The Catholic
Connection Celebrating with Jesus:
How Would You Spend His Birthday?
Do You See What I See? Seeing Christ in Our Brothers and Sisters
School News:
Yatcko Celebrates 25 Years With Saint John Berchmans
Thank You For the Conversations:
Van Vranken Responds to September Article Feedback
Vol. 30 No. 5 December 2020
The Good News DECEMBER 2020  1
FEATURES
COLUMNS
contents
7
Happy New Year: The Four Themes 4 of Advent 10 13 Christ is Always on the Side of Suffering: Getting Back to Our 17 Roots
From the Bishop
23
Two Messengers, One Message
34
Come and See Weekend
18
Mary’s Mission: Celebrating with Jesus
38
Thank You For the Conversations: Van Vranken Responds to September Article Feedback
20
Faithful Food: The King Triumphant Comes
24
Hispanic News
NEWS 26
Around the Diocese
28
Yatcko Celebrates 25 Years of Teaching at Saint John Berchmans
From the Pope Mike’s Meditations: Do You See What I See?
36 Cemetery: Everlasting Splendor 31
Yellow Fever Graphic Novel Series
33
37 Share Your Joy with Life, Death, and Pizza: SJS students Catholic Charities work, pray, retreat and eat as they learn and celebrate their faith On the Cover: Chiwendu and Chimelem Kwelle
39
December Calendar
2 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
serving at Blessing of the Graves on November 2, 2020 at Saint Joseph Cemetery
from the editor By: Kierstin Richter
For nine long months, we’ve carried a weight that’s become heavier and heavier. We’ve waited in anticipation of when everything goes back to "normal." Like Mary, as she carried her child, we’ve carried the weight of anticipation within us, unsure of what the next year would look like. For her, I’m sure she had her doubts. Honestly, I’m sure she was so scared. An unexpected pregnancy in a time without modern medical care when many women died in childbirth? In a time when you would be stoned for adultery, and you're carrying a child who isn't the biological son of the man you're married to? In addition to the thought of actual childbirth, Mary also had the thought of the new journey of motherhood in the next year, something she had never experienced, nor had she expected to come so quickly, I'm sure. What was her future going to look like? Even when God tells you everything is going to be okay, we still have moments of fear of apprehension and skepticism of the unknown. Even when we truly feel God has told us everything is going to be okay, and it's all in His plan, we're still human. We still have moments of doubt. But the dynamic nature of our faith is what makes it worth living. Being scared doesn't mean you don't have faith. Being frightened of the future is a very human response. But the problem doesn't come when you feel scared, it comes when you make rash decisions because of that fear. That's not having faith. The opposite of faith isn't fear. It's the need to be in control. Mary could have said no. Mary could have told God she wasn't up for it, and she wanted a normal life for a normal girl. But if she wouldn't have taken on this challenge, we wouldn't have much of a nativity story, would we? So what do we do in this anticipation of a new year? We take a deep breath, and we trust that this year has truly prepared us for anything. Whether things get easier or harder, it won't matter, because regardless, we've built a faith that can carry us through anything. On the advent of this new liturgical year, we have a moment to rest. Anticipation can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting. A lot has changed this year. We’ve found new ways of coping and new ways of living. We’ve lived in anticipation of a time where the world goes back to normal. But even for Mary, her long pregnancy may have been over, but that doesn’t mean things went back to normal. Her life changed substantially with this new baby, this new life. But things didn't go back to normal for Mary, did they? Her next year looked a whole lot different. And yeah, it was definitely harder, but wow, didn't it make a heck of a story? Note: You may notice there's no national news in this issue. It's because it's Christmas-time, and everyone deserves a break from the chaos of this year. Eat some tamales and be jolly. 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. FACEBOOK
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Connection The Catholic
PUBLISHER Bishop Francis I. Malone EDITOR Kierstin Richter CONTRIBUTORS Mike Van Vranken Kim Long Kate Rhea Mary Arcement Alexander Mark Loyet Deacon Andrew Thomas Rosalba Quiroz Ashley Timmons Amy Fakhre Polly Maciulski 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, LPC, Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister, at 318-584-2411. DECEMBER 2020 3
from the bishop WE NOW ENTER into that time of year filled with Church and family traditions. By the time you are reading this article, Thanksgiving with all of its traditions, even those that were modified due to the pandemic, are behind us. Which leaves us having begun the season of Advent, anticipating the commemoration of the birthday of the Savior. Christmastime has always been my personal favorite time of year. Even from my childhood, no family celebration exhibited more joy than Christmas. I grew up with our family embracing the Christmas time in its fullness – not celebrating too early – and not removing the visible signs of Christmas until the Feast of the Epiphany and the end of the Christmas season. I can even recall the sadness I felt one December 26 when I was walking in our neighborhood and a family had already discarded their Christmas tree. Most families I know have their own traditions. And while it may seem strange in our commercialized world today, there were no signs of Christmas in the Malone family until December 24th – absolutely nothing. The weeks preceding Christmas were filled with reminders that we were in the Advent time – a series of four Sundays in which we were reminded of the coming of Christ and preparing our hearts and souls for when He came. Once Advent arrived, our annual tradition was marked with cleaning the house, washing the windows, and making the house presentable for when Christmas arrived. There was “glee” in our house on the morning of the 24th of December, when (and only then) signs of Christmas appeared: our white Christmas tree and the lights and tinsel that decorated it, the string of lights stapled in the frames of our front windows, and the wreath on the front door welcoming visitors to our home. There was the “smells” of Christmas, especially the Christmas foods 4 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
that we would enjoy on Christmas day. Special attention was given to the mantel over our fireplace where the crèche was reverently displayed – even with all the other decorations in the house, the little statues depicting the birth of the Savior had center stage. And when all was said and done, the sound of the vacuum cleaner finishing off the last details of cleaning and readying. I remember that it was early to bed on the 24th – a night we did not complain about going to bed, and the nervous energy of anticipating Christmas morn. Magically, sometime between those early hours when we made our way to bed and the very early hours of Christmas morning, our house was filled with presents and toys and music and lights. And even though our artificial tree and our decorations were used and reused every year, the sight of them appearing on the 24th was as if we were seeing them for the first time – what joy!!! Now, those are all the visible signs of the season that celebrate the beginning of our salvation, but it was the custom of making a good confession before Christmas arrived, and without question, attending Mass on Christmas day that made everything perfect. As your bishop, and this being my first Christmas as a bishop, what I want for you and for your family is a “perfect” Christmas in the spiritual preparation we undertake to prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior, as if we were celebrating it for the first time. As the days approach for His arrival once again, may your Christmas in this year of great troubles and concerns be filled with joy – and peace – and the awareness that Jesus is always with us, even and especially now. Bishop Francis I. Malone
del obispo ENTRAMOS YA EN una temporada del año llena de tradiciones en familia y en la Iglesia. Para cuando estén leyendo este artículo, el Día de Acción de Gracias y todas sus tradiciones, aun aquellas que se tuvieron que modificar por la pandemia, quedaron atrás. Lo que nos lleva al comienzo de la temporada de Adviento, en anticipación de la conmemoración del nacimiento del Salvador. El tiempo de Navidad siempre ha sido para mí el del año. Desde mi niñez, ninguna otra celebración me daba más alegría que la Navidad. Crecí con mi familia celebrando el tiempo de Navidad al máximo – no celebrábamos anticipadamente – ni tampoco quitábamos las señales de la Navidad hasta la Fiesta de la Epifanía y el final de la Temporada Navideña. Todavía me puedo acordar de la tristeza que sentía el 26 de Diciembre cuando caminaba en nuestro vecindario y veía que algunas familias ya habían sacado a la basura sus árboles de Navidad. La mayoría de las familias que conozco tienen sus propias tradiciones de Navidad. Y aunque parezca extraño en este mundo tan comercializado, no había señales de la Navidad en la casa de la familia Malone hasta el 24 de diciembre – absolutamente nada. Las semanas anteriores a la Navidad estaban llenas de señales que estábamos en la temporada de Adviento – una serie de cuatro Semanas en las que se nos recuerda de la venida de Cristo, y prepara nuestros corazones y nuestras almas para cuando Él llegue. Una vez que llegaba el Adviento, nuestra tradición anual era dedicarnos a limpiar bien la casa, lavar ventanas, poner la casa presentable para cuando llegara la Navidad. Pero llegaba la mañana del 24 de diciembre y había “regocijo” en nuestra casa, ya que ese día (y solamente hasta ese día) las señales de la Navidad comenzaban a aparecer: nuestro árbol de navidad blanco se adornaba con las luces y la escarcha… las guías de luces que colgaban grapadas a los cuadros de las ventanas del frente, la corona de adviento en la puerta de enfrente que daba la bienvenida a los invitados a nuestro hogar. Llegaban
los “olores” de la Navidad, especialmente las comidas que disfrutaríamos el día de la Navidad. Se le daba atención especial al mantel que estaba sobre la chimenea donde el nacimiento se mostraba reverentemente – combinando con todas las otras decoraciones en la casa, las pequeñas imágenes representaban el nacimiento del Salvador eran centro de todo. Y cuando se terminaba de decorar todo, llegaba el sonido de la aspiradora que recogía los últimos detalles de limpieza para ahora si estar bien y preparados. Recuerdo que nos íbamos temprano a dormir el 24 – por cierto esa noche no nos quejábamos de ir temprano a dormir con la energía y los nervios en anticipación por la mañana de la Navidad. Como magia, entre las horas de la noche y las de la madrugada de la Navidad, nuestra casa se llenaba con regalos, juguetes, música y luces. Y aunque nuestro árbol y las decoraciones se usaban año tras año – el ver todo aparecer el día 24 era como si los viéramos una vez más por primera vez – ¡que gozo! Estas, son todas las señales visibles de la temporada en que celebramos el comienzo de nuestra salvación, pero era la buena costumbre también de hacer una buena confesión antes que llegara la Navidad, y sin hacer preguntas, íbamos todos a Misa el día de Navidad, lo que hacía que todo lo demás fuera perfecto. Como su obispo, y siendo esta mi primera Navidad como obispo, lo que deseo para ustedes y sus familias es una Navidad “perfecta” en la preparación espiritual que toma prepararse para celebrar el Nacimiento del Salvador, como si la estuviéramos celebrando por primera vez. Al acercarse los días para Su llegada una vez más – que su Navidad este año en el que hemos tenido tantos problemas y preocupaciones, sea llana de gozo – y paz – y haciendo conciencia de que Jesús esta siempre con nosotros – aun y con mayor razón ahora. Bishop Francis I. Malone DECEMBER 2020 5
Happy New
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Year! By: Kim Long, DRE
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12: 2
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Happy Church New Year! That’s right - it is time to turn the page and prepare anew for another year, another cycle of life and all that God can offer to us. While many of us are still struggling to find a sense of normalcy in these unusual times, one of the gifts of our Catholic faith is a sense of ritual and tradition. These are important and never more so than today when many of us are casting our eyes all around searching for something which is familiar and comforting. The Advent wreath is one such gift. Many times I have placed it in the center of the dining table with little intentionality, my thoughts focused elsewhere. This year I consider the wreath and its offerings, its direction as it points us to the stable and beyond. During these early, tender days of our new year, we begin preparations for celebrating the birth of Jesus the Christ. Evergreens, long thought miraculous just by virtue of their existence, green in the dark and cold of winter, reminding us of eternal life and the candles lighting up that winter darkness. Simple elements combined, offering a clear path for us. With four candles, greens, fire, and prayer we light the way into the darkness brought on by the time change, changes in our world, and in ourselves. But we lighten up slowly, one flame at a time so that we grow accustomed to each bit of brightness by degrees. Our goal here is not to be “blinded by the light” rather to be guided and steered by it. Many themes are given to each of the weeks of Advent. These are the four I have chosen to consider this year. DECEMBER 2020 7
Week One Hope
amazingly accurate picture of human frailty. Lewis writes to humanity in the form of letters between uncle and nephew who just happen to be a demon and an apprentice. "‘The LORD is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I The older demon is directing the younger through the hope in Him!’” Lamentations 3:24 daily lives, both inner and outer, of the human condition. It served as a real eye-opener and with each reading, I have During a long-ago Advent penance service as I stood in more of an insight into human weakness and my place in line to confess and lighten my holiday burden I realized, that scenario. albeit too late to change lanes, that I was about to confess to the then Vicar General of the Diocese! I blurted out Several former pastors at St. Mary’s would begin Mass with my one big terrible sin (along with a few lesser offenses) a statement “God is good… all the time and all the time for I knew that without getting that off my chest and God is good.” This was spoken almost as an antiphon. It conscience I would likely miss the boat to Bethlehem. served as a reminder, whether we wanted to hear it or not, My sin, unrecognized for many years, was giving in to that in the midst of chaos God is in control. This year, despair. Like you, I know God is real and present, that He knowing that it doesn’t all depend on me not only gives loves me. In my human frailty I couldn’t see, I couldn’t me a sense of relief but also a sense of joy which is always recognize hope. Fr. David helped and guided me through an appropriate garment with which to clothe ourselves. that awkward moment and I am still and forever grateful for that. This year I pray that I not only accept God’s gift This week, we light the pink candle representing the joy of hope but that I offer it to others whenever possible. that our wait is almost over, that Christmas is just around
Week Two Preparation
“A voice crying out in the desert-prepare the way of the Lord.” Isaiah 4:3 In a moment of rebellion, I abandoned the practice of list-making, something I jokingly attribute to “growing up Baptist.” It was years before I retrieved this practice, years of being late, “discombobulated, and frazzled were the ensuing product. I have returned to the practice of listmaking grateful for its wisdom which I now see. While I am still not “Girl Scout” ready at all times in my sixtieth year I am getting there, becoming more prepared. Preparing means to be ready, willing, and able to tackle what comes into your day, week, month, with not only efficiency but with love and graciousness. This week I will consider how I prepare for the Lord, in my family, my job, and in the world, and I will pray to do it with wisdom and a sense of calm.
Week Three Joy “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 In the Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, we are given an 8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
the corner, and with it the unbridled joy of celebrating the birth of the love of God in the world. I pray that my vision is enlarged and I see joy where I could not see it before.
Week Four Love “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but may have life everlasting…” John 3:16 I have to tell you, friends, this verse is one of the very first scriptures I memorized as a child. And I must confess that I have not reflected on it as it is written above in way too long. I am aware of it of course but to examine it, to sit with it, to feel the love of a gift freely given I have not done lately. Often at this time of the year, we are busy buying (or if you are into crafting-and I ammaking) gifts for those we love. The most meaningful gifts I have ever received have been those which, when opened, revealed that the giver really knew me. In my life I have been blessed to have opened several such brightly and sometimes poorly wrapped packages. The trappings paled beside the offering. In week four, I shall turn my focus away from the trappings of the season and see the gift. Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education at Saint Mary of the Pines Parish
DECEMBER 2020  9
from the pope
Catechesis on prayer - 13. Jesus, Teacher of Prayer GENERAL AUDIENCE: Library of the Apostolic Palace; Wednesday, 4 November 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Good morning! Unfortunately we have had to return to holding this audience in the library, to protect ourselves against contagion by Covid. This also teaches us that we must be very attentive to the prescriptions of the authorities, both the political authorities and health authorities, in order to protect ourselves against this pandemic. Let us offer to the Lord this distance between us, for the good of all, and let us think, let us think a lot about the sick, about those who are already marginalized when they enter the hospitals; let us think about the doctors, the nurses, the volunteers, the many people who work with the sick at this time: they risk their life but they do so out of love for their neighbour, as a vocation. Let us pray for them. During his public life, Jesus constantly availed himself of the power of prayer. The Gospels show this to us when he retired to secluded places to pray. These are sober and discreet observations that allow us only to imagine those prayerful dialogues. They clearly demonstrate, however, that even at times of greater dedication to the poor and the sick, 10 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Jesus never neglected his intimate dialogue with the Father. The more he was immersed in the needs of the people, the more he felt the need to repose in the Trinitarian Communion, to return to the Father and the Spirit. In Jesus’ life there is therefore a secret, hidden from human eyes, which is the fulcrum of everything. Jesus’ prayer is a mysterious reality, of which we grasp only something, but which allows us to interpret his entire mission from the right perspective. In those solitary hours — before dawn or at night — Jesus immerses himself in his intimacy with the Father, that is, in the Love that every soul thirsts for. This is what emerges from the very first days of his public ministry. One Sabbath, for example, the town of Capernaum was transformed into a "field hospital": after sunset they brought all the sick to Jesus, and he healed them. Before dawn, however, Jesus disappeared: he withdrew to a solitary place and prayed. Simon and the others looked for him and when they found him they said: “Everyone is searching for you!” How does Jesus reply? “Let us go on to the
next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out” (cf. Mk 1:35-38). Jesus always goes a bit further, further in prayer with the Father, and beyond, to other villages, other horizons, to go and preach, other peoples.
