have enjoyed working with RCIA groups in both parishes. I have also felt great fulfillment in assisting in the initiation of those on the margins of society. This has included Hispanic children and adults who had not yet received their initiation sacraments and inmates with a desire to become Catholic. RCIA has helped these individuals find deeper fulfillment in their faith lives.

Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s People. In Baptism our sins are forgiven and we become adopted children of God. Confirmation is the bridge between the waters of Baptism and the reception of the Lord’s Presence in the Eucharist.

Confirmation makes us more complete in the image of our Lord and fills us with the Holy Spirit so we may bear witness to Christ before the world. We receive the True Presence of Our Lord at the table of the Eucharist so that we may have eternal life and show forth the unity of God’s People.

History of RCIA In the first two centuries of the Church there was no formal process of initiation.

Faith in Jesus Christ and in God as Father of Jesus Christ, conversion of lifestyle,

(CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic)

and signs of concern for the needy were the only requirements for Baptism. By the third century the process of initiation was formalized. In the Apostolic Tradition (ca. 215) Hippolytus defines two stages of preparation: those being introduced to God’s word for the first time, catecumeni (catechumens) or audientes (hearers) and those who have been chosen by the community for initiation.

While the rites of initiation developed and fluctuated depending on the local church, a highly structured and unified rite of initiation evolved. Catechumens could spend three years in spiritual catechetical and liturgical formation. (CCC, 1230) Catechumens entered a more intense period of preparation, usually coinciding with the Season of Lent. Lent took the form of a lengthy retreat before Baptism for the whole community. The period was one of intense prayer, fasting and continued study.

The Apostles’ Creed and the Lord’s Prayer were handed over to the chosen. The Gospel stories of the Samaritan woman (John 4:1642), the man born blind (John 9:1-41) and the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:1-45) were read during Lenten Masses for the catechumens.

Tertullian and Hippolytus both identified the great Vigil of Easter as the most appropriate time for Baptism. There were various ways of celebrating Baptism among early churches but the common elements were the renunciation of Satan, the proclamation of the Apostles’ Creed, pre-baptismal anointings, Baptism with a Trinitarian formula, bestowal of a white garment and anointing and imposition of hands. After these rites the newly baptized were welcomed to the Eucharistic table.

The fourth and fifth centuries saw an increase in the numbers of converts after Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. This resulted in a shortened initiation process, relaxed requirements and unverified conversions.

With the universal acceptance of infant Baptism during the fifth century and indiscriminate Baptisms of conquered “barbarians,” the adult catechumenate became nearly defunct. Once infant Baptism became the norm, the church focused on post-baptismal catechesis rather than the various stages which had previously led to full initiation in the Catholic Church. (CCC 1231) By the beginning of the twentieth century, only in North Africa was a catechumenal model kept alive. From North Africa, European countries like France revived the catechumenate. From this model, RCIA was revised and restored in 1972 in accordance with the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council. The Rite of Christian Initiation was mandated for use in the United States beginning on September 1, 1988. (CCC 1232) Central to the meaning of RCIA is that conversion is a gradual process of formation.

This process assists the baptized (candidates) and the non-baptized (catechumens) to live the Christian life and to be joined to Christ. The RCIA process happens within a community. The initiation of adults is the responsibility of all the baptized, not only the pastor and the RCIA team. The community should welcome the catechumens and candidates and should offer their lives as examples of renewal, especially during Lent.

The RCIA process is understood to be paschal in that the candidates and catechumens are joined to Christ’s death, burial and resurrection through the initiation sacraments. The Season of Lent and the Triduum are to assist the catechumens in celebrating the Paschal Mystery through their Baptism at the Easter Vigil.

As we approach the celebration of the Easter Vigil please pray that the candidates and catechumens within our parishes will grow closer to Christ this Lent and throughout their lives.

(Information about the history of RCIA was gathered from the Encyclopedia of Catholicism, Richard P. McBrien, General Editor.)

March 2013 11

Pontificate Marked by Teaching, Call to Return to Faith

by John Thavis & Francis X. Rocca, CNS

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- During his almost eight-year pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI impressed the world as a teacher, guiding Catholics to the sources of the faith and urging modern society not to turn its back on God. Citing his age and diminishing energy, the 85-year-old pope announced Feb. 11 that he would be resigning effective Feb. 28 and would devote the rest of his life to prayer.

As pastor of the universal church, he used virtually every medium at his disposal -- books and Twitter, sermons and encyclicals -- to catechize the faithful on the foundational beliefs and practices of Christianity, ranging from the sermons of St. Augustine to the sign of the cross.

Having served in his 30s as an influential adviser during the 196265 Second Vatican Council, he made it a priority as pope to correct what he saw as overly expansive interpretations of Vatican II in favor of readings that stressed the council’s continuity with the church’s millennial traditions. Under his oversight, the Vatican continued to highlight the church’s moral boundaries. But the pope’s message to society at large focused less on single issues and more on the risk of losing the basic relationship between the human being and the Creator. He consistently warned the West that unless its secularized society rediscovered religious values, it could not hope to engage in real dialogue with Islamic and other religious cultures.

The German-born pontiff did not try to match the popularity of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, but the millions of people who came to see him in Rome and abroad came to appreciate his smile, his frequent ad libs and his ability to speak from the heart.

Although he did not expect to travel much, he ended up making 24 trips to six continents and three times presided over World Youth Day mega-gatherings, in Germany in 2005, in Australia in 2008 and in Spain in 2011.

On a historic visit to the United States in 2008, the pope brought his own identity into clearer focus for Americans. He set forth a moral challenge on issues ranging from economic justice to abortion. He also took church recognition of the priestly sex abuse scandal to a new level, expressing his personal shame at what happened and praying with the victims.

