Catholic Connection August 2013

Vol. 23, No. 1 August 2013

Catholic Schools Faith • Knowledge • Service

August 2013 1

from communications Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Shelly Bole Bishop Michael Duca Kim Long Anita Manshack Lucy Medvec Theresa Mormino Deacon Clary Nash Kevin Nolten Fr. Rothell Price

Dianne Rachal Jessica Rinaudo Deacon Bill Roche Katie Sciba Sr. Carol Shively Marcos Villalba Mike Van Vranken John Mark Willcox

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

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

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

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

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CNS will be missed, we are confident or the first time since its inception we can fill this broad gap through over 20 years ago, your Catholic Connection presents a monthly issue other resources, especially the excellent without the able assistance of Catholic communication offerings of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops News Service (CNS), a comprehensive and the free and substantial resources news organization providing Catholic they provide to dioceses across the nation. coverage of Church events, activities and We will also continue to subscribe to policies.

While our publication has certainly Vatican Information Services, a newswire that includes all the important national benefitted from our partnership with Catholic news CNS over these One of the chief goals of many years, it and appointments the Catholic Connection has come at a coming out of the monetary price Vatican. You will is to provide a tool of both of those that we simply evangelization throughout see resources reflected can no longer our diocese that is available on the Around the afford. One Globe page. of the chief to our readers at no cost.

We are grateful goals of the for what the good people of CNS have Catholic Connection is to provide a tool of evangelization throughout our diocese done over the years to enhance the Catholic Connection and help us grow our that is available to our readers at no cost.

This means constant examination of ways readership. We hope you will join us in continued prayer for the mission of CNS to financially streamline the process of providing our monthly news magazine to and their employees who work around the all diocesan Catholics with a watchful eye globe covering the work of the Holy Spirit and our Catholic faith. on rising postage and print costs.

by John Mark Willcox, Director of While the professional journalistic Development standard and excellent photographs of

bishop’s august calendar AUG 3 Catechetical Leader meeting; ULM Catholic Center, Monroe; 9:30 a.m.

– 11:00 a.m.

Café Musicale; Jesus the Good Shepherd Gym, Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

AUG 5 Catechetical Leader meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 6:15 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

AUG 6 Priests Retirement Committee meeting; Catholic Center; 11:00 a.m.

AUG 8 Catechetical Leader meeting; St. Joseph Church, Zwolle; 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

AUG 10 Rededication Mass/Ceremony; St. Lawrence Church, Swartz; 11:00 a.m.

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

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

2 Catholic Connection

by John Mark Willcox

AUG 15 Opening of School Mass: St. John Berchmans Catholic School & Loyola College Prep; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; 9:30 a.m.

AUG 17 Catechetical Fair; Trinity United Methodist Church, Ruston AUG 18 Beethoven’s Mass in C Concert; St. Pius X Church, Shreveport; 4:00 p.m.

AUG 22 100th Anniversary of the Completion and Dedication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; Lake Charles AUG 23 Blue Mass; St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

AUG 24 Catechetical Fair; Catholic Center, Shreveport Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Terence Church, Toledo Bend; 6:00 p.m.

AUG 30 Clergy Education Day; Catholic Center, Shreveport

contents

august 2013

columns Conforming Our Lives to the Truth of Jesus

by Bishop Michael G. Duca.............................................................................................. 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: Was Jesus Really Poor? by Mike Van Vranken......................6 Second Collections: Diocesan Hispanic Ministry by Fr. Rothell Price ..................6 Domestic Church: Be a Conduit of God’s Love by Katie Sciba....................................7 Bringing God to Others by Katie Sciba .....................................................................7

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Documents of Vatican II: Dignitatis Humanae by Mike Van Vranken .................8 The Declaration on Religious Freedom

Year of Faith Saint: Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. by USCCB..................8 Navigating the Faith: Anointing of the Sick by Deacon Bill Roche ......................9 Moveable Feast: Assumption Feast by Kim Long ...................................................10

features Catholic Schools Annual Report

by Sr. Carol Shively, OSU ........................................................................................... 11-13

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news Cathedral School Celebrates “Cardinal Dynasty” at National Olympiad

by Lucy Medvec........................................................................................................13

Administrative Changes for St. Joseph School by Kevin Nolten..........................14 Diocesan Tribunal Hires New Leader by Jessica Rinaudo.....................................14 Big Changes for St. Joseph Church in Zwolle by John Mark Willcox....................15 Opening the Door of Faith by Shelly Bole...............................................................16 Fr. Ken Williams Celebrated Golden Jubilee by Anita Manshack........................16 Order of Acolyte by Deacon Clary Nash.................................................................17

15 on the cover

Catholic Connection Wins National Award by Jessica Rinaudo.........................17 Catholic Charities Expands and Bids Farewell to Sr. Pat

by Theresa Mormino ..................................................................................................18 John Paul II and John XXIII Paths Cleared for Canonization

by John Mark Willcox.................................................................................................18

Across the Globe by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.......................19

Pope Francis’ First Encyclical Emphasizes Life-Changing Faith

Vatican News and Notes by Vatican Information Services ....................................19 Hispanic Corner by Marcos Villalba ........................................................................20 Around the Diocese ...............................................................................................21 Upcoming Events....................................................................................................22 August Calendar ....................................................................................................23 Picture of the Month by Rosalba Quiroz .................................................................24

Students from St. Joseph and St. John Catholic Schools. Back row: Clayton Cook, Jack Smith, Tammy Nguyen Front row: Kendall Dupree, Olivia Armand, Gracen Stehr

August 2013 3

LA REFLEXIÓN del obispo

por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Ajustando Nuestras Vidas a la Verdad de Jesus

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stoy escribiendo este artículo a mediados de julio mientras disfruto de quietud y clima fresco en el Río Rojo en Nuevo México. Ya he hablado de la importancia de la quietud en nuestras vidas y que en nuestra quietud no estamos completamente separados de las realidades de la vida. De hecho debemos aprender a llevar los retos de la vida en la quietud y en la oración para que podamos permitir que la gracia de Dios nos de sabiduría y dirección.

Veo que esto pasa en la quietud del Río Rojo en Nuevo México.

A finales de junio fuimos testigos de varias decisiones de la Corte Suprema que cambió la definición “legal” del matrimonio en los Estados Unidos. Esto nos ha causado una preocupación más que me ha seguido hasta aquí en mi quietud y en mi oración.

Se está viendo claro que pronto nos vendrán nuevos retos al vivir la fe como católicos. Es aun más importante para nosotros tener un entendimiento correcto y positivo sobre nuestra fe. Con un entendimiento profundo de nuestra fe tendremos más confianza, que nos permitirá ser testigos de nuestra fe por amor y convicción, no como alguien temeroso o defensivo. Así que por mi parte tomaré tiempo en las próximas ediciones de la Catholic Connection para exponer resumen de nuestras creencias Católicas sobre cuestiones como matrimonio, dignidad de la vida humana y otros temas de nuestra época.

Primero debemos de entender que nada de lo que yo escriba o que proclamemos y enseñemos como católicos tiene sentido sin nuestra fe. Estoy hablando de nuestro acto personal de fe por medio del cual profesamos nuestra creencia en la verdad absoluta que Jesucristo es Dios, la palabra hecha carne, que nos revela la mera naturaleza de Dios y la verdad del significado de nuestras vidas. Por su propia vida entre nosotros, Jesús nos revela lo que verdaderamente es el amor y nos da EL ejemplo de cómo hemos de vivir nuestras vidas respondiendo a Su llamado a seguirlo.

Jesús nos redime de la esclavitud del pecado y la muerte y nos muestra lo que significa ser 4 Catholic Connection

libres.

También creemos que Jesús estableció Su iglesia en el fundamento de los Apóstoles para continuar Su misión en la tierra y Su Iglesia, guiada por el Espíritu Santo, por medio del cual se continuaría predicando la Buena Nueva del amor de Dios y el perdón.

Este acto fundamental de la fe es importante porque si de verdad creemos en Jesús entonces quer remos vivir de acuerdo a Su verdad. La enseñanza que Jesús dejó a la Iglesia no es simplemente una verdad entre muchas verdades para ser considerada en nuestras vidas cuando decidimos lo que es verdad y lo que no lo es. No, para nosotros Jesús es el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida.

Somos llamados a ser humildes y a enderezar nuestras vidas al Camino de Cristo.

Esto no es siempre fácil. Con frecuencia esto significa confiar en la invitación de Jesús a seguirlo, o significa dejar nuestros propios deseos o las opciones aceptadas socialmente y permitir que Cristo nos guíe.

Esta no es una sumisión ciega a la religión, sino una opción libre fundamental que hacemos para ser un discípulo de Jesús. Este debe ser nuestro punto de partida en todo diálogo consiguiente. Necesitamos tener una verdadera conversación desde nuestro corazón donde basemos las opciones de nuestras vidas en las verdades de nuestra fe.

Entre más reflexiono sobre las cuestiones que quiero presentar en mis próximos artículos, más me doy cuenta que nuestro, compromiso fundamental a Cristo está al centro de cada tema. Las

decisiones y opciones que tomamos hoy sobre cuestiones de la vida, matrimonio, sexualidad e inmigración están frecuentemente mezcladas con la política o basadas en principios de libre opción, derechos legales, creencias personales o consideraciones financieras. Pero para nosotros como cristianos, y esto es muy importante, no podemos basar nuestras decisiones acerca de la verdad en la política, creencias personales o preferencias. Nuestra primera consideración debe ser lo que Jesús nos enseña, que es la VERDAD de amor por el extranjero, la dignidad de la vida humana, el propósito y belleza de nuestra sexualidad, y el significado de amor y matrimonio. Una vez que descubrimos la verdad de nuestra fe, podemos entonces ajustar nuestras vidas a esta verdad porque Jesús es el Camino, la Verdad y la Vida. El papa Francisco lo puso en breve cuando escribió: Aquellos que creen llegar a verse a la luz de la fe que profesan: Cristo es el espejo en el que ellos encuentran su propia imagen completamente realizada.” (Lumen Fidei # 22) En mis artículos futuros espero ayudarnos a apreciar más profundamente las verdades de nuestra fe y a aceptar la invitación de Jesús a seguirlo a donde Él nos lleve. Cualquier renovación de la Iglesia tiene que comenzar necesariamente por nuestros propios corazones. Espero esto sea de ayuda para nuestra conversación y nos de una nueva confianza en nuestro testimonio de fe.

bishop’s reflection

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

Conforming Our Lives to the Truth of Jesus

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t is the middle of July as I write this article and I am again enjoying the quiet and cool weather of Red River, New Mexico. I have in the past spoke of the importance of quiet in our lives, but in our quiet we are never completely separated from the realities of life. In fact, we must learn to bring the challenges of life into our quiet and prayer so we can allow God’s grace to give us Bishop Duca wisdom and direction.

I find this happening in the quiet of Red River, New Mexico.

At the end of June we witnessed several Supreme Court decisions that changed the “legal” definition of marriage in the U.S. This has caused a further concern that has followed me into my quiet and prayer.

It is becoming clear that we will soon encounter new challenges to living the faith as Catholics. It is even more important for us to have a correct and positive understanding of our faith. With a full understanding of our faith we will be more confident, allowing us to witness our faith out of love and conviction, not as someone fearful or defensive. To this end I will take time over the next few issues of the Catholic Connection to give a brief overview of our Catholic beliefs on issues like marriage, the dignity of human life and other critical issues of our times.

To begin we must first understand that nothing I will write about or that we proclaim and teach as Catholics makes sense without our faith. I am talking about our personal act of faith by which we profess to believe in the absolute truth that Jesus Christ is God, the Word made flesh, who reveals to us the very nature of God and the truth about the eternal meaning of our lives. By His own life among us, Jesus reveals what love truly is and gives us THE example of how we are to live our lives answering His call to follow Him. Jesus redeems us from the slavery of sin and death

and shows us what it means to be free.

We further believe that Jesus established His Church on the foundation of the Apostles to continue His mission on earth and His Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, would continue to preach the Good News of God's love and forgiveness.

This fundamental act of faith is important because if we truly believe in Jesus then we will want to conform our lives to His truth. Jesus’ teaching handed on in the Church is not to be simply one truth among many truths to be considered in our lives when we decide what is true or untrue.

No, for us Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We are called to humble ourselves and conform our lives to the Way of Christ.

This is not always easy. It often means trusting in the invitation of Jesus to follow Him, or it means letting go of our own desires or the socially accepted choice and allowing Christ to guide us. This is not blind submission to religion, but a fundamental free choice we make to be disciples of Jesus. This must be our starting point in all of our following discussions.

We need to have a true conversion of our heart where we base our life’s choices on the truths of our faith.

The more I reflect on the issues I want to discuss in my future articles, the more I realize that our fundamental commitment

to Christ is at the center of every topic.

Decisions and choices we make today in regard to life issues, marriage, sexuality and immigration are often mixed with politics or based on principles of free choice, legal rights, personal beliefs or financial considerations. But for us as Christians, and this is important, we cannot base our decisions about truth on politics, personal beliefs or preferences. Our first consideration must be what Jesus teaches us, which is the TRUTH of love for the stranger, the dignity of human life, the purpose and beauty of our sexuality and the meaning of love and marriage. Once we discover the truth of our faith, we can then work to conform our lives to this truth because Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Pope Francis put it succinctly when he wrote: “Those who believe come to see themselves in the light of the faith which they profess: Christ is the mirror in which they find their own image fully realized.” (Lumen Fidei # 22) In my future articles I hope to help us all embrace more deeply the truths of our faith and accept Jesus’ invitation to follow where He leads. Any renewal of the Church will necessarily begin in our own hearts. I hope this will be a help to our conversion and give a new confidence to our witness of our faith.

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mike’s meditations

by Mike Van Vranken

Was Jesus Really Poor?

Finding riches in the Kingdom of God

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he ongoing debate of the socio-economic status of Jesus of Nazareth continues to rage. We can find supportive scriptures of his wealth that tell us his ministry was supported by women of means, he and his disciples gave to the poor and his tunic at his crucifixion was so fine that, rather than divide it, the soldiers rolled dice for it. Yet, throughout his life, we see no apparent material possessions, which could certainly help us surmise that he was poor. But, as always, the real message is to consider what Jesus was trying to teach us about such things.

If Jesus came into the world wealthy, he would have been able to help the needy and poor in so many ways. Additionally, he would have set a great and meaningful example for the financially privileged of our day. We would be able to look at his generosity and detachment from his own worldly possessions as a lifestyle to be emulated by all. Indeed, we see absolutely no dependence of Jesus in the gospels on any earthly treasures. We should take note of his total dependency on his Father and follow that example.

On the other hand, if Jesus came to us as poor, something dramatic would have happened. First, the poor themselves would have been able to see Jesus in themselves. He would have truly become the savior that suffered all things like us except sin. They would then experience the connection between the downtrodden and less fortunate with the incarnate Son of God. How blessed would that be?

It would have also made it easier for the rich to see Jesus in the poor. Once this vision was manifested, the desire to share their wealth with those who have little would have become a true act of love. Their almsgiving would have been given as worship of God. It would have made it so much easier to understand that the God who came in the flesh with the gracious gift of salvation for all because of our need, is teaching us, as his disciples and children, that we are to share our own gracious gifts with the needy in today’s world. Jesus wouldn’t have chosen to be poor to make the rich feel bad, but to show his special love for the poor, which also included his loving request for us to do the same.

Throughout this month, let’s make a conscious, daily effort to find ways to help the poor in our communities. As we begin to really share with them, we’ll begin to see Jesus in their faces, in their lives and in our world. Then, we will all be rich – rich in the kingdom of God! Mike has a teaching ministry (www.mikevanvrankenministries.org) and serves as an adjunct professor for the Diocese of Shreveport’s Greco Institute.

6 Catholic Connection

second collection

by Fr. Rothell Price

second collections

Diocese of Shreveport Hispanic Ministry

Announcement Dates: August 11th & 18th Collection Dates: August 24th & 25th ver the past several years our diocese has taken up a special collection to assist our Spanish speaking Catholic brothers and sisters in their needs and efforts to remain true to their Catholic roots and be active members of their local church communities. Our participation in the Diocese of Shreveport Hispanic Ministry Collection gives us the opportunity to bear witness to Pope Francis’ call to be happy Christians who bear joyful witness to the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The second collections of the Church keep us mindful of our fellow pilgrims, at home and abroad, who are in special need of the incarnate concern and compassion of the Church.

The Holy Bible exhorts us to “have a concern for all.” Our Christian generosity opens “windows” of spiritual and material opportunity for our brothers and sisters in need. Our divinely inspired charity allows the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, as Saint Paul says, “for the good of all.”

This month’s special collection for the Diocese of Shreveport Hispanic Ministry keeps us rooted in the Year of Faith. The constitutions and decrees of the Second Vatican Council bind us ever more closely to the Lord Jesus Christ, our Catholic faith, and the process of assimilation of our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters into our American society.

Our ancestors who came to this “land of Opportunity” by way of Ellis Island, the Port of New Orleans, and other seaports, had one powerful advantage over our brothers and sisters arriving from south of our border. Our European ancestors had the blessed advantage of bringing with them priests from their homelands who ministered to them in their native language until their children and grandchildren were thoroughly American. Our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters do not have that blessed advantage. But we have the opportunity to rally around them until their children and grandchildren become thoroughly American. The Sacred Scriptures call us to love not only in word, but in deed. This too has been the consistent encouragement and exhortation of Pope Francis.

Our financial and spiritual generosity makes concrete the love of Jesus Christ and the care of his holy people, the Church. The Scriptures have consistently called us to a profound concern for the alien and sojourner among us. The second collection for the Diocese of Shreveport Hispanic Ministry allows us to rise to God’s standard of compassion and hospitality for His people. We have much to offer our Hispanic community; and they have much to offer us!

Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Special Collections.

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domestic church

by Katie Sciba

Be a Conduit of God’s Love Let God use you to bless those who surround you in life

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finally figured it out: my job, my role in marriage, what I’m supposed to do “til death do us part.”

I understand that God chose Andrew and me as vocations for each other to glorify Him in the Sacrament of Marriage for the rest of our lives.

That being said, there’s no denying that life is full of distractions from this mission. We have three boys, a house, fatigue, hobbies and duties whirling around us so fiercely that it’s tempting to base my role in marriage on one or all of them; for example I might think that my job as a wife is to be a good mom or a good housekeeper, a diligent columnist or a strong individual.

But that’s not totally accurate.

While these things are included in the daily experience of my vocation, they’re not at the heart of my job description as a wife. Because God chose me specifically to be Andrew’s vocation, it is my task to be a conduit of God’s love for Andrew and vice versa. Simply put, God loves us through the people in our lives, especially our spouses. God wants to use ME to convey His love to Andrew and it’s my task to let Him. Knowing this has totally altered my self-perception: I have to consider that my moods, thoughts, words and actions affect how well I’m allowing God to work through me to love my husband and fulfill my vocation. I know that marriage is a call to serve God through serving my spouse, but grasping the kind of service I’m supposed to do has made it all more real. If God will show Andrew tenderness in the day, it will likely come through me and similarly, God will

show His strength to me through Andrew.

Though we won’t be the only people God uses to convey Himself, we are the primary ones chosen to do so as long as we both shall live. And if we’re going about it all the right way, then to draw closer to each other will be a way for us to draw closer to God Himself.

This doesn’t apply just to marriage, either.

God asks us to be conduits of his love at all times to all people and we can start refining this gift by starting at home.

Let God use you to bless your children, parents and your siblings. This isn’t about bringing sunshine on the surface, it’s about genuinely and humbly conveying the love of God to the other souls in your life.

This is a pretty tall order. The only way I know I’ll succeed is if I maintain my relationship with God through daily prayer and through frequenting the Eucharist and Reconciliation, thereby encountering His love as an individual so I can bring it to my marriage. And if I remain steadfast in my closeness with Andrew, then it comes full circle: Maintaining my relationship with God lets me bring that love to Andrew, who brings God’s love to me, which helps me maintain my relationship with God. By grace, Andrew and I will stand firm as the eye of the hurricane amid the millions of distractions because we’ll remain focused on God and each other.

Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife.net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and three sons, Liam,Thomas and Peter.

Bringing God to Others Bringing God to others is a tall order and tough to do! Use these practical tips to get started and keep up with being a conduit of His love:

Pray!

You can’t bring God’s love to others if you don’t encounter it yourself first.

Go to Mass, read the Bible, and talk to God throughout your day to know His love better.

WWJD? John 3:30 says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Try to let go of any bad habits or sins that get in the way of being kind and considerate to others, especially those at home.

Watch Your Mouth Are you more often positive or negative with your speech? Do you affirm loved ones or poke fun unnecessarily? Consider what words God would have you use to show your spouse and kids that He loves them.

Keep ‘em Close Remember that God uses others to love you, too. Pray for and keep up healthy relationships to experience the joy that God wants you to have as well.

August 2013 7

public worship but includes the right of the State to inhibit religious acts if they violate the common good. At the same time, there is support for the right to build churches, schools, hospitals and equal protection to ocuments of administer those institutions without State interference. An article in the Catholic World Report earlier this year suggests that forcing same-sex curricula in public schools ignitatis actually violates religious liberty as defined umanae

by Vatican II. The Council further placed a burden The Declaration on Religious Freedom on the State to actually protect and defend

by Mike Van Vranken the religious freedoms of the public with something called the “common good” he Declaration on Religious Freedom as a standard for public intervention. may be the greatest example of how the Archbishop Karol Wojtyla, later Pope John Fathers of Vatican II diligently labored Paul II, preferred using words similar to to represent Church teaching without “objective moral standard” as he reminded reversing time-honored Catholic principles. the Fathers that Communists relied on Of course, there are a few who agree that the phrase “public order” to suppress and the document is a departure from earlier persecute the Church. He felt “common doctrine. The result, however, blends our old ways of understanding religious freedom good” was too similar to “public order” and felt the focus on moral standards could with new ways of expressing it in our defend against future persecutions. modern world. Although Pope John XXIII This document causes the need for had already died before its completion, the deep study for us in America 2013. How declaration promoted his vision of making inroads with non-Catholic Christians around should we react to current legislation that mandates health care coverages which are the world by stating that the dignity of clearly objectionable to many Christians? humans (Dignitatis Humanae) demands the Are there examples where our tax dollars are recognition of the right to religious freedom used for religiously unacceptable practices? for everyone.

The authors begin by acknowledging how Are we quick to examine new laws and rules to determine their effects on our man has a duty to pursue the truth. At the same time, the Fathers remind the world that religious freedoms? Or, do we give up our battles with both man and the State on society have a such matters moral duty to because it discover and seems hopeless? believe in the The one true Church Declaration of Christ. They on Religious declare the right Freedom has of religious not received its freedom due attention protects us from from the any outside Catholic laity. force that would Perhaps it’s cause anyone to time we take a act in manners They declare the right of religious freedom protects us contrary to their from any outside force that would cause anyone to act in fresh look at a manners contrary to their own beliefs "within due limits." teaching where own beliefs the Council “within due Fathers spent three years of painfully limits.” They insist that faith must be free challenging work to present us with a moral and pursuing one’s own faith does not fulfill compass we can all live by. their responsibility of finding the truth. In To read the entire document, go to: http:// other words, with rights come responsibility. www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ Thus, one must pursue truth rather than ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_ some personal desire. decl_19651207_dignitatis-humanae_en.html The next message supports freedom of

Vatican II D

Year of Faith Blessed: August 2013

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s a child, Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, C.Ss.R. used to claim that he didn’t simply want to imitate his patron saint: he wanted to be another St.Francis Xavier. He entered the seminary in Augsburg after completing a degree in Philosophy. While there, he heard about the missionary activity of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, and traveled to North America, specifically to become a Redemptorist priest. For nine years, he worked as the assistant of St. John Neumann in the parish of St. Philomena in Pittsburgh. He dedicated himself to the mission of preaching, and, before long, he had attained a reputation as an excellent preacher and an insightful, attentive spiritual director. He was also known for a happy availability for anyone who might need him at any time.

He became pastor of the church of St. Mary of the Assumption in New Orleans, and died there of yellow fever while nursing the sick during an epidemic. As an itinerant preacher and lifelong friend of the poor and destitute, Seelos was a spiritual father to tens of thousands. from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops & seelos.org

Navigating the Faith Anointing of the Sick

by Deacon Bill Roche

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nointing of the Sick is considered the second of the Sacraments of Healing along with Reconciliation (Penance).

When the Sacrament is administered, the hands of the priest or bishop are laid upon the person receiving the Sacrament in silence. The Oil of the Sick, Oleum Infirmorum, abbreviated as O.I., is used to anoint the forehead and hands or other body parts of the person being anointed. The words that accompany the anointing are, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” The Oil of the Sick is blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass each year and used by all the parishes and churches throughout the diocese during the course of the year.

This Sacrament has undergone a significant change in my lifetime. When I was a child studying the Baltimore Catechism, before the Second Vatican Council, I learned that the seventh Sacrament was Extreme Unction, commonly known as “the Last Rites.”

Unction means anointing with oil, and “extreme” referred to the timing of the anointing, to be at the extremis, or end.

The Last Rites came to be associated with death, or at least near-death, but it was not always thus. When someone was “anointed” it usually meant they were seriously ill with little likelihood of recovery, or they had been seriously injured with a strong possibility of death. Survival after being anointed was a distinguishing mark because it meant that one had been on death’s doorstep and had made it back.

As you can imagine, it was not really a “popular” Sacrament, yet it was clearly sought when the time was appropriate (but not a minute too early, please). Families had sick call sets in their homes, stored on an upper shelf in the closet, for the time it would be needed. The sick call set was usually a wooden crucifix that slid open to reveal a compartment containing candles and a bottle for holy water. Priests would be called at all hours of the day and night to administer the Sacrament to believers at the

time of grave illness.

It is accurate to say that the Second Vatican Council brought this Sacrament out of the shadows into the light of Christ’s love and mercy. It had always been a Sacrament of love, but it was associated with dying. Now it has come to be associated with healing, recovery, and grace in time of need. Instead of being reserved until the last minute, the name, as well as the timing of administration of this Sacrament, has changed dramatically. Now known as “Anointing of the Sick,” the faithful can receive the Sacrament whenever one faces serious medical procedures, is hospitalized or diagnosed with a chronic health condition that may not in itself be terminal. For example, persons undergoing chemotherapy or physical rehabilitation, and persons facing procedures requiring total anesthesia can be anointed, and are encouraged to seek the Sacrament before they go for the treatments or procedures. Persons in recovery from alcoholism, drug addiction and other addictions and those with mental illness can properly receive the Sacrament.

My wife and I both have had the benefit of this Sacrament, and continue to experience the on-going spiritual healing from the Sacrament which we receive at least annually, whenever it is offered, because we have conditions that will persist throughout the rest of our lives. Four years ago, in early August, my wife was struck suddenly and unexpectedly with a hemorrhagic stroke. She was rushed to the emergency room by ambulance, examined, diagnosed and admitted. While she was in the ER she was anointed.

We both credit the Sacrament, and the countless prayers from family, friends and total strangers, with her recovery. We attribute this to the skillful work by the surgeons, physicians, anesthetists, nurses, therapists and the grace of the Sacrament of Healing administered by the priests of the Diocese of Shreveport.

Moreover, we acknowledge the grace of God made available to Isabel, and also to me and all our family members, that strengthened all of us to trust God and to persevere throughout the process.

Close to the end of 2010 I was admitted to the hospital with chest pains. Testing revealed an arrhythmia.

More procedures followed, at least one of which involved stopping my heart! It was clearly appropriate for me to be anointed, and I was.

Christ’s public ministry was centered on teaching, healing the sick, and forgiving sins. Jesus in His humanity understood the frailty of human life. He warmly welcomed those who were experiencing difficulties of every variety. When Jesus encountered those who were blind, paralyzed, leprous, hemorrhagic and dying, He compassionately offered relief in the form of healing, both physically and spiritually.

Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament of Healing that is triggered by a physical condition, but it primarily addresses our spiritual condition. Healing of the body and mind is not assured, but the corresponding spiritual condition is most certainly strengthened, just as it was for the individuals in the Gospels whose sins were forgiven. Jesus’ compassion for human suffering was an opportunity to offer the greatest of gifts: forgiveness of sin. In most of the examples of Jesus’ physical healings, He used physical healing as a visible sign of the invisible healing, the forgiveness of sins, that was the real purpose of His mission.

The Eucharist, called viaticum, is offered to patients who are near death and is a special gift of the Body and Blood of Christ as the individual approaches their final journey to encounter the Risen Lord in His glory. The Eucharist is fittingly the last Sacrament many Catholics receive and there is no better preparation for the journey.

August 2013 9

moveable feast

Diocesan Catechetical Fair

OPEN THE DOOR OF FAITH Eastern Deanery Saturday, August 17, 2013 Trinity Methodist Church 1000 W. Woodward Ave. Ruston Western/ Southern Deanery Saturday, August 24, 2013 Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.

Event ends at 3:00 p.m. $10 per person (includes hospitality and lunch)

Join Bishop Michael Duca, the Office of Catechesis Advisory Council, catechists, youth ministry leaders and religion teachers from around the diocese for an exciting day filled with enthusiasm, prayer, door prizes and networking! Resources from Slattery Library will also be available. Participants will be introduced to the new Diocesan Catechetical Goals and how to use them in their ministry.

Each person will leave with nine easy interactive techniques to engage children and teens throughout the year!

Pre-Registration is Required Call Ginger at 318-868-4441 OR Register online at: http://tinyurl.com/catfair

10 Catholic Connection

by Kim Long

ASSUMPTION FEAST

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have loved books both for pleasure and learning my entire life. It was no surprise when I converted 25 years ago that I would continue reading and building the Catholic portion of my library. One of my first Catholic purchases was A Woman Clothed with the Sun, which told of some Marian apparitions. I read it greedily and then promptly re-read it, hoping to absorb as much information about Mary as possible.

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of my favorites, although I confess that as a new Catholic and a young mother it was one I kept in my heart rather than in the living room. I could hardly wrap my mind around it. The scripture passage most associated with this is from the book of Revelation, not exactly light reading. I enjoy the symbols the reading gives, “A great sign appeared in the heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, the moon beneath her feet and upon her head a crown of twelve stars...” and towards the end of the passage we are told that God had prepared a special place for her.

August 15 is the day both Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Christians have long celebrated what is called the Dormition (falling asleep) of the Virgin Mary. This feast, which is said to have been established before the sixth century, has been both solemnly and joyfully celebrated throughout much of the world. In 1950 Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of Mary body and soul into heaven as a dogma of our Church. I cannot urge you enough to explore this holy day, its imagery, its powerful symbols and its love.

In Italy there are many processions as Mary’s blessing is asked for fruits and herbs.

Before the Feast of Assumption, there is a traditional fast for the first 14 days of August whereby no intake of fruit is permitted.

The fast is broken after Mass on August 15 by eating all kinds of fresh fruit, whatever is available, but no meat is to be eaten that day. To that end I offer you a recipe for Apple Rosemary Tea Bread, given to me by a beloved aunt who is doubtless tending herbs in heaven.

The tradition to ask Mary’s blessing on fruits and herbs is an ancient one. So while your bread is baking here is a portion taken from Psalm 65 that can be recited in thanksgiving for your gardens, your herbs or before your family meal.

Leader: The Lord will be gracious.

Response: And our land brings forth its fruit.

Leader: Thou water the mountains from the

Apple Rosemary Tea Bread Ingredients: • ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon milk • ½ cup raisins coarsely chopped (I like golden raisins but any kind are fine) • 4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter • 2 apples peeled, chopped and diced • ½ cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar • 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary • 1 ½ cup of all purpose flour • 2 teaspoons baking powder • ¼ teaspoon salt • 1 large egg Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour loaf pan. Heat milk to scalding; remove from heat; add raisins. Stir in four tablespoons butter and let cool. Cook apples in remaining butter for about three minutes; add rosemary. Combine flour, remaining ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk egg into cooled milkraisin mixture. Add the diced apples to dry ingredients, but don’t combine. Pour wet mixture over dry mixture and mix just until dry ingredients are moist. DO NOT OVERMIX! Fill prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes, or until tester comes clean.

clouds.

Response: The earth is replenished from Thy rains.

Leader: Giving grass for the cattle.

Response: And plants for the service of humanity.

Leader: Thou bring forth wheat from the earth.

Response: And wine to cheer our hearts.

Leader: He sends his command and heals our suffering.

Response: And snatches them from distressing want.

ALL: Oh Lord hear our prayer. AMEN.

Annual Report

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ic S

cho

ince the Newtown shooting in December 2012, the principals and I have been discussing school safety with the teachers, parents and students. Soon after the Christmas holidays, each principal walked through their school campuses inspecting door locks, gate locks and all points of entry onto the school campus. St. Frederick High School was the first to inspect the school’s security system and, through the generosity of many donors, upgraded all points of alarm in each of the buildings. St. Joseph School sponsored regular meetings with the ShreveportBossier Homeland Security experts to recommend improvements, especially in their Kindergarten Village. St. John Berchmans School and Loyola College Prep worked together to upgrade security around the parimeters of the schools on Jordan Street.

Our Lady of Fatima School Council and Parish Council have devised a multi-level upgrade to the school including new door locks, classroom locks and new windows.

Finally, Jesus the Good Shepherd School requires teachers to wear a panic necklace so they can be alerted in the event of an intruder in the classroom or on the playground.

The Catholic Schools Office and the Shreveport-Bossier Homeland Security sponsored a full-day training for administrative teams in February at the Catholic Center. Our schools take your children’s safety as a primary duty each and every day.

ol

by Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, Superintendent of Catholic Schools

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ort

SHREVEPORT Loyola College Prep 921 Jordan Street Shreveport, LA 71101 318-221-2675 www.loyolaprep.org St. John Berchmans School 947 Jordan Street Shreveport, LA 71101 318-221-6005 www.sjbcathedralschool.org St. Joseph School

Enrollment by Grades in 2012 - 2013 Pre-K K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

240 153 120 110 110 110 100 138

7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th TOTAL:

134 117 153 170 152 134 1941

Our Faculty and Staff 113 4 11 20 20 6

Full-Time Certified Classroom Teachers Music Teachers Physical Education Teachers Pre-School Teachers Instructional Teachers Certified Principals

1210 Anniston Avenue Shreveport, LA 71105 318-865-3585 www.sjsfalcons.org

MONROE Jesus the Good Shepherd School 900 Good Shepherd Lane Monroe, LA 71201 318-325-8569 www.jesusgoodshepherd.org Our Lady of Fatima School 3202 Franklin Street Monroe, LA 71201 318-387-1851 www.fatimaschool.org St. Frederick High School 3300 Westminster Avenue Monroe, LA 71201 318-323-9636 www.stfrederickhigh.org August 2013 11

ACRE Test Scores 2012 - 2013 Liturgy & Sacraments

Profession of Faith

Life in Christ

Christian Prayer

90 85 80

Grade 5 Grade 8 Grade 11

Grade 5 Grade 8 Grade 11

Diocese of Shreveport Average

Nat'l 68%

DOS 76%

Nat'l 79%

DOS 86%

Nat'l 70%

DOS Avg. 83%

Nat'l 65%

DOS 72%

Nat'l 68%

DOS 75%

Nat'l 79%

DOS Avg. 86%

Grade 5 Grade 8 Grade 11

Grade 5 Grade 8 Grade 11

National Average

Terra Nova Achievement Test

ACT SCORES National: 21.1 State: 20.3 St. Frederick High: 23.5 Loyola Prep: 23.5

Nat'l 69%

DOS 83%

Nat'l 69%

DOS 80%

Nat'l 69%

DOS Avg. 84%

Nat'l 76%

DOS 82%

Nat'l 69%

60

DOS 80%

65

National Avg. 78%

70

DOS Avg. 88%

75

Reading Language National

50

Math Social Studies

Science Spelling

Total

50

50

50

50

50

50

Kindergarten 72

N/A

81

N/A

N/A

N/A

81

Grade 1

80

N/A

80

89

85

N/A

82

Grade 2

87

90

83

86

86

80

85

Grade 3

80

84

75

77

87

72

80

Grade 4

82

83

70

78

85

74

79

Grade 5

83

83

81

74

81

75

82

Grade 6

85

86

69

80

78

78

81

Grade 7

77

83

77

73

71

77

81

Grade 8

84

83

79

75

70

78

84

Faculty & Staff Service Awards 5 YEARS Dena Davis Andrew Sciba LaTara Wilson Odell Brown Kristin Adderley Polly Maciulski Michelle Wagley Peggy Crooks Leeann Stawasz Emily Tyson Melissa McKenzie

10 YEARS Faye Ford Patti Mitchell Vona Weiss Donnie Brown Stephanie Haney Amanda Rogers Karen Embanato Allison Futch Paula Stidham

15 YEARS Peggy Gremillion Anne Ridley Robin Blandin Ellen Galligan

25 YEARS Frances Harral Laura Woolbert Emily Pasquier

20 YEARS Norma Waters

Faith • Knowledge • Service 12 Catholic Connection

NEWS

Cathedral School Celebrates “Cardinal Dynasty” At National Olympiad Local students competed in national science competition

Students from St. John Berchmans School donned their “Cardinal Dynasty” costumes that helped them win the National Spirit Award and a $2,000 check.

