Catholic Connection April 2018

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 27, No. 9 April 2018

CATHOLIC CHARITIES North Louisiana’s

Good Samaritan CCNLA Monroe Offices

Connection The Catholic

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Joe Bernal

Fr. Rothell Price

Katherine Bernal

Rosalba Quiroz

Lisa Cooper

Jessica Rinaudo

Julia Doolin

Katie Sciba

Bishop Michael Duca

Randy Tiller

Richard Hiller

Duane Trombetta

Kim Long

Mike Van Vranken

Lucy Medvec

John Mark Willcox

Editorial Board Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Kelly Phelan Powell Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Stewardship Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

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

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

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

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

2 Catholic Connection

Plagiarism Notice and Apology

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n February 26, 2018, the Diocese of Shreveport was alerted to an instance of plagiarism in an article entitled, “The Seven Penitential Psalms,” that was published in the February 2018 edition of The Catholic Connection magazine.

The Diocese of Shreveport and The Catholic Connection magazine published this article without knowledge that it had been taken without permission from another published source. We do not condone plagiarism and sincerely regret the publishing of this article. We strive to protect the rights of creators and their work and take a zero tolerance stand on plagiarism. All instances of this article have since been removed from our diocesan online sources.

We have taken several steps to safeguard our publication in the future. We have contacted all writers for The Catholic Connection and reminded them that this behavior is not in line with our policies and will not be tolerated. We have also adopted software that will scan all future articles for plagiarism prior to printing them in The Catholic Connection.

Again, we apologize for this breach of trust and will work diligently to ensure this never happens again.

Sincerely, Jessica Rinaudo Editor, The Catholic Connection

Bishop’s April Calendar APRIL 7 Bingo on the Delta (Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Fundraiser); West Monroe Convention Center; West Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

APRIL 8 Confirmation; Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

APRIL 10 Theology on Tap; The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill, Monroe; 6:30 p.m.

APRIL 14 Confirmation; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Shreveport; 4:00 p.m.

APRIL 18 Diocesan Investment Committee meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m.

APRIL 21 Diocese of Dallas Bishop’s Pro-Life Dinner-25th Anniversary; Dallas; 5:00 p.m.

APRIL 22 Confirmation; St. Theresa Church, Delhi; 11:00 a.m.

APRIL 25 Confirmation; St. Ann Church, Stonewall; 6:00 p.m.

APRIL 28 Run With the Nuns; Silver Star Smokehouse, Bossier City; 8:30 a.m.

APRIL 15 Confirmation; Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Monroe; 10:30 a.m.

Catechesis Event: Feeding Your Family’s Soul; St. Mary of the Pines Parish, Shreveport; 9:30 a.m.

Shreveport-Bossier Holocaust Remembrance Service; Brown Chapel, Centenary College Campus, Shreveport; 3:00 p.m.

Bishop Lynch High School Annual Gala: A Night in Tuscany; Dallas; 6:00 p.m.

APRIL 29 Confirmation; Christ the King Parish, Bossier City; 3:00 p.m.

contents

April 2018

columns

Live in a Way That Embraces Eternal Life

by Bishop Michael Duca............................................................................ 4-5 Mike's Meditations: Good Catholic, Bad Catholic

by Mike Van Vranken...................................................................................... 6 In Review: The Secret of the Shamrock reviewed by Jessica Rinaudo ...... 7 Faithful Food: The Easter Spirit by Kim Long.................................................. 8

13

Domestic Church: Facing Fear and Difficulty by Katie Sciba..................... 9 From the Pope: Eucharistic Liturgy I. Presentation of Gifts from Vatican Information Services.................................................................. 10 Navigating the Faith: Praying Through God's Words by Kim Long ............ 11 Second Collections for April and May by Fr. Rothell Price ......................... 12 Vocations View: Prayer and Pilgrimage by Deacon Duane Trombetta ...... 13 Kids' Connection: Divine Mercy Sunday ...................................................26

features

14

Catholic Charities: North Louisiana's Good Samaritan

by Lucy Medvec ....................................................................................... 14-16

news Divine Mercy Sunday by Julia Pettiette Doolin .............................................16 Loyola Students Memorialize Florida School Shooting Victims

by Lisa Cooper.....................................................................................................17 Administrative Assistants Day: Meet the Faces Behind the Phones

by Randy Tiller ......................................................................................................18

18

Reflections on Spiritual Direction byJoe & Katherine Bernal .......................19 Author and EWTN TV Host to Give "Feeding Your Family's Soul" Workshop in Shreveport .....................................................................................20 26th Annual Red Mass Set for May 4 at Holy Trinity

by Jessica Rinaudo & Richard HIller ................................................................21

on the cover

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 27, No. 9 April 2018

Shreveport-Bossier Pro-Life Oratory Contest....................................................22 God and Sex Series April Event.........................................................................22 Hispanic News by Rosalba Quiroz.................................................................. 23 School News ...............................................................................................24-25 Across the Nation: Domestic Justice and Education Chairmen Urge Concrete Actions to Address Scourge of Gun Violence; USCCB Offers Congratulations to Pope Francis on His Fifth Year Anniversary from the USCCB ............................................................................................... 27 Around the Diocese ..................................................................................28-29 Mark Your Calendar ........................................................................................ 30 April Calendar ................................................................................................. 31

CATHOLIC CHARITIES North Louisiana’s

Good Samaritan CCNLA Monroe Offices

Joann Worley leads The Money School class at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana's location in Monroe, LA.

April 2018 3

la reflexión DEL OBISPO por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Vivir Atesorando para la Vida Eterna

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“

ara mí ha llegado la hora del sacrificio y se acerca el momento de mi partida. He peleado la buena batalla, he llegado al término de la carrera, me he mantenido fiel. Ahora me espera la corona merecida que el Señor, el Juez justo, me dará en aquel día. Y no me la dará solamente a mí, sino también a todos lo que con amor esperan que el vuelva.” 2Tim. 4:6-8 ¿Recuerdan la película, The Bucket List (En español- Antes de Partir)?

La película trata de dos enfermos terminales de cáncer que se conocen en un hospital y deciden tratar de hacer todo lo que está en sus “listas de cosas antes de morir”. Afortunadamente, uno de ellos es millonario y se disponen hacer lo más que puedan antes de morirse.

Y por lo que todos tenemos esta lista de cosas por hacer y esperanzas, estoy seguro que la lista no es una meta suficientemente grande como cristianos que creemos y nos mantenemos en la luz de la Resurrección de Cristo. EL primero de Abril celebramos el domingo de Pascua y proclamamos con voces de fe, “El Señor ha Resucitado.” Con esta proclamación declaramos nuestra fe: que nuestras vidas no terminan en la muerte de nuestros cuerpos, más bien renacemos a la vida eterna. Por tanto si esta es nuestra fe, entonces el motivo principal de nuestras vidas no debería ser “hacer lo más que pueda antes de morir” sino que “Querer hacer lo más que pueda para estar listo a la Vida Eterna”, estar listo a entrar al reino celestial donde toda lágrima se limpia y nunca volveré a morir.

En realidad este es un modo más positivo y libre de como ver la vida.

Primero que nada quitemos el sentimiento de frustración por la cosas que no pudimos hacer. También quitemos la tristeza constante que nos da la muerte y nos roba de oportunidades y libertad. Paremos de mirar a la muerte como un ladrón inevitable y miremos con ojos de fe hacia el camino de nuestra Resurrección.

Cuando nos enfocamos en prepararnos para nuestra Resurrección, no dejamos de vivir sino que vivimos de manera diferente y vivimos, de hecho, más intencionalmente e integralmente. Aquí tienen dos actitudes que quizás les ayuden a ver el término de esta vida como un comienzo a la vida eterna.

El Amor Sacrificado lleva a un nuevo significado positivo en nuestras vidas. Amar sacrificando significa que tenemos que dar nuestro tiempo limitado, energía, y quizás también nuestras riquezas-vienes materiales para ayudar a alguien que amamos o alguien que necesite de nuestros compromisos de amor. Esto puede ser muy difícil de hacer si miramos que el tiempo se nos “acaba”, o que estamos perdiendo el tiempo no haciendo lo que queremos hacer. Pero si miramos nuestra vida hacia un plan eterno, podemos ver que el amor es el camino que nos prepara a la vida eterna, que quizás en esta vida haya una recompensa por este acto de amor (y muchas veces lo hay), pero ciertamente nuestra recompensa será el gozo de la vida eterna.

Vivir sencillamente sabemos que, nos cede tiempo y energía para concentrarnos libremente en las relaciones de amor con la familia, esposa, hijos, y amigos. Nos permite profundizar nuestra relación con Dios y 4 Catholic Connection

crear tiempo para los que necesiten de nuestra ayuda. Si nos estamos preparando hacia la siguiente vida, necesitamos vivir más sencillamente, optar por disminuir nuestra carga en vez de agrandarla pensando que viviremos para siempre. Necesitamos poner nuestro tiempo y esfuerzo en las riquezas celestiales que podemos llevar con nosotros, estas riquezas duraderas se nos regalan por medio del amor.

No quiero oírme como si fuera algo agradable el morir, sino que estoy sugiriendo una orientación espiritual más profunda. Si estamos viviendo para solamente vaciar nuestra bucket list (cosas antes de morir), entonces parece que siempre le estamos corriendo a la muerte, incluso hasta el punto de desesperación de tratar de aferrarnos a nuestra juventud, cosas materiales, y nuestro dinero con tal de evitar la muerte y vivir como si no nos fuéramos a morir. No debemos vivir nuestras vidas como si estuviéramos corriéndole a la Muerte, sino mejor vivirla corriendo hacia la Vida Eterna. Si corremos esta “buena carrera” como San Pablo llama nuestra vida de fe, entonces pasaríamos entre la muerte pero esa no es nuestra meta y no nos detendrá.

Esto nos permite vivir en la ESPERANZA y no con miedo. La muerte no es el fin, sino un portal, la entrada a nuestra salvación. Y esa es la meta que debe motivar nuestras vidas alimentadas por nuestra fe en Jesucristo quien nos vino a mostrar el camino cuando resucito de entre los muertos. Entre más creemos en la Resurrección de Jesús, mas viviremos en libertad y gozó que vienen de nuestra Esperanza en la Vida Eterna.

bishop’s REFLECTION

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

Live in a Way That Embraces Eternal Life “

F

or I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.” 2Tim. 4:6-8 Do you remember the movie, The Bucket List? The movie is about two terminally ill men who meet in a hospital room and decide to try and empty their “bucket lists” – their lists of all the things they want to do before they die, before they “kick the bucket.” Luckily, one of the men is a millionaire and they set out to do as much as they can before they die.

