Catholic Connection

VOL. 19, NO.3

OCTOBER 2009

Diocese Meets Annual Appeal Goal, pg. 7 Respect Life Month, pg. 9

Most Rev. Gregory Aymond Installed as Archbishop of New Orleans, pg. 14

Blessing of the Animals

,

pg. 12

From the Vocations Office Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Regular Contributors Bishop Michael Duca Fr. David Richter Kim Long Jessica Rinaudo Missy McKenzie Christine Rivers Lucy Medvec Sr. Martinette Rivers Rosalba Quiroz Katie Sciba Dianne Rachal John Mark Willcox Featured Writers Fr. Francisco Delgadillo Deacon Clary Nash Peter Finney, Jr. Kelly Phelan Jonna Kelly Msgr. Earl Provenza Fr. Matthew Long Cardinal Justin Rigali Fr. Pat Madden Sr. Marilyn Vassallo John James Marshall Fr. Mark Watson Editorial Board Dianne Rachal Cathy Cobb Christine Rivers Felicia Gilliam Christie Weeks Rev. Charles Glorioso John Mark Willcox Kim Long 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.

For a free subscription, address changes or article submissions: EMAIL: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org WRITE: Catholic Connection The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 CALL: 318-868-4441

OR 800-256-1542 FAX: 318-868-4609 WEBSITE: www.dioshpt.org The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

Our Diocese is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals as a Non-Profit Organization capable of giving Immigration Legal Advice. We offer Immigration Professional Services to Low-Income Families.

To find out if you or someone you know qualifies for an Immigration benefit, please contact Mrs. Rosalba Quiroz at 1-800-2561542, ext. 265 or 318-219-7265 or email rquiroz@dioshpt.org

Jerry Daigle, Jr., Seminarian

John Bosco, Seminarian

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ou should have in your hand (in addition to your new copy of the Catholic Connection) a prayer card that Bishop Duca, the Church Vocations Board, the Serra Club and I would like you to make ample use of in the months ahead.

The prayer card/bookmark contains a Prayer for Vocations that I ask all of the Catholics of our diocese to pray, even on a daily basis. Jesus tells us in the Gospel: “Pray the Lord of the harvest that He will send laborers into his harvest.” Pray for the active work we can do for more priestly and religious vocations -- St. Andrew dinners, vocation talks, parish crucifix or chalice programs.

Even more importantly, we should pray for the vocation needs of our diocese and religious orders.

The reverse side of the prayer card is a partial reproduction of a painting by Raphael titled “The

Joshua Sanders, Seminarian

Miraculous Draught of Fish.”

The disciples of Jesus have just witnessed, at Jesus’ word, a huge catch of fish. St. Peter is shown kneeling close to Jesus and overcome with fear and awe, saying to Him; “Leave me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

What a powerful scene – the man called by Jesus to be the leader of his Church, overcome by the knowledge of his sinfulness and unworthiness! But it is the same with any man called to be a priest; we are all unworthy. The Lord knows this, but call us He does.

We are much in need of priests and religious to live and work in North Louisiana. Please make a promise to pray each day for good and holy priests, sisters, brothers and deacons. This prayer card should make it easy.

– Fr. David Richter, Director of Church Vocations

From the Chancellor

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hat Are the Bishops Saying About Health Care Reform?

Find out by visiting the new USCCB health care reform website www.usccb.org/healthcare. This site provides a comprehensive resource for information on the Church’s position on this important issue.

Reminder that Central Daylight Time will end on Sunday, November 1. Set clocks back one hour.

–Christine Rivers, Chancellor

On the Cover: Border Collie Leela looks up to a statue of St. Francis of Assisi at Holy Trinity Church in downtown Shreveport. Photo by Jessica Rinaudo.

October 2009

Contents

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From the Vocations Office by Fr. David Richter...................... 2 From the Chancellor by Christine Rivers.................................. 2 Bishop Michael Duca’s October 2009 Schedule.................... 3 Bishop’s Reflection by Most Reverend Michael G. Duca....... 4-5 Liturgy Lines: Come, Let Us Worship

by Dianne Rachal................................................................. 6 Blessing of the Graves by Fr. David Richter............................ 6 Second Collections by Fr. David Richter.................................. 7 Stewardship Appeal Achieves Goal! by John Mark Willcox......7 Priest Spotlight: Msgr. Earl V. Provenza.................................. 8 Respect Life Month: Where Do We Go From Here?

by Cardinal Justin F. Rigali.................................................. 9 Fuller Center Works on 40th House by Jessica Rinaudo........ 10 School News............................................................................... 11 Blessing of the Animals Honors St. Francis of Assisi

by Kelly Phelan................................................................12-13 Native Son of New Orleans to Head Home Archdiocese

by Peter Finney................................................................14-15

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14

Father Matthew Long Reflects on First Months as Priest

by Fr. Matthew Long............................................................... 15 Masters Degree in Theology by Fr. Pat Madden.................... 16 The Birth of Christianity by Fr. Mark Watson........................... 16 Joy of Nature's Inspiring Beauty by Sr. Martinette Rivers..... 17 Women & Spirit by Sr. Marilyn Vassallo.................................... 17 Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página por Fr. Francisco Javier Varela Delgadillo......................... 18 In Thanksgiving for 50 Years of Service of Msgr. Moore

by Fr. Mark Watson.............................................................. 19 Father Andre McGrath Celebrates 50 Years of Religious Life

by John Mark Willcox.......................................................... 19 Catholic News Briefs ............................................................ 20 Around the Diocese................................................................... 21 Fatima Student's River Adventure by Missy McKenzie.......... 22 Upcoming Events . .................................................................... 22 October Calendar...................................................................... 23 Red Mass Honors Law Officials by Jessica Rinaudo............... 24

Bishop Michael Duca’s October 2009 Schedule Oct. 2

Blue Mass, St. Joseph Church, Bastrop, 12:00 p.m.

Oct. 3

Taste of Shreveport, Fox Creek Farms, 4:00 p.m.

Oct. 4

St. Jude Feast Day Mass & Celebration, St. Jude Church, Bossier City, 10:00 a.m.

Oct. 5

Archdiocese of New Orleans’ 57th Annual Red Mass, St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 7

Ringgold Ministers’ Fellowship Group Luncheon, Grammy Sue’s Tea Room, Ringgold, 11:00 a.m.

Oct. 8

Notre Dame Seminary & St. Joseph Seminary Board of Trustees Meeting, Notre Dame Seminary, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Oct. 10 Mass & Prayer Garden Blessing, Mary, Queen of

Peace Church, Bossier City, 4:00 p.m.

Oct. 12 Catholic Schools Convocation, Catholic Center,

8:30 a.m.

Oct. 14 LSUS Catholic Student Union Mass, LSUS

Student Union, Shreveport, 11:00 a.m.

Oct. 18 Mass, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, followed by

gathering with Catholic Campus Ministry, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston, 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 19 Shepherd of Life Series, Church of Jesus the

Good Shepherd, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 20 Diocesan Liturgical Commission Meeting,

Catholic Center, 12:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center,

1:00 pm.

Oct. 24 Run with the Nuns III, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs

Parking Lot, Bossier City, 9:00 a.m.

Oct. 25

Our Lady Queen of Palestine Mass (Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem), Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, 11:00 a.m.

Oct. 28 Diocesan Finance Council

Meeting, Catholic Center,

12:00 p.m.

Oct. 30 Diocesan Singles Gathering,

St. Joseph Family Life

Center, Shreveport, 6:00 p.m.

La Reflexión del Obispo l sermón más corto que he dado fue en el seminario y era esta exhortación de San Jerónimo. ¡Si no conoces las Escrituras no conoces a Cristo!

Esta simple frase nos recuerda que aunque aprendamos mucho de nuestra Fe por medio de libros, Catecismos, sermones de los domingos y tal vez hasta de este artículo, existe un importante y único conocimiento de Cristo que solamente podemos descubrir mediante una meditación personal sobre de las Sagradas Escrituras. Es ahí en nuestro contacto directo con la palabra de Dios que Cristo nos puede hablar directamente en lo mas profundo de nuestras necesidades y nos ofrece un único llamado a su servicio. Aquí podemos entender el poder de nuestro Salvador no por medio de alguien que tienen mas entendimiento de las Escrituras sino de nuestra propia experiencia con la Palabra de Dios. En nuestra lectura de las Escrituras y meditación personal descubrimos a Cristo en un encuentro frente-a-frente.

Así que este mes mis palabras son pocas. No tengo una revelación profunda, en cambio se que una gracia poderosa te está esperando si tú solo abres tu biblia este mes y lees de los Evangelios la historia de Jesús. Si nunca has leído por tí mismo (de principio a fin) uno de los Evangelios entonces date cuenta ahora que es una parte esencial de madurar nuestra fe, nuestro conocimiento y nuestro amor hacia Jesucristo.

Dejemos que las palabras de San Jerónimo nos guíen este mes. Si de verdad quieres profundizar tu conocimiento y fe en Cristo, si quieres conocer a Cristo para que puedas ser más como Él, entonces conoce las Sagradas Escrituras.

– Obispo Michael G. Duca

45 Catholic Connection October 2009

Bishop’s Reflection he shortest sermon I ever delivered was in the seminary and was this exhortation from Saint Jerome: If you do not know the Scriptures, you cannot know Christ!

This simple line reminds us that while we may learn much about our Faith from books, Catechisms, sermons on Sunday and maybe even from this column, there is a unique and important knowledge of Christ that we can only discover by meeting Christ in a personal meditation of Scripture. Here in our direct contact with the word of God, Christ can speak to our deepest need and offer a unique call to his service. Here we can understand the power of our Savior not from someone else’s insight of the Scriptures but from our own experience with the Word of God. In our personal reading and meditating of Scripture we discover Christ in a kind of face-to-face encounter.

So this month my words are few. I have no insightful words, instead know that a powerful grace is waiting for you if only you will pick up your Bible this month and read from the Gospels the story of Jesus. If you have never read on your own (from beginning to end) one of the Gospels, then realize now that this is an essential part of maturing our faith, our knowledge and our love of Jesus Christ.

Let the words of St. Jerome guide you this month. If you really want to deepen your knowledge and faith in Christ, if you want to know Christ so you can be more like Him, then know the Scriptures.

– Bishop Michael G. Duca

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Liturgy Lines: Come, Let Us Worship

Introductory Articles on the New Translation of the Roman Missal 3. Changes to the Introductor y Rites his third article in the series will examine the changes in the Introductory Rite of the Order of Mass as a result of the new translation.

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Current Text New Text Greeting Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Priest: The Lord be with you.

People: And with your spirit.

Penitential Act, Form A (Confiteor) I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do;

and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord, our God.

I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and Sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Penitential Act, Form B Priest: Lord, we have sinned against you:

Lord, have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Lord, show us your mercy and love.

People: And grant us your salvation.

Priest: Have mercy on us, O Lord.

People: For we have sinned against you.

Priest: Show us, O Lord, your mercy.

People: And grant us your salvation

The response ‘And with your spirit’ comes from Scripture, 2 Tim 4:22, and more accurately translates the Latin text.

The triple mea culpa, ‘through my fault,’ is restored to the Confiteor. The response ‘For we have sinned against you’ also comes from Scripture, Bar 3:2.

– Dianne Rachal, Director, Office of Worship

Blessing of the Graves

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he Church seeks to help the faithful departed by earnest prayer to God, and in particular by remembrance of them on or near November 2, All Souls Day. Because of the communion of saints, the communion of Christ’s members with one another, the Church obtains spiritual help for the dead and brings the consolation of hope to the living.

A priest or deacon will offer prayers at our local cemeteries on a weekend close to All Souls Day, the commemoration of the faithful departed.

Saturday, October 31, 2009 • Hill Crest Cemetery, Haughton, 10:00 a.m. - Deacon Larry Mills •Forest Park Cemetery East,

67 Catholic Connection October 2009

Shreveport, 11:00 a.m. – Rev. Rothell Price • Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City, 1:30 p.m. – Rev. LaVerne “Pike” Thomas

Sunday, November 1, 2009 • Saint Joseph Cemetery, Shreveport, 2:00 p.m. – Deacon John Basco • Centuries Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport, 2:45 p.m. – Rev. James McLelland • Forest Park Cemetery West, Shreveport, 3:30 p.m. – Deacon John Basco Please contact the Father David T. Richter if you have any questions.

– Fr. David Richter, Vicar General

Second Collections World Mission Sunday

Announcement Dates: Oct. 4 & 11 Collection Dates: Oct. 17 & 18

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n World Mission Sunday, October 18, all Catholics are called to celebrate their vocation to be a missionary. On this day, Catholics around the earth – here at home and in the missions – gather at the table of the Lord to pray for the church’s worldwide missionary work.

The needs of the Church continue to grow as new dioceses are formed and new seminaries are opened because of the growing number of young men who are answering God’s call, especially in Africa and Asia. There are 1,100 mission dioceses overseen by the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith that receive annual assistance from the funds collected. Requests

come in daily for assistance with catechetical programs, and with the building of new chapels, churches, orphanages and schools. The congregation matches the requests made with the greatest needs. These funds are distributed in CNS photo/Saabi/ Galbe.Com) their entirety to mission dioceses great number of peoples to Christ. throughout the world.

So few of us have the opportunity to How well did the diocese do? be actual, traveling missionaries. We Home Missions Appeal: can help those who are such by our $ 18,303.43 prayers and donations. There is no higher purpose than God’s glory and Peter’s Pence: $23,117.52 the salvation of souls. Be co-workers – Fr. David Richter, Vicar General with the Lord in helping to bring a

Annual Stewardship Appeal Achieves 2009 Pledge Goal

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ur Annual Stewardship Appeal hit another milestone on August 20th, when Bishop Michael G. Duca tendered his personal gift to our 2009 Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal and our overall pledge figures exceeded $1,250,000, making this year’s Appeal campaign the most successful in the history of our diocese.

“This achievement says great things about the people of the diocese,” commented Bishop Duca.

“When I consider that this has been a very trying year economically in our area and throughout the entire world, I can’t help but be very proud and humbled that the faithful of our diocese have responded with such a high level of generosity to our Annual Appeal. I can’t thank our parishes and their donors enough.”

Both the western and the southern deaneries of our diocese surpassed their pledge goals and the 19 worship locations listed below reached their goal on pledges to the 2009 Appeal. In addition, another 9 churches are within

mere percentage points of doing the same and nearly every parish has had a successful appeal effort in 2009.

Remember, it is never too late to participate in this year’s appeal campaign. Simply contact your parish or the diocese to make your tax deductible gift today! You can always check on the progress of our appeal by logging on to the diocesan website and clicking on Stewardship and Development under the Ministries column.

Worship Locations Achieving Pledge Goal for the 2009 Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal Christ the King Church, Bossier City Little Flower of Jesus Church, Monroe Mary, Queen of Peace Church, Bossier City Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Farmerville Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Rayville Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport St. Ann Church, Ebarb St. George Church, Coushatta St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport St. John Berchmans Cathedral, Shreveport St. Joseph Church, Bastrop St. Joseph Church, Shreveport St. Joseph Church, Mansfield St. Joseph Church, Zwolle St. Margaret Church, Homer St. Patrick Church, Lake Providence St. Paul Church, Minden St. Theresa Church, Delhi St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston – John Mark Willcox, Director of Development 67

Priest Spotlight:

Msgr. Earl V. Provenza

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od’s Call came to me at an early age. This past September 8th was the 57th Anniversary of my entering the Seminary. It was the beginning of my journey to the priesthood, a decision I never regretted. It has been the happiest time of my life. Now I have ministered in the priesthood for 45 happy years. It has truly been a special gift from God, helping people on earth and at the same time helping people get to heaven.

In my day it was common to accept young high school students into the minor seminary. In my case I felt the call in the eighth grade to become a priest. I will be honest with you, 12 years in the seminary was not always easy. I spent six years at Maryhill Seminary and six years at St. Procopius Seminary in Lisle, Illinois.

Can you imagine a little southern boy spending six years in a major seminary, sometimes with two feet of snow and temperatures 20 to 25 degrees below zero? After finishing four years of high school and eight years of college it has been worth it.

89 Catholic Connection October 2009

order to help others. One needs to Prayer, hard studying and dedication have a strong commitment to serve made it possible to persevere.

God and God’s people for a life There were a lot of people time. One needs to be 100 percent encouraging me to continue. committed in any field of work or However, there was one saying or vocation to be successful. expression that really helped me If asked to summarize my make it through 12 years: “One does priesthood in a few words, I would not have a vocation to the seminary say after 45 years ministering as but to the priesthood.” I thank God a priest, I have learned just how everyday for calling me to serve in spiritually satisfying the priesthood the priesthood. I feel truly blessed is. I feel humbled being called by to minister in our diocese with God to serve his people. I truly feel Bishop Duca our shepherd, along in my heart that I am doing what with the best priests, deacons and God wants me to do on this earth. I religious. Our diocese is blessed to feel happy and contented. have such a strong and dedicated There are too many people to spiritual team. I also want to mention who have helped me in the mention the wonderful lay persons seminary and 45 years as a Priest. who are also so dedicated to the But I do thank God for calling me Mission of Christ.

I find the priesthood the most wonderful way to serve the Lord. I thank God for calling me to serve him and the Church as a priest. We are experiencing a shortage of priests in this time in history.

There is still so much to Bishop Michael Duca and Msgr. Earl Provenza bless medallions for accomplish bikers at Run with the Nuns. in the church and the world. to the Priesthood and the privilege We need to support and encourage to offer Mass each day, forgive sins, any young man who thinks he might baptize children and adults, prepare have a calling. There are certain young adults for confirmation and requirements that are essential to RCIA, witness marriages, anoint enter into the seminary, including the sick and yes, bless babies, bless the desire to be more spiritual and rosaries, bless automobiles and the desire to be best prepared in bless animals…Oh what a life!

Respect Life Month:

Where Do We Go From Here?

The challenge of building a culture of life

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we are here and to gain the strength to move forward, we need to begin all our efforts with prayer.

In defending the right to life, our first duty is to oppose the direct taking of innocent human life – any human life, at any stage. As Pope John Paul II confirmed in his encyclical on The Gospel of Life, “the direct and voluntary killing of an innocent human being is always gravely immoral” (EV 57). Abortion and euthanasia are preeminent concerns of the Church for reasons that are intrinsic to these issues, as well as reasons that are situational.

Intrinsically, these acts always constitute the direct taking of a human life when it is most innocent and defenseless. And they Each and every one of us has are willed and carried out by intrinsic and immeasurable worth. those most called to defend human life – members of That is because God created each of the healing professions, us in his image by the outpouring of and of one’s own family. To undermine these two havens his infinite and unconditional love. of life is to make a culture of life impossible.

The right to life is the core element Situationally, these issues are the of other rights. All other earthly rights places where those committed to involve something more than life itself a conditional and selective vision – but without life, they are nothing. of human rights have planted their That “something more” is vitally flag in our time. They want to draw important. The defense of life reaches lines between the important and its fullness when it expands to defend unimportant members of society, the entire range of human flourishing. between persons and “nonpersons.”

This is all one vision, and ultimately In a different time or place the forcing one issue – the dignity of the human issue might be slavery, racism or antiperson. In the words of St. Irenaeus, Semitism – today abortion and related Gloria Dei vivens homo – the glory of issues force us to decide whether God is man fully alive. we mean what we say in speaking of To keep that vision constantly inalienable human rights, inherent in before our eyes, to remember why simply being human. he effort to restore legal protection for unborn children faces new challenges, as we deal with a new Administration and Congress that support “abortion rights.” Many are asking: Where do we go from here?

We first need to recall why we are here, why we Catholics became involved in these tough battles. We begin with the dignity of each human person.

Each and every one of us has intrinsic and immeasurable worth.

That is because God created each of us in his image by the outpouring of his infinite and unconditional love. In return he asks only that we share that love with others, beginning with those most in need – the poor, vulnerable, and despised of this world.

This intrinsic God-given human dignity is the basis for all inalienable human rights – beginning with the most basic right, the right to life. It is most basic because it is the condition for all the others. First we must live, then we can talk about living well.

In particular, the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision has made abortion the battleground over our tradition of inherent human rights, and has polarized our society as nothing else has. Later efforts to use law as a weapon against other innocent human lives – against newborn children with disabilities, for example, or against the sick and elderly through a “right” to assisted suicide – have cited Roe as their inspiration and precedent.

Thus in promoting a culture of life, we must give priority to defending innocent unborn boys and girls from direct attack. We must also make it clear how this effort stands for the dignity and well-being of everyone, before and after birth.

In defending conscience rights in health care, for example, we stand with the unborn child, and also with the women and men of our healing professions whose freedom of conscience is at risk – and with women who will lose access to basic life-affirming health care if those who truly care about them and their children are forced out of medicine.

In sending tens of millions of postcards to Congress against the radical “Freedom of Choice Act,” we have helped stop extreme legislation that would treat ready access to abortion as a goal overriding respect for unborn children or for the wellbeing of pregnant women.

Continued on page 10.

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Respect Life Month continued from pg. 9

By insisting that the federal government promote only morally sound stem cell research, we defend the life of embryonic children – and also the health of patients endangered by the many risks of attempted embryonic stem cell treatments, and the health of women whom some want to exploit as “egg factories” for attempts at cloning human embryos for stem cells.

And the “Pregnant Women Support Act” will provide a wide range of assistance so women can bring their children to live birth and receive a helping hand as they parent the child or make an adoption plan.

Of course, helping those in need is not only the task of government.

The dedicated efforts of Catholics at pro-life pregnancy centers, maternity homes, hospitals, retirement homes, and parish-based support networks for pregnant women and children, as well as prayer and assistance efforts outside of abortion facilities, are needed now more than ever.

Our task is to change hearts and minds, including our own. All our good works in the areas of public policy, education and pastoral care must be undergirded by our prayers and sacrifices offered up to the Lord of Life. Through his saving power, and with the prayerful intercession of our Blessed Mother, we can build a culture of life.

The defense of human life at its most vulnerable stages is an essential duty of those inspired by the Gospel. Our prayers and efforts in this cause should open us up to defending the rights and meeting the needs of human beings all along life’s spectrum. Having said “no” to attacks on innocent human life, we need to affirm a great “yes” to the full range of human living and flourishing.

– Cardinal Justin F. Rigali, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities

11 Catholic Connection October 2009 10

The Fuller Center for Housing Begins Work on 40th House in Shreveport Day on Cross Lake 2008.

Lee Jeter, Executive Director of the Fuller Center cheers, "Let's get to work!" Following a devotion by Father James McLelland. Photo by Jerry Rowe.

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he Fuller Center for Housing is a national Christian organization that reaches out to those in need, aiming to eliminate poverty housing worldwide. To achieve their mission, the Fuller Center works directly with local organizations and aids them in building and repairing houses for those in need.

On August 31, local volunteers gathered in the Allendale neighborhood of Shreveport to build two houses as part of the inaugural Millard Fuller Legacy Build, a worldwide 100-house blitz build honoring the Center’s founder. Building these houses has been a community-wide effort, supported by many denominations of the Christian faith. Both Holy Trinity Catholic Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shreveport are house sponsors.

The two houses are part of a continuing project that began after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. With the completion of the houses in the fall, The Fuller Center will have built 40 houses in the neighborhood.

While The Fuller Center’s volunteers work hard to build houses, they do not give the houses away. Recipients of the houses must perform 350 hours of work, attend a first-time homebuyer’s workshop and go through credit counseling. The family also takes on

a 20-year, no interest mortgage for the house. These payments allow The Fuller Center to build more homes.

Each morning, before volunteers get started on the day’s build, a devotion is held to bless the day’s work and the people who contribute to and receive the benefits of these houses. On August 31, Father James McLelland gave the devotion for the day.

The Fuller Center’s mission has grown exponentially in Shreveport.

Bishop Michael Duca recently sent a letter to parishes in the western and southern deaneries about the mission of The Fuller Center: “There are so many good works done for those in the community from which we do not see visible results. Building a home for someone who needs it and has personally dedicated countless hours (along with persons volunteering their time or money) does show visible results; it enables us to see the work of our hands. We know that we have assisted a particular family not for a day, but for many years to come.”

There are many ways you can help, from financial donations to volunteering. Jerry Rowe, a parishioner at Holy Trinity, is the Catholic contact for the Fuller Center. He can be reached at 318-752-9491, or jwrowe52@ bellsouth.net.

– Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

SCHOOL NEWS

St. John Berchmans School

New Courtyard Unveiled

St. Joseph School Book Drive Benefits Blessed Sacrament Academy

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embers of the St. Joseph School Student Council and National Junior Honor Society recently conducted a book drive benefiting the students at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Academy in Shreveport. Led by their advisor, Krista Redmond, the SJS students collected over 200 books for the preschool and kindergarten students at Blessed Sacrament to be used in the classrooms and in the school library. The Book Drive was part of St. Joseph School’s “Making a World of Difference” campaign which is the community service theme for the 200910 school year.

– Lucy Medvec

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fter months of cleaning up and reconstructing the outside courtyard behind the Cathedral Parish Hall, St. John Berchmans students are finally enjoying the brand new Cardinal Courtyard playground!

Finished at the beginning of the school year, the Cardinal Courtyard is the perfect size for little ones, who use it several times throughout the week.

It was built especially to serve PK-3 through Kindergarten classes and is safely tucked within the walls of the school. Several SJB parents and friends personally worked on our courtyard and we greatly appreciate their service to the school.

Jesus the Good Shepherd School Accelerated Reading Program a Success

Establishing the new playground is another check off of the list of school improvements for St. John's. Since 2005, the school gym, computer lab, and bathrooms have all undergone renovations, along with the installation of new blinds in all classrooms, the painting of the Luminous Mysteries mural in the cafeteria, installation of Smart Boards or Promethean Boards in every classroom, and the completion of several other projects. Our goal with each change along the way is to enhance and improve the education of our students and to serve them and their families better.

– Katie Sciba

Loyola College Prep Loyola Has Record Enrollment

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or many years, JGS has thoroughly enjoyed having the Accelerated Reading (A.R.) program in our school.

Since last year, Evan Hebert, top Accelerated Reading through the Millionaire at JGS. generosity of The Carmel Hill Foundation and the enthusiasm and kindness of their local administrator, Margie Godwin, we have been included in the Carmel Hill grant. It now funds the A.R. program at our school and allows us to purchase thousands of books for our library each year.

Additionally we have formed “The Millionaires Club” which was established for students who read over one million words. Evan Hebert was the top Millionaire last year and was awarded a check for $100 from the school. This year, The Carmel Hill Foundation is also funding the Accelerated Math program which, like the A.R. program, will surely be a huge success at JGS. – Missy McKenzie

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s students returned to Loyola for the 2009-10 school year, there was one noticeable difference -- the hallways and parking lots were more crowded than before.

When Loyola opened its 108th academic year, it did so in record fashion.

With the addition of 118 freshmen, Loyola’s opening enrollment is the largest in school history at 431 students.

“I ask that we all be very aware of the magnitude of this blessing in the face of today’s economic challenges,” said Loyola Principal Frank Israel. “God has truly been good to us; we must stop to make time to be thankful for this.”

There are 99 seniors in the Class of 2010. A year ago, the opening enrollment was 404, which was the first time Loyola had been over 400 in six years.

Due to Loyola’s continuing enrollment increases, Flyer athletic teams have moved from Class 2A to Class 3A. – John James Marshall 11 10

Cover Story

Father Karl Daigle blesses a Great Dane at St. Joseph Church, Shreveport's Blessing of the Animals.

Msgr. Earl V. Provenza blesses poodle Angel and border collie Leela at Holy Trinity Church by the statue of St. Francis.

Blessing of the Animals

by Kelly Phelan

Honors St. Francis of Assisi

ach fall, parishioners in the Diocese of Shreveport take part in an important Catholic tradition with some very special family members. Throughout the month of October, church parishes, the faithful and their pets ready themselves for the annual Blessing of the Animals. Churches conduct this cherished ceremony in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, whose feast day is October 4. Father Karl Daigle, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Shreveport, explained, “One of the reasons the blessing of the animals is connected to St. Francis of Assisi is tradition has it that [he] had a special connection with and love for animals and God’s creation.”

St. Francis was born to a wealthy Assisian cloth merchant and a noblewoman from Provence. When he was in his twenties, Francis joined some townsmen in fighting the citizens of a rival city in a minor battle and was captured and held prisoner for more than a year. During that time, illness turned his thoughts to God. He later joined the military and while traveling had a dream in which a voice told him to return to Assisi. He did and shortly thereafter renounced his father, stripped himself of all his clothing and possessions and voluntarily began a life of poverty and sacrifice. While praying in the chapel of St. Damian’s below Assisi, which was in serious disrepair, Francis heard a voice say, “Go, Francis, and repair my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.” Taking this command literally, he eventually restored St. Damian’s. In time, he formed the

13 Catholic Connection October 2009 12

Franciscan Order and helped Clare of Assisi establish the Poor Clares.

Legend has it that one day, Francis was traveling with some companions and they came to a place where birds filled the trees on either side of the road. Francis told his friends to “wait for me while I go to preach to my sisters, the birds.” The birds settled around him, drawn to his voice, and none of them flew away. Another legend says that on his deathbed, Francis thanked his donkey for many years of faithful service, and the donkey wept. St. Francis exemplified the respect for animal life that Father Daigle said our Heavenly Father wants us to exhibit. “One of the themes that’s prevalent in the Bible is we are called to be stewards of God’s creation. So not only are we called to be good stewards of ourselves and our gifts and resources, but animals are a gift of God’s creation. Just as we respect, for example, other people and the environment, it’s important for us to be good stewards when it comes to the humane and dignified treatment of animals,” he said.

“In the Catholic faith, we see all creation as good because it comes from God. And since animals are part of God’s wisdom and part of God’s plan, we see animals as having great dignity and value. Animals are valuable as well because they can be a wonderful source of companionship as well as unconditional love for people,” said Father Daigle.

He went on, “So many times animals become like children or family members…More and more, residential care

Father Phil Michiels blesses Joe and Debbi Miciotto's dog at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's Blessing of the Animals.

facilities and nursing homes are starting to realize the importance of bringing animals into people’s lives.” Judy Dodd, a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Shreveport, attends their Blessing of the Animals every year. She said she simply likes including her English bulldog, Cash, in her life as much as she can. “I like to take my dog places and do things with him,” she said. Of course, dogs aren’t the only pets welcome at Blessing of the Animals celebrations. Father Daigle said he’s seen it all. “We’ve had hermit crabs, turtles, hamsters, cats and all sizes of dogs, [including] a Great Dane,” he said.

Since we celebrate the bond of creation at church, it’s no wonder people look forward to the opportunity to take their animals for a special blessing. In his Canticle of the

Franciscan Father Jerome Massimino blesses a New York City police officer's horse.

(CNS photo/Octavio Duran)

Creatures, Francis wrote, “All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.” Some of the testimony for St. Clare of Assisi’s canonization referred to her pet cat.

While Blessing of the Animals ceremonies differ slightly from parish to parish, many of them include this lovely benediction: “Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.”

Blessing of the Animals Schedule in the Diocese of Shreveport St. Jude Chuch, Bossier City, October 3, 10:30 a.m. in the parish courtyard St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston, October 3, 11:00 a.m. in front of the St. Francis builiding.

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport, October 4, at 3:00 p.m. in the Prayer Garden.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport, October 4, 2:00 p.m. in the Garden.

St. Joseph Church, Mansfield, October 4 after 11:00 a.m. Mass.

St. Joseph Church, Zwolle, October 4, 4:00 p.m. at the Rectory Plaza.

St. Lawrence Church, Swartz, October 4, 12 noon.

St. Mary of the Pines, Shreveport, October 4, 3:00 p.m., Picnic Pavillion.

St. John the Baptist Church, Many, October 7, 5:00 p.m.

13 12

Native Son of New Orleans Installed to Head His Home Archdiocese He mentioned that both the Clarion Herald, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, and The Times-Picayune daily newspaper reported his appointment with similar headlines: “Native son returns to lead archdiocese.”

“In reading this, something immediately came to mind that was said by someone 2,000 years ago,” Archbishop Aymond said. “The prophet is accepted except in his own country. So I would ask you to please be nice to me -- my mother would want that.”

And then he glanced over and saw Archbishops Hannan, Schulte and Hughes seated in chairs on the left side Archbishop Gregory Aymond exits St. Louis Cathedral following his installation as of the sanctuary.

Archbishop of New Orleans. Photo by Jessica Rinaudo.

“From research we think that New Schulte said with a laugh.

EW ORLEANS (CNS) -- As a Orleans is the only archdiocese with native New Orleanian, Archbishop Archbishop Aymond replied, “Am I four active archbishops,” Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond had walked dying sometime soon?”

Aymond said. “Which leads us to a very, through the front doors of venerable St. “No, you’ll still be here, I think,” very important question: Who’s really in Louis Cathedral hundreds of times as a Archbishop Schulte replied. “But the charge?” seminarian, priest and auxiliary bishop. only one I’m sure of is Archbishop He quickly added, “We won’t answer But as applause erupted inside a Hannan.” that question.” packed cathedral Aug. 20, he suddenly “He’ll probably bury all of us Archbishop Aymond, who grew realized he was walking not only into the -- hopefully, not at the same time,” up in the Gentilly section of New cathedral but also into history.

Archbishop Aymond said.

Orleans, was ordained a priest in Archbishop Aymond, 59, became Until June 12, when Pope Benedict 1975 and served most of his tenure the first New Orleans native to be XVI appointed Archbishop Aymond in New Orleans teaching and then installed as archbishop in the 216-year to return to his hometown from the serving as rector-president at Notre history of the local church since the Diocese of Austin, Texas, New Orleans formal establishment of the Diocese of was unique among the major sees in the Dame Seminary. He was ordained an auxiliary bishop of New Orleans in Louisiana and the Floridas in 1793.

United States not to have had a native1997 and was serving as executive Afterward, Archbishop Aymond was born priest serve as its archbishop. director of the archdiocesan at a loss for words.

After being “It’s just overwhelming,” he said in led to the the cathedral rectory after the Mass. cathedra and “I still can’t believe that I am the receiving the archbishop of New Orleans, but I think crosier from I am.”

Archbishop Inside the rectory, there was another Pietro Sambi, equally amazing sight: The four living apostolic archbishops of New Orleans stood side nuncio to the by side, trading quips with each other.

U.S., and his New Orleans is believed to be the immediate only U.S. diocese ever to have four predecessor, living archbishops: Archbishop Philip Archbishop M. Hannan, 96, who served from 1965 Hughes, until he retired in December 1988; Archbishop Archbishop Francis B. Schulte, 83, 1989- Aymond 2002; Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes, 76, referred to Retired New Orleans Archbishops Alfred C. Hughes, 76, Francis B. Schulte, 2002-09; and Archbishop Aymond. that bit of 83, and Philip M. Hannan, 96, and newly installed Archbishop Gregory M. “We’re going to have to go through history in his Aymond, 59, gather in the rectory of St. Louis Cathedral after Archbishop this again for the fifth one,” Archbishop homily.

Aymond's installation Mass Aug. 20 . Photo by Frank Methe, Clarion Herald

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15 Catholic Connection October 2009 14

Department of Christian Formation in 2000 when he was named coadjutor bishop of Austin.

During his time in Austin, Bishop Aymond oversaw the explosive growth in Catholic population, opened four schools, created a much-copied diocesan program for ensuring the protection of children and young people from sexual abuse, fostered vocations and spearheaded a capital campaign that wildly exceeded expectations.

Acknowledging that the situation in the Archdiocese of New Orleans was far different from Austin because of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Archbishop Aymond referred to his episcopal motto -“God is faithful” -- and urged local Catholics to cling to that promise.

“In our 216 years we have faced many challenges -- yellow fever epidemics, floods, hurricanes, fires,” Archbishop Aymond said.

“As the people of God in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and as New Orleanians, we know of God’s fidelity and we know of his hope,” he said. “We always turn to God in rebuilding our faith and our community, and we are humbled by the generosity and prayerful support of so many in the United States when these challenges have faced us.”

He warned that it is difficult to live lives of faith in “a time when societal structure and busy lives can squeeze God out of our lives.”

“To express faith in God often is not politically correct,” he said. “Family life needs our quality time and attention.

Some have been hurt by the church and have left our family of faith.

Violence, crime and racism are sins that are present in our world and in our community. Human life is often not held as a precious gift of God. “Therefore, we must be a voice for the unborn, but also for the born, the poor, those with disabilities, those on death row, the terminally ill,” he said.

“All of us together, as God’s people in the body of Christ, must face these challenges. Jesus, the good shepherd, needs us to be peacemakers.”

– Peter Finney Jr., Clarion Herald

Father Matthew Long Reflects on First Months as an Ordained Priest

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have now been a priest for five whole months. I have been at the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd serving as the Parochial Vicar for four months.

I have been serving as Chaplain of St. Frederick High School actively for two months. Therefore I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts and feelings as I continue to grow and learn. My Ordination was a glorious celebration that was made possible mainly Newly ordained Father Matthew Long takes on preistly responsibilites at the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd. because of the generosity The Church came alive in a new way of our Bishop and the hard work of so many people. My guests from whenever school started on August 13. out of town still talk about the wonderful It has been a blessing to me to have the hospitality shown to them by the staff at opportunity to get to know the students Fairview House and by the people of the as we began this school year. diocese. My family was greatly impressed Another great blessing has been my with the outpouring of support from so work at St. Frederick. Mrs. Malone and many and I am eternally grateful to you the entire faculty and staff have welcomed all. Of course after such a high point you me into their family and have made me would think that there was no where to go feel as if I truly have a place amongst but down but that is false. them. More importantly to me though From the first moment that I arrived at has been the opportunity to get to know the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd I the students. I have been blown away by have been met with love and acceptance. their manners, their respectfulness for Fr. Mark Watson has been helpful and others, their commitment to their school supportive as I have tried to figure out and, most importantly, their desire to what it means to be a priest in a parish. know God. I had no idea I would be given All of the priests of the Eastern Deanery such a great opportunity to be a part of have been very supportive to me as well. their lives and I thank God for it. My It is reassuring to know I have such a priesthood, as short as it has been, has network of brothers always there to assist truly been blessed by St. Frederick High me in any way. But more important has School. I look forward to the time I spend been the support of the people in this there each week especially on Friday parish. They have opened their hearts, night as the Warriors take the field. their homes and their lives to me and If I was asked today if priesthood have truly made me feel that I have place was what I expected my answer would in their community. I am privileged to be simple, it is even better than anyone celebrate the sacraments with them and could ever imagine. There have been to share in their sorrows and joys. I am ups and downs, but the ups far outweigh so happy this is such a vibrant and active the downs. Celebrating Mass and the parish that has a great history and a other sacraments for and with the people brilliant future. of God is truly a great privilege. Being And speaking of its future it makes part of the lives of men and women of me think of how blessed we are to faith is an even greater privilege. So, in a have a grade school here. Mrs. Patrick nutshell, so far so good. and the faculty and staff of Jesus the St. John Vianney, Pray for me.

Good Shepherd School are wonderful.

– Fr. Matthew Long 15 14

Masters Degree in Theology

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t is possible to earn a master’s degree in theology without leaving the Diocese of Shreveport. Loyola University in New Orleans offers an off-campus program called LIMEX (Loyola Institute for Ministry EXtension) program). Perhaps this is the program you have been waiting for!

Last May several students from our diocese completed the program. They join a number of people ministering in our diocese (laity, deacons and priests) who have completed this fine program.

Graduates from LIMEX currently work in Catholic schools, in catechetical programs, as Greco Instructors, in health care ministry, as parish ministers, and for the diocese. We hope to start a new learning group early in 2010. If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you can still participate and receive a certificate at the end of the program.

Mark your calendar to attend one of the two information sessions. On Monday, October 12, at 6:30 p.m., St. Paschal Parish in West Monroe will host the first information session; on Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport will host the second session.

Information is also available at the Loyola University web site, http:// lim.loyno.edu/ . Those interested in the program may also e-mail Fr. Pat Madden, pmadden@dioshpt.org.

– Fr. Pat Madden

17 Catholic Connection October 2009 16

The Birth of Christianity

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hristianity was born in the beginning of the 1st Century AD in Jerusalem and soon moved to Damascus and Antioch in Syria.

Syria apostles, such as Paul, brought the Good News across the coastal cities of Asia Minor to Greece.

Paul ended his career in the city of Rome Baptism in the Jordan River, Israel. Photo by John Morris. in about the year 64 AD. By the end of the a second pilgrimage entitled “Lands first century Christianity stretched of the Bible” in March, 2009. Fiftyfrom northern Egypt, including two parishioners of The Church of Alexandria, to Rome in the West.

Jesus the Good Shepherd and Grace By the end of the second century Episcopal traveled together. The Christians had settled the entire cruise began in Egypt which was not coastal region of the Mediterranean only central to the Old Testament from Palestine, across Asia Minor, but was also a center of the early past Greece and in to Spain in the church. The group then spent three west and across the entire area of days in Jerusalem and traveled on to North Africa in the south.

Antioch, Tarsus, through Asia Minor The Church of Jesus the Good and ended with a visit to Athens and Shepherd has completed two Corinth. pilgrimages which have covered the The third pilgrimage will continue key areas in which Christianity was the theme of visiting the area in born and later developed. The first which the early church developed trip took place in November, 2007. and will travel to Rome and other We participated in “The Second and holy sights throughout Italy. This Third Missionary Journeys of St. pilgrimage scheduled for May 3 – Paul.” This pilgrimage was hosted 13, 2010 is entitled “Grand Catholic

by Educational Opportunities. We Italy.” The trip includes four days were a group of 12 pilgrims from in Rome which includes a Papal the Monroe area. During the trip we Audience, the four Major Basilicas met Fr. Cyrus Gallagher, OFM and (St. Peter, St. Paul outside the walls, his fellow pilgrims from Colorado St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major Springs.

– Maria Maggiore), the Catacombs, The pilgrimage not only focused the Holy Stairs Vatican Museums, on the journeys of Paul but also on the Sistine Chapel and other ancient the life of John the Evangelist. In sites like the Coliseum. We will also visiting Ephesus we saw the area in travel to Montecassino, San Giovanni which many scholars believe John Rotondo, Assisi, Siena, Florence, the Evangelist lived and Mary the Padua and Venice. You can be a Mother of Jesus lived and ultimately part of this wonderful and exciting died. We also visited the cathedral in pilgrimage. In order to learn more which Mary was declared theotokos about this pilgrimage please call the or Mother of God. office of the Church of Jesus the The success of our first pilgrimage Good Shepherd in Monroe at left me with a desire to see more 318-325-7549. of the area in which our Church – Fr. Mark Watson began. The parish then sponsored

The Joy of Nature’s Inspiring Beauty, Pt. 2 Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America will become pesky creatures y real definition of

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spiritual gardening is where you need to plant yourselves deeply and grow new roots of aging in a bed of faith. See to it you get watered each day with positive thinking.

Mulch yourself properly with love and forgiveness. Spend quality time pulling out the weeds of worry, fear, self-pity and selfishness. You wouldn’t want them to germinate with despair, sadness, stress or loneliness. That might cause the decay of depression. Stay cool with hope and try to cultivate your garden with happy memories.

You must continue on a daily

(Piku / www.sxc.hu)

basis to dig, hoe, weed, water and harvest the lessons you learned from the past. Keep the roots of the present moment well watered so they can grow and flourish with new fruit. Keep planting new seeds for the future and put them (your goals) in a straight row. Till well until your dreams come true.

You might want to dig a large hole in your garden for all the debris of criticism, complaining, impatience, talking about yourself, being selfish, or to put in any bad habits you may need to get rid of. If not, they

you won’t want around. Buy 11 packages of spiritual seeds to sow, love, laughter, joy, peace, kindness, positive thinking, gratitude, prayer, helpfulness and service of any nature.

The very best way to protect your garden from hurricanes and storms is by prayer. Prayer helps you to spiritualize every moment of your aging as it occurs. As you continue to walk on God’s holy ground you will be amazed at how aging offers you a special place in your garden for solitude, reflection, prayer, reading, peace of mind and rest for the soul.

Watch a beautiful butterfly flit to and fro, listen to the birds singing, or simply bask in God’s sunshine.

It will allow you time to hear the Lord speaking to your heart and soul. It is a great way to take care of your body, mind, spirit and soul as you grow older. Walk on His holy Ground and be grateful.

What kind of legacy do I want to leave to my family and friends?

Every morning as I awaken, I make a point to stay in wonder all day long because it carries me through my day way beyond the ordinary things that happen and makes what I do extraordinary.

It is in being “wonder-full” that I actualize the potential given to me by God. I am a marvel, a miracle, the wonder-work of God. How awesome! How wonderful we really are! In the measure you desire the Lord in your aging, you will find Him. “The only way to live well in old age is to live it in God.” Linda Zaghio.

– Sr. Martinette Rivers, Spiritual Gerontologist

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OMEN & SPIRIT: Catholic Sisters in America is a traveling exhibit sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) in association with Cincinnati Museum Center.

It reveals the mystery behind a small group of innovative American women.

From September 25 to December 13, 2009 this exhibit will be shown at the Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future in Dallas, TX. This is an excellent opportunity for Catholics of all ages to learn the facts surrounding the women who helped shape the nation’s social and cultural landscape.

The story of Catholic sisters in America provides a gateway for teachers and students to explore many facets of U.S. history. The exhibition includes education materials that will be available so teachers can bring this extraordinary story to their students. The materials will be suitable for use in public as well as parochial K-12 schools and will be linked to national and state standards in history and social sciences.

The exhibit is located at The Women’s Museum: An Institute for the Future, 3800 Parry Avenue, Dallas, TX 75226, 214915-0860. For additional information and material regarding the exhibit, visit www. womenandspirit.org.

A group of men and women religious in the diocese will travel to the exhibit on October 8.

For more information see page 22.

– Sr. Marilyn Vassallo, CSJ 17 16

Hispanic Corner

Nuestra Página MES DE OCTUBRE, MES DEL ROSARIO

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uentan las historias que había un rey de gran fama quien junto con la corte y sus personajes salía por su reino, plazas y ciudades para que los ciudadanos lo vieran; a su paso la gente le gritaba vivas y hurras, de alegría y orgullo por ver a su rey cercano. En una ocasión escuchaba con suma tranquilidad y gozo, como un personaje de avanzada edad gritaba desmesurado viva la reina! hurras a la reina! desviviéndose en piropos para la reina, madre del rey.

Entonces las personas que estaban a su derredor y las de la misma corte, con insistencia le querían hacer callar, pues le decían a aquel personaje, ¿Que no ves que no está aquí la reina? solo se encuentra el rey! pero el con gran gozo contesta: precisamente por eso le grito hurras a la reina, porque se que al rey le gusta escucharlos y le agrada también que la queramos a ella.

Algo así es el gozo que nosotros, cristianos católicos sentimos al proclamar las grandezas de la Virgen Madre, al hacer el Rosario, al orarle y encomendarnos a ella, o simplemente el hecho de reconocer sus grandes virtudes; lo hacemos porque hay garantía de que eso le

Misas Bossier City: Christ the King 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Domingo 3:00 p.m.

Representante: Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help 600 E. Water Street, Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m.

Representante: Maria Lopez Tel: 318-285-9145 Mansfield: St. Joseph 305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do

agrada a nuestro Rey, a Jesus el hijo de la Virgen María y como bien sabemos, si aquí en la tierra, le fue obediente y todo cuanto hacía se lo concedía, pues con la misma razón, podemos encomendarnos a ella, para que Jesus nos alcance las grandezas que nuestra vida desea por medio de la Virgen María.

El Santo Rosario es una oración eminentemente bíblica, pues los veinte misterios que meditamos son momentos de la vida de Jesus contenidos en los Evangelios, además de que saludamos a la virgen con las mismas palabras que lo hizo el Ángel Gabriel y su prima Santa Isabel; la segunda parte del avemaría, refleja la doble vertiente: reconocerla como madre de Dios, y el ruego que a ella le hacemos CNS photo/Baz Ratner, Reuters de que interceda ante Padre Dios tanto en la vida como en la muerte.

Las letanías, tal como la tradición Calendario Diocesano del de la Iglesia las ha hecho, son la mes de Octubre invocación a ella, con maneras diferentes de dirigirse, o misterios 10 Reunión de Líderes y coordinadores en Ruston hermosos que celebrar.

Vivamos pues este mes de octubre 23-25 Encuentro Regional del Sureste en reavivando nuestro amor a la Virgen San Agustín, FL María, como hijos que somos de 28 Reunión de Organizadores de la ella y reconozcamos que a tan gran Pastoral Juvenil Preparaciones madre, debe corresponder unos para Retiro Juvenil del 27-28 de buenos hijos.

Noviembre – Rev. Francisco Javier Varela Delgadillo, CORC.

Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m.

Representante: Teresa Pérez Tel: 318-871-8037 Minden: St. Paul 410 Fincher Road, Minden Viernes 7:00 p.m.

Representante: Margarita Bratton Tel: 318-377-9684 Oak Grove: Sacred Heart 201 Purvis St, Oak Grove Domingo 5:00 p.m.

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

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

Representante: Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines 1050 Bert Kouns Ind Lp., Shreveport Domingos 1:00 p.m.

Representante: Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-671-9111 West Monroe: St. Paschal 711 N 7th Street, W. Monroe Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Representante: Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora Interina del Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7265 • Blanca Belaire, Secretaria 318-219-7257 Rev. Al Jost, Coordinador de La Vicaría del Este • 318-243-0115

19 Catholic Connection October 2009 18

In Thanksgiving for 50 Years of Service: Msgr. Edmund Moore

Father Andre McGrath Celebrates 50 Years of Religious Life

n Monday, August 31, 2009 the people of the Eastern Deanery celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the priesthood ordination of Msgr. Edmund Moore in the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd. The church was packed. Bishop Duca celebrated the liturgy with 19 other priests.

Msgr. Moore was pastor of the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd and Jesus the Good Shepherd School for 24 years, and since retirement has served the church and school for an additional 12 years. In this time the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Good Shepherd School and St. Frederick High School have become an important part of Msgr. Moore’s family.

During the Mass Bishop Duca preached on the meaning of priesthood as a vocation of living the life of Jesus. Bishop said Msgr. Moore is a good example of one who has successfully lived out this vocation. After the homily a large number of JGS school children sang Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, Let There Be Peace on Earth and Happy Anniversary to You. Toward the end of the celebration I presented Msgr.

Moore with two gifts from the parish: a blessing from Pope Benedict XVI and a painting of Jesus the Good Shepherd surrounded by signatures of JGS parishioners.

I then announced that the parish was establishing the Msgr. Moore Scholarship Fund. This fund will provide scholarships to poor children whose families otherwise could not afford the tuition of Jesus the Good Shepherd School. The evening ended with a reception in Moore Hall which was the former church building. May God continue to bless Msgr. Moore for his generous years of service.

–Fr. Mark Watson

Father Andre McGrath at his 50th Anniversary Celebration. Photo

by John Mark Willcox.

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Msgr. Edmund Moore (far right) celebrates his 50th anniversary to the priesthood with Father Mark Watson and Bishop Michael Duca at the Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd.

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rousing chorus of “When the Saints Go Marching In” resounded through Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church as Rev. Andre McGrath, OFM, processed into the Church sanctuary with parishioners, liturgical dancers and members of St. Peter Claver to celebrate a special Mass honoring his 50 years as a Franciscan Priest.

“Today is indeed a special day,” commented a smiling Fr. Andre as worship began. “Fifty years ago I took my vow as a Franciscan Priest and it has been a wonderful journey blessed by God.” Fr. Andre came to the Diocese of Shreveport in August of 1997 as a Theologian to the Bishop and Instructor in Theology for Greco Institute. In 2000, Bishop William B. Friend named him pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church where he has been since that appointment.

Extremely well educated and a world traveler, Fr. Andre brings a broad wealth of experience and knowledge to all of his assignments, a fact not lost on his faithful parishioners of Blessed Sacrament. “He’s been such a wonderful blessing to this Church,” says long-time parishioner Maxine Sarpy. “Fr. Andre continues to be a fine priest and great example to all of us and we really wanted to make this day special for him.” Indeed, the Church parish hall looked beautiful, almost fit for a wedding ceremony in honor of the parish pastor. The delicious food for the reception matched the decorations.

Our diocese is indeed fortunate to have had Fr. Andre in ministry to our area. Matt Smith, a reporter for Albuquerque Journal interviewed Fr. McGrath in 1992 and dubbed him “a tall, affable man that resembles a giant, clerical version of Mr. Rogers.” We won’t argue Fr. Andre, but the people of this diocese are certainly blessed to have been your “neighbor” for the past 12 years!

– John Mark Willcox, Director of Development 19 18

News Briefs

by Catholic News Service

Upcoming Vatican conference focuses on role of the deaf in the church

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In response to numerous requests for how the Catholic community could increase its attention toward the deaf, the Vatican has organized an upcoming conference focusing on the role of deaf people in the church. The Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry decided to dedicate its annual international conference this year to the condition, needs and experiences of deaf people, including deaf religious and laypeople and their families. The theme of the Nov. 19-21 Vatican gathering, “Ephphatha: Deaf People in the Life of the Church,” recalls the Aramaic word meaning “be opened” that Jesus used to heal a deaf man. The council said on its Web site that it wished “to respond to the numerous requests that we have received asking for the possibility of organizing a symposium” focusing on how the church could help raise awareness about the various situations faced by the deaf “so as to give them full dignity and respect of their rights.”

US women religious should be proud of their ministries, says speaker Father Michael Depcik, a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, celebrates Mass in American Sign Language at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg, Pa., June 28. Father Depcik is among only a handful of U.S. priests who were born deaf or became deaf early in life. He ministers to deaf Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago and regularly holds retreats for people not able to hear.

(CNS photo/Emily M. Albert, The Catholic Witness)

Vatican’s got game: The Holy See’s sports hall of fame is revealed

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- No one would ever mistake St. Peter’s Square for Giants Stadium.

But for centuries, the Vatican has hosted countless competitions and dozens of high-caliber athletes -- most of them lay employees, some of them monsignors and popes. Because so few people know about the sporty side of the Vatican and because much of it is oral history that needs to be preserved, one Vatican employee has decided to publish his research. Roberto Calvigioni, department head of sound engineering at Vatican Radio, spoke with the Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, this summer about the soccer champs, black belts, tennis aces and cycling stars who will appear in his book, which, he explained, is still in the works.

Pope John Paul II obviously stands out as the most athletic pope in memory: He was an avid skier, soccer player, swimmer and hiker. Pope Pius XI loved mountaineering. He was the first to summit Switzerland’s highest mountain, Monte Rosa, from the eastern slope. He also climbed the Matterhorn and the route he scaled to Mont Blanc in July 1890 is named after him. Pope Pius XII was passionate about sports and had no problem letting St. Peter’s Square be turned into a basketball court for a historic game of hoops Oct. 9, 1955.

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EW ORLEANS (CNS) -- Facing an apostolic visitation by the Vatican in January 2010, women religious in the U.S. should point proudly to their history of service in schools, hospitals and other ministries as signs of their vibrant “quality of life,” broadcaster Cokie Roberts said Aug. 12. The news analyst for National Public Radio and political commentator for ABC News was a keynote speaker during the Aug. 11-14 gathering of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in New Orleans. “Point to your works,” said Roberts, who was educated in elementary school and high school by the Religious of the Sacred Heart in New Orleans and Washington. She is the daughter of Lindy Boggs, former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican. During LCWR’s four-day meeting, representatives of religious communities discussed the Vatican’s upcoming apostolic visitation and a separate “doctrinal assessment” of the LCWR authorized by the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Pope Paul VI waves the starting flag for the Tour of Italy cycling race from the St. Damasus courtyard at the Vatican in this May 16, 1974, file photo. (CNS photo/L'Osservatore Romano)

Around the Diocese...

Bishop Duca Blessed Prayer Garden at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church n Monday, August 31st Bishop Duca blessed Mary’s Prayer Garden at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church. The Prayer Garden is in the area between the chapel and the rest of the building. Anyone walking down this hallway is quite taken by the beauty and serenity of the new prayer garden. It features a water fountain, many beautiful flowers and trees and benches for anyone who wishes to stop and pray before Mary’s statue. Joe Cassiere of Landscape Architure, Inc. helped to plan this beautiful garden and many thanks go out to him and the Holyfield family for bringing this beautiful garden to life.

–Jonna Kelly

St. Lucy Servants Make Rosaries for Overseas t. Lucy Servants of Mary shown with over 1,000 rosaries ready for shipment.

The St. Lucy Servants of Mary have been making rosaries to be sent to overseas missions since 2003. They have sent thousands of rosaries to countries including the Philippines, Malawi, India, Tanzania, India, Africa and Uganda, trying to help spread devotion to the Blessed Mother. To get a list of missions requesting rosaries, you can contact Our Lady’s Rosary Makers at 502-969-8883 or www.olrm.org.

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Barksdale's Luau a Success! atholic Youth of Barksdale Air Force Base hosted a Luau/Pool party for Catholic youth in the diocese.

Over 100 youth participated! Sharon Dewitt, coordinator, made sure all who attended had plenty of food and fun. Bishop Duca joined in on the fun and showed that he is young at heart.

St. Mary of the Pines is hosting the next youth event – a softball tournament on Oct. 17 at Cargill’s in Shreveport. All parishes are invited to submit their co-ed team or teams to participate. To participate, e-mail Casey Fruge at stmops@ bellsouth.net. More information can be found on the diocesan website.

– Deacon Clary Nash

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St. Frederick High School Welcomes New Chaplain ather Matthew Long has recently been appointed chaplain of St. Frederick High School for the next two years. The students, faculty and staff are all very happy to have Fr. Long with them. Fr. Long is looking forward to spending time with the students and staff during regular school days and weekly masses, as well as at various school functions – especially Warrior football games!

– Missy McKenzie

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Our Lady of Fatima Student Has River Adventure

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ur Lady of Fatima students recently held an assembly in the school gymnasium to listen to some of the stories surrounding the river adventure of sixth grader Robert Brown and his grandfather, Cliff Dodge. Brown and Dodge spent a year building a 16-foot cypress pirogue named “Colors” from scratch and between July 14 and July 26 of this year, the two navigated the boat from Monroe to Baton Rouge not only to experience a great adventure, but also to bring awareness to the “Kids Wanna Help” kidpowered non-profit organization.

During their adventure, they camped riverside and stayed in various guest houses and camps that were graciously offered by people who had been following the story through the newspapers, television and on the Kids Wanna Help website. While rowing the pirogue down the rivers, they went through three lock and dam systems (accompanied by a very large alligator through one of the systems) as they traveled down the Ouachita, Red and Black Rivers, the Atchafalaya River and then

down the Mississippi River to Baton Rouge – totalling 300 miles! For more information as well as links to photos of this amazing trip, go to www.kidswannahelp.com and click on “Boat Trip.”

– Missy McKenzie

Upcoming Events

silent auctions and The 1-900-BAND from Memphis rocking the night away! For more information, contact the school at 318-325-8569.

October 3: OneLife’s Dinner and a Movie

OneLife invites you to celebrate the start of “Respect Life Month” with Dinner and a Movie! Enjoy a delicious Mexican dinner and watch Guadalupe and support OneLife's pro-life activities. St. John Berchmans School Multiroom, 5:00pm.

October 21: Loyola College Prep Booster BBQ The 83rd Loyola College Prep

Annual Booster BBQ with take place at Riverview Hall at 600 Clyde Fant Parkway from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Event is adult only. All proceeds go to Loyola College Prep.

October 8: Dallas Trip to Women & Spirit for Religious On Thursday, October

8, religious men and women will travel to Dallas to view “Woman & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America.” This unique experience of recorded history of women religious communities who have served in the United States. The trip begins at the Catholic Center parking lot at 7:30 a.m.

A guide will take the group through the exhibit. The group will be introduced to women who corresponded with President Thomas Jefferson, talked down bandits and roughnecks, lugged pianos into the wilderness, and provided the nation’s first health insurance to Midwestern loggers.

The group will discover sisters’ courage during the Civil War, the Gold Rush, the San Francisco Earthquake, the Influenza Epidemic, the Civil Rights Movement, and Hurricane Katrina.

All religious sisters, brothers and priests of the diocese are welcome.

The cost for the entire trip is $10.00 per person. This will cover the museum fee

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Boo on the Bayou for Jesus the Good Shepherd School takes place Oct. 17.

and cost of gas for the bus. The bus will return to the Catholic Center no later than 8:00 p.m. the same day. For more information, please contact Sister Marilyn Vassallo, Coordinator of Religious at the Catholic Center at 868-4441 ext 278 or mvassallo@diospht.org. www.womenandspirit.org

October 24: Run with the Nuns III Run with the Nuns III is a motorcycle run that benefits the Cara Center, which provides free medical treatment to children who have suffered the tragedy of child abuse or neglect. Since Cara Center’s inception, more than 10,000 children from nine Louisiana parishes have been treated in a compassionate and caring environment.

The event will start at 9:00 a.m. at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. www.RunWithTheNuns.com October 30: Diocesan Singles Gathering

Bishop Michael Duca will be the keynote speaker at the Diocesan Singles Gathering October 17: Jesus the Good Shepherd’s at St. Joseph Church, Shreveport at 6:00 Boo on the Bayou Jesus the Good p.m. This meeting is open to all singles Shepherd School will hold it’s annual “Fall of all ages in the diocese and includes Fundraiser to Build a Better School” on three breakout sessions. Please RSVP October 17 at the home of Merion and

by Oct. 27 by calling or emailing Dotye Matt Sanderson. This year’s theme, “Boo Sue Stanford, 318-841-8208, familylife@ on the Bayou”, is sure to be a hit with stjosephchurch.net costume contests, great food, live and

October 2009

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

All events are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Blue Mass, St. Joseph Church, Bastrop, Noon

Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin & doctor

Southern Regional Conference of Catholic Press Association, Birmingham, AL

Respect Life Sunday St. Jude Feast Day Mass & Celebration, St. Jude Church, 10:00am Bruno, priest; Marie-Rose Durocher, virgin

Vocation Awareness Sunday

Columbus Day

Priests Sunday

LIMEX Info Session, St. Paschal, 6:30pm

Our Lady Queen of Palestine Mass, Cathedral of St.John Berchmans, 11:00am

Callistus I, pope & martyr

Shepherd of Life Series, Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, 6:30pm

Diocesan Liturgical Commission Meeting, Catholic Center, 12:30pm

John de Brebeuf & Isaac Jogues, priests & martyrs, & their companions

Paul of the Cross, priest

LIMEX Info Session, St. Joseph, Shreveport, 6:30pm

Our Lady of the Rosary

Guardian Angels

Catholic Connection Deadline for November Issue

Denis, bishop & martyr, & his companions, martyrs; John Leonardi, priest

Exec. Coordinators Meeting for Hispanic Ministry, Ruston Mass & Prayer Garden Blessing, Mary Queen of Peace, 4:00pm

Catholic Biblical School Meeting, Catholic Center

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6:00pm

Schools Convocation, Catholic Center, 8:30am

World Mission Sunday

Dallas Trip to Women & Spirit for Religious Men and Women, Meet at Catholic Center parking lot, 7:30am

Taste of Shreveport, Fox Creek Farms, 4:00pm

Teresa of Jesus, virgin & doctor

Hedwig, religious; Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1:00pm

2nd Collection: World Mission Sunday Ignatius of Antioch, bishop & martyr

Run with the Nuns III, Louisiana Downs, 9am United Nations Day

John of Capistrano, priest

Diocesan Finance Council Meeting, Catholic Center, Noon

Diocesan Singles Gathering, St. Joseph Family Life Center, Shreveport, 6:00pm

Anthony Mary Claret

Happy Halloween

Simon & Jude, apostles

ST. FRANCIS DEPICTED IN STAINED-GLASS WINDOW IN CHURCH OF SAN DAMIANO (CNS photo/Octavio Duran) 23 22

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3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Fairfield

Eastern Deanery Red Mass Honors Law Officials

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of op Eme r it us h is b h rc A s, e h t Alf re d C. H ug t h e h omil y a e v a g s, n a le Ne w Or Re d M as s .

Knights of Columbus Prepare Cofor urt Red Offic Mass at Holy Trinity.

ia ls were ho nore d at Photo Rinaudo.

Re dby MJessica as s in M on ro e.

24 Catholic Connection October 2009

n September 8, St. Matthew Church was filled to the brim with lawyers, judges and court workers, all of whom were honored at the Eastern Deanery Red Mass.

Each September, at the opening of the judicial year, this special Mass is held to pray over and bless those who practice law, and to ask God to inform their decisions in the upcoming year.

This year Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans Alfred C. Hughes was the guest homilist.

h op ts, Archbis s ie r P n a s e Dio c Bish op Duc a H ugh e s and Euch a r is t. pre p a re t h e

Archbishop Hughes took to the podium and related the history of the interworking of law and spirituality.

He quoted George Washington, James Madison, John Adams, and many other American historical figures who intertwined their faith with government. Archbishop Hughes closed his homily with these words, “In Jesus Christ law and spirit are perfectly united. May we share some part of that grace as we begin this judicial year.”

– Jessica Rinaudo

Ou r Lady of Fatim a and St. Freder ick st uden ts pa rt ic ip ated in Re d M as s.