Connection The Catholic
Vol. 25, No. 2 September 2015
The Pope at Home
Welcoming Pope Francis to the U.S.
Embracing the Mission Parish Planning Meetings Begin
Meet Our New
Seminarians! September 2015 1
Welcome Pope Francis!
Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Shelly Bole Brian Burgess Fr. Jerry Daigle Jean Dresley Bishop Michael Duca Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Fr. Rothell Price
Rosalba Quiroz Dianne Rachal Jessica Rinaudo Katie Sciba Randy Smith Bonny Van Mike Van Vranken Bro. Mike Ward
Editorial Board Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Kelly Phelan Powell Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community. Subscriptions & Address Changes Contact: Jessica Rinaudo, Editor Email: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org Write: Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609 Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org
The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call Glennda Lawson. Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law enforcement agency.
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his month we will welcome Pope Francis as he travels to the United States. During his visit, the pontiff will do many things, including address Congress in Washington D.C. and visit Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families. A small group from the Diocese of Shreveport will be attending the event, including Family Life representatives Carol Gates and Dotye Sue Stanford, but most of us will be watching the events from our homes. This issue of the Catholic Connection offers a few ways you can be involved locally in the pope’s visit, including our Domestic Church column (pg. 9), an article on the papacy by Fr. Price (pg. 11), opportunities for children to get involved (pg. 25), a book resource (pg. 7), parish activities and a new diocesan family life blog written by those attending the event (pg. 27). Welcome Pope Francis! by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor
bishop’s september calendar SEPTEMBER 1 Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; St. Jude Parish, Benton; 6:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 2 Joint Meeting: Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Board of Directors & Members Board of Directors; Catholic Center; 12:00 p.m. Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; St. Benedict Parish, Grambling; 5:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 3 St. Frederick Alumni, Family and Friends Reception honoring Dr. Bob Webber; Monroe; 6:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 8 Presbyteral Council meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 1:00 p.m. Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering (Our Lady of Fatima Parish & School, St. Lawrence Church & ULM Catholic Campus Ministry); Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Monroe; 6:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 9 Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport; 6:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 10 Society of St. Vincent de Paul Western District Banquet; St. Vincent’s Hall at Loyola College Prep, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m. SEPTEMBER 11 Red Mass; St. Matthew Parish, Monroe; 9:00 a.m. Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering (Sacred Heart Parish & St. Theresa Church); Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville; 5:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 12 Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Farmerville; 10:00 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 13 Knights & Ladies of St. Peter Claver District Mass; Little Flower of Jesus Parish, Monroe; 10:00 a.m. SEPTEMBER 14-16 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee/Committee on Priorities & Plans meetings; Washington, D.C. SEPTEMBER 18 Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; (St. Thomas Aquinas Parish & Louisiana Tech Catholic Campus Ministry); St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Ruston; 6:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 19 Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; (St. Pius X Parish & St. Clement Parish, Vivian); St. Pius X Parish, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m. SEPTEMBER 20 ULM Catholic Campus Ministry 50th Anniversary & ULM Scholars’ Mass; ULM Christ the King Chapel, Monroe; 1:00 p.m. SEPTEMBER 21 LSUHSC Catholic Medical Students Association Luncheon; LSUHSC, Shreveport; 11:30 a.m. SEPTEMBER 22-24 Pope Francis’ Apostolic Visit; Washington, D.C. SEPTEMBER 24-28 World Meeting of Families 2015; Philadelphia SEPTEMBER 30 Poor Man’s Supper; Jesus the Good Shepherd School Gym, Monroe; 6:00 p.m.
contents
september 2015
columns Embracing the Mission: Beginning Parish Visits by Bishop Michael G. Duca........ 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: You Have the Power by Mike Van Vranken..........................6 In Review: Pope Francis and the New Vatican by Jessica Rinaudo ...................7 Faithful Food: A Shift in Perspective by Kim Long..................................................8 Domestic Church: The Pope at Home by Katie Sciba..........................................9 From the Pope: Jesus Counters Market Logic with the Logic of Giving by Vatican Information Services..................................................................................10 In the Words of Pope Francis by Vatican Information Services...............................10 Navigating the Faith: Habemus Papam! We Have a Pope by Fr. Rothell Price.......................................................................................................11 Second Collections: Catholic University of America & World Mission Sunday by Fr. Rothell Price .....................................................................................................12 Vocations View: Witness to Mercy: The Life of a New Priest by Fr. Jerry Daigle ......................................................................................................13 Jubilee of Mercy: Jubilee Year Holy Doors by Dianne Rachal ...........................23 Kids' Connection .....................................................................................................25
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features Meet Our New Seminarians by Jessica Rinaudo ................................................................................................... 14-17 2015 - 2016 Diocese of Shreveport Seminarians ................................................ 18
news Society of St. Vincent de Paul to Host First Western Deanery Banquet by Brian Burgess .........................................................................................................19 SVdP to Host Two Events in the East to Help the Poor by Randy Smith ..............20 Passing the Faith to Our Children by Shelly Bole....................................................20 Catholic Charities: The First Five Years by Jean Dresley .......................................21 Diverse Fall Festival in West Monroe by Bonny Van ..............................................22 Hispanic Priests: A Prayer Answered by Fr. Matthew Long ..................................22 School News ...........................................................................................................24 Across the Globe: Cardinal O'Malley Urges Support for Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood; Archbishop Wenski Welcomes New Carbon Pollution Standards; Program of the Pope's Trip to the United States by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops & Vatican Information Services.....26-27 Across the Globe: Celebrate Pope Francis' Visit in Local Churches and at Home by Jessica Rinaudo ...........................................................................26 Hispanic News by Rosalba Quiroz ...........................................................................28 ACTS: Being Catholic at Louisiana Tech by Bro. Mike Ward.................................29 Around the Diocese ...............................................................................................29 Mark Your Calendar ...............................................................................................30 September Calendar ............................................................................................31 Picture of the Month...............................................................................................32
14 on the cover
New Seminarians for the Diocese of Shreveport: (back row) Fidel Mondragon and Kelby Tingle, (front row) Raney Johnson and Jeb Key.
September 2015 3
la reflexión Del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca
Elevando la Misión: Comienzo de Visitas Parroquiales
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unque se pueda negar en Agosto, ya no se puede negar en Septiembre (tal vez no oficialmente pero si de acuerdo a mi horario) que ya se acabó el verano. Digo esto por el ritmo maravilloso que ha comenzado: el año escolar, las vacaciones casi se terminan, las escuelas parroquiales de religión están registrando a los niños y las reuniones de la vida parroquial y cívica una vez más ya están en acción. Lo mejor es que este tiempo del año para mí, como su obispo me crea oportunidades para estar con ustedes en la vida parroquial y me reconecta con el ritmo de toda la diócesis. Esta conexión con la gente de la diócesis es una parte de mi vida como obispo que es muy diferente de la vida de un sacerdote parroquial. Como sacerdote en parroquia cada día me invitaban a ser parte de las vidas de los fieles, a momentos de oración, a reuniones parroquiales a Misa o confesiones y actividades. Estaba presente para mis fieles cada día y me estaba más empapado de cuáles eran sus problemas. De como estábamos como familia parroquial y como era llamado ese día a caminar con ellos, a pastorearlos en las enseñanzas de la Iglesia y a guiarlos como discípulos de Jesucristo. Como obispo soy EL Pastor de la diócesis, pero ahora raramente tengo la oportunidad de ser parte de la vida diaria de la parroquia. Claro que con alegría y esperanza exalto mi vocación como obispo y entiendo que soy llamado a ver las necesidades más grandes de nuestra diócesis, y es parte de la naturaleza de mi vocación y como no puedo ser parte de la vida diaria de una parroquia extraño la vida parroquial. Aunque no sea parte de la vida diaria de la parroquia, necesito enterarme de las necesidades de mi gente y escuchar sus voces para planear para el futuro y también porque quiero pastorearlos a todos en las enseñanzas de la iglesia y en lo que significa ser un discípulo de Jesucristo. Este septiembre, de hecho, para cuando reciban esta edición de la Conexión católica “Catholic Connection” ya habré comenzado reuniones en las parroquias para poder buscar juntos cuales son las prioridades y necesidades en la Diócesis de Shreveport. Estas reuniones serán una oportunidad para que yo escuche su diálogo primeramente de lo que aman de la Iglesia y las dificultades que tienen viviendo nuestra fe Católica en estos tiempos. Segundo, para dialogar e imaginar lo que podemos hacer en el futuro en nuestras parroquias y en nuestra diócesis para llevar a cabo la Misión de Jesus de proclamar la Buena Nueva a todo el mundo y construir el Reino de Dios en el Norte de Luisiana. Esta es mi oportunidad de escuchar cuáles son sus alegrías así como sus desafíos y ver cuál es su esperanza para el futuro de su parroquia y de la diócesis. Mi esperanza es que estas reuniones generen nuevas ideas para el futuro que surgirán de ustedes mismos, de su vida y experiencias de vida de fe en este mundo moderno. Otra de mis esperanzas es que al platicar juntos sobre estos problemas restauraremos estas conversaciones llenas de fe en nuestras parroquias sobre lo que significa ser Católico y cómo podemos restaurar las verdades más importantes de nuestra fe hacia el centro de nuestra vida parroquial y 4 Catholic Connection
diocesana. Al final de este proceso, en la primavera, espero escribir una Carta Pastoral a todas las parroquias de la diócesis anunciando los resultados de estas reuniones y un plan espiritual práctico para que la diócesis cumpla la Misión de Cristo de proclamar la Buena Nueva de Jesucristo y construir juntos el Reino de Dios. Busquen cuando será la sesión de Elevar la Misión en su parroquia y participen. El horario para septiembre y octubre está publicado en la revista este mes en la página 30, y debe ser anunciado en sus parroquias. Pueden ver todo el horario de “Elevando la Misión” en la página de internet: www.dioshpt.org ahí también pueden bajar la información que les ayudará a prepararse para la reunión. Para recibir más información, contacten a Dianne Rachal al Centro Católico al 318-868-4441 o en su correo electrónico drachal@ dioshpt.org Esta será mi oportunidad de reflexionar junto con ustedes sobre el futuro de nuestra diócesis. Ruego porque estos momentos juntos nos ayuden a ver la realidad de las fortalezas y necesidades de nuestra diócesis. Que Dios, nuestro Padre amoroso envíe la gracia del Espíritu Santo a guiarnos e inspirarnos durante este proceso juntos. •
bishop’s REFLECTION by Bishop Michael G. Duca
Embracing the Mission: Beginning Parish Visits
