Catholic Connection September 2014

Vol. 24, No. 2 September 2014

St. Joseph's Home

Catholic History in North Louisiana September 2014 1

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Kelly Phelan Powell Shelly Bole Fr. Rothell Price C. Brandon Brantley Rosalba Quiroz Bishop Michael Duca Jessica Rinaudo Fr. Keith Garvin Christine Rivers Lee Jeter Katie Sciba Kim Long Mike Van Vranken Fr. Phil Michiels John Mark Willcox Theresa Mormino 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.

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

St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk

September is the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Month in the Diocese of Shreveport! Join us for the Friends of the Poor Walk in Shreveport and Monroe. Proceeds benefit local Society of St. Vincent de Paul councils.

Monroe Walk

Shreveport Walk

SVdP Conference/Council: Eastern Deanery of the Diocesan Council of Shreveport Date: 20 September 2014 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Walk Location: St. Frederick High School (3300 Westminster, Monroe LA 71201) Contact: Kevin Dwyer 318-953-4626 kevin.e.dwyer@gmail.com

SVdP Conference/Council: St. Jude & Diocesan Council of Shreveport Date: 20 September 2014 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Walk Location: Stoner Boat Launch (Stoner Ave. at Clyde Fant Pkwy., Shreveport) Contact: Brian Burgess 318-746-1299 baburgess@gmail.com Monies raised are applied to a wide range of assistance to the needy and those living in poverty, including: housing assistance, disaster relief, job training and placement, food pantries and dining halls, clothing, transportation and utility costs, care for the elderly and medicine.

bishop’s september calendar SEPTEMBER 3 Joint Meeting: Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Governing Board of Directors & Membership Board of Directors; Catholic Center; 12:00 p.m.

Knights of St. Gregory the Great Mass; Holy Trinity Parish, Shreveport; 6:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 5 Red Mass; St. Matthew Parish, Monroe; 9:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 8 Presbyteral Council meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 11:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 9-10 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee/Committee on Priorities & Plans meetings; Washington, D.C. SEPTEMBER 16 North Louisiana Civil Rights Coalition 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights Event; Avenue Baptist Church,

Shreveport; 7:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 17 New Orleans Provincial Council Meeting/Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting; Immaculata Center, Lafayette SEPTEMBER 19 Red Mass; St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Alexandria; 9:30 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 20 Diaconate Ordination: Brother Ephrem Arcement; St. Joseph Abbey, Covington; 10:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 22-24 2014 Mission Bishops’ Conference; Lincolnshire, IL SEPTEMBER 30 Poor Man’s Supper; Jesus the Good Shepherd School Gym, Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

contents

september 2014

columns Join with Our Suffering Brothers and Sisters with a Loving Heart

by Bishop Michael G. Duca........................................................................................... 4-5

Mike’s Meditations: Daily Resources by Mike Van Vranken..................................6 Second Collections: A Reflection by Fr. Rothell Price ...........................................6

9

Domestic Church: You Did It to Me by Katie Sciba..............................................7 Litany of Humility .....................................................................................................7 Catholic Food: Morning Offering by Kim Long.....................................................8 Multicultural Rosary Event by Jessica Rinaudo .......................................................8 Navigating the Faith: Forgiveness by Fr. Phil Michiels ...........................................9 Book Review: The Ear of the Heart: An Actress' Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows by Kim Long........................................................................................10 Waters Leaves Behind Teaching Legacy by John Mark Willcox ..........................10 School News ...........................................................................................................11

12

feature St. Joseph's Home: Catholic History in North Louisiana

by C. Brandon Brantley ........................................................................................... 12-13

news 2014 - 2015 Diocese of Shreveport Seminarians .................................................14 Vocations Corner: Father Keith Garvin: My New Life as a Priest

by Fr. Keith Garvin................................................................................................................. 15

15

Holy Angels Residents Receive Confirmation and Eucharist by Shelly Bole.......15 51st Fuller Center Home Sponsored by Diocese

by Lee Jeter & Jessica Rinaudo..................................................................................16

on the cover

Catholic Charities: The Immigrant Children Crisis by Theresa Mormino ..............16 Catechetical Sunday: Teaching About God's Gift of Forgiveness

by Shelly Bole.............................................................................................................17

Diocese Obtained Keystone from St. Theresa School by Christine Rivers .........17 Mourning Miscarriage by Kelly Phelan Powell .......................................................18 Around the Globe Archbishop Kurtz to President Obama: Plight of Religious Minorities in Iraq Requires Increased Support

by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops .....................................................19 From the Vatican by Vatican Information Services .................................................19 Hispanic Corner by Rosalba Quiroz ........................................................................20 Around the Diocese ...............................................................................................21 Upcoming Events....................................................................................................22 September Calendar ............................................................................................23 Picture of the Month ..............................................................................................24

CHRISTUS St. Joseph's Home has a long Catholic history in North Louisiana and has become a staple of Monroe, LA. (Photo by C. Brandon Brantley)

September 2014 3

LA REFLEXIÓN del obispo

por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Únete al Sufrimiento de Nuestros Hermanos y Hermanas con Corazón Amoroso

S

e está haciendo tarde mientras escribo esta reflexión. Quiero irme a dormir pero tengo que entregar este artículo mañana. No puedo pensar sobre que tema escribir. En realidad no es así, si no que el tema y evento que llena mi mente y mi corazón es el de la persecución de los cristianos en el mundo, especialmente nuestros hermanos y hermanas en IRAQ. Se me hace difícil escribir porque el horror es muy grande y muy difícil de explicar, y tal vez para decirlo mas directo, muy difícil de soportar.

Una descripción de la Iglesia Católica Caldea, la Iglesia Católica del Este, a la cual pertenecen la mayoría de los Cristianos Iraquíes y se reporta el 7 de Agosto: “Los militantes ISIS atacaron con armas pesadas la mayoría de los pueblitos del área de Nínive, durante la noche del 6 y 7 de Agosto y ahora están controlando ya esa área. Los cristianos, como 100,000, llenos de horror y pánico, huyeron fuera de sus casas y pueblos (sin nada) mas que su ropa en la espalda,” dijo el Patriarca Luis Raphael I Saco. “un éxodo, un verdadero vía crucis. Los Cristianos están caminando a pie en el implacable calor de verano de Iraq hacia las ciudades de Jurdish Arbil, Duhok y Soulaymiyia, incluyendo los enfermos, los ancianos, los bebes y las mujeres embarazadas. Están enfrentando una catástrofe humana y un verdadero riesgo de genocidio. Necesitan agua, comida, un techo.”

También hemos escuchado de los terribles actos de violencia y de martirio a los Cristianos. Digo martirio porque los Cristianos Caldeos, nuestros hermanos y hermanas están siendo asesinados porque se rehúsan a negar la fe en Cristo.

Esta persecución es muy difícil de cargar en el corazón. Podemos también sentirnos agobiados porque el problema parece tan grande, tan lejano. ¿Qué podemos hacer?

En momentos como estos estamos aptos para darnos por vencidos y tratar de sacar esta tragedia fuera de nuestras mentes.

Si yo no puedo resolver el problema, entonces no hay nada que pueda hacer.

4 Catholic Connection

Esta, por su puesto no es la manera correcta de pensar. Entre más nos distanciamos de las realidades del mundo, más somos tentados a vivir nuestras vidas superficial y egoístamente. No se espera que resolvamos todo el problema pero si somos llamados por nuestra fe en Jesucristo a unirnos al sufrimiento de nuestros hermanos y hermanas con un corazón amoroso. Así que, ¿Cómo haremos esto estando tan lejos de ellos?

Primero, oramos – no solamente oración casual si no apartar un largo tiempo de oración, suficientemente largo que pensemos profundamente en el sufrimiento de otros y abrir nuestros corazones para sentir algo de su dolor. En momentos de oración como estos, escogemos abrir nuestros corazones para cargar la cruz de Jesús y unirnos al sufrimiento de los demás.

Esta oración no se trata de palabras sino de permitir que nuestros corazones sean traspasados por el sufrimiento de otros, porque en ese momento, encontramos la presencia de Dios y cambiamos.

Nuestros corazones se unen a las preocupaciones de otros y menos en nuestras pequeñas preocupaciones. También podemos escuchar mejor las necesidades de aquellos a nuestro alrededor y ayudar a los que sí podemos.

Por medio de nuestra oración viene nuestra respuesta. Hay dos maneras de ayudar. Por medio de la organización de Servicios Católicos de Ayuda (crs.org) que está dando ayuda directa a los necesitados

en Iraq y otras áreas de mucha necesidad en todo el mundo. ¡Apoye este trabajo!

Es la mano de la Iglesia, nuestra familia, ayudando a los mas necesitados. Dando dinero, tiempo y artículos nos conecta con la Iglesia sufriente de una manera más real y nos permite poner nuestras vidas en una perspectiva más espiritual y amorosa, dándonos cuenta que muchas de nuestras necesidades y deseos son superficiales y egoístas. No podemos mantener en nuestros corazones el sufrimiento de otra persona en necesidad como la necesidad de agua para vivir, sin reflexionar sobre la manera en que usamos y mal usamos el regalo de agua limpia y el dinero egoístamente comprando por ejemplo una botella de agua especial.

No es fácil cargar el sufrimiento de otros pero es lo que Jesús hizo y nos invita a que al igual que él, carguemos con nuestra cruz.

