Connection The Catholic
Vol. 28 No. 11 June 2019
Fr. Kevin Mues
Ordination to the
Priesthood
Also Inside
Faithful Step Up in Wake of Ruston Tornado Devastation
CONTENTS
14
4
18
16
FEATURES 4
One Last Time: Rinaudo Bids Farewell by Jessica Rinaudo
14 Kevin Mues: Ordination to
the Priesthood by Fr. Kevin Mues
16 Faithful Step Up in Wake of
Tornado Devastation by Walter Johnson
COLUMNS 7
MIKE'S MEDITATIONS
What Are Your God-Given Gifts? by Mike Van Vranken
8
LIBRARY NOTES
9
by Kate Rhea
FAITHFUL FOOD
Breath of Fresh Air & The Care and Feeding of a Columnist by Kim Long
10 SECOND COLLECTIONS
Second Collections for June & July by Fr. Rothell Price
11 NAVIGATING THE FAITH
Feast of Corpus Christi by Jessica Rinaudo
12 FROM THE POPE
As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us from the Vatican Press Office
2 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
20
13 VOCATIONS VIEW
Reflection on Minor Seminary by Kelby Tingle
21 GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES
Shreveport 1873: No Greater Love by Fr. Peter Mangum, W. Ryan Smith, & Dr. Cheryl White Illustration Deacon Andrew Thomas
22 KIDS’ CONNECTION
Sacred Heart of Jesus by Kelly Phelan Powell
23 HISPANIC NEWS
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús por Rosalba Quiroz
NEWS
18 Praying for the Dead
by Kate Rhea & Randy Tiller
19 Pro-Life Oratory Contest
Winners Announced
20 CCNLA and SVdP: Side by Side
and Hand in Hand by Tiffany Olah
24 Your Appeal Helps Provide Priests
for Our Future by John Mark Willcox
25 ACROSS THE NATION from the USCCB 26 School News 28 Around the Diocese 30 June & July Calendar
Special Note from the Diocese Our hearts were both heavy and filled with joy as we saw the Diocese of Shreveport’s Catholic Connection editor, Jessica Rinaudo, leave to take a position with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Jessica was hired by our previous Diocesan Administrator when we were waiting for the appointment of our second bishop, Most Reverend Michael G. Duca. Deja Vous? Here we are again, a vacant see, waiting to learn of our third shepherd and once again, through prayers and the intercession of the Holy Spirit, interviewing for an editor. With the heavy heart is also a joy-filled one! What a terrific future for Jessica, her husband Mark, and their children: going to an archdiocese, having a staff to assist her, the opportunity for her family to meet new friends and experience new beginnings in a very Catholic atmosphere. Catholicism was so important to Jessica and Mark while in Shreveport; I cannot help but think this is a reward for some lean years of very hard work. It is truly with joy in our hearts that we see her go. I told Jessica this would be short, so this is it. God bless you Jessica, Mark, Sarah, Norah, Vera and Luke. Not goodbye… but Godspeed and God’s blessings go with you, “until we meet again!” “O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for indeed, all that we have done, you have done for us.” Isaiah 26:12 – Chancellor Randy Tiller and the Catholic Center Staff
FROM THE EDITOR
A
Connection The Catholic
Everyone Shall Sit Under Their Own Vine...
Publisher The Diocese of Shreveport
s I was pulling this, my final issue of the magazine together, fresh off the heels of fulfilling my dream of finally seeing the stage production of Hamilton, lyrics from the show were running constantly through my head. In particular the song, “One Last Time” – where George Washington tells Hamilton that he is stepping down and won’t be running for president again – has been playing on a loop in my brain. The exchange: The Catholic Hamilton: Your position is so unique. Washington: So I’ll use it to move them along. Hamilton: Why do you have to say goodbye? Washington: If I say goodbye, the nation learns Fr. Kevin Mues to move on. It outlives me when I’m gone. Like the Ordination to the Scripture says: “Everyone shall sit under their own vine Priesthood and fig tree and no one shall make them afraid…” And while I would never purport to be George Washington, the exchange feels all too familiar. There Also Inside is something to be said, however, for embracing the good that change and transition can bring. This issue of The Catholic Connection certainly highlights those things. Our cover story features one of the most beautiful transitions in the Catholic Church: that of transitional deacon to an ordained priest. Congratulations Father Kevin Mues! I am so grateful to have witnessed your discernment journey from beginning to completion, and I know the Diocese of Shreveport is grateful to have you serving her people. I know my longtime columnists and contributors are also preparing for change when a new editor takes the helm of The Catholic Connection. I encourage writers and readers alike to embrace our new editor and welcome him or her with warmth and encouragement. As for myself, God has called me to something else. Saying goodbye to the Catholic community here has weighed heavily on my heart, and while it’s hard, it also means that someone else will have the opportunity to work on an amazing magazine. During my interview process with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, I prayed constantly and wondered to myself if I was making the right decision. During that time another Hamilton song kept sneaking its way into my head, and I took it on as a mantra of sorts: “I am not throwing away my shot.” Indeed I’m not; I’m trusting God, and I'm taking the opportunity He has placed on my life’s path. It’s time to sit under my own vine and fig tree, and despite the anxiety that tries to continually creep in, I sing that verse on repeat. “No one shall make them afraid.” And so – one last time – I hope you enjoy this issue of The Catholic Connection.
C o n n ec ti o n Vol. 28 No. 11 June 2019
Faithful Step in Wake of Ruston TornadUp o Devastation
Jessica Rinaudo, Editor, The Catholic Connection
Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Jessica Rinaudo Walter Johnson W. Ryan Smith Kim Long Fr. Kevin Mues Dcn. Andrew Thomas Tiffany Olah Randy Tiller Kelly Phelan Powell Kelby Tingle Fr. Rothell Price Mike Van Vranken Rosalba Quiroz Dr. Cheryl White Kate Rhea John Mark Willcox Editorial Board Lisa Cooper Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Dianne Rachal Melina Sanchez Randy Tiller Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Stewardship Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community. Subscriptions & Address Changes Contact: Jessica Rinaudo, Editor Email: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org Write: Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441• Fax: 318-868-4609 Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org
The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call Glennda Lawson. Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law enforcement agency.
JUNE 2019 3
grow.
and
germinate
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earth
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on
present
good
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seed
every
lead
will
love
His
sure:
is
Lord
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of
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The
pain
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perpetuated.
and
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to
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alike.
nonbelievers
and
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in
and
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among
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Una ltima Vez
Dice nos dice Adiós La que ha sido Editora de la Revista Diocesana por más de una Década por Jessica Rinaudo
trabajado muy de cerca con editores como Kim y Katie para desarrollar el contenido de sus columnas, he examinado mucho la escritura y enseñanzas de la Iglesia a través de Mike. Por trabajar con el Obispo Duca tuve la oportunidad no solamente de conocer y amar al “hombre de la cumbre,” sino también de crecer en mis habilidades para editar y obtener más confianza en mí misma. Todos estos esfuerzos de colaboración comenzaron a llamar la atención nacional de Publicaciones Católicas y a obtener premios estacados cada año. Fuimos de una publicación que no ganaba premios a ganar uno y luego múltiples cada año. ¿Porque te vas?” y ¿A Dónde vas?” se preguntarán. Les contesto felizmente que a pesar de la tristeza que viene al dejar esta publicación, estoy muy contenta de moverme a la Arquidiócesis de Cincinnati para tomar allá la publicación de su revista, The Catholic Telegraph. El personal de la Arquidiócesis me ha abierto sus brazos y me ha dado la oportunidad maravillosa de trabajar en una publicación que llega a mas de 100,000 católicos. También estoy agradecida que Dios me haya puesto en este camino y continúe mostrándome que eso es lo que Él quiere para mí y para mi familia (a pesar de mis propios miedos en la vida). Aun con esta emoción y alegría que enfrento, de verdad que voy a extrañar ¡la hermosa comunidad Católica en la Diócesis de Shreveport! Cuando le di la noticia al personal del Centro Católico sobre mi partida, me encontré con diferentes reacciones. El Padre Price gritó de gozo, me abrazó y me dijo lo feliz que estaba por mí y por mi familia, mientras que el padre Long me decía repetidamente “no,” y después jugando me dijo que cuando me regrese, aquí habrá siempre un lugar para mí. Hay más de 40 personas que colaboran de alguna manera, ya sea pequeña o grande pero todas hacen que la Catholic Connection llegue a sus hogares cada mes. Aunque no puedo nombrarlos a todos, les quiero nombrar algunas que son muy
A
l comenzar a trabajar en esta última edición de la revista The Catholic Connection, veo hacia atrás para contar el número de revistas que edité en los más de 11 años y con esta son 129 ediciones. La Catholic Connection ha sido mucho más que un trabajo para mí. Al ver el contenido de muchas de las revistas que hice, me doy cuenta como mi propia familia ha cambiado, así como las amistades que he formado con todos los que han colaborado conmigo a través de estos años para publicar las noticias siempre cambiantes y promover la evangelización en la Diócesis de Shreveport. Cuando comencé a trabajar en la revista, a finales del 2007, era nueva en esta área y tenía grandes ideas. Reorganizamos la revista para incluir más contenido con escritores establecidos y se convirtió también a ¡colores! Aumentó también el número de páginas de 16 a 24 y después a 32. Con el aumento de páginas, tuvimos más oportunidades de incluir voces Católicas de todas las edades y experiencias. El consejo editorial traía también nuevas ideas, y con el entonces recién ordenado obispo, Michael Duca – bendito sea – el siempre confió que hiciera lo que era mejor para la revista. La colaboración que he recibido de escritores estos años es invaluable. Cada mes ha sido una aventura diferente y he VOL. 17, NO. 6
continúa en la página 6
JANUARY 2008
VOL. 17, NO. 11
JUNE 2008
VOL. 18, NO. 11
JUNE 2009 VOL. 19, NO.3
> St. Vincent de Paul Those in Pharmacy: Helping p. 10 Need for 10 Years,
2013 Vol. 22, No. 6 January
2011 VOL. 21, NO.5 DECEMBER
OCTOBER 2009
The
Legacy
Diocese Meets Annual Appeal Goal, pg. 7 Respect Life Month, pg. 9
Vol. 22, No. 2
of
Medical Missionaries
September 2012
rch
St. Catherine Chu
Most Rev. Gregor as Archbishop y Aymond Installed of New Orlean s, pg. 14
Land, > Pope Visits Holy s Prays for Interreligiou Harmony p.16
couple doctor & nurse Local Catholic sisters in Africa minister with Franciscan
> Brother Michael Thang'wa to Profess Final Vows, p.6
INSIDE:
Inside: Awareness Week Call, Vocation • Answering the ls Week • Catholic Schoo tion Week • National Migra
Bishop M ichael
Ordination &
Installation of
to the Diocese
Duca
of Shreveport
4 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Long Matthew Tyler Priesthood p. 12
Ordained to the
Society of
Blessing of the Animals pg. 12 ,
St. Vincent de
Paul
Continually serving the poor in the Diocese of Shreveport
How to Pray the Scriptures
INSIDE:
Catechetica l Sunday Seminarian Convocation September 2012
1
Seminarian Reflects on First Semester
January 2013 1
grow.