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ven though you might deny it in August, there is no denying in September (maybe not officially but certainly according to my schedule) that summer is over. I know this because a wonderful rhythm has started: the school year has begun, vacations are mostly over, parish schools of religion are registering children and the meetings of everyday parish and civic life are in action once again. The best part of this time of year for me as your bishop is that it creates opportunities for me to be with you in the parish and reconnect with the rhythm of life in the diocese from border to border. This connection with the people of the diocese is a part of my life as a bishop that is very different from Bishop Duca my life as a parish priest. As a parish priest every day I was invited into the lives of my parishioners, the needs of the parish, into moments of prayer, gatherings for Mass or confession. I was immediately present to my parishioners every day which gave me a daily understanding of what their struggles were, how we were doing as a parish family and how I was called that day to walk with them, to pastor them in the teachings of the Church and guide them as disciples of Jesus Christ. As a bishop I am THE Pastor of the diocese, but I seldom have the opportunity to be part of daily parish life anymore. Understand, I gladly and hopefully embrace my vocation as bishop and I understand that I am called to look at the bigger picture of the needs of our diocese, and so it is part of the nature of my vocation that I am unable to be a part of daily parish life; but I do miss the life of a parish priest. Even though I am not a part of daily parish life, I do need to be aware of the needs of my people and to listen to their voices as we plan for the future and as I seek to pastor all of you in the teachings of the Church and in what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. This September, in fact by the time you receive this edition of the Catholic Connection, I will have begun to hold parish meetings in our diocesan churches so we can consider together what our priorities and needs are in the Diocese of Shreveport. These meetings will be an opportunity for me to listen to you discuss together first what you love about your Church and the difficulties you have in living your Catholic faith today and then, secondly, to discuss and imagine what we can do in the future in our parishes and in our diocese to carry out the mission of Jesus to proclaim the Good News to all the world and to build up the Kingdom of God in North Louisiana. This is my opportunity to hear what your joys and challenges are and to see what your hopes are for your parish and the diocese in the future. My hope is that these meetings will generate new ideas for the future that rise out of your real life experiences living the faith in the modern world. Another hope of mine is that in talking together about these issues we will restore faith-filled conversations in our parishes about what it means to be Catholic and how can we restore the most important truths of our
faith to the center of our parish and diocesan life. At the end of this process, in the spring, I will write a pastoral letter to all parishioners in the diocese announcing the results of these meetings and a spiritual and practical plan for our diocese to carry out the mission of Christ to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and build up the Kingdom of God. Find out when the Embracing the Mission meeting is in your parish and participate. The schedule for the September and October parish meetings are published in this issue of the magazine on page 30, and should be announced in your parishes. You can view all the scheduled Embracing the Mission dates by visiting our website, www.dioshpt.org. There you can also download information to help you prepare for the meeting. If you would like more information, contact Dianne Rachal at the Catholic Center, 318-868-4441, or drachal@dioshpt.org. This will be my opportunity to consider with you the future of our diocese. I pray that these times together will give all of us a realistic insight into the strengths and needs of our diocese. May God our Loving Father send the grace of the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire us in this process together. • September 2015 5
mike’s meditations by Mike Van Vranken
You Have the Power
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ach of us has been given the power to bless or to curse, but because we haven’t explored that power, we very often harm or wound people without even knowing it. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue;” Proverbs 18:21 (NAB) A quick survey of the creation story in Genesis chapter 1 reveals the words “God said” eight different times. He said: “Let there be light, a dome, water, vegetation, lights in the dome of the sky, abundance of living creatures, and finally, human beings.” In short, God created the universe with words. He spoke it into existence. Now whether you believe the creation story in Genesis is literally explained or metaphorically Van Vranken described, either way, we can meditate endlessly on the power and dynamism of the words we say. Consider this scripture: “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) Briefly think of a time when someone spoke words to you that pierced like a sword; that wounded you deeply. Think about the pain, the emotional trauma and your response to it all. Now, put those thoughts away forever, and think about a time when someone spoke encouraging and supporting words to you. Think about someone telling you how much you mean to them, how you inspire them. How did those words make you feel? How much healing and comfort did they bring? What was your response to those positive and loving words? A short exercise like that helps us understand how the writer of Proverbs could say: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our words literally can cause terrible suffering. They can snuff out someone else’s energy. They can destroy a person’s attitude and suck the life out of many of their plans. It brings a different understanding to the fifth commandment: You shall not kill. Have I ever killed someone’s dreams or destroyed their hope by the words I’ve spoken? How can we leverage the power of our tongue to only bless and affirm others? • Think every word through before speaking. It’s very counter to today’s culture, but it is also very helpful to our passion to be Christ-like. • Listen with interest and compassion. It is difficult to say something hurtful when our hearts are full of compassion. • Make sure every word you say benefits someone, or don’t say them. We have a responsibility to bless and not to curse. We have stewardship over our bodies, including our tongues. None of us want to injure anyone, yet we all have said words we would love to take back; I know I have! Let’s transform our lives today by making sure the words we speak create life just like the words God spoke when He created the universe. • Mike is a writer and teacher, and co-author of the book: Faith Positive in a Negative World. You can contact him at www.mikevanvrankenministries.org
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MONTHLY REFLECTIONS How can we leverage the power of our tongue to only bless and affirm others? Think every word through before speaking. It’s very counter to today’s culture, but it is also very helpful to our passion to be Christ-like. “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak” James 1:19 (NAB)
Listen with interest and compassion. It is difficult to say something hurtful when our hearts are full of compassion. “Put on then, heartfelt compassion” Colossians 3:12 (NAB)
Make sure every word you say benefits someone, or don’t say them. “No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such that it may impart grace to those who hear” Ephesians 4:29 (NAB)
in REVIEW by Jessica Rinaudo
Pope Francis and the New Vatican
Photographs by Dave Yoder & Essays by Robert Draper
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ope Francis and the New Vatican is a “coffee table” style book published by National Geographic. It combines the work of writer Robert Draper and photographer Dave Yoder, to bring stunning photos and well-written essays on both the Vatican and Pope Francis into one beautiful tome. This book is a feast for the eyes. While it sat on my desk waiting to be reviewed, nearly every person who walked into my office gravitated toward the book, picked it up and smiled as they turned the pages and drank in the beautiful photos that depicted both the traditional beauty of the Vatican and the tender moments of Pope Francis with the people. The book’s essays look at Pope Francis’ past and how his papacy is changing the outlook of the Catholic Church. The writings are bookended by gorgeous photos and quotes by Pope Francis, making this book great for sitting down to read, or for a quick scan. The first essay juxtaposes Pope Francis’ humble approach to the papacy with how the world has come to view the Catholic Church: wrapped in tradition and palaces and distant from real people. It c ites Francis’ many instances of side stepping tradition in favor of taking the quieter approach, the way that helps the every day person and the person in need. The second essay looks at his former life, both as a boy in Argentina and as the endearing “Padre Jorge.” It also discusses his priestly formation as a Jesuit and accusations of Marxism and Communism, refuting those charges, as well explaining his Jesuit “exile” prior to being named Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In the essay, “The Tradition of the Vatican,” Draper takes a look at the many symbols and rituals associated with the Vatican, and gives a brief history of it including its physical structure, its status as a sovereign nation, the Swiss guards and its
long line of mostly Italian popes. It doesn’t shy away from the violence, war, scandal and crusades that have left both ugly scars and hope in the wake of the Vatican and office of pope. The essay, though brief, is informative and explains the efforts made by popes to both bring the Church current with the world through the Second Vatican Council, and to bring a more welcoming face to the world with help from Pope John Paul II and now Pope Francis. “A Changing World,” opens up with a description of the canonization of Popes John Paul II and John XXIII. It explains how the Church has employed technology to bring the pope to a large number of Catholics, including many young lay Catholics, priests and nuns. Draper says, “The pope – especially this pope – knows how to draw a crowd.” It discusses the changes Pope Francis has made, such as removing the glass around the popemobile and embracing the disabled, that have led the world to dub him the “available pope.” He also continues to emphasize that the Catholic Church should be for the poor and it should actively seek them out. Beginning this book, I was skeptical about what the “New Vatican” was, but was happy to read that Draper identifies it not as a change in doctrine, but as a fresh, approachable, welcoming version of the Catholic Church through the arms and words of its beloved pope. While it’s tempting to scan past the essays and stare at the book’s abundant stunning photography, printed in large scale and photographed by Yoder in such a way that it makes the viewer feel a part of the moment, the essays are worth the time to read. Through them you get not only a feel for the Vatican and how important its historical trek and tradition has been throughout the world, but you get to know Pope Francis, the available pope – just in time for his visit to the United States. •
"His impact on the world thus far is as impossible to miss as it is impossible to measure. More than any figure in recent memory, Francis has kindled a spiritual spark among not only Catholics but also other Christians, those of other faiths, and even nonbelievers. " Pope Francis and the New Vatican
Pope Francis and the New Vatican is available through shop.nationalgeographic.com, Amazon.com, and the Slattery Library in the Catholic Center.
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faithful FOOD by Kim Long
A Shift in Perspective Find the Time and Space to Relax, Think and Pray
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ecently I embarked on a different kind of journey and, like all journeys, it yielded both interior and exterior results. For months I wanted to rearrange my entire house. One day I decided to go for it Long and by the end of a long, exhausting and exhilarating weekend, I almost had a new house: the living room had become a spacious dining room for my table and ALL the chairs. The once crowded kitchen is now open and inviting, a place I can come home to, make a cup of coffee, sink down in the old comfy chair and transition from office to sanctuary. My old bedroom had been emptied, cleaned, and is now a cozy living room. I have claimed the smaller, catch-all bedroom in the back filling it with only the essentials. I didn’t move, but I did move things around and in doing that my life is changing. A shift in perspective is sometimes all I need. Nothing new was purchased although I gained a lot; by purging things Sweet Potato Hash Ingredients: • 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes • 1 onion (I like red onions) • 1 ½ cup spinach leaves • 2 tablespoons oil (olive or coconut) Directions: 1) Peel and cut up sweet potatoes in small “chunks.” Finely chop the onion. 2) Heat the oil in a skillet (I used a large black iron skillet) on medium flame. 3) Add onions and sauté until they 8 Catholic Connection
which no longer served me, stuff that was weighing me down. Oh I still have plenty of stuff (and books) but they feel different now, more like companions, and less like possessions. Life is short and I want to be surrounded by things I enjoy. I desired a bit of serenity rather than clutter in my small home. My interior landscape is also different; it is changing! Rather than putting my prayers off until they are at emergency level, I now have time and space in which to relax and think, time to have a cup of coffee and invite God to sit with me and I find words are not always necessary. I didn’t realize how crowded my life had become. I sleep better and wake up rested and filled with gratitude that God has given me another day. One of my sons joked with me asking if he thought we each had a small amount of “hoarder” mentality. I bristled slightly at that remark. Maybe we do, I told him but here is why I hold onto “stuff:” I may
need it one day, or I may not have money to replace this (whatever the object may have been!) I had better just save it. He asked me what the difference was now and I laughed and said well it certainly isn’t more money, I just don’t feel as desperate or scared about the future as I did when I was younger. As the words came out of my mouth I thought about the story of the Israelites and the manna which has for me been about trust rather than food. They were a people on the run with only what they could carry and no time or means to sow and reap food. They were surely tempted to take more than a daily portion. I understood and was guilty of the same thing, holding onto everything. I offer this recipe today because begin to go translucent. on that exhaustive and exhilirating 4) Add the potatoes and turn flame weekend when my house was turned down a bit (we don’t want potatoes to upside down, these ingredients were scorch), and put a lid on the skillet. all I had in the fridge. I “trusted” the combination would be delicious and 5) Check frequently and turn mixture it was! Season to your taste. Aside with a spoon to prevent sticking. from my usual “trinity” of red pepper, You may add some water or stock if sea salt and powdered garlic I find needed (I didn’t but if you do just add sweet potatoes also pair well with a a half cup). little cumin and salt. • 6) When potatoes are soft, add washed spinach leaves and put top Kim Long is the Director of Religious back on and continue cooking for Education at St. Mary of the Pines about ten minutes. Parish in Shreveport.
domestic CHURCH by Katie Sciba
The Pope at Home
God and Father of us all, in Jesus, your Son and our Savior, you have made us your sons and daughters in the family of the Church.
World Meeting of Families
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atholicism is a faith of remarkable depth. From our knowledge of and love for Jesus, innumerable teachings emerge all directing us to eternal life with God. This world is temporary, the Church teaches us, and the one beyond is worth setting our sights and lives on. Scripture Sciba from Genesis all the way to the great wedding feast in Revelation emphasize over and over the nature of human life as an image of God. Not only is each individual made in His image, but the family as well. Just as the love between the Father and the Son begets the Holy Spirit, so too from the love of husband and wife comes a child. The family is made to reflect the love and life-giving nature of God not only spiritually, but physically as well. Families serve as the most basic unit of society - necessarily its foundation - and if a culture’s foundations are under attack by the culture itself, then we the people are both perpetrator and victim in a downward spiral. We are in desperate need of a pickme-up and a set-me-straight. Enter Pope Francis. The timing of Pope Francis’s visit is significant - just a couple of months ago same sex marriage was legalized nationwide, while at the same time the horrors of abortion and Planned Parenthood’s agenda are being revealed by one undercover video after the other. The pope’s coming is a gift in itself, but consider the whole focus of his visit: The World Meeting of Families. I can’t help but hope the whole event will educate and encourage American Catholics. No, it won’t be a week that magically transforms the entire U.S., but it will underscore the inestimable value of the family as a divine institution. Most of us NWLA Catholics will be at our homes during this momentous
Prayer for World Meeting of Families
photo by Alfredo Borba
occasion, but we can still participate despite the distance. I was thrilled to find ample resources and activities through the World Meeting of Families website (worldmeeting2015.org) as well as a site devoted to Pope Francis’ schedule during his time in the States (popefrancisvisit. com). There is an official icon for the WMOF that depicts Jesus as a child surrounded by Mary, St. Joseph, and Sts. Anne and Joachim, his grandparents. Jesus extends his small right hand in a blessing, which is positioned at the very center of the image. The icon is available for order or you could print a small copy for the fridge or bulletin board. Additionally, there is an official prayer for families that could easily be added to dinnertime or bedtime. A more weighty resource is a document called “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” that details 10 aspects of Catholic family living from what we were created to be, the love necessary for our homes, to the light we should bring to others. Catholics are historically brave and protected by the Holy Spirit. With this knowledge, we should press on in faith, determined to preserve the sanctity in each of our domestic churches. The upcoming visit from Pope Francis to the United States should encourage us. We live in a broken world, but we can reflect the beauty and wholeness of Christ as hope. • Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife.net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and four children.
May your grace and love help our families in every part of the world be united to one another in fidelity to the Gospel. May the example of the Holy Family, with the aid of your Holy Spirit, guide all families, especially those most troubled, to be homes of communion and prayer and to always seek your truth and live in your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!
worldmeeting2015.org popefrancisvisit.com September 2015 9
from the POPE from Vatican Information Services
Jesus Counters Market Logic with the Logic of Giving
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atican City, July 26, 2015 (VIS) – Pope Francis appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He commented on the day’s Gospel passage, which narrates “the great sign of the multiplication of the Pope Francis loaves”, when Jesus finds Himself on the shores of the Sea of Galilee surrounded by the multitude, drawn by the “signs He was performing on the sick.” Francis remarked that God’s merciful power acts in Christ, curing every malady of the body and the spirit. But He is not merely a healer, He is also a teacher; He teaches from the “cathedra” represented by the mount and tests His disciples, asking them how they can give food to all the people present. The apostle Philip makes a rapid calculation, confirming that by organizing a collection they could raise at most 200 denari to buy bread, which would not be sufficient to feed 5,000 people. “The disciples reason in ‘market’ terms, but Jesus substitutes the logic of buying with the logic of giving,” explained the Pope. “And at this point Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, presents a boy who offers all he has: five loaves and two fishes, which are certainly not enough for so many people, Andrew says. But this was exactly what Jesus was expecting, and so He tells the disciples to ask the people to be seated, takes the loaves and fishes, blesses them, gives thanks to the Father and distributes them. “These gestures anticipate those of the Last Supper, which gives Jesus’ bread its truest meaning. God’s bread is Jesus Himself. Making Communion 10 Catholic Connection
with Him, we receive His life in us and become children of the heavenly Father and brothers among ourselves. In this communion we encounter Jesus, truly alive and risen! Participating in the Eucharist means entering into Jesus’ logic, the logic of gratuity, of sharing. And poor though we may be, we can all give something. ‘Making Communion’ means drawing from Christ the grace that makes us capable of sharing what we are and what we have with others.” The crowd is astonished by the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves, “but the gift that Jesus offers is the fullness of life for famished mankind. Jesus satisfies not only material hunger, but also the most profound hunger for the meaning of life: our hunger for God. Faced with suffering, loneliness, poverty and the difficulties of so many people, what can
God is capable of multiplying our little gestures of solidarity and letting us participate in His gift. we do? Complaining resolves nothing, but we can offer what little we have, like the boy in the Gospel. We all surely have a little time, some kind of talent, some kind of expertise to offer. Who among us does not have their ‘five loaves and two fishes?’ We all have it! If we are willing to place it in the Lord’s hands, it would be enough to bring to the world a little more love, peace, justice and above all, joy. How much we are in need of joy in the world! God is capable of multiplying our little gestures of solidarity and letting us participate in His gift.” •
In the of
Words
Pope Francis
“Caring for the environment means an attitude of human ecology. In other words, we cannot say: the person and Creation, the environment, are two separate entities. Ecology is total, it is human. This is what I wanted to express in the Encyclical Laudato si: that you cannot separate humanity from the rest; there is a relationship of mutual impact, and also the rebound effect when the environment is abused.” (Meeting on Climate Change and Modern Slavery 7/22/15) “These two verbs, to see and to have compassion, configure Jesus as the Good Shepherd. But His compassion is not merely a human sentiment: it is the emotion of the Messiah in whom God’s tenderness is made flesh. And from this compassion there emerges Jesus' desire to nourish the crowd with the bread of His Word, that is, to teach the Word of God to the people. Jesus sees, Jesus has compassion, and Jesus teaches.” (Angelus 7/19/15) “Shrines are places of festival, of encounter, of family. We come to present our needs. We come to give thanks, to ask forgiveness and to begin again. How many baptisms, priestly and religious vocations, engagements and marriages, have been born at the feet of our Mother? How many tearful farewells? We come bringing our lives, because here we are at home and it is wonderful to know there is someone waiting for us.” (Shrine of Caacupe in Paraguay 7/12/15)
navigating the Faith by Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General
Habemus Papam – We Have a Pope!
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am writing this article to help with your preparation for Pope Francis’ visit to the United States of America for the World Synod on Families. What an honor to have the Holy Father, our Universal Pastor, visit us in our country, on our own porch, and be graciously ushered into our living room via social media! I hope this reflection will make his connection to you more meaningful. I hope it enables you to answer questions from our nonCatholic siblings who often have questions about who, what, and why the pope is. The ministry and office of the pope begins with Jesus Christ, our Lord. “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter said in reply, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’ Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Messiah.” (Matthew 16: 15 – 20) Our Lord Himself instituted the ministry and office of the pope. Peter answers our Lord’s inquiry on behalf of his brother disciples. Peter confesses our Lord’s identity by divine revelation (“my heavenly Father”), not by mere human deduction. Jesus confirms the work of His Father in Peter, the disciples and their successors (future popes and bishops). One of their primary functions is to bear witness that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. From Saint Peter to our current Pope Francis, there has been an unbroken succession of popes given to us by invocation of the Holy Spirit, who has graced us with ministry and witness of 266 Universal Pastors. In Eucharistic Prayer I (The Roman Canon), immediately following the names of the Apostles, there are the names of five popes who succeeded St. Peter: Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus and Cornelius. This litany acknowledges and praises the Father whose providence gave us these shepherds. These men and their ministry is important to Our Lord, the Church, and our eternal salvation. God, our Eternal Father, sent us His only begotten Son (John 3:16). There is a wonderful exchange between Jesus and Philip the Apostle to help us understand why the Father sent Jesus, our Lord. “Philip said to him, ‘Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘show us the Father’?” (John 14: 8 & 9) Every human has an innate desire to know and be in communion with the One Eternal God. Every created soul needs a theophany, an unquestionable manifestation of God. God shows us His authentic self in the person and ministry of Christ Jesus. Jesus, in His turn, continues to make Himself present to us in the breaking of the bread, opening of the Scriptures, and the ministry of His Church. In an important way, He makes Himself tangible to us in the ministry and person of Peter and his successors. A sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible reality instituted by Christ, to
(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Bureau)
give grace. Love is an invisible/intangible reality. It expresses itself in visible/tangible forms: the marital covenant between a man and a woman, wedding bands, children, boxes of chocolates, bass boats, Valentine’s Day cards, an embrace, etc. Catholic theologians have expressed Jesus as the sacrament of the Father. He is the visible sign of the Eternal Father sent to the world to give grace. From Simon Peter to Pope Francis, we have that visible manifestation of Christ. At the Lord’s institution, they are His authentic, unwavering, infallible witnesses. In their appointed day and time, they are divinely chosen and appointed authentic attesters that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. That’s why they are always visiting, touching and being present to people, especially those most in need. They faithfully and authentically show the world, and us, the face and ministry of Jesus. With their brother bishops, they proclaim Jesus as the Father’s salvation to the world in visible and tangible expressions. The reason the pope is so important to the Church and world, is that he is consecrated by God to represent and re-present Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. • September 2015 11
second COLLECTIONS by Fr. Rothell Price
The Catholic University of America & World Mission Sunday Special Collection for OCtober:
World Mission Sunday Collection Dates: October 17 & 18 Bulletin and Oral Announcement Dates: October 4 & 11
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Special Collection for September:
The Catholic University of America Collection Dates: September 5th & 6th Bulletin and Oral Announcement Dates: August 23rd & 30th
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his second collection provides funding for academic scholarships at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. in response to the commitment made by the bishops of the U.S. when The Catholic University of America was established in 1887. It is the only U.S. university with Pontifical faculties. Students are enrolled from all 50 states and almost 100 countries in 12 schools. The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States, located in Washington D.C. It provides an academically rigorous education guided by Catholic intellectual tradition Price to nearly 7,000 students every year. More than 4,000 students directly receive scholarship aid from this Collection, including many from our diocese. While The Catholic University of America is not the only Catholic institution of higher learning in the U.S., it is the only one specifically established by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops with the express purpose of educating Catholic and non-Catholic students in undergraduate and graduate level studies based on a pontifically approved curriculum and faculty. As with Catholic elementary and high schools across our nation, so also with The Catholic University of America, the need for broad-based Catholic support for the life of the school is vital. I thank you in advance for your generous giving to the second collection for The Catholic University of America on Labor Day weekend. • 12 Catholic Connection
hroughout the Church, the month of October is celebrated as Universal Mission Month, culminating in the celebration of World Mission Sunday. A World Mission Collection is taken up on that Sunday to support the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies. In 2015, World Mission Sunday is celebrated October 18. This day is set aside for Catholics worldwide to recommit themselves to the Church’s missionary activity through prayer and sacrifice. This year’s World Mission Sunday theme is “One Eucharistic Celebration for the Entire World!” Your ongoing support is vital to the missionaries serving in 1,150 dioceses throughout Asia, Africa, parts of Latin America and Europe and the Islands of the Pacific. Your generosity makes it possible for local priests, religious men and women and catechists to reach out to communities, families and children in desperate need, bringing the light of Christ to the darkest of circumstances. Each year the needs of the Catholic Church in the Missions grow – as new dioceses are formed, as new seminaries are opened because of the growing number of young men hearing Christ’s call to follow him as priests, as areas devastated by war or natural disaster are rebuilt, and other areas, long suppressed, are opening up to hear the message of Christ and His Church. That is why the involvement and commitment of Catholics from around the world is so urgently needed. • Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Second & Special Collections.
vocations View by Fr. Jerry Daigle, Jr.
Witness to Mercy: The Life of a New Priest
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onths have passed since my priestly ordination and people still tell me how deeply that experience affected them. I know of several who found in that gathering a measure of healing, restoration of faith and renewed desire for the Sacraments. Their hearts, which had before merely smoldered, now burn brightly with love for Jesus Christ. It was a first real experience of the Catholic Church for several Protestant friends, and they left with a new, positive view of our faith and understanding of priesthood. I, of course, walked away a different person, my very being having been changed, configured to Christ the High Priest. I knew that it would be an emotional day, and I wondered exactly when the reality of what was happening would break upon me with full force. I thought it would come at the laying on of hands, but I was mistaken. In the first weeks of seminary, we learned the only vocation of which we could be certain at that point was being a seminarian, and the only call we have actually received from the Church was to priestly formation. If God willed it, the Church would call us to the vocation of priesthood on the day of our ordination. It was the moment when the deacon cried from the sanctuary, “Let Jerry Daigle, Jr., who is to be ordained a priest, come forward,” that I received my true calling to the priesthood. Now, it was no longer merely a supposition or feeling, but the words of Holy Church, announced to the world, echoing from the walls of the cathedral. My rising from the midst of the people and shouting “Present!” was my honest answer to that call. Here I am, Lord. So many years of questions and struggles, study and discovery, yearning and searching reached its culmination when I was “found worthy” of ordination, and heard the words I had so longed to hear: “we choose this man, our brother, for priesthood.” Finally, I had received the gift of vocation to holy priesthood. I was a young teenager when I promised God I would become His priest. When I rose after Bishop’s prayer of ordination, I had only one loving and joyful thought: Father, I have kept my promise. That was quite a few weeks ago, and the intervening time has been filled with many adventures and new experiences. I have dreamt of priesthood for as long as I can remember. Now I find that the reality of it is greater, even during difficult days, than I had ever imagined. I have discovered many challenging and wonderful things in these first months of priesthood. Beyond the holy sacrifice of the Mass, perhaps the most deeply affecting are moments when I clearly recognize God’s use of me as His instrument of forgiveness, healing and restoration. I see it when the Holy Spirit uses something I say in a homily to reveal God’s mercy to someone who was despairing of it. I see it when I administer Anointing of the Sick to someone taking her last breaths, or when someone enters the Sacrament of
Reconciliation distraught and heavily burdened, and exits a visibly new person, buoyant with faith, hope and gratitude. Of all the challenges confronting me, confessions ranked among the most daunting for me. It is such an important experience of healing and conversion that we truly, and somewhat immodestly, desired to be no less effective than St. Jean Marie Vianney, or St. Pio of Pietrelcina, in its administration. I was rather intimidated, but eager to begin. After spending several hours sitting in empty confessionals, and feeling like a failure because no one came, I traveled to Miami to celebrate the Feasts of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts with my spiritual family, the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary. I concelebrated the vigil Mass Friday evening and spent the entire night, until the Saturday morning Mass, hearing confessions. I could not even attempt to count the number. One of my classmates and I had heard of this responsibility beforehand, and we were quite concerned. What would it be like to say Mass, hear non-stop confessions for six or seven hours, and then say another Mass? Would we be broken by the burden of others’ sins, and our own weaknesses? I treasure the photograph taken of us after that morning Mass. We look like we had been through the mill. Our albs, stoles, and hair are in utter disarray, but our eyes are bright and our smiles radiant. We were joyful. We had spent a long night watching miracles of healing and restoration taking place before our own eyes, by the mercy of God expressed through our own words. The Holy Spirit transformed our fear into compassion, and our weakness into His power to forgive and renew. Perhaps that is the best description of what these first months of my priesthood have been like: filled with miracles of God’s great mercy – and it has only just begun. • Are you feeling called to a vocation in the Church? Contact Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Church Vocations at 318-868-4441, or mlong@dioshpt.org
September 2015 13
Meet Our New
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Seminarians!
Seminarian Kevin Mues chats with new seminarians Jeb Key, Raney Johnson and Fidel Mondragon.
he Diocese of Shreveport has seen a boom in men entering seminary over the past five years, and this year is no exception. It is with great joy that we welcome six men entering seminary for our diocese this year, joining ranks with the four who are already in school now, to bring our total up to 10 men. Two of those new young men are currently attending seminary in Mexico (see pg. 22), but the other four are attending seminary at St. Joseph College Seminary and Notre Dame Seminary in south Louisiana. I got the chance to sit down and talk with four of our new seminarians and learn a little bit about their calls to the priesthood. And while each of these men comes from different backgrounds and varied life experiences, the heart of their vocational draw has been the same: that feeling of “something missing,” of God telling them to consider a life of service to His people.
Fidel Mondragon Fidel Mondragon
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by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor
idel Mandragon, a native of Mexico, has been a welcome addition to our seminarian pool, especially as the Diocese of Shreveport experiences a rise in our number of Hispanic Catholics. Meeting their needs is key to helping them sustain their Catholic faith. Fidel’s journey to becoming a seminarian has been a long and winding one. Raised the son of a farming family in Mexico, Fidel’s parents put great stock in their family’s Catholic faith, saying the Rosary together every night. Just making it to Mass was difficult for the family who owned no automobile, so together they would make the one hour trek to the nearest church either on horse or on foot. Fidel would sit on the floor of the church, directly in front of the priest with the other children. “Since I was a little child, I felt I wanted to be a priest, since I was 11 or 12 years old, before I finished my elementary school,” said Fidel. “When I went to Mass with my mom, I saw the priest celebrating the Mass and I said, ‘When I grow up and get older, I want to be a priest.’” The vocational seed was firmly planted in Fidel’s heart from that time on. After completing high school, Fidel still felt called to be a priest, so he visited the seminary for a week of discernment. He spoke with the rector, but had misgivings about leaving home for the first time. In what would become a trend throughout his “When I was sleeping in my bed, and I know I had my girlfriend, but vocational journey, Fidel decided to give I felt something empty. I didn’t feel “plenty,” said Fidel, “but when it “one more year,” and work with his I entered the seminary, I felt “plenty.” father on the farm. 14 Catholic Connection
One more year spiraled out again as, at age 18, Fidel’s brother offered him the opportunity to join him in living in the United States for a short while. He moved in with his brother and his new sister-in-law in Dallas, where he worked for Pilgrim’s Pride. One year fell away and quickly turned into nine years. Fidel, who was actively involved in his Catholic parish’s youth group in Dallas, had girlfriends and eventually began to wonder if his vocational call was to marriage and family. He was confused though, as he still felt like something was missing in his heart. When he was 27, he spoke with two nuns about his dilemma and they told him that once he was married and had taken on that sacrament and started a family, there was no going back, but that he could spend a year at seminary in discernment and leave if that was truly not for him. That way, they told him, if he did get married and start a family, he would not have any doubts or misgivings about what might have been. Fidel followed their advice. He met with the Piaris Fathers, a religious order in Chicago. After a weeklong vocational retreat with them in Miami, he applied to pursue priesthood through their religious order and he was accepted. Over the next two years, Fidel attended seminary in Miami and Mexico. He continued his education in Puerto Rico with the Piaris Fathers. During his studies he observed that the Piaris Fathers primarily worked in the classrooms teaching, a worthy vocation, but not one that spoke to Fidel. “When I was in the classrooms, I wanted to be a diocesan seminarian. I talked to my spiritual director… I said, Father, it is very good the work that you do, that you all do, but I want to be a diocesan priest.” Fidel spoke to his superior, who was very supportive, but asked Fidel to stay with the order one year more. He told him that after a year, if he still wanted to become a diocesan priest, he would assist him in making the transition. Fidel agreed, but after a year he still desired to be a diocesan priest for his diocese in continued on page 17
Jeb Key Jeb Key
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nother transplant to the Diocese of Shreveport is new seminarian Jeb Key. Jeb grew up in Mansfield, TX. In his youth, Jeb was very active in his church and served as an altar server, Eucharistic Minister and lector and participated in his Youth Ministry program. “My childhood priest who I received first Communion and First Confession from was absolutely wonderful. His name was Fr. George Foley and he was actually the first person to ever say to me, ‘Hey, have you ever thought about being a priest?’” said “The priest’s power takes someone who Jeb. He added, “The is drowning in sin and saves them and priesthood was never brings them to Jesus, it’s just amazing to something I could say, ‘Absolutely not, that is me. If that’s what’s God calling me something I have no to do, then I can’t imagine a more interest in doing,’” and so incredibly powerful thing to do.” that thought was always in the back of his mind. During his Sophomore year of high school, Jeb and his family moved to Many, LA, where he attended St. John the Baptist Parish, until his move to the University of Louisiana in Lafayette where Jeb began to pursue his nursing degree. It was during college that Jeb’s call to seminary began to take shape. In December 2014, Jeb attended Mass and was very stressed about his impending finals. “I said, you know God, I don’t know what you want for my life, but I’m having some trouble, maybe you could give me a nudge in the right direction.” During the Mass, the Gospel reading was Jesus calling the disciples to follow him and be fishers of men. “The priest then did his homily on the six reasons men say no to the priesthood and why those reasons aren’t really reasons at all. And that if you have a call to the priesthood, you need to stop ignoring it,” said Jeb. Two months later, around the beginning of Lent, Jeb again went to Mass with a prayerful heart. “I said, alright, well, I guess you’ve already told me you want me to be a priest,” said Jeb, “but, maybe you could give me just one more push in the right direction, just to make sure.” The Gospel reading was the Transfiguration and the homily was on God’s mercy and how it can help with anything. “And then, just as a little side note at the end, the priest said, ‘This can apply to anybody who feels like they might have a call to the priesthood. If you feel like God’s calling you to the priesthood, let’s get on with it,” he said. That day, Jeb met with a priest who directed him to a discernment group of about 10-12 men who were in various stages of discerning their vocational paths. Together they would study a book with Fr. Broussard, a newly ordained priest in Lafayette, and ask any and all questions pertaining to the Church and priesthood. Together they read To Save a Thousand Souls, a book about discerning a priestly vocation. “Reading that book gave me step by step of exactly what I should be doing and what I was feeling,” said Jeb. continued on page 16
September 2015 15
Raney Raney Johnson Johnson
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aney Johnson is a native to Shreveport who grew up attending Our Lady of the Blessed Church and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy. Raney’s childhood priest left a strong and positive impression on him. “Fr. Andre McGrath, probably from the time I was at Blessed Sacrament School until high school, he was always giving talks on vocations, talks that inspired me,” said Raney. “I never told him I wanted to join [the priesthood], but his talks really helped me out. I always felt like he was talking right to me... He was really inspirational to me, his life and how he lived and everything.” Catholic school played another “Being in the middle of family life, large role in Raney’s faith journey. “Being in Catholic school and being there for people, being with their going to Mass every Friday, being families and watching them grow up, able to go to religion classes and getting to marry people, those are openly talk about faith really the aspects I’m most looking helped out and formed me so that forward to.” when I went to public school in high school, I had this religious background and spiritual upbringing where I didn’t feel out of place all the time,” he said. Catholic school was also where Raney first considered priesthood. “I first heard the call when I was in middle school, probably seventh grade,” he said. “One of the sisters of the Holy Family, Sr. Franscella, asked me if I ever considered [priesthood]. That was the first time I really started to think about it.” That question took root in his mind and Raney began to pray about a vocation to the priesthood. “I waited until my confirmation to really look into it. My confirmation was May of my Freshman year. After that I used a website called Vision that matches you with vocations and different religious orders,” he said. “I considered becoming a religious order priest and it matched me with the Franciscans and the Salesians. Up until my senior year I was talking with the Salesians and really considered joining them after high school.” “I would always tell my parents I wanted to be a priest,” said Raney. “My parents were always really supportive of me. They were helpful in me figuring out what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go.” Despite his initial conversations with the Salesian brothers, Raney felt like that wasn’t where he was meant to be, and so he began his studies at Louisiana Tech in journalism and put his vocational call on hold for a while. But beginning with his Sophomore year of college, Raney again began to consider this call again much more strongly. That was when he got in touch with Vocations Director Fr. Long and they began an ongoing conversation. He also began to speak with Brother Mike Ward, who is the Catholic chaplain at Louisiana Tech, and got involved with the Catholic program there, all of which inspired his faith. His conversations with Fr. Long came to fruition upon his graduation from Louisiana Tech this past summer as he applied and was accepted to seminary. Raney began his vocational journey at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans this past August. • 16 Catholic Connection
JEB: continued from pg 15
A month or two after joining the group, Jeb decided to meet with Vocations Director, Fr. Matthew Long. Jeb worried because he had not been discerning his call for long. During his drive to visit with Fr. Long, he prayed for God to tell the priest what he needed to do, and he committed to doing it. After Jeb shared his story, Fr. Long responded by saying, “Well, God is telling me to give you an application.” And from that moment on, Jeb has followed the path God has been leading him down. “It’s really been amazing. As soon as I accepted that this is where I needed to be and this was who God was calling me to be, everything’s been really great,” said Jeb. “I just have this peace about me. Not that I’m not nervous anymore, it’s just easier to accept.” He added, “My parents have always been really supportive. My mom said, ‘This is always kind of where I’ve seen your life going, but I never wanted to pressure you one way or another. Because whatever you want to do is fine with us as long as you’re happy.’” Jeb began attending St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA in August. •
Kelby Tingle Kelby Tingle
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y first thought of priesthood was in eighth grade,” Stations of the Cross. said Kelby. “I remember being at Fr. Charles’ I would work with [Glorioso] reception of his anniversary to the Fr. Peter, and hang priesthood. That was the first time that I thought married life out with him and wasn’t the only thing. There’s something else, something more.” talk with him and In an act of divine providence, said Kelby, Fr. Charles was watch what he does. moved to St. Joseph Church in Shreveport from St. Pius X, And then I would where Kelby’s family attended. “We went to visit Fr. Charles one serve at Stations of day at St. Joseph, and they were having an open house for the the Cross,” he said. school. We walked around and I ended up shadowing the school He continued with my little sister and we immediately fell in love with it.” his work at “There was always something missing in the school I was in, the Cathedral it was public school,” added Kelby. “I didn’t like that bringing up throughout high prayer wasn’t allowed.” school. He began attending St. Joseph School in sixth grade, where This past summer, Kelby says, it felt like home. He got to know Fr. Karl Daigle, pastor at the time. “I could "How beautiful it is to be there during God’s children’s see myself being God’s humble instrument lives, every aspects of their lives from birth, baptism, holy through the sacraments. Seeing Fr. Karl, I communion, first confession, confirmation, every moment of their could see myself in his place.” life, helping them, aiding them and being a servant to them.” Kelby continued his Catholic education at Loyola College Prep. During his Freshman year, he spoke with Vocations Director Fr. Long and met with a small group of young men at Loyola who Fr. Peter encouraged Kelby to join a pilgrimage trip to Rome. had interest in joining the priesthood. There he visited the major basilicas and got to altar serve at St. He also began altar serving at the Cathedral’s Wednesday Peter’s Basilica for five days in a row. They also traveled to St. Mass. There he got to know Cathedral rector, Fr. Peter Mangum. John Berchmans’ tomb, visited the monks and their monastery During his Sophomore year of high school, Kelby began to work there, traveled to where St. Benedict was born and saw many for the Cathedral on a more regular basis. Fr. Peter’s presence other Catholic religious sites. Kelby was impressed by how much in Kelby’s life had a strong impact on his faith and vocational the Catholic church is a part of the Italian landscape, and this call. “He really inspired growth in me and acted as my spiritual trip stoked the flames of his vocational call. director,” said Kelby. Kelby was excited to begin attending St. Joseph College “During Lent we have stations of the cross, every Friday at Seminary in Covington in August. Of seminary, Kelby said, “I’m 5:30. Loyola dismissed at two, and at 2:00 I would leave Loyola definitely looking forward to structured prayer, the community and go over to the Cathedral for the gap between school and of guys hearing the same call as me.” •
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FIDEL: continued from pg 15
Mexico to be near his family. But the Lord had other plans for Fidel. A priest, and later Vocations Director, from the Diocese of Dallas, convinced Fidel that priests were needed in the United States to assist the growing Catholic Mexican population there. “Don’t be in the place that you want to be,” the priest told him, “You be in the place that the people need you.” Fidel agreed to join the Diocese of Dallas for one year to see if he was a good fit. The Diocese of Dallas ended up supporting him for four years while he attended seminary in Mexico. After completing his fourth year, Dallas made many changes in their vocational program and decided to no longer support seminarians in other countries.
With the help of the seminary rector in Mexico, Fidel began to seek another diocese to join while the rector and seminary financially supported his continued education. They looked at several dioceses, but Fidel knew Fr. Rogelio Alcantara who teaches at the seminary and often visits the Diocese of Shreveport. Fr. Rogelio made introductions for Fidel with the Diocese of Shreveport, and Fr. Matthew Long traveled to visit the seminary in Mexico to meet Fidel. Together, and with permission from Bishop Duca, they agreed that Fidel would become a seminarian for the Diocese of Shreveport. Fidel finished his seminarian studies on May 3, and obtained his student visa June 2 to travel to Shreveport. He began attending Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans in August as he prepares to be ordained for the Diocese of Shreveport. • September 2015 17
2015-2016 DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT SEMINARIANS FIDEL MONDRAGON Pastoral Internship
2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 Birthday: September 5 St. Joseph Parish, Mansfield
DUANE TROMBETTA 2nd Year Theology Notre Dame Seminary
2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 Birthday: September 24 Holy Trinity Parish, Shreveport
KEVIN MUES
RANEY JOHNSON
2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118
2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118
Birthday: September 25
Birthday: April 12
1st Year Theology Notre Dame Seminary
Christ the King, ULM, Monroe
1st Year Pre-Theology Notre Dame Seminary
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Shreveport
MARTIN AVILES-VAZQUEZ
STEVEN GRIEGO
75376 River Road P.O. Box 406 St. Benedict, LA 70457
75376 River Road P.O. Box 442 St. Benedict, LA 70457
Birthday: February 3
Birthday: July 31
JEFFERY (JEB) KEY
KELBY TINGLE
75376 River Road P.O. Box 478 St. Benedict, LA 70457 Birthday: August 4
75376 River Road P.O. Box 552 St. Benedict, LA 70457
Geovanni Aguirre
Omar Lopez
Calle Ignacio Allende No. 367, Col. Tlalpan C.P. 14000, Mexico City, Mexico
Calle Ignacio Allende No. 367, Col. Tlalpan C.P. 14000, Mexico City, Mexico
Birthday: May 20
Birthday: July 11
3rd Year College - ELS St. Joseph Seminary College
St. Thomas Aquinas, Ruston
3rd Year College St. Joseph Seminary College
St. John the Baptist, Many
1st Year College Seminary of St. Mary of Guadalupe
San José de Gracia, San José de Gracia, Jalisco, México 18 Catholic Connection
3rd Year College St. Joseph Seminary College
Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport
1st Year College St. Joseph Seminary College
Birthday: August 1
Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport
1st Year College Seminary of St. Mary of Guadalupe
Nuestra Señora de San Juan, Degollado, Jalisco, Mexico
local NEWS
Society of St. Vincent de Paul to Host First Western Deanery Banquet by Brian Burgess
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he Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is committed to offering person-toperson service to the poor and those in need across the Diocese of Shreveport. We are blessed to be able to do this work, but we need help! We find that although a great number of people have heard of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, there is less knowledge about exactly what the Society does. As part of an overall campaign to raise awareness of the Society, the Diocesan Council of Shreveport invites you to our First Annual Banquet, hosted by the Western Deanery Society of St. Vincent de Paul, on September 10, 2015 at St. Vincent’s Hall at Loyola College Prep. The banquet is intended to raise awareness of the Society and our service in Shreveport-Bossier City and across the entire diocese, as well as raise funds in order to continue our service to those in need in our communities. A couple of noteworthy facts: The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Shreveport ranks fourth nationally in terms of the percentage of church parishes who have active conferences. In addition, Catholic Digest ranked the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as number one in the “The Top Five Charities You Should Know About”. We hope you can join us, Bishop Michael Duca and Master of Ceremonies, Fr. Peter Mangum at the Banquet on September 10, 2015. This will be a great opportunity to spend an evening with Bishop Duca and learn more about the works of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Our keynote speaker is Ralph Middlecamp. Mr. Middlecamp is one of five members of the International Commission of the Council General for the canonization of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He is a national Vincentian speaker and serves as the Executive Director of the SVdP Council in Madison, WI. As a spiritually committed man of service, he will inspire us to search in our hearts the desire to serve others. Each Banquet attendee will receive a SVdP key chain that has been blessed by Pope Francis. Additionally, there will be limited edition holy cards available depicting the beautiful portrait of St. Vincent de Paul that is located at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. The Banquet is co-chaired by Bernadette Boyd and Dotye Sue Stanford, and the St. Vincent de Paul Diocesan Council of Shreveport would like to thank them both along with all the Banquet committee members for their service in hosting this event. Bernadette states, “As co-chair of the banquet, I am blessed to be working with the spiritually committed men and women of SVdP. They have each inspired me to be more compassionate in serving others in our community.” Information regarding this exciting event is in the sidebar. Please make your reservations early, as seating is limited. •
Date: September 10, 2015 Place: St. Vincent’s Hall at Loyola College Prep Time: Registration 5:30 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Program 7:15 p.m. Reservations due by September 8, 2015 $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight Catered by Silver Star Music by Shreveport Festival String Quartet Sponsorships are also available For questions please call 318-549-2975 Visit our website at: www.svdpshreveport.org Like us on Facebook
Brian Burgess is the President of the local Society of St. Vincent de Paul Chapter.
September 2015 19
SVdP Hosts Two Events in the East to Help the Poor by Randy Smith
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any of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul conferences in Northeast Louisiana are preparing for two special events in September: the Annual Poor Man’s Supper which benefits the SVdP Community Pharmacy in downtown Monroe, and the Second Annual Northeast Louisiana Friends of the Poor Walk, the proceeds of which benefit participating SVdP conferences in Northeast Louisiana. The Poor Man’s Supper will be held on Wednesday, September 30 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in Jesus the Good Shepherd School gym in Monroe, while the Friends of the Poor Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 at the St. Frederick High School track in Monroe. Walk registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. The conference designated by each individual walker will receive any pledges donated in that particular walker’s name. Proceeds will be used to support the work of the Society in serving the poor in Northeast Louisiana. The Poor Man’s Supper is a longstanding institution in the Ouachita Parish area with individuals providing large containers of soup and gumbo for the evening. There will also be a live and silent auction and a “split-thepot” raffle along with much fun and fellowship. A $10 donation per person will be graciously accepted for the meal. Bishop Duca will be in attendance again this year. Last year some $21,000 was raised for the pharmacy. The goal this year is $25,000. Always active in the event are the children who attend Jesus the Good Shepherd School, and they are expected to vigorously participate again this year. In the 16 years the pharmacy has been in existence and managed by John Biglane and various volunteers, some $17,000,000 dollars in free non20 Catholic Connection
narcotic pharmaceuticals have been distributed to those in need. As for the Friends of the Poor Walk, some $6,500 was raised during the kickoff event in 2014. Organizers are hoping to significantly exceed that amount this year. For those desiring to contribute online prior to the Walk, the pertinent website is www.svdpusa.net/ fop/. • Randy Smith is the co-facilitator for the NE Louisiana SVdP Friends of the Poor Walk.
Passing the Faith to Our Children by Shelly Bole
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arishes and Catholic schools faithfully offer “religion” or “PSR” classes. Parents bring their children to participate in these programs. How do parents know if their child is becoming closer to Jesus? How does the parish/church know that the essential elements of our faith are being taught? Two years ago, the Office of Catechesis created “Catechetical Goals” for each grade level starting at Pre K-3 all the way through high school. In addition, the “Go to Guide for Parents and Guardians” was created to assist parents in their role as the
primary catechists. This year we have begun developing assessments for the Scripture stories and prayers that are to be learned, according to the “Catechetical Goals,” for each grade level. Assessments are used to provide feedback to ensure that the programs children are participating in are building each child’s knowledge and understanding of their faith. Additionally, the assessments are to ensure children are encouraged in the development of their faith and, ultimately, in their love of Jesus and the Church. continued on page 21.
Catholic Charities: The First Five Years by Jean Dresley
So as you go about your days, if you happen to know a volunteer, staff or board member, be sure to give them a high five for five years of serving our community, and as always please remember us in your thoughts and prayers. Oh, and if you feel inclined to make a monetary gift in celebration of our five year anniversary, we take denominations of five, too! • continued from page 20
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t is difficult to believe Catholic Charities is FIVE years old! It seems like just yesterday that Bishop Duca hired me to start Catholic Charities. I remember well that very first day, feeling both excitement about what lay ahead and some trepidation about whether I could accomplish everything I was hired to do. Our mission is to bring Christ’s message of love to the poor and vulnerable by providing quality social services to families and individuals without discrimination and in accordance with Catholic Social Teachings and professional standards. Over the last five years we have established several programs: Emergency Assistance, Financial Education “the Money School,” Gabriel’s Closet, Immigration Integration, English as a Second Language, Healthy Eating on a Budget and even a small emergency food pantry and a Gentlemen’s Closet. Our staff has also grown from one to 10. We have opened a second office in Lake Providence run by an amazing group of volunteers, and will be opening a third office in Monroe later this fall. Most importantly, we have served many thousands of individuals and families in need. All of our programs are geared towards reaching out and offering a hand to those who want it. Education is a key component of each of our programs because we believe that unless we are introducing our clients to knowledge essential for their success in life, then we
are not doing our job. I believe an equally important aspect is our mission to live out the Gospel message that Jesus gave us. “Amen, I say to you, whatsoever you did to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40. Each day at Catholic Charities we work to be the hands and feet of our Church and our Lord. We can do this only through
“Education is a key component of each of our programs... ” the grace of God and spirit-filled staff, volunteers and Board of Directors. Another important aspect is to provide opportunities for everyone to participate in this work by sharing their special gifts. We certainly couldn’t fulfill our mission without our generous donors who help us keep our doors open, but neither could we help so many people without our dedicated volunteers who share their time and talents, whether through a warm welcome to whomever rings our doorbell, teaching a class to a large group or mentoring an individual.
Catholic Charities of North Louisiana 331 East 71st Street Shreveport, LA 71106 318-865-0200 • www.ccnla.org
“The goal of all Catechesis is to put people in touch and in communion with Jesus Christ.” National Direction of Catechesis 19B These assessments are not tests in the traditional sense. Catechists are going to be able to determine the impact of their teaching based on the child’s understanding. Catechists will then share each child’s assessment outcome with their parents or guardians. Sharing with the parents will allow them, as the primary catechists, to actively pass on the faith by seeing what their children are learning from their religion or PSR classes. There is yet another level to these assessments. They provide the Parish Catechetical Leader a concrete way to monitor what is being taught. In turn, the diocesan Office of Catechesis is able to ensure that catechesis across the diocese is consistent and comprehensive for each child. We are providing training seminars to all catechists (Pre K-3 through 12) on these goals and assessments. These training seminars will provide catechists with tools for using the goals and assessments in their religion or PSR classes to teach the faith. Registration has already begun for these training seminars which will be offered on two dates in September at five different locations to suit each catechist with locations convenient to them. More information about these training seminars can be found on our website at http://www.dioshpt.org/ ministries/catechesis/. To register please go to tinyurl.com/ cattraining2015 • September 2015 21
Diverse Fall Festival in West Monroe by Bonny Van
Hispanic Priests: A Prayer Answered by Fr. Matthew Long
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e need more priests!” This is the constant refrain I hear wherever I go. In order to have more priests we need more seminarians, which is my primary ministry in the diocese. Therefore, no matter where I am, this refrain is always in the back of my mind. A primary component of my vocation work is prayer. In 2012, I dedicated my work to the patronage of the Immaculate Conception. In that same year I began praying through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor to increase our number of seminarians. In 2014, I traveled to Washington, D.C. and visited the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. As I moved from altar to altar in the main church, I arrived at the shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. There, kneeling before that image, I asked Our Lady to intercede on behalf of the Diocese of Shreveport and increase our number of seminarians. Thanks be to God, Our Lady has responded. On December 12, 2014, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I talked with Fidel Mondragon for the first time (pg. 14). I then traveled with seminarian Martin Aviles Vazquez to Mexico City in February of 2015 to meet Fidel. While there I also met two other young men who were seeking to answer God’s call to priesthood: Omar Lopez Aguirre and Geovanni Aguirre Hernandez (pg. 18) Together we treked across Mexico City to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There I gazed upon the image given to us by God of His Mother. It was there God answered my prayers for an increase in seminarians through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Today we are blessed to have 10 seminarians, four of whom are Hispanic, studying for our diocese. They will meet a growing need in the Church in North Louisiana. I thank God and His Blessed Mother for this. •
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all in Louisiana means going back to school, football and festivals. And, at St. Paschal Catholic Church in West Monroe, that means parishioners are gearing up for the annual Herbal Harvest and Original Arts and Crafts Festival, now celebrating it’s 24th year. “The purpose of the event is to showcase local artisans and their wares. We do have some crafts people come from other parts of Louisiana and as far away as Texas and Arkansas,” says Pat Regan, who co-chairs the festival with his wife Alice. “Last year we had more than 50 vendors participate. This year, we’re reaching for 75.” The booths, which are set up around the parking lot and gymnasium, will feature such items as art, wood work items, homemade soap, handmade jewelry, hand-crocheted goods, Christmas wreaths, hand thrown pottery, custom furniture, handmade wooden bowls, and food items such as preserves and jellies. “We put a lot of emphasis on vendors having original artisan craftwork,” Regan says. Besides the arts and crafts, live music and food, the real stars of this event are parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme… to name a few of the herbs that will be available to festival goers. “We sell live herbs from Louisiana Tech and we have a committee that sells live herbs of all kinds,” says Regan. Not bad considering this is only the 22 Catholic Connection
second year the church has hosted the event. The festival began 22 years ago at St. Patrick Episcopal Church in West Monroe. However, the church could no longer continue providing the manpower or space to host it. “They were going to give up the festival, but three years ago they approached us to take it over,” says Regan. “When it was brought to us, my first reaction was, ‘I liked it’,” says Fr. Frank Coens, pastor at St. Paschal. “It was a chance for us, as a community, to work together for a single goal. It’s been successful for more than 20 years. It draws a lot of people. And, I’m pleased with how our parishioners have gotten involved in it.” Regan says more than 100 parishioners help with the Herbal Harvest Festival, and many have been hard at work getting ready for the big event which attracted around 1,000 festival goers last year, St. Paschal’s first year as host. “What we learned from last year is that there is a hunger in our community for an event that celebrates the artisans of our area,” says Regan. • The 24th Annual Herbal Harvest and Arts and Crafts Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 24th from 9am-3:30pm at St. Paschal Catholic Church, 711 N. 7th Street, West Monroe. Admission is free.
Jubilee of Mercy December 8, 2015
- November 20, 2016
Jubilee Year Holy Doors by Dianne Rachal
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n March 13 Pope Francis marked the second anniversary of his pontificate by announcing an extraordinary jubilee, a Holy Year of Mercy. The Holy Year will open on December 8, 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and conclude on the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe on November 20, 2016. Pope Francis sealed a Holy Door in the atrium of St. Peter’s Basilica that will be opened on December 8. “On that day, the Holy Door will become a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instills hope” (MV 3). The Rome basilicas of St. John Lateran, St. Paul Pope Francis asked that Outside the Walls and St. Mary Major also every diocese in the have Holy Doors that are opened during world designate a “Door of jubilee years, and will open on December 13, Mercy” at their cathedral... the Third Sunday of Advent. The only other Holy Doors in the world are at Quebec City’s Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec, the shrine of St. John Vianney in Ars, France, and at the Cathedral of St. James the Great in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The designation of a Holy Door may trace back to the ancient Christian practice of public penitence when sinners were given public penances to perform before receiving absolution. The penitents were not allowed to enter a church before completing the penance, but they were solemnly welcomed back in when their penance was fulfilled. Still today Holy Year pilgrims enter the basilica through the Holy Door as a sign of their repentance and re-commitment to a life of faith. The ritual for opening the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica goes back to
1499 when Pope Alexander VI opened the door on Christmas Eve to inaugurate the Holy Year 1500. Then the door was wooden. The bronze door panels that stand at St. Peter’s today, made by Vico Consorti, were consecrated and first opened December 24, 1949 by Pope Pius XII in proclamation of the 1950 Jubilee. The theme of human sin and God’s mercy is illustrated in the 16 bronze panels that make up the current door, with episodes from both the Old and New Testament, including the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Annunciation, and the Merciful Father (and Prodigal Son). For centuries, the doors were opened with a silver hammer, not a key, because the doors of justice and mercy give way only to the force of prayer and penance. Opening the Holy Year 2000, St. John Paul II used neither a hammer, nor a key, but strongly pushed the door open. Between the panels on the door at St. Peter’s are little shields with the coats of arms of all the popes who opened it during the ordinary Holy Years, the last being St. John Paul II. Pope Francis’ coat of arms will be etched onto one of the empty shields that remain for future jubilee years after he opens and closes the door. Pope Francis asked that every diocese in the world designate a “Door of Mercy” at their cathedral, “Every Particular Church, therefore, will be directly involved in living out this Holy Year as an extraordinary moment of grace and spiritual renewal. Thus the Jubilee will be celebrated in Rome and in the Particular Churches as a visible sign of the Church’s universal communion.” (MV 3) Bishop Michael Duca sealed our Door of Mercy at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans on August 12 at the Loyola College Prep Mass. This door will remain closed until Bishop Duca opens it on December 13. The Door of Mercy will remain open for the duration of the Holy Year until Bishop Duca closes it on Sunday, November 13, 2016 – the same day that the holy doors will be closed in the basilicas in Rome. For more information on the Jubilee Year of Mercy go to: http://www. iubilaeummisericordiae.va/content/gdm/en.html. and visit the display in the lobby of the Catholic Center. September 2015 23
school NEWS
St. Fred's Students Selected for Council
Worthy
Oscar Stautzenberger
Noah Jose
SJB Students Win ACE Hardware Science Star
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t. John Berchmans School eighth grader Oscar Stautzenberger and sixth grader Noah Jose recently competed against 350 contestants to be the next ACE Hardware Science Star at the National Science Olympiad Tournament in Lincoln, NE. Oscar took the grand prize and was flown to Chicago to attend the ACE Hardware Convention on August 20-21 to
host an on-air spot for the Hardware Science Show. He also won a BOSE SoundDock XT speaker system and $500 for St. John Berchmans School. Noah placed fourth in the competition and also received a BOSE SoundDock XT speaker system and $250 for St. John Berchmans School. Way to go Cardinals! - Lucy Medvec
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Hammond
Stinson
hree St. Frederick students have been selected to serve on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, more than any other school in the state. Those selected for the 2015-16 school year are: Arianna Worthy, District 5 member at large, Scarlett Ann Hammond, District 5 member at large, and Walker Paul Stinson, District 5 alternate. - Jennifer Chunn
St. Joseph Teachers Inservice Fun
Loyola Students Ace AP Exams
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he 2015 Advanced Placement (AP) Exam scores are in, and the results for Loyola College Prep students are impressive. Advanced Placement is a College Board program which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. American colleges and universities often grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores. The AP scholar designation is given to students who take three or more tests and receive a score of three (out of a possible five) or higher on each one. This year, 73% of Loyola’s AP students became scholars, compared with 61% nationally, and just 37% in Louisiana. “The scores are even more impressive when you consider that every Loyola AP student is required to take the AP exam,” said Principal John LeBlanc. “Most schools do not require all students to test, which can skew results,” he added. “We are very proud of the accomplishments of our students, and are fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of 24 Catholic Connection
teachers and staff.” One particular class, Calculus BC, saw 100% of students score a perfect five. Teacher Jessica Weiss attributes her class’s impressive and rare accomplishment to a dynamic group of students and a particular teaching method. “We focused on problem-solving and perseverance,” Weiss said. “Memorizing formulas and rules is easy, but if you don’t understand what it means you’re missing the point.” Weiss added that the AP exam is tough, much harder than a final exam for the same class in college. Loyola Assistant Principal Stephanie Johnson says not only is it a key indicator of the school’s academic strength, but colleges take notice, too. “Scores of this caliber increase college opportunities for students, and because the students are receiving college-level course credit, it is a financial benefit to parents,” Johnson noted. “Many AP scholars will end up double-majoring or completing their college education sooner,” she added. - JJ Marshall
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eachers at St. Joseph School were primed and ready for the school year in August, after beginning their teacher inservice with a scavenger hunt on campus. Teachers formed teams that roamed the classrooms, the gym and various offices to find their treasure, and some even won door prizes along the way. SJS interim principal Stephanie Johnson and Instructional Coordinator Michelle Machen treated teachers and staff to a night of fun before the real work began, and it seemed to work – they made sure they took a selfie to reflect the tone of the evening! - Polly Macuilski
Kids' Connection! What Can We Do This Month? This month we celebrate
Pope Francis Visiting the United States! How can we celebrate his visit?
1)
Flat Francis! Catholic Extension has launched the Flat Francis campaign to welcome Pope Francis to America. Cut him out, take a picture and post it on social media with the hashtag #FlatFrancis. Don’t forget to tag Diocese of Shreveport on Facebook and Twitter (@cathconnection)! We can’t wait to see your photos!
2)
Celebrate with food: Prepare some of Pope Francis’ favorite dishes. It was reported that he likes empanadas (stuffed fried pastry), dulce de leche (confection prepared by slowly heating sweetened milk), simple sugar cookies and pork/potato casserole served over rice. Consider other recipes to create a meal!
3)
Learn about Blessed Junipero Serra Pope Francis will canonize Junipero Serra, an 18th century Franciscan missionary, as a saint during his visit to the U.S. Now is a great time to learn about this new soon-to-be saint.
ARGENTINA FRANCIS JESUIT JUNIPERO
Word Find KEYS MOZZETTA PALLIUM PETER
POPE POPEMOBILE VATICAN ZUCHETTO
The two keys in the papal coat of arms represent the power to bind and to loose on earth (silver) and in heaven (gold), in reference to Matthew 16:18-19: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” September 2015 25
across the GLOBE by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Catholic charitable agencies and pregnancy help centers have
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helped countless pregnant women find life-affirming alternatives to abortion.
Cardinal O'Malley Urges Support for Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood
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ASHINGTON—Federal funds should be reallocated so women can obtain their health care from providers that do not promote abortion, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, said in an August 3 letter to the U.S. Senate. Cardinal O’Malley, who chairs the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged support for S. 1881, which would withhold federal funds from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates. The full text of his letter follows and is available online: http://bit.ly/ defundpp832015. Dear Senator: I am writing to ask your support for S. 1881, to withhold federal funds from the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates. It has long been troubling to many Americans that the nation’s largest abortion network, performing over a third of all abortions, receives over half a billion taxpayer dollars a year. This concern has rightly grown in recent 26 Catholic Connection
Archbishop Wenski Welcomes New Carbon Pollution Standards
years. The most recent revelations about Planned Parenthood’s willingness to traffic in fetal tissue from abortions, and to alter abortion methods not for any reason related to women’s health but to obtain more “intact” organs, is the latest demonstration of a callousness toward women and their unborn children that is shocking to many Americans. The Catholic Church comes to this issue from a perspective rooted in experience. Catholic charitable agencies and pregnancy help centers have helped countless pregnant women find life-affirming alternatives to abortion. Our hospitals and other health facilities are second to none in providing quality health care for women. We support the legislative proposal to reallocate federal funding, so that women can obtain their health care from providers that do not promote abortion. It is my sincere hope that you will be able to help advance this goal by supporting S. 1881. •
ASHINGTON—“A new national standard to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants is an important step forward to protect the health of all people, especially children, the elderly, and poor and vulnerable communities, from harmful pollution and the impacts of climate change,” said Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement of a new final rule limiting carbon pollution, August 3. Recently finalized carbon pollution standards will reduce carbon pollution from power plants, the largest source of carbon emissions in the United States. Archbishop Wenski is chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “The bishops welcome this important move by the administration to adopt long-awaited standards to mitigate climate change and safeguard public health, which are significant ways to live out our responsibility to care for God’s creation,” Archbishop Wenski said. In a letter urging Congress not to block the new standards, June 24, Archbishop Wenski emphasized the significance of Pope Francis’ encyclical on ecology, Laudato Si’, in which the pope “called on all people to care for God’s creation and our common home for the well-being of current and future generations.” The letter is available online at www.usccb.org/issuesand-action/human-life-and-dignity/ environment/letter-to-congress-oncarbon-standards-2015-06-24.cfm •
Program of the Pope's Trip the United States
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he pope will depart from Rome’s Fiumicino airport at 10 a.m. on Saturday September 19 and is expected to arrive in Havana, Cuba, where the welcome ceremony will take place. He will remain there until Tuesday, September 22. September 22, will begin with the celebration of Holy Mass in the minor Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity of Cobre, Santiago. The pope will then meet families in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Asuncion in Santiago and, after blessing the city, will depart by air for Washington D.C., U.S.A., where he will be received at Andrews Air Force Base. On Wednesday, September 23, there will be a welcome ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, where the pope will pronounce a discourse and pay a courtesy visit to the President of the United States. At 11 a.m., the pope will meet with the bishops of the United States in St. Matthew’s Cathedral. In the afternoon he will celebrate Mass for the canonization of Blessed Fr. Junipero Serra. On Thursday, September 24, Pope Francis will visit and address the United States Congress. He will subsequently visit the charity centre of the St. Patrick Parish where he will meet a group of homeless people. In the afternoon he will transfer by air to New York, where at 6.45 p.m. he will celebrate Vespers with priests and men and women religious in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Friday, September 25, will begin with an address by the Holy Father at the seat of the United Nations in New York and, at 11.30 a.m., he will participate in an interreligious meeting at the Ground Zero Memorial site. He will then visit the “Our Lady, Queen of Angels” School and meet with families of immigrants in Harlem. The day will conclude with Holy Mass in Madison Square Garden. On Saturday, September 26, the pope will travel by air to Philadelphia, where at 10.30 a.m. he will celebrate Holy Mass with the bishops, clergy and men and women religious in the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. In the afternoon he will participate in a meeting for religious freedom with the Hispanic community and other immigrants in the Independence Mall, Philadelphia. Sunday, September 27, will begin with a meeting with the bishops invited to the World Meeting of Families in the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, after which the pope will visit the detainees in the CurranFromhold Correctional Facility, Philadelphia. He will go on to celebrate the concluding Holy Mass of the Eighth World Meeting of Families at the B. Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. In the late afternoon, he will depart on his return flight to Rome. •
Celebrate Pope Francis' Visit in Local Churches and at Home
https://shreveportcatholicfamilies.wordpress.com
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he Diocese of Shreveport is excited about Pope Francis visiting the United States, and while we cannot all go to Philadelphia to see the Pope in person, there are many things we can do at home to be part of the celebration. Diocesan family life representatives Carol Gates and Dotye Sue Stanford will be attending the event and blogging their experience along the way to help north Louisiana Catholics stay informed and take part in the pope’s visit. The blog has been set up and you can visit and read it at https://shreveportcatholicfamilies.wordpress.com, or access it through the diocesan website: www.dioshpt.org. Several parishes are also getting involved in the pope’s visit and invite you to join them in celebrating.
Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Monroe will have a special event on September 27 in conjunction with the papal Mass. Catholics will gather at 3:00 pm at the Our Lady of Fatima School Gymnasium to watch the Papal Mass through his homily; once the Offertory begins, they will turn the video off and have a covered-dish, pot-luck dinner. For more information, contact the church office at 318-325-7595. The Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in Shreveport will highlight the pope’s visit with a two-part series entitled “World Meeting of Families” to be offered during the Sunday Adult Faith Formation hour, and a gathering scheduled for Sunday, September 27 afternoon. Visit the SJB website for more details (www.sjbcathedral.org). Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Shreveport
is planning to show Pope Francis’ Mass in Philadelphia live on Wednesday, September 27 at 3:00 p.m. in the church with a reception afterwards in Gabriel Hall. Contact the church office for more information 318-635-2121. Please consider attending one of these events, or watching the Mass on the EWTN channel at home. • – Jessica Rinaudo September 2015 27
hispanic NEWS por Rosalba Quiroz
Renovando la Misión de la Diócesis
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uestro Obispo, Miguel Duca ha emprendido un proceso de compartimiento y revisión del Plan Pastoral Diocesano. Nuestra diócesis en unión con la Iglesia sigue el Plan de “Compartir la Buena Nueva de Jesucristo con el mundo”, promulga la realidad del amor divino y manifiesta la continua presencia activa de Dios en el mundo. Es por eso que el Obispo Duca inició este proceso que involucra a todos fieles de la diócesis para que, guiados por el Espíritu Santo trabajemos en reavivar, y de ser necesario, renovar La Misión de la Diócesis de Shreveport. Por favor hagan un esfuerzo por participar en las sesiones parroquiales que el obispo ha programado en los próximos tres meses. Habrá traductores y personas ayudando para que su voz, preocupaciones y peticiones sean escuchadas por el Obispo Duca y el comité de discernimiento para un Plan Pastoral Diocesano. • Sábado12 de Septiembre, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Farmerville de 10 am – 12 pm • Viernes 18 de Septiembre, St. Thomas Aquino, Ruston de 6 – 8 pm • Sábado 10 de Octubre, Christ the King, Bossier City de 9 – 11 am • Martes 20 de Octubre, St. Paul, Minden de 6 – 8 pm • Sábado 24 de Octubre, St. Mary of the Pines, Shreveport de 6 – 8 pm • Domingo 25 de Octubre, Sacred Heart, Oak Grove de 7 – 9 pm • Martes 3 de Noviembre, St. Paschal, West Monroe de 6 – 8 pm • Martes 10 de Noviembre, St. Joseph, Mansfield de 6 – 8 pm
28 Catholic Connection
Calendario del Mes de Septiembre del 2015 5 Escuela de Fe, tema: Documentos de la Iglesia Católica, Centro Católico de 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 12 Segunda reunión en preparación Experiencia Cristo, Centro Católico de 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 12 Visita del Obispo a la parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 18 Visita del Obispo a la parroquia de Santo Tomás de Aquino, Ruston, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. 21-27 Conferencia Mundial de las Familias con visita del Papa Francisco, Filadelfia 26 Reunión Post-Búsqueda, Centro Católico de 12p.m. – 4 p.m.
around the DIOCESE
Youth Go Canoeing
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he Saint John the Baptist Youth Group recently enjoyed an exciting canoe trip! The students attended Steubenville South this summer and have many other events planned for the upcoming year.
ACTS: Being Catholic at Louisiana Tech
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hanks to the amiable relationship the Campus Ministries who serve the students of Louisiana Tech have with the University, ACTS (Association of Catholic Tech Students), the Campus Ministry Program at St. Thomas Parish in Ruston, and the other LaTech Campus Ministries are invited to participate in the four summer orientation sessions LaTech sponsors for incoming freshmen. With an eye on increasing enrollment, LaTech’s Admission Director, Andy Cline, comments that this year’s orientations broke all of Tech’s attendance records. Over a four-day period, members of the Class of 2019 and their parents were formally introduced to the University and all it has to offer. On Wednesday evenings, new students and their parents were invited to share an evening together in downtown Ruston. At this time, the Campus Ministers were introduced making it known that one’s faith life is an important aspect of one’s college experience. On Thursdays, all of Tech’s organizational groups were invited to set up a booth on the quad to meet the incoming freshmen and their parents. CTS always sends student representatives to this event to ensure that new students are aware there ARE Catholics in Ruston and that
St. Thomas Aquinas Parish cares about them. As a result, ACTS was able to obtain the names and contact information for 150 students who are interested in “Being Catholic at Tech” in some fashion. With the support of the resident parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, ACTS is able to create an environment where those attending LaTech are able to live out their Catholic faith within a traditionally non-Catholic population. ACTS offers quarterly retreats, weekend socials, Eucharistic Adoration, “student-led Masses,” spiritual direction, mission opportunities, sports options and a very popular “Dollar Lunch” on Wednesdays. Yes! There ARE Catholics at TECH and yes, “Being Catholic at Tech” is encouraged and supported thanks to the resident parishioners of St. Thomas Aquinas and the friendly relationship maintained with LaTech University. Courtney Smith (far left) joins the ACTS Leadership Team for the fourth Summer Orientation Session at Tech. Next to Courtney are the eight members of the ACTS Leadership Team for 2015-16: Kristen Chatelain, Zoe Martinez, Adam Ramachandran, Andrew Serio, Jordan Whaley, Charles Flanders and Roy Messina. • – Brother Mike Ward
Catholic Women Host Party for Residents
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ouncil of Catholic Women from St. Martha’s Circle hosted the June birthday party at the Toledo Retirement & Rehabitilation Home in Zwolle.
St. Francis Hand Blessing
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ew St. Francis Medical Center team members, Kristen Lilly and Charlotte Raino, receive a hand blessing during a Commissioning Service from Fr. James Dominic and Fr. Phillip Theempalangattu, with assistance from Rev. Headrick and Rev. Ronaghan. September 2015 29
mark your CALENDAR 9/20
ULM Campus Ministry to Celebrate 50 Years at Scholars Mass Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) on the University of Louisiana at Monroe campus will celebrate 50 years of bringing Jesus Christ to the faithful at 1:00 p.m. CCM at ULM will also celebrate their annual Scholars Mass on this date. Bishop Michael Duca will be the principal celebrant for this milestone in CCM at ULM’s history. You are invited to send Fr. Job and Fr. Joe Martina congratulatory remarks (office@ulmccm. org) for their remarkable service to CCM at ULM. The congregation is truly grateful to have their spiritual guidance and leadership.
9/22
Holy Land Pilgrimage Information Session You are invited to an information session on an upcoming Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which will be held in Moore Hall of Jesus the Good Shepherd Church in Monroe. The session will be held on Tuesday, September 22, at 6:30 p.m. The pilgrimage will begin on Monday, May 16, 2016 and return to the USA on Thursday, May 26, 2016. The pilgrimage will visit sights such as Capernaum, Nazareth, Cana in Galilee, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Call Fr. Mark Watson for information concerning the information session or pilgrimage at 318-366-7003.
9/26
8th Annual SVdP Friends of the Poor Walk Shreveport/ Bossier's Annual Society of St. Vincent de Paul Walk will take place on the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway in Bossier City at the main pavilion next to the boat launch, just south of the ShreveportBarksdale Bridge from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Funds raised are applied to a wide range of assistance for 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. All proceeds directly benefit people in the communities where the money is raised and there are no administrative fees associated with the event. For more information, contact Brian Burgess at 318-746-1299, or baburgess@ gmail.com 30 Catholic Connection
9/26
Engaging Parents – Forming Family Faith Event The Center for Ministry Development is excited to announce our new workshop for 2015: Engaging Parents—Forming Family Faith. We will share effective ways in which parish communities are engaging parents and helping families grow in faith together. Parents deserve our support as they strive to share faith at home and participate as families in our parishes. This workshop will give leaders: A better understanding of today’s parents; Strategies for reaching out to parents; Ways to support parents in deepening their own faith; Strategies to strengthen family faith at home and in the parish; Ways to involve parents in faith formation, sacramental preparation and youth ministry, and more! Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and is followed by the workshop from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will take place at the Catholic Center. To pre-register, call Shelly Bole at 318-868-4441.
10/11
Multicultural Rosary at St. Joseph in Shreveport St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport will host its annual multicultural rosary with each decade prayed in a different language on October 11 at 2:00 p.m. For more information, call the church office at 318865-3581.
9/1
Embracing the Mission Pastoral Planning Gatherings Begin for Our Diocese Over the next few months, “Embracing the Mission” gatherings will take place in parishes and parish clusters (several parishes/missions together) that will also include youth groups, schools and campus ministries. These gatherings will give Bishop Duca and the faithful an opportunity to listen to the Holy Spirit through the voices of our faith communities. Bishop Duca, after listening to the voices of our diocesan Church, and through prayerful consideration, will then write a vision statement that will give direction to the entire diocese for the next two to three years. Please join us for one of these events listed on the right (ALL dates are listed online at www.dioshpt.org).
Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering Dates 9/1: St. Jude, Benton 6:30 - 8:30pm 9/2: St. Benedict, Grambling 5:00 - 7:00pm 9/8: Our Lady of Fatima, Monroe* Our Lady of Fatima School St. Lawrence, Swartz Campus Ministry at ULM 6:00 - 8:00pm 9/9: Sacred Heart, Shreveport 6:00 - 8:00pm 9/11: Sacred Heart, Rayville* St. Theresa, Delhi 5:00 - 7:00pm 9/12: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Farmerville • 10:00am - noon 9/18: St. Thomas Aquinas, Ruston 6:00 - 8:00pm 9/19: St. Pius X, Shreveport* St. Clement Parish, Vivian 9:00 - 11:00am 10/10: Christ the King, Bossier City 9:00 - 11:00am 10/12: St. Joseph, Shreveport 6:00 - 8:00pm 10/13: St. Lucy, Hodge 6:00 - 8:00pm 10/19: St. John the Baptist, Many* St. Terence, Many • 5:00 - 7:00pm 10/20: St. Paul, Minden* Blessed Sacrament, Ringgold St. Margaret, Homer 6:00 - 8:00pm 10/21: Mary, Queen of Peace, Bossier City • 6:00 - 8:00pm 10/23: St. George, Coushatta 6:00 - 8:00pm 10/24: Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Shreveport* Holy Trinity Parish 10:00am - noon 10/24: St. Mary of the Pines, Shreveport • 6:00 - 8:00pm 10/25: Sacred Heart, Oak Grove St. Patrick, Lake Providence Thomas Jason Lingo Community Center, Oak Grove * 6:00 - 8:00pm 10/26: Cathedral of St John Berchmans, Shreveport * Loyola College Prep 6:00 - 8:00pm
SEPTEMBER
2015
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
SATURDAY
30 31 1 2 3 4 5 Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Jude Parish, 6:30pm
Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Benedict Parish, 5pm
St. Gregory the Great, pope & doctor of the Church
2nd Collection: Catholic University of America Bl. Teresa of Calcutta, religious
6
2nd Collection: Catholic University of America
Labor Day
7
Catholic Center Closed
8
9
Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 6pm
Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, Sacred Heart Church, 6pm
Presbyteral Council, Catholic Center, 1pm
Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
10
11
Deadline for the October Catholic Connection
Red Mass, St. Matthew Parish, 9am
St. Vincent de Paul Banquet, St. Vincent's Hall, Loyola College Prep, 5:30pm
Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville, 5pm
Embracing the Mission Gatherings
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Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 10am The Most Holy Name of Mary
St. Peter Claver, priest
SVdP Banquet / SEPT 10
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Knights & Ladies The Exaltation of of St. Peter Claver the Holy Cross District Mass, Little Flower of Jesus Parish, 10am
Shreveport Monroe Sts. Cornelius, Principals Principals pope, & Cyprian, Meeting, Meeting, Jesus bishop, martyrs Catholic Center, the Good 9:30am Shepherd School, 9:30am Our Lady of Sorrows St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop & doctor of the Church
Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 6pm
Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Pius X Parish, 9am Pope Francis’ Departs for Cuba St. Januarius, bishop & martyr
Eastern Deanery Red Mass / Sept 11
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 ULM Catholic Campus Ministry 50th Anniversary & ULM Scholars’ Mass, ULM Christ the King Chapel, 1pm
St. Matthew, apostle & evangelist
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Visit; Washington, DC (thru Sept. 24)
St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest
Engaging Parents, Forming Families, Catholic Center, 10am
World Meeting of Families 2015 Philadelphia, PA (thru Sept. 28)
Sts. Cosmas & Damian, martyrs
World Meeting of Families / Sept 24
27 28 29 30 1 2 3 Pope Francis’ Mass, 3pm, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
St. Wenceslaus, martyr, St. Lawrence Ruiz & companions, martyrs
Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, archangels
Poor Man’s Supper; Jesus the Good Shepherd School Gym, 6pm
St. Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin & doctor of the Church
The Holy Guardian Angels
St. Jerome, priest & doctor of the Church
Poor Man's Supper/ Sept 30 September 2015 31
Connection The Catholic
DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.
•
Shreveport, LA 71104
Photo of the Month
32 Catholic Connection
Fairfield
Bishop Michael Duca blesses the new parish hall and library at St. John Berchmans Cathedral School.