Catholic Connection April 2019

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 28 No. 9 April 2019

Ministry of Presence St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Feeds Students at Louisiana Tech

CONTENTS

14

5

21

17

FEATURES 5

Updating St. Joseph Cemetery

by Randy Tiller

14 Ministry of Presence: St. Thomas

Aquinas Parish Feeds Students at

Louisiana Tech

by Jessica Rinaudo

COLUMNS 6

MIKE’S MEDITATIONS

7

LIBRARY NOTES

8

9

Put Jesus in Context

by Mike Van Vranken

Your Kingdom Come from the Vatican Press Office

13 VOCATIONS VIEW

Reflection: Final Year of Seminary

by Deacon Kevin Mues

19 GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES

Shreveport 1873: No Greater Love

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

22 KIDS’ CONNECTION

Triduum

by Kelly Phelan Powell

FAITHFUL FOOD

23 HISPANIC NEWS

DOMESTIC CHURCH An Audience of One

by Katie Sciba

Second Collections for April

by Fr. Rothell Price

11 NAVIGATING THE FAITH

10 SECOND COLLECTIONS

12 FROM THE POPE

by Kate Rhea

Lessons from “The King”

by Kim Long

Holy Week: A Quick Guide

by Jessica Rinaudo

2 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

13

Semana Santa en Familia por Rosalba Quiroz

NEWS

16 Volunteers are the Heart of

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

by Tiffany Olah 17 Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Good Friday Way of the Cross Walk for Justice

by Jim Beadles

18 Bossier Church Helps Provide

Beds for Children

by Mary Ann Van Osdell

20 April 28th: Divine Mercy Sunday

by Julia Doolin

21 Meeting the Needs of Hispanics

in Many

by Shirley Rivers

24 Digital Trends Research Project:

Key Takeaways to Improve Results at Your Parish!

by John Mark Willcox

25 ACROSS THE NATION

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Publishes Revised Translation of the Rite for Blessing the Holy Oils from the USCCB

Bishop David Talley Named Bishop-Elect of Memphis from the Diocese of Alexandria

26 School News 28 Around the Diocese 30 April Calendar 31 Lenten Missions and

Reconciliation Services

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

by Deacon Michael Straub, Safe Environment Coordinator

Connection The Catholic

Publisher The Diocese of Shreveport Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors

Jim Beadles Shirley Rivers Julia Doolin Katie Sciba Kim Long Ryan Smith Dcn. Kevin Mues Dcn. Michael Straub Dcn. Andrew Thomas Tiffany Olah Randy Tiller Kelly Phelan Powell Mary Ann Van Osdell Fr. Rothell Price Mike Van Vranken Rosalba Quiroz Dr. Cheryl White Kate Rhea John Mark Willcox Jessica Rinaudo

T

he USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People is now reaching its 17th birthday. It has been amended over time with references to include the protection of vulnerable adults, and the issue of child pornography, but there are more changes to come. The USCCB is currently addressing opportunities to include issues of transparency with diocesan records, the handling of sex abuse in relation to bishops and other issues the charter needs to address. Even with all the sexual abuse reports in the media that have been transpiring over the last 12 months, there still shows a decreasing trend of abuse within the Church today. The Diocese of Shreveport and all dioceses throughout the country continue to be diligent with their safe environment programs which include training and background checks. The power of this program lies in the hands of the faithful. This educational program provides the faithful with the information they need to recognize and act if there is an issue of abuse. More than 8,000 adults have been trained in the Diocese of Shreveport, and we continue to train more adults throughout the year. Please continue to pray for the Church in these difficult times and also pray in thanksgiving for the strides made in keeping children and youth safe. •

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 28 No. 9 April 2019

Ministry of Presence St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Feeds Students at Louisiana Tech

On the Cover: Louisiana Tech Students enjoy the Dollar Lunch Program hosted by St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ruston every Wednesday. Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Fr. Tony Posados, OFM, and Bro. Mike Ward, OFM (not pictured) dine and visit with the students weekly.

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL 2019 3

grow.

and

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to

earth

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on

present

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of

seed

every

lead

will

love

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sure:

is

Lord

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of

victory

The

pain

The

perpetuated.

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to

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alike.

nonbelievers

and

believers

of

community

larger

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in

and

members

family

their

in

also

but

victims,

the

among

primarily

powerlessness,

and

pain

of

wounds

deep

inflict

that

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persons.

consecrated

and

clerics

of

number

significant

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by

perpetrated

conscience

of

abuse

the

and

power

of

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the

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due

minors

many

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in

echo

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Innovaciones al Cementerio de San José por Randy Tiller

Nuestros proyectos inmediatos incluyen: Nuevas tapas de piedra granito en las criptas de los tres sacerdotes que dieron su vida en la epidemia de la fiebre amarilla: $ 5,000 por cada una.

Cubrir las paredes de las criptas con mallas de alambre y una forma de concreto para detener la filtración de agua: $7,500

E

n el 2023 conmemoraremos el 150 aniversario de la epidemia de fiebre amarilla de 1873 en Shreveport. Esto no solo es importante para nuestra diócesis, sino también para el Cementerio de San José.

Durante esa epidemia, Shreveport nunca se quedó sin un sacerdote para administrar los sacramentos y dar los últimos ritos a la población de aproximadamente 25% que fue eliminada por la fiebre. Antes de que un sacerdote se enfermara y falleciera por la fiebre, otro sacerdote ya estaba allí para cuidar de la gente.

Desde Noviembre, la revista The Catholic Connection ha publicado artículos y una historia de en caricatura sobre estos cinco sacerdotes que asistieron a aquellos que fallecieron por la fiebre amarilla en Shreveport (consulte la página 17 de esta edición). Además, el administrador diocesano, el Padre Peter Mangum, viajó a Francia para realizar más investigaciones sobre estos cinco hombres y poder compartir sus historias.

Tal vez no sabe pero algunos de estos sacerdotes fueron originalmente sepultados en el sótano de la Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad en el centro de Shreveport. En 1884 los Padres Isidore Quemerais, Jean Pierre, y Francois LeVezouet fueron trasladados al cementerio de San José. El Padre Jean Marie Biler fue originalmente sepultado en el cementerio del convento en Fairfield, y fue exhumado y trasladado al de Forest Park en la década de 1960. El Padre Louis Gergaud fue sepultado en el cementerio de San Mateo en Monroe.

La ocasión del 150 aniversario nos brinda una buena oportunidad para reconsiderar y

4 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

reafirmar la obra de misericordia de sepultar y cuidar de los muertos. El cementerio de San José es el único cementerio católico en el área de Shreveport/Bossier y todavía hay muchas espacios disponibles. En conjunto con este aniversario, también realizaremos las actualizaciones, renovaciones, jardinería y las mejoras necesarias.

Algunas de nuestras actualizaciones incluirán nuevos registros para la parte superior de las tumbas de los tres sacerdotes que murieron en la epidemia de la Fiebre Amarilla, además de sellar una forma de concreto alrededor de las criptas para evitar que el agua se filtre. El monumento del Calvario también se restaurará que incluye limpiar y corregir la placa, así como volver a trabajar los escalones y cimientos. También instalaremos una nueva asta de bandera frente a los mausoleos, continuaremos la tarea de limpiar y enderezar varios monumentos, reemplazando la cerca en la parte posterior del cementerio, ampliando las calles, buscando si se pueden poner vidrieras en el mausoleo de la capilla, los jardines y agregando algunas esculturas. También hay la posibilidad de añadir baños a los.

Todas estas actualizaciones y cambios prepararán el cementerio para los visitantes que viajan de todo el mundo para el 150 aniversario de la epidemia de fiebre amarilla de Shreveport. A fin de hacer este importante trabajo, aceptaremos donaciones para el Fondo del Cementerio. Si su familia tiene monumentos y lápidas que necesitan renovación, criptas que necesitan pintura y limpieza, tenemos profesionales disponibles para encargarse de esas reparaciones y renovaciones para la familia. Podemos

Reparar los escalones y cimientos del monumento al Calvario: $ 5000 Volver a cercar la parte posterior del cementerio $ 12,000 La Jardinería: $ 15,000 Los proyectos a futuro incluyen: vidriería en el mausoleo de la capilla, extender el sistema de riego y una sección para sacerdotes en el cementerio que estimule a que nuestros sacerdotes diocesanos pidan ser sepultados en nuestro histórico cementerio católico.

Otros proyectos incluirán la construcción de un mausoleo adicional con más de 200 tumbas y la adición de varios columbarios pequeños alrededor del cementerio.

Se está buscando expandir obteniendo una propiedad cercana. Se pueden hacer donaciones a la Diócesis de Shreveport que son deducibles de para el Fondo del Cementerio de San José. facilitar que se haga el trabajo si las familias nos notifican y están dispuestas a pagar por las renovaciones. Si conoces a familias con vínculos históricos al cementerio, comparta esto con ellos.

Estén al pendiente de más actualizaciones a medida que continuamos restaurando el cementerio.

También estableceremos un Consejo para estudiar los planes a largo plazo para construir otro mausoleo y columbario en el cementerio. •

grow.

and

germinate

to

earth

the

on

present

good

of

seed

every

lead

will

love

His

sure:

is

Lord

the

of

victory

The

pain

The

perpetuated.

and

up

covered

being

their

of

possibility

the

prevent

to

also

but

happening,

from

situations

such

prevent

to

able

culture

a

create

to

spared

be

must

effort

no

future,

the

to

ahead

Looking

sufficient.

be

ever

will

done

harm

the

repair

to

seek

to

and

pardon

beg

to

effort

no

past,

the

to

back

Looking

alike.

nonbelievers

and

believers

of

community

larger

the

in

and

members

family

their

in

also

but

victims,

the

among

primarily

powerlessness,

and

pain

of

wounds

deep

inflict

that

Crimes

persons.

consecrated

and

clerics

of

number

significant

a

by

perpetrated

conscience

of

abuse

the

and

power

of

abuse

the

abuse,

sexual

to

due

minors

many

by

endured

suffering

the

more

once

acknowledge

I

as

heart

my

in

echo

forcefully

Paul

Saint

of

words

These

12:26).

Cor

(1

it”

with

together

suffer

all

suffers,

member

one

If

Updating St. Joseph Cemetery

by Randy Tiller

Our Immediate Projects: New granite tops on the crypts of the three priests who gave their lives in the Yellow Fever epidemic $5,000 each installed

I

n 2023 we will be commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Shreveport Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. This is not only significant for our diocese, but of importance to St. Joseph Cemetery.

Never during the epidemic was Shreveport left without a priest to administer the sacraments and the last rites to approximately 25% of the population that was wiped out by the fever. Before a priest fell ill and succumbed to the fever, another priest was there to care for the people.

Since November, The Catholic Connection has been printing articles and a comic strip story about these five priests who ministered to those who succumbed to Yellow Fever in Shreveport (see page 17 in this issue). Additionally, our own Diocesan Administrator, Fr. Peter Mangum, recently traveled to France to conduct more research on these five men and has continued to share their stories.

You may not know though, that some of these priests were originally buried in the basement of Holy Trinity Church in downtown Shreveport. Fr. Isidore Quemerais, Fr. Jean Pierre and Fr. Francois LeVezouet were originally buried at Holy Trinity Church and moved in 1884 to St. Joseph Cemetery. Fr. Jean Marie Biler was originally buried in the Daughters of the Cross cemetery on Fairfield Ave., and exhumed and moved to Forest Park in the 1960s. Fr. Louis Gergaud was buried at St. Matthew’s Cemetery in Monroe.

With the approaching 150th anniversary, it affords us a fantastic opportunity to reconsider and restate the corporal work of mercy to bury and care

for the dead. St. Joseph Cemetery is the only Catholic cemetery in the Shreveport/ Bossier area. In conjunction with this anniversary, we will also complete necessary updating, uplifting, renovating, landscaping and beautification.

Some of our updates will include new registers for the tops of the graves of the three priests who died in the Yellow Fever epidemic, as well as pouring a concrete form around the crypts to seal them and keep water from seeping in. The calvary monument will also be restored. This includes cleaning and correcting the plaque, as well as reworking the steps and the landings. We will also be installing a new flag pole in front of the mausoleums, continuing the task of cleaning and straightening various monuments, replacing the fence at the back of the cemetery, widening streets, investigating stained glass windows in the chapel mausoleum, landscaping and adding statuary. Adding restrooms to the grounds is also a possibility.

All of these updates and changes will prepare the cemetery for visitors who will travel there from across the globe in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Shreveport Yellow Fever epidemic. In order to do this important work, we will happily accept donations to the Cemetery Fund. If your family has monuments and tombstones that need renovation or crypts that need to be painted and cleaned, we have professionals available to handle those repairs and renovations for the family.

We can facilitate having the work done if families notify us and are willing to pay for

Wrapping the crypt walls with wire mesh and a concrete form to stop water seepage $7,500 Repairing the steps and landings of the Calvary monument $ 5,000 Re-fencing the back of the cemetery with 6’ black vinyl fencing $12,000 Landscaping $15,000 Future projects include stained glass in the chapel mausoleum, extending the irrigation system and establishing a priests’ section at the cemetery to encourage our diocesan priests to be interred in our historic Catholic cemetery.

Other projects will include building an additional mausoleum with 200+ crypts and adding several small columbarium around the cemetery.

We are also looking into securing additional contiguous property.

Donations can be made to Diocese of Shreveport St. Joseph Cemetery Fund and are tax deductible. the renovations. If you know of families with historical ties to the cemetery, please share this with them. There are still plots available for purchase.

Keep looking for more updates as we continue refurbishing the cemetery.

We will also be establishing a Cemetery Board to look into long range plans to build an additional mausoleum and columbarium. • APRIL 2019 5

MIKE'S MEDITATIONS

Put Jesus in Context

by Mike Van Vranken

W

e’ve all done it. You know, take a bit of scripture that we love to remember and use it for our own justification. And, many times, if we had used the entire scripture rather than our out-of-context phrase, the message might convict rather than absolve us. Additionally, it is so much easier to spot this type of misinterpretation when Van Vranken others do it rather than when we choose to do so ourselves.

Recently I read an article and made the mistake of reading the online comments. Over and over I heard their voices shouting: “Jesus said to ‘go and sin no more!’” Of course, it is an impossible command to keep.

Have any of us been able to “go and sin no more?” I certainly haven’t. Jesus did say some form of, “go and do not sin any more” in the gospel – twice. On one occasion it was to a man who couldn’t walk and Jesus cured, the other was to a woman caught in adultery. Both are found in John’s gospel where Jesus mentions sin about 16 times. Interestingly, in Matthew’s gospel he only mentions sin four times, once in Mark and not at all in Luke.

Let’s put the “sin no more” comment from Jesus back in the context of John’s gospel and see how it might look a little different. I’ll use John 8:1-11. Jesus is in the Temple area and the Scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery. They reminded Jesus of the law where Moses had commanded to stone such a woman. He responded with his famous words: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” (John 8:7).

Of course, Jesus is not only speaking to this woman’s accusers, he is speaking to you and me as well. In this passage, he is not allowing anyone to punish another person. In fact, I cannot remember any passage where Jesus calls on us to punish others. The story continues with the Scribes and the Pharisees walking away and leaving the woman alone with Jesus.

Stop now, take a deep breath and imagine you are in this scene watching and listening to our Savior and this adulterous woman. She is standing by herself with the Son of God. She is looking in his eyes, perhaps suspiciously wondering why he took up for her and what he plans to do next. She may be worried about his intentions. Yet, he tenderly turns to her and says: “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, maybe with a scared and shaky voice: “No one, sir.” And then, in the sweetest, most compassionate

6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

words that can only come from an all-loving creator, with deep love in his eyes and gushing from his heart, Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more” (John 8:10-11). Watch the tears begin to flow from her eyes. See and experience Jesus’ gracious and generous smile as she slowly backs away from Him and humbly walks off. Can you feel the freedom she is experiencing? Dare to ponder the joy and love that must now be running throughout her entire being. Can you witness the dramatic change that is overcoming her?

Does this surprise you to read this so familiar story this way? Would we expect anything else from Jesus? This is the man who commands His followers, several times in the gospel stories, to forgive over and over again. If He asks this from us, how much more will we experience it from Him? You may have even noticed that Jesus actually did not forgive this woman. Why? Because He never passed judgment on her to begin with. He never condemned her, so there was nothing to forgive. Rather than condemn and judge her, rather than preach to her, instead of reminding her of her sin, He confronted her with his love. He overshadowed her with his deep and abiding love. And, as St. Paul promised us: “love never fails” (1 Cor 13:8).

The entire Bible is the passionate and intimate love story of God and His people. In the four gospels, Jesus, who is God in the flesh, shows us how to live this love as human beings. Yes, He surely called us to follow Him and all that He taught us. He even summed it up for us in these words: “Love one another. As I have loved you so you also should love one another” (John 13:34).

Let’s all pray for the grace to keep God’s story of relationship with his people, especially the gospels, in their proper context. It is the context of God’s unconditional love for us, which is shown over and over again in his mercy, compassion and forgiveness, and not in forms of punishment. Our role is to share this mercy, compassion and forgiveness with each other just as He has shared it with us. • Mike is a spiritual director, author, speaker and teacher. You can contact him at mikevanvranken@comcast.net

LIBRARY NOTES

Explore the Slattery Library Looking for a good read?

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

Simeon’s Canticle

by Mattie McClane

An elderly priest shares a turbulent youth with a woman who would later become a candidate for sainthood. In this deeply Catholic tale, Mattie McClane examines attitudes about faith, social justice and poverty.

She probes the question of secular vs. sacred goodness, contending that benevolent forces are often opposed in the modern world.

Sensing God: Learning to Meditate During Lent

by Laurence Freeman, OSB

Is Lent a time for “giving something up” or an occasion for beginning something new? Freeman shows how it can be both. Give up your lifestyle of being too busy to sit still, and discover what meditation can do in your life. A practical introduction and guide to this ancient Christian practice, Sensing God includes guidance and support as well as daily reflections on the Gospels, highlighting their meaning and continued relevance for living today.

Saint Matthew: Lessons in Love

by Wyatt North

Saint Matthew is an example of God’s love and mercy, not just for those who are saints, but also for those who are struggling with sin and feeling disconnected from God. The many layers of Matthew’s story teach us about true love and the powerful and sustaining force God’s love offers to us.

VISIT THE SLATTERY LIBRARY The Slattery Library is open every week day from 9am to 1pm! Kate Rhea is the Administrative Assistant for the Slattery Library and St. Joseph Cemetery, and is available to help patrons research information, search and select reading material, and even host group meetings in the library. With themed displays each month and many newly cataloged materials ready to borrow, our library is revitalized and ready to serve our patrons.

APRIL 2019 7

FAITHFUL FOOD

Lessons from "The King"

I

t is said that some things may only be appreciated with age. It is said that with age comes wisdom.

I confess that, unlike my sister, I have never been an Elvis fan. Oh, I tried but I could not appreciate his Long musical talents, his showmanship, his ability to connect with his audience regardless of age; still nothing, no resonance.

And then it came to pass that I was in Wal-Mart one November and I literally stopped pushing my shopping cart and stood stock still. It was Elvis singing away and his voice which carried into every corner of that building began to seep into my soul.

I casually tossed his Christmas CD in with my purchases. Much later I came to appreciate his gospel offerings of “How Great Thou Art” and “Peace in the Valley,” but only recently have I “fallen” for his singing.

My relationship with the Easter season is not dissimilar. Oh, I tried but in my childhood experience, Easter paled beside the mystery of Christmas, with its story of love born in obscurity, mysterious gifts and givers, and meals to rival Martha or Nigella. For much of my adult life, I shied away from the true message of Easter: that I would eventually die, leave this world and be happy with God in the next world. You see I really liked this world in all its grit and glory, my children were younger and I could not fathom missing a single milestone. Heaven seemed great, a paradise, just not one I wanted yet. As I have aged, my children have reached adulthood, and my body reminds me I have not always treated it with care, I am beginning to appreciate heaven on its own merits and not just something that is better than hell.

Fr. Andrew Greeley first introduced me to seeing God in unexpected places 8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

by Kim Long

Elvis "The King" Cake Cake Ingredients: • 1 box hot roll mix (or feel free to use your favorite yeast dough) • ½ cup of sugar • ½ teaspoon cinnamon Directions: 1) Mix according to package directions, adding sugar and cinnamon to the dough.

Filling Ingredients: • 2 ripe bananas, mashed • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1 tablespoon Karo syrup Directions: 1) Mix bananas with brown sugar and syrup.

2) Roll dough into a rectangle.

3) Spread a thin layer of filling mixture onto dough. Leave about an inch of space all the way around.

in his book God in Popular Culture where he referenced cultural icons of the time and how whether intentional or not, God was present. Enter Elvis and his cover of the Everly Brothers “Let It Be Me.” As I replayed the song I began to really hear the words and it made me think that if the Song of Solomon were to have a musical theme, this song could fill the bill.

“Each time we meet, love I find complete love, without your sweet love, what would life be? Now and forever, let it be me.”

That’s when I “got it,” Easter takes the Christmas promise and brings it to maturity. Something to consider in these coming 50 days; and since it is a divine promise rather than the human

4) Roll up and join ends together, pinching closed. Bake as package directs.

5) When cool, frost with barely sweetened whipped cream and drizzle rest of filling over frosted cake. Top with sprinkles (gold or silver fit for a king).

variety with which I am more familiar, it took me a while to see it. So when I cook lunch for my family on the second, third, or fifth Sundays of Easter, I will take Elvis and his music into the kitchen and dance around the stove for joy – joy in this moment, in this life and the next.

Fr.Greeley was spot on: God speaks to us in many ways, even through the voice of a boy from Tupelo. My Easter prayer is that I continue to see and hear God when and where He is found.

This Elvis "The King" Cake is a good recipe for any time. Enjoy a slice with coffee and a little Elvis music. • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport, LA.

DOMESTIC CHURCH

An Audience of One

by Katie Sciba

I

’ve lately been looking back over my time with The Catholic Connection. It’s been just over eight years since my first piece was published, and since then my work has been shaped and honed by both my supportive and incredible editor, as well as the education only experience can offer. Though I’m sure it never showed through my writing, every deadline made me nervous to the point that I wanted to withdraw entirely; think of it like stage fright for a columnist. The very idea that my thoughts Sciba were printed for the eyes of more than 11,000 people across the diocese terrified me. What if someone disagreed with me? What if someone thought my writing was elementary or irrelevant? What if I actually had zero talent for writing? As a recovering people pleaser, I’m nauseated at the idea of tension and conflict born of differing perspectives; it yields a special kind of sickening worry.

Though the experience is my own, the inclination to people-please is near universal. Maybe you’re a fellow worrier when it comes to conflict; or maybe a fight stirs within you when you’re not believed or given credit. It’s easy to equate others’ disapproval or opposing perspective with rejection and criticism, then feel unworthy or defeated.

If I’m speaking your language, then this is your official invitation to let it go, because the real audience we should work for is small in number and infinitely more significant than anyone else. “…just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thes. 2:3-4).

We have an audience of One. We might be tempted to make the masses happy, desperately prove ourselves to those who disbelieve, or teach a lesson to the naysayers, yet the only One we need aim to please is the Lord. Of course, it’s admittedly a bit satisfying when all of the above happens and this is not to say that in pleasing God, we’ll certainly displease others; but if our ultimate purpose is to live and work with integrity, giving our best to imitate Christ in how he pleased the Father, we will gain true peace. Not only does the Lord watch us lovingly every waking (and sleeping) moment, but His thoughts of us are the only ones that have bearing.

It’s a great thought - a really lovely idea; but what’s the practical approach to living this way? One way is praying for guidance in doing God’s will, an act that confesses fear of the Lord, or due reverence to Him (Psalm 147:11). Following with the Lord’s desires is a delight to Him as well, and those desires are perfectly laid out in the 10 Commandments, as well as in Christ’s command to love God with all that we are and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Hebrews 13:21). We also know that God the Father was proud of Jesus during his time on earth (Matthew 17:5), so a surefire way to be the apple of the Lord’s eye is to “do whatever [Jesus] tells you” and follow his example.

In this life, there will be confrontation, criticism, differing views and disapproval; but on the world’s stage, perform for the One who matters most in order to live in confidence and peace. • Katie Sciba is married to Andrew. Together they have five children. She is the author of thecatholicwife.net.

APRIL 2019 9

SECOND COLLECTIONS

Second Collections for April

by Father Rothell Price

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THE PONTIFICAL GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION FOR THE HOLY LAND Announcement Dates: April 7th & 14th Collection Dates: Good Friday, April 19th

he Pontifical Good Friday Collection supports the people of the Holy Land and the pilgrims who visit there. Your Good Friday gift, honoring the passion and death of our Lord, helps preserve the most significant and holiest places of our faith. In our churches, we walk the tortured path of our crucified Lord in the afternoon service of Good Friday. We shoulder His load in the Stations or Way of the Cross. What a privilege it is for us to walk the way of divine love, mercy and sacrifice with Price Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Your contribution makes it possible for the Franciscan Friars to care for the dwindling Christian community, the throngs of pilgrims and the holy sites themselves. Through the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, you are instruments of peace in a troubled land. Please give generously to the Pontifical Good Friday Collection. Honor Him by caring for the people and places He made holy by His presence there. Thank you for your sacrificial offering on Good Friday.

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DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT CHURCH VOCATIONS COLLECTION Announcement Dates: April 7th & 14th Collection Dates: April 20th & 21st Easter

he Diocese of Shreveport Church Vocations Collection is so fitting at Easter. Raising up vocations to the risen and victorious Lord is most fitting. Contributing to the formation of men and women heroically responding to the voice of our Lord is a glad and worthy ALLELUIA in itself.

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This year, by the grace of God, Deacon Kevin Mues will become Father Kevin Mues. This is reason enough to give generously to the Diocese of Shreveport Church Vocations Collection. Happily give so that Raney Johnson, Nicholas Duncan, Jeb Key, Kelby Tingle and Francis Genusa can continue to discern the Lord’s call. God willing, we may have two to four men entering the seminary in the fall to begin discernment and preparation for their priestly vocation among the people of God. Your gift also makes it possible for young people to discern their vocations at the Mission Possible Retreat and the Beloved Retreat held each summer.

These young men and women are God’s gift to us. Support their valiant response to Christ’s call. Give generously and joyfully to the Diocese of Shreveport Church Vocations Collection. Thank you for generously participating.

CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL Announcement Dates: April 14th & 21st Collection Dates: April 27th & 28th

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he Catholic Home Missions Appeal collection exists to help mission dioceses, like ours. In what the Bishops of the United States called, “mission territory,” the number of Catholics is small in comparison to the overall population. In those territories, the Diocese of Shreveport, and many others, need outside support to provide pastoral and material care to the Catholic Christian faithful. Your loving gift to the Catholic Home Missions Appeal sustains and increases Catholicism, which is so vital in these areas. The presence of Jesus Christ and His Holy Catholic Church is only possible because of the Catholic witness there. As our former Bishop Michael Duca sometimes reminded us, “In north Louisiana, nobody is Catholic by accident; people here are Catholic by choice.”

Give strongly to the Catholic Home Mission Appeal collection which helps us help ourselves. Give the Sacraments of Jesus Christ to north Louisiana. Give, so that religious education, ministry training, Catholic outreach and witness remain a vital catalyst in our part of our state. Thank you for “Strengthening the Church at Home” by giving generously to the Catholic Home Mission Appeal. • Father Rothell Price, Moderator of the Curia, is the Director of Second Collections for the Diocese of Shreveport.

NAVIGATING THE FAITH

Holy Week A Quick Guide

by Jessica Rinaudo

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, which is April 14th this year. Over the course of the week, we will commemorate the important days leading up to Christ's Death and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

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Palm Sunday

Holy Thursday

Good Friday

Holy Saturday

The official beginning of Holy Week, Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem while a crowd gathers around him with palm branches.

(John 12:13) On this day, palm branches are blessed and given to the faithful.

They are then carried by the congregation as part of the procession entering the church.

On Holy Thursday, we celebrate the Last Supper, Jesus’ final meal with His disciples in Jerusalem where He predicts his betrayal.

This is also when Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, and this practice is often practiced during Holy Thursday Masses. (John 13: 1-15) This day also observes Christ’s institution of the priesthood.

Good Friday is the day we commemorate Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. (John 18). This day is often acknowledged by reciting the Stations of the Cross. There is no Mass on this day, but instead a Good Friday service. It is a day of silence and bare altars that will remain until Easter Vigil the following evening at sunset.

This day we commemorate Jesus’ descent into hell to free the just who had gone before him. After sunset on this day, we celebrate Easter Vigil Mass with a “service of light.” The Paschal candle is lit and leads the people into the church; that flame is then shared with the faithful.

Part of this service also includes baptismal liturgy and completion of Christian initiation for new Catholics. During this Mass we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.

(Luke 24: 1-12).

For more info on Holy Week Services in the Diocese of Shreveport: http://www.dioshpt.org APRIL 2019 11

FROM THE POPE

Your Kingdom Come from the Vatican Press Office

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ear brothers and sisters, good morning!

When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, the second invocation with which we address God is “Your Kingdom come” (Mt 6: 10). After praying that His name be hallowed, the believer expresses the desire that His Kingdom come in haste.

This desire springs, so to speak, from the very heart of Christ, who began His preaching in Galilee proclaiming: “The time has come.

The kingdom of God has come near. Repent Pope Francis and believe the good news” (Mk 1,15). These words are not a threat at all; on the contrary, they are a happy announcement, a message of joy. Jesus does not want to push people to convert by sowing the fear of God’s imminent judgment or a sense of guilt for evil committed. Jesus does not proselytize: He simply announces. On the contrary, what He brings is the Good News of salvation, and starting from this He calls us to convert. Everyone is invited to believe in the “Gospel”: the lordship of God brought close to His children.

This is the Gospel: the lordship of God made close to His children. And Jesus proclaims this wonder, this grace: God, the Father, loves us, is near us and teaches us to walk on the path of holiness.

The signs of the coming of this Kingdom are many, and all positive. Jesus begins His ministry by taking care of the sick, both in body and in spirit, of those who experienced social exclusion –for example, lepers – and of sinners who were looked upon with disdain by all, even by those who were greater sinners than they were, but who feigned righteousness. And what did Jesus call them? “Hypocrites.” Jesus Himself indicates these signs, the signs of the Kingdom of God: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor” (Mt 11: 5).

“Your Kingdom come!” The Christian repeats insistently when he prays to “our Father.” Jesus came; but the world is still marked by sin, populated by so many people who suffer, by people who are not reconciled and do not forgive, by wars and by so many forms of exploitation; let us we think of the trafficking of children, for example. All these facts are proof that the victory of Christ has not yet been fully implemented: many men and women still live with a closed heart. It is above all in these situations that the second invocation of the Lord’s Prayer emerges on the Christian’s lips: “Your Kingdom come!” Which is like saying: “Father, we need you! Jesus, we need you, we need you to be everywhere and forever. You are Lord in our midst!”.

“Your kingdom come, may You be among us.”

Sometimes we ask ourselves: why is this Kingdom being realized so slowly? Jesus loves to speak of His victory with

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the language of the parables. For example, He says that the Kingdom of God is like a field where good wheat and weeds grow together: the worst mistake would be to want to intervene, immediately eradicating from the world those that seem to us to be weeds. God is not like us, God has patience. It is not with violence that the Kingdom is established in the world: its style of propagation is meekness (cf. Mt 13: 24-30).

The Kingdom of God is certainly a great force, the greatest that there is, but not according to the criteria of the world; this is why it never seems to have an absolute majority. It is like the leaven that is kneaded in the flour: it seemingly disappears, yet it is precisely this that ferments the mass (cf. Mt 13: 33). Or it is like a grain of mustard, so small, almost invisible, but it carries within it the explosive force of nature, and once grown it becomes the greatest of all the trees in the orchard (cf. Mt 13: 31-32).

In this “destiny” of the Kingdom of God we can intuit the story of Jesus’ life: He too was a meager sign for His contemporaries, an event almost unknown to the official historians of the time. A “grain of wheat” as He defined Himself, Who dies in the earth but only in this way can “produce many seeds” (cf. Jn 12: 24). The symbol of the seed is eloquent: one day the peasant sinks it into the earth (a gesture that looks like a burial), and then, “night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how” (Mk 4: 27). A seed that sprouts is more the work of God than the man who sowed it (cf. Mk 4: 27). God always precedes us, God always surprises us. Thanks to Him, after the night of Good Friday there is a dawn of Resurrection capable of illuminating the whole world with hope.

“Your kingdom come!” Let us sow this word in the midst of our sins and failures. Let us give it to people who are defeated and bent by life, to those who have experienced more hatred than love, to those who have lived useless days without ever understanding why. Let us give it to those who have fought for justice, to all the martyrs of history, to those who have concluded that they have fought for nothing and that evil always dominates in this world. Then we will hear the Lord’s prayer respond. Those words of hope will be repeated for the umpteenth time, the same ones that the Spirit has placed in the seal of all the Holy Scriptures: “Yes, I will come soon!”: This is the Lord’s answer: “I will come soon.” Amen. And the Church of the Lord replies: “Come, Lord Jesus” (see Rev 2: 20). “Your Kingdom come” is like saying “Come, Lord Jesus”.

And Jesus says: “I will come soon”. And Jesus comes, in His way, but every day. Let us have trust in this. And when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we always say: “Your Kingdom come,” to feel in the heart: “Yes, yes, I will come, and I will come soon.”

Thank you! •

VOCATIONS VIEW

Reflection: Final Year of Seminary

by Deacon Kevin Mues, Seminarian

pray the Angelus, they say, “Verbo caro hic factus est” or, “Here, the Word was made flesh.” My experience in the Holy Land did that for me. It gave flesh to the faith that I believe in. By standing in the places that Jesus stood and seeing the locations from the Bible, I was able to understand more fully the ministry of Jesus and the apostles.

The thing that most inspired me this year was the funeral of Fr. Richard Lombard. It was amazing to see a priest who had given his entire life, 65 years of ministry, to the Diocese of Shreveport. I was able to see in his funeral, the only real encounter I had with his life and his ministry, the true Seminarian Kevin Mues offers the Eucharist to his twin goal of a priest: to live a life that is brother at his ordination to the diaconate in Monroe. totally devoted to spreading the Gospel and serving the people of God. As I ime flies when you’re having fun!” as a deacon, I was able to experience “ move toward my own ordination, I This statement seems particularly a foretaste of the life of a priest. I had look forward to the opportunity to accurate to me at this moment in the opportunity to learn from Fr. Karl give my life to this diocese. I hope to my life. As I approach the end of my Daigle what it means to be a pastor-follow that final semester of seminary formation, I that real love of example and feel struck by how quickly this period the people I am give everything of my life has come and gone. In 2013, called to serve. to the people I entered seminary formation. When In January, of God in our I began, I thought that six years of my classmates local Church. learning philosophy and then theology and I went on Over the would never end, but it has gone by in a a pilgrimage to next two flash. I am amazed by how much I have the Holy Land. months, I learned and humbled by how much I There, I had will complete still have to learn. In the past year, this the opportunity the formal has been especially clear to me. Three to stand in education recent experiences have given me greater the places that that will bring insight into what it means to be a priest Jesus stood. me to the and what my life as a priest may look like I was at the Deacon Kevin Mues at the Garden of Gethsemane. Cathedral for after I am ordained in May. Church of the my ordination.

When I was ordained to the diaconate Nativity, at the I look forward to the even greater in June, I was given the opportunity to Sea of Galilee, on the bank of the lessons that I will learn from the people minister at St. Jude Parish in Benton.

River Jordan. I walked the way of the of God when I become a priest for There, I had the chance to really enter Cross. Being in the Holy Land was an them. • into the life of a Catholic parish. I was amazing experience. The Church of the able to participate in the daily activities of Annunciation was an amazing point of If you would like more information the church and get to know the families my journey. There, we had the chance about the priesthood, contact that served and were served by the parish. to pray the Angelus with the Franciscans Father Jerry Daigle, Through Bible studies, family dinners, that serve the parish. When we pray the jdaigle@dioshpt.org, or call summer camps, hospital ministry, Angelus, we say, “Verbo caro factus est,” or 318.868.4441. choir, and my participation in Mass “The Word was made flesh.” When they

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APRIL 2019 13

St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners feed more than 100 students at Louisiana Tech each week.

Ministry of Presence St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Feeds Students at Louisiana Tech

by Jessica Rinaudo

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he words “Ruston” and “Louisiana Tech” go hand in hand. And with only one Catholic Church in the city, St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners have taken up the task of bridging a relationship between the church and university.

In the early 90s, Father Paul Gallagher, OFM, began a “dollar lunch” program to feed any student who dropped by their student center every Wednesday.

What began as a small group of 10 to 15 students has evolved into a weekly program that regularly feeds more than 100 students and faculty members.

Spearheaded by a group of volunteer parishioners including Coordinator, Pat Crawford, long time member Sandi Adams, and Brother Mike Ward, OFM, each week the parish offers a safe space, fellowship and a warm meal to students.

As the students walk through the doors of the St. Thomas Aquinas student center, their faces light up as the smell of homecooked shepherd’s pie wafts through the room.

The meal and the volunteers are blessed, then students quickly seek out friends, grab a meal and a seat and enjoy fellowship with one another. Faculty members also stop by, visiting with one another and students. Other regular fixtures at the weekly meal are Louisiana Tech Campus Minister Brother Mike Ward, OFM, and St. Thomas Aquinas pastor, Fr. Tony Posadas, OFM. “My favorite part of this program is that the students have a place to come where they can be with each other. And we provide that and provide a meal for them,” said coordinater Pat Crawford. “But we get as much out of it as they do, all of us. Most everybody has been involved with this for many years: our groups of people who cook. It’s kind of a scary thing to cook for this

It’s a safe place to eat. It

helps students feel at home, especially when they are feeling lonely.

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many people and stay within a budget. We are serving more now than ever. This year, we’ve offered 2,111 meals since September.”

Students echo Crawford’s sentiments, “We come every week that they have “Wednesday lunch.” I like the people and the community. It’s a way that the parish connects with the students, where the parishioners cook the meal and serve it and the students get to come in and get to enjoy a good home cooked meal away from home. I like interacting with the parishioners as well,” said student and Association of Catholic Tech Students member André Aguillard.

“I love being able to sit down at any table and have a great conversation and then enjoy the food and know you’re with like minded people with similar values,” added student Abby Morgan.

To make all of this happen every week takes a village both on and offsite. Pat Crawford manages the complete meal schedule for the year, calendaring meal assignments for different St. Thomas Aquinas ministry groups. Some people volunteer to bring desserts each week; some cook, but can’t serve; others show up on site to serve the students; still others are needed to take donations and keep track of how many students come through.

The result of all of this is a full meal for students including a protein, vegetable, side item, dessert and a drink – all for a minimal donation of $1. It takes a combination of budgeting, discounts and donations to make it work, but the results are undeniable.

“It’s a good witness. A good number of people who come to “Wednesday lunch” are not Catholic. So it kind of de-mystifies some of the thoughts other people have about Catholics,” said Fr. Tony Posadas, OFM, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

“It’s a safe place to eat. It helps students feel at home, especially when they are feeling lonely. We’ve been here since the beginning, and this is the best I’ve seen it,” said cooking volunteer, Sandi Adams. She added, “The students are so appreciative. They’ll come by, some of them, and thank us.” Adams also said that students regularly volunteer to help with setup and clean up.

The “Wednesday lunch” program has quickly become St. Thomas’ largest outreach ministry, and one that parishioners and students alike take great pride in. No one is ever denied a meal for not having money, and often people will come through and pay for others.

“My hope is always that the students see other people doing something for them, so that when they graduate, marry, whatever they do out in the world in their jobs and communities, they’re more likely to volunteer their time,” said Crawford.

Theirs is truly a mission of presence and kindness, following the command of Jesus to love thy neighbor. •

Top: Fr. Tony Posadas, OFM visits with a student.

Volunteer Sandi Adams serves a meal to a student.

Louisiana Tech students enjoy Wednesday lunch.

APRIL 2019 15

Volunteers are the Heart of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

by Tiffany Olah, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

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ach year Catholic Charities of North Louisiana hosts separate Volunteer Appreciation events for volunteers at both the Shreveport and Monroe offices. These are the times when CCNLA celebrates those who give to the organization simply out of service and love. They are the heart of the organization, these men and women who devote time and energy at both offices are vital to smooth office operations.

You could say they are our lifeline because without them, it would be impossible to do all that we are able to do.

Many volunteers help make a difference at CCNLA every day. For example, Shirley Cashio has been volunteering at Catholic Charities since 2011. As a former nursing school teacher at Northwestern State University, she brings health and medical knowledge to the Gabriel’s Closet classes she teaches, as well as the ability to identify when a child might need specific medical attention. Maria Colon, a former librarian, has been volunteering with Gabriel’s Closet for the past two years. When her husband passed away in 2016, she had recently retired and she was looking for a way to spend her time giving back to others. Betty Mirts began volunteering at CCNLA eight years ago because of her interest in early childhood development. Her role today can be described as the Gabriel’s Closet Volunteer Coordinator and she dedicates every Monday and Thursday afternoon to Gabriel’s Closet.

Richard Goorley, a retired attorney, has recently been tending to the community garden on our property. He has been diligently working on revitalizing and bringing it back to life. Mary Ellen Foley, a former board member, continues to serve Catholic Charities by coming in every Friday afternoon to help sort and organize client files, make copies and other general office duties. Theresa George, a new volunteer who also works full-time, comes in once a week during her lunch break to help with data entry. The volunteers at CCNLA have diverse backgrounds, but share the common desire to serve others.

CCNLA is always looking for volunteers for Gabriel’s Closet, whether to teach a class or help sort donations. We always need

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volunteers to help teach our weekly Money School class and our Immigration Services program could use help organizing client files. Volunteers are also needed to help plan and execute the many annual fundraising events that Catholic Charities hosts throughout the year. These are only some of the needs CCNLA has that volunteers could help with. Currently, we have a great need for volunteers in our Monroe and Lake Providence offices.

Volunteers are an integral part of CCNLA’s success. There are always more tasks to be done than time in a day. With the volunteers’ help, CCNLA can devote time helping more clients, create awareness in the community and raise funds for additional programming. This way, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana can continue its mission to bring Christ’s message of love to the poor and vulnerable by providing quality social services to families and individuals without discrimination and in accordance with Catholic social teachings and professional standards. • ** Volunteers at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana must attend a three-hour training class presented by the Diocese of Shreveport. These classes are offered at different locations throughout the diocese. A volunteer application, confidentiality agreement and a background check form and consent must also be completed. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering at CCNLA, please email Tiffany Olah at development@ccnla.org or call at 318865-0200 x109.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Good Friday Way of the Cross & Walk for Justice

by Jim Beadles, President, Shreveport Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

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or more than 20 years, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has sponsored the Good Friday Way of the Cross and Walk for Justice in downtown Shreveport. The purpose of the event is to not only follow Christ in his Passion on the Way of the Cross, but also to recognize the efforts of multiple local agencies that put the Passion into practice by serving those in need.

The event continues to grow, and last year, more than 150 people participated. It is truly a community and ecumenical event. We are honored that our friends at First United Methodist Church graciously offer their property as the gathering place for both the beginning and end of the event.

Along the way, we are privileged to have music from the New Dimension Youth Chorale.

In addition to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and First United Methodist Church, we also are joined by the following agencies: Mary’s House, The Fuller Center, Christian Services, MLK Health Center, The Mercy Center, Hope House, Holy Cross Episcopal, The Providence House, The Hub Ministries, Louisiana Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana and VOA Lighthouse.

The event covers approximately 1.4 miles.

It is a service of 14 prayers at 14 sites/stations.

Representatives from the agencies will lead each station prayer. Another reason to participate is to learn more about each of the agencies and their ministries. We are all called to be more than observers. We are all called to discipleship. Perhaps you will find a calling to mission and ministry of one of these agencies as they serve those in need in our community.

There is plenty of parking behind First United Methodist Church at the head of Texas Street,

downtown. We will begin the walk at 9:00 a.m., and it should be completed no later than 11:00 a.m. If it rains, the event will be moved to Holy Trinity Catholic Church located at 315 Marshall Street, also in downtown Shreveport.

This is a perfect way to move toward Easter. All who attend find it to be a meaningful experience. Please plan to join us at this year’s St. Vincent de Paul Walk For Justice. We hope to see you there.

When: Good Friday, April 19, 2019 Where: Behind First United Methodist Church, head of Texas Street, downtown Shreveport Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Rain Venue: Holy Trinity Catholic Church

APRIL 2019 17

Bossier Church Helps Provide Beds to Children

by Mary Ann Van Osdell

They may be single twin or bunk. Bunk beds have scripture under the top bed for the child on the bottom to read.

The beds are delivered assembled to an appreciative home, complete with a mattress, bedding and pillow.

“Kids will be ready to be tucked in,” Harper said. Some of the deliveries have come with bibles provided by Lifeway Christian Store.

To qualify to receive a bed, a family must be sleeping in one bed with parents or siblings, on the floor, a couch, futon or between two chairs.

Applicants for a new bed may apply online at www.SHPbeds.org.

Once an application is received, a selection committee will review it. Selecting a recipient isn’t done on a first-come, first served basis, but based on which children need beds the most, Harper said.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace makes and delivers beds as supplies and donations allow. When they're out of beds or bedding, they file unselected applications away until they can make more.

Founded in Idaho in 2012, Sleep In Heavenly Peace is the only charity providing handmade bunk beds to children who don’t have their own. There are Deacon Michael Straub, Father Nicholas Onyach, FMH, Donna Grimaldi, Ronnie 140 chapters in 40 states, Bossier’s being the 86th Grimaldi and Jason Laflame stand with donations made by Mary, Queen of (it serves Caddo Parish, also). The only other one in Peace parishioners to Sleep In Heavenly Peace.

Louisiana is in Cutoff. on Harper is seeing to it that “no kid sleeps on the Harper was watching Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor, a floor in our town” and Mary, Queen of Peace Parish is reality web television series in which he searches for people helping him achieve that goal. giving back, when it featured Sleep in Heavenly Peace. While he Harper oversees Sleep In Heavenly Peace, a non-profit that was watching the show, he said his “eyes starting leaking a little partners with organizations, churches and businesses to hold bit” and he told his wife he wanted to do this project.

“Build Days” during which beds are built from scratch. But In a year, Harper's chapter has made 52 beds and delivered the cost for a bed, $175, must be in hand first.

38. The remaining beds are waiting to be delivered once Harper spoke to the Mary, Queen of Peace Ladies Guild mattresses and linens can be secured. There are currently 78 at the request of member Donna Grimaldi about their people on a waiting list. • organization. As a result, pastor Fr. Nicholas Onyach, FMH, allowed for Ash Wednesday and March 10 collections to Graphic Novel Series on benefit this project. More than $1,200 was donated, enough for seven beds. Additionally, the church collected more than Shreveport 1873 Yellow Fever 20 sets of new sheets to go with the new beds. One hundred Epidemic Martyrs percent of donations go toward Sleep in Heavenly Peace. This organization works with Lowe’s, who gives them a discount RIGHT: The Catholic Connection is running a graphic on supplies, and Johnson’s Furniture who works with them on novel series each month, featuring the story of five priests mattress prices. who gave their lives in service to others in the Shreveport So who can help with beds? Anyone! No woodworking Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. The fifth page of this series experience is needed. At one build, Harper said he had depicts two priests ministering to dying victims. This graphic volunteers from age 10 all the way to age 70. Volunteers are novel is provided courtesy of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans supervised and tools are supplied. and is illustrated by Deacon Andrew Thomas.

Twenty beds can be built in about three hours, he said.

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APRIL 2019 19

April 28th: Divine Mercy Sunday

by Julia Doolin

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

This year, the feast falls on April 28. For the last 15 years, the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport have alternated hosting a Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Hour. Those who are involved with this event have been inspired by the manner in which the devotion has grown in our diocese. This year, the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans will host the holy hour with Very Reverend Peter B. Mangum, Diocesan Administrator, presiding. 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 offered immediately following the holy hour.

The Divine Mercy devotion 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 not a new one, but is instead, a reminder of what the Church has always taught through Scripture and tradition: God is merciful and forgiving and 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 – especially the greatest sinners.

In a decree dated May 23, 2000, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments stated that “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 Supreme Pontiff himself established that this Sunday be

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enriched by a plenary indulgence…so that the faithful might receive in great abundance the gift of the consolation of the Holy Spirit.”

With regard to the plenary indulgence associated with Divine Mercy Sunday, the usual conditions apply: sacramental confession (typically eight days before or after the indulgenced act), Eucharistic communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. The faithful are asked to gather in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved 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!)

We are grateful to have the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful event. Please join us at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans (939 Jordan Street in Shreveport) on Sunday, April 28, at 2:30 p.m. for a wonderful opportunity to experience God’s unfathomable mercy. •

How to Pray the

Chaplet of the Divine Mercy Optional Opening Prayers: You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world.

O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

(Repeat 3 times) O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You! Our Father, Hail Mary and the Apostle’s Creed For each of the five decades (On each “Our Father” bead of the rosary, pray) 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.

(On each of the 10 “Hail Mary” beads, pray) For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Concluding prayer (Repeat 3 times) Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Optional Closing Prayer Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

Copyright © 2012, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

Meeting the Needs of Hispanics in Many

by Shirley Rivers

Seminarian Burses

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

M

eeting the spiritual needs of a growing Hispanic population is a challenge, even to our larger diocesan parishes. But, what does a small rural parish with limited resources do to accommodate those needs?

St. John the Baptist, a parish of approximately 150 families, has been striving over the last few years to better accommodate the Hispanic Catholic families who live in the Many and Toledo Bend area. With much hard work and the support of several people and the church’s pastor, Fr. Francis Kamau, FMH, the ministry is moving forward.

A Spanish Mass is held on the first Sunday of each month.

Fr. Fidel MondragÓn has volunteered to make the hour drive from Shreveport every other month to celebrate the Mass. Fr. Kamau has been learning Spanish and celebrates Mass when Fr. MondragÓn is unable to attend. After each Spanish Mass, a meal is held in the church hall. In the near future, Fr. MondragÓn will begin hearing confessions in Spanish.

Recently, Fr. Kamau appointed two members of the Hispanic community to serve on the Parish Pastoral Council to provide better input on the spiritual needs of their families and friends. With the help of the St. John the Baptist Parish Director of Religious Education, Jean Rains, printed materials in Spanish, including Stations of the Cross, Missalettes, Bibles and prayer books have been ordered. Jean is also planning to schedule home visits, transportation and Sacrament preparation to better serve the needs of the Hispanic population.

Parishioner Shirley Veuleman, a retired Spanish teacher, also donates her time to teach English classes. She also translates the Sunday’s readings into Spanish for publication in the weekend bulletin.

Thus far, the largest celebration held at St. John the Baptist Parish is for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. A special Mass is celebrated in December followed by a celebration of food and fellowship. Over time, the celebration has become more elaborate and is expected to expand in the future.

With prayer, the hard work of many, and collaboration with the local Hispanics, St. John the Baptist Parish is dedicated to better meeting the needs of a growing population. •

Thanks to Our Recent Donors

• (001) Dr. George & Sandra Bakowski Foundation ($200) • (002) Dr. George & Sandra Bakowski Foundation ($100) • (006) S.G. & Erin Cassiere ($1,000) • (011) Joseph Jarzabek ($2,000) • (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver ($250 – honoring seminarian

Raney Johnson) • (018) Odelia L. Hays ($50) • (018) Ronald L. Martin ($20) • (018) Betty Chitman ($10)

Completed Burses

• (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse ($10,000) • (006) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($10,000) • (010) Memory of Rita Scott, John Scott Family ($10,000) • (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) • (012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10,000) • (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10,000)

Incomplete Burses

• (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1,000) • (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2,400) • (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,200) • (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) • (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($350) • (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse ($3,082.12) • (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1,300) • (008) St. Jude Parish ($5,718) • (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus #10728 ($550) • (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($1,604) • (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($6,200) • (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($260) • (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1,000) • (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus

#1337 ($7,521) • (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 ($330)

APRIL 2019 21

You’ve heard of Easter, but what is the Triduum? It’s actually three days, but together, they make up the most important part of the entire Church year. The Masses/ Services that take place during the Triduum are: 1. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Thursday) 2. Good Friday of the Lord's Passion (Friday) 3. Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord (Saturday evening) The Triduum marks the end of Lent and leads up to the holiest, most joyful day of the year - Easter! May God bless you this Easter Season!

22 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

by Kelly Phelan Powell

K i d s ' Connection

(TRID-joo-um)

Triduum

Image reprinted with permission from TheCatholicKid.com

HISPANIC NEWS

Semana Santa en Familia Por Rosalba Quiroz

Calendario del Mes Abril, 2019

1. Fecha límite para aplicar para servir en el equipo de Búsqueda # 10.

13. Escuela de liderazgo pastoral. Tema: La Catequesis. Cristo Rey – de 9am-5pm

E

n Semana Santa conmemoramos la Pasión, Muerte, y Resurrección de Jesús.

Es bueno compartir estos momentos en familia porque aunque sean dolorosos, acompañamos a Jesús y enseñamos a nuestros hijos el significado por medio de las liturgias (tomar parte en la obra de Dios) de esta semana.

Domingo de Ramos. Día en que Jesús entró a Jerusalén y fue recibido alegremente con palmas porque Israel pensaba que era un rey terrenal.

Martes. Por lo general se lleva a cabo la Misa Crismal donde el obispo bendice los santos oleos que serán utilizados durante el año para bendiciones y Sacramentos. Esta Misa es una hermosa celebración litúrgica en la Catedral de la diócesis. Toda la familia puede aprovechar esta ocasión para aprender más sobre nuestra fe católica.

Jueves Santo. Comienzo a lo que llamamos Triduo Pascual. Aquí Jesús demostró que aun siendo el Hijo de Dios vino a servir y lavó los pies a sus discípulos antes de celebrar

la Última Cena; ahí también celebró la primera Eucaristía. Esta celebración puede ayudar a nuestros hijos a entender el valor de la humildad y del servicio.

Viernes Santo. Acompañamos a Jesús en pasión y su entrega completa por nuestros pecados. Nos ayuda a enseñar a nuestros hijo el sacrifico y amor que tuvo Jesús al morir y al dar su vida por la humanidad.

No olvidemos el sacrifico también de María, su amor por él y el amor que nos entrega todos los días al interceder por nosotros. María es el regalo más preciado de Jesús y nos la entregó como nuestra madre antes de morir. Este día podemos enseñar a nuestros hijos como rezar el rosario a María para que interceda por nuestras almas y las que necesitan de nuestras oraciones.

Sábado Santo. Contemplamos a Jesús en el sepulcro. Día de la Vigilia Pascual que es la celebración más solemne de todo el año donde esperamos con fe la resurrección prometida.

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

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

Santo Tomás Aquino: Ruston

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

Sta Maria de los Pinos: Shreveport

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

13. Primera reunión de preparación para el retiro Búsqueda, Cristo Rey. 11am-4pm 26 - 28. Retiro Emaús para Hombres, Scottsville, TX Finalmente, el Domingo Glorioso. Jesús cumple su promesa de resucitar al tercer día, apareciéndose a sus discípulos y a más gente para anunciar la salvación.

Ayudemos a que nuestras familias puedan permanecer unidas en la fe, no solo durante la Semana Santa sino todo el año y que podamos ayudar a nuestros hijos a entender el verdadero significado de las actividades litúrgicas. Podemos decir que una familia que vive su fe unida, permanece unida aquí y estará unida en la vida eterna. •

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

San Pascual: W. Monroe

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

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

San Juan Bautista: Many

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

Sagrado Corazon: Oak Grove

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

APRIL 2019 23

Digital Trends Research Project

Key Takeaways to Improve Results at Your Parish!

by John Mark Willcox, Director of Development

N

ic Prenger of the Prenger Solutions Group, in partnership with eCatholic, surveyed 188 parishes in January of 2019. The sample size included parishes from across the country, both large and small. Prenger was kind enough to share the eye-opening results.

1. Parishes should engage their parishioners on Facebook: a. Parishes that are active on Facebook boasted an average household giving that was 6.4% higher than parishes that aren’t on Facebook. b. Parishes that posted on Facebook at least once a day reported average household giving 44% higher than parishes who posted less than once a day. c. Parishes with a high percentage of parishioner “followers” (measured as at least one follower per registered household) reported an average offertory increase of 10% from 2017 to 2018. All other parishes in the study reported a 1% decline, on average.

2. Parishes should promote online giving a. Parishes saw growth in online giving (defined as a 10% or more increase in online giving from 2017 to 2018) saw their total offertory increase by an average of 9%. b. Parishes that did not make a leap in online giving saw their offertory decline by an average of 2%. c. Analysis: The data shows that we aren’t just transitioning donors from one method to the other. Online giving is helping parishes to raise more money overall.

3. The value of an email address: a. Parishes with fewer than 30% of their parishioners’ emails

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

on file reported annual, per-household giving of $589. b. Parishes with between 30% - 70% of their parishioners’ emails on file reported annual, per-household giving of $597. c. Parishes with more than 70% of their parishioners’ emails on file reported annual, per-household giving of $716.

4. The value of sending a regular e-newsletter a. Parishes that sent a weekly, monthly or quarterly e-newsletter saw a 4% increase in 2018 offertory. b. Parishes that did not send an e-newsletter saw a 1% decline in 2018 offertory.

Feel free to take this information and adapt your digital giving program where you worship so that your parish can enjoy these new forms of Stewardship! •

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

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

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

Please send monthly reminders to:

$800 $750 $650 $500

$400 $350 $300 $250

$200 $150 $100 $_______

At this time I / we are enclosing: $_____________

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

24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

ACROSS THE NATION from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Publishes Revised Translation of the Rite for Blessing the Holy Oils

W

ASHINGTON—The publishing division of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has recently made available a revised translation of the rite for blessing the holy oils, entitled the Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism.

The book is used at the Chrism Mass, which is one of the highlights of the year in a diocese, normally held on Holy Thursday morning or on an earlier day of Holy Week. At that Mass the bishop, surrounded by a great number of clergy, religious, and faithful, blesses new holy oils for the coming year. The oils will be used for various ceremonies, such as for the preparation and celebration of baptism and for the celebration of the sacraments of confirmation, holy orders, and the anointing of the sick.

They are used in some of the most majestic Catholic ceremonies, such as the dedication of a new church, and also in some of the simplest, like an anointing in a hospital room.

“USCCB Publications has produced

an attractive book that is worthy of a ceremony as important as the Chrism Mass. The use of the holy oils is a striking part of the Church’s prayer in various moments of a person’s life and in important moments in the life of a parish,” explains Father Andrew Menke, executive director of the USCCB’s Secretariat of Divine Worship. “All of these ceremonies throughout the diocese are linked together through those oils blessed by the bishop.”

The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism is intended primarily for bishops in the United States and for their diocesan worship offices, but will also be a useful reference for seminaries, theological libraries, and for those interested in the Roman liturgy. It may be ordered online.

Additional books and resources pertaining to marriage and family life, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Vatican, ministry and more can be found by visiting the USCCB’s online bookstore at https://store.usccb.org. •

Bishop David Talley Named BishopElect of Memphis from the Diocese of Alexandria

T

he Most Reverend David Prescott Talley, J.C.D., M.S.W., Bishop of Alexandria in Louisiana, has been named as the bishop-elect of the Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee

by His Holiness, Pope Francis. The appointment was announced in Rome on March 5, 2019. Bishop Talley will serve as Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Alexandria until his installation as Bishop of Memphis in on April 2 at 2:00 p.,. in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. At that time the See of Alexandria will become vacant and the College of Consultors will have eight days in which to elect a Diocesan Administrator.

Bishop Talley was ordained to the episcopacy on April 2, 2013, as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. He was appointed as coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Alexandria on September 21, 2016, and took possession of the diocese as its twelfth bishop upon the resignation of Bishop Ronald Herzog on February 2, 2017.

In all things Bishop Talley fostered a spirit of unity and hope in planning for the future of the diocese while building on its long history. • APRIL 2019 25

Teacher Appreciation at Jesus the Good Shepherd School

SCHOOL NEWS SJB Science Olympiad Team Wins 11th Straight Regional Title

T

C J

esus the Good Shepherd School celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week, February 25 - 28.

Teachers were provided daily 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 Restaurant.

It was a truly wonderful week! The teachers and staff of JGS are thankful for the love and support of their JGS families and community.

St. Joseph Students Present Living Museum

ongratulations to the St. John Berchmans School Science Olympiad team for taking First Place in the Regional competition! Out of 23 events, they earned 19 first place medals and three second place medals!

The team now moves on to the state competition in April to defend their 10time reigning state title. •

he Living Museum is an event 4th grade students have participated in for the past six years. Students are given at least six weeks to work on the project.

Each student randomly draws a name out of a bucket. Once the student is assigned a historical figure or monument, they research, write a paper, create a board and make a costume. The student presents to the class and then celebrates their work on Living Museum day. The entire school supports the 4th grade classes by viewing their presentations. •

St. Joseph School Teacher Wins Endowment

L

ouisiana Endowment for the Humanities has awarded SJS Middle School ELA teacher Hallie Franks a $1,000 endowment for her idea for incorporating the study of Louisiana musical legends into the classroom. LEH launched the contest in September 2018, and in addition to a $1,000 prize, the winning teacher from each region will be invited to help develop a short educational video and lesson plan to be hosted on the 64 Parishes site. •

Black History Month at Our Lady of Fatima School

T

hird grade students at Our Lady of Fatima School in Monroe participated in the school’s Black History Month program.

26 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Loyola College Prep Excels at District Literary Rally

by Bianca Stakes

Loyola's Drama Club qualified for the state round with a superior rating.

L

• Health - Lauren Warren oyola College Prep placed first • Spanish IV - Chloe Dean in sweepstakes for Division 3 at State Qualifiers: the Literary Rally held in late • PreCal - Mary Rose Desautels February.

• Algebra I - Robyn Ford Eighty students were sent to • Biology I - Caroline Henry Natchitoches to compete in over 25 • Biology II - Jonathan Okereke subject tests and a drama performance.

• Calculus II - Emma Michael Drama had to earn a superior rating to • Chemistry - Stafford Yerger qualify for the state level, and only a • Civics - Grant John limited number of students from each • English I - Emma Cate Dailey district and division qualify to move on • English II - Embeth Coyle in the subject areas.

• English IV - Luke Jackson Twenty-four students qualified for • EnvSci - Andrew Atkins state, and eight students earned medals as top scorers in a particular subject.

• French I - Lauren Romero • French II - Claire Scott The State Literary Rally will be held • French III - Jinsy Hardison on Saturday, April 6, at Louisiana State • Geometry - Sikai Liang University in Baton Rouge.

• Govt - Andrew Meyer Congratulations Flyers!

• Health - Lauren Warren Medal Winners: • Psych - Mary Elise Stari • Algebra I - Robyn Ford • Spanish I - Declan Chmielewski • Biology II - Jonathan Okereke • Spanish II - Leslie Johnson • Civics - Grant John • Environmental Science - Andrew • Spanish IV - Chloe Dean • US History - Hannah Johnson Atkins • World Geography - Elliott Scott • Geometry - Sikai Liang • World History - Anna Avallone • Government - Andrew Meyer

James Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist

S

t. Frederick student Julian James was named as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist for the 201819 school year. Julian is one of only two students from the northeast Louisiana area to be named in this prestigious competition. About 1.6 million students in some 22,000 high schools enter the National Merit Scholarship competition annually when they take the PSAT/ NMSQT their junior year. This serves to screen program entrants, measuring critical reading ability, mathematics problem solving ability, and writing ability, rather than just existing knowledge. Students qualifying as finalists must also have an outstanding academic record and be endorsed and recommended by a high school official.

They must also submit an application that includes high school courses and grades, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and a self-descriptive essay. All finalists receive a Certificate of Merit in recognition of their outstanding performance in the competition. It is such an honor calling Julian part of our Warrior family, and we are so proud of his many accomplishments! • APRIL 2019 27

AROUND THE DIOCESE

1

Kids Help Others in Need at St. Jude Parish

S

t. Jude students held a food drive for the Christ the King Food Bank and also collected gently used toys for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul to distribute.

Additionally, each child made “Friendship Soup” in a jar to donate to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. (1)

2

3

J

oetta Waterman celebrated her 103rd birthday with her family and parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport on February 16.

Waterman is pictured with Fr. John Paul Crispin, FMH. (2)

T 4

Waterman Celebrates 103

Knights Create Seminarian Burse

he Knights of Peter Claver Council 144 have established a burse honoring Seminarian Raney Johnson at the Diocese of Shreveport. Contributions to Raney’s education can be made through the Diocese of Shreveport, earmarked for Burse #18. Pictured: Stanley Roque, Grand Knight; Regina White from the Office of Church Vocations; and Tim Ford, Area Deputy. (3)

Schoolhouse Students Celebrate DI Win

C

hildren from Catholic Schoolhouse, a Shreveport homeschooling co-op, entered the Louisiana Destination Imagination State Tournament. The younger group wowed the appraisers with their life-sized pop-up book and story about dinosaurs and saints.

The older group took home 3rd place in the state in their category of service learning.

Their service project raised $443 for Praise Academy through a bake sale at St. Mary of the Pines Parish. They also donated books to their school. (4) 28 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

T

Minden Students Take Part in Ash Wednesday Mass

5

6

he PSR students at St. Paul Parish in Minden participated in the Ash Wednesday Mass. Students read, sang and explained Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving. Students gave each family a prayer card, crackers and rock to represent those three facets of Lent. (5)

Students Make King Cakes to Raise Funds

T

he St. Paschal Sr. high Youth group held their annual Mardi Gras King Cake fundraiser. All of the ingredients are homemade by the youth, including cream cheese filling, pecan praline filling and dough. They sold 265 King Cakes this year to fund their upcoming conferences. (6)

7

Valentine's Day Dance at St. Elizabeth's

T

he church hall was filled to celebrate St. Valentine. Participants danced to a variety of music and enjoyed dance lessons as well as plenty of food and fun! (7)

S

Serving Others in Rayville

8

9

ociety of St. Vincent de Paul members in Rayville, along with Fr. Philip Pazhayakari, CMI, prepared bags to accompany the jambalaya meal for their “Saturday Meals� February delivery. (8)

Ashes at St. Francis Medical Center

F

r. James Dominic distributed ashes to team members in various departments around St. Francis Medical Center as part of Ash Wednesday. (9)

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

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

APRIL 2019 29

APRIL CALENDAR FEAST DAYS April 4

St. Isidore, bishop & doctor of the Church

April 5

St. Vincent Ferrer, priest

April 7

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT

April 11

St. Stanislaus, bishop & martyr

April 13

St. Martin I, pope & martyr

April 14

PALM SUNDAY

April 18

Holy Thursday

April 19

Friday of the Passion of the Lord

April 20

Holy Saturday

April 21

EASTER SUNDAY of the Resurrection of the Lord

April 28

Divine Mercy Sunday

April 29

St. Catherine of Siena, virgin & doctor of the Church

April 30

St. Pius V, pope

DIOCESAN EVENTS April 6 Rite of Profession

Deacon Charles Thomas and Ms. Cloteial Umoja will receive the rite of profession into the Secular Franciscan Order to follow Christ in the manner of St. Francis of Assisi. The Celebration of The Rite of Profession, in the context of the Mass Rite of Permanent Profession, marks the culmination of five years of preparation and begins their lifelong commitment to live the gospel. This will take place at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish on April 6 at 11:00 a.m. For more information, please 30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

contact Nadalie M. Thomas, O.F.S. at 318-222-3791.

May 3 Annual Red Mass

April 6 Mary, Queen of Peace Garage Sale

The Annual Red Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 3, at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Parish in downtown Shreveport.

This Mass honors lawyers, judges and court officials. Music will begin at 8:30 a.m. This year’s honoree is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Fr. Peter Mangum will be the principal celebrant and homilist.

April 12 - 14 Come and See at St. Joseph Seminary College

PARISH EVENTS

The Ladies Guild of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish will hold a garage sale on Saturday, April 6, from 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The church is located at 7738 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City. Proceeds will be used to continue their charitable projects.

Join St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA, for a Vocations Weekend Retreat. Thought about the priesthood lately? Come and see what God has to say about it. This weekend is about how to discern God's call for your life. It is a free event with meals and lodging provided for men age 16 and older. For more information, contact Church Vocations director Fr. Jerry Daigle at jdaigle@dioshpt. org, or call 318-868-4441.

April 16 Chrism Mass

April 12 Live Passion Play

Join St. Mary of the Pines Parish for their live Passion Play performance on April 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The play will be held inside the church and is located at 1050 Bert Kouns Indl. Loop in Shreveport.

April 19 Living Stations of the Cross

St. Mary of the Pines presents "Footsteps of Christ to the Calvary" on Good Friday at 5:30 p.m. The Stations will be offered in English and Spanish.

Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans is the largest diocesan liturgical celebration of the year. Most Rev. Joseph E. Strickland, Bishop of Tyler, will bless the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism. These holy oils will be distributed to all the parishes and Catholic hospitals in the diocese. The Mass will be held in the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans at 6:00 p.m.

April 28 Divine Mercy Sunday at St. Mary of the Pines

April 25 Shreveport-Bossier Pro-Life Oratory Contest

Caring Project for the Sisters

The National Right to Life is sponsoring its annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest, open to all high school juniors and seniors, who will address the issues of abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, or the tragedy of embryonic stem cell research in a 5-7 minute oral presentation. For more information, contact Anthony Fabio, 318-402-6663, awfabio2@hotmail.com. Visit facebook. com/SBProLifeOratoryCommittee/ for more information.

St. Mary of the Pines will celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday with a Penance Service at 2:00 p.m., and the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 p.m. Join them at 1050 Bert Kouns Indl. Loop in Shreveport.

ANNOUNCEMENT

To help the Sisters of the Destitute with projects around their convent, a caring group of diocesan parishioners have created a home projects plan which will include yard work, heat and air, carpet, appliances, paint and windows. To thank the Sisters of the Destitute for all that they do for our community, you are invited to be a part of this project. Donations may be sent to the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, attn: Caring Project for the Sisters. For more information, contact Jane Snyder, 318-221-5296, ext. 106.

Lenten Missions

MARCH 31 - APRIL 2

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport

939 Jordan St., Shreveport Topic: “Meditations on the Shroud of Turin” Speaker: Father Andrew Dalton, LC Schedule: March 31: 6:30 p.m.

April 1: 6:00 p.m.; April 2: 6:00 p.m.

More Information: This mission will focus on the wounds of the Lord’s Passion as evident in the Shroud of Turin. Fr. Dalton says the Shroud is “a cloth that signals the central mysteries of the Christian faith, namely, the Incarnation and the Resurrection”. Please join us Sunday through Tuesday for his compelling, beautiful presentation. Then on Wednesday, our Confirmation students will present Shadow Stations of the Cross.

APRIL 1 - 3

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Monroe

3205 Concordia St., Monroe Topic: Lenten Retreat Schedule: Holy Mass at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Lenten Retreat from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

APRIL 2 - 4

APRIL 10 & 11

2510 Emerson St., Monroe Topic: “Living the Mass” Speaker: Julie Carrick Schedule: 7:00 p.m. each evening

716 Francis St., Rayville Topic: Lenten Retreat Speaker: Fr. Pat Madden Schedule: 5:30 p.m. both evenings, with a light supper served afterwards.

Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Monroe

APRIL 2 - 4

Little Flower of Jesus Parish, Monroe

600 S. 16th St. Monroe Topic: “Lenten Revival” Speaker: Fr. Arthur Anderson, OFM Schedule: 7:00 p.m. each evening

APRIL 8 - 10

Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, Bossier City

7738 Barksdale Blvd., Bossier City Topic: “Intentional Disciples: Mary, the Apostles and Us” Speaker: Julie Carrick Schedule: 7:00 p.m. each evening More Information: This powerful and engaging presentation invites us to say, “Yes” to living as Disciples of Jesus. We will learn HOW we are all able to give a full yes, and live in the grace the Sacraments afford us. Meet in the Parish Hall at 6:30 p.m. for soup. Mission begins at 7:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville

The Passion Narratives with Father Pat Madden

Each year during Holy Week we read two of the Passion Narratives. This year on Palm Sunday we will read from the Holy Gospel according to Luke. We read from the Holy Gospel according to John every year on Good Friday. In fact, it is because of the insights of the Fourth Evangelist that we dare to call this Friday “Good.”

Fr. Pat Madden will speak on the Passion Narratives after the 5:30 Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Rayville on April 10-11. He also spoke on this topic in March at the Catholic Center.

The Shreveport presentations were recorded, and are now available on the diocesan website. Visit dioshpt.org to watch them and allow them to help prepare you for the remainder of the Lenten season and beginning of Easter!

Reconciliation Services

CHURCH DATE TIME St. Paschal Parish, West Monroe Tuesday, April 2 6:00 p.m.

St. Jude Parish, Benton Tuesday, April 2 6:30 p.m.

Holy Trinity Parish, Shreveport Monday, April 8 5:00 p.m.

St. Mary of the Pines Parish, Shreveport Tuesday, April 9 6:30 p.m.

Little Flower of Jesus Parish, Monroe Wednesday, April 10 6:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport Thursday, April 11 6:30 p.m.

Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, Bossier City Monday, April 15 6:00 p.m.

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport Sunday, April 28 2:30 p.m.

St. Mary of the Pines Parish, Shreveport Sunday, April 28 2:30 p.m.

APRIL 2019 31

Connection The Catholic

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

Fairfield

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Prior to Lent, St. Ann Church in Ebarb had a Mardi Gras Celebration. Pictured are Fr. Richard Norsworthy, King and Queen Benjie and Carol Rivers, and parish children.

32 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION