Catholic Connection, April 2010

VOL. 19, NO.9

APRIL 2010

Easter is a Time of Rebirth for Us All, pg. 9 Seventh Annual Retired Priests Fund, pg. 7 Young Adult Shares Time and Talent with Less Fortunate, pg. 10

Rejoicing in Religious

Vocations

pg.12

From the Chancellor

by Christine Rivers, Chancellor Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Regular Contributors Bishop Michael Duca Fr. David Richter Kim Long Jessica Rinaudo Missy McKenzie Christine Rivers Lucy Medvec Sr. Martinette Rivers Rosalba Quiroz Katie Sciba Dianne Rachal John Mark Willcox Featured Contributors Archbishop Gregory Fr. Henry Kiggundu Aymond Deacon Clary Nash Sr. Patricia Cairns John C. Nickelson William Coenen Sr. Edith Schnell Dr. Carol Christopher Dotye Sue Stanford Bishop William Friend Jerry Stuart Daniel Gehrig Cal Williams Francis Cardinal George

• The Catholic Center will be closed on Good Friday, April 2, 2010.

• The Ascension of the Lord is observed on Sunday, May 16, according to the guidelines of

the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

• For Liturgical purposes on Holy Saturday, Sunset is at 7:36 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

From the Editor

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Editorial Board Cathy Cobb Rev. Charles Glorioso Kim Long Kelly Phelan

Dianne Rachal Christine Rivers Christie Weeks John Mark Willcox

The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Service Appeal; mailed to every known Catholic household in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our Mission is to advance knowledge and understanding of our Catholic Faith among the faithful. We seek to foster the application of Christ’s teachings and our Church’s mission in our daily lives and to encourage our sense of Catholic identity within our family, parish, and diocesan faith community.

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

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

Our Diocese is recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals as a Non-Profit Organization capable of giving Immigration Legal Advice. We offer Immigration Professional Services to Low-Income Families. To find out if you or someone you know qualifies for an Immigration benefit, please contact Mrs. Rosalba Quiroz at 1-800-256-1542, ext. 265 or 318-219-7265 or email rquiroz@dioshpt.org

E

xperience the Catholic Connection in a whole new way on our website! Visit http://www.dioshpt.org/connection/connection.html.

Click on the image to open the magazine life-size and flip through the pages. To the right of the issue, you can click on some of our past magazines, and view them just like they arrived in your mailbox!

From Slattery Library

by Deborah Smith, Librarian

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re you wondering where to go from here? Do you feel something is missing in your life? Have you considered a vocation but don’t know where to start? In commemoration of the “Year of the Priest,” St. Anthony Messenger Press has published some Catholic Updates to assist you in making some decisions about where to start. The Slattery Library is happy to offer these to our patrons. We also have a collection of books about and by priests concerning their decision

to enter the priesthood. These may be checked out with your Patron ID number. Please drop by and check them out!

On the Cover: Father Edmund "Larry" Niehoff at Most Reverend Michael Duca's Epsicopal Ordination. (Photo by Greg Pearson).

April 2010

Contents

9

10

From the Chancellor by Christine Rivers................................2

12

16

Liturgy Lines: Come, Let Us Worship by Dianne Rachal........6

Rejoicing in Religious Vocations by Jessica Rinaudo.......... .12-14 Saints of Vocation by Kim Long.............................................15 Diaconate Formation by Deacon Clary Nash.........................15 Catholic Inspired "Our House"Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Youth by Dr. Carol Christopher and Jessica Rinaudo...........................................................16 Bishop Duca to Celebrate Red Mass by John Nickelson.......17 As Matters Stand by Sr. Patricia Cairns..................................17

A Way to Proclaim Justice by Dotye Sue Stanford................6

Hispanic Corner / Nuestra Página por Rosalba Quiroz..........18

Retired Priests Collection's 7th Year by John Mark Willcox...7

News Briefs by Catholic News Service . ................................19

Diocese to Host Shale Focus Day by John Mark Willcox.......7

Cost is Too High, Loss is Too Great for Health Care Bill Not to be Revised by Francis Cardinal George...............20

From the Editor by Jessica Rinaudo........................................2 From Slattery Library by Deborah Smith.................................2 Bishop Michael Duca’s April 2010 Schedule..........................3 Bishop’s Reflection by Most Reverend Michael G. Duca.......4-5 Health Care Reform by Most Reverend Michael G. Duca.....4-5

Priest Spotlight: Father Henry Kiggundu, fmh.......................8 Sister Spotlight: Sister Edith Schnell, op................................8 Easter is a Time of Rebirth for Us All

by Bishop Emeritus William B. Friend.............................9

Louisiana Bishops Support USCCB on Health Care

by Archbishop Gregory Aymond....................................21 Around the Diocese...............................................................21

Young Adult Shares Time and Talent with Less Fortunate

by Daniel Gehrig............................................................. 10

Upcoming Events .................................................................. 22

School News.............................................................................. 11

Little Flower of Jesus Church Celebrates 70 Years...................24

April 2010 Calendar............................................................... 23

Bishop Michael Duca’s April 2010 Schedule Apr. 1

Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

Apr. 17 Confirmation, Christ the King Church,

Bossier City; 4:00 p.m.

Apr. 2

Social Justice Way of the Cross, First United Methodist Church, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

Apr. 18 Confirmation, St. Lucy Church, Hodge; 10:00 a.m.

Apr. 2

Good Friday Service, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 3:00 p.m.

Apr. 3

Easter Vigil, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 7:45 p.m.

Apr. 10 Confirmation, Our Lady of the Blessed

Sacrament Church, Shreveport; 4:30 p.m.

Apr. 11 Confirmation, Church of Jesus the Good

Shepherd, Monroe; 11:00 a.m.

Apr. 15 Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops

meeting, Baton Rouge; 10:00 a.m.

Apr. 16 Discernment Weekend Mass, Catholic Center

Chapel, 6:00 p.m.

Apr. 23 Good Leaders, Good Shepherds Program, St.

Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport; 9:30 a.m.

Apr. 24 Confirmation, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church,

Shreveport; 4:00 p.m.

Apr. 25 Confirmation, St. Joseph Church, Bastrop; 10:00 a.m.

Apr. 25 Confirmation, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport;

3:00 p.m.

Apr. 27 Episcopal Ordinations & Installation of Bishop Elects: J. Douglas Deshotel and Mark J. Seitz;

Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Dallas Apr. 28 Presbyteral Council meeting, Catholic Center,

Shreveport; 1:00 p.m.

OBISPO

La Reflexión del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

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espués de casi dos años como Obispo, Abril se está convirtiendo en mi mes favorito del año por el gozo que recibo celebrando las Liturgias y misterios de la temporada de la Pascua y mi recorrido anual por las parroquias en el Sacramento de la Confirmación.

Acabamos de celebrar la gran Fiesta de la Iglesia, la Pascua, la Resurrección del Señor. En estos días del Triduo – Jueves Santo, Viernes Santo y la Vigilia Pascual – proclamamos a Jesús que es nuestra esperanza y nos llenamos de gozo.

Es verdad que este gozo puede ser difícil de mantenerse cuando muchas de nuestras conversaciones sociales y religiosas parecen, atropelladoras, de confrontación y políticas. Aun con esa dificultad, no debemos dejar que nuestro gozo Cristiano sea vencido. De hecho, nuestro testimonio de Cristo en el mundo y para el mundo no puede ser un testimonio completo a menos que sea dado con una

La Reforma de Salud

by Most Rev. Michael G. Duca

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ientras que la edición de abril de la Catholic Connection se va a la imprenta la Casa de Representantes completó el primero voto para aceptar la reforma de la ley de Salud que los Obispos de Estados Unidos y yo creemos que tiene muchas fallas.

No hay duda que se necesita una reforma en el sistema de salud. Mucha gente vulnerable en los Estados Unidos vive en temor de perder su seguro, no tener o tener seguro inadecuado y, en algunos casos, no pueden recibir el cuidado de salud que necesitan porque el costo es muy alto. Hay mucho derroche y desigualdad. Los Obispos de los Estados Unidos siempre han querido un justo, equitativo y completo sistema de salud disponible para todos, especialmente para los más vulnerables.

Pero la reforma de salud que pasó ya por la Casa de Representantes este fin de semana está seriamente defectuosa porque no protege a los niños no nacidos y no puede asegurar que el dinero federal no se usará para cometer abortos. En los últimos

45 Catholic Connection March 2010

fe llena de gozo y caridad. Si no tiene esta calidad hemos perdido una parte esencial de la proclamación de nuestra fe. Nos habremos hecho tan dogmatizados que nuestra proclamación de una verdad o enseñanza está separada de su fuente de vida. Los dogmas y enseñanzas de nuestra fe fluyen de nuestra relación fundamental y conocimiento de Jesús y así serán, y si van a ser verdaderas expresiones de esa fe, siempre serán proclamadas con caridad, gozo y esperanza. Las palabras que con frecuencia se le atribuyen a la Madre Teresa nos lo resumen, “Que nada te llene tanto de tristeza que te olvides del gozo del Salvador Resucitado” El segundo gozo de Abril es la celebración del Sacramento de la Confirmación. En cada parroquia donde celebro este Sacramento siento la energía y el gozo de nuestra juventud. Que puede dar más energía que un espíritu de juventud. Claro que los veo durante un momento de felicidad, como un abuelo disfruto del momento y después me voy a mi casa. Pero aunque mi experiencia sea estar con sus hijos e hijas en ese corto

momento de felicidad, es para mí una experiencia maravillosa verlos vivir este acontecimiento con una reverencia y en espíritu de oración con apreciación a este Sacramento lleno de gracia.