and
germinate
to
earth
the
on
present
good
of
seed
every
lead
will
love
His
sure:
is
Lord
the
of
victory
The
pain
The
perpetuated.
and
up
covered
being
their
of
possibility
the
prevent
to
also
but
happening,
from
situations
such
prevent
to
able
culture
a
create
to
spared
be
must
effort
no
future,
the
to
ahead
Looking
sufficient.
be
ever
will
done
harm
the
repair
to
seek
to
and
pardon
beg
to
effort
no
past,
the
to
back
Looking
alike.
nonbelievers
and
believers
of
community
larger
the
in
and
members
family
their
in
also
but
victims,
the
among
primarily
powerlessness,
and
pain
of
wounds
deep
inflict
that
Crimes
persons.
consecrated
and
clerics
of
number
significant
a
by
perpetrated
conscience
of
abuse
the
and
power
of
abuse
the
abuse,
sexual
to
due
minors
many
by
endured
suffering
the
more
once
acknowledge
I
as
heart
my
in
echo
forcefully
Paul
Saint
of
words
These
12:26).
Cor
(1
it”
with
together
suffer
all
suffers,
member
one
If
with fellow Catholic editors from Kim Long, Jessica Rinaudo, Katie Sciba & Mike Van Vranken Atlanta, New Orleans and Little Rock
with Bishop Duca
One Last Time
Rinaudo Bids Farewell After More Than a Decade as Connection Editor by Jessica Rinaudo
A
s I began to work on this, my final issue of The Catholic Connection, I looked back and counted the number of issues I’ve put together over the past 11+ years. This, it turns out, is my 129th issue. The Catholic Connection has been so much more than just a job to me. As I scanned through the contents of all those back issues, I saw a timeline of my own faith journey and the friendships I’ve formed with all those who have worked diligently with me throughout these many years to produce an ever-evolving Catholic news and evangelization publication for the Diocese of Shreveport. When I first took over the magazine at the end of 2007, relatively new to the publishing world, I had big ideas. We evolved the magazine to include more featurebased content with established columnists and full color! The page count climbed: first from 16 to 24 pages, and then from 24 pages to 32. With the page increases, we had more opportunities to include Catholic voices from all ages and backgrounds. My editorial board was flush with ideas, and our freshly minted new bishop, Most Reverend Michael Duca - bless him - always trusted me to do what I thought was best for the magazine. The collaboration I’ve had with writers over the years has been invaluable. Each month has been an adventure as I worked closely with Kim and Katie to develop their content, and gleaned so much from Mike’s perspective on Scripture and Church teaching. Working with Bishop Duca was an opportunity to not only get to know and love the “man at the top,” but to hone my own editing skills and confidence. All of these collaborative efforts began to draw national attention at the Catholic Press Awards each year. We went from a publication that never won an award to winning, at first, one, and then multiple awards each year. “Why are you leaving?” and “Where are you going?,” you might wonder. I’m happy to say, despite the sadness that comes from leaving this publication, I am overjoyed to be moving to the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to take the helm of their publication, The Catholic Telegraph. The staff of their Archdiocese has opened their 2013 Vol. 23, No. 3 October
2015 Vol. 24, No. 6 January
Vol. 24, No. 3
Vol. 24, No. 8
October 2014
Inside
Our
Reaches Hispanic Ministries Need Out to Those in
October 2013 1
Affirming Life in Your Marriag e Bishop's Reflect ion: Be a Witness for Life Seminarian Reflect ion: Human Life Matters Seeds of Peace at Grace Home
October 2014
1
C on ne ct io n The Catholic
Vol. 25, No. 8 March 2016
for KIDS of
All Ages
Lenten Activity
Acts of Love Tree
Issue
Dignity for All
Kids' Edition
continued on page 6
Special Feature
L ife So Just What is Natural Family Plannin g? Humanae Vitae Reflection
March 2015
arms to me and have granted me the wonderful opportunity to work on a publication that reaches more than 100,000 Catholics. I am so grateful that God put me on this path and continues to show me that this is what He wants for my family and me (despite my own anxieties along the way). Even with this excitement and joy in front of me, oh how I will miss the wonderful Catholic community in the Diocese of Shreveport! When I told the staff at the Catholic Center about my move, I was met with a mixture of reactions on every end of the spectrum. While Father Price shouted for joy, hugged me and told me how happy he was for me and my family, Father Long repeatedly told me “no,” and then reluctantly said that when I came back, there would always be a place for me. There are more than 40 people who have some hand, small or large, in bringing The Catholic Connection to fruition each month. And while I can’t list them all here, I want to name a few who are very dear to me.
Book Review
New Life
St. Josep h's Story
Mary’s
supporting
in
House
north Louisiana
Providing Hope for Pregnant Women January 2015 1
March 2016 1
March 2015 1
JUNE 2019 5
continúa de la página 4
continued from page 5
queridas. To my editorial board: thank you El consejo editorial: gracias por su for your support and inspiring words apoyo y palabras de inspiración a través throughout the years. Your care and de los años. Su cuidado y amor por love for the magazine has always la revista me han animado y me han encouraged me to push harder and empujado a mejorar lo que hago, lo que grow more. me ha ayudado a crecer. To my copyeditors: thank you for A los que han editado: gracias dropping everything at deadline time por darle prioridad a sus artículos y to carefully read through each and entregarlos de una manera puntual. Por every line of text to ensure we are as haber leído cuidadosamente todas y cada accurate as we possibly can be before una de las palabras y las líneas de sus going to press. textos para asegurarse que el contenido To my Spanish translators, era correcto antes de imprimirse. Rosalba and Melina: thank you A los traductores al español: Rosalba for your patience with last minute y Melina, gracias por su paciencia con articles and fast turn around times los artículos que les daba con mucha on translations. Rinaudo speaks about The Catholic presión de ser traducidos de última hora. To Msgr. Earl Provenza: thank Connection magazine at St. John A Monseñor Provenza: gracias por you for hiring me and giving a Berchmans School's Career Day. darme este trabajo y darle a esta novata fledgling designer and journalist the en diseño y periodismo la oportunidad de hacer algo grandioso. chance to do something great. Al Obispo Michael Duca: gracias por darme la libertad, los To Bishop Michael Duca: thank you for giving me the recursos y la confianza de crecer la Catholic Connection a lo que freedom, resources and confidence to grow The Catholic se ha convertido hoy. Su entrenamiento y cuidado por mí y por Connection into what it is today. Your mentorship and care for mi familia tienen un significado de gran valor en mi vida difícil my family and me mean more to me than you will ever know. de expresar. To Father Peter Mangum: thank you for seeing something Al padre Peter Mangum: gracias por ver algo bueno en mí in me and pushing me to grow both at the diocese and at the y empujarme a crecer en la diócesis y en la Catedral de St. John Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Your vision, kindness, trust Berchmans. Su visión, generosidad, confianza y liderazgo me and leadership have helped shape my work and inspired me to han ayudado y me han inspirado en mi trabajo y a ver siempre always aim higher. más arriba. To my writers and dear friends, Kim Long, Katie Sciba, A mis escritoras y queridas amigas, Kim Long, Katie Lucy Medvec and Kelly Powell, who I worked with closely Sciba, Lucy Medvec y Kelly Powell con quien he trabajado every month and who were on the front lines to cheer me muy de cerca cada mes y quienes estaban siempre cerca para into my new job position, I could not have done any of this animarme e inspirarme en mi fe todos los días. without you. You are brilliant and inspire me in my faith Y finalmente, gracias a ustedes queridos lectores, agradezco every single day. a cada uno por haberse tomado el tiempo de contactarme And finally, thank you to every reader who has ever – algunas veces molestos u otros muy emocionados, tal vez taken the time to contact me through the years - whether otras frustrados, y aun otras muy alegres. O tal vez, solo para upset or thrilled, frustrated or overjoyed, or to share a story compartir una idea para alguna historia – significó mucho para idea - it means so much to me that you care about this mí el que ustedes se preocuparan también por esta revista lo magazine enough to reach out and to read it every single suficiente como para llamarme y para leerla todos los meses. month. Les pido sus oraciones en mi nuevo trabajo en Cincinnati; por I ask for your prayers as I move into my new position in el nuevo editor de la revista aquí, y les pido sus oraciones por el Cincinnati, and for your prayers over the new editor and nuevo obispo en este tiempo de transición. future bishop during this time of transition. Que Dios los bendiga, Jessica Rinaudo Nota: Cuando esta revista sea publicada, ya no estaré trabajando para la Diócesis de Shreveport. Por favor envíen cualquier comentario o pregunta a The Catholic Connection a John Mark Willcox, Director de Comunicaciones, jwillcox@dioshpt.org. Enviar correspondencia personal a jessica.booth@gmail.com. 6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
God bless you, Jessica Rinaudo Note: By the time this prints, I will no longer be working for the Diocese of Shreveport. Please forward all inquiries related to The Catholic Connection to John Mark Willcox, Director of Communications, jwillcox@dioshpt.org. Any personal correspondence can be sent to jessica.booth@gmail.com.
MIKE'S MEDITATIONS
What Are Your God-Given Gifts? by Mike Van Vranken
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
A
s a child in school, I memorized the “gifts of the Holy Spirit:” wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord,” all from the prophet Isaiah. Then, we committed to memory the “fruit of the Spirit:” love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Van Vranken I later learned enough Scripture to know that everything belongs to God. Consequently, all good gifts must come from God. And in addition, there are many Scriptures attesting that we have each received gifts from our good and gracious God. So, how do we know what our gifts are? And equally important, how do we know when, where and how to use them? Do you have trouble, at this moment in your life, knowing your gifts and how God wants you to use them? Well, relax! You are not alone. I have learned that knowing our gifts takes effort. Doing something with our gifts, takes love. In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola gives us a starting point. He suggests we ask God for interior knowledge of all the great good we have received from Him. By “interior knowledge,” he is challenging us to do more than just memorize a list of gifts as we did as children. He wants us to open ourselves so God can place in our minds and hearts all the good things He has given us. He wants us to not only know of these gifts intellectually, but to feel them, to allow their very essence to penetrate who we are. Can we consume these gifts in our hearts to such a point that we can taste them, hear them, touch them, smell them and even see them? Can we, with God’s grace, experience these gifts, which are now part of who we have become? Ignatius continues by asking us to consider how all these good gifts descend from above. He suggests that we, in silence, picture with our imagination how goodness, piety, mercy, justice, etc. all come down upon us like rays from the sun. See, feel, smell, taste and even hear those rays of sun, filled with God and His gifts, penetrating your entire body, soul and spirit. Experience each gift closely. Give each gift a name, and continually thank God for that
particular gift. This is how we prayerfully obtain the interior knowledge he is talking about. However, this interior knowledge is not enough. Ignatius now asks us to pray for God’s powerful grace to help us be so stirred with gratitude, that we may be able to love and serve Him in all things, all creatures, and all people. And, in all of this, he reminds us that God is assisting us, working with us, even laboring with us to love Him so much that we desire to serve Him by using these gifts to intimately and passionately love all of His creation; including each other. I respectfully suggest that you take some time with God this month and pray for the grace to interiorly know and be aware of all of the gifts He has given you. Then, if you have the courage, pray for the further grace to be so moved with gratitude and thanksgiving, that you offer to serve Him in all things, in all creatures, and in all people. This is a transformation that allows us to work with God to change the world. On Another Note: When I began submitting these articles to The Catholic Connection about a decade ago, our editor, Jessica Rinaudo, graciously welcomed me as a contributing writer. With gentleness, compassion and a deep love for the people of God, she gifted her expertise and taught me how to share with the Church through my writing. Her many literary talents and gifts, as well as her countless spiritual gifts, always freely given with love, have been more of a blessing to me than I could have ever dreamed or imagined. By sharing her gifts with our entire diocese, we all will reap many harvests for decades to come. As she and her family follow God’s call to sow even greater seeds in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, I ask you to join me in prayer for Jessica and her family – that God will grant them the grace to joyfully and lovingly share their many gifts there, and that He will bless them with His love and His grace in this next leg of their journey, manifested in ways that are more than they could ever think or imagine. • Mike is a spiritual director, author, speaker and teacher. You can contact him at mikevanvranken@comcast.net
JUNE 2019 7
LIBRARY NOTES
Explore the Slattery Library Looking for a good read? Check out a book from the Slattery Library inside the Catholic Center in Shreveport! Our vast collection spans across many subjects of faith and includes material for all ages. Kate Rhea shares some of the library’s featured titles and new books that can be borrowed.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus: Yesterday, Today, Forever
by Bernard Häring, C. SS. R
Looking at devotion through the lenses of Scripture and Church tradition, Fr. Häring introduces Catholics to the mystery and the modern relevance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Illustrating that “devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and a great love for the Eucharist are inseparable,” Häring also offers readers traditional and meditative prayers. The complete nine volume set is on display in the New & Notable section of Slattery Library through June.
The Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
by Fr. Peter J. Arnoudt, S.J
Father Peter J. Arnoudt, S.J., was a priest and author of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. His comprehensive Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus acts as a sure guide to spiritual perfection, urging readers to completely conform their hearts to that of Christ’s. Father Arnoudt’s work was originally published in 1904.
When the Lord Speaks to Your Heart
Norbert and Early Norbertine Spirituality
by Gaston Courtois
edited by: Theodore J. Antry, O. Praem.
Comprised of the personal reflections of a 20th century priest. Gaston Courtois wrote in the notebook he kept in his coat pocket. This collection of daily reflections is considered a classic for guidance on living an active contemplative life. With depth and brevity, these daily spiritual readings stand apart from others by engaging minds, hearts and souls in each reflection.
Celebrated on June 6th, St. Norbert of Xanten, patron saint of Magdeburg, was the founder of the Premonstratensian order of canons regular. Premonstratensians – or Norbertines – are considered underrepresented in modern scholarship. This collection of writings by St. Norbert’s followers offers a close perspective from which one can learn more about this influential medieval bishop.
VISIT THE SLATTERY LIBRARY The Slattery Library is open every week day from 8am to 4:30pm! Kate Rhea is the Administrative Assistant for the Slattery Library and St. Joseph Cemetery, and is available to help patrons research information, search and select reading material, and even host group meetings in the library. With themed displays each month and many newly cataloged materials ready to borrow, our library is revitalized and ready to serve our patrons. 8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
FAITHFUL FOOD
Breath of Fresh Air by Kim Long
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he sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated recently in our parish. This class has been, well, different. We had some who had been with us “since the beginning” and some who were new students. Throughout the course of this year I came to know them better as I spent time with them on several occasions in a teaching and advisory capacity. On the morning of Confirmation though I was filled with anticipation. I was unprepared for my emotional reaction when the choir intoned the Veni Sancti Spiritus. I wondered how many really wanted the Holy Spirit to come and then suddenly I did, more than anything. As the students brought the gifts during the Offertory I turned, craning my neck, in order to see each one, a smile breaking across my face. There, I thought, is one of the gifts a DRE receives: completion. The verse from 2 Timothy came to mind: “I have finished the race, I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith.” I felt that verse applied to both the students and myself. The day before I talked with them about the pros and cons of their Parish School of Religion journey ending. We talked about “growing up our faith” as we age. Sitting in the pew on Sunday a million thoughts raced through my head about all the changes that seem to be happening at an unbelievable pace, barely leaving me time to catch my breath. Losing an editor was not the least of these. Meeting Jessica Rinaudo for the first
time my one overarching thought was of her youth, which was immediately followed by wondering how this “work relationship” would pan out. Like Katie, my fellow columnist of many years, I too have learned so much from Jess. It has been an utter delight, a blessing, and an exercise in all things associated with the art of the well-turned phrase. With each passing month, I sat at my computer, churning out what I hoped God wanted me to say and then feeling completely vulnerable when I hit send afterward thinking, “the wheels are in motion, there is no turning back.” This was more true than I could know. With Jessica’s carefully crafted comments, she guided me forward each month and we have come so far that I barely remember the first piece of writing I proffered for consideration. Over the years I have told her countless times that she makes me look better than designer clothes. So, as this class was confirmed, I thought of gifts and the concept of receiving and realized God is always offering me treasure in one form or another if I have eyes to see and ears to hear. I thought of all the moments Jessica and I have shared, some funny, some heart wrenching, always a blessing. In my mind we have helped one another “keep the faith” through laughter, prayer, lunch and attempted rehabilitation for my careless abuse of the semicolon and the dash. Time passes, we move forward, we move on, we pack, we keep, we discard, we embrace, we grow our faith up as we grow up. As we both draw to the close of this chapter in our relationship, I look forward to hearing of her adventures and sharing my own as we both journey onward. In the “spirit” of the season I offer the following sidebar... • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport, LA.
The Care and Feeding of a Columnist Wisdom..
an editor knows when to push you to the edge and when to pull you back.
Understanding..
an editor knows when to extend a deadline and when to leave a text message asking if everything is ok as, “I haven’t heard from you.”
Counsel..
an editor knows how to hold the shaky hand of a columnist and say, “Yes, you can.”
Piety..
(also known as reverence, coming to God with humility). An editor respects that a columnist is opening up completely and guides them to a place where their work is respected and shines. An editor is prayerful and prays with and for their columnists.
Fortitude..
an editor knows when to send a piece back, knowing it can be made better. What seems a momentary rejection becomes a teachable moment.
Knowledge.. an editor
knows the audience and the writers and that both answer to a higher power. An editor knows that flowery phrases often obscure the message and isn’t afraid to prune.
Fear of the Lord..
an editor knows that God is God, and columnists are not. An editor guides their columnists to a place in their craft where higher truths will shine.
JUNE 2019 9
SECOND COLLECTIONS
Second Collections for June & July by Father Rothell Price
Be a Witness of
Charity
support the works of the holy father through the
Peter’s Pence Collection
Copyright © 2018. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington D.C. All rights reserved. Photo: © CNS/Paul Haring.
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PETER’S PENCE Announcement Dates: June 16th & 23rd Collection Dates: June 29th & 30th
e a Witness of Charity.” This is the clear call and witness of our annual Peter’s Pence Collection. The Feast of the two great Apostles, Peter and Paul, celebrates these two pillars on which the Holy Spirit built up the early Church. Both apostles were guided by the Spirit to focus their zeal on the Jews and Gentiles. The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, founded on the proclamation of these two and the other Apostles, takes up the Peter’s Pence Collection on their joint feast day. As our Holy Father, Pope Francis, is the head of the Universal Church and successor to St. Peter, he is called upon by suffering individuals, families, communities and nations to help them in a time of crisis
80200201
and suffering. The Peter’s Pence Collection makes it possible for him to respond to this cry on behalf of Jesus Christ and His Holy People, the Church. Pope Francis has been inspirational in the humble yet dramatic way he makes the human and material resources of the Holy See readily available to those in need. Join our Holy Father Pope Francis in representing Jesus Christ to our brothers and sisters in need. “Be a Witness of Charity.” Participate generously in the Peter’s Pence Collection. • SOLIDARITY FUND FOR THE CHURCH IN AFRICA Announcement Dates: July 7th & 14th Collection Dates: July 20th & 21st
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he Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa collection helps our brothers and sisters in Christ on the huge
African continent grow in the Catholic faith. Your participation in the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa accomplishes the great spiritual and material good of building up the faith, transforming lives and contributing to the improvement of standards of living among people hungering and thirsting for God and the basic necessities of life. Through the marvel of television and social media, we are blessed to see with our own eyes the good news that the Church in Africa is growing. Pope Francis and his predecessors, Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Pope Paul VI held the people of Africa close to their hearts. They admirably did their part in nurturing the growing and vibrant faith of the peoples of Africa. Join Pope Francis and the bishops of our country in strengthening the faith of the people of Africa. Your contribution to the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa makes it possible for our bishops to provide grants to finance religious education, Catholic schools, clergy and religious education, youth ministry, communications, evangelization, leadership formation, justice and peace, construction and outreach programs. Please be generous in your support of the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. This fund provides access to the Sacraments of the Church for a spiritually enthusiastic and hungry people. Help them overcome their spiritual and material challenges due to poverty, food shortages, disease and migration. Stand with the people of Africa. Give generously to the Solidarity Fund. •
Father Rothell Price, Moderator of the Curia, is the Director of Second Collections for the Diocese of Shreveport.
10 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
NAVIGATING THE FAITH
Feast of Corpus Christi A Quick Guide by Jessica Rinaudo
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What Does It Mean? The term “Corpus Christi” is Latin for “Body of Christ.” It celebrates the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist (transubstantiation).
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When is the Feast Day?
How is It Celebrated?