The pope met three times with former U.S. President George W. Bush, including a formal visit to the White House, and the two leaders found wide areas of agreement on pro-life and family issues.

When President Barack Obama was elected, the pontiff sent him a 12 Catholic Connection

warmly worded telegram and a promise of his prayers, but when they met at the Vatican the next year, the pope spoke clearly about the church’s objections to the administration’s policies on several life issues, including abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

Pope Benedict was 78 and in apparent good health when elected April 19, 2005, but was said to have told his fellow Pope Benedict XVI with Diocese cardinals that his would of Shreveport’s Bishop Michael not be a long papacy like Duca during his 2012 ad limina that of his predecessor. visit to the Vatican.

In an interview with the German author Peter Seewald in 2010, Pope Benedict said: “If a pope clearly realizes that he is no longer physically, psychologically and spiritually capable of handling the duties of his office, then he has a right and, under some circumstances, also an obligation to resign.”

As inevitable as his election seemed after Blessed John Paul died in 2005, his path to the papacy was long and indirect.

Joseph Ratzinger was born April 16, 1927, in the Bavarian town of Marktl am Inn, the third and youngest child of a police officer, Joseph Sr., and his wife, Maria. Young Joseph joined his brother, Georg, at a minor seminary in 1939.

Like other young students, he was automatically enrolled in the Hitler Youth program, but soon stopped going to meetings. During World War II, he was conscripted into the army, and in the spring of 1945 he deserted his unit and returned home, spending a few months in an Allied prisoner-of-war camp. He returned to the seminary late in 1945 and was ordained six years later, along with his brother.

In a meeting with young people in 2006, the pope said witnessing the brutality of the Nazi regime helped convince him to become a priest. But he also had to overcome some doubts, he said. For one thing, he asked himself whether he “could faithfully live celibacy”

his entire life. He also recognized that his real leanings were toward theology and wondered whether he had the qualities of a good pastor and the ability “to be simple with the simple people.”

After a short stint as a parish priest, the future pope began a teaching career and built a reputation as one of the church’s foremost theologians. At Vatican II, he made important contributions as a theological expert and embraced the council’s early work. But he began to have misgivings about an emerging anti-Roman bias, the idea of a “church from below” run on a parliamentary model, and the direction of theological research in the church -- criticism that would become even sharper in later years.

In a 2005 speech that served as a kind of manifesto for his young papacy, Pope Benedict rejected what he called a “hermeneutic of discontinuity and rupture” in interpreting Vatican II as a radical break with the past. The pope called instead for reading the council through a “hermeneutic of reform” in continuity with Catholic tradition.

In 1977, Pope Paul VI named him archbishop of Munich and Freising, and four years later Pope John Paul called him to head the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he wielded great influence on issues such as liberation theology, dissent from church teachings and pressure for women’s ordination. Serving in this role for nearly a quarter century, then-Cardinal Ratzinger earned a reputation in some quarters as a sort of grand inquisitor, seeking to stamp out independent thinking, an image belied by his passion for debate with thinkers inside and outside the church.

As the newly elected pope in 2005, he explained that he took the name Benedict to evoke the memory of Pope Benedict XV, a “courageous prophet of peace” during World War I, and said he wanted to place his ministry at the service of reconciliation and harmony among peoples.

The new pope spent most of his energy writing and preaching, in encyclicals, letters, messages, homilies and talks that eventually numbered more than a thousand.

Surprising those who had expected a by-the-book pontificate from a man who had spent more than 23 years as the Vatican’s chief doctrinal official, Pope Benedict emphasized that Christianity was a religion of love and not a religion of rules.

During the 2010-11 Year for Priests, Pope Benedict held up the 19th-century French St. John Vianney as a model of clerical holiness who struggled against the indifference and hostility of a militantly secular society.

He convened a Synod of Bishops on Scripture in 2008, in an effort to move the Bible back to the center of individual spirituality and pastoral planning. He opened a Year of Faith in October, presided over a synod focusing on the new evangelization and a revival of Christian faith in the secular West, one of the priorities of his pontificate.

Some of Pope Benedict’s most memorable statements came when he applied simple Gospel values to social issues such as the protection of human life, the environment and economics.

When the global financial crisis worsened in 2008, for example, the pope insisted that financial institutions must put people before profits. He also reminded people that modern ideals of money and material success are passing realities, saying: “Whoever builds his life on these things -- on material things, on success, on appearances -- is building on sand.”

Pope Benedict’s outreach to traditionalist Catholics brought him some opposition and criticism. In 2007, he widened the possible use of the Tridentine Mass and began introducing touches of antiquity in his own liturgies, including the requirement of kneeling when receiving Communion from the pope.

Then in 2009, in an effort to reconcile with the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, he lifted the excommunications of four of the society’s bishops who were ordained illicitly in 1988.

A storm of criticism erupted because one of the four, Bishop Richard Williamson, had made a number of statements -- widely available on the Internet, but unknown to the pope -- denying the extent of the Holocaust. The Vatican scrambled to distance Pope Benedict from the bishop’s views and reaffirm the pontiff’s commitment to Catholic-Jewish dialogue.

The pope himself wrote an unusually personal letter to the world’s bishops, defending his efforts to restore church unity by reaching out to traditionalists and expressing sadness that even some Catholics seemed ready to attack him “with open hostility.”

At the same time, he clearly acknowledged mistakes in Vatican communications and said the Holy See would have to do a better job using the Internet in the future. Instead, the mishaps continued, and for most of the year preceding Pope Benedict’s resignation, press coverage of the Vatican was dominated by the so-called “VatiLeaks” affair, a scandal over confidential and sometimes embarrassing confidential documents that had been provided to the press, allegedly by the pope’s own butler, Paolo Gabriele.

