January 2021

The Catholic

Connection Vol. 30 No. 6 January 2021

A Historic Moment in Shreveport History Martyrs on Track to Sainthood

Making

Lost Laborers The First Burials at Saint Joseph Cemetery

The Daughters of the Cross A History of the Women Who Taught Us

History JANUARY 2021  1

Left: Sister Marietta Welsh, D.C. Right: Saint Vincent’s Academy Middle: Bishop Friend and Loyola Baseball Player Bottom Right: The Daughters of the Cross On the cover: Sister Lucy Scallan, D.C. Courtesy of LSUSArchives

contents

FEATURES 10

Lost Laborers: The Forgotten Names of Saint Joseph Cemetery

12

A Convert’s Novena

28

School News

32 Around the Diocese 34

Seminarian Burses

16 Saint Francis de COLUMNS Sales & The

Daughters of the Cross 4 From the Bishop 23 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: An All-American Saint 24 Fabric of the Seamless Garment NEWS 8

Hispanic News

18 On Track to Sainthood:

Yellow Fever Priests

Declared Servants of God 21

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Diocese Remembers Fr. Kenneth “Ken” Williams

6

From the Pope

15

Mary’s Mission: New Life

20

Spiritual Direction

22 Mike’s Meditations: Holy Confusion 26

Faithful Food: Mystery!

30

Catholic Charities: Holistic Client Services

from the editor

Connection The Catholic

Kierstin Richter, Editor

“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Sometimes moving forward can stir up mixed feelings. On the one hand, we’re excited and teeming with anticipation for all the new adventures that lie before us. On the other, we foster some sort of nostalgia for a time gone by, and we’re afraid things will never be the same or memories will be forgotten.

But perhaps deep inside, we realize things will be okay, and sometimes, they even turn out great.

Some fear they will be forgotten. Some people are, indeed, lost to history, much like the nameless faces in the Yellow Fever Mound - nearly 800 names that may never be spoken aloud again. And then some stories won’t be told until centuries later, much like the men who have been buried at Saint Joseph Cemetery for nearly 137 years, all that time with no marker, no headstone to commemorate them. But time and memory know nothing of legacy. Even if every last person has forgotten your name, you have still rippled an effect that carries on into a changed world for centuries to come. The stories live on. The world silently turns a little differently because you were here.

As time marches on and we smile in the face of change, we hold onto the hope of a world as beautiful as the last. Mark Twain once said, “History doesn’t repeat, but it does rhyme.” So much changes, yet so much stays the same. As we open a new year, a new chapter in our lives, we remember the stories that precede us, but we also look to the future in excitement. What new memories will we make? What new stories will we write?

So as we venture into a new year, let us remember the stories and the people who have shaped us. Let us remember the times of old and anticipate the times of new. For the days gone by, for the memories we’ve shared, let us toast to a year well lived. Happy New Year, everyone. Let’s make it count.

MISSION STATEMENT

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

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PUBLISHER Bishop Francis I. Malone EDITOR Kierstin Richter

CONTRIBUTORS Mike Van Vranken Kim Long Kate Rhea Mary Arcement Alexander Mark Loyet Carol Gates Deacon Andrew Thomas Rosalba Quiroz Patti Underwood John Mark Willcox 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.

JANUARY 2021 3

from the bishop Bishop Francis I. Malone We don’t seem to hear much about ‘New Year’s Resolutions,” as we once did, but the custom is something we might want to give some serious thought to – even if past attempts at such resolutions failed.

First, a look at the word “resolution.” To be resolute is to be “determined, purposeful, and unwavering.”

Resolutions are decisions we make at this time of you reflecting some specific change we want to make in our lives, and we do it, as the word says, in a determined way. Some choose to give up something, like a bad habit or a vice, while others choose to take on a new habit like losing weight. Some choose to abstain from certain things in their daily ritual, like drinking or desserts. I’ve often thought how much such resolutions are like the good intentions we make as we begin the penitential season of Lent just a month and a half after the New Year begins. In any case, regardless of the timing, new resolutions can be something we choose to do at any time of year. By the time you read this article, New Year’s Day will be long past, but the opportunity to be determined or purposeful or unwavering in our daily lives about a particular change we know God wants us to experience is always timely. So what have you decided?

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Second, it’s kind of amusing to talk with people about their New Year’s Resolutions just weeks into the New Year, and find that as resolute as they were on January 1 – somehow they were not able to persevere, and fell back into old ways. I know I have had that experience myself.

So, perhaps, in an effort to avoid weak or unsustainable resolutions, our approach to this custom might produce more successful results if we look at resolutions a little differently than we have in the past.

Are you ready for a challenge? As I write this article, I am doing what any good preacher does – I’m preaching to myself, and asking a fundamental series of questions that might win better results. This is what I know I need to do, and I challenge you to join me as January winds its way into the New Year. I am asking this question, “what does God want me to change? What is there in my life that I KNOW He wants me to do differently?

Am I willing to submit my will to His, and through prayer and perseverance, change something in my life that will better conform my life to His?

Go for it! A happy and blessed New Year!

del obispo Obispo Francis I. Malone Parece que ya no se escucha mucho hablar de las “Resoluciones de Año Nuevo” como se escuchaba antes, pero deberíamos pensar seriamente y tomar en cuenta esta costumbre – aunque en el pasado hayamos fallado.

Primero, hay que ver el significado de la palabra “resolución.” Tener una resolución es tener la “determinación, decisión, y propósito inquebrantable.”

Las resoluciones son decisiones que tomamos durante este tiempo y reflejan algún cambio específico que queremos hacer en nuestras vidas, y lo hacemos, como lo dice la palabra, con determinación. Hay quien escoge dejar algo, como un mal hábito o un vicio, otros escogen comenzar un hábito nuevo como perder peso. Algunos escogen privarse de ciertas cosas en su vida diaria como bebidas o postres. Con frecuencia he pensado que estas resoluciones son parecidas a las buenas intenciones que hacemos al principio de la temporada penitencial de Cuaresma, que viene mes y medio después de Año Nuevo. De cualquier modo, sin importar el momento, las resoluciones pueden ser algo que escogemos hacer en cualquier momento del año.

Para cuando lean este artículo, ya pasó el primer Día de Año Nuevo, pero es siempre buen momento para ser determinados y tener el propósito inquebrantable en nuestras vidas diarias de cambiar algo en particular que sabemos que Dios quiere que experimentemos. Así que,

¿Has decidido que puedes cambiar?

Segundo, es también algo divertido platicar con la gente sobre sus Resoluciones de Año Nuevo apenas unas semanas después que comenzó el año y darse cuenta que a pesar que estaban muy decididos el primero del año – por algún motivo no pudieron perseverar, y cayeron en los viejos hábitos. Yo lo sé porque también a mí me ha pasado. Así que para evitar resoluciones débiles que no se pueden mantener y poder tener mejores resultados, hay que hacerlos de una diferente manera. ¿Están listos para un desafío? Mientras escribo este artículo, estoy haciendo lo que hace cualquier buen predicador – me estoy predicando a mí mismo, y haciéndome una serie de preguntas fundamentales que podrían darnos mejores resultados. Esto es lo que sé que tengo que hacer, y los reto a que se unan conmigo cuando el mes de enero comience y se vayamos adentrándonos en el Nuevo Año. Les hago esta pregunta, ¿Que quiere Dios que cambie yo? ¿Que hay en mi vida que YO SE que Dios quiere que yo haga diferente? ¿Estoy dispuesto a someter mi voluntad a la Suya, y por medio de la oración y perseverancia cambiar algo en mi vida que ayudará a que mi vida se conforme más la vida de Dios? ¡Adelante! ¡Que tengan un Feliz y Bendecido Año Nuevo!

JANUARY 2021 5

from the pope

The Prayer of Petition GENERAL AUDIENCE: Library of the Apostolic Palace, Wednesday, 9 December 2020 LET US CONTINUE our reflections on prayer.

Christian prayer is fully human — we pray as humans, as what we are — it includes praise and supplication. Indeed, when Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he did so with the “Our Father,” so that we might place ourselves in a relationship of filial trust with God and ask Him all our questions. We implore God for the highest gifts: the sanctification of His name among men, the advent of His lordship, the fulfillment of His will for good in relation to the world. The Catechism recalls that: “There is a hierarchy in these petitions: we pray first for the Kingdom, then for what is necessary to welcome it and cooperate with its coming” (n. 2632). But in the “Our Father” we also pray for the simplest gifts, for more everyday gifts, such as “daily bread” — which also means health, home, work, everyday things; and it also means for the Eucharist, necessary for life in Christ; just as we pray for the forgiveness of sins — which is a daily matter; we are always in need of forgiveness — and then for peace in our relationships; and finally, that He help us during temptation and deliver us from evil.

To ask, to supplicate. This is very human. Let us listen to the Catechism again: “By prayer of petition we express awareness of our relationship with God. We are creatures who are not our own beginning, not the masters of adversity, not our own last end.

6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

We are sinners who as Christians know that we have turned away from our Father. Our petition is already a turning back to him” (no. 2629).

If one feels bad because he has done bad things — he is a sinner — when he prays the “Our Father” he is already approaching the Lord. At times we may believe we do not need anything, that we are enough for ourselves, and that we live in complete self-sufficiency. This happens at times! But sooner or later this illusion vanishes. The human being is an invocation, that at times becomes a cry, often withheld. The soul resembles a dry, parched land, as the Psalm says (cf. Psalm 63:2). We all experience, at some time or another in our existence, a time of melancholy, or of loneliness. The Bible is not ashamed of showing our human condition, marked by disease, injustice, the betrayals of friends, or the threat of enemies. At times it seems that everything is collapsing, that the life lived so far has been in vain. And in these situations, seemingly dead ends, there is only one way out: the cry, the prayer “Lord, help me!”. Prayer can open up a sliver of light in the densest darkness. “Lord, help me!” This opens up the road, it opens up the path.

We human beings share this invocation of help with the rest of creation. We are not the only ones “praying” in this boundless universe: every fragment

of creation bears the desire for God. And Saint Paul himself expressed it in this way. He says: “We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly” (Rom 8:22-24). The multiform cry of creatures resounds in us: of trees, of rocks, of animals.

Everything yearns for fulfillment.

Tertullian wrote: “Every creature prays; cattle and wild beasts pray and bend their knees; and when they issue from the layers and lairs, they look up heavenward with no idle mouth, making their breath vibrate after their own manner. Nay, the birds too, rising out of the nest, upraise themselves heavenward, and instead of hands, expand the cross of their wings, and somewhat to seem like prayer” (De oratione, XXIX). This is a poetic expression commenting on what Saint Paul says: “the whole creation has been groaning.” But we are the only ones who pray consciously, who know that we are addressing the Father, and entering into dialogue with the Father.

Therefore, we should not be shocked if we feel the need to pray, we should not be ashamed. And, especially when we are in need, to ask. Jesus, in speaking of a dishonest man, who had to settle the accounts with his landlord, says this: “To ask, I am ashamed.” And many of us have this feeling: we are ashamed to ask, to ask for help, to ask something of someone who can help us, to reach our purpose, and also ashamed to ask God. One should not be ashamed to pray and to say: “Lord, I need this,” “Lord, I am in difficulty,” “Help me!”: It is the cry of the heart to God who is the Father. And we have to learn to do so also in happy moments, to thank God for everything that is given to us, and not to take anything for granted or as if it were owed to us: everything is grace.

The Lord always gives to us, always, and everything is grace, everything.

The grace of God. However, we must not suffocate the supplication that rises up in us spontaneously. Prayer of petition goes in step with acceptance of our limitations and our nature as creatures. One may even not reach the

We all experience, at some time or another in our existence, a time of melancholy, or of loneliness.

The Bible is not ashamed of showing our human condition, marked by disease, injustice, the betrayals of friends, or the threat of enemies... And in these situations, seemingly dead ends, there is only one way out: the cry, the prayer “Lord, help me!”. point of belief in God, but it is difficult not to believe in prayer: it simply exists, it presents itself to us as a cry; and we all know this inner voice that may remain silent for a long time, but

one day awakens and cries out.

Brothers and sisters, we know that God will respond. There is no one at prayer in the Book of Psalms who raises a lament that remains unheard.

God always answers: [it may be] today, tomorrow, but he always answers, in one way or another. He always answers. The Bible repeats it countless times: God listens to the cry of those who invoke him. Even our reluctant questions, those that remain in the depths of our heart, that we are ashamed to even express: the Father listens to them and wishes to give us the Holy Spirit, who inspires every prayer and transforms everything. It is always a question of patience, of withstanding the wait.

Now we are in the season of Advent, a time that is typically of expectation of Christmas. We are in waiting. This is clear to see. But all our life is also in waiting. And prayer is always in expectation, because we know that the Lord will answer. Even death trembles when a Christian prays, because it knows that everyone who prays has an ally who is stronger than it: the Risen Lord. Death has already been defeated in Christ, and the day will come when everything will be final, and it will no longer scorn our life and our happiness.

Let us learn to remain in expectation of the Lord. The Lord comes to visit us, not only during these great feasts — Christmas, Easter — but rather the Lord visits us every day, in the intimacy of our heart if we are in waiting. And very often we do not realize that the Lord is nearby, that he knocks on our door, and we let him pass by. Saint Augustine used to say: I am afraid of God when he passes; I am afraid he will pass and I will not realize. And the Lord passes, the Lord comes, the Lord knocks. But if your ears are filled with other noise, you will not hear the call of the Lord. Brothers and sisters, to be waiting: this is the prayer.

JANUARY 2021 7

hispanic news

Hispanic News:

¿Cómo Declara la Iglesia que alguien es Santo?

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora

Tenemos miles de santos en la Iglesia Católica y se hacen muchísimas peticiones para que se declaren más personas santas, para que esto se pueda realizar, lleva un proceso profundo.

Existen cuatro pasos importantes para que la Iglesia reconozca y canonice a una persona:

1. Después que una persona ha muerto alguien debe hacer la petición al Vaticano en la oficina de la Santa Sede que se dedica a este fin. Esta petición debe ser acompañada de un reporte – tipo biografía de la 8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

persona, describiendo los méritos que haya tenido para nominarla a la santidad; si es aceptado, se le llama desde ahí, Siervo de Dios.

2. Para llegar a este segundo paso, se tienen que hacer revisiones sobre la biografía, se buscan testimonios, escritos, y reportes que se hayan documentado sobre la vida de la persona; si el Papa lo cree conveniente, aprueba este paso y se le declara Beato o Venerable.

3. Durante el tiempo que esta persona es declarada beata, deberá presentarse a la Santa Sede un

milagro realizado por él o por ella.

El milagro tiene que ser comprobado científicamente – lo que significa que la ciencia decida que no fue sanado por ningún medio humano sino por la mera intercesión de esta persona.

Si la persona beneficiada del milagro testifica y se comprueba que le pidió su intercesión, se considera legítimo su milagro, se puede pasar a la cuarta y última que el la canonización – ceremonia donde se declara santo o santa.

4. Para que se pueda canonizar y declarar santa a una persona, deben presentarse pruebas de un segundo milagro a la oficina, y una vez más, dar testimonio de que fue este beato o beata en particular quien intercedió para que se diera el milagro. Los requisitos son los mismos pero este último milagro debe haberse realizado después que se declaró beato.

La diócesis de Shreveport presentó a la Santa Sede el caso de 5 sacerdotes

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 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

que dieron su vida durante la Epidemia de la Fiebre Amarilla de 1873 y como fue aceptada la petición, ya son Siervos de Dios. Para conocer más sobre estos sacerdotes valerosos y bondadosos visiten la página de internet de la diócesis. https://shreveportmartyrs.org/ El proceso de santificación puede ser muy largo; como dijimos en el artículo pasado, tomó casi 500 años para que San Juan Diego fuera canonizado pero no hay tiempo específico. Por ejemplo, San Juan Pablo II fue declarado Santo en el 2014, solo 9 años después de su muerte, y 18 años para la Madre Teresa de Calcuta, quien fue Canonizada en el 2015.

Pidamos la intercesión de estos y muchos otros santos por todas nuestras necesidades y sobre todo para estar un día unidos “… así como Dios Padre y Jesucristo son Uno”.

Juan 17:21.

Calendario de Enero, 2021 2

Clase de Intercesión, Cristo Rey, 9am-3pm

6

Epifanía – Celebración de los Reyes Magos

29-31

Retiro Emaús para hombres, Scottsville, TX

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. 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 JANUARY 2021 9

cemetery

“No stones were ever placed at the gravesites, no memorial was ever conducted in the 137 years since the tragedy that lead to the first burials at St. Joseph.”

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Copy of Rev. Joseph Gentille’s 1883 ledger for St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery showing Peter Scully as the first entry under the heading. Scully paid $25.00 for the boiler explosion victims’ graves.

O

n a clear, cool night in September of 1883, eleven men arrived on the riverbank in downtown Shreveport to begin their shift, working as hired hands for Vicksburg, Shreveport & Pacific Railway. Three young boys, who had been hanging around watching the men as they helped build a throughtruss railroad bridge over the Red River that autumn also showed up that night.

At around 8 o’clock, the city was rocked by the sound and force of a powerful explosion. Citizens from the riverfront to Market Street took to the streets to see what had happened. When help arrived, nine out of the fourteen accounted for that night were missing and presumed dead. It would be 48 hours before the body count was made official and 137 years until the victims’ final resting places would be honored.

The tragic incident was a boiler explosion, the cause of which would be debated by experts and never officially decided. It left aghast the citizens of Shreveport and beyond; dramatic headlines such as, “Blown to Eternity,” graced the front pages of faraway publications including The Detroit Free Press, The Chicago Tribune, and The New York Times, shocking readers with the tragic and all too common tale of dangerous work during the Second Industrial Revolution.

Of the fourteen men and boys who showed up for the night shift on September 22, 1883, seven were wounded, one was left miraculously unharmed, five died upon impact or possibly drowned after being blown into the river, and one would succumb to his fatal wounds days later after recounting the harrowing tale.

As the coroner investigated, Abe Gilliland, the only man of color on the job, revealed the series of events of that night from his deathbed. William Thomas, a newcomer on the job, was told to fire up the engine on the boiler

Lost Laborers

as the other men prepared for a long night of hard labor.

Minutes later, Thomas noticed steam leaking from a bolt on the boiler – a terrifying sight for an engine operator. He shouted to the foreman W. W. Martin, who ordered The First Burials at Saint Joseph Cemetery everyone away except Abe Gilliland, who was told to put out the men were buried at St. Joseph Cemetery fire in the boiler to relieve the pressure. later that day, Monday, September 24th, Seconds after Gilliland removed the first 1883, at the solemnn and well-attended piece of firewood out of the belly of the funeral. boiler, it exploded, sending all but one of No stones were ever placed at the the men and boys soaring violently into gravesites, no memorial was ever the Red River. conducted in the 137 years since the The three boys, Henry Holman, Willie tragedy that lead to the first burials at Watts, and Willie Jones escaped alive, St. Joseph Cemetery. As the Diocese although injured, terrified, and powerless of Shreveport moves forward with to help the men dying in the river. Martin restoration plans, we hope to raise the foreman survived nearly unscathed. money to memorialize these brave Josiah Watkins was blown into the river, men who were tragically struck down but landed near a driven pile which he while working to make Shreveport held onto as he waited for help. Abe better. In the spirit of renewal and Gilliland was found still on the boat; he remembrance that comes with the start was mortally wounded and taken to his of a new year, we’re reaching out to the home near Butler’s Hill, north of town Catholic community to help support the where he later died. A. D. Wilson and placement of footstones and a memorial unnamed others were badly injured, but plaque so that the story of that long and survived. The bodies of John Burke, John dreadful night will live on in the hearts Malloy, Al Humphreys, James Summers, and minds of our community forever. and William Thomas were recovered on “Remembering the dead, caring for Sunday after an exhaustive search. their tombs and prayers of suffrage are The morning after everyone was testimony to confident hope, rooted in accounted for, Pete Scully, contractor the certainty that death does not have the for V., S. & P., visited Reverend Joseph last word on human destiny, as humanity Gentille at Holy Trinity Catholic is destined for a life without end, that has Church to purchase plots for the men its root and its fulfillment in God.” to be buried. Rev. Gentille had recently — Pope Francis @ Angelus, St. Peter’s fulfilled his dream of purchasing land Square, Nov. 2, 2014 to establish Shreveport’s first, and still its only, Catholic cemetery and Scully To donate, contact Kate Rhea at the would become his first paying customer, Catholic Center, or e-mail krhea@ purchasing Lot 4 of Block 2 between dioshpt.org for more information. cemetery roads that would later be named “Blessed Virgin,” and “St. Catherine.” Kate Rhea is a Cemeterian for the St. Joseph Al Humphreys’s body was sent back to Cemetery and Librarian/Archivist for the Slattery Library at the Catholic Center.

Mason City, IA for burial, but the other JANUARY 2021 11

A CONVERT’S Nov

Kim Long, Saint Mary of the Pines DRE & Convert

I

n the three plus decades since my coming into full communion with the Catholic Church, I have tried on many spiritual practices, some fit for a time, some seem to fit for life; novenas are one of those which seem to fit like the proverbial glove. I have several “go-to” novenas: Infant of Prague, St. Rita, Our Lady of Knock, and of course St. Brigid as well as The Holy Communion Novena.

Along with the novena practice, I have reflected on a definition of conversion I had not heard until I studied in the RCIA process. Simply put, I was told, one definition of conversion is “a continual turning toward God.” I loved that explanation. Growing up as a Southern Baptist, I tended to think of conversion as a moment (although I hasten to add that I don’t think anyone taught this to me - it was just how I envisioned it), but now I began to settle in with this thought and began to view my life and every choice I made as something to either engage in or refrain from doing, and in that choice I was making a larger one. Was I turning toward or away from God? We are all still turning, a continual movement. We are all still being formed, shaped, and molded. We are still being converted.

Recently I spoke with a friend who is also a convert and half heartedly joked that we should write our own version of a novena: a convert’s novena. Novena is Italian for nine. I have chosen to use 12 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

nine examples of my own experiences as a convert rather than the traditional nine days I have counted them as moments of turning - that continual conversion in which we are all engaged.

Here is how I saw it unfold.

First Turning I am here!! Where to begin? How many times I have asked myself what is it that you want from me and looking skyward gently chide you that if you would just fax, phone, text, or email me I would do it! The uncertainty had me stalled. “O God of love and creation who knew me before I was formed in the womb, teach me what it means to know love and serve you so that I may be happy with you always. And maybe happy with who I have allowed myself to be as I allow your grace to work in me. Amen.” Pray one Our Father and one Glory Be.

Second Turning I am filled with such joy. People tell me this is the honeymoon period, but how can I ever feel otherwise when I know You love me so much. I cast my eager eyes around looking for ways to be a reflection of you, Lord. Here they come, some of the most negative people I have yet to meet. Here I am Lord, I come to do your will....but not here please!

“O God, please be gentle with me as I see how faint my heart is. Forgive my reluctance to be present to those whom I would rather avoid. O Father guide me to serve all of your people, not just those who are easy or pleasant. In the space of that realization help me know I am no different to some who encounter me on a day when the honeymoon feels chilly and distant.” Pray one Fatima prayer and one Act of Contrition.

Third Turning I feel so included, such a part of the Parish! We are baking for a celebration and I arrived early and stayed late. I laughed, measured, mixed, baked, cooled, and bagged what looked like hundreds of cookies. The women were amazing. In my mind’s eye we baked for you and those twelve disciples who always came back for seconds. Just like we do today. “O God of laughter and creation I thank you for this experience and as I reflect upon my day I see Your love revealed in this community, this kitchen, these women. I thank you for the opportunity to be part of Your plan.

Amen.

Pray an Act of Love. Pray another one.

Fourth Turning I feel so lost, where are you God? How can people be so cruel? Gossip found me and I let myself hear it. I feel

vena

terrible and worst of all I am ashamed of my part. Where has my conviction gone? “O God of mercy please guide me, give me strength to make amends and apologies and repair some damage.

Forgive me Lord, not just for hearing it but for not stopping it, for not feeling you in that moment of testing. I am miserable, but You know that since You know me better than anyone ever can.

I’m searching for you Lord, please find me. Amen.” Pray the Suscipe Prayer and an Act of Contrition.

Fifth Turning I am in trouble Lord - more trouble than I even realize. I am going through the motions - Mass, confession, socializing at the Parish, and then home to fuss at my children, engage in uncomfortable silence with my spouse and worst of all I don’t have much to say to you either. I hear another voice in my head telling me why pray when You already know what I am thinking. “O God of strength and gentleness help me feel you again. That is all. Amen.” Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.

Sixth Turning Something happened this morning Lord. I was running errands and as I passed by the Church, I realized I could make the morning Mass. As if under someone else’s guidance, I found myself parked in my usual spot in front of church. Reaching in my purse for my glasses, my fingers rested on the beads of my rosary, comforting to the touch.

