Catholic Connection June 2016

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 25, No. 11 June 2016

Inside

Bishop’s Reflection: Silence is Essential to Communication June: The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Dads, Imitate the Father in Heaven

Confession is

Good for the

Soul

June 2016 1

Diocesan Announcements Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Jim Beadles Lisa Cooper Jean Dresley Bishop Michael Duca Jeb Key Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Alfredo Morelos Fr. Rothell Price

Jessica Rinaudo Shirley Rivers Katie Sciba Linda Serio Mike Van Vranken Bro. Mike Ward Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Catholic Connection

• On behalf of Bishop Duca, it gives me great joy to announce that he has appointed Father Michael Thang’wa as pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Parish and St. Terence Church, both in Many. Father Michael’s appointment begins Wednesday, June 29th, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. Fr. Michael is well prepared for his first pastorate. He has a shepherd’s heart, a generous soul, a joyful spirit and a zeal for God’s house. Please extend to him every help and courtesy you have to offer. – Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General

Thang'wa

• There will be changes in personnel in the Office of Vocations. Jeanne Brown, who has been administrative assistant for the Office of Vocations, will be ending her employment with the Diocese of Shreveport. Jeanne and her husband Shawn have made the decision to relocate to Florida to be near both their families. Jeanne was hired by Fr. David Richter and has been an invaluable asset to the work of vocations. Her kindness, friendliness and excellent work ethic have made her beloved not only by the vocation director, but by the seminarians, their Brown families and all who have dealt with the office. She will be sorely missed but we wish her well and support her in making the best decision for her growing family. Thank you Jeanne for serving the Church so faithfully and well.

You will be greatly missed. Until a new assistant is named, please direct all inquiries regarding vocations to either Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Church Vocations, or Brandy Boudreau, administrative assistant in Pastoral Services.

• Effective May 13, 2016, Martin Aviles-Vazquez is no longer a seminarian of the Diocese of Shreveport. We wish him well as he discerns his vocation in a different way. – Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Vocations

bishop’s june calendar JUNE 1 Mass; David Wade Correctional Center, Homer; 5:00 p.m.

JUNE 3 Sacred Heart Feast Day Mass & Celebration; Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville; 5:30 p.m.

JUNE 4 Confirmation; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Farmerville; 5:30 p.m.

JUNE 5 Confirmation; St. Matthew Parish, Monroe; 10:30 a.m.

JUNE 12-18 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Spring Meeting; Huntington Beach, CA JUNE 19 Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 8:30 a.m.

JUNE 22 Investment Committee meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m.

JUNE 25 Knights of Peter Claver Louisiana State Junior Conference Mass; Shreveport Convention Center, Shreveport; 5:00 p.m.

JUNE 26 Confirmation; Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

JUNE 29 Diocesan Finance Council meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m.

contents

june 2016

columns Silence is Essential to Communication by Bishop Michael Duca............................ 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: Mercy That Feeds by Mike Van Vranken............................... 6 In Review: Dear Pope Francis by Jessica Rinaudo ............................................... 7 Faithful Food: Be Hospitable to Yourself by Kim Long........................................... 8

11

Domestic Church: Dads, Imitate the Father in Heaven by Katie Sciba.............. 9 From the Pope: The Ascension, Promise of Our Participation in the Fullness of Life Before God by Vatican Information Services.................................................10 Navigating the Faith: The Sacred Heart of Jesus by Katie Sciba ........................11 Summer Second Collections by Fr. Rothell Price ...................................................12 Vocations View: Seminary: The First Year by Jeb Key ...........................................13 Mercy in Action: St. Frances of Rome Circle Feeds in Time of Need

by Katie Sciba.......................................................................................................... 17 Kids' Connection: June is the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus ....................24

14

features Confession is Good for the Soul

by Fr. Matthew Long ................................................................................................ 14-15

news Catholic Charities Director Bids Farewell

by Jean Dresley ........................................................................................................16 Catholic Campus Ministry at Tech Recognized Nationally

by Bro. Mike Ward ......................................................................................................18

19

Deacon Nash Celebrates 30 Years of Ordination

by Deacon Mike Whitehead ......................................................................................19

Father Elavunkal Returns to India by Shirley Rivers ................................................20

on the cover

Young at Heart Group Loves Faith by John Mark Willcox......................................21 The Holy Year of Mercy and the SVdP by Jim Beadles..........................................22 Hispanic News by Alfredo Morelos ..........................................................................23 School News ...........................................................................................................25 Around the Globe: The Pope Meets with Superiors General: Participation in Decision Making and Study of the Female Diaconate

by Vatican Information Services ...............................................................................26 Loyola Students Win Big in Regional Competitions by Lisa Cooper ...................27 Across the Diocese ................................................................................................28-29 Mark Your Calendar ...............................................................................................30 June & July Calendar ............................................................................................31 Picture of the Month...............................................................................................32 June 2016 3

la reflexión Del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

El Silencio es Esencial en la Comunicación

M

ientras escribo este artículo en mayo, ya estoy pensando en mis vacaciones en el Río Rojo en Nuevo México. Cada año hago un peregrinaje al norte de Nuevo México, no solamente por el clima fresco a mediados de Julio, sino por la paz y el silencio. Creo que en este ruidoso y ocupado mundo en el que vivimos todos anhelamos un lugar callado para sanar y para recargar nuestra fuerza. Lo imaginamos como un lugar sin conflicto o preocupación, de hecho ir a un lugar callado fuera de lo ocupado del mundo puede ser más difícil de lo que imaginamos. ¿Por qué es difícil? Bueno, piensen en esto: cuando encontramos tiempo en nuestras vidas ocupadas para tener silencio, en cuanto nos sentamos, un mundo de proyectos sin terminar y las necesidades emocionales y espirituales que hemos hecho a un lado, de repente llenan nuestras mentes y exigen atención urgente. Aun si sobrepasamos esta distracción nos quedamos inquietos y descubrimos que no solamente no sabemos qué hacer con el silencio, sino que los sentimientos que comienzan a surgir no son nada relajantes, sino hasta preocupantes. Aunque el silencio sea difícil, nuestro Santo Papa Emérito Benedicto nos recordó que es esencial para nuestras vidas aunque sea difícil encontrarlo en nuestro mundo ruidoso.

El Santo Papa Emérito Benedicto una vez dijo: “El silencio es un elemento integral de la comunicación; en su ausencia, no existen palabras ricas en contenido. En el silencio somos mejores para escuchar y entendernos a nosotros mismos; nacen nuevas ideas y otras adquieren profundidad; entendemos con mayor claridad lo que queremos decir y lo que esperamos de los demás; y escogemos como expresarnos.”

En nuestro mundo ocupado debemos hacer un verdadero esfuerzo de encontrar tiempo para estar en silencio para que podamos descubrir la sabiduría que solo se encuentra en el silencio. Es el silencio el que hace la verdadera comunicación posible. Cuando estamos callados y escuchamos a otros, tenemos la oportunidad de comprender verdaderamente lo que la otra persona está tratando de comunicar. En el silencio tenemos el tiempo de reunir nuestros pensamientos y ver nuestras opciones desde los más profundos valores de nuestras vidas y no desviarnos por las voces fuertes que quieren forzarnos a actuar en contra de estos valores. El silencio es donde permitimos que la voz de Dios nos acerque más al misterio del amor de Dios. En el silencio es donde damos espacio para la oración. Una de las más profundas sabidurías de la Iglesia y las enseñanzas de los santos es que debemos meditar en la Palabra de Dios. Meditar es hacer tiempo para estar callados, en el silencio y permitir que emerja en nosotros el significado completo de la Escritura. Este entendimiento profundo solo se da en el silencio, y ahí es donde encontramos el tiempo para poner en palabras el sentimiento sorpresivo de una escritura que nos haya llegado al corazón.

Algunas veces juzgamos una Misa según si la homilía estuvo buena, pero si entregamos un corazón atento en la Misa, Dios puede tocar nuestros corazones a través de la oración, las lecturas, la gracia de recibir la Sagrada Comunión y en otras maneras sorpresivas. Un corazón silencioso puede abrirse aun en medio de la congregación de la Misa.

El verano nos ofrece a muchos, tiempo para poder salir, pero aun cuando no lo podamos hacer, todos podemos crear momentos de silencio y reflexión.

Hacer una visita a la iglesia con Nuestro Señor en oración. Tomarse unas 4 Catholic Connection

horas y apagar todo, inclusive el teléfono y solo descansar en silencio y ver como Dios nos habla. Yo encuentro un pequeño momento de silencio cuando manejo al garaje regresando de la oficina y apago el motor (ESTE ES UN PASO IMPORANTE) y simplemente me quedo sentado en el carro por un momento. Es un lugar calmado para pensar, para sentir y para meditar sobre la experiencia del día. No deberíamos tener miedo del silencio y deberíamos hacer tiempo para ver como Dios nos llama a cambiar nuestras vidas, a ver nuestras opciones, y descubrir la sabiduría que viene de meditar en la Palabra de Dios.

Esta reflexión silenciosa no es solo para darnos una aclaración personal, sino que también es donde escuchamos las necesidades de los pobres y el sufrimiento y atendemos al llamado de Dios a la Misión. Así como nuestro Santo Padre Emérito Benedicto nos dijo: “Cuando hablamos de la grandiosidad de Dios, nuestro lenguaje estará siempre incompleto y debemos hacer espacio para la contemplación en silencio. De esta contemplación florece, con todo su poder interior, el sentido urgente de misión… La contemplación silenciosa nos sumerge en la fuente de ese Amor que nos dirige hacia nuestro prójimo para que sintamos su sufrimiento y le ofrezcamos la luz de Cristo, su mensaje de vida y su regalo salvífico del amor pleno.”

Busquemos la sabiduría que solo puede ser encontrada en el silencio. Entregarse al silencio no es siempre fácil de soportar pero “no tengan miedo” porque la sabiduría que descubrimos en el silencio de nuestro corazón atento es la palabra salvadora de nuestro Salvador invitándonos más profundamente al misterio de Su amor. •

bishop’s REFLECTION

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

Silence is Essential to Communication

A

s I write this article in May, I am already thinking about my summer vacation retreat in Red River, New Mexico. I make a yearly pilgrimage to northern New Mexico, not only for the cool weather in mid-July, but also for the peace and the quiet. I think we all, in this busy and noisy world in which we live, yearn for a quiet place to heal and regain our strength. We imagine it as a place without strife or concern, but in fact going to a quiet place out of a busy world can be more difficult than we imagine.

Why is it hard? Well, think about it. When we find some time in our busy life to be silent, as soon as we sit down a flood of unfinished projects and emotional and spiritual needs we have pushed aside suddenly crowd Bishop Duca into our minds and demand urgent attention. Even when we overcome this distraction we are left with ourselves and discover that we may not know what to do with silence, or the feelings that begin to emerge are not relaxing at all, in fact they may be disturbing. Yet even though silence can be hard, Pope Emeritus Benedict reminded us that it is essential to our lives even though we can all admit it is hard to find silence in our noisy world.