Entre mejor sepamos comunicar a nuestros jóvenes el gozo y substancia de nuestra fe, mas fuerte será nuestra Iglesia en el futuro. Solo recuerden que la lección más convincente es la dada por medio de acciones y no por medio de palabras.

Que nuestra fe en la Resurrección de Jesús nos inspire y nos dé un entusiasmo renovado para enfrentar las dificultades de nuestras vidas con Esperanza y Gozo.

minutos antes del voto el Presidente trató de persuadir a los demócratas pro-vida a que votaran por la Enmienda con la promesa de un Orden Ejecutivo que asegura que los fondos federales no se usarán para el aborto. Existen dudas de que esto tendrá algún efecto o que pase todos los obstáculos en la enmienda cuando los fondos se usen para practicar un aborto. Nosotros (los otros Obispos de Estados Unidos y yo) esperábamos que el Congreso rediseñara la enmienda de una manera que claramente, y sin duda, eliminara los fondos federales para el uso de abortos con una clausula clara, fuerte y consiente para que el cuidado médico en los hospitales Católicos no fuera afectado.

Como esto no se hizo, estamos todavía seriamente consternados. Una enmienda que no protege a los más vulnerables esta defectuosa y moralmente equivocada. Esta posición fue explicada en profundidad por el Cardenal George y ha sido apoyada por todos los obispos de Luisiana.

“La Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de Luisiana apoya fuertemente a la Conferencia Episcopal de los Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos y su oposición a la actual enmienda de

salud en el Senado. Algunos en la Iglesia Católica sostienen que la enmienda del Senado no proveerá fondos de los impuestos para los abortos y que defenderá la antigua protección de conciencia. Están equivocados. Nosotros creemos que la enmienda del Senado no mantiene la póliza antigua contra los fondos federales del aborto y no incluye protecciones de consciencia adecuadas.

Es por eso que, los obispos de Luisiana estamos decepcionados de las imprecisas interpretaciones de algunos dentro de la iglesia, así como de la confusión que ésta ha causado. Nuestro enfoque continúa en abogar por una reforma de salud que respete la vida y la dignidad de todos, así mismo que sea accesible y costeable. Por favor ruegue por quienes nos representan en el Congreso para que re-examinen la enmienda del sistema de salud.”

Tengo la esperanza que cuando se mueva esta enmienda hacia los últimos pasos y votos se le harán cambios que adopten y refuercen la protección de los niños no nacidos y pongan conciencia para aquellos que trabajan en la profesión médica, especialmente en los hospitales Católicos.

Bishop

unless it is given with faith-filled joy and charity. If it does not have this quality we have lost an essential part

by Most Rev. Michael G. Duca of the proclamation of our faith. We fter almost two years as Bishop, have become dogmatized, that is, we April is becoming a favorite month are proclaiming a truth or a teaching of the year because of the joy I separated from its life-giving source. The receive from celebrating the liturgies dogmas and teachings of our faith flow and mysteries of the Easter season and from our fundamental relationship and my yearly tour of the parishes to confer knowledge of Jesus and so will, if they the Sacrament of Confirmation. are to be true expressions of that faith, We have just celebrated the great always be proclaimed with charity, joy Feast of the Church, Easter, the and hope. The words often attributed to Resurrection of the Lord. In all the rich Mother Teresa sum this up, “Let nothing days of the Triduum – Holy Thursday, so fill you with sorrow that yaou forget Good Friday and Easter Vigil – we the joy of the Risen Savior.” proclaim Jesus is our hope and we are The second joy of April is the filled with joy. celebration of the Sacrament of It is true that this joy can be hard to Confirmation. In each Church where maintain when so many of our social and I celebrate this Sacrament I encounter religious conversations seem strident, the energy and joy of our youth. What confrontational and political. Yet even is more energizing than a youthful though it is difficult, we cannot let our spirit? Of course I know I see them at Christian joy be defeated. In fact our their best and, like a grandparent, I witness of Christ in the world and to enjoy the moment and then go home. the world is not a complete witness But even if my experience is to be with

Bishop’s Reflection

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Health Care Reform

by Most Rev. Michael G. Duca

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his past weekend the House of Representatives completed the first vote to accept a health reform bill that the Bishops of the United States and I believe is still seriously flawed.

There is no doubt some kind of reform is needed in health care. Too many vulnerable people in the United States live in fear of losing their insurance, have no or inadequate insurance and, in some cases, are unable to receive the health care they need because the cost is too great. There is waste and inequity.

The Bishops of the United State have always wanted a comprehensive, just and equitable system of health care available to all, especially the most vulnerable.

But the health care reform bill passed through the House of Representatives this weekend is seriously flawed. It does not protect the unborn because it cannot insure federal money will not be used for abortions. In the last minutes before the vote the President swayed the pro-life democrats to vote for the Bill with the promise of an Executive Order to insure

federal funds are not used to obtain an abortion. There is doubt as to whether this will have any effect or can right all of the loop holes in this bill where federal funds might be used to obtain an abortion. We (myself and the other Bishops of the United States) hoped Congress would redesign the bill in such a way as to clearly, and without doubt, eliminate federal funding for abortion with a clear amendment and strengthen the conscience clause so medical care provided in Catholic hospitals will not be affected.

Because this has not been done, we are still seriously concerned. A bill that does not protect the most vulnerable is flawed and morally wrong. This position was explained in depth by Cardinal George and has been supported by all the bishops of Louisiana.

“The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly supports the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their opposition to the current Senate health care bill. Some in the Catholic Church maintain that the Senate bill will not provide taxpayer funding for abortions and that it will uphold

your sons and daughters at their best, it is still a wonderful joy to see them rise to the occasion with a prayerful and reverent appreciation of this grace-filled Sacrament.

The more we can communicate to our youth the joy and substance of our faith, the stronger our Church will be in the future. Just remember the most convincing lesson you teach is taught by your actions, not your words.

May our faith in the Resurrection of Jesus inspire us and give us renewed enthusiasm to face the challenges of our lives with Hope and Joy. longstanding conscience protections.

They are mistaken. It is our belief that the Senate bill fails to maintain longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate conscience protections.

Therefore, the bishops of Louisiana are disappointed in both the inaccurate interpretations of some within the church, as well as the confusion that this has caused. Our focus continues to be to advocate for health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all, while being both accessible and affordable.

Please pray for those who represent us in Congress that they will re-examine the health care bill.”

It is my hope as this bill moves through the last processes and votes that further changes will be adopted to strengthen the protection to the unborn and to insure the conscience clause for those working in the medical profession, especially in Catholic hospitals.

Read the statements by the USCCB and LCCB on pages 20-21 to learn more about the bishops’ stance on health care reform.

For the most recent information on this topic, visit our website: www.dioshpt.org.

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LITURGY LINES

Come, Let Us Worship

Introduction to the New Translation of the Roman Missal

A Way to Proclaim Justice

by Dotye Sue Stanford, President, St. Vincent de Paul

by Dianne Rachal, Director, Office of Worship 7. Changes to the Myster y of Faith (Formerly the Memorial Acclamations) Current Text Priest: Let us proclaim the mystery of faith.

New Text Priest: The myster y of faith.

‘The mystery of faith’ is modeled on Scripture, 1 Tim 3:16.

Current Text A. People: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

B. People: Dying you destroyed our death, rising you restored our life, Lord Jesus, come in glory.

New Text A. U.S. adaptation not decided yet B. People: We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

This response is based on Scripture, 1 Cor 11:26 Current Text C. People: When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.

New Text C. People: When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your death, O Lord, until you come again.

This response is even more closely related to 1 Cor 11:26.

Current Text D. People: Lord, by your cross and resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Savior of the World.

New Text D. People: Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.

‘Savior of the world’ is from Scripture, John 4:42.

67 Catholic Connection March 2010

Bishop Michael Duca and Fr. Pike Thomas at the 2009 Walk for Justice.

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s Catholics we are called to stand with justice, yet it is not often that we have the opportunity as individuals to make a clear and decisive public statement in support of this essential Christian virtue. This Good Friday, April 2, you have such an opportunity! We invite you to join other Christians throughout the Diocese of Shreveport in proclaiming justice in a very public forum by a special “Way of the Cross” that seeks to unite the suffering of Christ with the suffering that exists in the world today.

This Good Friday remembrance will begin at 9 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church on Texas Street (Douglas Street parking lot) in Downtown Shreveport.

Local social justice and service organizations will offer prayers, hymns, and reflections at each station.

Participants will walk a one-mile course through Downtown Shreveport while stopping at various sites. This 12th annual liturgy will focus on the passion of Christ as reflected in the eyes of those who suffer abandonment, abuse, illness and poverty.

Bishop Michael Duca will begin the procession with an opening prayer. The 16 participating organizations come from a broad spectrum of creeds, backgrounds and agendas. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the sponsoring group. Those interested in attending this ecumenical service should gather by 9:00 a.m. on Good Friday in the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church. The service will last approximately an hour and 40 minutes and ample parking is available at the church.

Please come and join in this prayerful and reflective liturgy of Christ’s passion that proclaims a spirit of justice to be witnessed by all His followers.

For more information or to donate to help support the Walk for Justice, please call Dotye Sue Stanford at 318-8418208 or shreveportsvdp@yahoo.com.

COLLECTIONs

Retired Priests Collection’s 7th Year

by John Mark Willcox, Director of Development

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he Diocese of Shreveport will conduct a special second collection benefiting our own retired priests on April 24-25, 2010. For a seventh year throughout our diocese, the faithful of our parishes, chapels and missions will provide donations that will help care for those priests who have served the faithful of this region.