The Feast of Corpus Christi is the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, or according to the Roman Missal, it is assigned to the Sunday after the Most Holy Trinity. This year that day is June 23.
The feast day is often marked by a procession with priests carrying and raising up the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance outside, through the streets. Following the procession, clergy and the faithful return to the church for Benediction.
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Interesting Facts The feast of Corpus Christi is one of five occasions in the year on which a diocesan bishop is not to be away from his diocese unless for a grave and urgent reason. (Code of Canon Law 395) When Pope Pius V revised the General Roman Calendar, Corpus Christi was one of two “feasts of devotion” that he kept.
JUNE 2019 11
FROM THE POPE
As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us from the Vatican Press Office
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oday we complete the catechesis on the fifth question of the Lord’s Prayer, focusing on the expression “as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt 6: 12). We have seen that it is indeed man who is indebted before God: from Him we have received everything, in terms of nature and of grace. Our life was not only wanted, but was beloved by God. Truly there is no space for presumption when we bring our hands together in prayer. There exists no “self-made Pope Francis man” in the Church. We are all indebted to God and towards many people who have given us favorable conditions of life. Our identity is built on the basis of the good we have received. The first is life. Those who pray learn to say “thank you”. And many times we forget to say “thank you,” we are selfish. Those who pray learn to say “thank you,” and ask God to be benevolent with him and with her. As much as we may strive, there always remains an uncancellable debt to God, that we can never pay back: He loves us infinitely more than we love Him. And then, as much as we may strive to live according to Christian teachings, in our life there will always be something for which we must ask for forgiveness: let us think of the days spent idly, the moments in which rancor has occupied our hearts and so on. These are the experiences, unfortunately not rare, that make us implore: “Lord, Father, forgive us our trespasses.” Let us ask for God’s forgiveness in this way. Come to think of it, the invocation could also be limited to this first part: it would be good. Instead Jesus reinforces it with a second expression that combines with the first. The vertical relationship of benevolence on the part of God is refracted and required to be translated into a new relationship that we experience with our brothers: a horizontal relationship. The good God invites us all to be good. The two parts of the invocation are tied together with a merciless conjunction: we ask the Lord to forgive our debts, our sins, “as” we forgive our friends, the people who live with us, our neighbors, the people who have not been good to us. Every Christian knows that there exists for him the forgiveness of sins, this we all know: God forgives everything, and always forgives. When Jesus describes the fact of God to his disciples, he outlines it with expressions of tender mercy. He says that there is more joy in heaven for a sinner who repents, rather than for a crowd of righteous people who are not in need of conversion (see Lk 15: 7-10). Nothing in the Gospels suggests that God does not forgive the sins of those who are well disposed and who ask to be re-embraced. But God’s grace, so abundant, is always demanding. Those who have received so much must learn to give so much too,
12 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
and not to hold back only for themselves what they have received. Those who have received so much must learn to give so much. It is no coincidence that the Gospel of Matthew, immediately after giving the text of the Lord’s Prayer, among the seven expressions used, emphasizes precisely that of fraternal forgiveness: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Mt 6: 14-15). This is important! I think: sometimes I have heard people say: “I will never forgive that person! I will never forgive what they did to me!” But if you do not forgive, God will not forgive you. You close the door. Let us think, ourselves, whether we are capable of forgiving, or if we do not forgive. A priest, when I was in the other diocese, told me in anguish that he had gone to give the last sacraments to an old woman who was on the point of death. The poor lady could not speak. And the priest said to her: “Madam, do you repent of your sins?” The lady said yes; she could not confess them but she said yes. It was enough. And then again: “Do you forgive others?” And the lady, on her deathbed said: “No.” The priest was distressed. If you do not forgive, God will not forgive you. Let us think, we who are here, whether we forgive or are able to forgive. “Father, I can’t do it, because those people did so many things to me.” But if you cannot do it, ask the Lord to give you the strength to do it: Lord, help me to forgive. Here we find the bond between love for God and love of neighbor. Love calls for love, forgiveness calls for forgiveness. Again in Matthew we find a very intense parable dedicated to fraternal forgiveness (see 18: 21-35). Let us listen to it. ... Jesus inserts the power of forgiveness into human relationships. In life, not everything is resolved with justice. No. Especially where we must put a barrier to evil, someone must love beyond what is necessary, to start again a story of grace. Evil knows its revenge, and if it is not interrupted it risks spreading and suffocating the whole world. Jesus replaces the law of retaliation – what you did to me, I will do in turn to you – with the law of love: what God has done to me, I will give back to you! Let us think today... if we are able to forgive. And if we do not feel capable, we must ask the Lord to give us the grace to forgive, because knowing how to forgive is a grace. God gives every Christian the grace to write a story of good in the lives of his brothers, especially those who have done something unpleasant and wrong. With a word, a hug, a smile, we can convey to others the most precious thing we have received. What is the precious thing we have received? Forgiveness, which we must be able to give to others. •
VOCATIONS VIEW
Reflection on Minor Seminary by Seminarian Kelby Tingle
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our years ago I graduated from Loyola College Prep in Shreveport and, feeling a call to discern a vocation to the priesthood, I made the prayerful decision to enter seminary formation. I have studied at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA, which the seminarians fondly refer to as “St. Ben’s.” With amazement at how fast time goes by and gratitude for the experiences that God blessed me with, I reflect on my formation in minor seminary as a graduate. The structured life of the seminary, which includes time for personal prayer as well as communal prayer, allowed me to grow in a more personal and dedicated relationship with God and His Son. As a seminary community, we gathered three times a day in our chapel for morning prayer, evening prayer and night prayer with Mass after morning prayer. I was often impacted by hearing the voices of more than 100 seminarians who had the same intention as me: to grow in discipleship. In my first year of seminary, my spiritual director emphasized the importance of spending an hour in silent prayer before the Eucharist. While it was at times difficult for me to spend an hour in silent prayer, I realized the importance of my daily conversations with the Lord. It is through spending time asking Him questions and reflecting on my relationship with Him that I have come to understand and cherish more fully the calling He has given me. Spiritual formation is the foundation of all relationships, events and activities of the seminary. I often consider myself blessed to have been integrated into a community as vibrant as that of St. Ben’s. Throughout my four years of formation, I have formed several remarkable friendships with seminarians from dioceses across the deep South. Throughout the course of the year, there are many times the seminarians gather to spend time with other seminaries. An event at the seminary that was always awaited with great anticipation was the annual Bonfire Flag Football game against Notre Dame Seminary. Apart from the special events the seminary hosts, it was amazing to form relationships with others by walking around the beautiful grounds of the seminary, discussing philosophy or simply sharing stories. I am exceedingly grateful for the relationships that, in many ways, have led me to a closer relationship with Christ. Because I entered the seminary immediately after completing high school, I attained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and the Liberal Arts. While I remember questioning the relevance of studying philosophy, I have realized the importance of it and grown in admiration for the curriculum. Studying the liberal arts and philosophy has offered me the opportunity for deeper critical thinking. I came to the realization that mankind, including myself, is a people who are always striving to know and understand the truth more fully. Man has a longing to discover who he is and how he relates to the world and to the
Divine Creator. In this way, the curriculum has not solely had an intellectual impact on my priestly formation, but it has impacted my prayer life. When reflecting on my experiences at St. Ben’s, several events that the seminary hosts come to mind. It is through experiencing these events that a love for service has been fostered within me. In the spring semester, the seminary welcomes over 1,000 youth for the Abbey Youth Festival. The seminary also hosts discernment weekends where more than 100 young men visit to see the life of the seminary and discern God’s will in their own lives. As a part of the formation program, every senior travels to Guatemala for mission immersion. While these events differ in some ways, they all invite me, as an aspiring priest, to give of myself and continuously invite others to live with Christ. I will remember St. Joseph Seminary College with great fondness and believe that it has thoroughly prepared me to begin the major seminary in the fall. In July, I will begin attending the Pontifical North American College and studying at the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. I greatly look forward to studying Theology, as well as being fully immersed in the Roman culture. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and am excited for the experiences God will bless me with. I trust that these experiences will bring me closer to God and make me a more effective priest for the people of the Diocese of Shreveport. For all of those who have offered prayers and support to me throughout my journey in minor seminary, I sincerely thank you. I ask for your continued prayers for me as I continue my discernment and formation. • For more information about the priesthood, contact Father Jerry Daigle, jdaigle@dioshpt.org, or call 318.868.4441.
JUNE 2019 13
Fr. Kevin Mues
Ordination to the
Priesthood A Q& A with the Diocese of Shreveport’s Newest Ordained Priest
14 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
uring your time in seminary, what are some of the moments that have encouraged your vocation? The things that have been most encouraging to me during my seminary experience were often the things that I had the most apprehension about. God has put me in places where I could learn and grow, and that hasn’t always been easy. The mission trips we took to Guatemala and Nicaragua as well as the Spanish language program I took in Mexico were really tough challenges because I had to adapt and experience a language and culture that remain unfamiliar. The love and depth of faith that I experienced from the people in those places was inspiring and made the challenges worthwhile. I taught CCD at a New Orleans parish for two years and had to think of ways to make the faith interesting and exciting for young high school students. I think the most difficult part was tying the theological language I was taught in seminary with my own experience of God in order to bring the kids I was teaching to a fuller relationship with Christ. The trials that high schoolers face today seem harder than I remember from 11 years ago. I had to re-learn how to navigate the tough questions of youth while still bringing the light and hope of the Gospel to them in a real and accessible way. My experience of hospital ministry was the most challenging of all the practical experiences I had during my years in seminary. At first, I was afraid to even knock on a door and go into a room. I didn’t want to be one more person who came in and woke up a patient or made the suffering of a hospital stay more taxing. The greatest thing I learned from that ministerial experience is that my fear of making mistakes or being out of place was far less important than the grace I could bring to a moment of suffering if I faced that fear and crossed that threshold. I walked with families during times of real joy and real pain during that experience, and I grew to understand in an intimate way that God could use me with all my own weaknesses and limitations. What do you look forward to most about being a priest? What a huge question! I look forward to being able to be a part of the lives and the faith of the parish. A priest is called to serve and I look forward to serving parishioners both spiritually and sacramentally. I can’t wait until I’m able to offer the sacrifice of the Mass, to bring the sacraments of healing to people in need, and to begin the ministerial mission of priesthood. My hope is to join couples in matrimony, unite their children to God in baptism, and
Left: Father Kevin Mues offers the Eucharist to his twin brother at his diaconate ordination. Bottom: Left: Bishop Michael Duca ordains Kevin Mues. Right: Father Kevin reads with students at St. Jude Parish in Benton.
