Vol. 23, No. 3 October 2013
Dignity for All Hispanic Ministries Reaches Out to Those in Need October 2013 1
Annual Blessing of the Cemeteries Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Briana Bianca Bishop Michael Duca Donna Grimaldi Leah Jackson Kim Long John Parker Kelly Phelan Powell Fr. Rothell Price Rosalba Quiroz
Dianne Rachal Jessica Rinaudo Katie Sciba Randy Tiller Duane Trombetta Marcos Villalba Mike Van Vranken Fr. Mark Watson
Editorial Board Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Kelly Phelan Powell Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Mission Statement The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community. Subscriptions & Address Changes Contact: Jessica Rinaudo, Editor Email: jrinaudo@dioshpt.org Write: Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609 Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org
The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call Glennda Lawson. Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law enforcement agency.
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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 All Souls Day and throughout the month of November. In the communion of the saints, the communion of Christ’s members with one another, the Church obtains spiritual help for those who have preceded us in faith. This spiritual communion brings the consolation of hope to us who remember with gratitude, love and devotion those who have gone before us in faith. It is in this spirit that we commemorate our faithful departed on All Souls Day and bless their graves. We entrust them once again to the purifying and life giving love of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our priests and deacons will offer prayers at our local cemeteries on the weekends closest to All Souls Day, our annual commemoration of the faithful departed on the following dates: Saturday, October 26, 2013 Forest Park Cemetery West, Shreveport, 1pm with Deacon John Basco
Sunday, October 27, 2013 Rose-Neath Cemetery, Bossier City, 2pm with Deacon Freeman Ligon
Lincoln Park Cemetery, Shreveport, 1pm with Deacon Burt Ainsworth
Forest Park Cemetery East, Shreveport, 2pm with Rev. Matthew Long
Round Grove Cemetery, Shreveport, 1pm with Rev. Andre McGrath, OFM
Saturday, November 2, 2013 St. Joseph Cemetery, Shreveport, 1pm with Rev. Charles Glorioso
Centuries Memorial Cemetery, Shreveport, 1pm, Rev. Francis Kamau, FMH Sunday, November 3, 2013 Hillcrest Cemetery, Haughton, 2pm with Deacon Michael Straub Carver Cemetery, Shreveport, 2pm with Rev. Michael Thang’wa, FMH
bishop’s october calendar OCT 1 Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport; 6:00 p.m. OCT 2 Year of Faith Parish Visit; Sacred Heart Church, Rayville; 5:30 p.m.
Seminary Board & St. Joseph Seminary Board; Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, LA
OCT 4 St. Francis Medical Center's 100th Anniversary - Community Mass; St. Francis Medical Center Park, Monroe; 2:00 p.m.
OCT 19 Run with the Nuns Motorcycle Rally; Red River District, downtown Shreveport; 9:30 a.m.
OCT 5 University of Dallas’ Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner; Las Colinas Country Club, Irving, Texas; 7:00 p.m.
OCT 21 LSU Catholic Medical Students Association Luncheon; LSU Medical School, Shreveport; 11:30 a.m.
OCT 8 Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Paschal Church, West Monroe; 6:30 p.m.
OCT 23 Diocesan Finance Council meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 p.m.
OCT 9 Our Lady of Fatima School Mass; Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe; 9:00 a.m. Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Pius X Church, Shreveport; 6:30 p.m. OCT 10 Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. John the Baptist Church, Many; 6:00 p.m. OCT 12 Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Theresa Church, Delhi; 5:30 p.m. OCT 13 Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux Mass & Celebration; St. Theresa Church, Delhi; 11:00 a.m. OCT 14 -18 Diocese of Shreveport Priests’ Retreat; St. Charles Retreat Center, Lake Charles OCT 16 Meeting of Notre Dame
Year of Faith Parish Visit; St. Joseph Church, Mansfield; 7:00 p.m. OCT 25 Year of Faith Parish Visit; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Farmerville; 7:00 p.m. OCT 27 University of Louisiana at Monroe Scholars’ Mass; Christ the King Chapel, Monroe; 1:00 p.m. OCT 29 Diocese of Tyler Chancery Staff Retreat; Wellspring Spirituality Center, Whitehouse, TX; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. OCT 30 St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors’ Meeting; Monroe; 11:30 a.m. Year of Faith Parish Visit; Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, Monroe; 6:00 p.m.
contents
october 2013
columns Catholic Teaching on Marriage: Values of Matrimonial Love by Bishop Michael G. Duca.............................................................................................. 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: How Hard Do We Try? by Mike Van Vranken........................6 Second Collections: World Mission Sunday by Fr. Rothell Price ...........................6 Domestic Church: Being Pro-Life at Home by Katie Sciba..............................................7 Be 100% Pro-Life to Your Family by Katie Sciba ........................................................7
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Documents of Vatican II: Ad Gentes by Dianne Rachal..........................................8 Decree on the Church's Missionary Activity
Year of Faith Venerable: Venerable Pierre Toussaint by USCCB..........................8 Navigating the Faith: Rerum Novarum by Fr. Mark Watson ....................................9 Worship Notes: Proper Reception of Holy Communion by Dianne Rachal .......10 Moveable Feast: Treats for Kids and Furry Friends by Kim Long...........................10 School News ...........................................................................................................11 Vocations Corner: Seminarian Convocation by John Parker..............................14 Vocations Corner: Summer Ministry at Home by Duane Trombetta....................14
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features Dignity for All : Hispanic Ministries Reaches Out to Those in Need by Kelly Phelan Powell .............................................................................................. 12-13
news Local Teens Attend World Youth Day by Jessica Rinaudo....................................15 Catholic Charities: Offering Legal Advocacy to Low Income Immigrants by Briana Bianca .......................................................................................................16
Youth Experienced Joy and Love on Haiti Mission Trip by John Parker ..............16 Catholic Center Houses Historic Statues by Randy Tiller.......................................17
16 on the cover
Pumpkin Patch by Donna Grimaldi.........................................................................17 Family Endows Catholic Nursing Scholarship by Leah Jackson ..........................18 Bishop Duca Honored Alumnus.............................................................................18 Bishop's Pro-Life Banquet .......................................................................................18 Across the Globe by Vatican Information Services and the USCCB........................19 Pope Francis: War is Always a Defeat for Humanity; Dioceses Hold Masses, Pilgrimages, Meetings for Immigration Reform
Vatican News and Notes by Vatican Information Services ....................................19 Hispanic Corner by Rosalba Quiroz ........................................................................20 Around the Diocese ...............................................................................................21 Upcoming Events....................................................................................................22 October Calendar .................................................................................................23 Picture of the Month by Marcos Villalba ................................................................24
Nina Montanez and her son Jose Manuel Rodriguez. (Photo/Jessica Rinaudo)
October 2013 3
LA REFLEXIÓN del obispo
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por Obispo Michael G. Duca
Enseñanzas Católicas sobre el Matrimonio: Valores sobre el Amor Matrimonial
n mis visitas a las parroquias de la diócesis en este Año de Fe*, he enfatizado que el testimonio de fe debe fluir de un corazón lleno de gozo. Nuestro testimonio debe ser gozoso porque las palabras de Jesus dan vida y revelan a plenitud lo que significa ser una persona completamente viva. Esta actitud de gozo es muy necesaria hoy en día que tantas de las enseñanzas hermosas de nuestra fe están siendo marcadas, de muchas maneras y de anticuadas. Esto es especialmente verdad con respecto al Sacramento del Matrimonio. Necesitamos recuperar en nuestras propias vidas de fe, en las enseñanzas a nuestros hijos y en nuestro testimonio viviente un entendimiento del matrimonio que revele el gozo y belleza de este Sacramento. Se puede aprender todo lo necesario sobre el matrimonio en la página de internet de los obispos, www.portumatrimonio. org, pero este mes yo quiero darle una breve descripción de la Teología Católica del Matrimonio que explique el centro de la enseñanza Católica sobre el matrimonio y que nos ayude a redescubrir que el amor de esposos es un testimonio sacramental del amor de Dios en el mundo. El matrimonio es la unión íntima y la sociedad equitativa de un hombre y una mujer. Esta sociedad entre hombre y mujer ha sido vivida a través de la historia humana como una institución natural. Esta relación natural fue elevada por Cristo para ser un Sacramento porque el amor de esposo y esposa en el matrimonio Cristiano hace presente el amor de Dios por medio del amor hacia el otro. Así que una persona que entra al sacramento del matrimonio por su propia voluntad hace votos de que su amor será: Indisoluble/Permanente: Esta cualidad del amor en el matrimonio refleja el Amor de Dios, que es permanente. El hombre y mujer en el matrimonio prometen vivir juntos “todos los días de su vida,” y en esta alianza permanente se une la pareja casada a dar testimonio del amor de Dios. No 4 Catholic Connection
hay palabras que puedan definir “peros” o “condiciones” para terminar con esos votos y no se permiten acuerdos prematrimoniales en un matrimonio Católico. Un verdadero matrimonio Católico entra con las intenciones de que será una unión permanente. La promesa indisoluble del matrimonio permite que la pareja se quede en paz y viva en una relación estable de confianza, sabiendo que aun en los tiempos difíciles pueden depender uno en el otro, acercarse y entregarse cada vez mas en su alianza de amor. Fiel: el esposo y la esposa prometen ser fieles. La fidelidad no se trata solo en no ser infiel con otra persona. Fidelidad también significa que el matrimonio será la vocación central en la vida de la pareja. Cada parte de sus vidas (trabajo, finanzas, amistades, tiempo libre) será juzgada por como estos aspectos de sus vidas construyen o dañan el matrimonio. En este sentido una persona puede ser infiel estando mucho tiempo lejos de casa o viendo mucha televisión o estando mucho tiempo con amigos fuera de casa. Fidelidad significa que el matrimonio es la vocación primordial en la vida de la pareja. Dispuestos a procrear Nueva vida: El amor muto de una pareja casada debería siempre estar abierto a dar nueva vida. El amor de Dios es creador y el amor de los casados debe serlo también. Esta apertura se expresa poderosamente en la unión sexual de los esposos. El poder de crear un bebe con Dios es un aspecto que define el amor que los esposos comparten mutuamente. El
amor mutuo incluye el mutuo regalo de la fertilidad. El deseo de tener hijos también revela la cualidad única del matrimonio entre un hombre y una mujer, porque juntos han sido creados con la capacidad de crear una vida nueva, un bebe. Este aspecto procreativo también madura el amor del esposo y esposa porque, con los hijos, su amor se madura y profundiza ya que es compartido con sus hijos. Algunos dicen que no toda pareja casada tiene hijos, así que no es una cualidad esencial. Pero sí es esencial ya que cada pareja desea hijos y ve su amor como procreativo. Si descubren que no pueden tener hijos, pueden compartir su amor generoso con otros niños, con otras familias y el resto de la comunidad. Estas tres cualidades del amor de los casados son elementos ESENCIALES de un matrimonio Católico. Yo se que el matrimonio puede ser desafiante, porque al centro de esta vocación está la necesidad de adentrarse más profundamente en el misterio del ejemplo del amor de Cristo. El matrimonio continuamente desafiará a la pareja a vivir más para el matrimonio y la familia que para ellos mismos. Esto es difícil algunas veces, pero cuando el hombre y la mujer se convierten en matrimonio, descubren los gozos más profundos del amor. También sé que muchos matrimonios terminan en divorcio y esto causa mucho dolor porque la mayoría de la gente quiere que el matrimonio funcione. Aun a pesar de nuestros sufrimientos y gozos, la definición de matrimonio continua siendo la misma que es la de ser un testimonio de una alianza entre hombre y mujer que dan testimonio del amor de Dios como indisoluble, fiel y procreador. Este testimonio sacramental del amor de Dios es lo que define el matrimonio y es la fuente de nuestro gozo de enseñar a nuestros hijos y ser testimonios de la belleza de este sacramento. *Si no tuviste oportunidad de participar en la visita por El Año de la Fe en tu parroquia, busca el itinerario del Obispo Duca en esta revista y si puedes asiste en otra parroquia.
bishop’s reflection
by Bishop Michael G. Duca
Catholic Teaching on Marriage: Values of Matrimonial Love
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n my visits to the parishes and churches of the diocese in this Year of Faith*, I have stressed that our witness of the faith should flow from a heart full of joy. Our witness should be joyful because the words of Jesus are life-giving and reveal the fullness of what it means to be a person fully alive. This joyful attitude is greatly needed today when so many of the beautiful teachings of our faith are being Bishop Duca labeled, at the least, as outdated. This is especially true in regards to the Sacrament of Matrimony. We need to recover in our own lives of faith, in the teaching of our children and in our lived witness, an understanding of marriage that reveals the joy and beauty of this Sacrament. You can learn more about marriage at the bishops’ website foryourmarriage.org, but this month I want to give a brief description of the Catholic Theology of Marriage that will explain the core Catholic teaching about marriage and help us rediscover that the love of husband and wife is a sacramental witness to the love of God in the world. Marriage is the intimate union and equal partnership of a man and a woman. This partnership between man and woman has been lived throughout human history as a natural institution. This natural relationship was raised by Christ to be a Sacrament because the love of husband and wife in Christian marriage make present God’s love in their love for each other. So a person entering the sacrament of matrimony will willingly make vows that their love will be: Indissoluble/Permanent: This quality of married love reflects the love of God, which is permanent. The man and woman in marriage vow to live together “all the days of our lives,” and in this permanent covenant bond the married couple gives witness to God’s love. There are no qualifying words like “but” or “unless” at the end of the vows and we do not allow pre-marital agreements in a Catholic marriage. A true Catholic
marriage is entered into with the intentions of it being a permanent union, period. The indissoluble vows of marriage allow a couple to relax into a stable relationship of trust, knowing that even in difficult times they can depend on one another and grow closer and more selfless in their covenant of love. Faithful: The husband and wife vow to be faithful. Faithfulness is not just about being unfaithful with another person. Faithfulness also means marriage will be the central vocation in the lives of the couple. Every other part of their lives (job, finances, relationships, free time) will be judged by how these aspects of their lives build up or harm the marriage. In this sense a person could be unfaithful with too much time away from home, or by watching too much TV or spending too much time with friends away from home. Faithfulness means that marriage is the defining vocation of a couple’s lives. Procreative/Open to New Life: The mutual love of a married couple should always be open to new life. God’s love is creative and so married love should be as well. This openness is expressed powerfully in the sexual union of husband and wife. The power to create a child with God is a defining aspect of the love spouses share with each other. Mutual love includes the mutual gift of fertility. The desire to have children also reveals the unique quality of the marriage between a man and a woman, because together they have been created with the capacity to create a new life, a child. This procreative aspect also matures the love of
husband and wife because, with children, their love is matured and deepened as it is shared with their child. Some will say that not every married couple has children, so this is not an essential quality. But it is essential that every couple desire children and see their love as procreative. If they discover they are unable to have children, they can share their generative love with other children, families and the wider community. These three qualities of married love are ESSENTIAL elements of Catholic marriage. I know marriage can be challenging, because at the center of this vocation is the need to enter deeply into the mystery of Christ’s example of love. Marriage will continually challenge a couple to live more for the marriage and the family than for themselves alone. This is hard at times, but as a man and woman truly become one in marriage, they discover the deeper joys of love. I also know many marriages end in divorce and this causes a lot of pain because most people want their marriage to work. But despite our struggles and joys, the definition of marriage remains the same as a witness of a covenant between man and woman that gives witness to God’s love as indissoluble, faithful and procreative. This sacramental witness of God's love is what defines marriage and it is the source of our joy in teaching our children and witnessing to the beauty of this sacrament. *If you missed the Year of Faith visit in your parish, see Bishop Duca’s schedule in this issue on page 2 and you can attend at another parish this month. October 2013 5
mike’s meditations
by Mike Van Vranken
How Hard Do We Try? Continually searching for Jesus
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ometimes we find ourselves not as close to Jesus as we once were. In those hopefully rare instances, it is comforting to know it was not him who left us. For, in every one of those situations, it is always because we walked away from him. In meditating these occasions, we might consider the urgency and importance of finding him quickly. Scripture gives us examples of how we might seek the savior of the world. The wise men traveled great distances just to find him and pay him homage. The woman suffering hemorrhages in Mt 9:20 slipped through the crowds, found him and touched his tassels which would have made her subject to punishment under her religious laws. However, she was willing to take the risk. Zacchaeus in Luke 19:2 climbed a tree to find him. And how about the stories where crowds of followers painstakingly left whatever they were doing to just be close to him? One of the most famous episodes of searching for Jesus centered on his own parents. Luke explains in chapter 2 of his gospel how Jesus remained behind when his parents headed home from Jerusalem. Even then, it was they who left him, not the other way around. They searched for three days before finding him. While three days may not seem like an unimaginable length of time for some things, losing your only child for three days would resemble an eternity for any of us. It is easy to imagine how Mary and Joseph probably panicked, followed by diligently searching without food or sleep until they found him. The worry, the guilt, the endless fears would have gripped them until, once more they were in the real presence of the Son. If you feel like you are not as near to Jesus as you should be, and that would include all of us, make plans today to zealously pursue him until you are closer than ever. Take whatever risks, abandon whatever you are doing and make any necessary journey to find him again to live in union with him. Daily scripture reading, praying unceasingly and looking for ways to love others are essential in building that intimate relationship. And remember, he’s actually easy to find. As he told his parents: “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know I must be in my Father's house?” Luke 2:49 Mike has a teaching ministry (www.mikevanvrankenministries. org) and serves as an adjunct professor for the Diocese of Shreveport’s Greco Institute. 6 Catholic Connection
second collection
by Fr. Rothell Price
second collections World Mission Sunday
Announcement Dates: October 6th & 13th Collection Dates: October 19th & 20th n 1926 Pope Pius XI instituted Mission Sunday for the whole Church with the first worldwide Mission Sunday collection taking place in October 1927. The Mission Sunday collection is always taken on the next to last Sunday in October. That day is celebrated in all the local Churches as the feast of catholicity and universal solidarity so Christians the world over will recognize their common responsibility with regard to the evangelization of the world. Bishop Duca exhorted the Catholics of the diocese to a renewed sense of evangelization on the occasion of our 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Shreveport. Pope Francis has also exhorted Catholics throughout the world to a deeper love of Jesus and sharing him with the world. The Bishop of Shreveport and the Bishop of Rome invited us to a personal, communal and social evangelization. The World Mission Sunday collection is an opportunity to engage these three dimensions of evangelization. This collection allows us to personally respond to the Lord Jesus Christ in gratitude for His Father’s goodness to us. It permits us to join our personal spiritual effort with that of our parish and faith communities in a united effort to spread the Good News of life in Christ. And, this collection affords us the opportunity to go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News. This World Mission Sunday collection, along with the other special collections throughout the year, is one of the profound ways we ordinary Catholics fulfill the evangelizing mandate given to us by the Lord. In the final paragraph of Matthew’s Gospel, the Lord Jesus commissions and spiritually equips his disciples to go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News. We stay-at-home missionaries make it possible for official ambassadors of the Church to go forth and evangelize. Our giving to this collection not only sends our dollars, but represents our very selves, spiritually, physically and materially, to the Lord and the least of his brothers and sisters. How awesome it is that we make it possible for others to take the Good News of life in Jesus Christ, in our name and on our behalf, to those who have never heard it and to those whose faith needs to be reignited. Every year the needs of the Catholic Church in the missions grow. We understand the mission field and its needs, as our diocese is a “mission” diocese. We receive a large grant from this collection to help our local evangelizing work. Please give generously in the spirit of these final months of the “Year of Faith.” Participate generously for the good of our mission diocese and for all the mission fields of the world. Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Special Collections.
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domestic church
by Katie Sciba
Being Pro-Life with Our Families Don't overlook respect at home with spouses and children
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his October marks the 42nd annual Respect Life Month in America, a celebration made every year calling Catholics to “renew their personal commitment to defend human life” (USCCB). The idea itself brings to mind the unborn, those under the death penalty, as well as the dying; and while these people are the most vulnerable, one particular cause sits quietly in the corner, often overlooked. In a time when we rally that all people be respected, it’s important to examine how well we offer that same respect in our homes. In other words, how pro-life are we to those living under the same roof? Blessed Mother Teresa received the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize and one reporter asked her, “What can we do to promote world peace?” She responded quite simply: “Go home and love your family.” If you want to change the world, if you want respect for life to spread, it has to start at home. The family is the basic building block of the Catholic Church and what happens there happens in the world at large. Where else can respect for life begin? Consider society’s general attitude towards children. Often regarded as road-blocks to living life to the fullest or checking off daily to-dos, it’s easy for children to learn that they’re inconvenient; an outlook that perpetuates itself when they grow up to have kids of their own. Respect in marriage can be an uphill battle too, since the media tends to scoff at self-sacrifice in any relationship. If we’re not careful, these ideas can seep into our own attitudes, shifting our focus from others to self. And so I propose the following ways to be pro-life in our homes, to ensure that all humans are respected in the family, and ultimately, the world: 1) Lend an ear and a hand: From littlest
children to biggest bread-winners, everyone needs an open ear to receive them. With our small boys at home, their trivial concerns revolve around misplaced pacifiers and broken Hot Wheels; but in their little world, these big problems need to be addressed and doing so conveys that I love and respect them. Similarly, if my husband has a need or desire different from mine, I shouldn’t leave him to fend for himself when I could work by his side. 2) Be a praying family: Make prayer part of your family’s culture. Pray on the way to school, say a Chaplet of Divine Mercy on the way home, read scripture after dinner. Pray before bed and incorporate God and Catholicism into your conversation. Immerse your family in faith and respect will flow. 3) Trim the fat: My vocation as a wife and mother is my life’s work. Though I have other hobbies and interests, nothing I do calls for more loving attention than marriage and parenthood. If spouses or kids are involved in so many extra activities that it distracts from family, consider cutting one or two to make room for what’s fundamentally important. Fill the empty time slots with time together. It’s good to go beyond our front doors to cater to those in need, but the challenge within the pro-life movement comes when we look through our own windows to the family members who need more love, respect and attention. Cultivating the respect for our family members will encourage respect for those we meet outside our homes and, by Mother Teresa’s advice, we can save lives and change the world one loving gesture at a time. Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife. net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and three sons, Liam,Thomas & Peter.
Be 100% Pro-Life to Your Family October is Respect Life Month – to be 100% pro-life, ensure you’re loving and respecting those closest at home.
Lend an Ear &a Hand From littlest children to biggest bread-winners, everyone needs an open ear to receive them. Listen to your kids’ concerns and address them. Do the same for your spouse, especially when it calls for self-sacrifice. Listening and helping convey love and respect.
Be a Praying Family
Make prayer part of your family’s culture. Pray on the way to school, say a Chaplet of Divine Mercy on the way home, read scripture after dinner. Pray before bed and incorporate God and Catholicism into your conversation. Immerse your family in faith and respect will flow.
Trim the Fat
Your vocation is your life’s work because nothing else calls for more loving attention than marriage and parenthood. If spouses or kids are involved in so many extra activities that it distracts from family, consider cutting one or two to make room for what’s fundamentally important. Fill the empty time with time together.
October 2013 7
source of the missions of the Son and the Spirit (AG 2). Missionary activity is one dynamic movement of “sending forth” that begins with the Father and extends through Christ, the Spirit and the Church to all the ocuments of ends of the earth. God has sent the Church, “the universal sacrament of salvation,” to the nations (ad gentes) to preach the gospel to all. This d entes responsibility falls on the whole people Decree on the Church’s of God. The Church’s mission is every activity that serves to lead people to the Missionary Activity faith, freedom and peace of Christ (AG by Dianne Rachal 5). Missionary work is accomplished by d Gentes – “To the Nations” – is preaching, which leads to conversion, the decree issued by the Second which is assisted by a robust process of Vatican Council that deals with Christian initiation. Missionary activity the missionary activity of the Church. is supported by inculturation and trained The third draft of this decree, written local catechists, as well as efforts to improve by noted theologians Yves Congar, Karl social and economic conditions, and efforts Rahner, Joseph Ratzinger and others, was to seek justice and to promote the human approved nearly unanimously on the final dignity of all. day of the final session of the council. Ad While there are people who hear a special Gentes blends two conflicting viewpoints call to serve as missionaries, spreading in existence at the time by stating that the faith is the responsibility of every the purpose of the Church’s missionary Christian. Spreading the faith begins with activity is not only to win souls to Christ interior conversion and the effort to lead a through the preaching of the Good News, profound Christian life. Our faith is rooted but also to plant and build up new church in scripture and tradition, and while the communities. In doing so, the decree methodology surrounding evangelization sets out principles for the structure of may have changed, our mission remains the missionary same. There activity in are still souls order to who do not approach it in know Christ. a systematic We are called way. to spread the Ad Gentes knowledge of affirms the the love and work of saving power missionary that only activity within Jesus Christ the larger can give to context of the ends of the Church’s the earth. mission of We are called evangelization to be the Ad Gentes affirms the work of missionary to all people, sign of the activity within the larger context of the even those living Christ who are ad gentes – to Church’s mission of evangelization to all already the nations. people, even those who are already Christian. Christian. “And the The Church glory of God is charged with “preaching the gospel and which shines on the face of Jesus Christ implanting the church among people who may shine upon all men through the Holy do not yet believe in Christ” (AG 6), yet the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 4:6) (AG 42) activity of the whole church “is by its very From Edward P. Hahnenbert, A Concise nature missionary” (AG 2). Guide to the Documents of Vatican II, The Trinity is the foundation for all Cincinnati, Ohio: St. Anthony Messenger missionary activity. The Father is the loving Press, 2007.
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Year of Faith Venerable: October 2013
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orn a slave in Haiti, Venerable Pierre Toussaint died a free and wealthy man. When he was in his early twenties, his master brought him to the United States with several other slaves to avoid civil disturbance in Haiti. He was apprenticed to a hair dresser in New York City, becoming a favorite stylist for the ladies of the city. When his master died, he worked very hard to take care of his master’s wife. In 1807, just before her death, he was freed. Toussaint purchased Juliet Noel’s freedom when she was 15 and later married her. She assisted him in his charities. Their home was a shelter for orphans, a credit bureau, an employment agency and refuge for priests and poverty stricken travelers. Toussaint generously assisted his black brothers and sisters zealously to support the Oblate Sisters of Providence, a religious Orders of Black ladies established in Baltimore. Pierre Toussaint was also a benefactor of the First New York City Catholic school for Black children at St. Vincent de Paul on Canal Street. from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops & nbccongress.org
Navigating the Faith Encyclical: Rerum Novarum by Fr. Mark Watson
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he latter third of the 19th century was characterized by deplorable conditions for workers in Europe which included arduous and boring work, long hours, low pay and no benefits. In Europe a third of workers lived in dire poverty despite the fact that they were employed. Unskilled workers were forced to spend 60 to 80 percent of their income on food – and to exist on a diet of bread, potatoes and cabbage. Boys and girls under eight regularly made up half of the cheap labor force (Unsworth, A Catholic New World Order: The Making of Rerum Novarum). These conditions were leading workers to accept Marxism. Pope Leo XIII understood that there was a need for change in the living and working conditions of workers. At a time when the Church was on the margins of society, Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) felt that only the Church’s moral teaching could solve these problems at their root. To this end on May 15, 1891, Pope Leo XIII published the encyclical Rerum Novarum or “On the Condition of the Working Classes.” Leo XIII showed that the church had the competence and the right to involve itself in the social, political and economic orders. Theological Beginnings In 1881, Leo XIII summoned the French Cardinal Gaspard Mermillod to Rome to act as a consultant on church-state issues. An aspect of his task was working with a study group that would examine economic questions. It was within this group that the seeds of Rerum Novarum were planted. “In 1884 Mermillod and Count Franz Kuefstein of Austria formed a new organization called the Fribourg Union. Its members were committed to addressing the social crises of the period while remaining faithful to Catholic teaching and papal authority.” (Unsworth) The Fribourg Union developed ideas such as the right of workers to a just wage and to form unions. The ideas of the Fribourg Union were central in the writing of Rerum Novarum. Underlying Themes The document shows a clear concern for the living and working conditions of the poor in Europe during the Industrial Revolution. Rerum Novarum attempts to find a means through which labor and capital can work together in harmony.
fully and faithfully completed.
Duties of Workers & Employers The harmony between labor and capital comes from both groups committing themselves to various rights and duties. The duties of the workers are as follows: • To fully and faithfully perform the work which has been agreed upon • To never injure property, nor outrage an employer • To never resort to violence in defending one’s cause, nor to engage in a riot or disorderly conduct • To have nothing to do with men of evil principles when organizing for rights. The duties of the employers are: • To not look on workers as mere bondsmen, but to respect the dignity of every worker • To not misuse workers as though they are things or to value them solely for their physical powers • To allow workers to have time to complete their religious duties • To see that workers are not exposed to corrupting influences and dangerous occasions • To not tax workers beyond their strength • To not force workers to take part in work that is not suited to their sex or age • To not exercise excessive pressure on a worker for the sake of profit • To not defraud a worker out of his/her wages • To not decrease a workers earnings, whether by force, by fraud or by dishonest dealings. Rights of Employers The chief right of employers is that of owning private property. This right is in response to the Marxist ideal that property should be owned communally. Employers have the right to work which is
Rights of Workers Workers have a right to safe working conditions and work that is suited to their sex and age. Workers have a right to not be worked excessively and to be given time to rest, especially when they do work which is burdensome. The document notes that workers are not mere instruments of money-making. The worker has a right to a just wage. Pope Leo writes that it is not enough for a worker and an employer to enter into a free agreement concerning wages.The wages of a worker ought to provide enough money to support a “frugal and well-behaved wage-earner” and his family. Rerum Novarum presents workers as having a right to organize in unions. The document also speaks of “associations of mutual aid” which should be created to care for the worker and likewise for his dependent wife and children in case a worker undergoes an accident, sickness or death. Rerum Novarum states that workers should not have the right to strike. The Pope does state that the public authority should work to remove the possible causes of a strike. Employers are not to keep workers from freely living out their faith. Freedom of religion is a right of workers. CONCLUSION By the 1930’s Rerum Novarum had formed the cornerstone of a coherent social philosophy that could clearly hold its own against its chief rivals, materialistic Marxism and liberal capitalism. Rerum Novarum helped to shape the American labor movement and was the seed from which Catholic Social Teaching began. A separate body of social teaching began to form when the second social encyclical, “The Reconstruction of the Social Order” (Quadragesimo Anno) was written by Pope Pius XI in 1931. This new social encyclical responded to the impact of the economic depression: affirmed just wages and unions and condemned unequal distribution of wealth (Catholic Update, November 1990, Overberg). Since Rerum Novarum, Catholic Social Teaching has offered wisdom in confronting some of our world’s most difficult challenges. October 2013 9
worship notes
by Dianne Rachal
moveable feast
by Kim Long
Proper Reception of Treats for Kids Holy Communion & Furry Friends
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here is a one-hour fast of food and drink prior to the reception of Holy Communion. Medications and water do not apply to the fast and may be taken. Chewing gum violates the fast and is not appropriate at Mass. The posture for the reception of Holy Communion in the United States is standing. Lay faithful may receive Holy Communion under both kinds: the Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ. The communicant reverently approaches the priest, deacon or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and makes a sign of reverence by bowing the head. These postures have been determined by the USCCB. The priest, deacon or extraordinary minister of Holy Communion says, “The Body of Christ,” and the communicant responds, “Amen.” This Amen is our affirmation that we truly believe the host before us is the Body of Christ. The communicant may receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue. We always receive Holy Communion; we never take it out of the minister’s hands. If receiving in the hand, communicants should make a throne of their hands by placing one hand underneath the other to receive the consecrated host. Use the bottom hand to pick up the host from the top hand and place the host in the mouth. If you are right-handed then it makes sense for the right hand to be underneath so that this is the hand that will transfer the host from the throne to the mouth. Reverse if you are left-handed. You should immediately place the host in your mouth and consume it entirely. You can never take the host back to the pew or partially consume it. If you wish to receive Holy Communion on the tongue, respond “Amen” and approach with your hands folded in prayer and open your mouth. Holy Communion may be received under both species so the fullness of the sign of the Eucharistic banquet may be more clearly evident to the faithful. Reception of the Blood of Christ is not mandatory but is the choice of the recipient. The same sign of reverence, a bow, is made, the priest, deacon or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion says, “The Blood of Christ,” the communicant responds “Amen,” and receives the chalice to take a sip of the consecrated wine before handing the chalice back to the minister. 10 Catholic Connection
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ctober is a month filled with many treasures. From leaves turning blazing crimson and gold, high school football, bonfires and s’mores, to All Hallow’s Eve, costumes, decorations and candy. October is home to two important feast days: October 1 is the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and October 4 is the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most widely recognized saints in our tradition; so much so that even many non‐Catholics feel warmly toward him, especially if they are pet owners, as he is the patron saint of animals. As for St. Thérèse, also called “The Little Flower,” she offered every task, especially ones which were difficult or distasteful, as roses to God. This became known as her “little way,” and it is a beautiful way to think and act. Pope Francis has a devotion to her as well. While looking up information about Thérèse and Francis, I came upon these two quotes I want to share. This is some of the wisdom from St. Thérèse: “Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He treasures simplicity.” From St. Francis, another gem: “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” So with these two saints in mind, as well as the other treasures of October, I bring you two recipes: one for our four-legged friends in honor of St. Francis, and for a treat for the pet owners we can take a lesson from St. Thérèse: adding a little bit of a lot of ingredients for a nice fall treat. Remember these two giants of our faith with a prayer of thanksgiving as we make treats for all the members of our families!
Pumpkin Dog Treats Ingredients: • 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour • 2 tablespoons peanut butter • 2 eggs • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Directions: Whisk together the flour, eggs, pumpkin puree, peanut butter, salt and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll into 1/2 inch thick dough and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Bakeat 350 degrees for 40 minutes, until hard.
Halloween Chex Mix Ingredients: • 4 cups of Rice Chex cereal • 2 cups of bite size pretzel twists or sticks • 2 cups of salted peanuts, divided • 1/2 cup of golden raisins • 4 squares of white almond bark (coarsely chopped) • 1 cup plain M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces • 1 cup candy corn • 1/4 cup mixed orange & black sprinkles • 1 (6 ounce) package of Crunch & Munch or Caramel Corn Directions: Line a baking pan with aluminum foil or wax paper. Mix the cereal, pretzels, 1 cup of the peanuts and the raisins in an extra large bowl or pot; set aside. In a smaller bowl, microwave the almond bark according to package directions until melted and fluid. Pour over the cereal mixture and toss. Quickly add half each of the M&M’s or Reese’s pieces, candy corn and sprinkles; toss. Add the remaining half of the M&M’s, candy corn and sprinkles. Add the crunch and munch and the rest of the peanuts; toss again.
school NEWS < Jesus the Good Shepherd School is very excited about our future plans for a Pre-K village. This idea came about because of the growing number of kids enrolling at JGS. In order to accommodate everyone and keep the number of students per class down, our plan is to add a new building every year for the next several years as enrollment increases. JGS purchased the first building for the 2013-2014 school year. Mrs. Christine Monk and her 15 students absolutely love their new classroom. If you ask the kids what the best part of the new building is, they say, hands down, “It’s the ramp!”
^ During the first week of school, Fr. Karl visits each classroom at St. Joseph School offering a blessing to the students, teachers, and all of the activities going on in those classrooms. Fr. Karl also takes the opportunity to meet the new students and teachers, and to welcome everyone back to SJS!
^ Loyola College Prep is excited to announce a significant increase in their ACT scores. Every year, ACT sends a report of graduating seniors’ average score, and the Class of 2013 had an average composite score of 25. This is the highest score in the school’s history and considerably higher than the state average of 19.5! This is a true testament to the hard work of students and teachers!
> Twelve St. John Berchmans School students qualified for the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search Program. The students who scored 95% or better on a subtest or total battery of the Terra Nova Test are Andrew Benner, Jessica Bowers, Maggie Chreene, Vivienne Davis, Jake Kingery, Dylan Manshack, Skylar Nipper, Sam Russell, Sarah Siharath, Ben Tuttle, Jacob Watts and John Woods. Duke TIP identifies seventh graders across the United States who have scored at the 95th percentile or above on a grade-level achievement test. These students are invited to participate in the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search and take either the ACT or the SAT.
October 2013 11
Jose Rodriguez and his mother, Nina Montanez
Dignity for All by Kelly Phelan Powell
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he programs and services offered by Hispanic Catholic Ministry are an integral part of the mission of the Diocese of Shreveport, but many of the faithful are unsure what, exactly, the functions of the office are. Everyone sees the Reflexión del Obispo, the Spanish translation of Bishop Duca’s message, in the Catholic Connection each month, but that is only a tiny fraction of the important responsibilities of Rosalba Quiroz, Marcos Villalba and Jeanne Brown. In fact, Hispanic Catholic Ministry has a social justice aspect that is as crucial to this region as its religious component. Father Mark Watson, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Oak Grove and St. Patrick Church in Lake Providence, explained, working in the office since 2000, pointed out that not all of the “I go back to the Book of Genesis, that everyone is made in the people her office assists are Catholic, or even Hispanic, for that image and likeness of God, and so everyone has a special value.” matter – they’ve helped people from Laos, Palestine and other It’s no revelation that our modern American culture places more countries as well as those from Latin American regions. value on people of wealth, those who are highly educated and People are often tempted to label the Catholic stance on members of certain ethnic or racial groups, but the Catholic immigration as “liberal,” but the fact is that the Church does Church sees it differently. “Everyone is equal, and everyone has not view immigration as a solely political issue; rather, it is also equal dignity,” said Watson. a matter of social justice From a Catholic and human rights. “We perspective, we all have equal “I go back to the Book of Genesis, believe the person is sacred value in God’s estimation. – the clearest reflection of “The Catholic Church has that everyone is made in the God among us,” said the really been wonderful about United States Conference of standing up for the rights of image and likeness of God, and so Catholic Bishops (USCCB) all immigrants and saying in their 1986 pastoral letter, that all migrants deserve everyone has a special value.” “Economic Justice for All.” the spiritual and material In a publication entitled benefits of the Church,” “Immigration in the United States,” the Most Reverend Thomas said Watson. A large number of immigrants to this country are Wenski, Bishop of the Diocese of Orlando, says, “The Church Catholic, which, of course, gives them a special relationship has taken a position on immigration because, besides being an with the Church, but the Church sees all migrants as brothers economic, social and legal issue, it is also a human one, and and sisters, regardless of their religion or denomination. Quiroz, thus ultimately has moral implications. Whatever is human, who is the director of Hispanic Catholic Ministry and has been or touches on the human person and his or her dignity, is a 12 Catholic Connection
concern of the Church.” The USCCB has long advocated for comprehensive immigration reform. In a statement published in 2011, they called for: • A path to citizenship for the undocumented population in the country • Reform of the family-based immigration system to reunite families – husband, wife and children – more expeditiously • A future flow low-skilled worker program for migrant workers to enter and work in the U.S. safely and legally • The restoration of due process protections for immigrants • Policies that address the root causes of migration – poverty and persecution The last point is particularly important to Watson, who currently celebrates Mass in Spanish at his parish every two weeks (soon to be weekly). “We [as Catholics] would say that all people have certain rights: to have enough to eat, to live in decent housing, to freely practice their religion. And so, in the eyes of the Church, when a person can’t feed their family, can’t find meaningful work, those are reasons that would allow the person to have the right to migrate to another country.” In the past, a large part of the Hispanic Catholic Ministry’s function was to guide immigrants through the process to achieve resident status, but since Catholic Charities of Shreveport opened in 2010 and established their Immigration and Social Services Department (see pg. 16), Hispanic Catholic Ministry now focuses mainly on the spiritual needs of Hispanic Catholics. However, they do still assist what Quiroz terms “vulnerable” clients – those who cannot afford to pay, people whose cases they started prior to the establishment of Catholic Charities’ office and victims of crimes, such as spousal abuse. In her day-to-day work, she fields questions about everything from public schools to baptism. “It’s a little bit of community service and social work,” she said, “but mostly helping them receive the sacraments.” Two such vulnerable clients of Quiroz’s were Jose Rodriguez and his mother, Nina Montanez. When they emigrated to the U.S. from Panama in 2001, Nina was a victim of abuse and neither of them could speak English.
Being undocumented and unable to speak the language made almost every aspect of daily existence exceedingly difficult for them. Nina couldn’t find work because she didn’t have a green card; she didn’t dare drive for fear of being pulled over and jailed by police. Jose had to take two buses to get to school each morning; the school across the street from his home declined to admit him because he couldn’t speak English, and they had no bilingual administrators or faculty. In addition to facing poverty and struggling to get an education, Jose and Nina found that they couldn’t even access healthcare without incurring crushing expenses – the clinic at LSU Medical Center, the local public hospital, charges $250 to see patients who cannot provide proof of residency. Quiroz pointed out that living in this country as an undocumented immigrant essentially makes it all but impossible to lead a purposeful life, as it prevents people from engaging in all the daily activities that citizens take for granted, like obtaining employment, driving and securing decent housing. Thankfully, Quiroz was able to help them navigate the immigration process, and today, both Jose and Nina have achieved legal residency status. Jose looks forward to taking the citizenship test soon. Quiroz explained that citizenship differs from residency in a number of key ways, namely that citizenship will allow them to vote, make them eligible for government jobs, enable them to apply for grants and permit them to travel freely in and out of the country – something that’s important if they want to visit relatives in Panama. Jose works at a restaurant and began taking classes at Bossier Parish Community College this fall. He hopes to continue to a four-year university and become a children’s therapist. He said that Hispanic Catholic Ministry did much more than help him and his mother navigate the legal system. “They helped us with the paperwork,” he said, “but we also gained a new family.” Nina agreed. “They were a great help.” This spring, Watson, Quiroz and countless others will be preparing for and looking forward to the annual Migrant Workers Mass, usually held in May, at a packing-shed-turned-dormitory near Delhi, Louisiana. The tradition began in continued on page 22.
Catholic Charities of Shreveport
318-865-0200 Jean Dresley 331 E. 71st. St., Shreveport ccshpt.org
Diocese of Shreveport Hispanic Ministries 318-868-4441 Rosalba Quiroz 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport www.dioshpt.org
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops www.justiceforimmigrants.org
Bishop Michael Duca distributes the Eucharist at the Migrant Workers Mass.
Hispanic Ministries Staff: Marcos Villalba, Bishop Duca, Jeanne Brown, Fr. Rothell Price, Rosalba Quiroz October 2013 13
vocations corner
Seminarian Convocation Summer Ministry at Home
8 men in formation took tour of Southern Deanery Seminarian returned home to serve at Holy Trinity
Fr. Tim Hurd talks to the seminarians during their visit to St. Joseph Church in Zwolle, LA.
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his past August, the Diocese of Shreveport held its second annual convocation, calling together all eight seminarians. Under the sure and diligent guidance of Fr. Matthew Long, our beloved Vocations Director, we experienced the hospitality of the Southern Deanery. In a 12 passenger van fit for a field trip, our fearless leader led us on an expedition across the diocese, giving us a taste of the life of the church in Zwolle, Mansfield and Many. Our journey began on Sunday morning with a trip to Zwolle to celebrate Mass at the recently renovated St. Joseph Church. During the celebration, my compatriots and I took up a whole pew, standing out in our outfits of black slacks and white shirts. The good people of Zwolle are perhaps still reeling from our visit, which included Fr. Matthew challenging them to pray for vocations. He gave the Southern Deanery some incentive to provide more vocations to the diocese, solicitously noting that theirs was the only deanery not represented by a seminarian. I don't think they minded his ribbing. In fact, after Fr. Matthew's bold exhortation, I believe more young men will consider this priestly call with courage! The remainder of our journey was spent touring churches of the Southern Deanery, as well as relaxing in Zwolle and enjoying some good old southern hospitality. We enjoyed a plethora of homemade desserts provided by the people of St. Joseph in Zwolle, and were welcomed into the homes of the parishioners of the diocese. The priests of the Southern Deanery also graciously availed themselves to us, imparting both their charity and their wisdom, for which I and my brother seminarians are most grateful. We departed for home to Fairview House on Tuesday, arriving in time to catch the bishop giving an excellent exhortation on charity at his Year of Faith visit to Sacred Heart Church in Shreveport. We concluded the convocation the next morning at the Catholic Center with pictures, the fruits of which the diocese shall soon witness with the release of our exquisite – and updated – vocations posters. Finally, I must say that this truly is a time for much excitement and thanksgiving in the Diocese of Shreveport. With priestly candidates at a record high, the future is bright and full of hope. However, this is only the beginning. If I know anything of Fr. Long’s vision and the needs of the diocese, eight seminarians will hardly satisfy the thirst of Christ for representatives of his Church. The Church needs more men to be courageous and respond to their vocation, wherever that call might lead them. I implore everyone to continue to pray for more vocations. Be bold in what you ask! Please continue to pray for me and my brother seminarians as we confront the challenges of another year of formation! John Parker is a Sophomore at St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, LA. 14 Catholic Connection
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Seminarian Duane Trombetta with Msgr. Earl Provenza at Holy Trinity Church.
recently completed my first year of studies and formation at Notre Dame Seminary. I am pleased to report I made excellent progress in the four pillars of priestly formation: spiritual, human, pastoral and intellectual. As summer began, I anxiously looked forward to my first formal parish ministry opportunity “back home” in the Diocese of Shreveport. After all, the importance of parish ministry is clearly extolled in the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope John Paul II, Pastores Dabo Vobis: “When it comes to choosing places and services in which candidates can obtain their pastoral experience, the parish should be given particular importance, for it is a living cell of local and specialized pastoral work in which they will find themselves faced with the kind of problems they will meet in their future ministry.” And so, God blessed me with the gift of a summer assignment at my very own parish, Holy Trinity Church. Under the guidance and supervision of my pastor, Msgr. Earl Provenza, I participated in an extensive array of activities and ministries. In addition to serving at weekend and daily Masses, I also assisted with sacramental ministries in numerous baptisms and funerals. I made many visits to people in nursing homes and hospitals, and to home-bound members of Holy Trinity Parish. I also assisted the pastor, church staff and volunteers with RCIA class preparations, research projects and even training programs for extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and altar servers. Of particular note, I experienced the unique ministry opportunities of a downtown parish, such as working with the homeless and making visits to the incarcerated. Despite the rigors of busy parish life, I remained faithful to spiritual reading and a life of prayer. Of all the experiences of my summer assignment at Holy Trinity, I believe the most fulfilling was getting to know the faithful – the members of our parish family. I encountered many people from diverse backgrounds, in ways more rich and rewarding than my previous experiences as an underwriter and broker in the surety industry. I encountered Jesus Christ in ways I could not have expected, and I learned that by helping others, I received God’s help. The lessons I learned this summer will surely prove indispensable as I continue a life of ministry. Summer 2013 fulfilled my aspirations of pastoral ministry and prayer. I extend my most sincere gratitude to Msgr. Earl Provenza for his unceasing support during such an important time of my spiritual growth. He was a model of faith, kindness and pastoral charity to me, and in him I found the many attributes required of a pastor. Duane Trombetta is in 2nd Year Pre-Theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, LA.
NEWS
Local Teens Attended World Youth Day
Teens joined group for orphanage mission trip and to celebrate faith with international Catholic youth
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atholics around the world who recently performed at Steubenville rejoiced as they tuned in to South. Matt Maher was also there to watch the events of World perform and knew someone from the Youth Day and Pope Francis in Brazil. ULL group, which made the event While most of us were thrilled to extra exciting. watch the events from afar, three local They also got to see Pope Francis. Catholic youth were fortunate to make He passed by in his car very near them the trip to Brazil. Alfonso Vaca, 18, twice, and they saw him speak many Maria Vaca, 16, and Ashley Hughes, times. Both Alfonso and Maria speak 17, all members of St. Jude Church in Spanish and were thrilled that the Pope Bossier City, joined two sisters, a priest spoke in Spanish during his homilies. Ashley Hughes, Maria Vaca and Alfonso Vaca and a group of 20 college students There were also translation radios at World Youth Day in Brazil. from University of Louisiana in available for non-Spanish speakers. Lafayette to make the trip to Brazil. “What the pope said was very touching,” said Maria. “He said Prior to attending World Youth Day, the group spent a week at an we should be playing on Jesus’ team. He said we’re going to win orphanage run by the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows in Fortaleza, something better than the World Cup, we’re going to win heaven.” Brazil. All three were deeply moved by the experience. While they “The pope said I want you to go home and make a mess, stir worked on mowing grass and improving the orphanage structure, things up,” added Alfonso. “And now at my school we’re pushing they stayed with the Our Lady of Sorrows sisters in their convent. really hard to start a pro-life club because we need to stir things up The hearts and joy of the children who lived at the orphanage and make noise. It was so inspiring.” deeply affected them. They also had adoration with Pope Francis, “It was really cool “I think the first week being with the children, seeing how open because at one point everyone was so quiet that you could only hear they were to us and easily loving us no matter what and how simple the waves of the ocean,” said Ashley. they were really taught me a great lesson about simplicity and One of the biggest impacts on their faith though, was the group humbleness,” said Ashley. of college students they traveled with. At the end of each day they “The kids loved us before we even knew them,” added Maria. would all gather back together for dinner and share their experiences. “They were there with us helping us work. They would ask us, ‘Are “It was really cool how they just let us in,” said Ashley. “We were you my friend?’ ‘Will you be my friend?’ ‘Do you love me?’” the only high school students and they were all college students. One of the most joyful experiences for them was how much the We were really just like a family right from the start. We just kept children rejoiced in the simplicity of life: the joy of sharing a basket getting closer and closer. There was never any tension or drama.” of fruit, stepping back to let their guests eat before them without “With this group, the people we went with were so Catholic... being told and dancing with tears in their eyes for them before the Some were seminarians and many were discerning religious life and missionaries departed. priesthood. It was great because they were so excited to go to Mass Following the week of working in the orphanage, the group and afternoon prayer,” said Alfonso. traveled to Rio de Janeiro to participate in World Youth Day. When asked about what they took away from the experiences In the morning, they had the option of attending one of many of working with the orphanage and attending World Youth Day, catechetical sessions. Each session took place at a different church Alfonso was quick to respond: “It was really about learning how to and they were divided up by language. live our Catholic faith, not just learning about our Catholic faith. Their evenings were free, but there were lots of concerts and events With the sisters, they washed all the dishes, made all our food and they could attend. they were serving us all the time. Alfonso said one of his favorites They showed us the joy of serving was the session on vocations. “It was others and it does put living your like a mini Steubenville. It was pretty faith into perspective,” said Alfonso. cool because we went all the way to Alfonso added, “My youth the front row and there were lots of minister explained to me that speakers talking about vocations, “catholic” means universal. And marriage and single life. And then I didn’t really understand that we had adoration. The special until I went to World Youth Day. thing about adoration was that the Everyone was at the beach holding monstrance was one of six blessed by different flags and speaking different Pope John Paul II for vocations. It languages and all for one reason. was so beautiful.” We’re from different places, but we’re Other events included a The group worked on fixing up an orphanage in Brazil run by the same.” the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows. performance by Jesse Manibusan, by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor October 2013 15
NEWS Offering legal advocacy to low income immigrants
Youth Experienced Joy and Love on Haiti Mission Trip
ow that the U.S. Senate has passed a comprehensive immigration bill and the U.S. House of Representatives is also considering the issue, many are optimistic that meaningful reform is within reach. The Senate proposal involves comprehensive reform with an earned path to citizenship, while the House would rather do it piecemeal, emphasizing enforcement with no path to legal status or citizenship for the 11 million undocumented individuals currently in the U.S. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops supports comprehensive reform similar to the Senate proposal, which includes an earned path to legalization, permitting foreign-born workers to enter the country safely and legally, an increase in the number of family visas available and reduction in waiting times for family reunification, addressing the root causes of illegal immigration, such as under-development and poverty and humane enforcement policies. In his 1995 Annual Message for World Migration Day, Pope John Paul II reminded us of Jesus’s words: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matt. 25:35), and stated: “Today the illegal migrant comes before us like that ‘stranger’ in whom Jesus asks to be recognized. To welcome him and to show him solidarity is a duty of hospitality and fidelity to Christian identity itself.” Although there are legitimate areas of reasonable disagreement, there is general consensus that our current immigration laws do not reflect our values and reform is needed. According to a recent survey by the USCCB Office of Migration Policy and Public Affairs, 77% of Catholic voters support an earned path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the country. Catholic Charities of Shreveport opened its Immigration Integration Program in 2011. In accordance with our mission to bring Christ’s message of love to the poor and vulnerable by providing quality social services to people without discrimination and in accordance with Catholic Social Teachings and professional standards, we offer legal advocacy and assistance to low income immigrants of the Diocese of Shreveport. English as Second Language (ESL) and citizenship preparation classes are also offered. Over 200 individuals have been helped to obtain documentation and meet basic needs in order to more fully integrate into society. One undocumented client came to us as a high school junior. She was pregnant and had to drop out of school. We were not only able to get her an employment authorization card, but through Gabriel’s Closet, our program for low-income moms and their babies, we provided her with supplies for her newborn baby. The long range effects of this help for this family are the reason we work so hard to give assistance to our immigrant neighbors. Please show your support for just and compassionate reform by visiting justiceforimmigrants.org and sending a postcard to your congressional representatives. Call Catholic Charities of Shreveport at 318-865-0200 for more information and volunteer opportunities. by Briana Bianca, Catholic Charities
he rambling concrete structures radiate heat. The sun is high and brighter than I have ever seen, penetrating even my shaded eyes. There is a dusty haze in the air, a product of poor roads and vehicle traffic that rarely sleeps. The back of my shirt sticks to my unyielding seat and the school bus is pulling up to the orphanage. I am in Haiti and not quite sure what I’ve gotten myself into. We, the youth of St. Joseph Church in Shreveport, are ordered out of the bus and cross a pothole-riddled street. Our guides lead us through a rusty iron gate and down a wide alleyway littered with rubble and a few unattended vehicles. Shadowy faces stare from the recesses of concrete houses – it’s too hot to be outside without need. A few children and an older woman sit beneath a makeshift tent to my left, surrounded by their livelihood of storage crates and roaming chickens. We approach our destination, a multiple-storied apartment. We enter through the courtyard gate and march up a flight of stairs. The kids are young and enthusiastic. They give their best renditions of “Jesus Loves Me,” and a few other spirituals. I smile large and try to blend in with the group. “What am I supposed to do?” races through my mind. I don’t know. A while later, I am back outside in the courtyard. A few of the girls in our group are playing with the younger girls while two soccer balls bounce around the courtyard. I move to the edge of the yard and stare into the dump behind the apartment where the goats graze lazily through the trash; yep, not much here. The kids are slowly warming up to the others. A handful of little boys approach me, their large eyes inquisitive. I turn my attention to them and attempt to engage their interests. The language barrier makes this difficult, so I try to appeal to more universal modes of communication. I take off my hat and sunglasses and appeal to a language all little boys know: Karate. They are familiar with Jackie Chan. Before I know what’s happening, I have started a brawl. We play-fight with reckless abandon and I soon realize how horribly out of shape I am. I go down beneath the collective ferocity of four 10-year-olds after giving it my best effort. The play-fighting evolves into a game of piggy-back soccer. Their energy is contagious. We play until we’re all ready to collapse into heaps of formless jelly. What have I gained from this? I think the beauty of a place has little to do with the sights there are to see. Beauty comes from joy, and joy springs from people who joyfully seek out others. The kids were joyful to see us, and not because we came bearing gifts; we brought only our gifts of self. In allowing ourselves to be open to them, we gained something utterly immeasurable. They possessed something in their poverty that I struggled to keep in my excess: a reminder of what is truly important, because I need constant reminders of the importance of communion. by John Parker
Catholic Charities
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16 Catholic Connection
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Catholic Center Houses Historic Statues Pumpkin Patch
Catholic pumpkin patch supports local church
Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Vincent de Paul statues.
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he diocese has acquired many donations of statues, framed prints and works of art depicting religious scenes or individuals honored by the Church. One of the most prominent and well known statues and part of the “old St. Vincent School and Motherhouse” is the metal statue in bronze finish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that graced the circular drive on St. Vincent Avenue. Generations of Catholics and non-Catholics alike are aware of the statue. For the last number of years the statue resided on Flournoy Lucas Road at the last location for the Convent of the Daughters of the Cross. When Sister Maria Smith and Sister Lucy Scallan moved several months ago to the Montclair Residence, “Jesus came home” – back to the circle drive in front of the present day Fairview House on Fairview Avenue where Bishop Duca and several priests of the diocese reside. The statue of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception that was part of the Lady of Lourdes grotto at St. Vincent Academy found a home in an inside courtyard of the Chancery Offices. We have begun to landscape this area. Another beautiful statue of the Blessed Mother depicted as Our Lady of Grace is located in the Bishop’s courtyard of the Fairview House. The pedestal is actually a marble piece from atop the marble altar at the old St. Vincent Chapel that is now at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. As you move around the building to the entrance near the Porte Cache, there is a recent addition of a marble statue of the Virgin Mary praying that was originally purchased and given as a gift to Notre Dame Academy in Shreveport by the graduating class of 1982. There are plans for a small rose garden adjacent to this area. To the left of the Catholic Center entrance is a monument to unborn children. A dedication and blessing of this monument
was held on May 4 at the Catholic Center by the Diocesan ProLife Council and presided over by Fr. Rothell Price. The monument consists of a granite plaque depicting the Holy Family and a plea to pray for unborn children. It was donated by Robert Pedemonti, a parishioner of St. Mary of the Pines Church. On the front of the East Wing of the Catholic Center facing Fairfield Avenue is a very nice marble statue of St. Vincent de Paul. St. Vincent de Paul was a contemporary of St. Frances de Sales who was the founder of the Women’s Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. St. Frances is responsible for several writings on spiritual direction and spiritual formation including the “Introduction to the Devout Life” which became the rule for the Daughters of the Cross. St. Frances is credited with being instrumental in the establishment of the Order of the Daughters of the Cross. In 1620 he is said to have told the foundress, Madame L’Hullier de Villeneuve “there is a vacancy in the church...” The Daughters of the Cross were one of the first noncloistered orders founded in 1641 in Paris, France. St. Vincent de Paul became the director of the order upon the death of St. Frances de Sales. If you are interested in donating a piece of art or statuary to the Diocese of Shreveport, please contact Randy Tiller, Director of Mission Effectiveness to discuss the donation and place it among the many art objects that adorn both the inside halls and grounds of the Catholic Center. by Randy Tiller, Director of Mission Effectiveness
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ctober brings a stunning spray of orange that covers the lawn of Mary, Queen of Peace Church in South Bossier. The parishioners of Mary, Queen of Peace, under the leadership of Deacon Michael Straub, are hosting the 3rd annual Pumpkin Patch in an effort to support the church’s various youth programs. Fellowship abounds as community members pile in and peruse the patch for that perfect, picturesque pumpkin. Please consider visiting our patch if it’s a pumpkin you are pondering. We are located on Barksdale Blvd., five miles south of the Jimmie Davis Highway in Bossier City. We would love to help you and appreciate you helping our youth! We will be in place for the duration of October, even through Halloween evening. And don’t forget our Pumpkin Patch Carnival on Saturday, October 26th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., only $3 admission for all the trunk or treating, gaming and playing the children can stand. We will also have burgers and hot dogs, cotton candy and other goodies. Enjoy all the fun activities and be sure to visit our new craft booth for interesting gift ideas. Come join us for the annual fun, and don’t forget to wear your costumes! For more information, please call the Mary, Queen of Peace Church Office at 318-752-5971. by Donna Grimaldi October 2013 17
NEWS
Family Endows Catholic Nursing Scholarship Scholarship created to honor Shreveport daughter and assist Catholics pursuing nursing
The Coutee family created the Marla Coutee Thurman Memorial Scholarships in Nursing in memory of their daughter.
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wo Northwestern State University alumni contributed $100,000 to be utilized for endowed scholarships in memory of their daughter, also a graduate of Northwestern State. The Marla Renee Coutee Thurman Endowed Memorial Scholarships will be presented to Catholic students pursuing careers in nursing. Ellis and Juanita Martinez Coutee of Baton Rouge established the scholarships in memory of Thurman, a registered nurse who worked for Willis-Knighton Health System in Shreveport for 27 years. Thurman passed away April 2, 2013, after a short battle with cancer. In addition to being of the Catholic faith, full-time nursing students considered for the scholarships must maintain a B grade point average. Preference will be given to students from Caddo, Sabine, Rapides, Natchitoches and East Baton Rouge Parishes. “Marla’s priorities were God, her family and nursing,” said Juanita Coutee, speaking of her daughter’s devotion to her patients, including those in her own family. “Marla’s dedication to her chosen profession of nursing inspired her husband and he subsequently attended NSU and is now a nurse. We hope the scholarships will bring many more dedicated, caring persons to nursing.” Thurman earned a degree in nursing at Northwestern State in 1986 and married Michael Thurman in 1988. The couple had two daughters. Thurman was a long-time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shreveport. “Marla administered nursing health care to all the priests at St. Joseph Catholic Church. She would receive telephone calls throughout late afternoons and up to 10 p.m. asking her to come to the rectory to administer shots, take blood pressures and other assistance as needed,” Mr. Coutee said of his daughter. Fr. Karl Daigle or Fr. Lombard frequently visited Marla’s home just across the street from the church and prayed with Marla, gave her Communion and administered the Anointing of the Sick. “Before Marla passed away, we visited her at her home and decided to create a scholarship for the College of Nursing, regardless of the outcome of her illness,” Ellis Coutee said. “She had strong feelings about her faith. She was a devout Catholic and we decided to give preference to Catholic students, as well as preference to students who want to become registered nurses and do what Marla did.” For more information on the scholarships or to make a contribution, call the Northwestern State Alumni Center at (318) 357-4414 or visit northwesternalumni.com. by Leah Jackson, Northwestern State University 18 Catholic Connection
Bishop Duca honored alumnus
University of Dallas recognizes Bishop Michael Duca
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he University of Dallas National Alumni Board has announced its annual list of distinguished alumni. The 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, who will be honored during a reception and dinner on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Las Colinas Country Club, are Bishop Michael Duca, Michelle Accardi and Sonia Kirkpatrick. Michael Schwartz will be recognized Bishop Michael Duca posthumously. The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize University of Dallas alumni who have demonstrated sustained, distinguished accomplishment and contribution to any field of human endeavor. The award is the highest honor the university can bestow on an alumna or alumnus. Catholic Diocese of Shreveport Bishop Michael Duca has dedicated his life to making the Gospel accessible to others, especially through his ministry to young adults. Prior to answering Pope Benedict XVI’s call to lead the Shreveport diocese, he was rector of Holy Trinity Seminary, which he attended from 197078. During his time there, he earned Bachelor’s and Master of Divinity degrees from the university in 1974 and 1978. For ticket and event sponsorship information, contact Director of Alumni & Donor Relations Leah Looten at 972721-5133, llooten@udallas.edu or visit alumni.udallas.edu/ DistinguishedAlumniDinner . A significant portion of event proceeds will support scholarship opportunities for University of Dallas students. The University of Dallas in Irving, TX, is widely considered to be one of the most academically rigorous Catholic universities in America.
Bishop’s Pro-Life Banquet
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ach year the Diocese of Shreveport hosts a pro-life banquet to bring awareness to life issues and raise money to support life ministries within the diocese. The next banquet will take place on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at the Bossier Civic Center at 6:00 p.m. This year the speaker will be Shak Hill, a pro-life advocate with a personal story of how he and his family live by faith. Shak is a Bossier City native and a 1983 Loyola College Prep Graduate. He currently lives with his family in Virginia, his wife Robin and six children. He and his wife have been foster parents to 46 children and received the 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award for the State of Virginia. Always a popular event in the diocese, many like to have advanced notice of when the event will be. Tickets are $50 a person, or $400 for a table of eight. Please consider sponsoring a student to attend the event for $50. For more information, contact Bernadette Boyd at 318-4585252. Look for more information on this exciting event as we get closer to the banquet date.
across the Pope Francis: War is Always a Defeat for Humanity by Vatican Information Services
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ATICAN CITY -- More than 100,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on September 7 in response to Pope Francis’ appeal during the Sunday Angelus in which he called for September 7 to be a day of fasting and prayer for peace in the light of the dramatic circumstances which have engulfed Syria. Since then, this initiative has been welcomed and applauded not only by Catholics and other Christian confessions, but also by those belonging to other religions, from Buddhists to Jews and Muslims, and even those who do not belong to any religion. That week saw extensive mobilization on the part of parishes and associations, Caritas and the Community of St. Egidio, prayer groups and religious orders such as the Descalced Carmelites of the Holy Land, mayors and presidents of autonomous regions, organizations for peace, co-operation and development, unions and so on. Many prominent figures
joined in with the initiative, such as the architect Renzo Piano, the president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz and the Grand Mufti of Syria, spiritual leader of the Sunnis, who invoked peace that afternoon in the Ummayad Mosque, Damascus, with the nation’s religious leaders. A prayer for peace was raised that afternoon in Catholic churches around the world, from Australia to Egypt. The Pope began by praying the Rosary; each mystery was accompanied by the reading of a poem by St. Therese of Lisieux about the child Jesus, and at the end he invoked Maria: “Queen of Peace, pray for us.” Following the Pope’s words, a moment of silence was observed during the preparation of the altar for the exposition of the Holy Sacrament. The adoration was accompanied by a biblical reading on the theme of peace, followed by the Pope’s prayer on this subject and a responsorial invocation as a plea for peace.
Dioceses hold Masses, pilgrimages, meetings through October by USCCB
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ASHINGTON -- Catholic dioceses across the country began holding events about the need for immigration reform September 8. The events are meant to highlight the urgency of the issue and to show Congress the broad support in the Catholic community for immigration reform with a path to citizenship. “Now is the time for Catholics to let their elected officials know that they support immigration reform,” said Archbishop José Gomez, archbishop of Los Angeles and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration. “We are an immigrant Church and an immigrant nation. The Church has grown with the nation and since the beginning has helped integrate immigrants into our culture and economy.” Masses and events will be held in 22 states. Cities holding Masses and
events the weekend of September 8 included Los Angeles; Brooklyn, New York; Chicago; San Francisco; Green Bay, Wisconsin; Tampa Bay, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; Cincinnati; St. Louis; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Miami; Hartford, Connecticut; Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City, Kansas; Raleigh, North Carolina; Arlington, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; Salt Lake City and Indianapolis, Indiana. Other events during the two-month period include pilgrimages and educational events, such as public forums. Materials highlighting Church teaching on immigration reform will be distributed in many dioceses. Bishops, diocesan officials and parish representatives also will be meeting with their House members to convey the Catholic Church’s position on immigration reform. Additional Masses and events will be announced as information becomes available. A listing of scheduled events can be found at: www.justiceforimmigrants.org.
Vatican Information Services
VAtICAN news & notes • On September 6 in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father received in audience with the president of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Juan Evo Morales Ayma. The discussions focused on the socio-economic and religious situation of the country, and matters such as the fight against social inequality and poverty. Mention was made of the decisive contribution of the Catholic Church in Bolivia in the fields of education, healthcare, support for families and welfare provision for children and the elderly. • On September 4 Pope Francis recommenced the Wednesday general audiences, following the summer break. Addressing the faithful in a crowded St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father selected as the theme of his catechesis the World Youth Day held at the end of July in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the continent “where the majority of the world's Catholics live.” • Pope Francis sent a message to the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, who will preside over the forthcoming meeting of the G20 group representing the world's largest economies. His message included the following note: “In today’s highly interdependent context, a global financial framework with its own just and clear rules is required in order to achieve a more equitable and fraternal world, in which it is possible to overcome hunger, ensure decent employment and housing for all, as well as essential healthcare. Your presidency of the G20 this year has committed itself to consolidating the reform of the international financial organizations and to achieving a consensus on financial standards suited to today’s circumstances. However, the world economy will only develop if it allows a dignified way of life for all human beings, from the eldest to the unborn child, not just for citizens of the G20 member states but for every inhabitant of the earth, even those in extreme social situations or in the remotest places.
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HISPANIC corner
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odo el mes de octubre es parte de la Campaña de 40 Días por la Vida (40 Days For Life). Esta organización nos pide orar y ayunar del 25 de Septiembre al 3 de Noviembre para salvar vidas, aunque debemos estar siempre en oración por la salvación de las almas y salvar vidas debe ser parte de nuestra vida y oración diarias. La Santa Madre Iglesia nos enseña cual es el fin del hombre en la tierra por medio de los profetas, de las Sagradas Escrituras (la Biblia), de Cartas Apostólicas (escritas por Papas) y de documentos como el Catecismo y el Concilio Vaticano II. Tomemos por ejemplo, este pasaje de Jeremías: Antes de formarte en el vientre materno, yo te conocía y antes que nacieras, ya te había consagrado. Jer 1: 5. En este versículo la Biblia nos dice que Dios nos escogió para ser sus criaturas, mandarnos a la tierra y que fuéramos consagrados a Él desde antes de nacer. El Señor dueño de nuestra vida nos ha hecho hombres y mujeres que tienen ya integrado, digámoslo así, el hambre de conocerlo, de sentir su amor y las ansias de llegar a estar con Él por siempre. Si el destino final de nuestras vidas es vivir en la casa del Señor por años sin término, no podemos robarle/quitarle la vida a todo ser humano hijos que Dios ha predispuesto a vivir. Otro pasaje de la Biblia: Así que, hermanos, míos, les ruego por la misericordia de Dios se presenten ustedes mismos como ofrenda viva, consagrada y agradable a Dios; este el verdadero culto que deben ofrecer. Romanos 12: 1. Bossier City: Christ the King Church 425 McCormick St. Bossier City Sábado 7:00 p.m. Domingo 3:00 p.m. Lunes 7:00 p.m. Confesiones 45 minutos antes de Misa Marilú Rodriguez Tel: 318-286-1492 Farmerville: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 600 E. Water Street, Farmerville Sábado 7:00 p.m. Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115
por Rosalba Quiroz
Directora Ministerio Hispano 318-219-7288
En el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica Número 1710 nos dice: Dotada de alma espiritual, de entendimiento y de voluntad, la persona humana está desde su concepción ordenada a Dios y destinada a la bienaventuranza eterna. Camina hacia su perfección en la búsqueda y el amor de la verdad y del bien. Por último, daré un ejemplo de una Encíclica: “Deus Caritas Est” el Papa Benedicto XVI nos dice: “En la más pequeña de las criaturas encontramos a Jesus y en Jesus encontramos a Dios. Pues bien entonces, antes de pensar en quitar la vida a una de las criaturas de Dios pensemos que Él ya la había designado a ser su Hija como lo somos nosotros los que ya vivimos en esta tierra. Oración para Terminar con el Aborto Padre Celestial, que nos has dado el don de la libertad para amar y seguir Tus caminos y mandamientos. Perdona a aquellos padres que abusando de esta libertad destruyen el don de la vida que Tú le has dado a sus hijos. Perdona a esos que destruyen la vida humana abortando el bebé que esperan. Dales a estos niños por nacer la oportunidad de gozar de Tu presencia por toda la eternidad. Ayúdame a ser uno en solidaridad con Tus pequeños, aceptando de corazón las palabras de Tu Hijo: "todo lo que hicisteis por uno de mis hermanos más pequeños, por Mí lo hicisteis." (Mt 25:40) Permíteme, entonces, Padre, adoptar hoy espiritualmente a un bebé por nacer y ofrecer mis oraciones, trabajos, gozos y sufrimientos por ese pequeño, para que pueda nacer y vivir para Tu mayor honor y gloria. Te lo pedimos en nombre de Cristo, en unión con el Espíritu Santo, que es Dios, por los siglos de los siglos. Amén. Tomado de vidahumana.org
MISAS Mansfield: St. Joseph Church 305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do Domingo 2:00 p.m. y 3er Martes 6:30 p.m. Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390 Oak Grove: Sacred Heart Church 201 Purvis St., Oak Grove Domingo 5:00 p.m. Feliciano y Rosa Alviso Martinez Tel: 318-428-2137
Calendario Diocesano del Mes de Octubre 5
Segunda reunión para retiro “Experiencia Cristo” Centro Católico de 10a.m. -1:00 p.m.
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Reunión Post-Búsqueda –Invitación para TODOS los que han vivido este retiro; Centro Católico de 1 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
11 Concierto-Testimonio por Sra. Gela. Parroquia de Cristo Rey, 6:30 p.m. Llamar para más información al 318221-0238 (este evento no es diocesano, pero estamos todos invitados) 12-13 Estudios de certificación para Pastoral Juvenil (inglés) Centro Católico 26 Reunión de coordinadores; Centro Católico de 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. 28 Orientación para sacerdotes de la diócesis sobre programas y propuestas para el Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis. 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Centro Católico
Ruston: St. Thomas Aquinas Church 810 Carey Ave., Ruston 2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m. Soledad Broyles Tel: 318-243-1958 Shreveport: St. Mary of the Pines Church 1050 Bert Kouns Indl Loop, Shreveport Domingo 11:30 a.m. Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-455-2300 West Monroe: St. Paschal Church 711 N 7th Street, West Monroe Domingo 2:30 p.m. Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-651-9136
Oficina del Ministerio Católico Hispano: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318-219-7265 Marcos G. Villalba, Pastoral Juvenil 318-219-7288 • Jeanne Brown, Secretaria 318-219-7257 20 Catholic Connection
around the DIOCESE
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A dedication concert for the new Steinway piano at St. Pius X Church in Shreveport was held on August 18. The featured pianist for the concert was Canadian Jimmy Brière, Associate Professor at the Music Faculty of the Université de Montréal. The concert program included music from Beethoven’s Mass in C and Mozart’s Piano Concerto no. 20. The more than hour-long concert with over 400 in attendance was free and open to the public. A reception followed in the St. Pius X Parish Hall.
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The Office of Catechesis hosted two Catechetical Fairs – one in Shreveport and one in Ruston – to encourage catechists and religious teachers from around the diocese to work together to come up with strategies and learn the new catechetical goals. Both events were bursting with participants who brought home knowledge to share with their church families.
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The Catholic Medical Student Association (CMSA) at LSU Medical School held its annual anointing of the hands ceremony August 12 led by Msgr. Earl Provenza from Holy Trinity Catholic Church. According to CMSA faculty advisor Dr. Diana Bienvenu, “the ceremony reminds us that Christ uses our hands to minister to His people here on earth. The mission of the Catholic Church calls us to extend Christ’s healing ministry to all people with respect to the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person.” Pictured: Msgr. Earl Provenza, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, anointed the hands of first year medical student Charles Madden, who is also Msgr. Provenza’s great-nephew, with sacred oil.
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The Miciotto family donated 20 acres of land in North Bossier on which to build the new St. Jude Church. The church has named the new parish center in their honor the “John and Rose Miciotto Parish Center.” Pictured: Dr. John and Rose Miciotto and their granddaughter, Annabelle Jones. Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport hosted a Ministry Fair following all the Masses on August 24 and 25. Over 20 ministries set up booths with displays, gifts and drawings. Additional drawings with a grand prize were provided by the various ministries. The number of people signing up for ministries was gratifying and spiritually uplifting. The Annual Eastern Deanery Red Mass was held on Friday, September 6 at St. Matthew Church in Monroe. The Mass honored all lawyers, judges and legal professionals. Fr. Rothell Price was the homilist. This annual event kicks off the start of the judicial year.
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upcoming EVENTS October 5: National Pastoral Musician Chapter Formation Meeting Interested parish musicians and music directors will meet to discuss interest in forming an NPM chapter for the Diocese of Shreveport. The meeting will be held at11am at St. Joseph Parish Family Life Center, 211 Atlantic Ave., in Shreveport. Contact Suzan Atkins at 318617-4911 or suz1atk@gmail.com for more info. October 6: St. Francis Day at St. Mary of the Pines Church Join us at St. Mary of the Pines Church for a Blessing of the Animals and low cost pet vaccination clinic. The event takes place in the church parking lot, located at 1050 Bert Kouns Indl. Loop in Shreveport from 2pm to 5pm. Vaccinations for cats and dogs range from $10 to $20 and will be administered by Dr. Steven Everson and Dr. Brad Everson from Southern Hills Animal Hospital. For more info, contact Mary Anne Moore at 318-687-4799. October 19: 40 Days for Life Midpoint Rally Hope Medical Group for Women, 210 Kings Highway in Shreveport at 10am. We will share stories from the sidewalk. www.40daysforlifesb.com October 14: Eric Genius: The Time Is Now Concert at St. Joseph Church, Shreveport Internationally acclaimed composer and pianist Eric Genius tours with first-class soloists to present a concert showcasing his compositions while spreading his message of music and its impact on culture - bringing hope and healing to the human soul. Concert to take place at St. Joseph Church, 204 Patton Ave., Shreveport at 7pm. For more information, call 318-865-3581. November 4: 40 Days for Victory Celebration Candlelight Vigil Hope Medical Group for Women, 210 Kings Highway in Shreveport. www.40daysforlifesb.com November 9: The Church in the Making: Keeping Alive the Vision of Vatican II Dr. Richard Gaillardetz, the Joseph Professor of Catholic Systematic Theology at Boston College, will give a keynote speech on "The Church in the Making: Keeping Alive the Vision of Vatican II." The influence of the Second Vatican Council is not limited to its documents. The council represented the entire Church. The ecclesial dynamics at work at the council are also present in the life of the Church today. This event is part of the Year of Faith Speaker Series. It will take place at the Catholic Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To register call Brandy at 318-868-4441, or register online at www.dioshpt.org. November 9: Mission Market at St. Joseph Family Life Center Join St. Joseph Church and the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, along with First Presbyterian, Broadmoor Presbyterian and Broadmoor United Methodist Churches as they host this year’s Mission Market. All proceeds go either to promote livable wages for people
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(mostly women) in Third World Countries or to local causes such as Holy Angels and Renzi Education & Art Center or to Dr. Leslie Morgan and his ministry in Bangladesh. The event will be held from 10am - 2pm. Be sure to find them on Facebook! For more information, contact the church office at 318-865-3581. November 9: Eucharistic Day of Renewal Jesus the Good Shepherd Church is hosting a Eucharistic Day of Renewal at their church. The event will include two talks from Vinny Flynn on the secrets of the Eucharist and Eucharistic Adoration. The program is from 9am to 1pm and is free. In recognition of the closing of the Year of Faith, this will be a day to re-invigorate the spiritual lives of Catholics in the area. For more info visit www.vinnyflynn.com, or call the church office at 318-325-7549. November 17 & 18: Mary of Nazareth Movie to Show at Catholic Center Ignatius Press and the Diocese of Shreveport are happy to report the showing of the full length full movie presentation of Mary of Nazareth. The film depicts the life of the Blessed Mother. We have secured a screening for the Catholic Center on November 17 and 18. There will be two showings on Sunday and two on Monday. Donations will be accepted for the Summer Enrichment Program and Camp at the St. Catherine Community Center. Tickets will be released on October 1 and available through the Catholic Center. Showings will be at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. It is a fantastic movie and a chance to close the Year of Faith while looking toward the beginning of the Advent and Christmas Seasons. Ongoing: Children Pray the Rosary Now on iTunes During the spring of 2012, the Loyola Rosary Group sponsored a unique fundraising project in which students from St. John Berchmans School, St. Joseph School, and Loyola College Prep participated in recording a Rosary CD. The CD is a professional recording and contains meditations on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. The project is a way to honor the memory of Christy Gallegos, mother of five children attending Catholic Schools in the dioceses of Shreveport. Christy ended her battle with cancer on April 13, 2012. The Rosary CD is now available for purchase on iTunes. The title of the CD is "Hail Mary: Children Pray the Rosary." The cost of the download is just under $10. All proceeds from the iTune sales go to the Christy Gallegos Scholarship Fund at Loyola College Prep. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the Month of the Rosary and to honor the memory of a dedicated mother and special member of our community. If you have any questions regarding the Christy Gallegos LCP Scholarship Fund or the Rosary CD, please contact Julia Pettiette Doolin, LCP Rosary Chairperson at (318)798-3504.
continued from page 13. 2005 when a parishioner from Oak Grove Parish took Watson, who was at the time the pastor of Jesus the Good Shepherd Church in Monroe, to an abandoned schoolhouse in Pioneer, a small town off Highway 17. There he found migrant workers who were living in the schoolhouse while they were planting and harvesting sweet potatoes at a nearby farm. He asked how he could help; they said they needed clothes, so he organized a clothing drive at his parish. He went back with some parishioners, and they distributed the clothes and celebrated Mass. That first year, he said Mass in Spanish at the schoolhouse five times. Watson did the same thing for a group of migrant workers living in an abandoned nursing home in Tallulah. For the last three years, they have celebrated Mass for the workers at the converted packing shed, which is blessedly airconditioned, in Delhi. The Mass now has a choir, and Bishop Duca celebrates Mass while a bi-lingual priest delivers the homily. Quiroz attends, along with many, many others. “They are always surprised to see the Bishop,” Watson said. “It’s a way of showing the workers how important they are.” And they are, indeed, important. As the U.S. Bishops and the Bishops of Mexico stated in a pastoral letter “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope,” “We speak as one Church, united in the view that migration is necessary and beneficial… Migrants and immigrants are in our parishes and in our communities. In both our countries, we see much injustice and violence against them and much suffering and despair among them because civil and church structures are still inadequate to accommodate their needs.” Hispanic Catholic Ministry is one way the Diocese of Shreveport and other dioceses around the country are combatting injustice, violence, suffering and despair by offering spiritual support along with information and resources to help immigrants obtain legal residency status. If you would like to help the Hispanic Catholic Ministry, they are in dire need of bilingual individuals who can help translate. To learn more, contact Director Rosalba Quiroz at (318) 868-4441 or rquiroz@dioshpt.org.
calendar
october 2013
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
SATURDAY
29 30 1 2 3 4 5 St. Jerome, priest & doctor of the Church
Year of Faith Visit: St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport, 5:30pm
St. Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin & doctor of the Church
Year of Faith Visit: Sacred Heart Church, Rayville, 5:30pm
St. Francis Medical Center's 100th Anniversary Community Mass, St. Francis Medical Center Park, 2pm
The Holy Guardian Angels
St. Francis 100 Year Celebration / OCT 4
St. Francis of Assisi
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Respect Life Sunday
Our Lady of the Rosary
World Communion Sunday
Year of Faith Visit: St. Paschal Church, West Monroe, 6:30pm
Year of Faith Visit: St. Pius X Church, Shreveport, 6:30pm
Year of Faith Visit: St. John the Baptist Church, Many, 6pm
Deadline for the November Catholic Connection Bl. John XXIII, pope
Sts. Denis, bishop, & companions, martyrs; St. John Leonardi, priest
Year of Faith Visit: St. Theresa Church, Delhi, 5:30pm CMD Class, Catholic Center
Respect Life Sunday/ OCT 6
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Vocation Awareness Sunday
CMD Class, Catholic Center
Columbus Day Diocese of Shreveport Priests Retreat (thru 10/18)
St. Teresa of Jesus, virgin & doctor of the Church
St. Hedwig, religious; St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin
St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop & martyr
St. Luke, evangelist
2nd Collection: World Mission Sunday
Run with the Nuns, Downtown Shreveport, 9:30am
St. Callistus I, pope & martyr
Sts. John de Brebeuf & Isaac Jogues, priests, & companions
Run with the Nuns / OCT 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2nd Collection: World Mission Sunday World Mission Sunday
200th Birthday Celebration of Frederic Ozanam, St. Michael Chapel, Cathedral, 6:30pm
Bl. John Paul II, pope
Year of Faith Visit: St. Joseph Church, Mansfield, 7pm St. John Capistrano, priest
St. Anthony Mary Claret, bishop
Year of Faith Visit: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Farmerville, 7pm
World Mission Sunday / OCT 20 Vocation Awareness Sunday
27 28 29 30 31 1 2 ULM Scholars Mass, Christ the King Chapel, 1pm
Sts. Simon & Jude, apostles
Year of Faith Visit: Jesus the Good Shepherd Church, Monroe, 6pm
All Saints Day
The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day)
ULM Scholars Mass/ OCT 27 October 2013 23
DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.
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Shreveport, LA 71104
Fairfield
Photo of the month by Marcos Villalba
During Labor Day weekend, August 30 – September 1, Hispanic Ministry offered Búsqueda (Search), a teen retreat in Spanish, at Camp Harris Convention and Retreat Center in Minden, LA. Forty-seven young retreatants from 12 different parishes participated! 24 Catholic Connection