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n what has quietly become an annual tradition, the St. John Berchmans School Science Olympiad team competed in its fifth consecutive National Science Olympiad Tournament this past May on the campus of Wright State University in Dayton, OH. The team of 14 middle school students, three coaches and school parents traveled by bus to the annual tournament to compete against

59 other middle schools from around the country.

With a school enrollment of over 260 students in grades K-3 through eighth, St. John Berchmans School is always one of the smallest schools to compete at the national tournament. Despite their size, St. John’s has had success at the national level with a Top 10 finish in an individual event for the past four years.

Diocese of Shreveport Non-Discriminatory School Policy The Diocese of Shreveport School system re-affirms its non-discriminatory policy on the basis of race, sex, color, national, and ethnic origin in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, and Sections 4.03 (a) and 4.03 (c) Revenue Procedure 75-50.

All students, faculty members and staff, without exception, are admitted to all rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available at the schools which do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national, and ethnic origin in the administration of its employment policies, admission policies, scholarship, and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administrated programs.

St. John Berchmans Cathedral School, Shreveport St. Joseph School, Shreveport Loyola College Preparatory, Shreveport Jesus the Good Shepherd School, Monroe Our Lady of Fatima School, Monroe St. Frederick High School, Monroe

During the Science Olympiad Opening Ceremony, the St. John’s students dressed up as members from the Duck Dynasty television show, calling themselves “Cardinal Dynasty.”

Complete with homemade beards and camouflage t-shirts, they were the hit of the night and had many picture requests.

After a day of extreme competition, the St. John Berchmans team won the prestigious Lockheed Martin Spirit Award. The Spirit Award is given to the team that best exemplifies good sportsmanship, team collaboration and school spirit. Event supervisors and judges at each of the 23 events nominated schools based on their participation in each event. Along with the Spirit Award trophy, St. John Berchmans School was awarded a check for $2,000.

The St. John Berchmans Science Olympiad program is yet another example of how the school is establishing itself as a local leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) curriculum. The sixth grade class at St. John’s recently participated in a three week STEM curriculum module that was developed by the Cyber Innovation Center (CIC). The CIC is developing a 12-module, STEM Elective curriculum and St. John Berchmans School was picked to be the pilot school for the first module in the program and will be one of three local schools to pilot the entire STEM program for grades sixth through eighth during the 2013-14 school year.

Science Olympiad is one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing standards-based challenges to nearly 6,200 teams in 50 states. Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of team events, which students prepare for during the year.

The St. John Berchmans team will take the summer off, but will hit the ground running in the fall as they look to be repeat Louisiana State champions in April and travel to the 2014 National Tournament in Orlando, FL.

by Lucy Medvec August 2013 13

NEWS

Administrative Changes for St. Joseph School

Diocesan Tribunal Hires New Leader Canon lawyer Kelly O'Donnell is excited to take on new job

School veteran Nia Mitchell hired as new principal and Kevin Nolten as Asst. Principal

Canon Lawyer Kelly O'Donnell is the new director of the Tribunal for the Diocese of Shreveport.

W Nia Mitchell, Principal, and Kevin Nolten, Assistant Principal

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t. Joseph Church and School welcomes Nia Mitchell as the new Principal and Kevin Nolten as the new Assistant Principal for the 2013/2014 school year. The school and parish are blessed to have two familiar faces, two beloved leaders and a sense of familiarity moving forward into the next school year. Nia Mitchell has very deep roots within the life of St. Joseph Parish and a passionate love for St. Joseph School. Nia holds a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Centenary College and has been a member of St. Joseph Church for 20 years, a teacher at St. Joseph school for 11 years, and the Assistant Principal for 5 years. Similarly, Kevin has deep roots within the life of St. Joseph Parish as a parishioner for 21 years, and as an alumnus of St. Joseph School, attending from PreK-4 to 8th grade. Kevin holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has been employed by the parish for eight years.

Please join the diocese in welcoming these two leaders and offer your prayers of support and encouragement as they begin the new school year.

by Kevin Nolten 14 Catholic Connection

e are excited to announce that Kelly O’Donnell is the new Director of the Tribunal for the Diocese of Shreveport. Kelly joins us with a wealth of both life and canon law experience and is eager to bring both with her to her new job and adventure in the South.

Raised in Bakersfield, California in a strong Catholic family with two younger brothers and two younger sisters, Kelly’s parents instilled the importance of family and faith in her from a young age.

Kelly pursued a Master’s degree in International Affairs with an emphasis in International Business, spending two years of her education in Spain. She later taught Spanish at the university level.

It was divine intervention though that led her on her canon law journey. In August of 1985, Kelly’s mother handed her a copy of the Catholic Digest and told her she thought she would be interested in the story it contained. Kelly read about Laurie LeFave, the first female lay woman judge in the United States who worked for the Diocese of Dallas. Kelly called her up and talked to her about her ministry. Within two weeks of the phone call with Laurie, Kelly found herself in Rome studying both Italian and canon law.

Following many years of study, Kelly was the first lay woman to graduate with a doctorate from the Pontifical University Antonianum in 1992.

Since receiving her canon law degree, Kelly has worked with a number of Catholic dioceses across the country. Most recently, she worked for the Diocese of San Diego as their only full time canon lawyer

in the tribunal.

Through her work, Kelly has witnessed the pain and emotional turmoil that naturally follows in the path of those seeking annulments and emphasized the importance of being a confidential supporter of the couple as they seek healing and the Church. Fluent in Spanish, Kelly can also work on cases directly with Spanish-speaking individuals and give workshops in Spanish.

Kelly hopes to bring that same life affirming work with her to the Diocese of Shreveport, both in her consultant capacity as a canon lawyer on Church affairs, and as an assistant and compassionate worker to those seeking an annulment in the Catholic Church. She also emphasized that she hopes to carry on the great work Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, former Tribunal Director, did over her many years of service to the Diocese of Shreveport.

“The Tribunal is one of the most vital organs, the heartbeat of every diocese,” said Kelly. “A lot of times we’re asked to give an opinion on something. We [the canonists] always have to think about the last Canon in our code, 1752, what we’re doing is for the salvation of souls. And sometimes we have to remind other people when we’re making the opinion, you really have to discern and pray that there are lives involved, souls involved. I’m going to have to face God too, so it better be the best decision and not made lightly or made in a quick manner.”

You can reach Kelly by contacting the Catholic Center at 318-868-4441, or by e-mail, kodonnell@dioshpt.org.

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Big changes for st. Joseph church in zwolle Beautiful remodeled church was rededicated by Bishop Michael Duca

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tripping a sanctuary hill to the Parish Hall after down to its very bones is Easter Mass in 2012. difficult in many ways, but “It was hard to see our it is tolerable if you know the sanctuary become a mere end result will be a wonderful skeleton,” commented lifelong improvement in your place member and current Zwolle of worship. This is the recent Mayor Pie Martinez. “But Fr. experience of the Catholic Tim had a vision and we trusted Church of St. Joseph in Zwolle his leadership and ended up and their Pastor, Rev. Timothy with just what we needed, a Hurd. beautiful new Church that holds In a project begun in April of even more worshippers than last year, Fr. Hurd has led the before and we did it all under people of St. Joseph on a bold, budget.” ambitious journey of demolition Trustee and Church Finance Bishop Michael Duca anoints the new altar at St. Joseph Church in Zwolle, LA on June 8. and reconstruction that has Council member Edith Palmer resulted in a new and engaging was impressed with how her place of worship for the largest Catholic congregation in our faith community worked together to make their new Church a Southern Deanery. reality. “We formed a Renovation Committee and the people It all started with a vision. “I knew what I wanted our of St. Joseph really worked together to raise additional funds for Sanctuary to look like,” said Fr. Tim, “but I just had to find a renovation work including fishing and baseball tournaments, a way to flesh it out and make it work, even if it meant some hard mother-daughter style show and a host of socials to help bring decisions on how to accomplish our goal.” in extra funds. The best part about it for me was seeing our He also had to convince the people of his parish that his young people so involved in helping us reach our goal.” plans for the Church had real merit. This was a daunting On Saturday, June 8, the long wait ended when Bishop task, especially for those who have first-hand knowledge of Michael Duca led the people of St. Joseph into their new place Catholicism in Sabine Parish. Hundreds of families have ties of worship for the first time and blessed the newly completed to Zwolle’s St. Joseph Church and have a fierce devotion to Sanctuary that was stuffed to the brim with 650 members of their parish through worship and a wide host of activities that its Church family. “Give thanks for this wonderful house of surround an active Church life. Because of this, major changes worship,” Bishop Duca encouraged those gathered, “let this within St. Joseph’s sanctuary were closely scrutinized. sanctuary be a place of holiness for many years to come.”

“I thought our people might tie me up and deposit me on From its soaring altar area, newly installed stained glass and Highway 171 for Bishop Duca to come and pick up,” joked five hundred-year-old Italian Baptistry to the newly constructed Fr. Tim. “But they saw the possibilities and bought into the pews, St. Joseph’s sanctuary now dazzles the eyes and the senses process beautifully.” Fr. Tim guided the parish in choosing their as one enters a place that displays the very best in Catholic architect and builder and the people of St. Joseph made ready imagery and inspiration. for the wrecking ball by moving their worship space down the

by John Mark Willcox, Director of Communications

St. Joseph Church sanctuary under construction in October 2012.

The rennovated St. Joseph Church sanctuary on June 8, 2013.

August 2013 15

NEWS

Opening the Door of Faith

Diocese ramping up catechetical opportunities Cathechetical Fairs n August, we will host two Catechetical Fairs – August 17, 2013 at Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston and August 24, 2013 at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. The national theme of both the Catechetical Year and the Fairs is “Open the Door of Faith.”

The day will begin with a talk by Bishop Michael Duca encouraging catechists and youth ministry leaders to be the person who, with the Holy Spirit, opens the door of faith for our younger sisters and brothers in Christ. The rest of the day will be spent providing the tools for opening the door.

Catechists and youth ministry leaders will be introduced to the Diocesan Catechetical Goals, which are a compilation of prayers, key concepts, scriptures and other information for each grade level beginning with pre K-3 and ending with high school. These Catechetical Goals will assist catechists in forming their young charges.

The afternoon will consist of four round robin sessions in which catechists will learn specific skills and strategies to draw young people through the door of faith. Participants will also work with their grade level peers in creating four additional strategies! Each participant will leave with nine new ways to draw the children and youth through the door of faith.The Fair times are 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The cost of the Catechetical Fair is $10, which includes lunch. You may register three ways: 1) online at http://tinyurl.com/ catfair; 2) through your parish Catechetical Leader or Youth Minister; or 3) calling the Office of Catechesis at 318-868-4441.

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Greco Institute Continuing the theme of Open the Door of Faith, the Bishop Greco Institute for Adult Faith Formation will be spending the next six to nine months studying the needs of the parishes through listening sessions with clergy, catechetical leaders and adult faith formation leaders. Jesus asked blind Bartimaeus, “What would you have me do?” We will be asking the same question of the parishes, discerning how we, at the diocesan level, can support the parishes in opening the door of faith for their adults.

For the 2013-14 catechetical years, the courses offered by the Institute will focus 16 Catholic Connection

on four themes: Scripture, Prison Ministry, What it means to be Catholic and Adult Leadership Training. This fall Fr. Pat Madden will offer a study of the Acts of the Apostles in two locations: Thursdays, beginning in September, at the Catholic Center and a four week course at Sacred Heart Parish in Rayville. The Bible study offered for the men at David Wade Correctional Facility will continue. Two new courses we are introducing are Rediscovering Catholicism and Forming Adult Small Group Leaders.

Full course descriptions will be presented to the parishes in August and offerings will be listed in the September Catholic Connection.

Course instructors for the fall are Mike Van Vranken, Br. Mike Ward, OFM, Joseph Seyler, Holly Wilson, Micah Murphy and other diocesan directors.

Many other Door of Faith events will be offered throughout the fall and into winter.

Please check our diocesan webpage or contact the Office of Catechesis with any questions! 318-868-4441or gbroussard@ dioshpt.org

by Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis

Fr. Ken Williams Celebrated Golden Jubilee Fr. Kenneth Williams cuts his beautiful cake at his golden jubilee gathering.

OPEN THE DOOR OF FAITH

Upcoming Catechesis Events August 3: Eastern Deanery Catechetical Leader/DRE Meeting, 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Chapel, ULM in Monroe August 5: Western Deanery Catechetical Leader/DRE Meeting, 6:15-7:45 p.m. at the Catholic Center in Shreveport August 8: Southern Deanery Catechetical Leader/DRE Meeting, 9:3011:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish in Zwolle August 17: Eastern Deanery Catechetical Fair 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston August 24: Southern/Western Deanery Catechetical Fair, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center in Shreveport Thursdays beginning September 5, Acts of the Apostles Scripture Study 9:30 – 11:00 a.m., Catholic Center, Shreveport

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r. Kenneth Williams recently celebrated his golden jubilee, 50 years as a Catholic priest. Fr. Ken retired while pastoring St. Ann Church in Ebarb and St. Catherine Church in Noble in 2005.The St. Ann Church family hosted a party for Fr. Ken. The Catholic communities in Sabine Parish, including parishioners of former St. Catherine, St. Joseph and St. John the Baptist churches, joined the St. Ann parishioners at the joyous occasion.

Special moments were shared including an original poem by Thelma Small of Many, and Simon and Joyce Leone traveled from Shreveport to honor Fr. Ken. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary while vacationing with Fr. Ken on a trip to the Holy Land in Israel in April 2013 where he renewed their wedding vows. The trip to the Holy Land was one of Father Ken’s life ambitions.

Even though Fr. Ken is “retired,” he sustains a very active retirement. His retired priestly ministry finds him traveling most weekends, celebrating Mass for neighboring priests. Fr. Ken was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1963.

The weekend celebration included a special Saturday evening Mass concelebrated by Fr. Timothy Hurd and Fr. Ken. Fr. Ken was born in Ponchatoula, LA and now resides in the Toledo Town area of Sabine Parish.

by Anita Manshack

Order of Acolyte Sixteen men take next step to becoming permanent deacons

Catholic Connection Wins National Award

Family life column gets large scale recognition

Deacon Candidate Scott Brandle kneels before Bishop Duca as he is installed to the Order of Acolyte.

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he Diocese of Shreveport celebrated the Institution to the Order of Acolyte of 16 men on June 22 at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church in Monroe. This proud and exciting day marked the final stage for these men before ordination as Permanent Deacons. The current formation norm requires each candidate to receive 1,000 hours in formation over the span of four years to prepare them for a lifetime of service. After successfully completing formation, these men will be ordained on June 28, 2014 to the order of Permanent Deacon.

Acolyte is a ministry of service in the liturgy of the Church.

Acolytes aid the deacon and minister to the priest. It is his duty to attend to the service of the altar and assist the deacon and priest in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of Mass. He also distributes communion as a special minister. An acolyte may be entrusted with publicly exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration by the faithful and afterward replacing it, but not with blessing the people. The acolyte may assist the priest or deacon in liturgical celebrations by carrying the missal, cross or candles, and assist with incensing the altar, gifts, cross and incensing the priest and people. The acolyte can also help the priest and deacon in the purification of the sacred vessels after the distribution of Holy Communion.

The following men were installed as Acolytes: Orlando Batongbakal – St. Clement, Vivian; Scott Brandle - St. Matthew, West Monroe; Tom Deal – Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe; Chris Domingue – Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe; Bill Goss – St. Lawrence, Swartz; Bill Kleinpeter – St. Joseph, Mansfield; Steve Lehr – St. Jude, Bossier City; Danny LeMoine – Christ the King, Bossier City; Jack Lynch – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Shreveport; David Nagem – Sacred Heart, Oak Grove; Robert Ransom – St. Thomas of Aquinas, Ruston; Ricardo Rivera – Christ the King, Bossier City; Charles Thomas – Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Shreveport; Marc Vereen – St. Joseph, Bastrop; Mike Whitehead – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Shreveport; Mike Wise – St. Jude, Bossier City.

For additional information on the Permanent Diaconate, please email me, at cnash@dioshpt.org.

by Deacon Clary Nash

Jessica Rinaudo, Catholic Connection editor, and Katie Sciba, family life columnist, with Catholic Press Award.

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he Catholic Press Awards are handed out each year for journalistic excellence in many categories. Judged this year by the journalism departments at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI and Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, the awards were given out to Catholic publications in the United States and Canada.

Most award categories are divided up into publication type.

So while most diocesan publications can enter under “Diocesan Newspaper, Distribution 1-17,000,” the Catholic Connection often has to enter under the general “Magazine” category, going up against some large national, well-staffed magazines like One, Columbia and America magazines, making it difficult for our small mission magazine to even get on the radar.

This year was the exception though as the Catholic Connection proudly took home a third place win in the Magazine Family Life Column category, finishing behind two national magazines (and ahead of many more).

Our monthly family column, “Domestic Church,” is penned by local writer Katie Sciba. Each month Katie and I consult on potential topics for the column. She then takes those ideas, runs with them and produces quality advice and stories for Catholic families to apply to their every day lives. Her “tools and tips” are then “pinned” each month by the Catholic Connection on Pinterest, a popular social media website, and they continue to be our most popular and re-pinned items.

After the award was announced, Katie and I both were in a bit of proud shock and awe.

“It’s extremely humbling to be recognized on such a broad scale,” said Katie.

“I am so proud of our magazine and the work that all of our writers put into it each month,” added Jessica. “Katie works hard and writes from the heart. We are honored to have her write for us. This award is well deserved.”

We look forward to working even harder over the course of this year to bring you quality Catholic news and information.

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor August 2013 17

NEWS

Catholic Charities Expands John Paul II’s & John XXIII’s Paths & Bids Farewell to Sr. pat Cleared for Canonization Lake Providence welcomes CCS Office & Sr. Patricia Cairns retires

Pope and cardinals endorse new saints

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atholic Charities of Shreveport will reach its third anniversary this August. We’re also happy to report that we’ve just opened an office in Lake Providence and are working closely with Fr. Mark Watson and Sr. Bernadette “Bernie” Barrett, who clearly see the need for our services in East Carroll parish. The poverty rate in that area is one of the highest in Louisiana, with high unemployment and few prospects for those who struggle to make a life there. Sr. Bernie, Fr. Watson and a small group of volunteers are working hard to establish our satellite office in Lake Providence and have already been trained in our financial education and emergency assistance programs. Executive Director of Catholic Charities, Jean Dresley, and Financial Education Coordinator, Carl Piehl, are excited about the participation and engagement by those who want to make a difference in northeast Louisiana. We are well on our way with this great team of caring Christians. The team continues to recruit volunteers to assist in a variety of duties and hopes to hear from more who understand the importance of having a thriving Catholic Charities in Lake Providence.

Catholic Charities is also facing another big change at the Shreveport office.

Sr. Patricia “Pat” Cairns, CSJ has been administrator, mentor and working friend to us since she began the investigative work that helped Bishop Michael Duca decide to establish Catholic Charities of Shreveport Jean Dresley, Executive Director of Catholic Charities in August 2010 and of Shreveport, and Sr. Patricia Cairns, CSJ. served as President of the Board of Directors.

Sr. Pat brought years of experience to the job from her work as the Executive Director of Catholic Charities in Pittsburgh, as well as Executive Director of Catholic Services of Lafayette, just two of the many positions she has held through the years, working for the betterment of the poor. Her wealth of hands-on knowledge was just what we needed locally to become the thriving agency we are today after only three years of operation.

She was honored with a reception at the home of Nona Daily.

Fr. Rothell Price and Bishop Michael Duca awarded a special honorarium to Sr. Pat – a gift of Founding Member status. In accepting this very special honor, Sr. Pat exclaimed that there is nothing that makes her happier or means more to her than a gift that goes directly toward helping the poor. We miss her dedication, hard work and counsel but are happy for her as she begins retirement in Albany, NY.

by Theresa Mormino, Catholic Charities of Shreveport 18 Catholic Connection

Blessed Pope John Paul II

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Pope John XXIII

ope Francis has now put his signature on a decree that has cleared a final hurdle to sainthood for Blessed John Paul II. He also asked the cardinals to vote on the canonization of John XXIII, because he still lacks a miracle.

Many have called Blessed Pope John XXIII the bravest man who ever held Peter’s Chair for his institution of the Second Vatican Council and the man who authored some of the most telling documents of that council. Blessed Pope John Paul II will be remembered as the greatest evangelical pope in history and the man who brought the Vatican to the people of the world.

Following the signed decree recognizing the final miracle, popes have traditionally called for a consistory, where available cardinals gather and show support for the new saint. This gathering took place on July 2, 2013 and those present endorsed the canonization of Blessed John Paul II. During this time, the Vatican recognized the healing of a Costa Rican woman who recovered from a brain aneurysm due to prayers through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II, which was the second miracle Blessed John Paul needed to fulfill the requirements of canonization.

During this same session, the cardinals reviewed John XXIII’s cause and asked Pope Francis to canonize him without the required miracle and the pope agreed.

Vatican spokesman Father Frederico Lombardi confirmed and endorsed this decision, “As we all know very well, John XXIII is a person beloved in the church. We are in the 50th anniversary year of the opening of the Second Vatican Council, which he convoked. And I think none of us has any doubts about John XXIII’s virtues. So, the Holy Father is looking toward his canonization.”

Both men have been chosen for entrance into the family of saints with current speculation resting on a canonization ceremony to be held in Rome at the end of this year.

Controversy at this decision should be muted as both of these men of God are truly held in the highest of esteem by both the ordained leadership of the Church and many millions of the faithful around the world. What a blessed event this will be when these two giants of Christianity are named saints in a dual ceremony broadcast around the world.

by John Mark Willcox, Director of Communications

across the

Pope Francis’ first encyclical Emphasizes Life-Changing Faith

by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

W

ASHINGTON—“Lumen Fidei” (“The Light of Faith”), the first encyclical of Pope Francis, says that faith is like a light illuminating all of human existence.

The encyclical, begun by Pope Benedict XVI, his successor Pope Francis said, was released by the Vatican July 5.

Dated June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, “Lumen Fidei,” considers the role of faith from the days of Abraham until modern times.

“The light of faith is unique, since it is capable of illuminating every aspect of human existence,” the pope said.

“A light this powerful cannot come from ourselves but from a more primordial source: in a word, it must come from God.” Faith heralds the transforming power of belief in Jesus, said Pope Francis. “Faith does not merely gaze at Jesus, but sees things as Jesus himself sees them, with his own eyes: it is a participation in his way of seeing,” the pope said.

Pope Francis offered his signature downto-earth comparison. “We trust the architect who builds our home, the pharmacist who gives us medicine for healing, the lawyer who defends us in court,” he said. “We also need somebody trustworthy and knowledgeable where God is concerned. Jesus, the Son of God, is the one who makes God known to us.”

Pope Francis noted faith’s impact on the family, especially young people.“Faith is no refuge for the fainthearted, but something which enhances our lives,” Pope Francis said.

“It makes us aware of a magnificent calling, the vocation of love. It assures us that this love is trustworthy and worth embracing, for it is based on God’s faithfulness which is stronger than our every weakness.”

The pope also pointed out that faith provides perspective in the search for truth, so that believers do not fall prey to great

totalitarian movements on one side and relativism on the other. He warned of “a massive amnesia in our contemporary world.”

“The question of truth is really a question of memory, deep memory, for it deals with something prior to ourselves and can succeed in uniting us in a way that transcends our petty and limited individual consciousness. It is a question about the origin of all that is, in whose light we can glimpse the goal and thus the meaning of our common path,” he said.

Pope Francis addressed several contemporary concerns, including the environment and development of people.

“Faith,” he said, “by revealing the love of God the Creator, enables us to respect nature all the more, and to discern in it a grammar written by the hand of God and a dwelling place entrusted to our protection and care.

“Faith also helps us to devise models of development which are based not simply on utility and profit, but consider creation as a gift for which we are all indebted; it teaches us to create just forms of government, in the realization that authority comes from God and is meant for the service of the common good.”

He cited faith as a way to unity among peoples. “Faith likewise offers the possibility of forgiveness, which so often demands time and effort, patience and commitment.

Forgiveness is possible once we discover that goodness is always prior to and more powerful than evil, and that the word with which God affirms our life is deeper than our every denial. From a purely anthropological standpoint, unity is superior to conflict; rather than avoiding conflict, we need to confront it in an effort to resolve and move beyond it, to make it a link in a chain, as part of a progress toward unity.”

“The Light of Faith” (“Lumen Fidei”) is available from USCCB in print and e-book editions in English and Spanish: www. usccbpublishing.org or at l-800-235-8722.

Vatican Information Services

VAtICAN news & notes • Vatican Television is in the process of completely digitizing its television signals. The project, already begun with the acquisition of a high def mobile unit, is continuing with the building, in collaboration with Sony, of a new Master Control Room on the top floor of the Vatican Television building, which will be the hub of the signals. The entire process, from shooting, to editing, to archiving, will become “tapeless."

• On June 15 Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., director of the Press Office of the Holy See, made it known that: “The Commission of Cardinals for oversight of the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), with the approval of the Holy Father, has appointed 'ad interim' Msgr. Battista Mario Salvatore Ricca as Prelate of the Institute.” In his capacity as prelate, Msgr. Battista Ricca will act as secretary of the meetings of the Cardinals’ Commission and will attend meetings of the Board of Superintendence in accordance with the Institute’s statutes.”

• On June 24, the Holy Father received 30 members of the delegation of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations. This was Pope Francis' first official meeting with a group of representatives of Jewish organizations and communities since his election. The pontiff said that the “Nostra Aetate” Declaration of the Second Vatican Council represents “a key point of reference for relations with the Jewish people” for the Catholic Church. The Holy Father noted that “the fundamental principles expressed by the Declaration have marked the path of greater awareness and mutual understanding trodden these last decades by Jews and Catholics.”

August 2013 19

HISPANIC corner UNIDOS A JESUS, VIVAMOS NUESTRA FE

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ace un año comencé a servir en la Diócesis de Shreveport como coordinador de Pastoral Juvenil y ahora comparto el desarrollo de este ministerio. Lo que se ha podido lograr ha sido por gracia de Dios y por el trabajo de talentosos asesores que cuando llegué ya servían a los jóvenes. Es para mí un regalo haberme unido a este grupo de servidores de la iglesia Católica y ahora coordinar el ministerio a los jóvenes.

Tenemos ya cuatro grupos juveniles en la diócesis: “Ángeles Latinos” en Cristo Rey, Bossier; “Agua Viva” en San Pascual, W. Monroe; “Vidas Alegres” en Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, Farmerville y “Rayos de Fe” en Santo Thomás de Aquino, Ruston. Además planeamos coordinar esfuerzos para que las parroquias que aun no cuentan con grupo juvenil comiencen este ministerio tan importante.

El objetivo de estos grupos y de los eventos de Pastoral Juvenil es que los jóvenes, con la ayuda de la iglesia, se conozcan a sí mismos, alcancen sus metas en la vida y comprendan el gran amor que Dios Bossier City: Christ the King Church 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Domingo 3:00 p.m.

Lunes 7:00 p.m.

Confesiones 45 minutos antes de Misa Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 600 E. Water Street, Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115

por Marcos Villalba Pastoral Juvenil 318-219-7288

tiene por ellos. La Misión de la Pastoral Juvenil de Shreveport es “Desarrollar una Pastoral Juvenil alegre y dinámica, donde se acompañe a los jóvenes a conocer, amar y servir a Cristo, crecer y ser testimonios de fe, por medio de la formación, el respeto y la Eucaristía”.

Entre los eventos y programas que patrocina la Pastoral Juvenil destaca el retiro anual para adolescentes de 14-17 años que ya va por su cuarto año en el que participan alrededor de 50 jovencitos, unos como equipo de servidores y otros como candidatos. Así mismo patrocinamos un retiro anual para jóvenes adultos, que ya va por su tercer año y al cual participan alrededor de 30 jóvenes que buscan conocer más de Dios y de su propia espiritualidad. Además servimos como apoyo a las parroquias y sacerdotes en la coordinación de formación de asesores juveniles.

Padres de familia, los invitamos a registrar a sus hijos al próximo retiro para adolescentes que se llevará a cabo del 30 de agosto al 1º de septiembre. Llámenos al 318-219-7288 para más información y/o para registrarlos.

"Que nadie te menosprecie por ser joven, trata de ser modelo para los creyentes, por tu palabra, tu conducta, tu amor, tu fe y tu pureza”. 1 Timoteo 4, 12.

Búsqueda #3 - 2012

MISAS Mansfield: St. Joseph Church 305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.

Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390 Oak Grove: Sacred Heart Church 201 Purvis St., Oak Grove Domingo 5:00 p.m.

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

Calendario del Mes de Agosto Agosto 3-11 Taller de Asesores Adultos, Orlando, FL Agosto 17 2ª Reunión en preparación para Búsqueda Agosto 30 - Sep 1 Retiro Búsqueda (para jovencitos de 14-17 años), Minden, LA

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

Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines Church 1050 Bert Kouns Indl Loop, Shreveport Domingo 11:30 a.m.

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

Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-267-4018

Oficina del Ministerio Católico Hispano: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318-219-7265 Marcos G. Villalba, Pastoral Juvenil 318-219-7288 • Jeanne Brown, Secretaria 318-219-7257 20 Catholic Connection

around the DIOCESE

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The Diocese of Shreveport presented a “Certification of Advanced Catechesis” to nine members of the Hispanic Catholic Ministry. In addition to serving as liaisons with the Anglo community, Eucharistic Ministers, lectors and catechesis teachers, these women gathered a weekend every other month for four years to learn more about the teachings of the Catholic Church. On June 1, they were formally honored by Bishop Duca. Along with the certification from the diocese, these volunteers received a certificate for completing “School of Ministries” from the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) based in Miami, FL. Fifteen more received a certificate for participating in many of the classes offered.

2

The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans led a Corpus Christi Procession on June 2. Fr. Peter Mangum led over 100 parishioners in the Procession with the Blessed Sacrament around the surrounding campuses of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Parish and School and Loyola College Prep. The procession was a response to Pope Francis’ call for a worldwide Solemn Eucharistic Adoration on Corpus Christi Sunday. The Holy Father asked that this time of Eucharistic Adoration be offered as a sign of unity throughout the Church.

3

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport hosted a Philippine food fund raiser on May 19. The Philippine community prepared special dishes and provided entertainment with young girls demonstrating some of their cultural dances. Proceeds went to assist diaconate candidate Orlando Batongbakal with his studies. Orlando has completed three of the four years of diaconate formation.

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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church hosted the 13th annual Shreveport Chamber Music Clinic June 5-7 under the direction of Dan Santelices. Over 25 young string musicians gathered daily to learn the art of chamber music skills. Santelices was assisted by Elaine Webb, Zackery Grant, Ginger Neff, Janis Adams Teague, Elizabeth Grondin, Dr. Todd Gabriel, Ruth Drummond, Carole Moon and Leonard Kacenjar. The last evening of the clinic a recital was presented.

Holy Trinity Church is very proud of their graduating parishioners, honoring each graduate for their educational accomplishments with a gift from the parish.

Mr. Leon Lewis II was recognized at Little Flower of Jesus Church in Monroe for his 50 years of service as Organist and Minister of Music.

August 2013 21

upcoming EVENTS to Louisiana again on August 24 at the Heymann Center in Lafayette.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. For more information, call 337-278-9257, or visit www.immaculee.com.

Beginning September 5: Acts of the Apostles Scripture Study This free Greco Institute Course will be taught

by Fr. Patrick Madden from 9:30 -11:00 a.m. on Thursdays at the Catholic Center. For more information, call 318868-4441.

Beginning September 17: Acts of the Apostles Scripture Study This free Greco Institute Course will be taught

by Fr. Patrick Madden on Tuesdays at Sacred Heart Church in Rayville. For more information, call 318-868-4441.

August 10: Magnifcat Nowela Chapter Prayer Brunch is sponsoring a prayer brunch on August 10, from 10:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. in the Activities Center at St. Jude Church in Bossier City, LA. Magnificat’s guest speaker is Mrs. Leslie Bertucci of Mandeville, LA. Leslie was raised by a loving Catholic family. She married Johnny Bertucci in 1985. Leslie and Johnny have five children between the ages of 8 and 25. God has blessed their family with the gift of music, which they often use as they minister together in different venues, particularly to youth. Over the last 30 years, God has called Leslie to serve in a myriad of roles, including wife, mother, homeschool teacher, catechist, youth minister, worship leader, speaker and youth choir director. Their family has been active in Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans for many years. She currently directs the Youth Choir at Mary, Queen of Peace Church in Mandeville; she helps lead the Sanctifire Youth Group at St. Anselm in Madisonville; she leads worship for the West St. Tammany Magnificat Women’s Ministry; and she and her family help lead many youth activities for CCRNO. Admittance is $12 and reservations 22 Catholic Connection

should be made by calling either Sandy Chapman (318) 222-0007 or Helen Langley (318) 746-6223.

August 23: 12th Annual Blue Mass The annual Mass honors all law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel. All are invited to St. Mary of the Pines Church located at 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport at 9:30 a.m.

August 24: The Treasures of Our Faith with Immaculée Many enjoyed Immaculeé's visit to the Diocese of Shreveport, or wished they could have seen her. She will be coming

September 21, 2013: Diocesan Liturgical Conference This annual conference will feature Msgr. Richard Hilgartner, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Executive Director Secretariat of Divine Worship, as the keynote speaker. Themed “A Flame Divided but Undimmed,” Msgr.

Hilgartner will trace the progression of the liturgy over the past 50 years using Council documents, especially Sacrosanctum Concilium. The event will last from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on September 21. Registration is $20 and includes lunch. RSVP to Dianne Rachal by calling 318-868-4441, or e-mail her at drachal@dioshpt.org.

Appointments

The following appointments have been announced by order of the Most Reverend Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Shreveport:

• Father Richard Norsworthy is assigned as Pastor of St. Matthew Church, Monroe, effective August 15, 2013.

• Father Lijo Thomas, CMI is assigned as Pastor of St. Joseph Church, Bastrop, effective August 15, 2013.

• Father Rothell Price is assigned as Pastor of Christ the King Church, Bossier City, effective August 15, 2013,

and continues in his position as Vicar General.

• Father Charles Glorioso is assigned as Parochial Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport, effective August 15, 2013.

• Father Juan Garcia is assigned to celebrate Masses in Spanish at St. Joseph Church, Mansfield, beginning July 14, 2013.

calendar

august 2013

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

28 29 30 31 1 2 3 St. Martha

St. Peter Chrysologus, bishop & doctor of the Church

St. Ignatius of Loyola, priest

St. Alphonsus Liguori, bishop & doctor of the Church

St. Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop; St. Peter Julian Eymard, priest

Eastern Deanery Catechetical Leader/ DRE Meeting, 9:30am, Christ the King, ULM, Monroe

Catechetical Fairs / AUG 17 & 24

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Western Deanery The Catechetical Transfiguration of Leader/ DRE the Lord Meeting, 6:15pm, Catholic Center

St. Sixtus II, pope & companions, martyrs; St. Cajetan, priest

The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Minor

Southern Deanery Catechetical Leader/ DRE Meeting, 9:30am, St. Joseph Church, Zwolle

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin & martyr

Rededication Mass/ Ceremony, St. Lawrence Church, Swartz, 11am

St. Lawrence, deacon & martyr

St. Dominic, priest

St. Lawrence Rededication / AUG 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 St. Jane Frances de Chantal, religious

Deadline for the September Catholic Connection

St. Maximilian Kolbe, priest & martyr

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Stephen of Hungary

Catholic Center Closed

Sts. Pontain, pope, & Hippolytus, priest, martyrs

Opening School Mass, for St. John Berchmans School and Loyola, Cathedral, 9:30am

Diocesan Catechetical Fair, Trinity Methodist Church, Ruston, 9am 3pm

Feast of the Assumption / AUG 15

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 St. John Eudes, priest

St. Bernard, abbot & doctor of the Church

St. Pius X, pope

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

12th Annual Blue Mass, St. Mary of the Pines Church, 9:30am St. Rose of Lima, virgin

Year of Faith Visit: St. Terence Church, Many, 6pm

Diocesan Catechetical Fair, Catholic Center, Shreveport, 9am - 3pm

Blue Mass / AUG 23

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 2nd Collection: Diocese of Shreveport Hispanic Ministries

St. Monica

St. Augustine, bishop & doctor of the Church

The Passion of St. John the Baptist

Búsqueda, Hispanic Youth Retreat, Minden

Clergy Education Day, Catholic Center, Shreveport

Búsqueda, Hispanic Youth Retreat, Minden

Busqueda/ AUG 30-31 August 2013 23

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Photo of the month by Rosalba Quiroz

On June 30, St. Paul Church in Minden had a bi-lingual celebration to welcome a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe as a permanent installation in the parish hall. This was an event both English and Spanish speaking people enjoyed and celebrated together.

24 Catholic Connection