Celebrating our Clergy - June 2023

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone

EDITOR

Kirsten Shrewsberry

CONTRIBUTORS

Lucy Medvec

Amie Lee

Clayton Cobb

Dan Heckel

Meg Goorley

Kimberly Woods-Hopwood

Kim Long

Mary Arcement Alexander

Mike Van Vranken

Deacon Bill Roche

Deacon Bill Goss

Karla Alvarez

Jordan Harris

Amy Fahkre

Cassie Key

Polly Maciulski

Donna Eichhorn

Cathy Flynn

Adam Ryland

EDITORIAL BOARD

Deacon Mike Whitehead

Kim Long

Kate Rhea

Rosalba Quiroz

Msgr. Matthew T. Long

Dr. Carynn Wiggins

Fr. Pat Madden

SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES

Contact: Blanca Vice

Email: bvice@dioshpt.org

Write: The Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Ave.

Shreveport, LA 71104

Call: 318-868-4441

Fax: 318-868-4609

SUBMISSIONS

Contact: Kirsten Shrewsberry

Email: doseditor@dioshpt.org

The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Media Association. The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’ Protecting God’s Children program. (www.virtus.org) Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. Online sessions are also available. 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 318-588-2120. Don’t forget to check your Virtus accounts monthly to stay up to date on your bulletins. You don’t have to wait for an email; you can login at anytime to check your training status. Many times, the monthly emails from Virtus are sent to your SPAM folder so please check there as well. Thank you for helping to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.

MISSION STATEMENT

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

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

from the editor

Priests - They’re Just Like Us?

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editor

I CAN’T BE THE ONLY PERSON WHO GREW UP THINKING PRIESTS WERE ONLY EVER PRIESTS AND NEVER ANYONE BEFORE ORDINATION OR EVER DID ANYTHING “NORMAL”. In the same way that the first time you saw your teacher at the grocery store, the first time I saw a priest out of clerics I felt like it was Opposite Day and everyone knew it but me.

When I was in middle school preparing for confirmation, our pastor was a priest named Fr. Paul Passamonti. He had the best homilies, sharing about his life as a young boy growing up in Boston; he was so personable and reassuring. During those long confirmation prep classes, he would randomly drop in to bring us baked goods that he blessed in exchange for a correctly answered question. When I went to confession with him the day before confirmation, I was so scared. So afraid that my sins were unforgivable, that no one could love a sinner like me. I shakily confessed and at the end he paused, and said, “is that it?” I said yes and he laughed, and told me there was so much worse he’d heard, and as long as I was genuinely sorry and made a diligent effort to not sin again, God would forgive me. In such a tumultuous time he was a trusted friend, sharing the Gospel and God’s love with a bunch of angsty tweens.

In my time at St. Joseph here in Shreveport, I’ve gotten to know priests as people, and I’ve met friends who went to seminary and ended up discerning other callings or taking those holy orders that we’ll get to witness Deacons Kelby and Gabriel take later this month. Among our new friends was Fr. Zach Kautzky who was assigned to Holy Family at Barksdale AFB. He married my husband and me, baptized our son, we dog-sat for him, and we were fortunate enough to share many meals while he was still assigned here. He’s the son of a farmer, a brother, and a friend. One of the most profound things he taught me was that men are fallible. We all fall short of the glory of Christ.

We’re all striving for holiness, and sometimes forgiving others when they fall short is part of that journey. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to meet and know so many clergy. They really are people - just like you and me!

This month is special because two men will be ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Shreveport. I hope you join us in praying for these young men, and all of our clergy and religious brothers and sisters. Peace and blessings, friends.

Cover photo courtesy of Benjamin Luckett, Diocese of Shreveport Director of Digital Evangelization

Giving them the option to ask questions, one of the most frequently asked is “when did you know you wanted to be a priest?” There are those who know that I had an uncle who was a priest, and in fact was quite instrumental in facilitating my move from Philadelphia to Arkansas, where I lived with him and got to witness what a priest does from day to day. He was ordained before I was born, and he and I served together in the Diocese of Little Rock for many years. An exemplary priest, he lived to the age of 93, sixtyseven years as a priest.

But the awareness I had that God was calling me to the priesthood was when I was a very young altar server in our parish church in Philadelphia. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary was a very large church with an elementary school of over a thousand students, forty religious Sisters of St. Joseph, and five priests assigned to the parish. I remember these priests very well, my pastor of 19 years, Msgr. Nugent, the associate pastors, Father Corrigan, Father McDonough, Father O’Brien, Father Vizzard, and Father

from the bishop

Paul Curran. Father Corrigan taught me how to serve Mass and answer the prayers in Latin. He also came to our home the night my mother died and gave her the Last Rites of the Church. Father McDonough was one of three brothers who became priests, one of them later the Archbishop of Louisville. Father O’Brien baptized me. Father was a steady, no-nonsense associate pastor. Later came Father John Oulds, who exemplified holiness in the priesthood. Msgr. Nugent was very much like a grandfather to me, and gifted me with his Chalice when I was ordained a priest. He also preached the homily at my First Mass of Thanksgiving. That which stands out in my mind is that in the wake of the clergy scandals in the Church, none, not one of these priests has ever been accused of misconduct, and these men became models for me. When I saw them celebrate Mass or minister in the parish, I had this feeling that God was calling me to do the same. In retrospect, they were holier than me, better preachers, especially Father Curran who died this past year, and father-like men like Msgr. Nugent.

Ask any priest about his story, and he’ll be able to tell you about the priests in his life who became the models for his own priestly vocation. I am sure that soon-to-be Fathers Gabriel Cisneros and Kelby Tingle have their own vocation story. And without them knowing how, they, too, are becoming models for future priests.

I can tell you from my own experience that prayers from those I have served have sustained me throughout almost 46 years of ministry. So I am not shy about asking for your continued prayers for me – AND for the priests who serve you now, AND for the two new priests about to be ordained. The strength that comes from such prayers keeps us close to the Lord and to you. May the month of June in which we add two more to the number of those who serve us be a special time when we increase our prayers for them.

I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO VISIT WITH OUR YOUNG CATHOLICS, IN PARTICULAR, THOSE OF HIGH SCHOOL AGE.

Thank you to our clergy serving in the Diocese of Shreveport

We invite all parishioners to join us in praying for our clergy and an increase in vocations

SEE PAGE 24 FOR A PRAYER CALENDAR TO USE TO PRAY FOR THE CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS IN OUR DIOCESE

WITH PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO ALMIGHTY GOD

THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO THE ORDINATION OF Gabriel Cisneros Campos

TO THE SACRED ORDER OF PRESBYTER

THROUGH THE IMPOSITION OF HANDS AND THE INVOCATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

BY HIS EXCELLENCY

MOST REVEREND FRANCIS I. MALONE BISHOP OF SHREVEPORT

Saturday, The Twenty-Fourth Day Of June

Two Thousand and Twenty-Three Ten O'Clock In The Morning

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans

939 Jordan Street

Shreveport, Louisiana 71101

A Heart For Local Community

Karla Alvarez, Director of Multicultural Ministries

DEACON

CHARLES IS KNOWN IN HIS COMMUNITY AS A MAN WITH A HEART READY TO LOVE AND SERVE HOWEVER HE CAN. One of the most evident forms of his service is volunteering at Praise Academy, especially on Tuesdays where he participates in a reading workshop. Praise Academy Principal, Joan Pingel, says, “He is a reliable volunteer with a gentle spirit about him. He’s there to serve the students. He’ll do whatever we ask…He greets all the students and the faculty with kindness. I enjoy that he is a male presence working with our boys who don’t always have a male presence in their lives. We just love him!”

Deacon Charles is a permanent Deacon at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in downtown Shreveport and is a member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver. He was ordained as a deacon in June 2014, and he recalls feeling God’s presence right after the ordination. He mentions “we were outside of St. Michael’s Chapel, and I remember

it was very silent and all I could hear were the birds and it was very peaceful.” What a beautiful experience!

Deacon Charles mentioned how he has been supported by his wife, Nadalie, throughout this journey and that she serves alongside him. I asked him what advice he would give to someone discerning the permanent diaconate and he said, “talk about it with your spouse because it is something you do together.” One of the ways they serve together is on Wednesdays. “My wife has hundreds of soup recipes and on Wednesdays, after scripture study, we enjoy the soup that she made.”

There is not enough room on this page to share all the wonderful stories about the servant heart of Deacon Charles, but I would like to thank him for who he is and for all he has done and continues to do in the local community. Thank you, Deacon

Charles, for your ‘yes’ to God and for the guidance that you give to so many of us.

I encourage you to reach out to him and thank him for his servant heart inside and outside of the Church. I also encourage you to continue to pray for him.

Thank you Deacon Charles!

On April 15, the Sacrament of Confirmation was conferred by Bishop Malone at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Monroe. Recipients of the sacrament were Charli Lisa Laurent, Immanuel Michael Laurent, and Catherine Mae Operario (from Our Lady of Fatima Parish); and Mary Ava Cannon and Isabella Clementina Gonzalez (from St. Lawrence Parish).

2023 Catholic Service Appeal – We Are Called to Serve

Lucy Medvec, Diocesan Director of Development

I love reading the words of Jesus in Matthew 25. In this chapter, He gives us lessons on how to prepare for when the Lord returns, how to be a good and faithful servant through the use of our talents, and how to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the imprisoned. As Catholics, we are all called to follow these lessons, and there is no better way to do this than by supporting the Catholic Service Appeal.

