February 2022

CATHOLIC CONNECTION Volume 31 No. 7 | February 2022

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CATHOLIC CONNECTION PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone

EDITOR

Kierstin Richter

CONTRIBUTORS

Mike Van Vranken Kim Long Mary Arcement Alexander Patti Underwood Rosalba Quiroz Lucy Medvec Benjamin Luckett Julia Vanchiere Deacon Scott Brandle Jordan Harris Amy Fakhre

EDITORIAL BOARD Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox Kim Long Kate Rhea Rosalba Quiroz Fr. Matthew Long Dr. Carynn Wiggins

SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES Contact: Blanca Vice Email: bvice@dioshpt.org Write: The Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441 Fax: 318-868-4609

SUBMISSIONS

Contact: Kierstin Richter Email: krichter@dioshpt.org All submissions must be received by the first Friday of the month for the following month’s publication.

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

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’ 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 your local law enforcement agency and Mary Katherine Arcement, Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister, at 318-584-2411.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Catholic Connection is a monthly publication funded by your Diocesan Stewardship 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 faith community.

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Out of the Catholic Bubble I didn’t have a solid group of Catholic friends until Ben and I started going to Saint Joseph’s last year. Before that, he was all I really had, but I was in severe lack of Catholic girlfriends. I mean it when I say a good faith community is transformative and integral to a vibrant spiritual life.

But when you’ve finally found people that you vibe with on a spiritual level, the differences between you and your old friends can become even more pronounced, especially if you have become more public about your spiritual life.

It’s tempting to want to only surround yourself with a Catholic crowd because it’s where you feel most accepted and understood. It can be painful to listen to our old friends, ones we love deeply, make digs at our beliefs, or chastise the way we live. But we don’t live in a safety bubble, and there’s no growth in staying comfortable.

It’s okay to have friends that think differently than you.

Loving people doesn’t always mean agreeing with their views. It means agreeing on the dignity of your relationship.

And as Mother Teresa says, “love doesn’t measure, it just gives.” Loving others doesn’t guarantee they’ll never hurt you.

The Catholic way of living is totally counter-cultural. It doesn’t satisfy our ego, and it definitely doesn’t give us a leg up in society. People either make digs at you or the Church or your way of living. But I’ve found it’s not always necessary to engage. Don’t pick fights, and when others do, use it as an opportunity to grow in humility and hold your tongue.

When people make you feel stupid, let them. When people make you feel embarrassed, let them. When

people make you feel like you don’t truly understand reality, let them. When people make you feel unwanted, lonely and hurt, let them. Sit in the discomfort and let it sanctify you.

People will forget what you said, but they won’t forget how you made them feel, so always speak in love. So even if you trip over your words or you forget your point, always smile. Always be gracious.

But the strongest message you will ever send is the way you live your life. So live it well. Live in love and selfsacrifice. Live in virtue. Live in humility.

You won’t win any awards, you might not make more friends, and you most probably won’t feel very cool because sainthood is marketed as boring and prudish.

But holiness isn’t the absence of sin. It’s the absence of the pursuit of seeking empty promises the world offers for happiness and fulfillment. Being a saint means fighting for life, fighting for love, and fighting for second chances.

Being a saint means cultivating peace in your heart and opening it as a safe place for others.

It can sometimes be difficult to look at the world from a Catholic lens and not feel angry. Angry at the treatment of people. Angry at the use of people. Angry at institutionalized issues the world seems to ignore based on their profitability. St. Augustine of Hippo once said, “Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are anger and courage. Anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”

But be angry at problems, not at people. Because at the end of the day, we are all just walking each other home.

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contents

FEATURES

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Four Loyola Graduates Pursue Priesthood This Year Your Funds at Work: The Catholic Center The New Department of Digital Evangelization

NEWS 11 27 32 40 42

The Five Priests Documentary is Official Selection of the Cannes World Film Festival Auditor’s Report School News Hispanic News Around the Diocese

COLUMNS 5 13 17 18

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From Bishop Malone Daughters of the Cross Series: The Vocation of Lucy Scallan, D.C. Mike’s Meditations: How Do I Keep Jesus to Myself ?

Mary’s Mission: Setting Giving Goals

On the cover: Loyola College Prep graduate, and newest seminarian, Nathan Lirette at his official signing at the Catholic Center.

From Bishop Malone More times than not, the month of February accompanies the beginning of the penitential season of Lent. However, this year, Ash Wednesday comes a little later on March 2, but it’s never too early to start thinking about it. All of our parishes and schools will mark this day with the blessing and donning of ashes. Some of us will also engage in fasting and abstinence. The Scriptures for Ash Wednesday will remind us of the need to perform acts of charity and an increase in our prayer life. Seems like a lot of expectations the Church places on us at a time when many of us are experiencing difficulty in the pandemic.

Might I suggest that this year, this Lent, you and I approach this season by an exercise that will certainly make us better prepared for the season itself, and its culmination in Holy Week and the commemoration of the suffering death and resurrection of the Lord?

The first part of this exercise is answering a sobering question, “how well do I know myself?” There’s a risk in asking this question, because for most of us, it surfaces an answer (or answers) that tells us that there are things about our individual lives that need to be changed for the better. Just re-reading the Ash Wednesday Gospel (Matthew 6: 1-6,16-18), where Jesus admonishes us to be

a) more charitable to others without calling attention to ourselves; b) to be more prayerful in our lives, especially in the quiet of our rooms, and c) to be self-sacrificing, not for show, but to discipline ourselves in conformity with the self-sacrificing life of the Lord – we do these things because, for most of us, we “need” to do these things as they help us to conform our lives with Jesus.

And after all, isn’t that what the Lenten season is all about? Conforming our lives to the Lord? To do so means that we undergo internal changes that make us more like Jesus.

I don’t pretend that such changes are easy – in fact, more than the New Years Resolutions we make and quickly forget, these Lenten promises bring about a change in our lives that can make all the difference in our spiritual journey.

I ask you to join me as February arrives to make this year’s penitential season the most fruitful one we have ever had – and then anticipate with tremendous joy the greatest feast of our year – Easter. May you be blest in your journey.

*reprinted from February 2021

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I remember going to school early, even an hour before the first bell, to spend time praying before the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel. These seemingly simple and ordinary moments with the Lord were truly life-changing since they were the means by which the Lord revealed Himself to me and His call in my life.

-Kelby Tingle, 3rd Year Theology, Pontifical North American College in Rome

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Four Loyola Graduates Pursue Priesthood This Year The mission of the Theological Department of Loyola College Prep is to help students build a better understanding of the Catholic faith; to help students develop strong Christian morals, compassion, and conscience; and to prepare effective leaders of the Church, ready to witness the Gospels to the world.

As Shreveport-Bossier’s only Catholic private high school, Loyola College Prep integrates faith and its Catholic identity into everything they do. With weekly Mass, religion courses for each grade, and opportunities to give back to the community through service hours, Loyola is committed to following the mission: “To create men and women of conscience, character and compassion, continuing the Jesuit Catholic tradition of discipline, academic excellence, student involvement and faith in action for ‘The Greater Glory of God’.”

Not only does Loyola prepare students to be men and women for others, but a primary focus of the theology department is to help students build a better understanding of the Catholic faith.

Left: Loyola College Prep graduate, Kelby Tingle, who is in his 3rd year of Theology, at the Pontifical North American College in Rome -- His diaconate ordination is in Fall 2022.

Today four Loyola graduates are in seminary at the same time: Kelby Tingle ‘15, Matthew Vitacca ‘16, Benjamin Haddock ’17 and Nathan Lirette ‘21.

“We are incredibly proud of Kelby, Matthew, Benjamin and Nathan, and it is an honor to have four graduates in the seminary at the same time,” said John LeBlanc, Loyola College Prep Principal. “They are all great men who will be incredible leaders in the Catholic Church.

They are all shining examples of what it means to be a Flyer, and we are humbled they chose Loyola for their high school education.”

Loyola Chaplain Father Raney Johnson said seminarians need to have developed a prayer life before entering the seminary. Catholic schools help build this foundation for students.

“Loyola helps to form young men in the spiritual life by giving them an environment in which they can pray and learn about their faith,” he said. “Seminarians are also rooted in the sacraments, especially the sacraments of Eucharist and Penance. Loyola prepares students discerning entering the seminary by giving them the opportunity to attend Mass each week and allowing them to have frequent access to Confession. In a sense, Loyola is not only a preparatory school for college but FEBRUARY 2022

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also a preparatory school for seminary.” These four men share how Loyola College Prep helped prepare them for seminary and how their experience in high school helped build and strengthen their Catholic faith.

Kelby Tingle ‘15 Pontifical North American College, Rome “As a proud graduate of Loyola, I often reflect on my four years of studying on Jordan Street with great fondness. I am grateful for the wonderful friendships that were fostered on the school’s campus and the many ways that Loyola prepared me for further education. Most importantly, I am beyond thankful for the instrumental role that Loyola played regarding my faith journey.

Loyola not only assisted me in arriving at a greater knowledge of the Lord from an intellectual point, but also on a personal and relational level. The religion classes allowed me to come to a deeper recognition and love for the Lord Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church, which He established for our sake. In a special way, I experienced the beauty of the faith through serving at the altar during the weekly Mass. During my senior year, I remember going to school early, even an hour before the first bell, to spend time praying before the Blessed Sacrament in the school’s chapel. These seemingly simple and ordinary moments with the Lord were truly life-changing since they were the means by which the Lord revealed Himself to me and His call in my life.

Now, as I look back on six years of formation to the holy priesthood and as I look forward to being ordained soon, God willing, I see clearly the blessing that Loyola has been, and continues to be, in my life and in my quest for holiness.”

Matthew Vitacca ‘16 Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans “I first began to feel that God might be calling me to the priesthood during the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of high school. While this feeling started as a whisper, it was nourished and soon began to grow during the years I spent at Loyola College Prep. Attending Loyola gave 8

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me the opportunity to receive a quality education that was anchored in the Roman Catholic tradition. Through the religion classes, the weekly school Masses, and the time I spent talking to and serving Mass with Fr. Peter, my knowledge of the Church and my faith life began to deepen.

Through the countless hours I spent on the soccer field, and the trips I would go on for Science Bowl competitions, I learned how to be a leader and a strong team player.

Through Flyers Aiding the Hungry (F.Ai.T.H.) and the service hour requirement, I learned the importance of assisting those who are in need. And through my teachers, priests, coaches, and friends, I learned how to be a better man. I am currently studying at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, and I am loving every minute of it. I truly believe that the academic and spiritual foundation I received at Loyola played an integral part in my ability to discern God’s call in my life. And if it is God’s desire for me to become one of His priests, I pray that I will be able to serve as chaplain at Loyola one day, so that I may have the privilege to minister at the school which made me into the person I am today.”

Benjamin Haddock ‘17 Mount St. Mary’s Seminary (seminarian for the Diocese of Arlington) “My faith life definitely grew while I attended Loyola in Shreveport. I was undeniably prepared for college and further discernment of God’s call in my life. I enjoyed studying biology in high school and continued to do so at the university, but without a clear purpose for my life. Thanks to a wonderful Catholic community, I grew to love the Church and serving God’s people; along with that came a desire to spend my life according to the path He ordained. Through prayer, I asked Him to show me this path, and I inexorably returned to the idea of entering the priesthood.

My favorite quotation, surprisingly not from the Bible, is of Takeshi Shudo: “I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” Holy men and women throughout history have likely thought much the same, but our world today desperately needs the life of sacramental grace offered by the Catholic Church as I was taught at Loyola and found modeled in our chaplain

and many a priest. Priests are the ones with the sacred duty to bring this grace to their flocks. In short, I want to share Jesus with the world, not just in the Word, but in the flesh, in the Eucharist. I am grateful to the Loyola community, and I look forward to taking on the mission and identity of Christ in a radical way and coming to know and love Christ and finding Him in our brothers and sisters throughout the world.”

Nathan Lirette ‘21 St. Joseph Seminary, Covington, LA

without this proper religious education. The great many teachers and mentors I had at Loyola aided in my discernment. The teachers cared very deeply about me and really pushed me to be better every day. The great life lessons they taught me helped mold me into who I am today. Without those great mentors, my discernment would have been much more difficult and cumbersome.

I owe much to these great men and women that helped me along this path and, I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me.”

Please pray for these four young men as they continue My four years at Loyola greatly impacted their discernment of the priesthood. If you would like to my discernment to attend seminary. The send them letters or birthday cards, please visit www. theology and tradition taught me about dioshpt.org/meet-our-seminarians for their addresses my religion and allowed me to better and birthdays. understand my faith. I could have never made my decision Top: Lirette at his official “signing ceremony” at the Catholic Center. Signing ceremonies are usually done for high school athletes signing for college teams, so this year, Father Peter began the tradition of “Seminarian Signings” with Bishop Malone.

JORDAN HARRIS serves as the Director of Communications at Loyola College Prep in Shreveport.

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Seminarian Burse Program What is a seminary burse, and how do they contribute to seminarians?

How can I establish or contribute to a burse?

A seminary burse is an endowment used to pay tuition, room and board for the seminarians of the Diocese of Shreveport. The principal amount donated is not touched, but invested, and the support for our seminarians comes from the earned interest. Each donation to a burse is truly a gift that will continue giving as more men enter priestly formation in the years to come!

You can establish and name a burse with a donation of at least $250, or you can contribute any amount to a burse simply by designating its name when the contribution is made. Contributions may be mailed to the Office of Church Vocations, Diocese of Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104. Be sure to note the name of the burse in the memo line. Make checks payable to the Diocese of Shreveport.

Who can establish a burse?

Anyone can establish a seminary burse, and name it in honor of loved ones (e.g., family members, teachers, mentors, pastors), in honor of organizations and faith or social groups (e.g., Knights of Columbus councils, ACTS, schools, church parishes), for themselves or their families as an instrument of personal giving, or in memory of a deceased loved one. Burses and their balances, and new contributions, are listed monthly in The Catholic Connection.

Who can contribute to a burse?

Anyone can contribute any amount to any established burse.

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When is a burse completed?

Seminary burses are completed when the balance reaches $10,000. Once this goal has been reached, and those who established the original burse wish to continue their donations, a new burse in the same name may be opened.

For more information, contact Father Peter Mangum, Director of Vocations.

For a list of recent and completed burses, see page 43.

International Acclaim for The Five Priests Documentary

Dr. Cheryl White The Five Priests, a full-length documentary that recounts the lives of five Roman Catholic priests who died in the 1873 Yellow Fever epidemic in Shreveport and are now Servants of God in the Vatican canonization process, is receiving acclaim at international film festivals, including being a current FINALIST at the Cannes World Film Festival, which recognizes exceptional work of independent filmmakers from around the world. As an awarded finalist, The Five Priests has now moved into a separate jury process for nominees and winners to be screened at the annual festival held in Cannes, and awaiting that decision.

Other honors for The Five Priests include: WINNER, BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY at the Europe Film Festival; WINNER, GOLD AWARD FOR FEATURE DOCUMENTARY at the Spotlight Documentary Awards, FINALIST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY at the Texas Film Festival, and SEMI-FINALIST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY at the New York International Film Awards.

Additionally, the film is currently an OFFICIAL SELECTION and awaiting final award decisions for the Rome Prisma Independent Film Festival, the World Independent Cinema Awards Los Angeles, the Indie FEST

Film Festival, Christian Film Festival, Nieves International Christian Film Festival, the SoCal Film Awards, and the Los Angeles Film Awards. It is competing in many other international festivals with decisions yet to be determined.

The Five Priests was produced by the LSUS Foundation in conjunction with the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, and directed by Chris Charles Scott of Strategery Films in Las Vegas, Nevada. The film includes special animation by Richard Langberg of West Coast FX in Los Angeles, California. It premiered at the Strand Theatre in Shreveport on November 4, 2021.

The Five Priests features Bishop Francis Malone of the Diocese of Shreveport, Mayor Adrian Perkins, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States (the Vatican ambassador) Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Father Peter Mangum of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, local historian and author W. Ryan Smith, and Dr. Cheryl White, history professor at LSU Shreveport. The documentary is based upon the book, Shreveport Martyrs of 1873: The Surest Path to Heaven, authored by Mangum, Smith, and White, and published by The History Press in October 2021.

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Sister Lucy Scallan, D. C., June 6, 1949 Courtesy of Jerry Diaz

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The Vocation of Lucy Scallan The year is 1943. Across America, teenagers are dancing to the swing music of the big bands. Every home has a radio, around which families gather to hear their favorite programs, music, and weekly fireside chats from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. America is embroiled in World War II, and every family is anxiously following the news, enduring shortages caused by rationing, and praying for their friends and loved ones in the military.

The war also brings changes to St. Vincent’s. Many graduates are joining the military or taking jobs left vacant by draftees, draining the college of its students.The school boasts a sharp, white-uniformed Drum and Bugle Corps and a blue-clad Victory Corps, sells Victory Bonds, and collects enough scrap metal to name a ship and two airplanes. Still, well-loved traditional events, including plays, recitals, and May Day festivities, continue to draw crowds.

The Sodality, reorganized in 1930 following a visit by Father Daniel A. Lord, S. J., is thriving.

In early June, a recent graduate of Dominican High School in New Orleans applies for admission as a postulant. Lucy Scallan is already familiar with the Daughters of the Cross.

Her oldest sister, Sister Aloysius, has been in the convent since 1915. When she was a small child, Lucy’s family lived across the street from St. Vincent’s, and she often played with the children while her mother visited with the French nuns, who liked to hold her in their arms. She attended first grade there, with her older sister’s student teaching

in her class, before the family moved to New Orleans.

In the seventh grade, she was a boarding student at St. Vincent’s while her mother cared for her brother, Father Belton A. Scallan, during a protracted illness.

Lucy is accepted, along with four other girls, and they move into the St. Joseph’s Novitiate House, a smaller three-story brick building behind the main convent, which will be their home for the next three years. Since it has been empty for a few years, their first job is to give it a thorough cleaning. The postulants wear black uniforms with thin white veils and attend classes in the Novitiate, taught by priests and sisters. In addition to their studies, they practice the Rule and perform duties in the sacristy, kitchen, dining room and laundry. At the end of the first year, the postulants present themselves dressed as a bride to receive the habit with the white veil of a novice.

For the first-year novice, the focus is on the spiritual life, studying the Scriptures, the lives of St. Francis de Sales and St.Vincent de Paul, and the history of the Order. Required reading includes Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God by St. Francis de Sales. In her second year, her classes are in the college department of the school.

These three years in the Novitiate are cloistered. Except for the novice mistress, Sister Bernardine Riley, who lives in the Novitiate, the girls are not allowed to speak to the professed sisters without permission. However, Lucy is the FEBRUARY 2022

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The Rev. Mother General giving the Cross to the newly Professed Sister and crowning her with the Virgin’s Wreath., Sister Marcella Bray, D. C., In White Splendor

only one in the convent, besides Rev. Mother Philomena Mayeux, who can drive, and she becomes the unofficial chauffeur. Each week, she borrows a black veil and takes ever-cheerful Sister Beatrice Hoos to the warehouses on the downtown riverfront to purchase groceries and supplies. On occasion, parishioners invite the assistant superior, Sister Stanislaus Hatcher, to bring a group of sisters to their homes for a swim, and as their driver, Lucy is always included.

At the end of the annual retreat, on June 16, 1946, Lucy vows chastity, poverty and obedience and receives the black veil. Now she is a “young professed.” Together with some of the other sisters, including Sister Bernardine, she enrolls in the summer session at the University of St. Louis, the first of many summers spent working on her degrees. In the fall, she begins student teaching and is assigned mistress of boarders. In this capacity, she oversees the pupils’ activities outside of the classroom.

While the girls are waiting their turn for the showers, she teaches them songs, accompanying them with her ukulele.

At night, when she lays down in her bed at one end of the dormitory, she sometimes finds her pillow scented with perfume, an affectionate prank of her charges. In the mornings, she rings the great bell in the belfry at 5:00 14

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a.m. to rouse the sisters for the Angelus, and again before each Hail Mary. In her spare time, she likes to practice the piano, and Sister Stanislaus, an accomplished pianist, encourages her efforts. When she visits the chapel, the French Sisters of her childhood give her smiles and pats on the back.

In 1948, Lucy is appointed to the newly built Sacred Heart School in French-speaking Moreauville, together with Sister Theresa Poche and superior and principal, Rev. Mother Celeste Plauche.The three sisters set up the office and classrooms using furniture and supplies donated by the Army Surplus Store. In the small convents, where the sisters stay near the satellite schools, each sister has certain jobs. One of Sister Lucy’s jobs is washing, starching and ironing the sisters’ habits. Unfortunately, the local water turns the white bonnets and collars a dingy brown. After Sister Stanislaus visits and brings fresh ones, Sister Lucy takes special care to wash them with rainwater, collected in a barrel.

In 1949, the day arrives for which Sister Lucy has been preparing since she first entered six years prior. On June 6, at the Daughters of the Cross motherhouse at St. Vincent’s, she pronounces her perpetual vows, after which she prostrates herself before the altar and is covered with a white pall as the choir sings O Crux Ave. From the Mother Superior General, she receives the Profession Cross, bearing the crown of thorns but no corpus, a reminder that she is to be another Christ.

Sister Lucy is the last surviving Daughter of the Cross in Louisiana. The 75th anniversary of her vows, her Diamond Jubilee, passed quietly last summer in the midst of the Covid epidemic and her move to Opelousas. Sister Lucy taught at St. Vincent's Academy and at every elementary school staffed by the Daughters of the Cross in addition to conducting Vacation Bible Schools in rural parishes for many years. If you would like to send congratulations, you can write her at: Sr. Lucy Scallan, D. C. Our Lady of Prompt Succor N. F. Mary Mother 7A 954 E. Prudhomme St. Opelousas, LA 70570

PATTI UNDERWOOD is a lover of history and is blessed to be a graduate of St. Vincent’s Academy and LSU-Shreveport.

The Legacy Cross

Sister Sharon Rambin, SFCC

This silver cross was presented to each member of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross at the time of their final profession of vows... a lifetime of poverty, chastity, and obedience... a lifetime of prayer and service to children. Through the decades, each cross was passed on from one Sister to another.

Recently, a mold was made from one of the last three remaining crosses. With permission, this historic cross has been recreated, and duplicates are now available to alumni and friends of the Sisters.

The sterling silver crosses are on display at McCary’s Jewelers in Shreveport. The dimensions are 1 3/4” tall and 1” wide. Cost is $75 plus tax with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Diocese of Shreveport/ Daughters of the Cross Educational Fund.

The Legacy Cross, with its crown of thorns, is a powerful sign that represents both suffering and new life. A symbol transformed by the saving love of God.While it represents the Sisters’ strength, commitment, and hope, may it also be the foundation of our own faith, our relationship with

God, and our new life in Christ. For we, the students and friends of the Daughters of the Cross, are the Sisters’ legacy! O Crux Ave! In 1855, Mother Marie Hyacinthe Le Conniat of the Daughters of the Cross led a group of ten sisters from France to Louisiana where they would educate thousands of children.

The Daughters of the Cross Legacy Cross may be ordered from: McCary's Jewelers 6959 Fern Loop Shreveport, LA 71105 318-798-3050 FEBRUARY 2022

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How Do I Keep Jesus to Myself ?

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I recently heard this story while listening to an audiobook (The Rebirthing of God, Christianity’s Struggle for New Beginnings by John Phillip Newell). I’m paraphrasing but the story goes like this: It seems there was a young couple who had been filled with zeal for their Christianity.

Miraculously, while out shopping one day, they ran into Jesus walking down the street. Upon affirming it was really Jesus, they asked him to come to stay at their home, and he did.They lovingly gave him their master bedroom, and he stayed on and dwelled with them. The couple was elated beyond their wildest dreams. Throughout the next few days, they ate meals together, had wonderful conversations, and even prayed together.Their lives were whole and complete.

One day Jesus returned home from an early morning walk, bringing three new friends. It seems their home was an old refrigerator box under a local overpass, and Jesus wanted to help. Concerned and even frightened a little, the couple stared at the dirty, hungry homeless companions of Jesus wondering, what they should do.

They were petrified to find Jesus had offered to share his bedroom with them.

Over the next few weeks, Jesus brought home several more new friends. Some with needle marks and tattoos, others were late-night dancers at local clubs. He even brought home non-Christians and people born in foreign countries. One afternoon, he stood outside the local prison and brought home two who were just released after serving their time.

By now, the neighbors were furious. What’s going to happen to their property values? The couple who was so excited and had invited Jesus into their home was livid.

But how do they tell Jesus this won’t work? The husband and wife put their heads together and devised a plan.

One evening, when all of Jesus’ friends were out and he was asleep alone in his bedroom, they changed the locks on the front door. Then, they very quietly removed the door to Jesus’ bedroom and bricked it over so that no one could get in. Of course, Jesus could not get out, but they rationalized this problem by putting an altar in front of the bricked-up door, placing two beautiful candles on each end, and hanging a sterling silver crucifix on the bricks above the altar. Each time they walked by Jesus’ room, they would stop, reverently face the altar, and perfectly hung crucifix, and genuflect. Their love for Jesus had not waned at all. He was welcome to stay with them in his master bedroom forever. It’s just those people he brought home they couldn’t welcome.

What about this story grabbed my attention so fiercely?

It was quickly obvious to me that this is a fictional drama that happens in real life every day. But as I sat with God each morning pondering the images and searching my own inner heart, I found several layers to consider.

The first question I heard was “who are the people I know for a fact Jesus would not welcome into his own home?” Who are the people, I am certain I would not welcome into my own home? How do I justify my decisions which are so different from Jesus’ decisions?

But an entirely different dimension of this is “in what ways do I keep Jesus to myself, locked in his room (my heart, a tabernacle, adoration chapel, church, etc.) and not share him with everyone else?” “How did I become so arrogant to even suggest that Jesus could only be shared with my exclusive group of friends?” I’m no scripture scholar, but I do know in the gospel stories, Jesus seemed to hang out with anyone who desired it.

For me, these questions are not easily answered in a short period of time. So far, sitting with God in the silence and listening to his perspective on this has been very uncomfortable. I keep hearing John the Baptist say:“I must decrease so he can increase” Jn 3:30. Or, I hear St. Paul say Christ “emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” Phil 2:7. This idea of emptying myself of ego, arrogance, and exclusivity and filling myself with the examples of Jesus is changing my spiritual disposition. How do I follow Christ by sharing his love with everyone? I am finding this experience as probably the best preparation for Lent I have ever known.

Lent begins March 2nd. Throughout February, I am going to continue looking for ways to free Jesus from the cells where I’ve placed him and allow him to freely rule my heart and actions. When Lent begins, hopefully with my converted disposition, I can then enter the Lenten gospel stories in a new way and see how Jesus was and is free enough to associate and build relationships with anyone willing. Maybe this can be a Lent where I, instead of making changes in my life for a mere forty days, can make permanent changes where I experience the truth of an all-inclusive Jesus, and that truth will set both Jesus and me free.

MIKE VAN VRANKEN is a spiritual director, a member of the teaching staff for the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center of New Orleans Formation of New Spiritual Directors, an author and a speaker.

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Setting Giving-Goals

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giving Ryan the larger piece of pizza. As I said, it is a bit crazy but true nonetheless. In those insignificant moments is when my selfishness appears. I believe resistance to giving to others is a human experience because it is often connected to either our selfishness or pride. Some Are you a “cheerful” giver? I wish I could say with experience selfishness and/or pride more than others enthusiasm, “Yes! I am,” but I know there are times when do, but overall it happens to the best of us. What is God some resistance takes place.The crazy thing is, sometimes telling us about our resistance to giving to others? my resistance to giving happens with small, insignificant things such as pizza. I usually will make a pizza for my But he gives more grace. Therefore it says,“God opposes husband and me about once a week, and depending on the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 how hungry I am, I can be resistant when it comes to 18

ach one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

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I will confess that pride and selfishness are both character defects I struggle with periodically. For years, I did not think of myself as prideful or selfish, but through God’s grace and mercy, I have not only acknowledged them both but I have committed myself to make valid efforts in eradicating them. I am so aware of my thoughts and behaviors that when I am being selfish or prideful, I quickly self-correct. I want to point out here that giving does not denote the giving of money. We can give many things away such as our love, time, belongings, gifts, talents, attention, and ourselves. Who is receiving most of your love? What person or thing receives most of your time?

Are you giving your things away to those less fortunate or holding onto them “just in case?” What are you doing with your God-given gifts and talents? How often do you give your attention to social media, the news, or an unhealthy person? When was the last time you gave of yourself (sacrificed for another)? These are often hard questions to ask and answer, but because God calls us to give (sometimes more than we are willing to), we must ask and answer each one. I encourage you to take some time today to answer these questions as well as any others that come to mind.

God speaks to us often about giving: Give and it will be given to you. Good measure pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you (Luke 6:38). Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16). You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake (Deuteronomy 15:6). In these particular scripture verses, the following stand out: In Luke, He tells us what we give will be given back to us. Then in Hebrews, He tells us not only to do good but also to share our good with others for this is pleasing to Him. Lastly, in Deuteronomy, He tells us to avoid giving begrudgingly.That last one got to me because at various times throughout my life I did just that. Parents, how many times have you had to “force” your children to give their sibling a turn with the “whatever toy they just have to have at that very moment,” and they do so begrudgingly? I am guessing a lot! This brings me to the question, “Why is it so hard for us, as Christians, to give what we have been given, to do good and share it

with others, and to give freely without grudging?” In my humble opinion, I believe it is mostly due to living for this world instead of in this world. For if we, His sons and daughters, sincerely lived for Him, this conversation would be a moot point. We would freely give, freely do good, freely share, and humble ourselves often. You may be thinking this is impossible because we are fallen and sinful. And while this is very true, remember, we can choose. If you are living for this world, then you are choosing to do so. If you are living for God, then you are choosing to do so. If we wake up each day and make the choice to live for God, that very day, and then repeat this each day thereafter, we would freely give, freely do good, freely share, and humble ourselves often. Please note, this is challenging! Even as I write this, I am thinking of my struggle to make this choice each day. It is much easier to choose Facebook or YouTube (i.e. the world).

In this new year, instead of making resolutions you know, you will not keep (most people give up by mid-February), I want to challenge you to set “giving-goals.” Looking back at the things I mentioned earlier regarding giving, choose three and set a goal or two for each one. For example, if you choose time, set at least one goal stating how you will give of your time in a positive, productive, godly way.

Perhaps your goal is to spend 30 minutes a day in prayer.

Whatever you choose is up to you, just choose. Giving results in a great feeling that can last for hours, days, or even weeks. Although receiving is not bad in and of itself, when we only or mostly just receive the feeling is very fleeting, hence our ongoing desire to receive more and more. At some point, it is no longer satiating.

As we say goodbye to this Christmas season, let us hold in our hearts the most precious, most amazing, and most selfless gift ever given to us, our Lord Jesus Christ.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

MARY ARCEMENT ALEXANDER is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Shreveport, LA. You can read more on her blog, www.throughhiseyes.love FEBRUARY 2022

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Chocolate Covered Cherries My grandmother never let Valentine’s Day pass without a box of chocolate covered cherries; she gave a box to each of us every February. This was not my favorite but I accepted it with gratitude. One year I decided to try my hand at chocolate covered fruits. They were a hit. Here is what I did.

You will need: • Apples, pears (I like red ones), cherries with stems attached.

• Good quality melting chocolate (I used white and dark chocolate for variety) • Nuts, sprinkles, and diced dried fruit or your favorite toppings • Wooden skewers to help hold fruit so as not to burn your fingers • Double boiler (I don’t have a microwave) Wash and dry fruit (don’t peel apples or pears) and set aside.

Assemble all toppings in separate bowls. Cover a surface, either a large tray or cutting board or even a portion of the kitchen counter with a double layer of wax paper Melt chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave. Insert skewer and dip fruit into mixture turning several times to coat. Once coated, sprinkle some nuts or diced dried fruit or sprinkles on before the chocolate coating gets firm.

Coat all the fruit you want with dark chocolate and when finished repeat the process with white chocolate.

Once coating is firm, if you wish to layer the chocolate coating, drizzle opposite color chocolate for contrast.

Serve on a fancy tray and enjoy!

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Made with Love

Valentine’s Day was among the very few holidays which I did not grow up celebrating with any flair. My mother was of the firm opinion that this was a day for married people and not for children. Later in life, my sister espoused this mindset, but I have always given this occasion a little wiggle room; my reasoning was then and is now that love isn’t small or limited and deserves to be celebrated.

Gary Chapman wrote The Five Love Languages, whose premise is there are particular ways/actions we like to give and receive love. I have read the book a couple of times, and it has been a wonderful source of understanding situations in which I thought I was being straightforward with my spouse, and he was not receiving my gift/actions/ attitude because we were literally speaking another language.

My real love language, though, gentle reader, is revealed in the kitchen. When I am thinking, shopping, preparing, cooking, and serving this food my effort is seasoned with love. This is how I enjoy showing people I care whether they are children, friends, fellow parishioners, other family members, or even strangers.

faithful food When preparing for an occasion, a birthday, for instance, I consider what the honoree would like, which dishes are to their taste, and which are not. This can be broadened to medical conditions or food sensitivities As I recall other memories and dishes prepared I also recall the joy and blessing I felt being able to cook for someone I love. My son loves Italian food and for many years for his birthday, we had a stock menu of his favorites. I usually cooked on the eve of his birthday so I could deliver a feast for him.

It can go the other way though. There have been and probably will be again rather lean times in each of our lives; times when the pantry contained groceries which are only “essentials” and if truth be told, not very imaginative, the menu possessing very little “flair.” During times like these, I inherited from my mother, the gift which I call kitchen alchemy came to my rescue.

This gift is the ability to go into the kitchen and through love, grace, and humor a deliciously simple meal is brought forth from ingredients that seemed unlikely to play well together.

Long years ago I knew a minister’s family, husband, wife, and four daughters. We all marveled at Sister Mac’s ability to sew any dress without a pattern and cook a delicious meal with a very humble pantry. She told me once that she would refuse the juiciest steak in favor of pinto beans cooked with love and faith. She may not remember saying that but I have never forgotten her words of wisdom and encouragement. I am certain she and my mother shared the same ability to do much with seemingly very little.

In Deuteronomy 28:5 we are told that our basket and our kneading bowl will be blessed. With that image in mind, it doesn’t matter if the dishes match, if we are shopping from the left or the right side of the menu so to speak, or if it is our favorite dish or one that we eat because we are hungry and at that point, we are not being too picky. What matters more is that we receive the blessings of God each day, and we pass those on. So this month as we celebrate Valentine’s Day and Carnival with all the flair we can muster, remember the secret ingredient to cooking and to life is love!

KIM LONG is the Director of Religious Education at Saint Mary of the Pines Catholic Church.

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Your Funds at Work: The Catholic Center Office of Faith Formation - Delia Barr Since arriving May 1st in Shreveport to work for the Diocese, I have had the blessing of visiting 24 parishes/ missions. Most of my visits have been accompanying Bishop Malone for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Other visits have been with the leaders in faith formation and meeting with pastors. During the summer, I met with the DREs to introduce myself. At the meeting, Bishop Malone offered his reflections to the DREs of why he was moving Confirmation to the 8th grade. I have developed a Faith Formation web page on the Diocese of Shreveport Site with resources for Catechists and families. I have also updated the Sacramental Guidelines for the Diocese.

I am updating guidelines for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults soon to be known as the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults for the leaders of that

ministry. The adult formation website will reflect more information for those interested in becoming Catholic.

The site will also offer resources for Adult Formation for the parish communities. I introduced Franciscan at home for continuing education. An online platform supported by Franciscan University for continuing formation for all adults in the Diocese of Shreveport.

The site offers resources, guidance, and certification for our lay leaders in the parish ministries. I am so happy and blessed to be here in Shreveport. I am filled with hope in the Holy Spirit as he guides me in my ministry.

Everyone I have met all over the Diocese has offered such a warm welcome.

Office of Hispanic Ministry - Rosalba Quiroz The purpose of this office is to facilitate spiritual care to the Hispanic population in the diocese, especially to those who don’t speak English. Support is offered to churches with services like leadership training, translations of sacramental documents, and/or with any resources for ministry training, Church guidelines, and other requests. This office also works with diocesan departments like The Tribunal, Vocations, Schools, and others.

The Office of Hispanic Ministry receives guidance from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops through the Multicultural Diversity Office, the Southeast Pastoral Institute, and the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry.

Among the annual recurring activities, the Ministry offers the following weekend retreats: Emmaus, one for men and another for women; Busqueda for teens; Experiencia Cristo for young adults; and Rachel’s Vineyard for persons affected by abortion – this last one is also offered in English.

This office is a point of contact for newcomers that need assistance in navigating the culture and spiritual care they need as well as for any Hispanic person needing to be connected and receive spiritual care; this means that the Office of Hispanic Ministry works in connection with other organizations to provide for the well-being of Hispanics in the diocese. We are also involved in the process of religious visas for foreign priests and student visas for our seminarians.

Department of Information Systems - Patricia Pillors

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The Office of Information Systems promotes and supports evangelization efforts of the diocese by providing technical services, network, user training, hardware, software support to ministries, programs, and departments of the Diocese of Shreveport.

Services include systems analysis, evaluation, upgrade, planning, design, hardware and software acquisition, implementation, and maintenance for all technical and information processing requirements. The Information Systems Department also acts in an advisory capacity to several Diocesan parishes, other ministries, and organizations within the diocese.

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

I am currently evaluating the Diocese of Shreveport’s security measures, building a more responsive system, moving users to the latest software, and end-user training. My technical philosophy is to invest in a network infrastructure that remains resilient and accessible but more secure. Focusing on these areas will allow our staff to work and collaborate conveniently and securely — onsite and remotely.

Catholic Center Facilities - Ed Hydro The Diocese of Shreveport Facilities Department based in the Catholic Center on Fairfield Avenue provided support throughout 2021 to numerous diocesan and local community events: Loyola College Prep., Drama performances, Holy Trinity sKidz Camp, Magnificat brunches, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Circle of Catholic Women, Teen Busqueda Retreat, Ark-La-Tex Genealogical

Association, meetings and Protecting God’s Children and Greco Classes just to mention a few. They also supported through the use of Catholic Center facilities the local arts community; Shreveport Opera auditions and rehearsals, along with Michael Turney Agency auditions and training classes. The Diocese of Shreveport Facilities staff looks forward to another full year of activities and events in 2022.

Office of Development & Communications - John Mark Willcox The Office of Development and Communications/ Public Relations seeks to increase awareness of diocesan community needs, promote good stewardship among the Catholic faithful of our region, and assist the Bishop in evangelizing the people of North Louisiana by print and electronic media.

The primary goal of the Office of Development is to raise funding for a large percentage of the annual budget for the Diocese of Shreveport. This is accomplished, in the great majority, by one yearly campaign, the Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal. This campaign normally begins with kickoff events beginning in January, but this year, Appeal Sunday will be in April. The Appeal normally concludes on December 31st, and payments are accepted via bank draft, credit cards (online), and traditional mail.

The Development Office is also heavily involved in securing grant funding for diocesan ministries

several main sources including the USCCB Home Missions campaign, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, and Catholic Church Extension Society.

These funds support our seminarians, retired and infirm clergy, our campus ministry efforts, outreach in East Carroll Parish at Lake Providence, and much more including funding for a new roof for the parish hall of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Shreveport!

This office also facilitates planned giving work, including the hosting of wills seminars and managing of charitable gift annuities.

We continue to publish The Catholic Connection, which has been the monthly magazine for the Diocese of Shreveport for over thirty years. This award-winning publication is the main outreach portal for Bishop Malone and it is mailed to every Catholic home of record eleven months a year. Press Releases and media efforts are also handled through this office.

Office of Catholic Schools - Sr. Carol Shively The Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Shreveport is continuing to monitor the Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on children and continuing to incorporate the Curriculum Mapping Program in all schools.We are also introducing the Franciscan at Home Program to administrative staff and teachers. We are organizing the grades fifth, eighth, and twelfth Student of the Year judging via virtual at all levels, as well as holding monthly Principal and Assistant Principals’ meetings in Shreveport and Monroe (2), and guiding new or nearly new principals in the ministry.

We continue to interpret recent legislation that affects Catholic/private schools to provide the best education

for our students, attending meetings with multiple national testing companies because ACT Aspire will no longer serve us in 2021-2022. We also complete state grant proposals for our schools to assure adequate funding.

We attend Citizens for Educational Choice state meetings, State LDOE meetings, Catholic School Superintendents meetings, and provide School Board/ Councils annual training, as well as new Catholic School Teachers Inservice.

We are currently arranging asbestos inspections in all schools and continual education for Integrated Pest Management certification.

Office of the Chancellor for Personnel & Administration Deacon Michael Straub The Office of the Chancellor for Personnel and Administration is responsible for the employment needs of the Catholic Center as well as policy and benefits for employees throughout the diocese. One of the joys of our office is making ourselves available to all our parishes, schools and other locations to assist with any personnel issues or questions they may have.

We are also the Safe Environment coordinators for the diocese. Through training, background checks, and communications through our diocese we can help protect those we hold most precious, our young people.

It was through the 17 articles in the “Charter For the

Protection of Youth and Young People” established by the USCCB which came into being over 20 years ago to help protect all those who can be most vulnerable, we have direction and instruction on doing this very thing.

For all those who contribute to their parish collections, the Diocesan Stewardship Appeal as well as those who serve and volunteer with safe environment thank you for assisting in protecting our young people.

Thank you for your generosity in helping to make these and all our offices at the Catholic Center so successful in the good work we do to serve so many!

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Scan this QR code to fill out a survey on how we can serve you through our evangelization ministry!

The New Department of Digital Evangelization 24

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

America is not a Catholic country, and the Bible belt especially isn’t either. Much of America’s background and cultural morals are founded in the Baptist, puritan, Presbyterian, and Methodist denominations. We see this everywhere we go and to almost everyone with whom we talk - “praying to the dead is idolatry,” “the Mass is pagan and sacrilege,” “you can’t work your way to heaven, you have to be saved,” - perhaps you’ve heard some of these phrases from your non-Catholic friends?

In my formative years, I went to Mass every Sunday, sang in the choir, volunteered as an altar server up through college, studied at a Catholic elementary and high school, then became part of the Catholic Student Association on my campus where I then was elected president my senior year. When I’ve been confronted with those three statements above, I never knew how to respond. I was a straight-A student all throughout school. I watched Ascension Presents in college and started watching Bishop Robert Barron a few years ago, and after learning so much about the faith, believe me when I say this, we, the laity, often do not know our own theology.

Hi, my name is Benjamin Luckett, the new Director of Digital Evangelization for our Diocese, and I do not say the above words to cause insecurity or worry among you, but instead to challenge you. Ask yourself this: do you have a good answer for why we baptize our newborns instead of waiting until they’re older? How about why praying to the saints isn’t idolatry or necromancy? If Christ died on the cross and if he only needed to die once for our salvation, why do we continue to receive the Eucharist which is supposed to give us salvation? These are all questions I have been asked by my Protestant friends and colleagues - if they make you scratch your head, then I hope this ministry will be of assistance to you.

Have you heard of Breaking in the Habit with Father Casey, O.F.M.? How about the Thomistic Institute? Word on Fire with Bishop Barron? Have you heard the name, Father Mike Schmitz? All of these wonderful people are digital evangelists - they talk on a variety of topics pertaining to the Catholic Church ranging from practical things such as how to let go of your past sins and accept Christ, what to give up for Lent, how to celebrate Advent, to more broad and abstract concepts such as exploring whether the God of the Old Testament is the same as the one in the New, or perhaps why the Big Bang is actually a Catholic concept. My department at the Diocese is not seeking to break any new theological ground in the Church, but rather to reinforce what you already know, to provide you with the tools on how to have conversations with your Protestant friends and say

I was a straight-A student all throughout school.

I watched Ascension Presents in college and started watching Bishop Robert Barron a few years ago, and after learning so much about the faith, believe me when I say this, we, the laity, often do not know our own theology. “this is why I believe this,” rather than just, “well that’s just what my priest told me.” How are we going to do this?

We will be creating a semi-weekly podcast and video show with guests from all around the diocese to discuss the concepts I asked in the beginning as well as some light apologetics to broaden your knowledge of these things. Perhaps you’ll hear your very own priest on our show discuss the issue you have trouble talking about.

This brings me to my next point.

I need your help. I have already laid out a rough idea of what Catholic concepts and beliefs we should explore throughout this show, but I am but only one person with one mind. Hopefully, by the time you read this, I will have already spoken at your parish and asked you to fill out my survey there, but I still need to hear from you if I haven’t.

What do you want to learn about the Catholic Church?

What issues are you wrestling with inside yourself? What do you wish you heard from your priest’s pulpit? Are you a speaker that specializes in certain aspects of our faith? My email is bluckett@dioshpt.org - please, email me your thoughts and questions whenever you want - even if you’ve completed the survey that was in the pew or attached to this article. Your feedback helps me help our Church become better than it was yesterday.

BENJAMIN LUCKETT is the Director of Digital Evangelization for the Diocese of Shreveport.

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Growing in our discipleship comes in many different forms for each of us. To some, it involves serving our parish community as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at weekly Mass. For others, it is the generous giving of monetary donations to fund ministries at the church. But for all of us, growing in our discipleship takes the courage to act on what our faith teaches us.

As a follower of Jesus, we receive God’s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others and

return them with increase to the Lord. That is what our faith calls us to do.

At the direction of Bishop Malone, the Diocese of Shreveport is undergoing a comprehensive study evaluating stewardship across the diocese.

This initiative will help shape the future of our young and vibrant diocese for generations to come.

While our overarching goal will be to grow as disciples of Jesus and to promote stewardship as a way of responding to and living out the love of Christ, we are also

testing support to address many important needs of our diocese and parishes.

Every parish household is encouraged to participate in the Joyful Discipleship, A Vision for the Diocese of Shreveport study by sharing your thoughts via a mail or online survey, or by participating in a personal interview with a member of the Steier Group – a Catholic development firm we have hired for this effort.

Your feedback is integral to this important process. Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts with the diocese. Please go to https://www.dioshpt.org/initiative or scan the QR code to learn more about the Joyful Discipleship Initiative and complete a brief online survey sharing your thoughts with us.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact John Mark Willcox at 318-868-4441 or via e-mail: JWILLCOX@dioshpt. org.

Scan this QR CODE to learn more about the Joyful Disciple Initiative and fill out a brief survey for the diocese.

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auditors’ report

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auditors’ report

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statement of financial position

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statement of activities

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statement of activities

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You’ve always wanted to help...

Now is the time.

Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, Superintendent In our great state of Louisiana, we have another avenue to help families send their children to Catholic schools. The Tuition Donation Credit, for all who pay Louisiana Income Taxes, is a real way to help children. The blessing is through Arête Scholars and ACE Scholarship.

The way it works now is if a person who wants to support having a child from a low-income family move from a public school to any private school, that person can make a donation to one of the (nonprofit) organizations that administer the program.

The two nonprofits – ACE Scholarships Louisiana and Arête Scholars Louisiana accept the applications and administer the programs. In 2018-2019, the TDC program paid for 53 students to attend Catholic elementary and secondary schools in our diocese. In 2019-2020 presently we have 54 children attending our Catholic schools.

Funding for the program comes through private and corporate donations.

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For example, if a person has a $5,000 tax liability with the state of Louisiana, he could give us $5,000 and not pay any state taxes.

It washes out the state taxes, plus they get a federal tax write-off because it’s going to 501(c) (3)s (nonprofits) and serves as a deferral of (federal) income tax. Frankly, if you believe in giving a child the opportunity of school choice, it’s a no-brainer.

There are several information visits being planned with certified public accountants in the area to make them aware of the state law in the hopes they will inform their clients of the option to help a low-income family get a better education for their children.

What a wonderful way to help families invest in their most precious gift, their children. For more information please visit https://www. aretescholars.org/

Who We Are at Saint John Berchmans Two boys walk into the multi-room, chatting about the newest Dav Pilkey book in the library as they walk to sit with their class. They look up and smile as the teacher on duty greets them by name. Around the room, students are settling in: reading, drawing, chatting. Another pair comes through the door, this time an eighth-grader holding the hand of a three-year-old as she leads her to her class. Both sit with the three-year-old class and spend time together before the school day begins. Boys and girls continue to trickle in–alone or in groups–and are greeted by teachers and classmates. The bell rings. Students stand for morning assembly, ready for our principal, Mr. Woodham, to lead them in the Sign of the Cross and start the day together in prayer. As assembly continues, student birthdays and achievements are celebrated, and the school is released to begin another day as Mr. Woodham asks, “ What do we always remember?” and students respond, “Kindness is practiced here.” Classes collect their bags, eighth graders prepare to walk next door to Loyola for their Algebra I class, and the day has started. Another day in the life of St. John Berchmans Catholic School. Another day as a Cardinal.

St. John Berchmans is a place where teachers and students know one another by name. A place where students reach out to help their classmates and build a thriving caring community.

A place where it is not only the rigorous academics and 1:10 teacher to student ratio that draw families, but also the invitation to join our school family. Every morning, we begin the day together, anchored in faith and community. From pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, our students learn in one secure building, meeting throughout the day in the halls.

Once a week, the entire student body attends Mass in the beautiful and historic Cathedral of St. John Berchmans next door. Students sing, read, and serve at the altar, responsible for almost every aspect of the celebration. This immersion into faith and tradition is a central tenet of our mission.

Another tenet of our mission is excellence in education.

Catholic schools have long been known for their preeminence as institutions of learning. In fact, five of the nine current United

States Supreme Court Justices attended Catholic schools (Murphy 2020). At St. John Berchmans, we pride ourselves on being part of that tradition of excellence. Seventh and eighthgrade students attend Humanities 101 with professors from LSUS surrounded by sacred art in the Parish Hall. They will obtain a certificate of credit from LSUS in acknowledgment of their learning. Our Algebra I students attend class at Loyola College Prep, earning high school credit. Throughout the school, learning is hands-on, personal, and intentional, leading to exceptional outcomes for our students. Learning goes beyond the traditional classroom experience. This year, the student council sponsored Red Cross CPR training for every eighth-grade student. Students engage in extracurricular activities, including Science Olympiad, National Junior Honor Society, Crazy Eights Math Club, Choir, and the Junior Librarians Association, which encourage students to explore and expand their academic interests while engaging in competition and service-learning.

References Murphy, Alyssa. 2020. “6 of the 9 Supreme Court Justices are Catholic — Here’s a Closer Look.” National Catholic Register. https://www.ncregister.com/blog/supreme-court-catholics.

COMING UP AT ST. JOHNS

January 30- February 5 - Catholic Schools Week February 7-28 - Read-A-Thon March 2 - Ash Wednesday Mass with Loyola March 14 - Lenten Penance Service March 21-25 - Spring Break JULIA VANCHIERE is the school librarian at Saint John Berchmans Cathedral School.

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Saint Frederick Discipleship Team Builds Fellowship & Faith St. Frederick High School Discipleship Team! What a great blessing! “What an amazing experience this is… I wouldn’t trade this for anything.” Mary Bryant has a sparkle in her eyes as she sincerely shares her enthusiasm for being part of the Discipleship Team at St. Frederick High School. This enthusiasm is echoed by all 12 members of the hardworking group of seniors.

The discipleship team has taken on a vital role in the spiritual life of the student body at Saint Frederick. Their primary responsibility is to plan, organize, outline, and coordinate (in great detail) Days of Retreat offered to each class (one grade at a time) throughout the school year to nurture stronger relationships and enrich their faith journey.

The team is comprised of 10 to 12 senior students each year who serve from August until May. Juniors who are interested in serving, apply in February to serve for the following school year. Members are chosen based on 1) essay applications, 2) recommendations from faculty, staff, and leaders at their churches and 3) interviews with the selection committee.

Once selected, the team hits the ground running in August with a retreat of their own. They decide upon a theme for the school year around which they will build their retreat days. They decide on posters, t-shirt design, props needed, skits, video productions, and activity options. The team then facilitates five, day-long retreats throughout the first semester of the school year. While it would be easier to spread them out throughout the year, they don’t, because 34

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of the relationship-building aspect of the day. They want to have each class experience the retreat as early as possible on the calendar to have a better, closer union with their classmates throughout the remaining months of school.

Judging from the positive feedback received from the students, that plan seems to be bearing much fruit. One student wrote, “The day was a great opportunity for prayer and the retreat opened doors for new friendships.” religion teacher/choral director, Ms. Jennifer Patterson, tells the story: “The idea of having the team was inspired by the Menard High School Retreat Team who came to our high school several years in a row to put on a one-day retreat.

When I experienced their missionary zeal, I was inspired to build a team of our own. This would enable us to give our students a more customized, personalized experience each year.” According to Ms. Patterson, “This is the fourth year that we have had our own retreat team. Membership has grown from five students our first year, to twelve in 202021 and 2021-22!”

Each retreat day begins with Mass and ends with prayer, adoration time, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.The day is filled with activities, skits, and discussions to help convey the faith theme. The discipleship team members also share personal testimonies of their own journeys to better shine a light on the centrality of faith in their everyday lives. Team members are trained to be competent, coherent witnesses of faith in their words and actions. “You cannot give what

you do not have” is a phrase that encourages them to continue to build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ as his disciples to be better witnesses in all they say and do.

As you can imagine it is a big obligation that these young people take on, not just in putting on the retreats, but in setting an example of discipleship in their daily lives in the classroom as well. Team member Kaia Kudlas says, “I have grown so much in my prayer life as a team member. As a leader, I have become more aware of our influence on others and it inspires me to embrace the responsibility to live my faith more fully!” Team member Hannah Garrison adds, “helping others in their faith journey has helped us to be strengthened in our faith and to grow as individuals.”

Team member Vince Vereen says the time together has helped them feel like a family: “It’s like having brothers and sisters - and that has helped us to be confident and comfortable reaching out to others on each retreat and for all students every day.”

Each year the team builds on the success of the teams from years before and they are getting better and better.

Their enthusiasm is contagious! The student body loves having fellow students lead the retreats because of how easily they can relate to peers and their experiences of faith.

DEACON SCOTT BRANDLE is the school chaplain at Saint Frederick High School in Monroe.

La Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica inducts 14 New Members

The St. Frederick High School Chapter of the Spanish Honor Society, la Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, inducted 14 new members on Thursday. These students were chosen due to their high honor achievements and deep interest in the beautiful Spanish language and its culture. Currently, the chapter, Los Guerreros de San Federico, or St. Frederick Warriors has 50 members in this internationally known honor society. These students provide service opportunities for the school such as weekly tutoring for junior high Spanish students. They also hold an annual Easter Egg Hunt for a local Catholic Church that serves a large Hispanic community. Way to go Mighty Warriors!

Congratulations to our 2022 Saint Frederick High School Students of the Year!

New Members: Garrett Ajlani, Lana Evans,Victoria Gray, Mary Margaret Hayden, Ella Hays, Mauri Herrington, Cody Jordan, Addy Leaumont, Julia Marsala, Sam Neitz, Charlize Richardson, Kaylee Rogers, Garrett Taylor, Sophia Trejo

Rosemary Manning (12th) and Julianna Tan (8th) were nominated by the faculty for their outstanding leadership and academic achievements. Nominees for the region are recognized this March and are then interviewed for competition at the state level.

Officers: President: Gunter Tannehill,Vice-President: Rosemary Manning, Secretary: Grace Tannehill, Treasurer: Anna Kate Petrus, Historian: Jason Roy, Event Coordinators: Chris Bell and Dylan Kline

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Declan Chmielewski Named Loyola College Prep Student of the Year; Caroline Henry Wins Loyola's Science Fair We are proud to announce Declan Chmielewski as the Student of the Year for the 2021-22 Academic Year!

Finalists included Aidan Heard, Caroline Henry, and Claire Scott.

Each year the faculty of Loyola College Prep nominates four finalists who are then interviewed by the Student of the Year Committee. These students are all class leaders as well as examples of students who exhibit our three pillars: student involvement, academic excellence, and faith in action.

Declan will go on to compete at the district level and hopefully advance to the regional and state competitions.

Students are required to submit a comprehensive portfolio, conduct another round of interviews, and are judged on leadership activities, recognition, service, and citizenship. Congratulations to all of our finalists and best of luck to Declan!

After 20 years, Loyola College Prep brought back the science fair. Under the leadership of Mrs. Jessica Weiss and Mrs. Kiley Pulliam students worked in groups on science projects over the Christmas break and 50 final projects competed in the Loyola Science Fair in January.

The finalists will move to the regional science fair in late February.

“The science fair is an important learning opportunity for students interested in STEM careers,” said Mrs. Weiss. “It gives students a chance to design their own experiments and it gives them practice on preparing and presenting 36

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scientific data.” Pulliam said she was very pleased with their students’ projects and their hard work.

“My students really impressed me with their projects,” she said. “I hope they get out of this experience the confidence that they can answer their own questions through the scientific method and I hope it makes some consider going for a STEM major in college.”

Congratulations to the winners: 1st Place: Caroline Henry 2nd Place: Elliot White, Claire Scott, Jonah Drouillard 3rd Place:Ysebella Griego, Jinsey Hardison, and Frances Kalmbach 4th Place: Nick Haynes, Maddie Tynes, and Taylor Nash 5th Place: Julia (Claire) Guthrie and Adriana Martin Runners up: Stephanie Okereke, Gigi Lowery / Ashton Farr / Sarah Jackson, Lauren Holley, Karlo Penales, Makayla Horton, Kate Fortune, and Ella Eagles JORDAN HARRIS is the Director of Communications at Loyola College Prep in Shreveport.

St. Joseph Students Practice Stewardship Through Service and Giving At St. Joseph Catholic School, students are taught that stewardship is the giving of gifts received from God (gifts of time, talent, and treasure) to make their family, school, community, and the Church a better place. Throughout December, students and their families were given opportunities through service and philanthropy to give back to those who are less fortunate in our community.

Some examples of recent service opportunities include the formation and induction of the MiniVinnie conference in December. As the first-ever school conference of the Society of St.Vincent de Paul (SVdP), 33 St. Joseph Middle School students were commissioned to serve and assist the SVdP through special service projects. As one of their first projects, St. Joseph Catholic School students of all ages provided Christmas gifts for designated families who receive assistance from SVdP. Each class adopted a family for the holidays and purchased gifts listed on the family’s wish list.

In addition to the holiday season, philanthropy opportunities are presented to school families throughout the year. Once a month during a school Mass, an offertory collection is taken up from students and their families. This school year, offertory envelopes have been distributed to students so that they can also write examples of how they give thanks to God. During the first months of the school year, over $4,000 was collected to go towards retired and infirmed priests.

In 2022, the monthly school collection will go towards the Monsignor Murray Clayton Scholarship Fund

to provide tuition assistance to St. Joseph students.

Collection of items such as canned goods for the local food bank are also organized throughout the year and proceeds from the annual Santa Pancake Breakfast are donated to a nonprofit organization.

St. Joseph Catholic School also teaches students the importance of being good stewards of their time. Using their time to volunteer at parish events and with local charities such as food banks and animal shelters, allows them to serve others while doing the work of Jesus Christ.The gift of time is also presented as spending time with God regularly. Praying the rosary, attending Mass, and participating in class retreats are some of the many spiritual lessons they learn at school.

Stewardship is a virtue that can be taught at any age.

By incorporating the giving of time, talent, and treasure in service to God, St. Joseph students learn a lifetime of valuable lessons that can enhance their spiritual lives.

LUCY MEDVEC Is the Director of Parish Stewardship, St. Joseph Catholic Church and School FEBRUARY 2022

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The Children Are This Way: Rivoire Touches the Hearts of Students Through Education Have you ever met someone and instantly knew the Hand of God was on them? This was my immediate feeling about Mrs. Margaret Rivoire, whom I met several years ago at Jesus the Good Shepherd School, where she still works as a substitute teacher. I was immediately drawn to her quiet but confident demeanor, and there was no doubt that the faculty and students had the utmost respect for this precious lady. Their love and admiration were evident in their interaction with her.The feelings were noticeably mutual. Mrs. Rivoire once told me that she was certain when she arrives at Heaven’s gates, St. Peter will immediately tell her, “the children are this way.” When she was in the classroom, she knew exactly how to garner her students’ attention. She would begin by asking them a question and, of course, they would all want to answer. At this point, she would begin to tell them a story related to the question she would ask. Inevitably, the story always leads back to the subject that she was teaching them that day. She truly has a gift for storytelling. When asked about her teaching method, she clarified that simple question-and-answer teaching was not her style. She preferred to teach by telling stories because that is the way Jesus taught - in parables. She also shared that the secret to her teaching was asking the Holy Spirit before she entered the classroom to guide her words and lead her thoughts. She confirmed that the Lord had never left her without direction when she 38

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asked for guidance in the classroom. Religion class is her favorite class to substitute teach due to her firm belief it is the GPS to Heaven!

Mrs. Rivoire has dedicated her life to educating and sharing her knowledge and love of history and her love of God with others. Mrs. Rivoire grew up in Houma, Louisiana during the WWII era, which spawned her love of American History, in particular, WWII History. She was only five years old when WWII began, but she still recalls war times of rationing and making bandages and care packages to send to troops. She moved to the Monroe area in 1962 with her husband and raised a family of six children, who all attended Jesus the Good Shepherd School. She has gone on to have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren attend JGS School. Mrs. Rivoire will be the first to tell you the importance of Catholic school education. She touts her very successful children as an example of a good, Christ-centered upbringing.

Mrs. Rivoire’s history at JGS Church and School spans decades. She volunteered at Jesus the Good Shepherd Church for over 30 years preparing children for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion, worked as the JGS School librarian for over a decade and a substitute teacher for over 20 years, as well as, managed Girl Scout troops for years when her children were young.

During these very busy years, Mrs. Rivoire also found time to nurture her passion and love for WWII history. She is

the president of the Northeast Louisiana Genealogical & Historical Society, which represents 11 parishes in Louisiana and promotes history programs in schools. I could listen to her share her vast knowledge of WWII history for hours. She is truly a wealth of knowledge in so many areas. This brings me to a scripture that I feel describes Mrs. Rivoire, “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1 Peter 4:10. The USCCB describes Christian stewards as someone who “receives God’s gifts gratefully, cultivates them responsibly, shares them lovingly in justice with others, and returns them with increase to

the Lord.” I do believe that we can comfortably confirm that Mrs. Rivoire is a wonderful steward of God’s gifts. We are blessed beyond measure to have had the privilege of having her be a part of our JGS family for many years.

May the Lord continue to bless her in every way, and may we continue to be partakers of her presence and grace for many years to come.

AMY FAKHRE works in the Development Office at Jesus the Good Shepherd.

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hispanic news

Buenos Administradores Rosalba Quiroz, Directora

Cada año en el mes de febrero, la diócesis publica un reporte sobre los gastos, inversiones y detalles de las actividades que el personal del Centro Católico realizó el año anterior. Este reporte incluye el departamento de la oficina del Ministerio Hispano como una parte integral del trabajo de evangelización en nuestra diócesis. Les invito a buscar este reporte en inglés en la revista para ver como su ofrenda contribuye al servicio de la Iglesia.

Como un recordatorio para los que conocemos nuestra historia y tal vez introducción para quienes no la conocen, la oficina del Ministerio Hispano fue establecida en mayo de 1987, apenas un año después que la diócesis fuera desprendida de la diócesis de Alexandria, a la cual pertenecía y son casi 35 años que se convirtió en diócesis independiente en territorio y administración.

A través de los años, el trabajo que ofrece la oficina ha ido cambiando, mientras que se ofrecieron servicios de inmigración entre los años de 2003-2012, ahora esos servicios han sido delegados a la organización de Caridades Católicas. Nuestra oficina es un recurso que incluye traducciones, entrenamientos, asesoramiento, acompañamiento tanto al personal de las oficinas diocesanas, a las parroquias, a otras organizaciones y a toda la comunidad hispana en nuestra diócesis (que incluye 16 parroquias civiles).

Somos bendecidos con 5 sacerdotes que hablan bien español y 5 que pueden ayudar y siguen aprendiendo el idioma; son 9 las parroquias que ofrecen servicios en español: Cristo Rey, Bossier City; Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, Farmerville; Sagrado Corazón, Oak Grove; San Juan Bautista, Many; San José, Mansfield; Santa María de los Pinos, Shreveport; San. Pascual, West Monroe; San. Pablo, Minden; y Santo Tomás Aquino, Ruston. Algunas de estas parroquias ofrecen una variedad de ministerios y tienen un gran número de fieles mientras que otras apenas ofrecen una Misa al mes y la participación puede ser de 2040

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30 personas. Aún así, nuestra diócesis es fuerte comparada con otras donde no existe ni siquiera un sacerdote que hable español en toda la diócesis.

Se ofrecen 6 retiros al año bajo el cuidado y coordinación de la oficina del Ministerio Hispano: Búsqueda, para adolescentes de 14-17 años; Experiencia Cristo, para jóvenes adultos; Emaús, uno para hombres y otro para mujeres; y por último El Viñedo de Raquel, para personas afectadas por el aborto – este último también se ofrece en Inglés.

La administración es una parte muy importante de nuestras vidas; todos somos administradores, tanto de nuestro tiempo, como de nuestros talentos y todo lo que Dios nos ha regalado tanto personal como en comunión con nuestro prójimo y con el mundo entero. Debemos aprender, practicar y abogar por este cuidado de nosotros mismos y de nuestra tierra. Ver Encíclica del Papa Francisco Laudato Si, # 2 y así luchar por un mundo mejor cada día.

Retiro de Emaús para mujeres del 4-6 de febrero en Scottsville, TX CONTACTO DIOCESANO: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318.219.7265 rquiroz@dioshpt.org Maria Ivelis Sanchez, Secretaria 318.219.7257 isanchez@dioshpt.org

Por El Obispo Bishop Francis I. Malone

La mayoría de los años, el mes de febrero viene acompañado de la temporada de Cuaresma. Este año, el Miércoles de Ceniza no será hasta el 2 de marzo. Todas las parroquias y escuelas celebrarán este día la bendición e imposición de cenizas. Algunos de nosotros también participaremos con el ayuno y la abstinencia. Las lecturas del Miércoles de Ceniza nos hablan sobre la necesidad de hacer actos de caridad y acrecentar nuestra vida de oración. Pareciera que la Iglesia tiene muchas expectativas para nosotros en este tiempo en que muchos estamos pasando dificultades con la pandemia.

Les puedo sugerir que este año, esta Cuaresma, ustedes y yo vivamos esta temporada con un ejercicio que nos prepare mejor para la Cuaresma, para su culminación en la Semana Santa y la conmemoración del sufrimiento, muerte y resurrección de nuestro Señor.

La primera parte de este ejercicio es responder a la pregunta profunda, “¿Que tan bien me conozco a mí mismo?” Tiene riesgo el hacernos esta pregunta, porque para la mayoría de nosotros, hace surgir una respuesta (o respuestas) que nos dicen que hay cosas sobre nuestras vidas que necesitan mejorar o ser cambiadas. Simplemente re-leyendo el Evangelio de Miércoles de Ceniza (Mateo 6: 1-6,16-18), donde Jesus nos reprende diciendo que, a) seamos más caritativos con los demás sin vanagloriarnos

a nosotros mismos; b) seamos personas de más oración en nuestras vidas, especialmente en la quietud de nuestras habitaciones, y c) hagamos más sacrificios, no para mostrar al mundo, sino para disciplinarnos y actuar con el don de darse a sí mismo como lo hizo nuestro Señor – haciendo estas cosas porque, para la mayoría de nosotros, “necesitamos” hacerlas porque nos ayudan a que nuestras vidas estén en acorde con la vida de Jesus.

Y después de todo, no es de esto de lo que se trata la temporada de Cuaresma – de ajustar nuestras vidas en acorde a la del Señor, porque hacerlo significa que pasaremos por cambios internos que nos hacen semejarnos a Jesus.

No pretendo hacerlos creer que estos cambios serán fáciles – de hecho, aún más que los Propósitos de Año Nuevo que hacemos y pronto olvidamos, estas promesas de Cuaresma deben traer un cambio en nuestras vidas que puedan hacer una diferencia en nuestro camino espiritual.

Les pido que nos unamos ahora que comienza febrero y hagamos de esta temporada penitencial el año más fructífero que hayamos tenido – y que esperemos con un gozo enorme la fiesta más grande del año – La Resurrección del Señor. ¡Bendiciones en su viaje!

misas en español CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY Rev. Fidel Mondragon 318.221.0238 Oficina Domingo 1:00pm Lunes 7:00pm Sabado 6:00pm Coordinador Oscar Gomez 972.567.2710 San Pascual: W. MONROE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Domingo: 4:00pm Coordinadora: Lorena Chaparro 318.267.4018

SANTO TOMAS AQUINO: RUSTON Rev. Edward Shea, OFM 318.225.2870 Oficina Domingo 1:30pm Coordinadora: Luz Martinez 318.224.0980

STA MARIA DE LOS PINOS: SHREVEPORT Rev. Mark Watson 318.687.5121 Oficina Domingo 11:30 am Coordinadora: Alma Mendoza 318.678.9306

NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Sabados 7:00 pm Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez 817.801.3499

SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE Rev. Jean Bosco Uwamungu 318.428.2983 Oficina, Domingo 1:00pm

SAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, MANY Rev. Francis Kamau, FMH 318-256-5680 Oficina • primer domingo 5:00pm SAN PABLO: MINDEN Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt 318-458-6045 Cell 2do Domingo 4:00pm Coordinadora: Dora Rodriguez 870-904-9137

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Catholic Charities of North Louisiana: Update on Move to 902 Olive Street Meg Goorley, Executive Director

As usual with building projects, the remodeling of 902 Olive Street for the Shreveport office of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is taking longer than anticipated. The pandemic has affected the project because of backlogged materials and workers who have contracted the Covid-19 virus. What we had hoped to be a December 2021 movein date looks like a February 2022 goal. Keep us in your prayers. If you would like to help finance this project, it would be much appreciated. To ensure your name will be listed on the recognition plaque, we must receive the funds

by February 21, 2022. Donors will be invited to a reception at the new location.

Bishop Malone wants you to have ongoing Faith Formation! Check out Franciscan at Home today!

1. Go to www. franciscanathome.com.

At the top of the page, choose Partnering Diocese, and then click Diocese of Shreveport.

2. You will be taken to our Diocese of Shreveport landing page that will direct you to Create New Account.

3. Go to the button: “My parish or school is already registered.”

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The children of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish provided the musical entertainment at the Advent Spectacular event following Mass by narrating the Christmas story. Ava Caplis served as narrator while Aubrey Ailstock and Josie Caplis sang solos while accompanied by the bell choir. Performing in the bell choir were Aiden Ailstock, Colin Bierwirth, Bennett Bierwirth, Elise Sanders, Matthew Sanders, Michael Sanders, Will Sanders, Bella Schoenborn, Molly Schoenborn, and Noah Schoenborn.

Feast day celebration on January 3rd and the 150th death Anniversary of St. Cyriac Elias Chavara, (founder of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate) held at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Monroe.

Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal What shall I return to the Lord? ( ) $15,000 ( ) $10,000 ( ) $7,500 ( ) $5,000 ( ) Other $

( ) $3,500 ( ) $2,000 ( ) $1,500 ( ) $1,000

( ) $800 ( ) $750 ( ) $650 ( ) $500

( ) $400 ( ) $350 ( ) $300 ( ) $250

( ) $200 ( ) $150 ( ) $100

Please list below any special intentions or requests for which you would like prayer assistance:

Enclosed is a pledge payment of: $ for year 2022.

Please make checks payable to Diocese of Shreveport Name Address City/State/Zip Church

Diocese of Shreveport 3500 Fairifeld Ave Shreveport, LA 71104 Or donate online at www.dioshpt.org

Seminarian Burses Thanks to our Recent Donors: (008) William & Dolores Walker ($100) (019) Mr. Harold Crump ($1300) (011) Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Schmidt ($125) (011) Ms. Debora L. Prest ($100) (022) Mrs. Suzanne Broussard ($100) (035) Mrs. Rosemary C. Ward ($500) (035) Mr. Richard W. Ward ($2000) Completed Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family Burse ($10000)

(011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10000) (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10000) (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10000) (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($10000) (020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($10000) (026) Sheryl Seal Sweeney Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse #2 ($10000) (031) Pearl Heck & Leona Boudreaux Memorial Burse ($10000)

(033) Beryl K. & Joseph D. Ozenne Memorial Burse ($10000) Incomplete Burses: (001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1250) (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($3050) (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1650) (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($950) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3832.12) (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1200)

(008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($6218) (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 Burse ($1550) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($3629) (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($2910) (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1000) (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 Burse ($7521.57) (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 Burse ($1180) (021) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff Memorial Burse ($2000) (022) Rev. Blane O’Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($700)

(023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($1020) (024) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($1100) (025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($400) (028) Friends-n-Faith Burse ($300) (029) Rev. Kenneth Williams Memorial Burse ($100) (030) Ottis and Anne Krupa Littlejohn Memorial Burse ($3000) (032) Madeline and Joe Tiller Memorial Burse ($1000) (034) Joseph B. and Lucille Provenza Cordaro Burse ($1000) (035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse ($2500)

The Diocesan Seminary Burse program provides the faithful of North Louisiana the opportunity to invest in the education and formation of our seminarians into holy and effective priests to serve the Diocese of Shreveport.

Interested in contributing to or establishing a burse?

You can establish and name a burse with a donation of at least $250 or you can contribute any amount to a burse simply by designating its name when the contribution is made. Contributions may be mailed to the Office of Church Vocations, Diocese of Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104.

Be sure to note the name of the burse in the memo line. Burses are completed at $10,000.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

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Catholic Connection USPS 024-824 is published monthly except for July by the Diocese of Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport, LA 71104. Periodicals Postage PAID at Shreveport, LA 71102. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Catholic Connection, 3500 Fairfield Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104.