No se sobrecarguen al afrontar el sufrimiento del mundo que por los medios de comunicación parece tan cercano. Por otro lado, no tengan miedo de cargar en sus corazones algo del sufrimiento que hay en el mundo. En su oración sentirán el sufrimiento de los demás que, aunque parezca que están muy lejos, sus oraciones los alcanzarán y sus corazones serán cambiados. Jesús tomó sobre sí mismo los pecados del mundo y nos dio una vida nueva. ¿Acaso podemos nosotros hacer menos que Él por nuestros hermanos y hermanas? Carguemos con nuestra cruz y sigámoslo.

bishop’s reflection

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

Join with Our Suffering Brothers and Sisters with a Loving Heart

I

t is getting late tonight as I write this reflection. I want to go to bed but the article is due tomorrow. I just cannot come up with an idea, a topic.

No, it is not that I cannot come up with a topic, it is that the event that fills my mind and heart is the persecution of Christians throughout the Bishop Duca world, especially our brothers and sisters in Iraq. I find it difficult to write because the horror is too big to address, too hard to explain, and maybe more to the point, too hard to bear.

One description from the Chaldean Catholic Church, the Eastern Catholic Church to which the majority of Iraq’s Christians belong, reported on August 7th: “The ISIS militants attacked with mortars most of the villages of the plain of Nineveh, during the night of 6th-7th of August and now they are controlling the area. The Christians, about 100,000, horrified and panicked, fled their villages and houses [with] nothing but the clothes on their backs,” said Patriarch Louis Raphaël I Sako. “An exodus, a real via crucis, Christians are walking on foot in Iraq's searing summer heat towards the Kurdish cities of Erbil, Duhok and Soulaymiyia, the sick, the elderly, infants and pregnant women among them. They are facing a human catastrophe and risk a real genocide.

They need water, food, shelter.”

We have also heard of terrible acts of violence and the martyrdom of Christians. I say martyrdom because the Chaldean Christians, our brothers and sisters, are being killed because they refuse to deny their faith in Christ.

This persecution is hard to carry in our hearts. We may also feel somewhat overwhelmed because the problem seems so big, so far away. What can we do?

In moments like this we are apt to give up and try to put this tragedy out of our minds. If I can’t solve the problem, then there is nothing for me to do. This, of course, is wrong thinking. The more we distance ourselves from the realities of the world, the more we are tempted to live our lives superficially and selfishly. We are not expected to solve the whole problem, but we are called by our faith in Jesus Christ to join with our suffering brothers and sisters with a loving heart. So how do we do that when they are so far away?

First, we pray – not a casual prayer but a time of prayer long enough for us to call to mind the suffering of others and to open our hearts to feel some of their pain.

In moments of prayer like this, we choose to open our hearts to carry the cross of Jesus and join with the suffering of others.

This prayer is not about words but about how when we allow our hearts to be pierced by the suffering of others, in that moment, we find the presence of God and we are changed. Our hearts are warmed to the concerns of others and less on some of our petty concerns. We are also more apt to hear the needs of those around us and help those we can.

Out of our prayer comes our response.

There are ways to help. Catholic Relief Services (crs.org) is giving direct aid to

those in need in Iraq and other tragic areas of need throughout the world.

Support this work. It is the hand of the Church, our family, reaching out to the neediest. Giving money, time and goods makes the connection with the suffering Church more real to us and it allows us to put our lives into a more spiritual and loving perspective, revealing many of our needs and desires as superficial and selfish. We cannot hold the suffering need of another person in our hearts who needs water to live without reflecting on the way we use and misuse the gift of clean water and spend money selfishly on special bottled water.

It is not easy to bear the suffering of others but it is what Jesus did and he invites us to pick up our cross.

Do not be overwhelmed when facing the suffering of the world that seems so close today through the media. Do not be afraid to allow some of the suffering of the world into your hearts. In that prayer you will feel the suffering of others who may be far away, but your prayer will reach them and your heart will be changed. Jesus took on himself the sins of the world and gave us new life. Can we do any less for our suffering brothers and sisters? Let us take up our cross and follow Him. September 2014 5

Meditations MM Mike's

by Mike Van Vranken

Collections SC Second

by Fr. Rothell Price

Daily Resources

Second Collections: A Reflection

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

P

icture yourself in the hot desert with about a million other people. You look around the barren stretch of sand and realize there is neither vegetation nor animals to serve as food. You are painfully aware of your growing hunger. Beginning to pray, you spend more time complaining about your plight than believing God will provide.

Someone with great faith proclaims God has heard your grumbling and promises to give you quail to eat in the evening and bread to eat each morning. Later you eat your fill of quail, and the next morning find the ground covered with wafer like bread. Not only is it nourishing, you are secure knowing you will have enough each day. You find yourself filled with joy and are awestruck by the power and unconditional love of God who is always taking care of you.

But, you fall into fear questioning whether this bread will daily continue to fall. You disregard God’s command to only take enough for one day at a time and you gather some extra and hide it. During the night, the bread you stored is filled with maggots and smells like death. Your fear has caused disorder and chaos and the rancid manna has become a problem. (Exodus 16:1-36) Jesus taught us to ask God to “... give us this day our daily bread ...” (Matthew 6:11). It is easy to habitually pray, but sometimes difficult to believe. Jesus also taught us to “not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

Let’s make a commitment this month to pray for God’s protection, healing, finances – you fill in the blank – for each day only. When we rely on our own power to manipulate the future, the result is usually maggots and stench. When we rely on God’s love, we eat nourishing quail in the evening and find his sweet bread of life in the morning dew.

Give us this day our daily bread: pray it; believe it; and live each day in the peace of Jesus.

Mike is a writer and teacher. You can contact him at: www. mikevanvrankenministries.org or write him at: Mike Van Vranken, 523 Loch Ridge Drive, Shreveport, LA 71106.

6 Catholic Connection

T

his month we do not have a dedicated second collection, which presents me with a unique opportunity to share with you my personal thoughts on the Church’s Second Collections. Our Lord Jesus revealed to his disciples they would not always have him, but the poor would be with them always. In this declaration, our Lord revealed that we are not in danger of losing or forgetting Him. We are assured that even though Jesus would be absent to us in his death, he would be present to us in his resurrection. Even in his physical absence we are not deprived of an opportunity of doing something personally for him.

Our Lord is spiritually and physically present to us in the people and lives of those who are poor and in need.

My parents passed this belief in the abiding presence of the Lord Jesus on to me, my 10 siblings and their grandchildren. As poor as we were, our parents taught us to 1) be grateful for what we had; and 2) remember that we were called by God to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves. When our Lord revealed “the poor you will have with you always,” He was not being melodramatic, defeated nor pessimistic. The Lord Jesus has revealed to us an enduring opportunity to experience, love and serve him.

When Holy Mother Church presents these second or “special” collections to us, She is faithfully reminding us to: 1) be grateful for what we have; and 2) remember that we are called by God to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

The Church does not assume we are all flushed with money and need something to do with it, but knows Her numerous children live the full range of financial reality from the lowest abject poverty to the highest abundant wealth. The Church, through the voice of her pope and his brother bishops, calls us to be grateful and helpful out of love for our Lord.

There is a song that is sung at Mass, often at the offertory or during the distribution of communion which says, “All that we have, and all that we offer, comes from a heart both frightened and free. Take what we bring now, and give what we need, all done in His name.” That song expresses the full gamut of our poverty and our wealth, that we are grateful and giving. It reveals that in our abject poverty, abundant wealth, and every place in between, we have something to offer “for our good and the good of all God’s holy Church.”

The second collections the pope and bishops ask us to contribute to are our opportunity to show the Lord Jesus that we love him. We make our love for the Lord concrete when we minister to Him in the life and needs of His poor ones. If you want to do something “meaningful” for the Lord, then “feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep. The poor you will have with you always.” How difficult for them; but, what a salvific opportunity for us! “Whatsoever you do for the least of My people, that you do unto Me.” Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Special Collections.

Church DC Domestic

by Katie Sciba

You Did it to Me Step Out of Your Comfort Zone when Christ Calls to You

T

he pump was irritatingly slow; and for a mama with a rare hour to herself, I wasn’t excited about the time it was taking to fill my gas tank in the sweltering heat. I took the opportunity to clean out the van and, stepping away to toss my trash, I was approached. “‘Scuse me ma’am...” The young man couldn’t have been more than 15, rough in appearance, and his speech was difficult to understand.

I knew what was coming. I’ve been approached for money a thousand times the requests always preceded by some story I’m hesitant to believe. Admittedly, my default reaction is defense coupled with suspicion. I don’t like being approached by strangers because it makes me feel vulnerable and I like to get out of those situations ASAP. According to the boy’s story, he and his dad ran out of gas and were stranded down the street. Stuck without two pennies to rub together, he wondered if I could help them with gas. The car and the boy’s father were nowhere in sight, but I’m sure my skepticism was visible.

Like any good Christian, I expressed regret at his situation, “Oh I’m sorry,” I began, “I don’t have any cash on me.” It was true, though I had my check card and could have accommodated his need.

Then, letting my suspicion get the best of me, I quizzed, “Where’s your gas can?” If they’re out of gas, I thought, they should have acquired a gas can. “Over there,” the boy gestured to a beat up can situated next to the station. Expressing regret again, I returned to my pump, still trickling fuel into my vehicle. The boy moved to a few other customers who turned him down without conversation.

Lost in thought, I recalled the horrors in the Middle East; Christians being crucified for being Christians - families facing death at the hands of others who disagree with

their beliefs. Examining my conscience, I thought while so many are dying horrible deaths in the name of Christ, I could easily die to self for the same reason, and disregard my wants for the sake of another’s need. Life is immeasurably more difficult for countless others - why couldn’t I bend slightly to help another person? Jesus compelled his disciples, “Whatever you did to the least of my brethren, you did it to me” (Mt 25:40). What if it wasn’t a stranger, but Christ approaching me through this father and son?

My original uneasiness faded once I recognized that I was in a safe, populated area in the middle of the day; the chances of harm were slim to none and, gazing across the pavement, I saw the boy standing with his father on the phone. Taking my own turn to approach, I sheepishly pointed to the gas can, “Why don’t you let me fill that up?” The man smiled into the phone, “We’ll be all right. A lady’s about to help us!” A quick swipe of my card and a couple minutes of small talk later, the man gave me a grateful handshake. I looked at the can as he walked away - it was barely half full. He took what he needed with gratitude and zero advantage. I shook my head, embarrassed that I had hesitated to help.

You did it to me - five powerful Christian words that compel us to examine our motives and actions, to humble ourselves to realize that there are needs greater than our wants. Many Christians are suffering out of devotion to Christ to such extreme degrees that it should move us to serve each other.

A few dollars or a lending hand are small sacrifices for those of us blessed to enjoy comfort and safety. Let’s take the time to step out of our comfort zones and answer Christ’s call to serve as he serves and love as he loves.

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

Litany of Humility

It takes humility to set aside your own wants for someone else's needs. The Litany of Humility is a tough prayer to pray, but one that will yield an abundance of grace and peace.

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart,

Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed,

Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved...

From the desire of being extolled ...

From the desire of being honored ...

From the desire of being praised ...

From the desire of being preferred to others...

From the desire of being consulted ...

From the desire of being approved ...

From the fear of being humiliated ...

From the fear of being despised...

From the fear of suffering rebukes ...

From the fear of being calumniated ...

From the fear of being forgotten ...

From the fear of being ridiculed ...

From the fear of being wronged ...

From the fear of being suspected ...

That others may be loved more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I ...

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease ...

That others may be chosen and I set aside ...

That others may be praised and I unnoticed ...

That others may be preferred to me in everything...

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should…

September 2014 7

CF

MultiCultural Rosary Event

Catholic Food

by Kim Long

Morning Offerings

W

e are well into the long stretch of our liturgical year known as Ordinary Time. We have been counting time in several ways: the weeks of ordinary time, the days until school begins, and recently I even saw a post reminding me there were 22 weekends until Christmas!

Enough already! I can’t think of another saved date, another starred block on my calendar, another alert on my phone.

At this time of the year I think we also tend to get caught up in the back to school buzz and find ourselves flailing. I find I could use a steadying force for my body as well as my spirit. I think this time of our year is one of the many “beginnings” our various calendars bring us to. Even without school age children to care for, I am still affected by this time, even if it is just the extra early morning traffic.

My thoughts turn to two “staples” I have sadly cast aside: the Morning Offering and breakfast! The Morning Offering is an old fashioned childhood prayer many of us learned but lost the practice of as we entered the frenzied years of parenthood; it’s soothing phrases often replaced with frantic pleas to locate permission slips, shoes, car keys.

I must confess that since my own children have reached adulthood, breakfast is not the prime meal it once was at my house. More often than not I just make a cup of coffee. In recent years I admit to having all but forsaken the breakfast ritual, and I have paid a price for it: my metabolism, both spiritual and physical, don’t have the same get up and go as

Banana Hook Up

in previous years. So I thought this was a good time to revisit these morning rituals. First I looked at the word itself, “breakfast,” breakfast which is what we are doing; breaking the fast period from supper to the morning meal.

That can be food as well as the night prayers we utter as sleep takes over.

For my own sons there were standard dishes in my repertoire: toad in the hole, bacon, and, of course, oatmeal. The boys have grown up and I am no longer making breakfast for them, though we sometimes have “brinner” (breakfast for dinner), which is much more elaborate than anything I was putting on the table 20 years ago.

So as we return to a back to school schedule I am filled with nostalgia and a bit of an appetite for all things breakfast. Try the recipes below and take the time to pray, to make a Morning Offering, before you enjoy them.

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for all the intentions of your sacred heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sin, the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for the intentions of our bishops and of all the apostles of prayer, and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.

Toad in a Hole

Ingredients: • 2 bananas • 1-2 tbsp butter • 1/3 cup maple syrup

Ingredients: • 1 slice of bread • 1 egg • butter

Directions: 1) Peel two bananas and slice them.

2) Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet. As the butter melts add the sliced bananas and cook for five minutes stirring so they don’t stick.

3) After bananas become soft add 1/3 cup of maple syrup (or your favorite) and heat through.

4) Serve on top of a bowl of steaming oatmeal.

Directions: 1) Remove a circle from the center of the slice of bread.

2) Melt about 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet.

3) Place bread in skillet and crack an egg in the center of bread slice. After a couple of minutes flip the bread and egg over so both sides can cook.

4) Serve with oatmeal topped with banana hook up.

8 Catholic Connection

S

t. Joseph Parish in Shreveport will host a Multicultural Rosary on Sunday, October 5th beginning at 2:00 p.m. to honor Mary.

Parishioner Kay Nadar said she was sitting in the back of church one day when the idea for the rosary came to her, and when their Parish Pastoral Council was looking for new ideas the rosary was the perfect fit. Kay started planning the event in April, and because October is the month of the rosary it was a natural choice to host the event then.

“I think so many people, when they pray, they pray in their own little corner,” said Kay. “There’s nothing wrong with that, I do that. But the rosary is a united form of prayer. When you unite, you have a sense of belonging in a circle of prayer.”

The five decades of the rosary will be prayed in French, Filipino, Italian, Spanish and Swahili with responses in English.

When asked why a multicultural rosary, as a opposed to a standard English one, Kay said, “We’ve got to strengthen our prayer in this country.

There’s a lot of different people with a lot of different languages, and events like this are to help make a bigger circle, a larger circle of prayer.”

The rosary recitation will be infused with music from Catholics all over the Shreveport/Bossier area. “This isn’t going to be just a regular rosary, it’s going to be a celebration. Lots of music and a choir composed of parishioners from five different Catholic churches,” said Kay. Catholic Charities will be there selling rosaries at the back of the church after the rosary and there will be a reception following the event.

For more information, please contact the parish office at 318-865-3581.

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Navigating the Faith Forgiveness

by Fr. Phil Michiels, Pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

F

rom the Middle Ages comes this legend about a nun who claimed that she had had a vision of Christ. The bishop asked, “Sister, did you talk to him?”

And she said, “Yes, I did.” He continued, “If you have another vision, ask Christ this question: ‘What was the bishop’s great sin before he became a bishop?’” He knew that only God and his own confessor would know.

About three months later, the nun made an appointment to see the bishop. When she came in, he said, “Did you see our Lord again?” “Yes,” she replied. “Did you ask him the question about my sin?”

“Yes, I did.” “And what did he say?” She smiled and answered, “The Lord said, ‘I don’t remember any more.’” (Stories and Parables for Preachers and Teachers, Paul J. Wharton) Obviously this story is one of myth and only symbolic. How could God forget anything? For me the point of the story is that God always acts toward the repentant sinner as if God forgets.

Such is the intensity of God’s mercy and compassion. So much so that in Jesus, God died for the sake of mercy and compassion. The Church celebrates this in a special way in the Sacrament of Penance.

The Church also celebrates God’s mercy and compassion at every Eucharist. This happens as we call to memory in sacred ritual and sacrament the Real Presence of Jesus, who poured out his blood for the forgiveness of sins. Having celebrated our reconciliation with God in the Mass through sharing Christ’s paschal mystery, we go out to a world waiting for the touch of Christ’s mercy and compassion. Such is our call to be a person of forgiveness.

Personal experience tells us forgiveness hardly comes easy. Sometimes we find it hard to not only forgive another person, but also to forgive ourselves. The one thing that pulls me personally out of this dilemma is that if God always forgives, why not let God’s grace move me to forgive?

There are no magic answers. You may find helpful the following information I stumbled on several years ago (Miller and

Jackson, Practical Psychology for Pastors, Prentice Hall Publishers, Englewood NJ, 1985). Often people fail to forgive because they confuse forgiveness with any of five other things, which it is not. It can be useful to distinguish between forgiveness and these other processes.

First, forgiveness is not the same as AMNESIA. Forgiving and forgetting are different acts.

Forgiveness does not require forgetting.

In fact, one can hardly forgive that which has already been forgotten! Forgiveness is given in the face of remembering, and if anything it is forgiveness that enables forgetting. Certainly forgetting is no prerequisite, nor does forgiveness require the promise to forget (which may be much more difficult). However, forgiveness is the only cure for resentment, a negative attitude that continually pulls us down and causes one to be a miserable person to himself/herself and others.

Secondly, forgiveness is not ACQUITTAL. Forgiveness does not mean that the person is found blameless and without responsibility. To the contrary, forgiveness is only required when responsibility of the individual is recognized. One need not deny responsibility in order to be forgiven, nor does forgiveness require later denial by either party. Forgiveness is given in the face of responsibility.

Thirdly, forgiveness is not an AWARD. It is not earned, or given to those more deserving. Forgiveness is given freely, without regard for merit.

Fourthly, forgiveness is not APPROVAL. To forgive an action is not to approve of that action or agree with it. It does not require that the forgiving person say, “I think what you did was

OK.” In fact, forgiveness is needed only when one does not approve. It is given in the face of disapproval.

Finally, forgiveness is not ACQUIESCENCE. It is not a license to go and do as one pleases in the future.

It is not a moratorium on values, a suspension of rules. It is not permission to stay the same, but rather in a very mysterious way, forgiveness itself inspires and enables change. Forgiveness is given in the face of knowledge that the future may or may not be different, but also with the enabling hope that it will.

Forgiveness is none of the above.

Miller and Jackson point out that forgiveness is most definitely something else. Forgiveness is an affirming acceptance of the person as distinguished from his or her actions. This kind of unconditional love is the kind of love God gives when God forgives.

Forgiveness becomes the alternative to anger. Better still, forgiveness is a response to anger. I repeat, forgiveness is the alternative to holding on to one’s anger!

There is so much more to say about forgiveness and its power in our lives. For sure, we need to start with the fact that the only cure for anger and revenge is forgiveness. As Catholics, we believe we live up to our human potential with the help of God’s grace. Through grace, may you always receive, and in turn give God’s gift of forgiveness!

September 2014 9

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Book Review

by Kim Long

The Ear of the HEart: An Actress' Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows

by Mother Dolores Heart, OSB & Richard DeNeut

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s a young impressionable girl, my sister loved Elvis Presley. As an adult she marks the anniversary of his death without fail. Me? I was never a huge fan; I liked maybe three of his songs. Once in our teen years we took part in a missions conference being held in Memphis. Our two leaders were huge Elvis fans and we ended up outside the gates of Graceland, hoping for a glimpse of Elvis. On one such occasion I was tired and put my purse under my head and fell asleep on the grass while my sister and a friend ran toward the house before they were stopped by security. It is a story we love to tell to show the differences between our personalities. When asked to read a book for review I quickly chose this one in part because of my sister and her love for Elvis; also I caught the end of a documentary some time back about Mother Dolores and I thought it would also be a complimentary insight to the documentary.

Little did I know that this book was about so much more than rejection of fame and assimilation into relative obscurity.

I mused as the book downloaded to my Kindle that it would be an interesting topic for discussion with my sister. I thought she would probably find it difficult to believe that a young beautiful actress would turn down co-starring with “the King” and find contentment in a monastery.

Wrong, wrong, wrong! About four chapters in I was completely hooked.

Dolores Hart was real, she had problems, challenges and a less than stellar home life.

I thought most people could easily relate there. She had faith even at a young age and she knew what she wanted: to be an actress. She worked toward that end and achieved much success. Part of the book chronicles this part of her journey in a most enjoyable narrative, almost as if one is hearing Dolores’ own voice while she “fills you in” on what is happening in her life. Throughout the narrative one thing is 10 Catholic Connection

clear: Dolores was no Hollywood phony, she was a real person who had a love and compassion for many many people she met.

Her pedigree is also interesting – her father was actor Bert Hicks and Mario Lanza was her uncle. Throughout the text she shows, with increasing strength, her Catholic faith.

I don’t often recommend books to people, but I can assure you that whether you like Elvis or not, whether you have heard of Dolores Hart or not, even whether you are Catholic or not, this is a read worth your time. I came away changed, challenged and feeling very happy to have made Dolores Hart’s acquaintance and to be privileged to hear the story of her journey from being an actress poised on the brink of stardom to her ascent to God’s plan for her as a cloistered nun and now abbess at Regina Laudis, the Benedictine monastery where she was continually drawn.

The book is readable, but more than that it left an impression on me of a woman who didn’t reject all her accomplishments in favor of an vague notion of “something better.” Rather it is the telling of her willingness to listen to God even when she wasn’t quite sure if it was God who was speaking. Dolores Hart wrestled with God’s call in her life. She questioned, she struggled, she examined, and in the end she listened with the ear of the heart. May we all be so attuned to how and where we are called. I know as I prepare my Christmas list this book will be wrapped and under the tree for my little sister, and once she “meets” Dolores we will have lots to discuss.

I leave you with a quote from early in the book from St. Benedict himself: “sin is not so much doing something wrong; sin is not being true to who we are.”

This book is available at the Slattery Library inside the Catholic Center, or online at Amazon.com.

waters Leaves Behind Teaching Legacy

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orma Broussard Waters left behind a legendary teaching career to be with the Lord on July 24, 2014. With her passing, a 33year campaign of educating countless students at the Cathedral grade school comes to a close, leaving a hole in the hearts of many that will never be fully healed. My four children ranging in age from 19 to 37 are part of her teaching legacy and each was profoundly affected by her leaving this world.

Not every teacher could handle seventh and eighth graders like Norma Waters, and she accomplished this feat with a sometimes shrill voice, a firm, boney grip and a capacity to help kids learn while earning their complete respect. These are rare qualities in the classroom, but Mrs. Waters had them all and wielded them like the master teacher she was.

One of Norma’s greatest passions was teaching science to young people, something for which she was also exceptionally skilled. Simply examine the incredible Science Olympiad competition record of St. John Berchmans School and the proof of six national appearances in a row stands as testament to her teaching and organizational ability. While battling cancer, she even attended the school’s last national Science Olympiad appearance in Orlando, FL because she was not continued on page 22.

school NEWS < Friday, August 8, St. Frederick High School hosted a New Student Orientation for parents and students as well as a game night for the incoming seventh graders. Parents and students met with faculty and staff members following a brief introduction and orientation by Principal Guy Farber. Fr. Keith Garvin, St. Frederick’s new Chaplain, lead the families in a special Mass. The St. Frederick High School Student Council sponsored games and activities for the seventh graders. The new students left that evening having made new friends and knowing what it’s like to be a part of the Warrior family.

^ St. John Berchmans School 8th grade student Isabella Silvia was recognized for winning first place in the 2014 Knights of Columbus Patriotic Essay Contest for the Diocese of Shreveport. Bella’s essay was selected as the winner over 160 other entries from the eastern and western deaneries in the Diocese of Shreveport.

^ St. Joseph School welcomed students back to school on August 11. Seeing all the smiles on the faces of God’s Children was so heart warming. St. Joseph School is alive and well!”

^ Loyola College Prep students had a great start to the new school year on August 1, with members of the Student Government Association on hand to give students a warm welcome.

> Teachers from Jesus the Good Shepherd School had a great time on their overnight retreat on beautiful Lake Bruin. The teachers enjoyed participating in team building exercises, spending time by the lake relaxing and getting to know the new staff members.

Everyone at JGS is ready to kick off the 2014-2015 school year.

September 2014 11

St. Joseph's Home Catholic History in North Louisiana

by C. Brandon Brantley with Lori Mainiero

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ndoubtedly, anyone who has traveled Highway 165 in Monroe has taken note of the large, stately, red brick building with the imposing bell tower. What many do not realize is the significant history of the structure or the amount of love and care that flows through its hallways and rooms.

This story of love started in 1940 when Fr. Henry Frieburg, OFM, wrote to Mother Magdalene Wiedlocher, OSF, Provincial Superior of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, regarding sponsorship of a charity hospital in West Monroe. Although declined due to WWII and a shortage of sisters, the seed for a mission in the South had been sown.

On December 17, 1944, St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged & Infirmed was opened at the corner of Hart and Calypso Streets in Monroe. The new temporary home was a modest, white wood framed, four-room structure able to accommodate eight to 10 guests. The home’s purpose was “To provide shelter and skilled care in a homelike atmosphere for residents in the twilight years of life.” Even as the temporary home was just opening, the sisters were making plans for a larger, permanent facility.

The beginning of the fulfillment of this dream of the Franciscan 1940: Fr. Henry Frieburg, OFM wrote to Mother Wiedlocher, OSF, Provincial Superior of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, regarding sponsorship of a charity hospital in West Monroe.

1947-48: His Excellency Bishop Charles P. Greco, D.D. of the Alexandria diocese officially laid and blessed the cornerstone on November 21, 1947. On November 14, 1948 St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged & Infirmed was formally blessed and dedicated to the service of humanity by Bishop Greco.

1944: On December 17, 1944 the first St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged & Infirmed was opened at Hart and Calypso Streets in Monroe.

12 Catholic Connection

Sisters came when Mrs. William J. Rimes donated a 20-acre site for the new facility just north of the Monroe city limits. The new $500,000 facility was designed by architect Henry H. Slaby of Milwaukee. In discussing the new fireproof facility Mr. Slaby stated, “A basically Colonial type of architecture would give a homey, southern touch to the institution. The exterior would be of red-faced brick with Indiana Limestone trim. The main entrance portico would have a traditional colonnade but of stone rather than wood. The portico would be flanked by two bays which will add dignity to the structure.”

Eight months after the ground breaking ceremony, Bishop Charles P. Greco of the Alexandria diocese officially laid and blessed the cornerstone on November 21, 1947. On November 10, 1948, the long awaited moving day arrived and the 11 guests moved into the new facility. On November 14, 1948, St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged and Infirmed was formally blessed and dedicated to the service of humanity by Bishop Greco.

The new facility featured many innovative architectural elements, as well as elements indicative of its Catholic heritage and sponsorship. The crest of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis of

The Third Order is prominently displayed in a stone frieze above the front entrance. A beautiful six-foot multicolored marble and alabaster statue of St. Joseph and the Christ child adorns the main lobby, surrounded by walls and floors of imported Italian marble. The property has numerous statues and religious objects placed throughout. One of the most noticeable is a Grotto to Our Lady of Fatima in the Northeastern corner of the property. In the spring of 2014, having the desire to re-infuse the facility with period spiritual art, numerous pieces were purchased and installed throughout the home. The new art was met with numerous compliments by residents and visitors.