“vocation”. Prayer has the power to transform into good what in life would otherwise be a sentence; prayer has the power to open the mind to a great horizon and to broaden the heart. Secondly, prayer is an art to be practised insistently. Jesus himself Prayer is the rudder that guides says to us: knock, knock, knock. We Jesus’ course. The stages of his are all capable of sporadic prayers, mission were not dictated by which arise from a momentary success, nor by consensus, or the seductive phrase “everyone is searching for you”. Jesus’ path was charted by the least comfortable one, which obeyed the Father’s inspiration, which Jesus heard and welcomed in his solitary prayer. The Catechism states that “when Jesus prays he is already teaching us how to pray” (no. 2607). Therefore, from Jesus’ example we can derive some characteristics of Christian prayer. First and foremost, it possesses primacy: it is the first desire of the day, something that is practised at dawn, before the world awakens. It restores a soul to what otherwise would be without breath. A day lived without prayer risks being transformed into a bothersome or tedious experience: everything that happens to us could turn into a badly endured and blind fate for us. Jesus instead teaches an obedience to reality and, therefore, to listening. Prayer is primarily listening and encountering God. The problems of everyday life, then, do not become obstacles, but appeals from God himself to listen to and encounter those who are in front of us. The trials of life thus change into opportunities to grow in faith and charity. The daily journey, including hardships, acquires the perspective of a
"Prayer helps us to find the right dimension in our relationship with God, our Father, and with all creation. "
pray do not escape from the world, but prefer deserted places. There, in silence, many voices can emerge that we hide in our innermost selves: the most repressed desires, the truths that we insist on suffocating, and so on. And, above all, in silence God speaks. Every person needs a space for him or herself, somewhere to cultivate their interior life, where actions find meaning again. Without an interior life we become superficial, agitated, and anxious — how anxiety harms us! This is why we must turn to prayer; without an interior life we flee from reality, and we also flee from ourselves, we are men and women always on the run. Lastly, Jesus’ prayer is the place where we perceive that everything comes from God and returns to him. Sometimes we human beings believe that we are the masters of everything, or on the contrary, we lose all self-esteem, we go from one side to the other. Prayer helps us to find the right dimension in our relationship with God, our Father, and with all creation. And Jesus’ prayer, in the end, means delivering oneself into the hands of the Father, like Jesus in the olive grove, in that anguish: “Father, if it is possible … but may your will be done”. Delivering oneself into the hands of the Father. It is beautiful, when we are agitated, a bit worried, and the Holy Spirit transforms us from within and leads us to this surrendering into the hands of the Father: “Father, let your will be done”.
emotion; but Jesus educates us in another type of prayer: the one that knows a discipline, an exercise, and is assumed within a rule of life. Consistent prayer produces progressive transformation, makes us strong in times of tribulation, gives us the grace to be supported by the One who loves us and Dear brothers and sisters, let us always protects us. rediscover Jesus Christ as a teacher of prayer in the Gospel and place Another characteristic of Jesus’ ourselves in his school. I assure you prayer is solitude. Those who that we will find joy and peace. DECEMBER 2020 11
CHRIST IS ALWAYS ON T
12  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
THE SIDE OF SUFFERING Kierstin Richter, Editor
If you’re feeling confused on how to carry on your faith, go back to the roots. Jesus is always on the side of the suffering. Jesus always rooted for the oppressed, the beaten down, the underdog. WE'VE BEEN BOMBARDED with mixed messages about what it means to be Catholic. We've had conversations that are uncomfortable and wondered if we are actually doing this whole thing right, given we have so many differing opinions within our own Church. It has become very complicated. It's enough to make anyone's head spin. But if I had to explain to someone in one sentence or less on what it means to be Catholic, I would tell them simply, "Being Catholic is being with those who suffer." I wouldn't tell them about this saint or that saint or this doctrine or that one. I wouldn't tell them about fasting on Fridays or Lent or Confession. Because without solidarity in suffering, none of that means a thing. If you lose the love, all you have left is a club. Jesus was always on the side of the suffering. Jesus always rooted for the oppressed, the beaten down, the underdog. We fight for the ones who can't fight for themselves. We fight for the ones who are ignored, beaten, and chastised.
Sometimes the Catholic is the underdog in a world that persecutes those who seek truth. Sometimes the underdog is the person rejected by people within the Church, looking for truth, but ostracized because they don't look or act like what we believe a Christian should. The ones society has tossed aside, forgotten, or pushed away - standing in solidarity with them is what it means to be Catholic. You can say all the rosaries you want, you can listen to all the Christian music you want, but when it really counts, when someone needs your help, and you have the opportunity to either stand up or stand aside, that's when you decide if you're truly Catholic or not. So if you’re confused, and you don’t know where you stand or the Church stands on an issue socially or politically, of where we need to direct our focus, direct to the ones who suffer. No matter the statements or opinions of those in authority, nor the politics of it all, nothing changes your ability to love. Your mission is unaffected. The mission to love and heal is unchanged.
Our Church is our home. It is our We all take turns being the underdog. resource for our community and a DECEMBER 2020 13
tool to carry out Christ’s message to the world. She is our home base - our community we go back to for guidance and camaraderie. But it is not the only community we are responsible for.
Do I check in on those who are sick and hurting? Do I offer a hand when they are going through a difficult time? Do I offer to drive them to an appointment or help them cook dinner when they're too tired to move? Or do I stay away because I The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy don't want to feel like I'm bothering give us a tool to discern our mission: them? (Note: No one feels bothered when you drop off a casserole.) 1. Feed the Hungry 2. Give Drink to the Thirsty Do I reach out to those who have 3. Shelter the Homeless been abandoned, even when society 4. Visit the Sick tells me they're a lost cause? Or do 5. Visit the Prisoners I reason, "They did it to themselves. 6. Bury the Dead It's not my responsibility to solve 7. Give Alms to the Poor other people's problems"? Just like the Ten Commandments, these instructions go far beyond volunteering at the local soup kitchen or visiting your friend in the hospital. (You should still do those things, but being Catholic, we always take things a step further.)
Being Catholic is a daily commitment. It's not a social club or a fraternity or something you do because you feel you're expected to. It's a challenge you say yes to every day. It's the commitment to deny and humble yourself, no matter how uncomfortable it is. Because we only grow when our cages are rattled. Suffering goes beyond what we see on a UNICEF commercial. The people we choose not to associate with for the sake of our reputation are also our brothers and sisters we're called to serve - the people we socially exclude.
"So if you’re confused, and you don’t know where you stand or the Church stands, of where we need to direct our focus, direct it to the ones who suffer."
Ask yourself: Do I provide a source of spiritual nourishment for my neighbors? When they are having a difficult time, do I offer to have them over for a cup of coffee and give them my undivided attention? Or do I tell them "Sorry, I'm busy, but I'll pray for you!" Prayers are great, but a listening ear is better.
Do I offer myself to be a safe haven for those who feel "homeless"? Feeling rejected or ostracized or without a place to call home? Do I ignore the social biases and sit with those that society rejects? Or do I wave them away, thinking, "I'll just pray for 'em"? 14 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
These are the people we forget or ignore because we don't know how to love them if they aren't living the way we believe is right. We are afraid to be the "judgy Catholic friend."
We are here to sit and suffer with the suffering. Sitting with the suffering doesn't mean fighting for their choices, it means fighting for their human dignity. It means fighting for their worthiness of love and their Do I bury the past? Do I let go of worthiness to be empathized with. grudges and live in light of the future? Jesus taught this radical idea that each Or do I hold on to the past, blinded individual person, no matter their to the hope of tomorrow? choices, their lifestyle, or affiliations, was utterly and undeniably loveable. Do I offer to pay for the meal, even No matter where they came from, when I'm not expected to? Do I throw they are a child of God. a little extra in the collection basket? Do I offer my old clothes to charity The Catholic Church is where we instead of selling them on Facebook? learn to love, learn to heal, and learn to listen. It is paramount to our Do I consider these things daily? Or beliefs to love our neighbors, love do I go to Mass on Sunday and call our enemies, and love those who it a week? are different. The Church is such a powerful institution, but her power also lies in her humility. Her power
Mother Teresa's Humility List: "To speak as little as possible of one’s self. To mind business.
one’s
own
Not to want to manage other people’s affairs. To avoid curiosity. To accept contradictions and correction cheerfully.
is in her submission. Christ is not a king on a throne with a scepter. Christ is in the lowliest of the low, the humble, the meek, the suffering. He teaches us that we are undeniably loveable, despite our choices, despite our circumstances, and despite who we associate with. We are loved. And as an extension, we are called to imitate Christ. So, therefore, we are called to lower our heads and to love the unlikely without reservations. As Catholics, we are called to be healers and listeners. As hands and feet of Christ, we are called to be an embodiment of peace, mercy, and gentleness. We are here to foster and cultivate relationships regardless of background, status, or opinions. We aren’t here to be right about everything - we’re here to be holy. We’re here to sit in the brokenness.
We’re here to hold the hands of the people that are hurting. So when you're overwhelmed with the politics of the Church and the world and the need to be right, just remember where we came from and why we're here. Remember what it means to be Catholic in the first place. To be Catholic is to suffer. It's to stand in solidarity with those who are abandoned and fall to our knees in humility. We are called to be humble, and if you need a little help with that (we all do), look to the right for Mother Teresa's Humility List. No one said it would be easy. No one said you'd be recognized. No one said you'd be applauded. But we're not here for that. We don't just do it because we're Catholic. We do it because we're human.
To pass over the mistakes of others. To accept insults and injuries. To accept being slighted, forgotten and disliked. To be kind and gentle even under provocation. Never to stand on one’s dignity. To choose always the hardest." Mother Teresa, The Joy of Loving, A Guide for Daily Living
DECEMBER 2020 15
mike’s meditations 16 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
LIFE IS FILLED with layers of our constant waiting or expectation of the next coming of Christ. In Advent, we practice this waiting by remembering his coming as the infant Jesus, while, likewise, we anticipate him coming at the end of time. But because the kingdom of heaven is here, we also can practice waiting for him in the next person we encounter. Do we see Christ in that person? On an unusually cold and windy Shreveport morning, I was shivering while driving too fast; eagerly waiting for the car to heat up. I exited the car as the police officer walked towards me, asking to see my identification, and politely requesting I take my hands out of my pockets. I handed over my driver's license and car registration, and he asked me again to remove my hands which I had already put back in my pockets. Doing so, then without thinking, I put them back into my warm pockets, when he patiently asked me one more time to remove them where he could see them. Because I was cold, he had to ask me again and again. As the title of this car was in the name of my employer, he asked if this was my car. I explained it was a company car that was provided for my work. He nodded and said he would give me a written warning and cautioned me to slow down. I was so happy and grateful I was not served with a speeding ticket. The next morning, as I was thanking God for this kind and generous officer, he asked me if I am as kind when I encounter other people. Do I anticipate the coming of Christ in other people? In particular, God asked me if I try to see Christ in others. I felt he was calling me to put myself in the officer’s shoes and replay how I would act in this situation. Would I easily see Christ in the other person? A flood of questions came to my mind and heart. If I had pulled me over for speeding, would the scenario be different?
What if I was the officer staring at a different looking me? A me that resembled my Lebanese mother with dark eyes, olive skin, a large nose and jet black hair. Or, my grandfather with all of these same Middle Eastern features and scraggly beard as well. Would I see Christ?
Do You See What I See?
What if this Lebanese me was constantly putting my hands in my pockets? If I was the officer, would I be in fear there was a weapon in those pockets? Would I have pulled my taser after so many repeated calls to “show my hands?” And how about the car that wasn’t mine? Would I have demanded proof that the car wasn’t stolen? Would I have asked for verification that I indeed worked for this company? More questions included: What if this person had a Hispanic or an Indian accent? What if they were black or brown-skinned, or wore a hijab headscarf? Would I see Christ in them?
As I continued trying to answer these questions in my conversation with God, I did wonder: “What did this officer see in me?” What made him so comfortable and generous with a speeder who continually kept his hands hidden in his pockets and who didn’t own the car he was driving? Did he really see Christ in me, or was it something else that put him at ease? Of course the deeper question is: “What would I have done in his shoes?” Would I only be kinder and gentler to a person that looked just like me? Would I have seen Christ in someone who looked and acted very differently than I do? God, grant me the grace to see you in everyone.
So, let’s practice this throughout Advent. Pretend that every day is a new, large Advent calendar waiting for us to continually open its doors to each and every moment. Behind each door, look for the coming of Christ in that particular moment. Then, at the end of each day, let’s spend time in an Ignatian Examen. Not an examination of conscience; but an examination of consciousness! When, during this day, was I conscious of Christ’s presence in others? When, during this day, did I not see Christ in others? Like Bartimaeus, we pray for the grace that we might see. We indeed want to be ready for Christ’s second coming at the end of days. And, we are anxious to celebrate his coming at Christmas. This month, let’s also desire to gaze on him in the very next moment. Let’s be present to God as he continually asks us: “Do you see what I see?” 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. He can be contacted at mikevanvranken@comcast.net DECEMBER 2020 17
Mary's Mission: Celebrating with Jesus By: Mary Arcement Alexander, LPC I LOVE CELEBRATING my birthday. Ask my husband, my family or any of my friends, and they will all agree that I celebrate big. My birthday is at the beginning of October, but I celebrate all month long. I know it sounds a bit much, but honestly, I love doing it because I am so grateful for every year God gives me. Imagine if Jesus was here to celebrate His birthday this month. Do you think He would celebrate all month long? Probably not. I have the feeling He would probably not want much attention and would hate having “Happy Birthday” sung to him at dinner while the whole restaurant looks on. I imagine He would intentionally be quiet that day so as not to draw too much attention. I see Him saying no to a birthday cake and yes to cookies for all the children. I see Him showing up at His party with dozens of gifts for everyone. I see Him smiling and laughing as children run about. I hear Him sigh sighs of joy and happiness. I feel the warmth of His hug as He thanks us all for coming. Now, imagine that Jesus comes down from heaven and says, “(Your name), I want to celebrate my birthday with you. Just the two of us. What shall we do?” What would you say to Him? Would you want to sit at His feet and simply relish every moment with Him like Mary? Would you want to be like Martha and make Him dinner? Perhaps you are the adventurous type and want to take Him somewhere you have never been. I realize for some of you this kind of imagining may seem difficult or even silly, but I ask you to indulge me for a moment and allow your imagination to run wild. Give yourself permission to step outside of your comfort zone as you pull up a picture in your mind of this magnificent day with Jesus. I want you to think big and in detail. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, has just requested you to spend this special day with Him. How do you feel in His presence? What does He look like in your mind? What kind of clothes is He wearing? What does He smell like? Perfume? Frankincense? How do you want to spend the day with Jesus? More importantly, do you feel worthy to spend this day with Him? I pray you answered yes to the last question, brothers and sisters, because even though you may not literally be spending the day with Him, He loves you big! He wants to spend every day with you because you are more than worth it. You are one of His greatest gifts. When I imagine the two of us celebrating His birthday, I see myself both sitting at His feet like Mary, as well as doing 18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
something fun and adventurous together. As I sit at His feet, I cannot take my eyes off Him. His face is unlike any face I have ever seen, His eyes are the deepest shade of brown, they are warm and loving, and they captivate me. As I hold His hand, I feel the roughness of calluses formed after years of carpentry and other labor. I gaze at His skin, which is dark in color and lined from years spent in the sun. I hang on His every word and feel pure elation in my heart. I tell Him I want to end the day hiking up the mountains where we will find the perfect spot to watch the sunset. He nods in agreement for He too loves the mountains. He leads me as we move towards the mountaintop. I watch every step He takes and I carefully follow. Our conversation flows naturally and I discover that He has a sense of humor. This realization makes my heart smile, for I love to laugh and who better to laugh with than Jesus! As we arrive at our final destination for the day, He finds the perfect spot next to a large rock where we both find rest. I sit next to Him and as He holds my hand, my entire body fills up with a peace I have never known. I rest my head on His shoulder and gaze softly at the most beautiful sunset. It is the perfect ending to the perfect day. Before I drift off to sleep, I whisper “Happy birthday, Jesus.” I ask Him if today was what He thought, and without saying a word He squeezes my hand and I feel the smile on His face. Yes, it was a truly magnificent day. “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 Mary Arcement Alexander is a licensed professional counselor and blogger. She can be reached at mkarcement@gmail.com. Her blog address is www.throughhiseyes.love.
mary's mission DECEMBER 2020  19
The King Triumphant Comes By: Kim Long, DRE, Saint Mary of the Pines
I HAVE ALWAYS enjoyed Christmas music. more, not less. I have always had a rebellious streak "Christmas Times A-Coming" is one of the few and I have tried to subdue, suppress, and subvert bluegrass songs of the season. I love the words, the it. Not. This. Year. I plan to go whole “hawg”and music, the happiness and security it evokes in me. fly in the face of the isolation and loneliness this Just as liturgical seasons have music reserved for that pandemic has brought me (and many others), as well time alone, so it is in the kitchen when I am cooking as other changes we could never have imagined, most for different occasions. When I make dressing unwelcome and ill fitting gifts. And while I may be for Christmas Day or gumbo for unable to “return” it, I can work to Christmas Eve I listen to bluegrass transform it. In this crazy year and this song is as much a part of 2020 has revealed the preparations as any of the other For an antidote I have made itself to be, ingredients. plans, lists, shopped for weeks-a little at a time, marshalled my many of us long The song functions as a vehicle and recipes, gathered all my Advent and for the security I am transported to a happy time Christmas prayers and novenas. and comfort of filled with family, food, and faith. I am leaving no holly unpicked, Holiday seasons have as much ritual tradition - of all seasonal and heartfelt prayers as anything else. If you doubt it invoked, every package beribboned, something that just imagine a big Christmas dinner and yes I may even wear, gulp, a does not change. without a particular dish prepared Christmas sweater. And while I by a loved one or the ceremonious am doing all this I will not have a retrieving of a platter that is used on that day or begrudged attitude, I will attempt joy and humor as I season alone. deck my own halls in an effort for not only normalcy but triumph! Although this is not a verse usually In this crazy year 2020 has revealed itself to be, many associated with Christmas I am adopting it as my of us long for the security and comfort of tradition motto-“this is the day that the Lord has made, let us of something that does not change. rejoice and be glad.” In the past few years since my own children are all “grown and gone” I have worked to minimize my “Christmas” footprint bringing out fewer decorations, watching my holiday menu becoming smaller, and generally attempting a simple version of the Christmases I have known. 2020 calls for 20 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
So friends, let our spirits soar. We are assured by scripture, that nothing, not even a pandemic and its ensuing restrictions, necessary though they may be, can ever separate us from the love of God! Rejoice and be glad!
faithful food
Maedy Spruill's Peanut Butter Stix Trim crusts from slices of bread. Cut bread into sticks or fingers and place on a cookie sheet to dry out in a 250 degree oven. You want them crisp but not brittle. Over low heat, mix together 1 cup peanut butter (smooth not crunchy variety) with ½ c. cooking oil. Dip dried bread sticks into mixture and drop in paper bag filled with graham cracker crumbs. Shake to coat and place on wax paper to dry.
Photo: Kim Long DECEMBER 2020  21
22  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Two Messengers, One Message
"I am nobody. I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf." Separated by half a millenium, these two holy men bring us the same timeless message. This month, we explore the stories of Saint Juan Diego and Blessed Carlos Acutis. Rosalba Quiroz, Director of Hispanic Ministry THROUGH THE GENERATIONS, there have been many messengers who have proclaimed the most important message – the commandment of Jesus: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind”. Matthew 22:37. During this time of Advent Season, two messengers come to mind: Saint Juan Diego and Blessed Carlo Acutis. Saint Juan Diego was an indigenous, poor, humble, obedient, but illiterate man, born in America in the 1500s. He was baptized as an adult by the first Franciscan Missionaries that taught the Catholic Faith to the natives in Mexico. He was almost 60 years old when the Virgin, Mary Mother of God appeared to him on one early cold December morning on his way to Mass and passing by the Tepeyac hill, in what is now the heart of Mexico City. When the Virgin asked him to go and tell the bishop to build Her a church on the hill, he responded: "I am nobody. I am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf." He did not consider himself worthy of such a request. Almost five hundred years later, under different times, circumstances, and in a technologically advanced era, another messenger would arise. Blessed Carlo Acutis was born in a well to do family in Europe, in 1991. He had a very short life – only 15 years, however, he lived a remarkable Christian life. He not only was a computersavvy teenager who enjoyed video games - as all young boys do, but he asked his parents to let him go to Mass every day and lived his Catholic faith to the fullest. Using his computer skills and his passion for the
Eucharist, he made a study of the documented miracles of the Eucharist around the world. Below is his website to read about his study. He said of the Eucharist: “It is the highway to heaven.” His number one wish was "to always be close to Jesus, that’s my life plan.” Let us pray for Blessed Carlo who is surely on the highway to sainthood. These two messengers’ backgrounds could not be more different and yet, had a common focus: to do God’s Will in their daily lives; by bringing souls to God and dedicating their lives to the construction of the Kingdom. Both messengers are an inspiration to all of us to spread the Good News to the best of our abilities and, using the tools and talents given to us by our Creator, the God they both loved and proclaimed. With the coming of Christmas, we are reminded of that message God gave us when Jesus was baptized: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17. He comes to us as a baby in a manger, but Divine as a God, for He is God! He is our God who reminds us of the salvation He offers to all the world – being Himself the message and the messenger: “I am the Way the Truth and the Life” John 14:6. “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live” John 11:25. To learn more about Saint Juan Diego: https://www. olg-parish.com/history-of-the-apparitions-of-our-lady-ofguadalupe-to-juan-diego-on-tepeyac-hill.html To learn more about Blessed Carlo Acutis: https://www. vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2020-10/carlo-acutisblessed-assisi-eucharist-patron-internet.html Carlo’s Eucharistic miracles: http://www. miracolieucaristici.org/es/Liste/list.html.
Oil Painting of Juan Diego: Miguel Cabrera Carlos Acutis: https://www.rcdai.org.uk/the-story-of-carlo-acutis/
DECEMBER 2020 23
“¡Ánimo! ¿No estoy yo aquí que soy tu Madre?” Por: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora ¡Cuántas luchas y tragedias hemos tenido este año! El 2020 trajo consigo muchos desafíos a todo el mundo, y el dolor más grande ha sido la partida de tantos hermanos nuestros que han perdido la vida por COVID-19. Nadie imaginaba que nuestra vida cambiaría tan drásticamente con este virus que vino a sacudir al mundo. Primero tuvimos que estar en casa resguardados por precaución al contagio, después han sido meses y más meses de restricciones en todos los lugares y hasta en nuestros propios hogares cuando algún miembro de nuestra familia tiene que ser puesto en cuarentena. Sin embargo, tenemos que estar muy agradecidos por todas las bendiciones que tenemos y la más grande es la esperanza de un mejor futuro. Ojalá el 2021 y los años venideros en nuestra vida traigan muchas bendiciones. Aunque cuando menciono un mejor futuro me refiero a la esperanza de la vida eterna. Sabiendo que esta vida en la tierra es temporal y que nuestro Señor nos tiene un lugar hermoso, sin dolor, sin sufrimiento y sí lleno de alegría y de paz para disfrutar por toda una eternidad. Como cristianos católicos, tenemos la firme fe de que esta vida es temporal y que nuestra verdadera residencia no está aquí si no en el cielo donde compartiremos con todos nuestros seres amados que ya han partido, con nuestros ancestros, con todos los santos y sobretodo en los brazos amorosos de Nuestro Padre Dios. Dios Padre quien desde el principio de los tiempos ha estado a nuestro lado, primero preparando a nuestros antepasados para la venida del Mesías y desde que Jesús vino a enseñarnos el verdadero amor y la manera que debemos vivir para poder ir un día con El al cielo, miles de personas han luchado por salvar sus almas y las de muchos otros. Entre esos santos tenemos a nuestro amado San Juan Diego, un hombre humilde, obediente, valeroso y lleno de fe que tuvo que ser firme y valiente para poder entregar el mensaje de nuestra Madre al Obispo de construirle un templo en el 24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Tepeyac. Pasaron casi 500 años para que la iglesia lo declarara Santo pero ahora es uno más que interceden por nosotros junto a nuestra Madre María, a nuestro hermano Jesús, quien vino al mundo como humano cien por ciento y divino también cien por ciento. San Juan Diego, como nosotros, tenía mucho que temer; la vida no era fácil en ese entonces ya que para ir a Misa tenía que cruzar el cerro, había quedado viudo sin tener hijos y vivía con su tío quien en esos días estaba muy enfermo. Aunque en algunos lugares remotos del mundo aún viven así, la mayoría de los humanos estamos conectados por medio de la tecnología, el transporte y muchos servicios que no había en la época de San Juan Diego. Ya no tenemos que caminar por caminos pedregosos para ir a Misa, por ejemplo. Por otro lado, con los cambios han venido otros muchos desafíos como el alto costo de todo, el materialismo, más adicciones y la resistencia a las cosas de Dios. Por eso, ahora más que antes, debemos recordar que nuestra Madre María está siempre abogando por nosotros ante Dios Padre y recordemos que así como le dijo a San Juan Diego, así nos dice también a nosotros “!Ánimo! ¿No estoy aquí yo que soy tu Madre?” Nota: Hasta que las autoridades nos lo pidan, debemos seguir teniendo las precauciones de usar el cubre bocas, guardar distancia, y mantenerse al margen de reuniones numerosas y encerradas. Sé que es difícil seguir estas normas ya que este mes, celebramos a la Virgen, las Posadas, la Navidad y Año Nuevo pero seamos obedientes y busquemos la manera de seguir las reglas y estar alegres al mismo tiempo sabiendo que Dios está en medio de nosotros. Con la ayuda de Dios esperemos que el próximo sea un año de prosperidad, especialmente espiritual y lleno de paz y amor. ¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!
MINISTERIO HISPANO CATOLICO CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY Rev. Fidel Mondragon 318.221.0238 Oficina • Domingo 1:00pm Lunes 7:00pm • Sabado 6:00pm Coordinador Oscar Gomez 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 Coordinator: Luz Martinez • 318.224.0980 NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE Rev. Luis Jost, OFM Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez 817.801.3499 STA MARIA DE LOS PINOS: SHREVEPORT Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt 318.687.5121 Oficina Domingo 11:30am Coordinadora: Alma Mendoza 318.678.9306 SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE Rev. Joseph Kallookalam, CMI 318.428.2683 Oficina • Cada dos semanas, Domingo 5:00pm CONTACTO DIOCESANO: Rosalba Quiroz, Directora 318.219.7265 rquiroz@dioshpt.org Maria Ivelis Sanchez, Secretaria 318.219.7257 isanchez@dioshpt.org Mural of Our Lady in Austin, Texas. Photo DECEMBER by Kierstin 2020 Richter 25
around the diocese
Saint Mary of the Pines Celebrates 19th Annual Mass of Remembrance Father Mark Watson, Pastor of St. Mary of the Pines Parish celebrated the 2020 Mass of Remembrance. Parishioner Rose Marie Clarke (pictured bottom left) initiated and organized this special service nineteen years ago at St. Mary’s as a complement to All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The Mass of Remembrance helps heal the open wounds of grief for the families who have lost loved ones in the past year. Invitations are sent out, programs are printed and framed pictures of the deceased are placed on decorated tables. During the Mass, the loved ones' names were called out and the families placed a candle in front of the pictures. After the service, a small gathering was held in the parish hall, where memories, tears and conversation were shared.
What is Happening at Saint Jude Parish? St. Jude parishioners worked with Lake Charles diocesan staff and members of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church to serve 900 meals to folks in Lake Charles on November 1, 2020. St. Jude Church youth and adults donated water, baked cookies, and gathered meal ingredients in support of hurricane relief efforts. The people of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana continue to need assistance as they recover from two devastating hurricanes. Much work has been done there by Catholic volunteers, but the needs are significant and more trips to help will be planned.
26 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Father Francis Kamau Enjoys Deer Hunting Experience
Father Francis Kamau killed this 5 point buck at 180 yards on November 3rd in Sabine Parish. This was Father Francis’s first time to go deer hunting with a gun. He indicated that in his home of Kenya, deer are hunted with spears.
St. Joseph, Zwolle Halloween Trunk or Treat
On November 1st. St. Joseph in Zwolle held a Trunk or Treat for Halloween in the church parking lot. It was a huge success, thanks to all for participating, especially the Council of Catholic Women and the Youth Groups of St. Joseph.
Brasher Selected as Associate Member for NFCYM Our Lady of Fatima would like to congratulate our Youth Minister, Lindy Brasher, for being selected as the 7th Associate Member for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).
Jesus the Good Shepherd Students and Teachers Enjoy Class Safely in the Fresh Air
Dr. Carynn Wiggins Awarded $1,000 Extension Donation to St. Frederick School, Monroe
The SEAS Youth Ministry packed 105 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child to help local churches around the world spread the Good News. Each box contains a bible written in the child’s native language and has been prayed over by SEAS Youth Ministry. This is through a program called The Greatest Journey, delivering the boxes to children in remote and hard to reach corners of the world via airdrops, buses, ships, and even donkeys and camels.
Bishop Malone was in Monroe on November 4 for the Board of Directors meeting, led by President, Brad Smith, to present Dr. Carynn Wiggins with a $1,000 Catholic Extension donation to St. Frederick High School in honor of her being a 2020 Lumen Christi nominee.
All Saints Day celebration with our PSR Children at St. Ann's Church, Stonewall.
Ms. Thelma Small led the Rosary Rally before Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zwolle, La.
Children from St. Joseph Church, Mansfield dressed up as their favorite Saints to honor All Saints Day.
Confirmation and 1st Holy Communion children with our Bishop Francis I. Malone. Our Lady of Fatima Church in Monroe was blessed to have Bishop Malone with us to bless and confirm the candidates on 24th of October at 4:30 pm Holy Mass. We highly appreciate and thank Bishop Malone for being with us.
By: Amy Fakhre As the days get shorter and chillier and we feel the very first whispers of winter around the corner, our minds drift toward the upcoming holidays. Busy days packed full of joy, blessings, family and friends. Often times during these busy days, we long for simpler times. Days not so fast-paced, where time just seems to move slower and everyone appears calmer and not so rushed. These simpler times seem to have found their way into our days here at JGS School and we are thankful. Thankful for outdoor classrooms where children sit in the sun surrounded by nature and soak in their core subjects. Thankful for the camaraderie of static classrooms, where the hustle and bustle of changing classes is not necessary. Thankful for the cohesiveness of teachers and parents working together to keep their children and school safe. The necessary changes implemented to keep us safe have also brought a sense of simplicity and, somehow, peace into our school days. We know that in due time, our schedules and days will return to normal and that is okay. For now, we will relish in this time of simplicity. We will take each day in the sun and every close friendship made in the classroom as a blessing. We will be thankful for “peace that DECEMBER surpasses all understanding!” 2020 27
school news
Mr. Yatcko Celebrates 25 Years of Teaching at Saint John Berchmans School By: Ashley Timmons HE’S THE FIRST person you see as you step foot on SJB’s school campus and the last person you see as you leave for the day. Not only does he meet and greet every student with a high five or an elbow bump these days--he’s also the middle school religion teacher-and Santa Claus! This year, Jim Yatcko celebrates 25 years of teaching at St. John Berchmans Catholic School. He’s the cool religion teacher with the ZZ Top beard and the dark sunglasses who teaches our faith with a game of baseball or music from The Allman Brothers Band. He’s the one who leads the faculty in prayer for every meeting and he’s our go-to guy for all things rock and roll. In his early 30s, Jim Yatcko felt the calling to become a religion teacher. It was through caring for his mother during her illness and death, that he found this calling. He was a volunteer CCD teacher at his local church parish, 28 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
St. Paul’s Church in Minden, Louisiana where he taught his daughter’s 7th-grade religion class. “When I walked into that room, I felt at home. I felt I belonged there. It was then I found my calling... so good things can come out of hard times,” he says. After becoming certified as a Level 3 Catechist through the Greco Institute with the Diocese of Shreveport, Yatcko began driving a transport van shuttling students from Minden to St. John Berchmans Catholic School where he landed his first teaching job in middle school religion, a position he’s remained in for the past 25 years. Students in a Catholic school have the unique opportunity to fulfill the sacraments, attend confession, and go to weekly Mass. Religion class at SJB includes the study of Catholic doctrine and traditions, scripture, social justice, and service to others. Yatcko says that although he has been through many
textbooks over the years, textbooks are only a place to start. He says students should bring their life experiences to the classroom and much of what he teaches deals with sharing and discussing. Yatcko says, “If you were to ask me what my job description is, I’m not a religion teacher. It’s my job to share faith with young people. That’s what I do.” An item on the school supply list for middle school is a Bible. Yatcko says students should learn how to use their bibles otherwise, bibles will stay on the shelf. Middle schoolers learn the Old Testament in 6th, New Testament in 7th, and a mixture of both including Confirmation preparation for 8th. Yatcko has always loved scripture and wanted to share it with others. “What’s important for them to learn hasn’t changed,” he states. Yatcko collaborates with faculty in other departments like English, History,
Computer, Art, and most recently PE. He believes our Faith should be crosscurricular which is simple to do in a Catholic school setting. In art class students have learned to use calligraphy to write The Ten Commandments, and to create the Stations of the Cross figurines with aluminum foil. In his own classroom, Yatcko uses a game of baseball where students can review for the upcoming test. Most recently, Yatcko has collaborated with the PE department to create a kickball game for the next test review. He says that anytime you can do something novel, that will stick with the student. With 25 years of teaching middle school students, Yatcko understands the middle school brain a little better than most. He believes by incorporating art, music, and games, this helps to reinforce the lessons taught and appeal to all the senses and different learning styles. “When they’re learning about the Patriarchs, I have them get comfortable at their desks and I use storytime to teach about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Who doesn’t like a good story? They remember this kind of thing,” he says. He says he’s been known to stand on the furniture with a stick in his hand when teaching about the prophets. During the vocations discussion, he uses classical art when teaching about the Calling of Matthew by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, depicting the moment at which Jesus Christ inspires Matthew to follow him. Playing Rambling Man by The Allman Brothers has helped 6th graders learn about the Epistles from St. Paul and not only puts an old school jingle in their head but also reinforces the scripture lesson. Yatcko says, “What we need to do is give them the tools to grow in faith and that’s what I try to do.” Another important aspect of religious education is spiritual retreats and Yatcko
leads every one. Each year, students in middle school look forward to their class retreat with a different theme for each grade. “Class retreats encourage spiritual development and bond the students.
Guardian Angels, a middle school service organization. These students are the ones you see every morning and afternoon opening car doors at carpool, walking little ones to class or carrying in a heavy school project. “My Guardian Angels help keep other students safe at carpool. Just as important is a cheerful greeting and pleasant goodbye to ensure that students and parents know we are happy they are with us,” remarks Yatcko. Yatcko has observed numerous SJB traditions over the past twenty-five years, many in which he has participated in but
“If you were to ask me what my job description is, I’m not a religion teacher. It’s my job to share faith with young people. That’s what I do.” Retreats encourage students to live a life of discipleship,” Yatcko states. A pillar of SJB’s mission is to nurture children in a life of service to others and one of the reasons Yatcko sponsors the
DECEMBER 2020 29
his favorite is the 8th-grade presentation of The Living Stations. With his guidance, the 8th-grade class begins preparation shortly after Christmas and throughout the semester writing and editing The Stations of the Cross. “There’s so much work and creativity on the part of the students, from writing and editing, until it sounds like one voice,” says Yatcko. Students, dressed in costumes, perform for the school and parents on Holy Thursday every year. Catherine Mackey, 3rd-grade teacher recounts, “His dedication and work with the 8th grade shows through the emotions displayed by the students. I feel as if I am physically there in the actual presence of our Savior.” “To watch them put it together and grow in faith is amazing,” Yatcko says. He continues, “It’s something special and unique to our school. I’ve researched and no other school does this the way we do it. Every year it’s proven to be fantastic.” Another SJB tradition is a special visit from St. Nicholas aka Mr. Yatcko. With his crozier in hand, Yatcko walks around
30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
the Multi-room and gives each student a blessing while choirs of children sing the St. Nicholas Song. Of course, they all know “it’s Mr. Yatcko!” but adults and children alike relish in the Christmas time spirit on the Feast Day of St. Nicholas. And with a beard like that, it was no wonder he was recruited to be SJB’s Santa Claus for the annual Rudolph Run 5K and Pancakes with Santa. He has grown to love this tradition and looks forward to it every year. When asked what the future holds for Mr. Yatcko, he says, “I figure I’ll be here indefinitely. I’m a fixture. I’m like the furniture. I love being a part of this place and this family that we have. And I think that’s one thing that truly makes us different. Our faculty truly and honestly care about each other and most of all the well-being of the children that God has chosen to share with us. I firmly believe that in my heart and I love being here.” Yatcko has many memories from the past 25 years, he says, “I think what really brings it home is when I see my former students and realize that the seeds that
were planted in middle school have come to fruition because of the people they’ve become.” With our Faith being the cornerstone of our school, it is of utmost importance that we have a strong religious program that appeals to students in many ways. There’s no doubt Mr. Jim Yatcko fits the bill. He has impressed upon so many lives with his creative ways of teaching, his music, love of scripture, and our Faith. He’s sure to leave a mark on the soul, so to speak. Yatcko concludes, “It is amazing to feel that you are living your vocation every day when you come to work...and I still feel that after 25 years.”
yellow fever graphic novel series
The Catholic Connection is running a graphic novel series each month featuring the story of five priests who gave their lives in service to others in the Shreveport Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. This graphic novel is provided courtesy of the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans and is illustrated by Deacon Andrew Thomas. DECEMBER 2020  31
school news
SJS students work, pray, retreat and eat as they learn and celebrate their faith By: Polly Maciulski AS THE LEAVES change colors outdoors, schools are typically in full swing with activities, and our students at SJS have enjoyed the many opportunities to learn and live their faith. We began with our Balloon Rosary outdoors on Wednesday, October 7, then recognized students for their excellence in both academics and virtuous behavior with an assembly in the church that parents were able to watch on the live feed. On the Feast of Saint John Paul II, our 8th graders were treated to a great pro-life presentation from Kandace Landreneau, North Louisiana Youth Director for Louisiana Right to Life. A few days later, our seventh graders traveled to Forest Park Cemetery to clean up Lullabyland, the infant section of the cemetery. Last year when they went on
their All Saints Day retreat with Fr. Long, the students were moved by the condition of that part of the cemetery, so Fr. Long promised them that he would take them back one day to clean it up, so he did: the kids worked hard and also offered the Prayer for the Faithful Departed before heading back to campus for lunch with their pastor, Fr. Matthew Long and parochial vicar, Fr. Kevin Mues. Our K5 students rang in the month of November by celebrating All Saints Day with the usual costumes and sang a beautiful rendition of "The Saints of God" in the church, again viewable on the live feed for those who could not attend. That same day our 6th graders enjoyed a day-long retreat
8th Grade Students listen to a pro-life presentation from Kandace Landreneau, North Louisiana Youth Director for Louisiana Right to Life
32  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
6th grade students at the All Souls Day Mass and Blessing of the Graves at Saint Joseph Cemetery
at both Forest Park and St. Joseph Cemeteries with Fr. Long, but this year the class also got to celebrate All Souls Mass and led the rosary with Bishop Malone! Our K4 students rocked the 50th day of school with great costumes and lessons, and our first graders registered to vote...sort of. They made voter registration cards, learned about their role as citizens and voters, and even cast their votes for their favorite fluffy friend and for President of the United States! Fr. Long hosted our annual Vocations Luncheon with the help of Fr. Kevin and Sr. Anna Maria Iannetti, OLS, at which some of our interested Middle School students get to ask questions about vocations as they dine with the clergy or religious. Finally (but certainly not least), our great priests showed our students how much they appreciate them with a pizza party. They even wore pizza costumes as they passed out pizza and water to the whole student body!
Fr. Long and Fr. Kevin throw a pizza party for the students in fun costumes
K-5 students celebrate All Saints Day
DECEMBER 2020  33
Come and See Weekend Photo by Trey Weaver
By: Mark Loyet, Director of Pastoral Ministry DURING THE WEEKEND of November 6-8, the Office of Vocations and the Office of Pastoral Ministry once again teamed up to bring a group of six young men to visit St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, LA for its semiannual “Come and See Weekend.” St. Joseph is where our diocese sends its college-age seminarians who have not yet studied philosophy.
were some of only a few who shared in the experience this fall; a few other dioceses made private visits at other times.
Normally, “Come and See Weekends” are big events where many dioceses across the south send young men to visit the seminary. Sometimes over 100 young men attend. However, due to Covid-19, the BIG Come and See Weekend was canceled last spring and this fall. Nevertheless, our diocese obtained permission from seminary leaders to bring a private group so our young men
On Saturday evening, as we were all sitting around the dinner table, Fr. Jerry Daigle (our diocesan Vocations Director) asked the young men, “What has been your favorite experience this weekend?” Interestingly, all six of the young men answered, “participating in Vespers with the monastic community.” Vespers is the evening installment of the Liturgy of the Hours. During Vespers, the Benedictine
34 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in a range of activities as you can see on the schedule on the next page, and each of our attendees said they had a lot of fun, learned much about seminary life and were moved by the experiences.
monks gather in the abbey church to speak and chant prayers in a call and response format which is beautiful and serene. The young men said it was moving to see the monks participating in prayer that takes place several times a day, every day of their lives. They described it as very peaceful and said it was cool to see something they had only heard of in the past. Witnessing this ancient practice truly does take the observer outside of his time and place to an experience that is almost otherworldly. Overall the weekend was an excellent experience for the retreatants, 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 men who attended this trip; that they will continue to discern God’s call
Photos by Mark Loyet Back row: Fernando Cordova (Chaperone), Nathan Lirette (Attendee), Tristan Frisk (Seminarian), Luke Holbron (Attendee), Jacob Albritton (Seminarian) Front row: Darrius Flennoy (Attendee), John Patrick Frantz (Attendee), Michael Calvaresi (Attendee), Trey Weaver (Chaperone), William Voorhies (Attendee)
in their lives and be open to whatever He wills for them. Further, please pray for all young men and women 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. Rumor has it that the seminary is hoping to resume having the “big” Come and See Weekend this spring, but I guess we will have to wait and see. If not, we will schedule another private trip for our young men. If you or someone you know is interested in attending the next Come and See Weekend, start thinking about it or encouraging them now. The date will likely be in March or April and it will be advertised well in advance. Pictured above: Fr. Jerry Daigle; Photo by Trey Weaver
DECEMBER 2020 35
cemetery
Bishop Malone at the Blessing of the Graves at Saint Joseph Cemetery, November 2, 2020.
Everlasting Splendor:
Cleaning & Restoring Stones at St. Joseph Cemetery By: Kate Rhea, Cemeterian, St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery STROLLING THROUGH a cemetery can be a feast for the eyes. Landscaped greenery, flowers, and trees thoughtfully placed along neatly trimmed walkways ensure visitors have a peaceful and picturesque experience when visiting their loved ones. But the true beauty of cemeteries is displayed by the monuments, headstones, and mausoleums themselves, and keeping them neat and clean is the best way to make sure that their beauty can be appreciated for years to come. In older cemeteries like St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, the variety of gravestones in size, design, and material differs greatly as styles transform over the decades. From granite and marble 36  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
to cement, sandstone, and even iron, each monument ages differently as the years pass. Restoring headstones to their former glory and maintaining their cleanliness requires special biological cleaning solutions, precision tools, and professional experience. The Diocese of Shreveport takes great pride in keeping the cemetery grounds in pristine condition, making necessary repairs to older monuments, and making the best local professional gravestone cleaners available to the families of those interred at St. Joseph.
Due to safety concerns and liability issues, the diocesan cemetery bylaws prohibit the general public from cleaning or repairing gravestones on their own. However, if you are interested in having a statue or stone professionally cleaned, please contact Kate Rhea at krhea@ dioshpt.org or (318) 219-7264 for more information. The Diocese of Shreveport works together with talented professionals to make sure the stones, statues, and mausoleums at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery remain as beautiful and timeless as the memories they symbolize.
catholic charities
Share Your Joy with Catholic Charities By: Meg Goorley THREE HURRICANES, two tornadoes, a leap year, and a pandemic, oh my! What a year 2020 has been! I fervently believe that the only way humanity has survived this year has been through God’s grace and your joy. Some of us have had more joyful moments than others this year. Unfortunately, we at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana, have seen too many in despair. In fact, we have provided a 500% increase in rental payments for clients in the first quarter of our fiscal year versus this same time last year! People in our
communities are hurting. This is where you and I, members of the Catholic community, can rally to help uplift our neighbors. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, CCNLA is always in need of two things: donations and volunteers. Our staff is small, but our hearts are huge. With 13 people in three offices covering 16 parishes, there is never enough time in the day to do it all. Whether you have an hour a week or an entire summer to help, we can assuredly find ways to make use of your time, talents, and energy.
seminarian burses Thanks to our Recent Donors: (015) (027)
Patricia L. Joyner ($25) Mr. & Mrs. Gregory P. Wellman ($10000)
Completed Burses: (001) (006)
Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10000) 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) (026) Sheryl Seal Sweeney Memorial Burse ($10000) (027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse ($10000) Incomplete Burses: (001) (002)
Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($950) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2750)
Perhaps time is not what you can donate. Did your investment account do well this year? Did you stow away your stimulus check? Did you manage to keep your job through the pandemic and come out financially unscathed? Please consider making a financial contribution to our little organization that makes a big impact. YOU are Catholic Charities of North Louisiana. Please help us share your joy!
(003) (004) (005) (006)
Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1400) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($950) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3832.12) (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1200) (008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($6018) (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 Burse ($1550) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($3404) (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($2760) (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 ($880) (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($5580) (020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($3915) (021) Rev. Edmund "Larry" Niehoff Memorial Burse ($2000) (022) Rev. Blane O'Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($250) (023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($1020) (024) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($600) (025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($400) DECEMBER 2020 37
Thank You for the Conversations In response to the feedback on his article “From Pro-Life to Prostitution,” printed in the September 2020 issue
By: Mike Van Vranken PROUD OF THE outcome following several weeks of preparing for my first meditation article for the Catholic Connection over 12 years ago, I emailed it to a priest friend asking for his thoughts. He called saying: “Mike, you can do better than this.” He explained when he reads something like this, he wants to be challenged, made to squirm a little, to have his insights somewhat broadened and even questioned. Consequently, taking my own experiences (they are the only experiences I know), I choose those I grapple and struggle with, those I take to God in my own contemplative prayer, and share with you some of what I glean from those prayer experiences. I try to present them with some of my own evocative and challenging questions. My suggestion is always for you to pay attention to your inner movements when meditating on the article, then intimately and lovingly share those feelings with God; asking him for His perspective. I never have your answers, but He does. My September article dealt with my perception of a deafening silence about how we, as Catholics, can help everyone who has been adversely affected by the pandemic. Seeing these lives as sacred, I wondered aloud if we are hindered by our personal interests in the economy. Today, I am so thrilled and humbled by the response. The silence has ended 38 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
and the conversations taking place are like birds singing and bells ringing. The resulting music is a full symphony of sound ranging from those who were troubled, confused or angered by the message, as well as those who were strengthened, comforted and supported by the article. The view we see now is both panoramic and holistic. Our name, Catholic, originates in the Greek phrase Katholou, which means “being made whole.” From your responses to me, the Catholic Center, the conversations among yourselves, and especially a few homilies I’ve heard, we are having a universal dialogue we were not having before. I think about the person who was offended when they didn’t hear the preeminence of protecting the unborn in my meditation. And, at the same time, the heartfelt response from one who is still sheltered at home because of underlying conditions, and how the same article gave her consolation to help alleviate her fears and loneliness. Do we unabashedly protect the innocent and vulnerable unborn at all costs? Absolutely. And, at the same time, we do not ignore the dignity and presence of Christ in the sick and lonely. It is never one or the other. It is always both/and. Then, there is one who felt the issue as political. And, yes, as part of our culture and traditions, it is very political. At the same time, another emailed that they were thankful this article pointed them back to Jesus and gave them clarity. Politics are part of the stuff of our lives. Yet, long before we humans made this a political issue, Jesus was making it a gospel issue. Again, it’s not either-or; both are included. I heard from one thanking me for the article, saying it is hard enough being a Catholic businessperson and
how support from the Church is more important than support from the government. Simultaneously someone else suggested I was slighting the many non-profits like Catholic Charities who do so much for people. I happen to be a founding member of our Catholic Charities and served on its initial board of directors. I know first-hand how much this organization does to help the needy of our diocese. So, YES! We can help by supporting ministries such as Catholic Charities and still search for other creative ways we can help our Catholic businesspeople. To the 17-year-old who took issue with some things I wrote, your questions, your dedication to the unborn, and your desire for answers give us such hope for the Church. As Pope Francis has said, the youth are not only our future, you are also our present! I encourage you to keep the questions coming, continue your own journey finding ways to serve God, and please don’t ever lose your enthusiasm. I am so proud of your engagement in this conversation. Keep it up. These examples and the other communications you all sent each represent our unitive experience of Christ in our midst. Some have used the image of a seamless garment. St. Paul called us the Body of Christ. And Jesus referred to our one, communion relationship with him and each other as the Kingdom of God/Kingdom of Heaven. As long as I am given this grace-filled opportunity, I will continue to share challenging and evocative questions. Like Jacob of old, we can all take these questions, wrestle with them and God through the night, and come out visibly changed with a deeper calling and purpose. Thank you again for the beautiful music of your dialogue. Please don’t stop now.
Feast Days December 3 Saint Francis Xavier, Priest December 7 Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church December 8 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Diocesan News
december calendar
December 9, 2020 6:00 pm Protecting God’s Children via Zoom
Parish News December 14-16 - Advent Mission with Fr. Jim Sichko, Papal Missionary of Mercy @ Saint John Berchmans Cathedral. Fr. Jim, Papal Missionary of Mercy, will offer our Advent Mission Monday - Wednesday, Dec 13-16. All of the diocese are invited to the Cathedral Advent Mission - for those in the Eastern Deanery, you are invited to join us LIVE. This family-oriented mission includes music, storytelling, scripture and prayer! Bring the kids - each talk is geared for every family member! Come be inspired by his stories.
December 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe
Advent Confession Schedule at Saint John the Baptist and St Terence Mission Saturdays: 3PM to 3:45 at Saint John Sundays: 30 minutes after the 8AM and 11AM Masses
December 14 Saint John of the Cross
Live Stream Services:
December 25 The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) December 26 Saint Stephen, The First Martyr December 27 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph December 28 The Holy Innocents, Martyrs December 29 Saint Thomas Becket, Bishop and Martyr December 31 Saint Sylvester I, Pope
Cathedral of St. John Berchmans facebook.com/cathedralofsjb Saturday Vigil: 4 pm Sunday: 8am, 11am, 5:30pm Monday-Friday: 12:10 pm Christ the King Parish Sunday 11:00 am English ; 1:00 pm Spanish facebook.com/ChristtheKingbossier Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish 8:30 am and 5 pm Masses on YouTube channel: JGS DRE Mary, Queen of Peace Parish Sunday 11:00 am - facebook.com/ MQOPBossierCity Our Lady of Fatima Parish Sunday: 9:00 am - facebook.com/ OLFCatholicChurch Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish Sunday 9:00 am - facebook.com/ OLBSShreveport St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Tuesday-Friday: 7:30 am, Saturday: 4:00 pm, Sunday: 11:00 am seasshreveport.com/live-masses St. George Church Sunday 11:00 am - facebook.com/ MQOPBossierCity
St. John the Baptist Parish Sunday 11:00 am - facebook.com/ stjohnsmanyla St. Lawrence Church Sunday 10:45 am - facebook.com/StLawrence-Catholic-Church-SwartzLa-159206814231608 St. Paschal Parish Sunday: 9:00 am on YouTube channel: St. Paschal’s Catholic Church - West Monroe,LA St. Pius X Parish Sunday: 11:00 am - facebook.com/ shreveportstpiusx St. Jude Parish Sunday 8:30 and 11:15 Monday-Friday live 11:30 am facebook.com/StJudeBossier St. Joseph Parish Sunday: 7:30am, 9:30am, 12:30pm, 6:00pm https://www.christianworldmedia. com/livechannel/stjosephshreveport Holy Trinity Parish Sunday: 10:30 am https://www.facebook.com/ Holy-Trinity-CatholicChurch-149169828483621/
DECEMBER 2020 39
Connection The Catholic
DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.
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Shreveport, LA 71104
40 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION
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.
Students at Jesus the Good Shepherd enjoy class outside.