Did you attend Mass this week? The appeal paid to educate your priest as a seminarian and provides continuing education and support for all of our priests.

Do you know someone who has received help from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or volunteers in their organization? The appeal gives financial support to this organization.

Has your child or someone you know received tuition assistance to attend a Catholic school? The appeal provides funds for tuition assistance.

Before I share with you the importance of supporting the Appeal, I will also stress the importance of supporting your own parish through the weekly offering. It is through your parish community – your spiritual family – that you directly receive the sacraments and spiritual growth that sustain your faith.

The 2023 Catholic Service Appeal kicked off in February and so far, through the combined efforts 1,960 families from every church across our diocese, almost $982,000 has been given to support diocesan ministries that are used by every parish! While over 1,900 donations is an impressive number, it is still only 18% participation out of 10,642 families in the Diocese of Shreveport. Our goal each year for the Catholic Service Appeal is 100% participation, so we definitely have far to go.

Why should you give to the appeal? Because not only does it benefit you and your family, but the Catholic Service Appeal funds ministries also that affect every person in our diocese.

Have you or a member of your family participated in a class for religious education or been served by a parish lay leader such as a catechist, lector, music director, youth minister, director of religious education, or family ministry leader? The Catholic Service Appeal provides training, resources, seminars, and more to make faith formation possible.

There are so many ways that the Catholic Service Appeal provides support to every church and parishioner in our diocese. Your donations help us to strengthen the faith of over 37,000 Catholics across North Louisiana.

I invite you to support the ministries in our diocese by making a gift today. You can click on the QR code below to make an online donation or visit www.dioshpt.org.You can send in your donation by filling out the pledge form below. All gifts of any amount make a difference.

Your support – your calling – will move us toward our goal. Help us to maintain and grow our ministries so that we can answer His call.

“What you have done for the least of my brothers and sisters, you have done for me.”

Matthew 25:40

$135,000

675 College students involved with Catholic Campus Ministry

A New Name… A Greater Focus …

$124,00

8 Retired Priests

$225,000 Infirmed Priest Subsidies

$50,000

109 Families receiving diocesan tuition assistance

Your Generosity at Work Ministry Costs*

and Statistics

FY 2023

* Not all ministry/program costs are listed

$104,000

200 Adults registered for the Franciscan at Home catechetical formation program

$185,000

11,000 Catholic Connections mailed to households each month

$60,000

1,500 Households receiving the diocesan bi-weekly e-newsletter

$7,000

135 Inmates who attend liturgies (Mass and confession) monthly

$95,000

18 Youth groups in parishes across the diocese

400 Youth actively engaged in programs

558 Young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation

$40,000

320+ Number of combined years of service of our retired clergy

123 New Catholics received into the Church

468 St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers across the diocese

5,200 People assisted via SVdP Society home visits

$10,000

800 Pregnant women received early prenatal care

$128,000

630 Parishioners involved in the multicultural ministry of the diocese

2,109 Children enrolled in parish formation programs

644 SVdP Society Eldercare visits

$235,000

Full cost to educate, house and feed four seminarians for one year.

“What you have done for the least of my brothers and sisters, you have done for me.” MT 25:40

A Priest Forever

Kim Long, Saint Mary of the Pines DRE of my scripture teachers) and tearfully told him I became an official orphan (my biological parents already in heaven by this point), that Fr. Greeley was dead. That is how impactful he was on my life. I thank God for him. He was a wonderful introduction to priests and possibilities of this Catholic life.

WHEN I REFLECT ON MY LIFE AS A CATHOLIC, I AM BLESSED TO HAVE HAD MANY GOOD EXPERIENCES WITH PRIESTS I HAVE KNOWN, HOWEVER BRIEFLY. First, I want to tell you about the priest who brought me to Catholicism-one Fr. Andrew Greeley, a priest I never met in person but felt as though I knew him - and in a way I did. He wrote so many novels with Catholic characters and themes which were my first introduction to many of the beautiful customs and traditions our faith offers. In “Lord of the Dance” I read of the Easter Vigil and the plunging of the candle in the baptismal waters where the newly baptized (usually adults) would be a new creation in Christ. It was in ”The Angels of September” that I learned about the feast of the archangels and how powerful memory can be, that evil can taint the way we view everything, and then how our view can be changed by God’s grace.

Years later when I had a tiny crisis of faith, I spoke with a spiritual director. She asked how I became Catholic, and I told her of my Greeley-inspired journey, that I realized he used fictional stories as vehicles for theological truths. She very quietly chuckled as she leaned back in her chair and gently sent me home with the following sentence - you will be fine; you are closer to the kingdom than you know. I must tell you, gentle reader, I don’t know if that statement was true, but I left feeling much better than when I arrived.

In an interview for PBS with Judy Valente (May 10, 2022), Fr. Greeley managed to sum up, quite elegantly, the message I had drawn from years of reading and rereading (before I came into full communion with the Catholic Church, I might add) his many novels; “The kernel is the belief that God is love, and in Catholicism, God’s love is present in the world. It is in the sacraments, in the Eucharist, in our neighborhood, and forgiveness in the touch of a friendly hand, in a rediscovered love God is there.”

Fr. Greeley’s writings and insights have continued to steer me and the day I read that he died I telephoned Jim McGill (one

He was in a sense my “first priest” but there have been many others. I have learned much, been tested, discovered I have much to learn and much to teach, and then the cycle repeats. Liz Gilbert wrote that every experience can be a lesson. I agree and would add that it is not always immediately recognizable.

I would like to share with you some other teachers and lessons:

• Msgr. LaCaze, who confirmed me and gave me my first holy communion and who taught me through his homilies, my first taste of Catholic expectations.

• Fr. Larry, who taught me that details truly are important.

• Fr. Antony, who ate at our family table on many Easter Sundays and taught me that hospitality is a holy endeavor.

• Fr. Pike, who taught me to think beyond my preconceived notions.

• Msgr. Provenza, who taught me that showing concern is truly Christlike.

• Fr. Mike who taught me that cleanliness is really close to Godliness.

• Fr. John Paul who taught me to see Jesus in children.

• Msgr. Price, who taught me that no job is too big or small in service to the Church.

• Fr. Francis, who taught me that drawing a line in the sand can sometimes just be bad art.

• Fr. David Richter, who taught me to believe, really believe, in God’s forgiveness.

• Fr. Phil, who taught me when I read something that impacts me to let the author know.

• Fr. Pat Madden, who taught me that learning is a form of prayer.

• Fr. George, who came to support me when the news of my husband’s death was delivered, and taught me being vulnerable has its place, that it is not a weakness.

• Fr. Mark Watson who taught me the value of collaboration.

• Fr. Raney, who taught me that wisdom is not just the province of age.

• Fr John Scanlon, the closest I ever came to Fr. Greeley’s fictional Irish priests, who taught me that all of life is contained in the Psalms and to go to them when prayer seems arid and lifeless.

For these and all priests everywhere, my prayer is that you continue to have knowledge of God’s will for your lives and the desire to carry it out.

AMEN AMEN

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO WHERE YOU MAKE A

DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLES’ LIVES? Volunteer at Mary’s House – Friday mornings 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM as our receptionist. You’ll be the first smiling face our patients meet, and you’ll work with a great team of ladies on the same mission – to make a difference for moms and babies. Call L’Anne at Mary’s House to find out more – 318-220-8009

Discerning My Vocation

Clayton Cobb, Principal, St. Joseph Catholic School - Shreveport

DISCERNING MYVOCATIONWAS SOMETHING MY FAMILY ENCOURAGED WHEN I WAS QUITE YOUNG. Being one of five children in a Catholic family, it was something that seemed natural. I did not give it any serious thought until I was Confirmed (back in Alexandria, that happened later in high school). Bishop Jacobs was very encouraging, reminding me that this is something that must be thought, so I discerned, and communicated with God.

When I was 19 and in the middle of my first year of college, I made the decision to discern the vocation to the priesthood and entered St. Joseph Seminary College near Covington. I spent three years there discerning the vocation to the priesthood. I went through a school of hard knocks. There, I learned a lot about life.

Admittedly, I was not a great student, but I became one. I was not the most disciplined person when it came to life balance, but I became one. I did not have a rational understanding of faith, but it became a part of who I am. The discernment process changed my life. I concluded after three years, that this was not my calling- much to my own disappointment. I had no idea where I was headed, but I knew I was leaving changed and leaving better than I entered.

Praise the Lord it was for my calling. My spiritual director recommended waiting six months before getting into dating since it was a change of focus. Not keeping track of time, it was six months and a week after I left seminary that I met a young lady and we went on our first date. Sixteen years of marriage and four children later, I have

a life filled with more joy than I would’ve realized had I never gone to seminary.This vocation was well-discerned as a result of the good habits that St. Joseph Seminary College taught me.

I believe it is no coincidence that two of the most important schools in my life were named for this amazing man- St. Joseph. Had I never begun the discernment process then, I would not be where I am today. I am living the fruit of a well-discerned vocation and studying for the priesthood was part of that very important process.

“Licensed and Ordained”

Deacon Bill Goss, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, St. Lawrence Catholic Church, and Christ the King Chapel, ULM Catholic Campus Ministries in Monroe

I AM THE SON OF A “LICENSED AND ORDAINED” BAPTIST PREACHER FROM MISSISSIPPI AND A GOOD CATHOLIC GIRL FROM THE HILLS OF NATCHITOCHES PARISH. He was the manager of the Paramount Strand Theater and she was the popcorn girl. I came along two years later. My baptism at two weeks old was my entire formal Catholic formation as a child.

