Connection The Catholic
Vol. 26, No. 11 June 2017
Fidel Mondragón’s
ORDINATION Shreveport's Newest Priest to be Ordained in June
Also Inside
New Priest Assignments Across the Diocese Seminarian Prepares for Transitional Diaconate Ordination June 2017 1
Connection The Catholic
Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors
Jim Beadles Rosalba Quiroz Shelly Bole Dianne Rachal Cathy Cobb Jessica Rinaudo Lisa Cooper Marie Rinaudo Bishop Michael Duca Sr. Martinette Rivers Kim Long Katie Sciba Fr. Matthew Long Duane Trombetta Lucy Medvec Bonny Van Mary Morgan Mike Van Vranken Fr. Rothell Price John Mark Willcox Editorial Board Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Kelly Phelan Powell Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Stewardship Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community. Subscriptions & Address Changes Contact: Jessica Rinaudo, Editor Email: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org Write: Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609 Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org
The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call Glennda Lawson. Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law enforcement agency.
2 Catholic Connection
Letter from the Editor
E
ach year, The Catholic Connection magazine takes a break during the summer to prepare for another year’s worth of bringing you news, education and ways to strengthen your faith. This issue will be your last one until August. You can, however, stay in touch with the Diocese of Shreveport by liking us on Facebook (facebook.com/dioceseofshreveport), following us on Twitter (twitter.com/ cathconnect), following our Pinterest
boards (pinterest.com/cathconnection/ pins), viewing diocesan event photos on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/ photos/23683423@N05/albums) and downloading the CathConnections app from the Apple and Android app stores. I hope you have a wonderful and blessed summer. See you in August!
Jessica Rinaudo, Editor
bishop’s june calendar JUNE 1 Louisiana Interchurch Conference Executive Committee Meeting; St. Joseph Catholic Center, Alexandria; 12:30 p.m. JUNE 3 65th Birthday Mass & Reception; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 4:00 p.m. JUNE 4 Multicultural Mass; St. Mary of the Pines Parish, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m. 65th Birthday Mass & Reception; Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Monroe; 5:00 p.m. JUNE 10 Fidel Mondragón’s Ordination to the Priesthood; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m. JUNE 11 Mass in honor of Fr. Andre McGrath, OFM’s 20th Anniversary as Pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish and 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood; Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m. JUNE 12 Catholic Health Association Awards Banquet; Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans; 6:30 p.m. JUNE 14-17 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Spring Meeting; Indianapolis, IN
JUNE 20 Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Founders’ Reception; CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m. JUNE 21 Investment Committee Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m. JUNE 23 Sacred Heart Feast Day Mass & Celebration; Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville; 5:30 p.m. JUNE 24 Transitional Diaconate Ordination of Duane Trombetta; Holy Trinity Parish, Shreveport; 10:00 a.m. JUNE 25 St. John the Baptist Parish's 146th Anniversary/Feast Day Mass & Celebration of Fr. Michael Thang’wa, FMH’s Birthday; St. John the Baptist Parish, Many; 10:00 a.m. JUNE 27 Fr. Timothy Hurd’s 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood Mass & Reception; St. Joseph Parish, Zwolle; 6:00 p.m. JUNE 28 Diocesan Finance Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m. JUNE 30 – JULY 5 Convocation of Catholic Leaders; Orlando, FL
contents
june 2017
columns Don't Be Afraid to Be "Religious" by Bishop Michael Duca..................................... 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: Embracing All Prayer Types by Mike Van Vranken.............. 6 In Review: Mission from the Depths by Tim Rinaldi
reviewed by Marie Rinaudo....................................................................................... 7
Faithful Food: Vulnerability and Risk by Kim Long................................................. 8
13
Domestic Church: Out of Habit with Prayer by Katie Sciba................................. 9 From the Pope: The Mother of Hope from VIS.......................................................10 Navigating the Faith: Whoever Has Ears Ought to Hear by Cathy Cobb ..........11 Second Collections for June and July by Fr. Rothell Price ...................................12 Vocations View: The Identity and Role of a Deacon by Duane Trombetta ......... 13 Kids' Connection: Saint Kateri Tekakwitha ...................................................... 24
features
14
Fidel Mondragón's Ordination: Shreveport's Newest Priest to be Ordained in June by Jessica Rinaudo .................................................................................... 14-15
news Religious Education Gets Boost at Our Lady of Fatima School by Bonny Van ............................................................................................................16 Diocese Focuses on Family Life Through Media and Catechetical Fair by Shelly Bole ............................................................................................................17 Join Us for Summer Catholic Camps for Teens! by Fr. Matthew Long ..................18
22
Thank You for Strong Appeal Performance by John Mark Willcox .......................18 New Priest Assignments Across the Diocese .......................................................... 19 Loyola Staff Attended NCEA by Lisa Cooper ........................................................20 Aging Out Loud by Sr. Martinette Rivers, ols .............................................................20 Plans for SVdP Banquet Underway by Jim Beadles...............................................21
on the cover
Connection The Catholic
Vol. 26, No. 11 June 2017
Catholic Charities Presents Bingo on the Bayou by Lucy Medvec .....................21 Our Lady of Fatima Plenary Indulgence by Dianne Rachal .................................. 22 Help Collect Socks for Prison Ministry by Mary Morgan ........................................... 22
Fidel Mondragón’s
Hispanic News by Rosalba Quiroz ...........................................................................23
Shreveport's Newest Priest to be Ordained in June
ORDINATION
School News ...........................................................................................................25 Around the Diocese ...............................................................................................26-27 Across the Nation: Pope Francis Celebrated Mass and Canonization at Fatima Shrine from Vatican Information Service ..................................................28-29 Mark Your Calendar ...............................................................................................30 June and July Calendars ......................................................................................31
Also Inside
New Priest Assignments Across the Diocese Seminarian Prepares for Transitional Diaconate Ordination June 2017 1
Deacon Fidel Mondragón photographed in the St. Michael Chapel next to the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport.
June 2017 3
la reflexión Del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca
No Teman el ser “Religiosos”
C
reo que es justo decir que en la cultura seglar hay prejuicios contra la religión. Tal vez el prejuicio ha estado siempre presente, sin embargo ahora es más evidente. ¿Con que frecuencia han escuchado decir a algún famoso, o amigo o alguien que dejó el catolicismo, “yo soy espiritual pero no religioso”? esta frase pareciera indicar que el camino espiritual es el “mejor camino” y que la persona de alguna manera ha superado la religión. Esta frase se ha convertido en algo tan regular que para algunos suena profunda, pero yo pienso que es solamente otra manera de sacar a DIOS más y más fuera de nuestra cultura como una verdad que nos vincula. Es verdad que se han cometido muchos pecados en nombre de la religión, pero el problema está en las personas y no en nuestra religión, no en nuestra Fe Católica. El significado de la palabra religión es, (re-legio, del Latín) vincularnos de nuevo. En el contexto de la fe, el mayor propósito y significado de religión es vincularnos de nuevo a Dios. En la fe, reordenamos nuestro pensamiento para que nuestra moralidad, nuestra virtud, nuestra oración, el más grande significado de nuestras vidas este fundado en la creencia de que Dios es el autor de la vida, el gran arquitecto de la creación y en que Él mandó a Su único hijo, Jesús como la auténtica revelación de quién es Él. Muchas veces con las tentaciones y asuntos de la vida olvidamos esta verdad. Podemos decir que creemos en Dios, pero, al mismo tiempo nos convertimos en no creyentes funcionales, quitando a Dios de nuestras vidas, del centro y guía de ellas. Comenzamos a actuar sin cuidado por los demás, solo para obtener el éxito y la riqueza; para buscar placeres sin respeto a los demás, ni a nuestra propia dignidad o más aun ni a nuestros votos sagrados. Nos encontramos acercándonos más y más a los valores del mundo – siendo vanos, juzgando, siendo egoístas, envidiosos y cerrados en sí mismos. Cuando dejamos de orar y de ir a la iglesia, llegamos a un momento en el que necesitamos preguntarnos: si no hay lugar para Dios en el centro de mi vida, entonces ¿Qué cosa ocupa el nuevo centro de mi vida? Es mi trabajo, mi búsqueda por el éxito, mi deseo de más dinero, de popularidad, de influencia, de placer, de evitar llegar a la ancianidad…? Lo que sea que fuese, no será suficiente. ¿Cómo podemos salir de esta vida vacía, de esta vida funcional de falta de fe? La respuesta es simple: ¡vayan a la iglesia! Comiencen a buscar que Dios sea el centro de su vida. Regresen a las prácticas religiosas que los llevan a estar en contacto con Jesús, que los ayude a regresar a Dios, recordarles de lo que es bueno y verdadero. Su fe Católica es su camino a reordenar su pensamiento y su vida a la luz de su fe en Jesus y creer en Dios. Hacemos esto reconectándonos con los sacramentos, las enseñanzas de la iglesia, la lectura de las Sagradas Escrituras y la oración. Necesitamos redescubrir a Dios no dentro de nosotros mismos sino en el Cuerpo de Cristo, la iglesia. Es ahí donde redescubriremos nuestro centro auténtico y verdadero. Algunos dirán que este es un camino a la antigua y que hay una manera más pura y espiritual. Cuando alguien dice que es espiritual pero no religioso, existe una admisión silenciosa de que puede descubrir a Dios dentro de sí mismo. Yo no 4 Catholic Connection
creo que un cristiano pueda decir esto. Solo piensen como se reveló Dios mismo. La palabra se hizo carne en Jesucristo. Los apóstoles tuvieron que escuchar a Jesús, conocerlo y amarlo, para permitirle que les revelara ¡QUIEN ES DIOS! Jesus no es un invento de un corazón humano. Es la Revelación de Dios que nos llega de fuera de nosotros mismo y se revela en la más profunda verdad del corazón humano y de nuestra identidad como Hijos de Dios. Para centrarnos nuevamente debemos permitirle a Dios que se nos revele nuevamente. No hacemos esto simplemente como una práctica espiritual, sino como una práctica religiosa, reconectarse con el Cuerpo de Cristo, con la iglesia, que continua dando a conocer la verdad de la revelación de Jesus en los sacramentos, las escrituras y la tradición del entendimiento que viene de los apóstoles. Una vez que encontremos a Jesús y descubramos quien es Dios, comenzamos a ver la verdad espiritualmente de Jesús revelada en nuestro mismo ser, encontramos gozo, paz y una verdad que resuena en nuestros corazones. Yo sé que la iglesia a veces puede dar un reflejo equivocado de Jesús en los encuentros cotidianos que tenemos con algunos fieles o párrocos. Las prácticas religiosas pueden ser vacías y algunas veces ser de autoservicio. Pero el corazón de la Iglesia es Jesucristo y ahí es donde encontraremos la verdadera enseñanza y encuentro con Cristo. Dejen de preocuparse si son religiosos. Saquen fuerza, inspiración y esperanza de su fe, de su religión como Católicos Romanos. Regresen a la iglesia a encontrarse con Cristo una vez más y reordenar su vida de manera que Dios sea el centro. •
bishop’s REFLECTION by Bishop Michael G. Duca
Don’t Be Afraid to Be “Religious”