The Hospital Sisters of St. Francis of The Third Order maintained ownership and religious sponsorship of the facility until October 15, 1974, when the last of the sisters returned to the motherhouse in Springfield, IL. Following the withdrawal of the sisters, the facility was purchased by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria. During the years the facility was owned by the diocese, it was partially staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Help from St. Louis. These sisters served as registered nurses and patient representatives.

St. Joseph’s Home was owned and operated by the Diocese of Alexandria-Shreveport until 1986, when it was purchased by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Health Care System (SCH). During the years in which it was owned by the SCH, the facility was governed by a board of Incarnate Word Sisters and outstanding citizens from the local community. Because few improvements had been made since the building’s original construction, St. Joseph’s Home was completely remodeled in 1988. The Ecumenical Chapel was later constructed with limited funds in 1990.

On November 4, 1991, the first two Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word were assigned to St. Joseph’s Home. Sr. Canice Murphy and Sr. M. Lambert O’Mara were met with a lively reception of residents and staff. In 1993 a 4,000 square foot dining room was built using matching exterior brick and limestone. The interior of the dining room affords peaceful views of the property through multiple windows. A brick gazebo and park were constructed the following year and furnished with a fitness trail, chairs, benches and a cement walk leading to Bayou DeSiard. A fishing area was also erected so residents could safely 1986: St. Joseph's Home for the Aged in Monroe, was purchased by Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word Health Care System (SCH).

1974: The Sisters of St. Francis maintained ownership and religious sponsorship of the facility until October 15, 1974, when the last of the sisters returned to the motherhouse in Springfield, IL. The facility was purchased by the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria.

1988: St. Joseph’s Home was completely remodeled and refurbished.

1990: The Ecumenical Chapel was built.

enjoy bayou-side living.

St. Joseph Home celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1995 commemorating the facility as “A Haven of Love, Peace and Caring.” St. Joseph’s Assisted Living Center was officially dedicated and opened on November 12, 1988, offering 60 apartments and an array of services.

With the formation of CHRISTUS Healthcare in 1999 the facility officially became CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Home. In 2010 the west wing of the first floor was renovated and converted to private Medicare rooms intended for short term residents who wished to receive therapy and return home. The therapy room was enlarged and renovated in 2011 to better meet the needs of the residents.

Combining a generous donation from Tony Danna with Sr. Elizabeth Cahill’s desire to make the chapel a true Catholic place of worship, an extensive renovation of the Ecumenical Chapel began in 2011. Two years later the chapel was transformed, fitted with antique altars and statuary and given a gorgeous center-focus tabernacle by Barbara Patrick. The chapel’s remaining stained glass panels were completed by various families and friends of the facility as tributes to loved ones. On September 13, 2013, Bishop Michael Duca served as principle celebrant at a Holy Mass of Rededication and Blessing of the CHRISTUS St. Joseph Home Chapel.

Sr. Elizabeth coordinates Mass to be celebrated in the chapel by local priests five days a week. The public is always welcome to attend and experience the presence of Christ surrounded by our loving residents and staff. All Sacraments are offered on an as-needed basis.

In February 2014, under the Interim Administration of Mrs. Tracy Hauver and the design auspices of C. Brandon Brantley, the dining room received an extensive remodel. Other areas of the facility are presently being renovated to reflect the everchanging needs of those served. From its inception through today, CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Home has been the only religiously sponsored, not-for-profit, senior care facility in North Louisiana and the only facility in Monroe to offer both assisted living and Medicare/Medicaid services. Members of all faiths are invited to stop by for a tour or information if the need for the services provided arises in your life or the life of a loved one.

2013: On September 13 a Holy Mass of Re-dedication and Blessing of the CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Home Chapel took place.

1994: A new brick gazebo and park were built on the grounds.

1998: St. Joseph’s Assisted Living Center was officially dedicated and opened.

1999: With the formation of CHRISTUS Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Home officially became CHRISTUS St. Joseph’s Home.

2011: Sr. Elizabeth Cahill, with contributions from Tony Danna, led extensive renovations at Christus St. Joseph's Home.

September 2014 13

2014-2015 DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT SEMINARIANS JERRY DAIGLE, JR.

DUANE TROMBETTA

Transitional Deacon Notre Dame Seminary

1st Year Theology Notre Dame Seminary

2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118

2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118

Birthday: December 21

Birthday: September 24

Church: St. Matthew Parish, Monroe

Church: Holy Trinity Parish, Shreveport

KEVIN MUES

JOHN PARKER

2nd Year Pre-Theology St. Joseph Seminary College

4th Year College St. Joseph Seminary College

75376 River Road P.O. Box 477 St. Benedict, LA 70457

75376 River Road P.O. Box 464 St. Benedict, LA 70457

Birthday: January 25

Birthday: September 23

Church: Christ the King Chapel, ULM, Monroe

Church: St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport

STEVEN GRIEGO

MARTIN AVILES-VAZQUEZ

2nd Year College St. Joseph Seminary College

2nd Year College - ELS St. Joseph Seminary College

75376 River Road P.O. Box 442 St. Benedict, LA 70457

75376 River Road P.O. Box 406 St. Benedict, LA 70457

Birthday: July 31

Birthday: February 3

Church: Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport

Church: St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Ruston

BRANDON RICE 1st Year College St. Joseph Seminary College

75376 River Road P.O. Box 456 St. Benedict, LA 70457 Birthday: November 17 Church: St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport 14 Catholic Connection

Keep In Touch!

Our seminarians are studying to serve you, the people of the Diocese of Shreveport. Send them birthday cards and letters of encouragement.

Kevin Mues John Parker Steven Griego Martin Aviles-Vazquez Brandon Rice 75376 River Rd. St. Benedict, LA 70457

Jerry Daigle, Jr. Duane Trombetta 2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118

Corner VC Vocations

by Fr. Keith Garvin

Father Keith Garvin: My New Life as a Priest

NEWS

Holy Angels Residents Receive Confirmation and Eucharist

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Fr. Keith Garvin celebrates his first Mass as a priest.

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have been asked to write about my first 30 days in a parish as a newly ordained priest. My first thought was, well, do you remember the Looney Toons character call Taz? You know the one that spun around in circles moving, rarely stopping?

There was a whirlwind of activity everywhere he went. That is kind of what it has been like, but 100 times better and a lot of fun!

It is hard to describe exactly what my first 30 days was like – it has been full of activity, ministry, prayer, meeting people, loads of fun and excitement. Each day brings new and exciting things. The greatest thing is being able to bring the Sacraments to the people of God – to break open God’s Holy Word! Each day is a humbling experience. It’s amazing that God would allow me the honor and the privlidge to be one of His priests.

God’s people are so AWESOME! When I’m asked how I’m doing I often respond with, “I’m just wondering when I’m going to start working.” How great it is to be doing what you’re called to do, and living out what you’re called to do. The priesthood is not a job, it is not a way to make a living. It is a calling in which one orders his life, through God’s grace, to the Cross of Christ, dying to self and rising to be a servant for Christ to His children. I’m not called to work, I’m called to serve and this is now my life. I AM A PRIEST! I have been told that I’m in the “honeymoon” phase of my priesthood; “I’m just excited about the newness of being a priest.” But this is not my first rodeo, as the saying goes.

When one finally finds his true love and he gets to spend all of his time serving his true love, what could be better than that? When my bride’s children come to me with their hurts and pains, I want to hear them and bring them the healing words, “I absolve you from your sins.” I love bringing Christ to them, “Behold the Lamb of God…” I love taking Christ to his children when they are sick, spending time with them over a meal, giving a blessing, teaching, preparing and so much more.

I love my children! I love my life! I have found my true love!

n July 13 the angels were singing at Holy Angels Residential Facility Chapel. One resident was baptized and nine others received the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist. While I had the pleasure of being present on this glorious day, this journey began back in May. Chris Horne, Director of Finance at Holy Angels, contacted me asking how they would go about initiating several of their residents. They had a specific date in mind, July 13, because it was the last weekend Sisters Gemma Forlani, OLS and Concetta Scipione, OLS would be present at Holy Angels. Sr. Gemma was being reassigned and Sr. Concetta was retiring. Both sisters have been with Holy Angels for over 50 years.

Finding resources for the residents that were developmentally appropriate, while at the same time respectful of their adulthood, was quite challenging. Loyola Press is the first publisher to focus on developmental disabilities, and we ordered their Adaptive Kits for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. The residents met for one hour a week for four weeks with Chris and Jackie Carter, Qualified Mental Retardation Specialists.

And then came that glorious day! The chapel was standing room only, packed with family and friends. The candidates were dressed in red robes with white stoles and the air was electric with anticipation.

Fr. Rothell Price has regularly celebrated Mass at Holy Angels and he was a natural choice to be the celebrant. The homily was interactive and the residents responded with great enthusiasm.

After Cynthia Cook was baptized, her classmates clapped and said, “You did good!” Then it was time for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It would seem that standing before a crowd would cause anxiety, but as each participant received the Sacrament there was reverent silence. When it came time for Amy Huckabay to be confirmed, she sat up a little straighter in her chair and, after Fr. Price wished her peace, she responded with a joyous and uninhibited laugh! As I watched all of this, my eyes filled with tears and my skin was covered in goosebumps. During reception of Holy Communion, Paul Walker was so excited his fingers were wiggling with anticipation and Fr. Price had to gently hold his hands so that he could receive and afterwards his whole body wiggled like an excited puppy. Oh if only we all could maintain that level of joy when receiving Jesus!

Holy Angels plans on presenting the class each spring and inviting other parishes with individuals with developmental disabilities to participate.

by Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis September 2014 15

NEWS

51st Fuller Center Home Sponored by Diocese

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uller Center for Housing NWLA, in partnership with Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Smith, Jr., the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport, Downtown Shreveport Rotary Club and other community partners, dedicated its 51st home at noon, at 323 E. 72nd Street, across the street from St. Catherine of Sienna Church, on Saturday, July 26.

Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Well were the recipients of the second Fuller Center home in the Cedar Grove community. In addition to Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Smith, the Diocese of Shreveport and the Shreveport Rotary Club made monetary donations to support this build.

“The Diocese of Shreveport would like to congratulate the Fuller Center for the completion of their fifty-first home in Shreveport adjacent to the former Church Parish of St. Catherine of Siena in Cedar Grove,” said Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General for the Diocese of Shreveport. “Our diocese was honored to work with the Fuller Center through our donation of the property and financial contributions made to complete construction. I can think of no better way to help re-establish a sense of hope and civic pride to the people of Cedar Grove than through the successful and proven methods of the Fuller Foundation and our diocese is grateful to be a part of this wonderful achievement.”

“Building a stronger community through service to others is at the heart of Rotary Club of Shreveport's mission,” said Francesca Moreland, President of Rotary Club of Shreveport. “Partnering with the Fuller Center to provide an affordable home to a deserving local family is gratifying and such a fitting way to do just that.”

Bishop Michael Duca attended the dedication of the home and took part in the ceremony, blessing the home for its new inhabitants. During his blessing, Bishop Duca asked that the home be “filled with the love that binds a family together. Make it a place of refuge where those who are here may find security and peace and from that find a richness in their lives that is never found when we are unsure of where we will live.”

The Fuller Center helps families in need of affordable housing and helps rejuvenate areas in the community. Contact Lee A. Jeter, Sr. at 318-230-5678 for more information regarding the Fuller Center home builds and how to become a volunteer.

by Lee Jeter and Jessica Rinaudo 16 Catholic Connection

Catholic Charities: The Immigrant Children Crisis

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ne of the most pressing questions we as Christians face is how we respond to the crisis surrounding immigrant children from Central America flowing by the thousands across our border. Rather than debate the problems associated with their migration, let’s consider what Pope Francis has to say: *“This humanitarian emergency requires, as a first urgent measure, these children be welcomed and protected. These measures, however, will not be sufficient, unless they are accompanied by policies that inform people about the dangers of such a journey and, above all, that promote development in their countries of origin.”

In more than half the cases documented, the children are eligible for asylum because of abuse or threats against their lives and those of family members. They are fleeing drug cartels and gang violence out of very real fear and for their lives. ** “More than three-quarters of the children are from mostly poor and violent towns in three countries: El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Children from Mexico, once the largest group, now make up less than a quarter of the total. Since January of this year, 4,280 unaccompanied minors have crossed the border into Texas and 1,071 into Louisiana. In all of these countries, the violence, crime and poverty rates are very high. In fact, Honduras has the ugly distinction of having the highest murder rate in the hemisphere. ***In a recent National Public Radio story, reporter Eileen Pace went to San Antonio and interviewed workers and several of the children. During that interview, Jennifer Podkul responded with this horrific account: “I spoke to a girl who said she opened her front door one day and there were pieces of a body, you know, thrown in a plastic bag on her doorstep as a warning from the gangs that they have to comply with all of the, you know, requirements that the gangs are asking.” What the gangs are asking is that children come with them to sell and deliver drugs. They are recruited from their schools and homes without regard to age or gender. One teacher tells of cartel members coming into her classroom demanding children.

When she responded that they could not take the children, a gun was held to her head as they removed them from the class.

There are no easy solutions, but thankfully there are many who care and are working hard to help these desperate children, including people at Catholic Charities USA and many parishes throughout the US. Let us continue to learn all we can about this crisis and to pray for the children, their families and all who work to make them welcome and safe. *From The Huffington Post – 7/15/2014 online edition **http://www.nytimes.com/interactive ***NPR.org - Texas Air Base Houses Minors Crossing Solo Into U.S.

by Theresa Mormino, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

Catechetical Sunday: Teaching about God’s Gift of Forgiveness

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n Sunday September 21 parishes across the nation will be honoring those who share in the evangelizing and teaching mission of the Church – which is essentially everyone!

But specifically parishes will be recognizing catechists for all ages, Catholic school teachers, youth ministry leaders, RCIA teams and parents.

This catechetical year is focused on Teaching about God’s Gift of Forgiveness, a theme that touches all of us regardless of age. Before we even begin to talk about forgiveness, we must first talk about our personal relationship with God. Let me share a personal story. Recently I was on retreat and throughout one particular day, the birds’ songs were so loud that all I could do is sing, “then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou Art.” Later that day I went for a bike ride and I started singing the old gospel hymn, “In the Garden” – “and He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His Own.” (These are the gospel songs that my grandpa use to sing). That night, as I stood before the Blessed Sacrament, I sang “I Can Only Imagine,” “I can only imagine when all I will do is forever worship you.” The next day I told my director about these moments, and she said “God is showing off for you.” With all the crazy issues in the world, and all the people who are hurting, God wanted to show off for ME. Or as another friend said, “God is very fond of you.”

This is the beginning for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is about a relationship with God, and because we are created in His image and thus capable of

profound love, we are in relationship with others. In the safety of this relationship where God confesses His love for us, we are able to look Him eye to eye and confess the ways we have been unable to love as He loves.

So often the Sacrament becomes more about confessing a checklist and less about reconciliation.

The reality is that the Sacrament is both. God confesses His profound Love for us and thus we feel safe in confessing our sins, which in turn reconciles us both to the Father and to our community.

At this moment in time our world is in desperate need of reconciliation. Imagine what would happen if the Muslims and Christians in the Middle East stopped for a moment and said, “I am sorry for all the wrong I have done to you and your people.”

Imagine what would happen if the partisan groups of our government would stop and say, “I am sorry for the slander I have said against you.” Imagine what would happen if the mother said to the father, “I am sorry for... ” or the Father said to the children, “I am sorry for…” or the children said to their parents….

It is when we understand who we are (children of God) and whose we are (God’s beloved) that it becomes clear the role relationships, or lack thereof, have on how we care for and respond to others.

Understanding and practicing forgiveness is not just for the children in schools or PSR, it is for all of us. God loves each of us so fiercely. Allow yourself to surrender to that fierce love.

by Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis

Diocese Obtained Keystone from St. Theresa School

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t. Theresa Catholic School in Shreveport was closed in 1988 and both it and St. Theresa Church (which merged into the Cathedral parish in 1989) later were sold to WillisKnighton Health System. At the time no one focused on the historic value of the school building’s keystone until a local pastor was contacted recently by a former St. Theresa teacher who mentioned that the stone was still in place. According to a past principal, artifacts had been placed inside when the school was built in 1954.

Conversations took place with WillisKnighton, and the diocese was allowed to retrieve the stone. On April 11, 2014 Willis-Knighton representatives, a stonemason, the diocesan chancellor and diocesan Director of Communications met on Bessie Street in Shreveport for the process of removing the grant marker. The process took about an hour.

All present were disappointed when it was discovered that the granite box had been covered with a metal lid and the artifacts, which appeared to have been paper documents, had been placed in a metal box. Over the 60 years since its placement, the metal had sustained substantial water damage, and most of the contents were destroyed. A few newspaper articles were recovered in very poor condition. Only one of the surviving newspaper clippings was dated—September 9, 1954. The keystone itself has been moved to the Catholic Center for safekeeping.

by Christine Rivers, Chancellor September 2014 17

REFLECTION

Mourning Miscarriage

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n our very first date, my husband Blake and I discussed children. “I love kids,” my dyedin-the-wool Southern Baptist boyfriend declared. “I think I’d like to have two.

How many do you want?” he asked.

I think he realized for the first time just how very Catholic his Catholic girlfriend was when I shrugged and answered, “Five or six.”

From our engagement until today, as I write this, every decision we’ve made as a couple has been with the idea in mind that we would have a larger-thanaverage family. I could’ve kept driving my Honda Fit a while longer after we had our daughter, but there was no way it would fit more than one rear-facing car seat; we chose our house in part because the upstairs bedroom is large enough to bunk at least three kids. Even my career path has been informed by our conviction to have as many children as possible – my freelance writing career, my first love, has been shoved to the back burner as I’ve developed my photography business, since that’s easier to do in the evenings and on weekends when my husband is home.

When we suffered a miscarriage in January of 2013, we were understandably heartbroken but still confident that there were many more children to come.

Anyway, I knew the statistics – up to 25 percent of all clinically recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage (American Pregnancy Association). So we were sad, but not at all shocked.

Our second miscarriage in a row occurred in July of this year, and it shook both Blake and me to our emotional and spiritual cores. As I wrote in a blog post the following day, “I’m not just crying out to God, I’m howling in sorrow and despair.” I couldn’t imagine why this was happening. Questions raced back and forth through my brain like cars on an overheated track: Did God make this happen? Did Satan make this happen?

Did I make this happen? Is this God trying to tell me that I’m not supposed to have any more children? Does this mean I’m a bad mother? Did I make a mistake by telling our daughter too soon that we were expecting another baby? Did I “jinx” this pregnancy by letting family and close 18 Catholic Connection

friends in on our secret?

As I read back over these thoughts, I realize now how completely illogical some of them are. But in those shell-shocked first few days, my grieving mind just couldn’t get a grip on the fact that this was happening to us again.

Part of the grieving process was complicated because part of me didn’t feel I should be grieving at all. I didn’t even realize I felt that way until my husband pointed it out. I wasn’t sure I should publish a blog post on the subject at all, so I let him read it first. The first thing he said after he finished gave voice to an idea, a resentment that had been clanging around in my head ever since my OB gave us the terrible news.

“One of the biggest injustices,” he said, “is how women are expected to grieve miscarriages alone, quickly and in secret.”

A girlfriend pointed out that this attitude toward miscarriages – that they don’t represent a “real” loss – may actually contribute to the abortion culture.

“Think about it,” she said. “If you’re not supposed to grieve the loss of this baby, one that you wanted, just because it was very tiny and hadn’t been born yet, then why should we grieve the loss of a baby who’s been aborted?”

She’s absolutely right – a life is a life, after all, even if we weren’t aware of this particular life for very long. Our baby, small though it may have been, is a

member of our family and deserves for its parents and sister to grieve the loss of its earthly life. We know we will meet our babies again someday, and on that day, we’ll sing and dance and rejoice. But the knowledge of their heavenly lives doesn’t lessen the sting of their earthly deaths for us…at least, not yet.

It was my husband who insisted that I meet with our pastor, Fr. Peter Mangum of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, to talk about our loss. Blake went with me, and neither of us could scarcely have imagined the comfort and wisdom Fr. Peter would impart to us. It should have come as no surprise to us that Mother Church would have a blessing and ritual specifically for parents who have suffered a miscarriage. (Find the full text of the blessing here under the category of Blessings: www.catholicculture.org/ culture/liturgicalyear/prayers). If you or a Catholic couple you know has suffered in this way, I cannot urge you strongly enough to seek the counsel of your pastor.

As for Blake and me, we are sure once more that God wants us to increase our family and thus His kingdom. The only question, really, is how our children will get to us – will we give birth to them?

Will we adopt them? Will we foster them?

At this point, we have no earthly idea.

The only thing we know for sure is that God will show us the way.

by Kelly Phelan Powell

Prayer of Blessing Compassionate God, soothe the hearts of Mother and Father, and grant that through the prayers of Mary, who grieved by the cross of her Son, you may enlighten their faith, give hope to their hearts, and peace to their lives.

Lord, grant mercy to all the members of this family and comfort them with the hope that one day we will all live with you, with your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.

Amen.

across the

by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Archbishop Kurtz to President Obama: Plight of Religious Minorities in Iraq Requires Increased Support

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ASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, KY, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged President Obama to answer the call of Pope Francis for the international community “to do all that it can to stop and to prevent further systematic violence against ethnic and religious minorities” in Iraq. Archbishop Kurtz made the appeal in an August 13 letter, in which he assured President Obama of the prayers and support of the U.S. bishops in these efforts.

“We know too well that attacks on religious and ethnic minorities are attacks on the health of an entire society,” Archbishop Kurtz wrote. “Violence may begin against minorities, but it does not end there. The rights of all Iraqis are at risk from the current situation.”

Archbishop Kurtz thanked President Obama for the humanitarian assistance and protection the United States has provided to Iraqi Christians fleeing persecution. He noted that more must be done, that the U.S. bishops set aside Sunday, August 17, for prayer for peace in the Middle East and Iraq, and that the bishops urged U.S. Catholics to appeal to their elected representatives on behalf of persecuted minorities in countries such as Iraq and Syria.

Full text of the letter follows: Dear Mr. President: May God bless you in these challenging times!

I write with a heavy heart regarding a matter of utmost urgency: the desperate plight of Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq. Pope Francis recently wrote to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon. In his letter the Holy Father decried how “Christians and other religious minorities have been forced to flee from their homes and witness the destruction of their places of worship and religious patrimony.”

Pope Francis placed before the Secretary General “the tears, the suffering and the heartfelt cries of despair of Christians and other religious minorities of the beloved land of Iraq.” The Catholic bishops and people of the United States share these tears, sufferings and heartfelt cries.

We are grateful for the humanitarian assistance and protection that our nation has provided to those fleeing, often with only the clothes on their backs, and for the way the United States has worked with Iraqi officials to encourage the formation of an inclusive government in Iraq that respects human rights and religious freedom for all.

More must be done. Pope Francis called upon “the international community, particularly through the norms and mechanisms of international law, to do all that it can to stop and to prevent further systematic violence against ethnic and religious minorities.” I urge the United States to answer this call in concert with the international community.

We know too well that attacks on religious and ethnic minorities are attacks on the health of an entire society. Violence may begin against minorities, but it does not end there. The rights of all Iraqis are at risk from the current situation.

Please be assured of our support and prayers. Our Conference of Bishops has set aside Sunday, August 17, for the intentions for peace in the Middle East and Iraq. We are urging our people to let their elected representatives know of their concern for Christians and other religious minorities who suffer untold persecution in Iraq, Syria, and other countries. May God grant our nation and the international community the wisdom and courage needed to help restore peace and bind up the wounds in Iraq.

Sincerely yours, Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Archbishop of Louisville President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Vatican Information Services

VAtICAN news & notes •The Holy See Press Office announced that His Holiness Francis, accepting the invitation from the civil authorities and the bishops, will make an Apostolic trip to Sri Lanka from January 12 to 15 and the Philippines from January 15 to 19, 2015.

•On July 18, the Holy Father sent a video message to the Argentine Israeli community to convey his closeness to the families of the victims of the bombing of the AMIA (Argentine Israelite Mutual Association), which took place 20 years ago in Buenos Aires. It caused 85 deaths and more than 200 casualties, making it one of the most significant terrorist attacks the country has experienced.

• On July 20, during his Angelus, Pope Francis urged Catholics to continue their prayer for the situations of tension and conflict that persist in many areas of the world, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine. “May the God of peace rouse in everyone an authentic desire for peace and reconciliation. Violence cannot be overcome with violence. Violence is defeated with peace! Let us pray in silence, for peace; all of us, in silence. Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!”

•Pope Francis spoke about his possible attendance at the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, U.S.A. in September 2015 on his plane ride leaving Korea: "Next year I would like to go to Philadelphia, for the meeting of the families.

Then, I have been invited by the President of the United States to the American Congress. And also the Secretary General of the United Nations has also invited me to the Secretariat of the UN in New York.

So maybe the three cities together."

September 2014 19

HISPANIC corner Buscando Paz en Nuestras Vidas

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on el comienzo del año escolar, de las clases de catecismo y todas las exigencias de la vida diaria, es muy fácil olvidarnos que Dios quiere que en medio de todo ese ajetreo, gocemos de paz interior. El mismo Jesús nos dice en el evangelio de San Juan: “Mi paz les dejo, mi paz les doy” Juan 14:27.

Sabemos que Dios nos dejó la paz, pero en medio de todas nuestras ocupaciones, preocupaciones y obligaciones, ¿Cómo podremos sentir paz? ¿Qué esa paz de la que tanto escuchamos? ¿Qué estamos pidiendo a Dios cuando pedimos paz?

El diccionario Larousse nos dice que la paz es tranquilidad, reconciliación, descanso, sosiego unión, concordia y, por si no fueran pocas palabras para describir la paz, yo le añadiría también aceptación. No podemos exigir sentirnos en paz cuando no perdonamos, cuando no aceptamos nuestra cruz y seguimos a Jesús. Una de las mejores maneras de vivir o recuperar la paz es por medio del Sacramento de La Reconciliación (Confesión). Una buena confesión puede ser un alivio para el alma y para el cuerpo.

Otra manera de buscar la paz interior es por medio del descanso o de alguna actividad sana y alegre, por medio de un buen libro de crecimiento personal o espiritual, de las muchas enseñanzas que tienen las Sagradas Escrituras, de las Homilías de nuestros sacerdotes, especialmente las de nuestro Papa

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por Rosalba Quiroz 318-868-4441

Francisco.

Tenemos un ejemplo de cómo vivir en paz en la Biblia en el libro de Los Hechos de los Apóstoles, 2:4247. Ahí nos dice que las primeras familias cristianas vivían en armonía y en paz, haciendo la voluntad de Dios. Seguían las enseñanzas de Jesús de tener una convivencia fraterna, el entusiasmo y la sencillez de vivir en unión y repartir lo que tenían entre los pobres. El acepar la voluntad de Dios, cargando nuestra cruz de cada día y siguiendo los caminos de Jesús nos ayudará a vivir en paz con nosotros mismos y con los que nos rodean.

Para encontrar lo que dice la iglesia sobre este y otros temas de vida, visite cualquiera de los siguientes sitios de

internet que son confiables. ¡Bendiciones en su año escolar! www.news.va/es – Noticias del Vaticano www.sepi.us – SEPI Instituto Pastoral del Sureste www.Aciprensa.com – ACIPrensa Agencia Católica de Información www.Zenit.org/es – ZENIT Agencia internacional de noticias.

Calendario Diocesano del Mes de Septiembre 4

Celebración del Día del Trabajo.

Centro Católico cerrado.

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Segunda Reunión en preparación para el retiro Experiencia Cristo, Centro Católico. 12 – 3 p.m.

