Catholic Connection June 2012 by Catholic Diocese of Shreveport

VOL. 21, NO.11 JUNE 2012

Marriage Family Life

MINISTRY

June 2012

Contents

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Regular Contributors Bishop Michael Duca Dianne Rachal Kim Long Christine Rivers Theresa Mormino Katie Sciba Fr. Rothell Price Mike Van Vranken Rosalba Quiroz John Mark Willcox Featured Contributors Dr. Laurie Babin Michael Straub Kelly Phelan Powell Linda Webster Matt Sciba

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p. p. 15

Bishop Michael Duca’s June and July 2012 Schedule.......................................3 From the Editor by Jessica Rinaudo....................................................................3

Editorial Board Dianne Rachal Cathy Cobb Christine Rivers Rev. Charles Glorioso John Mark Willcox Kim Long Kelly Phelan Powell 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.thecatholicconnection.org The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

Bishop’s Reflection by Most Rev. Michael G. Duca............................................4-5 New Programs and New Homes in Cedar Grove by Theresa Mormino..............6 What Are You Afraid Of? by Mike Van Vranken...................................................6 Fortnight for Freedom............................................................................................. 7 Small Church Profile: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport by Linda Webster..........................................................................................8 Second Collection: Peter’s Pence by Fr. Rothell Price.......................................9 St. Frederick High School’s Future Business Leaders of America Qualify for National Competition by Dr. Laurie Babin....................................................10 Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Monroe Hires New Principal . ..............10 School News.......................................................................................................11 Marriage and Family Life Ministry by Kelly Phelan Powell..................................12-13 Walking Across the U.S. for Pro-Life by Matt Sciba............................................. 14 Another Side of Family by Kim Long..................................................................... 15 Greco Institute Summer Schedule......................................................................... 16 Air in the Tires and Fuel in the Tank: How to Keep Fathers Trucking Along by Katie Sciba.................................................................................................. 17 Diocese of Shreveport Welcomes New Director of Catechesis by Jessica Rinaudo.......................................................................................... 17 Hispanic Corner by Rosalba Quiroz...................................................................... 18 News Briefs by Catholic News Service.................................................................. 19 Around the Diocese................................................................................................ 20

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.

Meet the Departments: Worship, Permanent Diaconate and Information Services....................................................................................... 21 10th Anniversary for the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by Deacon Michael Straub.............................................. 21 Upcoming Events................................................................................................22 June and July 2012 Calendar..............................................................................23 Western Deanery Red Mass................................................................................... 24

Bishop Michael Duca’s

June & July Schedule JUNE 2 Ordination of Brother Geoffrey Muga, F.M.H. to the Order of Deacon; St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m. JUNE 3 Confirmation; St. Lucy Church, Hodge; 9:00 a.m. Closing Mass - Mission Possible Summer Camp sponsored by Vocations Office; Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center, Dubach; 12:30 p.m. JUNE 4 Roundtable Discussion on Catholic Education; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. JUNE 6 Joint Meeting: Catholic Charities of Shreveport Membership Board and Board of Directors; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 PM JUNE 8 Sacred Heart Feast Day Mass and Celebration; Sacred Heart Church, Rayville; 5:30 p.m. JUNE 9 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Retreat; Catholic Center; 9:30 a.m. Catholic Charities of Shreveport Reception; Monroe; 6:30 p.m. JUNE 10 Confirmation; St. Matthew Church, Monroe; 10:30 a.m. 26th Anniversary of the Diocese of Shreveport Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

From the Editor by Jessica Rinaudo

very year the Catholic Connection takes a break in July so I can prepare for the next diocesan directory and attend the annual Catholic Media Conference. Our break this year will give me additional time to prepare for something else very exciting: a new look for our publication! Beginning in August, the Catholic Connection will have a new design, a new structure and some new columns. I’m excited to present you with a format that will be cleaner and easier to read and publish columns by both some of our current and new writers on topics that are affecting Catholics in their day-to-day lives. We’re also getting ready to shore up our readership. I can’t tell you how many times I hear the words, “I’ve been attending Catholic church for years and didn’t know we had a magazine!” So please, if you know someone who doesn’t receive our publication and would like to, have them call or e-mail me at 318-868-4441 or jrinaudo@dioshpt.org. It’s free! And finally, the Catholic Connection’s website has also undergone a makeover. The site is now easier to read and navigate and is up-to-date with all our latest stories and national Catholic news from Catholic News Service. Check our site out at www.thecatholicconnection.org. I hope you have a wonderful summer, and look for our brand new design in August!

2012 Diocesan Directories Available for Order!

JUNE 11-16 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Spring Meeting; Atlanta, GA

Directories are $8, including S&H. Please send checks made out to Diocese of Shreveport and this form to:

JUNE 16 Msgr. Allen Chenevert Assembly #2100, Knights of Columbus’ 25th Anniversary Social & Dinner; Knights of Columbus Hall, Bossier City; 6:00 p.m.

Diocese of Shreveport Attn: Diocesan Directories 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104

JUNE 24 Our Lady of Fatima Church’s 60th Anniversary Mass; Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe, 10:30 a.m.

There is a limited supply and they will be sold on a first come, first serve basis.

JUNE 25 Diocesan Finance Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Young at Heart Seniors Group; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport; 7:00 p.m. JUNE 27 St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors’ Meeting; Monroe; 11:30 a.m. JULY Vacation

I would like to purchase _______ copies at $8 each. Name: ______________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________ City, State and Zip: ____________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________________________

La Reflexión del Obispo

por Obispo Michael G. Duca

ste mes pasado el Presidente Obama se convirtió en el primer Presidente de los Estados Unidos que confirma que está a favor del matrimonio homosexual. Estoy de acuerdo con el Cardinal Dolan de Nueva York que este fue un día triste, pero no sorpresivo dado a las pólizas del Presidente al aspecto. El punto fue revelado más claramente en una entrevista que escuché donde el experto simplemente añadió, “Era lo justo”. El debate público acerca del matrimonio en nuestro país ha sido exitosamente promovido como un tema de los “derechos” de imparcialidad y de casarse de una persona. Pero de esta manera debería verse superficial e incompleta en la mente y corazón de los Católicos. Siempre buscamos descubrir la verdad de algo y después conformarlo a nuestras vidas en la verdad. Así que la manera de contestar esta pregunta para cada Católico debería ser, “¿Qué es un matrimonio?” la primera y más importante pregunta en esta discusión. Nosotros por supuesto vemos la naturaleza del hombre y la mujer y las revelaciones de Jesucristo encontradas en las Sagradas Escrituras y la tradición de las enseñanzas de la Iglesia para contestar esta pregunta. Podemos ver las palabras de San Pablo que dice, cuando describe el matrimonio, “Este es un gran misterio, pero hablo en referencia a Cristo y la iglesia.” (Efesios 5:32). El matrimonio, es para nosotros, un Sacramento y en este Sacramento el amor del esposo y la esposa se convierten en una verdadera señal de la presencia de Dios entre nosotros. Así que si el matrimonio es referirse a Cristo y a la Iglesia y ser una señal de la presencia del amor de Dios, entonces el amor del esposo y la esposa deberían reflejar los elementos esenciales del amor de Dios por nosotros. El matrimonio es ser amor

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indisoluble, irrompible, porque el amor de Dios por nosotros es dar la vida y Él desinteresadamente comparte Su vida con nosotros. El matrimonio es fiel porque el amor de Dios es fiel. La naturaleza del matrimonio no es creada por un hombre, sino que saca su definición esencial de Dios que es amor. El matrimonio es una relación que puede ser reflejada completa solamente entre un hombre y una mujer porque juntos solo ellos pueden crear nueva vida y formar un verdadero fundamento para nuestro país y la Iglesia. Sí, es verdad que algunas parejas casadas no pueden tener hijos y adoptan como lo hace una pareja del mismo sexo, pero la idea general que motiva a la pareja en matrimonio es crear una vida a la luz del entendimiento Sacramental del matrimonio. Cuando las relaciones del mismo sexo son llamadas matrimonio, los aspectos procreados de matrimonio se convierten en opcionales y la mera definición de matrimonio cambia. El matrimonio civil entonces llega a estar desconectado del matrimonio Sacramental y crea su definición por las leyes humanas que reflejan una diferente intensión y fuente de la

verdad. Mientras que nuestra discusión pública esté centrada solamente en los derechos imparciales y personales nunca discutiremos que nuevo modelo se genera con estas nuevas leyes. Lo que sí es cierto es que esta nueva creación civil refleja menos el entendimiento del amor revelado en Jesucristo. Desde la perspectiva de la fe, la definición de un matrimonio civil se convertirá mas y mas en solo eso una unión civil porque se separa a sí misma de la definición de matrimonio enraizado en el amor revelado de Dios. Esta es la fuente de la tristeza de la que habla el Cardinal Dolan, la redefinición propuesta del matrimonio que separará el significado del matrimonio civil de nuestro entendimiento Católico. A pesar de esto, continuamos proclamando la belleza de un matrimonio Sacramental enraizado en la riqueza espiritual de un amor que refleja la fe, irrompible y procreadora de Dios. Profesamos nuestra creencia que el verdadero matrimonio Sacramental es la esperanza de nuestra Iglesia y la fuerza futura de nuestro país. Yo sé que con frecuencia es difícil. Muchos miembros de nuestra iglesia que son casados experimentan presiones diarias que amenazan la vida del matrimonio, pero es precisamente nuestro entendimiento que el matrimonio está conectado al amor de Dios lo que le da a cada persona casada un pozo de gracia y esperanza que Dios está con ellos en el vivir de ese sacramento. Debemos apoyar a las parejas en todas las etapas de sus vidas y enseñar a nuestros niños la bondad del matrimonio Sacramental en la Iglesia. Espero pronto tener un taller que los directores y voluntarios de la vida parroquial de la familia continúen desarrollando nuestros programas como una diócesis que apoya la Vida Familiar. Como un recurso ustedes pueden también leer la página de matrimonio de La Conferencia Episcopal de los Obispos de Estados Unidos en: www. foryourmarriage.org Vamos juntos a proclamar nuestra esperanza y entendimiento de un matrimonio sacramental y trabajar en mantener la integridad en nuestro (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz) país.

Bishop’s Reflection by Bishop Michael G.Duca

his past month President Obama became the first President of the United States to confirm he is in favor of gay marriage. I agree with Cardinal Knights of Columbus stand outside Dolan of New York the Capitol in Olympia, WA to protest that this was a sad day, but not surprising a bill that would legalize same-sex given the President’s policies in this regard. marriage in the state. (CNS photo/ The heart of the matter was more clearly Robert Sorbo, Reuters) revealed in an interview I heard where the the definition of marriage rooted in the expert simply stated, “It was the fair thing man, but draws its essential definition from God who is love. Marriage is a revealed love of God. to do.” relationship that can only be fully reflected This is the source of the sadness that The public debate about marriage in our between a man and a woman because Cardinal Dolan spoke of, the proposed country has been successfully promoted as together only they can create new life and redefinition of marriage that will separate an issue of a person’s “right” to marry and form a true foundation for our country the meaning of civil marriage from our about fairness. But this approach should and the Church. Catholic understanding. In spite of this, ring shallow and incomplete to the minds Yes, it is true that some married couples we continue to proclaim the beauty of and hearts of Catholics. We always seek are unable to have children and adopt as a a sacramental marriage rooted in the to discover the truth of something and same sex couple might, but the overall idea spiritual richness of a love that reflects then conform our lives to the truth. So the that motivates a couple in marriage is to the faithful, unbreakable and procreative approach of every Catholic should be to create a life in light of the full sacramental love of God. We profess our belief that answer the question, “What is marriage?” understanding of marriage. When same true sacramental marriage is the hope for as the first and most important question of sex relationships are called marriage, our Church and the future strength of our this discussion. then the procreative aspect of marriage country. We of course look to the nature of man becomes optional and the very definition I know marriage is often difficult. and woman and the revelations of Jesus of marriage changes. Civil marriage then Many married members of our Church Christ found in the scriptures and the experience daily pressures that tradition of teachings of the Church threaten married life, but it is to answer this question. We can look ... the overall idea that motivates precisely our understanding that to the words of St. Paul who says, in marriage is connected to the love of describing marriage, “This is a great a couple in marriage is to create a God that gives every married person mystery, but I speak in reference to life in light of the full sacramental a deep well of grace and hope that Christ and the church.” (Ephesians 5: God is with them in the living of 32). Marriage is, for us, a Sacrament understanding of marriage. this sacrament. We should support and in this Sacrament the love of married couples in all stages of their husband and wife become a real sign lives and teach our children about becomes disconnected from sacramental of God’s presence among us. So if marriage the goodness of sacramental marriage marriage and creates its definition by is to refer to Christ and the Church and to in the Church. I hope soon to have a human laws that reflect a different intent be a sign of God’s presence, then the love workshop for parish family life directors and source of truth. As long as our public of husband and wife should reflect the and volunteers to continue to develop our discussion is centered only on fairness and essential elements of God’s love for us. outreach as a diocese to support family personal rights we will never discuss what Marriage is to be a love that is life. As a resource you can also check new model is envisioned by these new indissoluble, unbreakable, because God’s laws. What is certain is that this new civil out the USCCB website on marriage at: love for us is eternal and does not end. foryourmarriage.org. Marriage is to be a love that is procreative creation reflects less the understanding Let us together proclaim our hopeful of love revealed in Jesus Christ. From a because God’s love is life giving and He and sacramental understanding of faith perspective, the definition of civil selflessly shares His life with us. Marriage marriage and work to maintain its marriage will become more and more is faithful because God’s love is faithful. integrity within our country. just a civil union as it separates itself from The nature of marriage is not created by 5 4

New Programs and New Homes in Cedar Grove by Theresa Mormino, Catholic Charities

New home being built in the Cedar Grove area.

f you were watching KSLA on the morning of May 7, you may have seen Catholic Charities workers Jean Dresley, Executive Director, and Theresa Mormino, Director of Development, interviewed on “Your Hometown Show.” We discussed our work at Catholic Charities and talked about our newest programs, Gabriel’s Closet and The Money School. Both of these programs are progressing and will be formally announced on our website and Facebook as they near completion and are ready to offer assistance. The Money School program, a four unit financial education course, will become a required component for those who seek financial aid from Catholic Charities. Our desire is to help those who come to us break the cycle of generational poverty. We believe the often used quote “knowledge is power” especially applies here. It’s impossible to make changes when you don’t have the tools. The course work will cover subjects like how to open and maintain a bank account, develop a budget, save money and plan for the future, avoid predatory lending and will also include coaches for those who would like to have longterm help. These volunteer coaches will work one-on-one with our clients for six months to a year in an effort to help them to apply the knowledge they have gained from The Money School. This kind of life-changing work impacts the individual, their family and the community. As more people learn to manage their income and begin a better life path, we will see the kind of changes we aim for: more people able to thrive and pass down these skills to their children. We are looking for people with financial experience to volunteer as coaches. Please call us at 318-865-0200 if you would like to make a difference in the life of someone else. Another exciting event happening in our neighborhood is the building of a new home by The Fuller Center for Housing. On April 30 an 18-wheeler pulled up alongside the St. Catherine campus and began unloading the structural supplies to build the new house in Cedar Grove. The house is one of several the Fuller Center will build in the neighborhood. The Diocese of Shreveport donated two plots of land for this project and is a major supporter of the center’s work. Families who wish to apply for one of the homes must go through a rigorous application process and evaluation. They will also be required to complete classes in money management and home maintenance.

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What Are You Afraid Of? by Mike Van Vranken

ncertainty of the future can cause real anxiety. If we eavesdrop on more than one conversation, there is a strong possibility we will hear someone talking about their fear. Some worry about illnesses or their children. Many worry about the stability of their job. We’ve all experienced fear from time-to-time, but have you ever been so afraid it paralyzed you from making good decisions? Have you ever allowed anxiety to control your thoughts? For any of us who have permitted fear to dominate, God has answers for us. “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NAB) This verse contains two commands: “do not fear;” “do not be anxious.” It is then followed by five promises: I am with you; I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. What a tremendous scripture. God is making a commitment to us that if we do not fear, he will take care of everything. All we have to do is to believe it in faith and then turn our lives, our thoughts, our concerns over to Him. Here’s how 1 Peter 5:7 puts it: “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.” Can’t you just picture lifting up all of your cares and worries and throwing them or casting them onto God? He’ll handle the problems and that action along with our faith will eliminate the fear. It really does work. But, we have to work at it. See, the temptation to worry comes from the enemy. He wants us to fear because it is our feeble attempt to take control away from God and into our own hands. Don’t fall for that nonsense. Allow God to take your fears and strengthen, help and uphold you. Practice casting those cares on Him. Speak out loud that you’ve placed those cares on God and because He cares for us, He’s with us and He’ll help us. Now, let’s consider two other related scriptures: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear . . .” (1 John 4:18 NAB) “For God did not give us a spirit of fear but rather of power and love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJ) Action plan for this month: Any time you worry that you might lose your job, or that sickness or accident may come upon you or a loved one, or any other anxiety that approaches you, cast that fear on over to God and laugh at the devil. The perfect love that is God will eliminate the fear and protect you all at the same time. You’ve got nothing to lose. Go for it. What are you afraid of?

he 14 days from June 21—the vigil of the Feasts of St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More—to July 4, Independence Day, are dedicated to this “fortnight for freedom”—a great hymn of prayer for our country. Our liturgical calendar celebrates a series of great martyrs who remained faithful in the face of persecution by political power—St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More, St. John the Baptist, Sts. Peter and Paul, and the First Martyrs of the Church of Rome. Culminating on Independence Day, this special period of prayer, study, catechesis and public action will emphasize both our Christian and American heritage of liberty. On Sunday July 1, 2012, all the parishes of our diocese will turn their prayers and attention to the freedom to practice our faith in this country and pray that it be protected for generations to come. In doing this we will be a part of the our Church’s national campaign of teaching and witness for religious liberty.

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SMALL CHURCH PROFILE: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport | by Linda Webster, PhD During the 25th anniversary year of the Diocese of Shreveport we are profiling small churches around the diocese.

he Sacred Heart of Jesus church is a bit tricky to locate. “We need a bigger sign so that people know we’re here,” insists Joetta Waterman, a long-time parishioner who came to Sacred Heart when St. Teresa closed in 1989. “No one knows we’re back here.” Sacred Heart is located on Lyba Street, on the north side of I-20 near the airport. There is a sign out on Monkhouse Drive directing worshippers onto Lyba and a second sign where the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. street twists a bit, but Waterman is right. You’d never guess that there was a vibrant, engaged and very large Catholic community located right off of the interstate unless you knew sometimes stretching down the driveway to the sidewalk. The to look for the signs. ministry is run entirely by volunteers and the outreach is not “I’ve been to numerous churches in South Louisiana, Houston, limited to just the Wednesday food distribution. Fort Worth and Atlanta,” said Mary Chauvin, Director of “We help those who’ve been burned out of their homes, assist Religious Education, “and I was bowled over by Sacred Heart with utilities when needed, and just do whatever we can to help when I was looking for a church here in Shreveport.” our neighbors.” She recounts how Sr. Humberta Gallatin, a Sister of Divine Chauvin has a busy campus to manage. There are two Providence and the DRE, snagged her as she came through the classroom buildings behind the church hall with handicapped door of the church. ramps and deep porches that accommodate some of the students. “She said, ‘Bet you’re catechist,’ and she was right,” said Others attend class in the hall. Chauvin. “I’ve been teaching here for nineteen years.” “We just started PRE for the three and four year olds this year The parish was established in 1966 by Bishop Greco and the and we’re trying to get the children more involved in volunteer first Mass was celebrated at the Holiday Inn West on August 21. work. One thing I’ve noticed that changed in the twelve years The parish grew from 90 to 127 families between that first Mass I’ve been a DRE is that our children are much more willing to tell and January of 1968, so the congregation moved to the Howard people that they are Catholic.” Johnson Motel at I-120. Meanwhile, construction was under The church property makes use of most of the four acres. In way at the four acre Lyba Street site, allowing the congregation to addition to the St. Vincent de Paul buildings, the large church move into the current structure in July of 1969. hall and the classroom buildings, there is a rectory on site and “We are a busy church,” said Waterman who is active with the a large off-street parking lot that wraps around the church and Catholic Women’s League, the Pastoral Council and the Ladies extends to the back of the property. Sacred Heart is a quasiGuild which she serves as corresponding secretary. “We have a parish of St. Mary of the Pines, but there are three weekend Healing Mass once a month and a First Friday Holy Hour that is Masses and daily Masses Tuesday through Friday which is very well-attended.” unusual for a “mission” church. The most visible ministry on the church grounds is the St. Currently, Fr. Francis Kamau serves as pastor and the resident Vincent de Paul building which distributes food pantry items and priest is Fr. Thomas John Vadakemuriyil, CMI. all sorts of household goods “This church is so and clothing to a large and much like a family,” said grateful local clientele. Chauvin. “Many of us “The ministry started out don’t have any other as a closet in my office,” said family here in the area Chauvin. “We started serving and we care about each so many needs that we got other.” a portable classroom, then Even the community we had to get another. We’re activities have the flavor located in a neighborhood of a family project. For where there is such a need for example, Sacred Heart this ministry.” parishioners cleaned The St. Vincent de Paul out a local park to make buildings are open on it more inviting to Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. neighborhood children. to noon. Chauvin said that Other ministries include people begin lining up hours quilt making, a bell choir before opening, the line and a neighborhood Parishioners gather at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church for Mass.

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carnival, according to the parish website. “We celebrate birthdays each month, we take food to the sick, we have a Christmas party, and we help with St. Vincent de Paul,” recounted Joetta Waterman of the work done by the Ladies Guild. Fr. Francis calls forward anyone celebrating a birthday or an anniversary to be blessed by the congregation at the first Sunday Mass of each month, making that celebration a parish-wide event. “We also raise money to help the Kenyan community where Fr. Francis comes from,” she added. “And having the seminarians from Notre Dame has been such a blessing. They come three months at a time and they are so devout. Many are from India and John Paul Christian calls me ‘grandmother’.” Waterman is looking forward to his

Second Collection: Peter’s Pence

Bulletin Announcement Dates: June 16 & 17 Collection Dates: June 23 & 24

Deacon Clary Nash and Fr. Francis Kamau, FMH, stand with the choir during the opening hymn.

ordination next year with eagerness. Sacred Heart ministers to a larger community as well by providing a live webcast from the cry room at the back of the church for any event in progress. “We had relatives ‘attend’ a wedding from Hawaii,” said Deacon Cary Nash. “They couldn’t get to Shreveport but they saw the wedding on the web. The same thing with a baptism where family members can’t get here.” The webcast includes shut-ins more effectively than an audio recording and is broadcast in real time. “Our motto says it all,” said Waterman. “We’re the little church with the big heart.”

he Peter’s Pence Collection is rooted in an ancient custom of enlisting the aid of the Christian faithful for spiritual needs. In the ninth century King Alfred the Great collected money – a “pence” – from landowners as financial support for the pope. Today, the Peter’s Pence Collection forms the financial foundation of the pope’s philanthropy by giving the Holy Father the appropriate and necessary resources to provide emergency assistance to those in need because of natural disaster, war, oppression and disease. “Let us make sure that none of God’s children ever feels alone.” In September of 2006, Pope Benedict XVI gave this exhortation in a homily in which he explained that those who are baptized create one family of believers who are never alone. Blessed John Paul II constantly encouraged, exhorted and consoled us with the biblical exhortation, “Do not be afraid.” Christ the Lord is with us. We are present to one another through our union with him. The Holy Spirit makes us one in Christ. The Spirit is the bond of unity/solidarity among all believers. The Peter’s Pence Collection unites us in solidarity to the Holy See and its works of charity to those in need. Your generosity allows the pope to respond to our suffering brothers and sisters with promptness, love and compassion, so

| Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General

God’s people will not feel alone in their time of misfortune. Our universal pastor, the pope, is asked by so many of God’s children around the world to help them. Leaders of nations turn to the universal pastor to assist them in attending to their citizens in times of national and regional calamity. Our participation in the Peter’s Pence Collection makes it possible for us to help the Holy Father help others. The Church can always rejoice in its efforts to bring the comfort and presence of Christ to those in need. All that our Holy Father does, he does in the name of each and every member of the Church. It is marvelous and humbling that all the assistance he gives, we are giving because of our participation in the collection. “The faithful’s offerings to the Holy Father are destined to Church needs, to humanitarian initiatives and social promotion projects, as well as to support of the Holy See. The pope, being pastor of the whole Church, is attentive to the material needs of poor dioceses, religious institutes and of the faithful in grave difficulties (the poor, children, the elderly, those marginalized and the victims of war or natural disasters; concrete aid to bishops or dioceses in need, Catholic education, assistance to refugees and immigrants, etc.)” - www.vatican.va The Peter’s Pence Collection has raised nearly $190 million to support our suffering brothers and sisters around the globe. THANK YOU for standing in solidarity with the Holy See with your generosity. 9 8

St. Frederick High School’s Future Business Leaders of America Qualify for National Competition | by Dr. Laurie Babin

The top 10 finishers front row: James Babin, Kaleb Williamson, Jonara Mercado, Elaine Simon, Julie Farrar, Mattie Kincannon Back row: Dr. Laurie Babin, Alec Shell, Jon Kelley, Brandon Breard, Jefferson Manning, Ashton Fench, Drew Johnson

t. Frederick Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members competed in the 2012 Louisiana FBLA State Leadership Conference held at the Lafayette Cajondome and Convention Center, March 25-27, 2012. Our chapter project, “The Catholic Connection 2012 Blue Pages” directory of businesses owned by our school and parishioner families and other supporters of Catholic institutions, won first place in the Partnership with Business Project. The chapter qualified for national competition in seven events. The FBLA National Leadership Conference is June 27-July 3 in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Laurie Babin, Professor of Marketing at the University of Louisiana Monroe, started and has been the adviser for the St. Frederick FBLA chapter for the past five years. This is the second year the chapter will be competing at nationals. 2012 Louisiana FBLA State Leadership Conference Results: Events Qualifying for National Competition: • Partnership with Business Project – Brandon Breard, Julie Farrar and Jon Kelley (1st place) • Business Communication – Randi Domingue (1st place) • Public Speaking I – Jeff Manning (2nd place) • Marketing (team event) – James Babin, Brandon Breard, and Julie Farrar (3rd place) • Economics – Randi Domingue (4th place) • Banking and Financial Systems (team event) – Elaine Simon, Jon Kelley and Jonara Mercado (4th place) • Entrepreneurship (team event) – Drew Johnson, Jeff Manning, and Kaleb Williamson (4th place) Events Finishing in the Top Ten: • Mr. Future Business Leader – Brandon Breard (6th place) • Ms. Future Business Leader – Julie Farrar (7th place) • Emerging Business Issues (team event) – Alec Shell, Ashton Fench and Mattie Kincannon (8th place) • Business Calculations – Jon Kelley (9th place) Even though the St. Frederick FBLA team qualified for the national competition in seven events, they will only compete in four of them, including: Partnership with Business Project, Marketing, Business Communication and Public Speaking.

10 11 Catholic Connection June 2012

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Monroe Hires New Principal

ev. Sebastian Kallarackal, CMI, Pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church, and Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Shreveport, are pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Palowsky as the new principal for Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Monroe. Palowsky has been an educator for 22 years, serving most recently as a kindergarten teacher at Swartz Lower Elementary in Ouachita Parish. Palowsky is a life-long resident of Monroe and earned her Bachelor’s degree of Education from the University of Monroe (then, Northeast Louisiana Michelle Palowsky, new principal of Our Lady of Fatima School in Monroe University) as well as a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and a second Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision along with her Plus 30 from ULM. She will bring a wealth of knowledge in the area of early childhood and elementary educational practices. “As a child of an educator, I can remember “teaching” my stuffed animals just like my dad taught his students. I have always been a teacher and I love teaching. I am most excited about bringing some new programs and innovations to O.L.F. I have received some of the best experience and professional development through my employment with Ouachita Parish and want my love for education to be contagious within the O.L.F. faculty.” Palowsky is known for her exceptional leadership qualities and always being grounded in her efforts to improve the school experience for her students. Lisa Patrick, principal of Jesus the Good Shepherd School, stated, “I am very excited to have her join our Catholic School family. It is my belief that Mrs. Palowsky will be an exceptional leader and a wonderful principal. She is highly effective, is kind to everyone she comes across and has all of the characteristics of a great leader.” Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, stated, “It is my belief that Mrs. Palowsky will be an exceptional educational leader in our Catholic schools. I wholeheartedly welcome her to our community.”

School News

Carter Boyd has been selected as the 2012 Flyer of the Year at Loyola College Prep. The Flyer of the Year award is chosen by the faculty and given to the student who best shows the qualities that reflect Loyola’s mission statement of producing a “A Person for Others.” “Aside from the many honors and awards that Carter has won, he is just a good guy,” Loyola Principal Frank Israel said. “Carter is smart, has a model work ethic, a strong mind, athletic ability and a deep faith. I know that God has big plans for him.” Carter is an Eagle Scout, has served as an altar server and worked as a Catechism teacher. He was a Boys’ State delegate and was chosen as a Young Hero by Louisiana Public Broadcasting. He will enroll at the University of Notre Dame.

St. John Berchmans School in Shreveport took first place at the Science Olympiad State Competition held last month on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA. The team of 15 students competed against 14 middle school teams from around the state of Louisiana in a variety of subjects including anatomy, forestry, rocks and

5 minerals, meteorology, experimental design and forensics. This is the fourth consecutive year that St. John Berchmans School has won first place at the state level. In addition to taking overall first place in the state competition, St. John Berchmans students also received a total of 12 first place medals, two second place medals, and one third place medal. The SJB Science Olympiad team will now travel to Orlando, FL, to compete in the Science Olympiad National Tournament on Saturday, May 19, against 59 teams from around the United States.

Thirteen St. Joseph School students competed against other private schools in the area at the Loyola Academic Rally. St. Joseph students brought home the 1st place overall trophy. They also brought home ribbons from each subject area. The Loyola Academic Rally is an area-wide competition between area private schools in the subjects of: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Mathematics. This is a daylong competition comprised of written and oral tests.

Jesus the Good Shepherd School’s second graders toured the Ouachita Parish Sheriff ’s office and the courthouse as part of a Law Day Celebration. The students began the morning with a K-9 demonstration, then they got to experience the booking process firsthand by getting their fingerprints taken. Finally, the secondgraders decided the fate of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz in a mock trial at the 4th Judicial District Courthouse.

It’s official: St. Frederick High School girls’ tennis team won the LA State Championship in Monroe, LA, on May 3, making this a second consecutive state title for St. Frederick High School tennis. The eight girls contributing to St. Frederick’s outstanding play are Ashely Johnson (not pictured), Abigail Johnson, Emory Miller, Elaine Simon, Blair Breard, Analise Kelly, Regan LaPietra and Lily Ryan. These Lady Warriors finished the year with not only the state title, but also with many individual wins. Geaux Lady Warriors! We are so proud of you! 11 10

Marriage Family Life

MINISTRY

SINGLE LIFE

by Kelly Phelan Powell

MARRIAGE

CHILDREN

EMPTY NESTERS

12 13 Catholic Connection June 2012

n decades past, the word “family,” through a deep crisis and today especially within the context must face numerous challenges. It is of the Church, referred almost consequently necessary to defend, exclusively to the traditional nuclear help, safeguard and value it in its family: mom, dad and a largerunrepeatable uniqueness. If this than-average number of children. commitment is in the first place the These days, however, there are duty of spouses, it is also a priority many different iterations of “family” duty of the Church and of every in parish life. The United States public institution to support the Conference of Catholic Bishops family by means of pastoral and (USCCB) has recently launched an political initiatives that take into initiative in support of traditional account the real needs of married Christian couples, of the marriage, and elderly and of the But while marriage the Diocese new generations.” of Shreveport (Angelus Talk, is inarguably the has followed February 4, 2007) foundation of the suit with a But while renewed focus marriage is family, the reality on Marriage inarguably the and Family foundation of of life in the 21st Life Ministries. the family, the Century is that not And thankfully, reality of life in some of these every family includes the 21st Century programs is that not every a marriage. address aspects family includes a of the family that marriage. Dotye have been largely Sue Stanford, overlooked until now. Director of Family Life Ministries In a culture in which the at St. Joseph Church in Shreveport, significance of marriage is said this fact is due to our Godcontinuously and insidiously given freedom of choice. “God eroded, the USCCB holds fast in asks very little of us,” she said. “He its insistence that marriage is and asks us to love one another and to has always been “the ‘cradle’ of help each other get to heaven… life and of every vocation.” The but because He gave us free will, we bishops go on to say, “We are well have divorce, we have singleness aware that the family founded on and we have death.” She further marriage is the natural environment emphasized that even in these in which to bear and raise children states, the family still exists, even and thereby guarantee the future if that family includes only one of all humanity. However, we person. “You’re still a part of God’s also know that marriage is going family and the Church’s family,” she

said. processing are all part of family life. “There are so many doing Programs throughout the diocese address the specific the same thing,” she said. “Cathy Cobb [at St. Elizabeth Ann needs of different kinds of families – single life as a vocation, Seton Church]…Carol Gates [at the Cathedral]…I want them marriage as a vocation, family life and children, empty to see, ‘You’re doing family life, too. This is the divorce part of nesters, widows and widowers and divorce and annulment. family life, this is the singles part of family life, these are the You may be aware of some of these programs in your elderly, these are the empty-nesters.’” home parish, but others are less Stanford urges all those within well known. The Marriage and the diocese who are involved Family Life Ministries page on in some way with formation of the diocese’s website has contact the family to join the National information for each of these Association of Catholic Family programs. Go to www.dioshpt.org Life Ministers (www.nacflm.org). and click on “Marriage and Family It’s a great resource for education, Life” under “Ministries.” mutual support, networking and This past spring, the parishes of advocacy. the diocese sponsored a six-session In fact, she’s trying to get Divorce Recovery Program at the as many as possible of the 18 Catholic Center. Utilizing tools couples who are involved in such as group discussion as well as marriage ministry to attend the a video series, the course helped 2012 international conference of people come to terms with their the NACFLM, “Strengthening divorces and begin to heal their Marriages and Families in Today’s emotional wounds. The program Culture,” held this year in Dallas was successful, so new dates will be July 25 through 28. There are The Marriage and Family Life announced soon. a number of “tracts” available Coming up in June is a twofor attendees, depending on the Ministries on the diocese’s day marriage intensive, with individual needs of their parishes, website has contact topics including “The Fight-Free including a Hispanic/Latino tract Marriage” and “Contraception: and an after-divorce tract. Stanford information for each of these What’s the Big Deal?” Presented is seeking sponsors to help offset by Timothy and Kristin Putnam the cost of the conference; if you programs. Go to www. of the Tulsa Diocese, this free know of a business or individual dioshpt.org and click on event will be held June 10 from who might like to contribute, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and June 11 from please contact her at (318) 865“Marriage and Family 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral 3581, extension 23, or dstanford@ Life" under "Ministries.” of St. John Berchmans in the St. stjosephchurch.net. Michael the Archangel Chapel. The best ways to strengthen the For more information, visit www. family in all its forms, Stanford sjbcathedral.org. feels, are often the simplest. A good Aside from addressing the needs example she gave is the “Get Back of the faithful, these programs help to the Table” movement, where bring non-practicing Catholics families make a concerted effort back to the Church. “People who to sit down at the dinner table and may have felt shunned or like they eat at least one meal together each didn’t belong since they weren’t day without television, computers, married or didn’t have children feel homework or other distractions. important and included,” Stanford Another way is to keep the Sabbath said. “There’s a place for everyone sacred and uphold the Sunday Mass in the Church.” They also make the obligation by removing activities parish feel more like a home and that may come before or detract encourage people to get involved at from God and the Church. both a parish and a diocesan level. The diocese recognizes not As a director of Family Life only the importance of family, but Ministries, Stanford said this the many forms that a Catholic work is, for her, a calling. “I feel like this is what God wants Christian family can take. Family in all its configurations is me to do in Family Life, is go out and get these programs a treasured part of parish life. Every parish has ways to offer started at all the other parishes,” she said. She also pointed ministry, fellowship and resources to help every family grow out that although their work may not have the “Family in faith. To take part in any of these valuable programs or to Life” title, all those involved with baptism, faith formation, learn how you can help, visit your parish’s website or www. engaged couples, weddings, divorce survival groups and grief dioshpt.org.

WIDOWED

DIVORCED

13 12

Walking Across the U.S. for Pro-Life by Matt Sciba

n the summer of 2002, I attended a pro-life youth conference in New Orleans. A group of young adults with “pro-life” printed on their t-shirts attended and spoke about their walk across the United States. I pledged that I would spend the next summer walking with the Crossroads Pro-Life Walk Across America (http://crossroadswalk.org/). In May 2003, I bought a one way ticket on a Greyhound bus for a 30 hour trip from Dallas to Arlington, VA. After two days of orientation, our group of walkers drove an RV from Virginia to San Francisco to begin the greatest adventure of our young lives. The purpose of the Crossroads walk is to offer every step as prayer and mortification for the protection of dignity and sanctity of all human life, from the moment of conception to natural death. Crossroads also seeks to educate and encourage people to become more actively pro-life. During my trip, I encountered thousands of people, most of whom were pro-life. We spoke at churches, visited youth groups, recruited young adults along the way, prayed at abortion centers, saved a few babies (that we know of), and formed lifelong friendships. The biggest hurdle to overcome is that everything happens in God’s time. Various things broke, walkers got sick or injured, and many times we ran out of money and didn’t know from where

Matt Sciba during his Crossroads walk in 2003.

many communities are transformed as well. I remember staying with a couple who were infertile, and the husband had been very bitter and angry at God because of it. We stayed nearly a week at their home, and by the end, the husband’s anger and bitterness had melted. The day we said goodbye, he gave a tearful speech our next meal would come. Many times we didn’t know where we would lay our heads. Every single time it appeared as though explaining that our witness of God’s love had relieved him of 25 years of scorn. we would go without, God sent help at the last minute. Nine years later, Crossroads is still going strong, and has This year, Crossroads will begin their cross-country expanded to at least four walks per summer. This summer, as pilgrimages on May 19 in Seattle, San Francisco, San Jose and they do every summer, the walkers will stop in Shreveport for Los Angeles, with all walks concluding in Washington, D.C. a weekend. My wife and I will play host, listen to their stories, on August 11th. The three month trek will test the physical, and share our own stories from the walks we completed. emotional, mental and spiritual endurance of 50 or so young Wherever you live, keep the Crossroads walkers in your adults. prayers. They rely solely on divine providence for everything As a walker, my faith soared higher than ever before. Life (food, water, shelter, clothing). If you live near one of the was no longer according to my will, but wholly according routes, please consider meeting them as they pass by, and to God’s. Living with 20 other people in tight quarters with offering even something only a backpack of personal as small as a word of belongings and no ability to set encouragement. Not only one’s own schedule tested my will you lift the spirits of the limits. Oddly enough, I had a walkers, but you too may be difficult two months adjusting enriched by their love for God. to life after Crossroads. My The Crossroads walkers faith was at its peak and my will walk through Shreveport will was aligned with God’s. (most likely on Hwy 80) on Fast-forward to today, and a or around July 4th, and will great many people with whom stay in Shreveport/Bossier on I walked have become or are the weekend of July 6-8. A in the process of becoming reception will be held for the priests or nuns, or are leaders walkers on July 6. More details in their communities. will be available in the near The interesting thing about future at our website http:// Crossroads is that it not only The paths for four Crossroads walks this summer. The walkers will be in Shreveport beginning July 4. truthandcharity.net. invigorates the walkers, but

The secret to walking across the country is to do it one step at a time. - Unknown

14 15 Catholic Connection June 2012

Another Side of Family by Kim Long, DRE, St. Mary of the Pines Church

hen I speak with couples about choosing a baptismal saint for their child I also ask if they have a family patron saint. Most couples say they don’t but many seem genuinely intrigued. “How can we do that?” they often ask. Choosing a patron saint for your family can be as simple as it was for my family—we are Irish so Saints Patrick and Brigid were natural and obvious choices. Our family celebrates their feast days and we have learned their stories. We have been inspired by their examples of courage and love of God regardless of cost. We invite them into our prayers in times of need, sorrow and joy! They have truly become a part of our family’s expression of faith. The process need not be narrowed to your ethnic or cultural background but could extend to some saint with whom you regularly turn to for prayerful intercession, the saint whose feast day is celebrated on your wedding anniversary, a saint associated with the family professions like teaching or medicine or motherhood or metal workers or farming; the possibilities are endless! Did your family have a family altar once upon a time? This is a very spiritual and sweet practice that seem to have been relegated to nostalgia. In the name of modernity, we seem to have abandoned the family altar. I love all things Catholica so when I read about family altars I was immediately on the lookout for an opportunity to create one. I have a couple of old and treasured statues that have traveled with us on every move so they had always had a place of honor but I wanted more! We moved into a house that boasted an entire wall of built in shelves and cabinets. On this wall was a recessed space that we could tell held at one time a state of the art television and stereo receivers and all its accoutrements. Our television didn’t work in that space and it was too deep for books. I wondered as I tried various objects in the space how could we best utilize it. That’s when our family altar was realized. Our family has a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus so I knew that statue had to be the centerpiece. I had a wonderful time creating this sacred space literally in the midst of our home. Various statues and holy cards and other images came and went but three remained at all times, the Sacred Heart, the Blessed Mother and St. Patrick. Over the months we have added photographs of confirmations, family gatherings, Altar for St. candles and prayers printed on Mary of the the backs of holy cards; during the Pines PSR Christmas season we placed our students. Nativity set in this space. We have since moved from that particular home and into one with totally different configurations. My altar is now on the kitchen counter in a small corner with a votive candle, a small picture of my family and a small statue of the Blessed Mother. My Sacred Heart statue is on top of the bookcase and the Infant of Prague, for whom I have a very special devotion, is in my bedroom on a top shelf of yet another bookcase. Each time I look at

Small alter on the kitchen counter with a votive candle, a family photo and a patron saint.

these figures, prayerfully arranged, I feel refreshed and in good company. An altar can be anywhere and very simple; for instance a candle in the center of the dining table with a holy card nearby; in a small corner of your kitchen, on top of a bookcase, or your dressing table. If you aren’t so keen on statues, consider arranging some inspirational pictures or even use the side of the fridge and make room for some heavenly helpers there – holy cards are an inexpensive way to begin living with sacred imagery. I think family altars and family patron saints are important, so much so that I even surprised our catechists with one in the PSR Office. There are baskets, slips of paper and pens so that they can write prayer requests. During our monthly PSR Masses these requests are carried up at the offertory. In a world that tends to further its own interests these little sacred spaces in the midst of laundry, report cards, bills, laughter, pancakes and dishes keep me mindful of a few things. The saints were human and had many of the same challenges my family and I face so they understand and have empathy. After all, I can never have enough prayer partners and reminders that God is truly in the midst of all this with us! When I have talked about Catholic practices and sacramentals some people don’t see the need or seem to be somewhat cautious until I tell them that all our symbols, and indeed everything we do as Catholics, are intended to point us to God. Carving out a little sacred space and including a patron saint in my family’s daily life has become as natural as breathing. These altars for me have functioned as an oasis in an often busy, messy and hectic life, a touchstone in my day to remind me that I am not alone; I have friends in high places that are never too busy to listen and pray with and for me and that I should never be too busy to do the same. For information on patron saints try The Encyclopedia of Catholic Saints and searching the internet. New Advent and St. Anthony Messenger Press websites are only a couple that provide an index of patron saints. Please be sure to choose a Catholic website if you consult the internet.

Annual Report

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16 17 Catholic Connection June 2012

Air in the Tires and Fuel in the Tank: How to Keep Fathers Trucking Along | by Katie Sciba

Diocese of Shreveport Welcomes New Director of Catechesis by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

T (Photo by Valeer Vandenbosch, sxc.hu)

eing a father is a 24/7, for-the-rest-of-your-life duty and honor. It can be fairly easy to come by, whether a man is the father in a family, the pastor of a parish, or a father figure to another; but, the significance of this role demands diligence, fortitude and humility. What can be daunting about fatherhood are the essential tasks of teaching sons how to be holy men, showing daughters what devotional love is, and ultimately leading children to heaven; none of which are easily done and all require a life-long effort to establish an eternal effect. As if fatherhood isn’t challenging enough, those called to it are charged with these tasks whether they understand it or not; it happens naturally. Reflecting on my experience, it’s true that my own father set the bar for my expectations in a husband, and my sister’s as well. Likewise, his confident demeanor and approach are echoed in the life of my brother. What fathers do, their children will do; which is why it’s necessary that they set the example of holiness and responsibility for their children; show affection so children learn how to show it to others; respect their children’s mother whether married to her or not; and through it all, show kids that being their dad is fun and enjoyable. Contrary to what you may think so far, this isn’t an article written for dads. It’s written for children and mothers. My above list enumerating the aspects of fatherhood is by no means exhaustive – there is much more to it and, as many of you know, parenthood isn’t easy. It can’t be done alone. No matter what our tasks in life, we all need encouragement and opportunities to recharge. Considering the weight of being a father, it is certain that they especially need support. Depending on how the father in your life best receives it, there are countless ways to help him feel affirmed and appreciated. (Please note that all of the following can be adjusted for your parish priest, who like any other father, could use the support!) My husband is strengthened when I tell him he is my hero, that his hard work and love for our family is noble and admirable. When words aren’t enough, I make sure to give him a break to strike out on his own, which usually includes Bass Pro and local fishing hole or a night out with his buddies. I’ll bake him cookies and try to present a truly peaceful and welcoming home. Most importantly, I pray for him and my dad and tell them that I do so. The gift of prayer is certainly the most powerful, encouraging and the most fruitful. Being a father, whether of children or a congregation, is no light task. While those called to fatherhood are charged with guiding children to God among other things, those of us who receive their guidance are called to respond to their efforts and remind them of our gratitude.

he Diocese of Shreveport is proud to announce the hire of Shelly Bole as the new Director of Catechesis. Bole is well educated in matters of the Church. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Newman University in Shelly Bole has been hired as the Diocese of Shreveport’s new Wichita in 1989, Director of Catechesis. and just recently completed her Master’s degree in Theological Studies from the same university this past August. Her Bachelor’s degree focused on youth ministry, so Bole spent much of her early career working with youth ministry on the parish level and serving as a campus minister to a Catholic high school. She later felt called to minister in adult education. Bole comes to us from the Diocese of Wichita in Kansas where she served as the Program Coordinator of Religious Education. During her time there she trained catechists and took on a number of projects including writing a confirmation curriculum specific to the Diocese of Wichita over a five year period and managing a resource library for the diocese that served all Catholics, especially catechists. Shelly will begin work as the Diocese of Shreveport’s Director of Catechesis on June 1, 2012. She is excited about beginning work in north Louisiana, “The thing that struck me about my interview was the profound faith in this sense of place. I was very impressed with that.” She is also very happy with the Diocese of Shreveport’s vision of lifelong catechesis. When Bole begins her new position, she’s ready to hit the ground running. “One of my first priorities is to spend time with Bishop to understand his vision,” said Bole. She added that she wants to meet the clergy and the Directors of Religious Education to garner an understanding of where they’re at now, what’s working for them and what can be improved. Bole added, “The first goal of catechesis is to foster intimacy with Christ. How can I help [people] do that in their parishes? ” Shelly is anxious to meet the people of our diocese. Please give her a warm welcome when you see her out in the parishes!

Annual Report

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Hispanic Corner

(CNS photo/ Nancy Wiechec)

por Rosalba Quiroz

Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

l mes de Junio es el mes dedicado al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús; la Fiesta se celebra el viernes después del domingo del Santísimo Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo (Corpus Christi). Es una festividad movible ya que se celebra dos domingos después del Domingo de Pentecostés (la vendida del Espíritu Santo sobre los Apóstoles). La devoción al Corazón de Jesús ha existido desde los primeros tiempos de la Iglesia, cuando se meditaba en el costado y el Corazón abierto de Jesús, de donde salió sangre y agua. De ese Corazón nació la Iglesia y por ese Corazón se abrieron las puertas del Cielo. La devoción al Sagrado Corazón está por encima de otras devociones porque veneramos al mismo Corazón de Dios. Pero fue Jesús mismo quien, en el siglo diecisiete, en Paray-leMonial, Francia, a través de una humilde religiosa, Sta. Margarita María Alcoque, solicitó que se estableciera definitiva y específicamente la devoción a su Sacratísimo Corazón. Párrafo sacado de la página de internet católica www.encuentra.com en esta página encontrarás devociones, novenas, las promesas de Jesús a quien se entrega a Su Sagrado Corazón. Conéctate a nuestra página de internet www.dioshpt.org para encontrar este y otros enlaces católicos. Santos del mes de Junio incluyen: 3 San Carlos Luanga 13 San Antonio de Padua 24 San Juan Bautista 21 San Luis Gonzaga

25 Santo Tomás Moro 29 San Pedro y San Pablo Avisos: - Jeanne Brown, la secretaria de la oficina del Ministerio Hispano será mamá por segunda vez por lo que tomará ausencia de maternidad del 15 de junio al 15 de agosto. La felicitamos por su nuevo bebe y le deseamos mucha alegría salud a ella y a su familia. - A partir del 1º de julio tendremos una adición a nuestra oficina y es que habrá un coordinador de la Pastoral Juvenil Hispana de tiempo completo. Agradecemos a Dios por todos los beneficios y bendiciones a nuestro Ministerio - Como cada año, no tendremos revista mensual Catholic Connection en el mes de julio. La próxima edición sale en agosto.

Programa de Radio Escucha todos los domingos de 8:30 – 9:00a.m. el programa católico “Al Que Madruga, Dios lo Ayuda” por la estación 92.1 F.M. o encuentra los programas pasados en nuestra página de internet www.dioshpt.org haciendo clic en español.

Calendario del Mes de Junio 2 Escuela de Ministerios: Mariología (Devociones y veneración a Nuestra Madre María). 8-9 Retiro Espiritual para servidores de Búsqueda # 3 en Ruston, LA 15 Día de la celebración del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús

Julio 24 Reunión del Comité Ejecutivo para planear actividades para el Ministerio Hispano. 23-31 Taller para Asesores de la Pastoral Juvenil, Orlando, FL.

Agosto 4 Escuela de Ministerios: Espiritualidad, Catholic Center 24-26 Retiro Búsqueda # 3, para adolescentes de 14-17 años, Scotsville, TX

18 19 Catholic Connection June 2012

Misas

Bossier City: Christ the King Church 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Sábado 7:00 p.m. Domingo 3:00 p.m. Lunes 7:00 p.m. Confesiones 45 minutos antes de Misa Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 600 E. Water Street Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m. Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115 Mansfield: St. Joseph Church 305 Jefferson Street Mansfield 2do Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m. Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390 Minden: St. Paul Church 410 Fincher Road Minden 2do y 4to Viernes 7:00 p.m. Margarita Bratton Tel: 318-377-9684 Oak Grove: Sacred Heart Church 201 Purvis St Oak Grove Domingo 5:00 p.m. Feliciano y Rosa Alviso Martinez Tel: 318-428-2137 Ruston: St. Thomas Aquinas Church 810 Carey Ave. Ruston 2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m. Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines Church 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop Shreveport Domingo 1:00 p.m. Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-455-2300 West Monroe: St. Paschal Church 711 N 7th Street West Monroe Domingo 2:30 p.m. Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora del Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7265 Jeanne Brown 318-219-7257

News Briefs

by Catholic News Service

USCCB Joins in Petition Asking US to Change Nuclear Policy

At Audience, Pope Says Work Should Help, not Hinder, Family Life

ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Work obligations should not harm a person’s family relationships but should provide support, giving couples the resources to have and raise children and spend time together, Pope Benedict XVI said. At the end of his weekly general audience May 16, Pope Benedict noted how the United Nations chose “family and work” as the focus of the 2012 International Day of Families, which was celebrated May 15. Work should not be an obstacle (CNS photo/ Paul Haring) to the family, he said, “but rather should support and unite it, help it to open itself to life” and interact with society and the Church. Pope Benedict also expressed his hope that Sundays would be respected by employers as “a day of rest and an occasion to reinforce family ties.” In his main audience talk, the pope looked at prayer in the biblical letters of St. Paul. The New Testament letters, he said, include prayers of thanksgiving, praise, petition and intercession, demonstrating how prayer is appropriate for every occasion in life. “Prayer should not be seen simply as a good work we do for God -- something we do -- but as a gift, the fruit of the living spirit of the Father and of Jesus Christ within us,” the pope said. Pope Benedict said often “we do not know how to pray in the right way,” but simply opening oneself up and setting aside a bit of time for God, the Holy Spirit will take over. “The absence of words, but the desire to enter into dialogue with God, is a prayer that the Holy Spirit not only understands, but carries to and interprets for God.”

Laborers work on the assembly of the reactor at Atucha II nuclear power plant in Zarate, Argentina. (CNS photo/Marcos Brindicci, Reuters)

ASHINGTON (CNS) -- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops joined about four dozen other national organizations in amassing more than 50,000 signatures on a petition asking for a change in the United States’ “outdated” nuclear arms policy. “You must act now to reduce the nuclear danger and the role of nuclear weapons,” said the petition, addressed to President Barack Obama. The petition urges Obama to “end outdated U.S. nuclear war-fighting strategy, dramatically reduce the number of U.S. nuclear weapons and the Faith in the Footlights: Religion Gets a Curtain Call on number of submarines, missiles and bombers Broadway that carry those weapons, and take U.S. nuclear EW YORK (CNS) -- Can it be? Has Broadway found religion? According to weapons off high alert. Maintaining large one recent article, a bumper crop of faith-themed shows, like “Jesus Christ numbers of nuclear forces on alert increases Superstar,” “Godspell,” “Book of Mormon” and “Sister Act,” has transformed the risk of accident or miscalculation.” A Broadway into a “highway to heaven.” So why the great awakening on the Great May 15 announcement from the groups White Way? “I think there is a “God moment” breaking out in the entertainment involved said the petition was delivered to culture that’s partly driven by a quest for profits in difficult economic times, but also the White House May 7. Stephen Colecchi, by people’s never-ending quest for transcendent meaning,” said Tom Allen of Allied director of the bishops’ Office of International Faith and Family, a marketing agency that is trying to promote shows like “Sister Act” Justice and Peace, represented the USCCB. to Christians. The Tony-nominated musical is emblematic of this religious revival: “This is just one of the many expressions of flashy and brash, yet earnestly spiritual. The same can be said for the recently closed support for overdue changes in the United “Leap of Faith,” which is contemplating a possible national tour. Both musicals were States’ nuclear weapons strategy which is adapted from 1992 movies and feature music by Oscar-winning composer Alan still burdened by Cold War thinking,” said Menken. Both also deal with themes of redemption and salvation. “I think people are Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms tired of hearing about selfish people feeling sorry for themselves,” said Fred Applegate, Control Association, which spearheaded the who plays a pastor in “Sister Act” and who believes the uptick in religious productions petition drive and assembled the coalition of underscores a need “for hope.” organizations that signaled their support. The United States, Kimball told Catholic News Service in a May 15 telephone interview, possesses about 1,700 strategically positioned Kecia LewisEvans stars in nuclear warheads. Russia has about 1,500. Each a scene from has more strategically deployed warheads than the Broadway the rest of the “nuclear club” -- China, France, production of "Leap of Faith" Great Britain, India, Pakistan, Israel and North at St. James Korea -- has warheads of all kinds combined. Theatre in New “Just one U.S. nuclear-armed submarine can York. (CNS photo/Joan destroy several cities,” Kimball said. “We today Marcus) possess 12 submarines with nuclear weapons.”

19 18

Around the Diocese

Renovations will soon begin on St. Joseph Church in Zwolle. To help, Kindergarten Religion Class students started “giving change for a change” and set a goal of raising $100. Every Wednesday the children would bring handfuls of change to put in a coin bank. The class raised $172.59 to donate towards the renovation. The students presented their donations at two Masses on April 21 and 22.

The youth group from Our Lady of Fatima Church in Monroe recently attended Abbey Youth Fest in Covington, LA. They joined a crowd of over 5,000 Catholics at St. Benedict Abbey to hear Mark Hart, the “Bible Geek,” give the keynote address. The one-day outdoor event concluded with Mass and Adoration under the stars.

On Friday, April 13, Christy Gallegos, a mother of five children who attend local Catholic schools, lost her battle with cancer. One week later, students from Loyola College Prep and St. John Berchmans SchooL gathered in St. Michael’s Chapel to participate in a unique project dedicated to Christy’s memory. The students, with the assistance of Bishop Michael Duca, taped a professional recording of children praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. The CD contains brief meditational readings as well as music provided by the Loyola College Prep Choral Ensemble accompanied by guest violinist, Zack Grant. Students from Loyola, St. John Berchmans and St. Joseph Catholic School all played a part in the final product. All proceeds will go the Christy Gallegos Memorial Fund. CDs can be purchased at Jacob’s Well Catholic book store in Shreveport.

St. Paschal Church in West Monroe had Confirmation on April 21, 2012. The confirmands are pictured with Father Frank Coens and Bishop Michael G. Duca.

20 21 Catholic Connection June 2012

The Catholic Youth Organization from St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ruston participated in the first ever Ruston Church Soccer League. The St. Thomas team won the championship, beating Trinity United Methodist Church for the title (photo by Doug Gagnon).

10th Anniversary for the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People by Deacon Michael

MEET THE DEPARTMENTS: Worship, Permanent Diaconate and Information Systems

Straub, Safe Environment Coordinator

During the 25th anniversary year of the Diocese of Shreveport we are profiling those who work in each department for the diocese. We hope this helps you get to know the people who work for you.

Brandy Wood, Administrative Assistant to the Office of Worship & Permanent Diaconate and Dianne Rachal, Director, Office of Worship

Deacon Clary Nash, Director of the Permanent Diaconate

Patricia Pillors, Director of Information Systems

Office of Worship assists in the sacramental and liturgical ministry of the diocese and its parishes, providing liturgical resources and formation to priests, parishes and the faithful to enrich the worship of the Church. Dianne Rachal: I have been Director of the Office of Worship for six years. I am also adjunct faculty for Greco Institute and a spiritual director. I am married to Steve, and we have one son and four daughters. My hobby is going to school, and I just completed a second Master’s degree in Theological Studies from the University of Dallas. Contact me if you have questions about liturgy, sacraments, training of parish liturgical ministers, etc. Brandy Wood: I serve as Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Office of Worship and Permanent Diaconate. I am married to Matt and have one daughter and three sons. I have worked for the Diocese of Shreveport since August 2009. If you have any questions or need help concerning the Office of Worship or the Permanent Diaconate please call me. Permanent Diaconate reaches out to all the people of God through the identification and formation of men for service as permanent deacons. This office also assists and supervises the ordained permanent deacons in their ministry and assignment. Deacon Clary Nash: I was ordained in June 1986. I currently serve at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church as the Community Coordinator. I am the Coordinator of the Permanent Diaconate for the diocese, including the formation of future deacons. I retired from General Motors after 34 years with management experience. I received a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University. My wife, Mary, and I have been married 40 + years with two sons and four grandchildren. Information Systems is responsible for implementation, management and technical support for the diocese’s internet, email, desktops, servers, network and data security systems and serves as technical support to parishes and parish-based organizations. Patricia Pillors: I am Director of Information Systems. I began work in the diocese in 1985 in the Schools Office and was appointed Director of Information Systems in 2000. As director, I am responsible for the implementation, management and technical support for the diocese’s internet, email, telephone system, desktops, servers, network and data security systems. I also serve as technical support to parishes, diocesan organizations and parish-based organizations throughout the diocese.

his year marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “A promise to protect, a pledge to heal” is the motto of USCCB’s office of Child and Youth Protection. After 10 years, this USCCB office has only increased their efforts to help keep those vulnerable from harm and stay true to this pledge. Our diocese’s history of having a policy for the protection of youth from sex abuse goes back to the late 1980’s, many years before the USCCB formed the charter. Since the inception of the USCCB’s charter in 2002 we have been adhering to its articles and policies. The preamble of the charter states: “Since 2002, the Church in the United States has experienced a crisis without precedent in our times. The sexual abuse of children and young people by some deacons, priests and bishops, and the ways in which these crimes and sins were addressed, have caused enormous pain, anger and confusion. As bishops, we have acknowledged our mistakes and our roles in that suffering, and we apologize and take responsibility again for too often failing victims and the Catholic people in the past. From the depths of our hearts, we bishops express great sorrow and profound regret for what the Catholic people have endured.” These are the first words of the charter. It is the remembrance of where we were and where we do not wish to return. The ills of child abuse in our society may not ever change or disappear but what we do to counteract it makes all the difference. The charter has undergone two revisions, one in 2005 and another in 2011. It might experience many more revisions over the next 100 years, but it will remain in place and continue to play an essential role in Catholic dioceses across the country of keeping those who are vulnerable safe from harm. 21 20

Upcoming Events JUNE 4 - JULY 20: SUMMER CAMPS AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN BERCHMANS The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans will host a variety of summer camps for children ages 4 - 13. The camps are: Sports Camp, Technology Camp, Drama Camp, Art Camp and Vatican Express Kidz Camp. Additionally, there will be a Discipleship Retreat for high school youth. Fees differ for each camp. For more information and registration forms for the Summer Camps, contact Megan Funk in the church office at 318-221-5296. JUNE 9: RETREAT FOR EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION The retreat will be Saturday, June 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. This is a free event. To register, contact Dianne Rachal at 318-868-4441 or e-mail drachal@dioshpt.org. JUNE 10-11: “THE FIGHTFREE MARRIAGE” AND “CONTRACEPTION: WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?” This is a two-day FREE Event for adults, Sunday, June 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m., and Monday, June 11, 5:30-7:00 p.m., in St. Michael the Archangel Chapel behind the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. The presenters

will be Timothy and Kristin Putnam from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK. All young married couples, engaged couples, natural family planning supporters, pro-life groups members, medical community and students, and all adults wanting more information on marriage and contraception are invited! JUNE 24: OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH TO CELEBRATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY Our Lady of Fatima Church in Monroe will celebrate their 60th anniversary on June 24, 2012 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Bishop Duca will lead a procession from the Our Lady of Fatima school gym, where the first Mass was celebrated in May of 1952, to the church to celebrate Mass. A multi-cultural potluck lunch will be held in the school gym following the Mass. Everyone is welcome to bring a dish to share and come join in the celebration. For more information, contact the OLF office at 318-325-7595. JUNE 25: PILGRIMAGE TO SHRINE OF MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT IN ALABAMA Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church is making a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, AL, and to Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in Irondale, AL. The two are united with one purpose of adoring our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament and teaching the

faith, in order to draw each pilgrim closer to Jesus. The Shrine has an emphasis on Eucharistic Spirituality. Catechesis is the primary focus at EWTN. We will leave on Monday, June 25 and return on Wednesday, June 27. If you are interested in making the pilgrimage and would like more details please contact Jeannette Petty at 318-752-5971 or via email at churchoffice@mqop.com. JUNE 28: SUMMER SPECTACULAR BALL AT MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church is presenting a Summer Spectacular Ball at KC Hall #4873, 5400 Texas St., Bossier City, LA, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. The event is black tie optional - tux or suit for men and evening wear for women. The cost is $50 per person or $100 a couple. Must be 21 years of age to attend. JULY 4: NATIONALLY TELEVISED FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM MASS A Mass will be offered on July 4 at 11:10 a.m. (CST) at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C., celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl of the Archdiocese of Washington and homilist Archbishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Mass will be televised nationwide on the EWTN cable network. Check your local listings.

2 0 1 2 D i o ce s a n s t e w a rd s h i p Appe 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

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

22 23 Catholic Connection June 2012

June 2012

July 2012

June 1: Saint Justin, martyr

July 3: Saint Thomas, apostle

June 2: Ordination of Brother Geoffrey Muga, F.M.H. to the Order of Deacon; St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m.

July 4: Independence Day

Saints Marcellinus & Peter, martyrs June 3: Confirmation; St. Lucy Church, Hodge; 9:00 a.m. The Most Holy Trinity June 5: Saint Boniface, bishop and martyr

Catholic Center Closed Saint Elizabeth of Portugal July 5: Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, priest July 6: Saint Maria Goretti, virgin & martyr

June 6: Saint Norbert, bishop

July 9: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and companions, martyrs

June 9: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Retreat; Catholic Center; 9:00 a.m.

July 10: Copy Deadline for August issue of the Catholic Connection

Saint Ephrem, deacon & doctor of the Church June 10: 26th Anniversary of the Diocese of Shreveport Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

July 11: Saint Benedict, abbot July 13: Saint Henry

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

July 14: Blessed Kateri Tekawitha, virgin

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

July 15-21: Natural Family Planning Awareness Week

June 11: USCCB Meeting begins in Atlanta, GA Saint Barnabas, apostle June 13: Vocations Board Meeting, Catholic Center, 12:00 p.m. Saint Anthony of Padua, priest & doctor of the Church

July 16: Our Lady of Mount Carmel July 18: Saint Camilius de Lellis, priest July 20: Saint Appollinaris, bishop

June 15: The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

July 21: Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, priest & doctor of the Church

June 16: The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

July 23: Saint Bridget, religious

June 17: Father’s Day

July 24: Saint Sharbel Makhluf, priest

June 19: Saint Romuald, abbot

July 25: Saint James, apostle

June 21: Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, religious

July 26: Saint Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

June 22: Saint Paulinus of Nola, bishop; Saints John Fisher, bishop and Saint Thomas More, martyr June 23: Second Collection: Peter’s Pence June 24: Our Lady of Fatima Church’s 60th Anniversary Mass, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe, 10:30 a.m. Second Collection: Peter’s Pence The Nativity of St. John the Baptist June 25: Diocesan Finance Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m.

July 30: Saint Peter Chrysologus, bishop & doctor of the Church July 31: Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest The Diocese of Shreveport will celebrate its 26th Anniversary at Mass at the Cathedral on June 10.

June 27: Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church June 28: Saint Irenaeus, bishop & martyr June 29: Saints Peter and Paul, apostles June 30: The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church 23 22

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Western Deanery Red Mass

he 20th annual Western Deanery Red Mass was held at Holy Trinity Church in downtown Shreveport. Bishop Michael G. Duca was the homilist for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Red Mass. He assisted the members of the bar in honoring Samaritan International for their medical ministry and ongoing efforts to promote social justice throughout the world. Right: Altar servers, Catholic clergy and clergy of other faiths gather for the procession into Mass. Bottom left to right: Bishop Duca gives the homily; Larry Petitte presents Dr. William Norwood with a service award; judges line up outside Holy Trinity Church.

24 Catholic Connection June 2012