Pope Emeritus Benedict once said: “Silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist. In silence, we are better able to listen to and understand ourselves; ideas come to birth and acquire depth; we understand with greater clarity what it is we want to say and what we expect from others; and we choose how to express ourselves.”

In our busy world we must make a real effort to find time to be quiet so we can discover the wisdom that is only found in silence. It is silence that makes real communication possible. When we are quiet and listen to another, we have the opportunity to really understand what the other person is trying to communicate. In silence we have the time to gather our thoughts and consider our choices from the deepest values of our lives and not be swayed by the loud shouting voices that want to force us to act against our deepest values. Silence is where we allow the voice of God to draw us deeper into the mystery of God’s love. Silence is the space of prayer.

One of the deepest wisdoms of the Church and the teachings of the saints is that we should meditate on the Word of God. Meditating is making time to be quiet and, in silence, allowing the full meaning of the scripture to emerge.

This deeper understanding is only possible in quiet, and in the silence we find time to put into words the surprising feeling a scripture has evoked in our hearts.

Sometimes we judge a Mass by whether the homily was good, but if we foster a silent listening heart during the Mass, God can touch our hearts through the prayers, the readings, the grace of receiving Holy Communion and in other surprising ways. A silent heart can be fostered even in the middle of the congregation at Mass.

Summer offers time for many of us to get away, but even if we cannot, we can create moments of silence and reflection. Make a visit to the church

to visit our Lord in prayer. Take a few hours and turn off everything, even the phone, and just rest in the silence and see how God speaks to you. I find a unique moment of silence when I drive into my garage coming back to the office. I turn off the motor (this is an important step!) and simply sit in my car for a time. It is a very quiet place to think, feel and consider the experiences of the day. We should not be afraid of the silence and make time to consider how God is calling us to change our lives, reconsider our choices, and discover the wisdom that comes from meditating on the Word of God. This silent reflection does not leave us with only new personal insight, but it is also where we hear the needs of the poor and suffering and hear God’s call to mission. As Pope Emeritus Benedict said: “In speaking of God’s grandeur, our language will always prove inadequate and must make space for silent contemplation. Out of such contemplation springs forth, with all its inner power, the urgent sense of mission.… Silent contemplation immerses us in the source of that Love who directs us towards our neighbors so that we may feel their suffering and offer them the light of Christ, his message of life and his saving gift of the fullness of love.”

Let us seek out the wisdom that can only be found in silence. The quiet is often not easy to endure but “do not be afraid,” for the wisdom we discover in the silence of our listening heart is the saving words of our savior inviting us deeper into the mystery of His love. • June 2016 5

mike’s meditations

by Mike Van Vranken

Mercy That Feeds

M

y 14-year-old nephew won an award for an essay he had written about hunger in the U.S. His report included frightening facts that indicate 16% of Americans do not have a consistent source of food. His research also discovered that since the 1990’s, hunger in our country has increased by 57%. He concluded his findings with the conviction that we need to step up and help these American families who are in distress because of their lack of nourishing food. He was challenging us to examine our participation in the Corporal Work of Van Vranken Mercy that calls us to feed the hungry.

Does it alarm us that 48 million of God’s precious sons and daughters in this country face hunger on a consistent basis? Have we realized when we receive God’s mercy and compassion in our own lives every day, we have the undisputed responsibility to share that same mercy and compassion with others?

Legitimate questions are raised within our own hearts as we ponder this issue. After all, we do love the hungry who live in our midst. We also realize that when we do something for one of them, we are doing it for Jesus. What can we do to help? We want to offer assistance, but on many days we are fortunate just to meet our own family’s responsibilities – with little time or resources to help anyone else. What can we do?

On our own, we can do very little. But Jesus said: “with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). We worship a miracle-performing God who can take two fish and feed thousands, a God who wants so much to be united with us that His Holy Spirit dwells within us. And, the Lord and Savior promised us that all authority in heaven and earth have been given to Him and that He would be with us always (Matthew 28:18-20).

So, when Paul wrote he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him, he was dead serious. He was convinced nothing could separate us from the love and power of God. In other words, if you and I are serious about sharing God’s mercy and feeding all these hungry people, we have to go to God with it – and expect an answer from Him. He may put a message in your heart asking you to pray daily for the hungry in your community. He may ask you to ask others to pray with you. He could encourage you to spend extra time with Him each day, asking Him to alleviate hunger for a specific family. Fervent and heartfelt prayer is extremely powerful.

God may speak to you about volunteering at one of the local agencies that provide food for those who need it. There are many wonderful organizations doing this work seeking volunteers. If this is where God is sending you, go ahead and respond. And watch for God’s miracles in the lives of the hungry and in your own life.

And yes, God may ask you to give money to help with this hunger crisis. And if He does, rejoice and be glad. Money is a very tangible gift that can offer immediate help.

Of course, no matter how God is asking you, He is going to give what you gave back to you. Just like the boy with the two fish and the five 6 Catholic Connection

loaves of bread, give freely, watch God perform His miracles of love, and then expect your 12 baskets of left-overs.

My family is all very proud of my nephew for identifying this hunger need and choosing to write about it in his essay. And, if we, as humans, can feel such pride in each other when we see such love, think how much more proud God is when He sees His children receive His Divine Mercy and then compassionately share it with each other. •

MONTHLY REFLECTION Spend some time alone with God and ask Him how He wants you to live the Corporal Work of Mercy that calls us to feed the hungry. Listen carefully as He prompts you.

Maybe He will speak to you through a friend or loved one. Maybe He will call you through an encounter you witness in your community. Maybe He will just put His desires squarely on your heart.

Once you hear His voice and decide to follow His lead, pray for the grace to carry it out only as He wills it. Turn all the control over to Him. You just be yourself, and let Him be God. He’s very good at it.

Mike is a writer and teacher, and co-author of the book: Faith Positive in a Negative World. You can contact him at www.mikevanvrankenministries.org

in REVIEW

by Jessica Rinaudo

Dear Pope Franics

by Pope Francis

D

ear Pope Francis is a collection of hand written questions and illustrations from children around the world to Pope Francis.

Pope Francis, in turn, responds to each of them with great joy, insight and on a level that is easy for a child to understand.

The questions sent to him range from joyful and amusing like, “Dear Pope Francis, when you were a child, did you like dancing?” To theological questions that sometimes tug at the heartstrings like, “Your Holiness, Will my grandpa, a non-Catholic who is not a person willing to do something evil, go to heaven when he dies? In other words, if someone never makes any penances, how big a sin must he commit for him to go down to Hell?” Or, “Pope Francis, do you know why some parents argue with each other?”

And Pope Francis, with his usual grace and humility responds in turn, using Bible stories, the wisdom of saints and personal experience to respond. And in

almost all of his responses, Pope Francis expresses his joy and hope for young people and the future they will usher in. He also frequently comments on the children’s illustrations, noting specific details that he likes about them.

From his response to if he likes

dancing, “People who can’t express joy are always serious. Dance now, children, so you won’t be too serious when you grow up!” To addressing serious topics like settling world conflict, “The real cause of war is selfishness and greed. I can’t resolve all the conflicts in the world, but you and I can try to make the earth a better place… We have to convince everyone that the best way to win a war is not to wage one. I know that’s not easy. But I’m going to try. And I ask you to try too,” Pope Francis shows his caring and thoughtful side.

While the book contains 30 letters from children, a total of 259 were submitted from 26 countries on six continents and written in 14 different languages. Loyola Press gathered the letters, and Jesuit Antonio Spadaro, S.J., director of La Civilta Cattolica magazine, presented them to Pope Francis in person. Together they went through the letters, Pope Francis responding while Spadaro recorded his responses and later transcribed and translated them for this book.

Dear Pope Francis is an enjoyable read for both children and adults alike, opening eyes to the simplicity and beauty of God’s love for all of His people. The opening page has a space to note who the book belongs to, who it was given from and the day it was presented, easily making it a great gift for a child who is receiving First Communion or being confirmed. I can not wait to share it with my own children and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. •

“Jesus wept, and by weeping, he understood our tragedies. I try to understand too. Yes, if I could perform a miracle, I would heal every child."

Pope Francis in Dear Pope Francis

Dear Pope Francis is available to borrow from the Slattery Library at the Catholic Center, or for purchase through Loyola Press or Amazon.com.

June 2016 7

faithful FOOD

by Kim Long

Be Hospitable to Yourself May Your Summer Bring Peace and Respite

W

hen I think of the word hospitality an image comes to mind: a table overflowing with food and a generous hostess at ease in her domain. I also think of my initiation into the world of “institutional Long hospitality” when I was a tea girl.

Several of my friends, my sister and I were often called upon to serve at wedding receptions. It felt like a sought after invitation and not a call to work.

We would dress up in our “church” clothes and glide all but invisible in the “fellowship hall” at St. Joseph Baptist Church. There is no telling how many times my sister and I were present with the new bride and groom and the rest of our church family. Silver tray in hand, we scooped up punch cups and politely soiled heavy duty paper dinner napkins.

It was an honor to be asked to help, but there was much more going on than met our young eyes. We were being trained, initiated into the women’s world of social occasions and the duties of a hostess, the ancient art of hospitality.

I am especially grateful for this experience any time I put together a reception, teacher appreciation dinner or holiday meal. Without those early days

of training, I don’t think I could pull these events off.

Hospitality is defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers. I think these are pretty effortless when compared to being hospitable to and with ourselves.

With the early Easter this year, everything has been in a fast forward motion. Confirmation, May Crowning, and First Holy Communion are behind us. Now I can breathe again and take a moment for myself. I am hoping for at least a few weeks respite before Vacation Bible School, before we begin the new PSR year, before I am facing down another school year.

How can we show ourselves the hospitality we have shown others all year long? How can my Monday night family dinners be leisurely and enjoyable to everyone – including me?

Simplicity seems the logical answer.

Meals in the summer are better served on the lighter side, something cool and refreshing to abate our hunger and combat the sultry heat of north Louisiana.

Some of my Aunt Carolyn’s fruited minty iced tea sounds perfect. I received this recipe in a letter over 20 years ago. As I opened the envelope, a recipe card written in her tight and legible hand slid onto the table.

Aunt Carolyn's Iced Tea Ingredients: • 3 cups boiling water • 4 tea bags • 10-12 fresh mint sprigs • 1 cup sugar • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice • 5 cups water

8 Catholic Connection

Directions: 1) Steep tea with mint in boiling water for about five minutes.

2) Remove teabags and add remainder of ingredients.

3) Serve over ice and garnish with lemon and orange slices and a sprig of fresh mint.

Makes 2 ½ quarts

I grew mint in my herb garden and was anxious to try the tea. That letter arrived in summertime, and during that summer our family enjoyed this tea many evenings as we sat on the porch or at the picnic table watching the day fall asleep.