Each year, the average age of our active clergy continues to rise, and the number of retired priests for our diocese now stands at 14 men, including those priests among us who are graciously working past retirement age. The needs of these special individuals is what this annual second collection attempts to address as your gifts benefit only the retired priests of this diocese.

“This continues to be a critical need area of ministry,” comments Bishop Michael G. Duca. “These men hold a special place in my heart and in the hearts of Catholics throughout our diocese and I am praying for a very successful effort this year and the blessings that would bring to our retired priests.”

Please use your Church envelope or the special yellow envelopes at your place of worship when seeking to make your gift to this special second collection. The results of our combined gifts to this cause will be published in your Catholic Connection in an upcoming issue.

Diocese to Host Shale Focus Day

by John Mark Willcox, Director of Development

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he Diocese of Shreveport is pleased to host a special Shale Focus Day seminar on Saturday, April 24, 2010. The location for this event will be the Parish Hall of St. Joseph Catholic Church, located at 305 Jefferson Street in Mansfield.

The program will last from 10:00 a.m. until noon.

This special three-part presentation will feature

J. William Fleming Cook, Yancey, King and Galloway Law Firm

professionals in their field who have been working with those who have, or may be, affected by the discovery of natural gas and oil deposits in our region. Topics will include basic methods of dealing with energy companies and the use of your property, wise care of sudden income relative to discovery of energy deposits on your property, and the planning for future use of

Kevin Murphy Ameriprise Senior Fianancial Advisor

Joe Gilsoul Weems, Schimpf, Gilsoul, Haines, Landry and Carmouche Law Firm

these assets through your estate.

Our presenters will include Mr. J. William Fleming whose practice for the Shreveport law firm of Cook Yancey King and Galloway is devoted to oil and gas, energy and real estate. Joining Bill will be Mr. Kevin Murphy, an Ameriprise Senior Financial Advisor practicing in Shreveport and Joe Gilsoul, a senior law partner and wills and estate/ probate specialist in the Shreveport firm of Weems, Schimpf, Gilsoul, Haines, Landry and Carmouche.

This informative and insightful program will be offered free of charge, and helpful materials will be available for all attendees. Seating is limited, and those interested in attending are encouraged to contact the Development Office of the diocese at 318-868-4441 or 800-2561542. You may register by email by contacting jwillcox@dioshpt.org.

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Priest Spotlight:

Fr. Henry Kiggundu, fmh

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started my vocation to the priesthood as an altar server in my home country Uganda, Africa. I got the desire to become a priest from my then parish priest, Fr. Christopher Kiwanuka. Fr. Christopher was known for being organized, smart, eloquent and, above all, spiritual.

I admired him greatly because he treated all people as his brothers and sisters. Seeing his exemplary life gave me courage, and I decided to take a shot at being like him.

My journey to priestly formation started way back in 1989. I joined the junior seminary for grades 5-7, under the British system of education. Thereafter I went to Nyenga Minor Seminary as my high school, and then Alokolum Major Seminary where I obtained a degree in philosophy.

After my philosophy degree, I opted out of the seminary to get a diploma in Accountancy.

After two years, my path to becoming a diocesan priest changed because I joined the Franciscan Missionaries of Hope (FMH). Being a missionary meant living a communal life and sharing everything. After undergoing the postulancy and novitiate formation in the FMH Order, I went for another degree in Theology.

After the completion of all the necessary requirements, I was ordained a Deacon and, after a year, ordained a priest on May 30, 2009.

On my day of ordination, I was appointed Novice Master, but after a short while I was reappointed to be in charge of the Mission office of our community to mobilize all kinds of support for our community.

My life, just like any other vocation, has had to endure ups and downs. It is good, though challenging. Being a missionary priest means being ready to be adventurous, learning languages and eating food you are not used to. It means meeting people of all kinds and types. Sometimes some are willing to receive you, and sometimes others are not ready. Some will take you in after you prove you are a man of substance.

My mission in life is to save souls for Christ and the scripture. I chose for my ordination prayer card Luke 1:38, “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.”

However, for my prayers every day, I seek the intercession of Mary, St. Jude, Joseph, Henry and the Holy Martyrs of Uganda.

Fr. Henry was recently appointed as a parochial vicar at St. Mary of the Pines Church in Shreveport.

89 Catholic Connection March 2010

Sister Spotlight:

Sr. Edith Schnell, op

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am a product of a single parent family. My mother, three brothers and I lived a very simple life on a farm in Michigan. My father passed away very suddenly, when I was three years old. My mother, may God bless her, created a loving and caring family environment for my brothers and me. Since we were materially poor, the only reading material coming to our home was the free Maryknoll magazine. When I read stories of malnourished adults with children, my heart was filled with compassion.

During my senior year in high school, I began to think seriously about what I would do in life. Go to college, get a job, or possibly join some type of a group that would care for the poor. While my mind and heart continually searched for an answer here, there and everywhere, my eyes began to turn upward and I started to ask myself the most difficult question. What type of work would I do if I lived the life of a religious sister? Somehow, somewhere, I sensed that God was saying, “Come and see.” After praying, reading, questioning, discerning and listening, I finally decided to enter the convent of the Dominican Sisters. Instantly, I was immersed in the ways of religious life, attended college, and ultimately, with the help of God, freely chose to live the life of a Dominican Sister, professing the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience while also accepting the challenge to live the motto of a Dominican, “To praise, to bless, to preach.” At that time, my heart was filled with happiness, peace and joy.

Through the years, the diverse ministries have enriched me as a person. Teaching in elementary schools, ministering in parishes as Director of Religious Education, working in food pantries and soup kitchens, sheltering the homeless, ministering to college students and initiating, organizing and leading family-centered intergenerational Religious Education, my life has been filled with love of God, love of people and love of children. Yes, educating, caring and uplifting others have been my life’s work. I do believe the Maryknoll magazine planted the seed of helping others upon my heart. The Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters cultivated, fertilized and nurtured the growth of that seed.

At the present time, I am Director of Religious Education at St. Paschal Church in West Monroe. The presence of parishioners and the faithful services rendered by many volunteers in ministry continues to inspire me, gives me additional energy and reveals a loving support. Today, it is my constant dream to continue following in the footsteps of Jesus and St. Dominic. It is said of St. Dominic that when he walked the streets, he uplifted the hearts of the downtrodden with his presence and smile.

EASTER

Easter is a Time of Rebirth for Us All

by Bishop Emeritus William B. Friend Originally published in the April 2000 edition of the Catholic Connection. Although Bishop William Friend's article is now 10 years old, its message is timeless and holds true for today's Easter season.

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his Easter will bring many new Catholics into our midst and we warmly welcome each and every one into the Mystical Body of Christ in which we are all privileged to live, the Catholic Church.

A considerable number of persons will receive the Sacrament of Baptism at the Easter Vigil Celebration.

This Sacrament has been celebrated and administered from the very day of Pentecost. St. Peter declared to the crowd astonished by the events of Pentecost by preaching: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).” The apostles and their associates offered Baptism to anyone who believed in Jesus. Always, Baptism has been seen as connected with faith: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household,” St. Paul declared to his jailer in Philippi (Acts 16:31-32).

The baptized have “put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27).

Through the Holy Spirit Baptism is a bath that purifies, justifies, and sanctifies (1Cor 6:11). St. Augustine said it beautifully when he observed that Baptism is a bath of water in which the “imperishable seed” of the Word of God produces life-giving effect. “The word is brought to the material element, and it becomes sacrament.”

Becoming a Christian has from the time of the apostles been accomplished by a journey and initiation in several stages. Catechumens and these persons who are coming into the Church from other traditions have been engaged for “Repent, and be baptized months in the Rite of Christian Initiation. every one of you in the Their dream will name of Jesus Christ for come true at Easter, but their journey the forgiveness of your to become fully in sins; and you shall receive Christ will continue the the gift of the Holy Spirit throughout remainder of their lives.

(Acts 2:38).”

In our Catholic tradition, infants and children, too, are invited to receive Baptism. Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children also have the need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the children of God, to which everyone is called. The freely-given grace

Infant waits to be baptized by Pope Benedict XVI in Sistine Chapel .

(CNS photo/Maurizio Brambatti/pool via Reuters)

of salvation is particularly manifest in infant Baptism.

Parents and the Church, therefore, offer a priceless gift in assisting an infant in becoming a child of God. Baptism offers the special gift of having all sins forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin. This sacrament also changes the person into a “new creature,” an adopted son/daughter of God, who has become a “partaker of the divine nature,” (2Cor 5:17), member of Christ and co-heir with Him (1Cor 6:15), and a temple of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 6:19). Baptism makes us members of the Body of Christ, therefore, as St. Paul said “we are members of one another” (1Cor 12:13). Baptism incorporates us into the Church, the People of God of the new covenant. Being baptized we take on the work of witnessing the Gospel and living as Christians.

All of us who are baptized must continue to grow in faith. For this reason the Church celebrates each year at the Easter Vigil the renewal of baptismal promises. We say “Yes” to the Lord Jesus Christ once again. We pray for His assistance in opening up further to His love and grace. Happy Easter!

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PROFILE

Young Adult Shares His Time and Talent With Less Fortunate

by Daniel Gehrig, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport

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learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

He will put some things behind, will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around and within him; or the old laws be expanded, and interpreted in his favor in a more liberal sense, and he will live with the license of a higher order of beings. In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex, and solitude will not be solitude, nor poverty, poverty, nor weakness, weakness. If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.”