A Vatican court found Gabriele guilty in October and sentenced continued on page 14

CNS Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd as he departs Yankee Stadium in 2008 after celebrating Mass in New York.

(CNS photo/CNS photo/Nancy Phelan Wiechec) March 2013 13

continued from page 13 harassed or imprisoned by the authorities.

One of the most important documents issued under Pope him to 18 months in jail. Pope Benedict, meeting his former aide Benedict, and with his explicit approval, was a doctrinal outside his cell in the Vatican police barracks, pardoned him just congregation instruction on bioethics in 2008. The document before Christmas. warned that some developments in stem-cell research, gene therapy The pope’s 2009 letter to bishops also summarized what he saw and embryonic experimentation violate moral principles and reflect as his main mission as the successor of Peter: “In our days, when an attempt by man to “take the place of his Creator.” in vast areas of the world the faith is in danger of dying out like a The pope’s own writings frequently explored the relationship flame which no longer has fuel, the overriding priority is to make between personal faith in Christ and social consequences.

God present in this world and to show men and women the way to His first encyclical, “Deus Caritas Est” (“God Is Love,”), issued in God.” 2005, reminded all people that God loves them and called on them The idea that God is disappearing from the human horizon and to share that love in a personal and social way.

It won high praise, that humanity is losing its bearings with “evident destructive effects” even from quarters typically critical of the church. was a theme Pope Benedict saw as common ground for dialogue Two years later, his second between Christians and Muslims. encyclical, “Spe Salvi” (on Christian He voiced the church’s opposition hope), warned that without faith to a potential “clash of civilizations” in God, humanity lies at the mercy in which religion was seen as a of ideologies that can lead to defining difference. But sometimes “the greatest forms of cruelty and his words drew as much criticism as violations of justice.” praise, particularly among Muslims His third encyclical, “Caritas in who felt the pope was unfairly Veritate” (“Charity in Truth”) was questioning the foundations of their released in 2009 and said ethical religion. values are needed to overcome the In 2006 when he visited a current global economic crisis as mosque in Turkey, he turned toward well as to eradicate hunger and Mecca and prayed silently alongside promote the real development of all his host. This interfaith gesture the world’s peoples. generated considerable good will, Pope Benedict XVI and Mustafa Cagrici, the grand Several months ago, the Vatican and over the succeeding years, Pope mufti of Istanbul, pray in the Blue Mosque in Istanbul on said Pope Benedict had completed Benedict continued to meet with Nov. 30, 2006. (CNS photo/Patrick Hertzog) work on another encyclical, this one Muslim leaders. Yet some Muslims on the virtue of faith, and its publication was expected in the first continued to view the pope with suspicion or hostility. half of this year.

The Vatican has not said whether or not the letter Pope Benedict also visited synagogues, in Germany in 2005, would come out before the pope’s resignation takes effect Feb. 28. in New York in 2008 and in Rome in 2010, and his strong His three-volume work, “Jesus of Nazareth,” published between condemnations of anti-Semitism won the appreciation of many 2007 and 2012 in several languages, emphasized that Christ must Jewish leaders. However, tensions arose in 2008 over the wording of be understood as the Son of God on a divine mission, not as a mere a prayer for Jewish conversion, which the pope had revised for use moralist or social reformer. in the Tridentine-rite Good Friday liturgy.

The pope spent much of his time meeting with bishops from The pope considered Christian unity one of his priorities, around the world when they made “ad limina” visits to the Vatican and he took steps to improve dialogue with Orthodox churches to report on their dioceses. in particular. The most visible sign was the pope’s decision to Although he was expected to reverse a trend set by Pope John accept the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Paul, Pope Benedict did not slow the Vatican’s saint-making Constantinople to visit the patriarch at his headquarters in Istanbul, machinery, but he did immediately announce he would not preside Turkey in 2006. Two years later, the pope invited the patriarch over beatifications.

The pope’s decision was meant to highlight the to give a major address at the Synod of Bishops. The Vatican also difference between a beatification and a canonization, but, in effect, arranged the resumption of theological talks with the Orthodox in the pope’s decision lowered the profile of beatification liturgies. mid-2006 and began new forms of cultural collaboration with the Pope Benedict did make two exceptions to his new rule: the first to Russian Orthodox Church. beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman during a September 2010 The fate of Christian minorities around the world was one of visit to England; and the second to beatify Pope John Paul in May the pope’s major concerns, especially in places like Iraq and other 2011. predominantly Muslim countries. The pope strongly defended the While Pope Benedict asked Vatican experts to be more selective right to religious freedom in his speech to the United Nations in in picking candidates for sainthood, he ended up canonizing 44 2008. new saints, including the Native American Kateri Tekakwitha and In early 2007, the pope turned his attention to China, convening Mother Marianne Cope of Molokai. a meeting of church experts to discuss ways to bring unity to the Pope Benedict named 90 new cardinals; 67 of those he named church and gain concessions from the communist government. A are still under the age of 80 and therefore eligible to vote in the papal letter to Chinese Catholics a few months later encouraged conclave to elect his successor.

As of Feb. 28, the day his papacy bold new steps to bridge the gap between Catholics registered with ends, Pope Benedict’s appointments will represent just over 57 the government-controlled Catholic Patriotic Association and the percent of the 117 cardinals under 80 that day. so-called underground communities, whose leaders were frequently 14 Catholic Connection

LENT

Pope Benedict XVI’s Resignation

On Ash Wednesday, pope preaches on humility, Christian unity

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -what is most important, bring God to men Celebrating what was expected and bring men to God.” to be the last public liturgy of Following the cardinal’s remarks, the his pontificate two weeks before his congregation broke into a standing ovation resignation, Pope Benedict XVI preached that lasted well over a minute, ceasing only on the virtues of humility and Christian after the pope, looking surprised but not unity and heard his highest-ranking aide displeased, said: “Thank you, let’s return to pay tribute to his service to the church. prayer.”

Jesus “denounces religious hypocrisy, The pope showed signs of the fatigue behavior that wants to show off, attitudes and frailty that have become increasingly that seek applause and approval,” the pope evident over the last year and a half and said in his homily during Mass in St. Peter’s which he had cited in announcing his Basilica Feb. 13. “The true disciple does not resignation. At the beginning of the liturgy, serve himself or the ‘public,’ but his Lord, he walked from his sacristy near the chapel in simplicity and generosity.” that contains Michelangelo’s statue of the Coming two days after Pope Benedict announced that he would be the first pope in 600 years to resign, the Mass inevitably took on a valedictory tone.

“For me it is also a good opportunity to thank everyone, especially the faithful of the diocese of Rome, as I prepare to conclude the Petrine ministry, and I ask you for a special remembrance in your prayer,” the pope told Pope Benedict XVI waves after celebrating Ash Wednesday the congregation, including Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Feb. 13. The service was expected to be the last large liturgical event of Pope dozens of cardinals and Benedict’s papacy. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) bishops, filling the vast basilica.

Pieta to the atrium of the basilica, but then The Ash Wednesday liturgy, traditionally rode his mobile platform to the main altar. held in two churches on Rome’s During the Mass, Cardinal Angelo Aventine Hill, was moved to St. Peter’s to Comastri, archpriest of St. Peter’s, placed accommodate the greatest possible number the Lenten ashes on the pope’s head. The of faithful. pope himself placed ashes on the heads of At the end of the Mass, Cardinal Tarcisio several cardinals and a group of Dominican Bertone, who as secretary of state is the and Benedictine priests.

Vatican’s highest official, voiced gratitude The pope’s last homily included a for Pope Benedict’s pontificate of nearly plea for harmony among his flock, as eight years. he lamented “blows against the unity “Thank you for giving us the luminous of the church, divisions in the ecclesial example of a simple and humble laborer body” and called for a “more intense and in the vineyard of the Lord,” Cardinal evident ecclesial communion, overcoming Bertone said, invoking the same metaphor individualisms and rivalries.” Such Pope Benedict had used in his first public communion favors evangelization, the statement following his election in 2005. pope said, by serving as a “humble and His voice cracking slightly with emotion, precious sign for those who are distant or Cardinal Bertone described Benedict as a indifferent to the faith.” “laborer who knew at every moment to do

by Francis X. Rocca Catholic News Service

ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Here is the Vatican’s English translation of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation remarks, delivered in Latin, during an ordinary public consistory to approve the canonization of new saints Feb. 11.

Dear brothers, I have convoked you to this consistory, not only for the three canonizations, but also to communicate to you a decision of great importance for the life of the church.

After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry.

I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering.

However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of bishop of Rome, successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a conclave to elect the new supreme pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is.

Dear brothers, I thank you most sincerely for all the love and work with which you have supported me in my ministry and I ask pardon for all my defects. And now, let us entrust the holy church to the care of our supreme pastor, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and implore his holy Mother Mary, so that she may assist the cardinal fathers with her maternal solicitude, in electing a new supreme pontiff. With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the holy church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer.

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March 2013 15

NEWS

Vocation Visits

Fr. Matthew Long and Seminarian John Parker visited students at Catholic Schools

Seminarian John Parker answers questions at St. Joseph School.

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uring the month of January, Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Church Vocations, and John Parker, Seminarian of the diocese, had the opportunity to visit the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Shreveport. They shared their vocation stories and urged the students to pray to God for guidance in their lives. They also entertained any questions the students had about the Church, the priesthood or religious life.

John Parker said of the visits: “What struck me most about my vocations visits is best summed up by a single, simple word, a word which we so often take for granted: hope! There is great hope for the future of the Church! This hope is most evident in the eyes of the youth. One can unmistakably see in these youthful eyes a great desire for the fullness of life. All they need is more young men and women to step forward and provide an honest example, an example of the fullness of life that exists in a vocation discerned and lived out. These kids give me hope that there will be more who step forward and make this courageous decision to joyfully live their lives for Christ. In the mean time, I will continue to pray for them that they do so with hope-filled hearts.”

by Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Church Vocations

Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Church Vocations, visits with students at Our Lady of Fatima School in Monroe.

16 Catholic Connection

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Support through volunteers and donations

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n this time of Lenten renewal, as we reexamine the meaning of God’s call for us, we hope that you will pray for Catholic Charities of Shreveport and those we serve daily.

They are many and their numbers grow daily. We strive to be here for them Donations for St. Therese of Lisieux support to alleviate their the ministries of Catholic Charities. suffering and help them toward a better life through our many programs and through education.

We ask not only for your prayers, but that you consider financially supporting Catholic Charities this Lenten season in honor of your commitment to Him and to yourself.

We also would like you to consider giving of yourself by volunteering with us. There are so many ways you can be a part of our work and share your knowledge and heart with those who are unaccustomed to receiving help simply because someone wants to. You can work directly with clients in Gabriel’s Closet, our shop for low-income new moms, their infants and small children or perhaps you would love to coach someone after they’ve attended our financial education classes at the Money School, to help them follow the path they have been shown toward a healthier financial future. Maybe you’d love to do some intake work with clients who come to us for emergency assistance. Their stories and struggles will impact you and give you an insight into their day-to-day lives. Or perhaps, your strengths lie in other areas that would not involve you directly with clients, like data entry, filing or perhaps sorting and logging the many in-kind donations to our food pantry and to Gabriel’s Closet. Maybe you are a whiz with computers and could be on call when we need assistance. Whatever your skills and interests and wherever your heart directs you, we surely have just the right area that you’d be happy to be a part of.