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think it is fair to say that in today’s secular culture there is a bias against religion. Maybe the bias against it has always been there, but it is certainly more pronounced. How often have you heard a celebrity, friend or even a fallen away Catholic say, “I am spiritual, but not religious”? It comes across as a statement that infers the spiritual path is the “higher path” and a person has somehow grown beyond religion. This has become such a regular statement that to some it sounds profound, but I think it is just another way of stripping GOD more and more out of our culture as a binding truth. It is true that there have been many sins committed in the name of religion, but the problem Bishop Duca lies with individuals, not in our religion, our Catholic Faith. The meaning of the word religion, (re-legio, Latin root) is to bind again. In the context of faith, the highest purpose and meaning of religion is to bind us back to God. In faith, we reorder our thinking so that our morality, our virtue, our prayer, the very ultimate meaning of our lives is grounded in the belief that God is the author of life, the great architect of creation and that He sent His son Jesus as the very revelation of who He is. Often times in the business and temptations of life we forget this truth. We may say that we believe in God, but can at the same time become functional unbelievers, stripping God out of our lives as our center and guide. We begin to act without regard for others in the attainment of success or wealth; to seek pleasures without respect for others, our own dignity or even our sacred vows. We find ourselves becoming more allied with the values of the world – becoming vain, judgmental, self righteous, envious and self-centered. When we then stop praying and going to Church, we reach a moment when we need to ask ourselves a question: If there is no place for God at the center of my life, then what is the new center of my life? Is it my job, my search for success, my desire for more money, popularity, influence, pleasure, avoiding old age…? Whatever it is, it will not be enough. How do we break out of this empty life, this functional unbelief? The answer is simple: go to Church! Begin to seek out God as the center of your life. Get back into the religious practices that put you back in contact with Jesus, to help rebind yourself back to God, to remind yourself of what is good and true. Your Catholic faith is your way to reorder your thinking and life in light of your faith in Jesus and belief in God. We do this by reconnecting with the sacraments, the teachings of the Church, the reading of scripture and prayer. We need to discover God not from within, but in the Body of Christ, the Church. It is there we will rediscover our authentic center and truth. Some will suggest that this is an old-fashioned approach and a more spiritual approach is better and purer. When someone says they are spiritual, and not religious, there is an unspoken assumption that they can discover God within themselves. I
don’t think a Christian can make this statement. Just think of how God revealed Himself. The Word became flesh in Jesus Christ. The apostles had to listen to Jesus, come to know and love him, to allow Jesus to reveal to them WHO GOD IS! Jesus is not a fabrication of the human heart. He is the Revelation of God who comes from outside ourselves and reveals the deepest truth about the human heart and our identity as Children of God. To re-center ourselves we must allow God to reveal Himself to us once again. We do not do this as simply a spiritual practice, but as a religious one, re-connecting with the Body of Christ, the Church, who continues to make known the truth and revelation of Jesus in the sacraments, the scriptures and the tradition of understanding coming from the apostles. Once we find Jesus and discover who God is, we then begin to see spiritually the truth of Jesus revealed in our very being, finding joy, peace and a truth that resonates in our hearts. I am aware the Church can be at times an imperfect reflection of Jesus in the everyday encounters we may have with parishioners or pastors. Religious practices can become empty and at times self-serving. But the heart of the Church is Jesus Christ and here we will find the true teaching and encounter with Christ. Stop worrying about being religious. Draw strength, inspiration and hope from your faith, from your religion as a Roman Catholic. Come back to church to encounter Christ once again and reorder your life with God at the center. • June 2017 5
mike’s meditations by Mike Van Vranken
Embracing All Prayer Types Using Communal and Personal Prayer
I
recently overheard two people discussing (maybe arguing) about whose form of prayer was best. One thought Sunday Mass was the best form of prayer because they could pray while hearing God’s Word, while taking communion, and while sharing the entire experience with other believers. The other was convinced that being one with God in a personal, individual engagement with the Almighty was the only way to pray. Of course, to put God in a box and suggest there is only one best way to be with Him limits our ability to experience Him in all Van Vranken things. In other words, it is not about pitting personal and internal prayer against vocal and communal prayer; it’s always about both. God is available to us in countless ways and forms. To limit those opportunities may be the saddest and most shallow decision we humans can make. We know that the temple in Jerusalem and the local synagogues were important to Jesus’ faith walk. In Luke’s gospel, we are told it was Jesus’ custom to attend and even teach at the synagogue. We also find similar scriptures of Jesus in the temple. If praying with a community was important to Jesus, it should be important to us too, right? When we consider we are members of the Body of Christ, communal worship is a no brainer. It unites our praise and worship into a single celebration that more than just shows our connectedness as a body; it also solidifies our understanding that we are all daughters and sons of the living God. The joining together in prayer actually produces an experience of strength that reminds us we are not alone and we have comfort, support and encouragement in all the people around us. Additionally, when we see Christ in the person next to us, we begin to realize that we have more in common with our diverse population than we first thought. It makes it easier to forgive, to assist, to feed and clothe and heal everyone around us because the Holy Trinity resides in each of us. At the same time, even though we can and should find God in all things, especially in each other, we still have that inner desire to be one with God on a very personal and intimate basis. Yes, we can hear about God’s love, and even feel it in other people. But, I have found there is nothing that compares to the truly knowing God’s love that comes from engaging one-on-one with the Father, Son and Spirit who is within me. And again, if we want examples from Jesus, the scriptures are full of stories where he went off and prayed alone to the Father all night. What did the desert fathers, the monks and the mystics all have in common? A deep inner life of oneness with God that allowed them to experience the one who loved them first. Once they personally knew the lover, they fell in love with God in a way they didn’t know possible. They continually joined with Him in quiet, contemplative prayer. A prayer that was so devoted to the lover that they didn’t ask for favors or petitions. They talked with God, listened to Him, communed with 6 Catholic Connection
Him and loved Him beyond their own beliefs. They realized the more personal and intimate love they gave to God, the more love they received in return. Consequently, the same love they shared with God, could now be shared with all people. And their experiences were so deeply interwoven with God, it was always hard for them to find words to communicate them. Sometimes I’m asked how a person can begin a very personal and intimate prayer experience. My advice is to consider a certified Spiritual Director for help. They are neither counselors nor therapists. Instead, their role is to help you with your relationship with God. You will have conversations with them about your prayer life and the ways you detect that God is moving in your life. He or she is interested in your actual experiences with God. It is as simple and as deep as that. So, if you have limited yourself to either weekly or daily communal prayer with your church, or a regular interior and intimate contemplative time with God, I urge you to consider encountering the Holy Trinity in both forms. Just as they were both valuable to Jesus, I believe you will find them both very beneficial to you and your relationship with God as well. It’s not either one or the other... It’s “both/and.” • Mike is a writer, teacher, and co-author of the book, Faith Positive in a Negative World. You can contact him at www.mikevanvrankenministries.org
in REVIEW reviewed by Marie Rinaudo
Mission from the Depths by Tim Rinaldi
I
n the middle of his first year at Tulane University, Michael was struggling to stay focused on his studies. Unhappy and dissatisfied with his friends, he was beginning to question if he really belonged in the university. Then one afternoon when he and his friends were drinking and playing ball, Michael accidentally broke a window in the nearby Catholic Center. Faced with possible expulsion, he went to the priest to resolve the disciplinary issue. To his surprise, the priest recommended that Michael perform service hours on the university’s spring mission trip to Honduras. Reluctant yet relieved that he would at least be able complete his freshman year, Michael accepted. This event is the opening of Tim Rinaldi’s first novel, Mission from the Depths, a fictionalized version of his first mission trip to Honduras. Through the eyes of Michael Rhodes, we experience the Honduran land and people. The airport was outdated and unkempt, the streets had few stop lights and no visible lanes, the cars were old and in disrepair, the unpainted houses had sagging doors and broken windows and some were enclosed by concrete walls topped with barbed wire. Weeds, grass and trash lined every street. The conditions grew worse as the missionaries made their first stop to assist the homeless. Initially, the people lined up in an orderly fashion to receive their share of food and clothes; however, as the pace slowed to a halt, the crowd grew restless and several began shoving and throwing punches as they climbed aboard the truck and grabbed whatever they could carry – food, clothes, supplies. Following that disturbing incident, Michael began to seriously question the value of the mission. He repeated silently what soon became a kind of mantra: “What am I doing here?” The next stop was even more troubling.
The children at the Dios de Amor shelter had been diagnosed with HIV and lived in quarantined conditions. Michael could not fathom how such a situation was possible. His growing depression soon became obvious to Abby, a seasoned missionary. As she described the next stop at an elementary school, she gave Michael simple and practical advice: give the mission a chance, focus on the children, try to make them happy, forget about yourself. In the days that followed, Michael threw himself into playing soccer with the kids, looking out for those who seemed sad or lonely. As the days of Holy Week began, he entered into the spirit of the Lenten prayers and services. The rituals filled Michael with solemnity and joy as he joined the villagers in praying Christ’s passion and resurrection. After returning to Tulane, Michael was still under the spell of the mission, but gradually everyday life encroached and he began to sink slowly into darkness. Fortunately, Fr. Lydon recognized this and decided to take action. When he met with Michael, he told Michael to take the leadership role for the next mission. At this point the plot begins to unspool. Though Michael worked feverishly on plans for the upcoming mission, he loses his focus in distractions: politics, personal ambition and romantic entanglements. He almost derails the mission as he forgets for a time the purpose of the mission: to improve the life of the villagers. It is primarily his affection for the Honduran people and land that leads to his redemption. Anyone who has ever experienced the transformative power of a mission trip will readily understand Michael’s commitment and perseverance. Ten percent of all sales of Mission from the Depths supports the villages that Rinaldi sponsors. •
“You saw how happy I was when I got back from Honduras. I want to always be that way but I'm struggling. It's just hard to go from the joys in the mountain village to finals and our fraternity brothers here. It's like no one understands what I experienced and I can't replicate it here.” – Tim Rinaldi in Mission from the Depths
Mission from the Depths is availble for purchase from Amazon.com, or www.timrinaldi.com.
June 2017 7
faithful FOOD by Kim Long
Vulnerability and Risk
W
ords and their meanings have become causalities in our current world. It seems we can be overly casual with their meanings, “loving” everything from soda to chocolate and “knowing” all Long who cross our paths. Recently I attended three funeral services within a week. The pews were filled with people who were drawn by shared experiences with the deceased. Perhaps something as casual as a connection by marriage, rather than blood, a conversation from which we walked away transformed or even sitting together in shared silence. Driving home from funeral number two, which was “out in the country,” I reflected on the concept of knowing someone else (or oneself for that matter) and the word “vulnerability” kept popping up. Poet and storyteller Jack Shea in his talk on Christmas themes in Luke and Matthew, spoke about the vulnerability of a baby born in a stable, making the contrast that Luke’s gospel “is like an aria, everyone singing all the time” while Matthew’s gospel “is much gloomier with Herod wanting to kill
the baby.” A vulnerable Jesus did not rest well on my mind years ago when I first heard these talks. I had been taught Jesus was strong, all-knowing and all-forgiving of my shortcomings. On that drive going from what felt like one world to another, I began to realize that vulnerability cuts both ways: Jesus coming in the form of a baby and Jesus hanging on a cross. In these scenes vulnerability isn’t just encouraged, it is modeled for us by Jesus from birth to death. Jesus opened himself up to everyone, being vulnerable and taking the ensuing risk each situation offered – who am I not to follow? Popular culture doesn’t encourage vulnerability, preferring to push the narrative of self. Jesus was so countercultural. His embrace of vulnerability is echoed in the lives of the people I knew who died that week. They lived full lives, accomplished many deeds, touched many and through those transcendent moments continue to be present in the lives of those still here. Sitting in the pew in three different churches I realized I had been more
Recipe for a Life Well-Lived Directions: 4) To this mixture add humor (not 1) Take the life you have been given and open it carefully. You don’t too much of the self deprecating variety, it tends to sour the mixture). want to miss the wonder it has for Stir well. you. 5) Add blessings and burdens, 2) Add experiences that can laughter and sorrow. Blend well and be found at the intersection of bring this to your Creator on a daily vulnerability and risk. basis. 3) When you have enough, 6) Repeat these steps daily. process the mixture with a combination of gentleness and forgiveness. 8 Catholic Connection
influenced than I realized by popular culture’s love affair with self and privacy, not being vulnerable, not letting people in, not taking a risk. For example, I will cook for the bereaved, pray for any request, serve in whatever way I can, but I seldom ask for prayer, or say I need much of anything. I seldom admit my own vulnerability. I don’t want to take any more risks, instead telling myself there is too much to lose. Driving home from one of the funerals, I realized there is so much to gain. I had wandered far from Emmaus, far from who I had known myself to be. In the words of modern day mystic Bob Seger, “The ashes smolder and the fire is soon gone, we end up cold and only on our own. I’ll take my chances babe, I’ll risk it all, I’ll win your love or I’ll take a fall.” While this might not seem like an engraved invitation, this is exactly that: we are invited to take the risk, be vulnerable and be amazed at what there is to be known. “As the Father has loved me so I love you, remain in my love.” • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport.
domestic CHURCH by Katie Sciba
Out of Habit with Prayer
O
ur two-year-old daughter Jane does not stay in bed, at least not on her own. It takes one of us parents sitting vigilantly nearby to compel her to obey and be quiet so she’ll fall asleep. Sometimes the whole process lasts hours. For the most part I kill time with crossword puzzles or Facebook, but the wait for her to drift Sciba off can be painstakingly boring. Several weeks ago when I took my turn to watch Jane, I impulsively grabbed a rosary off the shelf and began praying. Full disclosure: this was not like me. I historically find all kinds of reasons to avoid reciting the Rosary – it takes too long, or I lose my train of thought so it doesn’t feel prayerful, or I don’t feel like it. Nearly in spite of myself, I made my way through the Glorious Mysteries, praying each decade for one of our five children. The next night, I sat with Jane again – this time willingly – and took up my beads. I meditated on the Joyful Mysteries with my husband at the heart of my intentions. The next night I prayed again. And again the one after. The Rosary, or just prayer in general, can feel like such a task when we’re out of habit. And, out of habit, it’s easy to give credence to even the weakest reasons to avoid it. In our busyness we say there’s no time or we’re too tired. In our frailty we say we don’t feel like it or we don’t get anything out of it. I’ve heard that we have to make time to pray and while this is true, we can also find it hidden under seemingly innocuous habits. I didn’t realize it, but Facebook and mindless time online were in the way of what has by grace become a new devotion for me. Every day at work or at home holds natural rhythms of heightened activity and calm and it’s within the calm that we find the time
Start Your
Prayer Life Now!
Stick it to those lame excuses and start a robust prayer life!
I don’t have time...
How do you spend your downtime during work or at home? Before you log on or catch up on your shows, pray.
I don’t know how to pray...
St. Therese said, “Prayer is a launching out of the heart towards God.” It doesn’t have to be beautiful or eloquent, just honest.
I’m too tired...
to speak with Jesus. I discovered my downtime in the watch over my toddler, which is plenty of time for a Rosary. In other seasons of life, periods of quiet were shorter than five minutes, during which I could manage a couple of prayers and petitions. In both circumstances, looking heavenward was far better than anything else I could have done to fill the gap. And once we find the time to pray, we have to push ourselves to seize it. Ask Jesus to give you the will to pray and know that he’s ready to shower you with grace to move closer to him. In prayer and meditation, Jesus has given me a deeper understanding of his miraculous life on earth and assurance of his divine will. Another fruit of praying has been the ability to see my family through the Lord’s eyes. I see more clearly than ever that they are precious; and not only that, but I better grasp the fact that as a wife, as a mother, it’s my task and privilege to help these particular souls get to heaven. Now, where once was a dreaded period of boredom is time gladly spent with God. •
“Come to me you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). It’s ok - Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the saints were all tired, too. The Lord wants you to entrust him with your fatigue, whether it be emotional, physical or spiritual.
I don’t feel like it/ I don’t get anything out of it...
Push yourself to take advantage of the chances God gives you to pray. The more you pray, the more you know God; and the more you know God, as His creation, the more you will know yourself, His plan for you, and how precious others are.
Katie Sciba is married to Andrew and together they have five children. She is the author of thecatholicwife.net.
June 2017 9
from the POPE from Vatican Information Services
The Mother of Hope
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ear brothers and sisters, good morning! In our catechesis on Christian hope, today we look to Mary, Mother of hope. Mary went through more than one dark night on her journey as a mother. From her earliest appearance in the history of the Gospels, she stands out as if she were a character in a drama. It was not easy to answer “yes” to the angel’s invitation: yet she, a woman still in the flower of youth, Pope Francis answered with courage, despite knowing nothing about the fate that awaited her. Mary at that moment appears to us like one of the many mothers of our world, brave to the extreme when it comes to welcoming in her womb the story of a new person to be born. That “yes” is the first step in a long list of acts of obedience – a long list of acts of obedience! – who will accompany her mother’s itinerary. So Mary appears in the gospels as a silent woman who often does not understand all that is happening around her, but ponders every word and every event in her heart. In this arrangement there is a beautiful outline of Mary’s psychology: she is not a woman who is discouraged by the uncertainties of life, especially when nothing seems to go in the right direction. Nor is she a woman who protests with violence, who inveighs against the destiny in life that often reveals a hostile face. Instead, she is a woman who listens: do not forget that there is always a great relationship between hope and listening, and Mary is a woman who listens. Mary welcomes existence just as it is given to us, with its happy days, but also with its tragedies we would never have wished to encounter – up to the supreme night of Mary, when her Son is nailed to the wood of the cross. Until that day, Mary had almost disappeared from the story of the gospels: the sacred writers leave implicit this slow eclipse of her presence, her remaining silent while faced with the mystery of a Son who obeys his Father. But Mary reappears precisely at that crucial moment, when a good number of his friends have fled out of fear. Mothers do not betray, and at that moment, at the foot of the cross, none of us can say what was the cruelest passion: that of an innocent man who dies on the scaffold of the cross, or the agony of a mother who witnesses the last moments of her son’s life. The gospels are laconic, and extremely discreet. They record in a simple verb the presence of the mother: she “stood” (John 19:25). She was standing. They say nothing of her reaction: whether or not she wept… nothing; not even a brushstroke to describe her grief: the imagination of poets and painters 10 Catholic Connection
were to seize upon these details, giving us images that have entered the history of art and literature. But the gospels just say, she was “standing.” She was there, in the worst moment, in the cruellest moment and suffered with her son. “She stood.” Mary “stood,” she was simply there. Here she is again, the young woman of Nazareth, now with her hair greyed by the passing of the years, still coming to grips with a God who must only be embraced, and with a life that has reached the threshold of the deepest darkness. Mary “stood” in the deepest darkness, but she “stood,” she stayed. She did not go away. Mary is there, faithfully present, every time that there needs to be a lighted candle in a place of mist and fog. Not even she knew the destiny of resurrection that her Son was at that instant opening up for all humanity: she is there out of fidelity to God’s plan, to which she proclaimed herself a servant in the first day of her vocation, but also due to her instinct as a mother who simply suffers, every time that there is a son who goes through a passion. The sufferings of mothers: we have all known strong women, who have faced so many sufferings for their children! We find her again in the first day of the Church, she,
She is a woman who listens: do not forget that there is always a
great relationship between hope and listening, and Mary is a woman who listens. mother of hope, in the midst of that community of disciples, so fragile: one had renounced, many had fled and all had been afraid (cf. Acts 1:14). But she was simply there, in the most normal of ways, as if it were something entirely natural: in the first Church enveloped in the light of the resurrection, but also in the tremors of the first steps that she needed to take in the world. This is why we all love her as a mother. We are not orphans: we have a mother in heaven, Who is the holy mother of God. Because she teaches us the virtue of waiting, even when everything seems to be without meaning; she is always trustful in the mystery of God, even when He seems to be eclipsed by the evil in the world. In moments of difficulty, may Mary, the mother who Jesus gave to all of us, always be able to sustain our steps, may she always be able to say to our hearts, “Arise! Look ahead, look to the horizon,” because she is the mother of hope. Thank you. •
navigating the Faith by Cathy Cobb
Whoever Has Ears Ought to Hear
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n a recent speech, Pope Frances lamented the frenetic pace of today’s world and the lack of listening skills that so easily takes root in our families. Family members can become so absorbed in their smartphones, he remarked, that they fail to greet one another in the morning or don’t make conversation during meals. This can lead to a tendency to depersonalize others, which then extends beyond the family to the wider society. He encouraged listening over interrupting one another, as so often seen on television. “Where there is no dialogue, there is violence,” he said. The solution to this problem is to work to improve our own listening skills. When children are learning to talk, parents spend time helping them develop expressive skills, but sometimes fail to instill another important basic communication skill: the art of good listening. If your family does not listen well, try to quietly model what good listening looks like. Sit or stand still when others are talking and look them in the eye, nodding your head or giving body language indicating you are engaged. Sum up what others say to be sure you understood them correctly. Allow others to finish their thoughts before interrupting them. These small disciplines may yield great results. Pay attention to how often you must resist the impulse to interrupt
others. It is perfectly okay to admit to your family or friends that you are working on becoming a better listener and to ask for help. With practice, daily conversations can take on more gracious tones. When our kids were young, I asked my husband to help me model good listening skills for our kids. We began to make a concentrated effort not to interrupt the kids and to ask them not to interrupt us. Instead of giving them generalized lectures about communicating, we looked for specific suggestions for better listening that we could share, such as turning off the television or other background noise when someone was speaking. We asked them questions about what they were saying. When we spoke to the kids, we asked them to stop what they were doing, look at us and repeat what we had told them to be sure that we were all on the same page. To avoid non-urgent interruptions, we put a notebook and a pencil in a drawer in the kitchen to write a note of what they wanted to remember. We quickly began to see benefits in our family life, and our new listening habits also improved how we communicated with others outside our home. My desire to be a better listener has spilled over into my prayer life. I realized I had been talking to God more than I had been listening for what God has in mind for me.
When we are willing to listen to God, we discover such wonderful Good News which is ready to come alive on our hearts if we will only allow it in. In Mark 4:9, after telling the parable of the sower, Jesus says, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” When he makes this statement, he is encouraging us to listen not just with our physical ears, but to make ourselves present to others with our whole beings. When we talk to Jesus, he shows how to listen beyond the words that come forth from our mouths. He hears that what we are truly asking for is healing, peace and love. When we offer others this type of listening, we can be like seeds that fall on the rich soil and produce much fruit. May God grant us all ears that can truly hear. •
Listening Skills to Develop • Body language: Look the person speaking to you in the eye. Nod your head. • Encourage: Let your speaker know you are interested in what they have to say. “Oh, really?” “Yes, I understand.” • Clarify: Summarize what you have heard to be sure you understand it. • Wait until you are ready to listen: If you aren’t able to give your full attention, ask your speaker to wait until you can. • Pay attention: Try to avoid thinking up the next thing you want to say while the other person is talking. • Don’t interrupt: Let someone finish their thought before jumping in with yours. • Manners: If you must interrupt for an urgent matter, excuse yourself and explain the urgency. Only do this for important reasons! • Avoid distractions: It is easier to hear what someone wants to tell you when you eliminate background distractions such as computers, mobile devices or televisions. • Pray: Spend time reading and praying with scripture, set aside time for listening to God. Take time to pray for the people who want you to listen to them. June 2017 11
second COLLECTIONS by Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General
Second Collections for June & July SOLIDARITY FUND FOR THE CHURCH IN AFRICA Bulletin Dates: July 9th & 16th Collection Dates: July 22nd & 23rd
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Copyright © 2016, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: © CNS/Paul Haring.
80200217
PETER’S PENCE Bulletin Dates: June 18th & 25th Collection Dates: July 1st & 2nd
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little mercy makes the world less cold and more just.” – Pope Francis, Angelus, March 17, 2013. “Let’s help the Holy Father to help others! Your contribution, however small is important.” – The Vatican website. Price “Be a Witness of Charity.” Each year, on or near the Feast of the two great apostles, Peter and Paul, the Universal Church takes up the Peter’s Pence Collection. Pope Francis, the Vicar of Jesus Christ on earth, is called upon by individuals, families, communities and nations to help them in a time of crisis and suffering. The Vicar of Christ always seeks to respond to such cries for help with the love and mercy of the Lord through the help of the Church, you, me and the Catholic faithful from every nation around the world. This collection is taken up by Catholics around the globe and helps the Holy Father reach out to the suffering in our world, especially to those enduring the effects of war and violence, natural disasters, and religious persecution. Our Holy Father leads by example as he makes the buildings, personnel and resources of the Holy See readily available to those in need. Join him! “Be a Witness of Charity.” Please participate generously in the Peter’s Pence Collection. Join our Holy Father Francis in his mission, and ours, to bring the face and love of Jesus Christ to our brothers and sisters in need of compassion, help, hope and mercy. “
12 Catholic Connection
he Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa supports pastoral projects that foster lasting peace and reconciliation in a continent often marked by division and tension. Please participate in this opportunity to stand with the people of Africa as they face these challenges. The Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa of the USCCB Subcommittee on the Church in Africa 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. As I was writing this article in May of 2017, I have just sent out information to our priests that 23 million people in Africa are on the brink of starvation. That is the equivalent to the number of people living in our Episcopal Region, including the states of: Louisiana 4.67 million Mississippi 4.99 million Alabama 4.85 million Tennessee 6.6. million Kentucky 4.42 million Any amount you give will alleviate the suffering of millions of people and lead to solutions that could permanently eliminate hunger in Africa and throughout the world. The Church in Africa is growing, however many people still lack access to basic resources and pastoral care. Many suffer due to high rates of poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, poor education, disease and migration. Be generous in your support of the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. I thank you in advance for your five loaves and two fishes with which our Lord can do far more than we could ever hope or imagine! • Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Second Collections.
vocations View by Duane Trombetta, Seminarian
The Identity and Role of a Deacon
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y the Sacrament of Holy Orders, a man is appointed to nourish the people of the Church with God’s Word and grace in the name of Christ. He takes on a sacramental character and a share in Christ’s priesthood. The word “ordination” comes from the Latin word ordinatio, which means “incorporation into an established, ordered, and governed body.” Accordingly, Holy Orders are “ordered” into the three ranks of bishop, priest and deacon. In a few short weeks, I will be ordained a deacon myself. In this timely article, I will reflect upon the deacon’s identity (“who he is”), and his roles in the Church (“what he does”). Though a deacon’s identity is different from that of a bishop or a priest, he does receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders – so, a deacon is a member of the ordained clergy. He is also a sharer in Christ’s mission and grace. In fact, a deacon holds this identity in a special way because his sacramental character configures him to Christ who is deacon, or servant, of all. In addition, a deacon is a sharer in the mission of the diocesan bishop. And because his respect and obedience extend to his local church, he is also a sharer in the mission of his pastor. Most of all, a deacon is a servant. This applies to his identity at the altar, in his administrative duties, to other clergy and, of course, to the people of God. A deacon takes on some very important roles in the Church, each related to the “offices” of Christ: priest, prophet and king. He participates in Christ’s priestly office by helping to sanctify the people – this includes assisting in the
liturgy, celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony and presiding at Christian funerals. A deacon participates in Christ’s prophetic office by proclaiming the Good News and by preaching homilies. Last but not least, a deacon participates in Christ’s kingly office by governing, guiding and administering within the parameters of his assignment – always submitting to the truth of the transcendent God. It should be noted that ordination to the diaconate can be “permanent” or “transitional.” This means that men over the age of 35, and married men may be ordained as permanent deacons to serve the diocese and a parish for life. Alternately, suitable men who aspire to the priesthood may be ordained as transitional deacons for a short time, later to be ordained as priests. In the case of the transitional diaconate, the law of celibacy must remain, and he may not be married. Regardless, both permanent and transitional deacons share the same identity and roles in the Church. After six years of seminary studies and formation, I believe I am wellprepared and ready to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders and to take on the identity and roles of a deacon. I particularly identify with the diakonia of servant. It is my hope and prayer to enjoy many years of ordained ministry to the people of the Diocese of Shreveport. Duane Trombetta will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on Saturday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in downtown Shreveport. All are invited and encouraged to
Seminarian Duane Trombetta will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate on Saturday, June 24 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Downtown Shreveport. attend this event and support Duane as he takes one of his final steps towards becoming a priest. Additionally, there will be an informational meeting for interested men on the Permanent Diaconate on Saturday, June 17 at 9:00 a.m. in the Youth Room of the Catholic Life Center next to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ruston. For more information on this meeting, contact Deacon Clary Nash, Director of the Permanent Diaconate, at cnash@dioshpt.org. • 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 2017 13
Fidel Mondragón’s
ORDINATION
Shreveport's Newest Priest to be Ordained in June by Jessica Rinaudo
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efore Fidel MondragÓn landed in the Diocese of Shreveport, he spent many years in various seminaries, countries and a religious order, discerning the vocation God had planned for his life. After being a seminarian for the Diocese of Dallas, which downsized their foreign vocations, Fidel returned to Mexico before becoming a seminarian for the Diocese of Shreveport. That was two years ago. And Fidel has made the most out of his two years as a Top: Fidel Mondragon at his ordination to the transitional diaconate. seminarian for our diocese. He first went to Notre Dame Below: Fidel leads a pilgrimage to the Holy Door at the Cathedral of Seminary in New Orleans where he took review classes St. John Berchmans during the Year of Mercy. Right: Fidel conducts on the sacraments and history of the Church, as well his first baptism as a deacon of the Catholic Church. as English as a Second Language. He relished this time both for improving his English and for getting to know event for the Hispanic community. his brother seminarians of our diocese. Of them Fidel “Rosalba Quiroz [Hispanic Ministry Director] asked me said, “I got to know them, because once a month we would to organize the visit to the Holy Door with the Hispanic have dinner together – we would talk about how things were Community because it was the Year of Mercy. We invited going.” all of the diocese. … We organized a Stations of the Cross After finishing his seminary classes in May of last year, Fidel and did them in the Cathedral. After that, we explained the moved to Mansfield, where he assisted Fr. Matthew Long in Year of Mercy, the meaning of mercy and why Pope Francis parish life. convoked the Year of Mercy. Then we had a holy hour with “When I arrived in Mansfield, I got involved with the Fr. Rigo Betancurt, Fr. Al Jost and Fr. Blane O’Neill. Bishop community,” said Fidel. “I helped the Hispanic and Anglo communities… I started a new program – Christian Formation Duca was there, too,” said Fidel. On December 10, 2016, Fidel was ordained to the for Adults and Bible classes with Hispanics on Tuesdays. I transitional diaconate at St. Mary of the Pines, and a month visited people, I prayed the rosary with them. I helped Fr. later Bishop Duca assigned him to the Cathedral of St. John Matthew with the Masses.” Berchmans, also serving St. Mary of the Pines two days a During this time he also taught adult formation classes and week. He still continues in this assignment. assisted with retreats at St. Mary of the Pines in Shreveport, “In the Cathedral I help with the everyday Mass and I have and Christ the King in Bossier City. His formation classes helped two times with the homily in English,” said Fidel “I expanded to St. Thomas Aquinas in Ruston and Our Lady help with the funerals, with the school Masses.” of Perpetual Help in Farmerville, allowing Fidel to become After two years, Fidel has adjusted from life in Mexico to acquainted with people across the diocese. life in north Louisiana, and embraces his vocation here with It was during this time that Fidel organized a Year of Mercy 14 Catholic Connection
open arms. The people and clergy, in turn, have welcomed him warmly. “I am so grateful for Bishop Duca and all the priests here. They are very kind to me and welcome me. They tell me, ‘Fidel you are welcome. We are very glad to have you.’ They encourage me,” said Fidel. “I feel comfortable here, I feel welcome in both communities. The Spanish community, ok they love you, but the Anglo community is very warm and they receive me,” added Fidel. “I want to be part of this diocese, to consecrate my life as a priest,” he said. And after so many years of discerning and traveling, Fidel is excited to finally be approaching his ordination to the priesthood and his ministry as a Catholic priest. “I look forward to helping the people. I want to be the person who can manifest this mercy of God, this love of God and help the people be close to Christ. Because I talk with the people… they need somebody to hear them. I know my priest ordination is close, but this is when my work will begin,” said Fidel. He added, “I remember my instructors in the seminary said, ‘This is not your goal to be a priest. The goal is first, your salvation.’ Following this vocation, I want to be with God, but I want many people, through me to be saved, too. They will hear the Word of God. I can give the Body of Christ. I can forgive sins, it is not me, but I can be this instrument. … This is what I want most for the people: to be this instrument to manifest the mercy
of God, the love of God and drive them to Christ.” As he reflected back on his long journey to the priesthood, Fidel shared stories of his time in seminary. One in particular
reflected his vocational path. “Sometimes when I was walking in the seminary, I would say, ‘I have this class and it is very difficult. And I will have a presentation tomorrow and the priest, he is tough.’ But I did my presentation, and when I finished I felt very good. I said, ‘This is not me on my own. Many people are praying for me, for my vocation. My
family, my friends, the people around the world are praying for the seminarians, for the priests. … And after this difficult presentation I went to the chapel and I said, ‘Thank you God. For you are behind me, you sustain me. And I want to continue – because if you continue calling me, I want to continue answering you.’” Fidel’s ordination to the priesthood will be Saturday, June 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Bishop Michael Duca will ordain Fidel as a priest for the Diocese of Shreveport. All members of the faithful are encouraged to attend. “As a diocese, we are fortunate that Fidel’s journey has brought him to us so that he can serve the wonderful people of our region,” said Bishop Duca. “I am anxious for our local Church to benefit from his ministry as an ordained priest and I believe he has so much to offer to our entire faith community.” • June 2017 15
local NEWS Relgious Education Gets Boost at Our Lady of Fatima by Bonny Van
Christmas present. “I said let’s dream big, what do you need?” First on the list were books. Bole contacted a representative from Sadlier Publishing Company, which donated 20 books. Grant money was used to buy the rest. Money from the grant has also been used to purchase a laptop and a rolling cart so that Humphrey can move to different classrooms. “We’ve also used the money to buy a DVD set that covers the basics of our faith and Elmo clickers which allow the kids to answer questions remotely with the SMART board,” said Bole. Left to right: Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, Superintendent; Fr. Joe Martina, Pastor of Our Lady “We’ve also bought portable of Fatima Parish; Dr. Carynn Wiggins, Principal; Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis; Jamie batteries and a keyboard for Jamie, Humphrey, Religion Teacher and we still have $1500 left! We’ve been able to do so much more than uring the school year, funds from the state can be used for we imagined. We’re going to hold off Wednesday morning Mass for religious material,” she said. “I was until the fall to see what they need,” students at Our Lady of Fatima really saddened by this and Jamie, the she said. School in Monroe is much more than religion Humphrey just a time to celebrate the Eucharist. teacher, told said the It’s also much more than time spent me that materials have in prayer, listening to scripture or many of the made a big taking a break from class work. For the children had impact already. majority of the 200 students, it’s the never heard “The only chance they have to experience about God.” children God. Jamie are more “So many of our students are unHumphrey organized and churched, except through the school,” has been we are back on said principal Dr. Carynn Wiggins. the religion track with our That is why a $5,000 grant from the teacher at Some of the religious resources purchased for Our catechism,” she Lady of Fatima School with the aid of a Black and Black and Indian Missions has been the school Indian Missions grant. said. “If not such a blessing. for the past for us, most of Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis 12 years. Teaching without books them would not know about God.” for the Diocese of Shreveport, applied and other student materials has been “This really does make a difference for the grant a year ago after a visit to challenging. in the lives of these children,” says Dr. Fatima School opened her eyes to the “We’re trying to teach them about Wiggins. “I tell people all the time, lack of religious material available for the Gospel and instill good moral you don’t have to cross an ocean to teaching. values,” she said. have a mission field, you simply have “Ninety-five percent of the students Bole says the grant, awarded to cross a parking lot.” • are funded by state tuition and zero just before Christmas, was a great
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16 Catholic Connection
Diocese Focuses on Family Life Through Media and Catechetical Fair by Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis
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emember that song by Sister Sledge? “We are family, I got all my sisters with me!”? The Catholic Church sees family as much larger, in fact Pope Francis says that the parish/church is the “family of families,” so in essence everyone who belongs to a parish/church is a family member (single, divorced, widowed, married, child, teen, etc.) In fact in Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis wrote, “There is no stereotype of the ideal family but rather a challenging mosaic made up of many different realities, with all their joys, hopes and problems.” (57) As a single person who has spent most of my adult life in states other than my biological family, I embrace the quote, “Friends are the family we choose.” The beauty of family life in the 20th century is the ability to connect in a variety of ways. Someone who lives far away can connect not just through calls and texts, but visually through social media. Yet even with all these ways to connect, there is nothing that can replace the actual in person, face-to-face encounter. The Church recognizes the importance of that live encounter: think of the Sacrament of Reconciliation – it must happen in person so that there is a physical as well as spiritual connection with our Forgiving Father. In fact all of our Sacraments must happen “live and in person.” As family, what can we learn from this centuries-old wisdom? We can learn that in our often over-scheduled lives, we must schedule time for the live, face-toface encounters with those we love. We can learn that like the sacraments, family time is sacred and must be protected. We can learn that food is central to our socialization as family. We can learn that celebrations are important! We can learn that through family we experience God’s love and mercy in the context of relationships. The Catholic Church, in her wisdom, is spending more time learning from and
reflecting on families (both biological and chosen). The World Meeting of Families last August is a perfect example. The Office of Catechesis is also learning more about and reflecting on family life. One of the first steps for families to connect is meal time: intentional, everyone together, cell phones down, eating together. You may have noticed and followed the Lenten Tuesdays Fast and Feasting Family Style on our app, Facebook page and in bulletins, which offered a simple question for families to talk about together. We are continuing the Tuesday ritual with Jesus Table Talk. Each Tuesday morning a new question is offered through the Diocesan App, CatholicConnections, our Facebook page and in church bulletins. The questions are easy, and yet challenging: “What was the weirdest thing you said today?” “King David, of the Old Testament wrote most of Psalms, which were sung! David loved joyful, lively music. He was known to leap and dance for the Lord! What song was stuck in your head today?’ The goal of Jesus Table Talk is to help start conversations that are out of the ordinary and can be discussed with anyone!
In addition to Jesus Table Talk, the annual Catechetical Fair will focus on how catechists can engage parents in the formation of their children. We will also begin offering more seminars on parenting and grand-parenting; what you should know about social media and your teen; and communication. The Holy Family is our model for family life. And before you think, “Well, they were the Holy Family – we can’t compete,” remember they had their share of burdens: Mary was an unwed pregnant teen; Joseph was an older man; they had to travel on a donkey; the Child was born poor; the babe’s life was threatened; the Child got lost; the list goes on and on. They struggled. But as Pope Francis said, “Families are not a problem, they are first and foremost an opportunity” (Amoris Laetitia, 7). Join the diocese in growing confident Catholic families through Facebook, the CathConnects App and the Diocesan Family Faith webpage: http://www. dioshpt.org/ministries/catechesis/familyfaith/ where you will find amazing resources for parenting, single parents, divorced/separated and much more. New resources are being added weekly. • June 2017 17
Join Us for Summer Catholic Camps for Teens! by Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Vocations
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ear Parents, As parents of teenagers, you want the very best for your children. As faithful Catholics, you want them to grow closer to the Church in their teen years, not drift away from it. You want them to discover their true vocations in life, whatever they may be. Most of all, you want your child to be happy – to be well educated, well rounded and well loved. I want those things for your children, too. And not just for your kids, but for every teenager in our diocese. That’s essentially why we created the Mission Possible and Beloved summer camps. Over the past six years, I’ve seen firsthand what these camps do for our Catholic teens. Time and again, I’ve seen the proverbial “light bulb” go off, not just in their heads, but in their hearts. In a very real way, our annual Summer Camps help “launch” teens into life. The camps are a springboard for becoming strong men and women who love Jesus and the Church, and are open to God’s will in their lives.
As I look back on my young adulthood, I can pinpoint key moments when I made choices for good – choices for God. For me, these moments began in my teens and continued in my twenties. I can say with sincerity that I wish I would have attended a camp like the ones offered by our diocese. So I want to encourage you in the strongest possible language: please seriously consider registering your child for Beloved (July 13-16) or Mission Possible (July 16-19). Yes, the campers are going to have a blast. Yes, they are going to come home tired and happy. But most all, they are going to return home with a renewed love for Jesus. That, of course, is what matters most in life. May the Lord bless you and your family in this Easter Season! In Christ through Mary Immaculate,
Fr. Matthew Long
Register at www.shvcamps.com
Thank You for Strong Appeal Performance!
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by John Mark Willcox
he 2017 Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal is three quarters of the way home with the following churches achieving pledge goal and locations at or above our overall diocesan percentage of pledge goal (74%) for this year:
Pledge Goal or Higher: • St. Mary of the Pines – Shreveport • Mary, Queen of Peace – Bossier City • St. Ann – Ebarb • St. Lawrence – Swartz • St. Margaret – Homer • St. Terence – Toledo Bend At or Above Diocesan Percentage of Pledge Goal: • Cathedral of St. John Berchmans – Shreveport • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton – Shreveport • St. Jude – Benton • Jesus the Good Shepherd – Monroe • Holy Trinity – Shreveport • St. Joseph – Zwolle • St. Joseph – Mansfield • St. Paschal – West Monroe • St. John the Baptist – Many • Sacred Heart – Shreveport • Sacred Heart – Rayville • St. Patrick – Lake Providence • St. Clement – Vivian • Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Farmerville • St. George – Coushatta • St. Theresa – Delhi • St. Joseph – Bastrop • Sacred Heart – Oak Grove Bishop Duca thanks all our worship locations and the faithful throughout the diocese who have contributed to this year’s Appeal campaign. If you have yet to participate, your help is needed! Our goal is $1.5 million and the Church counts on your support to provide for the people of our diocese. You can participate by using the 2017 Appeal pledge card found on page 30 of this issue. May God bless you for your generosity! •
18 Catholic Connection
New Priest Assignments Across the Diocese from the Office of Bishop Michael Duca
Fr. Jerry Daigle
Fr. Karl Daigle
Fr. Mark Franklin
Fr. Keith Garvin
Fr. Charles Glorioso
Fr. Tim Hurd
Fr. Joe Kallookalam
Fr. Matthew Long
Fr. Joe Martina
Fr. James McLelland
Fr. Philip Michiels
Fr. James Moran
Fr. Richard Norsworthy
Fr. Rothell Price
Fr. Biju Kurakose
Fr. Joseph Kuzhichalil
Fr. Paul Thunduparampil
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Fr. Lijo Thomas
Priest
Fr. Pike Thomas
Fr. Jerry Daigle Fr. Karl Daigle Fr. Mark Franklin Fr. Keith Garvin Fr. Charles Glorioso Fr. Tim Hurd Fr. Joseph Kallookalam, cmi Fr. Matthew Long Fr. Joseph Martina Fr. James McLelland Fr. Philip Michiels Fr. James Moran, co Fr. Richard Norsworthy Fr. Rothell Price Fr. Lijo Thomas, cmi Fr. Pike Thomas Fr. Mark Watson Fr. Biju Kurakose, cmi Fr. Joseph Kuzichalil, cmi Fr. Paul Thundurparampil, cmi
Fr. Mark Watson
New Assignment
Effective Date
Pastoral Administrator, St. Clement, Vivian June 1, 2017, until a pastor is named Pastor, St. Jude, Benton June 1, 2017 Pastor, St. Matthew, Monroe July 1, 2017 Relieved as Pastoral Administrator, St. Matthew, Monroe (Will continue as pastor of Jesus the Good Shepherd) July 1, 2017 Holy Angels Masses May 3, 2017 Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Shreveport September 1, 2017 Pastor, St. Patrick, Lake Providence & July 1, 2017 Sacred Heart, Oak Grove Pastor, St. Joseph, Shreveport July 1, 2017 Pastor, St. Pius X, Shreveport July 1, 2017 Retired June 1, 2017 Retired June 1, 2017 St. Joseph, Mansfield & St. Ann, Stonewall July 1, 2017 Pastor, St. Joseph, Zwolle July 1, 2017 Pastoral Administrator, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Shreveport June 1 – August 29, 2017 Pastoral Administrator, Our Lady of Fatima, Monroe July 1 - October 31, 2017 (In Addition to current assignment as Pastor, St. Joseph, Bastrop) Retired June 1, 2017 Pastor, Christ the King, Bossier City July 1, 2017 To be assigned upon summer arrival To be assigned upon summer arrival To be assigned upon summer arrival June 2017 19
Loyola Staff Attended NCEA Aging Out Loud by Lisa Cooper, Loyola College Prep
by Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS
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oyola faculty members returned with great ideas and inspiration after attending the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Conference and Expo in April. The NCEA convention is the largest private education association gathering in the nation and is held in fellowship with the Archdiocese of St. Louis. At the Assistant Principal Stephanie Johnson conference, Counselor at the National Catholic Education Assocation Conference Susan Hymel, Assistant Principal of Instruction Stephanie Johnson, Advancement Director Melanie Johnson and Theology teachers Marcos Villalba and T.C. Veit joined educators from across the United States and Canada to exchange ideas about cutting-edge research and technologies related to education. Stephanie Johnson said, “My own personal take away was that I enjoyed hearing from leaders in schools just like Loyola about differentiated instruction, technology implementation and faith formation in Catholic schools.” Veit echoes the other members in saying the experience at the conference was wonderful. Of particular interest to Veit were the sessions on Theology of the Body and Service Involving the Family. Veit explained that a growing number of Catholic schools across the U.S. are teaching Theology of the Body as a class starting in elementary school right through high school. The session on Service involving the Family helped Catholic schools learn more about shifting the focus of service to one which involves the entire family and not the students alone. Veit explained, “They are focusing on the corporal works of mercy, sending students with their families out into the community for various events as well as having them do things at home like creating homeless bags that will then later be distributed.” Utilizing this shift in focus from sending money through students to inviting families to participate actively in serving the communities, these schools have found a way to meet each of the seven corporal works of mercy for their K-12 students. Those participating in the conference represent all aspects of Catholic and faith-based education from preschool, elementary, secondary, adult education, colleges and universities to local parish pastors, priests, parish volunteers and more. Attendees had available to them more than 200 professional development sessions, beautiful liturgies, and special events. • 20 Catholic Connection
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here is a smile on God’s face and music in His voice as He looks upon all who are aging out loud. Aging needs not only our loving, personal attention, but listening from the heart to what older adults have to say to everyone. Henri Nouwen said, “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Our joy must be shared with others. Don’t allow our wrinkles or graying hair to slow down our gait or rob us of life’s aging joys as we celebrate who we have become. We can still “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15). Our journey of aging is not finished until we finish serving others. Who knows where we are going and exactly what will happen as we age out loud by not allowing stress, loneliness and depression to take hold of our lives? In this life only three things should be uppermost in our minds: faith, hope and love – not age. This month, create a sense of unity among others by inspiring them. Look for others who are showing us what getting older looks like and listen to the issues they are concerned about. Speak out about important aging issues. We shouldn’t keep silent or disconnect ourselves from others as we age, lest we breed all sorts of maladies of the body, mind and spirit. For me, aging is a lifetime of fruitfulness, love, graying hair, wrinkles and the joy that is our birthright from God because we belong to Him. He is a God of unlimited abundance and has more than enough for us. Blessed are we who have made good use of our years! Blessed are the aging hearts who wait patiently for their lives to be increased, theirs is the Kingdom of God. Time is not our enemy, but our friend. Let us not delay any longer, but age out loud, filling our lives with laughter, friends and family and allowing the Spirit to move our hearts to do new things. May our aging out loud be iced with the beauty of our mind, spirit, connectedness and decorated with happiness, joy, respect, friends, love and laughter. May we be filled with new attitudes about what it means to be ourselves. Thank God for all the tomorrows as we live our future closer to Him. •
Plans for SVdP Banquet Underway by Jim Beadles, Vice President of Diocesan Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Catholic Charities of North Louisiana presents
by Lucy Medvec
Presentation at the 2016 St. Vincent de Paul Banquet, "Not Too Far From Here."
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lessings come in many diverse packages. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is no exception. As a mission, more than 275 local Vincentians provide services such as rent and utility assistance, furniture, food and pharmacy services. The entire organization consists of volunteers. There is no paid staff or overhead, and virtually every dollar raised goes to help those in need. In 2016, local Vincentians conducted more than 2,400 in-home visits, and helped more than 12,000 of our neighbors. All of our resources come from the generosity of the community, and we are grateful for the gifts that sustain our ministry. Our primary fundraiser each year is the St. Vincent de Paul Annual Banquet, which will be held this year on September 12 at the Bossier Civic Center. To say we were blessed by being a part of the 2016 banquet would be a gross understatement. The theme of last year was based on the song, “Not Too Far From Here.” That song has a strong message that regardless of where you are, you do not have to look very far to find someone waiting for you to be the face of Christ in their life. We had two incredible speakers: Bishop Lawrence Brandon from Praise Temple, and Dr. Pat Day from First United Methodist And, if that was not
enough, the Centenary Choir performed several songs, including the theme song, leaving most of us speechless and inspired. The success of the 2016 Banquet set the bar high for 2017. We heard from so many people about how much they enjoyed the program, as well as from many who were unable to attend but heard about it, that we decided to present the “Not Too Far From Here… Encore” for the 2017 St. Vincent de Paul Banquet. This year, we have as speakers Andrew Randall from Abounding Faith Temple, and Dr. Brad Jurkovich from First Bossier. Having speakers from other faiths is important, as we understand that no one faith or group can create the systemic change needed to truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve. The Centenary Choir will also make a return appearance! Please join us on September 12, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bossier Civic Center. Tickets will go on sale soon. Look for more information in your bulletins and online at our website www. svdpshreveport.org, or on Facebook at St. Vincent de Paul Shreveport. On behalf of all Vincentians, I want to thank Bishop Duca for the continued blessing of his support. It is sincerely appreciated. See you in September! •
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atholic Charities’ popular fundraiser, “Bingo on the Bayou,” is returning this year on Saturday, August 19th. After selling out last year’s event, “Bingo on the Bayou” will move to East Ridge Country Club in order to accommodate more people. In addition to seven games of bingo, the fundraiser will include dinner and a silent auction. Local priests from around the diocese will once again serve as bingo callers for the event with prizes being gift certificates to upscale local restaurants. All proceeds from “Bingo on the Bayou” will benefit the programs of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana including financial education, emergency assistance, healthy eating classes, parenting programs and assistance for low-income mothers, and immigration services. Individual tickets are $50 each with table sponsor levels of $750, $1000, and $1500. Dress is casual and the event is open to guests 21 years and older. If you are interested in serving on the event committee, please contact Lucy Medvec at lmedvec@ccnla. org. For sponsorship information or to order tickets, please contact the Catholic Charities office at 318-8650200 ext. 101. • June 2017 21
Our Lady of Fatima Plenary Indulgence by Dianne Rachal, Director of Worship
Help Collect Socks for Prison Ministry by Mary Morgan, Prison Minister
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n Saturday, May 13, the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, Pope Francis declared canonized saints, Jacinta and Francesco Marto, two of the three shepherd children to whom Our Lady appeared. A one-year Jubilee began on November 27, 2016, the First Sunday of Advent, and will continue until November 26, 2017. The Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a plenary indulgence for the centennial anniversary of the Fatima apparitions. “The plenary indulgence of the jubilee is granted: to pious faithful who visit with devotion an image of Our Lady of Fatima solemnly displayed for public veneration in any temple, oratory or adequate place, during the days of the anniversary of the apparitions (the 13th of each month, from May to October 2017), and devotedly participate there in any celebration or prayer in honor of the Virgin Mary, pray the Our Father, recite the Symbol of Faith (Creed) and invoke Our Lady of Fatima.” “To obtain the plenary indulgence, the faithful, truly penitent and animated with charity, must fulfill the following conditions: sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.” The parishes in the Diocese of Shreveport with images of Our Lady of Fatima for veneration at the time of this publication are: • Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport • Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, Bossier City • St. Jude Parish, Benton • St. Patrick Parish, Lake Providence • Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Monroe O God, who chose the Mother of your Son to be our Mother also, Grant us that, persevering in penance and prayer For the salvation of the world, We may further more effectively each day the reign of Christ. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. 22 Catholic Connection
ur feet are very important to us and just like Dr. Seuss wrote, “they all look different: little feet, big feet, long feet, short feet, white, brown, black or yellow feet.” Feet are everywhere and God loves them all. Jesus did a lot of walking and talking about them. He let a woman wash his feet and was pleased when she anointed them. At the Last Supper he washed the apostles’ feet. Why am I writing about feet? Because I have discovered a need. Back in the early 90’s a mother in my parish was making visits to see her son in the parish jail. I felt in my heart the phrase, “Offer to go with her.” What began as a message from the Holy Spirit eventually turned into a calling to assist in Prison Ministry, and those heart messages have never stopped coming. Since that time I have visited many correctional centers and written many letters to prisoners. Today, I have this dream to tell you about – a Christmas starting in July dream. On one of my weekly visits to the Bossier Max facility, I noticed the worn out white socks on most of the women’s feet. When they arrive, they must give up everything they come in with (even socks). They are given a striped top and pants and a slipper type pair of shoes. If someone arrives without any funds to purchase socks, they depend on other inmates to share any extras. The floors are concrete and cold, and they only get a small sleeping blanket. I am working to give a new pair of socks to each person in the facility for Christmas. In Bossier that is about 1,400 individuals. If we as the Catholic Church could collect 1,400 pairs of socks, we would have enough for all of these prisoners. Someone will thank you from the “bottom of their feet” one day if you help with this endeavor. Churches and groups wanting to donate socks should contact Mary Morgan at 318-742-3774. •
hispanic NEWS por Rosalba Quiroz
Fidel Mondragón González, Sacerdote para la Diócesis de Shreveport “
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ngresé a Estados Unidos patrocinado por la Diócesis de Shreveport, y si Monseñor Obispo Michael Duca, Dios y la Inmaculada Virgen María así lo desean, me convertiré en sacerdote para esta diócesis en un futuro cercano”. Su hermano en Cristo: Fidel Mondragón González”. Así terminó su artículo de presentación a la diócesis de Shreveport hace un año, el entonces seminarista Fidel Mondragón. Después de integrarse a la diócesis y recibir estudios adicionales sobre el trabajo pastoral en Estados Unidos, fue ordenado Diácono transitorio en diciembre del 2016. Ahora finalmente, tendremos la dicha de ser parte de su Ordenación Sacerdotal y estar aún más unido a nosotros como sacerdote diocesano. Que nuestro Señor lo ilumine y guie para que sea un pastor compasivo y sabio y nos pueda guiar y acompañar en la vida espiritual de nosotros y de nuestras familias.
Detalles de la Ordenación sacerdotal y Cantamisa
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residida por nuestro Obispo Michael G. Duca, concelebrada por sacerdotes de la diócesis y quienes han sido parte su vida y formación el 10 de junio del 2017 en
Calendario del Mes de Junio - Julio 2017 Junio: 3 Día de Servicio en su parroquia para crédito de Escuela Pastoral 10 Ordenación Sacerdotal del diácono Fidel Mondragón, Catedral de San Juan Berchmans 11 Cantamisa de Fidel Mondragón, Sta. María de los Pinos, Celebración terrenos de la feria 24 Escuela Pastoral, Cristo Rey Julio:
la Catedral de St. John Berchmans, 939 Jordan Street, Shreveport, LA 71101 en punto de las 10:00 a.m. seguida por una recepción en la misma catedral. Su Cantamisa será el día siguiente, 11 de junio del 2017 en punto de las 11:30 a.m. en la Parroquia de Santa María de los Pinos, 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71118. Después del Cantamisa estamos todos invitados a celebrar con en los terrenos de la feria en la 3710 Hudson Street, Shreveport LA 71109 donde habrá comida, mariachi
15 3ª reunión en preparación para Búsqueda 8. Centro Católico, 11 am – 4 pm 21-23 Retiro Búsqueda 8, Scottsville, TX (viernes 6 p.m. – domingo 4 pm) 29 1ª reunión en preparación para Retiro Experiencia Cristo 7. 10am – 2 pm. Centro Católico.
y celebración cortesía principalmente de la familia de Fidel y las comunidades hispanas de la diócesis. Seamos parte de estas festividades históricas de bendición, en honor de nuestro futuro sacerdote Fidel Mondragón González. •
June 2017 23
Kids' Connection!
This Month We Learn About
Saint kateri tekakwitha
who was she?
Kateri was born to Mohawk and Algonquin parents and grew up in a Mohawk tribe. When she was 4-years-old, her family contracted smallpox. The disease killed both of her parents and her brother, and left her with facial scars. She was adpoted by her aunt and uncle. There were many battles between the French and the Mohawks while she grew up. Jesuit missionaries came to her village and over the years she learned from them and worked beside them to care for wounded warriors. Kateri refused to marry and eventually converted to Christianity. She died young at the age of 23, in the arms of her best friend and spiritual sister, Marie Thérèse.
Word Find MOHAWKS
ADOPTED
ENVIRONMENT
AMERICAN
JESUITS
SMALLPOX
CHASTE
KATERI
TEKAKWITHA
CONVERT
LILY
THORNS
24 Catholic Connection
Interesting facts
• St. Kateri placed thorns under her sleeping mat and laid on them, a practice of the Mohawks, while praying, offering her suffering. • Kateri is known as the “Lily of the Mohawks” because lilies are both symbolic of purity and the Blessed Mother. • She is the patron saint of the environment, loss of parents, exiled people and Native Americans.
school NEWS
JGS Participate in Beautiful Lengths
SJS Inducts Students in Honors Society
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n Wednesday, May 10, St. Joseph Catholic School welcomed 23 inductees into the St. Joseph Catholic School Chapter of National Junior Honor Society. Students are nominated for
induction based on the five pillars of membership: scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship and character. Congratulations to all students for being selected to join the National Junior Honor Society!
Retirement Celebration for Principal Jo Cazes at St. John Berchmans School
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o us, it’s hair. To women battling cancer, it’s hope. Jesus the Good Shepherd School students, Paula Pham, 6th; Morgan Tonore, 3rd; Adeline Bruscato, 2nd; and Millie Clay, 1st donated their 8-inch ponytails to Pantene Beautiful Lengths on Wednesday, May 3, in the school gymnasium in front of the entire school assembly. Pantene Beautiful Lengths has partnered with the American Cancer Society to make and distribute real-hair wigs to women in need. More than 800,000 ponytails have been donated to date! Thank you Kelly Southern, owner of Southern Salon, for donating her time and talent to such a worthy cause!
OLF 5th Graders Hard at Work
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he Cathedral of St. John Berchmans parish and school celebrated Jo Cazes with a retirement party in her honor. Jo will be retiring as principal at the close of this school year after 12 years of service at St. John Berchmans and 44 combined years in education.
The retirement Mass was said in conjunction with the First Holy Communion Mass. Afterwards, all attended a catered lunch and reception and presentation of parting gifts. A plaque was presented to Jo, dedicating the school library in her name.
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ho needs pencil and paper when you have desks and markers? Students are working hard in Mr. Johnson’s 5th grade class. June 2017 25
around the DIOCESE
Foot Washing at St. Jude
Fr. Thang'wa Led Prayer for LA Senate
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t. Jude participated in foot washing on Holy Thursday. Pictured are Joey and Candace Brickner and family.
May Crowning in Many
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r. Mike Thang’wa gave the opening prayer at the Louisiana Senate on April 25. He was invited by Senator Barrow Peacock, District 37, ShreveportBossier. The Senate is opened with
prayer each session. He also was given a tour of the Capitol, seeing the view from the top and going to the fourth floor where the governor’s office is and where news conferences are held.
St. Joseph PSR Students Present Rice Bowl
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he youth of St. John the Baptist Parish in Many brought flowers for the annual crowning of Mary in May.
St. Joseph Altar, Mansfield
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r. Rothell Price, Vicar General and Director of Special Collections, was presented with a check in the amount of $775.11 from the Rice Bowl Lenten donations of the students of the Parish School 26 Catholic Connection
of Religion of St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport. Teachers, Bonnie Vanni and Suji Sujith, along with students, Joshua and Theresa Sujith made the presentation to Fr. Price for the efforts of Catholic Relief Services.
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t. Joseph in Mansfield hosted a St. Joseph Altar on March 19 for both St. Joseph, Mansfield and St. Ann, Stonewall. Both churches contributed to the decorations and food for the event.
Fr. Tim Surprised with First Communion at St. Lawrence Anniversary Gift
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he children of St. Joseph Parish in Zwolle and St. Ann Church in Ebarb surprised Fr. Tim Hurd with an engraved bench for his 25th anniversary of priesthood.
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t. Lawrence Parish in Swartz, held First Communion on Sunday, April 30. Fr. Job Scaria is pictured with the first communicants.
Fr. Gaitley Led Cathedral's Divine Mercy Retreat
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r. Michael Gaitley, MIC, and the Marian Missionaries conducted a Divine Mercy Day Retreat on Saturday, April 22, at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans for over 200 attendees from throughout the diocese and surrounding areas. Pictured: Fr. Gaitley offers a blessing of the Divine Mercy images for retreatants.
Confirmation at St. Joseph, Bastrop
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t. Joseph Parish in Bastrop held its Confirmation on Sunday, May 7. Confirmands are pictured with Bishop Duca, Deacon Marc Vereen and Fr. Lijo Thomas.
St. Joseph, Shreveport First Communion
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irst Communion was held at St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport on May 6 and 7. Communicants are pictured with Deacon Bruce Pistorius, Deacon Bill Roche and Fr. Mark Franklin. June 2017 27
across the NATION from Vatican Information Services
We need but take refuge under the
protection of the Virgin Mary and to ask her, as the Salve Regina teaches: "show unto us... Jesus. " Pope Francis at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
Pope Francis Celebrated Mass and Canonization at Fatima Shrine During Pilgrimage to Fatima Shrine, Pope Canonized Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto
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t 10:00 a.m. on May 13, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fátima, on the plaza of the Shrine, the Holy Father Francis celebrated Holy Mass on the occasion of the centenary of the apparitions, during which the Blesseds Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto were canonized. The Eucharistic Celebration was attended by the Presidents of the Republic of Portugal, of Paraguay and of São Tomé e Príncipe, whom the pope greeted at the end of the rite. During the Mass, after the rite of canonization and the proclamation of the Gospel, the Holy Father pronounced the following homily: “[There] appeared in heaven a woman clothed with the sun.” So the seer of Patmos tells us in the Book of Revelation (12:1), adding that she was about to give birth to a son. Then, in the Gospel, we hear Jesus say to his disciple, “Here is your mother” (Jn 19:27). We have a Mother! “So beautiful a Lady,” as the seers of Fatima said to one another as they returned home on that blessed 28 Catholic Connection
day of May 13, a hundred years ago. That evening, Jacinta could not restrain herself and told the secret to her mother: “Today I saw Our Lady.” They had seen the Mother of Heaven. Many others sought to share that vision, but… they did not see her. The Virgin Mother did not come here so that we could see her. We will have all eternity for that, provided, of course, that we go to heaven. Our Lady foretold, and warned us about, a way of life that is godless and indeed profanes God in His creatures. Such a life – frequently proposed and imposed – risks leading to hell. Mary came to remind us that God’s light dwells within us and protects us, for, as we heard in the first reading, “the child [of the woman] was snatched away and taken to God” (Rev 12:5). In Lucia’s account, the three chosen children found themselves surrounded by God’s light as it radiated from Our Lady. She enveloped them in the mantle of Light that God had given her. According to the belief and experience of many pilgrims, if
not of all, Fatima is more than anything this mantle of Light that protects us, here as in almost no other place on earth. We need but take refuge under the protection of the Virgin Mary and to ask her, as the Salve Regina teaches: “show unto us… Jesus.” Dear pilgrims, we have a Mother. We have a Mother! Clinging to her like children, we live in the hope that rests on Jesus. As we heard in the second reading, “those who receive the abundance of the grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ” (Rom 5:17). When Jesus ascended to heaven, He brought to the Heavenly Father our humanity, which He assumed in the womb of the Virgin Mary and will never forsake. Like an anchor, let us fix our hope on that humanity, seated in heaven at the right hand of the Father. May this hope guide our lives! It is a hope that sustains us always, to our dying breath. Confirmed in this hope, we have gathered here to give thanks for the countless graces bestowed over these past hundred years. All of them passed beneath the mantle of light that Our Lady has spread over the four corners of the earth, beginning with this land of Portugal, so rich in hope. We can take as our examples Saint Francisco and Saint Jacinta, whom the Virgin Mary introduced into the immense ocean of God’s light and taught to adore Him. That was the source of their strength in overcoming opposition and suffering. God’s presence became constant in their lives, as is evident from their insistent prayers for sinners and their desire to remain ever near “the hidden Jesus” in the tabernacle. In her Memoirs, Sister Lucia quotes Jacinta who had just been granted a vision: “Do you not see all those streets, all those paths and fields full of people crying out for food, yet have nothing to eat? And the Holy Father in a church,
praying before the Immaculate Heart of Mary? And all those people praying with him?” Thank you, brothers and sisters, for being here with me! I could not fail to come here to venerate the Virgin Mary and to entrust to her all her sons and daughters. Under her mantle they are not lost; from her embrace will come the hope and the peace that they require, and that I implore for all my brothers and sisters in baptism and in our human family, especially the sick and the disabled, prisoners and the unemployed, the poor and the abandoned. Dear brothers and sisters, let us pray to God with the hope that others will hear us; and let us speak to others with the certainty that God will help us. Indeed, God created us to be a source of hope for others, a true and attainable hope, in accordance with each person’s state of life. In “asking” and “demanding” of each of us the fulfilment of the duties of our proper state (Letters of Sister Lucia, 28 February 1943), God effects a general
mobilization against the indifference that chills the heart and worsens our myopia. We do not want to be a stillborn hope! Life can survive only because of the generosity of other lives. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (Jn 12:24). The Lord, Who always goes before us, said this and did this. Whenever we experience the cross, he has already experienced it before us. We do not mount the cross to find Jesus. Instead it was he who, in his self-abasement, descended even to the cross, in order to find us, to dispel the darkness of evil within us, and to bring us back to the light. With Mary’s protection, may we be for our world sentinels of the dawn, contemplating the true face of Jesus the Savior, resplendent at Easter. Thus may we rediscover the young and beautiful face of the Church, which shines forth when she is missionary, welcoming, free, faithful, poor in means and rich in love. •
Happy 65th Birthday Bishop Michael Duca !
The Catholic Faithful of the Diocese of Shreveport are cordially invited to attend Mass and a Reception on the occasion of the 65th Birthday of Bishop Michael G. Duca Southern and Western Deanery Faithful and Clergy are invited to celebrate at the 4:00 p.m Anticipated Mass
Saturday, June 3, 2017
Eastern Deanery Faithful and Clergy are invited to celebrate the 5:00 p.m. Evening Mass
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Cathedral of St. John Berchmans 939 Jordan Street Shreveport LA 71101
Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish 2510 Emerson Street Monroe, LA 71201
Reception immediately following in St. Vincent’s Hall at Loyola College Prep
Reception immediately following in Moore Hall
Bishop Duca has requested that in lieu of gifts or honoraria, donations be made to the Office of Church Vocations of the Diocese of Shreveport.
USCCB news & notes from United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• U.S. Bishops to Meet June 1415 in Indianapolis; Discussions will include Religious Liberty, Immigration, Upcoming Synod The bishops will also discuss and vote on whether to establish the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty as a permanent USCCB committee. Other items considered for discussion and votes are: the revised Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities, a collection of blessings in Spanish (the Bendicional: Sexta Parte), and a new translation of the Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism. • U.S. Bishops Chairman Calls on Senate to Strip Harmful Proposals from House-Passed Health Care Bill Since discussions about repealing the Affordable Care Act began, the U.S. Bishops have repeatedly called for Congress to honor key moral principles in health care reform. Among them are: access for all people to comprehensive, quality health care that is truly affordable, including extra consideration for pre-existing conditions; respect for life by preventing the use of federal funds for abortion or to purchase health care plans that cover it; and conscience protections. • USCCB President: Executive Order Begins a Process We will continue to advocate for permanent relief from Congress on issues of critical importance to people of faith. Religious freedom is a fundamental right that should be upheld by all branches of government and not subject to political whims. June 2017 29
mark your CALENDAR 6/17
Informational Meeting on the Permanent Diaconate The Diocese of Shreveport will host an informational meeting for men interested in enrolling in the permanent diaconate program in 2018. This meeting will take place on Saturday, June 17, in the Youth Room at the Catholic Life Center, next to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ruston, beginning at 9:00 a.m. St. Thomas Aquinas Parish is located at 810 Carey St. in Ruston. For more information, contact Deacon Clary Nash at cnash@dioshpt.org, or 318-532-0280.
6/25
St. John the Baptist and Fr. Thang'wa's Anniversary Celebrations St. John the Baptist in Many will celebrate its 146th year of existence as well as Pastor Fr. Michael Thang’wa’s birthday and 7th Anniversary of Ordination on Sunday, June 25, at the 10:00 a.m. Mass with Bishop Michael Duca. There will be a luncheon following Mass. For more information, call the church office at 318-256-5680.
6/27
Mass in Honor of Fr. Hurd's Silver Anniversary to the Priesthood A Mass of thanksgiving commemorating the silver anniversary of ordination of the priesthood of Fr. Timothy C. Hurd will be held on Tuesday, June 27, at 6:00 p.m. at St.
Joseph Parish, Zwolle, located at 307 Hammond St. in Zwolle. Reception immediately following. RSVP to jubilee25@ bellsouth.net.
7/13
BeLoved Camp for Teen Girls Experience an unforgettable, life-changing camp packed with awesome activities and authentic Catholic spirituality! This camp for teen girls will be at the rustic-butcomfortable 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. To register and for more information, visit www.shvcamps.com.
7/15
2017 Diocesan RCIA Workshop This year’s annual RCIA Workshop is on “Ministering to the Already Baptized” – How the already baptized journey within the community of faith toward reception into full communion or the completion of initiation. The workshop will be given by Jim Schellman at the Catholic Center, located at 3500 Fairfield Avenue in Shreveport from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration is $40 and deadline is July 1. For more information, call 318-868-4441, or email Dianne Rachal at drachal@dioshpt.org.
7/16
Mission Possible Camp for Teen Boys Experience an unforgettable, life-changing camp packed with awesome activities and authentic Catholic spirituality! This camp for teen boys will be at the rustic-butcomfortable 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. To register and for more information, visit www.shvcamps.com.
2 0 1 7 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
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JUNE & JULY
2017
JUNE 2017 CALENDAR
JULY 2017 CALENDAR
JUNE 1 - St. Justin, martyr
JULY 1 - Second Collection: Peter's Pence St. Junipero Serra, priest
JUNE 2 - Sts. Marcelinus & Peter, martyrs JUNE 3 - Bishop Duca's 65th Birthday Celebration, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 4pm St. Charles Lwanga & Companions, martyrs
JULY 2 - Second Collection: Peter's Pence
JUNE 4 - PENTECOST SUNDAY Multicultural Mass, St. Mary of the Pines Parish, Shreveport, 10am Bishop Duca's 65th Birthday Celebration, Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, 5pm
JULY 4 - Independence Day Catholic Center Closed
JUNE 5 - St. Boniface, bishop& martyr
JULY 10 - Deadline for August Catholic Connection
JUNE 6 - St. Norbert, bishop JUNE 9 - St. Ephrem, deacon & doctor of the Church JUNE 10 - Ordination to the Priesthood of Fidel Mondragon, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 10am JUNE 11 - Mass for Fr. Andre McGrath's 50th Anniversary to the Priesthood, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Shreveport, 9am The Most Holy Trinity JUNE 13 - St. Anthony of Padua, priest & doctor of the Church JUNE 14 - Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm JUNE 17 - Informational Meeting on the Permanent Diaconate, Catholic Life Center, Ruston, 9am
JULY 3 - St. Thomas, apostle
JULY 5 - St. Anthony Zaccaria, priest; St. Elizabeth of Portugal JULY 6 - St. Maria Goretti, virgin & martyr
JULY 11 - St. Benedict, abbot JULY 12 - Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm JULY 13 - BeLoved Camp for Teen Girls (through 7/16), King's Camp, Mer Rouge JULY 14 - St. Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin JULY 15 - 2017 RCIA Workshop, Catholic Center, 9am St. Bonaventure, bishop & doctor of the Church JULY 16 - Mission Possible Camp for Teen Boys (through 7/19), King's Camp, Mer Rouge JULY 18 - St. Camilus de Lellis, priest
JUNE 18 - Corpus Christi - The Most Holy Body & Blood of Christ
JULY 20 - St. Apolinaris, bishop
JUNE 21 - Investment Committee Meeting, Catholic Center, 10am St. Aloysius Gonzaga, religious
JULY 21 - St. Lawrence of Brindisi, priest & doctor of the Church
JUNE 22 - St. Paulinus of Nola, bishop; Sts. John Fisher, bishop, and Thomas More, martyrs JUNE 23 - The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus JUNE 24 - Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate of Duane Trombetta, Holy Trinity Parish, 10am The Nativity of St. John the Baptist JUNE 25 - St. John the Baptist Parish's 145th Anniversary Mass & Feast Day Celebration, Many, 10am JUNE 27 - Fr. Tim Hurd's 25th Anniversary to the Priesthood Mass, St. Joseph Parish, Zwolle, 6pm
St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop
JUNE 28 - Diocesan Finance Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 12pm St. Irenaeus, bishop & martyr
JULY 22 - Second Collection: Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa St. Mary Magdalene JULY 23 - Second Collection: Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa JULY 24 - St. Sharbel Makhluf, priest JULY 25 - St. James, apostle JULY 26 - Sts. Joachim & Anne, parents of Mary JULY 29 - St. Martha JULY 31 - Parish Year-End Financials Due St. Ignatius of Loyola, priest
JUNE 29 - Sts. Peter and Paul, apostles JUNE 30 - The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church
June 2017 31
Connection The Catholic
D IOCESE O F SH R E V EPO R T 3500 Fairfield Ave.
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Shreveport, LA 71104
Photo of the Month
ts a check to a member Bishop Michael G. Duca presen during the 25th Annual ility Fac tial of Holy Angels Residen ntown Shreveport. The Red Mass at Holy Trinity in dow and court officials. This ges Red Mass honors lawyers, jud year’s honoree was Holy Angels.
32 Catholic Connection
Fairfield