– Henry David Thoreau I am putting foundations under my castles while advancing my dreams by living in Managua, Nicaragua, for one year (July 2009-August 2010) teaching English, Spanish literacy, Math and coaching soccer. Here poverty is poverty, solitude is solitude and weakness is weakness; but I felt a need to take time off from continuing my formal education and medical training to help the poor by sharing the 10 11 Catholic Connection March 2010

can look back and feel that I’ve made lifelong friends, passed on some of my knowledge, and left a positive lasting impact on some of the kids’ lives. I’m thankful to my friends and family for the financial help to make my dream happen. I’m especially thankful to the Knights of Columbus who are helping me also while here through regular contact and donations. Role models are lacking down here, especially male ones, and groups like the Knights are something young men in the States shouldn’t take for granted. If anyone wishes to make a contribution or get more information you can visit www. mannaproject.org. My email address is: dgehrig972@gmail.com.

Daniel Gehrig is 23-years-old and blessings God has bestowed upon me. graduated from Centenary College in This year away from the country I 2009 with a degree in Biochemistry. love is a challenge. The United States of While in college he was very active America is the greatest country in the on campus, president of his fraternity, world because of the freedom we have and on the college summer and fall and the God given inalienable rights orientation staff. He enjoys playing that each of us possess. Even though we soccer, reading, and keeping up with are the greatest country in the world, politics. Daniel is one of the younger one of the reasons I chose to experience members and a very conscientious a year away was to take a break member of the Broadmoor Council from the culture that has developed Knights of Columbus; when able giving in our country. The paradox of free his time and talent to help further the will is something that I think about ideals of the Knights. regularly. We are obviously blessed with Providence, which I think of as volitional consciousness. How some people can make millions of dollars and not be compelled to give more to the poor is incomprehensible to me. Since I don’t have money I chose to give my time and share my talents.

The people in Managua don’t have much monetarily speaking, but some do have a sense of stability through their close community ties. Although having stability, the only way to maximize the productivity of their lives is through rigorous education and correct upbringing, something that isn’t offered to everyone. With education and upbringing some of these great kids could grow up to be great leaders.

I hope that after my year is up I

SCHOOLS St. Jude Greenfield Child Development Center Rejoices with Music

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Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy Celebrates Dr. Suess

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esse Manibusan, the famed musician/composer, performed for the students at St. Jude Mothers’ Day Out and Greenfield Preschool. Jesse was conducting a mission at St. Jude Church. His music that day was geared for the preschool age group. Registration for the 2010/2011 school year is currently taking place for both Mother’s Day Out (1-2 year olds) and for Greenfield Child Developemnet Center (3-5 year olds). Call 746-7889 for more information.

– Mike Wise

r. Seuss had a fantastic 105th birthday at OLBSA! Students celebrated the author’s birthday with a Dr. Suess Reading Readiness Day. They created their own Dr. Seuss hats, made “green eggs and ham,” played rhyming word games and drew their favorite characters. Parents were also invited into the classrooms to read classics such as Hop on Pop, The Lorax and, of course, The Cat in the Hat. Everyone had a great time celebrating such a wonderful author.

– Nicole Goad

St. John Berchmans School Sweeps District 1 Beta Club Competition

St. Joseph School Celebrates March Victories

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t District 1 Day in Minden, SJB students competed against Beta Clubs from other schools in the area. Those competing from St. John’s placed in every event they entered! First place winners included Chris Fenton in Special Talent, Victoria Brooks in the Science competition, Sophia Simon in T-shirt Design, Andy Nguyen in Math, Julia Vanchiere in Social Studies, and Victoria Nguyen in Spelling. The Quiz Bowl team placed second. Rachel Bonk came in fourth place in the Poetry contest while Reagan Henderson, Anna Brocato, Caroline Vanchiere and Erin Ducote placed fourth in the Poster competition. Sophia Simon came in fifth place in Impromptu Speech. Several students qualified to compete in their events at the Louisiana Junior Beta State Convention being held May 6-7 at the Cajun Dome in Lafayette. There, thousands of Louisiana Junior Beta students will gather to compete in talent and academic events.

– Barbara Funk, Jr. Beta Club Coordinator

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t. Joseph School had many accomplishments to celebrate in March: • Four faculty members and 10 SJS parents ran in the New Orleans Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon and Half Marathon.• 8th graders Lauren Chauvin and Angel Lim both placed 2nd in the Regional Social Studies Fair.• 7th grader Andrew Lukacs placed 2nd in the Regional Science Fair. • 6th grader Pierre Bida was honored by the United States Navy and the American Chemical Society with special awards at the Regional Science Fair.• 5th grader Cade Malmay is the 4-H State Shotgun shoot winner and also placed 11th out of 500 in a shooting competition in Jennings, LA. • Math Club members Stephen Bass, Christian Calimlim, Justin Calimlim and Angel Lim placed 2nd in the Math Counts Competition. • The 7th Grade Boys Basketball Team successfully defended their City Championship Title by defeating St. Mark’s School 50-29.

– Katie Sciba 11 10

FEATURE

Rejoicing in Religious

Vocations

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Fr. Phil Michiels, Deacon Michael Straub, Deacon Bill Roche, Fr. Andre McGrath, Fr. Karl Daigle, Fr. Peter Mangum and Bishop Duca celebrate the Eucharist together.

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he 47th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations falls on April 25, the fourth Sunday of Easter and, fittingly, Good Shepherd Sunday. Pope Benedict XVI recently declared this year’s theme to be “Witness Awakens Vocations.” In the announcement, he encouraged those in consecrated life to practice their ministry joyfully and in a way “to awaken in others a desire to respond generously to Christ’s call.”

Throughout the Diocese of Shreveport there are many people joyfully working in their chosen religious vocation. Priests, deacons, religious men and women, seminarians and sisters in formation are responding to the needs of the people and doing so with a faith-filled heart.

“It is very fulfilling knowing that I am an instrument of God’s grace. My vocation as a priest requires me to be open and have great listening power.

It brings me abundant joy to serve others,” said Msgr. Carson LaCaze.

This sense of joy is evident in all types of religious vocations. Tim Cotitta, deacon at the Church of Jesus

12 13 Catholic Connection March 2010

with contributions from Deacon Tim Cotita, Seminarian Jerry Daigle Jr., Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze, Fr. David T. Richter and Novice Susan Skidmore

the Good Shepherd, finds joy in every area of his ministry.

“It’s such a blessing to perform a baptism and think of the child, their family, and all of the hope they bring to make the world a better place through their faith and community,” said Deacon Cotita. “The marriage preparations and weddings I have witnessed give me hope for society.

With the support of our Church and community we can equip couples with the tools to have successful marriages and be a source of hope and an example to others.”

Fr. David Richter, Director of Vocations in the diocese, agrees, “A priest can make a real positive change in people’s lives. He brings new candidates into the Church, reconciles Christians to God, assures them that all are the object of the Lord’s personal love.”

lives influence and nurture this calling in others. In his address on vocations, Pope Benedict said, “It can be said that priestly vocations are born of contact with priests, as a sort of precious legacy handed down by word, example and a whole way of life.”

Jerry Daigle Jr., who is currently at Notre Dame seminary for the Diocese of Shreveport, attributes part of his decision to enter seminary to two priests, “Fr. Joe and Fr. Job have been my pastors, my guides, my co-workers, and my friends. More importantly, their lives of firm, quiet, and, I believe, profound love have been my inspiration,” said Daigle. “When I think of what it means to be a good priest, a good servant of God and His people, I think of people like these two men, and I rejoice for the gift our good Lord has given to us in them. I pray God will give me the strength, wisdom and humility to follow their example.”

WITNESSING VOCATIONS Susan Skidmore, a sister in he choice to enter a religious formation from Monroe agrees, vocation is aided by prayer and a “Many very dedicated and holy nuns sense of calling from God. Often that I met during the 1970s, after men and women who lead faith-filled converting to Catholicism at the age

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Father David Richter, Director of Vocations, serves Communion at All Schools Mass.

Deacon Tim Cotita processes in with the Gospel at Red Mass in Monroe.

Susan Skidmore will profess Vows this summer as a School Sister of Notre Dame.

of 13, influenced a “call” to possibly become a Religious Sister. In addition, in the succeeding years, other faithfilled lay persons and priests, as well as developing a close friendship with a few sisters, all led me to realize God’s call to religious life as a legitimate, joyfilled life to love and serve God and all God’s people.”

Student ministries located throughout greater New Orleans allows us to put our education into practice.”

Despite the challenges and daily tasks, there is one thing all these vocations share: prayer and a relationship with Christ.

In his recent address on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the importance of this relationship, “A fundamental element, one which

achieve it,” said Daigle.

Deacon Cotita agrees that prayer is essential to his ministry, “Being a prayerful, introspective person I believe is foremost. If I don’t examine myself with a critical eye, how can I have anything to offer others? You can’t give away something you don’t have. If my life is an unhappy mess, how can I proclaim ‘Good News’ to others with any credibility?”

Skidmore says prayer is the most important part of her formation, “In religious formation, I’m invited, and rightfully so, to be first and foremost a woman of prayer. Prayer is our lifeline, as I experience Christ anew who first loved me and therefore to respond as self-gift to Him.”

DAILY LIFE

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he choice to live a religious vocation is far from boring. In addition to celebrating Mass, priests visit the sick, hear confessions and comfort those who are suffering.

They also teach the faith, lead youth and offer direction in living a spiritual life. There are also many administrative tasks they must participate in, including preparing budgets and administering church staff.

Deacons also take on many of these responsibilities. “Learning to listen to others is a requirement of ministry.

If all I want to do is tell people what I think, then how will I ever know their needs, fears, hopes or ideas? Those of us in ministry face the same challenges and insecurities as others. I find that I gain strength from other people’s faith,” said Deacon Cotita.

The process of entering a religious vocation is also busy and interesting, “Daily life in the seminary is not unlike St. Benedict’s exhortation in his Rule: Work and pray!” said Daigle. “The class work is similar to graduate school.

“It is very fulfilling knowing that I am an instrument of God’s grace.” can be seen in every vocation to the priesthood and the consecrated life, is friendship with Christ. Jesus lived in constant union with the Father and this is what made the disciples eager to have the same experience; from him they learned to live in communion and unceasing dialogue with God.” “All of our activities are joined together with a framework of almost continual public and private prayer.

All of us, faculty, students, staff, and supporters are working toward the same goal of seeing God face-to-face forever, and we are willing to do whatever it takes to help each other

MISCONCEPTIONS

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espite the joys of service proclaimed by those in a religious vocation, there are still many misconceptions about consecrated life.

As Vocations Director, Fr. Richter hears many of these questions, “Some questions I’ve heard are ‘What do you do after Sunday?’ ‘Do you find the work interesting?’ ”said Fr. Richter, “Some people would be very surprised to learn that the apostolate of a priest brings great personal fulfillment, many close friendships, strength of character, peace of mind and heart, and the opportunity to pursue one’s own personal missions and projects.”

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every opportunity – make the time! – to speak with Jesus in a more intimate way than you ever have before. Bare your heart to Him. Tell him about that longing you feel which you cannot quite describe to anyone else. He will understand. He is giving you that longing.”

A next step, said Father David, is to find a spiritual director, “A spiritual director, who, in the case of a young man considering priesthood, should be a priest. The priest chosen should combine knowledge of the spiritual life, an upright life, and fidelity to the Church.”

Or, in the case of discerning a vocation as a religious sister, contact various orders. “Contact not just one but several Religious communities, or Sisters, to consider visiting them, or to just talk, even simply email,” said Skidmore. “I can assure you the Sisters will welcome the call or contact, being life-giving for ASSISTANCE them as well as you. Feel free to suggest to them whatever mode of communication most works for you – phone, email, in person.”

In the case of deacons, serious discussions with his family are critical, “If a man considering the diaconate is married, he should discuss his calling with his wife and family at length,” said Cotita. “The role of the deacon is often performed in addition to the regular employment a man may have.

Seminarian Jerry Daigle, Jr. at Notre Since the hours in a day are limited, it Dame Seminary in New Orleans. is usually the wife or family who will en and women who are sacrifice their time with their husband considering a religious or father.” vocation often have many Religious vocations are each unique questions and concerns. Each vocation in their mission and tasks, but one is different and requires sacrifices thing remains true throughout all of and dedication to a certain way of life. them. Despite their initial uncertainties When considering a vocation, where and ongoing challenges, men and does one begin? women who choose to live their lives Prayer is the first step. for God ultimately find their lives to be “If you are a young man, or, like me, spiritually fulfilling and full of great joy. a somewhat older one, who feels drawn “Personally, I’ve found that Vowed to the priesthood in a special way, but Religious life is a ‘wonderful life’ and are not quite sure if you should, or are a very ‘well kept secret’ that needs to strong enough, take that first step, be shared with all interested!” said storm the gates of heaven with your Skidmore. “School Sisters of Notre prayers!” said Daigle. “Seriously, take Dame community life has brought me Likewise, deacons working in the parish on a daily basis are sometimes met with wrong impressions. “I think one misconception is that parishioners may think that I consider myself “holier” than them by nature of my ordination. That is certainly not the case,” said Deacon Cotita. “Ordination as a deacon has provided me with the opportunity to assume roles in the church that are not open to everyone, but Christ does not love any of us more or less depending on our status as clergy or laity.”

Cotita continued, “Another misconception may be that I don’t occasionally wrestle with my faith or some of the teachings of the Church too. We all have questions from time to time. It’s normal and healthy, it’s how we grow. I think the Scriptures are a great example of how we all must strive daily to remain close to God and each other.”

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14 15 Catholic Connection March 2010

Msgr. Carson LaCaze carries the Monstrance during a Eucharistic Procession.

more deep joy, peace and love than any other times in my life.”

Those who feel a pull in their heart towards religious life shouldn’t quickly discard it, but seriously pray on it and discern whether it is truly their call. •

OPPORTUNITIES There are several upcoming opportunities for those considering a religious vocation. April 16-18 a Men’s Discernment Retreat will be held at the Catholic Center.

This free event will feature insightful talks by retreat master Fr. Brett Brannen over three days of prayer and discernment, as well as information on discerning God’s will and spiritual direction.

For more information, contact Fr. David Richter, 318-868-4441 or visit http://www.shreveportvocations. com/retreat.

On April 12 there will be a diaconate information meeting at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is for men interested in joining the diaconate class that will begin in 2011. To schedule an information meeting at your parish or to attend an existing information meeting please contact Deacon Clary Nash at 318-219-7303.

Additionally Novice Susan Skidmore has provided her information if you wish to contact her, 320 E. Ripa Ave., St. Louis, MO 63125, Phone: 314-633-7082, susaneskidmore@yahoo.com

SAINT

Saints of Vocation

by Kim Long, St. Mary of the Pines

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t. Stephen, patron saint of deacons. Many of us know that St. Stephen is honored as being the first Christian martyr but he was the first and most popular among the seven men who were chosen and especially ordained by the Apostles to serve at communal tables and distribute alms equally. His feast day is Dec. 26.

St. Charles Borromeo, patron saint of seminarians. Charles was born on Oct. 2, 1538, to Count Gilbert Borromeo and Margaret Medici. In 1563 he was ordained a priest and later consecrated bishop of Milan that same year. Before taking over as Bishop of Milan, he oversaw the catechism, missal, and breviary called for by the Council of Trent. He worked during the period of the Counter Reformation and was responsible for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, including the founding of seminaries for the education of priests. His feast day is Nov. 4.

St. John Vianney, patron of priests. Born of poor French parents

Diaconate Formation

by Deacon Clary Nash

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The Diocese of Shreveport is preparing for its second Permanent Diaconate Formation Program and is looking for men who feel called by God, recommended by their pastors and supported by their community for service in the Catholic Church. The Formation Program will begin in 2011.

he received little formal education but he was pious and advanced rapidly in the practice of virtue. After becoming a priest, Fr. Vianney eventually became known throughout France for his chastity, good deeds, love of the Holy Mass and the Mother of God, his wise and practical spiritual direction.

He had the gift of “reading souls” and was a powerful confessor. His feast day is Aug. 4.

St. Scholastica, patron saint of women religious. Actually there were several to choose from but I chose Scholastica. She was born of Italian Saint John Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests. nobility in 480 and was the twin sister (CNS photo/Crosiers) of Saint Benedict of Nursia. From her is Feb. 10. earliest years she was consecrated to God. She is the patron saint against rain A prayer attributed to St. John Vianney: I love You, O my God, and my only and storms, convulsive children, and desire is to love You until the last breath nuns. She is often portrayed as a nun of my life.

I love You, O my infinitely with a crozier and crucifix or a nun with a dove flying from her mouth. Her name lovable God, and I would rather die loving You than live without loving You. means she who has leisure to devote I love You, Lord, and the only grace I ask to study. She died in 543 of natural is to love You eternally. My God, if my causes. Upon her death, her brother tongue cannot say in every moment that sent his brethren to bring her body to I love you, I want my heart to repeat it to the monastery and lay it in a tomb he had prepared for himself. Her feast day You as often as I draw breath. AMEN In the dogmatic constitution, Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council called for the revival of order of deacon in the Roman Catholic Church.

“Strengthened by sacramental grace they (deacons) have as their service for the people of God, in communion with the bishop and his college of presbyters, the diakonia of liturgy, word and charity” (no. 29).

In plain language, a deacon is a man who is called to be a minister of service. He is an ordained person living as one among the community.

The role of a deacon is to be a helper of bishops and priests in service to the People of God. Pope Paul VI restored the order of deacon in the Apostolic Letter, Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem with the following duties and responsibilities: 1. To assist the Bishop and priest during liturgical functions.

2. To administer solemnly the sacrament of baptism and supply the ceremonies where needed.

3. To serve the Eucharist and to distribute it to himself and others; to bring viaticum and to impart benediction with the ciborium.

4. In the absence of a priest, to assist at and to bless marriages with proper delegation.

5. To administer sacramentals and to officiate at funeral and burial services.

6. To read Scripture to the faithful and to instruct and exhort the people.

7. To preside at the worship and prayers of the people when a priest is not present.

8. To direct the liturgy of the word, especially when a priest is not present.

9. To promote and sustain the apostolic activities of laymen.

There will be a diaconate information meeting on April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Catholic Center. To schedule an information meeting at your parish or to attend an existing information meeting please contact Deacon Clary Nash at 318-219-7303.

