Catholic Connection September 2016

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 26, No. 2 September 2016

160 Years Holy Trinity Church of

September 2016 1

Connection The Catholic

Publisher Bishop Michael G. Duca Editor Jessica Rinaudo Contributors

Katie Aranda Shelly Bole Bishop Michael Duca Susan Flanagan Kim Long Raney Johnson Lucy Medvec Fr. Rothell Price

Rosalba Quiroz Dianne Rachal Jessica Rinaudo Marie Rinaudo Katie Sciba Mike Van Vranken Linda Webster John Mark Willcox

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Catholic Connection

Louisiana Flood Assistance The recovery efforts from the historic flooding in south Louisiana will be long and ongoing. In addition to the loss of 40,000 homes, businesses, churches and schools were also severely damaged.

When the headlines fade, the work to re-build will continue. Prayerfully consider assisting our brothers and sisters in south Louisiana by donating to one of the following: Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge http://www.ccdiobr.org/ Catholic Charities of Lafayette 1408 Carmel Dr., Lafayette, LA 70501 337-261-5546

Catholic Charities of HoumaThibodaux http://htdiocese.org/catholic-charities Catholic Charities of SW Louisiana 1225 Second St., Lake Charles LA, 70601 Tel: 337-439-7436 OR

You can mail a check made out to the Diocese of Shreveport and in the Memo field, write "South Louisiana Flood Relief." These funds will be sent to the Churches of south Louisiana, in particular the Dioceses of Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Houma Thibodaux and Lake Charles.

bishop’s september calendar SEPTEMBER 1 St. Frederick High School Principal’s Reception; Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 6 Principals’ Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 9:00 a.m.

SEPTEMBER 7 Knights of St. Gregory the Great Mass; St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, Shreveport; 5:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 8 Principals’ Meeting; Diocese of Shreveport Eastern Deanery Center, Monroe; 9:30 a.m.

2nd Annual Society of St. Vincent de Paul Banquet; Bossier Civic Center, Bossier City; 5:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 10 Mass/Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders: Duane C. Trombetta & Fidel Mondragon; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 4:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 11-14 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee/Committee on Priorities & Plans meetings; Washington, DC SEPTEMBER 16 Jesus the Good Shepherd School Mass; Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Monroe; 8:05 a.m.

Bishop’s Cup Football Game: Loyola College Prep vs. St. Frederick

High School; Messmer Stadium, Shreveport; 6:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 18 Diocese of Beaumont 50th Anniversary Mass/Celebration; Ford Park Event Center; Beaumont; 4:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 19 New Orleans Provincial Council Meeting/Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting; Immaculata Center, Lafayette SEPTEMBER 20 Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 1:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 21 Joint Meeting: Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Board of Directors & Membership Board of Directors; Catholic Center; 12:00 p.m.

Poor Man’s Supper; Jesus the Good Shepherd School Gym, Monroe; 6:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 23 Spes Gregis Seminarian Dinner (Holy Trinity Seminary Fundraiser); Hilton Anatole Dallas; 6:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 26-30 2016 Catholic Extension Mission Bishops’ Conference; Lincolnshire, IL

contents

september 2016

columns Filling the Gap: Aging Priests & New Vocations by Bishop Michael Duca............. 4-5 Mike’s Meditations: My Spiritual Bucket List by Mike Van Vranken....................... 6 In Review: The Nun's Story and Ida by Marie Rinaudo ......................................... 7 Faithful Food: Setting the Banqueting Table by Kim Long.................................... 8 Domestic Church: Unlock Your Heart to Your Spouse by Katie Sciba................. 9

11

From the Pope: Francis Repeats to Newly-Weds the Three Key Words of Marriage from Vatican Information Services............................................10 Navigating the Faith: Feast of the Archangels by Kim Long ...............................11 Catholic University of America Collection by Fr. Rothell Price .............................12 Vocations View: Meet New Seminarian Nicholas Duncan by Jessica Rinaudo ..... 13 Mercy in Action: Mercy is a Way of Life in Homer by Linda Webster ................. 17 Kids' Connection: Saint Vincent de Paul ..............................................................24

features

14

160 Years of Holy Trinity Church

by Linda Webster .................................................................................................... 14-15

news Hosting Orphans Grants Family Grace by Katie Aranda ......................................16 St. Vincent de Paul's Friends of the Poor Walk ....................................................16 Catholic Charities Strengthens Families with Healthy Eating on a Budget Initiative by Lucy Medvec .................................................................18 Pro-Life Ministry's Local Roots: Flo Alexander and PRI by Susan Flanagan ..........19 Seminarian Attends World Youth Day in Poland by Raney Johnson ...................20 2016 - 2017 Diocese of Shreveport Seminarians .................................................21

20 on the cover

New Marriage Rite: New Translation Takes Effect in Coming Months

by Dianne Rachal ......................................................................................................22 Hispanic News by Rosalba Quiroz ...........................................................................23 School News ...........................................................................................................25 Around the Globe: USCCB President Welcomes Pope Francis Naming Bishop Kevin Farrell Head of New Dicastery from the USCCB ............................26 Diocese of Shreveport Priest Assignments by Christine Rivers ..............................26 Diocese to Host Peace Novena by Shelly Bole ....................................................27 Prayers for Peace ...................................................................................................27 Across the Diocese ................................................................................................28-29 Mark Your Calendar ...............................................................................................30 September Calendar ............................................................................................31 Picture of the Month...............................................................................................32

Holy Trinity Church in Downtown Shreveport old sketch blended with a current photo from 2016.

September 2016 3

la reflexión Del Obispo por Obispo Michael G. Duca

Llenando el Vacío: Sacerdotes y Nuevas Vocaciones

M

ientras escribo este artículo estamos en los días más calientes del verano, a mediados de agosto. Para mí, el verano termina con el comienzo del ciclo regular de la vida diocesana que despierta con el nuevo año escolar. Ha sido un buen verano mientras que duró pero ya es tiempo de atender a las exigencias y desafíos de la rutina del año venidero.

Estoy emocionado de comenzar este año con una ceremonia corta pero importante y extraordinaria en nuestra diócesis. El domingo 10 de septiembre durante la misa de las 4:00p.m. en la catedral de San John Berchmans, aceptaré públicamente a Fidel Mondragón y a Duane Trombetta como candidatos oficiales a la Orden del Sacerdocio en nuestra diócesis. Fidel Mondragón será ordenado al diaconado, con la voluntad de Dios antes de Navidad y al sacerdocio en la primavera del 2017. Fidel ya es bien conocido en nuestra diócesis por la comunidad hispana donde ya asiste con Misas en Español, en la parroquia de Santa María de los Pinos y con retiros de jóvenes como Búsqueda.

Duane Trombetta, quien creció en Shreveport, también es bien conocido ya que él y toda su familia son miembros arraigados en la parroquia de la Santísima Trinidad. Duane será ordenado al diaconado en la primavera y sacerdocio en la primavera del 2018. Estos dos hombres nos ayudarán a satisfacer una verdadera necesidad de sacerdotes en nuestra diócesis. La planeación de estas dos ordenaciones me mantiene con esperanza y para el comienzo del verano ya tendremos esta experiencia.

La primavera pasada, por primera vez no tuvimos suficientes sacerdotes para cada parroquia donde en el pasado si los había. Esto quiere decir que después de los cambios, una parroquia quedará sin párroco. Para llenar este vacío asigné al párroco de la parroquia de Jesus el Buen Pastor, el padre Keith Garvin administrador de la parroquia de San Mateo en Monroe, además de sus responsabilidades en su parroquia también En los próximos años se que por lo menos cinco de los párrocos que ahora están activos se tendrán que jubilar, pues cumplen 70 años o más de edad y es la edad de jubilación. Tenemos algunos sacerdotes jóvenes que estarán listos para tomar estas parroquias, pero a fin de cuentas posiblemente más parroquias necesitarán compartir sacerdote. Sé que esto trae un gran desafío para mi y para nuestros sacerdotes pero no estoy desilusionado porque Dios siempre nos envía ayuda en momentos difíciles.

La mayor ayuda nos viene de comunidades religiosas que fielmente pastorean nuestras parroquias como la Orden Menor de Frailes (Los Franciscanos), la orden de los Carmelitas de María Inmaculada (de la India) y los Misioneros Franciscanos de la Esperanza (de Kenia), al igual que dos sacerdotes de la India de la diócesis de kanjirapally, que nos han ayudado con su presencia durante esta necesidad esencial de sacerdotes en nuestra diócesis. También ha habido vocaciones inesperadas como la del Padre Keith Garvin, quien regresó a nosotros ya casi terminando su formación del seminario porque quería regresar a su tierra natal como sacerdote, y nuestro nuevo candidato Fidel Mondragón que llegó solo necesitando un año en el seminario pero ya está listo para ser ordenado.

También tenemos un grupo emocionante de ocho seminaristas que son un fundamento fuerte para el futuro de nuestro ministerio sacerdotal en la diócesis.

Hay muchas razones para estar llenos de esperanza durante estos tiempos difíciles.

Aun así, teniendo estas gracias y bendiciones inesperadas que nos ayudan, 4 Catholic Connection

es mucha la necesidad de cada uno de nosotros de promover más las vocaciones al sacerdocio en nuestra diócesis. Hay muchas cosas que podemos hacer. Sugiero que oremos en nuestras parroquias, y sobre todo en nuestros hogares, para que hombres jóvenes respondan al llamado de Dios a ser sacerdotes, religiosos, o diáconos y para que más mujeres jóvenes respondan al llamado a la vida religiosa. Por favor también piensen en orar para que, si es la voluntad de Dios, alguna vocación venga de su propia familia. Muchos tal vez duden, o no quieran que su hijo/hija tenga una vida religiosa. Algunos estarían orgullosos pero dudosos porque quieren nietos o que la familia continúe. No estoy menospreciando estos sentimientos, sin embargo espero que puedan ver que posiblemente una de las razones por las que tenemos menos vocaciones es por el mensaje que, aunque no intencionado, los niños reciben de que otras opciones son mejores. Yo sé que hoy soy sacerdote porque cuando les dije a mis padres que tal eso quería ser, no me desanimaron ni tampoco me empujaron, sino que me permitieron imaginar esa posibilidad como una buena opción, lo que le permitió a Dios revelarse más claramente en un plan para mi vida. No tengan miedo, dejen que sus hijos imaginen la posibilidad de una vocación. Si en verdad es un llamado de Dios, será una bendición para ellos, para su familia y para toda la gente de la diócesis a la que ellos servirán.

Yo trabajaré fuerte para tener los sacerdotes necesarios para nuestra diócesis, pero si nos faltan espero que ustedes también trabajen fuerte conmigo para mantener a nuestros sacerdotes fuertes y llenos de vigor. Les pido que apoyen a sus sacerdotes que están trabajando para cumplir las necesidades de la diócesis y oren para animar a más hombres jóvenes a pensar en la vocación del sacerdocio. •

bishop’s REFLECTION

by Bishop Michael G. Duca

Filling the Gap: Aging Priests & New Vocations

A

s I write this article we are in the “dog days” of summer, the middle of August. For me, summer is over as the regular cycle of diocesan life awakens with the beginning of the new school year. It was a good summer break while it lasted, but now it is time to consider the routine demands and challenges of the coming year.

I am excited to begin this year with a brief but immensely important ceremony for our diocese. On September 10, at the 4:00 p.m. Mass in the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, I will publically accept Fidel Mondragon and Duane Trombetta as “official candidates” for the Order of Priesthood for our diocese.

Fidel Mondragon will hopefully be ordained to the diaconate before Christmas and to the priesthood this Bishop Duca coming spring of 2017. Fidel is already well known in our diocesan Hispanic community where he has been assisting at the Spanish Mass at St. Mary of the Pines Parish and with the Busqueda youth retreats.

Duane Trombetta, who grew up in Shreveport, is also well known since he and his whole family are longstanding members of Holy Trinity Parish.

Duane will be ordained a deacon this spring and a priest in the spring of 2018. These are both good men who will help fill a real need in our diocese for priests. Planning for these two ordinations keeps me hopeful, because at the beginning of the summer I had a sobering experience.

This past spring, for the first time as your Bishop, there were simply not enough priests to put a pastor in every parish where there was one the year before. This meant one parish, after the changes, would have no pastor.

To fill this gap I assigned the pastor of Jesus Good Shepherd, Father Keith Garvin, in addition to his responsibilities at JGS, as Administrator of St. Matthew Parish in Monroe.

In the next few years I expect at least five of our now active pastors to retire from parish ministry, having reached the age of 70 or above. We have a few younger priests who will be ready to move into these parishes, but the end sum is that more parishes may need to share pastors. I admit this poses a big challenge for me and our priests, but I am not discouraged because of the help God sends our way in critical moments.

The biggest help comes from the religious communities that so faithfully pastor our parishes. The Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans), the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (from India) and the Franciscan Missionaries of Hope (from Kenya), as well as two Indian priests from the Diocese of Kanjirapally, have provided an essential priestly presence in our diocese. There have also been several unexpected vocations like Father Keith Garvin, who came to us late in his seminary formation because he wanted to come back to his hometown to be a priest, and our new candidate Fidel Mondragon who came to us only needing one year of seminary and who is now ready to be ordained. We also have an exciting cohort of eight seminarians who are a strong foundation for the future of our priestly ministry in the diocese (see page 21). There are many reasons to be hopeful in these difficult times.

Yet, while these graces and unexpected blessings are a help, more is needed

Duane Trombetta

Fidel Mondragon

from each one of us to foster more vocations to the priesthood in our diocese. There are many things we can do. I suggest we pray in our parishes, and most importantly in our homes, for young men to answer God’s call to be a priest, religious or deacon, and for young women to answer the call to religious life. Please also consider praying that, if it be God’s will, that the vocation come from your family. Many may hesitate, or not want their son or daughter to enter religious life. Some would be proud but hesitant because they want grandchildren or for the family name to be passed on. I am not minimizing these feelings, but I hope you can see that possibly one of the reasons we have fewer vocations is that the unintended message children receive is that there are better choices. I know that I am a priest today because when I told my parents that I might want to be a priest, they did not discourage me or directly encourage me, but rather allowed me to imagine that possibility as a good choice, which allowed God to reveal more clearly a plan for my life. Don’t be afraid to let your child imagine the possibility of a vocation. If it is truly God’s call it will be a blessing to them, your family and to all the people in the diocese they will serve.

I will work hard to have the priests we need for the diocese, but if we come up short I hope you will work hard with me to keep your parishes strong and vital. I ask that you support your priests who are working hard to meet the needs of the diocese, and pray for and encourage more young people to consider the vocation to the priesthood. • September 2016 5

mike’s meditations

by Mike Van Vranken

My Spiritual Bucket List

W

hile visiting with a friend last week, he proudly stated how he has recently checked off quite a few accomplishments from his “bucket list.” I smiled curiously, thinking to myself: “I have never developed a ‘bucket list,’ but if I did, what would I include?

I learned many years ago to never develop any kind of list (to-do list, shopping list, tomorrow’s calendar schedule, etc.) without asking God for His input first.

So, I took my new interest in a “bucket list” to God in prayer. As you might guess, the items He began Van Vranken putting on my heart were those that matter most to me. They included desires about my prayer life, my family and my personal relationship with God. As my conversation with God continued, this Holy Year of Mercy continued to appear in my mind. Was God trying to tell me something specific He wanted me to accomplish before this Year of Mercy ends in November?

Compassion for the Ordained Clergy. I began thinking of all of the pastors, associate pastors and ordained deacons I have had as far back as I can remember. Dating back to around my sixth birthday, I thought of more than 30 men who have been part of the ordained leadership in the Catholic parishes I have been a member of over the years. While each was uniquely created by God with different personalities, skills and gifts, they all had a few things in common. What kept coming to mind though, was that none of them was perfect. They all had their shortcomings. How have I been compassionate, forgiving, helpful and supportive to each of these men? Particularly in this year of mercy, God wanted me to consider: How do I treat the holy men he puts in my every day life? Do I pray for them daily? Do I forgive their mistakes? Do I criticize everything they do, and share my criticism with others? Have I given up on any of them? Have I told them I love them and all they do for the Church? It turned out to be a prayer period of both divine insight and personal conviction. There indeed have been a few times when my “mercy meter,” where my pastors were concerned, didn’t register all that high. As I continue this Year of Mercy and beyond, my compassion, interest and love for my pastors and deacons will be much more Christlike than before.

Mercy for Service Providers and Retail Workers. If you pay for TV cable or Internet provider, you have probably experienced a time when you were not at your Christian best. I can think of several involvements with a call center representative that left me frustrated and helpless. As I continued my “bucket list” prayer time, God asked me to consider the person on the other end of those conversations. What have I done to show them God’s love and mercy? His suggestion for me: the next time you are in a store and the employee is not very helpful, thank them for being there for you and remember to pray for them when you leave. We never know what is going on in someone else’s life. On Thanksgiving and Christmas day, contact the call center of your bank or insurance company and just thank them for working on a national holiday. And when you have to 6 Catholic Connection

contact your cable provider, remind them how their product and service make a difference in your life and how you appreciate them personally for being there.

God helped me realize that the other person is not always the problem.

Irritating Family Members. Finally, what about that family member who just drives you up the wall? You know the one. It doesn’t take long to identify that person. God helped me realize that, to some members of my family, I’m that person!

He continued to help me with my response to this holy Year of Mercy. He asked me to be the family member who loves that irritating member the most.

He asked me to call them on a regular basis and ask if there is anything I can do for them. And, above all, pray for them on a daily basis. God has such a way of showing us our reality when we ask Him to.

Allow God to Make Your List. Throughout this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we have looked at many ways to be compassionate, loving and forgiving to the poor, the outcast, our enemies and those who are different than we are. This month, let’s remember those people who are interwoven in our everyday lives. Let’s make sure we focus on them as people we want to love, forgive and care for. In your next prayer time, ask God to vividly show you who He wants to receive mercy from you. Ask Him to give you ideas of how and when you can show that mercy. Then, prepare yourself to be very surprised at who appears on your God-ordained “bucket list” and what He is asking you to do about it. • Mike is a writer and teacher, and co-author of the book: Faith Positive in a Negative World. You can contact him at www.mikevanvrankenministries.org

in REVIEW

by Marie Rinaudo

The Nun's Story & Ida

directed by Fred Zinnemann & Pawel Pawlikowski

N

uns have played a major role in the history of the Catholic Church by their labor of love and service.

Two movies remind me of their dedication and heroic commitment.

The 1960 film The Nun’s Story, set in pre-World War II, follows Sister Luke, played by Audrey Hepburn, as she completes her education as a nurse and prepares to take her final vows. Keeping the vow of obedience becomes the focus of Sr. Luke’s concern. The requirements for postulants were rigid in the days before Vatican II: meals were eaten in total silence and sign language was used to eliminate any unnecessary conversation.

As Sr. Luke struggles with the requirements, she is counseled that her first duty is to be a good nun; being a good nurse was secondary. When she excels in her studies, she is advised not to succumb to pride. When she goes as a missionary to the Belgian Congo, she meets further challenges. Her greatest temptation comes when she serves as the assistant to the chief surgeon who demands professionalism and scoffs at the rules of the religious order.

After she is diagnosed with tuberculosis, she is sent back to Belgium. The Europe she goes home to, however, is under the shadow of war. When her father is killed

by Nazi forces, her strong will wins out as she refuses to remain neutral in the war as her order requires. In the final emotional scene, she sadly removes her habit in silence and walks away from the convent.

The second film, Ida, produced in 2014, is set in Communist Poland in postWorld War II. Filmed in black and white, the setting is stark and harsh portraying a torn and still-crippled Europe. Anna, a young postulant, has doubts similar to Sr. Luke’s. Compounding Ida’s fears is her lack of experience in the world. It is the Mother Superior, who in her wisdom recognizes Anna’s limited knowledge of the outside

world, decides that before Anna takes her vows she must visit her Aunt Wanda.

Wanda is a strikingly different role model from the chaste and austere nuns.

A former prosecutor of war criminals, she is hardened, worldly, self-centered, and unencumbered by moral restrictions.

Anna soon sees what fear and vengeance have done to her aunt. And Wanda makes a startling revelation: Anna is actually Jewish. She was one of the children who was left at the door of the convent by her parents, desperate to save their child from the Nazis.

Anna travels with Wanda to places both disturbing and moving. She discovers the truth about her past and learns her real name is not Anna, but Ida. In a small village, where she sees her family home, she discovers the fate of her parents at the hands of the Nazis. Her journey continues when she meets a young musician who introduces her to the mystery and uncertainty of romantic love. In the closing scene, we see her walking alone. It is for us to wonder if her steps will take her back to the convent.

Though the situations in the two films are similar, the difference lies in the focus.

The Nun’s Story is plot driven; Ida is character-driven. Sr. Luke struggles with a strong will; Ida fights a largely interior battle in which she searches for her own identity. While Hepburn is idealized as well-groomed in her immaculate habit, Ida, played by Agata Trzebokowska, is almost removed from the physical world –more a shadow than a body. Her inner struggles are deep and wrenching and not quickly resolved.

The technical differences in the film are to be expected considering the half-century separating the two movies. However, both movies have the same central theme: the call to a religious vocation requires total self-sacrifice and intense discernment. •

“As a surgeon it's not my business to pry into the mind, but I'd say that tension is a sign of an exhausting inner struggle. " – Dr. Fortunati The Nun's Story

The Nun's Story and Ida are both available online through Amazon.com.

September 2016 7

faithful FOOD

by Kim Long

Setting the Banqueting Table Assistance from God and the ones we love

I

t could have been any Sunday afternoon. I planned the menu based on what was on hand and a litany of favorite foods. The meal was slightly out of time for the 100 degree afternoon: creamy lima beans, smothered squash, Long fried venison, homemade rolls, baked eggplant, a large pan of sausage apple dressing and, of course, dessert. This is usually a meal I prepare when the temps wane and a hint of coolness dances in the trees, but some inner compass assured me the meal would work in the heat of an August afternoon.

My youngest son was home from Baton Rouge so we gathered the family. After everyone had eaten their fill, laughed, visited and went on their way with leftovers, I was left to do the “washing up.” Admittedly not my favorite part of any gathering, but on this particular afternoon I didn’t feel alone and burdened with the “dirty work.”

I thought of how many people made this meal possible: my great

grandmother’s dressing recipe, my granddaughter killed the deer I was preparing, a great aunt gave me the recipe for the rolls, my cousin Ellen’s recipe for squash had been pulled from a cookbook, cousin Sharon’s recipe for the eggplant – and all around me, as I washed the dishes, these relatives were in one way or another making their presence known.

Of my great grandmother I have only a vague memory and it is being in her kitchen standing on a chair turned backwards with a large dish towel pressed into service as an apron was tied around me. We were frying homemade apple pies. From that memory I recall a feeling of being loved and being a part of her everyday activity.

My granddaughter just turned seven and is full of life and sassiness and love and curiosity.

My cousin Ellen is a great cook with or without a “recipe.” She, like me, has cooked from necessity using what was on hand to stave off hunger in her children.

Aunt Helen's Angel Biscuits Ingredients: • 2 packages of dry yeast • 1/2 cup lukewarm water • 2 cups warm buttermilk • 1 cup shortening, melted & cooled • 2 tablespoons sugar • 5 cups of flour • 5 teaspoons baking powder • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Directions: 1) Combine yeast and lukewarm water and let soak about five minutes.

2) Mix buttermilk, shortening and 8 Catholic Connection

sugar, then combine with yeast mixture.

3) Add flour a cup at a time.

4) Add baking powder, salt and baking soda.

5) After thoroughly combined, roll or pat biscuits in a greased black iron skillet. (I use bacon grease for this, but butter can be used as well).

6) Cover and set in a warm place to rise about 30 minutes or so.

7) Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

8) Slather with butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

My cousin Sharon is the fearless one among us, ever willing to try a new recipe.

My great aunt Helen was the historian of the family and the keeper of the memories and one of the most hospitable people I have ever known.

Her house was a frequent stop when my children were small. Her death years ago hit me hard, but today she is in my kitchen smiling that I honor her with the rolls I baked.

In the Song of Songs 2:4 we are told “He brought me to his banqueting table and his banner over me is love. Sustain me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples for I am faint with love.”

As I set my table that Sunday, as I brought the food in bowls and trays to the ones I love, this verse ran through my head and I had a quite different view of setting the banqueting table. Not only did I set a table for the ones I love here and now, but I was assisted by the love which had sustained me and brought me to this moment: the love of God and my ancestors. As Linda Hogan wrote, “you are the result of the love of thousands!” • Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport.

domestic CHURCH

by Katie Sciba

Unlock Your Heart to Your Spouse

M

y husband and I have had issues. We’ve hurt each other.

We’ve resented each other. We unknowingly (and knowingly) built walls and somewhere along the line, we both locked up our hearts.

At one point I thought we were resolved to simply tolerate each other until death did we part.

While I knew we would live just fine and even Sciba peaceably, I was sure that Andrew and I would be devoid of real spiritual and emotional intimacy; that we would continue to hide our true selves.

But this year of marriage brought something totally new and game changing: vulnerability. Painful, heart-n-gut wrenching, all-revealing vulnerability.

After stuffing my feelings and desires for years, I finally let them out little by little to someone I had trained myself to no longer trust. I was honest and learned how to be brave. In fact, I had a bulleted list of things I swore to my spiritual director I could never tell Andrew because I didn’t feel accepted enough to bare my heart to him.

And you know what? My husband felt the same way.

Too many couples carry the same burden of having kept themselves hidden in marriage. Andrew and I were stuck in a stalemate of being guarded and for all intents and purposes, hoarding our hearts.

But I’ve told him everything now. My husband knows me whole and entire and loves me anyway. He opened himself to me because he’d trained himself not to trust me either. I know him completely and love him because of it, which is how it’s supposed to work.

Christ made himself vulnerable to His Bride the Church at all times: as a newborn, as a child amid aged wisdom in the temple, as a tired man continuing to teach and give himself to souls starving for truth, as one righteous yet crucified,

Bare Your

Heart in Marriage List What You Hide

From things you like to overspending, emotions, addictions or past history, ask yourself what you think you could never tell your spouse. Pray for the courage and confidence to make yourself vulnerable gradually.

and as one who reigns with the Father in Heaven but is here on earth as Bread. And we are ABSOLUTELY supposed to live in imitation of that same vulnerability, which is a tall order and super super hard to do, by the way. But it’s like I’m seeing my husband for the first time - the real him after continuing to let him into my heart and make myself a safe place for his.

I could go into specifics about the ups and downs of our marriage, what has broken our hearts, etc.; but taking a step back and seeing the roller coaster of being in love, hiding from each other, living in resentment, and learning to love again is a story I suspect most of us will experience if we’re not already in the middle of it.

This year we celebrated eight years of marriage. Our anniversary looked like every other day: we had zero plans for going out, no money for gifts. The house was a bit of a wreck and we were steeped in the challenges of life. But hands down, it was the happiest anniversary we’ve ever had because I know the depths of the man to whom I’m married and he knows me. And, most importantly, we have a marriage made new in Christ.

When we woke up that morning, he gave me a letter. “My dearest Love,” it began, “You have unlocked my heart.” •

Plan it Out

Busy lives make it nearly impossible to have a weighty conversation on the fly. Ask your spouse if you can set aside time to talk later, then clear a couple of hours on the calendar. Both husband and wife should commit to being present.

Plan several conversations like this to slowly voice what you may have concealed.

Imitate Christ

... in both how you bare your heart to your beloved AND in how you receive your spouse making himself or herself vulnerable. Speak honestly and listen with genuine charity. Pray that you can be a conduit of God’s mercy for each other.

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

September 2016 9

from the POPE from Vatican Information Services

Francis Repeats to Newly-Weds the Three Key Words of Marriage

O

n July 28, during his trip to Poland for World Youth Day, Pope Francis continued the tradition established by St. John Paul II. He appeared at the window of the archbishopric of Pope Francis Krakow to greet the faithful gathered in the square, which included many newly-wed couples.

The pope addressed them in his native Spanish since many of those present were able to understand or speak the language.

“When I meet someone who is getting married … I say to them, ‘You are the ones who have courage!’ Because it is not easy to form a family, not easy to commit your life forever; it takes courage. And I am proud that you are courageous,” he said.

“Sometimes people ask me what to do so that our families can go on and overcome difficulties. I suggest to them to use three words, three words which express three attitudes … three words which can help you to live out your married life, because in married life there are difficulties. Marriage is something so beautiful and so wonderful that we have to look after it, because it is forever. And the three words are: ‘May I?’, ‘Thank you’ and ‘I’m sorry.’ ‘May I?’: always ask your spouse, wife to husband and husband to wife, ‘What do you think? What shall we do?’ Never trample on the other. ‘May I?’”.

“The second word: be appreciative.

How many times the husband needs to say to his wife, ‘Thank you.’ And how many times the wife must say to her husband, ‘Thank you.’ Thank 10 Catholic Connection

each other, because the sacrament of marriage is conferred by the two spouses, one to the other. This sacramental relationship is maintained with gratitude. ‘Grazie.’”

“The third word is ‘I’m sorry.’ It is a very difficult word to say. In marriage there is always some misunderstanding between husband and wife. Knowing how to recognize that and to apologize, to ask forgiveness, does a lot of good.

[Here] there are young families, newlyweds, many of you are married, others are about to get married: remember these three words, which have helped so much in married life: ‘May I?,’ ‘Thank you’ and ‘I’m sorry.’

“All this is very good, and it is very good to say this in married life. There are always problems and arguments in married life. It is normal for husband and wife to argue and to raise their voices, they squabble, and even plates go flying! So do not be afraid of this when it happens. May I give you a piece of advice: never end the day without making peace. And do you know why?

Because the ‘cold war’ the next day is very dangerous. ‘And how can I do this, Father, how can I make peace?’ some of you may ask. You don’t need speeches, just a gesture is enough, and it is all over, and peace is established. When there is love, a gesture puts everything right.”

“I invite you, before the blessing, to pray for all the families present here, for newly-weds, for those who have already been married for some time and know what I am saying to you, and for those who will get married. Let us pray together a Hail Mary together, each in his or her own language.”

After praying the Hail Mary together, the pope asked the young couples in Italian to pray for him. •

In theWords of

Pope Francis

“We have been created in God’s own image; Jesus has taken upon himself our humanity and his heart will never be separated from us; the Holy Spirit wants to dwell within us. We have been called to be happy forever with God!” “God loves us the way we are, and no sin, fault or mistake of ours makes Him change His mind. As far as Jesus is concerned – as the Gospel shows – no one is unworthy of, or far from, His thoughts. No one is insignificant. He loves all of us with a special love; for Him all of us are important: you are important! God counts on you for what you are, not for what you possess. In His eyes the clothes you wear or the kind of cell phone you use are of absolutely no concern. He doesn’t care whether you are stylish or not; He cares about you, just as you are! In His eyes, you are precious, and your value is inestimable.”

“He is always ‘cheering us on’; He is our biggest fan. He is there for us, waiting with patience and hope, even when we turn in on ourselves and brood over our troubles and past injuries. But such brooding is unworthy of our spiritual stature!

It is a kind of virus infecting and blocking everything; it closes doors and prevents us from getting up and starting over. God, on the other hand, is hopelessly hopeful! He believes that we can always get up, and He hates to see us glum and gloomy. It is sad to see young people who are glum.”

Quotes from the Mass for World Youth Day, 7/31/16

navigating the Faith

by Kim Long

Feast of the Archangels

A

lmost three decades ago I converted to Catholicism and was filled with zeal and love for all things Catholic. There were feast day celebrations I fell in love with including the Feast of the Archangels.

An archangel is described as an angel of the highest rank. There are three named archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, and their stories are fairly amazing.

In medieval angelology (the study of angels and their roles) the archangels are one of nine classifications of angels. We are most acquainted with their deeds.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Angels have been present since creation and throughout the history of salvation, announcing salvation from afar or near and serving the accomplishment of the divine plan. They closed the earthly paradise; protected Lot; saved Hagar and her child; stayed Abraham’s hand; communicated the law by their ministry; led the People of God; announced births and callings and assisted the prophets, just to cite a few examples. Finally, the angel Gabriel announced the birth of the Precursor and that of Jesus himself.”

St. Michael’s name is often translated as “one who is like God.” He is the most mentioned of the three named archangels in Scripture. He is found in both Old and New Testaments, namely in Daniel where he is said to have rescued Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the fiery furnace, the book of Revelation and Jude 1:9. He is most known doing battle with Lucifer and casting him and his crew of fallen angels out of heaven. Due to this he is known as the leader or prince of the angels. St. Michael is the protector and champion of God’s people and the Church. He is also thought to be the angel who brings the souls to their judgement before God. St. Michael is the patron saint of grocers, soldiers, doctors, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness.

Next is the Archangel Gabriel whose name means “power of God.” He is likewise found in the Book of Daniel and in the Gospel of Luke. Best known for his role as messenger to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Annunciation, he also appeared to Zachariah announcing the birth of St. John the Baptist. He is also thought to be the angel who comforted Jesus during his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is known as the herald angel and the angel of mercy and consolation. Gabriel is often depicted clothed in blue or white and is seen carrying a lily, a trumpet, a shining lantern, a branch from Paradise, a scroll or a scepter. In art, Gabriel is most commonly represented in the scene of the Annunciation.

Lastly there is the Archangel Raphael whose name means “the healing of God.” His story is in the book of Tobit. The book is filled with many sensational elements: a witch, some demons, a healing involving fish innards and the themes of journey, healing and love. He was a companion, a healer and a protector in this story. He is also believed to be the angel who stirred the waters in the pool at Bethesda in Jerusalem giving it healing properties. He is known as a healing and companion angel. He is the patron saint of travelers, the blind, bodily ills, happy meetings and healthcare workers. He is usually pictured holding a staff and a fish.

I am not sure why this particular feast resonated with me initially, but I have come to understand several reasons why it remains an important touchstone in my year. In times of fear, worry and anxiety, the old prayer of St. Michael is on my lips. When I hear news I didn’t expect, I often think of St. Gabriel. And when I need a healer, when I experience a happy and unexpected meeting, it is

Bouguereau, L'Annonciation, 1888

St. Raphael who comes to mind. They let me know I have nothing to fear. They are protectors, healers, champions, comfort – who could ask for more?

Mark your calendars for September 29, the Feast of the Archangels. Some ways to “keep the feast” are attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion, praying the St. Michael prayer, serving angel food cake for dessert or doing something nice for someone anonymously. Remember to ask the archangels to pray for you and with you.

Heavenly Father, you have given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Michael is our protector, I ask him to come to my aid, fight for all my loved ones, and protect us from danger. Saint Gabriel is a messenger for the Good News; I ask him to help me clearly hear Your voice and to teach me the truth. Saint Raphael is the healing angel; I ask him to take my need for healing and that of everyone I know, lift it up to your throne of grace and deliver back to us the gift of recovery. Help us, O Lord, to realize more fully the reality of the archangels and their desire to intercede for us.

Holy Angels, pray for us. Amen. • September 2016 11

second COLLECTIONS

by Fr. Rothell Price

Catholic University of America Collection

Your contribution will

strengthen the work of some of our top scholars, many of whom help to explain Catholic social teaching to the rest of the world.

The Catholic University of America Collection Dates: September 3rd & 4th Announcement Dates: August 21st & 28th

T

his month’s special collection is for the Catholic University of America. Your contribution will strengthen the work of some of our top scholars, many of whom help to explain Catholic social teaching to the rest of the world. It will also support scholarships for students in our diocese and others achieving our mission of preparing the next generation of leaders for our Church and nation – including those studying to become our future priests and religious.

The Catholic University of America is unique among the universities in the United States – even among Catholic universities.

Established by the Vatican and the United States bishops in 1887, Price it is the national university of the Catholic Church in America. It is proud to have nearly one third of the U.S. bishops as alumni, along with more than 12,400 living priests and religious from around the world. In Washington D.C., the University provides an education based in Catholic intellectual tradition to nearly 7,000 students through its 12 schools – that include arts and sciences, music, engineering, philosophy, social work, law and business in addition to ecclesiastical degrees in canon law and theology.

Please give generously to The Catholic University of America collection. “You join thousands of alumni, parents, friends, students, faculty and staff who support Catholic University each year. All these gifts add up in a big way,” said John Garvey, President of The Catholic University of America. “Your contribution helps our national university move forward, ensuring that current students and future graduates 12 Catholic Connection

can continue to be God’s light in our world.”

“Cardinal James Gibbons, our first chancellor and the ninth archbishop of Baltimore, once called the collection, ‘the people’s endowment.’

Contributions from faithful parishioners have benefitted generations of students. …The ‘people’s endowment’ is more than tuition assistance – it is a legacy, built upon 130 years in the Catholic intellectual tradition,” said John Garvey, President of The Catholic University of America.

This year’s collection theme is: “Preparing the next generation of leaders for our Church and nation.” Please give generously. Your participation makes a difference.

Learn more at collection.cua.edu. • Fr. Rothell Price, Vicar General, is the Director of Second & Special Collections.

vocations View

by Jessica Rinaudo, Editor

Meet New Seminarian Nicholas Duncan

T

he Diocese of Shreveport is happy to welcome its newest seminarian, Nicholas Duncan. Although his family is originally from Kansas, work brought his father to Shreveport when Nicholas was a child. Growing up in a “half Catholic” family, Nicholas attended St. Mary of the Pines parish in Shreveport. His family remained in Shreveport until his father got a new job out of state during Nicholas’ senior year of high school. Nicholas opted to stay in North Louisiana where he attended Louisiana Tech on the TOPS scholarship and earned his degree in kinesiology in 2009.

Following graduation, there was an economic downturn and Nicholas moved to Amarillo, Texas where his parents were living. “I substitute taught for a while, trying to get experience in teaching and coaching. I was always into sports. I played rugby throughout college and even now. And I played football and soccer in high school,” said Nicholas.

“And then the teacher market dried up completely, especially in Texas.”

It was his love for sports that brought him back to Louisiana. He moved back to Shreveport to play with the Shreveport Rugby Football Club and worked for Red Ball Oxygen until the natural gas boom in north Louisiana leveled off, leaving Nicholas once again without a job. “So I got a job teaching in Lake Providence, and then after a year there, I got a job at a charter school and was there for two years.”

It took moving to the outskirts of the Diocese of Shreveport to bring Nicholas closer to his Catholic faith. “I was living in Delhi, because I couldn’t find a place to live in Lake Providence. And I was living by St. Theresa, the little mission church there. And I was actually living in its shadow, immediately next to it.

And that’s when I first kind of realized

priesthood was a possibility,” said Nicholas.

As a child and into his teenage years, Nicholas always felt like the priesthood was unobtainable. “When I was a kid, I thought priesthood was an impossibility, because of the [vows of ] poverty and chastity. Then when I was 27, I realized, ‘Hey’ I’ve been doing that for a year!’”

Reflecting back on his childhood, Nicholas remembered all the lay people who helped form his Catholic faith and inspired him to eventually consider priesthood. “I was catechized at St. Mary of the Pines in just your little religious classes you have on Wednesday nights.

If anything, it’s more the teachers who are in those classes who were a Catholic inspiration to me, even more than the priests,” said Nicholas. “You don’t know who there you could be impacting… It may not even be sinking in then, but may in the future.”

Nicholas eventually moved from Delhi to Sterlington to be closer to his teaching job. He started attending church more frequently at St. Joseph Parish in Bastrop where he met Fr. Lijo Thomas.

“I started helping more with RCIA. Instead of just being a person who just shows up on Sunday for an hour, I started participating more in the life of the church,” said Nicholas.

“I had been playing basketball with Fr. Lijo and Fr. Abraham, so I asked them [about priesthood] first because I didn’t even know there was a Vocations office. ... And so I talked to Fr. Lijo and he got me in contact with Vocations Director Fr. Long.”

Over the past two years, Nicholas and Fr. Matthew Long have spoken and began preparing him to enter seminary. Their work and waiting finally culminated in August when Nicholas began attending Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.

And despite being a “half Catholic” family, Nicholas laughs as he remembers his parents discussing vocations as an option for their four boys.

“I can actually remember when my parents would talk about vocations when I was a kid. Because they had literature, but the literature was not for the kids, it was for the parents. It said, ‘Let Your Kid Think About This.’ And my parents would always talk, so I guess they have to stand by their word, about how, ‘I can’t believe people would not want their kid to be a priest.’”

And so, true to their word, Nicholas’ parents have been supportive as he embarks on the next phase of his life: discerning priesthood in the seminary. • Interested in a vocation to the priesthood or religious life? Contact Fr. Matthew Long, Director of Vocations, 318-868-4441, or mlong@dioshpt.org.

September 2016 13

160 Years Holy Trinity Church of

O

n September 27, the Holy Trinity Catholic Church building will celebrate its 120th anniversary. The cornerstone of the current church building was installed on that date in 1896 and the stunning red-brick Romanesque Revival structure has been the centerpiece of a Catholic presence in downtown Shreveport ever since. In addition, the parish will celebrate 160 years since Fr. John Pierre was directed by the Bishop of Natchitoches, Bishop Augustus M. Martin, to establish a church. That first church was a wooden structure at the corner of Milam and McNeil streets.

Three years later, in 1859, a new church was built of brick on two lots near the northeast corner of Marshall and Fannin Streets.

Fr. Joseph Gentille, a native of Dongas, France, found this second structure in poor condition when he arrived in 1873 as pastor. The church had structural problems and the furnishings were in need of replacement. In 1879, the bell cracked.

By 1886, it was clear that the church needed to be replaced. Fundraising began and Fr. Gentille met with an architect during a visit home to France in 1887. With his death in October of 1895, Fr. Sebastian Scharl moved forward with construction when he was appointed pastor that same year. Fr. Scharl was limited to $18,000 for construction of the church building by Bishop Anthony Durier.

The completed church was dedicated on Sunday, October 1, 1899, but with minimal interior finishing until 1904 when funds were raised to create a space in keeping with the Romanesque exterior.

“It just looks like a church,” said Joe Littlejohn, a member of the pastoral council and a parishioner for over 20 years. And his observation is echoed by many who come through the doors for Mass or for a tour.

14 Catholic Connection

by Linda Webster

The ornate Romanesque altar, carved from Italian Carrara marble, soars toward the encircling stained glass windows and gilded dome of the apse.

The matching altar rail and the side altars were moved to the church from the St. Vincent Academy chapel in 1972.

“The Holy Name Society would send someone from the parish to pick us up at school to serve daily Mass,” said life-long parishioner Louis Cordaro, a 1964 graduate of Jesuit (now Loyola College Prep). “Afterwards we’d go to the rectory for donuts before going back to school.”

“One of the things I’ve most enjoyed over the years is having priests with different nationalities – the way they talked about where they were from and how they spoke,” added Cordaro.

Over the years, renovation and additional decoration enhanced the church without changing the ambiance which is important to those who have spent much of their lives with the parish. The present rectory was constructed next to the church in 1928 with funds raised from bridge parties, musical reviews, plays and magazine sales. With the arrival of Msgr.

Plauche in 1944, the church was renovated with a new roof, new pews and doors, a lighting system, more stained glass windows, and paintings of the five priests who died in 1873 during the Yellow Fever epidemic.

Holy Trinity Church circa 1900.

Outside of Holy Trinity Church in the 1920's.

By the 1970s, though, the building was showing its age.

According to a report in the Shreveport Times, the church was in danger of being demolished when Fr. William O’Hanlon arrived as pastor in 1976. The roof above the altar was in poor shape and water was leaking into the sanctuary causing damage.

Rotted wood framed the stained glass windows. Determined to save the church, O’Hanlon began a building fund that eventually raised over $1 million.

Renovations began in 1978 and included a ramp for the mobility impaired, “cry” rooms glassed in at the back of the sanctuary and a restroom. The roof was replaced in 1980 and a concrete parking area added to the exterior. The interior was refurbished in 1984, including new carpeting, Plexiglas sheathing for all of the stained glass windows, and new sound system which maintained the original look of the structure. The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and the renovation was completed in 1986.

Part of that renovation included painting the interior of the church, which meant that all of the ornate stenciling and portraiture needed to be reproduced after repairs to the plaster.

Some new portraits were added in keeping with the existing decoration. And all 216 light bulbs that arch above the altar were replaced since the scaffolding was already in place.

“You can see that some of the bulbs are out again,” pointed out organist and parish historian Madeline Elford whose perch in the choir loft gives her a clear view of the ceiling architecture.

“The last time we had the bulbs replaced, we found a man who used a ladder and members of the fire department helped steady it. Because the dome is curved and the altar in the center, the fire department couldn’t use their equipment to get up there.”

Joining Elford each Sunday in the choir loft is cantor Pete Terracina who attended Holy Trinity as a child in the late 1930s.

“Very little has changed,” he said of his return to Holy Trinity in 2006. “It has the same physical look.”

Terracina attended St. Mary’s school run by the Daughters of the Cross right next to Holy Trinity through seventh grade.

The school was demolished in 1954. About the same time that Terracina began school across the playground from the church, Msgr. Earl Provenza was baptized at the lovely marble font still in use at Holy Trinity.

“That was Christmas Day, 78 years ago,” Provenza said.

“Then I made my First Communion here and said my first Mass on May 31 in 1964, the day after I was ordained.”

Assigned in 2006 to pastor the parish he considers his spiritual home, he notes that there are many challenges with the urban setting. “We have no parish hall. I turned two of the bedrooms on the second floor of the rectory into classrooms so that we can offer First Communion and RCIA classes on Sunday mornings. We sometimes have 25 people coming to RCIA at 9:00 a.m. before Mass.”

The rectory no longer houses priests. Built in 1928, the small rooms, the cramped stairway, and the many windows provide an architectural glimpse of the past when a parish might have three or four resident priests who sat down formally to meals in the dining room.

“We have a special mission to the poor and needy since we are right downtown. We have a strong St. Vincent de Paul organization that provides 65 grocery baskets and turkeys to families in need at Thanksgiving. They go two-by-two into homes to help with electric bills, clothing, and even furniture, but also to observe and to pray with the residents.”

Joe Littlejohn explained that there is a real sense of community even without the usual parish buildings.

“We have a church festival every year. We cancel the noon Mass and start around 11:30 on the first floor of the Beaird Tower parking garage.”

Documenting the history of Holy Trinity has been an ongoing project. The pastoral council commissioned the late local historian, Eric Brock, in 2006 to document the backgrounds of all inscribed objects in the church, primarily the 85 stained glass windows. These stunning windows were installed in four phases with the initial installation from 1896-1899 during construction of the present church, to the three very large round windows that were installed in 1952. Fr. Pierre is memorialized in one of the windows installed in 1949, as are four other priests who also died in the yellow fever epidemic of 1873.

Curiously, six small windows below the large round window over the church entrance have been covered up since 1930 by the enclosed pipes of the organ in the choir loft. They can be viewed from the street outside, however.

Holy Trinity is an integral part of both the Diocese of Shreveport and downtown Shreveport. There will be a Mass celebrated in honor of their 160th anniversary on Saturday, October 1, at 4:15 p.m. The Mass will be a perfect opportunity for parishioners and the community to come together, admire the church and celebrate its unique place in local history. • September 2016 15

local NEWS Hosting Orphans Grants Family Grace

by Katie Aranda

I

saw a meme on Project 143’s page that said, “If you wait until your house is clean, your life is not busy, and you’ve got it all together, you’ll never do anything.” This rang true in our lives when we decided to host two orphans for the summer.

We brought two children of God from the Ukraine into our chaotic, loud, busy home and showed them real family life with all the joys, challenges and mess.

They didn’t speak English and we didn’t speak their language, but we understood hugs and smiles. We also understood frowns and looks of frustration.

So what did we do? We loved them.

We involved them in all aspects of our messy life from making meals to trips to the pool to adhering to a bedtime. We drove them 14 hours in our crowded minivan to a Catholic family camp and watched in amazement as they learned to fit into their groups, mastered the skill of riding a ripstick and performed solos in a talent show. They both learned to swim this summer.

Our host daughter was also a stage manager for a Missoula play. I’m still not sure how, considering she didn’t know it was “The Princess and the Pea” until day three when we got her a translated script.

Our host son, D., loved everything outdoors from riding bikes to catching lizards. With an additional “alpha” male in our home, we had growing pains and wrestling matches in our living room. But in the end, my son cried as D. left to go home to the Ukraine.

Everyone thought we were doing such a good thing by hosting, but I really think hosting benefits the host family more than the children who are hosted. When I needed more patience, God gave me opportunities for patience through hosting.

When our family needed to show more gratitude, God gave us the gift of hosting.

When we needed to open our eyes to 16 Catholic Connection

God’s love, he led people into our lives because of hosting. With all the “bad” in the world, hosting has shown us so much good, so much of God’s love. People in the community have gone out of their way to love and support these two children from donating clothes to spending time with them to trying to help with their future.

God’s love and acceptance are real. His mercy is real. I’ve seen it in these kids and everyone who has interacted with them.

My family has seen it and we have been forever changed because of one summer.

As I said before, we didn’t have it all together when they came and we still don’t.

We struggle just like other families. What I do know is that these kids see a future for themselves after being hosted. Our host daughter now talks about becoming a chef and going to a university. They saw that families can struggle and have challenges and still work through them with love.

They witnessed people who love them just because of who they are. I’m writing this to let you know that anyone can host (even with a messy life) and change a life forever…just don’t be surprised if it’s your own.

For more information on orphan hosting, visit Project 143's website, http:// www.projectonefortythree.org/ •

St. Vincent de Paul’s Friends of the Poor Walk • The FOP® Walk/Run began in 2008 to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, one of the oldest and most effective charitable organizations in the world.

• Funds raised are applied to a wide range of assistance for the needy and those living in poverty, including: housing assistance, disaster relief, job training and placement, food pantries, clothing, transportation and utility costs, care for the elderly and medicine.

• Each community’s Walk is organized and run by its own SVdP Conference or Council.

• Last year, our local ShreveportBossier Walk raised over $2,300 which was used to help those in need in Shreveport/Bossier City.

Since the Walk began in 2008, more than $14 million has been raised.

• Walkers are encouraged to make a personal monetary donation and collect pledges from supporters.

• The website (www.fopwalk.org) offers more details, including all of the participating Walk locations that are currently registered across the United States.

Date: September 24, 2016 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Walk Location: Arthur Ray Teague Parkway (Bossier City) – Main pavilion right next to the boat launch, just south of the Shreveport-Barksdale bridge.

Contact Brian Burgess Phone: 318-746-1299 Mobile: 318-780-7755 E-mail: baburgess@gmail.com

Mercy in Action

Joe Ellis Michael and Margie Michael

Elmer and Elizabeth Poss

Mercy is a Way of Life in Homer

by Linda Webster

I

n a small church like St. Margaret in Homer, mercy is a way of life. While everyone looks out for one another, a few parishioners stand out for their consistent and unsung contributions to those in need. Marjorie “Margie” Michael was one of those stand-outs.

“My mother was an angel come to earth,” said Joe Ellis Michael, her eldest son.

“My father was a true Southern gentleman and she was his bride for life.”

Margie put herself through nursing school at Centenary in spite of growing up as one of 10 children in Colquitt where there was little money. She became the school nurse for the Homer public schools system to have more time for her children, then continued working in health care with the Claiborne Parish Health unit and Claiborne Home Health when the children were grown. These were more than just jobs. “My family started the home health service and donated it to the hospital,” explained Michael.

But it was the small things she did that endeared her to the community. For example, she could be found volunteering at the ecumenical thrift store on West Main every week.

“She used to sit at this very card table and sort clothes on Thursdays,” said Doris Lowe, a member of the First Baptist Church which sponsors the ministry, pointing to a small, light blue table flanked by metal folding chairs with puffy white cushions on the seats.

The table is in the back of the old Emerson Motor Company garage, surrounded by piles of boxes and tables of goods being prepared for re-sale on the other side of the curtain where the sales floor is located. A couple of dozen volunteers from several local churches support the store which is open to the public two days a week to provide clothing, household goods, school uniforms, furniture and other items at low prices. Each year, funds from sales are divided up among the churches for charitable needs, but the shop also provides direct assistance to families who are in danger of losing power or water service.

“There was always chatter and laughing back here when Margie was working,” said Lowe. “She always insisted that a portion of our income go to support St. Jude

Hospital and, of course, St. Margaret received a portion as a participating church.”

Prior to her death in September 2015, she spent some time as a patient in the Claiborne Memorial Medical Center and Claiborne Rehabilitation where another St. Margaret parishioner, Elmer Poss, visited her faithfully every week.

Poss and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to Homer in 1949 to work at the Claiborne Electric Co-op where he eventually became the CEO before retiring in 1988.

His job put him in a unique position to help others. “He would be cringing if he knew we were talking about him right now,” said John Poss, Elmer’s son and the eldest of four siblings. “He never thought of himself, but always thought of others.”

John described a call that his father received one day at the office. “A homeowner called to say that his electric service was going to be cut off. Dad told the homeowner to come in and see him.

Meanwhile, he called the crew who were ready to shut down power and asked them to wait until he’d talked to the home owner. It turned out the guy was having a hard time financially so dad gave him the name of someone who was hiring. Then, he paid the homeowner’s bill in cash before calling the crew to tell them that ‘the bill is paid.’ He never said that he’d paid the bill only that ‘the bill is paid.’”

It was his visiting that so many remembered at his wake in February. He not only visited the hospital and nursing home faithfully each week, he also went out to the sick no matter where they might be. That included loading up his vehicle with food to drive out into the country to make home visits.

“He drove and visited until the day he died at the age of 95,” said John. “After he died, the people in the hospital asked after him. Three-quarters of the residents of the nursing home gathered around me when I visited on the day of his funeral.

Everyone said how much they would miss him.” • September 2016 17

Catholic Charities Strengthens Families with Healthy Eating on a Budget Initiative

by Lucy Medvec

CCNLA’s Gilda Rada-Garcia teaches families how to shop healthy on a budget during a grocery store tour.

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very day Catholic Charities of North Louisiana (CCNLA) meets with clients to not only provide assistance to meet their needs, but to also give them the knowledge to manage their resources in ways that benefit their families. Understanding the importance of strengthening families in our community, CCNLA has created the Healthy Eating on a Budget Initiative.

The Healthy Eating on a Budget Initiative (HEBI) teaches clients how to improve the health of their families through nutritional education, hands-on cooking classes, on-site grocery tours and access to a community garden. CCNLA is certified as a Gold Level Community Partner with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family services, enabling our agency to enroll eligible individuals into five state benefit programs. The HEBI was created in response to working with food stamp-eligible clients and realizing that although intended as a supplement, the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) was providing the main source of food dollars for their families. Gilda Rada-Garcia, CCNLA’s benefits enrollment specialist, works with CCNLA clients to teach them that healthy foods can be less expensive, more enjoyable and easy to prepare. The Healthy Eating on a Budget Initiative includes the following programs: • Healthy Eating Class – This class is presented twice a month on second and fourth Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. Clients learn about nutrition in a class setting, learn how to cook healthy through a cooking demonstration by a volunteer professional chef, and then eat the food that was prepared. Each participant receives a packet that includes nutrition and health information, the week’s recipes and the list of ingredients with local prices.

• Cooking Matters Course – The Cooking Matters course is a six week course sponsored by the Walmart Foundation that teaches families how to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices, take grocery store tours to learn healthy shopping and cook 18 Catholic Connection

delicious, affordable meals. The course is taught throughout the year both in English and Spanish. Course participants receive a workbook with weekly recipes as well as ingredients from each class to prepare that week’s recipes. In addition, clients receive a gift card to purchase food during the grocery store tour.

• Community Garden – Our community garden produces vegetables that are used by our volunteer chef in our cooking demonstrations. Clients are also encouraged to participate in the volunteer-run garden and develop their own plot.

The Healthy Eating on a Budget Initiative is funded by grants from the Walmart Foundation, Catholic Charities USA, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana, the United Way of Northwest Louisiana, CHRISTUS Health and United Healthcare. To sign up for Healthy Eating or Cooking Matters classes, call 318-865-0200, ext. 103. •

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Hires New Director

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eg Goorley has been hired as the new Executive Director for Catholic Charities of North Louisiana.

A parishioner at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Goorley has more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit organizations throughout Northwest Louisiana, most recently with the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana.

When asked about her immediate goals for CCNLA, Goorley wants to increase donor support for programs, especially immigration integration services, and work with the newly-opened Monroe office to establish the same services currently provided in Shreveport by recruiting donors, community partners and volunteers.

Pro-Life Ministry's Local Roots: Flo Alexander and PRI

by Susan Flanagan

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ishop Duca’s pro-life banquets and the establishment of Mary’s House have brought renewed hope to many in the Diocese of Shreveport. Hundreds have gathered each year for these annual dinners and have been challenged and inspired to increase their efforts to promote respect for life.

But you may not know that Catholics have been working for life in the Diocese of Shreveport for many years. Mary’s House is not the first Catholic effort locally to help women with pregnancies.

Flo Alexander, a tireless advocate for life, and her late husband Ladd were the “go-to” pro-life couple in the 1970’s.

When the Supreme Court decisions legalizing abortion were handed down in 1973, Flo and Ladd sprang into action. Ladd, an insurance executive, set up an office in the Beck Building in downtown Shreveport, personally paid for a secretary there, and started working intensively on lobbying and legislative efforts to outlaw abortion. He worked with Bob Winn and the Archdiocese of New Orleans to establish the Louisiana Right to Life Federation. He was also on the Board of the National Right to Life.

Whenever rumors would surface regarding attempts to establish an abortion clinic in Shreveport, Ladd met with Ladd and Flo Alexander with 11 of their 12 children. The Alexander's were some of the founders of pro-life ministry in Shreveport. the local landowners to dissuade them from allowing their buildings to be used for such a purpose.

During the nine plus years of PRI’s existence, hundreds of Flo was already a living witness for the beauty of life as the women were helped and many babies saved from abortion. Flo mother of 12 children. One weekend she was in Dallas, taking still grieves, however, over the ones who could not be reached, eight of her children to a swim meet. Upon her return, she those who were sometimes coerced into an abortion despite learned about a newly stationed couple at Barksdale AFB, Dr. Phillip and Jeanette Dreisbach, who had spoken against abortion PRI’s best efforts. She still remembers a talk given by Fr. Murray Clayton at the first Right to Life meeting in Shreveport. He at St. John’s during the weekend Masses. The Alexanders and the Dreisbachs soon became fast friends in the pro-life cause and said that there is a special Hebrew word for the killing of a their collaboration resulted in “Pregnancy Referral Information” child, different from any other kind of killing. The loss of that innocent life and the impact it would have had on the world is (PRI). The purpose of the service was two-fold: to help in a category all its own. But she takes consolation in the many women with problem pregnancies and to educate everyone who were saved and helped because of PRI. She and countless about the evolving medical issues in this field. Flo attracted others are now encouraged by the renewed efforts in the Diocese many dedicated volunteers who provided a variety of services, of Shreveport with the establishment of Mary’s House. • including answering the phone, professional counseling and even opening their homes to the young mothers.

Schumpert Hospital administered free pregnancy tests for PRI and also provided a meeting room. Sr. Paula Vandergaer, niece of the late Msgr. John Vandergaer, came to Shreveport from Mary’s House Heart of Hope Maternity California and was a tremendous resource through her work at 906 Margaret Place 10420 Heart of Hope Way Shreveport, LA 71101 Keithville, LA 71047 Alternatives to Abortion. PRI took calls from all over the area, maryshouseofla.org heartofhopeministry.com often going to meet young mothers at various locations around 318-220-8009 318-925-4663 the Ark-La-Tex. It was quite an operation and undertaking for Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats a woman already busy with her own growing family, although Ark-La-Tex Crisis for post-abortion healing Pregnancy Center Flo is quick to name friends and volunteers who made it all 877-HOPE 4 ME 921 Shreveport Barksdale Hwy possible. She especially credits Marilyn Mabry Lincoln, who set (877-467-3463) Shreveport, LA 71105 up the phone service and the roster of volunteers; and the late altcpc.com National Hotline for 318-861-4600 or Dolores Gaiennie who prepared the monthly newsletter. The late Abortion Recovery 1-800-712-4357 Fr. Joseph Browning, S.J. gave valued encouragement as well as 866-482-LIFE (866-482-5433) financial help.

Need Help with Pregnancy?

September 2016 19

Seminarian Attends World Youth Day in Poland

by Raney Johnson

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n July, I made a pilgrimage with many other youth from Louisiana to Poland for World Youth Day. Many aspects of the pilgrimage excited me. The trip would be my first trip outside of the U.S. and my first World Youth Day. The World Youth Day events lasted for six days and culminated in the World Youth Day Mass with Pope Francis.

The days before the Mass included the opening ceremony for World Youth Day, Catechism lessons with other English speaking countries and speeches by Pope Francis from the balcony of the archbishop’s residence in Krakow. The evening before the World Youth Day Mass with Pope Francis, there was vigil in preparation for the Mass. All the pilgrims from around the world walked on foot for many miles to reach the large field that would hold the millions of youth for the World Youth Day Vigil and Mass. Since the walk to the field was far away from the hostels and hotels where many of the pilgrims stayed, a lot of the groups slept outside overnight in the large field. When my group reached the field, we found an area in our assigned section and began building a tent city to spend the night. That day I truly felt like a pilgrim. We walked the many miles carrying food, water, sleeping bags and extra clothes in our backpacks for the 24 hours we would spend at the field.

Pope Francis encouraged us during the World Youth Day Vigil to not be “couch potatoes” and to go out into the world. Every part of World Youth Day, especially our walk to the field, made me feel we were living his message.

He also told us to build bridges with others and not walls.

Pope Francis’ words meant a lot to me because during the days before the Vigil. I encountered hundreds of people from other countries and shared many experiences with them. World Youth Day made me understand how truly universal our Catholic Church is. Every continent was represented at World Youth Day and all the different countries carried and waved their flags throughout the week.

On the streets, buses and trains throughout the city, millions of Catholics from 20 Catholic Connection

around the world shared their Catholic faith and patriotism with each other.

However, at the vigil, we were all gathered in one place after being scattered throughout the week. When the Blessed Sacrament was exposed and Pope Francis led us in adoration, all the flags were lowered and everyone knelt on the ground to adore Jesus Christ together. At that moment we were all one and our only focus was Jesus Christ. When the vigil ended, many groups kept singing throughout the night until the early hours of the morning. The excitement for the Mass with Pope Francis could definitely be seen among all the pilgrims.

The next day we all woke up from our sleeping bags and tents to prepare for Mass with Pope Francis. The Mass finished the World Youth Day events and when Pope Francis announced that the next World Youth Day would be in Panama in 2019, everyone cheered with excitement. After the Mass the millions of pilgrims exited the field to return to the heart of Krakow and prepare to return to their countries. I am honored that I had the opportunity to represent the Diocese of Shreveport in Poland.

One of the most important lessons I took from World Youth Day in Poland is that there are millions of young people throughout the world who are fervently practicing their Catholic faith and want to go into the world and share their faith. I want to do the same and share all that I experienced in Poland with others. •

2016-2017 DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT SEMINARIANS Our seminarians are studying and working hard at seminary to be future priests for the Diocese of Shreveport. Tear this page out, hang it on your refrigerator or somewhere else prominent and pray for these men. Consider sending them a letter of encouragement or a birthday card!

FIDEL MONDRAGON Candidacy to Holy Orders

3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 Birthday: September 5 St. Joseph Parish, Mansfield

DUANE TROMBETTA 3rd Year Theology Notre Dame Seminary

2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118 Birthday: September 24 Holy Trinity Parish, Shreveport

KEVIN MUES

RANEY JOHNSON

2nd Year Pre-Theology Notre Dame Seminary

2nd Year Pre-Theology Notre Dame Seminary

2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118

2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118

Birthday: January 25

Birthday: April 12

Christ the King, ULM, Monroe

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Shreveport

NICHOLAS DUNCAN

JEFFERY (JEB) KEY

1st Year Pre-Theology Notre Dame Seminary

4th Year College St. Joseph Seminary College

2901 South Carrollton Ave. New Orleans, LA 70118

75376 River Road P.O. Box 573 St. Benedict, LA 70457

Birthday: November 24 St. Joseph Parish, Bastrop

Birthday: August 4

St. John the Baptist, Many

Omar Lopez

KELBY TINGLE

2nd Year College Seminary of St. Mary of Guadalupe

2nd Year College St. Joseph Seminary College

Calle Ignacio Allende No. 367, Col. Tlalpan C.P. 14000, Mexico City, Mexico

75376 River Road P.O. Box 552 St. Benedict, LA 70457

Birthday: July 11

Birthday: August 1

Nuestra Señora de San Juan, Degollado, Jalisco, Mexico

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport September 2016 21

New Marriage Rite

New Translation Takes Effect in Coming Months

by Dianne Rachal, Director of Worship

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atholic weddings in the United States will soon look somewhat different. Changes are coming, and very soon. A new English translation was approved by the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments in June 2015. This new translation may begin to be used this month.

After the Second Vatican Council in the 1960’s, all of the liturgical rites and sacraments of the Catholic Church were reformed. The marriage rite was promulgated in Latin in March 1969, and the English translation has been in use since then. Pope St. John Paul II approved a second edition of the marriage rite in 1991. The U.S. bishops submitted a new English translation to the Vatican in 2013, and recognitio was granted June 29, 2015. Twenty-five years after the Latin typical edition, marriages in the United States are about to be celebrated according to the new rite. The basic structure of the marriage rite remains the same, but there are some changes.

Changes in the Marriage Rite

First of all, the name of the marriage rite changes from the Rite of Marriage to the Order of Celebrating Matrimony. The U.S. bishops thought that ‘matrimony’ has a more sacred connotation than the word 22 Catholic Connection

Three rites of marriage are included in the second edition: 1. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony within Mass 2. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass 3. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony between a Catholic and a Catechumen or a Non-Christian

‘marriage.’ This is very important in light of the recent attempts to redefine what marriage means in America.

“Celebrating” is a reminder that a sacrament of the Church is celebrated.

Three rites of marriage are included in the second edition: 1. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony within Mass 2. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony without Mass 3. The Order of Celebrating Matrimony between a Catholic and a Catechumen or a Non-Christian As with the implementation of the new Roman Missal in 2011, the prayers of the new marriage rite will sound different due to a closer direct translation of the original Latin. The Introduction has been expanded from 18 to 44 paragraphs and includes a fuller theology of marriage, pastoral

suggestions and marriage preparation for the couple. The Penitential Act is omitted and the Gloria is used.

There are more choices of prayers and Scripture readings. There is a new acclamation by the people following the Consent: “Thanks be to God,” allowing everyone an opportunity to express their joy at the joining of the couple in marriage.

The U.S. bishops requested two cultural adaptations for optional use in marriage celebrations in English that are commonly used among Spanishspeaking communities: the blessing and giving of arras (coins) and the blessing and imposition of either the lazo (a wedding cord or lasso) or the veil. The exchange of arras between the bride and groom symbolizes the good gifts they will share during their married life. The lazo or veil is a symbol of the indissoluble union that the couple has established.

There are three new appendices in the second edition of the marriage rite: 1. Examples of the Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful) 2. The Blessing of an Engaged Couple 3. The Order of Blessing a Married Couple within Mass on the Anniversary of Marriage Priests and deacons may begin to use the new marriage rite on September 8, 2016, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All marriages must be celebrated using the new rite by December 30, 2016, the Feast of the Holy Family.

The new Order of Celebrating Matrimony has more options and cultural adaptations, is more inclusive and pastorally sensitive, and more clearly reflects the theology of Catholic marriage. This new English translation has been anticipated for a very long time. It will be exciting to soon experience the new marriage rite as the Church solemnizes and supports the journey of love and lifelong union on which couples are embarking. •

hispanic NEWS por Rosalba Quiroz

Oportunidad de Estudiar el Diaconado

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ué cosa es un Diácono? ¿Qué es lo que hace? ¿Por qué se necesitan diáconos? ¿Podría ser yo un diácono? Este artículo te aclara estas preguntas.

Un diácono es un hombre ordenado (o sea que es parte del clero de la iglesia católica), está llamado a servir a la Iglesia en cuatro áreas: en la Palabra, los Sacramentos (Liturgia), en la Caridad y en la Pastoral Gobernante.

Algunas de sus funciones son, ayudar en la misa, celebrar bautismos y matrimonios, ofrecer homilías, llevar a cabo funerales, vigilias y la veneración del Santísimo Sacramento. Trabaja con los Ministros de la Eucaristía, preparación para los Sacramentos, educación en la fe, grupos de oración y todos los ministerios de la iglesia.

Existen dos tipos de diáconos, los que van a ser sacerdotes primero son ordenados diáconos pero después de unos meses, son ordenados sacerdotes. Sin embargo hay otro tipo de diáconos, los diáconos permanentes, ellos pueden ser casados, solteros o viudos, siempre y cuando

hayan cumplido con los otros requisitos necesarios para ser ordenados al diaconado permanentemente.

Ahora existen 32 en la diócesis pero solo uno sirve a la comunidad hispana, el Diácono Ricardo Rivera quien sirve en la parroquia de Cristo Rey. Nuestro Obispo Miguel Duca ha autorizado la formación de un grupo más de diáconos que comenzará a estudiar en enero del 2017.

Necesitamos más hombres sirviendo en las comunidades hispanas por lo que el Obispo nos pide buscar hombres hispanos que sientan el llamado a trabajar en esta digna labor.

Los requisitos para ingresar a la escuela de diaconado son: • Hombres de mínimo 35 años de edad.

• Ser católico practicante y estar en completa comunión con la iglesia.

• Poder leer/escribir algo de inglés. (No tiene que dominarlo pues la universidad de Dallas quien ofrece el programa trabajaría para ayudarle con los trabajos.

• Si está casado, la esposa debe

Calendario de los Meses de Septiembre 1-2 Entrenamiento de Equipo de Liderazgo para el V Encuentro – St. Agustín, FL. 3 Peregrinación Jubilar a las primeras iglesias Católicas de Estados Unidos, San Agustin, FL. 9:00am 24 2ª Reunión en preparación de Experiencia Cristo, Centro Católico 10am-12pm.

24 Reunión para todos los que han vivido Búsqueda, Centro Católico 1pm-4pm.

apoyarlo en todos los aspectos de este llamado.

Si usted o alguien que conoce desea información o una entrevista para saber más, favor de comunicarse a la oficina del ministerio hispano o directamente a la oficina del diaconado: www.dioshpt. org/ministries/permanent-diaconate También para más información sobre el ministerio del diaconado puede ir a la página de internet de la Conferencia Episcopal de Obispos en los Estados Unidos: http://www.usccb. org/news/2013/13-149sp.cfm. •

September 2016 23

Kids' Connection!

This Month We Learn About Saint Vincent de Paul

Born to poor farmers in France, at 15 St. Vincent de Paul was sent to seminary and ordained a priest at 19. When he was 24, he was captured by pirates while at sea and sold into slavery. He was a slave for three years, when his third owner repented and snuck him back to France. Back in France, he served the Gondi family as chaplain and began to serve the poor with the family’s help. He later organized the wealthy women of Paris to help pay for assitance to the poor, hospitals, war relief and to free slaves in Africa. He also helped educate other priests.

Word Find CHARITY

MARILLAC

SLAVERY

CLERGY

MISSIONARY

VINCENT DE PAUL

FARMERS

PARIS

VINCENTIANS

GONDI

PIRATES

WAR RELIEF

24 Catholic Connection

Quick Facts

• St. Vincent de Paul’s feast day is September 27.

• St. Vincent was captured by pirates and forced to be a slave for three years.

• He created the Daughters of Charity, a group of wealthy women who helped those in need.

• He became the leader of the Congregation of the Mission, priests who were devoted to helping the poor in small towns. They were later named the Vincentians.

Pa u

who was he?

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school NEWS

St. Fred's Lock-In

SJB Teachers Trained and Ready

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t. John Berchmans teachers were busy this summer and obtained over 400 hours of professional development.

Middle school teachers received 180 hours of Pre AP training provided by the College Board as a way of preparing students to take Advanced Placement courses in high school. The assistant principal, Jennifer Deason, just completed her coursework for her doctorate in Educational Leadership, and is working on her dissertation.

SJB welcomes new certified teachers: Suzanne Malarcher for 2nd grade who holds a Masters in Education, Jennifer Allen for 4th grade who also holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education, and Debora Ligon for 5th grade who holds a double certification in

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eventh grade students attended a lock-in at St. Frederick High School. They were treated to pizza, enjoyed fellowship and devotions and competed in games. “This is a great opportunity for the Student Council to meet our incoming 7th graders, and a chance for the 7th graders to get to know each other,” said Amanda Bryant, Senior Class President.

OLF Teachers Prepared!

Mild/Moderate and Elementary Education. With a Masters degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Ashley Timmons is also new to SJB as Marketing and Counseling services.

Biggest Freshman Class at Loyola

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ur Lady of Fatima teachers gathered together to prepare for an awesome new school year on Wednesday, August 10.

JGS Staff Assisted Retreat

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his year Loyola proudly welcomes its biggest group of freshmen yet. The Flyer class of 2020 is 131 strong, representing 18 different middle schools and is 45% Catholic. The new Flyers bring Loyola’s total enrollment to 461 for this school year.

Mary Beth Fox, Loyola’s Admissions Coordinator, credits several factors for the increasing enrollment, but first among them is Loyola’s Shadow Program. “To

see us is to love us,” says Fox. The Shadow Program is so effective that 131 of 163 students who visited Loyola’s campus last year went on to enroll as students.

“Visiting students are drawn to the personal attention each student receives here,” Fox continues.

Incoming freshmen comment most about the respect they witness on campus, especially the respect students demonstrate for each other.

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GS Pre-k 3 teacher, Katherine Gilbert, along with five St. Frederick High School students and youth minister, Mark Loyett, participated in the Just5Days Catholic Youth Mission. Just5Days is an experience of service, hands-on learning activities, prayer and liturgy.

Katherine and her students provided service to several charity organizations in their community.

September 2016 25

across the GLOBE from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Diocese of Shreveport Priest Assignments

by Christine Rivers, Chancellor

I am humbled by the fact that the pope would ask me to undertake this

challenge at this stage of my life, and that he would entrust me with this new department.

– Bishop Kevin Ferrell

USCCB President Welcomes Pope Francis Naming Bishop Kevin Farrell Head of New Dicastery

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ASHINGTON– In an of Dallas in an outpouring of love August 17 statement, United in response to the terrible violence.

States Conference of Catholic I am also grateful for his service to Bishops (USCCB) President Archbishop the USCCB as treasurer, where his Joseph E. Kurtz welcomed the news that leadership set the highest standards of Bishop Kevin Joseph Farrell, of Dallas, has been appointed Our prayers are with Bishop as the first prefect of the Farrell as he prepares for Vatican’s new Laity, Family, and Life dicastery. this new role in service to Archbishop Kurtz’s the universal Church. statement follows: The Holy See’s new Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life good stewardship. gained a prefect with deep pastoral roots From our time together on the and strong administrative skill. Our USCCB Administrative Committee, prayers are with Bishop Farrell as he I have come to know Bishop Farrell prepares for this new role in service to not only as a good bishop, but also as the universal Church. a good friend. While we will miss him On making the appointment, Pope as a member of our Conference, I am Francis wrote that the Dicastery is to excited to see how Bishop Farrell will ensure “the riches of Jesus Christ are bring the new Dicastery to life in service poured out appropriately and with to families around the world. We look profusion among the faithful.” Most forward to being active supporters of recently, Bishop Farrell led the faithful this important work.

26 Catholic Connection

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ll priest assignments were effective June 29, 2016.

• Rev. Michael Thang’wa, FMH appointed pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Many and St. Terence Church. He takes the place of Rev. Thomas Elavunkal, CMI, who returned to India on May 4.

• Rev. Thomas John Vadakemuriyil, CMI, relieved of responsibilities at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Shreveport and assigned as a priest in residence in the rectory of St. Joseph Parish, Shreveport, to assist with weekend liturgies and other ministries, not conflicting with primary work as chaplain at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center.

• Rev. Keith Garvin assigned as administrator of St. Matthew Parish, Monroe, in addition to assignment as pastor of Jesus Good Shepherd Parish, Monroe.

• Rev. Richard Norsworthy relieved of assignment as pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Monroe, and appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Zwolle.

• Rev. Matthew T. Long appointed Assistant Chaplain to Loyola College Prep, concurrent with assignment as Diocesan Vocations Director and other pastoral assignments.

• Rev. LaVerne “Pike” Thomas relieved of assignment as Vicar for Clergy and assigned as Associate to the Vicar for Clergy in addition to pastor of St. Jude Parish.

• Rev. Jerry Daigle, Jr. appointed as Associate Vocations Director in addition to assignment as parochial vicar of St. Jude Parish.

• Very Rev. Rothell Price appointed as Vicar for Clergy, concurrent with assignment as Vicar General.

Diocese to Host Peace Novena from Shelly Bole, Director of Catechesis

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eginning September 11, 2016, Bishop Michael Duca invites everyone in the diocese to join in praying a Novena for Peace.

Our world has become increasingly violent in both actions and words which has left many feeling vulnerable, frightened or angry.

After the events in Dallas and Baton Rouge there was a large cry for non-violence and peace. However, the desire for peace doesn’t feel as urgent when there are no events which can catapult us into crisis mode.

As Catholics we believe that prayer is perpetual and ongoing. We also believe that prayer is not a magic formula, but an opening of ourselves to God in order to increase faith and grow in love of God and neighbor. Prayer encourages transformation by growing in virtues and holiness.

The Novena for Peace is grounded in the famous prayer of St Francis of Assisi, “Lord Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace.” Each day is a reflection on a stanza from the original prayer. You will notice that the reflections are not so much about changing others, but about a personal transformation which helps us to be agents of peace to the larger community.

What is a Novena?

A novena is nine days of prayer/devotion with a specific intention in mind. This devotion originated in the nine days Mary and the Disciples were in the Upper Room between Ascension and Pentecost.

How to Pray a Novena

When you begin a novena, have a clear idea of the intention and keep it focused in the center of your thoughts throughout the novena period, even when you are not actively praying. Choose a time of day to recite the prayer. Having a designated specific time every day increases the discipline of praying and can be a little sacrifice. Recite the designated prayer for that day, reflecting on the specific intention.

Reflect on the intention even when you are not actively reciting the prayer. Some distraction is expected; try to minimize it as much as possible.

What are the benefits of a Novena?

The spiritual benefits of this devotion are many in number. First, it is a means for praising God. Second, the structure provides a unique channel to express spiritual wants, needs or sentiments. Third, when spoken as a Church family (as we are asking of the members of our diocese), it strengthens the connection between the individual and the larger Catholic community.

When do we begin?

As a diocese we will begin on September 11, 2016, when the novena will begin at all the celebrated Masses. The date of September 11 makes this devotion even more significant. Each day pray the appropriate reflection. You can do this as a family, in your classrooms, at parish meetings, at daily Mass. Pick a time and stick with it. Remember, there are blessings in little acts of sacrifice. We are praying for peace within in our world. Peace begins first within each of us with a shift in attitude or awareness which in turn affects those with whom we interact.

Please join us September 11-19 in praying for peace. •

Prayers for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace…

Day 1: Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Jesus, Prince of Peace, when politics tempt me to hate the other side, when fear causes me to judge others, when my thoughts walk the paths of anger’s edge: teach me to love as You have loved me.

Day 2: Where there is injury, let me sow pardon. Jesus, Word Made Flesh, when words cut sharp as knives, when idle gossip tears apart, when carelessness wounds: teach me to pardon and heal as You have healed and pardoned me.

Day 3: Where there is doubt, let me sow faith. Jesus, Alpha and Omega, when the fog of doubt causes skepticism, when media creates suspicion, when questions lead to uncertainty, help me to see with eyes of faith and speak Your words of promise.

Day 4: Where there is despair, let me sow hope. Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, teach me to hope when I’m unsure of many things, to trust when I want so much to give up, to believe when I’m confused and lost in doubt, and teach me to share Your truth and my hope in You with those who struggle or have none.

Day 5: Where there is darkness, let me sow light. Jesus, Light of the World, teach me to trust in Your light when I cannot find it, to walk by Your light when the shadows beckon, to stand firm in Your light when darkness threatens and to share Your light and its warmth with all who seek it.

Day 6: Where there is sadness, let me sow joy. Jesus, Balm of Gilead, lighten my heart with the gifts of Your Spirit, touch my heart’s ache with the peace of Your presence, lift my heart’s burdens and free me to share the gift of Your joy, the joy of Your grace.

Day 7: Grant that I may be a source of consolation, understanding and love. Jesus, Son of the Living God, open my eyes that I might see and then respond to other’s burdens. When I do not understand, put a guard over my mouth so that I may not demonize or dismiss others, help me to love as You have loved me.

DAY 8: For it is in giving that we receive. Jesus, Giver of All Good Gifts, teach me to openly and freely accept what you give and what others offer me. May these make me genuine in faith and hope, sincere in charity and bountiful in generosity. Grant me the grace to give as You give.

DAY 9: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. Jesus, Mercy of God, You count no sin against those who freely and honestly forgive. Help me to grow each day in the awareness that only in pardoning can life grow in me and in the world. Forgive me, have mercy on me and save me.

Refrain for each day to end the prayer of the novena: O my Lord Jesus, strengthen me to die to myself and live only for You and for my neighbor.

September 2016 27

around the DIOCESE

Administrators Prepared

Youth Go to Steubenville South

D

iocese of Shreveport Catholic School administrators gathered for a workshop with Fr. Charles LaTour, OP at the Catholic Center to prepare for the new school year.

Confirmation at OLBS

M

embers of the St. John the Baptist Youth group in Many attended the Steubenville South Catholic Youth Conference in Alexandria this summer. The event offered a deep and moving experience of prayer

and fellowship. Special thanks to chaperones who attended with the youth: Amy Ebarb, Tracie Key, Angelique Mitchell, Matthew Couvillion, Clauriste Byles, Melissa McElwee, Brandy Soileau and Katie and Jeremie Ryan!

Hispanic Community Makes Pilgrimage to Holy Door

O

n June 26 Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish celebrated Confirmation.

Pictured: Krisha Aytona, Shelby Welss, Adriane Aytona and Dylan Allen, Fr. Andre McGrath, Bishop Michael G. Duca, Fr. John Bosco and Deacon Charles Thomas.

Cave Quest VBS in Many

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he Hispanic Communities in the diocese organized a pilgrimage to the Holy Door which included outside Stations of the Cross, confession and 28 Catholic Connection

Benediction. Priests serving the Hispanic Catholics in the diocese were present, along with seminarian Fidel Mondragon and a visit from Bishop Duca.

S

t. John the Baptist held their Vacation Bible School the week of July 25. The Cave Quest theme encouraged kids to follow Jesus wherever he leads them.

Theology on Tap with Fr. Pike Thomas

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r. Pike Thomas made a presentation to young adults at Theology on Tap Thursday August 11, at Red River Brewing about the Top 10 Moments in the History of the Catholic Church.

Youth Attended Working Retreat

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orty-three young people and their adult leaders from 10 parishes gathered for a working retreat to learn about their roles as Council members, select core team leaders and plan for their leadership roles for the Encounter Jesus II youth event held on August 27.

Vacation Bible School Goes Under the Sea in Minden

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t. Paul Parish in Minden’s Vacation Bible School had 42 children in attendance. VBS was themed “Finding God!” and parish hall decorations were under the sea. All three evenings were fun-packed and spirit-filled. Pictured: Father Sebastian Kallarackal leads opening prayer.

St. Jude Youth Join in Pro-Life Walk

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t. Jude Youth Group once again joined the Crossroads Pro-Life Movement July 7 to walk a few miles through Bossier on the group’s pilgrimage across America. These young people hope to impact others by witnessing to the dignity and sanctity of all human life, from the moment of conception to natural death.

Knights of St. Peter Claver Hosted Breakfast at Little Flower

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he Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 160 from Little Flower of Jesus Catholic Parish in Monroe, served a delicious home cooked breakfast to the parishioners and visitors on Sunday, July 31, after the 9:00 a.m. Mass in an effort to recruit/retain members.

The organization follows the humanitarian example of St. Peter Claver of serving God by focusing on the needs of the African American community.

September 2016 29

mark your CALENDAR 9/8

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Western Deanery Banquet Please join Bishop Michael Duca at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Western Deanery Banquet, "Not Too Far From Here." The Centenary College Choir will provide music. There will be special messages by Dr. Pat Day, Senior Pastor at First United Methodist of Shreveport, and L. Lawrence Brandon, Bishop of Praise Temple Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral. The event will take place on September 8 at the Bossier Civic Center. Dinner by Savoie's begins at 6:30 p.m. with the program at 7:15 p.m.

Individual reservations are $60 each with sponsorship options. Seats are limited!

For more information, contact Bonnie Martinez at 318-564-2587. Checks for reservations and donations can be sent to: Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 52403, Shreveport, LA 71135.

9/10

Growing Confident Catholics: Scripture Basics – Monroe This two hour seminar will include understanding the Catholic approach to Scripture, learning how the Bible is God’s revelation of Himself, how the Bible is divided, finding verses and praying with Scripture. Participants will experience the Bible with hands on approaches and leave with tools for guiding others. This seminar will take place at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish in Monroe, located at 2510 Emerson St., at 9:30 a.m. For more information, call Shelly Bole at the Catholic Center, 318-868-4441.

9/19

Growing Confident Catholics: Scripture Basics – Mansfield See above listing for seminar description. This seminar will take place at St. Joseph Parish in Mansfield, located at 305 Jefferson St., at 6:15 p.m. For more information, call Shelly Bole at the Catholic Center, 318868-4441.

9/23

Fundraiser for the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land – Monroe Fr. Peter Vasko will represent the FFHL at Bella Scanza, 231 DeSiard Street, Monroe on Friday, September 23. Cuisine: Middle 30 Catholic Connection

Eastern prepared by Athena Restaurant.

Purchase tickets for $50 by calling John Morris at 318-325-3741.

9/27

Fundraiser for the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land – Shreveport Fr. Peter Vasko will represent the FFHL at 732 Elmwood in Shreveport at 6:00 p.m.

Purchase tickets for $50 by calling the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans office at 318-221-5296.

10/1

St. Pius X Ladies Guild's Style Show & Luncheon St.Pius X Ladies' Guild is hosting its 9th annual Style Show & Luncheon on October 1. Dillards at Mall St. Vincent will present their fall fashions with live models from the Shreveport area. There will be door prizes. Lunch will be served

by Le LouiSiane Catering. The event will be at Trinity Heights Baptist Church, 3820 Old Mooringsport Rd., 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 purchased in advance from any Guild member or contact Earline Davis at 318-453-5700.

10/2

Blessing of the Pets and Low Cost Vaccination at St. Mary of the Pines St. Mary of the Pines will offer a blessing for pets as well as a low cost pet vaccination clinic on October 2, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at 1050 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop in Shreveport. Southern Hills Animal Hospital and Drs. Steven and Brad Everson will be available. For more information call the Parish Office, 318-687-5121.

10/9

Multicultural Rosary On Sunday, October 9, St. Joseph Parish in Shreveport will host their Third Annual Diocesan Multicultural Rosary at 2:00 p.m. The Rosary will be held in the Church located at 204 Patton Avenue, Shreveport. Each decade of the Rosary will be prayed in a different language. The first half of each prayer will be said in the foreign languages and all responses to those prayers will be in English. A reception with light refreshments will follow the Rosary. For more information, contact the parish office at 318-865-3581.

10/14

Weekend for Married Couples October 14-15, at the Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center in Baton Rouge. Go on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend for 44 hours where married couples get away from jobs, kids, chores and phones and focus on each other. For more information call 470-297-8560 or go online to LAMS-wwme.org.

10/18

Growing Confident Catholics: Forming Families of Faith Webinar Did you know the Church calls the family the “Domestic Church”? In this two part webinar catechists, parents, grandparents and other inquiring minds will discover the beauty of the Domestic Church and concrete, applicable tools for helping families know Jesus and grow in holiness. Part 2 of the webinar will take place on October 25. You can log-in to the webinar by visiting www. dioshpt.org/catechesis .

10/22

St. Paschal Church Herbal Harvest Arts and Crafts Festival This free event hosts more than 60 vendors selling herb plants, original arts and crafts and home-prepared foods. Bring the whole family. The event will take place at St. Paschal Parish, 711 N. 7th St., West Monroe, on October 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information about the event or to be a vendor, contact Pat Regan at 318-801-9138, or patregan1@bellsouth.net.

10/29

Catholic Charities' Bingo on the Bayou Save the date! Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is presenting a fundraiser – Bingo on the Bayou! This casual night will be October 29 at 601 Spring Street in downtown Shreveport. Local priests will serve as bingo callers, including Bishop Michael G. Duca. Tickets are $50 each with table sponsorships at $750, $1000 and $1500. Catering provided by Silver Star Smokehouse and there will be a Louisiana-themed silent auction.

For more information, contact CCNLA at 318-865-0200, ext. 101 or visit www. ccnla.org.

SEPTEMBER

2016

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

SATURDAY

28 29 30 31 1 2 3 The Passion of St. John the Baptist

Second Collection: Catholic University of America St. Gregory the Great, pope & doctor of the Church

SVdP Banquet / SEPT 8

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Second Collection: Catholic University of America

LABOR DAY

Catholic Center Closed Bl. Theresa of Calcutta, religious

Monroe Principals Deadline for the Meeting, 9:30am October issue of the Catholic St. Vincent de Connection Paul Banquet, Bossier Civic Center, 6:30pm

Shreveport Principals Meeting, Catholic Center, 9am

Theology on Tap, Red River Brewing, 6:30pm

Candidacy to Holy Orders Cathedral, 4pm Growing Confident Catholics, Jesus the Good Shepherd, 9:30am

Candidacy to Holy Orders / SEPT 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Novena for Peace Begins (see pg. 27)

The Most Holy Name of Mary

St. John Protecting Chrysostom, God's Children, bishop & doctor Catholic Center, of the Church 6pm

Our Lady of Sorrows

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Bishop's Cup Football Game: Loyola vs. St. Frederick, Messmer Stadium, 6pm

St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop & doctor of the Church

Sts. Cornelius, pope, & Cyprian, bishop, martyrs

Poor Man's Supper / Sept 21

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Presbyteral Protecting God's Council Children, Mary Meeting, Queen of Peace, Catholic Center, 6pm 1pm Growing Confident Sts. Andrew Kim Catholics, St. Tae-gon, priest Joseph, Mansfield & Paul Chong 6:15pm Ha-sang, & companions, St. Januarius, martyrs bishop & martyr

St. Pius of Pietrelcina, priest

St. Vincent de Paul's Poor Man Supper, Jesus the Good Shepherd School Gym, 6pm

St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk, Arthur Ray Teague Parkway Main Pavilion, 9am

St. Matthew, apostle

SVDP Friends of the Poor Walk / SEPT 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 1 Sts. Cosmas & Damian, martyrs

Theology on Tap, Monago Fieldhouse, Monroe, 6:30pm St. Vincent de Paul, priest

St. Wenceslaus, martyr; St. Lawrence Ruiz & companions, martyrs

Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels

St. Jerome, priest & doctor of the Church

Holy Trinity's 160th Anniversary Mass, 4:15pm St. Thérèse of the Child

Holy Trinity 160th Anniversary/ OCT 1 September 2016 31

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

Photo of the Month Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows novice, Heather, was one of many who accompanied a group of high school girls from the Diocese of Shreveport on the Beloved retreat at Kings Camp. She is pictured with attendee Karen Vazquez. Over three days the young women had fun, spoke with the sisters and enriched their spirituality.

32 Catholic Connection

Fairfield