Be good to yourself, and not just in the summertime. Be gentle with yourself, and not just when times of sorrow hit. Be as good to yourself as scripture instructs us to be to the stranger. It takes a bit of retuning if you are a “Martha” like me, but it is possible. Carve out 10 or 15 minutes in your day to rest, refresh and recharge. Even God rested on the seventh day!

Scripture tells us about wisdom who has “built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table.” Can we do less for ourselves? I am making a real effort this summer in the weeks of down time to give it a try. Care to join me? And while you’re at it, enjoy a glass of this delicious iced tea. May your summer bring peace and a renewed sense of the sacred to each of us. • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport.

domestic CHURCH

by Katie Sciba

Dads, Imitate the Father in Heaven

A

fter last month’s piece on how the Blessed Virgin Mary handled motherhood, I thought it fitting to write up a corresponding article for dads as Father’s Day approaches. The entire text of the Bible and our daily lives are a revelation of how God handles being a dad, and there’s no better way for a father to sharpen his skills on earth than to imitate the Father Sciba in Heaven. While we know dads are all called to love, God couldn’t have made it clearer that love means forgiving and sacrificing in the name of love.

Forgive Generously The Prodigal Son isn’t a soft, sentimental story. In short, asking for an advance on his inheritance was the equivalent of wishing death upon his dad, so the son’s request was a slap in the face for his father. And then the son added insult to injury by blowing it all; who would blame the father if he held a lifelong grudge?

But the whole point of the well-known parable is to demonstrate the endless depth of forgiveness and love God the Father has for us, one that we’re called to imitate ourselves. Our kids will hurt us in some capacity in their lives - they’ll reject us or misjudge us, deceive or deny - and extending forgiveness will help heal the wound. Clemency from a dad is an encompassing gesture that not only helps him recover, but his penitent child as well.

Be Ready to Sacrifice What You Hold Dear What makes a man great isn’t his renown or even career; rather his greatness is taken by his own child’s ability to count on his love. The Heavenly Father who gave what he holds most dear - His only Son - can and will aid us in sacrificing what feels so hard or too hard to give up for our kids.

Though my perspective on fatherhood is limited, from the outside looking in, I know it requires that dads set their wants

Prayer

for Dads

to

God the

Father

Heavenly Father, you impressed upon the heart and nature of men the call to imitate you in fatherhood. Give me faith to lay my struggles at your feet, peace in accepting your will for me and my family, and courage to do what you ask of me.

aside for the sake of momentary or longterm family welfare. And so often those wants are heartfelt, even deserved; from needing a little peace and solitude to read the news or handle a project, to letting go of great ambitions made impossible by having a family, a dad’s heroism lies in sacrificing what they want with charity and fidelity.

You are Called to Imitate We’re made in God’s image and consequently called to imitate Him, but it’s impossible to do a good imitation of someone unless you know them. There has to be a relationship and in order to imitate God, dads need to pray to be in touch with the One in whose image they’re made.

They need deep encounters with the Lord to have a shot at doing a good impression of Him for their children, and the way to do that is to go straight to the Source and Summit - the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and going to confession frequently; maybe even as a family. Pray with the Bible daily and seek out at least one friendship where your faith can be shared.

None of these ideas are new. They’re the Heavenly Father’s constant call to all fathers. Forgive. Sacrifice. Imitate. Repeat – all in the name of divine love. •

Help me to move beyond myself when I need to forgive, and to reflect your eagerness to extend mercy to my children.

Grant me humility to sacrifice my wants and will to you for the benefit of the souls in my family; and above all, draw me close to you my Father in Heaven, the Sacred Heart of your Son, and revelation of the Holy Spirit, so I may know you deeply and be a channel of divine love.

I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife.net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and four children.

June 2016 9

from the POPE from Vatican Information Services

of

The Ascension, Promise of Our Participation in the Fullness of Life Before God

I

“ n the Ascension of Jesus, crucified and dwells the God Who revealed Himself so resurrected, there is the promise of close to us that He took a human face, our participation that of Jesus of Nazareth. He remains in the fullness of forever … Emmanuel, God with us, and life before God,” never abandons us.” assured Pope Francis After seeing the Lord rise to heaven, this morning the disciples returned to the city as before praying the witnesses who with joy announce to Regina Coeli with all the new life that comes from the thousands of faithful Crucified and Risen One, in whose Pope Francis gathered in St. name repentance and forgiveness of sins Peter’s Square. The Holy Father recalled should be proclaimed to all nations. that today many countries observe the “This is the witness – given not only feast of Jesus’ Ascension to heaven 40 with words, but also through daily life days after Easter.

– the witness that every Sunday should “We contemplate the mystery of come out of our churches to enter Jesus Who rises from our earthly space during the week into houses, offices, to enter into the fullness and glory of God, taking our humanity with ...because above Him. That is, our humanity enters every city for the first time in heaven”, he explained, who went on to cite , and the Gospel of St. Luke, which also narrates the reaction of the disciples who do not feel pain or loss, but instead return to Jerusalem with with hope. great joy, as they no longer fear the city that rejected their teacher and had witnessed Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, the scattering of the disciples and school, places for meeting and for the violence of a power that felt itself to leisure, hospitals, prisons, homes for the be under threat. elderly, places crowded with immigrants, “From that day, for the Apostles and the outskirts of cities,” said Francis. for every one of Christ’s disciples, it In this proclamation and in this was possible to live in Jerusalem and witness we are, as Jesus announces, in all cities throughout the world, even vested in power from on high, the power those most afflicted by injustice and of the Holy Spirit Who opens minds violence, because above every city there and hearts to announce love and mercy is the same heaven, and every inhabitant even in the most hostile environments may gaze upwards with hope. In Jesus, of our cities. The Holy Spirit is “the true God is true man, with His human body artifice of the multiform witness that in heaven. And this is our hope, our the Church and every baptized person anchor, and we are steadfast in this hope gives to the world,” the Holy Father if we look to heaven. In this heaven concluded. •

there is the same heaven every inhabitant may gaze upwards

10 Catholic Connection

In theWords

Pope Francis

“The Spirit has the task of awakening the memory, reminding of the words of Jesus.”

(Regina Coeli 5/2/16) “At the foot of every cross, the Mother of Jesus is always there.

With her mantle, she wipes away our tears. With her outstretched hand, she helps us to rise up and she accompanies us along the path of hope.”

(The Tears of the World 5/9/16) “We too are called to cultivate in ourselves attitudes of pity in relation to many situations of life, shaking off the indifference that prevents us from acknowledging the needs of the brothers who surround us and freeing us from the slavery of material well-being.”

(Jubilee Audience, 5/14/16) “We were made to be God’s children, it is in our DNA. But this filial relationship was ruined and required the sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son in order to be restored.

From the immense gift of love which is Jesus’ death on the cross, the Holy Spirit has been poured out upon humanity like a vast torrent of grace.” (Pentecost Mass 5/16/16) “Indeed, being Christians does not mean principally being involved in a certain culture or adhering to a certain doctrine, but rather linking one’s own life, in every aspect, to the person of Jesus and, through Him, to the Father. To this end Jesus promises the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to His disciples.”

(Regina Coeli, 5/16/16)

navigating the Faith

by Katie Sciba

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

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he Sacred Heart of Jesus is a living image of Christ’s love for man. Devotion to the Sacred Heart began in the 800’s to emphasize Jesus’ human nature and consequential vulnerability to the intense physical and spiritual suffering he endured during the Crucifixion. St. John Eudes spread love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus as well as the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the early 1600’s.

Around the same time in 1673, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque revealing his Sacred Heart. “My Divine Heart is so inflamed with love for men,” he said to her, “and...being unable any longer to contain within Itself the flames of Its burning charity, It needs to spread them abroad...in order to enrich them with the precious treasures which...contain graces of sanctification and salvation necessary to withdraw them from the abyss of perdition.”

Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary repeatedly over the course of two years and the constant message was his love for mankind, his grief over man’s general indifference to him and yearning to save man from Hell. He encouraged devotion to his Sacred Heart as well as frequent Communion, especially on the first Friday of each month, in order to receive salvific graces. He made 12 promises to those who devote themselves to the Sacred Heart because it is the source of his love.

Recognition of and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus continued to grow over time and in 1956, Pope Pius XII released Haurietas Aquas (On Devotion to the Sacred Heart), which emphasized its importance and implications.

Like every other word from Jesus, his message to St. Margaret Mary and image of his Sacred Heart are timeless. The culture at large fights to deny God, but the answer to real peace is embracing and being thankful for the gift of his Incarnation, Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection. Devotion to the Sacred Heart will cultivate stronger, more intimate relationships among family, strengthen marriages and impart knowledge of God’s love to lessen the matters of the world.

But what is devotion exactly? St. Francis de Sales clarifies what devotion is in his Introduction to the Devout Life. He said that devotion “leads us to do well, [and] to act carefully, diligently and promptly.” Or more simply, it’s loving God without hesitating to do what He calls us to do.

Placed within the Sacred Heart of Jesus, devotion is “a worshipful relationship to the person of Christ and his redeeming love, under the aspect or symbol of his heart.” Displaying the image of the Sacred Heart in our homes or wearing it on a medal are acts of devotion. Also intentionally fulfilling Christ’s urging to receive frequent Communion and spending holy hours in adoration encourage a particular love within us.

The Promises: The souls devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus will know peace to reign in their lives; not necessarily one that dissolves all problems, but an ability to accept God’s will and confidence that Jesus is Lord over every circumstance.

These graces don’t come magically, but are born of devotion and a deeper understanding of Christ’s love for us as individuals. When Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary, he made 12 promises to those who would devote themselves to his Sacred Heart. They are as written in her autobiography: 1) I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

2) I will establish peace in their houses.

3) I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

4) I will be their strength during life and above all during death.

5) I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings.

6) Sinners shall find in my heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7) Tepid souls shall grow fervent.

8) Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

9) I will bless every place where a picture of my heart shall be set up and honored.

10) I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

11) Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my heart, never to be blotted out.

12) I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a token of Christ’s relentless love for the world. Symbolic of his full humanity, it underscores the fact that he chose to suffer and die out of profound charity, and presently yearns for our love in return, especially in receiving frequent Communion. The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is June 3rd. • June 2016 11

second COLLECTIONS

by Fr. Rothell Price

Summer Second Collections

PETER’S PENCE Collection Dates: June 25th & 26th Announcement Dates: June 12th & 19th “ e a Witness of Charity” is the theme for the Peter’s Pence Collection. Through the Peter’s Pence Collection, we stand in solidarity with Catholics all over the world to support the charitable works of Pope Francis. Contributions to this collection are used to support the Holy Father as he reaches out to those suffering the effects of war and violence, natural disasters and religious persecution. As he has reminded us in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, “the time has come for the Church to take up the joyful call to mercy once more. It is time to return to the basics and to bear the weaknesses and struggles of our brothers and sisters. Mercy Price is the force that reawakens us to new life, and instills in us the courage to look to the future with hope.” (Misericordiae Vultus, no. 10).

Join our Holy Father Francis as a witness of charity to those who are suffering.