– Deacon Clary Nash 15 14

PROFILE

Catholic Inspired “Our House” Celebrates 20 Years of Helping Youth

by Dr. Carol Christopher, Former Our House Director and Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

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r. Carol Cristopher, a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church in Monroe, has dedicated her life to helping youth who have nowhere else to go. She, with the grant writing knowledge and help of fellow Catholics Ed Biersmith, Bill Sellars and Jeannie Savage, founded an Our House Shelter in Monroe. organization called Our House in Monroe, LA. Our House rescues youth, whatever the circumstances, and prayed constantly for guidance. However, I definitely however they come. Prevention oriented, Our House believed that it was my assignment, and I was passionate welcomes youth 12 to 17 years of age, who come seeking about the importance of finding a way to help youth. I felt help for problems large or small. These are often the that I had been so fortunate in my life that I wanted to make forgotten youth: the homeless, the victimized, the runaways. some change for the better in the lives of all the youth that I The goal at Our House is to provide assistance to youth taught, and those whom I helped through Our House. God before problems, or feelings of had been very good to me, and I felt the obligation to treat hopelessness and panic drive others like I had been treated,” said Christopher. them to desperate or illegal Catholic interest and support for Our House continues actions. This year Our House today. For the past 15 years, students from St. Frederick celebrates its 20th anniversary. High School in Monroe have chosen to perform their Christopher first got the service hours at Our House. They tutor, discuss issues or idea for Our House when she play games with the residents. The youth and staff welcome worked at Monroe Mainline these visits and are grateful that Debby McCulloch included Crisis line, “The call that Our House on the list of organizations to serve. started the action came on Since 2004 during the annual 40-hour World Famine Sunday, August 14, 1988 from Day, St. Paschal Church’s Youth Group in West Monroe has 12-year-old Jennifer in a rural come to cultivate the flowerbeds and plant flowers. During area 40 miles from Monroe,” the Souper Bowl of Caring Day, the youth group under Dr. Carol Christopher said Christopher. “The tearful the direction of Cathy Asmussen has faithfully collected little voice stammered, ‘I can’t stay here any longer, I am contributions for Our House. going to run away.’ I tried every helpful response possible.

In north Louisiana, Our House is the only member of Actually, there was no place that I could send her, and she the National Safe Place Outreach Program, whereby youth would have no way to get there anyway.” learn that they can go for help to certain local businesses or After several attempts to start a program through service organizations that display the Safe Place sign. The local churches, Christopher discovered that a separate agency trains staff at these locations how to access help organization was needed. She believes divine providence led for the youth. Both St. Matthew Catholic Church and Little her in the right direction. While in Florida one night, she ran Flower of Jesus Catholic Church in Monroe display the Safe across a sign in a window, “It said ‘There is a better solution Place sign and offer help. to running away. Come in and talk to us or call...’ I called Additionally Jerry Daigle Jr., currently a seminarian of the Covenant House in New Orleans because I knew they would Diocese of Shreveport, served at Our House for 13 years in know about this program and if it was valid. Julio Galan, who a variety of ways, including street outreach and working with became a friend and mentor, told me how to get in touch the Board of Directors. with the National Safe Place Office. Thus was born my Our House is truly a great organization, touched by many agency which began with the outreach whereby kids could local, caring Catholics throughout the years. It’s continued get immediate help at designated stores or organizations.” work and support for youth continues to support Carol Although not a Catholic organization, Christopher says Christopher’s mission. her Catholic faith and the help of many fellow Catholics have “My life mission – whether it was teaching and letting made Our House possible. youth experience music, or helping them solve their “My faith and my parents always led me to be kind to personal problems – was to lead youth to an awareness of a people in need, to support them, to be interested in them. value system; to an awareness of the beauty of God’s world In this project, I was always walking in the dark because through music and the arts; and to an awareness of their I was not trained in the Louisiana Social Work network, own importance and value.”

16 17 Catholic Connection March 2010

Bishop Duca to Celebrate Red Mass

by John C. Nickelson, Red Mass Society

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he Red Mass Society is pleased to announce Bishop Michael Duca will preside over this year’s Red Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Shreveport on Friday, May 7, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. A votive Mass offered to invoke the wisdom, understanding, and counsel of the Holy Spirit, the Red Mass is sponsored annually by the Diocese of Shreveport and the Red Mass Society. Bishop Duca will be the principal celebrant, and Father Matthew Long will serve as concelebrant and homilist.

Celebrated throughout the world to secure God’s blessing and guidance on those who administer the law, the Red Mass is a tradition dating back to thirteenth century Europe. Its name derives from the celebrants’ scarlet vestments, which symbolize the fire

CHARITIES

As Matters Stand

by Sister Patricia Cairns, CSJ

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his is the second article in a series of articles about the emerging Catholic Charities organization in the diocese.

Last month we talked briefly of one of the services that will be provided, namely, a diocesan-wide outreach

(CNS photo/Jim West)

of the Holy Spirit. The mass provides an opportunity for judges, lawyers, government officials, and members of the public to reflect on the importance of living out their faith—particularly as it relates to the right of the poor and the weak to justice and mercy.

“Open your mouth, decree what is just, defend the needy and the poor.”

Proverbs 31:9.

This year’s Red Mass will honor three very special members of the legal community who have recently passed away: Michael Hubley, a passionate advocate and the longtime

law partner of United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr.; Don Miller, who served as an officer in the United States Air Force, president of the Shreveport Bar Association, and Judge Pro Tempore of the Shreveport City Court; and Diana Pratt-Wyatt, who served as Clerk of the Louisiana Second Circuit Court of Appeal for more than two decades. Each of these honorees was instrumental in the formation and continued success of the Red Mass Society, and we invite all members of the community to join us in celebrating their lives.

to immigrants through a Catholic immigration center.

A second diocesan-wide service that will be offered to all parishes is a program called “Parish Social Ministry” or PSM for short.

Parish Social Ministry is a faith extension program and a training program. It is an extension of the ministry of Jesus himself who directed us, among other things, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, and visit the sick and imprisoned.

The purpose of the training is to develop better qualified practitioners to serve the poor.

It is a formal training program with certification upon successful completion of the

introductory course.

After completion of the formal training, participants will meet occasionally with social ministers from other parishes to update and to develop collaborative ties. At these meetings Catholic Charities will introduce speakers who will address the group and answer relevant questions on a topic of concern.

Catholic Charities will offer the program throughout the diocese and invite individuals to participate. Three major areas of focus are: Catholic social teachings, professional response to need, and resource awareness.

The cost of the training program is the responsibility of Catholic Charities.

The effects of a well run PSM program ripple throughout the parish and wider community. Parish social ministers often say that they experience a renewed faith through ministry, and that those they have helped are drawn to a greater awareness of the goodness of God and his people.

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Hispanic Corner

mundial de la juventud 1993. Ha sido invitado a dar conciertos en incontables organizaciones cívicas y Festival y Concierto Celebrando el caritativas. Ha recibido numerosos premios, incluyendo elogios especiales Ministerio Hispano l que siembra poco, poco cosecha del presidente Reagan y La primera “ y el que siembra mucho, mucho concesión anual del héroe de Inspiración de la asociación de los cosecha. Cada uno debe dar alumnos de NFL en el Super Bowl según lo que haya decidido en su XXIII en Miami. corazón, y no darlo de mala gana o Aprovecha esta oportunidad única a la fuerza, porque Dios ama al que de incrementar, vivir y deleitarte de tu da con alegría. Dios puede dar con abundancia toda clase de bendiciones, fe con una tarde de alegría y unidad.

Recuerda que el que mucho siembra, para que tengan siempre todo lo necesario y además les sobre para ayudar en toda clase de buenas obras”.

2 Cor. 9:6-8.

En el espíritu de Jesús Resucitado y celebrando los 23 años de presencia católica hispana en nuestra Diócesis traemos al reconocido mundialmente, compositor y músico, Sr. Tony Melendez.

Nacido sin brazos debido a que a su madre le dieron la prescripción llamada Talidomina usada para ayudar con nauseas del embarazo, ha sembrado semillas de fe e inspirado mucho cosecha. Ven a ver la cosecha millones de corazones en sus viajes a través de todo Estados Unidos y de de un hombre que ha sembrado mucho y dedicado su vida a llevar el más de cuarenta países del mundo; inclusive, tocó para el Papa Juan Pablo mensaje de Jesús por todo el mundo.

Te esperamos en el Centro Católico, II en los Ángeles, CA en su visita de 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport.

1987.

Las puertas abren a las 3 p.m. con El Sr. Melendez grabó su primer álbum en 1989. Mismo año en el que diversión, comida, juegos para niños, venta de artículos religiosos, La Santa se presentó en la serie mundial de baseball en 1989, cantando el himno. Misa y el gran concierto del Señor Tony Melendez.

Ofreció cuatro presentaciones mas Para más información, comunícate para el papa, dos en el Vaticano, con nuestra oficina al 318-219-7257. otra en la patria del papa, Polonia; – Rosalba Quiroz y en Denver Colorado para el día

Nuestra Página

E

Misas

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

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

Rev. Al Jost Tel: 318-243-0115 Mansfield: St. Joseph 305 Jefferson Street, Mansfield 2do

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

Juanita Ibarra Tel: 318-872-5390 Minden: St. Paul 410 Fincher Road, Minden Viernes 7:00 p.m.

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

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

Calendario Diocesano del Mes de Abril 2 12:00 p.m. Caminata en Apoyo a la Justicia Social. Sale de la Iglesia del Metodista centro de Shreveport y la patrocinan varias organizaciones incluyendo la de San Vicente de Paul.

3 Viernes Santo y Triduo Pascual 10 Ensayo de Coro Diocesano para el aniversario 11 Día de la Divina Misericordia 23-25 Encuentro de jóvenes adultos, Orlando, FL. 23-24 Continuación del programa Buenos Líderes, Buenos Pastores para los sacerdotes ANUNCIO: La parroquia de Santa María de Los Pinos en Shreveport extiende su servicio de almacén de ropa y artículos para el hogar a toda persona hispana en necesidad.

Favor de llamar a la Sra. Adriana Gonzales al 318-820-1513 o la Sra. Stella Venegas al 318-686-9268.

HORARIO DE LA ESCUELA DE MINISTERIOS 2010 DE LA DIOCESIS DE SHREVEPORT En La Parroquia de Cristo Rey, 425 McCormick Street, Bossier City

• Cristología: El Mensaje y Proyecto de Jesus - Mayo 29-30, 2010 • Principios de Pastoral Hispana - Agosto 7-8, 2010 •Historia de la Iglesia Católica en Estados Unidos - Octubre 16-17, 2010 •Eclesiología: La Misión de la Iglesia Diciembre 4-5, 2010 Ruston: St. Thomas Aquinas 810 Carey Ave, Ruston 2do y 4to Domingo 2:30 p.m.

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

Carmen Bradford Tel: 318-455-2300 West Monroe: St. Paschal 711 N 7th Street, W. Monroe Domingo 2:30 p.m.

Lorena Chaparro Tel: 318-267-4018

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

18 19 Catholic Connection March 2010

News Briefs by Catholic News Service

US Bishops Pledge to Help Rebuild Church Institutions in Haiti

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ORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (CNS) -- Walking around the massive tent city at the Petionville Club March 2, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of San Antonio wondered what will become of the thousands of Haitians left homeless by the Jan. 12 earthquake.

For Archbishop Gomez, the enormity of the tragedy was almost too much to comprehend.

“The (Haitian bishops) were telling me today that they think 300,000 are dead, but whatever the number the loss of life was huge,” Archbishop Gomez, chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America, told Catholic News Service. The Capuchin Father James Stump visits with Valentino Juanitas, a patient in the archbishop was in Haiti leading a three-day Department of Veterans Affairs hospital in Palo Alto, Calif. tour of the earthquake-damaged Haitian capital (CNS photo/Jose Luis Aguirre, Catholic San Francisco) as part of an advisory group from the U.S. Priest Finds Calling to Bringing Christ to Wounded Soldiers Conference of Catholic Bishops. The group’s ALO ALTO, Calif. (CNS) -- To watch Capuchin Father James Stump task: Explore ways to help the Haitian church at work is to see a Christ-centered “ministry of presence” in action and the people of Haiti move forward after the as a daily routine. A chaplain at the Department of Veterans Affairs quake. “Besides (damage to) the structure of hospital in Palo Alto, Father Stump makes his rounds with one purpose in the whole archdiocese, losing the archbishop mind: to invite sick and wounded veterans to encounter the living Christ. and the cathedral has created a vacuum and Father Stump is quick in his step and quick with a joke as he goes about his emptiness that (the bishops) are trying to work. Accompanied by a reporter on one of his recent rounds, he joked to a fill with all of us in rebuilding the church,” Marine on the move down the hallway in a wheelchair to “watch the speed he said at the conclusion of two intensive limit.” They chatted about the Marine’s spinal reconstruction surgery. But days of visits to damaged parishes, convents, in a moment, without a break in the informality, the priest prayed over the seminaries, schools and hospitals. “It has been patient and asked that Jesus “show his face to you, have mercy on you.” an overwhelming experience for me while And as the two parted, the priest simply said: “Heal up.” Father Stump looking at the reality, but at the same time I am does all he can to put the veterans at ease and in a good mood. He creates enthusiastic about the future and with prayers an environment where Christ’s presence can become a part of almost and solidarity the church in Haiti is going to any encounter he initiates. “Just the way we enter a room is important: flourish again,” Archbishop Gomez said. being a little upbeat, wanting to be there,” Father Stump told Catholic San Francisco, the archdiocesan newspaper.

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Church Statistics Show Increase in Catholics, Priests, Seminarians

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ATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The latest Vatican statistics show a slight increase in Catholics as a percentage of the world’s population, and a slow but steady rise in the number of priests and seminarians worldwide. The statistics, from the end of 2008, were presented along with the new Vatican yearbook Feb. 20. The Vatican said the number of Catholics reached 1.166 billion, an increase of 19 million, or 1.7 percent, from the end of 2007. During the same period, Catholics as a percentage of the global population grew from 17.33 percent to 17.4 percent, it said.

The number of priests stood at 409,166, an increase of 1,142 from the end of 2007. Since the year 2000, the Vatican said, the number of priests has increased by nearly 4,000, or about 1 percent. Looking at the way priests are distributed around the world, it said: 47.1 percent were in Europe, 30 percent in the Americas, 13.2 percent in Asia, 8.7 percent in Africa and 1.2 percent in Oceania. The number of seminarians around the world rose from 115,919 at the end of 2007 to 117,024 at the end of 2008, an increase of more than 1 percent, it said. The increase in seminarians varied geographically: Africa showed an increase of 3.6 percent, Asia an increase of 4.4 percent, and Oceania an increase of 6.5 percent, while Europe had a decrease of 4.3 percent and the Americas remained about the same.

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of San Antonio talks with members of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division during a March 2 visit to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (CNS photo/Tom Tracy)

19 18

Cost is Too High, Loss is Too What do the bishops find so deeply about the Senate bill? The Great for Health Care Bill disturbing points at issue can be summarized Not to be Revised briefly. The status quo in federal

by Cardinal Francis George, OMI

T

he Catholic Bishops of the United States have long and consistently advocated for the reform of the American health care system.

Their experience in health care and in Catholic parishes has acquainted them with the anguish of mothers who are unable to afford prenatal care, of families unable to ensure quality care for their children, and of those who cannot obtain insurance because of preexisting conditions.

Throughout the discussion on health care over the last year, the bishops have advocated a bipartisan approach to solving our national health care needs.

They have urged that all who are sick, injured or in need receive necessary and appropriate medical assistance, and that no one be deliberately killed through an expansion of federal funding of abortion itself or of insurance plans that cover abortion. These are the provisions of the long standing Hyde amendment, passed annually in every federal bill appropriating funds for health care; and surveys show that this legislation reflects the will of the majority of our fellow citizens. The American people and the Catholic bishops have been promised that, in any final bill, no federal funds would be used for abortion and that the legal status quo would be respected.

However, the bishops were left disappointed and puzzled to learn that the basis for any vote on health care will be the Senate bill passed on Christmas Eve. Notwithstanding the denials and explanations of its supporters, and unlike the bill approved by the House of Representatives in November, the Senate bill deliberately excludes the language of the Hyde amendment. It expands federal funding and the role of the federal government in the provision of abortion procedures. In so doing, it forces all of us to become involved in an act that profoundly violates the conscience of many, the deliberate destruction of unwanted members of the human family still waiting to be born.

20 21 Catholic Connection March 2010

abortion policy, as reflected in the Hyde Amendment, excludes abortion from all health insurance plans receiving federal subsidies. In the Senate bill, there is the provision that only one of the proposed multi-state plans will not cover elective abortions – all other plans (including other multi-state plans) can do so, and receive federal tax credits. This means that individuals or families in complex medical circumstances will likely be forced to choose and contribute to an insurance plan that funds abortions in order to meet their particular health needs.

Further, the Senate bill authorizes and appropriates billions of dollars in new funding outside the scope of the appropriations bills covered by the Hyde amendment and similar provisions.

As the bill is written, the new funds it appropriates over the next five years, for Community Health Centers for example (Sec. 10503), will be available by statute for elective abortions, even though the present regulations do conform to the Hyde amendment. Regulations, however, can be changed at will, unless they are governed by statute.

Additionally, no provision in the Senate bill incorporates the longstanding and widely supported protection for conscience regarding abortion as found in the Hyde/Weldon amendment.

Moreover, neither the House nor Senate bill contains meaningful conscience protection outside the abortion context.

Any final bill, to be fair to all, must retain the accommodation of the full range of religious and moral objections in the provision of health insurance and services that are contained in current law, for both individuals and institutions.

This analysis of the flaws in the legislation is not completely shared by the leaders of the Catholic Health Association. They believe, moreover, that the defects that they do recognize can be corrected after the passage of the final bill. The bishops, however, judge that the flaws are so fundamental that they vitiate the good that the bill intends to promote. Assurances that the

moral objections to the legislation can be met only after the bill is passed seem a little like asking us, in Midwestern parlance, to buy a pig in a poke.

What is tragic about this turn of events is that it needn’t have happened.

The status quo that has served our national consensus and respected the consciences of all with regard to abortion is the Hyde amendment.

The House courageously included an amendment applying the Hyde policy to its Health Care bill passed in November. Its absence in the Senate bill and the resulting impasse are not an accident. Those in the Senate who wanted to purge the Hyde amendment from this national legislation are obstructing the reform of health care.

This is not quibbling over technicalities. The deliberate omission in the Senate Bill of the necessary language that could have taken this moral question off the table and out of play leaves us still looking for a way to meet the President’s and our concern to provide health care for those millions whose primary care physician is now an emergency room doctor. As Pope Benedict told Ambassador to the Holy See Miguel H. Diaz when he presented his credentials as the United States government’s representative to the Holy See, there is “an indissoluble bond between an ethic of life and every other aspect of social ethics.”

Two basic principles, therefore, continue to shape the concerns of the Catholic bishops: health care means taking care of the health needs of all, across the human life span; and the expansion of health care should not involve the expansion of abortion funding and of polices forcing everyone to pay for abortions.

Because these principles have not been respected, despite the good that the bill under consideration intends or might achieve, the Catholic bishops regretfully hold that it must be opposed unless and until these serious moral problems are addressed.