19 Concierto/Testimonio, Parroquia de Cristo Rey 9 – 9 p.m.

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20 Retiro Familiar de Sanación, Cristo Rey de 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (culmina con la Misa de las 7) 27 Reunión de Coordinadores del Ministerio Hispano, Centro Católico 12 – 3 p.m.

around the DIOCESE

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Dotye Stanford and Carol Gates attended the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers (NACFLM) Conference in July in Dayton, OH. This annual gathering of parish and diocesan staff/volunteers provides the opportunity for all to learn and grow in family and married life ministry.

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Fr. Joe Martina has been assigned as pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and will also oversee St. Lawrence in Swartz and Catholic Campus Ministry at ULM. A welcoming reception was held for Fr. Joe in the newly renovated student area of Christ the King CCM immediately following Mass. Fr. Joe had the opportunity to meet many of the area people and enjoy some refreshments at the same time.

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Every Wednesday a group of ladies from St. Lucy Parish join together at the home of Elizabeth Johnson to make rosaries. Recently they had a new young lady join them, Miss Ava Hartwell. She caught on really quickly and made several rosaries herself.

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On July 23, Louis Bremer announced his retirement from St. Francis Medical Center as President and CEO. His decision marks the end of a 41 year career, the last six of which have been as CEO of St. Francis. To assure seamless operations of the medical center, an interim chief executive will be appointed from within the health system assuming those duties.

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On Sunday, July 13, St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport recognized parishioners who have been members of the parish for over 50 years. Many founding members are still active parishioners in the parish today.

“Jesus’ love is one of a kind” was the buzz at Weird VBS at St. Joesph Parish in Zwolle. The children enjoyed the week and learned that even if you’re left out, if you’re different, if you don’t understand, if you do wrong or if you feel afraid: JESUS LOVES YOU!

6 September 2014 21

upcoming EVENTS September 13: Arias and Appetizers The Music Ministry of St. Jude Parish in Benton will host a fundraising concert on Saturday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. The event is “Arias and Appetizers,” and will include a variety of opera, show tunes and sacred classics. Performers include cantors and professional singers from the St. Jude community, including Fr. Pike Thomas, as well as guest musicians from Cypress Baptist Church, across the street from St. Jude. Andrew Parsons, owner of Lagniappe Foods, has agreed to donate appetizers for a social and “mocktail” time beginning at 7:00 p.m. Donations will be accepted to help fund a 20142015 concert series at St. Jude’s new church and family life center. For more information, contact the parish office at 318-746-2508.

September 14-16: St. Mary of the Pines Parish Mission Fr. Michael Alello, a priest from the Diocese of Baton Rouge, will present "Holiness: A Lifestyle Change" each night at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Pines in Shreveport. Babysitting will be provided and everyone is welcome.

Please contact the church office at 318687-5121 for more information.

September 15: Internship in Spiritual Direction Informational Meeting - Shreveport The New Orleans Archdiocesan Spirituality Center will hold an informational meeting announcing their next training program in Spiritual Direction. Over the years this Internship in Spiritual Direction has certified over 200 spiritual directors now serving a number of dioceses in Louisiana. At this meeting we will discuss the program, its purpose, prerequisites and structure. Monday, September 15 at 1:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. in the Catholic Center Patio Room located at 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport. For information or to register call Sr. Dorothy Trosclair, O.P. 504-861-3254 or register on the web http://asc.arch-no.org.

September 15: JustFaith Adult Formation Program JustFaith is a scripture-based adult formation program which looks at poverty and compassion for the poor through the lens of Catholic social teaching. JustFaith will begin Monday, September 15, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at St Joseph Parish in Shreveport. This 24 week program is an educational and transformational experience. Through prayer, immersion experiences, books, and videos, participants encounter poverty in such a way that they

22 Catholic Connection

experience transformation and are drawn to respond to the needs of our broken world. It is a deep spiritual journey lived in the context of a small faith community.

To learn more about this amazing, life changing program call Jane Snyder at St. Joseph, 318-865-3581.

September 22: 2014 Diocesan Liturgical Conference Western Deanery “Dying and Rising: Paschal Mystery as Expressed in the Rites of the Catholic Church” presented

by Rev. Paul Turner, noted Sacramental Theologian, author and presenter. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport.

Registration is $20. Contact Dianne Rachal at 318-868-4441, or drachal@dioshpt.org to register.

September 23: 2014 Diocesan Liturgical Conference Eastern Deanery “Dying and Rising: Paschal Mystery as Expressed in the Rites of the Catholic Church” presented

by Rev. Paul Turner, noted Sacramental Theologian, author, and presenter. From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, 2510 Emerson Street, Monroe. Registration is $20. Contact Dianne Rachal at 318-868-4441, or drachal@dioshpt.org to register.

September 24 - November 2: 40 Days for Life Since 40 Days for Life began less than seven years ago, dozens of babies have been saved in Shreveport-Bossier! We are making a real impact and so can you! For more information, call or e-mail campaign director Chris Davis at 318349-3279, or christopherpatrickdavis@ gmail.com.

October 5: Multicultural Rosary Sunday, October 5 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish, 204 Patton Avenue in Shreveport. This is a diocese-wide event.

All are invited. For more information call Kay Nader at 318-286-1590.

October 10 & 11: St. Joseph Parish - Shreveport to Host Speaker Anne Trufant St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport is hosting internationally known speaker, Anne Trufant, for a weekend retreat on "Evangelization" October 10 and 11. Anne was privileged to work with Mother Teresa. Anne and her husband now reside in North Carolina, where they own and direct Camp Kahdalea for girls and Camp Chosatonga for boys.

Anne and David are also co-founders of Change Lives Now, Inc., a non-profit organization working to provide a future with hope for those struggling with social

and spiritual deprivation, in war-torn areas of Africa. Please join us on October 10 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and October 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (women only). On Saturday night, the retreat will be from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for both men and women. All events will be held in the St. Joseph Family Life Center. For more information, contact the Church office at 318-865-3581.

October 25: 23rd Annual Herbal Harvest and Original Arts and Crafts Festival at St. Paschal Parish Over 50 vendors selling Fall herbs and plants, homemade country crafts, paintings, holiday items and packaged sweets and food. Delicious food will be served including: St. Paschal herbal chicken salad, soup, grilled sausage, baked goods and homemade bread. There will be live music and admission is free. The festival will be from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit stpaschalchurch.org, or call the church office at 318-323-1631. continued from page 10

going to miss out on her student’s continued success.

Her influence on young people and their families extended far beyond the classroom as my children, like so many others, always sought Norma out when they visited the school later in life. They wanted to touch base with their beloved teacher, share some laughs and keep her informed of their lives and their accomplishments, maintaining what they considered to be a very important friendship. Parents followed suit and felt the same type of affection for one so instrumental in the formation of their children and so understanding of the stresses involved in raising young teenagers.

Many consider teaching the greatest profession and Norma Waters certainly did much to maintain that reputation. She may be replicated but she will never be duplicated because she was a one-of-a kind teaching dynamo, and hundreds of children and parents are blessed by her decades long presence among us.

If heaven has a classroom, Norma Waters is there with her iron stare, her iron will, and her incredible capacity to help people learn.

The good Lord is indeed lucky to have her with Him in the school of eternity.

by John Mark Willcox

calendar

september 2014

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

31 1 2 3 4 5 6 Labor Day

Red Mass, St. Matthew Parish, 9am

St. Gregory the Great, pope & doctor of the Church

Catholic Center and Catholic Schools Closed

Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, religious

DRE / Catechetical Leader Meeting, St. Paschal Parish, 9:30am

Eastern Deanery Red Mass / SEP 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 DRE / Catechetical Leader Meeting, Catholic Center, 6:15pm

Shreveport Principals Meeting, Loyola College Prep, 8:30am

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 11am

St. Peter Claver, priest

Catholic Connection Deadline for October Issue

Monroe Principals Meeting, Our Lady of Fatima School, 9:30am

The Most Holy Name of Mary

CMD Certificate Weekend, Catholic Center, 9am

St. John Chrysostom, bishop & doctor of the Church

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Principals Meeting / SEP 9 & 11

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Internship in The Exaltation of the Holy Cross Spiritual Direction Meeting, Catholic Center, 1:30pm or 7pm.

Sts. Cornelius, pope, & Cyprian, bishop

St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop & doctor of the Church

St. Januarius, bishop & martyr

SVdP Friends of the Poor Walk Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest, & Paul Chong Ha-sang, and companions, martyrs

Our Lady of Sorrows

Liturgical Conference/ SEP 22-23

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Catechetical Sunday

2014 Diocesan Liturgical Conference, Catholic Center, 6pm

2014 Diocesan Liturgical Conference, Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, 6pm

40 Days for Life ShreveportBossier Begins

Sts. Cosmas & Damian, martyrs

St. Vincent de Paul, priest

St. Pius of Piertrelcina, priest

40 Days for Life Begins/ SEP 24

28 29 30 1 2 3 4 Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

Poor Man's Supper, Jesus the Good Shepherd School Gym, 6pm

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin & doctor of the church

The Holy Guardian Angels

St. Francis of Assisi

St. Jerome, priest & doctor of the Church

Poor Man's Supper / SEP 30 September 2014 23

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Photo of the month In celebration of its 65th year, the St. John Berchmans School faculty added hard hats to their back-to-school supply list. The school is going through a $2 million renovation to add a new parish hall, library and technology center to the building. The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2015.

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