One other special volunteer opportunity that is brand new is our Little Flower League! What exactly is the Little Flower League? It’s a group of people who enjoy the fellowship and fun of making St. Therese of Lisieux bracelets and key rings together which so many have embraced as gifts for family and friends. We ask that a donation be made for each. One hundred percent of the proceeds from those donations goes directly into our programs of assistance to the poor and needy in our diocese.

We’ll be happy to teach you how to make them so please call us for days and times the group meets. What a perfect way to give to those you love while giving back to those in need! Surely a win-win for all!

by Theresa Mormino, Catholic Charities

John Paul II Exhibit in New Orleans Photos, sacred art and personal items of John Paul II

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EW ORLEANS – The Archdiocese of New Orleans, in association with the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, will host “Portrait of Faith: John Paul II in Life & Art,” March 8-June 16 at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The exhibit, which will include personal items of Blessed John Paul II, never-beforeseen photographs of his historic 1987 visit to New Orleans and sacred artwork from three contemporary artists, has been designed to reach people of all faiths on many different levels, said Wendy Vitter, archdiocesan coordinator.

“I was here when we welcomed Blessed John Paul to the archdiocese, and it’s an honor for us to have him come back in a different way and a spiritual way,” Archbishop Gregory Aymond said. “This will allow us to relive his visit here and recall the great blessing of his being the chief shepherd of the Catholic Church.”

Vitter said the exhibit will have something for everyone.

“If you love history, you will be looking at history through the photographs from 25 years ago,” she said. “If you love art, there will be many pieces of sacred art. If you’ve lost your faith along the way, come and try to be inspired. If you already have faith, hopefully it will be deepened through this exhibit.”

Given the way the civic and ecumenical communities in New Orleans rallied to welcome the pope in 1987, Vitter said Archbishop Aymond wanted to make sure that the museum exhibit was designed to encourage interfaith dialogue. Faith leaders of every major religion eagerly accepted an invitation to be co-hosts, Vitter said.

“This is not just a Catholic exhibit,” Vitter said. “We have leaders of many faiths to serve as co-hosts, and we encourage their congregations to join with them out of respect for this man. He was a great man who opened his arms to all, and we’d like to do the same.”

The exhibit will include a 15-minute video to be used as an introductory part of the tour. It will offer reflections from Archbishop Aymond, Dr. Norman Francis of Xavier University of Louisiana, Rabbi Edward Cohn, a member of the St. Augustine Marching 100, which played for

Celebration of Service Mass

Those who serve the community honored at Mass

the pope, and many others.

Vitter said she is indebted to NOMA director Susan Taylor and her associate, exhibit co-curator Lisa Rotondo-McCord, and also to Scott Peck, curator of the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, and R.J. Machacek, exhibit designer, for their assistance.

Last fall, Peck offered to take the lead in securing artwork and defining the theme of the exhibit, and all of his time and expertise have been a gift to the archdiocese, Vitter said. In 2005, the Dallas museum suffered a massive fire that burned nearly everything in its extensive collection of sacred art except for a zucchetto once worn by Pope John Paul II. “The fire in 2005 was so devastating that it melted the steel beams of the museum,” Vitter said. “There were a few ashes on the zucchetto, but it was just sitting there in its case. Scott told me, ‘I just feel like it’s the hand of God telling me we need to come and help you.’”

The exhibit will be open six days a week (closed Mondays): Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, active military personnel and members of groups of 10 or more; and $6 for children ages 7-17. Groups are allowed in on their own from 9 to 11 a.m., every day except Monday.

For information, call toll free 1 (866) 608-4799, visit www.JPIIinNOLA.com or email Vitter at wvitter@archdiocese-no.org

by Peter Finney, Jr., Clarion Herald

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n January 12, St. Joseph Church in Shreveport offered a “Celebration of Service” Mass for all those in the parish who have answered the call to serve. They honored those volunteers who tirelessly, often quietly, give of themselves to serve those in need in their parish and in their community. Many do so humbly and without need for recognition or praise.

They represent “the hands and feet of Christ” in our community.

Over 150 people attended the Saturday evening Mass, celebrated by Fr. Karl Daigle, pastor of St. Joseph Church. Fr. Karl’s homily emphasized the reading from Matthew 25: 40, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Fr. Karl emphasized that as Jesus identifies himself in every person, when we serve others we serve Christ present in each person.

The prayers of the faithful were offered by members of the congregation, representing some of the many expressions of their Catholic community’s response to Christ’s call.

Fr. Karl offered a blessing to all in the community who tirelessly serve those who are less fortunate and live on the margins of our society.

The Liturgy was followed by a meal in the Family Life Center presented by Susan Prest, the Event Coordinator.

This was the third year St. Joseph Church has gathered to celebrate the amazing ways in which Christ is working through his faithful.

by Jane Snyder, St. Joseph Church March 2013 17

HISPANIC corner

por Marcos G. Villalba

Directora Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7288

El Ayuno Es Para El Cuerpo Lo Que La Oracion Es Para El Alma

Calendario del Mes de Marzo 2 Encuentro de Fe para jóvenes, Centro Católico, Shreveport 8a.m. – 5 p.m.

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es comparto que gracias a la temporada de Cuaresma que nos ofrece la Iglesia en preparación para la Pascua, soy mejor persona y mi vida espiritual ha madurado cada año. Todavía recuerdo las Cuaresmas pasadas en mi vida pero lo que más recuerdo es simplemente el estar cerca de Dios por medio del ayuno y la abstinencia. La Cuaresma para mi es una oportunidad más para volver a Dios con humildad y un paso más hacia la santidad a la cual todos somos llamados.