Raised Baptist in Alexandria, Louisiana, I came to Monroe to attend Northeast Louisiana University. I met my wife, Janet. She grew up playing the organ for Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish, Monroe. When I proposed, my future mother-in-law stipulated a church wedding. It was during marriage prep that Fr. Warren Larroque told me I was Catholic.

I had always felt a call to ministry and considered several Protestant denominations. Being Catholic put a hitch in those plans. I had never heard of Permanent Deacons.

As I discovered my new, yet lifelong Catholic faith, the Church was always there. Before he died, my father was in the hospital for almost a year, I remember the Catholic priest who visited. When my wife became suddenly ill, it was the Sisters at Schumpert and Fr. Nguyen at Christ the King in Bossier who were there with me. Influenced by an awesome priest and community of loving believers, I made my first communion and confirmation in 1996.

However, instead of putting God first, I put myself and career first. I took a job away from home hoping my family would soon join me. Nothing followed my plan. Miserable and alone, I asked God if He had forgotten me. I pleaded with God to let me return to my family, “I will go wherever you want and do whatever you ask.”

God spoke clearly, “I am always with you.”

It was so clear I got up and walked around to see if anyone was with me. Within a week, a company I did

not know called, interviewed, and offered me a job. Sadly, I soon began to give a worldly explanation to that conversation with God. I reasoned how my new employer found my name. That voice I heard was probably just my unconscious mind hearing what I needed to hear.

In 2007, before emergency surgery on my collapsed lungs, God sent a Catholic doctor to pray with me and over me as they prepared me for surgery. As I lay on my back in ICU with a ventilator for company, I heard the same voice. God asked, “Are you doing my will?” I had no idea of His will for me.

Soon after, the Diocese announced a diaconate program was to begin in 2010. God called me to do His will in an unexpected way. God spoke to those around me. It was not to a priest or religious that God spoke. God spoke to the people around me. Several began asking if I had thought about being a deacon. One dear friend wrote Bishop Duca that I needed to be a deacon. To my surprise, the Diocese accepted me into the diaconate program.

I am not a genius. Study time would be hard to find. Money was tight for tuition. After every evaluation came the expectations of dismissal. It never happened. Money showed up to pay tuition as did the time to pray and study. Even my boss answered God’s call to the diaconate for the Diocese of Atlanta. Put your faith in God and God will provide.

St. Paul writes, “I am what I am by His grace.” I am likewise. On June 28, 2014, the son of a Baptist Preacher and a good Catholic girl lay prostrate before the altar at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans in answer to God’s call.

“I Am What I Am By His Grace.”

1 Cor 15:10

Our (Other) Fathers

Mary Arcement Alexander, Licensed Professional Counselor & Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister

BEING CATHOLIC

IN SMALL TOWN SOUTH

LOUISIANA IN THE ‘70S AND ‘80S WAS THE NORM. I honestly thought everyone was Catholic until I went to college. Yes, my world was very small. What I remember most about the different priests we had over the course of my childhood, unfortunately, is not the greatest. It is not so much that we had “bad” priests, rather they all seemed old and unapproachable to my then child’s eyes. Some of the priests were intimidating to me, some seemed grouchy and unhappy, some were cheerful and nice enough, and some were rather nondescript. Only one priest stands out as being quite, honestly, mean. I won’t mention his name out of respect for the priesthood. With all that said, I’m happy to report that this is no longer the case for me. We at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shreveport have been very blessed with amazing priests. I want to highlight a few (unfortunately I don’t have the writing space to mention them all). I will begin with Fr. Karl Daigle.

Fr. Karl and I are the same age. Why am I mentioning this? Because he is the first priest I ever encountered who was my age. It was weird and cool at the same time. I loved the fact that he, too, is a child of the ‘70s and ‘80s. It felt like we were able to bond over this commonality. I remember feeling immediately at ease around him both because he is a friendly, approachable person and because of our age. He is the first priest who I ever became friends with and that meant a lot to me at the time. It still does. It was Fr. Karl who called me up one random Tuesday night and left me a message asking that I call him as soon as I could. I felt like I had just been called to the principal’s office. I can’t explain it but the inner child in me came out and that is where my mind took me. To my great surprise, he was calling to ask me to lead the middle school youth ministry. He told me that God had laid my name upon his heart. Although I was honored, I was also hesitant.The obedient child in me wanted to immediately say, “Oh, yes sir I will!” but the adult in me instead asked for some time to prayerfully consider (I said yes by the way). Over the course of roughly five years, Fr. Karl and I were able to build a great relationship that honestly felt more like brother and sister which is fitting considering he is my brother in Christ. On April 16th, 2016, my husband and I were honored to have Fr. Karl officiate our wedding. I must say, it was pretty amazing having a priest who knew me, liked me, and considered me a friend as our wedding officiant.

“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

-St. John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests

During this same time period we were also blessed to have Fr. Mike Thang’wa as our associate pastor. I think it is safe to say we at SJC will forever think of Fr. Mike when we hear the words, “God is good all the time. All the time God is good.” He said this during every homily and we all knew he meant it. One of my favorite memories of Fr. Mike was during one of our end-of-year parties with the youth group. We had outside water activities including a slip-n-slide. Fr. Mike had so much fun on that slip-n-slide! I

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

We Finally Have A Winner!

Kimberly Woods-Hopwood, MAPS, MSW, Administrative Assistant for Offices of Catholic Schools & Faith Formation - Diocese of Shreveport

FOR DECADES, ALL THE SCHOOLS (PUBLIC, PRIVATE, AND CATHOLIC) IN LOUISIANA HAVE JOINED THE PUBLIC SCHOOL PROGRAM IN THE SELECTION OF THE STUDENT OF THE YEAR.

Time and time again, our Catholic school students would be hedged out by public school students that were continually chosen over Catholic school students. Not once have the Catholic schools ever won the state level competition. Even though Catholic school students were held to a higher standard on the local school level with the added need to demonstrate discipleship, they had never won. After several years of discussion and approval by the Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley, the Louisiana Catholic schools got permission to separate and host its own Catholic School Student of the Year Program.

Under the direction of the seven superintendents and the coordination by the Deputy Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Martha Mundine, the Catholic Schools of Louisiana had a successful inaugural year for the Catholic School Student of the Year Program. All seven dioceses in the State of Louisiana (Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma-Thibodaux, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Shreveport, and the Archdiocese of New Orleans) sent their diocesan nominated students from grades 5th, 8th, and 12th to compete at the state level in Lafayette on March 2nd.

The Diocese of Shreveport was represented by the following students:

Peyton Reynolds (Grade 12)

St. Frederick High School

Parents: Brian and Rachel Reynolds

Brooke Bullock (Grade 8)

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School

Parents: Richard and Traci Bullock

Rosemary Paxton (Grade 5)

Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Parents: Albert and Lillian Paxton

Overall, these students demonstrated excellence in discipleship, leadership, service, citizenship, and academic achievement. Students submitted a portfolio of their accomplishments, interviewed at both the diocesan and state levels, and completed an on-the-spot writing prompt at the state level. Students then had to wait until the Awards Ceremony/Reception hosted at the Diocese of Lafayette on Friday, April 21st to know who would be selected as the Student of the Year for each participating grade. All 21 students and their families, as well as the superintendents, several principals (including our own Lisa Patrick and Trey Woodham), and a couple of local pastors were in attendance.

The Diocese of Shreveport is pleased to announce that our Jesus the Good Shepherd nominee, Rosemary Paxton, won 5th Grade Catholic Student of the Year 2023. Rosemary and her family were invited to the BESE Board Meeting in June, along with the 8th and 12th grade winners to be introduced and congratulated on their accomplishments.

Although our 12th grade nominee, Payton Reynolds, will be pursuing post-secondary education opportunities, our 8th grade nominee, Brooke Bullock, and 5th grade winner, Rosemary Paxton, will likely be eligible for the next grade level competition. Keep up the good work! May you continue to allow God to bless you and let His light shine through your words and actions.

Celebrating Deacon Clary Nash

Cathy Flynn, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

DEACON CLARY NASH IS THE HEART AND SOUL OF SACRED HEART OF JESUS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA. He will celebrate 38 years as a Permanent Deacon this month. He has been with us at Sacred Heart for 18 years and continues to faithfully serve our church day after day with dedication and commitment to God and our parish. Deacon served our diocese as the first Director of the Permanent Diaconate Program and remained in that role for over two decades. He is so proud of the men he saw ordained during his tenure and continues to promote vocations within our parish.

Deacon Clary always has a warm smile and greets everyone who walks through our church doors. He visits the sick at hospitals and homes and always offers a listening ear to those needing someone to talk with. He is a man of faith, with a kind heart and words of encouragement. He is very supportive of our pastors, proclaims the gospel and preaches homilies relatable to all. Deacon helps the poor and is very committed to the needs of our community. He reaches out to the forgotten and neglected, he is the face of hope, faith, and love for those who live in the neighborhood. He has been called upon many times to help a neighbor start a lawnmower, jumpstart a car, help someone stuck in the mud, just to name a few.

It was Deacon Clary who lifted us up and offered words of wisdom and encouragement during the initial and difficult time of COVID-19. He worked together with us when we cleaned the church every week. Deacon Clary sees his desire to serve as a true vocation and calling from God. He builds up the body of Christ, leads by

example and promotes the ministries of all the baptized.