O God I feel you again, flowing into me like air. I see you are vital, necessary, and I need you. Amen.” Read the Hound of Heaven and contemplate God chasing after you because He loves you so much.

Seventh Turning I feel you more each day! Hallelujah!

Quotidian tasks seem like little joys and everything my family does seems miraculous. I feel like I am floating, running, rushing to you. I feel home again. “O God I love you, and in that love I am able to love others. Thank you!

Amen.”

Pray an Act of Faith.

Eighth Turning In Mass today I offered my communion for someone else’s needs; they are hurting so much God and while I can’t fix their situation, I can do this, trusting you have all of this well in hand. “O God thank you for the opportunity to come out of myself and really begin to see the needs of others.

Amen.” Pray The Serenity Prayer. Pray it again.

Ninth Turning I am here Lord, face down on the floor before the Tabernacle. You know me better than anyone, you know the needs of those whom I love as well as those whom I will never know. I will stumble, fall, and get up again all because you go before me, all because you love me. Help me remember I am never alone. “O God, I thank you…”

Pray One Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Each of us have our own stories of conversion, whether we were born into the Catholic faith or whether we came to it later as adults. The old hymn Simple Gifts, written by Elder Joseph Brackett, has a bit of a verse in it that I feel applies to us all: “in turning, turning we come round right.”

JANUARY 2021 13

new life If you sincerely want new beginnings, a new life in 2021, you must change your thoughts and behaviors, you must allow God to be in control and you must stop taking the control from Him.

14  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

mary’s mission “Therefore, if anyone in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

H

appy New Year, brothers and sisters! I pray your 2021 began with joy, good health and hope for all the good things yet to come. I know the majority of humans around the world were beyond ready for 2020 to end (with good reason), but as I am sure most of you have realized, it is just another year. I do not say this to be negative or pessimistic; I say it because I believe too many people put too much emphasis on 2021 being different simply because it is a new year. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. Time is just time, a new year is just a new year. What makes anything different in our lives are our thoughts and behaviors (reactions).

Thoughts and behaviors are the only two things we have control over as humans. As Christians, we know only God has total control, yet somehow we “forget.” If you sincerely want new beginnings, a new life in 2021, you must change your thoughts and behaviors, you must allow God to be in control and you must stop taking the control from Him. Why do so many people try to take control from God while simultaneously saying, “Let go, Let God?” I can sum up this answer in three words: we like control. Right about now some or perhaps a lot of you are shaking your head in disagreement, but humor me for a moment and ponder on these questions: How do you honestly feel when your spouse or others make decisions for you? How do you feel when one of their decisions does not

feel good or perhaps does not feel right? If you are being honest with yourself, you will answer with “I don’t always like it.” When we allow God to have control in our lives we may again find ourselves saying, “I don’t always like it.” The biggest difference between those two scenarios is God’s decisions for our lives are good, they are always right for us, and they always come from His immense love for us. He will not lead you astray nor

Why do so many people try to take control from God while simultaneously saying, “Let go, Let God?” I can sum up this answer in three words: we like control.

If at this point in your reading you are still struggling with how to change your thoughts and behaviors in order to have a new life, here are a few suggestions: First, bring awareness to what you are thinking as well as how you are behaving/reacting (change occurs after self-awareness.) Second, actively change your thoughts (think about what you do have versus what you do not have). Third, avoid using negative words such as “can’t,” “don’t,” “isn’t,” “never” or “always.” Fourth, focus on the life you want versus the one you do not want. Fifth, act accordingly (if you think in kindness and love you will act in kindness and love). Finally (and most importantly), Keep your eyes on Jesus’ face. Although Peter ultimately fell into the water, initially he kept his eyes on Jesus’ face which led him to think differently, which led him to act differently (walking on water). “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” ”Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water and came to Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29).

Brothers and sisters, the old is gone and the new is here. Let us rejoice in God’s goodness and trust He is with will He ever sabotage your life. He us every step of the way. As you step desires for us to live the life He has out of 2020 and into 2021, look to planned for us. He desires for us to Jesus, walk to Him, and know that create a new life through Christ who new life awaits you. came to save us. How are you creating a new life through Christ? What are you willing to do to have a new life Mary Arecement Alexander is a through Christ? I encourage you to Licensed Professional Counselor with a take time today to answer both of private practice in Shreveport, LA. You those questions while in conversation can read more on her blog, with God. Allow Him to both guide www.throughhiseyes.love you and inspire you.

JANUARY 2021 15

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES

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THE DAUGHTERS OF THE CROSS Madame de Villeneuve receiving the Rule from St. Francis de Sales; Diocese of Alexandria. Daughters of the Cross in Louisiana, 1855-1955. New Orleans: Pelican Publishing Company, 1955.

Rule of St. Francis de Sales; Madame de Villeneuve, Nee Marie L’Huillier d’Interville, Foundress and Teacher of the Society of the Cross (1597-1650)

16 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

THE YEAR IS 1618. A young woman of 21, trapped in a difficult marriage, hears a famous preacher is coming to a nearby church for a series of talks.

Hoping to meet him and perhaps snag a chance for private counsel, she determines to go hear him speak.

Accompanied by her sister, she enters the church and is enrapt and inspired by his words. Afterward, the two ladies muster their courage and introduce themselves, and both are privileged to gain an appointment. Over the course of the speaker’s stay in Paris, each sister finds solace and direction in repeated meetings with him - direction which will change the course of their lives.

The speaker is Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, who has been persuaded to give the Lenten talks at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris. The ladies are Madame Marie L’Huillier de Villeneuve and her sister, Helene Angelique.

From the good bishop, Madame de Villeneuve receives confirmation and

encouragement for her dream to educate and instruct young girls. He even gives her a copy of the Rule which he had given to Jeanne Frances de Chantal for her order, the Sisters of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Visitandines).

Helene is inspired to form her own religious vocation with the Visitandines, donating her fortune to establish a foundation in Paris in 1520. Declining to be named foundress, she gives that honor to the newly widowed Marie.

This entitles Marie to live in the convent and raise her daughters there, where she soaks up the spirit and rhythms of the holy bishop’s Rule. Francis de Sales dies on December 28, 1622, but he has left Marie with his Rule, a portrait, and the spiritual support of Jeanne Frances de Chantal and the order she founded.

After daily mass, Marie spends her time tending the sick at Paris’ hospital, the Hotel Dieu, as one of Vincent de Paul’s Ladies of Charity. Still yearning to teach, she establishes several schools in poor sections of Paris, personally leading the religion classes.

In the following decade, Marie crosses paths with a devout, dedicated

“Les Filles de la Croix de Paris, date de fondation 1641,” Daughters of the Cross Collection, LSU-Shreveport Archives and Special Collections

teacher from the little town of Roye in Picardy in the northeast of France. A warm relationship develops, and when the teachers of Roye are forced by war to flee to Paris, they find refuge with Marie. These ladies become the nucleus of Marie’s new order: the Daughters of the Cross. The Rule is approved by the Archbishop of Paris in 1640, and Marie settles her novices into the Visitandine convent, where her sister is superior, for formation. The following year, Marie and her group of four novices move into their first home and pronounce their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

The Daughters of the Cross, founded on the Rule of St. Francis de Sales, is born.

Madame de Villeneuve guides her fledgling order through its first decade before going to her reward on January 15, 1650. Just over 200 years later, in 1855, a brave band of fervent missionary Daughters of the Cross land in Louisiana, eager to bring the light of faith to the scattered pioneer populace of the newly formed Diocese of Natchitoches. For Left: "Vive Jesu!" was the motto of St. Francis de Sales that was adopted by St. Jane Frances de Chantal for the Order of the Visitation and by Madame de Villeneuve for the Daughters of the Cross. Here is a picture of Sister Maria Smith, D.C. making her perpetual profession of vows, and you can see "Vive Jesus" on the altar cloth.

over 140 years, the people of north Louisiana are the beneficiaries of their zeal and expertise, and their legacy lives on in the lives of their students, their children, their children’s children... Vive Jesu!

For further reading, check out Across Three Centuries by Sister Saint Ignatius, In White Splendor by Sister Marcella, Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, or Treatise on the Love of God by St. Francis de Sales.

We are blessed to have the last member of Madame de Villeneuve's Daughters of the Cross still with us here in Shreveport. Sister Lucy Scallan, D.C. is 95 years old and loves to receive mail. If you would like to send her a card, you can address it to: Sister Lucy Scallan, D. C. c/o Diocese of Shreveport 3500 Fairfield Ave Shreveport, LA 71104

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

JANUARY 2021 17

On Track to Sainthood Shreveport Martyrs Declared Servants of God

Bishop Malone signs the Decree of Recognition for the five priests as Servants of God.

By: Kierstin Richter, Editor

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n the heat of the summer of 1873, plagued by the third worst epidemic in U.S. history, Shreveport lost a quarter of its population to yellow fever. A mass grave of nearly 800 mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers stands at Oakland Cemetery, a haunting memorial of faces forgotten and stories lost to history. But to five priests here in Shreveport, these forgotten faces were the faces of Christ to their dying breaths.

Fathers Jean Pierre, Jean Marie Biler, François Le Vézouët, Isidore Quémerais and Louis Marie Gergaud served the sick and dying here in the city, despite the danger of contagion. Each of them fell to the illness, but not until the next one was surely on the way to take the previous one’s place.

In pain and desperation, the sick were

completely and utterly alone. The fear of contagion divided the people in their most vulnerable moments, many left to die quietly and alone, devoid of any affection, charity or piety. But these five men abandoned this fear. Although they were not doctors, they were stewards of God’s grace. These brave men stood by the side of the sick, praying with them, annointing them and caring for their fragile humanity when the world left them abandoned and afraid.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, nearly 150 years after the loss of the priests and the residents of Shreveport, these five brave men were declared by Pope Francis as “Servants of God,” the first step in possibly a decades long process to reach canonization into sainthood.

The next step is to be declared venerable,

From Left: Rev. J.M. Biler, Rev. Louis Gergaud, Rev. Jean Pierre, Rev. François Le Vézouët and Rev. Isidore Quémerais (Courtesy of Holy Trinity Catholic Church) 18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

which will occur following an in-depth investigation from the Vatican.

This is an unprecedented, historic moment for the City of Shreveport, and what Father Peter Mangum refers to as a “noteworthy historic parallel” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Father Mangum, W. Ryan Smith and Dr. Cheryl White have worked and researched extensively and tirelessly for four years in pursuit of the sanctity of these five heroic men. A book length manuscript, podcast, and graphic novel project (right) are all under way, including the soon to be published, The Surest Path to Heaven: 1873 Shreveport Martyrs.

The five priests are memorialized in the stained glass windows of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in downtown Shreveport. Even “Pierre Ave.” is named in rememberance of Father Jean Pierre.

The 150th anniversary of the Yellow Fever epidemic is soon approaching in 2023, making this a historic and commenerative mark in history for the five priests’ sacrifices for the people of North Louisiana.

The US ambassador of His Holiness, Pope Francis wrote in October, that “this episode in the history of the American Church is a needed message for our Western world in the current age. It highlights a model of sanctity that is attainable for all of the faithful.”

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.

JANUARY 2021  19

ARE YOU CALLED TO ACCOMPANY OTHERS? Thoughts on Spiritual Direction By: Mike Van Vranken, Spiritual Director

A

bout twelve years ago, I was explaining to a priest friend that every time I gave a presentation to a group, someone would come up following the talk and ask if I was a counselor. I would always respond with: “No. What are you looking for?” Their answers almost always centered around a desire to develop their prayer life or to find ways to enhance their relationship with God. After some thought, the priest asked if I had ever considered spiritual direction. I told him I had been searching for a local spiritual director but had not been able to find one. He said: “No, no, no! I’m asking if you have ever thought about becoming a spiritual director.” “Oh!” I then sat quiet for a few moments. That simple conversation led to my finding a director, my initial discerning if I had a calling to spiritual direction, entering the Archdiocesan Internship for Spiritual Direction, and eventually becoming a trained and certified director.

Do people ever come up to you and ask about your prayer life? Or, do they ask about your relationship with God? Or, ask what having a relationship with God actually means? Do people want to share their inmost desires with you? If the answer to any of these is yes, then maybe a calling to become a spiritual director is already forming within you. Even if the answer to these questions is no, is something moving in you right now that interests you in this calling?

Over the last thirty years, Catholics in the U. S. began a slow decline in attending church. Within the last 10 years, that number of Catholics not being involved in church life has grown. Yet, most of these still have faith in God and are looking for ways to live that faith. I am convinced that spiritual direction can keep many of these believers close to God and even allow God to lead them back to church. At the same time, more and more of those who are still actively 20 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

living the sacramental church life are looking for a lived spirituality as well. My conclusion is that the need for trained spiritual directors is growing and will continue to expand.

Our current conversations must include the identification and training of those called to this ministry. And this includes all of our diocese, not just Shreveport/Bossier.

From the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center’s brochure: “A directee engages a director in order to deepen their awareness of God’s presence in their life. It is this desire for intimacy with the Lord that creates the situation of spiritual direction.

Together the directee and director discern the presence and movement of God in the life of the directee.”

Last year, a religious sister who is a long-time spiritual director as well as trainer and teacher of new spiritual directors, told me that the only training and certifying programs she recommends to anyone interested in becoming a director is the training program at Creighton University in Omaha, NE, and the Internship for Spiritual Directors sponsored by the Archdiocesan Spirituality Center in New Orleans. Wow! Quite an endorsement from a highly respected Catholic religious.

On Tuesday, January 19 at 10:00 am, and again at 6:30 pm, I will be giving a virtual Informational Meeting about our Archdiocesan Internship in Spiritual Direction over Zoom. I will explain what spiritual direction is, who might be called to become a director, the prerequisites of the Internship training, and the formation and training program itself. Please see the flier on pg. 35 for more details and ways to register.

Before our conversation ended that day, my priest friend assured me that, even if I never become a spiritual director, just finding a director and discerning the vocation would change my life. His words could not have been truer. I have been transformed into a new, more authentic child of God because of this ministry. Are you being called as well?

In Loving Memory of Father Kenneth Williams 1935-2020 The Diocese of Shreveport Remembers Fr. Ken Williams By: Randy Tiller, John Mark Willcox Our diocese lost one of our revered senior priests when Reverend Kenneth Anthony Williams passed away on November 27, 2020, at Sabine Retirement and Rehab Center.

Fr. Ken had a profound influence on the Catholics of our Southern Deanery, and will be deeply missed by the faithful.

Fr. Ken was called to Holy Orders by Bishop Charles P. Greco following his seminary education and was ordained on May 25, 1963, at the Pontifical College Josephinum,

by Archbishop Egidio Vagnozzi. He was first assigned to St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Alexandria, Louisiana, then served locally at St. John the Baptist Parish in Many for 7-1/2 years, and at St. Catherine’s of Noble, and St. Ann’s in Ebarb for 13 years until his retirement on May 29, 2005. He also served in parishes in Shreveport, Marksville, Pineville and Homer, LA. Fr. Ken loved his South Louisiana heritage, but he had a profound love for the Catholics of Sabine Parish and was known to appear at many a funeral or sacramental event well past his retirement years. He was also known for his special devotion to children, recognizing and blessing them and often having them participate in the Mass. He will always be remembered for carrying medals, rosary beads and prayer cards with him and freely handing them out to all he came in contact with. Fr. Ken will fondly be remembered for reaching out to friends, co-workers, and others with birthday cards, Christmas cards; each with a special note and sentiment.

While you sometimes received your birthday card months away from the actual date, there was still Fr. Ken’s handwritten sentiment, sharing a meaningful message of blessing

May He Rest in Peace and hope with the addition of a beautiful Holy Card you had never seen before. Receiving a note and a card any time of year from Fr. Williams was truly a blessing.

Fr. Ken’s devotion to our Blessed Mother was legendary, and he was always willing to give a priestly blessing to anything that required it. All you needed to do was ask, and his right hand would go up with a special blessing for that moment.

Fr. Kenneth enjoyed traveling and left many mementos of pictures, newspaper articles and events. He touched many lives by sharing his travels and will be sadly missed.

The Diocese of Shreveport expresses its profound gratitude to Thelma Small and her late husband Jimmy, for the faithful care and assistance they both provided to Fr. Williams over the past 3 decades, and especially in his retirement years and final illness. The Diocese also thanks the staff and caregivers of Sabine Retirement & Rehab Center for their devoted care.

Our special thanks to all the wonderful friends and family who traveled from near and far to assist Fr. Ken throughout many years.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in remembrance of Fr. Williams can be made to St. Joseph Parish, 307 W. Hammond Street, Zwolle, LA 71486; St. John the Baptist Parish, 1130 San Antonio Avenue, Many, LA 71449; or Diocese of Shreveport, Priests’ Retirement Fund, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104.

