Catholic Connection May 2010

VOL. 19, NO 10

MAY 2010

Hispanic Ministry Celebrates with Tony Melendez, pg.10 Volunteers Honored at VOA Lunch, pg. 6 New Orleans Native One Step Closer to Sainthood, pg. 14

the

Sacrament

Marriage

of

pg. 12

From the Chancellor

by Christine Rivers, Chancellor Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Regular Contributors Bishop Michael Duca Fr. David Richter Kim Long Jessica Rinaudo Missy McKenzie Christine Rivers Lucy Medvec Sr. Martinette Rivers Rosalba Quiroz Katie Sciba Dianne Rachal John Mark Willcox Featured Contributors Ginger Broussard Deacon Clary Nash Sr. Patricia Cairns Kelly Phelan William Coenen Deacon Mike Straub Carol Glatz Randy Tiller Deacon Oscar Hannibal Sr. Marilyn Vassallo Jeanette Lay Mike Wise Diane Haag Libro Editorial Board Cathy Cobb Rev. Charles Glorioso Kim Long Kelly Phelan

Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Christie Weeks John Mark Willcox

The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

For a free subscription, address changes or article submissions: EMAIL: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org WRITE: C atholic Connection The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 CALL: 318-868-4441

OR 800-256-1542 FAX: 318-868-4609 WEBSITE: www.dioshpt.org The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

Our Diocese is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals as a Non-Profit Organization capable of giving Immigration Legal Advice. We offer Immigration Professional Services to Low-Income Families. To find out if you or someone you know qualifies for an Immigration benefit, please contact Mrs. Rosalba Quiroz at 1-800-256-1542, ext. 265 or 318-219-7265 or email rquiroz@dioshpt.org

• Observance of the Ascension of the Lord is transferred by action of the U.S. Catholic Bishops to Sunday, May 16.

• May 19 is the Anniversary of Ordination and Installation of Michael G. Duca as second Bishop of Shreveport.

• May 31 is Memorial Day – Catholic Center Closed.

Keeping Children Safe in the Diocese of Shreveport

by Deacon Michael Straub, HR & Safe Environment Coordinator

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ince the inception of the Protecting God’s Children program in 2002, we have trained almost 4,000 adults in helping to prevent child abuse in our diocese. We also train over 4,000 children (K-12) each year on touching safety. In the Diocese of Shreveport we have established procedures to keep children safe.

1. Adults volunteers who are around children and all employees:

a. Submit to a background check;

b. Are trained in Safe Environment using the Virtus program;

c. Receive the sex abuse policy;

d. Receive the Code of Pastoral Conduct.

2. Children in schools and parishes are trained to understand what is appropriate touching and what to do if they feel something is wrong.

3. Pamphlets that talk about our commitment and what to do if there is an issue of sex abuse are located at all diocesan parishes and schools for anyone to take and read.

4. We have established local coordinators in our parishes and schools to help keep these locations in compliance.

5. Our program is audited annually by a national firm.

More information is available on our diocesan website (www.dioshpt.org) on the main page, right side labeled Safe Environment Program.

On the Cover: Father Richard Lombard marries Lauren Barron and Joshua Brian at St. Joseph Church in Shreveport. (Photo by Jessica Rinaudo).

May 2010

Contents

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6

From the Chancellor by Christine Rivers................................2 Keeping Children Safe in the Diocese of Shreveport

by Deacon Michael Straub..............................................2 Bishop Michael Duca’s May 2010 Schedule...........................3

Bishop’s Reflection by Most Reverend Michael G. Duca.......4-5 Liturgy Lines: Come, Let Us Worship by Dianne Rachal........6 Volunteers Honored at VOA Lunch by Diane Haag Libro......6 Home Mission Appeal by Fr. David Richter............................7 As Matters Stand by Sr. Patricia Cairns..................................7 Walk for Justice a Continued Success by Randy Tiller . ........8 Master Lectors Course Concludes by Dianne Rachal........... 8 Fr. J. Robert Inzina Will Be Missed by John Mark Willcox.....9 BAFB Bids Farewell to Fr. Red and Welcomes New Priest

by Jeanette Lay............................................................... 9 Diocese to Celebrate 23rd Anniversary of Hispanic Ministries with Tony Melendez by Jessica Rinaudo......................... 10

Bishop Michael Duca’s May 2010 Schedule May 1 Confirmation, St. Mary of the Pines; 4:30 p.m.

May 2 Confirmation, St. Matthew, Monroe; 10:30 a.m.

May 2 Confirmation, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans,

Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

May 4 Volunteers of America: Cherish the Children of God

Breakfast, Shreveport Convention Center; 8:00 a.m.

May 5 Region V Vocation Directors Meeting, Lake Charles May 5 Confirmation, St. Joseph, Zwolle; 6:00 p.m.

May 7 Red Mass, Holy Trinity, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

May 8 Confirmation, Our Lady of Fatima, Monroe; 4:30 p.m.

May 9 Mother’s Day – Visiting Mom, Dallas May 13 Confirmation, St. Paul, Minden; 6:30 p.m..

May 14 Spanish Mass, St. Paul, Minden; 7:00 p.m.

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12

Fr. Ampatt Becomes U.S. Citizen by John Mark Willcox....... 10 School News.............................................................................. 11 Celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage by Jessica Rinaudo.. .12 Pope Brings New Orleans African American Foundress One Step Closer to Sainthood by Carol Glatz...................14 God Is Calling by Deacons Oscar Hannibal & Clary Nash.....14 Greco Institute Summer Schedule.........................................15 All You Holy Men and Women Pray for Us! by Kim Long......17 Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página por Rosalba Quiroz..........18 News Briefs by Catholic News Service . ................................19 Aging Spirituality by Sr. Martinette Rivers..............................20 Annual Retreat for Religious by Sr. Marilyn Vassallo..............20 Around the Diocese...............................................................21 Upcoming Events .................................................................. 22 May 2010 Calendar................................................................ 23 Chrism Mass Filled Cathedral During Holy Week.....................24 May 20 Loyola College Prep Baccalaureate Mass, Cathedral of

St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m.

May 21 Loyola College Prep Graduation, Riverview Theater,

Shreveport; 7:00 p.m.

May 22 23rd Anniversary of Hispanic Ministry Celebration,

Catholic Center, Shreveport; 1:00 p.m.

May 23 Confirmation, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

May 23 Spanish Mass, St. Mary of the Pines; 1:00 p.m.

May 24 St. Frederick High School Baccalaureate Mass,

Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe; 5:00 p.m.

May 24 St. Frederick High School Graduation, Church of

Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe; 6:30 p.m.

May 25 Louisiana Interchurch Conference Executive

Committee meeting, Baton Rouge; 12:30 p.m.

May 15 Confirmation, St. Paschal, West Monroe; 5:30 p.m.

May 25-27 Good Leaders, Good Shepherds Program, Cypress

Bend Resort, Many

May 16 Confirmation, St. Lawrence, Swartz; 10:00 a.m.

May 28 Spanish Mass, St. Paul Church, Minden; 7:00 p.m.

May 18 Marquette Reading Club Luncheon, Ristorante

Giuseppe; 12:00 p.m.

May 30 Spanish Mass, St. Mary of the Pines Church,

Shreveport; 1:00 p.m.

OBISPO

La Reflexión del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

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é que han sido difíciles para todos nosotros estos últimos meses ya que han salido a la luz nuevos sucesos del abuso sexual por parte de sacerdotes en Europa.

He visto las mil maneras que esto se ha manejado por parte de la prensa, (tanto justos como exagerados) las mezquinas y crueles caricaturas en los periódicos y la injusta condenación a nuestro Santo Padre, quien está surgiendo como uno de los reformadores importantes en los cambios de la iglesia. En luz de estos desafíos a nuestra fe me gustaría compartir algunas reflexiones pastorales.

Siempre que nos enfrentamos con algo crítico por lo regular primero nos defendemos y nos rehusamos a escuchar. En medio de este conflicto debemos recordar que no hay que temer a enfrentar la Verdad. Esto no es fácil, pero debemos admitir que se cometieron grandes pecados y errores en el manejo de los mismos y que llevaron a un dolor terrible y daños a los que Jesús más nos encomendó proteger. No es fácil ver esta verdad, y hay muchos que

45 Catholic Connection May 2010

esperan que estas acontecimientos destruyan la Iglesia Católica. Al salir los pecados de nuestra Iglesia a la luz por medio de los medios de comunicación parecen darle un golpe fatal a la Iglesia, pero sabemos que hay un poder más grande trabajando por nosotros. La Iglesia solo puede renovarse y reformarse cuando permite que la Luz de Cristo la inspire y la guíe. Es nuestro valor precisamente, el reconocer abiertamente nuestros errores lo que nos permitirá que la Luz de Cristo revele la verdad más profunda de nuestro pecado y dirija nuestras futuras acciones para que esto no vuelva a suceder. Cristo nuestra Luz nos da la valentía de enfrentar la verdad y reaccionar no con coraje, sino como testigos de compasión y de amor.

En segundo lugar, aférrense a su fe Católica porque no está basada en nuestra naturaleza pecaminosa, sino en la persona de Jesucristo. Es Cristo quien nos da la autoridad de predicar, es Cristo quien nos da la gracia de la conversión y es Cristo quien continúa encontrándonos en los Sacramentos de la Iglesia. Es Cristo quien nos prometió “el poder del infierno no podrá vencerte” (Mateo 16:18) y también prometió, “Estoy contigo siempre, hasta el final de los tiempos” (Mateo 28:20). Esas promesas se le dieron a Su Iglesia, a nosotros, el Cuerpo de Cristo. Recuerden aunque esta crisis en la Iglesia fue muy seria y difícil, somos siempre más que nuestros errores.

Debemos también tener ánimo sabiendo que hay muchos sacerdotes fieles que todavía sirven nuestras comunidades y que sus vidas son plenas. La Iglesia todavía ayuda al pobre, sana al enfermo y proclama la Palabra de Dios.

También, con la crisis presente

en Europa, pueden estar orgullosos de lo que la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos ha hecho en respuesta a esa crisis. Ahora ya hemos implementado, a través de la Iglesia Católica en los Estados Unidos, una póliza comprensiva, (la de nuestra diócesis está en nuestra página de internet), para asegurar un ambiente seguro en cada parroquia e institución parroquial. Esta póliza también expresa claramente nuestra respuesta a un reporte de abuso a menores por cualquier persona en la iglesia.

En tercer lugar, continúen orando por las víctimas de abuso sexual a menores y nunca estén enojados con ellos, ni siquiera por su coraje hacia la iglesia. Les fallamos en los momentos que confiaron de la Iglesia. Entre más busquemos entender el daño que experimentaron y reflexionemos en el entendimiento de nuestro testimonio personal y en las acciones públicas de la Iglesia, mas experimentaremos la Luz sanadora de Cristo.

Finalmente sepan que, más que nadie, yo reconozco la humanidad de su Obispo. Este entendimiento me da una lección de humildad dándome cuenta que Cristo nos encargó Su Iglesia a todos nosotros, aunque pecadores, a construir Su reino y a ser aquí en la tierra, el Cuerpo de Cristo.

Para que nuestro testimonio de amor de Cristo permanezca claro, estoy comprometido a crear un ambiente seguro para los niños vulnerables y los adultos de nuestra diócesis.

Si tienen cualquier preocupación, favor de decirme para poder mejorar nuestras pólizas, responder a los problemas y ayudar a mejorar de alguna manera el dolor que algunos han sentido personalmente con esta crisis. Debemos de apoyarnos unos a otros con la seguridad de nuestra fe, continuar a ser testigos del amor de Cristo y de cualquier manera trabajar para una conversión de corazón personal y de la Iglesia.

Bishop

Bishop’s Reflection by Bishop Michael G. Duca

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ver the past few months I know it has been difficult for all of us as new revelations of child sexual abuse by priests have come to light in Europe. I have seen the many ways this has been handled by the press (both fairly and sensationally), the crude and mean-spirited political cartoons in the newspapers and the unfair condemnation of our Holy Father, who is emerging as one of the important reformers for change in the Church. In light of these challenges to our faith I would like to share some pastoral reflections.

Whenever we are confronted with something critical we often times first defend ourselves and refuse to listen. In the midst of this conflict we must remember to never be afraid to face Truth. It is not easy, but we must admit great sins were committed and mistakes in policy led to terrible pain and harm to those Jesus commanded we protect. It is not easy to look into this truth, and there are some who will hope such revelations will destroy the Catholic Church. But while the sins of our Church exposed by the media may seem to deal a fatal blow to the Church, we know there is a greater power at work. The Church can only be renewed and reformed when it allows the Light of Christ to inspire it and guide it. It is precisely our courage to openly acknowledge our faults which allows the Light of Christ to reveal to us the deepest truth of our sin and direct our future actions so this will not happen again. Christ our Light gives us the courage to face the truth and react not with anger, but rather as a witness of compassion and love.

Secondly, hold on to your Catholic faith for it is not based on our sinful

nature, but on the person of Jesus Christ. It is Christ who gives authority to our preaching, it is Christ who gives us the grace of conversion and it is Christ who continues to meet us in the Sacraments of the Church. It is Christ who promised “the gates of hell would not prevail against you” (Matt. 16:18) and He also promised, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Those promises are given to His Church, to us, the Body of Christ. Remember even though this crisis in the Church is serious and difficult, we are always more than our faults.

We should also be encouraged to acknowledge that there are many faithful priests who still serve your parish communities and who find their lives fulfilling. The Church still reaches out to aid the poor, heal the sick and proclaim the Word of God. Also, as the present crisis is coming to light in Europe, you can be proud of what the Catholic Church in the United States has done in response to this crisis. We now have, thoughout the Catholic Church in the United States, a comprehensive policy, (ours is publicly available on our web page), to insure a safe environment in every parish and Church institution. This policy also clearly outlines our response to a report of the abuse of a minor by anyone in the Church.

Thirdly, continue to pray for victims of child sexual abuse and never be angry at them, even for their anger at

the Church. We failed them at a time when they trusted the Church. The more we truly seek to understand the harm they experienced and reflect that understanding in our personal witness and in the public actions of the Church, the more we will all experience the healing Light of Christ.

Finally know that I, more than anyone, am aware of the humanity of your Bishop. This awareness humbles me when I realize that Christ entrusted

His Church to all of us, sinful though we are, to build His kingdom and to be on earth, the Body of Christ. So that our witness of the love of Christ remains clear, I am committed to creating a safe environment for the vulnerable children and adults of our diocese. If there is any concern you have, please let me know so I can improve our policies, respond to problems and help ease in some way the pain some have felt personally in this crisis. We should support one another with the assurances of our faith, continue to witness the love of Christ and, in every way, work for a personal and a Church-wide conversion of heart.

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LITURGY LINES

Come, Let Us Worship

Introduction to the New Translation of the Roman Missal

Volunteers Recognized at VOA Lunch

by Diane Haag Libro, Volunteers of America

by Dianne Rachal, Director, Office of Worship

9. Changes to the Communion Rite Current Text: Sign of Peace Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And also with you.

New Text: Sign of Peace Priest: The peace of the Lord be with you always.

People: And with your spirit.

Current Text: Invitation to Communion Priest: This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

People: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

New Text: Invitation to Communion Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

People: Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

‘Behold the Lamb of God’ is from Scripture, John 1:29.

“Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb’ is also scriptural, from Rev. 19:9. ‘Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof ’ are the words of the centurion in Luke 7:6-7.

Current Text: Concluding Rite Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

New Text: Concluding Rite Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

67 Catholic Connection May 2010

Chuck Meehan, CEO of Volunteers of America of North Louisiana, presents the Rachel Sparks Award to Cathy Cobb of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

S

even organizations and individuals were honored for exceptional service to Volunteers of America of North Louisiana during the annual Volunteer Luncheon on April 6 at East Ridge Country Club.

Usually the honorees are individuals who are surprised at the event, but this year area churches have come to the support of Volunteers of America in a special way. Those receiving awards included four churches and a school. Each award recognizes a specific aspect of our ministry of service.

Among the seven awards, three were presented to Catholic organizations.

Altrusa Award: St. Joseph Catholic Church For multiple Saturdays, church members tore down walls, hauled out garbage, painted and installed windows at the new Veterans Transitional Living Program. This selfless giving matches the spirit of the Altrusa Award. In total, these volunteers saved Volunteers of America more than $100,000.

Champion of Dignity Award: Loyola College Preparatory High School Students and staff routinely provide help to a variety of our programs. They have held parties for the LightHouse and worked at the Highland Center. This year, they have assisted our newest endeavor, the Veterans Transitional Living Program. The students came out with great enthusiasm to tear down walls and knock out bathroom tile.

And they asked questions about who they were helping and why. For that they receive this award meant to honor service to our special needs populations.

Rachel Sparks Award: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church Named for Volunteers of America’s longtime executive director, this award honors those who help support our pregnancy and adoption services. St. Elizabeth’s has been a longtime supporter, providing funds for counseling and assistance for pregnant girls facing difficult decisions.

Other churches and people honored included Asbury United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church of Shreveport, Lyn Simms and Caring Gift Angel Wrappers.

COLLECTIONs

Home Mission Appeal

by Fr. David Richter, Vicar General

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e are familiar with the fact that the Church sends missionaries to every place wherever the Gospel is not firmly established. In recent years, for example, Mongolia in Asia has benefited from missionaries to a people and culture very different from our own.

What are “Home Missions?” Home missions are dioceses and parishes which cannot provide basic pastoral services to Catholics without outside help.

These basic services are Mass and the sacraments; religious education; ministry training for priests, deacons, religious sisters and lay people; and subsidizing poor parishes.

Here are some examples of places in need: The Diocese of Amarillo, Texas has 48 parishes and missions, many with less than 100 families. About half its parishes are without a resident pastor. The Diocese of Juneau, Alaska is 500 miles of islands, peninsulas, and fjords. Most of its 11 parishes and 13 missions are accessible only by bush air services or local ferries. Finally, our own Diocese of Shreveport receives critical grants that enable our people in north Louisiana to fund basic services to Catholics as well as to reach out to others. Please keep in mind that our diocese receives much more than we

CHARITIES

As Matters Stand

by Sister Patricia Cairns, CSJ

T

his is the third in a series of articles about the emerging Catholic Charities organization in the diocese.

In the previous two issues of the Catholic Connection, we discussed two of the programs the new Catholic Charities’ organization will offer, Immigration Services and Parish Social Ministry. This article touches on a third diocesan-wide service to be offered by Catholic Charities: Disaster Response.

The Diocese of Shreveport has in place a disaster response plan. It will be the responsibility of Catholic Charities to update the plan and to implement it in times of crisis. The diocese will count on Catholic Charities to respond to need. What does this mean?

Catholic Charities will collaborate with parishes, other organizations, and local government to meet the needs of those victimized by natural and other forms of

contribute to this national collection. I ask you to consider what you may be able to offer to the Home Missions.

How well did the diocese do?

Catholic Campaign for Human Development $ 16,110.39 Retirement Fund for Religious $ 19,171.52 Diocese of Shreveport Retired Priest Fund $62,040.25

disasters, including acts of violence.

Catholic Charities will build reserves for this purpose, including financial reserves. Canned goods, paper products, first aid materials, household items and other needed supplies will be collected and stored in order to respond immediately to the crisis.

When disaster strikes, Catholic Charities will work with various groups in order to meet the need in the most effective way. Our readership may recall the effort put forth by many dioceses when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf area.

Catholic Charities was one of the first responders to that disaster.

I remember working at Catholic Charities in Pittsburgh, PA, when the Hurricane hit. Catholic Charities and other social service agencies, along with parishes and local governments, pitched in to offer help. Funds were collected and a grand plan was executed to assist those most adversely affected by the disaster; in fact, measures were taken to welcome thousands of displaced persons and

Jonathan Andrade of Catholic Charities hands out water after Hurricane Katrina. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

families to Pittsburgh.

Parishes of all denominations shared in the preparations. The local communities worked together for the greater good of our neighbor in need. How Christ-like the response was. People gave willingly of their time, talent and resources. Words that were once said by non-believers of the newly forming communities of early Christians were once again uttered: “See how they love one another.”

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Walk for Justice a Continued Success

by Randy Tiller, Mission Effectiveness

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ood Friday, April 2, was overcast and had a slight chill in the air. As 9:00 a.m. approached the air warmed up, the sun began to peak through, and upwards of 400 people gathered on Douglas Street in downtown Shreveport for the annual “Walk for Justice.”

The walk, patterned after the Way of the Cross depicting the passion and death of Jesus Christ, was sponsored by the Shreveport Diocesan Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and coordinated by Ms. Dotye Sue Stanford and members of the various St. Vincent de Paul conferences.

“God assumed the cross in order to be in solidarity with those who suffer, thus transforming the cross into a sign of blessing, a sign of suffering love …courageous poverty, decision, outrage, and suffering won a divine dimension…not to numb our awareness in the struggle with the passion of the world, but to say that only in solidarity with the crucified can we struggle against the cross, only in identification with the victims of tribulation can there be real liberation.” (Leonardo Boff, “Passion

Master Lectors Course Concludes

by Dianne Rachal, Office of Worship

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ourteen lectors successfully completed the Master Lector Class held at Our Lady of Fatima

of Christ”) As the walk progressed through downtown Shreveport more people from the neighborhood joined the procession. Although in observance of the Passion of Christ and Catholic in tradition, it was in an ecumenical spirit that “the walk” called to our attention, including the struggles of the refugees and migration, as well as the poor and the marginalized as they struggle with housing, healthcare, homelessness, broken families and illiteracy. The attention is focused on spiritual poverty as well as struggling with the consciousness of the right to life, the death penalty, and renewing the dignity of the courageous poor.

Throughout the two hours we hear the solemn sounds of “Were you there?” and “Jesus, remember me” being sung by the walkers. At the 11th station, the crowd gathered at the

Caddo Parish Courthouse and several verses from scripture (John 19: 2324) were read recounting Jesus being nailed to the cross. The New Dominion Youth Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Jeulie Lester, complimented the mood with their musical presentation.

The last stop was the 14th station, (Jesus is placed in the tomb) at First United Methodist Church.

The “Walk for Justice” concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for having enriched the lives and touched the hearts of the people during the time spent together.

How significant that the journey that began behind the church in the midst of poverty and struggle ended on the front steps of church at the head of Texas Street in full light of day with a renewed “hope in the Lord.”

Church during the Greco spring semester. Each lector was presented with a certificate designating them as a Master Lector in the Diocese of Shreveport. Master Lectors will be invited to lector at diocesan liturgies.

In addition to covering the practical skills involved in proclaiming scripture,

this course included the topics of liturgy, the lectionary, the liturgical year, the rites of the Church, liturgical ministry and the spirituality of lectors.

This class was taught in the western deanery in the fall, and 43 lectors were certified. This class will be taught in the southern deanery at a future date.

From left: Arthur Villordon, Donna Lowdermilk, Lola Tuminello, Becky Healy, John Guerriero, Laurel Rogers, Randy Smith, Betty Cummings Dianne Rachal (instructor), Fred Matte, Nancy Pierron, Leo Rubin, Lamar Trichell, Katherine Bernal, Noli Guinigundo.

89 Catholic Connection May 2010

Father J. Robert Inzina Will Be Missed

by John Mark Wllcox, Director of Development

BAFB Bids Farewell to Father Red and Welcomes New Priest

by Jeanette Lay

Msgr. LaCaze and Msgr. Clayton joke with Fr. Robert Inzina before Chrism Mass in 2004.

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hen I began working for the diocese in the late 1980’s there was one priest among our presbyterate who I came to know almost immediately. . . and that was Fr. Inzina. He quizzed me early about my background and family and when he learned that I was the son of a preacher and that I studied theater in college, he decided we had more than enough in common to enjoy a long and fulfilling friendship.

Not only was Fr. Bobby Joe a zany, comical partner in the Lord’s vineyard, but he was also a wealth of knowledge about the history of our diocese and so skilled at remembering and recounting the people of our faith community, their families, maiden names and general genealogy.

His ministry took him to just about every corner of our region.

From St. Mary of the Pines in Shreveport, to Our Lady of Fatima in Monroe to St. Joseph Church in Bastrop, and many, many parishes in between. You can rest assured no one forgot about Bobby Joe once he served as their pastor. He worked hard for the Church and gave the best years of his life to serving God’s people. He stopped by the Chancery often and would sit at the piano and

entertain either himself or others for hours with his considerable musical talent and gift for gab and pun.

Although he loved to laugh and have fun, Fr. Inzina did have a serious side and he understood in a very keen way the frailty of our shared human condition. He was one of the most pastoral men I have ever met and owned a heart way too big for his own common sense, but he was blessed with a non-judgmental personality that permeated his ministry and he stayed that way until the very end.

When I traveled to Monroe I would always try to stop by his home on Spencer Street that he shared with his sister Susie so we could visit and catch up. The day he died I was planning a trip to Monroe later that week and wrote on my desk blotter “call Bobby Joe.” I never departed his home without his telling me that he loved me. How I wish I could hear him say it to me one more time.

The funeral Mass for Father Inzina took place at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Monroe on Saturday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating was the Most Reverend Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Shreveport. Interment followed in St. Matthew Cemetery in Monroe.

Barksdale Air Force Base Chaplain Father Redmond Raux.

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r Redmond Raux, Wing Chaplain at Barksdale Air Force Base received orders to the Chief of Chaplain’s office in Washington D.C. We were blessed at Barksdale to have Fr. Red with us, Holy Family Parish, for the past three years.

An ice cream social is planned for his farewell following 11:30 a.m. Mass on May 2 in the Chapel 1 Annex from 12:40 p.m. -2:00 p.m. All are welcome to say goodbye and send Fr. Red off with good wishes. Fr. Red will leave the local area on May 3.

Fr. Red will be honored at the Parish Appreciation Dinner at the Barksdale Club on May 1.

Fr. Van Dinh, a new accession to active duty, has been assigned to Barksdale Air Force Base as the Catholic Chaplain to replace Fr. Raux.

He has experience in the Air Force Reserves and is scheduled to arrive at the end of May. You are cordially invited to honor and bid farewell to our pastor and friend Fr. Redmond Raux on May 2 at Barksdale Air Force Base, Chapel 1 Annex following 11:30 Mass.

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EVENT

Diocese to Celebrate 23rd Anniversary of Hispanic Ministries with Tony Melendez

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

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n May 22, 2010, the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport will celebrate the 23rd Anniversary of its Hispanic Ministries program.

As part of that celebration, Tony Melendez will sing, play guitar and speak.

Rosalba Quiroz is the Interim Director of Hispanic Ministries and in charge of planning the celebration.

“During this time we celebrate the first Spanish Mass celebrated in our diocese,” said Quiroz. “It was May 1987 and celebrated by former Bishop Friend and Rev. Mario Vizcaino, who was in Shreveport to help establish a ministry for Hispanics in the area.”

Hispanic Ministries in the Diocese of Shreveport works to actively support local Catholic Hispanic people. They provide Pastoral Services, such as reading and learning resources and information on Spanish Masses in the area, Immigration Services, such as legal immigration counseling and immigration lawyer referral, and Parish Services, such as religious education and leadership formation.

This event will feature singer, songwriter and speaker Tony Melendez. There will be food from local Mexican restaurants, as well as face painting and games for children and adults.

Fr. Joseph C. Ampatt Becomes U.S. Citizen

by John Mark Willcox

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he United States of America gained a valuable new citizen on March 25 as Rev. Joseph C. Ampatt, Pastor of Mary, Queen of Peace Church in Bossier and St. George Chapel in Coushatta was sworn in by Judge Tom Stagg in Shreveport.

Our Catholic Connection Priest Spotlight Series featured Fr. Ampatt in the January publication, so you

10 11 Catholic Connection May 2010

Tony Melendez , who was born without arms, plays the guitar with his feet. He discovered his talent while in high school. It was during this time that Melendez also got in touch with his Catholic faith, using his musical talents for Mass and church related events.

In 1987, after a moving audition, Melendez was invited to play for Pope John Paul II. Pope John Paul was so moved, that he gave Melendez a kiss after his performance.

“I was told not to move or Pope John Paul II with Tony Melendez. the security might take me out, us.’ His message to us is that we are so I was very surprised when the Pope leaped off the four-foot stage made perfect. God made us the way he needed us.” to greet me,” said Melendez.

The Hispanic Ministry celebration Since then, Melendez has traveled will take place on May 22, 2010 at across the United States and the the Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield world and been featured on many Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104. Doors television shows. will open at 3:00 p.m. Mass with While the event will mainly be Bishop Michael G. Duca will begin at in Spanish, Melendez is bi-lingual and sings songs in both English and 4:00 p.m. The Tony Melendez concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. There will be Spanish. food for sale and entertainment for “Tony’s message is one of hope,” said Quiroz. “Pope John Paul II once the whole family. Tickets are $10 in told him ‘Tony, you are a courageous advance and $15 at the door; children 10 and under get in free. young man; you bring hope to all Contact Blanca Belaire, 318-219of us; my wish to you is that you continue giving this hope to all, all of 7257, bbelaire@dioshpt.org. may remember the many wonderful things about his life prior to coming to America in November of 2001. After serving at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Fr. Ampatt was named as Pastor for the two worship locations he now serves: Mary, Queen of Peace Church in Bossier City and St. George Church in Coushatta. Fr. Ampatt began seriously considering seeking U. S. Citizenship shortly thereafter because “I wanted to be one with the people I serve.”

Thank you, Fr. Ampatt, for not only Father Joseph Ampatt at his naturalization enriching the faithful of our diocese, ceremony at the courthouse in downtown but enriching our nation as well.

Shreveport.

SCHOOLS

New Orleans Saint to Lead Training Camp St. Joseph School Wins LCP Academic Rally Benefitting Jesus the Good Shepherd School

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homas Morstead, New Orleans Saints Superbowl Punter and cousin to four Jesus the Good Shepherd students, will be leading a training camp on May 1 at Chip Luffey Memorial Stadium on the campus of St. Frederick. The camp will be beneficial for ALL types of athletes, especially soccer and football players, who are looking to increase their speed, agility and endurance while also focusing on specific kicking techniques. The money raised will benefit the Jesus the Good Shepherd P.E. department.

St. Federick High School Excels at FBLA Conference

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he St. Frederick High School Future Business Leaders of America chapter competed in the District II Conference hosted at University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Ten members qualified for the State Competition in Baton Rouge: Nicole Mercado, Garrett Whipple, Jason Simon, Natalie Domingue, Andrew Tousignant, Drew Johnson, James Babin, Gregory Long, Brandon Breard and Natalie Domingue.

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t. Joseph School won first place at the Loyola College Prep Academic Rally held on March 27. SJS middle school students competed against other area middle schools and excelled in all areas of the competition.

Students competed in four categories: Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies. Winners included: Isabella Van Savage, Maura Rowell, Justin Calimlim, Taylor Fanning, Noah Gleason, Angel Lim, Harris LeBlanc, Cole Allen, Lee Jackson, Michael Dunman and Claire Seneca.

St. John Berchmans School Our Lady of Fatima Recognized Reenacts Stations of the Cross for Educational Excellence

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t. John Berchmans Cathedral School’s 8th grade class performed a reenactment of the Stations of the Cross on Thursday, April 1. This moving event was written and choreographed by the 8th graders showcasing the depths of their talents. The congregation, including students, parents and faculty were amazed and inspired by this beautiful presentation.

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ur Lady of Fatima school has been awarded national certification recognition for outstanding performance in education, Renaissance Learning announced today.

Donna Eichhorn, principal, was awarded Reading Model School by Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Model School certification indicates that Our Lady of Fatima School’s efforts to adopt Renaissance Best Classroom Practices to a high degree resulted in measurable improvements in student performance.

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FEATURE

Celebrating the of

Marriage

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

t’s that time of year. The weather is warm, the flowers are blooming and love is in the air. Many couples will soon be walking down the aisle, pledging themselves in holy matrimony before God to one another for the rest of their lives. Still others who have been married for many years continue to look to one another for enduring support and love. The Church views marriage as a valuable vocation and takes on an obligation to support and sustain that sacrament.

In his recent meeting with a group of young people, Pope Benedict XVI spoke on love and marriage as part of faith.

“Marriage is another way that the faithful can demonstrate Christ’s love,” said Pope Benedict. “At a time when marriage is often seen as a contract that can be broken, it is of vital importance that people understand that ‘true love is a faithful and definitive gift of oneself.’”

In recent years, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has taken special notice of the importance of the sacrament of marriage, making a conscious effort to support those who plan to marry, or who have already married. Spurred on by the decline of lasting marriages, the USCCB launched the National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage (NPIM) in 2005 which, according to their website, “brings together Catholic teaching and pastoral practice, social science research, and the experience of married couples.”

This special effort, which will continue through 2011, includes a website with advice and information for married couples and those considering marriage: www.foryourmarriage.org.

Additionally, a pastoral letter was written by the USCCB entitled, “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan.” In this letter, the USCCB defines marriage as “a natural institution established by God the Creator. It is a permanent, faithful, fruitful partnership between one man and one woman, established by their free mutual consent.

It has two purposes: the good of the spouses, called the unitive purpose, and the procreation and education of children.”

The bishops also discuss the role of marriage as a Christian Sacrament, emphasizing its part in the unbreakable covenant between Christ and the Church. By joining together, spouses love one another, their families and the Church.

I recently spoke with two couples about some of the topics the USCCB addressed in their letter. Jennifer and Shane Olivier, who were married this past April, are just beginning married life. Frances and Gene Stroker, on the other hand,

12 13 Catholic Connection May 2010

have been happily married for 60 years.

While both couples are experiencing different stages of their lives and marriages, faith is and has been the tool that supports and nurtures both of these relationships.

“We both believe in going to church together,” said Jennifer Olivier. “We both believe in prayer and it’s easier to communicate our feelings and frustrations. We know we have a greater source to rely on, and I think that’s important.”

This attitude is at the heart of what the USCCB’s letter calls ‘Growth in Virtue.’

“With God’s grace, couples are called to grow in holiness,” said the USCCB. “A holy marriage is made up of many virtues.

Fundamentally, the couple lives out the theological virtues of faith, hope and love.”

Another virtue the USCCB emphasizes is gratitude.

“Marriage is a school of gratitude, in which husband and wife are thankful for the gift of each other.

Jennifer and They express their Shane Olivier joyous gratitude in were married this past April at the giving themselves Cathedral of St. completely to each John Berchmans. other.”

“I am so grateful for the way Shane loves me,” said Jennifer. “No matter what I do, he’s always there to support me and I think that’s hard to find.”

Frances spoke sincerely on how grateful she is for her husband, “He’s made me a better person for having married him. He didn’t know that, but he has.”

Marriage is a Christian Sacrament, says the USCCB, because when married, a couple “loves each other as they love themselves and cherishes each others’ bodies as their own. This union is an image of Christ’s love for his Church. Spouses are called to give themselves to each other as fully as Christ gave himself to his Church.”

The letter also calls married couples to share in a “Communion of Love.” A married couple and their children imitate the Holy Trinity. Couples have a special responsibility to teach children faith and participate in the

larger Church.

Frances and Gene always took this message to heart and raised their six children with these ideas in mind.

“Faith was just so important. You give your kids vitamins.

Why not give them spiritual vitamins? Help them grow,” said Frances.

Respect for the sanctity of marriage is best inherited from real-life examples within one’s family. Both couples spoke of the role their own family members played in leading them to happy marriages.

“I learned a lot of tolerance from my grandfather,” said Gene. Frances added, “My grandmother, my mother’s mother, taught me patience and fortitude.”

Jennifer attributed her faith-filled Frances engagement and and Gene marriage to her Stroker have been happily parents’ strong married for 60 example, “If it wasn’t years. for my parents’ example I wouldn’t have a great example to go by,” she said. “The most important thing, I think, is the family that prays together, stays together. And I think that aspect of it will always keep us communicating. We’ll always work out our differences or our problems because of prayer.”

Marriage is a gift from God, one that shouldn’t be taken for granted. After 60 years of marriage, Frances and Gene offered some sound advice. Both resoundingly said to be realistic and honest with yourself and each other. They also agreed that couples should be ready to give of themselves to one another completely.

“Look inside yourself to see if you are ready to give 75 percent. You don’t give 50/50, it’s 75/50. You take 50, but you give 75,” said Frances. “If you’re going to form a corporation or a partnership or go into business with somebody, you’re going to give your all. And this is a partnership.” •

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SAINT

Pope Brings New Orleans African-American Foundress One Step Closer to Sainthood

by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI advanced the sainthood cause of Mother Henriette Delille, a freeborn woman of African descent in 19th-century New Orleans, declaring that she had lived a life of “heroic virtues.”

By signing the decree March 27, the pope confirmed the recommendations of Vatican authorities who have studied the cause for several years. She can be beatified once a miracle is attributed to her intercession. If her cause advances, she could become the first AfricanAmerican saint.

In 1842 Mother Henriette founded the Sisters of the Holy Family, a congregation of black sisters that cared for the poor and disadvantaged and taught slaves and free blacks. This was during a time under Louisiana law when doing anything to “disturb” black people -- in other words, educate them -- could be punished by death or life imprisonment.

Today, the congregation’s more than 200 members operate schools for the poor and homes for the elderly in Louisiana and several other states. They also have a mission in Belize.

Mother Henriette’s sainthood cause was opened in 1988 and the New Orleans archdiocesan investigation was completed in 2005. Her cause was endorsed unanimously by the U.S. bishops in 1997.

In New Orleans, Sister Eva Regina Martin, congregational leader of the sisters, called the pope’s decree “great and joyous news.”

“When we first heard the news, I gathered about 35 sisters and we went into the chapel and said the ‘Te Deum’ in praise of God for her life and her practice of heroic virtue,” she said March 29.

“Really and truly, some of the sisters were crying. It just gives you a beautiful feeling knowing that God worked through her,” she added. “If you work with God’s grace, this can come about. All of us are called to be saints through the practice of love and service to neighbor.”

14 15 Catholic Connection May 2010

Mother Henriette Delille founded the Sisters of the Holy Family. (Clarion Herald)

Mother Henriette was born in 1812 and died in 1862. Her only recorded writing was penned in the inside cover of an 1836 prayer book: “I believe in God. I hope in God. I love God. I want to live and die for God.” Documentation for her sainthood cause included records from the 1820s that suggested that as a teenager, she may have given birth to two sons, each named Henry Bocno. Both boys died at a young age.

One death record from the St. Louis Cathedral sacramental register listed Henry Bocno as the son of Henriette Delille. Other records that were found gave conflicting information, such as one record referring to Henry as the son of “Marie.” There is also a possibility that the teenage Henriette brought in an abandoned child and the priest mistook her for the mother, according to the archdiocesan archivist Charles Nolan.

In a 2005 interview, Nolan said the newly uncovered funeral records would not affect the cause, because even if she had given birth to two children out of wedlock, it happened two years before her confirmation in 1834.

Benedictine Father Cyprian Davis, who wrote a definitive biography of Mother Henriette, said in 2005 that “there was this change in her life, there was this turning completely to God. That’s really what counted -- her life from that point on.”

God Is Calling.

Are You Listening?

by Deacon Oscar Hannibal & Deacon Clary Nash

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he Diocese of Shreveport is preparing for its second Permanent Diaconate Formation Program.

In last month’s Catholic Connection it was reported that the Formation Program will begin in 2011. That time has been changed to September 2010! This means there is less time to make final preparations; however, the Diaconate Advisory Formation Planning Committee determined that this coming September will be better for the first semester to begin.

Some things are in the final stage of preparation. For example, the Academic Plan–what is being offered each semester on two Saturdays each month during the four year formation.

To meet the educational needs of our DREs, Catholic school teachers and the faithful, we plan to open the fouryear academic portion of the formation to all. It will be a college-level program from the University of Dallas. The cost per semester is $400 plus books which includes four subjects at approximately a third of the regular cost.

A deacon is a man who is called to be a minister of service. Are you being called? I recommend that you speak with your family and pray about this important life changing decision.

There will be two information nights on this program. The first is May 11 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Jude Church in Bossier City. The second is May 17 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ruston.

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16 17 Catholic Connection May 2010

SAINTS

They reminded me of the real vocation of marriage…hard work! And that it is never “you and me against the world,” but in fact a marriage

by Kim Long, St. Mary of the Pines is a three way arrangement, recently attended a wedding in our husband, wife and God. parish. After I was seated I looked As I was researching the around me at the faces which are patron saint of marriage I familiar and present for most of our found some curiosities. For parish celebrations. They are family instance there is a patron to me and I was happy to see so many for wives, St. Monica, but on there to witness this occasion. most lists not one designated After the readings, which included for husbands, there are the story of the creation of woman lengthy lists of patron saints from Adam’s rib and the “love” chapter for difficult marriages among from the first letter to the Corinthians, them St. Louis IX, St. Rita the priest got up to give his homily, and St. Dymphna, but only which was awesome. He spoke at one for happy marriages, St. times to each of us and our role in Valentine. There are even this couples’ lives. He instructed saints for second marriagesthe bridesmaids and groomsmen Saints Matilda and Adelaide, to “send” their friends home to “go married couples share one spend time with” the husband or wife. saint, St. Joseph, as do brides Saint Valentine, the patron saint of love, young people He reminded the wedding party, the and grooms, St. Nicholas. and happy marriages. families, and the assembly that the Quite a litany to be sure. bride and groom didn’t need anyone There was also a couple, for the wisdom of God, through the to take sides, that the bridal pair were Venerable Louis and Zelie Martin, Church, for reminding us that we more than capable of working things the parents of St. Therese of Liseaux. are not alone! Not only do we have out on their own. He reminded the And while not yet canonized, I for one God but we have the saints of God, bride and groom that just because they would welcome their prayers! we are connected. In Revelations 5:8, had said yes to one another at the time I am a romantic, pure and simple. scripture tells us we are linked with of their engagement and today at their Give me a romance novel set in the the saints in heaven by prayer. wedding that they needed to recall and Scottish highlands and I am there!

So while there are many saints for remember the ways those affirmative Give me the book of Ruth and in my marriage, in its many stages, there responses came about, in other words mind’s eye, that would have been me! are also the assembled faithful who “what you did to get each other, you Give me a God who loves us so much bear witness to these sacraments, must do to keep one another.” that He dwells with us and I hope and to weddings, and later on any given As the priest intoned these wise pray I have the good sense and faith Sunday in ordinary time when we words I looked into the faces of the not to let that pass me by. All the really share a simple bit of conversation with people around me; widows, widowers, memorable people in the Bible have the “not so newly” married couple. divorcees, couples who have been had a touch of the romantic in them.

Such is the rhythm of our lives, of our together since young adulthood, Once the romance ebbs a bit, then the liturgical year, of our faith. Such is the second, even third marriages. What “rest of the story” sets in. Marriage, power of our God. wisdom and experience their presence commitment to another person, is the A Prayer for Marriage: represented. What powerful prayers hardest job you’ll ever love.

O God, please strengthen the love they are able to offer.

As I looked at the faces who were between my spouse and myself. Help Very often when the word marriage smiling, a few misty-eyed with tears us to remember what attracted us to surfaces the image which follows is of poignancy, and many were thinking one another and nurture that. Help us one of a beautiful wedding ceremony of their own marriages and wedding to nurture our relationship with You. and an equally fabulous reception with days, I thought in a different way Please God help us through our hourly, food, cake, punch, music and much of the communion of saints. Since I daily, weekly struggles as we journey laughter. Yet these people reminded have been writing these articles and toward wholeness in You. me of the real deal, what happens researching these saints for about Help us to remember that You are after the last of the cake and punch is a year now, I have a new love not present with us in every endeavor and gone and the sweeping up is finished. only for the saints themselves, but that love is stronger than death. AMEN.

All You Holy Men and Women Pray for Us!

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Hispanic Corner

Nuestra Página por Rosalba Quiroz

Festival y Concierto Celebrando el Ministerio Hispano elebrando los 23 años de presencia católica hispana en nuestra Diócesis traemos al mundialmente reconocido compositor y músico, el Señor Tony Melendez.

Originario de Nicaragua y habiendo nacido sin brazos, Tony llegó a los Estados Unidos siendo todavía un niño. Amaestró el uso de sus pies para tocar guitarra y proveniente de papás que aman la música, se convirtió en todo un artista.

Traspasando fronteras y obstáculos Tony ha logrado fama internacional, siguiendo la petición del Papa Juan Pablo II en 1987: “Eres un joven muy valiente llevando un mensaje de esperanza a todos; mi deseo, continuó el Papa, es que sigas llevando ese mensaje de esperanza a toda, TODA la gente”. Tony tomó en serio las palabras del Papa. “Sentí que el Papa me mandó a trabajar, yo tengo que llevar este mensaje de esperanza” dice Tony.

Después de 20 años su mensaje ha llegado a muchos rincones del mundo inspirado y deleitando a gente de todas las edades.

Esta es nuestra oportunidad de vivir una experiencia maravillosa con su visita a nuestra diócesis.

Además de la Misa y el concierto tendremos también venta de comida y artículos religiosos. Los niños menores de 10 años no pagarán boleto para el concierto.

Compra ya tu boleto de preventa en los restaurantes Trejos y Nickys o con el coordinador de tu parroquia. Niños menores de 10 años no pagan la entrada.

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Misas

Bossier City: Christ the King 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Domingo 3:00 p.m.

Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help 600 E. Water Street, Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115 Mansfield: St. Joseph 305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do

Calendario Diocesano del Mes de Mayo 15 Último ensayo de Coro Diocesano para el aniversario . Centro Católico 9a.m.-2p.m 18 Reunión de Directores del Ministerio Hispano en Luisiana, Lake Charles.

22 Celebración del Aniversario del Ministerio Hispano 29-30 Escuela de Ministerios: Cristología, Cristo Rey, Bossier City, a las 9 a.m.

Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.

Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390 Minden: St. Paul 410 Fincher Road, Minden Viernes 7:00 p.m.

Margarita Bratton Tel: 318-377-9684 Oak Grove: Sacred Heart 201 Purvis St, Oak Grove Domingo 5:00 p.m.

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

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

Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines 1050 Bert Kouns Ind Lp., Shreveport Domingo 1:00 p.m.

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

Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-267-4018

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora Interina del Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7265 • Blanca Belaire, Secretaria 318-219-7257 Rev. Al Jost, Coordinador de La Vicaría del Este • 318-243-0115

18 19 Catholic Connection May 2010

News Briefs by Catholic News Service

Trials Will Leave Priesthood, Church Stronger, Priest-Psychologist Says

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OUSTON (CNS) -- The U.S. priesthood and the Catholic Church itself will emerge from today’s crises stronger than ever, according to a priest-psychologist.

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, an expert in treating psychological and spiritual difficulties, especially among priests, spoke April 13 at the annual convention in Houston of the National Federation of Priests’ Councils. Although a look at newspapers and blogs gives the impression that the priesthood “is dispirited, discouraged and disintegrating,” Msgr. Rossetti said two studies he conducted of 4,000 priests between 2002 and 2010 show that “priests like being priests; they find great satisfaction in their lives.” “Rather than disintegrating under the Franciscan Brother Sulmasy appointed to Presidential Commission for study of pressure and stress of our day, it appears to bioethical issues. (CNS photo/courtesy Univer sity of Chicago Medical Center) me that our priests are becoming stronger,” Franciscan Doctor-Ethicist Named to President’s Bioethics he said. “As the public negativity rises and the chorus of naysayers crescendos, I believe our Commission priests and church are actually the better for it,” ASHINGTON (CNS) -- Franciscan Brother Daniel Sulmasy, a he added. “Truly, the more the church suffers, medical doctor who also holds a doctorate in philosophy, has the stronger it becomes” Msgr. Rossetti, been named to the Presidential Commission for the Study of now a clinical associate professor of pastoral Bioethical Issues. The White House announced the appointment of Brother Sulmasy and nine others April 7. They join university presidents studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, was accepting the NFPC’s Amy Gutmann and James Wagner, whose appointments as chairwoman Touchstone Award, presented annually to a and vice chairman of the commission were announced in November.

Brother Sulmasy, 54, currently works at the University of Chicago, where priest “whose service in the Gospel of Jesus Christ exemplifies the purpose and goals of the he is professor of medicine and ethics in the department of medicine federation.” and the Divinity School. He is also associate director of the university’s MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics. He previously held faculty Pope Offers Prayers for Chinese After positions at New York Medical College, where he was director of the Earthquake Bioethics Institute, and at Georgetown University in Washington, where ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict he was director of the Center for Clinical Bioethics. Brother Sulmasy XVI offered his prayers for the people of called the appointment “quite an honor and a pleasant surprise.” He said northwest China after a strong earthquake in a statement that he “testified in 2006 to a previous presidential ethics struck April 14, causing at least 400 deaths and council, but I never expected to become a member of such a group.” leaving more than 10,000 people injured. “My Nun Who Survived Building Collapse in Haiti Finds Respite in US thoughts go to China and to the population EW ORLEANS (CNS) -- First came the noise, like a rush of wind. stricken by a strong earthquake, which caused The next thing Sister Analise Jean Simon knew she was flat on the numerous losses in human lives, injuries and floor, with a collapsed ceiling and light bulbs pressed against her enormous damage,” the pope said April 14 at face. She was pinned beneath the rubble of a two-story school annex the end of his weekly general audience. “I pray building in Carrefour, Haiti, about 15 minutes from the capital of Port for the victims and am spiritually close to those au Prince. Sister Analise, a Little Sister of St. Therese, was among the people tried by such a serious calamity; for fortunate victims of Haiti’s Jan. 12 earthquake. After spending two days them, I implore God to relieve their suffering trapped inside the building, she was pulled from the rubble virtually and give them courage in this adversity,” he unharmed except for scratches on her arms and legs and bruises on her said. Pope Benedict also said he hoped the back. At the main St. Francis de Sales School building that collapsed only international community would offer whatever a few yards away, 150 of the 350 students attending afternoon classes assistance the Chinese need to carry out were killed. “I spent all my time praying,” Sister Analise said through rescue work and provide emergency assistance an interpreter at the motherhouse of the Sisters of the Holy Family in after the quake in Qinghai province. The U.S. New Orleans where she and her Haitian colleague, Sister Mary Evanette Geological Survey said the quake registered Onisaire, are staying for a one-month respite. “I was calling, ‘Jesus, Mary magnitude 6.9, and Chinese officials said it and Joseph, receive my soul.’ There wasn’t much hope to get out. I was destroyed some 80 percent of the houses praying, ‘Lord, receive my spirit.’” around its epicenter.

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AGING

Aging Spirituality

by Sr. Martinette Rivers, Spiritual Gerontologist

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n oldster’s day begins very early in the morning before the sun begins to shine. For us ‘oldsters’ of the Lord, our flow of life is continuous as we try to stay connected with God and our yesterdays. We begin with a prayer of gratefulness for another new day.

Another day has dawned, and God gives us a new aging moment to share our presence with others.

Although we pay tribute to agers like myself on a daily basis, today we should be proud of who we have become and the tribute is all His. This ageless God of ours is an awesome God and allows us to be a continuous blessing for others.

Healthy, spiritual aging is possible and can be lived with passion as old things pass away and new things burst forth like a seasonal resurrection. It is an awesome encounter with God, my spiritual food for the day, that gives me great hope as I fill my mind and heart with new information about my aging body.

“We are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” 2 Cor: 4:16.

Let’s not spoil God’s curriculum for us. Our spirit can help others live a deeper, hope-filled life if we are living examples of a faith-filled life.

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The years have taught us that a refreshed body, mind and spirit makes my invisible self become visible. Keeping connected with God gives me a sense that the indelible heart of God keeps His connected with mine.

Older age shows what we really are and who we have become after all these years and we can now experience some closer encounters with God that we never had time for before.

This is aging activism at its best, ‘being’ not doing.

“It is not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln Let us each become the aging blessing we were meant to be with our relatives and friends because they are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly. My gray hair should evoke respect, not pity.

Most religious traditions value the beauty of old age. If so, we do not have to fear the future. Medical science and healthy living lengthens our life span so invite yourself to a new experience of aging.

“You are like a ‘peach’ said my young friend, when it was young it was hard and green for a long time, then as time passed, it mellowed and softened and by doing so became sweeter and sweeter.” It got better with time as you aged. Awesome!

You have become beautiful in His eyes. Oh Lord, I’m ready for you to harvest me home.

May is Senior Month. During this month set aside to specially honor us oldsters, let us each become the best aging blessing we can be during the month of May.

Annual Retreat for Religious

by Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, CSJ, Coordinator, Office of Religious

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n May 1 and 2 the Office for Religious will host two events for the religious men and women serving in the Diocese of Shreveport.

On Saturday, May 1 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., the Sisters of the Incarnate Word at Christus Schumpert Hospital will host “A Derby Social” for religious sisters serving in the Diocese of Shreveport.

The sisters will gather to watch the Kentucky Derby and share in a pot luck supper.

The next day, May 2, from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., all religious priests, brothers and sisters are invited to gather at the Catholic Center for an afternoon of prayer followed by dinner. Sr. Carol Cimino, a Sister of Saint Joseph of Rochester, New York will present thoughts on “The Beatitudes.”

Sr. Carol has been a teacher and an administrator on all levels of Catholic education and currently co-directs the Catholic School Leadership Institute at Manhattan College in New York. An entertaining speaker, Sr. Carol travels the country giving talks and workshops. In addition to her wealth of experiences, Sr. Carol has the unique distinction of being the only religious woman to have been a three-day champion on the television game show, Jeopardy!

The retreat will be followed by dinner scheduled from 5:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. Both days promise to be rewarding for all. For information regarding this weekend, please contact Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, at 318-868-4441 or email the office at agoelden@dioshpt.org.

Around the Diocese...

St. Mary of the Pines Celebrates Special Seder Meal

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r. Rothell Price led the parishioners of St. Mary of the Pines in the ancient Jewish ritual feast of the Seder Meal on Holy Thursday. This ancient tradition marks the beginning of the holiday of Passover and contains the narrative of the Israelite exodus from Egypt, special blessings and rituals and Passover songs.

– John Mark Willcox

Sacred Heart Church in Rayville Celebrated Lenten Mssion with Fr. August Stewart

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acred Heart Church’s Lenten Mission was March 17-19. The Mission was led by Fr. August Stewart, of Leadville, CO, along with our own Fr. Philip.

Fr. Stewart centered each evening’s talks on the Holy Eucharist as the source, center and summit of our life, culminating with Friday Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with meditations by Mother Theresa. Each night he related his personal experience of miraculous events in the Holy Land and how the Eucharist has influenced his life and the lives of the Catholic community.

– Billy Coenen

St. Joseph Church Celebrates St. Joseph Altar St. Jude Church Celebrates 31 RCIA Pilgrims

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n March 21 parishioners at St. Joseph Church in Shreveport celebrated the feast of their patron saint with a Saint Joseph altar. Legend has it that during the Middle Ages, a severe drought threatened the lives of people in Sicily, Italy. They asked St. Joseph to bring them rain, and they promised that if he did so, they would prepare a banquet in his honor. The rain did come, bringing with it a bumper crop of fava beans. The humble fava bean saved Sicily’s population from starvation, and now dried fava beans are a traditional part of St. Joseph celebrations.

Typically, St. Joseph altars are composed of three tiers, to represent the holy trinity. People place flowers, fruit, wine, specially-shaped breads, fig cookies and elaboratelydecorated cakes upon the altar. – Kelly Phelan

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ime seemed to stand still as 31 R.C.I.A. pilgrims received the Sacraments of Initiation during the St. Jude Easter Vigil Mass. They join the seven neophytes who were received into our church earlier in the year. If you are interested in learning about becoming a Catholic Christian, come join our new group (currently 12 inquirers) every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. as we gently mingle the mystagogy period with those who are inquirers. The RCIA co-coordinators are David Boyter and Patty Guanella. – Mike Wise 21 20

Position Available: Executive Director of Catholic Charities Qualifications: The Catholic Diocese of Shreveport is searching for a dynamic individual to lead the newly established Catholic Charities.

Minimum requirements include: • 3-5 years administrative experience; • MSW, MA in Social Sciences Humanities, or MBA; • Proven track record in development and public relations; • Excellent writing and communication skills; • Outstanding leadership qualities with a “can do” attitude; • Knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching; • Practicing Catholic; • Networking skills Send resume and salary history

by May 21, 2010 to:

Catholic Charities Search Committee 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104

Upcoming Events MAY 11 & 18: ADULT CONFIRMATION INITIATIVE at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. The goal of the Adult Confirmation Initiative is to help Catholic Adults who were not confirmed as youth so they can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is assumed the process of confirming the faith has been ongoing in their lives and that it will continue to be renewed long after they have completed the program. If the candidate is not a member of the Cathedral Parish, a letter from your pastor must be given to the Cathedral rector giving permission for the Confirmation in the Cathedral Parish. Classes will be May 11 and 18 (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) Confirmation will be May 23, Pentecost Sunday, 11:00 a.m.

For more information 318-221-5296.

MAY 20: INFO SESSSION ON JGS PILGRIMAGE TO HOLY LAND JGS Parish will host a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from Jan. 9 to Jan. 19, 2011. The trip will focus on Tiberius, Nazareth, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Cana of Galilee, Capernaum, Jerusalem and Bethlehem. For more info contact Fr. Mark Watson, 318-325-7549 or John Morris, 318-325-3741. There will be an info session held at the Catholic Center on May 20 at 6:00 p.m.

MAY 25: FR. JIM SICHKO - LIVE! at St. Mary

of the Pines. Advertised as “the voice of laughter, storytelling and praise,” Fr. Sichko promises to be motivational, spiritual and uplifting. 6:30 p.m.

318-687-5121.

JUNE 25-26 : THE INITIATING COMMUNITY: ECHOING GOD’S WORD The North American Forum on the Catechumenate in partnership with the Diocese of Shreveport is putting on this special program. Participants will reflect on the relationship between faith, theology, and doctrine. They will also be invited to explore different ways to hear scripture and offered a conversational method for catechists and homilists to prepare for preaching and catechesis.

Online registration and brochures are available at www.naforum.org. For information about the Echoing God’s Word Institute, contact Dianne Rachal, 318-868-4441 or drachal@dioshpt.org.

JUNE 26: DR. SCOTT HAHN COMES TO SHREVEPORT Author, professor, Biblical theologian, Catholic convert and speaker Scott Hahn is coming to the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Dr. Hahn will speak on “Letter and Spirit: From Written Text to Living Word in the Liturgy,” and “Reasons to Believe: How to Understand, Explain and Defend the Faith.” Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Contact the Cathedral at 318-2215296 or visit www.sjbcathedral.org.

2 0 1 0 D i o c e s a n s t e w a rd s h i p A p p e a l

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

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

Please send monthly reminders to:

$800 $750 $650 $500

$400 $350 $300 $250

At this time I / we are enclosing:

$200 $150 $100 $_______

$_____________

Print Name_ _______________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________

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

22 23 Catholic Connection May 2010

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

May 2010

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Confirmation, St. Mary of the Pines, Shreveport, 4:30pm Annual Retreat for Religious, 4:30pm

Saint Joseph the Worker

Priest Retirement Committee .

Meeting, Catholic Center, 11:00am

Confirmation, St. Matthew, Monroe, 10:30am Confirmation, Cathedral, 5:30pm Annual Retreat for Religious, Catholic Center, 2:00pm

Red Mass, Holy Trinity, 9:00am

Confirmation, St. Joseph, Zwolle, 6:00pm

Deadline for June Catholic Connection

Confirmation, Our Lady of Fatima, Monroe, 4:30pm

Saint Philip & St. James, apostles

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6:00pm

Mother's Day

Blessed Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka'i, priest

The Ascension . of the Lord

23rd Anniversary of Hispanic Ministry

Confirmation, St. Paul, Minden, 6:30pm

Confirmation, St. Paschal, West Monroe, 5:30pm

Saint Nereus & Saint Achilleus, martyrs; Saint Pancras, martyr

Loyola College .

Prep Baccalaureate Mass, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 6:30pm

Ascension of the Lord Observed Confirmation, St. Lawrence, Swartz, 10:00am

Saint John I, pope and martyr

St. Frederick Pentecost Graduation, Jesus the .

Confirmation, .

Good .

Sacred Heart, Shepherd, .

Shreveport .

6:30pm 9am Memorial.

The Most.

Day, Catholic.

Holy Trinity Center Closed

Saint Bernadine of Siena, priest

Saint Isidore

Loyola College .

Prep Graduation, Riverview Theatre, 7:00pm

2nd Collection: Home Mission Appeal

Saint Christopher Magallanes, priest & martyr, & his companions, martyrs

Hispanic Ministry Anniversary Celebration, Catholic Center, 1:00pm Saint Rita of Cascia, religious

Last Day of .

Catholic Schools

Good Leaders, .

Good Shepherds Program

Saint Bede the Venerable, priest & doctor of the Church; Saint Gregory VII, Visitation of the pope; Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, virgin Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint Matthias, apostle

Saint Philip Neri, priest

Saint Augustine of Canterbury, bishop

Pictured: Red Mass at Holy Trinity in 2009. Western Deanery Red Mass will take place on May 7 at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church.

23 22

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Chrism Mass Filled the Cathedral During Holy Week

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s Duc a bre at h e l e a h ic M p o Bish Chr ism . o ve r t h e H o ly

Knights of Columbus Prepare for Red Mass Holy Trinity.

Knigh ts of St. Peat te r Cl aver Photo Jessica Rinaudo. ga th er by ou ts ide th e Cath ed ra l be fore Chrism M as s.

24 Catholic Connection May 2010

n March 30, all the priests working in the diocese gathered to participate in the annual Chrism Mass. During this Mass the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens and the Oil for Holy Chrism were blessed and distributed to the parishes for use Knights of Columbus Prepare throughout the coming year. Priests for Red Mass at Holy Trinity. also recommitted themselves to their shJessica op DucaRinaudo.

PhotoBiby and priestly vocation during this time.

Semin ar ian Je rr y Daig This annual event drew parishioners st and be fore th e pr le Jr. ie sts . from across the diocese and easily filled the Cathedral.

t he h e r o u ts ide t a g s t s ie r P e f ore C at h e dra l b . ss Chr ism M a

De ac ons Homer Tuck er and Je ff Ch apm an ca rr y in th e Oil of th e Cate ch um ens.