to watch as their families grow in their faith. I feel blessed to be called to walk with families and to serve them with the grace that I receive through ordination. Have there been any role models who have helped you in this decision, or encouraged you in your vocation? I don’t think I would have heard and responded to God’s call if it hadn’t been echoed through the encouragement of the people of Monroe who took the time to ask me, “Have you ever prayed about a vocation to the priesthood?” That invitation by the people I knew and respected at the Catholic Campus Ministry in Monroe, as well as the encouragement and support of Fr. Job Edathinatt Scaria, CMI got me to start asking the questions of God and of the diocese that I needed to ask. Fr. Matthew Long’s encouragement as the vocation director and his continued support throughout my seminary education gave me a good foundational example that has helped me tremendously. The friendship with the seminarians that I began seminary with that have gone on to become priests has been inspiring. Fr. Keith Garvin, Fr. Jerry Daigle, Fr. Fidel MondragÓn, and Fr. Duane Trombetta each gave me an example to strive for as I pursued my studies. Equally important was the encouragement I felt from the parishes that I have been assigned to and where I’ve spent time. While I haven’t been to every single parish in our diocese, I have felt the support of the entire diocese during my time in seminary
formation. The people of St. Joseph Parish in Mansfield, the people of Christ the King Parish in Bossier City, and the people at St. Jude Parish in Benton, as well as the other parishes where I volunteered for shorter periods of time have given me the lived experience of ministry that can’t be imparted in the classroom. The people from these parishes as well as the friends that I have from the parishes in Monroe have helped to make this diocese my home. I’ve felt more loved than I could have ever asked for during my time in seminary. What advice would you give a man who is beginning to discern priesthood? My first thought is that we all need to be discerning! God is calling all of us to holiness and we could all spend more time in prayer seeking to do His will. Oftentimes, I think young men and women who feel a calling to priesthood or religious life expect a theophany, a thunderous voice of God from the clouds to point them in the right vocational direction. Just like for Elijah, God’s voice in our lives is often a whisper that we have to seek in prayer and through our reception of the sacraments. The great thing is that we don’t have to lean in and hear that voice alone. For those who think they may have a calling to the priesthood: Speak up! Discernment is a process you don’t need to do by yourself, and the Office of Vocations in the diocese is always available to give guidance and help. Fr. Jerry wants to bring happy, holy vocations to the service of our diocese. He will provide the guidance and help you need in order to start your discernment of God’s will. Discernment is a long process and it must be done within and in concert with the local Church or religious community that you are seeking. Looking back to when you first entered seminary and then to where you are now, what have been some
of the things that have played out as you expected? Some that haven’t? When I was told that my formation would mean six years in school, I thought that it was going to feel like a lifetime. Looking back, it seems to have flown by. I am so grateful for my two years at St. Joseph’s Abbey and Seminary College and my four years at Notre Dame Seminary. When I first started out, the seminary experience was a scary one. Not having ever been in such a completely Catholic environment, being expected to stick to a rigorous schedule of prayer and classes, and in the midst of all that still trying to discern whether I was even called to the priesthood, was daunting. It was only with the help of my professors and formators, the priests back home, and the support of my family and friends that I was able to give myself over to the process of seminary life and formation. I couldn’t have imagined the continued on page 19
JUNE 2019 15
Faithful Step Up in Wake of Tornado Devastation by Walter Johnson
Paul Jackson, Joshua Adams & Gordon Halley from Louisiana Tech's School of Agricultural Sciences & Forestry assisted in city cleanup efforts following the tornado that swept through Ruston.
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n April 25, the city of Ruston found itself reeling from an EF3 tornado that blew into the area in the early hours of Thursday morning. The vicious storm was part of a severe weather system ultimately responsible for serious storms and tornado patterns all the way from east Texas into northwest Louisiana. National Weather Service warnings were issued in St. Augustine, TX around 11:00 p.m. and continued until 3:00 a.m., as the storm moved into the area. The severe weather traveled up through Lincoln, Bienville and Red River parishes, ultimately making its way past Pleasant Hill and into the northeast corner of the state. Although much of the damage occurred in Ruston around Tech Drive and the Cypress Springs community just south of I-20, there was widespread damage throughout the city. The National Weather Service confirmed this tornado was considered at least an EF3, with produced winds as high as 165 mph. Of the surveyed damage, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards stated: "the damage is extensive and catastrophic." Sadly, Kendra Butler, 35, and her son Remington, 14, lost their lives when a tree crashed into their home. Ruston will be recovering from this event for months to come. In times like these, people fall back upon their family, their community, their faith and their fellow church members in order to make sense of such a disaster. Several parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ruston lived through the experience, using their talents, resources and compassion to lend a helping hand to those the tornado left behind. Paul Jackson, who works as an Associate Professor of Plant Science at Louisiana Tech University, remembers how the day of the storm began. The tornado touched down about one mile south of his home in north Ruston. Paul didn’t even realize the storm was occurring until it was almost on top of the city. Paul witnessed the escalating chaos and was prevented from 16 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
making an attempt to go anywhere in Ruston on the day of the storm. Downed and stripped trees and debris lay everywhere, blocking entry from entire streets and neighborhoods. Portions of a large tree had blown down onto the grounds of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish near the school building. Luckily, Paul was able to use his chainsaw to start the process of splitting apart and removing the tree, clearing a pathway around the St. Thomas buildings. As he moved to other damaged sites, he attempted to check-in with a female colleague, but ultimately could not since city streets had become blocked off. Paul’s own home thankfully suffered no damages, but the post-storm-littered landscape of this formerly quiet college town won’t be soon forgotten. As the week wore on, Paul continued to provide local support to various homeowners, cutting and removing everything from equipment to uprooted trees from local neighborhoods affected by the winds. Paul worked alongside another St. Thomas Aquinas member, Joshua Adams, an Associate Professor of Forestry at Louisiana Tech - as they helped various neighbors clear out material in or around their homes. Paul answered the call when some older sightimpaired St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners needed assistance in dealing with their own home damages from the high winds. According to Paul, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish served up huge portions of fresh jambalaya to displaced community members on Wednesday, May 1, free of charge. This tornado experience and the cleanup in the midst of the aftermath
shed some spiritual light on this whole experience for Paul. It strengthened his Catholic faith, as he witnessed other members of the community coming together to help - regardless of faith or station. Paul had never been in the midst of such a disaster before, save for years ago working with the government during the aftermath of the 2003 Columbia shuttle tragedy over East Texas and Northwest Louisiana. As Paul surveyed the damaged neighborhoods, he could only ask one thing: “What do we need to do - right now?” Joshua Adams experienced what the aftermath of a tornado is like, as well. At 2:00 a.m. on the morning of April 25, Joshua was yanked from sleep by the shrill pitch of his phone’s Weather Alert. Minutes after the message, his friend (with a background in meteorology) was texting Joshua with urgent instructions to “Go and hide!” in his home’s hallway with his young child. Thankfully Joshua’s family home was spared any major damage, but Joshua distinctly recalls the terrible sounds of the tornado as it ripped its way across Ruston's skies that early morning. Joshua started working immediately during the night and into the dawn, helping other neighbors even as the local roadways started to be blocked off by city authorities. He remembers walking around the empty, debris-ridden streets, commenting that it “felt surreal,” looking more like a scene from a zombie movie rather than his own hometown. As a Forestry professor, Joshua collected his chainsaws and started moving from house to house down Ruston’s Robinette Drive, not far away from his daily forestry office on Tech’s South campus, cutting up trees and clearing debris where he found it. The University Hills neighborhood in Ruston was the hardest-hit from the storm. Days after the tornado, Joshua and Paul moved throughout their neighborhoods, helping to cut and clear downed trees and limbs too big or heavy to remove alone. Despite the damage, Joshua described the scene as “heartwarming” as he witnessed people helping each other after such a drastic event. On day three, Joshua visited with St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners who manage the Center for the Blind in Ruston. The sightimpaired couples’ home had an entire wall ripped away from a nearby falling tree during the storm. With Joshua’s assistance the couple was able to relocate to the Blind Center’s apartment complex. Recounting his post-tornado experience, Joshua never anticipated how much room is required to stack up all of the excess wood cleared away by the citywide post-storm clearing efforts. And even though Joshua experienced a tornado so fierce that it spattered wall insulation from one house onto another, across the street he saw the working of his faith in the people and teams around him, summing up that this was “good people, doing good work - all over.” Both Paul Jackson and Joshua Adams are active members of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ruston, LA. •
Seminarian Burses
For more information on donating to seminarian burses for the support of educating men in formation for the priesthood for our diocese, contact Fr. Jerry Daigle at 318-868-4441, or jdaigle@dioshpt.org.
Thanks to Our Recent Donors
• (003) Bob & Gloria Patterson ($200) • (018) Mark K. Howell ($25) • (018) Betty Frierson ($25)
Completed Burses
• (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse ($10,000) • (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) • (010) Memory of Rita Scott, John Scott Family ($10,000) • (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) • (012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10,000) • (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10,000)
Incomplete Burses
• (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1,000) • (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2,400) • (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,400) • (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) • (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($450) • (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3,082.12) • (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1,300) • (008) St. Jude Parish ($5,718) • (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus #10728 ($550) • (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($1,604) • (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($6,400) • (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($260) • (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1,000) • (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus #1337 ($7,521) • (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 ($455) • (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($1,250) JUNE 2019 17
Praying for the Dead: A Merciful Act by Kate Rhea & Randy Tiller
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atholics are called by Christ to comfort those who mourn the loss of a loved one. A vigil, the funeral liturgy, and the rite of committal are each a part of the process of mourning the loss of a member of the Catholic faithful. In Corinthians, St. Paul offers a reminder that the body is a temple; what happens to that temple when it is done serving God on earth holds great importance to members of the Catholic Church. The splendor of Catholic funeral rites offers a channel through which grief and remembrance can flow, but the merciful duty of those left to grieve is not complete upon burial. Burying the dead grants the body rest from pain; the flesh respites within sacred ground, cared for by Catholics performing the vital corporal acts of mercy decreed unto them by scripture, creed, and tradition. Though physically separated, those who have passed remain connected spiritually and therefore must be prayed for. Living members of the Church are reminded, “You may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14 The book of Tobit conveys the idea of courage in burying The Calvary Monument at St. Joseph Cemetery the dead. Tobit’s courage shown by burying the victims of King Sennacherib has inspired many. However, a different courage is required of Catholics today; the courage to remember, to show St. Joseph Cemetery Completed and strength in the face of pain and grief by continuing to honor and Working Projects pray for the dead. ue to weather, the reconstruction of the crypts for the “You may not grieve like the rest, who have no Yellow Fever priests has been temporarily delayed. However, hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, as soon as we get a few dry days the crypts will be framed in so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those concrete in order to replace the tops with the new granite registers. Project cost: $7,500. who have fallen asleep.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14 Through generous donations we have the funding for the new Serving to fulfill both a corporal work of mercy by burying granite tops for the priests who succumbed to the yellow fever the dead, and a spiritual work of mercy by praying for the dead, epidemic in 1873. Project cost: $15,000 those who remain in this life doubly honor God with a Mass of If groups would like to get together to cover costs for putting remembrance. the same granite ledgers on the crypts of the deceased pastors of Therefore, to honor those who have passed, and are part of Holy Trinity, project cost is approximately $5,000 each. the Communion of Saints, a Mass was conducted at Additional donations have been received to repair the steps St. Joseph Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 at up to the memorial statue at the Calvary Monument. Other 10:30 a.m.; Msgr. Earl. V. Provenza presided. necessary renovations for the Calvary Monument will cost For information on caring for the memorials of those interred $5,000. at St. Joseph Cemetery, please contact the Diocese of Shreveport We are still in the process of contacting families to request that at (318) 868-4441 or email Kate Rhea at krhea@dioshpt.org or they cover the cost of the renovations of their family plots. If you Randy Tiller, Chancellor at rtiller@dioshpt.org. The Diocese of would like to make a donation to this cause, please contact the Shreveport is honored to care for family and loved ones resting Diocese of Shreveport to inquire about the costs associated with at St. Joseph Cemetery and offers options for tombstone repair, cleaning, repositioning or ground entombments. upkeep, or upgrades in addition to perpetual care. Please see the Additional information will be forthcoming as we move to the projects that have been completed and are scheduled for action. next areas of concern in the cemetery. We are working toward Thank you to everyone who has donated funds to assist with completing as many of the projects as we can over the course of giving a face lift to St. Joseph Cemetery. this summer. •
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18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Pro-Life Oratory Contest Winners Announced
2nd place winner Celeste Lirette, program director Anthony Fabio and 1st place winner Kaiden Odell
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he Shreveport-Bossier Pro-Life Oratory Committee has announced the local winners of its high school oratory contest. Kaiden Odell, a senior at Word of God Academy in Shreveport, won first place with his insightful presentation. He cited the “Unborn Victim of Violence” act, which charges a murderer of a pregnant woman with two counts of murder, one for her and one for her unborn child. Her baby is considered alive and a victim, at whatever stage of its development. Kaiden pointed out the irony that this recognition is unfortunately not provided to babies who are victims of abortion and infanticide, even though the babies are identical in their development. Kaiden was awarded $500 for his speech. Second place honors were captured by Celeste Lirette, a senior at Loyola College Prep. Her stirring presentation relayed the fact that one in four babies are aborted. That child who never had a chance at life could have been your best friend. Celeste stated that young people need to be bold in proclaiming the truth about the evils of abortion, because “in the end, that aborted baby could have been me or it could have been you.” Celeste was awarded $250 for her presentation. Zaige Wills, a senior at Byrd High School, won third place by pointing out that everyone deserves the right to life. He
challenged the audience to action, saying “We must be the voice for the defenseless babies who are being deprived of this right.” He was awarded $100 for his inspiring speech. First place winner Kaiden Odell advanced to the State Finals in Baton Rouge on Saturday, May 4 at the Louisiana Knights of Columbus Convention in Baton Rouge. Kaiden won the state competition and will represent Louisiana at the National Pro-Life Oratory contest, which will be held at the National Right to Life Convention in Charleston, SC on July 6. The local competition was held April 25, at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. Now in its 31st year, the contest challenges students to consider the bioethical issues of abortion, infanticide, euthanasia and fetal stem cell research from a pro-life perspective. The contest is non-denominational and is sponsored locally by the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport. State and National sponsors are the Louisiana Right to Life Federation, the Louisiana Knights of Columbus and the National Right to Life. For more information, contact Anthony Fabio at awfabio2@ hotmail.com. Visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ SBProLifeOratoryCommittee/ •
MUES: continued from page 15
friendship and close fraternity that I already feel to the priests of the Diocese of Shreveport. I can’t wait to be a “coworker in the vineyard” with them. In college I had professors I respected and cared about, but the formators at both of my seminaries showed me an example of true fatherhood. Their example as priests helped me find my gifts and strengths and see areas where I could grow. Finally, I never thought that I would have this much love and excitement for the Diocese of Shreveport. Great things are happening in our diocese and now I get to be a part of them again, only this time as a priest. Who would you like to thank? If I took the time to thank every person who has helped me along the way, this month’s Catholic Connection would look more like a phone book than a magazine. I am always thankful for the support of my family. Each of them honors the reality of my vocation in a unique way. I have also been very blessed in my close personal friendships - people who have remained a part of my daily life across the miles. The encouragement of Bishop Michael Duca in his time here as our bishop was wonderful. He took the time to get to know his seminarians. He cared about my vocation, giving me the guidance and encouragement I needed to continue. The priests of our diocese that have helped me throughout this process have given me the example of what it means to be a servant and a leader. The parish staffs who have let me learn from them as they helped to guide their parishes have been amazing and dynamic. They set the example for the kinds of people I need to look for when I become a pastor one day. The people of the diocese have helped give me courage during all the different challenges we have met together in my time in seminary. I owe a great debt of gratitude for their love and support as well as for the love and support of all the people who faithfully sustained me with generous gifts as I pursued my studies. • JUNE 2019 19
CCNLA and SVdP: Side by Side and Hand in Hand by Tiffany Olah, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana
feel could benefit from the services of CCNLA could help supplement, they will refer the family to CCNLA. Likewise, CCNLA will refer clients to SVdP when we are unable to help with specific needs or when the client may benefit from supplemental aid that SVdP can provide. In this way, both organizations are able to reach more people and affect those lives for the better, doing more in collaboration than what could be accomplished individually. “When we pool together our resources and efforts, we both get to serve the same individual,” said Martinez. “It’s a win-win situation. St. Vincent de Paul initiates an interpersonal connection through our home visits and with the educational CCNLA employees Carl Piehl and Joe Bulger with SVdP member, Bonnie Martinez (center). component that Catholic Charities provides, we move closer to that which will result in longt first glance, it may appear that there is a duplication term change for the individual.” of services in what the Society of St. Vincent de Paul In the same way, Crone, Board President and a founding (SVdP) does and what Catholic Charities of North member of the St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy Louisiana (CCNLA) does. To some, it may be confusing that in Monroe, has been pivotal in establishing a collaborative SVdP and CCNLA are two, completely separate unaffiliated organizations within the same Diocese of Shreveport. However, association with the CCNLA Monroe office as well. The CCNLA Monroe office works closely with the SVdP chapters largely because of the efforts of Bonnie Martinez in Shreveport of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Our Lady of Fatima and Jo Ann Crone in Monroe, these two Catholic social Parish and St. Lawrence Church. service organizations have formed a partnership in which both The special partnership that CCNLA and SVdP have organizations join forces in their efforts to serve the poor and created both in the Shreveport/Bossier and Monroe areas vulnerable. continues to grow stronger and proudly represents the According to the National Council of the United States Diocese of Shreveport hand in hand. The number of clients Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Vincentians witness God’s love and families that CCNLA and SVdP have worked collectively by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society to assist has been numerous. The relationship that SVdP and collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served. CCNLA have established embodies CCNLA’s vision that together SVdP and CCNLA invest in people to alleviate It is evident then, that the mission and vision of SVdP aligns with CCNLA’s own mission to bring Christ’s message of love to poverty, distress and injustice. • the poor and vulnerable by providing quality social services to families and individuals without discrimination. Graphic Novel Series on As President of the Western District Society of St. Vincent Shreveport 1873 Yellow Fever de Paul, which includes Shreveport, Bossier and surrounding areas, Martinez saw the opportunity for the two organizations Epidemic Martyrs to work together to mutually benefit and support each other’s RIGHT: The Catholic Connection is running a graphic programs. She proved to be the resource that bridged the gap of novel series each month, featuring the story of five priests missing contact information for each organization. Through her who gave their lives in service to others in the Shreveport leadership, conference members have gained an appreciation for Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. The seventh page of this the cooperative partnership with CCNLA and understand that series shows Father Pierre succumbing to exhaustion and the collective efforts of both groups better serve those in the illness and sending for assistance. This graphic novel is community. provided courtesy of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and is As the relationship has evolved over the years, when SVdP illustrated by Deacon Andrew Thomas. conference members are working with a family that they
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JUNE 2019 21
K i d s ' Connection
by Kelly Phelan Powell
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Solemnity On June 28, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A solemnity is a celebration of one of the most important mysteries of our Catholic faith. The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is also very, very old - it started in the 11th Century (although it didn’t become official until 1675).
Love We celebrate Jesus’ Sacred Heart because we’re so grateful for the sacrifice he made when he suffered and died for our sins. His Sacred Heart represents his love for us.
Prayer As you say your prayers this month, add a prayer to the Sacred Heart - “Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me.” It’s just one way we can show Jesus how much we love him in return!
Word Find CELEBRATION DEVOTION FRANCE HEART JESUS LOVE MARY PRAYER SACRED SAINT SOLEMNITY WOUND 22 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
HISPANIC NEWS
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Por Rosalba Quiroz
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l siguiente es un artículo originalmente escrito de una audiencia del Papa Benedicto XVI sobre la devoción al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús. Celebrando su fiesta este mes, quise compartirlo ya que al seguir sin obispo, es conveniente pedir su intercesión en todas nuestras necesidades. Manifestación del amor de Dios. -Papa Benedicto XVI; Angelus del Domingo -5,VI,05 La solemnidad del Sacratísimo Corazón de Jesús, es una devoción profundamente arraigada en el pueblo cristiano. En el lenguaje bíblico, el «corazón» indica el centro de la persona, la sede de sus sentimientos y de sus intenciones. En el corazón del Redentor adoramos al amor de Dios por la humanidad, su voluntad de salvación universal, su infinita misericordia. El culto al Sagrado Corazón de Cristo significa, por tanto, adorar a ese Corazón que, después de habernos amado hasta el final, fue traspasado por una lanza y desde lo alto de la Cruz derramó sangre y agua, manantial inagotable de vida nueva. La fiesta del Sagrado Corazón ha sido también la Jornada Mundial para la santificación de los sacerdotes, ocasión propicia para rezar para que los presbíteros no antepongan nada al amor de Cristo. Profundamente devoto del Corazón de Cristo
fue el beato Giovanni Battista Scalabrini obispo, patrón de los emigrantes. Fundó los Misioneros y Misioneras de San Carlos Borromeo, conocidos como «escalabrinianos», para anunciar el Evangelio entre los emigrantes italianos. Recordando a este gran obispo, dirijo mi pensamiento a quienes se encuentran lejos de su patria y con frecuencia también de su familia y deseo que encuentren siempre en su camino amigos y corazones acogedores, capaces de apoyarles en las dificultades de cada día. El corazón que más se asemeja al de Cristo es, sin duda, el corazón de María, su Madre Inmaculada, y precisamente por este motivo la liturgia la presenta a nuestra veneración. Respondiendo a la invitación dirigida por la Virgen en Fátima, encomendemos a su Corazón Inmaculado, el mundo entero para que experimente el amor misericordioso de Dios y experimente la auténtica paz. Artículo traducido del original italiano realizada por Zenit y publicado en la página de internet de las hermanas religiosas Siervas de los Corazones Traspasados de Jesús y María. www.corazones.org No hay edición de la revista en Julio. La próxima edición será en Agosto y rogamos que para entonces haya noticia de un nuevo Obispo. Así sea.•
MINISTERIO HISPANO CATOLICO - DIOCESIS Rosalba Quiroz, Directora (318) 219-7265; rquiroz@dioshpt.org Melina Sanchez, Secretaria (318) 219-7257; msanchez@dioshpt.org Cristo Rey: Bossier City
425 McCormick Street P. Rigo Betancurt P. Mark Watson (318) 221-0238 Domingo-1:00pm Lunes y Martes-7pm Sabado-6pm
Santo Tomás Aquino: Ruston
810 Carey Avenue P. Tony Posadas (318) 243-0115 Domingo-1:30pm
Sta Maria de los Pinos: Shreveport
1050 Bert Kouns Ind. Loop P. Fidel Mondragon (318) 455-2300 Domingo-11:30am
Calendario Diocesano de Junio-Julio, 2019 Junio 11-12. Retiro para coordinadores de Ministerio Hispano en Luisiana, Grand Coteaux, LA. 15. Reunión (4to día) para mujeres que vivieron el retiro de Emaús # 4 22. Escuela de liderazgo pastoral. Retiro y Graduación Cristo Rey – de 9am-5pm 29. 2da. Reunión de preparación para Búsqueda # 10. Centro Católico de 11am-4pm La oficina del Ministerio Hispano estará cerrada del 23 de mayo al 12 de Junio Julio 14. Reunión en preparación para Experiencia Cristo 9-12p.m. Cristo Rey. 20. Reunión de Coordinadores del Ministerio Hispano, 12pm3pm, Centro Católico.
Vicario General para la Diocesis de Shreveport Padre Rothell Price, V.G. (318)219-7259; rprice@dioshpt.org Coordinador de la Vicaria del Este Padre Luis Jost, OFM (318) 243-0115; pluisofm@yahoo.com
San Pascual: W. Monroe
711 North 7th Street P. Luis Jost (318) 243-0115 Domingo-4:00pm Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro: Farmerville
600 East Water Street P. Luis Jost (318) 243-0115 Sábado-7:00pm
San Juan Bautista: Many
1130 San Antonio Ave. P. Francis Kamau (318) 256-5680 1er Domingo de Mes-5pm
Sagrado Corazon: Oak Grove
201 Purvis St. P. Joseph Kallookalam (318) 559-2876 Domingo-5:00pm
JUNE 2019 23
Your Appeal Helps Provide Priests for Our Future Support for Seminarian Tuition and Formation by John Mark Willcox, Director of Development Seminarians Raney Johnson and Jeb Key serve at Chrism Mass.
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ur current seminarians who are actively discerning their vocation can continue to count on your Appeal donation to provide the required tuition, room and board to assist them with their education at both the college and theologate level of seminary training. Our Appeal has a long tradition of caring for the needs of our seminarians. It also supports our diocesan Office of Church Vocations which continually seeks to identify and enlist men and women for a lifetime of religious service to the Church. This year, the largest percentage of our Appeal allocation of funds will be for the support of our seminarians. This past month we had the opportunity to witness the ordination of Father Kevin Mues. Thanks to your generosity, our Diocesan Stewardship Appeal was able to support Father Kevin by providing the education he needed during
Diocese of Shreveport Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, Louisiana 71104 www.dioshpt.org
his discernment and formation, nurturing his vocation to the priesthood into fruition. In June we will again have the opportunity to witness your Appeal dollars supporting our future priests as four of our seminarians participate in the Rite of Candidacy Mass on June 2 at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans at 11:00 a.m. At that Mass, four young men, Nicholas Duncan, Raney Johnson, Jeb Key and Kelby Tingle, will officially become candidates for the priesthood for the Diocese of Shreveport. It is important to note that this area of ministry is the real future of the Church in our region, as our diocese will be challenged to supply priests to all 38 of our parishes, missions and chapels. Providing new priests for our diocese is a crucial task for our combined faith community and your donation to this worthy cause helps our Appeal lead the way! •
2 0 1 9 D I O C E S A N S T E WA R D S H I P A P P E A L
I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a total yearly pledge of: $10,000 $7,500 $5,000 $3,500
$2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000
Please send monthly reminders to:
$800 $750 $650 $500
$400 $350 $300 $250
$200 $150 $100 $_______
At this time I / we are enclosing: $_____________
Print Name________________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________________ State________ Zip Code____________ My / Our Church Parish______________________________________________________________________ Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Stewardship)
24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
ACROSS THE NATION from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Pope Exhorts Young People to Be Courageous; Encounter Christ on the 56th Annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations Vatican Media/CNA
USCCB Commends Administration on New Regulations Protecting Rights of Conscience in Health Care
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he 56th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations was celebrated by the Catholic Church on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 12, a day which is also commonly referred to as Good Shepherd Sunday. Inspired by the Lord’s instruction in the Gospels of Matthew 9:38 and Luke 10:2, in which Jesus exhorts the people to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest,” World Day of Prayer for Vocations unites the faithful together in praying for the fostering of all vocations, particularly those of ordained ministry and consecrated life. In his Message for the 2019 World Day of Vocations, Pope Francis reflected on the reality that all men are made “bearers of a promise” and are asked to have the “courage to take a risk” with Jesus and for Jesus. The Holy Father emphasized that just as the Lord beckoned Simon and Andrew to leave their nets and follow him, he also asks the same of us. He encounters each of us personally and uniquely, and it is in the midst of this encounter with Christ that Pope Francis says we are granted “the promise of a joy capable of bringing fulfillment to our lives.” The Holy Father also urged those discerning to remember that “the Lord’s call is not an intrusion of God in our freedom; it is not
a “cage” or a burden to be borne. On the contrary, it is the loving initiative whereby God encounters us and invites us to be part of a great undertaking.” Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, stated that it is precisely because of this encounter with Christ that we are given the courage to leave the security of our daily routines and decisively embark on the path the Lord has for us. “To have courage does not mean that we suddenly have no fear or uncertainty,” Cardinal Tobin said. To be courageous means to know with confidence that Jesus is walking with us and in challenging us to take a risk, intends only our greatest joy.” Closing his Message for the 2019 World Day of Vocations, Pope Francis beseeched young people to realize that following Jesus is always worth the risk. “Do not be deaf to the Lord’s call,” he urged. “If he calls you to follow this path, do not pull your oars into the boat, but trust him. Do not yield to fear, which paralyzes us before the great heights to which the Lord points us. Always remember that to those who leave their nets and boats behind, and follow him, the Lord promises the joy of a new life that can fill our hearts and enliven our journey. •
rchbishop Naumann of Kansas City, KS, and Archbishop Kurtz of Louisville have issued a statement commending today’s adoption of new regulations that ensure existing laws protecting conscience rights in healthcare are enforced and followed. Their joint statement follows: “We strongly commend the Department of Health and Human Services for adopting important new regulations to ensure that existing laws protecting the rights of conscience in health care are known, followed and enforced. Though these laws were passed on a bipartisan basis and have been policy for years, the previous administration did not fully enforce them, and now they are increasingly being violated. Health care providers like New York nurse Cathy DeCarlo and medical trainees have been coerced into participating in the brutal act of abortion against their core beliefs, while churches and others who oppose abortion are being compelled by states like California to cover elective abortion—including lateterm abortion—in their health plans. We are grateful that this Administration is taking seriously its duty to enforce these fundamental civil rights laws, and we look forward to swift action by HHS to remedy current violations in several states. Conscience protection should not fluctuate as administrations change. It is essential that Congress provide permanent legislative relief through passage of the Conscience Protection Act in order to give victims of discrimination the ability to defend their rights in court. No one should be forced to violate their deeply held convictions about the sanctity of human life.” JUNE 2019 25
Loyola College Prep Announces Flyer of the Year
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he Flyer of the Year award is presented to an exemplary senior who greatly represents the mission of Loyola College Prep. Four years of dedication, focus and faith have earned Luke Jackson the highest Loyola honor. He believes that the Loyola experience has greatly impacted his success and future. “All my hard work really paid off, and to know that it’s recognized makes that hard work feel appreciated,” Jackson said. “It’s a real honor.” Humbled, Jackson has always strived to be someone worthy of the highest honor at Loyola. “I’ve always wanted to be the best all around student that I could be,” Jackson said. “Though that was a goal, I never anticipated getting an award for it. I just wanted to be the best person I could be.” Jackson will attend Duke University in the fall as part of their track and field team. His skills as a javelin thrower have earned him this special opportunity, as well as his excellence in the classroom. The Loyola family is proud to announce Luke Jackson as the 2019 Flyer of the Year. 26 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
SCHOOL NEWS
Jesus the Good Shepherd School Living Stations of the Cross
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esus the Good Shepherd School 5th and 6th grade students brought to life the Passion of our Lord over a two-day span with a combined eight performances for their fellow JGS students and the surrounding community. The students, teachers and parent volunteers pour their hearts into this memorable event each year! They are blessed to be able to bring this wonderful event to the Monroe area annually and to share their love of Christ with their fellow community members.
St. John Berchmans Eighth Graders Attended Red Mass
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he St. John Berchmans School eighth grade class, along with principal Dr. Jennifer Deason, and eighth grade history teacher, Amy Vittacca, attended the Red Mass at Holy Trinity Parish in downtown Shreveport on Friday, May 3. The following Sunday, eighth graders made their Confirmation at the 5:30 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.
St. Frederick High's Allbritton Headed to West Point
Kindergartners Enjoy Q & A with Fr. Long
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t. Frederick High School is proud to announce the appointment of Jacob Allbritton to the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point. Jacob is the son of William and Betty Allbritton of Monroe, LA. Jacob is a lifelong Catholic and member of St. Matthew Parish. He is the third generation of Catholic school graduates in his family. His grandmother, Dorothy Seidenspinner is an alumni of St. Matthew High School, and his mother and brother Ben are also graduates of St. Frederick High School. Jacob attended Jesus the Good Shepherd School prior to enrolling at St. Frederick. It was in his early years as a child at JGS that he became fascinated with the military. Jacob received his appointment to West Point from Representative Ralph Abraham of the Fifth Congressional District. While there is no minimum ACT score required by the USMA, individuals cannot enroll without the appointment of a United States Congressman, Senator or the Vice President. First year students referred to as “Plebes,”
usually carry a course load of approximately 21 college hours per semester. Academic rigor, combined with the physical requirements of the President’s Physical Fitness test, create a challenging first year, for which Jacob feels he is prepared. The value of a four year degree at West Point is estimated to be in excess of $225,000, and the return is an active duty obligation to the country. Jacob wanted to attend West Point because of “the positive atmosphere created by individuals who have worked extremely hard to get there.” Upon graduation Jacob will be a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Jacob feels his Catholic faith will sustain him in his career at West Point, especially during the first and most challenging year. He says he will lean on his favorite Bible verse when things become difficult. The verse he frequently uses for assurance is John 6:68-69, Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the holy One of God.”
s the 2018-19 school year started winding down, Fr. Matthew Long, pastor of St. Joseph Parish and School in Shreveport, started wrapping up the last of his regularlyscheduled visits with St. Joseph School religion classes. Usually, the classes begin with a question-and-answer session. In Mrs. Havis’ Kindergarten class, he was asked, “Can I be a priest?” and “What do you do when you are not at church?”
St. Joseph School Career Day
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n April 26, St. Joseph middle school students got an inside look at a number of future career opportunities when the school counselor, Heather Phares, held their second annual Career Day. “The purpose of Career Day was to introduce our middle school students to careers and the world of work; providing learning and firsthand knowledge for students to acquire behaviors and skills for college and career readiness,” said Phares. JUNE 2019 27
AROUND THE DIOCESE
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PSR Children Participate in Holy Week at St. Mary's
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arish School of Religion students had the unique opportunity to participate in events related to the Last Supper, washing of the feet, the Stations of the Cross and praying in the garden of Gethsemane at St. Mary of the Pines Parish. (1)
Three Confirmed at Holy Trinity
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oly Trinity Parish welcomed three new “Soldiers for Christ” on May 5. Pictured with Deacon Danny Lemoine and Fr. Rothell Price from left to right: John “St. Matthew” Carman, Virlyn “St. Jude” Bancot and Timothy “St. Hubert” Lirette were confirmed in Christ. (2)
Sacred Heart Celebrates Cultural Diversity
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acred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport held a special event to celebrate cultural diversity on April 28. At the event, parishioners celebrated their native cultures by dressing in clothes from their or their family’s country of origin and providing samples of food from different countries. Pictured: Father John Paul Crispin, FMH, with women from the Filipino community. (3)
St. Paschal Welcomes Five at Easter Vigil
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uring St. Paschal Parish’s Easter Vigil in West Monroe, they welcomed three catechumens and two candidates into the Catholic Church. Congratulations to Daniela and Dulce Avila, Jonathan Teel, Eddie Gilcrease and Cathy Jackson. (4)
28 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Forty Days - Forty Items Lenten Pledge
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t. Helen Circle Captain, Jeanette Garcie, with Larry Shields of the Providence House picked up 25 bags of clothes donated by the Council of Catholic Women collected during Lent at St. Joseph Parish in Zwolle. (5)
LaCaze Gala Benefits Priests' Retirement
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hank you to all who supported the LaCaze Gala by purchasing tickets, volunteering, bidding on auction items and making donations. Through your generosity, $41,444.92 was raised to benefit the diocesan retired priests’ fund in Msgr. Carson LaCaze's honor. Pictured: Diocesan Administrator Fr. Peter Mangum and Chancellor Randy Tiller with a check for the diocesan retired priests’ fund. (6)
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Youth Trip to Chopin
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n Palm Sunday afternoon, the St. John the Baptist Parish youth group enjoyed a field trip to Chopin near the Holy Rosary Chapel where they prayed the Stations of the Cross. (7)
May Crowning at the Cathedral
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n May 1 St. John Berchmans Catholic School and Cathedral parishioners joined together to celebrate Mary. Children, parents and the community brought flowers to honor Our Lady, and students participated in the May Crowning court. Pictured is PreK3 student, Vera Rinaudo (8)
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Our Lady of Fatima Welcomes Decker
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lizabeth Decker was welcomed into the Church at Our Lady of Fatima Parish at Easter Vigil. Pictured with Elizabeth are Fr. Paul Thunduparampil, CMI, Lindy Brasher, Janet Breard and celebrant, Fr. Pike Thomas. (9)
Send submissions to "Around the Diocese" to bvice@dioshpt.org. Please include a photo that has not been resized and a brief description. JUNE 2019 29
JUNE & JULY CALENDAR July 16
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
July 18
St. Camilius de Lellis, priest
July 20
St. Apollinaris
July 22
St. Mary Magdalene
July 23
St. Bridget, religious
July 24
St. Sharbel Makhluf, priest
RCIA Workshop • Catholic Center • July 20
FEAST DAYS
June 23
St. Justin, martyr
June 24
June 1 June 2
The Ascension of the Lord
June 3
St. Charles Lwanga & Companions, martyrs
June 5
St. Boniface, bishop & martyr
June 6
St. Norbert, bishop
June 9
Pentecost Sunday
June 11
St. Barnabas, apostle
June 13
St. Anthony of Padua, priest & doctor of the Church
June 16
The Most Holy Trinity
June 19
St. Romuald, abbot
June 21
St. Christopher Magallanes, priest, & companions, martyrs
June 22
St. Paulinus of Nola, bishop; Sts. John Fisher, bishop, & St. Thomas More, martyrs 30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Corpus Christi The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
June 27
St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop & doctor of the Church
June 28
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
June 29
Sts. Peter & Paul, apostles
July 1
St. Junipero Serra, priest
July 3
St. Thomas, apostle
July 5
St. Anthony Zaccaria, priest; St. Elizabeth of Portugal
July 6
St. Maria Goretti, virgin & martyr
July 9
St. Augustine Zhao Rong, priest & companions, martyrs
July 11
St. Benedict, abbot
July 13
St. Henry
July 15
St. Bonaventure, bishop & doctor of the Church
July 25
St. James, apostle
July 26
Sts. Joachim & Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
July 29
St. Martha
July 30
St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop & doctor of the Church
July 31
St. Ignatius of Loyola, priest
HOLIDAYS July 4
Independence Day
DIOCESAN & MINISTRY EVENTS
June 6
Protecting God’s Children Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, 6:00 p.m., 2510 Emerson St., Monroe. For more information, email Deacon Mike Straub at mstraub@dioshpt.org.
June 12
Protecting God’s Children Catholic Center, 6:00 p.m. For more information, email Deacon Mike Straub at mstraub@dioshpt.org.
July 6 Protecting God’s Children
St. Paschal Parish, 9:00 a.m., 711 N
7th St., Monroe, LA. For more information, email Deacon Mike Straub at mstraub@dioshpt.org.
July 10
Protecting God’s Children Catholic Center, 6:00 p.m. For more information, email Deacon Mike Straub at mstraub@dioshpt.org.
July 11 -14
BeLoved Teen Camp for Girls Join the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows for an amazing camp filled with adventure, prayer and friendship at King’s Camp in Mer Rouge, LA. Cost is $50. Register at shvcamps.com.
July 14 -17
Mission Possible Camp for Boys Join the Diocese of Shreveport seminarians and priests for an amazing camp filled with adventure, prayer and friendship at King’s Camp in Mer Rouge, LA. Cost is $50. Register at shvcamps.com.
July 20
2019 RCIA Workshop Join the diocese for “An Introduction to the RCIA” on Saturday, July 20, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center, located at 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport.
PARISH & MINISTRY EVENTS July 4 - 15
Trip to Kenya: The Franciscan Missionaries of Hope are planning a group trip to Kenya for those interested. The trip is set for July 4-15, 2019. Each person is responsible for securing
their own airline ticket. Food, attractions, accommodations, souvenirs and travel while in Kenya will total approximately $1500. If you are interested in going, please contact Father Nick Onyach at nick2@yahoo.com or (318) 752-5971.
September 3-12
Pilgrimage to the Shrines of Italy: Join Fr. Mike Thang’wa for a 10-day Pilgrimage to visit the shrines of Italy. Dates are September 3-12, 2019 and the cost is $3450 per person which includes round-trip from Shreveport. Sites of interest include Rome, Assisi, Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Catacombs, etc. For more information, contact Nativity Pilgrimage at 844-400-9559, or Fr. Mike at: thangwamike@gmail.com.
June 2 & 6
JustFaith Informational Meetings at St. Joseph Parish JustFaith Ministries invites participants into a process of learning and discovering how to live more simply and compassionately. Through the lens of Catholic social teaching, JustFaith will help you explore today’s issues as you open your heart and mind to the Spirit of God in our midst, and dialogue together about how you can make a difference. The JustFaith program will begin at St Joseph Parish in Shreveport on Thursday, September 19, ending in April 2020. There will be two informational sessions, Sunday, June 2, at 10:45 a.m. and Thursday, June 6, at 6:30 p.m., both at St. Joseph Parish, 204 Patton Ave, Shreveport. Please consider exploring this life changing experience. For more information contact Mary Ellen Foley at me.foley@comcast. net or 318-869-1120.
Rite of Candidacy Mass Four of the Diocese of Shreveport's Seminarians will take part in the Rite of Candidacy Mass, officially declaring them candidates for the priesthood. Please join us for Mass honoring
Nicholas Duncan, Raney Johnson, Jeb Key, & Kelby Tingle Sunday, June 2, 2019 11:00 a.m.
Cathedral of St. John Berchmans JUNE 2019 31
Connection The Catholic
DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104
Fairfield
DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT
CATHOLIC SUMMER CAMPS
DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT
CATHOLIC SUMMER CAMPS BeLoved T E E N G I R L S • J U LY 1 1 - 1 4
Mission
Possible
T E E N B OYS • J U LY 1 4 - 1 7
AN A MAZIN G CAM P FILLED WI T H ADVENT URE, PRAYER &FRI ENDSHIP
BeLoved
Mission
Possible
HEL D AT K IN G ’S CAM P IN MER RO UGE • REGISTER AT SHVCAMPS.COM
T E E N B OYS • J U LY 1 4 - 1 7 T E E N G I R L S • J U LY 1 1 - 1COST 4 IS ONLY $50
32 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION