Catholic Connection November 2015

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 25, No. 4 November 2015

The Gift of the

Life of a Bishop Kick the

Habit of Ingratitude Saying Farewell to

Msgr. Charles Murray Clayton

Tales from the Road World Meeting of Families

November 2015 1

Sharing Visits to D.C. and Philadelphia Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors Katie Aranda Chris Davis Jean Dresley Bishop Michael Duca Carol Gates Raney Johnson Kim Long Kristen Powers Fr. Rothell Price Sr. Martinette Rivers

Rosalba Quiroz Jessica Rinaudo Marie Rinaudo Deacon Bill Roche Katie Sciba Dr. Carl Thameling Randy Tiller Bonny Van Mike Van Vranken Fr. Mark Watson

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Catholic Connection

D

uring the week of September 21, thousands flocked to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis and attend the World Meeting of Families.

Several people from the Diocese of Shreveport were fortunate enough to attend these events and have brought back a wealth of experience and knowledge to share. Bishop Duca even had the great fortune of personally meeting and greeting Pope Francis while in Washington D.C.! We hope you enjoy the reflections printed in this issue, and check out our family life blog (shreveportcatholicfamlies.wordpress. com) and our Twitter feeds (@cathconnection and @ mgerard52) for more stories and pictures.

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

bishop’s november calendar NOVEMBER 1 Our Lady Queen of Palestine Mass (Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem); Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport; 10:30 a.m.

Christian Service’s Annual Poor Man’s Supper, First United Methodist Church, Shreveport; 5:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 2 All Souls Day Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER 3 Priests Retirement Committee Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 11:00 a.m.

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; St. Paschal Parish, West Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 4 St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors Meeting; Monroe; 11:30 a.m.

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; Little Flower of Jesus Parish, Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 6-8 Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Annual Meeting & Investiture; New Orleans NOVEMBER 9 Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 1:00 p.m.

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; St. Matthew Parish, Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 10 Dalton Trust Board Meeting; St. Frederick High School, Monroe; 12:00 p.m.

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; St. Joseph Parish, Mansfield; 6:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 11 Loyola College Prep Style Show; Shreveport Convention Center, Shreveport; 11:00 a.m.

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering; St. Ann Church, Stonewall; 6:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 14 - 20 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting; Baltimore, MD NOVEMBER 22 Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 8:30 a.m.

NOVEMBER 23 Knights of Columbus Memorial Mass and Dinner; Bossier Council #4873, Knights of Columbus Hall, Bossier City; 6:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 24 Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting; Baton Rouge NOVEMBER 26 Thanksgiving Day Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

NOVEMBER 28 Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 4:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 30 Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering (St. Joseph Parish & St. Ann Church); St. Joseph Parish, Zwolle; 6:00 p.m.

contents

november 2015

columns The Gift of the Life of a Bishop by Bishop Michael G. Duca.................................... 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: What Did She Do Next? by Mike Van Vranken.....................6 In Review: The Joy of the Gospel by Marie Rinaudo ............................................7 Faithful Food: Dayenu by Kim Long........................................................................8

11

Domestic Church: Everything is Grace by Katie Sciba........................................9 From the Pope: The Spirit of the Family is the Constitutional Charter of the Church by Vatican Information Services........................................................10 Navigating the Faith: Communion of Saints by Kim Long ...................................11 Second Collections: Catholic Campaign for Human Development

by Fr. Rothell Price .....................................................................................................12

Seminarians Attend Junipero Canonization by Raney Johnson ..........................13 Kids' Connection: All the Saints .............................................................................25

14

features Tales from the Road: The World Meeting of Families

by Katie Aranda, Carol Gates, Rosalba Quiroz, Deacon Bill Roche, Dotye Sue Stanford and Fr. Mark Watson ................................................................. 14-17

news Shreveport - Bossier 40 Days for Life Update by Chris Davis .................................18 Farewell Monsignor Charles Murray Clayton by Randy Tiller ...............................19 Taste of Shreveport Charity Event to Support Holy Angels

by Kristen Powers ......................................................................................................20

19 on the cover

Bolstering Catholic Charities Through Caritas by Jean Dresley ...........................21 Reflection: Thanksgiving and Aging by Sr. Martinette Rivers ...............................22 Poor Man's Supper to Support Christian Service by Bonny Van..........................22 Hispanic News by Rosalba Quiroz ..........................................................................23 School News ...........................................................................................................24 Across the Globe: Pope Francis on His Apostolic Trip to Cuba and the United States; New Dormitory for the Homeless Near the Vatican

by Vatican Information Services ................................................................................26-27 Across the Diocese ................................................................................................28-29 Mark Your Calendar ...............................................................................................30 November Calendar .............................................................................................31 Picture of the Month...............................................................................................32

Dotye Sue Stanford, Diocesan Family Life Representative, at the World Meeting of Families.

November 2015 3

la reflexión Del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

El Regalo de la Vida de un Obispo

A

cabo de pasar mi horario de noviembre a nuestra editora, Jessica Rinaudo para que lo publique en la revista Catholic Connection este mes. Este va a ser un mes ocupado. Muchas veces cuando visito una parroquia, algunos de ustedes me dicen que mi vida está muy ocupada y me recuerdan que debo de cuidarme. Les aseguro que estoy bien. De hecho, mañana espero tomarme un día libre para ir a la Feria Estatal de Texas a la que casi no he faltado en toda mi vida.

Aunque es verdad que la vida de un obispo está muy ocupada (creo que si ustedes cuentan todo lo que hacen en un mes su lista estaría más larga que la mía), está llena de muchos momentos de gracia que me parece que mi vida es un regalo más que una carga. Dos experiencias que tuve recientemente son ejemplo de como mi vida de obispo es más bien un regalo.

Muchas de mis actividades este mes son las reuniones parroquiales que estamos llamando “Elevando la Misión.” Ya he estado disfrutando con miembros de las parroquias, dialogando y compartiendo la belleza de su fe, los retos de hoy viviendo la fe, y la esperanza para nuestra Iglesia en un futuro. De estas reuniones espero crear una carta pastoral que nos sirva como guía en la manera en que vivimos nuestra fe en Jesucristo en nuestras parroquias, en nuestras familias y por medio de las opciones que hacemos en nuestra vida. Creo que los fieles que están tomando el tiempo de participar en estas reuniones están encontrando una riqueza inesperada y esperanza renovada por medio de compartir su fe con otros Católicos con las mismas creencias que tienen sorpresivamente preocupaciones similares.

Con frecuencia mencionan que esta es la primera vez que platican sobre esto con otros fieles que han visto en la parroquia por muchos años y que se arrepienten que les haya tomado tanto tiempo conectarse. Estas reuniones también nos revelan que, mientras que como Iglesia nuestra unión en Cristo es creada y sellada en la celebración de la Misa y de nuestra vida sacramental, también hay una necesidad de hacer más en nuestras parroquias. Debemos también de hacer tiempo para compartir cosas centradas en nuestra fe, en nuestros niños y los adultos, así como también hacer actos de caridad (dentro y fuera de la parroquia) que nos permitan poner nuestra fe en práctica, tomar 4 Catholic Connection

amor y preocupación por nuestros hermanos y hermanas, y ayudar a sanar la y soledad separación causados por la cultura que nos rodea.

Otra experiencia que me recuerda que mi vida de obispo es un regalo fue la oportunidad que tuve recientemente de conocer al Papa Francisco durante su visita a los Estados Unidos. Pocos meses antes que el Papa viniera, anunciaron a los obispos que el Santo padre se iba a reunir con los obispos de USA en la Catedral de San Mateo en Washington. Se nos informó que el Santo Padre se iba a reunir solo con un grupo pequeño de obispos. Nunca pensé que iban a escoger a un comité de la Conferencia Episcopal de Obispos de Estados Unidos (USCCB), en el que yo sirvo. Fue una oportunidad maravillosa estar cerca del Santo Padre en la Catedral, pero poder saludarlo de mano y que el agarrara mis manos con un apretón firme y tierno que me animó a hacer lo mismo con él, fue una conexión no solo con el Papa Francisco, sino una verdadera manera de conectarme con San pedro. Yo le dije en español “Gracias por todo lo que hace por Cristo y por la Iglesia.” El agarrando mi mano con un apretón me dijo, “Gracias, Gracias.” Para mi tocar al Santo Padre fue como si el tocara mi diócesis a través de mí, fue un momento de conexión entre nuestras raíces en Cristo y sobre la base de la iglesia construida en San Pedro, como el primer Vicario de Cristo.

Estos dos momentos en mi vida me recuerdan lo importante de conectarse con el amor de Dios y que debemos hacer el tiempo de conectarnos mutuamente para compartir nuestra fe a un nivel más profundo. La Eucaristía es a fin de cuentas el Cuerpo de Cristo, la Iglesia, sin embargo en nuestra disponibilidad nos alcanzamos unos a otros con el toque del amor de Dios. Esto es lo que profundiza nuestra celebración de la Eucaristía y nos acerca mutuamente en la fe. Esta unidad, cuando está centrada verdaderamente en el amor de Dios, no solo recrea nuestras parroquias con una nueva energía, sino que recrea el mundo. Es mi privilegio ser parte de este trabajo del Espíritu Santo, en mi vida y como obispo de la Diócesis de Shreveport.

También les quiero decir que, “mi vida no está ocupada, sino que está completa.” Tener una vida llena es una bendición. Es una bendición ser el obispo de Shreveport. •

bishop’s REFLECTION

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

The Gift of the Life of a Bishop

I

just turned in my schedule for November to our editor, Jessica Rinaudo, to be published in this Catholic Connection. It is going to be a busy month. Often when I visit a parish, some of you will remark at how busy my life is and encourage me to take care of myself. I can assure you I am in good shape.

In fact, tomorrow I hope to take a day off to visit the State Fair of Texas, which I have attended almost every year of my life.

Bishop Duca While it is true that the life of a bishop is busy (I suspect that if you listed everything you did in a month your list would be longer), it is filled with so many grace-filled moments that it seems like much of my life is not a burden, but a gift. Two experiences this past month illustrate how my life as a bishop is a gift.

Many of my appointments this month are the meetings I am holding in every parish called “Embracing the Mission.” I have enjoyed gathering with the members of a parish to discuss and share the beauty of their faith, the challenges of living the faith today, and our hopes for our Church in the future. From these meetings I hope to create a pastoral letter to guide us in the way we live out our faith in Jesus Christ in our parishes, in our families and through the choices in our daily lives. I believe parishioners who are making time to attend these meetings are finding an unexpected comfort and renewed hope through sharing their faith with other Catholics who share their beliefs and have surprisingly similar concerns. They often also remark that this was the first time they talked with a parishioner they had seen at Church for many years and regretted taking so long to connect.

These meetings also reveal that while as a Church our unity in Christ is sealed and created in our celebration of the Mass and our sacramental life, there is also a need for more in our parishes. We must also make time for faith-centered sharing, adult and child instruction, as well as shared acts of charity (inside and outside the parish) that allow us to put our faith into practice, foster love and concern for our brothers and sisters, and help heal the separation and loneliness caused by the culture that surrounds us.

Another experience that reminds me that my life as a bishop is a gift was my recent opportunity to meet Pope Francis during his visit to the United States. A few months before the pope arrived, it was announced to the bishops of the United States that the Holy Father would meet with the U.S. bishops in St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington. We were told the Holy Father would only meet personally and shake hands with a small group of bishops. I never expected they would choose the members of a USCCB committee I serve on to greet the Holy Father. It was an amazing opportunity just to be close to the Holy Father in the Cathedral, but to

be able to grasp his hands and to have him grasp my hands with a firm gentle encouraging hold in return, was a connection, not just with Pope Francis, but in a real way with St. Peter. I spoke to him in Spanish, “Thank you for all you do for Christ and the Church.” He grasped my hand with a firm squeeze and said, “Gracias, Gracias.”

The touch of the Holy Father was for me, and for all of the diocese through me, a moment to connect with our roots in Christ and to the foundation of the Church built on the first Vicar of Christ, Peter.

These two moments in my life last month reminded me of how important the touch of God’s love is and that we must make time to connect with one another to share our faith on a deeper level. It is ultimately the Eucharist that creates the Body of Christ, the Church, but it is in our willingness to reach out with the touch of God’s love to one another that deepens our celebration of the Eucharist and draws us closer to one another in faith. This unity, if it is truly centered in God's love, will not only recreate our parishes with a new energy, but will spill out to recreate the world. It is my privilege to be a part of this working of the Holy Spirit in my life and as Bishop of the Diocese of Shreveport. I like to say that, “my life is not busy, it is full.” To have a full life is a blessing. It is a blessing to be the Bishop of Shreveport. • November 2015 5

mike’s meditations

by Mike Van Vranken

What Did She Do Next?

W

e have heard countless explanations, homilies and messages all pertaining to Jesus’ visit at the home of Mary and Martha. You recall that Martha was scurrying around, offering hospitality and serving her visitor, while her sister Mary comfortably sat at the feet of Jesus, just listening to him speak. Martha became frustrated - even indignant.

She posed a question to Jesus and then commanded his help: “Lord do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40).

Jesus lovingly and even compassionately responded to Martha’s demand: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious Van Vranken and worried about many things. There is need of one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

So here is Martha: She has just thrown a little mini-fit, snipped at Jesus, and he, very gently, puts her in her place. He gives her perspective. He basically says: “what you are doing is good, but what Mary is doing is better.” Ouch!

But here is an interesting twist: What did Martha do next? Did she get mad? Was she offended by Jesus’ response? After all, she was doing all the work. It was Martha who was showing biblical hospitality to a guest. Did she go in the kitchen and pout? Become the martyr for the day? Or, did she stop what she was doing, recognize what mattered most, and take a seat next to her sister? Did she finally comprehend that all the distractions around her, all the worrying that everything was proceeding just right, was useless and even damaging?

Interestingly, Luke does not tell us what happened next in his gospel account of Mary and Martha. He ends the narrative with Jesus telling Martha that what Mary has chosen will not be taken from her. We are left wondering: what was Martha’s response?

Why does Luke, a masterful writer, not give us a hint of Martha’s next move? Why doesn’t he explain what decision she eventually made? After some lengthy consideration, I’m convinced the Holy Spirit didn’t want to give us the answer. I’m confident he wants us to put ourselves in Martha’s place and allow us to answer a couple of questions for ourselves: 1. Have I ever reacted like Martha in a similar situation?

2. Has this story inspired me to commit to acting differently in the future? In other words, acting like Mary in a very Martha world?

The next time you are tempted to be another Martha, remember the better choice. Sit at his feet. Listen to his voice. Cherish your time with him. • Mike is a writer and teacher, and co-author of the book: Faith Positive in a Negative World. You can contact him at www.mikevanvrankenministries.org

6 Catholic Connection

Harold Copping, "Martha and Mary," 1927.

MONTHLY REFLECTION Think of a recent time when the cares of this world, the anxieties of the moment, the busyness of the day kept you from your daily devotional, your daily Bible reading, your morning prayers, or even Sunday church!

Use your imagination and remember what the distractions were that day that kept you from sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to his words. Sit and ponder how you felt and why it all seemed so important.

• Was it a meeting or deadline required by your boss at work?

• Was it cleaning the house and preparing for company?

• Was it getting the kids to school, soccer and making sure they competed their homework?

• Was it a busy weekend at a college football game?

Whatever it was, think about the pressures of getting it all done and compare those to the peace of having an intimate conversation with Jesus.

Think of how important everything seemed when you chose whatever chores were calling you that day. Think how their significance kept you from sitting at the feet of Jesus that morning.

Finally, think about how fleeting and temporary this life is compared to eternity.

in REVIEW

by Marie Rinaudo

The Joy of the Gospel

by Pope Francis

N

ow that the pope’s first visit to the United States has passed, I encourage you to get to know him in The Joy of the Gospel. In this Exhortation he beckons us to engage in the new evangelization by sharing the Gospel of joy, love and mercy. His words of mercy and openness have been stirring.

He is determined to reach out to all: to the faithful, the lapsed and the unchurched.

Though his style stands in contrast to his predecessors, he has not departed from Church teaching. Throughout The Joy of the Gospel, he references former pontiffs.

Recalling the teaching and words of St. John Paul II, he stands firm in the belief that the Church is more than an institution and a hierarchy—it is “a people of pilgrims and evangelizers” who by their baptism are called to proclaim the Gospel.

Using specific examples, he touches on the major challenges facing the 21st century Church: economic inequities, absence of dialogue, need for spiritual growth and stronger catechetics. He warns “when we speak more about law than about grace, more about the Church than about Christ, more about the pope than about God’s word,” we risk losing the essential message of Christianity. Looking to the future, he encourages the faithful to be open to change and courageously examine customs and even rules “that no longer serve as a means of communicating the Gospel.”

In his, inviting, relaxed style, he models an evangelism that is joyful. When we proclaim the Gospel, he advises, with a simple message “… [N]ever look like someone who has just come back from a funeral!”

In his wisdom and understanding, the pope acknowledges that there are obstacles to carrying out the mission and that test the resolve of evangelizers: disrespect for the dignity of the human person, poverty as a result of social and economic policies, decline of morality, the breakdown in family

and civic life and “idolatry of money.” In spite of these difficulties, however, Francis, ever the shepherd, encourages us to take heart by turning to prayer, community and service: avenues that will lead to finding God in every person we encounter.

Pope Francis offers practical ways to share the Gospel in any culture and with any individual or group. He urges turning to the Bible as well as to devotions, making pilgrimages, sharing the Gospel in a variety of places – business meetings, academic circles and faith formation groups. He even offers priests advice on preparing homilies that convey a deep love and understanding of the teachings of Jesus.

He makes no apology for his strong stand in social and economic arenas. He sees himself as the leader of “a church without frontiers” who is called to speak out against injustices. So much an integral part of Pope Francis’s theology is the dignity of the human person that he gives considerable attention to inequality, poverty, migration, environment and abortion.

On poverty he assures critics that he is “not a foe or an opponent. I am only interested in helping those who are in thrall to… [a ] self-centered mentality …to be freed from those unworthy chains and to attain a way of living and thinking which is more humane… and which will bring dignity to their presence on this earth.”

In the concluding chapter, proclaiming that evangelization is guided by the Holy Spirit, he calls for a missionary zeal and enthusiasm that is fed by a personal encounter with the love of Jesus that must be shared. Recognizing that at times we will be discouraged, he counsels that we may have to wait patiently, may even have to experience failure. But always his advice is bolstered by joy: we can succeed if we turn earnestly to contemplation and prayer and to the Gospel; we can arrive at an understanding of the mystery of how the Holy Spirit works. •

"Let us try a little harder to take the first step and to become involved. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. The Lord gets involved and he involves his own, as he kneels to wash their feet. He tells his disciples: “You will be blessed if you do this” (Jn 13:17) … Evangelizers thus take on the “smell of the sheep” and the sheep are willing to hear their voice."

The Joy of the Gospel

by Pope Francis

The Joy of the Gospel is available through store.usccb. org and the Slattery Library in the Catholic Center.

November 2015 7

faithful FOOD

by Kim Long

Dayenu Finding "What Would Have Been Enough"

T

hanksgiving is special to me for many reasons: low stress, emotional expectations are seldom raging and there is food, and where there is food there is family.

The foundation of the word “gratitude” has the Latin root gratus, Long which translates to pleasing or thankful.

So this is my foundation as I prepare my menu, shopping lists, pull out dishes reserved for this meal into which so many thoughts and prayers are blended. These are my thoughts as I put a little extra “elbow grease” into my housecleaning.

Upon reflection, I realized this sounded not too different than preparations my Jewish friend Jana makes for Passover.

I thought of a Hebrew word associated with the Passover seder meal, dayenu, which means, “it would have been enough.”

Each year we gather around the table and we say what we are thankful for. It has been interesting to hear my sons’ statements mature from a favorite toy or school being out of session to things like: “work was good this week,” “I am

thankful we are all together,” or “the leaves are pretty this year.” My gratitude awareness has also increased with the passing of each year. In my head I hear Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, intoning in his BBC voice, “this was my thirtieth year to heaven” and I am reminded I am no doubt closer to that inevitability.

Every year when the family has gone and the leftovers are stowed in the fridge, there comes an afternoon usually the Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving Day, when I make a cup of tea and fix a turkey sandwich with bread, mayo and cranberry sauce.

I pause and contemplate dayenu and try to see what “would have been enough” in my life and realize my gratitude increases exponentially. I am, like many of us: I want! I want better and more of what I already have, maybe not everyday and constantly, but it creeps up and clouds my vision. Dayenu reminds me it was given to me already, I just needed to open my eyes. I have often wished for different relationships, getting stuck on how I thought things should look, seeing a very idealized (and usually unrealistic) image in my head.

Sharon Benton's Cranberry Chutney Ingredients: • 8 cups fresh or frozen cranberries • 2 shallots, minced • 2 jalapenos seeded and minced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar • 1 ½ cups red wine vinegar • 2 tbsp minced fresh ginger • 2 tbsp whole mustard seeds • 1 tbsp freshly grated orange zest • 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest • 2 tsp salt 8 Catholic Connection

Directions: 1) Combine all ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat.

2) Simmer uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking until cranberries have broken down and mixture has thickened somewhat (10-15 minutes).

3) Remove from heat. Let cool completely.

4) Ladle into clean jars, cover and refrigerate.

It's ok to omit hot peppers!

This year my only sister has cancer.

Dayenu is helpful as I recall moments in our lives, shared experiences, that now seem full and complete rather than trivial and lacking – these memories are “enough.” In times of deep awareness, scripture seeps into my consciousness and I once again know the love of a God who provides for our every need, even before we are aware of it, and showers us with love. “Every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17) This year I will make my sandwich, brew my cup of tea and praise God for life, which is a good and perfect gift. I will contemplate dayenu and try to see what was always in front of me and be grateful.

I will try to recall that God holds the future and sees all, when I only see a tiny fraction.

I share with you a recipe from my cousin Sharon, who was the first person to bring homemade cranberry sauce to our family gatherings. Once brought, it became her solemn obligation to provide it. Later she branched out and prepared a chutney. This chutney is a tasty relish that reflects the sweet and the salty of daily life, that is gift, that is enough. It is a most excellent accompaniment to a turkey sandwich. • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport.

domestic CHURCH

by Katie Sciba

Everything is Grace

Grateful people are happier, satisfied with life and accept difficulty with greater ease than those who aren’t intentionally thankful. While it might take a big shift in thinking and behavior to take on an attitude of gratitude, you can start simply.

Kick the Habit of Ingratitude

I

t’s this time of year that brings on some serious virtue examination for me and I usually come up short when considering how genuinely thankful I am at Thanksgiving; but taking a long, absorbing look at the whole of my life only reveals the boldness of the blooms and dulls the thorns.

Sciba Just the other day I was rushing around the house picking up, fuming with frustration that our house is never clean enough, when my small kids wanted my attention. “Mama let me show you something!” and all I could do was hold up my forefinger, “One sec! Mama’s busy.”

Amid my million to-dos, I remembered a favor I promised my husband and immediately felt tired, resentful that I had to worry about it at all. My husband, kids and house were all burdens in my stormy view and the fact that I could see nothing positive was a wake up call.

On the surface, ingratitude seems easier in terms of effort. We don’t have to look or think beyond ourselves and it requires nothing of us - no work at all. In fact, it’s easy to notice the inconveniences and burdens of life; it’s even easier to amplify them once ingratitude becomes a passive habit. Walking toward eternity is a challenge wrought with fatigue and pain, but when it seems so dark that we fail to see joy and blessings obvious to others, it’s time to re-evaluate how aware we are of God’s love always in our lives.

St. Josemaria Escriva suggested offering thanksgiving in all circumstances: “Get use to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving[...] Because He gives you this and that. Because you haven’t what you need or because you have. Thank Him for everything, because everything is good.”

Both humility and gratitude open our eyes where ungratefulness would fog the view.

Because the truth is that ingratitude blinds us to reality; the truth of our

Open Your Eyes to Gratitude

Memorize It

circumstances is that God upholds us in love and blesses us at all times. And while ingratitude would lead us to believe there isn’t much to be happy about, cultivating thanksgiving within ourselves will open our eyes to the Father’s incessant, abundant grace. “Everything is grace,” St. Therese asserted, and when we stop to smell the roses instead of only feeling their thorns, we might finally realize that the pains of life are underwhelming compared to the blessings far more significant.

This fact reveals that gratitude is easier than ungratefulness – maybe not in terms of effort because humble thanksgiving is tough to practice after we’ve been stuck in our ruts – but certainly in terms of consolation.

Christ said, “My yoke is easy...” but he didn’t mean effortless. He meant it’s a joy, it’s a consolation for a hopeful soul to see as God does. When we’re anchored to the promised hope and joy of gratitude, trials don’t shake us as much. Annoyances shrink to nothing. Being actively and intentionally grateful plants us on a firm foundation in Christ, where “no storm can shake our inmost calm.”

Thanksgiving comes with the invitation to sincere gratitude. With all the lavish preparations typical to holidays, we can experience peace and ease through what’s usually such a stressful time. We can number the blessings given by our everpresent Father to reveal the love that’s been there all along. •

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Count Your Blessings

What makes you happy in life?

What are you grateful for today?

Right now? Write it down!

Write two or three things daily, especially on the dark days when thankfulness and joy are a challenge. Refer back to your list for a little lift.

Silence the Slump

Everyone has hard times, bad days, sour moods, tough marriages, kids, etc. It’s easy to find something to complain about, but doing so tends to perpetuate the misery when you go overboard.

Push yourself to be only positive for a day. If that’s too much, try an hour or 10 minutes.

Katie Sciba is the author of thecatholicwife.net. She lives in Shreveport with her husband, Andrew, and four children.

November 2015 9

from the POPE from Vatican Information Services

The Spirit of the Family is the Constitutional Charter of the Church

V

atican City, (VIS) – “Men and women of today are in need of a robust injection of family spirit,” said Pope Francis. “Indeed, the style of relations – civil, economic, legal, professional and as citizens – would appear very rational, formal and Pope Francis organized, but also very ‘dehydrated,’ arid and anonymous.

At times this becomes unbearable. While seeking to be inclusive in its forms, in reality it abandons an ever greater number of people to solitude and exclusion.”

The family, however, “opens for the whole of society a far more human prospect: it opens children’s eyes to life … and introduces them to the need for bonds of fidelity, sincerity, trust, cooperation and respect; it encourages the planning of an inhabitable world and the belief in relationships of trust, even in difficult situations. … And we are all aware of the indispensable nature of the care of the family for its smallest members, the most vulnerable, the wounded, and even those who have encountered the most disasters in the conduct of their lives.”

Nevertheless, the pope remarked, “the family is not granted due recognition or support in the political and social organization of contemporary society.

I would add: not only does the family not receive adequate recognition, but it no longer generates learning. At times it would seem that, in spite of all its science and technology, modern society is still not able to translate this knowledge into better forms of civil coexistence. … In this situation, the opposite extremes of this brutalization of relationships – that is, technocratic obtuseness and amoral 10 Catholic Connection

familism – come together and feed into one another. It is a paradox.”

“The Church perceives today, at this precise point, the historical meaning of her mission with regard to the family and genuine family spirit; starting from a careful revision of life. .. It could be said that the ‘family spirit’ is a constitutional charter for the Church. This is how Christianity should appear and should be. … The Church is and must be the family of God.” The Pope recalled that when Jesus invited Peter to follow Him, He said that He would have made him a “fisher of men.” “And this called for a new type of net. We could say that today families are one of the most important nets for the mission of Peter and the Church. It is not a net that takes prisoners! On the contrary, it liberates from the treacherous waters of abandonment and indifference, that drown many human beings in a sea of loneliness and indifference. Families are well aware of the dignity of being sons and not slaves or outsiders.”

“From here, from the family, Jesus begins again his path among human beings to persuade them that God has not forgotten them. From here Peter takes strength for his ministry. From here the Church, in obedience to the Word of the Master, goes out to fish offshore, sure that if it takes place, the catch will be miraculous. May the enthusiasm of the Synod Fathers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, kindle the zeal of a Church that abandons the old nets and goes out to fish again, trusting in the Word of her Lord.

Let us pray intensely for this! Indeed, Christ promised and reassures us: if even a bad father does not refuse to give bread to his hungry children, of course God would not refuse to give the Spirit to those who, imperfect as they are, ask with impassioned insistence.” •

In the of

Words

Pope Francis

“ A question that we should ask more often is this: how faithful are we to the promises we make to children when we bring them into our world?

Welcome and care, closeness and attention, trust and hope, are all basic promises, that may be summarized in one word: love. This is the best way to welcome a human being into the world, and we all learn this before being aware of it. It is a promise that a man and a woman make to every child, from the moment he or she is conceived in their thoughts.”

(General Audience 10/14/15) “Only in welcoming with humble gratitude the Lord’s love do we free ourselves from the seduction of idols and the blindness of our illusions.

Money, pleasure and success dazzle us, only to disappoint us later. They promise life but bring death. The Lord asks us to detach ourselves from these false riches to enter into true life, a full life, that is authentic and luminous.” (Angelus 10/12/15) “We are sorely afflicted and follow with profound concern the events in Syria, Iraq, Jerusalem and Jordan, where we are witnessing an escalation of violence that affects innocent civilians and continues to provoke a humanitarian crisis of enormous proportions. War leads to destruction and multiplies the suffering of the population. Hope and progress come only from the choice to pursue peace.

Let us therefore join in intense and trustful prayer to the Lord, a prayer that is intended at the same time to be an expression of closeness to our brother patriarchs and bishops present here who come from those regions, to their priests and faithful, and to all the inhabitants.” (Appeal for peace in the Middle East 10/9/15)

navigating the Faith

by Kim Long

Communion of Saints

T

he Communion of Saints, we proclaim it, we pray it, we say we believe in it, but what is it exactly? The communion of saints is the spiritual solidarity which binds together the faithful on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven in the organic unity of the same mystical body under Christ its head and in a constant state interchange of supernatural offices (Catholic Encyclopedia). A simpler definition is the spiritual fellowship existing among all faithful Christians, both living and dead. I have described it as a prayer chain that extends from this world to the next and back again. How does this Communion of Saints work and relate for and with us and we for them? Let’s take a look at some saints in the month of November: the month of all the saints.

November 4 is the feast day of St. Charles Borromeo. While not exactly a household name, he has a lot to share. Born into an ancient and noble household, at age 12 he began a fast track in service to Holy Mother Church.

After the unexpected death of an older brother, his parents encouraged him to leave service to the Church and marry so the family would not become extinct. He refused. Charles was a reformer and began that work in Rome and continued it when he was transferred to Milan. A big believer in education, his reforming efforts reached the collegiate churches and monasteries. He believed abuses in the Church arose from an ignorant clergy.

He established seminaries, colleges and communities for the education of candidates for holy orders. He is the patron of many things, among them: stomach ulcers, bishops and catechists. On November 4, say a prayer for our bishop and anyone who shares their faith in a classroom. I feel confident St. Charles Borromeo will be praying with you.

November 10 is the feast day of St. Leo the Great, and while I could write much about him I want to share this interesting note: while pope he persuaded Emperor Valentinian to recognize the primacy of the Bishop of Rome in 445. He encountered Attila the Hun at the very gates of Rome and persuaded him to turn back, a testament to his eloquence. Later when the Vandels occupied the city of Rome, he persuaded the invaders to stop pillaging the city and harming its inhabitants. There are many other things this giant among saints accomplished, but these two really struck me as brave. Leo spoke about a fundamental dignity common to all Christians, whether saints or sinners, and the obligation to live up to it. He encouraged his congregation to see with their physical and spiritual eyes, and when beauty was around them to thank the Creator from whence it came. In our daily lives we can certainly benefit from this spiritual giant’s examples of courage, faith and wisdom. Invite St. Pope Leo the Great into your prayer time and make an effort to check out some of his important writings.

The life of St. Gertrude the Great is celebrated on November 16. She was born in 1256 in the Thuringia in the Roman Empire. At age four she entered the monastery and was entrusted to the care of St. Mechtilde, younger sister of the monastery’s abbess. She had her first series of visions at age 25. These changed the course of her life. Her priorities turned from secular knowledge and the world toward the study of sacred scripture and theology. She was an early devotee to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She also spent much time in personal prayer and meditation and wrote spiritual treatises. Gertrude

St. Gertrude the Great

became one of the great mystics of the 13th century.

While never formally canonized, a liturgical office of prayer, readings and hymns in her honor, was approved by Rome in 1606 and her feast day was extended to the universal Church by Pope Clement.

Pope Benedict XIV gave her the title “the Great” to recognize the depth of her insights both spiritual and theological. She had tenderness toward the souls in purgatory and is best known today by the prayer attributed to her and found on the flip side of her holy card: “Eternal Father, I offer You the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church and for those in my own home and family. Amen.”

I keep the prayer card in my car and when stopped by traffic lights or a train or worse, I pray it with meaning! It is a comfort to me to know that St. Gertrude the Great, who probably never saw herself as “great,” is praying for my family too.

There are many many more saints celebrating feasts in the month of November. I shared these three because their stories seem very timely and timeless. Whatever is happening in your life, the life of the Church and our current world, please know a saint somewhere has experienced something similar, if not the very same thing, when they were in this world living their lives in faith, just as we do. Too often November and it’s powerful spiritual possibilities are skimmed over, given a brief nod, and it’s on to Advent. I encourage you to slow down and pray with a saint a day throughout this month. • November 2015 11

second COLLECTIONS

by Fr. Rothell Price

November Second Collection: Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Collection Dates: November 21st & 22nd Bulletin and Oral Announcement Dates: November 8th & 15th

E

very November we unite with our Catholic brothers and sisters in the dioceses of the United States to participate in the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). This campaign is a special work of the Catholic bishops of our country to rally the Christian faithful to support and sustain those efforts and programs that are aimed at ending poverty in our nation.

Through this second collection we can joyfully witness and evangelize the love of Jesus Christ. It is this joyful witness that Pope Francis brought and re-kindled in the people of the United States of America in September.

Price What a great honor and joy to have been visited by our very dear Holy Father Francis! Our nation, and especially we Catholics, continue to bask in the glow of the arrival of this loving, smiling, inspiring pope! Think of the pope’s visit as a present day manifestation of the second of the Joyful Mysteries of Our Lady’s Rosary. Mary’s greeting filled Elizabeth and the child in her womb with the joy of the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis’ visit certainly breathed a new vitality into the living of our Catholic Christian faith. Participation in the Catholic Campaign for Human Development is an important way to tangibly breathe life and hope into the lives of those overwhelmed by intransigent poverty.

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) addresses the 12 Catholic Connection

root causes of poverty in America through promotion and support of communitycontrolled, self-help organizations, and transformative education. Grants are awarded by the Subcommittee on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development with the approval of local bishops. The CCHD has funded organizations that work to end poverty and defend human dignity in neighborhoods throughout the United States. Here in the Diocese of Shreveport, CCHD funding made it possible for the working class poor to have day and night public transportation to work. Employers were provided with retrained men and women to fulfill their need for qualified workers for “living wage” jobs.

I ask your generous participation in the collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Help our bishop and our pope break the cycle of poverty. You are essential to its success. Please donate prayerfully and generously. Pope Francis, the Vicar of Christ on earth, encourages and challenges us to joyfully live our faith in Jesus Christ. He, by word and deed, guides us in the way of “being” the Good News.

Our Holy Father consistently urges us to evangelize with the unique testimony of our lives. His visit moved many to tears, and their tears moved them to action. The love of Jesus, revealed in the words and itinerary of Pope Francis, was a call and catalyst for action.

In the spirit of the pope’s visit, please give what you can; participate in this campaign to end poverty in this nation of great wealth.

By God’s grace, poverty eliminated here can be the fire to end poverty everywhere in our world. Give from your heart to the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Thank you, God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving to you! • Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Second & Special Collections.

vocations View

by Raney Johnson, Seminarian

Seminarians Attend Junipero Canonization

Notre Dame seminarians in Washington D.C. for Junipero Serra's canonizations.

Diocese of Shreveport seminarians Raney Johnson (top left) and Fidel Mondragon (far back) were part of the group.

O

n September 23, Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra. It was the first canonization of a saint to take place in the country and part of Pope Francis’ first ever trip to the U.S. The day also contained a few firsts for me. It was the first time I visited Washington D.C., the first time I attended a canonization Mass and the first time I saw a pope in person.

The day before the canonization of Junipero Serra, I departed from Notre Dame Seminary with a bus full of my brother seminarians. On the charter bus generously donated to take me and my brother seminarians to Washington D.C., I continued to contemplate with excitement the fact that I was actually going to see Pope Francis. Grateful that the bus came equipped with satellite television, we watched Pope Francis arrive in Washington D.C. and all the media coverage surrounding his arrival on EWTN. The whole bus was full of excitement as we witnessed history taking place.

We stopped to spend the night in South Carolina at the end of the first day of our journey. The next day we continued our journey to Washington D.C. We did not have enough time to walk around D.C. and visit all the historical sites, but we did pass the Pentagon, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial and the White House. Although it was exciting for me to see these important parts of our nation for the first time, it could not match the excitement I felt about seeing the pope later that day.

We arrived in D.C. and made our way from Union Station to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. After making our way through a lengthy line for the security check, we finally made it into the main gate. One last line remained before we could enter the basilica where the pope would greet the seminarians and religious. However, the basilica filled up and the security personnel redirected me to the front steps of the basilica. Many of my brother seminarians who made it into the basilica were asked to leave because of the lack of remaining seats. Sitting and standing on

the front steps, many of us were disappointed, tired and a little upset. I did not know if I would still have the chance to see the Holy Father, but something deep inside would not let me give into unhappiness of the situation.

After watching buses full of bishops, archbishops and cardinals pull into the circular driveway in front of the very stairs we were sitting and standing on, the crowd of people directed their attention toward the driveway.

I, along with everyone else, realized Pope Francis would drive into the same area. All the excitement that slowly diminished after we were turned away from the Basilica returned. I waited with anticipation to see the Pope. The crowd watched Pope Francis make his way to the canonization Mass on the large screen in front of the stairs of the basilica. Finally the time came. I could hear the cheers of the people on the streets, and then I looked on as the Popemobile slowly made its way right in front of the stairs. The moment became real. Pope Francis stood only a few steps in front of me waving to the crowd.

After the Holy Father made his way to celebrate the Mass, I witnessed an event I might never experience again in my life. As I finally took the time to look around at my surroundings to appreciate the moment more, the amount of seminarians and religious men and women standing on the steps amazed me.

These men and women answered the same call to discernment I did, and here they were. They journeyed across the country and missed classes for the same reason as me: to witness the pope canonize a saint for the first time in the U.S. I think back to some words spoken to us before we left Notre Dame Seminary for Washington D.C. Many told us to look at the trip as a pilgrimage and not a vacation from school. It definitely was a pilgrimage and a part of my discernment experience I will never forget, as I am sure many of the other seminarians and religious in attendance would agree. • Are you feeling called to a vocation in the Church? Contact Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Church Vocations, at 318-868-4441, or mlong@dioshpt.org

November 2015 13

< Dotye Sue and Carol with Fr. Shenan Boquet, Director of Human Life International and one of the Diocese of Shreveport's previous Pro-Life Banquet speakers.

Tales from the Road World Meeting of Families

P

Katie Aranda • Carol Gates • Rosalba Quiroz Deacon Bill Roche • Dotye Sue Stanford • Fr. Mark Watson

ope Francis took the United States by storm when he visited at the end of September, traveling to Washington D.C., New York and finally Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families. And while most of us had to watch the events from our homes, a small group of people from the Diocese of Shreveport were able to go to D.C. and Philadelphia to be a part of the giant World Meeting of Families and catch a glimpse of our beloved pope. Each traveler had a beautiful, unique and spiritual experience. Enjoy this glimpse into their favorite parts of their trips.

Dotye Sue

&

Carol

Stanford GATES

D

otye Sue Stanford and Carol Gates are the Diocese of Shreveport family life representatives. As part of their trip to the World Meeting of Famlies, they kept a blog (http://shreveportcatholicfamilies.wordpress.com). You can view all of their entries there, but here are some highlights: 9/23/15: Today was our first day in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families!

It was exciting to be there for the opening. We made it in town around 12 o’clock and grabbed a taxi with a priest in charge of youth from the Diocese of Alexandria. The opening session was really exciting! Then we had our first meeting, Keynote Speaker, Bishop Robert Barron talked... The Mass was wonderful, with Archbishop Chaput.

There were over 200 priests and at least 100 cardinals and bishops, so many that it took almost 30 minutes for the procession. There were also so many sisters – it was just fantastic!

9/24/15: How can we be light? When God created light, he did so to bring order out of chaos. Cardinal Sarah explained to us that we sin when we become enslaved to things. We can only find fulfillment and happiness when we love God and neighbor. Sin separates us from God, repentance brings us back to Him. .. As disciples of Christ, filled with God’s mercy, we can help others come to know God. As family, we can transmit the 14 Catholic Connection

faith, speak of His praises, and serve as a Light to the world in the darkness! Are you ready to be that light?

Breakout presenters, Dr. and Mrs. Popchak suggested that families do these things with intention: strive for intimacy; regularly schedule time for play, prayer, talk and work; practice radical, self-donating love, ask family members, “What can I do to make your life better today?”, and spoil children with affection and love; show and speak of your love!

Along with about 300 other individuals, this afternoon volunteers set aside one hour to help pack over 30,000 food packets for the hungry in Africa.

The packet consisted of servings of dried vegetables, soy, rice and vitamin packets!

All week, participants are joining the Catholic Relief Services’ Helping Hands project at the World Meeting of Families – the youth are winning as the group with the most meals packed in one hour! Way to go!

As thousands gather this week for prayer, fellowship, celebration of the Eucharist, and talks, thousands are also taking part in an attempt to break the Guiness Book of World Records for the greatest number of people painting a mural! The picture will become the image of the World Meeting to the max!

9/25/15: We joined approximately 100 sisters from orders throughout the world for prayer in the Chapel at 7:30 p.m. Portions of the prayer are in song, their voices were like angels!

Outside the Chapel, they erected

structures, provided lines and railings for pilgrims and visitors to add their prayer intentions, and we believe there are thousands and thousands of prayer intentions posted on that sacred spot!

We added ours which includes all of you! Inside the Cathedral, as part of our pilgrimage, we viewed the sacred relics of copatron saints of the World Meeting of Families, Pope John Paul ll and and Gianna Beretta Molla, and a combined reliquary containing relics of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and her venerable parents, Blessed Louis and Zélie Martin—who will be canonized Saints by Pope Francis on October 18th of this year!

9/26/15: Bishop Duca joined in the events of the World Meeting of Families today and spent time with the Shreveport delegation.

9/27/15: To complete our day, at sunset, our smiling pope wheeled past us very quickly, we call out to him, he looked our way! Just so overwhelming! Unforgettable!

Our pope’s every word was covered on channels nationwide!

What a wonderful week for Catholics and Christians! We will be talking about how he has encouraged us, and how we can put this encouragement into action in our homes and parishes and dioceses!

The WMoF organizers estimated that close to one million people would attend the festival – they had to be close.

On the stage were top musicians, comedians and speakers!

9/28/15: Dotye and Carol persevered in order to join the group to be present at the Cathedral to escort the deacons bringing Holy Communion to individuals on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway!

On Sunday before the papal Mass, [Pope Francis] circled around the Cathedral! The state police relaxed their original plans to make us stay inside and allowed us on the Cathedral steps so we could wave hello to the pope! He blessed us, as we stood in the midst of his deacons! Then he surprised us all by getting out of his Popemobile to visit the prayer site in front of the chapel! They erected structures for visitors to place prayer intention ribbons. He walked around it, read a few, then got back in his mobile to go to the head of the parkway.

In the cathedral, it was almost completely filled with deacons and escorts (us), and at a specific point, our escort lined us up, matching us to a deacon. We were given a yellow and white umbrella to hold open over the deacon and Body of Christ. The Mass was very emotional for so many, what a wonderful liturgy to be a part of!

Mass was beautiful, serving in the Communion line was touching and our pilgrimage to Philadelphia was unforgettable! •

Deacon

Bill Roche

I

t was very powerful to experience the nearness of Pope Francis and to observe the total embrace by the City of Philadelphia and the vast outpouring of devotion and affection by the people gathered in Philadelphia. It was Pope Francis everywhere: light post banners, welcome signs, traffic alert signs, t-shirts and even pizza boxes.

My traveling companion and friend, Rick Colbert, and I stood in front of Independence Hall on Friday afternoon where Pope Francis stood 24 hours later and delivered an address on freedom in general, the immigrant experience and religious freedom in particular.

On two occasions on Saturday evening, and again on Sunday afternoon, Pope Francis paraded close by where we were standing. Beyond the thrill and joy of being that close to Pope Francis, I realized that he was blessing the crowd, and me, as he passed by. This was particularly visible on Sunday afternoon when the Popemobile passed by slowly.

The huge crowd that gathered both days was so well behaved and appreciative. The crowd on Saturday evening was festive while they were being entertained by world class performers. The pope also sat and enjoyed the entertainment. The real surprise was on Sunday afternoon when a much larger crowd gathered for Mass. The people spoke, sang and played waiting for Mass to begin. However, when Pope Francis began the prayer of the Mass, the crowd hushed, and from that moment participated respectfully and quietly until the end of Mass. There was less noise and distraction than at a regular Sunday Mass! •

November 2015 15

Fr. Mark

Watson

F

rom March 13, 2013, when Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected pope, I have had great interest in Pope Francis. For the past two-and-a-half years I have enjoyed observing his humility and love as well as his wisdom, which is expressed so well in his written documents. When I heard Pope Francis would travel to the United States, I decided to be a part of the excitement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. My adventure began on Wednesday, September 23.

I took an early flight from Monroe and flew to the Reagan airport in Washington, D.C. After putting my luggage in my room, I went to a reception held by Network, a Catholic Social Justice Advocacy organization. Network sponsored a tour entitled “Nuns on the Bus.” This tour was made up of a group of religious sisters who traveled from Topeka, KS to Washington, D.C. At each stop they spoke on social justice issues and encouraged political participation. Given the pope’s visit, the sisters made Washington the final stop of their tour.

The next morning, Thursday, September 24, I got up at 5:00 a.m. in order to get ready to walk to the West Lawn of the Capitol in order to watch a Telecast of the pope’s address to the joint meeting of Congress. I stood on the West Lawn of the Capitol from 6:30 to 10:00 a.m., when Pope Francis began his address to Congress. He spoke to Congress about protecting immigrants and asked that those in Congress work against climate change, the arms race and the death penalty. I found the speech to be very moving.

Afterwards he went to a balcony from which he could see the crowd.

From the balcony, the pope presented a short message and gave us a blessing.

On Friday, September 25, Congressman Ralph Abraham invited constituents who had attended the pope’s address to an Open House in his office. I spent the morning speaking with Congressman Abraham, his staff and other guests from Louisiana. After a short walk, I went back to the hotel and packed in order to take an Amtrak train to Philadelphia.

Soon after arriving in the train station, I took a light rail train to the Philadelphia International Airport where I met my mother and we began the Philadelphia part of our trip.

PHILADELPHIA The pope flew from Washington to New York on Thursday evening. He spent Friday in New York and flew to Philadelphia 16 Catholic Connection

on Saturday, September 26. On Saturday he celebrated Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, gave a speech on immigration at Independence Hall and attended the Festival of Families, which was held outside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mom and I spent most of the day on Saturday at the Festival of Families. We enjoyed entertainment by artists such as Aretha Franklin, Juanes, Andrea Bocelli and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The highpoint of the evening was an inspiring speech on the family by Pope Francis.

Shortly after he began, he turned from his prepared notes and spoke from the heart.

His message focused on the love of God and the hope found within the family. He stated, “The family is a factory of hope, a factory of Resurrection.” His speech also included humor when he said, “sometimes plates can fly, and children can bring headaches! And I won’t say anything about mothers-in-law.”

Finally on Sunday, September 27 the pope celebrated Mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. I was able to concelebrate with about 350 other priests. I was honored to be able to concelebrate a Mass which was celebrated by Pope Francis.

My experience in Philadelphia left me with a feeling of deep gratitude that God has blessed the Church with such a humble, loving and outgoing pope. •

Aranda “

Family

L

ove is something we learn; Love is something we live; Love grows as it is forged by the situations each family experiences.” Pope Francis This quote describes our trip to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families and the papal visit. From our four-day car trip with four kids to the week of amazing talks, to the six hour wait to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis and the four hour line for security to receive the final blessing at the papal Mass: this trip was about love.

Preparation for this adventure started a year ago. We were fortunate to be able to bring our whole family and our 12-year-old cousin from D.C. and stay with our dear friends at a bed and breakfast nearby. We took the train into the city everyday, which was an adventure in itself with four adults and nine children!

The talks were engaging. (You can listen to them at www. iradiophilly.com under podcasts). The exhibition hall with hundreds of vendors was like a Catholic Disneyland with everything from books about saints to sacramentals to life-size pope cut-outs. I loved that our family was surrounded by so many priests and nuns. There’s nothing better than seeing my kids chat with nuns about their favorite saints or seeing priests on the streets hearing confession and giving absolution.

On Friday, we were able to celebrate Mass with the Archbishop of Military Services. It was a blessing to see people from home when we had lunch with Bishop Duca and others from Shreveport one afternoon. Out of the thousands of people waiting for the papal parade on Saturday, who should I see, but my Shreveport friend Shelly Voltz! In the massive pope-loving crowd, we also found our cousin’s brother and the rest of the Shreveport group. I don’t think these were coincidences, but little acts of love by God. The pope’s words at the Festival of Families were inspiring and there was so much excitement and joy in our family as we waved and shouted when the pope passed us by in his parade. That night on the train someone led a rosary in our train car: love! Even though the next day, we only made it to the end of Mass because of the security line, the four-and-a-half hour wait was enjoyable. People were so friendly and helpful, sometimes pushing a stroller as I nursed my son, or entertaining my energetic kids. My kids felt the love and were well-behaved for the very long wait. Our family will never forget this love-filled adventure and we are hopeful that we can do it again in Dublin 2018! •

Rosalba

Quiroz

W

hile waiting in line, like thousands of others, Pope Francis passed about 50 feet away from us for about 30 seconds.

Adriana Gonzalez-Toledo, my trip mate, helped me up a cement base that put me above everyone’s head (I wanted her to go up, but she has had the fortune of seeing Pope Francis on two more occasions, so she made sure the crowds did not push me). As Pope Francis passed by, I felt his blessing directly on me and my heart became warm and full of joy. I like to think that I had a mini Pentecost experience.

Although I did not speak in tongues, I was inspired to pray for all of us there and for all who were not able to attend.

My prayer to God in that moment was that He help us to follow the pope’s example of honesty, humbleness and love. I thanked God for the privilege of working for Him and the opportunity of being close to the person He gave us as Jesus’ successor.

More than a million people made it to Philadelphia, but less than half were able to enter to the pope’s Sunday Mass because it took about seven hours in line to go through security. After six hours in line, I was able to enter, just as Pope Francis gave the final blessing and I was able to see it on a screen, still a mile away from the altar.

I would do it again, if given the chance. What a blessing is to belong to the Catholic Church that invites and encourages us to follow Jesus’ teachings and the hope that we will all be together in God’s Kingdom! • November 2015 17

local NEWS

Shreveport-Bossier 40 Days for Life Update

by Chris Davis

Ramona Trevino, former Planned Parenthood manager, speaks at Messmer Stadium.

T

he Shreveport-Bossier 40 Days for Life campaign has been off to a great start! We trained 25 new sidewalk counselors at our annual Sidewalk Counseling Training Event with Sidewalk Advocates for Life (SAFL). SAFL executive director Lauren Muzyka equipped these new counselors with the skills to peacefully, lovingly reach out from the sidewalk outside Shreveport-Bossier’s abortion facilities. They are able to offer life-affirming choices to women facing unplanned pregnancies.

One short week later we had our 40 Days for Life Kickoff Rally.

Bishop Michael Duca led the opening prayer before dozens of people at Messmer Stadium.

Keynote speaker, former Planned Parenthood manager Ramona Trevino, shared her story of conversion to life. She told of how she was inspired by the local 40 Days for Life presence outside her facility.

We have had a very good presence on the sidewalk in the first few days of the campaign.

We are very happy to report our first save by veteran sidewalk counselor Rachael Wells. She had a woman follow her in her car away from the Shreveport abortion facility and to the local crisis pregnancy center.

Perhaps the biggest news so 18 Catholic Connection

far was the birth of baby Noah on Day Two of this year’s fall campaign.

His mother and father had considered abortion during last year’s spring campaign. But through the efforts of another of Shreveport-Bossier’s veteran sidewalk counselors, Melissa Tittle, they chose life! Though we are faithful that God saves lives because of our prayers every day, this may be the first time we were able to actually meet a baby saved from our efforts. This time, God has shown us in a powerful way the fruits of praying for an end to abortion. God bless our campaign these 40 days and the over 300 campaigns worldwide! •

“We

trained 25 new sidewalk counselors at our

annual Sidewalk Counseling Training Event with Sidewalk Advocates for Life. ”

Farewell Monsignor Charles Murray Clayton

by Randy Tiller

I

was asked to write an article regarding the life and times of our beloved servant, pastor, friend, confessor, spiritual advisor, counselor, champion of the poor and homeless: Msgr. Murray Clayton. Fr. Rothell Price painted a portrait at his Vigil that left us with a perfect image of Fr. Clayton; likewise, Fr. Pike Thomas at the funeral shared his experiences of being mentored and formed under the hand of Fr. Clayton that also gave depth to who he was.

Reverend Monsignor Charles Murray Clayton could fill up a magazine, not just an article. To see Fr. Clayton as a precursor to Pope Francis is an understatement. He knew well the smell of his sheep and his sheep knew him. Fr. Clayton saw the face of Christ in every one he met with no regard for race, color, creed, ethnicity, gender, age or economic status. They were all his brothers and sisters in Christ and, as a truly humble man, saw himself at the bottom of the spectrum.

To listen to a homily from Msgr.

Clayton was to receive a lesson in linguistics, scripture history, anthropology and geography. He painted a picture that brought the scriptures alive. Fr. Clayton never shied away from delivering a lesson or sermon unless it dealt with finances. He knew that God would provide; so he accepted his deficiency in the world of finance and humbly accepted the comments from his Finance Council. And God did provide right along with funds for Mexico, for a true sense of doctors without borders before it was an international

organization.

Fr. Clayton told the story many times in a wonderful imitation of Bishop Charles P. Greco: Bishop Greco came to Fr. Clayton and, in his best bishop’s voice, said something akin to, “Murray, my boy, I need your help at one of our parishes. St. Joseph in Shreveport is having some difficult times and I need someone to settle things down.”

Not really in rebuttal, because Fr. Clayton would have never said no to Bishop Greco, however he pointed out to Bishop Greco that he was Chancellor of the Diocese of Alexandria, and editor of the diocesan Catholic newspaper, Church Today, and not an experienced parochial pastor, and, “Bishop, they have a school!”

Bishop Greco accepted his comment and indicated that his assignment would only be for a couple of years and he would be replaced and brought back to Alexandria.

We all know the rest of the story.

Many a young Catholic family went to Fr. Clayton professing their extreme concern that they would not be able to send their children to St. Joseph School because of the tuition. I am not sure if anyone really knows the number of children who attended St. Joseph at a

much reduced rate or no rate at all. Fr. Clayton would not say no to the children.

Nor does anyone really know the number of boys who, due to Fr. Clayton and the generosity of the St. Joseph parishioners, were able to live in the orphanage, rather than in the prisons in Mexico. Or the number of people in Mexico who received medical, dental and orthopedic attention, as a result of his relationship with Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children.

I never ran into Fr. Clayton at church, in Albertsons, at the Strand, or at a meeting that he did not lean over and give me a kiss on the cheek. It was his extra little way of showing the love he had for all God’s children.

Fr. Clayton helped to form supper clubs, established “the boat” for the youth of the parish with the help of Buddy Caesar, through the intervention of Michael Kenney built an adult choir, a contemporary ensemble, a bell choir, a children’s choir and a youth choir at St. Joseph. Liturgies were beautiful, vibrant, spiritual and meant to involve as many ministers and members as possible.

He personally walked with, cried with, laughed with many of the parishioners as we anxiously endured the tense moments of a surgery or a medical issue, the wonder of the birth of a child, the passing of a parent, spouse or loved one.

As Fr. Clayton got older and many of his friends and people he knew and loved passed away, he began to back away from presiding at the funerals and wakes, instead sitting with the family and giving them his personal brand of consolation, spiritual understanding and personal love.

Fr. Clayton teamed up with Sr. Margaret McCaffrey to breathe life into her idea to help the less fortunate among us. To their credit the organization known as Christian Service is still serving the needs of our area. They have established soup kitchens, transitional housing for men and women and a clothes pantry.

There are so many examples of his love for his fellow men and women; his special devotion to the less fortunate, and his desire to “let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” • November 2015 19

Taste of Shreveport Charity Event to Support Holy Angles

by Kristen Powers

T

his year marks the 34th Annual invite you to join the families and friends Taste of Shreveport-Bossier, one of of Holy Angels as we celebrate 34 years of the area’s largest fundraisers, which love for art, food, wine and Holy Angels! benefits the residents and Day Program In addition to the delicious dishes participants of Holy Angels Residential “The Angel Auction showcases over Facility. At $50 per ticket, “The Taste” attracts over 1,500 guests and brings together premiere chefs from over 20 local restaurants to participants in addition to donated create a sensational artwork from regional artists. ” culinary experience that is renowned throughout the community. The evening also boasts some from over 20 vendors, there is a silent of the area’s finest music and art from auction coordinated by this year’s Taste both the creative and talented members Auction Chairman, Mrs. Kevin Driscoll. of our region and from Holy Angels’ The Angel Auction showcases over 100 extraordinary residents, whose artwork pieces of artwork created by Holy Angels’ is truly exceptional and inimitable. The residents and AngelWorks Day Program event will be held on Friday, November participants in addition to donated 6, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at artwork from regional artists. The auction the Bossier Civic Center, located at 620 items include original paintings, jewelry Benton Road in Bossier City, LA. We and ceramics. The auction also features

100 pieces of artwork created

by Holy Angels’ residents and AngelWorks Day Program

20 Catholic Connection

wonderful trips, gifts and products generously donated by local vendors and shops.

All auction and event proceeds benefit Holy Angels with approximately 85 cents of every dollar going directly toward resident care. Please consider showing your support by donating an auction item or piece of artwork to our 34th Anniversary of A Taste of Shreveport-Bossier. For questions, please contact Sharon Driscoll, Taste Auction Chairman at 318-517-7015, or SDRISCO@aol. com. To accompany the evening’s festivities, there is also live music provided by the A.J. and the Two Tone Blues Band, and the Master of Ceremonies will be Mr. David Merrick. The Holy Angels’ Choir will also be performing.

Participation in the 34th Anniversary of A Taste of Shreveport-Bossier through corporate sponsorship and the artist auction donation adds tremendous value to our community and assists in providing for our 180 deserving residents. Holy Angels, established in 1965 by Bishop Charles P. Greco and the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, is an independent, residential training facility focused on sustaining our legacy of care for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in our community.

Holy Angels strives to meet the ever-changing needs of our residents who range in age from young children to senior citizens.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Lindsey H. Tison, Holy Angels’ Events and Development Coordinator, at 318-629-1711 or ltison@ laholyangels.org, and visit www. holyangelsresidentialfacility.org. •

Bolstering Catholic Charities Through Caritas

by Jean Dresley

Seminar with Fr. Klaus Baumann at Franklin University.

A

s a Catholic and the Executive at the Vatican, and his Director of our local Catholic staff, as well as Michel Charities, I have had an Roy, the Secretary extraordinary year, but not for the General of Caritas reasons you might think. While I get Internationalis, and his out of bed each morning with a prayer staff. of thanksgiving on my lips, knowing We were able to visit just how blessed I am to have a a Caritas site and see wonderful family, my health and a job firsthand the work they were doing that motivates me to do more and be to help those living on the margins of a better person each day in the service Rome. I came away with an incredible of my Church and God, my exceptional year really began “We were able to visit a with the O’Grady Institute in Caritas site and see firsthand Frankfurt, Germany. Before the work they were doing I go any further, I want to make it clear that these trips to help those living on the were not funded in any part margins of Rome. ”

by Catholic Charities’ monies, nor were they included in the budget.

I spent the first week in study with a sense of pride and much deeper small group of directors from Catholic understanding of the work so many are Charities across the country and the doing in our Church throughout the Caritas Chair at Frankfurt University, world.

Fr. Klaus Baumann, PhD. Daily Caritas, of which Catholic Charities seminars were held, discussing such and Catholic Relief Services are both topics as the New Evangelization, members, is our Church’s charitable works of mercy, suffering and arm throughout the world. The foundations of Caritas within our icing on the cake: Cardinal Turkson Church, leadership and Catholic social graciously arranged for our group teachings. to have VIP seating as Pope Francis’ The second week was spent in Rome audience! Being about 30 feet from where we had the privilege of meeting the Holy Father was truly amazing, Cardinal Turkson, the President of The but seeing him interact so lovingly and Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace compassionately with those who were

disabled was quite extraordinary.

My year became even more exceptional when Catholic Charities Executive Directors were given the opportunity to witness President Obama welcome Pope Francis to our nation’s capital.

While we were waiting on the South Lawn of the White House, I spoke with two men in full army regalia, both chaplains. However, when I confused the ranks of Major General and Lieutenant Colonel, I was incredibly embarrassed, especially after learning the gentleman was the Chief of all United States Army Chaplains and a war hero! I was not sure whether to call him General or Father! He was very polite and explained the many ribbons and metals on his uniform.

I saw the pope only from the jumbo tron, as we were so far away, but it was wonderful to be surrounded by people who were happy simply to be near the Holy Father. Later that afternoon, I attended the canonization Mass for Junipero Serra. My feet were sore and my lower back was killing me from standing in line for hours, but it was worth it for this once in a lifetime opportunity! It was simply a remarkable day in an incredible year.

Now you know the other reasons why I have a prayer of thanksgiving on my lips each morning! •

331 East 71st Street • Shreveport 318-865-0200 • www.ccnla.org November 2015 21

Reflection: Thanksgiving and Aging

by Sr. Martinette Rivers, OLS

T

hanksgiving is the epitome of gratitude that wells up in our aging hearts. Our strength does not come from youth, because we have left that part of our lives behind, but from an indomitable will and spirit which we picked up in our aging journey. Let your actions of gratitude be your trademark.

Let's not loose sight for the reasons behind our aging journey! Eternity is our divine treasure house, but the present moment is already here, even if we do not understand why it is this way. When the world gives up, God says: “I will grant peace in the land... and no one will make you afraid.” Each day is as amazing as we allow it to be – be thankful that you are a blessing in action! Don’t waste the rest of your years, and no second-guessing.

The Proclamation made by George Washington in 1789, has taken on several different meanings for many people. For me, Thanksgiving has a very religious meaning for our country and should be one of continuous praise to God every day, not just once a year. Be thankful for the great country we live in with freedom to be who are meant to be

by God. What could be more powerful than the beautiful emotion of gratitude, which at times makes us laugh when a kindness has been done for us. That laughter comes from a heart filled with gratitude. Honor your family gathering with peals of laughter showing your joy, filled with gratitude for their gift of life and family. Forget the food, family comes first!

For all the years that have come and gone, be grateful. For all the times we watched a beautiful sunrise or sunset, a new baby being born, be grateful. For all the challenges we faced, having to give up our car keys, burying a relative or friend, be grateful for remaining faithful to your religious beliefs in a world so mixed up. I’m so grateful to be back in Italy by the Adriatic Sea where everything is a reflection of God’s beauty.

St. Paul says in Ephesians,“Watch carefully how you live, not as foolish 22 Catholic Connection

Poor Man's Supper to Support Christian Service

by Bonny Van

O persons but wise, making the most of the opportunity...be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another with hymns of praise, singing and praying to the Lord in your hearts, giving THANKS always for everything.” (Ephesians 5:15-20) It is a matter of giving new value to our lives and living in gratitude as we set the example for others around us. How much more beautiful could our aging lives become? We have become “givers of gratitude” to others.

Live wisely my friends with a joyful heart. God shows us His Face in those who live His Gospel. Let us become lost in the wonder, love and gratitude for that face. Have a new conversation with God this Thanksgiving. Pray often about anything: growing older, for your health issues and your family, and for world peace, and do it with Thanksgiving.

Let's keep in mind the phrase of Joanne Fink as we celebrate the Giver of all things, our Thanksgiving celebration and all the blessings we have received.

“Live with promise, Love with passion, and Laugh with pleasure.” May I add, to do it all with gratitude from the bottom of our grateful hearts. “Give thanks with a grateful heart.” (Thessalonians 5:18) Happy Thanksgiving from Italy! • Sr. Martinette Rivers is Sister of Our Lady of Sorrows and spiritual gerontologist who resides in Rimini, Italy.

n Sunday, November 1, Christian Service’s annual Poor Man’s Supper will be serving up more than just a bowl of soup in downtown Shreveport. The event will kick off a fundraising campaign for the renovations of a facility recently donated

by Hope Connections, which provides shelter for the homeless.

“Hope Connections donated the warehouse next door to its operations on Levy Street. The building formerly belonged to Caddo Tile, who donated it to Hope Connections,” says Jane Snyder, President of the Board of Christian Service, “But we need to raise $750,000 for the renovations.”

Christian Service, which is currently housed in three buildings in downtown Shreveport, serves 200 meals a day to those who would otherwise go without food, including many children. “We serve breakfast from 9:30 until 11 and supper from 2 to 4, so we can catch children who are home after school,” says Snyder.

“We will become the food and clothing part of the Hope Connections campus,” says Snyder. “We hope to be in the new facility by next year.”

The Poor Man’s Supper will be held Sunday, November 1, from 5:00 p.m.

– 7:00 p.m. at the Hunter Building at First United Methodist Church on Common Street. Several local restaurants will be donating the soup, which will be served up by celebrity servers including Bishop Michael Duca, local ministers and city officials. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets are a $20 donation and can be bought at the door. •

hispanic NEWS por Rosalba Quiroz

Experiencia de la Visita del Papa Francisco a Estados Unidos

C

on alegría comparto la experiencia que Dios me regaló de viajar a Philadelphia en septiembre y participar en la Conferencia Mundial de las Familias. Me tocó ver por 30 segundos y a unos 10 metros de distancia a nuestro Santo Padre el Papa Francisco.

Yo no tenía inquietud de ir, me conformaba con verlo por televisión. Sin embargo, por trabajar en el Ministerio Hispano, El Instituto Pastoral del Sureste (SEPI), me pidió viajar y estar presente en este momento histórico para nuestra Iglesia.

El sábado esperando como miles, vi pasar al Papa frente a mí cuando iba de camino a la conferencia de inmigración. se llenó mi corazón de un fuego – pensé parecido un poco a cuando bajó el Espíritu Santo sobre los Apóstoles en Pentecostés. Claro que NO, no comencé a hablar en lenguas pero si me sentí plena, feliz y ferviente en oración.

Mi oración en ese momento fue elevada a Dios Padre por todos, por los que pudimos estar presentes y por los que no pudieron ir. Le pedí nos ayude a seguir el ejemplo del Papa de ser genuinos, sinceros, humildes y llenos de amor. Agradecí el privilegio de trabajar para su Reino y darme la oportunidad de ver a la persona que Él designó como sucesor de Cristo en la tierra.

Más de un millón de personas llegamos a Philadelphia pero menos de la mitad entraron a la Misa Papal porque las líneas de seguridad tardaban más de siete horas para registrar a cada persona. Yo fui una de las que esperé más de seis horas y no alcancé a llegar ni siquiera a donde había pantallas para ver la Misa. Aun así, no cambiaría ese embotellamiento y multitudes por la sensación de sentir la bendición del Papa directamente sobre mí. Así como la recibí, la distribuí entre todos los que quisieron y no tuvieron la oportunidad de estar presentes durante su visita. ¡Que bendición pertenecer a una Iglesia que nos motiva a seguir las enseñanzas de Jesús y de anhelar llegar al Reino Eterno!

Bendiciones, agradecimientos y cariños en este mes de Noviembre en que celebramos el Día de Gracias. Rosalba.

Calendario de Noviembre, 2015 3 Visita del Obispo Duca a la parroquia de San Pascual, W. Monroe de 6-8 pm 6 Concierto Familiar, Centro Católico 7 Escuela de Fe: Retiro Final – Da lo mejor de ti, Centro Católico de 9 am – 4 pm 10 Visita del Obispo Duca a la parroquia de San Jose, Mansfield 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm 13-15 Retiro Experiencia Cristo 5, Scottsville, TX del Viernes 7 pm – Domingo 4 pm 18-22 Conferencia Nacional de la Juventud, viaje de la diócesis a Indianápolis. (inglés) 26 Día de Gracias.

Aprovechar a estar en familia y disfrutar que Dios nos ha regalado tanto

November 2015 23

school NEWS

Loyola Student Named "Good Citizen"

JGS Celebrated "Annual Fund" with Festival

J

esus the Good Shepherd School celebrated a very successful Annual Fund (The JGS School Fund) with a fun, family Fall Festival on Saturday, October 10. JGS families, parishioners and friends enjoyed carnival rides, game booths, food trucks, a country store, and a silent auction! The highlight of the evening was the announcement that the first annual fund drive in 10 years had surpassed its goal due to the hard work and dedication of school families and friends. The theme for The JGS School Fund was Iron Chef with area restaurant owners, entertainment managers, and legendary home cooks “competing” to see who could raise the most funds for the school. Therese Nagem and Jaclyn Hall of Vieux Carre Market were both “crowned” Iron Chef JGS! In recognition of the dedication

E

all 10 of our Iron Chefs showed, the school gave each of them a basket with hand written thank you notes from students, a bottle of wine and a certificate for a crucifix that will be blessed in their family’s name by Pope Francis at the end of the month then sent directly to Monroe from Rome.

- Missy McKenzie

ach year, Loyola participates in the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Program.

The faculty is asked to nominate seniors who exemplify the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. The senior class then selects the senior who is Loyola’s Good Citizen. This year’s winner is Matthew Vitacca.

- JJ Marshall

Blessing of "Pets" at Our Lady of Fatima

SJB School Partners with Dittles Garden

S

t. John Berchmans School has partnered with Dittle’s Garden, a community garden located in the historic Fairfield neighborhood, to educate elementary students about gardening and agriculture. Each quarter, St. John’s students in the seventh grade spend one morning with local elementary students at the interactive community garden.

The seventh graders help plant vegetables, teach guidelines about 24 Catholic Connection

healthy nutrition, read books to the students and take part in earth science activities. Part of Dittle’s Garden’s mission is to “provide an area in the Fairfield Community for neighborhood involvement and the people of Shreveport/Bossier to produce healthy, nutritious food for our families.” This is St. John Berchmans School’s second year to partner with Dittle’s Garden.

- Lucy Medvec

F

r. Joe Martina blessed Our Lady of Fatima PreK-4 students and their stuffed animals for St. Francis of Assisi’s feast day celebration.

- Jamie Humphrey

Kids' Connection!

What Can We Do This Month?

This month we celebrate

All the Saints!

Craft!

SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA

During November we often celebrate Native Americans in the context of Thanksgiving.

Why not take the time to learn about one of our newest Native American saints and make a beaded necklace in her honor?

How can we celebrate the saints this month?

1)

Make a Feast for the saints!

Did you know that there are several saints who are associated with food? Make a feast to honor these saints and take the time to learn some more about them!

• St. Anthony the Abbott: Bacon

St. Anthony the Abbott lived for 20 years in an abandoned fort and was known to perform miracles and healings. He used pig fat in his healing concoction and is often depicted with them. For this reason, pig butchers adopted him as their patron saint.

• St. Elizabeth of Hungary: Bread & Baking

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, born in 1205, rejected a wellto-do life in court in order to distribute bread to the poor.

• St. Neot: Fish

St. Neot was a monk who lived in Glastonbury, England and died in 877. Known for being short, he spent his days in a well with water up to his neck, practicing his devotions. He is the patron saint of fish!

2)

Get to know your ABC's

You can honor a saint every day of November!

Where to start? Find a saint for every letter of the alphabet!

A: Ambrose B: Blaise C: Catherine of Siena D: Dorothy E: Elizabeth Ann Seton F: Francis G: George H: Helen I: Isidore J: Jude K: Kateri L: Lucy M: Martha

Word Find JOGUES CABRINI SETON NEUMANN

DUCHESNE DREXEL GUERIN DAMIEN

COPE KATERI JUNIPERO SAINTS

N: Nicholas O: Oswald P: Patrick Q: Quadratus R: Rose of Lima S: Scholastica T: Thomas Aquinas U: Ursula V: Valentine W: Wisdom X: (Francis) Xavier Seelos Y: Ysarn Z: Zita November 2015 25

across the GLOBE

by Vatican Information Services

others. This is the way of Christians, but also of any person who has known love: The family is the answer not to keep it to oneself but to share it with as it is the cell of a others. The United States of America have grown on this religious and moral base, and society that balances on this base they can continue to be a land the personal and of freedom, welcome and cooperation for a community dimensions, more just and fraternal world.”

Turning to the second phase of the trip, and at the same time the in New York, the pope recalled his address model for a sustainable to the representatives of nations at the General Assembly of the United Nations, management of the goods in which he renewed the Catholic Church’s and resources of creation. commitment to support the institution and

By Chief Petty Officer Nick Ameen [Public domain], via Wikimedia “its role in the promotion of development Commons and peace, especially with regard to the need for joint and active commitment to care for creation,” and highlighted atican City – The catechesis exploitation of the poor, but instead his appeal “to stop and prevent violence of September 30’s general freedom and dignity. It is the path that against ethnic and religious minorities and audience in St. Peter’s Square draws strength from the Christian roots against civil populations.” The Holy Father was dedicated to the Holy Father’s recent of the people, who have suffered greatly.” recounted that he had prayed at Ground apostolic trip in Cuba and the United The pope proceeded to the U.S. “A Zero for peace and fraternity, accompanied States. The pope took the opportunity symbolic step, a bridge that, thanks be to by representatives of various religions and to once again express his gratitude to God, is being rebuilt,” he commented, families of victims of the September 11 the president of Cuba, Raul Castro, the adding that “God always wants to build attacks, and celebrated Mass for peace and president of the United States, Barack bridges; we are the ones who build walls. justice in Madison Square Garden.

Obama, and the secretary general of But walls always fall down”.

“In both Washington D.C. and New the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, for He then spoke about the three York I was able to meet various charitable the welcome they gave to him, and to phases of his trip to the United States: and educational bodies, emblematic of the bishops and collaborators in the Washington D.C., New York and the enormous service that the Catholic organization of the trip for their work.

Philadelphia. In Washington D.C. community – priests, men and women The pope recounted that he presented he met not only with the political religious, and laypeople – offer in these himself in Cuba, “a land rich in authorities, but also the clergy, the poor fields”. natural beauty, culture and faith,” as a and the marginalized. He remarked However, the climax of the trip was the “Missionary of Mercy.” “God’s mercy is that the greatest wealth of the country World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, greater than any affliction, any conflict, and her people is her “spiritual and “where the horizon extends to all the world any ideology; and with this gaze of ethical heritage. And so, I wanted to through the ‘prism’ of the family.” He mercy I was able to embrace the entire encourage the continuation of social continued, “the family is the answer to the Cuban population, at home and abroad, construction faithful to the United great challenge of our world, which is a dual looking beyond any division. The States’ fundamental principle, that all challenge: fragmentation and solidification, symbol of this deep unity is Our Lady men are created by God, equal and two extremes which co-exist, support each of Charity of El Cobre, … Patroness endowed with inalienable rights, such as other and together support the consumerist of Cuba, … Mother of Hope … who life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. economic model. The family is the answer guides us on the path of justice, peace, These values, that may be shared by all, as it is the cell of a society that balances the freedom and reconciliation. … I was find their fulfilment in the Gospel, as personal and community dimensions, and able to share with the Cuban people the was clearly shown by the canonization at the same time the model for a sustainable hope of fulfilling the prophecy of St. of the Franciscan Fr. Junipero Serra, management of the goods and resources of John Paul II: that Cuba will open up the great evangelizer of California. St. creation. The family is the protagonist of an to the world, and the world will open Junipero shows us the way to joy: going integral ecology, as it is the primary social continued on page 27 up to Cuba. No more closure, no more forth and sharing Christ’s love with

Pope Francis on His Apostolic Trip to Cuba and the United States

V

26 Catholic Connection

New Dormitory for the Homeless Near the Vatican

V

atican City – “Dono di Misericordia” (“Gift of Mercy”) – is the name of the new dormitory for the homeless, newly established near Santo Spirito Hospital and the Church of the same name in Rome. In an extraterritorial zone, the dormitory is a gift to the Pope from the General House of the Society of Jesus in response to the pope’s appeal to religious communities and orders to house people in need or in difficulty in their properties.

It is a “Gift of Mercy” as it is offered as a gift from the community, and mercy is the second name of the love expressed through concrete and generous gestures towards others, according to a press release from the Apostolic Almoner, which financed and carried out the works necessary to adapt the structure to the needs of its users. It was funded by the proceeds from the sale of parchments of the Apostolic Blessing and by generous contributions from private individuals. The Almoner, along with the Sisters of Mother Teresa, will continue to provide economic support for the Dormitory.

The structure is able to house 34 men. The religious sisters engaged in its administration are those who already assist people in need at Termini Station and San Gregorio Magno al Celio. According to the regulations of the Gift of Mercy Dormitory, guests are received following an interview with the Sisters for reception and registration of applicants (at the Casa Dono di Maria in the Vatican), and may stay for a maximum period of 30 days. There is a continued on page 26

subject which contains within itself the two basic principals of human civilization on earth: the principles of communion and fruitfulness. Biblical humanism presents us with this icon: the human couple, united and fruitful, placed by God in the garden of the world to cultivate it and protect it.”

The Holy Father concluded by greeting the archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles Chaput, noting his great love for the family made manifest in the organization

precise timetable regarding entry into the dormitory (between 6 and 7 p.m.), waking time (6:15 a.m.) and closing time (8 a.m., to allow general tidying and cleaning).

There are also rules regarding personal hygiene and the personal maintenance of each bed and cupboard.

Guests who stay the night may also dine at the canteen at the Casa Dono di Maria before arriving at the Dormitory, and are offered breakfast prepared at the Dormitory before they leave. They may use the showers available under the Colonnade of St. Peter’s Square.

It should be recalled that since 1988, in the Casa Dono di Maria in the Vatican, 50 beds are available to accommodate women for overnight stays, of which around 30 are occupied on a stable basis.

Pope Francis Visits the “Dono di Misericordia” Dormitory Vatican City – Shortly after 7 p.m.

October 16, following the Synod meeting, the Holy Father visited the new dormitory for the homeless located in premises provided by the Society of Jesus, inaugurated on October 7 and managed by religious sisters of Charity and a number of volunteers who will manage the new structure, under the auspices of the Office of the Apostolic Almoner.

The pope was welcomed upon arrival by the Apostolic Almoner Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, superior general of the Jesuits Fr. Adolfo Nicolas Pachon. He toured the dormitory and services, and spoke at length with the current guests. • of the event. “It is not by chance, but rather providential that … the witness of the World Meeting of Families came at this moment from the United States of America – that is, the country that during the last century reached the highest level of economic and technological development without renouncing its religious roots. Now these same roots are asking to be replanted in the family, to rethink and change the model of development, for the good of the entire human family.” •

Vatican Information Services

VAtICAN news & notes • The pope exhorted bishops to dedicate the Terce prayer “to the intention of reconciliation and peace in the Middle East,” as he opened the fourth General Congregation of the 14th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Vatican City that morning. The pope also launched an appeal to the international community to find a way of resolving current conflicts, and finally urged the bishops to include in their prayer all those zones in Africa that are experiencing similar situations of conflict.

• On the fiftieth anniversary of the conciliar declaration “Nostra Aetate,” on the relationships between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions, the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, the Commission for Religious Relations with Judaism and the Pontifical Gregorian University (PGU) organized an international congress from October 26 to 28 to commemorate the event and to analyze its repercussions during the last five decades.

• After praying the Angelus Oct. 11, the pope expressed his profound sadness for the attack against a demonstration for peace in Ankara, Turkey, causing more than 100 deaths and numerous injuries. Francis described the attack as a “terrible massacre” and sadness that the attack was aimed at defenceless people demonstrating together for peace.

November 2015 27

around the DIOCESE

St. Thomas Welcomes LaTech Freshmen

B

eing Catholic at Tech is an ongoing mantra at ACTS, the Association of Catholic Tech Students. This year, ACTS welcomed LaTech’s largest Freshmen Class to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community.

Each night of the first week of Fall Quarter, ACTS sponsored activities that focused on welcoming the Freshmen to their new “home away from home.”

Corresponding with Tech’s increased

enrollment, the EDP Catholic Center was overflowing with college students interested in living out their Catholic faith in Northern Louisiana. Thanks to the ACTS Leadership Team for organizing the week’s events.

Pictured: Jordan Whaley, ACTS’ Social Justice Chair, leads ACTS’ annual “Ice Breaker Night” during the first week of the Fall Quarter.

- Bro. Mike Ward

Blessing of the Pets at St. Francis Hospital

I

n celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, area pets were blessed on October 4, at the annual St. Francis Blessing of the Pets in Anna Gray Noe Park in Monroe.

The Blessing of the Pets was led by Fr. James Dominic of St. Francis Medical Center. Several area shelters 28 Catholic Connection

and businesses were on hand providing information about pet ownership.

Included as part of the event was a supply drive held for area animal shelters. Over 450 pounds of food, cleaning supplies and pet supplies were collected.

– Saundra Nalley

Soul Food Festival at Little Flower Parish

M

embers of Court 160, Knights of St. Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary, Little Flower of Jesus Church hosted their annual “Soul Food” festival on Sunday, September 20. A wide variety of traditional “soul food fixings” was prepared to perfection guaranteed to satisfy the taste buds of the many patrons who shared in this feast.

- Evelyn T. Body

Mary’s House Hosted Open House

M

ary’s House, the future crisis pregnancy center for the Diocese of Shreveport, hosted an Open House and invited all supporters (and future supporters) to come view their facilities on Margaret Place and learn more about their mission. They offered tours of the building and recruited volunteers.

- Jessica Rinaudo

ULM Catholic Campus Ministry Celebrates 50 Years at Scholars Mass

T

he University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) Scholars Mass and Jubilee Celebration Sunday, September 20, was well attended.

The ULM Chapel was packed and reception was a buzz with a lively group of guests. Bishop Duca’s homily focused on the merits of scholarship. President Bruno commented that Fathers Job, Lijo, Daigle and Deacon Bill were all alums of ULM. All other priests and religious leaders present, with the exception of Bishop Duca, were ULM alumi.

The Chapel was filled with students, community members and a few faculty in their regalia. This mixture of features made for a collective positive experience for all in attendance to witness.

Adding to the excitement and anticipation of the day were the awards given to seven students in recognition of their service to Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM), the Monroe Community and to academics.

Ladies Auxiliary Celebrate Red Mass

T

he 22nd Annual Red Mass was celebrated on September 11at St. Matthew Parish in Monroe. Among those invited to help celebrate the beginning of the judicial year were the members of Court 160, Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary, Little Flower of Jesus Parish.

Pictured are some of the members of the auxiliary who participated in the processional and the services.

– Evelyn T. Body

Of the seven, four students received a certificate of appreciation, two received service awards and one student earned the top academic award. The distribution of the awards was one of the many highlights of the program garnering much applause from the congregation. Award recipients were: AnnMarie Simon, Anne-Catherine Jagneaux, Logan Ray, Yen Tran, Victoria Thomas, Sarah Coleman and Emma Matherne.

Another feature that lent appeal for the program were the students and community members who provided the music. The Catholic student group sang and played for the Jubilee and Scholars Mass and Carlos Castillo and Yazan Batarseh provided guitar music for the reception.

And yet another layer that enhanced the appeal of the program were the contributions of the Jubilee and Scholars Mass Committee members who shined with their stellar talents. The Chapel was beautifully decorated with care, which I am certain made an awe inspiring impact on the congregants.

On many accounts and levels the program created to celebrate our Jubilee and Scholars Mass was a success. Many thanks and blessings to all who made a contribution to the success of our program!

– Dr. Carl Thameling

Sacred Heart Celebrates Pope

S

acred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport gathered together as family to witness history with Pope Francis as they watched the live stream of the final Mass outdoors in Philadelphia. Catered reception followed in Gabriel Hall where sharing and discussion took place regarding this epic moment.

- Deacon Clary Nash November 2015 29

mark your CALENDAR 11/1

Christian Service Annual Poor Man's Supper This event benefits the Christian Service Hospitality House, the clothing store and helps with utility bills for the hungry and homeless in our area. This event will take place at First United Methodist Church in downtown Shreveport in the Hunter Activities Building from 5:00 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 318-221-4857.

11/3

Series of Talks for Catholic Couples: So Goes the World: Focusing on Family to Change Society Please join us November 3 (Communicating Well Regarding Finances) and December 1 (Parenting - Being Receptive to Children and Giving Them the Gift of Time). Talks will be from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Cathedral and are free! All are invited and encouraged to attend. To register for this free series, call the Cathedral office at 318-221-5296. Nursery is availiable if you call ahead.

11/5

Informational Meeting Following the World Meeting of Families Attendees to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia want to offer a fun and informational meeting to share stories about the pope's visit and the World Meeting of Families. Hope you can join us on November 5 at 5:30 p.m. for appetizers and drinks, followed by 6:00 p.m. sharing in St. John Berchmans Parish Hall. For more information, email cgates@sjbcathedral.org.

11/7

Advent Retreat for Young Adults "Strength for the Advent Journey" The Office of Young Adult Ministry invites you to participate in a unique retreat experience designed to help explore and discover your personal strengths using Gallupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment tool. Special guest Michael Mette will provide music and presentations. This retreat will be at the Catholic Center from 10:30am 5:00pm. Cost is $25. To register, visit www.dioshpt.org. For more info, call or email Kevin Prevou at 318-868-4441, or kprevou@dioshpt.org.

30 Catholic Connection

11/7

8th Annual Mission Ecumenical Marketplace This local artisans and fair trade sale makes it possible for craftsmen to earn a living wage. Friday, November 6: preview event. Saturday, November 7: 10am-2pm at Broadmoor UMC, 3715 Youree Dr., 71105. This ecumenical event is sponsored by Broadmoor United Methodist, Broadmoor Presbyterian, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, First Presbyterian, St. Joseph Catholic and St Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral School. Please join us to begin shopping for Christmas.

11/14

Magnificat NOWELA Chapter Brunch with Special Guest Praise Band Broken Chains Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to the November 14 brunch. Guest speaker will be Fr. John Pardue of Powhatan, LA. Father is a member of the Charismatic Renewal and leads parish missions on healing. He is currently diocesan liaison to the Charismatic Renewal in the Diocese of Alexandria. SPECIAL

Advent

GUEST PRAISE BAND: Broken Chains.

SPECIAL TIME: 9:30 a.m. The Shreveport Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Avenue.

Shreveport. Admittance is $15 and reservations must be made prior to November 11, by mailing your name, address and email address along with a check made out to Magnificat -Nowela Chapter to Marjorie Ainsworth to 1575 Parks Rd., Benton, LA 71006. For questions contact Sandy Chapman at 318-222-0007. Seating is limited.

11/15

Loyola College Prep Flyers Open House Loyola will host its open house at their school, located at 921 Jordan St., in Shreveport from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. on November 15. The Fall Open House is the perfect opportunity to pay a visit to your Catholic high school!

Go behind their historic walls and visit with students, parents and faculty.

For more information, contact Tricia Grayson: tgrayson@loyolaprep.org, or 318-226-6325.

Reconciliation Services

Sacred Heart Church

Tues., November 17 6:30 p.m.

St. Joseph School

Wed., November 18

9:45 a.m.

St. Mary of the Pines Parish

Wed., November 25

6:30 p.m.

St. Pius X Parish

Wed., December 2

6:30 p.m.

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans

Mon., December 7

6:30 p.m.

Mary, Queen of Peace Parish

Wed., December 9

6:00 p.m.

St. Jude Parish

Thurs., December 10

6:30 p.m.

Christ the King Parish Sat., December 12

10:00 a.m.

Holy Trinity Parish

Mon., December 14

5:00 p.m.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Tues., December 15

6:30 p.m.

St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport

Thurs., December 17

6:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER

2015

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 All Saints Day

Christian Service Annual Poor Man's Supper, FUMC, Downtown Shreveport, 5pm

The Embracing the Commemoration Mission Gathering, of All the Faithful St. Paschal Parish, Departed (All West Monroe, Souls Day) 6pm Priests Retirement Meeting, Catholic Center, 11am

Daylight Savings Time Ends

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, Little Flower of Jesus Parish, Monroe, 6pm

9

10

11

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Matthew Parish, Monroe, 6pm

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Joseph Parish, Mansfield, 6pm

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Ann Church, Stonewall, 6pm

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1pm

Catholic Connection Deadline

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm

St. Leo the Great, pope

Taste of Shreveport, Bossier Civic Center, 5:30pm

St. Charles Borromeo, bishop

St. Martin de Porres, religious

8

Michael Mette Family Concert, Catholic Center, 7pm

12

St. Josaphat, bishop & martyr

Advent Retreat for Young Adults, Catholic Center, 10:30am

ALL SAINTS DAY / NOV. 1

13

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin

14

USCCB Meeting Begins, Baltimore

Michael Mette Concert / Nov 6

St. Martin of Tours, bishop

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Loyola College Prep Open House, 4pm 6pm

St. Margaret of Scotland; St. Gertrude, virgin

Advent Advent Reconciliation Reconciliation Service, Sacred Service, St. Joseph Heart Church, School, 9:45am Shreveport, 6:30pm The Dedication of the Basilicas St. Elizabeth of Sts. Peter & of Hungary, Paul, apostles; St. religious Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin

2nd Collection: Catholic Campaign for Human Development The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

YOUNG ADULT RETREAT / NOV 7

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 2nd Collection: Catholic Campaign for Human Development

St. Clement I, pope & martyr; St. Columban, abbot

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

LCCB Meeting, Baton Rouge St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest, & companions, martyrs

Advent Reconciliation Service, St. Mary of the Pines Parish, 6:30pm

Thanksgiving Day Catholic Center Closed

Catholic Center Closed

St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin & martyr

THANKSGIVING / NOV 26

29 30 1 2 3 4 5 First Day of Advent

Embracing the Mission Parish Gathering, St. Joseph Parish, Zwolle, 6pm

Advent Reconciliation Service, St. Pius X Parish, 6:30pm

St. Francis Xavier, priest

St. John Damascene, priest

ADVENT BEGINS / NOV 29 November 2015 31

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

â&#x20AC;˘

Shreveport, LA 71104

Photo of the Month

Liturgy of the Word for Children, St. Jude Catholic Church.

Photo by Chris Sloan

32 Catholic Connection

Fairfield