Nuestro cuerpo es el vehículo que Dios ha dado a nuestra alma para experimentar la vida. Si no controlamos nuestro cuerpo, no controlaremos nuestra vida. Hasta que no aprendamos a reinar sobre nuestro cuerpo, experimentaremos realmente todo lo que la vida puede ser.

En Estados Unidos, los católicos estamos obligados a la abstinencia el miércoles de Ceniza y todos los viernes durante la Cuaresma. También estamos obligados a observar el ayuno el miércoles de Ceniza y el Viernes Santo. ¿QUÉ OBLIGACIONES TIENE UN CATÓLICO EN CUARESMA? Cumplir con los preceptos del AYUNO y la ABSTINENCIA; así como la CONFESIÓN y COMUNIÓN por lo menos una vez al año. ¿EN QUÉ CONSISTE EL AYUNO? Bossier City: Christ the King Church 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Domingo 3:00 p.m.

Lunes 7:00 p.m.

Confesiones 45 minutos antes de Misa Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 600 E. Water Street, Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115

El AYUNO consiste en hacer una sola comida al día, y dos pequeños aperitivos por la mañana y la noche. No se debe comer nada entre los alimentos, salvo en caso de enfermedad. ¿A QUIÉN OBLIGA EL AYUNO? A todos los mayores de edad (18 años), y hasta los cincuenta y nueve años. (cfr. CIC, c. 1252). ¿QUÉ ES LA ABSTINENCIA? A privarse de comer carne (roja o blanca y sus derivados). ¿A QUIÉN OBLIGA LA ABSTINENCIA? A los que han cumplido catorce años. (cfr. CIC, c. 1252).

Finalmente, los dejo con las palabras de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo en el Evangelio de San Mateo 6, 16-18: “Cuando ayunen, no anden tristes como lo hacen los hipócritas, que desfiguran su apariencia para que la gente vea que ayunan. Les aseguro que ya han recibido su recompensa. Tu, cuando ayunes, perfúmate la cabeza y lávate la cara, de modo que nadie note tu ayuno, sino tu Padre, que está en lo escondido y tu Padre que ve hasta lo más escondido, te recompensará”.

MISAS Mansfield: St. Joseph Church 305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.

Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390 Oak Grove: Sacred Heart Church 201 Purvis St., Oak Grove Domingo 5:00 p.m.

Feliciano y Rosa Alviso Martinez Tel: 318-428-2137

4 Reunión del Comité Ejecutivo, Centro Católico 2 p.m.

6-7 Retiro para Directores y Coordinadores de Ministerio Hispano, Houma, LA 8 Retiro para empleados del centro católico. La oficina está cerrada. “¡Al Que Madruga Dios lo Ayuda!” Es su programa de radio del Ministerio Hispano Católico. Todos los Domingos a las 9:00 am y 9:00 pm por la Invasora 92.1 FM

Ruston: St. Thomas Aquinas Church 810 Carey Ave., Ruston 2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines Church 1050 Bert Kouns Indl Loop, Shreveport Domingo 11:30 a.m.

Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-455-2300 West Monroe: St. Paschal Church 711 N 7th Street, West Monroe Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

Oficina del Ministerio Católico Hispano: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318-219-7265 Marcos G. Villalba, Pastoral Juvenil 318-219-7288 • Jeanne Brown, Secretaria 318-219-7257 18 Catholic Connection

across the Benedict will be prayerful presence in next papacy, spokesman says

by Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Even though Pope Benedict XVI will spend his retirement near Rome and then inside Vatican City, he will not play any role in the upcoming election for a new pope, and he will not interfere with the responsibilities and decision-making activities of the new pontiff, the Vatican spokesman said. Rather, the new pope will have the prayerful support and empathy of someone who understands “more than anyone in the world” the burden and responsibilities of being a pope, said Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi. The spokesman also confirmed that Pope Benedict has a pacemaker and has had it “for some time.”

He said the battery recently was changed, but that the procedure had nothing to do with the pope’s decision to resign. Father Lombardi made his remarks Feb. 12, the day

(CNS photo/Paul Haring)

after the 85-year-old pope announced that, because of his age and waning energies, he was resigning effective Feb. 28. The Jesuit spokesman described as an “indiscretion” a report in the Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, which said Pope Benedict had gone to a private Rome clinic three months ago for a small “procedure” to change the batteries in his pacemaker. The spokesman confirmed it was true and said it had been a “normal” and “routine” procedure.

Vatican’s new App lets users follow live events

by Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican launched a new “Pope App” on the eve of the release of the pope’s World Communications Day message, which is dedicated to social networks as important spaces for evangelization. The new app provides live streaming of papal events and video feeds from the Vatican’s six webcams. It sends out alerts and links to top stories coming out of the Vatican’s many news outlets, and carries words and images of the pope. “The Pope App” went live Jan. 23 for iPhone and iPad, while an Android version is expected to be ready at the end of February. It’s currently available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian.

The Vatican has been stepping up its digital presence in recent years -- the latest example being the papal Twitter feed @Pontifex, which has attracted more than 2 million followers in nine languages. The new app will also allow people to follow live broadcasts of papal events -- such as the Sunday Angelus

and Wednesday general audience -- from any mobile device or smartphone. Users will receive an alert when an event is about to begin. The app also shows views from any one of the Vatican’s six live webcams.

Two webcams are located on the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica: one pointed at St. Peter’s Square and the other at the Vatican governor’s office. Others are located high on the colonnade around St. Peter’s Square, directed at Blessed John Paul II’s tomb in St. Peter’s Basilica; high on the Vatican hill, pointing toward the dome of the basilica; and aimed at the gardens of the papal summer villa in Castel Gandolfo.

Catholic News Service

VAtICAN news & notes • The Vatican monastery where Pope Benedict XVI intends to live began its life as the Vatican gardener’s house, but was established as a cloistered convent by Blessed John Paul II in 1994. When Pope Benedict, 85, announced Feb. 11 that his age and declining energies prompted his decision to resign effective Feb. 28, the Vatican said he would move out to the papal villa in Castel Gandolfo while remodeling work was completed on the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican Gardens.

• In an administrative move reaffirming his efforts to promote a Catholic revival in the West and greater adherence to traditional church teaching, Pope Benedict XVI has reassigned responsibility among Vatican offices for the religious education of laypeople and future priests. According to two papal decrees released by the Vatican Jan. 25, responsibility for seminaries has shifted from the Congregation for Catholic Education to the Congregation for Clergy, and responsibility for catechesis has moved from the latter office to the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization.

• The official Vatican City travel guide was released, aimed at making life easier for pilgrims and tourists, and offering accurate and exhaustive details for scholars and historians. The “General Guide to Vatican City” says it’s trying to fill the gap created over the 80 years since the Vatican published its first official guide one year after the city-state was established in 1929.

March 2013 19

around the DIOCESE

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On January 12, Hispanic Youth from the Diocese of Shreveport traveled together to New Orleans for a formation workshop by SEPI. SEPI is the Southeast Pastoral Institute, an educational service organization that assists the Catholic bishops of nine southeastern states in the training and development of Hispanic leadership to help integrate the community into the life of the Church and society.

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All funds raised by Run with the nuns support children’s health programs in our community. A donation to Gingerbread House for neglected and abused children was made possible by Run with the Nuns VI, a motorcycle rally that occurred in October 2012. These funds will be used to purchase a new recording/video system for the center which is used in child abuse and neglect cases. For more information on Gingerbread House, visit www. gingerbreadhousecac.org.

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On January 6, Joseph Robert Balthazar received his 50 year pin and certificate from the KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER CLAVER at OUR LADY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH. Pictured from left to right: Bro. Paul Mutisya, Fr. Andre McGrath, Joseph Robert Balthazar and Grand Knight Tim Ford.

On January 30, St. Jude Church celebrated a Children’s Teaching Mass as part of GIFT (Growing in Faith Together). Fr. Pike Thomas and Deacon Larry Mills broke down the Mass for children in the Religious Education program on Wednesday evening.

Tailored for 3rd through 7th grade, the Mass was celebrated with the Children’s Music Ministry, youth lectors, altar servers and ushers.

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20 Catholic Connection

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church members, co-workers and friends came together to celebrate Fr. Thomas John Vadakemuriyil’s 20th anniversary of his ordination as a priest on December 29. The celebration began with 4:30 Mass with a packed church. Everyone thanked him for all he does at Sacred Heart. After Mass we gathered in Gabriel Hall for a covered dish dinner. Pictured: Indiana LaCour and Fr. Thomas John.

The Krewe of Aesclepius came bearing gifts to the PSR Mardi Gras party at St. Mary of the Pines Church. They met the royalty from each class and led them in the traditional Second Line to the tune of accordion music and many cheers.

school NEWS < St. John Berchmans School hosted its fourth annual Religion Scholars Bowl on January 31, as part of Catholic Schools Week. Students in grades third through eighth from each school competed in teams during the day-long event featuring questions, activities and skits about the Catholic faith. The students were from Jesus the Good Shepherd (Monroe), Our Lady of Fatima (Monroe), St. Frederick (Monroe), St. Joseph School and St. John Berchmans School.

Master of Ceremonies for the event was John Mark Willcox from the Diocese of Shreveport and judges were Fr. Matthew Long, Sr. Carol Shively and Sr. Ann Middlebrooks. The Most Reverend Bishop Michael Duca awarded the first place medals to the sixth grade team.

^ Fr. Jose’ Sanchez celebrates the School Mass at St. Joseph School during Catholic Schools Week. He demonstrated “raising the standards” by showing how our students grow through every stage of life and how they should use Christ as the ultimate model.

^ Thirteen of Loyola College Prep’s SGA members traveled to Sulphur High School in January to attend the Louisiana Association of Student Councils (LASC) convention. Loyola earned the recognition of Gold Honor Council and the Mega Bucks Club for raising more than $500 for Ronald McDonald House. Loyola was also elected as vice president of District IX and will be represented in the position by Emily Roemer.

^ These St. Frederick School’s seventh and eighth grade students qualified to compete in the Religion Scholar’s Bowl at St. John Berchmans School in Shreveport on January 31. Left-to-right standing: Grant Johnson, John Henry Hebert, Barrett Coon, Christian Amy, John Ellender and Jack Weir. Left-to-right sitting: Marie Livigni and Kristy Pham.

> Jesus the Good Shepherd School found a fun way to provide food for the hungry. Prior to the start of the JGS Catholic Schools Week Basketball Shoot-out, each student was asked to pay an “admission” of one canned good. Every student brought a can and JGS was able to donate 365 cans to the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank. During the Shoot-out, students enjoyed watching their prinicpal Lisa Patrick and her teammate, Fr. Lijo from St. Matthew Catholic Church, compete against Fr. Job from Christ the King/ULM Catholic Center and Fr. Abraham from Jesus the Good Shepherd Church. In the end, Fr. Job and Fr. Abraham, playing for the PK3-3rd graders, were the winners but all of the students enjoyed watching the hilarious antics on the court!