And while we might all have these kinds of Bishop Duca lists and hopes, I am certain that a bucket list is not a big enough goal for us as Christians who believe in and stand in the light of the Resurrection of Christ. Just a few days ago, on the first day of this month (no foolin’), we celebrated Easter Sunday and proclaimed with faith-filled voices, “The Lord is Risen.” With this proclamation, we confessed our faith: that our lives do not end with the death of our physical bodies, but rather are reborn to an eternal life. So if this is our faith, then the motivating principle of our lives should not be “to do as much as we can before we die,” but rather we should say, “I want to do as much as I can to be ready for Eternal Life, to be ready to enter the heavenly kingdom where every tear is wiped away and I will never die again.”

This is actually a more positive and freeing way to look at life.

First, we avoid the constant feeling of frustration because of the things we never got to do. We also avoid the constant sadness resulting from death approaching and robbing us of opportunity and freedom. We stop looking at death as this inevitable thief and see it though the eyes of faith as the path to our own Resurrection.

When we are focused on getting ready for our Resurrection, we do not stop living but we may live differently and live, in fact, more intentionally and integrally. Here are two attitudes that may be changed by seeing the ending of this life as the beginning of eternal life.

Sacrificial love takes on a new, positive meaning in our lives.

To love sacrificially means that we need to give our limited time, energy, and maybe even treasure, to help someone we love or live up to the demands of our commitments of love. This can be hard to do if we see our time as “running out,” or that we are losing time before we die to do what we want. But if we see our life with an eternal plan, we are able to see that love is the way we get ready for eternal life, that there will be a reward for this act of love maybe in this life (and there often is), but certainly we will be rewarded in the joy of eternal life.

Living more simply, we know, allows us time and energy to be freer to concentrate on relationships of love with family, spouse, children and friends. It allows us to deepen our relationship with God and to make time for those who need our help. If we are preparing for the next life, we will tend to live more simply, choosing to lighten our load as we age instead of accumulating as though we will live forever. We will put our time and effort into the heavenly treasure we can take with us, and this lasting treasure is always gifted to us through love.

I do not want to sound like we should be happy to die, but rather I am suggesting a deeper spiritual orientation. If we are living to only empty our bucket list, then it seems like we are always running from death, even to the point of desperately trying to hold on to our youth, our stuff and our money in order to stave off death and live like we will never die. We should not live our lives as though we are running from the pursuing Death, but rather let us always be running toward Eternal Life. If we run this “good race,” as Saint Paul calls our life of faith, then we know we will pass through death, but that is not our goal and it will not slow us down. This allows us to live not in fear, but rather in HOPE. Death is not the end, but the portal, the gate to our salvation. That is the positive goal that should motivate our lives and be animated by our faith in Jesus Christ, who showed us the way when He arose from the dead. The more we believe in the Resurrection of Jesus, the more we are free to live in the freedom and joy that comes from hope in Life Eternal. • April 2018 5

mike’s MEDITATIONS

by Mike Van Vranken

Good Catholic, Bad Catholic

T

{PD-1923}

here is an interesting story where an official asked Jesus: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 18:18.

Jesus peculiarly responds: “Why do you call me good?

No one is good but God alone” Luke 18:19.

Many times I’ve read that statement and thought, “Yes, Amen, God is good,” and then just moved on. But, I’ve realized Jesus is teaching us here about being human.

We can worry too much about being a “good” Catholic/ Christian, and forget our goal is to love and serve God. We can fall into idolatry by allowing our desire to “be good” to Van Vranken become our focus – our reason for living. I’ll use the next few verses of this story as an example.

We remember that Jesus lists the 10 commandments to this man as the ways to heaven, and proudly, the man responds that he’s kept them all from his earliest days. In other words, this man is saying: “Hey, I’m a good Jew. I’ve kept all the commandments. I’m saved!” Rather than reviewing how his life has been lived in love and service to God, this man seems only interested in himself; in saving his own soul. Can you see the nuance in this? We are created to praise, love and serve God. In the process, we plan to be in His holy presence for eternity. And surely we want that. But when we make “being good” or keeping the commandments our only purpose, life becomes all about us and not about God. In St. Paul’s words, we become prisoners or slaves to the law.

When we are young, we are sometimes motivated by a reward/punishment system: Clean your room, you get a cookie. Don’t clean your room, no cookie. But when we mature, we realize we clean our room to avoid living in filth – not to get a cookie.

Likewise, when we mature in our faith, we also begin to understand that we keep the commandments, not because they are some rule or law to get us to heaven, but because we praise, love and serve God with our entire being.

That’s it. “Being good” does not earn our salvation. God who loves us, who alone is “good,” mercifully grants us our salvation.

6 Catholic Connection

Continuing the story may help. Jesus tells the official there is one more thing he can do.

Another rule? I don’t think so. Instead, Jesus is saying that when we live a life that is attached to worldly things, we are not free to really love God and our neighbor. The attachment takes all our attention and distracts us from God. Like we can do with the rules themselves, we become prisoners to the worldly attachments.

So, Jesus tells the man to give all of his possessions away. Jesus passionately wants this man to experience true freedom. The freedom that results when all of our focus is on loving God and loving everyone else; the freedom to live without the shiny, glittery distractions of all we acquire. Again, I don’t believe Jesus is saying we have to give everything away to “be good.” He’s already told us that God alone is good. In his book: The Good News According to Luke, Fr. Richard Rohr puts it this way: "Live it (the gospel) as best you can and leave the problem of salvation up to God.” Later on, the apostles ask Jesus, “Then who can be saved?” Luke 18:26. He tells them that even for what is impossible for humans, for God all things are possible. A good reminder that our salvation comes from God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And ironically, it’s when we fall madly, passionately and intimately in love with God, that keeping the commandments becomes our lifestyle. Not that we will do it perfectly, because we won’t. We will make mistakes. But, when we love God with our whole hearts, whole being and whole strength, and when we love our neighbor as ourselves, keeping the commandments is not something we do. It’s who we are.

Whenever we think thoughts like “Good Catholic/Bad Catholic,” change your language to “Love God/Love Neighbor.” Be free of the reward/punishment mentality and allow God to be good – all the time. • Mike is a spiritual director, author, speaker and teacher. You can contact him at mikevanvranken@comcast.net

in REVIEW reviewed by Jessica Rinaudo

The Secret of the Shamrock by Lisa M. Hendey The Chime Travelers Series

M

y nearly 7-year-old a priest, then bishop, then Saint daughter is embracing Patrick. the joy that comes with This book tackles a wide variety learning to read. Suddenly, the world of Catholic topics, including of books is open to her. At any given why Catholics go to a priest for time, I find her curled up with a Confession, what to do when we library book, occasionally looking struggle with our faith, and why up to ask me what a word is, or to it’s important to get involved in ask me to define helping in parish something. life. There is even a With this basketball-playing budding curiosity priest who pitches and desire to read, in with church clean she and I are now up and makes the faced with finding priesthood feel very 1st and 2nd grade accessible. reading level books My daughter with appropriate absolutely loved the and interesting scenes where Patrick content. A fellow meets “Shep” as Catholic mom, St. Patrick is referred who also has a to in the first part bookworm of a of the story. He daughter, suggested leads the two of the Chime Travelers Illustration by Jenn Bower of Bishop them by faith and Patrick inside The Secret of the series by Lisa M. perseverance to Shamrock by Lisa M. Hendey.

Hendey to me. safety. Through this Aimed at second to fourth graders, book, my daughter became familiar this series features twins – a boy and with the saint’s life story (which was girl – who are around 3rd grade age. especially great as we finished it up They are part of a Catholic family just days shy of St. Patrick’s Day). with an adopted baby sister.

The back of the book features In the first of the series, The Secret several age-appropriate discussion of the Shamrock, Patrick (the boy questions that help children focus on twin), struggles with his faith and how aspects of their daily life relate to being mean to another boy. After he their faith. My daughter and I took brings a frog (named Francis after turns reading the book aloud to one our pope), into Mass and it slips into another, and when it was finished, she the Baptismal font, Patrick is charged looked at me and said, “Ok, which with being on the church cleaning saint do we get to learn about in the team to make amends. It’s during next book?” In case you’re wondering, this cleaning, that he gets swept away the next in the series is titled The Sign by the church bells into the past, of the Carved Cross and features Saint where he meets an enslaved shepherd Kateri Tekakwitha, and we will most he later learns will one day become definitely be picking it up. •

“And while they fought sometimes, the twins were best friends. All in all, the Brady twins made a great team. But there were a few things about Patrick that Katie had a hard time understanding. And bringing a tree frog to a baptism was one of them!"

– Lisa M. Hendey in The Secret of the Shamrock

The Secret of the Shamrock, The Chime Travelers #1, is published by Servant, an imprint of Francisan Media and available to purchase at www.FranciscanMedia.org and Amazon.com.

April 2018 7

faithful FOOD

by Kim Long

The Easter Spirit

W

e often speak in the terms of someone “getting” in the Christmas spirit or remark when we notice someone “doesn’t have the Christmas spirit.” I have often wondered why we never seem Long to say anything about catching or getting the Easter spirit – perhaps it is because Easter, like the Jewish Passover, has to “be made.”

We make ready for Easter during Lent. Our souls prepare through this spiritual spring cleaning as we work to “get our minds right.” There are often arduous preparations for the Easter feast, another of those big and lovely holiday meals.

When I was a child, Easter seemed mature and almost off limits for us children, as though it was serious and something only adults could understand. A baby in a manger seemed safer, nearer our level. Oh there were Easter baskets overflowing with treats we only saw once a year, along with egg hunts and holiday lunch at my Grandmother’s house. We ate ham, always ham, decked out in its own version of Easter finery complete with canned pineapple rings and bright red cherries secured with frilly toothpicks.

For all her ardent preparations, the day fell flat somehow. Christmas just seemed to overshadow this day.

As I grew older and converted to the Catholic faith, I began to make sense of this underwhelming childhood experience. For one thing, as a Baptist child, I recall that the focus on the glory of the resurrection was a common theme and the suffering of Christ was more lightly touched on as if to stare in the face of those wounds and brokenness was somehow impolite.

As I journeyed through the Lenten 8 Catholic Connection

Easter Basket Cupcakes Ingredients: • Cupcakes of your choice (box mix or homemade).

• White frosting • Jelly beans or small Cadbury Eggs with the crispy sugar shell • Shredded cocount • Green food coloring • Pipe cleaners aka chenille stems (these form handles) Directions: 1) Bake, cool, and frost cupcakes.

2) Using a jar with a lid, place coconut and green food coloring inside. Shake to color the coconut--this becomes your “grass” for the basket. Pour colored coconut onto plate.

3) “Dip” iced cupcake top into the coconut. It will stick to the icing.

season, I truly gave up things – certain foods, television and negative thoughts.

And in the emptying, I filled the space with more Masses, more trips to the Blessed Sacrament, more rosaries and just more God. How could I not reach Eastertide totally ready to embrace the 50 days of celebration? I have come to know that the amount of readiness to embrace the celebratory nature of Eastertide is directly related to how observant and devout my Lenten time has been. Some years it was great, almost palpable, and other times I almost missed the boat finding myself lingering in the grocery store and department store aisles, shopping for ham and new shoes.

So perhaps we can say that our Easter joy is “made” rather than caught, and to make something takes work. Jesus certainly didn’t have it easy, so perhaps this making of Easter, this readying of ourselves to celebrate a love we cannot understand but are so grateful for, isn’t effortless for us either. Perhaps it

4) Place several jellybeans or Cadbury eggs on top on the grass.

6) Add a handle and now you have Easter baskets in miniature.These are especially nice when used at each place setting.

shouldn’t be. Perhaps it was not designed that way. Perhaps after 40 days of intentional and directed effort we are ready to really hear and begin to know anew the words in Matthew’s gospel, “for surely I am with you...even unto the end of the age.” To know that we have that love available to us 24/7 should be a comfort; to know that we are not always available to it means work, means we are “making” our way to the cross, the empty tomb, and the shores of the lake where Jesus waits for us. May this Eastertide find us reveling in God’s great and all-encompassing love.

My mother’s love was often shown to us through seasonal treats such as these cupcakes from my childhood. I made them for my children and now I make them with my grandchildren. They are not exactly a recipe, but a technique. • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport.

domestic CHURCH

by Katie Sciba

Facing Fear and Difficulty

I

had over 20 tabs open online, all of them for rentals within a 50 mile radius.

We needed a three-bedroom house for the seven of us, that would accept a dog and our single, modest, self-employed income – hardly a desirable situation for any landlord. House after house we were turned down, not because of finances or even our fourSciba legged family member, but because of the number of children we had. “Five kids? Sorry, they’ll tear up the property.” At one point our options were whittled down to neighborhoods that were shady at best, places that fit our income but squashed our need for safety. I had spent three months exhaustively combing local real estate to find a home for our oddshaped family. After coming up empty over and over, I was tired and afraid. Our clock was ticking and our finances were limited.

It was just months before when, expecting our fifth child, Eamon, I was diagnosed with a rare pregnancy disease that had a strong chance of claiming our son’s life without notice. There was no cure and no treatment; the only option we had was to deliver Eamon by C-section at 37 weeks gestation, and not a moment sooner.

The symptoms were difficult enough to cope with, but the real agony was the helplessness we felt waiting for our baby’s birth, praying he would survive in my body until we could get him out.

The circumstances were our own, but how many of us can claim similar feelings of hopelessness and fear? In desperate situations, faith feels like a gamble to see if God will pull through or leave us high and dry. Sometimes it seemed as though Heaven had turned a deaf ear and we were left to fend for ourselves. Panic-stricken, sometimes the only prayer I could offer was a tearful “Do you see us?” I was terrified of what would become of our family and whether my husband’s new business would

Verses

of Hope

The Bible is a story of trauma and trials, of the Lord’s people fearing that God left them. In difficulties great or small, remember these verses and know God has never abandoned you and He’s not going to start now.

sustain us. I was afraid of life without our fifth child and the profound pain losing him would bring.

One of my favorite verses for times of fear comes from Psalm 143. “I remember the days of old, I meditate on all that thou hast done; I muse on what thy hands have wrought.” Right there in verse 5 is the hope for our present distress. When we recall past trauma, pain or trials, we can see how God pulled us through it and how He carried us when we had no strength. In the face of difficulty, it’s easier to worry than it is to remember God’s past faithfulness, but the fact is hope comes with knowing He has seen us through every adversity leading up to now. My husband told me hundreds of times in those months, “God has never abandoned us and He’s not going to start now,” his own version of the Psalmist’s sentiment.

We’re almost a year past these events and I’m sitting in the living room of our wonderful home with my healthy baby boy asleep down the hall. The Lord provided as He always has and always will. Life turns out problems and pain that to human eyes would seem impossible, yet to God who knows our fears, they are calls to trust in His mercy. • Katie Sciba is married to Andrew and together they have five children. She is the author of thecatholicwife.net.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live…

(Psalm 103:1-5) For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”

(Isaiah 41:13) If you set your heart aright, you will stretch out your hands toward him. If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away… Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish; you will be secure, and will not fear.

You will forget your misery; you will remember it as waters that have passed away…

And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety.

(Job 11:13-18)

April 2018 9

from the POPE from Vatican Information Services

Eucharistic Liturgy: I. Presentation of Gifts

D

ear brothers and sisters, good morning!

Let us continue with the catechesis on the Holy Mass. The Liturgy of the Word – on which I have reflected in the last catecheses – is followed by the other constitutive part of the Mass, which is the Eucharistic Liturgy.

In this, through the holy signs, the Church continuously makes present the Sacrifice of the new covenant sealed by Jesus on the altar of the Cross (cf. Vatican Ecumenical Council Pope Francis II, Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium, 47).

It was the first Christian altar, that of the Cross, and when we approach the altar to celebrate Mass, our memory goes to the altar of the Cross, where the first sacrifice was made. The priest, who in the Mass represents Christ, carries out what the Lord Himself did and handed over to the disciples at the Last Supper: He took the bread and the cup, gave thanks, and gave them to the disciples, saying: “Take, eat, and drink: this is my Body; this is the cup of my Blood. Do this in memory of me.”

Obedient to the command of Jesus, the Church has arranged the Eucharistic Liturgy in moments that correspond to the words and gestures made by him on the eve of his Passion. Thus, in the preparation of the gifts, bread and wine are brought to the altar, that is, the elements that Christ took in his hands. In the Eucharistic Prayer we give thanks to God for the work of redemption and the offerings become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is followed by the breaking of the Bread and the Communion, through which we relive the experience of the apostles, who received the Eucharistic gifts from the hands of Christ himself (cf. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 72).

The first gesture of Jesus: “He took the bread and the cup of wine,” therefore corresponds to the preparation of the gifts. It is the first part of the Eucharistic Liturgy. It is good that the faithful present the bread and wine to the priest, because they signify the spiritual offering of the Church gathered there for the Eucharist. It is beautiful that it is the faithful themselves who bring the bread and wine to the altar.

Although today “the faithful no longer bring from their own possessions the bread and wine intended for the liturgy as in the past, nevertheless the rite of carrying up the offerings still retains its force and its spiritual significance” (ibid., 73).

And in this regard it is significant that, in ordaining a new priest, the bishop, when he gives him bread and wine, says: “Receive the oblation of the holy people, to be offered to God” (Roman Pontifical - Ordination of bishops, priest and deacons).

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The people of God who bring the offering, the bread and the wine, the great offertory for the Mass! Therefore, in the signs of bread and wine, the faithful people place their offering in the hands of the priest, who lays it on the altar or table of the Lord, “which is the center of the whole Liturgy of the Eucharist,” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 73). That is, the center of the Mass is the altar, and the altar is Christ; we must always look at the altar, which is the center of the Mass. In the “fruit of the earth and the work of man,” the faithful therefore offer their commitment to make of themselves, obedient to the divine Word, a “sacrifice pleasing to God the Father Almighty,” “for the good of all His holy Church.” Thus “the lives of the faithful, their praise, sufferings, prayer and work, are united with those of Christ and with his total offering, and so acquire a new value” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1368).

Of course, our offering is small, but Christ needs this little that we give. He asks little of us, the Lord, and he gives us much. He asks little. He asks us, in ordinary life, for good will; he asks us for an open heart; he asks us for the desire to be better, to welcome him, he who offers himself to us in the Eucharist; he asks us for these symbolic offerings that then become his body and his blood. An image of this oblative movement of prayer is represented by the incense which, consumed in the fire, releases a fragrant smoke that rises upwards: incensing the offerings, as is done on feast days, incensing the cross, the altar, the priest and his people visibly manifests the offertory bond that unites all these elements to Christ’s sacrifice (cf. General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 75). And do not forget: there is the altar, which is Christ, but always with reference to the first altar, which is the Cross, and on the altar that is Christ, we bring our small gifts, the bread and the wine, which will then become great: Jesus himself who gives life to us.

And all this is also expressed by the offertory prayer. In it the priest asks God to accept the gifts that the Church offers Him, invoking the fruit of the wonderful exchange between our poverty and His wealth. In the bread and in the wine we present to Him the offering of our life, so that it may be transformed by the Holy Spirit into the sacrifice of Christ and become with Him the single spiritual offering pleasing to the Father. While the preparation of the gifts is concluded, the Eucharistic Prayer is recited (cf. ibid., 77).

The spirituality of the gift of oneself, that this moment of the Mass teaches us, can illuminate our days, our relationships with others, the things we do, and the sufferings we encounter, helping us to build the earthly city in the light of the Gospel. •

navigating the FAITH

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

Praying Through God’s Words

W

ords are important. We all know this from conversations we have or don’t have each and every day, but some words can really speak to us. Some of us even have a favorite word that can serve as a touchstone, something that steadies us, which helps us know who or even where we are. The Church has a prayer practice that illustrates this: Lectio Divina, Latin for “Divine Reading.”

Vatican II tells us to immerse ourselves in the scriptures by constant spiritual reading and diligent study. Here is the simple description of this multi-layered process of praying with the Word of God. Essentially, one takes a passage of scripture through four steps for an end result of some degree of illumination. Those four steps are: read, meditate, pray and contemplate. Like with many things in life, something which seems simple is not always easy.

When I become still, I often find it difficult to stay awake. Sadly this happens any time I am quiet for more than 20 minutes. It is a family joke: if you want mom to go to sleep, just pop in a movie. For me, the “formal” way of engaging in this prayer practice can be a challenge, but I felt I was being drawn into it in a bit of an informal way. Here is what I mean: There are times when I say, “God gave me a word,” and what I mean is that there is a word in a scripture passage which just pops into my head, a word that God wants me to see, to really hear and to think about. It can happen at the most unexpected times!

READ: One morning this passage from Jeremiah came into my mind so strongly, “For I know well the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. Later on that same day, I walked into my oldest son’s home and was greeted by these same words emblazoned on a plaque he had hung near the entrance of his house. So if there was any doubt that this passage was something important in my life, I literally left that doubt at the door.

When I arrived at home later that day, I made coffee and reached for my Bible looking up the passage and closing my eyes, letting God’s words swirl around me.

PRAY: On February 23 I had to sojourn to Ringgold for the funeral of a young cousin and these were the words I received then, “I lift mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord.” As I gathered with my father’s first cousins and their children, with “the aunts” who were weighted down by sorrow, those words of scripture took me through the next two hours and lingered on the drive home. Once again, I sat and breathed for just a few moments and with each breath asked God that my extended family feel His love and be open to the healing only He can offer.

MEDITATE: Later that same week my niece celebrated her birthday. As I typed in my text message to her, more scripture came into my head and I passed it to her as a gift. “May your year be filled with every good and gracious gift which is from above.”

More inspiration brought this passage to me, “for you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” And she is that. From her birth and all the days of her life I have watched her grow, been present with her during sorrow and joy, accomplishments, seen her mature and become a wife and a mother. As her day swirled around me, I meditated on the lessons she continues to teach me.

CONTEMPLATE: “What does God want me to do?” is an often-repeated question not only by me, but by people who drop by to talk. Almost without fail, I recall one of my favorite passages from Genesis 12: the call of Abraham. God tells Abraham from the beginning that he will go to a place he does not know, but that God has this one if Abraham will trust Him. I love this story and for about the last 18 years, have defaulted to it when a situation arises and I need to let go and really trust God. He will bless me and be with me always. He will always keep His promises.

This is an informal form of this wonderful practice.

We can find so much wisdom in the holy scriptures.

There is wisdom, inspiration, encouragement, love, mercy, more love and peace. However, God chooses to send you a word, I encourage you to be open to it, to examine it prayerfully, and to put it into action by sharing it through word and deed. Pray when you cook for someone. Meditate in the still true intimacy that God offers to each of us. Be open to the words God has for you. As the Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 105, “Your word O God is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path. • April 2018 11

second COLLECTIONS

by Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General

Second Collections for April & May

T

he great event of our Lord’s resurrection from among the dead has arrived!

This EVENT, this GIFT, is so enormous that we need the 50 days of the Easter season to worthily celebrate our being freed from sin, ransomed from death, and being clothed with power from on high. I hope you remembered to present your CRS Rice Bowl at Mass on Easter Sunday. It is not too late to do so if you haven’t. Increase your Easter joy. Present the fruits of your Lenten journey to our Risen Lord and His people in need.

CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL Collection Dates: April 28th & 29th he Catholic Home Missions Appeal is the work of the Bishops of the United States to provide pastoral ministries to more than 40 percent of the United States that has been designated by our bishops as mission territory. Dioceses and parishes in these designated mission territories are struggling to provide pastoral and material care Price to the Christian faithful. These mission dioceses and parishes are vital to Catholicism in the U.S. because they bring the presence of Jesus Christ and his holy Catholic Church to those areas. Your sacrificial giving to the Catholic Home Missions Appeal makes living and receiving the Catholic faith possible for those in our mission dioceses across the land.

The Diocese of Shreveport, along with the dioceses of Alexandria, Lake THE THE and Houma-Thibodaux, are mission dioceses in the state of Louisiana.

Charles, We work diligently with our available resources to provide for the pastoral needs of those in our diocese, especially our small, vibrant and vital rural churches and communities. Your contribution makes the Eucharist and other sacraments, religious education, ministry training for clergy, religious and the laity, available where it would otherwise be absent. Your gift makes it possible to have Christ and his Church present where it would not exist without your help.

Thank you for Strengthening the Church at Home by giving generously to the Catholic Home Mission Appeal.

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CATHOLIC APPEAL CATHOLIC HOME HOME MISSIONS MISSIONS APPEAL

STRENGTHENING the CHURCH AT HOME www.usccb.org/home-missions

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Copyright © 2017, United States Conference of

DIOCESAN RETIRED PRIESTS’ FUND Collection Dates: May 5th & 6th hank you for your thoughtful and generous support of our Diocesan Retired Priests’ Fund. I am grateful to have this opportunity to express gratitude for your past and on-going support of our retired diocesan priests. With the passing of Fr. Walter Ebarb last All Saints Day, and the retiring of Frs. James McLelland, Phil Michiels and Pike Thomas last year, we now have eight faithful servants of God in their jubilee years. Frs. John Kennedy, Richard Lombard, Joseph Puthuppally, Patrick Scully, and Kenneth Williams are lovingly housed and cared for because of your tender kindness. These men of God and sons of the Church have labored long and fruitfully for the Lord Jesus and his people. Fr. Patrick Madden plans to join that esteemed company of men this summer.

Our Diocesan Retired Priests’ Fund is supported solely by you, the faithful of our diocese. Your gift funds our retirement plan for the exclusive pension benefit of the priests of our diocese. Thank you for helping us take care of our own. Thank you for assuring their peace of mind, joy of heart and transition to a new phase of Christian witness. You are supporting them when they need it the most. Please be generous in giving to our DIOCESAN RETIRED PRIESTS’ FUND. •

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

vocations VIEW

by Deacon Duane Trombetta, Diocese of Shreveport Seminarian

Prayer and Pilgrimage

Duane Trombetta (center) with fellow seminarians in the Holy Land.

D

uring my fourth and final year at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, my fellow transitional deacons and I were blessed with the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land: the biblical land of Israel and historical Palestine. And so, in January, we set out for what would become one of the greatest and most blessed experiences of our lives.

After arriving in Israel’s largest metropolitan city, Tel Aviv, we headed north along the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea. Even from our first day, we encountered sites of great importance in Church history, as documented in the New Testament (such as the site where the Romans held St. Paul prisoner in the earliest days of Christianity) and in the Old Testament (such as Mukhraka on Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted the false prophets of Baal).

During the first half of our journey, we traced the paths of Christ’s ministry in the region of Galilee. At every stop on our journey, we read biblical passages of the events that occurred on the very ground on which we stood. One of my most spiritually stirring experiences occurred when I read the Sermon on the Mount on the actual Mount of Beatitudes. We also prayed at the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves, and the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter.

What a blessing it was to see the sites of the Annunciation, the Visitation and Christ’s first miracle of changing water into wine in Cana. Our first-hand encounters of the Jordan River, Jericho and the Dead Sea offered new perspectives on the life of John the Baptist and the temptation of Christ in the desert.

This part of our trip afforded a little relaxation too, by way of floating on the Dead Sea – one of the saltiest bodies of waters the world.

We spent the second half of our journey in and around

the Holy City of Jerusalem, beginning at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed his last prayer before his arrest. We offered prayers for unity, at the site of the Jewish Temple, where Jesus worshipped and celebrated the religious feasts throughout his life. It was stirring to retrace the steps of Christ along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow). I was privileged to serve as deacon at Mass inside the tomb of Christ, in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher – the holiest site in all Christendom.

Any visit to the Holy Land is a wonderful blessing. But I feel all the more blessed to have made this pilgrimage as a seminarian with my fellow deacon classmates. By walking with Christian companions, praying and celebrating Mass every day, and experiencing Sacred Scripture “come to life,” we learned what differentiates a pilgrimage from every other type of travel.

I express my sincere gratitude to Bishop Duca and to all the people of the Diocese of Shreveport, for their support and prayers not only during my pilgrimage to the Holy Land, but throughout my seminary studies and priestly formation. I give my assurance that I included you all in my prayers at the

holy sites of Israel. It is because of your witness and generosity that I seek more eagerly now to carrying out the Great Commission set forth by Christ himself. My journey has been challenging but joyful. And now as my final semester at Notre Dame Seminary draws to a close, I look forward with great anticipation to receipt of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, to priestly ordination in June, and to serving the faithful people of Christ in our diocese.• If you would like more information about the priesthood, contact Fr. Jerry Daigle, jdaigle@dioshpt.org, or call 318.868.4441.

April 2018 13

CATHOLIC CHARITIES North Louisiana’s

Good Samaritan

by Lucy Medvec

Joann Worley, Program Coordinator of Monroe's The Money School, teaches the class that offers financial education on money management, budgeting, expense tracking and more. ho will you help today?

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, we are called

by Jesus to go forth and treat our neighbors with mercy, even those we do not know. This simple directive is the guiding principle for the employees and volunteers of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana’s Monroe office as they work hard each day to help those who are most in need.

Since opening its doors in May 2016, the staff and volunteers in Monroe have worked with hundreds of individuals to provide financial education, tangible assistance for rent and utilities, donations of food and clothing, and most importantly, a sense of compassion. Their daily efforts align with CCNLA’s overall vision of working together to invest in people to alleviate poverty, distress and injustice.

Located across the street from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, the CCNLA office is off the beaten path from businesses and other nonprofit agencies, but in the past year it has made its presence known in the community. In fact, when the Louisiana 2-1-1 call center released its latest report, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana had more referrals than any other 14 Catholic Connection

agency in the region.

Catholic Charities is one of many organizations in Northeast Louisiana that provides assistance with rent or utility payments, but it is the only nonprofit that requires an education component in order for clients to receive assistance.

That important component comes from The Money School, CCNLA’s weekly class that offers financial education on money management, budgeting, expense tracking and more. The class is taught by Program Coordinator Joann Worley, who then meets with each client to thoroughly assess their financial situation.

The concept of The Money School was slow to catch on in Monroe; for the first month of operation attendance was sparse.

That quickly changed as class attendance is now at full capacity (15 clients/students each week).

Other programs offered in the Monroe office include Gabriel’s Corner (offering baby necessities and clothing to parents of small children), food pantry and Gentleman’s Rack and Ladies’ Career Clothes (providing adult clothing for job interviews). CCNLA also offers immigration legal services and seminars to Northeast Louisiana through monthly visits from

the Shreveport immigration staff.

The work of the immigration staff helps reach clients in rural areas who previously had to travel to Jackson or New Orleans for assistance.

All of this work is done with limited resources and time. For as many clients that seek assistance from CCNLA, three times as many are turned away because of limited funds. Currently, the Monroe office is open three days a week with a parttime staff consisting of Worley and two office assistants, Marilyn Landry and Brenda Taylor, splitting one parttime position. Volunteers are also crucial to the operation of this office, which sees in excess of 30 clients each week. Whether a client is coming for rental or utility assistance, clothing, food or other help, the Monroe staff is able to provide aid through CCNLA’s resources or refer them to another local agency.

How can the Monroe community

MONROE by the

Numbers

354 867 Individuals Served Attended The Money School

$11,088

Given in Rent or Utility Assistance

764 Volunteer Hours of Food 967 Pounds Distributed

MEET our Staff

Volunteers Edwin Wicks, Mary Wicks, Norma Sherman and Katie Cavell

support Catholic Charities in its role as Good Samaritan? The biggest need is financial resources.

The current financial assistance budget is $12,000 per year – a small amount considering the number of emergency requests the office receives each week. Volunteers and donations of clothing and food are always appreciated, but in order to take the next step of becoming a full-time social services agency in Northeast Louisiana, support from the community must rise to a level that can meet the need.

As the Monroe office nears its two year anniversary, it reaches a crossroad for its future in Northeast Louisiana. Donations from the community have grown over the past two years, but not in relation to the amount of financial need that is requested. CCNLA’s first major fundraiser, “Bingo on the Delta,” will be held this month in West Monroe.

& Volunteers

Top left: Program Coordinator Joann Worley; Bottom left: Volunteer Missy McKenzie; Above: Office Coordinators Marilyn Landry and Brenda Taylor April 2018 15

Already a sold-out success its previous two years in Shreveport, the bingo fundraiser is a casual evening of dinner and bingo, with local priests and nuns serving as the bingo callers. Staff members look forward to members of the Eastern Deanery embracing this event and making it successful for years to come.

Since its founding in 2010, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana continues to help those who have been passed by or overlooked in our community. As an important charitable partner of the Diocese of Shreveport, CCNLA will continue to show mercy and be the Good Samaritan of North Louisiana. •

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF NORTH LOUISIANA - MONROE

3208 Concordia Avenue • Monroe, LA 71201 (318) 361-5198 • Monroe@ccnla.org www.ccnla.org Open: Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

HOW YOU CAN HELP

DONATE – Make a financial donation at www.ccnla.org or send to our office.

VOLUNTEER – Contact Joann Worley at jworley@ccnla.org for more information.

PARISH AMBASSADOR – Become a parish ambassador for CCNLA within your church.

UNSUNG

by Joann Worley

Hero

hat can you say about a girl with a heart of gold and a smile so wide that it makes your heart melt? That is how we at Catholic Charities would describe our volunteer, Katie Cavell, who comes every day and shares her infectious kindness and love with all those she meets. She might be a little shy, but that is just until she gets to know you.

Katie has an eagle eye for details and prepares our client folders for The Money School with perfection.

She and her sister, Anna, helped organize our Gabriel’s Corner for infants and children as well. Katie is a great team player too and helps our clients choose clothing and food from our pantry when needed.

Katie brings a serenity and peace to our office and has a beautiful way of making our clients feel comfortable and at ease regardless of their current situation. She epitomizes the saying “everybody has value and matters.”

Divine Mercy Sunday

T

by Julia Pettiette Doolin

he second Sunday of Easter is the Feast of Divine Mercy.

This year, that date falls on April 8. The devotion to the Divine Mercy began spreading throughout the world in the 1930’s and is based upon private revelations to a young Polish nun whom we now know as St. Faustina. The message is a reminder of what the Church has always taught through Scripture and tradition: That God is merciful and forgiving and that we, too, must show mercy and forgiveness. But the message of the Divine Mercy devotion calls people to a deeper understanding that God’s love is unlimited and available to everyone.

In a decree dated May 23, 2000, the Congregation for Divine Worship stated, “throughout the world the Second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine Mercy Sunday, a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that mankind will experience in the years to come.” Taking the declaration of the feast day a step further, the Apostolic Penitentiary announced on August 3, 2002, that in order “to ensure that the faithful would observe Divine Mercy Sunday with intense devotion, the 16 Catholic Connection

Supreme Pontiff himself established that this Sunday be enriched by a plenary indulgence…so that the faithful might receive in great abundance the gift of the consolation of the Holy Spirit.”

With the plenary indulgence associated with Divine Mercy Sunday, the usual conditions apply: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff.

The faithful are asked to gather in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is detached from the affection for a sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!")

On Sunday, April 8, St. Joseph Church, located at 204 Patton Avenue in Shreveport, will host a holy hour in honor of Divine Mercy Sunday. The holy hour will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. and will include the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as well as veneration of the Divine Mercy Image. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available immediately following the holy hour. •

local NEWS

Loyola Students Memorialize Florida School Shooting Victims

by Lisa Cooper

Above: Loyola art teacher Susan Brady. Right: Student Ella Mason.

I

n the wake of the Parkland, FL, school shooting on Ash Wednesday, Loyola students found themselves hurting and desired a way to honor those who were killed. The art students initiated that effort by creating small cards with inspirational scriptures, quotes, paintings or words of encouragement. These cards adorn the small decorative trees in Loyola’s library and serve as a focal point where students can stop and offer prayers for those who have died and their families.

Art teacher Susan Brady says seeing her students’ need to express themselves in the days after the shooting is what prompted the project. “The kids were scared, and they needed to voice their feelings,” said Brady. “We wanted to create something that would respectfully honor those who were killed.”

Senior Chloe Green participated in the project.

She was drawn to the project because “news moves on, but I wanted to be part of something that would help us keep in mind the victims.” Green said that every time she or other students see the trees, they are reminded to pray for the families. “Although the world has moved on,” said Green, “those families still struggle with the loss every day.”

Echoing that sentiment, sophomore Ella Mason said of the shooting, “It’s important for us to acknowledge that what has happened to the victims in Florida is hard, and while we move on with our lives, we need to show respect and support for those families.”

With this aim in her heart, Mason approached Principal LeBlanc with an idea to honor those killed at a special liturgical service on March 14.

“I had been reading about the planned walkouts across the nation, but knew that wasn’t right for us,” said Mason. “I wanted to participate in a show of support that fits our community here.”

In honor of those who were killed in the Parkland shooting, Loyola students joined Fr. Peter Mangum at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans for the readings of the day and the reading aloud of the names of those who died in the shooting. As each name was read, a bell was rung, and students sat in reverent silence. The service closed with prayer for the souls of the faithfully departed and for comfort for those who remain. • April 2018 17

Administrative Assistants Day: Meet the Faces Behind the Phones

by Randy Tiller

H

aven’t you wondered what the person attached to the voice on the other end of the phone looks like?

Today I want to set the record straight and put those questions to rest, particularly in the instances of the Siri and Alexa of the Chancery Office.

These are the two ladies who are the support staff in the Chancery Office of our diocese. Many people have contact with them throughout the day in person, yet many of those contacts are only over the phone.

Let’s take a closer look at the voices behind the phones and “behind the scenes.” In the best sense of the word, we gladly have a couple of real characters!

Character #1- Elaine Gallion, Administrative Assistant to the Most Reverend Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Shreveport, began work for the Diocese of Shreveport in August 1989. She was originally hired by Sr. Mary Jo Mutshcler, S.J., Director of Greco Institute. When Sr. Mary Jo returned to her order, Don Emge took over as the Director of Greco. Elaine fondly remembers the privilege of working with Mary Nash, Jim McGill, Sr. Eileen McGrory, S.C., Sr. Barbara Linen, S C. and a number of adjunct faculty during that time. In February 1993, Gallion was hired to assist Bishop William B. Friend, and upon his retirement and the ordinatin of Bishop Michael G. Duca, she was asked to continue in that position.

“Having worked with two great bishops…putting someone at ease when they call to request an appointment and being able to be of assistance to the priests, deacons, fellow staff members and the parishes” in Elaine’s words, are the best aspects of her position. She also added, “and sometimes just listening.”

Bishop Duca remarked, “On my first day in the office, Elaine knew more about my responsibilities as bishop than I did. Every day since that first day, Elaine has proven to be the kind and respectful pastoral voice that is the expression of what I hope to express in my ministry as bishop. I believe she has a true spiritual vocation for the work she does in the office.”

Character #2- Linda Sutton, the Administrative Assistant to the Vicar General, Chancellor and Director of Mission Effectiveness began working for our diocese nine years ago. She first served as the receptionist for the Catholic Center. While greeting and meeting the staff of the Catholic Center, she also met countless visitors to the Catholic Center. While in this position, she began decorating the display cabinets in the lobby. In 2014 Linda took over as the Chancery Administrative Assistant. Decorating the display cabinets has remained one of her favorite “jobs.” “I actually look forward to seeing how creative I can become in constructing a display for all to enjoy. Please come by and check the displays out.”

“Linda is both creative and multi-talented, handling a variety of tasks with ease. This includes working with records for St. Joseph Cemetery, creating and maintaining web pages for archives, the Chancellor’s Office, Slattery Library, pro-life, marriage/family life, and prison ministry. In spite of staying very busy working for three 18 Catholic Connection

Elaine Gallion, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, and Linda Sutton, Administrative Assistant to the Vicar General, the Chancellor and Mission Effectiveness.

major offices of the diocese, Linda always has a smile for visitors and helpful attitude for people who call the Chancery,” said Christine Rivers, Chancellor.

Both of the assistants in the chancery feel that their positions have brought them closer to God, given them a better understanding of the Church, a deeper appreciation of the humanity of the priests and religious men and women, and more knowledge of what the diocesan offices do as a ministry for the people of our diocese.

“It is a joy and a privilege to work at the Catholic Center,” said Elaine, “and I think of the rest of the staff as my family.”

Linda Sutton offered, “I have come to grow and appreciate my interaction with my co-workers, the priests, parish staff members and ‘my cherished friends’ in the Chancery. I believe you need to have a strong foundation with any organization and my co-workers here definitely fit that mold. A composite of diligent, conscientious and virtuous assembly of upstanding people whom I call ‘friends’.”

Happy Administrative Assistant’s Day from the officers and director of the Chancery.

Bishop Michael Duca, Fr. Rothell Price, Christine Rivers and Randy Tiller •

Ref lections on Spiritual Direction

by Joe & Katherine Bernal, Spiritual Directors

O

ur journey to becoming spiritual directors began about 30 years ago in Lafayette, LA. At that time our parish hired a new Director of Religious Education who was also a certified spiritual director. When we asked about spiritual direction, she described it as a tool to help those who knew about God foster their experience and relationship with God. We were intrigued by her description and asked her to consider us as directees. We both experienced encouraging and fruitful sessions. With her gentle guidance, our prayer began to take on a more meaningful quality as God became integrated with our everyday life.

After being in spiritual direction for about three years, our director relocated out-of-state to be with her elderly mother and shortly after that, we moved our family to North Louisiana. We soon found out that the Catholic population was smaller here in comparison to the population in south Louisiana, and it was difficult to find a spiritual director.

As we settled into our new home, jobs and schools, spiritual direction was not a priority. Several times during the years that followed, we found directors and continued our spiritual journey with them.

Unfortunately, even though those times were spiritually meaningful and enriching, they were short in duration due to the relocation of the directors and again left us without a spiritual director.

As the years went by, our children began to leave the house. Once again, our experiences with spiritual direction came up in our conversations. If we could not find a director, perhaps we were being called to be directors. We began to imagine what it would be like to help others develop a more meaningful relationship with God. About six years ago, we began to search for a spiritual direction training program and became aware of the one offered by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. That was the closest one available. We inquired about the training and the pre-requisites. It would take us another year to complete the prerequisites: Ongoing direction for one year

Some of our diocesan spiritual directors: Brenda Lites, Susan Tousignant, Marie Rinaudo and Mike Van Vranken

and experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in everyday life. It was a process of formation as well as discernment.

Upon completion, we decided to commit to train for two years: traveling to New Orleans once a month for instruction and giving five and eight-day silent retreats.

In his book, Like the Lighting, David E. Fleming, S.J., offers a very descriptive metaphor for a spiritual director: “A spiritual guide (director) is like a mirror. We all can live without a mirror, but a mirror makes combing our hair and shaving or putting on makeup a lot easier. With a mirror, we do a better job of cleaning and grooming ourselves. In a similar way a spiritual director makes it easier to see better our interaction with God. It is not so much the wisdom or great insight that a particular guide may bring to that relationship with God. Rather, the importance of the guide is found in the careful listening and the ‘reflecting back’ that helps us come to see how God is working in our lives ….”

The spiritual director listens carefully and reflects back what the directee brings to the spiritual direction session. Spiritual directors help others to see better, become more aware and notice the presence of God in their lives.

We began our ministry as spiritual directors in Monroe/West Monroe three years ago. It is humbling and inspiring to journey with others on their spiritual paths.

It is a privilege and a blessing to observe God’s relationship with our directees as we walk with them in spiritual direction. •

Spiritual Directors & Spiritual Direction Information

Diocese of Shreveport Spiritual Directors If you feel called to spiritual direction, please contact one of the lay spiritual directors in our diocese to arrange an initial meeting: Joe Bernal jkmca2000@aol.com Katherine Bernal jkmca2000@aol.com Brenda Lites blites@suddenlinkmail.com Dianne Rachal drachal@dioshpt.org Marie Rinaudo prinrin@comcast.net Susan Tousignant susanrt@sonicpartnernet.com Mike Van Vranken mikevanvranken@comcast.net

Spiritual Direction Informational Meetings If you want more information about spiritual direction, please attend one of the informational meetings on April 12 at 10:00 a.m. or at 6:00 p.m. at the Monroe Diocesan Office, located at 3208 Concordia Avenue, Monroe, LA. April 2018 19

Author and EWTN TV Show Host to Give "Feeding Your Family's Soul" Workshop in Shreveport

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sat down with Donna-Marie Cooper-O'Boyle, author of Feeding Your Family's Soul, to talk to her about her book and upcoming workshop in Shreveport on April 28.

Q: What inspired this idea to set aside dinner time as a dedicated time for teaching the faith to our children?

It just makes sense to me – when the family is gathered for dinner, we have the advantage of a captive audience – a hungry family! Kidding aside, I believe dinner time is a perfect time to teach the Faith because we are all gathered together to break bread, to pray with one another (at least Grace Before Meals), and to converse about our day. I believe that at least once a week we can seize the opportunity to teach the Faith right at the dinner table! I like to encourage families to also pray more while gathered together at the table. The children can voice their prayer intentions. The prayer habits that the family will form now will hopefully be carried into the children’s future domestic churches.

Q: What are some of the reasons dinner time, in particular, is an advantageous time to do this?

Today's families are pretty much out of time on most days-struggling to check off our “to-do” lists, running ragged getting to all of the sports practices and games, as well as many other activities that can cause us to become exhausted, as well as pull us away from the dinner table. Time to teach the Faith becomes almost non-existent. That’s one reason why I think the family dinner table is a good place to teach the Faith. We can nourish our bodies and our souls!

Most Catholic and Christian families enroll their children in faith formation classes. That is very good. However, the parents and grandparents are called to be THE first and foremost educators of Faith for the children.

The Church has always taught that the family is the vital cell of society and that as a “domestic church” it should mirror the big Church. ... There are so many Church teachings to support the necessity of parents teaching the Faith to the children, but I�d like to mention at least a few. First of all, the Catechism states, “Parents are the principal and first educators of their children” (1653). As well, “The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute. The right and the duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable” (2221).

In Familiaris Consortio (The Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World) we learn, “Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it. The right and duty of parents to give education is essential” (36). These words should truly inspire us to step up to the plate to be our children�s and grandchildren�s Faith educator. ... There’s much more, but the point is that the family is so important. We grow in Faith together and work out our salvation together right within the walls of our domestic 20 Catholic Connection

Cooper-O'Boyle with her grandchildren.

churches—through the daily give-and-take, the practicing of virtues, and forgiveness—over and over again! We are all works in progress and absolutely need to carve out the time to learn and live the Faith! Teaching the Faith at the dinner table ensures that it will actually happen and not get put off until yet another day because our schedules are so intense.

Q. For an event like the one you will be holding in our diocese, what can people expect to learn?

Hopefully, people can learn ways in which to teach the Faith to their children, as well as how to deal with specific situations, how to be more countercultural, how to set parameters for the dinner table, and more. I hope and pray that folks will also feel a sense of camaraderie being there with other parents and grandparents. As well, I will have my many book titles, DVD’s and other resources available for purchase and book signing.

Q: Will they learn ways to teach the faith to all ages?

I will provide various tips about teaching the Faith to all ages of children.

Q. “Teaching the faith” is such a broad topic, what are some specific ways you encourage families to share their faith at the dinner table? ... One example is in challenging the children. They usually like to be challenged. They want to make you proud! The brief lessons in my book often encourage the family to extend the lesson throughout the week with encouragement to do a little research to share at the table, or to call upon specific saints for help. There are also suggestions for family members to help in certain ways in the family, or to reach out to relatives you might not have contacted in a while and get together for visits (hopefully a meal). I love to encourage families to share a recipe with an older relative and ask them to share one of theirs so that you can keep family traditions going throughout the years.

Another type of “extra credit” lesson is in doing Works of Mercy as a family.

“Feeding Your Family's Soul” will take place on April 28, from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport. Visit www.dioshpt.org to register today!

26th Annual Red Mass Set for May 4 at Holy Trinity

by Jessica Rinaudo & Richard Hiller

Local non-profits, Christian Service and Hope Connections, ... will be this year's honorees. attended the Red Mass annually at the Westminster Cathedral. The tradition was inaugurated in the United States in 1928 at old St. Andrew’s Church in New York City. Since then, the Red Mass has been celebrated annually there and in many cities in the United States.

Locally, the Red Mass Society of Shreveport has been sponsoring the Mass since 1993. Their primary mission is to organize the annual Red Mass, which includes selecting a homilist and honoree.

ONLINE!

www.dioshpt.org

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he Red Mass, which takes place annually at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in May of each year, has become a fixture in the Diocese of Shreveport. Now in its 26th year, the Mass, which invokes God’s blessing and guidance in the administration of justice, is well attended by local judges, lawyers and government officials.

The Mass always takes place the first Friday in May in conjunction with the nationally recognized Law Week.

The Red Mass has a rich history originating centuries ago in Rome, Paris and London. Its traditional name is derived from the color of the vestments worn by the celebrants of the Mass.

Over the centuries, the Red Mass has officially opened the judicial year of the Sacred Roman Rota, the Tribunal of the Holy See. During the reign of Louis IX, Saint Louis of France, La Sainte Chapelle was designated as the Chapel for the Mass and is now used only once a year solely for the Red Mass.

In England, the tradition began in the Middle Ages and continued even during World War II when judges and lawyers

Find Us

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@catholicconnection

www.facebook.com/ DioceseofShreveport Father Matthew Long, pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport, is a former attorney and will be this year's Red Mass homilist.

Richard Hiller is a local attorney and Chairman of the Red Mass Society.

He is excited about this year’s event.

Fr. Matthew Long, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport and former attorney, will give the homily, and local non-profits Christian Service and Hope Connections, two organizations that serve the hungry and homeless in our community, will be the honorees.

“What’s also great about the Red Mass is that the music is quite extraordinary. Zion Baptist Church provides the music before Mass. They start at about 8:30 a.m. The Mass begins at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 4, at Holy Trinity Church. The judges and officials gather across the street at the Second Circuit, [then] they walk across,” said Hiller. “During the service the St. Cecilia Choir provides the music.”

The Red Mass is an ecumenical event with pastors of different faiths coming together to bestow their blessings and prayers on legal professionals. People of all faiths are welcome to join the Red Mass Society and the Diocese of Shreveport at this annual event. •

twitter.com/cathconnection

www.flickr.com/ photos/23683423@N05/

www.youtube.com/dioshpt

www.pinterest.com/ cathconnection April 2018 21

Shreveport-Bossier Pro-Life Oratory Contest

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he National Right to Life is sponsoring its annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest. The competition is open to all high school juniors and seniors, who will address the issues of abortion, infanticide, euthanasia or embryonic stem cell research in five to seven minute oral presentations.

The Shreveport-Bossier contest, now in its thirtieth year, is sponsored locally by the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport and will be held on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center, located at 3500 Fairfield Avenue in Shreveport. The contest is open to the public at no charge. The local first place winner will receive a $500 cash prize and will represent Shreveport at the state contest.

The state contest will be held in Baton Rouge on May 5 at the Louisiana Knights of Columbus Convention. The state winner will receive $500 cash, plus expenses paid (up to $1,000) to go to Nationals.

The national contest will be held in Kansas City, KS at the National Right to Life Convention, June 28-30. The national prize is $1,000 cash.

All high school juniors and seniors are eligible, and there may be more than one student entered from each school.

For additional information and entry blanks, please contact Anthony Fabio, 1908 Carol Street, Bossier City, LA 71112, awfabio2@hotmail. com, or call 318-402-6663. www.facebook.com/SBProLifeOratoryCommittee/

God & Sex Series April Event

National

Right to Life Oratory Contest WHO High School Juniors and Seniors TOPIC The Tragedy of Abortion or The Tragedy of Infanticide or The Tragedy of Euthanasia or The Tragedy of Embryonic Stem Cell Research WHEN 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 WHERE Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport WHAT 5-7 Minute oral presentation (does not have to memorized) PRIZES Local prize: $500 for first place State prize: $500, plus all expenses paid (up to $1000) trip to Nationals National prize: $1000 for first place SPONSORED BY National Right to Life, Louisiana Right to Life Federation and the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport

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his month�s speaker, Dr. Christopher Manion, will speak about, “Too Many People? The Myth of Overpopulation” in the God & Sex Speaker Series.

Dr. Manion served as a staff director on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for several years. He has taught in the departments of politics, religion and international relations at Boston University, The Catholic University of America and Christendom College, and is the director of the Campaign for Humanae Vitae.

This talk will be held at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, located at 939 Jordan Street in Shreveport, on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. Nursery available. Please make nursery reservations by calling 318-221-5296.

22 Catholic Connection

DEADLINE FOR ENTERING Friday, April 6, 2018 Send completed entry form to the local coordinator: Anthony Fabio 1908 Carol Street Bossier City, LA 71112 Phone: 318-402-6663 or awfabio2@hotmail.com Any high school junior or senior is eligible.

There may be more than one student entered from each school.

hispanic NEWS por Rosalba Quiroz

En esperanza de Nuestra Propia Resurrección

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l 1º de abril celebramos este año la Resurrección de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo quien como sabemos vino al mundo para enseñarnos a vivir como hermanos y murió para Salvarnos.

Ha habido miles de cristianos que han dado su vida por los demás, algunos en servicio y entrega incondicional; uno de ellos, Monseñor Óscar Romero será proclamado santo ya que el Papa Francisco firmó el mes pasado el decreto que reconoce el milagro atribuido a su intercesión.

Mons. Óscar Romero se ordenó sacerdote en Roma en el año 1942. Al año siguiente, regresó a El Salvador, nombrado párroco, a su tiempo obispo, y en 1977 Arzobispo de San Salvador.

La persecución, que incluían expulsiones y asesinatos, contra sacerdotes y laicos, le llevó a enfrentarse abiertamente con la dictadura, a la que responsabilizó de las muertes. En sus homilías en la catedral, denunciaba los atentados contra los derechos humanos cometidos por el gobierno militar. Mons. Romero recibió el apoyo del Papa Pablo VI, por lo que se sintió respaldado en su defensa de los más débiles de El Salvador, oprimidos por el gobierno.

Posteriormente, también el Papa San Juan Pablo II respaldó su posición y le animó a continuar por la senda de la justicia y de la pacificación de El Salvador. El 24 de marzo de 1980 fue asesinado por un francotirador frente al altar donde celebraba Misa.

Igual que Mons. Romero, estamos todos en una particular manera y en la medida de nuestras posibilidades a servirnos mutuamente como Jesucristo nos enseñó.

Noticia del Vaticano en articulo parcialmente sacado del www.aciprensa.com/noticias.

Los muchachos de Experiencia Cristo se reunieron el mes de marzo a un primer reencuentro entre todos los que han vivido los retiros de Experiencia Cristo desde su comienzo en el 2011. Se continuarán reuniendo cada cuarto domingo del mes de 9a.m.-12p.m. en la parroquia de Cristo Rey. Si ya fuiste a este retiro, únete al grupo a ser parte de estos encuentros y caminar juntos en la fe y si no lo has vivido te invitamos a que te des la oportunidad de hacerlo este año.

Calendario del Mes Abril 2018 1. Domingo de Resurrección 15. Fecha límite para registrarse a servir en Búsqueda #9 17. Escuela de Liderazgo Pastoral, parroquia de Cristo Rey de 9am – 5 pm 22. Reunión de jóvenes de Experiencia Cristo – Parroquia de Cristo Rey 9am-12pm

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

425 McCormick Street P. Rigo Betancurt P. Mark Watson (318) 221-0238 Domingo-3:00 pm Lunes y Martes-7pm

Sagrado Corazon, Oak Grove

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

Santo Tomás Aquino, Ruston

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

San Pascual, W. Monroe

711 North 7th Street P. Luis Jost (318) 243-0115 Domingo-4:00 pm

San Juan Bautista, Many

1130 San Antonio Ave. P. Michael Thang’wa (318) 256-5680 1er Domingo de Mes-5pm

Sta Maria de los Pinos, Shreveport

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

Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, Farmerville

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

San José, Mansfield

305 Jefferson Street P. Juan Garcia (318) 872-1158 Domingo-3:00 pm

April 2018 23

school NEWS

Our Lady of Fatima Jump Rope Champ

St. Frederick High School Students Get a Dose of Reality from “Day with the Doctors”

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osiah Menyweather and Noah Harper won the jump rope challenge during Our Lady of Fatima School’s recent spring fundraiser kick-off.

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than Brister, Grant Johnson, Jonathan Roy, Zachary Shaw, and Gabriela Trejo spent a day at the LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine in Shreveport to participate in the Day with the Doctors program. These students were among 60 students from North Louisiana chosen to spend an entire day with medical staff and students at LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine.

Day with the Doctors is a one-day, interactive program that provides Louisiana high school students with an opportunity to experience and observe a day’s activities on a medical school campus. Students interact with faculty and medical students, discuss health careers and medical school, as well as learn basic medical diagnostic skills. Hands-on training includes: learning how to listen to breath and heart sounds, checking reflexes, suturing bananas and improving communication and listening skills in working with patients.

LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine faculty members and staff 24 Catholic Connection

were available to answer questions regarding educational prerequisites, medical school admissions, medical school costs and personal preparation for the commitment of a health career.

This unique health career enticement program is coordinated and sponsored by Bayou North AHEC and LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine to educate future health professionals about the demand for healthcare professionals in rural and underserved areas of Louisiana.

Student participation is open to high school juniors and seniors residing in North Louisiana, who have a 3.0 grade point average or better.

SJB Students Win at Regional Science Fair and Name Students of the Year

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ourth grader Nicholas Kampert placed 1st in the Animal Sciences category and his brother, 6th grader Will Kampert, placed 2nd in the Energy: Chemical category. Will is advancing to the State competition.

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JB Student of the Year Recipients: Ava Bauer, 5th, and Tiffany Siharath, 8th.

Outstanding students in the 5th and 8th grades are recognized.

Jesus the Good Shepherd School Celebrates Teachers

SEMINARIAN BURSES THANKS TO OUR RECENT DONORS • (007) Friends of Dr. Christopher ($100) • (008) Donations from Seminary Burse Fish Fry ($690) COMPLETED BURSES

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esus Good Shepherd School celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, March 5-9. Each day was filled with meals, sweet treats and goodies donated by JGS families, friends, parishioners and local businesses.

On Thursday, the teachers enjoyed an off-campus meal at The Warehouse #1 and received goody bags with personalized JGS raincoats. It was a wonderful week!

The teachers and staff of JGS are truly thankful for their family and community.

St. Joseph Wins 2nd Overall at Regional Science Fair

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leven St. Joseph School students competed at the Regional Science and Engineering Fair on March 2, tying for second place overall in the middle school team division. At the Regional Science Fair, which includes public and private school students from Caddo, Bossier, DeSoto, Red River and Webster parishes, each student competes individually, but also as part of their school team.

After placing individually in their categories at the Regional Science and Engineering Fair, four students from St. Joseph School will compete in the Louisiana State Science and Engineering Fair in Baton Rouge.

Sixth grader Brooke Tuminello won second place in Material Sciences for her project testing whether temperature affects the strength of a magnet. Eve Burcz, seventh grade, examined the effect that both lunging and flat work have on a horse’s heart rate, earning second place in the Animal Sciences category. Tuminello and Burcz will represent SJS in their categories at the State competition.

Seventh graders Colin Lirette and Nico Sangster won first and second

• (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse ($10,000) • (010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family ($10,000) INCOMPLETE BURSES • (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2,100) • (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,200) • (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) • (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($250) • (006) Bishop’s Burse ($250)

place, respectively, in the Plant Science category at the regional competition.

Sangster presented the results to his question of whether a plant grows faster if it has earthworms in its soil.

Lirette’s project, “Which type of wood makes the hottest fire?,” scored in the top 10% of all participants, qualifying him for Broadcom MASTERS which is the nation�s most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition for middle school students. The Broadcom MASTERS, a program founded and produced by the Society for Science & the Public, seeks to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators who will solve the grand challenges of the future.

• (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($900) • (008) St. Jude Parish ($5,618) • (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council #10728 ($350) • (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse ($500) For more information on donating to seminarian burses for the support of educating men in formation for the priesthood for our diocese, contact Fr. Jerry Daigle 318-868-4441, or jdaigle@dioshpt.org. • April 2018 25

This Month We Learn About

Divine Mercy Sunday

What is it?

The devotion to the Divine Mercy came from St. Faustina who, as a young nun, saw apparitions of Jesus. There are three parts to the devotion: 1.

To ask for and be granted God�s mercy. 2. To trust Christ�s mercy and 3. To show mercy to others and show them God�s love. Faustina wrote these things in her diary and painted the now famous picture of Jesus inside it, as well. It shows Jesus holding one hand out in blessing, while the other touches a wound with beam of light coming from it that is red and white. These two colors represent blood and water. Divine Mercy Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday of Easter, which is April 8, this year.

Word Find APPARITIONS BLOOD CHAPLET DIARY

26 Catholic Connection

DIVINE FAUSTINA JESUS KOWALSKA

LIGHT MERCY POLAND WATER

Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Each decade of the chaplet opens with, “Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” The prayer, “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world,” is repeated 10 times and is the body of each decade. “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world,” is repeated three times at the end of the Chaplet.

across the NATION from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

We also continue our

decades-long advocacy for common-sense gun measures as part of a comprehensive approach to the reduction

of violence in society... photo by Fabrice Florin from Mill Valley, USA (Tam High Vigil for Parkland School Shooting) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Domestic Justice and Education Chairmen Urge Concrete Actions to Address Scourge of Gun Violence

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ASHINGTON—In the aftermath of the tragic attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB�s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop George V. Murry, S.J., of Youngstown, Ohio, Chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education, urged national leaders to finally come together and address the crisis of gun violence in a comprehensive way.

The full statement follows: “Once again, we are confronted with grave evil, the murder of our dear children and those who teach them.

Our prayers continue for those who have died, and those suffering with injuries and unimaginable grief. We also continue our decades-long advocacy for common-sense gun measures as part of a comprehensive approach to the reduction of violence in society and the protection of life.

Specifically, this moment calls for an honest and practical dialogue around

a series of concrete proposals—not partisanship and overheated rhetoric.

The idea of arming teachers seems to raise more concerns than it addresses.

Setting a more appropriate minimum age for gun ownership, requiring universal background checks (as the bishops have long advocated), and banning ‘bump stocks� are concepts that appear to offer more promise. We must explore ways to curb violent images and experiences with which we inundate our youth, and ensure that law enforcement have the necessary tools and incentives to identify troubled individuals and get them help.

Most people with mental illness will never commit a violent act, but mental illness has been a significant factor in some of these horrific attacks. We must look to increase resources and seek earlier interventions.

For many years, the USCCB has supported a federal ban on assault weapons, limitations on civilian access to high-capacity weapons and ammunition magazines, further criminalizing gun trafficking, certain limitations on the purchase of handguns, and safety

measures such as locks that prevent children and anyone other than the owner from using guns without permission.

The advocacy by survivors of the Parkland shooting—and young people throughout our nation—is a stark reminder that guns pose an enormous danger to the innocent when they fall into the wrong hands. The voices of these advocates should ring in our ears as they describe the peaceful future to which they aspire. We must always remember what is at stake as we take actions to safeguard our communities and honor human life.

In the words of St. John, ‘let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth� (1 Jn. 3:18).” •

USCCB Offers Congratulations to Pope Francis on His Fifth Year Anniversary

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ASHINGTON— The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops� (USCCB) Administrative Committee has issued the following statement today marking the fifth anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. The Administrative Committee is comprised of USCCB�s officers, committee chairmen and other bishops representing every region of the United States.

Full statement follows: “The members of the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, now gathered in ordinary session on the 13th day of March 2018, take this opportunity to express our filial affection on the fifth anniversary of your election to the Chair of St. Peter.

May the Lord bless you with His grace as you confirm all the brothers and sisters in unity and shepherd us in charity.” • April 2018 27

around the DIOCESE

Youth Learn About Seder Meal

Black History Month Celebration at Sacred Heart in Shreveport

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acred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Shreveport celebrated Black History Month with a special program honoring Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, February 25, at 2:00 p.m. The program included Music from the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Crosby Family singers and Shachiri Henderson. Will Parker shared the story of Dr. King along with the “I have a Dream” speech.

A special presentation honored Isaac Palmer for his many accomplishments and as the first African American CEO of Christus Health System of North Louisiana.

PSR Prayer Charts at St. Pius X

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n February 25, members of St. John the Baptist Parish attended the Faith, Food and Fun Youth Seder Meal coordinated by Yvonne Busby, Jean Rains and Angelique Mitchell. All enjoyed the experience of the Passover Seder.

Youth Raise Funds for Pregnancy Center

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t. Jude Youth participated in distributing baby bottles to be filled with change in support of The Care Pregnancy Center.

Taste of St. Paschal

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t. Pius X Parish begins every year in Parish School of Religion (PSR) with a prayer chart. The chart has all the prayers listed at the top by grade. On the side of the chart it has the children’s names listed by age.

Every time a child recites a prayer to their teacher, they get to place a star by their name under that prayer. Every year they have to start over, reciting again all the previous year’s required prayers, too. Once they have all their stars, they receive a certificate and a coupon. This is something our SPX children look forward to and work hard on every year. Congratulations to the first round winners! They received their certificates during Mass !

28 Catholic Connection

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he St. Paschal Junior High Youth recently served drinks to the parishioners during the Taste of St. Paschal. This annual potluck meal features favorite ethnic dishes from the parishioners.

Ashes at St. Francis Medical Center

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shes were distributed on Ash Wednesday following Mass at St. Francis Chapel. Fr. James Dominic and Fr. Philip Theempalangattu also distributed ashes to patients and team members at St. Francis Medical Center. Pictured: Fr. James Dominic places ashes on Sr. Mary Ann Sepulvado.

Service Project at St. Lucy Parish

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t. Lucy Parish worked on their Service Project in support of the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART), a non-profit advocate for victims and their children in North Central Louisiana who are touched by domestic and dating violence. On March 4, PSR students and parishioners helped sew and make “comfort bears” for the children that DART helps.

PSR Provides for Nursing Home

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he residents of St. Joseph�s Nursing Home were paid a visit by the St. Matthew PSR classes.

Residents received sweet treats and goodie bags filled with socks and handkerchiefs, purchased with money raised by the students through their “Soup for Socks” fundraiser.

Mardi Gras Gala Celebration at St. Ann, Ebarb

Celebrating Anniversaries at Our Lady of Fatima

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arried couples celebrated their 5th, 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th and above anniversaries of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Monroe. Vicar General, Fr. Rothell Price, Pastor, Fr. Paul Thunduparampil, and Deacon Bill Goss celebrated the Mass and recognized the couples. Congratulations to all of them!

t. Ann Church in Ebarb celebrated their annual Mardi Gras Gala on February 11 with a huge crowd.

Delicious cajun food was devoured by all and a parade with music was the entertainment of the evening.

Beads, flowers, a treasure chest, pictures and a blessed evening was had by all. And, last but not least, was the crowning of a new Mardi Gras King, Louis Procell, and Queen, Pearl Sepulvado!

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Send submissions to "Around the Diocese" to Jessica at jrinaudo@dioshpt.org. Please include a photo that has not been resized and a brief description.

April 2018 29

mark your CALENDAR 4/6

Music at the Cathedral Presents Bruce Neswick This concert is presented free of charge.

Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. The Cathedral is located at 939 Jordan Street in Shreveport. For more infomation, call the Cathedral office at 318-221-5296, or visit www.sjbcathedral.org.

4/8

Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Hour A Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Hour will be held at St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 8. Confessions will be heard after the Holy Hour.

St. Joseph Parish is located at 204 Patton Avenue in Shreveport.

For more information, call the church office at 318-865-3581.

4/12

Spiritual Direction Informational Meetings What is spiritual direction? How do I find a spiritual director? Join spiritual directors to learn more.

There will be two meetings: 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be at the Diocesan Office in Monroe, located at 3208 Concordia Avenue. For more information, contact Mike Van Vranken, mikevanvranken@comcast.net.

4/12

Shreveport Catholic Schoolhouse Homeschool Program Open House Shreveport Catholic Schoolhouse, a local Catholic homeschool program, is registering students for the 2018-19 academic year. More than an academic co-op, Catholic Schoolhouse is a structured program meeting weekly that includes Mass, prayer,

chorus, two hours of classical education classroom instruction, science experiments, art projects and opportunities for field trips.

Preschool through elementary ages, with potential for a dialectic group (7th-10th grade) using IEW materials. Contact Katie Aranda (702-335-3009) or Amy Leighton (612-384-2151) for any questions and/or come for an OPEN HOUSE on April 12 at St. Mary of the Pines Parish between 9:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Check out: www.shreveportla.catholicschoolhouse.com

4/21

Berchmans Bingo Get ready for a fun night out! Meet, mingle, play bingo and support St. John Berchmans Catholic School at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Hwy 80. Dinner and cocktails will be served at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include food, a refillable cup and two bingo cards! To purchase tickets, call the school office at 318-221-6005.

4/25

God & Sex: Too Many People? The Myth of Overpopulation Dr. Christopher Manion will be the evening�s speaker.

Dr. Manion served as a staff director on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for several years. He has taught in the departments of politics, religion and international relations at Boston University, The Catholic University of America and Christendom College and is the director of the Campaign for Humanae Vitae. This event will take place at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans on April 25, at 6:30 p.m. Nursery available.

Please make nursery reservations by calling 318-221-5296.

2 0 1 8 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

$2,500 $2,000

$800 $750

$400 $350

$200 $150

$5,000 $3,500

$1,500 $1,000

$650 $500

$300 $250

$100 $_______

Please send monthly reminders to:

At this time I / we are enclosing: $_____________

Print Name________________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________________State_________Zip Code____________

Diocese of Shreveport The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 www.dioshpt.org 30 Catholic Connection

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

You can also text "duca" to 41444 to donate to the Stewardship Appeal

APRIL SUNDAY

2018

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Protecting God's Children, Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, 6pm

EASTER SUNDAY of the RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

Catholic Charities Bingo on the Delta, West Monroe Convention Center, 6pm

Theology on Tap, Rotolos, Shreveport, 6:30pm

8

Divine Mercy Sunday

9

The Annunciation of the Lord

10

Deadline for May Catholic Connection

11

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm

Theology on Tap, St. Stanislaus, Fieldhouse Bar & bishop & martyr Grill, 6:30pm

MONROE'S BINGO APRIL 7

12

Spiritual Direction Informational Meetings, Diocesan Office in Monroe, 10am & 6pm

Catholic Charities'

13

St. Martin I, pope & martyr

14

Confirmation, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 4pm

Pro-Life Oratory Contest, Catholic Center, 7pm

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY / APRIL 8

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Parish Budgets Due

St. Anselm, bishop & doctor of the Church

Confirmation, St. Pius X Parish, 6:30pm

Confirmation, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 10:30am

Diocesan Investment Committee Meeting, Catholic Center, 10am

Holocaust Remembrance Service, Centenary, 3pm

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION MEETINGS / APRIL 12

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Confirmation, St. Theresa Church, 11am

St. George, martyr; St. Adalbert, bishop & martyr

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest & martyr

Confirmation, St. Ann Church, Stonewall, 6pm

Feed Your Family's Soul Retreat, St. Mary of the Pines, 9am

God, Sex & the Church, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 6:30pm

St. Peter Chanel & St. Louis Grignion de Montfort

St. Mark, evangelist

FEEDING YOUR FAMILY'S SOUL APRIL 28

29 30 1 2 3 4 5 2nd Collection: Catholic Home Missions Appeal Confirmation, Christ the King Parish, 3pm

Confirmation, Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, 6pm

Confirmation, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 6pm

St. Joseph the Worker

St. Athanasius, bishop & doctor of the Church

Sts. Philip & James, apostles

2nd Collection: Diocean Retired Priests' Fund Confirmation, St. Jude Parish, 5pm

DIOCESAN RETIRED PRIESTS' FUND MAY 5 April 2018 31

Connection The Catholic

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

Fairfield

Photo of the Month

The Confirmation Class from St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport joined students from the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans for a retreat at The Pines Camp in preparation for their upcoming Confirmations.

32 Catholic Connection