Louisiana Bishops Support USCCB on Health Care

by Archbishop Gregory Aymond

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ost Reverend Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans, issues the following statement on behalf of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops addressing the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ stance on health care reform.

“The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops strongly supports the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in their opposition to the current Senate health care bill. Some in the Catholic Church maintain that the Senate bill will not provide taxpayer funding for abortions and that it will uphold longstanding conscience protections. They are mistaken.

It is our belief that the Senate bill fails to maintain longstanding policy against federal funding of abortion and does not include adequate conscience protections.

Therefore, the bishops of Louisiana are disappointed in both the inaccurate interpretations of some within the church, as well as the confusion that this has caused.

Our focus continues to be to advocate for health care reform that respects the life and dignity of all, while being both accessible and affordable. Please pray for those who represent us in Congress that they will re-examine the health care bill.”

The Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans; The Most Rev. Sam G. Jacobs, Bishop of HoumaThibodaux; The Most Rev. Michael Jarrell, Bishop of Lafayette; The Most Rev. Robert W. Muench, Bishop of Baton Rouge; The Most Rev. Ronald P. Herzog, Bishop of Alexandria; The Most Rev. Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles; The Most Rev. Michael G. Duca, Bishop of Shreveport; The Most Rev. Shelton J. Fabre, Auxiliary Bishop of New Orleans

Around the Diocese...

Jesus the good shepherd church brings vocations prayers home n Sundays during Lent, a Vocation Chalice was presented to families/individuals at the 11:00 am. Mass to be taken home for the week.

The sacred vessel was located in a place of honor in their homes and they prayed for vocations once a day, every day during the week. This is the fifth year the JGS Vocation Awareness Committee has coordinated this effort.

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Recipients indicated that they felt very humbled and honored to be given this opportunity.

St. lucy mission with sr. marilyn vassallo

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he beginning of the Lenten season at St. Lucy’s in Hodge received a special boost through a mission conducted by Sr. Marilyn Vassallo,CSJ, JCL. The Mission: “Catechisms Are For Thinking, Not For Memorizing” focused on the “United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.” The truths and relevancies contained in this Catechism became a special gift to attendees each evening. This highly

SACRED HEART CHURCH's revelations course a huge success ather Pat Madden and participants (from not only the Rayville Sacred Heart Church, but other Catholic and nonCatholic churches in the area) attended Fr. Madden’s 8 week session on the Book of Revelation, which ended March 9, 2010. This program was part of the Rayville Sacred Heart 90th year

visible and professional outreach by the diocese into a small rural parish brought home the true meaning of Church to all in attendance. – Jerry Stuart

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anniversary celebration. It was a wonderful, spirit filled course and we thank the diocese for its Greco Institute programs. –William Coenen 21 20

Upcoming Events APRIL1-4: TRIDUUM AT CHRIST THE KING CHURCH On Holy Thursday April 1st, we will have our Mass and washing of the feet at 6:00 p.m. This Mass will be in English and Spanish. The Passion will be read at 3:00 p.m.; bilingual Stations of the Cross will be outside of the church at 4:00 p.m.; the Passion, in Spanish, will be read at 5:00 p.m.

On Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7:45 p.m. Later that evening we will celebrate a Trilingual Mass at midnight. The Mass will be in English, Spanish, and Latin. 318-221-0238.

knowing more about the role of deacon in the Catholic Church. At the Catholic Center from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

See pg. 15 for more details. Contact Deacon Clary Nash at 318-219-7303 APRIL 13: PRO-LIFE ORATORY CONTEST The National Right to Life is sponsoring its annual Pro-Life Oratory Contest. The competition is open to all high school Juniors and Seniors who will address the issues of abortion, infanticide, euthanasia or fetal stem cell research in 5-7 minute oral presentations. The local contest, now in its 22nd year, will be held on Tuesday, April 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Center.. The contest is open to the public. Local prizes are: First place- $150 cash, Second place- $100 cash, and Third place-$50 cash. The first place winner will then represent the Shreveport/Bossier area at the state contest in Lafayette on Friday, April 30, 2010, at the Louisiana Knights of Columbus Convention. For more information and entry forms, contact Susan Flanagan at 318-861-6879.

APRIL 9-11: BEGINNING EXPERIENCE Registering now for a weekend away toward a lifetime of change at Maryhill Renewal Center in Pineville, LA for April 9-11. Hope for a new beginning for divorced, widowed or separated people. The program helps grieving single-again persons emerge from the darkness of grief into the light of a new beginning, and move into the future with renewed hope. Cost is $185 and includes two nights’ lodging and meals.

APRIL 24: MAGNIFICAT PRAYER BRUNCH To register or for more information, he Magnificat, Nowela Chapter call (318) 448-1990 or (318) 452-2678 or is sponsoring a prayer brunch on Rose Murray, (504) 920-0770.

Saturday, April 24, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 APRIL 12: DEACON FORMATION PROGRAM p.m. in the Activities Center at St. Jude Catholic Church in Bossier City. Sr. For those who are interested in

Martinette Rivers, a member of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows, will be the speaker. Admittance is $12 and reservations should be made prior to April 21 by calling Barbara McAlister at (318) 747-7029 or Helen Langley at (318) 746-6223.

MAY 11 & 18: ADULT CONFIRMATION INITIATIVE at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. The goal of the Adult Confirmation Initiative is to help Catholic Adults who were not confirmed as youth so they can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is our hope that all who participate will deepen their personal relationship with God, develop their sense of belonging in a living Christian community, and personally ratify their membership in the Catholic Church. It is assumed the process of confirming the faith has been ongoing in their lives and that it will continue to be renewed long after they have completed the program. If the candidate is not a member of the Cathedral Parish, a letter from your pastor must be given to the Cathedral rector giving permission for the Confirmation in the Cathedral Parish.

Classes will be May 11 and 18 (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) Confirmation will be May 23, Pentecost Sunday 11:00 a.m. For more information 318-221-5296.

2 0 1 0 D i o ces a n s t e w a rdsh i p A p p e a l

I / We would like to contribute to the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal with a yearly pledge of: $10,000 $7,500 $5,000 $3,500

$2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000

Please send monthly reminders to:

$800 $750 $650 $500

$400 $350 $300 $250

At this time I / we are enclosing:

$200 $150 $100 $_______

$_____________

Print Name_ _______________________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________________________

Diocese of Shreveport The Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 www.dioshpt.org

22 23 Catholic Connection March 2010

City______________________________________________________State_________Zip Code____________ My / Our Church Parish______________________________________________________________________ Signature__________________________________________________________________________________ You may make a credit card payment online at: www.dioshpt.org (Click on Stewardship)

April 2010

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Holy Thursday

Friday

Good Friday Catholic Schools Closed Catholic Center Closed

Saturday

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 2nd Collection: Church Vocations

2nd Collection: Holy Land

EASTER SUNDAY

Principals' Meeting, Catholic Center, 10am

2nd Collection: Church Vocations

Confirmation, Church of Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe,11am Divine Mercy Sunday

Confirmation, St. Lucy Church, Hodge, 10am

Confirmation, St. Joseph Church, Shreveport, 3pm World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Confirmation, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Shreveport 4:30pm Fr. Philip Theempalangattu's 30th Anniversary

Deacon Formation Meeting, Catholic Center, 6:30pm

Editorial Board Meeting, Catholic Center, 10am

Protecting God's Children, Catholic Center, 6pm

Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting

Men's Discernment Retreat, Catholic Center

Confirmation, Christ the King Church, Bossier City, 4pm

Administrative Professionals Day

Earth Day

Good Leaders, Good Shepherds Program, St. Mary of the Pines, 9:30am

Retired Priests Fund Shale Focus Day, St. Joseph, Mansfield, 10am

Saint George, martyr; Saint Adalbert, bishop and martyr

Saint Fidelis of Sigmarigen, priest & martyr

Saint Martin I, pope & martyr

Diocesan Liturgical Meeting, Catholic Center, 12:30pm

Saint Anselm, bishop and doctor of the Church

Confirmation, St. Joseph Church, Bastrop, 10am

Deadline for May Issue of Catholic Connection

Confirmation, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Shreveport, 4pm

Presbyteral Council Meeting, Catholic Center, 1pm

Saint Peter Chanel, priest and martyr; Saint Louis Mary de Montfort, priest

Saint Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the Church

St. Pius V, pope

Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Easter Vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. (CNS photo/Giampiero Sposito, Reuters)

23 22

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Little Flower of Jesus Church Celebrates 70 Years

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ae l Duc a and Bish op Mich ch e r, OFM Fr. Adr ian Fis s s. ce le brate M a

Knights of Columbus Prepare Holy Trinity.

Knfor igh tsRed of StMass . Pe te rat Cl aver at th e Photo by Jessica Rinaudo.

Anni ve rs ar y M as s.

24 Catholic Connection March 2010

n February 20-21, Little Flower of Jesus Church in Monroe celebrated its 70th Anniversary.

The event filled the church and even brought in former parishioners who have moved to other states. Founded

by Franciscan priests in 1940 who ministered to the African-American community in Monroe, the church continues to flourish with a sense of joy and togetherness today.

(All photos courtesy of Cal Williams).

as e r Ch u rch w Lit t le Flo w e br im f or t h fille d t o t h e . ce le brat io n

Knights of Columbus Prepare for Red Mass at Holy Trinity.

Fran sc ans Rinaudo.

Photo byciJessica proces s ou t of th e 70th Anniversa ry M as s.

Li tt le Flower of Je su s Ch urch's ch oi r pa rt ic ip ated in th e ce le brat io n.