Pope Francis goes to be with those in need. He personally represents Jesus and you, the Church of Christ. He carries your eyes, your heart, your embrace, your hands and your sacrificial gift to those most in need. “Be a Witness of Charity.” This is the mission of Jesus, and this is the mission of His holy people who are the Church.

Thank you for being generous in the Peter’s Pence Collection in June.

B

SOLIDARITY FUND FOR THE CHURCH IN AFRICA Collection Dates: July 23rd & 24th Announcement Dates: July 10th & 17th hrough the Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, the USCCB provides grants to finance pastoral projects that support the maintenance and growth of the Church in Africa. Funded projects include outreach programs, schools, evangelization and the education of clergy and lay ministers.

While the Church in Africa is growing, many still lack access to basic resources

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12 Catholic Connection

and pastoral care. Many suffer due to high rates of poverty and unemployment, illiteracy and poor education, and disease and migration. This fund supports pastoral projects that foster lasting peace and reconciliation in a continent often marked by division and tension.

The people of Africa are joyous and faith-filled. I had the good fortune to travel to southern Africa several years ago. I went to visit a seminary classmate and very close friend. He is a missionary priest who served 17 years in the country of Zimbabwe, followed by several years in the neighboring country of South Africa. Traveling with him to their “mission stations,” I encountered faithful Catholics who walked up to three hours to church on mountain paths, not roads.

They arrived at church joyful after their long trek. When they arrived before Mass (no one was late), they sang songs, engaged in devotional prayers and then lined up in orderly groups for a grand, stately, dance-like procession into church.

After the entire congregation recessed out of Mass, no one dashed away. Instead, they reconvened their devotional groups, offered prayers, sang songs, danced to the Lord, and then merrily started their return trip home, up to three hours away on foot!

We are blessed in the U.S. with numerous nearby churches, reasonably paved, well-lighted roads and reliable air conditioned cars. The people I encountered had none of the above, yet their joy in the Lord was vibrantly evident.

He was worthy of a roundtrip trek of up to six hours on foot. They arrived and departed full of joy and hope. You can help sustain their zeal for the Lord and walk their mountain paths and unpaved roads with them. Be generous in your support of the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. • Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Second & Special Collections.

vocations View

by Jeb Key, Seminarian

Seminary: The First Year

Diocese of Shreveport seminarians stand together at the St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary's annual bonfire.

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y first year at St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College has been an incredible experience. When I arrived on campus last fall, I had no idea what to expect. Having spent the previous three years in the rigorous nursing program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, making the mental switch from anatomy and biology classes to philosophy and theology was difficult for me at first. However, I have now gained a great appreciation for our amazing liberal arts education. It has been really exciting to learn to think about God, the Church and the World in a completely different way.

The feeling of community among the other seminarians has been a true blessing.

I grew up with only one sister, but now I’ve got 138 brothers. Being with these men who are all here discerning the priesthood gives us a lot in common, despite coming from diverse backgrounds with different “The feeling of personalities. You learn to depend on each and every one of your brothers for community among support to make it through this process. the seminarians has Being a part of the largest group of seminarians in the history of St. been a true blessing.”

Joseph Abbey and Seminary College has provided me with many fantastic opportunities. In November, St. Joseph celebrated its annual Bonfire Football Game where we competed against the Notre Dame seminarians from across the lake. I also had the opportunity to travel to Mexico City in February with several other seminarians to attend the Papal Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

While there, we were able to meet another Shreveport seminarian, Omar, who is currently studying in Mexico City before he moves to Louisiana to complete his formation. Throughout the year, I’ve also had a couple of occasions where I was able

to drive down to New Orleans to eat a meal and hang out with the Notre Dame seminarians. I have felt so blessed to have the awesome support system that the other seminarians provide.

I can’t write a summary of my first year without mentioning what we seminarians at St. Joseph refer to as “The Great Flood of 2016.” I will never forget wading in thigh deep water around campus, watching my car and many others’ slowly fill up with water, while running around frantically trying to save as much possible.

The Catholic priest is called to stand in for Christ on earth. The process of priestly formation is designed to take you as you are and form you into Christ the man; so that, eventually, should God be calling you to the priesthood, you can be molded into Christ the Priest. I can confirm that this process does a great job of accomplishing this. In the past year, through daily Mass, community meals and prayer every morning and evening, and a lot of time spent in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I know that I am not the same person that I was when I started seminary back in August. I have continued to grow closer to God and my love for Jesus Christ and His Church gets stronger every day.

I would not have been able to make it through this semester without the “flood” of prayers and support that I have received from everyone in the great Diocese of Shreveport. All of your prayers and well wishes are more appreciated than I can describe. With your continued prayers, I hope to continue to discern God’s will for my life and grow closer and closer to Him. • Interested in a vocation to the priesthood or religious life? Contact Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Vocations, 318-868-4441, or mlong@dioshpt.org.

June 2016 13

Confession is

Good

Soul

for the

“

14 Catholic Connection

by Father Matthew Long

onfession is good for the soul,” all of us have heard this statement many times. I used to hear it before I became Catholic and did not understand the truth of the statement. When I became a lawyer I had misgivings about confessions, especially if I was representing a criminal defendant. As a member of the faithful however, confession has always been an integral part of my sacramental life. Many people only go to confession when they are “forced” to do so, namely, preceding their First Holy Communion and Confirmation. I, like so many others, planned to do this as well.

As I approached the Easter Vigil in 2000, I knew I would be forced to go to confession before I could enter into full communion with the Church. I approached this sacrament with fear and trepidation.

I had to confess everything from my baptism at the age of 11 to this moment 13 years later. I hate to admit it, but I was not a saint in high school and college. I made many poor choices and I had to tell a priest what they were. I resolved I would go this one time and then I would revert to my Baptist practice of asking God to forgive me. I knew and still know that God is not bound by the sacraments and he can forgive me anything if I only show Him that I am sorry, that I am contrite. Therefore this decision of mine made perfect sense.

I can still see the face of Msgr. Bergreen at St. Agnes in Baton Rouge as my face burned with embarrassment. I can still hear my words haltingly being forced out of my mouth. I was humiliated to have to tell this man of God what all I had done. When I paused for breath as my mind raced he said, “Today you begin with a clean slate.” I felt relieved that it was over and in my mind I knew I would never do it again. But that night at the Easter Vigil everything changed when I approached the priest who had heard my confession and he smiled at me. In that moment I felt God’s mercy and forgiveness in a tangible way. I knew that I was forgiven. From that moment on I became a confession junkie. I went as often as I could.

After this I felt it was incumbent upon me to better understand the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The best place to begin to better understand it is from Sacred Scripture. The most important passage regarding this sacrament is John 20:21-23: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has

sent me, even so I send you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’”

It is clear from this passage that Christ gives authority to the Apostles to forgive sins.This authority rests with the Church, which is ruled by the successors to the Apostles: the pope and bishops in union with him.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-42) is one of the most beautiful expressions given by Jesus of how confession should work. The son sins through his desire to have all that he would inherit and he then goes and lives a life of dissipation, squandering his inheritance. After he has hit rock bottom, a Jewish boy feeding swine, he realizes his mistakes and desires to be reconciled to his father. He then begins to pray and prepare himself for confession. “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” He then makes his way back to his father, preparing the whole way for his confession. When he reaches his destination he begins his confession and is immediately forgiven. Every time I avail myself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation I experience the same mercy and forgiveness Jesus describes in this parable.

The best confession ever recorded can also be found in scripture. In the crucifixion, as recounted by Luke (Luke 23:33-43), Jesus and the two thieves hang upon the three crosses. The Good Thief, as he is known, admits that he has sinned and asks the Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, to remember him when he comes into his kingdom. Jesus responds, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” We have this same opportunity to receive God’s mercy and grace each time we make our way to the confessional.

During this Year of Mercy the Holy Father has encouraged all of us to make confession a greater part of our sacramental life. Confession is one of the few sacraments that we can avail ourselves of multiple times in our lives.

It is one of the sacraments of healing. It is the medical clinic of the Divine Physician.

The forgiveness of sins is the most important part of this undervalued and underused sacrament, but the healing aspect of it is the most unappreciated part. We are reconciled to God, we are forgiven our sins, we are relieved of our guilt and shame and we are given the grace to sin no more. Our souls are also healed. When we speak the sins aloud to our priest, they lose their power over us. They are no longer our secret shame or our hidden guilt or our skeleton in the closet. In that moment they are brought forth to the light of Christ and we can see them for the first time clearly.

We can see that in Christ’s light they lose their power and are vanquished.

This is why confession is good for the soul. It is good for the soul not only because it cleanses it, but because it frees it, too. Confession allows the soul to reach its full potential. It allows the soul the opportunity to shine forth like the noon day sun as it basks in the glory of the grace of God. I have experienced that moment so often in my own life when I hear those glorious words spoken by a priest. Those words that take my faith in God’s forgiveness to a concrete reality as I hear His duly appointed representative speak them aloud: “God the Father of mercies, through the death and resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Confession is one of the only sacraments that we can avail ourselves of multiple times in our lives.

As a priest I am privileged in a unique way to not only be a penitent, but also a confessor. As a confessor I take the sacramental seal very seriously. If I break this seal, then I can only be reconciled to God and the Church by the Holy Father.

This seal has given me the freedom I need to make a good confession as a penitent and it gives me the freedom to truly be a vessel of mercy for the Lord as a confessor. The seal requires me to forget everything I hear in confession and to never speak of what goes on, not even whether or not someone has made a confession. Every priest I know takes this sacred trust given to us by the grace of orders very seriously. By doing this we give every baptized Catholic the opportunity to experience what the Prodigal Son experienced, what the woman caught in adultery experienced and what the good thief experienced.

In a General Audience on February 19, 2014, the Holy Father spoke about the sacrament of reconciliation. He said, “It is not enough to ask for the Lord’s forgiveness in our own minds and hearts, but rather it is also necessary to humbly and trustfully confess our sins to a minister of the Church.” His reasoning for this beyond the authority given the Church by Christ was that the priest as a confessor represents God and the community as a whole. He reminded us that when we sin it is not only God that we hurt, but our brothers and sisters and the Church as well. Therefore it is necessary not only to confess to God, but ask our brothers and sisters and the Church for forgiveness as well. His words “Do not be afraid of Confession” should encourage us all.

I urge all of you to listen to the Holy Father’s encouragement, to heed the call of the Church and listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This moment of grace is one the Church asks us to participate in at least once a year if we have mortal sins upon our soul in conjunction with our Easter Obligation.

Most of us, however, go beyond our Easter Obligation and receive communion every time we attend Mass, which was the desire of St. Pope Pius X. If we receive communion more frequently, I think it would be wise and prudent as stewards of our immortal souls to avail ourselves upon the sacrament of reconciliation more often as well. • June 2016 15

local NEWS Catholic Charities Director Bids Farewell

by Jean Dresley

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s my time at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana comes to a close, I want to reflect on my work in the Diocese of Shreveport. When I was a young woman fresh out of college with my social work degree in hand, I joined the Peace Corps wanting to make a difference in the world. I worked with the Salesian priests at a shelter for homeless street boys in Quito, Ecuador. I grew up then and many of the ideals I hold true were solidified during those two years working with those amazing boys. The motto for the Peace Corps was, “the toughest job you will ever love.” This statement held true for many years, that is until I took the job of starting Catholic Charities in our diocese. This job has stretched and challenged me in so many ways and it has afforded me the opportunity to make a difference on a very different scale.

From my first interview for the job until today, I have prayed daily for guidance. There were many hard moments where I did not know what to do, but God has a way of answering prayers. Sr. Pat Cairns was one of His answers.

I was blessed to have Sr. Pat Cairns mentor me during my first year. Sr. Pat had run two Catholic Charities in her career and was full of wisdom and encouragement. She did everything in her power to help me and this fledgling Catholic Charities be successful.

Another answer to my prayers was Anita Crafts as my first hire. She is one of the most versatile people I know. Anita just wanted the agency to be successful and took on whatever task was thrown at her. The staff I have had the honor to work with have really set this agency up to be successful. Thank you Theresa, Guiel, Briana, Carl, Kelly, Gilda, Freddy, Lucy, Grace and Joanne. As great as these employees have been, our volunteers have really made the difference.

We simply could not do this work without them. We have been so fortunate to have many amazing individuals who give of their time and talent to make Catholic Charities successful. I have also been blessed with a board of directors who have guided, educated, challenged me and quite frankly is probably the hardest working board in our community. We would not be where we are 16 Catholic Connection

today without their efforts.

Finally, I cannot thank Bishop Duca enough for taking a chance on an unproven social worker to start this agency. He has always supported me and the work we do at Catholic Charities. I am very grateful to him for all he has done to help establish and guide this agency.

So, as I look back on these past six years, I can honestly say that starting Catholic Charities of North Louisiana has been the toughest job I will ever love and it has been a great honor to serve our diocese. I cannot imagine what God has planned for me next, but it would be difficult to top these amazing six years. Please know as I move south, I am grateful to each of you who has prayed for, donated to or volunteered at Catholic Charities. I will continue to pray that God’s will be manifested in the services we provide to those in need every day at Catholic Charities.

Executive Director Jean Dresley will be moving with her family to Baton Rouge this summer. • “Catholic Charities of North Louisiana was blessed to have Jean Dresley as our first Executive Director. Jean brought to the offices of Catholic Charities not only a deep faith and loving concern for those in need, but also the skills and personality for building programs to meet the needs of the poor. From her first days she worked to build bridges and relationships throughout the diocese so that Catholic Charities is now a part of the network of caregivers in North Louisiana. Jean has truly laid a firm Catholic foundation to the heart of Catholic Charities in North Louisiana that will provide a firm foundation for future growth. ”

Bishop Duca

Mercy in Action

St. Mary of the Pines' St. Frances of Rome group works together to make meals for those who need a helping hand.

St. Frances of Rome Circle Feeds During Times of Need

by Katie Sciba

I

t was over 30 years ago when St. Mary of the Pines parishioner Mildred Ruttle opened her heart to a need in her church. The mothers of young children in the parish needed support; they needed help on the home front and a chance to develop spiritually with other women.

It was from these needs that the St. Frances of Rome Circle was born. Ruttle named the group after St. Frances who, according to tradition, was a loving and generous housewife. “She embodied all the qualities Mildred hoped the circle would have,” said Kim Long, a longtime member of the group.

Initially the circle ladies served the intended purpose of ministering to mothers with small children, offering meals and fellowship. As the years passed, the needs of the parish and those women shifted. “When people have a need, we prepare a meal,” Long said. They prepare meals for any occasion - births, grieving periods, surgeries, any time at all when a family or individual could use a helping hand. Now the women in the St. Frances of Rome Circle make it their mission to encourage and provide not just meals, but reliable friendship.

“When a person experiences a loss of a loved one, attention and support from

others typically fade in the weeks after the fact,” Long mentioned. “It’s natural people move on and have their own lives to tend to - but that can be a lonely time for someone grieving,” she said.

It’s then that the St. Frances of Rome Circle ensures those grieving aren’t alone. While some need time, space and solitude, others might want company, someone to listen and be a friend. “We will send cards, texts or meet with anyone in need of support,” Long said.

Feeding the hungry and comforting the sorrowful are two ongoing Works of Mercy at St. Mary of the Pines, but the St. Frances of Rome Circle goes beyond these acts of service to help families struggling financially, too. Every year the ladies of the group host a soup sale where parishioners can purchase a delicious bean soup mix. The proceeds go directly to parish families in need. In addition to this effort, the women host and take care of receptions for various celebrations in the parish.

In sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, the women of the St. Frances of Rome Circle are fulfilling their founder’s hopes of imitating the kindness and generosity their patroness exuded as a wife herself: reaching families and providing friendship and support.

Performing corporal and spiritual works of mercy doesn’t require huge actions affecting the masses. More often than not, it begins quietly and humbly with one person like Mildred Ruttle, who saw a need and rose to meet it. The legacy and lasting effects the St. Frances of Rome Circle has had locally and within their own parish encourage others to offer aid in simple ways with the generosity and open heart of Christ. • June 2016 17

Catholic Campus Ministry at Tech Recognized Nationally

by Bro. Mike Ward

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ccording to Best College Reviews, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish’s E. Donn Piatt (EDP) Catholic Student Center, the home of the Association of Catholic Tech Students (ACTS), is one of the top 50 Catholic campus ministry programs in the nation. ACTS placed 32nd and is very proud of its ranking considering the size and location of its ministry. The selection criteria concentrated on the number of activities and services provided in relationship to the possible number of students served.

The success of the campus ministry program at St. Thomas is due to the commitment the parish has to the students of Louisiana Tech, which started 75 years ago at the urging of Joe Aillet and other Catholic faculty members working at Tech. This commitment is made evident through the official name of the community being St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church and Student Center. The first Masses were held in the history building at Tech and the beginnings of a campus ministry group began in parishioners living rooms! Eventually, the EDP Catholic Center was built to facilitate parish gatherings, which by nature centered around the college crowd. That building will turn 50 next year! Although half a century old, the E. Donn Piatt Catholic Center is still a superb place for not only college students, but all who enter its doors.

The EDP Catholic Center has a lounge with a fireplace, offices for meetings, a full scale kitchen for student use, a library that boasts an impressive array of Catholic writings, two outdoor gathering areas, a prayer garden and a large multipurpose room. Such a facility allows for a number of activities for college students to participate in and feel as though the Catholic church in Ruston is really a “second home.”

Currently there are approximately 1,000 Catholic students at Tech, the majority coming from southern Louisiana. During the school year the church adds two Masses to its schedule, both of which are planned and orchestrated by students.

More that 200 students are registered with ACTS, which is also a chartered organization at Tech. Parishioner Don Braswell has been its faculty advisor for 10 years. Not all of its members are Catholic as ecumenism is one of the organization’s commitments.

The motto for ACTS is “Christ-Centered, Student-Led,” which is derived from its mission statement that can be summarized by one word, JESUS: Joy, 18 Catholic Connection

Evangelization, Sacraments, Unity and Service. ACTS is currently using the phrase, “Being Catholic at Tech,” to remind its members and assure those coming to Tech, that although there is only ONE Catholic church in town, the commitment to practicing the Catholic faith is strong and convincing.

Since the Franciscan Friars of the Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus have been at St. Thomas since its inception, the spirituality of ACTS takes its cue from the standpoint of “servant leadership.”

The activities of ACTS are all student led under the guidance of its eight person leadership team. There is an activity happening every day on the grounds of St. Thomas with the students praying with each other in some manner. Each weekend there is a social event to ensure that there is an “alternative” option on Tech’s campus where all are welcomed and safe. With the construction of the Joe and Roger Luffey Catholic Life Center on St. Thomas’ campus, the opportunities for more athletic and musical events are now possible for ACTS members. Off campus, students are encouraged to participate in three retreats throughout the year and various other outings.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the tremendous support of the resident parishioners of St. Thomas, who continue to foster an attitude of welcome and support for any student. Along with its “religious structures,” the parish rents out three properties to ACTS members, providing homes for nine students. What an incredible witness of “being Catholic.”

Br. Mike Ward, OFM, the current campus minister, along with pastor Fr. Frank Folino, OFM, know that the success of campus ministry at St. Thomas began years ago with campus ministers Fr. Paul Gallagher, OFM, Sr. Edith Schnell, Ethel Papillion and Rose Fiallos (Serio). Thank you for your commitment, your vision and your prayers. •

Deacon Nash Celebrates 30 Years of Ordination After turning his back on atheism, Nash answered God's call wholeheartedly

by Deacon Mike Whitehead

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his month Deacon Clary Nash marks the 30th anniversary of his ordination into the permanent diaconate. We sat down with him to discuss his life, his journey and his ministry.

CC: You have an inspirational backstory. Would you mind sharing a bit of it?

CN: For over 10 years, I was a devout atheist. I had two alcoholic parents. It was an uneasy environment because one moment they could be happy and the next moment it could be the reverse. I didn’t always experience a loving, compassionate God. When I was in the military, which was one of the best things that ever happened to me, I would visit orphanages. I would look at all these kids, all different colors and shapes, and they had one thing in common –– no one wanted them.

I asked, ‘How can this be an example of a loving God?’ Eventually, I thought what if God really was real? For six months, I was consumed with this one thought. One night it was cold and I was laying in bed. I was totally sincere and I said, ‘If there is a God, let me see.’ Instantly and spontaneously this light encompassed all of me without end. I knew for the first time that God was real, that God created all things, that God loves all of His creation, and that included me. From that moment on, I would wake up and say ‘Here I am Lord.’

“I knew for the first time CC: Tell us about your call that God was real, to the diaconate.

CN: I felt that God was that God had created all calling me to go to Shreveport, Louisiana. My wife, Mary, things, that God loves all said, ‘Where is that?’ I felt that of His creation and that God was calling me to come to Shreveport. A year later, we included me. ” were packed and headed to Shreveport. We started going to St. Mary of the Pines. Then we went on vacation to Panama City, FL. We were involved in the charismatic movement. There was a charismatic convention in Panama City. We went and something leaped within me. I knew then that I wanted to become a deacon. When I returned, I found out the diocese was going to have its first diaconate formation, so I signed up. There were 25 men in the program, 12 were ordained. I was one of them. It’s amazing how God speaks to us.

CC: What are your memories of your formation?

CN: It was a three-year formation that began in 1983. When I looked around, there were some very good people. They knew so much. I said, ‘Lord, are you sure I’m the one that is supposed to be here?’ But I was sincere. I was totally open to God. I was so humbled at my ordination.

CC: What happened after ordination?

CN: I was assigned to Sacred Heart. After three or four years, Bishop Friend asked me to go to the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. I spent 17 years at the Cathedral. Then, they were thinking about closing Sacred

Heart and the parishioners wanted a second chance. They asked if I could come back. I’ve been back for about 10 years now. I’m responsible for the plant –– everything outside of Mass structure.

You become close to a lot of very good people. I wish I had a diary of everyone I’ve been involved with over the years. I witnessed the weddings for my two sons. What an honor. My niece asked me to baptize her children. It was great. I’ve been blessed to do so many weddings and so many baptisms.

CC: We know how much your wife, Mary, means to your marriage and your ministry.

CN: When I said to Mary that God had called us to move to Shreveport, she said to me, ‘Where you go, I go. I will always be by your side.’ And she’s been there all that time. We’ve been married almost 46 years.

CC: Now you are the Director of the Permanent Diaconate. Tell us about that ministry.

CN: I asked Bishop Friend, ‘How can I best serve you?’ He said he wanted me to be the director of the next deacon formation in the diocese. Whatever capacity God is calling us to, it’s all about being a servant, and it is all about a life of service. Thirty years later, I feel happy. I feel complete. I feel in harmony with God. • June 2016 19

Fr. Elavunkal Returns to India

by Shirley Rivers

Catholic Teen Summer Camps for TEEN GIRLS JULY 14-17 for TEEN BOYS JULY 17-20

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hen parishioners of St. John the Baptist and St. Terence in Many heard the news that their pastor, Fr. Thomas Elavunkal, was returning to India permanently, there was a flood of emotions. In less than two years, Fr. Thomas became bonded to the people and community, serving them with love and dedication. Likewise, when the news spread throughout the diocese, those who knew Fr. Thomas felt the same sadness.

Arriving in Many on July 1, 2013, parishioners and friends accepted Fr. Thomas with open arms. They were anxious to find out what kind of food he liked, what they could do to help him and make him more comfortable. Although they were unsure about having “a priest from India,” those feelings of anxiousness soon left.

His warm demeanor and love for Christ and His church were evident. Fr. Thomas told his congregation that his home parish in India was also named St. John the Baptist and that the small community of Many reminded him of home.

In the short time that he served the parish, many things were accomplished including building improvements, attendance growth and involvement in various ministries while an enthusiasm for Jesus and His church was rekindled.

Besides his numerous priestly duties, Fr. Thomas was known for always finding time to show people how important they were to him and to thank them for acts of kindness towards him.

His last few days were sad ones for those whom he had served and befriended.

In addition to the good-byes from the parish, there was a steady stream of visitors from Shreveport, Monroe and other places, getting in as much time with him as his final few days would allow. His farewell dinner was packed with over 200 people who came from throughout the diocese to honor him.

“Although I am happy to be returning to my home country and my family, it is heartbreaking for me to leave my family of St. John the Baptist and St. Terence that I treasure so dearly,” Fr. Thomas told the parish.

And so, as Fr. Thomas Elavunkal stood before his congregation at his final weekend Mass as pastor of St John the Baptist, those whom he had served found it fitting to give him a standing ovation. The people were awash with emotion that said: “We will always remember you. Our faith is much richer because of you. You have served us faithfully and with great compassion. You have held us close to your heart. We are so blessed and honored to have had you this short time. We love you and will always hold you near.” • 20 Catholic Connection

Healthy bodies, minds and souls—that’s what our summer camps are all about! Experience an unforgettable, life-changing camp packed with awesome activities and authentic Catholic spirituality. Two camps, one for girls and one for boys, are held at the rustic-but-comfortable King’s Camp, where a top-notch ropes course is flanked by the bayou and a picturesque pond. The days include competitive games, great food, Catholic devotions, and down time at the pool. Don’t miss these three days of faith-filled fun!

The camps are staffed by trained adults, including Fr. Matthew Long, Sr. Fatima, seminarians, youth ministers and parents. All staff have received Safe Environment training.

Camps are $50 per camper and include meals.

For more information and to register, visit

www.shvcamps.com

or call 318-868-4441 and ask for the Office of Vocations.

Free Courses Available!

Young at Heart Share Faith Together

by John Mark Willcox

Free Online Course:

Introduction to the Bible This course is available online through the Diocese of Shreveport YouTube Channel.

Introduction to the Bible, taught by Fr. Pat Madden, is recommended for lectors, catechists and anyone who wants to know a little bit more about our Catholic understanding of the Bible. The course includes a brief overview of the contents of the Old Testament and New Testament.

Questions considered include: Why do Catholic Bibles have more books than Protestant Bibles? How does our Catholic understanding of scriptural inspiration differ from that of our Evangelical neighbors who surround us in the Bible Belt? What are the major Church teachings in the last 75 years? The course also examines the special features of The Catholic Study Bible, a work that includes the New American translation, as well as helpful articles about understanding the Bible, all under one cover. Check out lectures and download coordinating notes at this link: http://tinyurl.com/GrecoIntrotoBible

Year of Mercy - Year of Grace Course Greco Course • St. Mary of the Pines June 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2016 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

Pope Francis has declared December 2015 through November 2016 as an Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. This Greco course will examine what a jubilee year is, why Pope Francis called for a Year of Mercy, and how we can witness and celebrate throughout this year. The final class will be a pilgrimage to the diocesan Holy Door at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans for prayer and reflection.

Contact Heather Harris at hharris@ dioshpt.org to register.

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heir faces sometimes show the creases of time, worry and prayer, the bodies of some beginning the pattern of betrayal that can dominate one’s “golden” years, but their spirit, their countenance, is equal to any 18-year-old stargazer. They are the “Young at Heart” group at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Shreveport, and they have spent nearly 15 years paving the way for effective outreach and evangelization to the chronologically advantaged in our diocese.

With the average age of the Catholic faithful in our diocese rising, we should take note of the successful path blazed by this unique and dedicated cadre of senior Catholics.

Founded in 2002 and meeting once monthly, this group of around 35 senior Catholics rely on one another for fellowship, support and prayer as they live out their faith in the later years. “We love each other and keep up with each other,” said group leader Ray Vallilo. “Our group is filled with people who love the Church and want to share our Catholic faith with those around us.”

Every meeting is highlighted by a speaker on a Catholic topic and, of course, homemade baked goods brought by the members. “This is a key part of our worship family,” commented parish secretary Anna Provenza. “They are very diligent in their support for one another and are so helpful to our faith community as volunteers for parish events and programs.” Some of the causes supported by the Young at Heart group are sponsorship of St. Elizabeth’s “Yarn Angels” program, which provides knitted clothing to the needy, assistance to American troops serving overseas, pregnancy crisis assistance and outreach to area nurse care facilities and hospitals.

The average age of a “Young at Heart” member is about mid 70’s and the members are not all from this area, but hail from places as far away as New Jersey and Colorado. The proximity of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton to adult care facilities also increases interest in the “Young at Heart” program. “Our age contributed to me and my husband moving to this part of the city,” comments member Betty Bianca. “While we loved our former parish, we are thrilled to be a part of the Young at Heart group and it has really improved our Catholic experience and helped us greatly with this transitional period of our lives together.”

Wise, experienced members of our faith community are to be treasured and provided with opportunities to stay connected to the Church, and that is one goal the Young at Heart group works hard to accomplish. Consider starting a group for older members at your place of worship as this generation of Catholics is strong in numbers and they remain strong in their dedication to the Church! • June 2016 21

22 Catholic Connection

JUNE 5 - 11

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orn in 1813 in Milan, Italy, Frederic Ozanam grew to possess a rare combination of intellectual genius and extraordinary holiness. He was a husband, father, professor, researcher, journalist, author and apologist. Frederic’s mother and father instilled in him his love of God, and they taught him, above all else, to seek Christ in the poor and in those who were heavy laden.

Interestingly, his first contact with philosophy challenged his faith. It was during that time that he promised God that if he would take away the darkness of doubt, that he would give his life in the service of the truth. With those Starting with only five other friends, doubts erased, Frederic fulfilled his they met with their mentor, publisher promise until the day he died in 1853. Emmanuel Bailly. At Bailly’s urging, From the time he was a child, they reached out to Sister Rosalie Frederic was blessed with intuition and Rendu, “The Mother of the Poor,”, for sensitivity to those who were affected guidance. One of the most important by the harshness and poverty of the things she taught them, which is true lower social classes of the time. He in our work today, is that we must not was a member of “The Society of Good Studies,” From the time he was a child, Frederic the goal of which was was blessed with intuition and to develop among sensitivity to those who were Catholics a desire for historical, philosophical affected by the harshness and and religious research. poverty of the lower social classes.

This organization would become the group to which the challenge leading to the bring only bread to the poor, but also formation of the Society of St. Vincent friendship. de Paul would be made to Frederic by From those humble beginnings, one of his fellow members. the Society now numbers more than During a meeting, the friend simply 700,000 Vincentians in 150 countries. asked, “What is your Church doing We welcome anyone interested in today to meet the needs of society?” joining the Society’s mission of service From that moment, Frederic knew that to our neighbors in need. • he could no longer simply discuss and This is part three of a four-part debate about the poor, but that in an series. Next month: Information and an apostolic way, knew that his life would invitation to join us on September 8, be dedicated to the constant practice of 2016 for our annual St. Vincent de Paul charity.

Banquet with Bishop Duca.

JUNE 12 - 18

“The blessing of the poor is that of God… let us go to the poor.”

– Blessed Frederic Ozanam

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oin us in our 52 Weeks of Mercy campaign throughout the Year of Mercy. Follow along, use the hashtag and let’s serve together.

JUNE 19 - 25

by Jim Beadles, VP Shreveport Diocesan Council of SVdP

#52WeeksofMercy

JUNE 26 - JULY 2

The Holy Year of Mercy and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

hispanic NEWS por Alfredo Morelos, Coordinador: Ministerio Hispano Parroquia Santo Tomás Aquino

Experiencia en Retiro "Emaus"

Calendario de los Meses de Junio-Julio 14-17 Julio Retiro vocacional para jovencitas adolescentes, Mer Rouge, LA (Inglés) 16 1ª reunión de planeación para retiro “Experiencia Cristo” Centro Católico, 10a.m. -12 p.m.

17-20 Retiro Vocacional para jovencitos adolescentes, Kings Camp Mer Rouge, LA (Inglés)

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cabo de terminar junto con mis hermanos de fe, un retiro espiritual que comenzó el viernes 1 de Abril y terminó el domingo 3 del mismo mes.

Estoy muy emocionado por contarles todo lo que viví y aprendí en esa maravillosa aventura de un fin de semana.

Les puedo asegurar que es una de las mejores experiencias que uno puede tener, es verdad que al final de este hermoso retiro quedé reconfortado por mi nueva actitud en mi vida. Les puedo asegurar también que un retiro espiritual te muestra otros caminos, hacia una mejor vida en compañía de Cristo Nuestro Señor.

Soy tan humano como todos, capaz de cometer errores, pero les puedo confesar que será en menos medida que antes. Y cuando la tentación de pecar esté cerca de mí, recordaré lo que aprendí en este retiro. El haber asistido a este retiro y lo que viví en esos tres días de reflexión es la consagración hacia lo que cada católico desea para el bienestar propio, de su familia y de su comunidad parroquial.

Reflexionando sobre este retiro y lo que gané de él, me doy cuenta que Dios me ha dicho que volví a nacer, que ha sucedido lo que la sagrada Biblia nos dice en II Corintios 5:17 “DE MODO QUE SI ALGUNO ESTA EN CRISTO NUEVA CRIATURA ES; LAS COSAS VIEJAS PASARON, HE AQUI SON HECHAS NUEVAS” Hermanos y Hermanas les puedo asegurar que de todas las decisiones que he tomado en mi vida, el seguir a Cristo ha sido la más sabia y mejor. Decidí que Cristo sea mi señor,

23 3ª Reunión en preparación de Retiro Búsqueda, Ruston, 10a.m. – 4p.m.

necesito a Dios en mi vida.

DIOS YO SOLO NO PUEDO, TE NECESITO, ACOMPAŇAME EN MI PEREGRINAR. Puedo decir que ahora soy una mejor persona, el peregrinar en este mundo continúa, los problemas siguen todavía, pero ahora dependo del señor y confío en su respaldo y veo como diariamente se manifiesta en mi vida.

“HE AQUI, YO ESTOY A LA PUERTA Y LLAMO; SI ALGUNO OYE MI VOZ Y ABRE LA PUERTA, ENTRARÉ A ÉL, Y CENARÉ CON ÉL, Y ÉL CONMIGO.” (Apocalipsis 3:20) ¡JESUCRISTO HA RESUSCITADO! ¡EN VERDAD RESUCITO!

June 2016 23

Kids' Connection!

June is the Month of the

Sacred Heart oF Jesus

1 God’s Light shines from the sacred heart.

2 A Wound from the lance that pierced Christ’s heart.

3 A Crown of Thorns is around the heart.

4 A Cross sits on top of the heart. All represent how Jesus died.

5 Fire represents the awesome power of God’s love.

6 The Heart is Jesus’ real heart as a sign of his divine love.

4

5 1

xxxxxx 3

2

what is it?

The Sacred Heart is a devotion, or prayers, to the heart of Jesus Christ as it represesnts his godly love for every human person.

Quick Facts

• The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the day we remember and celebrate it, is always 19 days after Pentecost.

• On June 9, 1899, Pope Leo XIII dedicated the whole world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

• In 1353 Pope Innocent VI created a special Mass honoring the mystery of the Sacred Heart.

• The first Feast of the Sacred Heart was celebrated on August 31, 1670.

• Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque had visions from Christ in 1675 and he spoke to her about his mercy and his sacred heart. These visits helped create the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

24 Catholic Connection

6

Word Find ALACOQUE ANNUM SACRUM BONAVENTURE DEVOTION

DIVINE LIGHT FLAME JESUS LANCE

LITANY SACRED HEART THORNS WOUNDED

school NEWS

St. Joseph Excels at DI

First Holy Communion at JGS

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t. Joseph School’s Destination Imagination Club competed in the State Competition on Saturday, March 19, in Bossier City.

The club’s Fine Arts team placed third overall with a first place award for Team Work in their category. The Scientific team competed well, excelling in the Quick Fire Problem Solving portion of the category. Globals took place on May 25-27 in Knoxville, TN.

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esus the Good Shepherd School’s second grade and faith enrichment students celebrated First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 1, during 11:00 a.m. Mass. Family, friends, faculty

and parishioners filled the pews at the church to share in this beautiful sacrament with their precious children. A reception was held in honor of the First Communion recipients in Moore Hall.

St. Frederick High School Track Teams Win at State

SJB Wins 8th State Science Olympiad

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he St. Frederick High School boys track team came in second place at the state track meet on Saturday, May 7. The girls finished fifth out of 23 teams that scored points at the state meet.

Mother Son Dance at OLF

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TEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) at St. John Berchmans is not only evident in the classroom, but also in the many accomplishments of the students. For the eighth year in a row, the St. John Berchmans Science Olympiad Team won the State Title, allowing them the opportunity to compete at the

National Competition. They will represent the state of Louisiana at Nationals in Menomonie, WI at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Science Olympiad is the largest STEM competition in North America and has been recognized as a model program in the National Science Standards by the National Research Council.

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n April 29, Our Lady of Fatima School held its first Mother Son Dance. The theme was “Jazzin With Mom.” June 2016 25

across the GLOBE from Vatican Information Services

... the role of the

woman in the Church is not feminism, it is a right! It is a right through baptism, with the charisms and the

gifts that the Spirit has given.

– Pope Francis

© Jorge Royan via Wikimedia Commons

The Pope Meets with Superiors General: Participation in Decision-Making and Study of the Female Diaconate

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n May 12, 2016, in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, Pope Francis met with the participants in the plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), on the theme “Weaving global solidarity for life,” which closes the celebrations for the Jubilee for 50 years of the UISG. The conversation between the Holy Father and the consecrated women took place in an informal context, with a series of questions and answers, and focused on the integration of women in the life of the Church and the role, mission and difficulties faced by consecrated women and the Union of Superiors General. The following are extracts of the discussion.

Q: Pope Francis, you have said that “the feminine genius is necessary in all expressions of the life of the Church and of society,” and yet women are excluded from decision-making processes in the Church, especially at the highest levels, and from preaching in the Eucharist.

An important obstacle to Church’s full embrace of the “feminine genius” is 26 Catholic Connection

the bond that both decision-making processes and preaching have with priestly ordination. Do you see a way of separating from ordination both leadership roles and preaching in the Eucharist, so that our Church can be more open to receiving the genius of women in the very near future?

Pope Francis: It is true that women are excluded from decision-making processes in the Church: excluded no, but the integration of women is very weak there, in decision-making processes. We must move forward … because in many aspects of decisionmaking processes ordination is not necessary. ... For me the influence on decisions is very important: not only the execution, but also the development, and therefore that women, both consecrated and laywomen, enter into reflection on the process, and in discussion. … I experienced a problem in Buenos Aires: viewing it with the priests’ council – therefore all men – it was treated well, but then seeing it with a group of religious and lay women it was greatly enriched, and this helped the decision

by offering a complementary vision. This is necessary! […] Then there is the problem of preaching at the Eucharistic Celebration.

There is no problem for a woman – religious or lay – to preach in the Liturgy of the Word. There is no problem. But at the Eucharistic Celebration there is a liturgical-dogmatic problem, because it is one celebration – the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharistic Liturgy, there is unity between them – and He Who presides is Jesus Christ. The priest or bishop who presides does so in the person of Jesus Christ. It is a theological-liturgical reality.

In that situation, since women are not ordained, they cannot preside.

In leadership, instead, there is no problem: in that respect we must go forward, with prudence, but seeking solutions.

There are two temptations here, against which we must be on guard. The first is feminism: the role of the woman in the Church is not feminism, it is a right! It is a right through baptism, with the charisms and the gifts that the Spirit has given. …

The other danger, a very strong temptation I have spoken about several times, is clericalism. … Let us consider that today more than 60 percent of parishes do not have a council for economic affairs or a pastoral council. What does this mean? It means that the parish or diocese is led with a clerical spirit, by the priest alone, and that it does not implement the synodality in the parish, in the diocese, which is not a novelty under this pope. No! It is a matter of canon law: the parish priest is obliged to have a council of, for and with laymen, laywomen and women religious for pastoral ministry and for economic affairs. And they do not do this. This is the danger of clericalism in the Church today.

Q: […] In the Church there is the office of the permanent diaconate, but it is open only to men, married or not. What prevents the Church from including women among permanent deacons, as was the case in the

primitive Church? Why not constitute an official commission to study the matter?

Pope Francis: This question goes in the direction of “doing”: consecrated women already do much work with the poor, they do many things … “doing.”

And it touches on the problem of the permanent diaconate. ... In effect this exists in antiquity: there was a beginning. …I remember that it was a theme I was quite interested in when I came to Rome for meetings, … there was a good Syrian theologian there and one day I asked him about this, and he explained to me that in the early times of the Church there were some “deaconesses.” But what were these deaconesses? Were they ordained or not? The Council of Chalcedon (451) speaks about this but it is somewhat obscure. What was the role of deaconesses in those times? It seems – I was told by this man, who is now dead but who was a good professor, wise and erudite – it seems that the role of the deaconesses was to help in the baptism of women, their immersion; they baptized them for the sake of decorum, and also to anoint the body of women, in baptism. And another curious thing: when there was a judgement on a marriage because a husband hit his wife and she went to the bishop to complain, deaconesses were responsible for inspecting the bruises left on the woman’s body from her husband’s blows, and for informing the bishop. … There are various publications on the diaconate in the Church, but it is not clear how it was. I think I will ask the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to refer me to some studies on this theme, because I have answered you only on the basis of what I heard from this priest, who was an erudite and able researcher, on the permanent diaconate. In addition, I would like to constitute an official commission to study the question: I think it will be good for the Church to clarify this point, I agree, and I will speak so as to do something of this type. • For a transcript of the meeting: http://press.vatican.va/content/ salastampa/en/bollettino/ pubblico/2016/05/13/160513c.html

Loyola Students Win Big in Regional Competitions

by Lisa Cooper, Loyola College Prep

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pring has been a winning season for Loyola Flyers as both the media and science departments brought home big awards. This April, the Loyola Media Arts Department students were recognized at the Annual Regional CASE (Council of Advancement and Support of Education) conference in Dallas. The annual CASE conference recognizes outstanding visual and digital productions in education. Loyola students won the silver medal in the Student Produced Video category for their documentary Unforgotten: The Life and Legacy of Michael Bovenzi.

Bovenzi, a 1999 Loyola graduate, died of leukemia in 2005. The Media Arts Department also won an honorable mention in the Public Relations category for We are One, their video highlighting life at Loyola. This was a particular honor for Loyola because competitors in their district include University of Texas, Oklahoma State University, SMU, Baylor, Texas A&M and TCU, among others.

John James Marshall, teacher and faculty sponsor of the Media Arts Department, says of their accomplishment, “There is a great deal of creative talent in the class. To see the students place in both categories was such an honor and was quite a reward for the year-long hard work they put into these projects.” Marshall went on to congratulate his students by saying, “to win among such stiff competition,

and to be the only high school to win, was an amazing accomplishment.” Both winning videos, along with the Media Arts Department’s newest documentary, which tells the story of Loyola families impacted by Katrina, can be viewed at: www.vimeo.com/loyolacollegeprep.

The Media Arts Department wasn’t the only one to shine. Loyola’s Science Department students dominated at the AFCEA (Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association) Awards.

Loyola students won four of only 11 scholarships awarded in the Northwest Louisiana Region. Seniors Jacob Kesten, David Hatten, Matthew Vitacca and Erica Graham were each awarded a $2000 scholarship for excellence in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The AFCEA seeks to support students in their pursuits in STEM related fields and awards scholarships to applicants based on scholarship, standardized test scores and teacher recommendations.

Loyola AP Physics teacher Hal Meekins says the fact that Loyola students were awarded four of the 11 scholarships is “an incredible endorsement of the education that students at Loyola College Prep are receiving and of the quality of the students we have here.”

Loyola is proud of the many accomplishments of its students and continues to support students’ pursuit of academic excellence both in and out of the classroom. • June 2016 27

Charities Office Blessed

around the DIOCESE Immaculate Conception Society Celebrates 75 Years

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he Immaculate Conception Society, based at Christ the King Parish in Bossier City, held a very special celebration on Sunday, April 23. The Society marked its 75th anniversary with a Mass at Christ the King Church and a banquet at Ralph and Kacoo’s.

President Marie Modica Hawn welcomed the group and recognized longstanding members, including six women of 90+ years, who were all in attendance. Fr. Karl Daigle, pastor of Christ the King Parish celebrated the Mass, and Msgr.

Carson LaCaze gave a brief history of the Society, from its beginnings in 1939.

Through the early efforts of Msgr. M.J. Broussard, the tiny but growing town of Bossier City was approved to have its own parish.

Fr. Robert Libertini was selected to head up the new parish of mostly Italian immigrant families. Together with Msgr. Broussard, Fr. Libertini founded the Immaculate Conception Society to raise funds to build the new church. The purpose of the Society was to unite the Italians of Christ the King Parish, to promote the spiritual welfare of the members by honoring the Virgin Mary, and to carry out special works as dictated by the pastor. The church was opened in 1941 and the Immaculate Conception Society marks April 27, 1941, as its founding date.

From 46 charter members, today’s Immaculate Conception Society has 28 Catholic Connection

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n Friday, March 4, Bishop Duca visited Lake Providence and blessed the Office of Catholic Charities there. Pictured: Sr. Bernie Barrett with Bishop Michael Duca at the blessing.

May Crowning in Many

84 members. Membership today is also open to those not of Italian origin. In the past 75 years, over $100,000 has been donated from fundraising efforts of the Society. Its well-known cookbook, Cucinare con Amore, has sold 7,800 copies to date.

The Society is perhaps best known for its production of Sicilian biscotti which are sold and also used on local St. Joseph altars.

Hawn’s mother served as President in 1946 and she read a moving account submitted by her mother.

She spoke of the hardships they were suffering as a result of World War II, with both food and electricity being rationed. These early Italians had already suffered much difficulty in their quest for a better life, but their tenacity and Catholic faith always moved them forward.

by Linda Serio

M

ay Crowning is a long-standing tradition at St. John the Baptist Parish. The children process into the church with fresh flowers to place on the altar in Mary’s honor. Katelyn Springer had the honor of crowning Mary this year.

Zwolle Volunteers Honored with Lunch

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n April 12, the Toledo Retirement and Rehabilitation home in Zwolle hosted a luncheon in honor of all organizations who volunteer their time and love to the residents. The Council of Catholic Women (CCW) of St. Joseph Church in Zwolle are pictured in attendance.

First Communion at St. Joseph & St. Ann

May Crowning at St. Jude Parish

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t. Joseph, Mansfield and St. Ann, Stonewall celebrated First Communion on May 1. Fr. Matthew Long celebrated the Mass with Deacon Bill Kleinpeter. St. Joseph had one and St. Ann had seven first communicants. Parishioners were happy to witness this beautiful event in our parish youths’ lives.

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t. Jude Parish in Benton held their annual May Crowning with Fr. Jerry Daigle.

Crawfish Festival at Little Flower of Jesus Parish

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he members of Little Flower Parish sponsored their 18th annual crawfish festival on Saturday, April 30, in Monroe.

This event not only provides wholesome family oriented activities for the family including games, face painting, lots of delicious crawfish, and food, but also good music and dancing to soothe the soul. The crawfish festival is always open to the public and is just one several events sponsored by the parishioners in an effort to reach out to the community.

Blessing of Hands at St. Francis Hospital

F

ather Philip Theempalangattu blessed the hands of Sister Mary Ann Sepulvado during National Hospital Week activities at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe.

Boyd Takes Second at State Pro-Life Oratory Contest

L

ucia Boyd, daughter of Drs. Carter and Bernadette Boyd and a junior at Loyola College Prep, placed second in the Louisiana State Pro-Life Oratory Contest, held in Lafayette on April 30. She was awarded a check for $300. The competition took place during the 110th State Convention of the Knights of Columbus. In addition to her parents, Msgr. Carson LaCaze, parochial vicar at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and member of the Knights of Columbus, was present to listen and support Lucia in the oratory contest. Lucia is the Pro-Life Oratory Contest winner for the Shreveport-Bossier region and President of Loyola’s Flyers for Life. She hopes to encourage other students to be involved in pro-life issues in their communities.

June 2016 29

mark your CALENDAR 6/4

Magnificat Brunch at the Catholic Center Ladies are invited to brunch being held at the Catholic Center, located at 3500 Fairfield, Ave., from 10:30am1:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Jennifer Stevens from the Diocese of Alexandria. Jennifer serves on many committees in her diocese including the ACTS Core Committee and Neighborhood Outreach. She is also a member of the Interfaith group.

Brunch will be Saturday, June 4, at 10:30 a.m. at the Catholic Center as Jennifer talks about her faith journey and why she hungers for more. For more information, contact Susan Tousignant, 318-366-1392.

6/6

Summer Camps Begin at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans The Cathedral parish will be offering summer camps beginning June 6. These camps will give your child the opportunity to stay active, see old friends and make new ones. The camp will be at the Cathedral. All camps will be taught in an atmosphere that maintains the Catholic faith. There are a variety of camps including Drama, Soccer, Volleyball, Sport & Fitness, Basketball, Classic Games,

Fairy Tale Musical and Vacation Bible School. Camp information, age requirements and registration can all be found on the parish website: www.sjbcathedralschool.org.

Or, call the parish office for more information: 318-221-5296. Ask for Lisa Marcalus.

6/27

Catholic Recording Artist and Speaker to Present at the Cathedral Julie Carrick, Catholic recording artist, speaker and radio producer and host, is coming to the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans for a Catechetical Artistry Mission Event in the Year of Mercy. The mission entitled, “Mercy – Ordinary and Divine” will be presented Monday and Tuesday June 27th and 28th beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Cathedral and last about an hour and a half. Morning Sessions will be presented from 11:00 a.m. to noon in St. Michael Chapel. This will be a Year of Mercy event of music, personal witness and a celebration of our Catholic faith reflecting on our call to discipleship and the example of Mary and the apostles as ‘first disciples.’ All are invited. For more information, contact the Cathedral office at 318-221-5296.

7/22

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Find some new ideas on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores and phones to focus on each other (the way it all began). This weekend can help you find greater depth, growth and enrichment in your relationship. The next two Weekends are July 22-24 and Oct 1415, 2016 at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center in Baton Rouge. You can get more information or register online at LAMS-wwme.org or by calling 470297-8560.

7/30

2016 RCIA Workshop: Training Catechumens in the Christian Life Keynote speaker will be Eliot Kapitan, Director of the Office of Worship and the Catechumenate for the Diocese of Springfield, IL, and recipient of the 2015 FDLC Alleluia Award.

The workshop is from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center.

Registration is $40. To register, contact Brandy Boudreau, 318-219-7311, or bboudreau@dioshpt.org. Registration deadline is July 15.

2 0 1 6 D i o c e s a n s t e wa r d s h i p A p p e a l

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

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

Please send monthly reminders to:

$800 $750 $650 $500

$400 $350 $300 $250

At this time I / we are enclosing:

$200 $150 $100 $_______

$_____________

Print Name________________________________________________________________________________

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

30 Catholic Connection

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

JUNE & JuLY

2016

JUNE 2016 CALENDAR

JULY 2016 CALENDAR

JUNE 1 - Greco Course "Year of Mercy - Year of Grace," St.

Mary of the Pines Parish, 9am (also June 8, 15, & 22)

St. Justin, martyr

JULY 1 - St. Junipero Serra, priest

JUNE 2 - Sts. Marcelinus & Peter, martyrs JUNE 3 - Sacred Heart Feast Day Mass & Celebration,

Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville, 5:30pm

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus JUNE 4 - Confirmation, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church,

Farmerville, 5:30pm

The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary JUNE 5 - Confirmation, St. Matthew Parish, Monroe; 10:30am JUNE 6 - St. Norbert, bishop

JULY 4 - Independence Day

Catholic Center Closed JULY 5 - St. Anthony Zaccaria, priest; St. Elizabeth of Portugal JULY 6 - St. Maria Goretti, virgin & martyr JULY 9 - St. Augustine Zhao Rong, priest & martyrs JULY 11 - Deadline for August Catholic Connection

St. Benedict, abbot JULY 13 - Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm

St. Henry

JUNE 9 - St. Ephrem, deacon & doctor of the Church

JULY 14 - BeLoved Camp for Teen Girls, Kings Camp

(thru July 17)

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin

JUNE 11 - St. Barnabas, apostle

JULY 15 - St. Bonaventure, bishop & doctor of the Church

JUNE 12 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’

Spring Meeting, Huntington Beach, CA (thru June 18)

JULY 16 - Our Lady of Mount Carmel

JUNE 8 - Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm

JUNE 13 - St. Anthony of Padua, priest & doctor of the Church

JULY 17 - Mission Possible Camp for Teen Boys, Kings Camp

(thru July 20)

JUNE 19 - Father's Day

JULY 18 - St. Camilus de Lellis, priest

JUNE 21 - St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious

JULY 20 - St. Apolinaris, bishop

JUNE 22 - Investment Committee meeting, Catholic Center, 10am

St. Paulinus of Nola, bishop; Sts. John Fisher, bishop,

and Thomas More, martyrs

JULY 21 - St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest & doctor of the Church

JUNE 24 - The Nativity of St. John the Baptist JUNE 25 - Knights of Peter Claver Louisiana State Junior

Conference Mass; Shreveport Convention Center, 5pm

Second Collection: Peter's Pence (through June 26) JUNE 26 - Confirmation, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

Church, Shreveport; 9am JUNE 27 - St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop

JULY 22 - St. Mary Magdalene JULY 23 - Second Collection: Solidarity Fund for the Church in

Africa (through July 24).

St. Bridget, religious JULY 25 - St. James, apostle JULY 26 - Sts. Joachim & Anne, parents of Mary JULY 29 - St. Martha JULY 30 - 2016 RCIA Workshop, Catholic Center, 9am

St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop & doctor of the Church

JUNE 28 - St. Irenaeus, bishop & martyr JUNE 29 - Diocesan Finance Council meeting; Catholic

Center, 12pm

Sts. Peter and Paul, apostles JUNE 30 - The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

June 2016 31

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

Photo of the Month

Bishop Duca and fifth grade students from St. John Berchmans School spy balloons in the sky after Red Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

32 Catholic Connection

Fairfield