JANUARY 2021 21

mike’s meditations

Holy Confusion

I

am referring here to the phenomenon we experience when we hear or read something that we cannot mentally process.

Many times, this process is blocked because the something we’ve read or heard is somehow adding to, subtracting from, challenging or even changing what we believe we know.

Because this new information does not fit our already learned belief, we either ignore the new information, or we begin to ask new questions, search out new sources, and we might even talk to God about it.

The word confusion comes from the Latin confusione and can literally mean to mix with, or put together. When polar opposite ideas are mingled together, our minds cannot comprehend it and we can literally call this “confusion.”

Jesus said: “Do you think I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” Lk 12:51.

Then, later he says: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you” Jn 14:27.

So, which is it? Did he come to leave us peace or not? When we try to logically and even literally mingle and mix these two statements of Jesus, we can become very confused.

“If anyone comes to me without hating his father, and mother, wife and children, brothers and sister, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple”

22 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Lk 14:26. He also says “honor your father and mother” Mt 15:4, and “love your neighbor as yourself ” Mt 22:39.

Again, what is Jesus saying? Must we hate our parents and even ourselves to be disciples? Or, do we honor our parents and love ourselves to follow Jesus?

Confusing? If we sit with it for a while it is. If we ignore it and tell ourselves Jesus really didn’t mean it, we deny the confusion and forget about it. Which is easier? Which leads to spiritual growth?

As I look back on my own life, my spiritual growth has primarily come by allowing confusion to lead to questions - questions that jeopardize my old beliefs and allow God to transform me into someone new. Sometimes it is egopainful to admit I held such a limited view on some particular issue. At other times, it hurts to see others think I’m crazy because I’ve changed. “When his relatives heard this they set out to seize him, for they said, ‘He is out of his mind’” Mk 3:21. And wrestling with God about my questions can sometimes become the biggest struggle of all. Yet, when I’ve been willing to live in the confusion and share the experience with God, I come out of it radically changed.

The following is an example of how we might be confused with a church teaching. St. John Paul II, addressing Christian Unity in a Technological Age in 1984, said the needs of the poor take priority over the desires of

the rich; the rights of workers over the maximization of profits; the preservation of the environment over uncontrolled industrial expansion; production to meet social needs over production for military purposes.

Likewise, the Catechism says: “Those who are oppressed by poverty are the object of a preferential love on the part of the Church which, since her origin and in spite of the failings of many of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defense, and liberation CCC 2444, 2448. In No. 94 of Economic Justice for All, the U. S. Bishops, as read on their website, repeat all of this as well.

We commonly call all this teaching: “The Preferential Option for the Poor.” I have heard this phrase, “The Preferential Option for the Poor,” explained in many ways.

Would you be willing to take this Catholic teaching and sit with it throughout this month? Ask the deeper questions: What do I understand about this doctrine? Does any part of it make me feel inadequate or uncomfortable?

How do I understand “Preferential?”

How do I understand “Option?”

Can you bring in new and expanding thoughts about it and mingle them with your current understanding? Are you experiencing any confusion? Will you ask God for his perspective? Will you ask him to transform you into who he wants you to become? As always, I don’t have your answers. Only you and God can come up with those.

Now this is just one issue that I’ve heard Catholics describe as “confusing.”

You can come up with your own. The point is, with any issue you may ponder or consider, the next time you feel confused, rejoice! It might entail a lot of hard work, but you may be about to encounter Christ in such a new way that you will be changed forever. Begin 2021 in Holy Confusion and plan to spiritually grow more into the person you were created to be.

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

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton Carol Gates, Cathedral Pastoral Ministries Our Diocese is blessed with three patrons, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Peter Claver, and the Immaculate Conception.

We will be taking a look at their lives and their example to us all on how we may strive for sainthood.

Our first patron to celebrate is the patroness of our diocese and also of a local parish in Shreveport, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Born into an Episcopalian family in New York City on August 28, 1774, Elizabeth Ann Bayley married William Magee Seton in 1794 and became active in social ministry offering assistance to the sick and dying. While in Italy with her husband, he died of tuberculosis in 1803, leaving her to raise their five children. It was at this time she discovered and fell in love with the Catholic faith and the Blessed Virgin Mary, returned to the United States and joined the Church in 1805. Living in Maryland she founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, the first religious community for women in the U.S. She also established St. Joseph Academy & Free School, the first in the U.S., helping grow the option for Catholic parochial schools in our nation. In 1809, she declared her vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, and along with the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph established an

additional school and orphanage. Her legacy continues. How can we emulate her saintly example and reach out to help the sick, the dying, the orphan, and all children?

Name: Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton Feast day: January 4

“Elizabeth Ann Seton is a saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American. All of us say this with special joy, and with the intention of honoring the land and the nation from which she sprang forth as the first flower in the calendar of the saints. Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage.” –Pope Paul VI

Note: First native born American to be canonized a Saint Patron: of in-law problems, against the death of children, widows, death of parents, and opposition of Church authorities Birth: August 28, 1774 Death: January 4, 1821 Beatified: by Pope John XXIII on March 17, 1963 Canonized: by Pope Paul VI on September 14, 1975

Lord God, you blessed Elizabeth Seton with gifts of grace as wife and mother, educator and foundress, so that she might spend her life in service to your people. Through her example and prayers may we learn to express our love for you in our love for all your children, and our fellow men and women. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

JANUARY 2021 23

Fabric of the Seamless Garmet

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n 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared January 22 “National Sanctity of Human Life Day.” That year, January 22 was the 11th anniversary of Roe v. Wade (the infamous US Supreme Court case which legalized abortion nationwide). Every year since 1984, pro-life presidents have re-proclaimed January 22nd or the Sunday closest to it as the same designation and prolife advocates have demonstrated and made their voices heard in various ways.

As we approach this year’s National Sanctity of Human Life Day, I would like to address an issue that is a common topic of debate among Catholics of all stripes. That is whether or not there is a “pre-eminent” prolife issue. Spoiler alert! The Church’s answer is a resounding yes!

Opponents of this answer (Note: I am not asserting opponents of this answer are opponents of the pro-life cause) usually cite what is known as the “Consistent Ethic of Life Theory” or the “Seamless Garment Theory” which posits that all human life, from conception to natural death is sacred and that any form of threat against the inherent dignity of human life (e.g. abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, unjust war, slavery, racial prejudice and many more) must be opposed.

This is indeed Catholic teaching.

However, it is important to note what the authentic and Catholic version of this teaching is saying, and what it is not saying. What it is saying is that all human life is sacred no matter what the circumstances, that all issues concerning the sanctity 24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

abortion. Would these same people argue that a car wreck is as much a disaster as a 9.0 earthquake in New York city?

The reality of this interpretation of the Seamless Garment theory is that it is neither an accurate portrayal of the theory, nor in conformity with Catholic moral teaching. The term “Above all, the “Seamless garment” was coined by common outcry, Eileen Eagan in 1971 in a pamphlet entitled The Unborn Child and the which is justly made Protection of Human Life, in which she on behalf of human argued the need for consistency in our defense of human life using the image rights-for example, of Jesus’ prized seamless garment. She the right to health, rightly pointed out that, especially at that time, many people failed to see to home, to work, to the pro-life issue as extending beyond family, to culture- is the evil of abortion. The phrase was later popularized by Cardinal Joseph false and illusory if the Bernardin of Chicago who also right to life, the most argued that to be pro-life is to be concerned for and actively opposed basic and fundamental to all threats against human life. He right and the condition said, “When human life is considered ‘cheap’ or easily expendable in one for all other personal area, eventually nothing is held as rights, is not defended sacred and all lives are in jeopardy.”

This was not a novel teaching but was with maximum a reemphasizing of Catholic doctrine determination.” which had been neglected by many who called themselves “pro-life” -Pope John Paul II, but held views contrary to Church Christifideles Laici, 38 teaching on issues such as war, treatment of the needy, etc. All of get uncomfortable and some outright this was perfectly accurate and much disagree. For example, there are needed.

A new interpretation of this theory those who would actually make the argument that an employer paying has become somewhat popular which their employees an unjustly low wage proposes that not only should all is as equal a violation of the dignity of threats against human life be opposed human life as euthanasia. Or, selfishly (true), but that they are all equal in refusing to give a homeless person gravity (false). It is worth noting a meal is equal to performing an that Eileen Eagan and Cardinal of human life are fundamentally intertwined, and that any and all threats to the sanctity of human life are unjust, immoral, and must be opposed. What this teaching is not saying is that all threats to human life and dignity are equal. This latter point is where many people start to

Bernardin did not teach this, nor does the Magisterium of the Church.

The Church has consistently taught, and very recently reaffirmed that “The threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself.” This exact teaching has been reaffirmed by Pope Francis and the US Bishops as recently as 2020.

If you struggle with this teaching, ask yourself these questions: Do I believe that some evils are fundamentally worse than others? Do I not live that way? Do I not experience a much greater amount of horror when I hear of a school shooting than a bank robbery?

The fact is I have never met a person who actually lives as though all moral evils are equal. To do so simply goes against our nature and revelation from God. Scripture is full of examples of how some acts are worse and therefore offend God more than others. To be pro-life is to respect human life in all circumstances, however, abortion is a preeminent issue on which the Church focuses because it is a direct threat to the dignity and sanctity of human life itself. We can still promote a “Consistent Ethic of Life,” and also remember the right to life itself is the fabric of that garment which is woven when “God knits us in our mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13, NAB) Mark Loyet is the Director of Pastoral Ministry at the Diocese of Shreveport. He can be contacted at mloyet@dioshpt.org Baratte, Linda L., “Religious Education in the Prophetic Voice: The Pedagogy of Eileen Egan,” Religious Education, http://old. religiouseducation.net/member/03_papers/ Baratte.pdf Overberg, Kenneth R. S.J.:”A Consistent Ethic of Life”, Catholic Update, St. Anthony’s Press, 2009 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2020), No. 22.

March for Life

This event is open to everyone and is fun and safe for families.

Help win the battle against abortion and other threats to human life.

Shreveport March for Life January 23, 2021 10am - 12pm Shreveport Festival Plaza 101 Crockett St., Shreveport, LA 71101 https://prolifelouisiana.org/louisiana-life-march-north/ Monroe March for Life January 24, 2021 2pm - 4pm First West Baptist Church 311 Mill St. West Monroe, 71291 https://prolifelouisiana.org/louisiana-life-march-monroe/ COVID-19 Guidelines

”Individuals of the same household can march together, but otherwise, participants must spread out, whether before the march begins, during the march, or at the conclusion of the march where groups congregate for Life March rallies.

We will not have a limitation on the size of the march, as long as participants remain socially distanced at all times.

There may be limitations on crowd size in some outdoor venues associated with the Life March rallies, most specifically, Festival Plaza at the conclusion of the Shreveport Life March. We apologize if all participants are not able to be included in these portions of the events.

Masks are required at all events and will be available on site to participants.” (https://prolifelouisiana.org/louisiana-life-march-north/)

JANUARY 2021 25

Mystery!

Daniel 2:47 The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, or why not. I find it better to let God lead me where it your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of is I am to go. Scripture is not a mystery novel, but it can mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.” be a mystery, and solving it is often not the point of the exercise - engagement is. God reveals himself in so many JANUARY IS WITH us once again. We have made it to ways, even in celebrations such as Mardi Gras.

2021, and I am hoping and praying that it brings with it some light, some joy and relief for the worry we seem to Carnival is a sort of sub-season in our calendar, not have been burdened with. strictly speaking official, but it exists in Louisiana (as well as a couple other regions) in part to remind us that This is the time when Epiphany and the Baptism of the God enjoys life...after all it is a gift He gives us over and Lord usher us back to Ordinary Time. In this time of over or as John Shea, theologian and poet, often states year, we hear much about revelation and manifestation. “God is the God of second chances.” I have just read that - what is God showing us and how are we engaging with this year’s celebration of carnival or Mardi Gras has been it. Those are wonderful questions to sit with, ponder, cancelled. The reasons for this are prudent, so I book no and contemplate as the world around us slows the fever argument there. Instead I think I will celebrate Mardi pitch of Christmas shopping. In the quiet evenings when Gras with my own family, my dining table as my parade I come home after work I feel a hushed peace and quiet float, a space where I bring forth juicy food dripping with and an actual slowing down (at least for a little while) so flavor, dripping with life! And in this unexpected gift of I think this is perfect weather for contemplation, perfect quiet time I will take it and be present and see what the timing for us to allow God to capture our attention.

Lord has to reveal to me.

As a young girl I loved mystery novels. Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, The Meg Mysteries. I devoured them the way some people devoured dessert or hamburgers. Later I came to know Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Miss Marple.

I moved on to spy novels by Helen McInnis. I read them for sheer enjoyment - I was not the reader who tried to solve the mystery. I just followed the characters lead, trusting all would be revealed in that just right moment.

Alas, friends, not all mysteries are so lofty. Often at this time of year, I open the fridge or freezer and there it is...a zip lock bag full of something but we are not sure what exactly. It is not old, simply unmarked. (It turned out to be breakfast sausage by the way). It was during one of these moments when I concocted this dish which was surprisingly delicious. I offer it to you in hopes that you find it tasty and filling.

I still don’t read to solve the mystery. There are times I look forward to journeying through another cycle of when the solution presents itself and shines brightly in the time and celebrating life. Please God may I have ears to last third of the book, and I read even faster to see if my hear and eyes to see and a heart to employ the gifts and instinct held true. Usually it does. lessons you reveal to me. Amen.

In the verse from Daniel, we are reminded that God is the revealer of mystery. I find that when I read scripture Kim Long is the Director of Religious Education for Saint Mary of the Pines Parish.

I don’t try to solve it, I don’t fixate on the “eternal” why 26 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

faithful food

POTATO, SPINACH, & SAUSAGE DRESSING

ingredients (4) Potatoes Salt Pepper (1) Onion (3) Celery Stalks Bacon Grease, butter, or olive oil Handful of freshly washed spinach (1) lb Sausage (3) eggs 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

directions Peel, cube, and boil four potatoes in water with salt and pepper.

When tender, drain and set aside.

Saute one onion, peeled and chopped with three stalks of celery, strings removed and chopped in bacon grease, butter, or olive oil. Cook until onions become translucent. Throw a good handful (or two) of washed fresh spinach in at the last minute and when it has wilted, turn off fire.

Brown one pound of sausage, crumble, and drain grease well.

By this time potatoes are slightly cooled. In a large bowl combine all ingredients, add three beaten eggs and about ½ cup of chicken (or vegetable broth), and salt and pepper to taste, and spoon into a buttered casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees until the tester comes out clean.

JANUARY 2021  27

school news

anchored in faith New Year, New Beginnings at Saint John Berchmans School Ashley Timmons, Sarah Duncan

A

s we set out on a new school year back in August, we were in uncharted waters with no idea what the future would hold.

Still, one thing was constant and certain: as a school, we would remain anchored in our Faith.

This became the theme for our school for the 20/21 school year.

We have made it through the storms and uncertainties of 2020 by remaining anchored in our rich Catholic faith. Weekly Mass, participation in the sacraments, studies of virtues and PRAYER have been the currents and winds we have harnessed to bring us safely through these times. And now with the arrival of 2021, a new year and a new semester, we set our hands to the oars with feelings of invigoration and a new energy. SJB principal, Dr. Jennifer Deason comments, “Through prayerful preparation, aiming to create the safest and richest learning environment for our school families, we have persevered.”

Those new year refreshing feelings are literally a breath of fresh air at SJB; with the newly installed CASPR Pro air filtration system, students will be literally breathing cleaner air. This new system has been installed in all classrooms and throughout the school, and is effective against bacteria, viruses, molds, and will reduce volatile organic compounds and odors. While our school house has enjoyed great improvements, our students are ready for a new year because this means many of their favorite activities will be back and they’ll continue on the path of familiarity and normalcy. To begin the year, students will be examining a new virtue for January, temperance, and learning about finding meaning in moderation. The new year,

28 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

new semester is also an academic restart and students have a chance for a clean slate on their report cards. Eighth grade students in Flyer Academy, a joint partnership with Loyola, will be finishing World Geography and embarking on high school credit in Health; while other students will be taking Computer Literacy, P.E. and Art. Boys and girls are ready to begin the Cardinal Basketball season, later than usual, but they are all ready to go hard in the paint.

Mrs. Barr is thrilled to begin Cathedral choir practice after school and is looking forward to more choir performances and the lifting up of so many new voices. The much anticipated drama production Madagascar Jr., which was scheduled to play last spring, will play at St. John Berchmans School on April 23-26.

Our students have created animal masks and costumes and have eagerly rehearsed and await the opportunity to perform. The new year at SJB also brings about new families as every year SJB welcomes around 60 new students, be they brand new students in our K3 program, transfer students from other public and private schools, or military transfers.

So as the saying at this time of year goes, Auld Lang Syne. These times we are in will not be forgotten, our boat has been buffeted by the storms, but we did not throw overboard those things that make us who we are. Deason says, “I could not be prouder and more grateful of all stakeholders who have helped make SJB thrive in 2020.” So again, “Yet, here we are.” Students and faculty are at SJB, and we are steadfast in our beliefs, and we are ready to move forward with a new year for 2021...anchored in faith.

There’s No Better Time to Enroll in a Catholic School.

JANUARY 2021  29

30  THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

catholic charities

Holistic Client Services Erin Smith, Director of Development

C

atholic Charities of North Louisiana has three hallmark programs operating out of each of our three offices.

Emergency Assistance and Money $chool provide for rental and utility bill help while educating clients on how to stop the leaks in their budgets.

Gabriel’s Closet helps new and expectant parents get the items they need to provide for their children, while teaching them how to properly care for their child.

Immigration Legal Services provides education and legal assistance for lowincome, undocumented individuals eligible for legal status afforded them

by U. S. laws. But what if a client needs more than we can offer?

“Al” came into the Monroe Office of

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana in search of emergency assistance to pay his electricity bill. “Al” had called the 2-1-1 emergency assistance line and was referred to our agency. He came in, attended “Money $chool” and met with his case manager, Kirsten Gladden, our regional director. During his one-onone, Kirsten discovered that “Al” was an army veteran who was having a rough time.

He explained that due to some unfortunate events, he was consistently racking up overdraft charges at his bank, and the fees were being carried forward every month. He had tried to get overdraft protection, but his bank did not offer it. Because of these fees, “Al” would be upside down every month after paying his rent, making it impossible

for him to pay his electric bill and buy groceries.

Kirsten’s social services training and community building skills immediately kicked in. She was able to call a local banking partner and get “Al” an appointment to move his account over to a more reputable bank. “Al” was able to setup a bank account with them with overdraft protection.

Kirsten was also able to glean that “Al” suffered from PTSD and was unable to afford treatment for it. Kirsten called a local mental health organization and was able to get “Al” an appointment and a ride to their facility.

Last month, “Al” reported to Kirsten that he was finally able to afford groceries and his utility bills on his own because of the protections at the new bank. He is also a steady client with the mental health agency and feels much better about his future.

By and large, the most important part of our jobs at CCNLA is listening. By really hearing what someone has to say and being intentional about what we do with the information they trust us with, we can offer them a plan or connect them to resources that addresses their situation with a more holistic approach. So, while we offer three main programs, our scope reaches far beyond that.

With Kirsten’s hard work in mind, we would like to encourage you to donate specifically to her office. Normally, we would be gearing up for the Bingo on the Delta event for February to raise funds for the Monroe area, but due to COVID-19, we have opted to cancel the event for this year. If you have questions about how you can donate or get involved with the Monroe Office, you can call Kirsten and her staff at 318361-5198.

JANUARY 2021 31

around the diocese St. Jude Parishoners Serve those Impacted by Hurricane Laura

Congratulations to Anna Avallone, Loyola College Prep, Student of the Year!

Many St. Jude parishioners prepared supplies in Benton and others traveled south to serve a meal on December 6, 2020 for 700 people impacted by Hurricanes Laura and Delta this summer and fall. St. Jude families, youth, ACTS, and prison ministry volunteers provided support and made nearly two thousand homemade cookies for the effort. St. Jude leveraged generous donations of time and talent from many parishioners and from Bossier community members like Bergeron’s Boudin and Cajun Meats and Silver Star

Smokehouse to participate in what was an ecumenical event at St. Mary of the Lake in Grand Lake, Louisiana and at Creole in Cameron Parish. While the St. Jude team served a meal, Mennonite youth from Deridder sang acapella traditional Christmas carols and hymns, and their parents provided beautiful hand sewn quilts for the community members. The needs of Catholic parishes and civil communities in Southwest Louisiana remain great, and more support will be needed for an extended period of time.

JGS partners with Saint Vincent De Paul Jesus the Good Shepherd School participated in the St. Vincent de Paul of Northwest Louisiana’s Annual Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive. JGS families donated over 25 baskets full of food and supplies.

The baskets were assembled with the help of the 6th grade students, Fr. Mike Thangwa, FMH, Ms. JoAnn Crone and Mrs. Karen Trahan from Saint Vincent De Paul. The baskets were distributed to local families.

Our school is blessed to be able to participate in this wonderful act of love each year.

32 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

St. Jude Participates in Angel Tree Ministry The effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been felt in all corners of our diocese. The loss of income has impacted families on a foundational level. The goal of the Angel Tree program at St. Jude Church is to get much needed items, clothing and toys to children who otherwise might not be able to receive a gift this Christmas. Working together with local schools, as well as, the families that currently need assistance through SVdP, we were able to reach out with love and gifts to nearly 400 children; providing tangible proof of God’s giving heart through our generous parishioners.

What an impactful ministry! Not only for the families receiving these offerings of love, but even more so for those giving them. The process of selecting a child to sponsor, thinking of them while they shop, praying for their family as they wrap the gifts and imagining the impact this will have on the families. This small act of kindness, multiplied by love makes the Christmas season come alive.

Our Lady of Fatima School Packs Boxes for Operation Christmas Child

Mary, Queen of Peace PSR Program Holds Christmas Program

Our Lady of Fatima School students and families packed shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child again this year. This year our kids packed 33 boxes to be sent to children around the world! That was 14 more than we packed last year.

Shown above are the 4-H Club Officers getttng the boxes ready to be shipped out. Way to go Fatima Falcons!

The children enrolled in the Mary, Queen of Peace Church PSR program delighted the parishioners with their Christmas program.

The program included the Nativity play, a bell choir, and a solo performance by Alyssa Giddings of “Silent Night”.

Our Lady of Fatima School Opens New Junior High Building

Sacred Heart Holds PSR Christmas Pageant

Father Paul Thunduparmpil blesses Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School’s new Jr. High building. The new building will house 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

Our Falcons are very excited for the new addition!

On Sunday, December 20, 2020, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church of Shreveport enjoyed their PSR Christmas Pageant following Mass. All ages participated in re-enacting the Nativity and Christmas songs.

SEAS Holds Embrace Grace Baby Shower St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Embrace Grace Ministry held a drop-off virtual Baby Shower on Sunday, November 1st. Parishioners of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton along with members of St. Jude Church, VITA Pro-life ministry, volunteers from Mary’s House and members of the SEAS Young Adult Group all helped to sponsor the seven young women who participated in the program this semester. These young moms were overwhelmed at the outpouring of love they received.

Please continue to keep these young women in your prayers as they prepare to bring their babies into the world over the next few months.

Sacred Heart’s St. Vincent de Paul Assists Families During Holiday Season The Spirit of celebration of the birth of Christ continues during the Covid-19 quarantine. Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church’s St. Vincent de Paul assisted over 31 families this year. Each year during Advent, an “Angel Tree” is set up for parishioners to pick an angel and supply a special Christmas gift. Over 70 children receive gifts. We used black bags so Santa can keep secret their gifts until Christmas. Attached is a picture of a mother receiving gifts. The director of Sacred Heart’s St. Vincent DePaul, Bea Cernigliaro, is the lady on the right.

Students Chosen for OLF “Shop with a Cop” Shopping Spree Our Lady of Fatima School principal, Stephanie Haney and Mr. Johnson, Dean of Students are pictured here with Paisley Walker and Carter Hollis, two students who were chosen for the “Shop with a Cop” Walmart Christmas Shopping Spree.

Local fireman and policeman were assigned to the children who received $50 to shop for Christmas.

JANUARY 2021 33

seminarian burses Thanks to our Recent Donors: (002) Dr. George & Sandra Bakowski Foundation ($100) (001) Dr. George & Sandra Bakowski Foundation ($100) (003) Bob & Gloria Patterson ($250) Completed Burses: (001) (006)

Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) 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 ($1050) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2850) (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1650) (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($950) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3832.12) (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1200) (008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($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)

34 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

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.

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

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

Who can establish a burse?

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

Who can contribute to a burse?

Anyone can contribute any amount to any established burse.

How can I establish or contribute to 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.

When is a burse completed?

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

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JANUARY 2021  35

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

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Shreveport, LA 71104

36 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.

Bishop Malone and Mayor Adrian Perkins in Downtown Shreveport, following the Dec. 8 Press Conference at Holy Trinity Catholic Church