June 2021

The Catholic

Connection Vol. 30 No. 11 June 2021

You are Not Lost, You Are Disoriented: Thoughts from the El Camino de Santiago

Take Heart!

Celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart

Father Peter Mangum Named Director of Vocations

JUNE 2021 1

Connection The Catholic PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone

EDITOR

Kierstin Richter

CONTRIBUTORS

Mike Van Vranken Kim Long Mary Arcement Alexander Patti Underwood Joe Bernal Rosalba Quiroz Meg Goorley Polly Maciulski Amy Fakhre Ashley Timmons

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 www.thecatholiconnection.org SUBMISSIONS Contact: Kierstin Richter Email: krichter@dioshpt.org 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.

On the Cover: SJB Student, Ema Duncan at the butterfly release in the prayer garden 2 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

contents

Features 8

This Old Heart of Mine

12

The Importance of Relationship

17

Daughters of the Cross Series: The First School in Louisiana

32 A Good Shepherd: Thanking Fr. Mike Thang’wa

Columns 4

From the Bishop

6

Spiritual Direction: You are Not Lost, You are Disoriented

10

Mary’s Mission: Worth the Wait

14

Beyond the Graves: Mr. Hopcroft Buys a Stone

16

Catholic Charities is Proud of Registered Trademark Money $chool

19 Mike’s Meditations: Who is the Anti- Christ?

20 Faithful Food: Cooking Down Memory Lane

News 23

Come & See Weekend Held for Discerning Women at Our Lady of Sorrows

24

Hispanic News

26

Around the Diocese

30

School News

FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/DIOCESEOFSHREVEPORT

INSTAGRAM @DIOCESEOFSHREVEPORT

Friday, June 11th is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

the little church with a big heart KIERSTIN RICHTER, EDITOR

nostalgia. It has a sense of peace about it. The church sits on a quiet street in West Shreveport, and it doesn’t command as much attention as some really large parishes do. Just like every member of a family has a different personality, Sacred Heart is the quiet one that flies under the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish is a radar. Beautiful things don’t ask for gem of Shreveport. It didn’t just attention. begin as a church who needed parishioners, it began as parishioners With such a tight knit community, who needed a church. It was a always welcoming with open arms, family that needed a home. Before I am thankful to have spent years the building was completed back in of my life visiting there. Although 1969, parishioners held Mass in the it was never my parish home, it hotels on Monkhouse drive. Father certainly felt like it could have been.

Lombard, Sacred Heart’s first pastor, Even years after my grandparents made a point to visit each family and have passed, I still feel their presence build their faith community from there in every warm hug and friendly smile each time I come visit. Sacred the ground up.

Heart embodies the true Sacred Walking into this parish is like Heart of Jesus, - one of openness, walking into a warm embrace, a pot kindness, and compassion. The of chicken soup on the stove and your people are sincere, hardworking grandparents drinking coffee in the disciples that embody the meaning morning with the newspaper flopped of what it means to be Catholic. It over their laps. It’s both a breath of truly is “the little church with a big fresh air and a comforting sense of heart.”

When I was a kid, my grandparents were Sacred Heart of Jesus parishioners. I would always be excited for those weekends we stayed with them that we would have a cozy blanket in the pew and donuts after Mass.

Also, Congratulations to Deacon Clary, who is celebrating 35 years of the Diaconate, as well as Father Mark, who is celebrating 25 years of his ordination! Thank you for serving such a wonderful parish. Sacred Heart is blessed to have you.

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.

JUNE 2021 3

from the bishop

Bishop Malone celebrating Confirmation Mass at Saint Joseph Parish, Shreveport, alongside Deacon Bruce Pistorius, Father Kevin Mues, and Father Matthew Long.

4 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Bishop Francis I. Malone

M

any years ago I overheard someone say that the older we get, the faster time seems to pass. I have reached that point in life where I am more and more aware of how true that is. I was reminded of the quickening of time recently when thinking of Anne Pressly. Very few of our readers will know who she was, but the short story is that a native of South

Carolina, this strikingly beautiful woman found herself in Little Rock as an anchor for one of the local affiliates.

Her popularity grew with her talent, and as a professed Christian, was well respected by her fellow congregants.

The quick passage of time surprised me when I thought about her recently. And while it seems as though it was just a couple of years ago, a full thirteen years have passed since she was attacked in her home, and died shortly

thereafter. The local press carried her story daily, and upon her passing, those who knew her well, hailed her, not only as a professional in her career as a journalist but as a Christian, so active in the practice of her faith.

I think of her often, even though I had never met her except on the evening newscast. But, I have had many opportunities to reference her, solely based on what her closest family and friends said about her devotion to Jesus Christ. And this is my conviction: as a Christian, when Anne first looked into the face of God, I cannot imagine

her saying to God, “You get those who did this to me…you do to them what they did to me.” Instead, I imagine her looking into the face of the Lord and basking into the brilliance of His mercy. I am convinced she spoke to Him – more of mercy than of justice.

For if the vision of looking into the face of God is everything we have been promised, how could we take vengeance into eternal life?

Time has passed. Thirteen years have passed since her death. Her family continues to mourn her passing.

Her co-workers still think of her. Her Church community still misses her, and the man who attacked her will spend the rest of his life in prison. But her legacy is found in the repeated comments made by those who knew her best: she was a Christian, and she lived like one.

I have often found it interesting that when we speak to the Lord about ourselves, we speak of mercy. But when we speak about others, we speak of justice. It’s a tough sell, I know, but there are no unresolved issues in heaven, and just as we constantly pray to God to shower His mercy upon us – I think Anne does that every day for the man who took her life, and then…I ask myself if there is anyone in my life from whom I am withholding mercy and forgiveness. As convinced as I am of what Anne experiences every day in looking into the face of a merciful God, so my prayer is that I never withhold from anyone the divine gift God so generously gives to me. I also pray that with time, I never forget the undeserved gift of His mercy for me, and the opportunities He gives me to share that with others.

I have often found it interesting that when we speak to the Lord about ourselves, we speak of mercy. But when we speak about others, we speak of justice.

JUNE 2021 5

YOU ARE NOT LOST. YOU ARE DISORIENTED.

BY JOE BERNAL, SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR

6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

T

hree years ago, a close friend and I decided to go to Spain and walk El Camino de Santiago. Months before our trip, we made the necessary arrangements to fly to Madrid and take a train to the town where we would begin our walk. Once we arrived in Madrid, we took a taxi from the airport to the main train station. Not knowing that there are two “main” train stations in Madrid, we proceeded to the security line. As we walked through security, we were told that our train did not leave from that station and that we had to take a local train to the other station. Somewhat surprised, puzzled and confused, we proceeded to another station platform to board the local train.

When we got to the platform, there was a man waiting for his train. Wanting to know if we were in the right place, I introduced us as foreigners, and told him that we were lost, and needed to get to the other station to catch our train. Speaking in Spanish, he properly corrected me, saying, “You are not lost, you are disoriented.” As I heard these words, saying to myself: call it what you wish, but I am still lost! He proceeded to tell us he was waiting for the same local train and once we were on board, he would let us know when to get off. We were relieved and grateful.

We were strangers in a foreign country and “disoriented” by the new surroundings, but we asked for assistance and received not only instructions, but an offer to “walk with us” to our immediate destination so that we could continue our journey.

Similarly, at times in our lives when we find ourselves in new surroundings and perhaps feel lost or disoriented, we may need a guide to walk with us and help us see the proper direction to take.

As we grow and mature, we face new and difficult situations at different stages in our lives. For example, in our middle age years, it is not uncommon to come to a sense of emptiness or of something lacking in our lives in spite of success at work or in raising a family. For some of us, dealing with these inner feelings can be difficult and disorienting. At other times, we may find ourselves struggling with significant life transitions, especially those involving loss and detachment. These are just a few of the circumstances that offer us opportunities for selfreflection – times that call us to consider, reflect and pray. These are times to ask not whether our lives are moving, but rather where our lives are moving.

Spiritual direction offers an opportunity for us to do just that.

Spiritual direction offers someone that will listen, someone that we can trust, someone that perhaps has experienced life in its joys and tragedies. Someone who is attentive in mind and

spiritual direction heart and has the insights that may help as we travel life’s road.

Spiritual directors do not interpret God’s action in prayer nor do they suggest a response. Sound direction does not mean that one gives responsibility for one’s life to someone else.

Like Fr. William Barry says, “My director told me to do it” can never justify a course of action. The director is attentive to what is being said and listens for the movements of the spirit in the directee (the person being directed). The director does not point to a direction to take, rather the director is attentive to the movements of the spirit in the directee. The spiritual director listens for the presence of the True Director, the Holy Spirit, in the life of another person.

Spiritual direction does not give the answers to our problems.

Rather spiritual direction is concerned with a relationship, not with magical solutions. Spiritual direction helps us develop our relationship with God through conversation and prayer. In the process, our relationship with God is nurtured, encouraged and appreciated.

During our trip to Spain, we still had to take the train, look for the signs along the way, and walk to Santiago. And with the help of our “guide” we arrived at the place to begin our journey.

Similarly, in spiritual direction, we need to take the time, make an effort to pray and allow our guide to help us decide the proper path to take.

When we find ourselves in new “surroundings” and perhaps feel that we are lost, ask someone that can walk with us and help us see the way the Spirit of God is leading us – perhaps someone that will say, “You are not lost, you are disoriented.”

Joe Bernal is a spiritual director in the Eastern Deanery and a retreat master at Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. He can be contacted at jkmca2000@aol.com.

JUNE 2021 7

Prayer to the Sacred Heart O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer You this poor heart of mine.

Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

- Priests of the Sacred Heart

8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

This Old Heart of Mine

KIM LONG, SAINT MARY OF THE PINES DRE

J

une is special to me for several reasons; among them is the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I have no “reason” for always feeling attached to and loving this feast but since my Catholic neophyte days, I have venerated the image by always having it visible in my living room and kitchen. Passing through the kitchen, there He was, giving me a look of “blessed assurance” calming any concerns or fears which may have plagued me as I was attempting everything from a roux for shrimp sauce piquant or setting the table for supper on any given Tuesday. In the living room, I had the old school image of the Sacred Heart complete with the curved glass frame. Several of my family and friends eyed it, some with a quasi-contemptuous look as though they wondered how the disciplinarian and mother of four boys in the middle of nowhere could act so “churchy, others gave a nod of understanding for the same aforementioned scenario.

Music was always the province of my parents. They enjoyed listening to it, singing along with it, and when they thought my siblings

and I were not looking, slow dancing to it in the living room after we were in bed. Many times we heard the familiar songs, rose from our beds, and watched them.

They looked magical. The Motown sound was what I cut my musical teeth on. Sam Cooke, Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, Johnny Rivers, and the Isley Brothers. I still love that music. Let’s face it, can you really go wrong with Miss Dorothy Moor singing Misty Blue? I don’t think so.

When I began to explore devotion to the Sacred Heart I could hear Ronald Isley and Rod Stewart in my head singing “this old heart of mine, been broke a thousand times, each time you break away, I feel you’re gone to stay…” Surely Jesus could have spoken those words to me so very many times.

When I felt drawn to the image of the Sacred Heart I had no clue what those eyes seemed to follow me they didn’t really however I grew up Baptist and our images of Jesus were polished clean by the glory of the resurrection-held. I learned about it gradually. God had a plan and the fact that I was not privy to it was of little consequence.

PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART 1.

2.

3.

4.

I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.

I will give peace to their families.

I will console them in all their trouble.

They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.

5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and Infinite Ocean of mercy.

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.

9. I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored.

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.

12. I promise thee in the excess of the mercy of My Heart, that Its all-powerful Love will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

After hearing the late Fr. David Richter give a talk on Catholic identity and the importance of sacramentals in our homes; enthronement of the Sacred Heart seemed a cool Catholic thing to do. I mean who could ever have enough inspiration?

I spoke with a priest and he agreed to come to our home and enthrone the image of the Sacred Heart. We scheduled a date and time, I talked to the kids about St. Margaret Mary and the promises of the Sacred Heart which were oddly enough held to the fridge with a magnet, what we were doing and why, prepared a celebratory meal, bought a certificate for the priest to sign, and we were ready.

As the years progressed, I marked the day with a prayer at the table, a candle with the Sacred Heart image on it burned that day, and I attended Mass. I also read the promises of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary. I thought they were nice and hoped it would happen when my time came and turned out my bedside lamp feeling the promises were light-years away.

Time passes and more understanding was taking root deep within me. My husband was ill, really sick. I was called away from work to the emergency room. Walking in and

catching sight of him I thought “uh oh we are going to be here for a day or two.” What I could not have known at that moment was that our stay would be much shorter.

As this devotion took root in me, I did not yet understand God’s perfect timing, and that it was all part of a plan I had not grasped.

The doctor spoke with me, a kind gentle soul who did not want to tell me what no one ever wants to hear. I told the doctor he could not die without a priest. The doctor, not Catholic, offered a chaplain who was on staff but also not Catholic. I phoned several friends begging them to go and find a priest. Before I could finish another decade of my rosary the hallway in the hospital was filled with angels unaware in the form of several dear friends. They stayed with us until the end. In those long hours, we were visited by not one but two priests, both of whom knew us. He received the sacraments, died surrounded by those who loved him, with a priest who had heard his confessions and given him Holy Communion, and in that awful evening I realized that something much deeper was occurring; promises were kept, have been kept, and are still being kept; they are like God, ongoing.

JUNE 2021 9

worth the wait

MARY ARCEMENT ALEXANDER

10 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

I

have wanted to be married since I was eight years old. My dream as a young girl was to be just like my mom, married at 19 and a mom at 20.

I wanted to be a homemaker and a mom of four. Looking back now, I am very happy that I did not marry at 19 years old because my then-boyfriend was definitely not the one! I am glad I went to college and experienced my independence but secretly I wanted my “Mrs.” degree. At the ripe old age of 22, I found myself lost and confused about what God wanted me to do. I did not understand why all my friends found their husbands in college and were now on their way to the altar, meanwhile I felt like I was floating in the wind waiting for someone to ground me. I had no idea then that my person would not come for another 22 years (and that he was only 16 years old at that time).

The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.

Lamentations 3:25 As Christians, we know that God’s plan for our life is perfect. We also know that His timing is perfect, yet we often find ourselves restless and confused in the waiting period. I spent years searching for “the one,” years yearning for him, years wondering why God had forgotten about me. I wasted precious time seeing only the lack in my life that lead to anger and bitterness. I must confess brothers and sisters; I was not a patient waiter. My 35th birthday, to date, was one of the worst ones for me. In my then 35-year-old mind, it was all over. I was still single and childless and feeling very hopeless. I was angry with God for keeping me

mary’s mission single and as a result, I struggled in my faith. I felt isolated and like “one of those things that don’t belong.” Being a southern girl who was never married and childless at 35-years-old felt weird and uncomfortable. I truly did not understand why He allowed me to suffer, why He was not giving me what I wanted, why He was not hearing my cries or seeing my tear-stained face.

Have you ever felt this way? Are you feeling this way now? Are you too struggling in the waiting season of your life? If so, trust me when I say that His plan and His timing for you is perfect and that He most certainly hears your cries and sees your tear-stained face.

What I did not realize then is that God was walking with me the entire time. He was there by my side waiting patiently for me to turn to Him and surrender. He was waiting for me to see all that He had given me instead of what He had not yet given. He was waiting for me to fall into His arms and allow Him to wipe away my tears.

Although my life got much better as I neared 40, I would not fully surrender to Him until age 44.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10 I would not trade my walk with God for anything in the world. I am very grateful God did not give up on me when I was giving up on Him. I very grateful I eventually fully surrendered to Him because had I not, I am not sure I would have allowed Ryan (my now husband) into my life. As stated earlier, God’s plan is perfect. He knew from the moment He formed me in my mother’s womb that Ryan was my person. He knew that Ryan would be six and a half years younger than me

Are you too struggling in the waiting season of your life? If so, trust me when I say that His plan and His timing for you is perfect and that He most certainly hears your cries and sees your tear-stained face. and that he would need much more convincing because, (unlike me), he had no plans for marriage. God knew every moment of my life that he would bring Ryan to me at the perfect time and He most certainly did.

On April 16, 2016, I finally received my “Mrs.” degree. Ryan and I recently celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary and I must say, just because I am a marriage counselor does not mean I got this! Marriage is challenging, messy, frustrating, and sometimes downright hard. However, when God is the center of it, marriage is beautiful, sacred, and worth the wait. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’

So they are no longer two but one flesh.

What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Mark 10:6-9 JUNE 2021 11

catechesis corner

Saint Joseph School Students

Visions Evolve: On the Importance of Relationship MARK LOYET, DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL MINISTRY I want to take this opportunity during a time when parish leaders are not only winding down from a busy year, but also already planning for a new one, to share some things I have been reflecting on for several years that I hope will be beneficial for everyone striving to fulfill Christ’s call to “Go...and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19, RSVCE) Anyone who knows me, and is familiar with the Meyer’s Briggs Personality Types/Test, is not surprised to find out that I am an INTJ. If you do not know me or the Meyer’s Briggs system, I will not bore you with technical details (though I do recommend you look into Meyer’s Briggs as it can be very beneficial for selfknowledge and improvement). Suffice it to say that, as an INTJ, among other things, I tend to be highly rational (at the expense of relational), very organized (at the expense of being able to go with the flow), and very black and white (at the expense of seeing how truth/reason 12 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

is not always what drives people to make decisions).

As a side note, to avoid making myself look a bit bad, permit me to say that, though my personality tends toward these defaults, I have come a long way over the years in working on improving my weaknesses and ministry experiences have been a huge help. Having people come to you crying about troubles they are experiencing helps you learn to empathize (relational), sacrifice sticking to schedule to address the need of the moment (fluidity), and see that solutions to many problems are not always cut and dry (i.e. there’s a lot of gray in life’s struggles).

Now, in light of the three tendencies I named above, I want to share that for many years, I used to say...perhaps one might even say proclaim...that the only reason anyone becomes or stays Catholic is if they believe it is true--if they “know

their faith.” This was the basis of my “vision of ministry” and was clearly a direct result of my personality. However, throughout the years, while many experiences helped me soften and hone my tendencies to be less acute and more balanced, at the same time my vision evolved.

I began to see that while knowledge of the content of revelation is certainly very important (to say the least), the fact is that Catholicism is not merely a subject to be learned, an ideology to be bought into, or a set of facts to be memorized.

Catholicism is a family with God as our Father, Mary as our Mother, and Christ and each other as our siblings. A family has a culture and a way of life. As a family, Catholicism’s culture and way of life consist of all the things we do and believe which makes them parts or aspects of the familial relationship(s), but not equal to the relationships themselves.

One can have an incredibly intimate

relationship with someone without being knowledgeable about that person.

Just think about a three-year-old child’s relationship to their parents. The child knows the parents deeply. They feel safe in their arms. They feel their love. There is real trust between them. But often three-year-olds do not even know their own last name...not to mention many facts about their parents’ lives. I think this is why Jesus said, “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, RSVCE) Relationships aren’t about facts.

So what are relationships about? Once that question is asked, all of the sudden it is hard to quantify what a relationship is, but to take a stab at it, I would say relationships are about encounter, presence/communication and time. To be in relationship with someone, you must encounter them in some way, and you must spend some amount of time in their presence (even if it is not physical presence, e.g. communication via phone or email counts). It is probably fair to say if it is an intimate relationship, the amount of time in their presence will be substantial. Obviously this all applies to our relationship with God and others through the Church.

Now I’m not saying that learning the faith isn’t important. Certainly it is very helpful to deepen one’s relationship with God just as learning one’s family history strengthens one’s identity as a member of that family. However, if we are honest with ourselves, I think we can admit that our Church not only has room for improvement when it comes to handing on Sacred Tradition (teachings and practices) to each generation, but we have even more room to improve how we are making people feel at home in the family of God so that they identify as a child of God and as Catholic.

catechesis ends up being like classes about the rules of a game without ever giving kids the opportunity to play, or even helping them develop a love of the game. Without this love of God and the faith that is His gift to us, knowledge of Catholicism will not produce true disciples, and people will leave the Church... and they already are... in droves. Many well catechized people have left the faith and it was not for lack of solid instruction in doctrine. It was because they lacked intimacy with God, the rest of His family, and an identity as a Catholic.

What we have to remember is this: No one abandons a loving and fruitful relationship in which they feel deeply known and accepted for who they are.

What are the implications of this for catechetical programs like PSR, CCD, RCIA, Youth Programs, etc. and for any environment where the faith is being handed on (like our homes)? Imagine adopting someone into your family.

How would you make them feel home?

Classes? I think not. You would invite them for gatherings, spend time listening to them and sharing (witnessing).

I am not saying that all classes should end (though in a perfect world, we might not need them). What I am suggesting is we take the time to recognize each person (in our homes, classrooms, youth groups, etc.) as an adopted son or daughter of God, whom we are each called to help welcome into the family of God...which is literally our family! How might this affect our approach?

A Few Suggestions • Regularly encourage students/members to share about their faith life (including joys and struggles).

• Pray with them...A LOT! • Have more discussions and less lectures.

• Find ways to encounter them outside the classroom (e.g. emails, phone calls, letters, meetings, etc.).

• Listen to them, learn from them, get to know them, take an interest in them, love them.

• Change up meeting formats (schedule and environment).

Leaders, try sitting WITH them in a group rather than always standing in front like a teacher.

• Facilitate connections between them (i.e. help them build community among themselves).

• Be creative. Your uniqueness is your strongest gift. God can use you now matter what!

This is ultimately the goal of authentic and holistic catechesis, but sometimes JUNE 2021 13

beyond the graves Mr. Hopcroft Buys

O

KATE RHEA, CEMETERIAN, LIBRARIAN

n January 22, 1949, Leo John Hopcroft walked into Tri-State Monument Co. on East Texas St. to order a tombstone. Mr. Hopcroft informed the salesperson of the critical details including the name, birth date, and death date to be engraved. He then requested that the stone be taken to St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery and placed on a plot between Block 7 and Block 8 near the historic Calvary Monument. When he completed his order and left, the salesperson seemed mystified; upset even. Explaining his queasiness to his co-workers, he explained that his customer had ordered the stone for himself. Mr. Hopcroft had just predicted his death and five years later, it turns out he was 14 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

only 11 hours short of that prediction.

Leo John Hopcroft was born in Michigan. And in what seems like an appropriate detail, his recorded birth year varies between 1866 (the date listed on his tombstone), 1887 (listed on his WWI draft registration), 1886 (listed on his WWII draft registration), and 1888 (listed on multiple census records). He married and had three children. The family lived in Michigan for most of Mr. Hopcroft’s life, but in his later years, he moved to Shreveport where he worked as a salesman for a Cincinnati based clothing company and was described as an ardent Catholic, attending services at what is now the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.

In the years leading up to his death, Leo made other predictions. Mrs.

a

Stone

Lida Bolt, the landlord of the College St. address where he lived until his death, told The Times after his death that Mr. Hopcroft had a dream about when his sister would die. In the autumn before his death, he took the long trip to Michigan to see her and she passed away the week after he returned to Shreveport. In another instance about a month before his death, Mr. Hopcroft lamented to Mrs. Bolt that his uncle Ed Welch was, “in very bad shape and probably wouldn’t last more than a day or two.” As reported by The Times from that same interview with Mrs. Bolt, a letter arrived two days later saying that his uncle Ed had indeed died.

As his health began to deteriorate starting in January of 1954, Mr. Hopcroft had trouble getting around

on his own but insisted that he would complete the nine-day novena of St. Francis which opened on March 15th of that year. On the last day of the novena, he told Mrs. Bolt that he was, “ready to go.”

A week and a half later, on the afternoon of March 24th, Leo John Hopcroft laid down to nap and died of natural causes, just eleven hours shy of his predicted time-ofdeath. In what now may be called “Hopcroftian” fashion, Leo had arranged his funeral some years earlier down to the brown suit he would wear at his service which was performed by Rev. Bernard Kearns, S. J. at St. John’s.

The death date on Mr. Hopcroft’s stone remains uncorrected.

The Diocese of Shreveport is excited to present this new series, published exclusively in The Catholic Connection. Beyond the Graves will feature stories of the lives of local Catholics interred in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery throughout the last 130+ years. The series aspires to highlight the joy, humor, tragedy, and even the peculiarity that contributed to the richness of their lives.

For more information about the ongoing restoration efforts at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, please contact Kate Rhea at (318) 868-4441 or krhea@dioshpt.org.

JUNE 2021 15

catholic charities

CCNLA is Proud of Registered Trademark: Money $chool®

Meet Jori LaCour Jori LaCour has joined CCNLA as Development Director. Jori, who earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Southern A&M University, had been a media consultant for KSLA News 12, the CBS affiliate in Shreveport. She presently manages the social media and marketing for the Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is pleased to welcome her to the team.

16 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

C

MEG GOORLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CCNLA

atholic Charities of North Louisiana has been helping the poor and vulnerable for nearly 11 years.

Perhaps it is best known for those needing help with a rental or utility bill. Because the organization’s focus is to keep families together, housed in a safe environment, clients participate in Money $chool® to learn how to take care of their household. It is a class in which everyone can benefit by identifying “leaks” and providing common sense (which turns out to be rare) financial solutions to everyday life. The class aims to take personal responsibility for one’s financial future. Anyone is welcome to attend—simply call for an appointment (for more information go to www.ccnla.org).

Money $chool® has been so successful that it is supported by First United Methodist Churches in Shreveport and Monroe, Community Foundation of North Louisiana, Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation, Capital One Bank, BancorpSouth, and United Way of Northwest Louisiana.

Representatives of these organizations have observed the process and have concluded that Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is providing a great service to the community. Others have tried to emulate the program.

When someone copies what you do, it is a compliment. Until they copy you and make money off your program—then it becomes a competition. In our case, several organizations have had their staff observe our classes trying to provide a similar learning environment.

Therefore, the idea of protecting the name seemed important to maintain CCNLA’s identity and integrity. The question was how?

Then, by God’s intervention, representatives from the University of Dallas, listed as one of the top 10 Catholic colleges in the West by U.S. News & World Report, and the school from where both Bishop Malone and Bishop Duca are alums, approached Catholic Charities of North Louisiana to work on a capstone project for their graduating MBA students. Their question was simple, “How can we help you solve a problem?” This was an answer to a prayer.

In July 2020, the team of highly qualified graduate students (who called themselves UD9) started the registered trademark application for CCNLA through the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The approval/denial process can take up to 12 months. Luckily, Money $chool® was approved in nine months. Catholic Charities of North Louisiana is grateful for the help and proud of this accomplishment.

daughter of the cross

The Daughters of the Cross Series: The First School in Louisiana

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painting, vocal and instrumental music, and the making of artificial flowers.”

All subjects are taught in French by the Daughters of the Cross except English, for which they hire a local teacher, Miss Eugenie De Generes.

The announcement in the local newspaper states: “The General Course of instruction embraces English, French, orthography, reading, writing, grammar, arithmetic, sacred and profane as well as ancient and modern history, mythology, rhetoric, geography, the elements of astronomy and philosophy, bookkeeping, sewing, lacework, tapestry, drawing and

In her letters home that first semester, Mother Hyacinthe expresses dismay at the state of religious observance in Avoyelles. Of the 10,000 Catholics, only 200 or 300 fulfill their Easter duties, and no one attends Mass on Christmas day. Priests are called for baptisms and burials, but not for the sick and dying. There is much ignorance and superstition. But she notes that much of this can be attributed to the distance people must travel to church, coupled with the difficulties of harsh winter weather and crossing flooded bayous.

Despite the privations and trials that she

he year is 1856. On February 2, a new girls’ school, Presentation Academy, opens its doors in the small hamlet of Hydropolis, also known as Cocoville. It is the first Catholic School in the Avoyelles Parish area. Located between the towns of Mansura and Marksville, the site is chosen by Bishop Auguste Marie Martin so that one school can serve both communities.

PATTI UNDERWOOD endures, she feels grateful that she has a role in spreading the light of faith in this neglected territory. She believes that her efforts will bear fruit, fruit which she may not get to see.

After a meager beginning with 11 pupils, enrollment grows to 35 by the end of the term. In the summer of 1856, the Sisters host a retreat with Father Julius Juneau, pastor, preaching. At the end of the retreat, fifteen students make their First Communion, witnessed by their teary-eyed mothers. The day is crowned with a Renovation of Baptismal Vows, Consecration to the Blessed Virgin, and a procession on the Convent grounds.

For the fall semester, there are more applicants than the school can handle, necessitating an addition. The following summer, 30 students are confirmed.

JUNE 2021 17

As new missionary Sisters arrive from France, new schools are established: St. Joseph’s, Ile Breville, 1857; St. Francis de Sales, Alexandria, 1858; and St. Mary’s, Shreveport, 1860.

Two of the names found on those early rolls at Presentation Academy are LaBorde and Scallan. In 1897, Marie Irma Laborde and Jean Baptiste Valbone Scallan of Mansura are wed. Their marriage produces eleven children. Of those, five pursue religious vocations: Olange Agnes (Sister Aloysius Scallan, D. C.); Leo (Novice, Brothers of the Sacred Heart, dies in seminary); Emeric B. (priest, Diocese of Alexandria); Belton A. (priest, Diocese of Alexandria; monsignor); and Lucy (Sister Lucy Scallan, D. C.). Sister Lucy is now 95 years old. After 50 years of teaching in Catholic schools all over north Louisiana, she is the last Daughter of the Cross in Louisiana.

The Scallan Family on the occasion of perpetual vows of Sister Aloysius, August 15, 1917, L-R: Rhea, Valbonne, Agatha, Sister Aloysius, Anaise, Irma, Belton, Emeric, and Judith.

Sister Lucy is moving from Montclair Assisted Living Facility in Shreveport to Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas. Our Lady of Prompt Succor is a ministry of the Marianites of the Holy Cross. It is home to many retired priests and religious.

Mass is celebrated daily. While she will miss her friends in Shreveport, Sister Lucy is looking forward to living in a religious community.

Effective May 18, Sister Lucy will be receiving her mail at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home, 954 E. Prudhomme Street, Opelousas, LA 70570.

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Photos courtesy of Sister Lucy's nephew, Jerry Diaz

mike’s meditations

Who is the Anti-Christ?

MIKE VAN VRANKEN, SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR

THE AUTHOR(S) OF 1 and 2 John mentions the AntiChrist is already here. That’s right: here and now. And that was way back somewhere around the year 100 CE. Polycarp (69 – 155), bishop and martyr, said that anyone who preached false doctrine was an Anti-Christ. And of course, what we do as well as what we say is our preaching.

Somewhere along the centuries, we personified this “AntiChrist” as a terrible beast who would diabolically show up in the future.

Prayer Practice for June

Christ said we are to welcome strangers. How have I welcomed strangers (pro-Christ’s teachings) and how have I not welcomed strangers (anti-Christ’s teachings)?

Christ said we are never to judge. How have withheld judgment (pro-Christ’s teachings) and how have I judged others (anti-Christ’s teachings)?

Christ said we are to forgive infinitely. How have I forgiven others (pro-Christ’s teachings) and how have I not forgiven others (anti-Christ’s teachings)? And this includes forgiving or not forgiving myself.

Christ said we are to heal the sick. How have I participated in some way of healing the sick (pro-Christ’s teachings) and how have I not (anti-Christ’s teachings)?

Throughout this month, let’s intimately sit with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ and ponder some of these teachings. In the quiet of your prayer room, lay your head on Jesus’ chest and listen to the beating of his sacred heart.

Realize this heart loves you so much that he gave his life for you. Feel Jesus’ chest rhythmically move up and down with his sacred breathing. Pay attention to the smells, the heartbeat, the movements.

Christ said we are to love our enemies. How have I loved my enemies (pro-Christ’s teachings) and how have I not loved my enemies (anti-Christ’s teachings)?

Now choose one of the statements to the right and read it to Jesus. Knowing that following Jesus’ words is following Christ, have a frank discussion about what Jesus Christ said, and how you respond to what he said. Is your response following Christ, or is it against what Christ is saying?

Christ said we are to do to others whatever we want them to do to us. How have I treated others this way (pro-Christ’s teachings) and how have I not (anti-Christ’s teachings)?

Christ said to give to the one who asks of you and do not turn your back on the one who wants to borrow.

How have I given or loaned to those who ask (pro-Christ’s teachings) and how have I not responded to those who ask of me (anti-Christ’s teachings)?

Christ said we are to wash each other’s feet. How have I loved others enough to get on my knees and wash their feet (pro-Christ’s teachings) and how have I not (antiChrist’s teachings)?

As you do this, pay attention to any movements or feelings within you. Talk to Jesus Christ about them. Ask for his opinions. Thank him for the graces you receive Christ said we are to love one another as he has loved us. when you realize your responses have been faithful to How have I loved everyone (pro-Christ’s teachings) and what he taught. Receive his mercy and forgiveness when how have I not (anti-Christ’s teachings)? your responses have been off the mark. Be gentle with It may be fruitful to take some of these questions to Jesus yourself, just as he is gentle with you. more than once. You may even sit with just one the entire The following are samples of some questions you can ask month. We all desire the freedom Christ offers by knowing yourself and discuss with Jesus. Only use one question for our true selves and who we are called to be. A daily interior each prayer period. And always feel free to add your own sit with the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the risen Christ will be healing and grace-filled for each of us. questions.

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cooking down memory lane KIM LONG, SAINT MARY OF THE PINES DRE

Not long ago, my youngest son and I were reminiscing about favorite foods of his childhood.

Some were not surprising - hot dogs and barbeque sauce, shells and sauce, no dish meals (hamburger patties with carrots and potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil packets and baked in the oven), and of course grilled cheese. One thing which did surprise me was Kool-Aid. Nick even remembered that sometimes when the budget was extra small I purchased Flavor Aid. After much laughter and conversation, we parted company. Later that week I was in the grocery store and passed the aisle with drinks, drink mixes, and sports drinks. There on the very end was a display of Kool-Aid drink mixes. I quickly scanned the display for his favorite flavors, among them strawberry lemonade.

Just as baking has steps, and without them all the recipe would not be intact, so it is with our lives. The times, places, people, and events which we remember are one of the steps in our lives, not our entire life. So, if you are a little like me and tend to “wax nostalgic” at times a little too much, take heart, these special memories are just one ingredient in the recipes of our lives. Our happy memories, the ones we like to return to when we need a “safe place” to rest are the works of the Lord. Enjoy them and take heart, God’s works are wonderful and ongoing! Let us remember to ponder with delight each one! Amen. Amen.

For a recent family meal, I decided to try a new twist on a treasured favorite. For family birthdays and special desserts-the Chantilly cream cake from Whole Foods cannot be beaten. I am still on a budget so I make rather than purchasing this delicious ambrosia of a cake. I have made this cake several times and while it is not difficult there are a series of steps that must be followed to the “tee.” I rarely adhere to the rules of the recipes but when I do I am either baking or preserving food with a pressure canner or making jelly; that trifecta cannot be freestyled. Or as the quote from the old John Ford movie, The Quiet Man reminds me “the proprieties must be observed at all times.”

And baking is no exception to be sure. I wanted to be innovative to some degree.

I no longer care for Kool Aid - too much sugar and artificial coloring. Strawberry lemonade in a purer form though was another matter altogether.

Our family likes the Chantilly Cream Cake created by Whole Foods. I tend to make them rather than purchase them. Recently I whipped up the cake batter recipe and baked it in three small round pans. After completely cooled I split the layers and used this combination rather than berries and cream. Hope you like it! It was a big hit at our get-together.

Thinking for a moment of the series of steps the recipe requires, I let my mind wander for a bit. As usual, there are two distinct times in my life with my children where I feel I “got it right”-at least for a while anyhow. Those memories are magical and they draw me. However, one can become ensnared as we recall these lovely moments and a false sense of dread and finality can sometimes ensue, telling us nothing will ever be better or could ever top this time, place, feeling, sense of accomplishment or even bliss can descend in a hurry.

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Strawberry-Lemonade Filling for Chantilly Cream Cake

faithful food

chantilly cream

1 jar Lemon Curd (this is easy to make but Dickinson’s Lemon Curd is more than acceptable) 8 oz. Heavy whipping cream 1 block cream cheese 8 oz. Mascarpone cheese ¼ cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding (if you want “stabilized” whipped cream)

1 cup powdered sugar.

Whipped cream and vanilla to stiff peaks, set aside.

With paddle attachment cream butter and cheeses and powdered sugar together.

Mix cream with other mixture and refrigerate until use.

Fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, sliced, and sprinkled with just a touch of sugar

Spread a fairly thick covering of lemon curd on each layer. Top with strawberries and cover that with the Chantilly cream. Repeat this process and stack all layers and then cover with remaining cream. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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COME & SEE The Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows hold discernment retreat for young women

MARK LOYET, DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL MINISTRY

As many of you know, the diocese has been sponsoring “Come and See Weekend” trips for young men to visit the seminary for several years now. Well, I am excited to announce that we finally hosted one for young ladies. We had been planning to do this for about two years but just when we thought we were going to begin... COVID. During the weekend of April 30 - May 2, the Office of Vocations and the Office of Pastoral Ministry once again teamed up to bring a group of four young women to visit Our Lady of Sorrows Convent in Shreveport, LA--home to several sisters whom you will find volunteering in many ways in our parishes.

Overall the weekend was an excellent experience for the attendees, and chaperones who gave their time and talents to make the trip possible. I would like to ask for you all to pray for the young women who attended this trip; that they will continue to discern God’s call in their lives and be open to whatever he wills for them. Further, please pray for all young women and men discerning their vocation in our diocese. We are certainly in need of priests, but we are also equally in need of holy marriages and women religious. Fostering these vocations goes hand in hand. Holy families produce holy youth who are ripe for answering God’s call. Priests bring us the sacraments to nourish us all. Women religious serve in a vast array of ministries that build God’s kingdom and support the priests and families. I could go on and on but in a word, these relationships are symbiotic. We need to focus on all of them to foster all of them. When one suffers, they all do.

This Come and See weekend was a little different from those that take place at the seminary. For one, Our Lady of Sorrows is in our own backyard (south Shreveport), and being our first one for young ladies, we were starting from scratch. Further, this event was much smaller than typical events like this but I think that allowed the attendees to We plan to host another Come and See Weekend for connect with the sisters on a deeper level. young women this fall, so keep your eyes and ears open for those details. If you or someone you know is interested in Throughout the weekend, the young ladies participated attending the next Come and See Weekend, start thinking in a range of activities as you can see on the schedule on about it or encouraging them now. The date will likely be the next page, learned much about religious life, and were in October or November and it will be advertised well in moved by the experiences. advance.

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Verano, Tiempo de Cambios

BY ROSALBA QUIROZ, DIRECTORA

El mes de junio indica el término de varias actividades y en ocasiones otros cambios fuertes en la familia: se terminan las clases tanto de catecismo como escolares, ya se siente el verano con toda su fuerza donde muchas familias aprovechan esta temporada de menos compromisos para tomar vacaciones o inclusive para mudarse a otras ciudades.

Después de casi 20 años de vivir y trabajar en Shreveport, Nuestra querida Adriana Gonzalez-Toledo y su esposo el Doctor Eduardo se mudan pero no solo de ciudad sino de país. Debido a la jubilación del doctor, deciden volver a la ciudad que siempre intentó regresarlos, Buenos Aires, Argentina donde residen su hijo e hija quienes ya tienen sus propias familias y les han regalado tres nietecitos.

El Doctor Gonzalez-Toledo llegó como profesor de Radiología para el hospital conocido como LSU, ahora Oschner en Shreveport. Debido a las extensas horas de trabajo de su esposo, Adriana pensó en buscar cómo mantener una vida activa. Además de involucrarse en la vida escolar y familiar de sus amigas 24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

que aún tenían niños de edad escolar, también se dedicó al servicio voluntario para el Ministerio Hispano apoyando en muchas actividades, traducciones, y programación anual, por nombrar algunas.

Le preguntamos a Adriana, que la motivó a ser parte de este ministerio por todos estos años y nos contestó: “Servir en el Ministerio Hispano le dio sentido a mi vida en USA, después de tener que dejar a mis hijos y hermanas en Buenos Aires, parece que éste fue el propósito que Dios tenia para mí y aunque después de algunos años lo comprendí, ahora estoy segura que fue Dios quien así lo decidió y estoy feliz y agradecida de haber hecho Su voluntad.”

Ha sido un privilegio contar con el apoyo, consejo, amistad, y servicio de Adriana por todos estos años; pido sus oraciones para ella como agradecimiento y bendición en sus próximos proyectos. Que nuestro Señor continúe bendiciéndola y que así como ha contribuido al crecimiento de la Iglesia aquí en nuestra diócesis, continúe haciéndolo en su querida Argentina,

como nos dice Nuestro Señor “Vayan a las gentes de todas las naciones y háganlas mis discípulos” Mateo 28:19. Adriana, ¡Qué gran bendición que puedas sembrar semillas de fe y seas una lámpara que brilla en este mundo tan necesitado de la Luz y el Amor de Cristo!

Calendario de Junio, 2021 3 - Ordenación al diaconado de Nicholas Duncan, 6p.m.

Santa María de los Pinos 5 - Ordenación Sacerdotal del Diácono Raney Johnson, 10:00 a.m. Catedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport.

26 - Reunión de equipo en preparación para el Retiro Búsqueda # 11, Centro Católico de 11am-4pm.

Misas en Espanol CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY Rev. Fidel Mondragon 318.221.0238 Oficina Domingo 1:00pm Lunes & Jueves 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. Tony Posadas, OFM 318.225.2870 Oficina Domingo 1:30pm Coordinadora: Luz Martinez 318.224.0980

NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE

Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Sabados 7:00 pm Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez 817.801.3499

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

SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE

Rev. Darius Pawlouski 903.236.6866 Oficina • Cada dos semanas, Domingo 5:00pm SAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, MANY Rev. Francis Kamau, FMH 318-256-5680 Oficina • primer domingo del mes Domingo 5:00pm

CONTACTO DIOCESANO: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318.219.7265 rquiroz@dioshpt.org

Maria Ivelis Sanchez, Secretaria 318.219.7257 isanchez@dioshpt.org

hispanic news POR EL OBISPO FRANCIS I. MALONE

Hace muchos años escuché a alguien decir que en cuanto más mayores nos hacemos, más rápido parece pasar el tiempo. He llegado a ese punto en la vida en el que soy cada vez más consciente de lo cierto que es esto.

Pensando en lo acelerado que es el tiempo pensé en Anne Pressly. Muy pocos de nuestros lectores sabrán quién era, pero la historia corta es que, originalmente de Carolina del Sur, Ann era una mujer hermosa, presentadora de las noticias de televisión en Little Rock. Su popularidad creció con su talento y, como profesa cristiana, fue muy respetada por sus compañeros y por quien la rodeaba.

El rápido paso del tiempo me sorprendió hace poco cuando pensé en ella. Aunque parece que fue hace solo un par de años, han pasado trece años desde que fue atacada en su casa y murió poco después. La prensa local difundía su historia a diario y, tras su fallecimiento, quienes la conocían bien la recuerdan no solo como una profesional en su carrera como periodista, sino como una cristiana, tan activa en la práctica de su fe.

Pienso en ella seguido, aunque nunca la conocí en persona, excepto por las noticias de la tarde. He tenido muchas oportunidades de nombrarla, solamente basándome en lo que su familia y amigos decían sobre su devoción hacia Jesucristo. Y esta es mi convicción: como cristiana, cuando Anne se vio de frente al rostro de Dios, no me imagino diciéndole a Dios, “Ve y castiga a los que me hicieron esto… haz con ellos lo que ellos me hicieron a mi.” En su lugar, me la imagino viendo el rostro amoroso del Señor y maravillándose de su resplandor y de

Su misericordia. Estoy convencido que ella habló con El – más de misericordia que de justicia. Porque si la visión de verse frente al rostro de Dios es todo lo que se nos ha prometido, ¿Cómo podemos tomar venganza en la vida eterna?

Como ha pasado el tiempo, ya trece años que falleció. Su familia continúa sufriendo por su muerte. Sus compañeros de trabajo todavía piensan en ella. Su comunidad eclesial la extraña, y el hombre que la atacó pasará el resto de su vida en la prisión. Su legacía está fundada en los comentarios que hacen todos aquellos que la conocían mejor: ella era cristiana, y así vivió, como cristiana.

Es interesante para mí que cuando le pedimos a Dios para nosotros mismos, le pedimos misericordia. Pero cuando hablamos de otros, le pedimos justicia.

Es difícil, yo lo se, pero en el cielo ya no hay asuntos sin resolver, y así como le pedimos a Dios constantemente que derrame Su misericordia sobre nosotros – creo que Anne ya hace esto todos los días por el hombre que le quitó la vida, y entonces… me pregunto a mí mismo si hay alguien en mi vida a quien le estoy negando la misericordia y el perdón. Así como estoy de convencido que Anne experimenta todos los días viendo el rostro de un Dios misericordioso, así es mi oración de que yo nunca le niegue a nadie el regalo divino que Dios tan generosamente me da a mí. También oro para que con el pasar del tiempo, nunca olvide el regalo inmerecido de Su misericordia por mí y las oportunidades que Él me da de compartir con los demás.

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around the diocese

Saint John the Baptist, Mansfield Celebrates First Communion, Confirmation and 150th Anniversary

The first Saint John the Baptist Church: This year, Saint John the Baptist celebrates its 150th Anniversary. Plans are underway for various activities to be held over the next several months. Fr. Francois LeVezouet, one of the Five Priests in the Diocese of Shrevport who died in the 1873 Yellow Fever Epidemic, was the first priest to serve Saint John.

Congratulations to Bryce Britnell of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish who received his Confirmation at the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans on May 9, 2021.

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Jesus the Good Shepherd Church is excited to announce that 23 children received First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 2 at 11 AM Mass.

Jadynn Hunter crowns the Blessed Mother at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish.

The youth of St. Jude Catholic Church did the way of the cross throughout Woodlake South neighborhood, Benton, right before Holy Week with an amazing turnout of over 80 kids.

Father Peter Mangum Named Director of Vocations

Bishop Malone has announced that Father Peter B. Mangum, Rector of the Cathedral in Shreveport, has been appointed Director of Vocations for the diocese, effective May 6, 2021. He remains the Rector, as well as the Judicial Vicar and Chancellor of Canonical Services.

As Vocations Director, Father Mangum succeeds Father Jerry Daigle, Jr., who had served in the post since 2017. Father Peter calls his new assignment “an incredible responsibility” entrusted to him by Bishop Malone to promote awareness and recruitment efforts related to priesthood in the diocese and to conduct interviews of men considering a priestly vocation. He believes God calls sufficient people to the priesthood within the diocese and that it is our responsibility to help people hear, discern and respond to that call which many miss because of the many distractions in our world and lack of silence and prayer.

As the Director of Vocations, he will also care for the current seminarians and be part of their ongoing discernment and seminary formation in four areas: spiritual, pastoral, human and academic.

Priests in the diocese have acknowledged that Fr. Peter is most suitable to the role as he has demonstrated throughout his ministry a love of the priesthood and desire to assist those discerning. For the last 15 years, the daily noon Angelus at the Cathedral has been dedicated to our diocesan seminarians and to those discerning a call to the priesthood and religious life. Recalling his own vocation journey which began in the 5th grade, Fr. Peter says that we need to foster vocations among the young. He stands ready to assist those called to religious life, as well as sisters or priests in religious orders and to all the faithful to become aware of their individual or personal vocation to holiness.

Fr. Peter acknowledges the need for more priests from within the diocese and says that one of his priorities will be to ensure that each parish, school and mission throughout the diocese has an active Vocations Committee as well as prayer teams for vocations.

To learn more about vocations, visit dioshpt.org/discerningpriesthood or call (318) 2215296 to speak with Fr. Peter. You can email him: fathermangum@yahoo.com.

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Embrace Grace Baby Baptized at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

BY CLAIRE BISSELL, SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON DRE Embrace Grace Alumni, Julieta Sanchez, presented her son, Benicio Alessandro, for the Sacrament of Baptism on Saturday, May 9th. Julieta was joined by her parents, Benicio’s godparents, family members and friends as well as leaders from her Embrace Grace group. Fr. Rothell Price baptized little Benicio into the parish community of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

Julieta is a member of St. Elizabeth’s fifth class of Embrace Grace and one of almost thirty young women who have come through the program at SEAS. Due to the pandemic, all meetings and even the baby showers continue to be held virtually, but the leaders and Blooms form lasting friendships and share the message of God’s abundant love and abiding mercy.

For more information about Embrace Grace please go to www.embracegrace.org or contact group leader Claire Bissell at 318-798-18887.

Welcome, Karl Yabut, Western Deanery Campus Minister!

Karl comes to us from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a BA in History and Political Science, as well as a Masters in Public Administration. He has been involved in high school youth ministry for eight years, as well as serving as the president of the ULM CCM, holding Awakening Retreats as well as attending FOCUS Conferences such as SEEK. Karl envisions fostering a thriving community of college age Catholics who accompany each other during their college years as well as develop their skills as leaders and evangelists to help spread the gospel to their peers.

Welcome Karl, and we are excited to see the great things you accomplish here!

Sunday Funday Nunday at Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows. St. Joseph’s Mansfield and St. Ann’s Youth Group and PSR children toured the convent, talked about vocations and enjoyed eating some ice cream prepared by sisters.

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Saint Joseph Parish, Zwolle Senior Altar Servers

Saint Joseph Parish, Shreveport Confirmation Class of 2021

At Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, the ushers gave roses to all mothers in the church. After mass, there was a special presentation to two senior mothers, Maxine Sarpy and Eleanor Baines. A rose was also given to Father Bosco.

Welcome, Delia Barr, Director of Faith Formation!

BY DELIA BARR, DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION I’m God’s Favorite! I love sharing the story of years ago when I was sitting at the back of a church listening to a deacon give a presentation to parents of Confirmation students. He looked out at the parents (and me in the back) and said, "Did you know that you are God’s Favorite?" My heart leaped!! I thought to myself, I knew it! This is the joy I feel in my heart daily because I am God’s favorite. God’s love is infinite, and he loves each and every one of us as his favorite.

I am so happy to be here in Shreveport and really looking forward to this new journey. My husband Tom and I have moved with the company he works for six times in our 35-year marriage, this seventh move was for my job! With the “work from home” options since Covid, we were able to make this move to Shreveport. We are originally from Omaha, Nebraska but most recently lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Almost 15 years ago I was a Catholic School teacher when then Monsignor Malone through the prompting of the Holy Spirit invited me to be the Director of Religious Education at Christ the King in Little Rock, Arkansas. I spent seven years under his direction in the parish which honestly should equal a Master’s in Theology!

I learned so much from him and grew deeply in my faith. From Little Rock, we moved to Calgary, Alberta Canada where I worked as the DRE for the cathedral in the Diocese of Calgary. We spent three years in Canada and then moved to Pittsburgh, where I worked as the Director of Faith Formation for a group of four parishes.

I look forward to meeting and working with all the members of this community here in Louisiana. Both Tom and I really feel guided to this place and can’t wait to see what God has in store for us.

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School News 30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

2020-2021 WAS “NACHO AVERAGE” YEAR AT SJS POLLY MACIULSKI, ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 5TH-8TH GRADE RELIGION

It’s hard to believe that a year ago, our conversations centered around a virtual Field Day, praying for Phase 1 to begin, and praying for enough wi-fi to properly teach our classes via Zoom or Google Meets. We yearned for the opportunity to celebrate Mass together as a school family, and as we planned for 2020-21, we hoped that our doors could stay open for the entire school year. Now that 2020-21 is over, we are able to look back at a year full of faith, knowledge, and fun, all while enduring a pandemic: • We have been privileged to have had Bishop Malone celebrate four school Masses with us, as well as dine with our eighth grade altar servers.

• We continued to celebrate Mass weekly as a school - first in separate school Masses, but now as an entire school community, with our students serving at the altar, as lectors and cantors.

• We continued our traditions of praying the Patriotic Rosary on 9/11, and with balloons for Respect Life Month.

• We “broke in” a new principal Clayton Cobb - who had only been with us about five months when the pandemic struck our area.

• Our middle school students have given over 1,200 hours in service to their neighbors.

• We have celebrated Field Day in person.

• We were able to plan and implement a celebration of the Year of Saint Joseph, our patron saint, as declared by the Holy Father (with much more to come in 2021-22).

• We gave over $1,000 to the Diocesan Retired Clergy fund.

• We started a new tradition with the Living Stations of the Cross, by our

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eighth grade class.

We continue to recognize students who exemplify the Virtues each month, as well as those who follow the examples of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

Our students were able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation not only in Advent and Lent, but throughout the year as our priests were available for confessions before daily Mass.

We saw TWO of our students excel in the Student of the Year competition (John Foret and Carter Doyal, we are SO proud of you!)

Our Middle School ELA teacher, Mrs. Hallie Franks, earned her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Northwestern State University.

Students in grades 1st-8th attended class retreats, both on and off campus; Our second and eighth graders

prepared for and received Sacraments of Initiation.

• We celebrated SJS alums who graduated high school with great honors and achievements (way to go, Class of 2017 - especially Nathan Lirette, Ellie Kate Jackson and Bruno Palmieri!)

• Finally, we bid farewell to a special bunch of students who graduated from SJS with a lifetime of memories.

Once a Falcon, always a Falcon!

To borrow a phrase from our PTO, who so beautifully showed us their appreciation during Teacher Appreciation Week this year, it took love, dedication, and perseverance to make 2020-21 “Nacho Average” school year. God has blessed all of our Catholic schools during this pandemic, and we owe any and all success to Him. Please continue to pray for us as we plan the next school year, as we continue our celebration of the Year of Saint Joseph and strive to form children in the Catholic faith.

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A GOOD SHEPHERD AMY FAKHRE

“I am the good shepherd, I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for my sheep.” John 10:14-15 The Gospel of John 10, also known as the Gospel of the Good Shepherd, is read throughout the Church on the 4th Sunday of Easter to celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday.

On Good Shepherd Sunday, parishioners are invited to pray for priests, clergy, and those who are being called to vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. Those who are being beckoned by the Holy Spirit to become good shepherds.

What characteristics come to mind when you think of a good shepherd? Someone kind, compassionate, understanding, friendly, approachable, inspiring, unwavering, and a good role model. The list could go on and on as these traits are subjective to each person.

A “good shepherd” is who that person needs him or her to be at that very moment. Just as Jesus was for the many He healed and helped throughout His ministry. He was who and what that person needed at that very moment in their lives. For Good Shepherd Sunday, our JGS students made cards of thanks for our good shepherd, Fr. Mike Thang’wa, to let him know how much he is appreciated at our school and church. Many of the students used these characteristics to describe Fr. Mike.

Fr. Mike joined our JGS family in October 2020 in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and circumstances surrounding the church and school attendance that had not been seen before, but this did not deter him for

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a minute. Fr. Mike jumped right into his role as priest, leader, and friend-to-all! He takes great pride in his duties at church, school, and in the accomplishments of our children and parishioners. Fr. Mike can be found on any given day visiting a classroom, participating in a school event, working in the church office, or even outside shoveling snow in the parking lot to make life easier for his school families and parishioners! He

is truly exemplifying the hands and feet of Jesus!

We ask our school families, parishioners, and community to pray for the Lord’s guidance, strength, grace, and mercy upon Fr. Mike as he leads us on the road to strengthening our Catholic faith at church and school. We are blessed to have him as our good shepherd and pray that he is with us for a very long time.

SAINT FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL NEWS Congratulations to our Ouachita Scholars’ Banquet honorees. Fourteen of our seniors qualified — over 1/4 of the St Frederick High School Class of 2021.

PICTURE: From left to right: Victoria Tabulog, Olivia Letlow, Tierney Gammage, Coy Gammage, Cameron Oglesby, Brendan Woods, Samantha Roy, Anna Grace Gill. Not pictured: Julia Barkley, Cade Jordan, Sarah Grace Loftin, Jackson Butler, Jon Torres, Lee Randels

Congratulations to our Junior High Students of the Month for April!

PICTURE: From left to right: 8th grade: William Patrick and Kathryn Nunnelee; 7th grade: Rhett Herrington and Julianna Tan.

St. Frederick High School Discipleship Team is a special group of seniors who are carefully chosen to serve throughout the school year as spiritual leaders on campus. They are led by senior Religion teacher Ms. Jennifer Patterson and Deacon Scott Brandle. The team is responsible for organizing and leading all class retreats held throughout the school year. The retreat theme chosen for the 2020-2021 school year was “Unmask Your Fears” inspired by scripture 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.

PICTURE: Back from left to right: Deacon Scott Brandle, Jack McCormick, Brendan Woods, Seth Brown, Caitlin Middleton, Victoria Tabulog, Sara Stacy, Anna Grace Gill, Jennifer Patterson Front from left to right: Taylor Howard, Indya Carr Not pictured: Gavin Gilbert, Cameron Oglesby and Alex Rightsell

Sr. Cheryl Kemner celebrates her 50th Jubilee!

Sister Cheryl taught at St. Frederick High School for twenty-one years. She taught mathematics ranging from Algebra I to AP Calculus. She was also the math department chairperson for many years. She was the Student Council Moderator for fifteen years.

She was recognized by the National Association of Student Councils as the Region VIII Advisor of the Year in 2001. Sister Cheryl has many fond memories of her ministry at St. Frederick, the students, and the teachers.

She follows many of her former students on Facebook.

Sister Cheryl enjoys reading and counted cross stitch. She watches as much Cardinal baseball as she can, being an avid follower of Yadier Molina. Sister is a passionate supporter of Franciscans for Earth and believes everyone should read and live by the principles of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si! JUNE 2021 33

Coming Fall 2021: An Exciting Opportunity for Saint John Berchmans Middle School Students ASHLEY TIMMONS

St. John Berchmans Catholic School has partnered with Louisiana State University in Shreveport to bring college enrichment into the middle school classroom.

For the academic year of 2021-22, eighth graders from SJB will enroll in Humanities 101: LSUS at SJB, a course taught by LSUS professors. The curriculum will expose students to the arts, history, philosophy, and other disciplines of the liberal arts as a way to nurture critical thinking skills. Specialized LSUS programming will also be integrated for further student experience throughout the year, including an introduction to local history field projects through the Spring Street Museum and the Pioneer Heritage Center, the state-of-the-art Cyber Collaboratory virtual reality immersion, and engagement with the renowned James S. Noel Collection of rare books and artifacts.

Upon completion of the course, middle school students will be awarded an Advanced Study in the Humanities Certificate from the LSUS Division of Continuing Education. Please call us at 318-221-6005 or visit www.sjbcathedralschool.org for more information.

While Humanities 101 is the capstone course for 8th grade, similar LSUS integrative programming will be offered throughout the academic year to all ages and grades.

Catholic Schoolhouse Emphasizes Family Unity & Growth Catholic Schoolhouse is a homeschooling program emphasizing family unity and growth in our Faith. We meet once a week for 3.5 hours of fun, learning, and virtue building. Shreveport Catholic Schoolhouse has existed for 6 years and we currently have 25 scholars enrolled in our chapter. We teach virtue through classical memory work (history, science, religion, geography, language arts, math, Latin), hands on science experiments, art appreciation and projects, and field trips. Dialectic (7-9th) and Rhetoric students (10-12th) have opportunities for writing, discussion, presentations, and projects. Our chapter has the potential to have classes from pre-school through high school for this school year. Come join our CSH family!

For more information, families can contact Katie Aranda or Amy Leighton at shreveportcsh@gmail.com.

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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 2021.

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: (019) (019) (022) (008) (028)

Leigh C. Crump ($100) W.A. & E.S. Glenn ($600) Mrs. Suzanne Broussard ($100) Mr. & Mrs. William O. Walker ($100) Terri Culpepper ($300)

Completed Burses: (001)

Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) (010) Memory of Rita Scott

(011) (012) (013) (014) (026) (027) (027)

from the John Scott Family Burse ($10000) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10000) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10000) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10000) Sheryl Seal Sweeney Memorial Burse ($10000) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse ($10000) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse #2 ($10000)

Incomplete Burses:

(008)

(001)

(009)

(002) (003) (004) (005) (006) (007)

Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1150) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2950) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1650) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($950) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3832.12) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1200)

(011) (015) (016) (017)

(018)

St. Jude Parish Burse ($6118) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 Burse ($1550) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($3404) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($2760) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1000) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 Burse ($7521.57) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 Burse ($880)

(019) (020) (021) (022) (023) (024) (025) (028)

Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($6305) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($4915) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff Memorial Burse ($2000) Rev. Blane O’Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($350) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($1020) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($1100) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($400) Friends-n-Faith Burse ($300)

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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Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

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.

May Crowning at Our Lady of Fatima by school children from Our Lady of Fatima School.

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