March 2013 21

upcoming EVENTS March 4: Movie Showing: If Only We Had Listened: The apparations of Kibeho, Rwanda The Catholic Center and the Cathedral are teaming up to show If Only We Had Listened in Holoubek Theatre at the Catholic Center at 6:30 p.m on March 4. This movie was filmed in Rwanda and depicts the story of the Our Lady of Kibeho. The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in Kibeho, Rwanda from 1981-89. She brought many beautiful messages to the visionaries, but one day she brought a warning that shocked everyone.

She told a crowd of over 25,000 that a “river of blood” was coming to their country if they “did not listen.” Twelve years later the terrible genocide in Rwanda happened. Tickets are free, but you must call to reserve one. There will be a free will offereing to benefit the St. Catherine Community Center. To reserve your tickets, call 318-868-4441.

March 9: Raúl Prieto Ramírez to Perform at the Cathedral Sat., March 9 at 7pm.

Spanish concert organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez will perform at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. The public is invited to attend this free concert co-sponsored by the North Louisiana Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. www.raulprieto.com March 10-13: Lenten Parish Mission with Fr. Boquet at the Cathedral The Cathedral

will host a Lenten Parish Mission March 10 - March 13 at 6:30pm on Sun. and 6pm all other evenings. Fr. Shenan Boquet, President of Human Life International and 2012 Diocese of Shreveport Pro-Life Banquet speaker, will lead the mission. All are invited.

For more info call the church office at 318221-5296.

Ongoing through March 13: Calling Catholics Home During the 2013 Lenten season, parishes throughout the diocese are taking the opportunity to welcome back those who were “once Catholic” through the program “Calling Catholics Home.”

Please join us for informal sessions and an update of the Catholic faith. The sessions are conducted in a support-group format.

Everyone is welcome.

This six week program takes place at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans from 6:30 to 8pm. For more information, contact Kathy Snelling at 318-746-4369, or go to www. callingcatholicshome.com.

March 14: St. Vincent Academy Alumnae Scholarship Fundraiser Tag Day This year marks the 5th anniversary of the St. Vincent’s Academy Alumnae Tag Day fundraiser. This organization of women works to continue the legacy of the women who attended and taught at St. Vincent Academy. The

funds raised from this annual silent auction are used to fund a scholarship at Loyola College Prep for the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of St. Vincent Alumnae.

We invite you to be a supporter of this event by donating a silent auction item or attending the event. We look forward to seeing you on Thurs. March 14th at 6pm at the Catholic Center located 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport, LA. For more information, contact Jean at 318-687-4848.

March 17: St. Joseph Altar at Mary, Queen of Peace Church Mary, Queen of Peace Church cordially invites you to our annual St. Joseph’s Altar on March 17. We will begin with Mass at 11am followed by the blessing of the altar around 12:15pm. Food will be served from 12:30pm until 3pm. The church is located at 7738 Barksdale Blvd. in Bossier City. For more information please contact the church office at 318-752-5971.

April 4 - May 23: Life Happens Grief Group support group is available for adults experiencing the loss of a loved one. The group meets Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at St. Jude Church in the library. Contact Laurie Nussbaum at 318-549-1082 or by email lauriebelle44@ bellsouth.net.

2 0 1 3 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

At this time I / we are enclosing:

$200 $150 $100 $_______

$_____________

Print Name________________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________

Diocese of Shreveport The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 www.dioshpt.org 22 Catholic Connection

City______________________________________________________State_________Zip Code____________ My / Our Church Parish______________________________________________________________________ Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Stewardship)

calendar

march 2013

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

24 25 26 27 28 1 2 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

World Day of Prayer

Encounter Faith Youth Rally, Catholic Center, 9am Women’s Retreat, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 9am

Youth Rally / MAR. 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

If Only We Had Listened movie at the Catholic Center, 6:30pm

Year of Faith Visit by Bishop Duca: St. Jude Church, 5pm

Sts. Perpetua & Felicity, martyrs

Catholic Center Closed for Staff Retreat

Women’s Retreat, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 9am

Year of Faith Visit by Bishop Duca: Mary, St. Frances of Queen of Peace Rome, religious Church, 6:30pm

St. Casimir

WoMen’s Retreats / MAR. 2 & 9

St. John of God, religious

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Daylight Savings Time Begins FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Lenten Reconciliation Service at Holy Trinity Church, 5pm

Lenten Reconciliation Service at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 6:30pm

Lenten Reconciliation Service at St. Pius X Church, 6:30pm

Lenten Reconciliation Service at St. Jude Church, 6:30pm

LITURGICAL Conference / MAR. 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1pm

Lenten Reconciliation Service at Sacred Heart Church, 6pm

Year of Faith St. Cyril of Visit by Bishop Jerusalem, bishop & doctor Duca: St. Joseph Church, 7pm of the Church

Year of Faith Visit by Bishop Duca: St. Benedict Church, 7pm

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

St. Turibius of Magrovejo, bishop

Lenten Reconciliation Service at St. Joseph Church, 6:30pm

Chrism Mass / MAR. 26

St. Joseph

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 PALM SUNDAY

EASTER SUNDAY 2nd Collections: Vocations

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Catholic Schools Spring Break Begins

Clergy Day of Reflection, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 1:30pm

Chrism Mass, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 6pm

HOLY THURSDAY

GOOD FRIDAY

2nd Collection: Holy Land

HOLY SATURDAY

2nd Collections: Vocations

EASTER SUNDAY / MAR. 31 March 2013 23

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

â&#x20AC;˘

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Photo of the month by Megan Funk

Brother Gordon Hayes receives a special plaque from Bishop Michael Duca honoring his 50 years of service as a Franciscan brother as Deacon John Basco looks on in the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.

24 Catholic Connection