Beside every great man is a great woman. Deacon’s wife, Mary, serves this calling as well, as an integral part in the life of the Church, supporting Deacon, sharing in the joys, sacrifices, and blessings of this ministry. Mary supports Deacon with love, prayer, and commitment.

The parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church recognize and express our heartfelt thanks to Deacon Clary and Mary Nash for their faithful and outstanding service to God, our diocese and “The Little Church with the Big Heart”!

My Favorite Jesus Movie

Mike Van Vranken, Diocese of Shreveport Spiritual Advisor

BY NOW, MANY OF YOU HAVE PROBABLY

WATCHED HULU’S “THE POPE: ANSWERS.” It is one of the best “Jesus movies” I have ever seen. Pope Francis meets with about ten young people (20 to 25-year-olds) and candidly invites them to discuss such issues as people leaving the Church, racism, clergy abuse, abortion, women in the Church, LGBTQIA+, migration, and more. Rather than portraying Jesus as an actor in a movie, Francis lives the gospel just as Jesus did: with interest (listening), compassion (heartfelt entering the other’s concerns), and love (explaining his beliefs without judgment). Forget bingeing on The Chosen, this is the ministry experience of God’s kingdom we hear in the Sunday gospel readings played out in our 2023 world.

How many times have we asked how to do evangelization?

We wonder what we are supposed to say. It’s not about our words. Words alone are empty. Words without action do not offer much. We can say “I love you” a million times. But if those words are not followed up with action, they are lifeless. Mary Birmingham wrote: “The ministry of evangelization demands that we offer life where life is lacking. Where people do not enjoy what is necessary to uphold a decent standard of life, then life is lacking.”

Jesus sent the twelve to cure the sick and raise the dead (Mt 10:8). Jesus said He came so that we may have life (Jn 10:10). Our calling is to bring life where a decent

standard of life is lacking. It’s what Jesus asks of each of us. And it’s not a casual, every-once-in-a-while ministry. This is who we are called to be – life-givers.

When I see someone in Africa who is hungry, do I stop what I’m doing and ask God to show me how I can be engaged in giving this person a decent standard of living life?

What about people who need a higher level of health care than is being offered to them? How do I engage with their need?

Am I conscious enough of my calling to be a life-giver when someone is excluded because they have a different gender attraction or gender identity than what some people have pre-determined for them?

How do I lovingly respond to the lonely single people whose lives seem hopeless for satisfying their deep need for companionship and sharing?

How do I respond as a life-giver for those who are confined to jails and prisons?

We’re also commissioned to give a decent standard of life to immigrants, refugees, and those hurt by racism, sexism, and abuse. How are we being Jesus to these?

Of course, what is staring us in the face is that these issues haven’t changed much over the centuries. This has been gospel teaching for two thousand years and the teachings of the Old Testament prophets for over a thousand years before that. Where have we gone wrong? How have we failed to follow Jesus’ and the OT prophets’ simple call? I believe it all begins with our inability to listen.

What would happen if we only shut up and listened?

My suggestion for this month is to take any of the issues I’ve listed above and picture a scenario about that issue. How do you feel as you examine what you see? How do you feel about your own responses to these issues over the years? Ask God what it would take for you to let go of fear, prejudice, and the desire to always be right, and completely give yourself to someone in need. And then, sit and listen to God. Listen closely. Listen as long as it takes. Listen daily, for a week, month, and even longer. Once some life-giving ideas are rooted in your heart, maybe you can even take these to your parish and spread your new, evolving love for others there. You’ll find it’s very contagious.

And if you don’t even know how to imagine all of this, find access to Hulu’s “The Pope: Answers.” Our Holy Father has been modeling this evangelistic behavior all his Jesuit life. And he’s even better at it now than ever before. He’ll show you what it’s like for an 86-year-old man, a wisdom figure sitting at the top of the entire Roman Catholic Church, who can keep his mouth shut and allow young people just beginning their adult life to express their hopes and fears, doubts, and questions in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Will we ever all agree on everything? I hope not. That would certainly stagnate any growth. It’s when we are all listening and sharing in loving compassionate ways to our diversity of thought that we all grow together. Let’s start doing it like Pope Francis. Let’s begin doing it like Jesus.

Becoming A Permanent Deacon

ALONG WITH 17 OTHER GENTLEMEN I WAS ORDAINED TO THE PERMANENT DIACONATE ON MAY 7, 2005, AT THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN BERCHMANS BY BISHOP WILLIAM B. FRIEND. My pathway to the permanent diaconate began with the strong Catholic faith of my Irish immigrant parents, the importance of the Church in our family life, and the fact that I attended Catholic school at the parish from kindergarten through high school. I studied Biology in college at a Jesuit college where Theology and Philosophy were part of the required curriculum even for science majors.

Although I cannot honestly state that I developed my faith or its practice during the years after college, I married well. My wife’s faith was strong and her parents professed a deep commitment to the faith. More so than me, Isabel was active at St. Joseph - Shreveport.

While raising our children I had the good fortune in the early ‘90s to go on two mission trips to Saltillo, Mexico, as a chaperone and driver with the St. Joseph youth group. On the first of those trips, I met Deacon Bill Long who worked with Fr. Pike Thomas. That was my close encounter with a Permanent Deacon. Around this same time, I first met Deacon Clary Nash who was then assigned to the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans.

Years later it was the Holy Spirit, I’m sure, who drew my attention to a brief notice in the Catholic Connection announcing a meeting regarding a formation program for the Permanent Diaconate. Deacon Clary Nash was the coordinator for the formation program.

From that first meeting, one thing led to another. I talked it over with my wife, collected the required documents, discussed the program with Fr. Peter Mangum, the Pastor of St. Joseph, and submitted the application. Deacon Nash stayed in contact to ensure the deadlines were met. The greatest challenge, in my mind, was an interview with three members of the Vocations Board. I was anxious but I survived.

The formation began with a one-year Aspirancy Period. There were either 24 or 25 men when we started. By the end of that first year, we had lost a few men, been challenged by the course work, and were forming friendships with men and women from all parts of the Diocese. Successful completion of the year of Aspirancy led to acceptance as Candidates. After three more years of formation, those who completed the coursework and demonstrated a willingness to serve were called to ordination by Bishop Friend.

Deacon Bill Roche, St. Joseph Catholic Church - Shreveport

Catholic Charities News

Meg Goorley, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana or homes repaired. Nine state-owned RVs were loaned to the families whose homes were destroyed, but these small RVs must be returned by the end of June, which makes this situation even more grim.

WHEN THE GOVERNMENT SEEKS OUT YOUR ORGANIZATION TO SOLVE A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE ADMINISTRATION TRUSTS YOU, THEN YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT. That is the case with Caddo Parish Commission reaching out to Catholic Charities of North Louisiana to provide the disaster relief case management to the survivors of the tornado that hit the wooded Pecan Farms area of Keithville on December 15, 2022. If you remember, this was the tornado that wiped out an entire mobile home park and killed Yoshiko Smith-Little and her son, Nikolus (8).

There were about 30 families affected by that devastating December tornado. This close-knit community does not want to leave the neighborhood and CCNLA staff members have been working to get people re-housed

It has been a joy to help the grateful residents of Pecan Farms and an honor to be chosen by the Caddo Parish Commission to oversee this worthwhile disaster relief project. Catholic Charities staffers Joe Bulger, Carl Piehl, and Jean Woods have represented us well.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The support from our grantors and generous donors makes it possible to serve those in need in the 16 parishes of North Louisiana. The board of directors and staff of CCNLA send our most sincere gratitude to the foundations, businesses and churches that support our Mission.

Beaird Family Foundation

Caddo Parish Commission

Catholic Charities USA

City of Bossier

Community Foundation of North Louisiana

First United Methodist Church

Grayson Foundation

Jonesboro State Bank

JP Morgan Chase

Louisiana Bar Foundation

Poindexter Foundation Inc.

Regions Bank

Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate, TX

The Westerman Foundation

Walmart

United Way of Northeast Louisiana

Ursuline Sister Celebrating 60 Years Of Religious Life In 2023

Dan Heckel, OSUA, Director of Mission Advancement and Communications - Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph

An Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph who served in Shreveport is celebrating a jubilee of religious life in 2023.

Sister Patricia Rhoten, a native of Palmyra, Nebraska, is celebrating 60 years as an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph. She was a middle school teacher at St. John Berchmans Catholic School, Shreveport, from 2005-2009. She has also taught in Missouri, Kentucky and Nebraska. Sister Pat is now retired and active in the Powerhouse of Prayer.

Jubilee congratulations may be sent to: 8001 Cumming Road, Maple Mount, KY 42356.

St. Paschal Youth and families went to see the movie, ‘Mirando Al Cielo’, a documentary about the life of St Jose Sanchez del Rio.

Un Corazón Para La Comunidad Local

Karla Alvarez, Directora del Ministerio Multicultural

EL

AMAR Y SERVIR COMO

PUEDA. Una de las formas más evidentes de su servicio es el voluntariado en Praise Academy, especialmente los martes, donde participa en un taller de lectura. La directora de la Praise Academy, Joan, afirma lo siguiente: “Es un voluntario confiable con un espíritu amable. Está ahí para servir a los alumnos. Hace todo lo que le pedimos... Saluda a todos los alumnos y al equipo con amabilidad. Me gusta que sea una presencia masculina trabajando con nuestros chicos, que no siempre tienen una presencia masculina en sus vidas. Lo amamos!”

Conozcamos un poco más al diácono Charles. Diác. Charles es un Diácono permanente en Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Shreveport en el centro de Shreveport y es un miembro de los Caballeros de San Pedro Claver. Fue ordenado diácono en junio de 2014 y recuerda haber sentido la presencia de Dios justo después de la ordenación. Menciona “estábamos afuera de la capilla de San Miguel y recuerdo que estaba muy silencioso y todo lo que podía escuchar eran los pájaros y era muy tranquilo, era muy pacífico.” ¡Qué experiencia tan hermosa!

Diác. Charles mencionó cómo su esposa le ha apoyado a

CONTINÚA EN LA PÁGINA 25

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY

Rev. Fidel Mondragon

318.221.0238 Oficina

Domingo 1:00pm

Lunes 7:00pm

Sabado 6:00pm

Coordinador Oscar Gomez 972.567.2710

SAN PASCUAL: W. MONROE

Rev. Luis Jost, OFM

Domingo: 4:00pm

Coordinadora: Lorena Chaparro 318.267.4018

SANTO TOMAS AQUINO: RUSTON

Rev. Kevin Mues

318.225.2870 Oficina

Domingo 1:30pm

Coordinadora: Luz Martinez 318.224.0980

NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO

SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE

Rev. Luis Jost, OFM

Sabados 7:00 pm

Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez 817.801.3499

STA MARIA DE LOS PINOS: SHREVEPORT

Rev. Mark Watson

318.687.5121 Oficina

Domingo 12:30 am

Coordinadora: Alma Mendoza 318.678.9306

SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE

318.428.2983 Oficina, Domingo 1:00pm

Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt 318-458-6045 Cell

SAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, MANY

Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt

318-256-5680 Oficina

primer domingo 1:00pm

SAN PABLO: MINDEN

Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt

2do Domingo 4:00pm

Coordinadora: Dora Rodriguez 870-904-9137

SAN JOSE: MANSFIELD

Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt

305 Jefferson Street

Mansfield, LA 71052

3er Domingo 3:00pm

DIÁCONO CHARLES ES CONOCIDO EN SU COMUNIDAD COMO UN HOMBRE CON UN CORAZÓN DISPUESTO A

HE TENIDO VARIAS OPORTUNIDADES DE VISITAR A NUESTROS JÓVENES CATÓLICOS, EN PARTICULAR, LOS DE PREPARATORIA. Al darles la opción de hacer preguntas, una de las más frecuentes es “¿cuándo supiste que querías ser sacerdote?”. Algunos saben que tuve un tío que fue sacerdote, y de hecho fue muy instrumental en mi decisión de moverme de Filadelfia a Arkansas, donde viví con él y fui testigo de lo que un sacerdote hace día a día. Él fue ordenado antes de que yo naciera, pero servimos juntos en la diócesis de Little Rock por muchos años. Fue un sacerdote ejemplar por 67 años y vivió hasta los 93 años.

Por mi parte yo tuve conocimiento que Dios me llamaba al sacerdocio cuando era monaguillo muy joven en nuestra parroquia de Filadelfia. La Iglesia de la Natividad de la Santísima Virgen María era muy grande, tenía una escuela primaria con más de mil alumnos, cuarenta hermanas religiosas de San José y cinco sacerdotes asignados a

Por el Obispo

la parroquia. Recuerdo bien a estos sacerdotes, mi párroco durante 19 años, Monseñor Nugent, los otros sacerdotes, el Padre Corrigan, el Padre McDonough, el Padre O’Brien, el Padre Vizzard y el Padre Paul Curran. El padre Corrigan me enseñó a servir en la misa y a rezar las oraciones en latín. También fue a nuestra casa la noche que murió mi madre y le administró La Unción de los enfermos. El padre McDonough fue uno de tres hermanos que se hicieron sacerdotes, y uno de ellos llegó a ser arzobispo de Louisville, KY. El Padre O’Brien me bautizó. Fue un sacerdote firme y serio. Más tarde, el padre John Oulds fue un ejemplo de santidad en el sacerdocio. Monseñor Nugent fue como un abuelo para mí y me regaló su cáliz cuando me ordené de sacerdote. También fue el que dio la homilía durante mi primera Misa de Acción de Gracias. Agradezco que a pesar de los escándalos del clero en la Iglesia, ninguno de estos sacerdotes fue acusado de conducta inapropiada y fueron grandes modelos para mí. Cuando los veía celebrar misa o servir a la parroquia, yo sentía que Dios me llamaba a hacer lo mismo. Pensándolo bien, todos ellos fueron más piadosos que yo, fueron mejores predicadores, especialmente el padre Curran, que falleció el año pasado, y fueron hombres semejantes a un padre, como monseñor Nugent.

Pregúntenle a cualquier sacerdote sobre su historia, y él podrá contarles sobre los sacerdotes que fueron modelos para su vocación sacerdotal. Estoy seguro de que los futuros padres Gabriel Cisneros y Kelby Tingle tienen su propia historia vocacional. Y sin saberlo, ellos también se están convirtiendo en modelos para futuros sacerdotes.

Por experiencia propia, puedo decirles que las oraciones de las personas a las que he servido me han sostenido durante casi 46 años de ministerio. Así que no me da vergüenza pedirles que sigan rezando por mí, Y por los sacerdotes que les sirven ahora, y los dos nuevos sacerdotes que están a punto de ser ordenados. Porque la fuerza de la oración nos acerca más al Señor y a ustedes. Espero que, en el mes de junio, en que añadimos dos sacerdotes más a nuestra diócesis, aumentemos nuestras oraciones por ellos.

Clergy and Religious Prayer Calendar

1 - Most Rev. Francis I. Malone, DD, JCL

Deacon Gabriel Cisneros Campos

Nathan Lirette, Seminarian

Sr. Margaret Mitchell, OLS

2 - Rev. Joseph Ampatt

Deacon Jeff Chapman

Deacon Timothy Cotita

3 - Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt Cortés

Rev. John Paul Crispin, FMH

Deacon Orlando Batongbakal

4 - Rev. Karl J. Daigle

Deacon John Basco

Deacon Orlando Batongbakal

5 - Rev. Jerry Daigle, Jr.

Deacon Burton Ainsworth

Sr. Suny (Sunitha) Augustine, SD

6 - Rev. Adrian Fischer, OFM

Deacon Scott Brandle

Deacon Tom Deal

Sr. Gayle Moore, OSF

7 - Rev. Mark Franklin

Very Rev. Keith Garvin, VF

Deacon Christopher Domingue

8 - Rev. Nicholas E. Duncan

Deacon Bill Goss

Deacon Oscar Hannibal

Sr. Lucy Scallan, DC

9 - Rev. Charles Glorioso

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

Deacon Steve Lehr

10 - Rev. Timothy C. Hurd

Sr. Bernadette (Bernie) Barrett, SHSP

Sr. Anahi Martinez Borboa, OLS

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

11 - Rev. Joshua M. Janko

Rev. Raney C. Johnson

Deacon Danny LeMoine

Sr. Mary Ann Sepulvado, FMOL

12 - Rev. Al “Padre Luis” Jost, OFM

Deacon Freeman Ligon

Sr. Johnnette Brocato, OLS

13 - Rev. Joseph Kallookalam, CMI

Rev. Francis Kamau, FMH

Deacon Jack Lynch

14 - Rev. John D. Kennedy

Deacon Jorge Martinez

Sr. Nancy Brossette, SFCC

15 - Rev. Patrick J. Madden, PHD

Rev. Peter Romanus Mallya, FMH

Deacon Larry Mills

Sr. Sajini Ouseph Potteparambil, SD

16 - Very Rev. Peter B. Mangum, JCL

Deacon Ron Morris

Sr. Elizabeth T. Cahill, SFCC

17 - Rev. Joseph A. Martina, Jr.

Rev. James McLelland

Deacon David Nagem

18 - Rev. Philip F. Michiels

Deacon Clary S. Nash

Sr. Cicily Chandy, OLS

19 - Rev. Fidel Mondragón

Rev. James Moran

Deacon Bruce Pistorius

20 - Rev. Kevin J. Mues

Deacon Robert Ransom

Sr. Mary Coleman, OLS

21 - Rev. Dhanraj Narla

Rev. Richard Norsworthy

Deacon Ricardo Rivera

Sr. Sharon Rambin, SFCC

22 - Rev. Tobias Omondi Obado, FMH

Deacon Bill Roche

Sr. Anna Maria Iannetti, OLS

23 - Very Rev. Msgr. Rothell Price, JCL, JV

Rev. Msgr. Earl V. Provenza

Deacon John J. Serio

Sr. Ann Middlebrooks, SEC

24 - Very Rev. Michael Thang’wa, FMH, VF

Deacon Michael Straub

Sr. Neethu Jose, SD

25 - Rev. Philip Chacko Theempalangattu

Rev. James Dominic Thekkemury

Deacon Charles Thomas

26 - Rev. George Thirumangalam, CMI

Deacon Kelby Tingle

Sr. Manju Jose, SD

27 - Rev. LaVerne “Pike” Thomas

Rev. Duane C. Trombetta

Deacon Homer Tucker

28 - Very Rev. Msgr. Matthew T. Long, JD, VG

Deacon Marc Vereen

Tristan W. Frisk, Seminarian

Sr. Carol Shively, OSU

29 - Rev. Jean Bosco Uwamungu

Deacon Terry Walsworth

Deacon Mike Whitehead

30 - Very Rev. Mark Watson, VF

Deacon Verdine Williams

Sr. Susie Lea, ESEH

As we celebrate our clergy this month we invite all parishioners in joining us to pray for our clergy, religious sisters, and seminarians.

God our Father,

We thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Today we pray especially for __________________.

Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call.

May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Amen

CONTINÚA DE LA PÁGINA 22

lo largo de este viaje y que ella sirve a su lado. Le pregunté qué consejo daría a alguien que está discerniendo el diaconado permanente y me dijo: “háblalo con tu esposa porque es algo que haces juntos”. Una de las formas en que sirven juntos es los miércoles. “Mi esposa tiene cientos de recetas de sopa y los miércoles, después del estudio de las Escrituras, disfrutamos de la sopa que ella preparó”. No hay espacio suficiente espacio en esta página para compartir todas las maravillosas historias sobre el corazón servidor de Diác. Charles, pero me gustaría darle las gracias por ser quien es y por todo lo que ha hecho y sigue haciendo en la comunidad local. Gracias, Diác. Charles, por tu “sí” a Dios y por la guía que nos das a tantos de nosotros.

Les animo a que se acerquen a él y le den las gracias por su corazón de siervo dentro y fuera de la iglesia. También los animo a seguir rezando por él. ¡Gracias Diácono Charles!

BINGO ON THE BAYOU WILL BE HELD AT EAST RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB IN SHREVEPORT ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023, AT 6:00 PM. This event is for adults only and a cash bar will be available. A silent auction will take place during the evening. Individual tickets are $60 and include dinner and two Bingo cards. Table placement of more than four guests cannot be guaranteed unless a table sponsorship is purchased. Table sponsorships begin at $1500.

Please see our website CCNLA.org to purchase tickets or Table Sponsorship, or you may contact Kathy Schimschock at 318-865-0200, ext 109 or send an email to development@ccnla.org .

If you have a business that would like to donate an item for the Silent Auction, we’d love to hear from you.

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana announces their 7th “BINGO on the Bayou”

Our Growing Catholic Family

Kimberly Woods-Hopwood, MAPS, MSW, Administrative Assistant for Offices of Catholic Schools & Faith Formation - Diocese of Shreveport

Last month was momentous for the Diocese of Shreveport’s over 130 catechumens and candidates that were welcomed to the Church through one or more of the Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist). Not only have they been changed through the many months of learning and journeying in knowledge and faith, but so too has the Church. There is no doubt that the unique gifts, talents, and new life in Christ’s energy that each new member brings will have some effect on the Church. Let us be a welcoming Church to our newest members:

CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN BERCHMANS

Shannon Andrusia

Kevin Johnson

Allison Kerst

Tiffany Longstratt

Carmen Procell

Elizabeth Procell

Virgil Procell

Amy Rokaw

Randal Tannehill

Kathryn Thompson

Kyrsten Thompson

Greg Tyndall

CHRIST THE KING CHURCH

Fanny JazminCamacho

Ismary Cristina Rosales

Cárcamo

Jessica Daigle

Esteban Espinoza

José Massiel Vargas Gómez

Gema Hernández

Marco Antonio Serrano

López

Aracely Santos Méndez

Claudia Santos Méndez

Evelyn Elizabeth Fabela

Moreno

Brittney Rallyn Ortiz

Edger Pérez

Guadalupe Ramos Sanchez

Michelle Dawn Sanchez

Juana Téllez

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES @ BARKSDALE AFB

Shayna Vincent

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Sharla Tisdale

Shantell Washington

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

JESUS THE GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Wendy Newsom

Blair Parker

Megan Parker

Kristen Rider

Steven Turner

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE

Rhonda Bowman

Emilio Burdges

Jessica Burdges

Alec Clark

Elizabeth Rader

OUR LADY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH

Daja Igokwe

Christian Oroco

Steven Turner

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH- MANY

Mark Ezell

Abigail Thomas

ST. JOSEPH CHURCHMANSFIELD

Edurdo Rayes Ferrer

ST. JOSEPH CHURCHSHREVEPORT

Kristie Beeman

Dylan Camardelle

Brandon Creel

Natalie Dalton

Zoey Dean

Renee Demoss

Diane Ewing

Alicia Falcon

Emma Gibson

Lilly Gibson

Zayne Johnson

Billy Jones

Harper Martin

Parker Maxwell

Daniel McCuller

Haley McWilliams

Hunter McWilliams

Palmer Miley

Kennedy Parks

Chandra Rafel

Abigail Rinaudo

Hayley Sandoval

Katelyn Schneider

Jay Spaan

Madeline Thompson

Melaine Wall

Bailey Ward

ST. JOSEPH CHURCHZWOLLE

Michael Craig

Dillion Ethedige

Nicole Ezemack

Gracie Ezernack

Nicholas Jacobs

Kendra Meshell

Tammy Myers

Collin Procell

Katelyn Procell

Asiah Rivers

Mary Sepulvado

Melissa Sepulvado

Shanna Sepulvado

Kimberlyn Stratton

Dasiy Thweat

ST. JUDE CHURCH

Bruce Bolin

Brandon Fish

Stacey Glawe

Victoria Hatton

Hayden Jenkins

Kade Madden

Kai Newhouse

Juliana Parks

Santi Parks

Krysten Rawson

Christian Ray

Colton Sessions

Ashley Smith

Dang Vu

Katie Weeks

Jerry Wilson

ST. MARY OF THE PINES CHURCH

Matthew Anderson

Wade Caskey

Ronald Evans

Ashley Flores

Sofia Marroquin

ST. PASCHAL CHURCH

Bella Barrios

Iza Barrios

Adrian Garcia

Justin Hale

Abigail Jackson

Gabriella Jackson

Miranda Valerici-Lozano

Jenny Martinez

Patty Morris

Sayra Xochicale-Sanchez

Bane Traweek

Baylee Traweek

Allison Vargas

Kayla Vargas

Cristian Xochicale

Yaneth Cabrera-Zirondaro

Pablo Cabrera-Zirondaro

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH

Melissa Alvarez Landry

Baudouin Karla Castillo

Morgan Cheatwood Lanee

Cheatwood Katie Cracraft

Geri Gravios

Miguel Ibarra Kathryn

Meyers Reece Morphew

Jose Rodriguez Marcos

Rodriguez Charlotte

Wilkerson James Wilkerson

Sarah Wilkerson

Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Amy Fakhre, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Development Office

Louisiana Catholic 5th Grade Student of the Year: Rosemary Paxton

CONGRATULATIONS TO JESUS THE

GOOD SHEPHERD

SCHOOL STUDENT,

ROSEMARY PAXTON, FOR BEING NAMED AS THE LOUISIANA CATHOLIC SCHOOL 5TH GRADE STUDENT OF THE YEAR! This program recognizes outstanding 5th, 8th and 12th grade students who have demonstrated excellence in discipleship, leadership, service, citizenship, and academic achievement.

Rosemary contended with her peers at the school level before advancing to the Diocesan Student of the Year competition. A total of 21 finalists from the regional level were chosen to

advance on to the state competition. Prior to being selected as 5th Grade Catholic Student of the Year, Rosemary had to submit a personal portfolio and complete an in-person interview and writing assessment for the judges.

Bishop Francis Malone of the Diocese of Shreveport commended Rosemary on her writing assessment saying, “I am happy that you wrote that your faith, family, and friendships are important to you, in that order.” He also acknowledged that Rosemary had made a remarkable accomplishment at such a young age and encouraged her to “continue to put your best foot forward in all that you do and continue to let the light of Christ shine brightly through your words and actions.”

It is an honor to have Rosemary represent Jesus the Good Shepherd School, the Diocese of Shreveport, and the state of Louisiana as 5th Grade Catholic Student of the Year! Rosemary, along with her fellow 8th and 12th grade Students of the Year, will be presented to the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education on June 14th in Baton Rouge.

Saint Joseph Catholic School

Polly Maciulski, Middle School Religion

Grateful Hearts: SJS Expresses Appreciation For Msgr. Long

THERE IS AN OLD SAYING THAT YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’VE GOT UNTIL IT’S GONE.

While that is true for many things in life, it is not the case at St. Joseph Catholic School, as we say farewell to a beloved pastor, Msgr. Matthew Long.

Even before he was our pastor, many of us had encountered him at the SJB Religion Scholars Bowl when he served as a judge, or as Vocations Director, when he made frequent visits to our school to discuss vocations among the students. He also came to my Religion classes one year to explain the Octave of Christmas, though the kids engaged so much in the discussion that I don’t think we ever got past the fourth day! In other words, we knew him as a priest before he was assigned here in 2017, and so we looked forward to his arrival with great anticipation.

We learned quickly that Msgr. Long is a planner, that he prefers growing and evolving over status quo or just “checking a box,” and that’s also one of the qualities that makes him a great pastor. Whatever he does, he gives his all. His passion for Catholic education that was born in the Eastern Deanery at Jesus the Good Shepherd School and St. Frederick High School was evident on our campus as he visited and taught in our classrooms, and even went on retreats and field trips with us. He hosted an annual luncheon with our eighth-grade classes each year, and continued our annual Vocations Luncheon, as well. He has even allowed himself to be “arrested” and “imprisoned” at our annual Falcon Fest, and with his then-Parochial Vicar, Fr. Kevin Mues, hand-delivered boxes of pizza to the entire student body to celebrate our return to campus after the COVID shutdown. He is truly a part of our school family,

and one we will deeply miss. Since his arrival, our students have grown increasingly comfortable in receiving the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation because he has not only prioritized hearing the confessions of our 3rd-8th grade classes three times each year, but his commitment to making confessions available daily for our parish has also inspired students to receive the Sacrament on their own, and more frequently. School Masses are always beautiful, but he has made them even more so with his ability to appeal to all the students, from K3 through eighth grade: anyone who has ever been to a Mass he celebrates knows the guy can preach!

Our altar servers appreciate the opportunity they have had to know him and to witness his unwavering faith. Sixth grade server Braxton Holsapple remarked, “What I will miss about serving with Father Long is the way that he celebrates Mass and how much he loves Jesus, and how he teaches us to love Jesus.” Ben Ezernack, a seventh-grade server agrees. “What I liked about Msgr. Long was how understanding he was when I just started altar serving. I know I and everyone else will be sad to see (him) go.”

“I was recruited to this position by the Monsignor,” says our principal, Mr. Clayton Cobb. “I never knew of him before so if I was going to uproot my family to answer a calling in a different community where we knew no one, my wife and I had three conditions: it had to be a calling, not just an offer; the community had to be great for our family; the pastor had to be someone we felt we could serve under. Being a former seminarian, I know many priests but had never met him. After my conversation with him - and after saying yes to the job - he wanted to take the time to meet my wife and family. He knew it was an important decision that included my family and he understood that it was important to put her mind at ease. He cares about people. He understands his role as a ‘father’ in this family of families. We are grateful for his leadership, his involvement in this calling, and he will be missed. It’s not good-bye, it’s ‘see you around.’ “

Katherine Suckle, Assistant Principal was new to her role when Msgr. Long arrived. “Monsignor Long will be greatly missed. I had the honor of learning the ropes so to speak

at St. Joseph Catholic School at the same time he did. It wasn’t always easy but having somebody there that cared as much about St. Joseph Catholic School as I do made my job much easier. I will forever be grateful for (his) support and guidance during his time with us.”

The list of obstacles and challenges he has faced in his assignment here would require more space than I must write, and surely there were moments when he felt that his efforts were in vain. Yet here we are, just six years later with a great principal who shares his passion for Catholic education, the pandemic is over, our campus is more secure, and our Catholic identity has never been stronger.

A few of our elementary students had an opportunity to share their thoughts on Msgr. Long:

“You can be funny and really holy.”

“When you come into the church you brighten up the place and make it feel like home.”

“When you come into our room you are always welcoming.”

As Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived — that is to have succeeded.” By that description, Msgr. Long has succeeded at SJS. We are a better school for his pastoral leadership, and we look forward to seeing how he builds up the kingdom of God at his next assignment.

Loyola College Prep

Jordan Harris, Loyola College Prep Director of Communications

Taylor Nash Announced as Flyer of the Year

the winner of the 2023 DAR Good Citizen’s Award. Taylor played on the varsity volleyball and tennis teams during her time at Loyola.

She was also involved in Student Government all four years and was in the National Honor Society for the last two years. Taylor also has a passion for serving others and was a F.Ai.T.H. Officer as well as a member of Key Club.

Taylor truly lives up to the Jesuit motto of being a man for others. She is kind, humble, and well respected and liked by her peers and teachers. Taylor said she will always remember her time at Loyola fondly, and will take the lessons learned with her when she starts at Rhodes College in the fall.

The Flyer of the Year award is the highest achievement a student can receive at Loyola. The Flyer of the Year is chosen by the faculty and given to the student who best shows the qualities that reflect Loyola’s mission and is a man or woman for others in every sense. The finalists this year included Maeve Chmielewski, Cooper DeFatta, Audrey Dufrene, and Taylor Nash.

The 2023 Flyer of the Year is Taylor Nash.

“Taylor is always willing to go the extra mile,” said John LeBlanc, Loyola Principal. “She is the first to offer help and has never met a stranger. She is both a great athlete and great student. She’s everything you could want in a Loyola student. There’s no question that she represents all three pillars of our school, and I am so proud that she was named Flyer of the Year.”

In her four years at Loyola, Taylor has earned several academic, athletic, and student involvement positions and awards. She was a Student of the Year finalist and

“Hearing my name announced as Flyer of the Year felt very surreal,” she said. “It is a huge honor here at LCP, and all of the other nominees are great people who have exhibited good character since freshman year. It was nice to be standing up there with them. I just feel really blessed to have been able to be a student at Loyola.”

As a part of our tradition, the Flyer of the Year always receives the first yearbook.

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans School

Cassie Key, Director of Development Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School

What is the Berchmans Difference?

IN ORDER TO FORM THE WHOLE CHILD, A SCHOOL MUST HAVE THREE PILLARS (OR INTELLIGENCES): ACADEMIC, SPIRITUAL, AND SOCIAL. We strive to meet ALL of these at SJB. The Berchmans difference is our approach to the formation of the whole child: academic, spiritual, and social. While other schools can claim to form one of these intelligences, SJB can claim all three.

Our implementation of CKLA curriculum and Singapore Math has produced enormous improvement in our students’ reading, language arts, and math skills. Our Humanities 101 class, taught by Dr. Cheryl White, an LSU-Shreveport Professor and SJB parishioner, has led our 7th and 8th graders to explore their world, and especially their faith, with more depth and meaning. Where else can you hear middle school students discuss Dante’s Inferno or the fall of Rome and the rise of the Church? Our student/teacher ratio is 9:1, allowing each student to receive far more one-on-one instruction. Our 10 first place and 3 second place championships in the Science Olympiad over the last 14 years show that SJB continues to promote STEAM education as a response to the needs of a 21st century society. In 2022, SJB saw the completion of our outdoor learning center, where our students gather to learn about nature in a beautiful and peaceful environment, surrounded by God’s creation.

Beyond academics, our faith stands at the center of everything we do. Our students worship in the Cathedral weekly. As with many in our Diocese, we are facing changes at both the Cathedral and the school. When facing a world of constant change, we must remember that stability is found in Christ. As we prepare for a new school year, we

remain constant in our faith that Christ will guide us into a very bright new chapter.

The social aspect of schooling is important to the development and formation of the whole child. SJB has created a family-friendly atmosphere where the parents form lasting friendships based on mutual interests and common community. This is because our entire school is contained in one building, which means that siblings can see each other multiple times a day. As we prepare for an exciting school year ahead, we remember the motto of SJB: “Kindness is practiced here.” This motto reflects our commitment to our Catholic values, as well as the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity. These virtues are taught and celebrated here at SJB, where we practice kindness every day.

We would love for you to be part of the SJB family! For more information on enrolling your children, please go to sjbcathedralschool.org/enroll.

Saint Frederick High School

Adam Ryland, Director of Student Success

Warriors Win The “Youth Cup” In The 2023 Dragon Boats Races For Children’s Coalition

On Saturday, April 15th, twenty Warriors participated in the 2023 Dragon Boat Racing Festival to raise money for the Children’s Coalition of Northeast Louisiana. All the proceeds from this fundraiser go towards children’s activities and underfunded programs like nurturing fatherhood, healthy living, and the youth educational development project. The 2023 Dragon Boat Racing Festival was held on Bayou Desiard in Monroe, LA, and the Warrior team was led by senior Charlie French. The 20 team members rowed in unison to the beat of Olivia Delcambe, the drummer. The Warriors won the Youth Cup (High School Division) with a time of 1:00.24. This was the first time for the St. Frederick High School team to win first place in the High School Division.The Dragon Boat Racing Festival brings hundreds of community members to support this wonderful cause.

Lady Warriors Head To State Tournament For The First Time In 23 Years

The Lady Warriors headed to the state tournament in softball for the first time in 23 years. The Lady Warriors earned the opportunity to go to the semifinals after they defeated the No. 6 team, St. John High School, 5-3. Coach Ronnie LaSuzzo said the kids had worked hard and deserved this great opportunity. The Championship game was played at North Frasch Softball Complex in Sulphur, LA, on April 28 against Riverside Academy. While the team fought hard, the Warriors came up a little short, losing 7-4. The softball team handled their state experience with dignity, hard work, and grace.

Montrell Conner received the “Outstanding Track Performer” award at the Regional track and field meet.

Spring Updates From The St. Jude CDC

Barbara Humphrey, St. Jude Catholic Church Child Development Center

MY, HAS THE SCHOOL YEAR FLOWN BY. It seems as if we had just celebrated Christmas and it is now April and we have celebrated Easter. Spring is here with Summer just around the corner. Our St. Jude CDC kids have been busy.

Easter Week was an exciting and spiritual adventure for our students. They learned about Holy Week and actually presented a Passion Play for the parents with many of the students taking part in the play. Of course, everyone looked forward to the Easter Egg Hunt and everyone had baskets full of eggs and candy to take home. The parents enjoyed celebrating with the kids as they enjoyed all kinds of goodies.

Community Helper visitors are a wonderful asset to the teachers as they integrate the weekly themes with what is happening in the world and our neighborhoods. This Spring we have had visitors talking to the students about NASA, about Service Dogs and about the ER. We also celebrated the Day of the Military Child with our many students who have a parent in the military.

The Community Helpers week ended with all the students dressing up as what they want to be when they grew up.

Library Week was also celebrated along with Community Helpers week and students went to the church library to “check” out a book to take home to read. Our school year may be ending, but the students still have three weeks of adventures left as they explore the themes of Summer, Outdoors, and Fun as well as learn about people in the Bible during chapel.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 loved watching him interact with the kids. He is sincerely one of the nicest, most genuine, kindest and most Godloving persons I have ever met. He exuded warmth and joy. My only sadness is that he left us too soon. But we as Catholics know, our beloved priests are only “on loan” to us for a short time.

Last but not least, our very own, Father not Father, Msgr. Long. I still remember the day it was announced that we would be getting the-then Fr. Matthew Long as our new pastor. It was a Sunday 6pm Mass and I was sitting with my friend Sommer. As they said his name we both simultaneously squeezed the other’s hand, turned our heads and grinned like a couple of school girls. To say the energy of the church shifted to excitement is an understatement. At that time I had met Msgr. Long a few times and heard great things about his homilies. One of the most talked about homilies was one I sadly missed. It was at the return Mass after one of the men’s ACTS retreats. Apparently it was so good, the church gave him a standing ovation. Now that’s a great homily!

I could write several pages on the positive impact Msgr. Long has had on St. Joseph Church but since I only get one page I will give this example which I feel sums it up perfectly. As we all know, when COVID-19 hit and the world literally shut down, including churches, it was devastating on multiple levels. Watching Mass from home was not the same and brought angst to most of us who longed for the Holy Eucharist. As the government slowly allowed us to open back up, many people were very fearful even with all the precautions St. Joseph Church implemented. I was beyond ecstatic to be one of the first ones there on that Sunday morning. Although it took many months to get back to normal, looking at how much we as a church are currently thriving especially when so many Catholic churches across the country have sadly shut down, speaks volumes about our shepherd, Msgr. Long. I recognize he did not do it alone and want to also acknowledge his faithful sidekick during the pandemic, Fr. Kevin Mues. Together they were a dynamic duo and I am forever grateful.

Msgr. Long, you will be greatly missed. Fr. Duncan, your time here was short-lived, but you will be missed as well. May God bless you both with much love, acceptance, joy, and fun because, after all, priests need to have fun, too!

Father Duane Trombetta and Bishop Marshall of Alexandria with the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver after the Red Mass.

Father Duane Trombetta became a member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver in 2022. He currently serves two parishes, Holy Trinity and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.

Jesus The Good Shepherd Church Vacation Bible School Is Coming Soon!

JULY 10-14, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM

Registration is open for participants and volunteers. Sign up at:

www.vbspro.events/p/jgsvbs

Safe Environment Corner

5

Five

Ways

to protect your children from sexual abuse

Parents play the primary role in educating their children about sexual abuse. Here are 5 tips for teaching safety to the little ones God has entrusted to you.

1 2 3

Keep it practical. Teach your children the differences between safe touches and unsafe touches.

Tell your children that saying “no” is okay. Empower your children to say “no” if anyone makes them feel uncomfortable or touches them inappropriately.

Give your children a way to alert you. Tell your children they can use an excuse or share a special “code-word” with you to to alert you about an unsafe person or situation.

4 5

Tell your children to report an unsafe touch. Let your children know they should tell you if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe around any adult or peer. You can also identify other adults they can tell about unsafe touches.

Tell your children you trust them. If your child makes a report to you, believe him or her. Tell them it is not their fault and that you love them. Immediately bring the allegation to the attention of public authorities.

Amie Lee, Admin. Asst and Safe Environment Coordinator

SEMINARIAN BURSES

Thanks to Our Recent Donors:

(036) Anonymous $200

(036) Anonymous $250

(036) Shannon and Noah Cascio $150

(036) J. Mark Provenza $500

(036) Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Provenza $100

(036) Mr. & Mrs. S. Paul Provenza $250

(036) Neuro Diagnostic Monitoring, LLC $500

(036) Bernadine Provenza Kalinsky $50

(036) Rebecca Whitten $1000

(036) Charles Madden $1000

(036) Mr. & Mrs. Randal Landry $100

(036) Anonymous $100

(036) Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Madden $1200

(036) Anonymous $100

(036) Anne P. Sandefur $50

(036) Mr. & Mrs. Shaun J. Landry $150

(036)2 Victoria Provenza $250

(036)2 Ashley Madden $500

Completed Burses:

(001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10000)

(006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10000)

(010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family Burse ($10000)

(011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10000)

(012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10000)

(013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10000)

(014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($10000)

(019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($10000)

(020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($10000)

(026) Sheryl Seal Sweeney Memorial Burse ($10000)

(027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse ($10000)

(027) Rev. Richard Lombard Memorial Burse #2 ($10000)

(031) Pearl Heck & Leona Boudreaux Memorial Burse ($10000)

(033) Beryl K. & Joseph D. Ozenne Memorial Burse ($10000)

(035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse ($10000)

(036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse ($10000)

(040) Servant of God Fr. Isidore Armand Quémerais Burse ($10000)

(041) Servant of God Fr. Jean Pierre Burse ($10000)

(042) Servant of God Fr. Jean-Marie Biler Burse ($10000)

(043) Servant of God Fr. Louis-Marie Gergaud Burse ($10000)

(044) Servant of God Fr. François Le Vézouët Burse ($10000)

Incomplete Burses:

(001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1350)

(002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($3150)

(003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1650)

(004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350)

(005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($1300)

(006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3832.12)

(007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1200)

(008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($6318)

(009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 Burse ($1550)

(011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($4800)

(015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($4410)

(016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1000)

(017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 Burse ($8021.57)

(018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 Burse ($1180)

(021) Rev. Edmund “Larry” Niehoff Memorial Burse ($2000)

(022) Rev. Blane O’Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($1350)

(023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($2820)

(024) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($1600)

(025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($400)

(028) Friends-n-Faith Burse ($600)

(029) Rev. Kenneth Williams Memorial Burse ($200)

(030) Ottis and Anne Krupa Littlejohn Memorial Burse ($6000)

(032) Madeline and Joe Tiller Memorial Burse ($5000)

(034) Joseph B. and Lucille Provenza Cordaro Burse ($6100)

(035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse #2 ($3500)

(036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #2 ($750)

(037) Manuel & Catherine Licciardi, and John & Beverly Miller Burse ($5000)

(038) The Malone Family Burse ($250)

(039) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Knights of Columbus Council 9260 Burse ($250)

(045) Sister Martinette Rivers Memorial Burse ($200)

(046) Domestic Church Burse ($5000)

(047) Troops of St. George Burse ($5000)

The Diocesan Seminary Burse Program provides the faithful of North Louisiana the opportunity to invest in the education and formation of our seminarians into holy and effective priests to serve the Diocese of Shreveport. Interested in contributing to or establishing a burse?

You can establish and name a burse with a donation of at least $250 or you can contribute any amount to a burse simply by designating its name when the contribution is made. Contributions may be mailed to the Office of Church Vocations, Diocese of Shreveport, 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104. Be sure to note the name of the burse in the memo line. Burses are completed at $10,000.

JUNE 1

Saint Justin, Martyr

JUNE 2

Saints Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs

JUNE 3

Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs

JUNE4

The Most Holy Trinity

JUNE 5

Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr

JUNE 6

Saint Norbert, Bishop

JUNE 9

Saint Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church

FEASTS & SOLEMNITIES

JUNE 11

The Most Holy Body And Blood Of Christ (Corpus Christi)

JUNE 13

Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

JUNE 16

The Most Sacred Heart Of Jesus

JUNE 17

The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

JUNE 19

Saint Romuald, Abbot

JUNE 21

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious

upcoming events

JUNE 3, 11:00 AM

JUNE 22

Saint Paulinus of Nola, Bishop; Saints John Fisher, Bishop, and Thomas More, Martyrs

JUNE 24

The Nativity Of Saint John The Baptist

JUNE 27

Saint Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

JUNE 28

Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr

JUNE 29

Saints Peter And Paul, Apostles

JUNE 30

The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church

Profession of Perpetual Vows for Our Lady of Sorrows’ Sister Heather Sikes @ Cathedral of St. John Berchmans

JUNE 24, 10:00 AM

Ordination to the Priesthood for Deacon Kelby Reece Tingle and Deacon Gabriel Cisneros Campos @ St. John Berchmans Cathedral

JULY 24-28

Camp Little Flower @ Camp Bethany in Bethany, LA

Camp Little Flower invites all kids age 8-13 years old to join the much-awaited NEW summer camp from the Diocese of Shreveport! Register at dioshpt.org/camp-little-flower

AUGUST 4, 6:00 PM

7th Annual Bingo on the Bayou Shreveport @ East Ridge Country Club, Shreveport Visit CCNLA.org to purchase tickets or Table Sponsorship, or you may contact Kathy Schimschock at 318865-0200, ext 109 or send an email to development@ccnla.org

Where is Bishop Malone This MonTh?

SATURDAY, JUNE 3RD

Sister Heather Sikes, OLS’ Profession of Perpetual Vows; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport 11:00 AM

JUNE 12TH – 16TH

USCCB Spring Meeting, Orlando, Florida

SATURDAY, JUNE 24TH

Priestly Ordinations: Deacon Gabriel Cisneros Campos and Deacon Kelby Tingle; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 10:00 AM

SUNDAY, JUNE 25TH

Sister Anna Laura Karp, OP’s 25th Anniversary of Profession of Perpetual Vows;

St. Cecilia Congregation

Motherhouse Chapel, Nashville, TN; 10:30 AM

FRIDAY, JUNE 30TH

Diocesan Finance Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 12:00 PM

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT

3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104

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

PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Reception of Communion during the Red Mass at Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport.