CATHOLIC CONNECTION
CATHOLIC CONNECTION
PUBLISHER
Bishop Francis I. Malone
INTERIM EDITOR
Sophia Romanski
CONTRIBUTORS
Mary Arcement Alexander
Karla Alvarez
Michael Calveresi
Clayton Cobb
Karen Dill
Cassandra Key
Dr. Aaron Lirette, MD
Andrea Provenza Madden
Rev. Peter Mallya, F.M.H.
Lucy Medvec
Elise Reis
Noemi Saybe
MARCH 2025
Volume 34, Number 8 THE GIFT OF FATHERHOOD
Pope Francis’ Prayer Intention For The Month Of March
FOR FAMILIES IN CRISIS
Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other's gifts, even in their differences.
SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES
Blanca Vice bvice@dioshpt.org 318-868-4441
SUBMISSIONS
Sophia Romanski sromanski@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). Online sessions are 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 Arcement Alexander, Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at 318-588-2120. Thank you for helping to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.
The Catholic Connection is funded in part by a grant from Catholic Home Missions and donations to the Catholic Service Appeal.
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.
MARCH SECOND COLLECTIONS
March 5 - Diocesan Retired Priests' Benefits Fund Support our retired Diocesan priests. 100% of donations remain within the Diocese of Shreveport.
March 5 - Collection for Aid to the Church in Central Europe serves essential pastoral needs in more than 25 countries.
March 15 & 16 - The Black and Indian Mission Collection exists to help local African American and Native American Diocesan Communities throughout the United States spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs on the ground
March 29 & 30 - The CRS Collection helps families on every continent from an array of ethnicities and backgrounds, addressing a myriad of needs.
Very Rev. Msgr. Matthew T. Long
Dcn. Charles Thomas, OFS
Karla Alvarez
Rev. Kevin Mues
Rosalba Quiroz
Cover photo of St. Joseph with the Child Jesus from St. Joseph Cemetery in Shreveport. Photo by Sophia Romanski.
Rite of Election; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 2:30 PM
of
Installation as Administrator Mass-Father Kelby Tingle; St. Patrick Church, Lake Providence; 10:00 AM
Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Meeting; 10:00 AM
31 30
Loyola College Prep Executive Committee Meeting & Board of Directors Meeting; St. Vincent Cafeteria at Loyola College Prep; 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
St. Joseph School & Cathedral School 6th Graders Presentation of Religion Projects; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 9:45 AM
Feasts & Solemnities Priest(s) in the Diocese of Shreveport to pray for daily
SUGGESTED PRAYER FOR OUR PRIESTS:
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests. Especially ___________________________________ (insert name(s) here) Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments. Bishop Malone's Calendar Special Events in the
St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors Meeting; St. Francis Community Center, Monroe; 11:30 AM
Notre Dame Seminary & St. Joseph Seminary Board of Trustees Meetings; St. Joseph Seminary, Saint Benedict, Louisiana; 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Archbishop Emeritus J. Peter Sartain’s 25th Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination Mass; St. Louis Catholic Church, Memphis, TN; 7:00 PM
Fr. Phillip Chacko Theempalangattu, Fr. Joseph Ampatt
Catholic Center Staff Retreat; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 8:30 AM
Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen.
Msgr. Matthew T. Long Msgr. Rothell Price
Fr. Gabriel Cisneros Campos
Fr. Fidel Mondragón
Fr. Peter Romanus Mallya
Fr. Philip Michiels, Msgr. Earl Provenza
deceased priests of the Diocese of Shreveport
James Dominic Thekkemury, Fr. Jocesph C. Howard, Jr.
Fr. Michael Thang’wa
Bishop Francis I. Malone
Fr. Kelby Tingle
Fr. Jerry Daigle, Jr. Fr. Jean Bosco Uwamungu
Fr. Nicholas Duncan
Charles Ssennyondo, Fr. Joseph Maddala
Richard Norsworthy, Fr. Rigoberto Betancurt Cortés
Fr. Mark Franklin, Fr. Karl Daigle
Fr. James McLelland, Fr. Charles Glorioso
Fr. Adrian Fischer, Fr. Patrick Madden
Fr. Mark Watson, Fr. Peter Mangum
Fr. Kevin Mues
Fr. Duane Trombetta
Fr. Tobias Omondi Obado
Fr. Calistus Barasa Makokha
Fr. Do Minh Vu
Fr. Raney Johnson
Diocese of Shreveport
Fr. Joseph Martina
Solemnity of St. Joseph
Memorial of Katherine Drexel
Commemoration
St. Patrick's Day
Ash Wednesday
Fr. Timothy Hurd, Fr. James Moran
Fr. LaVerne “Pike” Thomas
Fr. Keith Garvin
MARCH
Feast and Famine: The Story of the St. Joseph Altar Author Andrea Provenza Madden shares the history of a beloved Sicilian tradition.
22
Becoming a Family that Fosters Diocesan Director of Marriage and Family Life Noemi Saybe discusses St. Joseph, model foster father.
FROM THE EDITOR
People say I am my father's daughter. I honestly can't think of a better compliment.
My father is a quiet man. He tends to come off as stern and intimidating. People are almost always aware of his intelligence, regardless of how much or how little he talks, because everything he says is very intentional.
More than just being a smart guy - certainly the most intelligent guy I've ever met by a wide margin - he's also a good, righteous, noble man. I never really considered comparing my dad to St. Joseph until I started working on this month's issue, but I can't deny the similarities.
26
Building Our Faith One Ministry at a Time Discover the wide reach of the Catholic Service Appeal.
Like all good parents, St. Joseph accepted his role with dignity. He led his family through trials, big and small, harrowing and mundane. He was devoted to his wife and son, to his faith, and to God.
God chose Joseph, of all men, to protect and provide for His Son. He chose Joseph to be a model for all husbands and fathers. He chose my dad to protect, provide, guide, and teach me, just like St. Joseph did for Jesus. This month, I'm immeasurably thankful that both of these wonderful, holy men heard and accepted God's call and rose to the challenge of fatherhood with grace.
Dad, I know you're reading this. Thank you for everything. I love you.
FROM THE BISHOP
In anticipation of each new Catholic Connection edition, contributors receive the next edition’s theme on which to base their article, and this month, we contributors were asked to write about “Fatherhood.” I have often thought that if one has had a good relationship with their biological father, then praying the “Lord’s Prayer” should be easy. In my youth, this prayer was prayed at Church, at our school, and certainly in our home. When I think back to those who made this prayer a daily part of their prayer life and devotion, my own father always comes to mind.
One of nine children, he served in the Navy during WWII and afterward married my mother in 1946. Together, they brought nine children of their own into the world, and after my mother’s sudden death post partem, he wrote a story about their life together. There’s a lot of “good stuff” in his written word about their life, but it’s what he did not write that’s a source of curiosity to me. Some omissions were so obvious to us, his children, that I can only conclude he was just being humble… or a good father. For example, he helped clean the dishes after every meal and change diapers (there were a lot of them!), and most of all he taught us to pray.
When you are small in size, everything around you looks big – and one memory of the house we called home is that it was large. I got onto Zillow a couple of years ago and researched that home, only to find its dimensions were 14’ x 63’, a two-story, row home with a basement. There were three bedrooms upstairs and one bathroom. And, of course, a hallway ran the length of the house from the front room to the back room. Oddly enough, that hallway is one of my best memories of the house. When we were young children and bedtime came around each evening, as we all lay in our beds , my father walked the upstairs hallway and prayed out loud. He always began with the sign of the
cross, then the “Our Father.” By the time we entered school, we knew most of the basic prayers that form a basis for the rest of our prayer life.
Widowed suddenly at 41, with nine children to care for, Dad helped us develop our prayers, as when praying the rosary together. Those evenings are still clear in my mind. Many have asked me over the years how my father was able to navigate the years without my mother. For the record, he never dated, never remarried. He gave his life to his family and to the Church, and it was manifested in prayers: his prayers and those we prayed with him. I often wonder if he prayed that one of his sons would one day become a priest. I know he prayed that he would be able to carry on his role as a father without a wife.
But this article is not really about him as much as it is a wonderment of how serious we, as fathers, take our responsibility to teach our children to pray… in the good times and the not so good times. I am also reminded of the importance of St. Joseph’s life to his foster son, Jesus, and the faithful way in which Joseph helped form His spiritual life.
We have much to contemplate when we think of St. Joseph, his life and his example of prayer. We have a sacred duty to share what we have learned about praying with those entrusted to our care. His feast arrives on March 19 – what a perfect day for us to think about him and draw from his example for our own lives of praying to God.
Your brother in Christ,
En preparación para cada nueva edición de la revista Catholic Connection, recibimos el tema de lo que se va a tratar, este mes se nos pidió escribir sobre el tema de “Paternidad.” Frecuentemente pienso que si tuvimos una buena relación con nuestro papá biológico, nos es fácil rezar el “Padre Nuestro”. En mi niñez y juventud, esta oración se rezaba en la Iglesia, en la escuela y ciertamente en nuestra casa. Cuando recuerdo las personas que la hicieron una oración diaria como parte de su devoción, me viene a la mente mi propio papá.
Mi papá fue uno de nueve hijos, se fue al ejército Naval durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial y después que regresó, se casó con mi mamá en 1946. Ellos tuvieron nueve hijos, y pronto después que naciera mi hermano más pequeño, mi mamá murió repentinamente después del parto y el escribió una historia de su vida juntos. Hay muchas “cosas buenas” en sus escritos sobre su vida juntos, pero tengo curiosidad de saber sobre lo que no escribió. Algunas partes que omitió son tan obvias para nosotros sus hijos, que solo puedo deducir que no lo hizo por humildad… o por ser tan buen padre. Por ejemplo, él le ayudaba a mi mamá a cambiar los pañales y a lavar los trastes después de cada comida y (¡teníamos muchos trastes!), y sobre todo nos enseñó a orar.
Cuando eres pequeño, todo a tu alrededor parece grande, y uno de mis recuerdos es que la casa que era nuestro hogar, era grande. Hace dos años fui a la página de la aplicación Zillow para ver esa casa, y vi que las dimensiones eran 14 pies con 63 pulgadas, tenia dos pisos y el sótano. Tenía tres recámaras arriba y un baño. Y claro, un pasillo que llegaba de la entrada hasta el cuarto de atrás. Parece raro pero de ese pasillo es del que tengo mis mejores recuerdos. Cuando éramos niños pequeños y llegaba la hora de dormir cada noche, ya acostados en nuestras camas, mi papá caminaba por las escaleras y el pasillo y rezaba fuerte. Siempre comenzaba con la Señal de la Cruz, y después con “el Padre Nuestro.” Cuando empezamos la escuela, ya sabíamos la mayoría de las oraciones básicas que forman la base del resto de nuestra vida de oración.
Quedando viudo de repente a los 41 años, con nueve hijos a quien cuidar, mi papá nos enseñó las oraciones, como
por el obispo
cuando rezábamos el rosario juntos. Esas tardes siguen claras en mi mente. Muchos me han preguntado a través de los años, como es que mi padre pudo vivir esos años sin mi mamá. De hecho, el nunca tuvo novias ni se volvió a casar. Su dedicación a su familia y a la Iglesia se manifestaba en su oración; las oraciones suyas y las que rezábamos con él. Con frecuencia me pregunto si el oraba para que uno de sus hijos se hiciera sacerdote. Yo sé que él oraba para poder llevar su vocación de papá sin una esposa.
Aunque este artículo no se trata de mi papá, sino de la admiración de lo serio que tomamos la responsabilidad como padres, de enseñar a nuestros hijos a orar… en los buenos momentos y en los no tan buenos momentos. También me recuerda de la importancia de la vida de San José en su hijo, Jesus, y en la fidelidad con la que José ayudó a formar la vida espiritual de Jesus.
Tenemos mucho que contemplar cuando pensamos en San José, su vida y su ejemplo de oración. Tenemos una obligación sagrada de compartir lo que hemos aprendido sobre la oración con los que son confiados a nuestro cuidado. Su fiesta es el 19 de marzo, es un día perfecto para que pensemos sobre él y aprendamos de su ejemplo en nuestras vidas de oración a Dios.
Su hermano en Cristo,
Para obtener más información sobre las oportunidades del Ministerio Multicultural en la Diócesis de Shreveport y para encontrar nuestros horarios y lugares de misa en español, por favor escanee el código aquí.
Dear Joseph
AS I PREPARED TO WRITE THIS MONTH’S ARTICLE, WHICH FOCUSES ON ST. JOSEPH AND HIS excellent example of fatherhood, I wondered if Jesus ever wrote Joseph a letter. Did He ever tell Joseph how grateful He was to have him as His foster father while growing up?
While Scripture tells us little about Joseph himself, it tells us nothing about his relationship with Jesus.
As a result, I will fill in the blanks based on two known facts: God chose him to be the foster father for
Jesus, and he graciously accepted this role. I also referenced Michael Pakaluk’s article on The Catholic Thing website, which said we safely assume Joseph was a young man, perhaps 20 or so years old, when he married Mary. It considers that he also died before Jesus’ ministry, thus sometime in his 40’s.
Regarding how Joseph may have died, the article states, “St. Joseph died an ‘early death,’ even for those days. He did not die from old age and its generalized weakness, but (we exclude violence) from some definite
affliction that took him away.”
The Bible excludes 18 years of Jesus’ life, telling us that He was found in the Temple at age 12, then picking His story back up when His ministry began at age 30. This leaves 18 years of unknown facts about Jesus’ life as He grew up with Mary and Joseph. I believe Jesus and Joseph were very close as foster father and son. With this assumption, the following is what Jesus could have written to Joseph as his father was dying.
My beloved father,
I will do my best in this letter to express how much you have meant to me and will always mean to me. First, thank you for saying yes to my Father when He sent the angel to tell you about Mother’s pregnancy. I can only imagine how much fear and doubt you had at that time as a young, ordinary Jewish carpenter. Thank you also for loving my Mother enough to take on the incredible task of raising me as your foster son. It could not have been easy to raise a son you knew was both fully human and fully God. You have excelled in your role as my foster father; my heart is forever grateful for that.
As I watch you lie on your deathbed, I remember so many things we did together as father and son. I have fond memories of helping you carve wooden whistles and spinning tops that gave me many hours of play. Some of my most precious memories with you are in your workshop. Your skills as a carpenter are superb, and I love to tell my friends how I learned from the best.
My fond memories are also rooted in the traditions of our faith that you and Mother made sure we upheld during my childhood. Both of you were and still are faithful to my Father. Every year without fail, we packed our belongings and traveled with friends and relatives to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. You ensured that we, as a faithful Jewish family, lived according to the Laws of the Lord and always remained active members.
As you approach your final breaths, know that although Mother and I will miss you terribly, we will meet again in Heaven. Please do not worry about your beloved Mary; my Father has planned for her care for the remainder of her life. Lastly, thank you for being a wonderful example of fatherhood for all earthly fathers to emulate. My Father chose very well when He chose you to foster me while on earth.
I love you, Joseph.
Your faithful and adoring son, Jesus
Mary Arcement Alexander is a Licensed Professional Counselor & the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator.
Feast and Famine
The Story of the St. Joseph Altar
WHAT IS FAMINE?
FOR MOST OF US, IT IS A CONCEPT THAT EXISTS ONLY IN THE ABSTRACT. WE LIVE IN A COUNTRY blessed with abundance. Barring a few exceptions, most people won't ever see the drastic effects of drought on their personal lives. We are protected from the anxiety and desperation of starvation by the sheer magnitude of food on supermarket shelves. Even those who can't afford food know that it's there, just inaccessible. So, we are left with only our imagination and historical sources to try to understand the scope and effects of famine on our ancestors.
Back in the Middle Ages, Sicily was a sovereign kingdom on a small island. Its location in the bustling Mediterranean Sea made it a powerful and prosperous trade center. The intimidating silhouette of the volcano, Mount Etna, loomed on the horizon, a comfort to those who knew it and an ominous shadow to strangers. Rolling hills dominated the landscape. The rich, volcanic soil usually lends itself to bountiful crops, but a horrible drought has plagued the farming communities for so long that families have resorted to eating cattle fodder just to keep from starving.
The farmers of Sicily didn't have the wealth and prestige afforded to the merchants and nobility. Without the yield of their fields, they had no hope of survival. Desperate, they appealed to St. Joseph, the patron and protector of families, to intercede for them. They prayed and prayed, and eventually, they were heard.
in parishes and homes nationwide. Some of the biggest and most elaborate are in New Orleans, Louisiana, and some are right here in Shreveport!
On March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, families and parishes will gather to celebrate Jesus' foster father and thank him for their good fortune. Of course, the construction and decoration of the altars take several weeks to prepare. The altars usually have three tiers representing the Holy Trinity, although some may be bigger. Bakers and chefs work many hours to perfect the intricate designs of their breads, cookies, and cakes. Popular shapes for the bread include the Cuchidati – a large circular wreath that represents the Crown of Thorns, a staff like the one St. Joseph is often depicted with, and a cross to remind us of Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. Since St. Joseph's feast day is usually in the middle of Lent, any food brought to the feast is made with abstinence in mind. Many amazing traditional Sicilian recipes are perfect for a Lenten feast.
With the rains came a bountiful harvest. In their joy, the people gathered together to build an altar to St. Joseph. They decorated it with wheat, wine, fresh produce, bread, and cakes. The whole community came together to celebrate St. Joseph and thank him for his intercession. They invited the poorest and neediest of their number to join the feast, ensuring that not one grain from this miraculous yield went to waste.
The St. Joseph Altar became a beloved tradition. Communities and families built altars each year. The feasts became more elaborate. Over time, artisans developed special techniques to shape bread into intricate patterns. Sadly, many of these tricks of the trade are fading with time, but a few dedicated bakers and chefs still remember the recipes and endeavor to pass them along to the next generation.
Over the centuries, the tradition of the St. Joseph Altar spread to mainland Italy, other parts of Western Europe, and the United States. Today, you can find St. Joseph Altars
The altar may often be decorated with flowers and fresh produce. The idea is to only decorate the altar with the fruits of your labor, avoiding plastics and store-bought items. Wine, candles, and paintings or statues of St. Joseph and the Holy Family are popular additions to St. Joseph Altars.
Building and decorating the altar takes a lot of time and many hands, but once it's built, you still need some help to ensure the feast itself goes smoothly. Enlist the help of your community, especially children and young adults, to include everyone in the celebration, just like the Medieval Sicilians.
When we gather together in honor of one of the greatest saints, we show our children that we believe in the power of miracles. Traditions like the St. Joseph Altar exist in thousands of forms across many cultures, each precious. We must be stewards of our faith and share these traditions with our children and each other.
St. Joseph, pray for us!
Andrea Provenza Madden is the author of Glorifying the Lord Through the Traditions of the St. Joseph Altar and the owner of A. Provenza Bakery.
St. Joseph and the Gift of Fatherhood
ST. JOSEPH, THE SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND FOSTER FATHER OF OUR LORD, WAS JESUS' LEGAL FATHER. Probably born in Bethlehem, Joseph likely died in Nazareth after fulfilling his crucial roles in God's plan of salvation: the father and guardian to Jesus Christ and the legal ancestor that inserts Jesus into the genealogical line (the house) of David, from whom the prophets said the Messiah would be born.
The gospels do not record a single word Joseph spoke but do tell us he was "an upright man," and his actions show prudence and compassion. Fulfilling his responsibility to both Deuteronomic law and Mary when he decided to divorce her quietly (after learning she was with child), Joseph, like the patriarchs of old, received new instructions in a dream from an angel. Pope St. John Paul II wrote in his Apostolic Exhortation, Redemptoris Custos (Guardian of the Redeemer), that St. Joseph acted in "the obedience of faith" and that his self-gift to Mary and Jesus "fully shares in authentic human fatherhood and the mission of a father in the family." As Josemaria Escriva wrote:
Joseph's humble character and willingness to give his entire self to serve Jesus and Mary are evident in his response to their difficulties, including the journey to Bethlehem, the sojourn into Egypt, and the loss and finding of the child Jesus in Jerusalem's temple.
Together, Joseph and Mary's self-giving for each other formed the true and original "Domestic Church," a family that protected and nurtured Jesus and an authentic Christian family model for the Church and all of us. The Church teaches that blessings received by the faithful are gifts – not things believers possess by right – thus, Christians are called to be a gift to each other. And with the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to share in the Church's life and mission by imitating the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus.
St. Joseph's high place in the kingdom of God comes from this, that God chose him to be the guardian and protector of His son, entrusting him with what was greatest and dearest to him, singling him out and especially blessing him for his responsibility." "
"He did exactly what the Lord wanted him to do, in each and every event that went to make up his life."
("Christ is Passing By," n. 40)
As our Lady, the Baptist, and the apostles have their unique places in the Gospel, so does Joseph. His active and vigilant presence is pervasive during Christ's infancy narratives, where he is entrusted with specific tasks: prepare for the child's birth, name Him, and protect Him against the world's hostile forces. He then seems to withdraw, clearing the way for the revelation of the eternal Father. Thus, Joseph served as a proxy for God the Father in the life of His Son, providing for his family during our Lord's "hidden" years, between Jesus' infancy in the gospels and His Baptism.
Through Joseph, the Lord Jesus, in His humanity, experienced the heavenly Father's love. Famous artwork often illustrates the holy Child in St. Joseph's arms to show Joseph's exceptional love for Jesus. Outstanding masters of theology from the seventeenth century "French school of spirituality" reflected on Joseph and Mary being Jesus' focus, through whom He discovered the Father and the Holy Spirit. One member, Jean Jacques Olier, wrote:
The admirable St. Joseph was given to the earth to express the adorable perfection of God the Father in a tangible way. In his person alone, he carried the beauties of God the Father in his compassion. One saint alone is destined to represent God the Father, whereas an infinite number of creatures, a multitude of saints are needed to represent Jesus Christ.
"
German theologian Friedrich Justus Knecht summarizes St. Joseph as a gift to the Church:
St. Joseph's high place in the kingdom of God comes from this, that God chose him to be the guardian and protector of His son, entrusting him with what was greatest and dearest to him, singling him out and especially blessing for his responsibility.
St. Joseph is the special Patron of the Church: as God made him the protector of the child Jesus on earth, so we believe God made him the protector of Jesus' mystical Body, His Holy Church. Because he died so blessedly – in the presence of and with assistance from Jesus and Mary – we also ask St. Joseph to obtain for us from Jesus the grace of a happy death. The Church celebrates and honors St. Joseph on his feast day, March 19, and desires that all the faithful honor him, ask for his intercession, and imitate his virtues. As we try to imitate our Church patron's life, we must embrace St. Joseph's humble and obedient spirit so that we, too, serve the Church and our families in deeper faith as pilgrims of hope in our communities.
Rev. Peter Mallya, F.M.H. is the pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Rayville, St. Joseph Parish, Bastrop, and St. Theresa Church, Delhi.
High School Come and See Retreat
The Sisters of Our Lady of
Sorrows
The Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows invite you to a vocations discernment retreat filled with prayer, reflection, and sisterhood. Open to high school-aged young ladies in the Diocese of Shreveport. April 5 at 8:30 am - April 6 at 3 pm Scan the QR Code to
information, contact Sister AnnaMaria at annamariampda@yahoo.com or vocations@dioshpt.org
TWENTY-THREE YEARS AGO, I BECAME A FATHER, A BLESSING REPEATED FOUR MORE TIMES OVER THE FOLLOWING EIGHT YEARS. Four months ago, I was honored to become a grandfather for the first time, an experience I look forward to repeating in the future. Being a father has been the greatest honor of my life and the greatest challenge.
Fatherhood is the most significant change that happens in a man’s life. With it comes the stark realization that your life is not your own. As Catholics, we believe that our lives and talents are gifts from God and that we are simply stewards of them. Children are the greatest of these gifts. Fatherhood gives a man his duty and mission in life: to support our families and to help them get to heaven. We must also raise our sons to understand that fatherhood is our duty as men.
family. It also helps us see the natural rhythm of life. Just like spring is followed by summer, then fall and winter, men also have seasons. We begin life as sons, then become fathers and grandfathers. Having children grounds you in this reality. When fathers plan for the future, we always account for where our kids will be and what they will do.
Other benefits of marriage and fatherhood for men include better physical and mental health (longer life and less heart disease) and the economic benefit of larger incomes. Another wonderful thing about raising a family is that most parents will have children to care for them as they age. To have family around you in your later years is one of the greatest blessings in life! My siblings and I witnessed first-hand the joy of our elderly parents, who almost always had grandchildren around them. They had 47!
Fatherhood is the most significant change that happens in a man's life. With it comes the stark realization that your life is not your own. " "
Fatherhood is the most challenging yet most rewarding activity men can perform. It increases the joy, happiness, and grace in our lives. However, it also increases the stress, work, and hardship we will encounter. This strife gives us the opportunity to grow in virtue because it requires us to give of ourselves continually. I find that the virtues most needed for fatherhood are patience and fortitude. The need for patience in fatherhood is selfexplanatory. Any dad who has ever attempted to make a two-year-old do anything knows this. Perseverance is also necessary. Much of a father’s life is filled with seemingly endless everyday toils and problems. We need to pray for perseverance and the strength to never stop accepting the responsibility God gave us. We must also teach our children the virtues they need to be good fathers and mothers.
Along with the virtues fathers receive, we get other immeasurable benefits. One benefit is that fatherhood is a stabilizing force in a man’s life, unlike anything else. Once you are a husband and father, you realize that it is the only thing in your life that only you can do. Eventually, someone else will take over our jobs, live in our houses, and cut our grass, but no one can ever take a man’s place in his
In my life, I was blessed to have multiple examples of fatherhood, including my own father, fatherin-law, numerous uncles, brothers, and brothers-in-law. All of us, however, have the most remarkable example of fatherhood in the head of the Holy Family – St. Joseph. He was a man of uncommon duty and obedience. Although he doesn’t say anything in the Bible, when God called him to do something, he got up and did it without question. St. Joseph is the person from Scripture with whom I identify the most. He led a quiet life of hard work and caring for his family. I have tried to follow his model by caring for my family and spending time with my children doing work at our home. St. Joseph also followed all the precepts of his Jewish religion. His life shows that the simple tasks of life are essential to our salvation. We are all capable of doing these simple tasks.
Lastly, we are placed here with the gifts of our Faith and the Church, which help us to “run the good race” and make it to heaven. Fatherhood, as part of my marriage vocation, is my path to getting there. I know that, in the end, if my wife and children all make it to heaven, I will be with them also because I will have done my job.
Dr.
Aaron Lirette, MD is a family physician at WK Work Kare, Quick Care and a father of five.
An Essay on Fatherhood
A Picture is Worth One Thousand Words
AS A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR AND BIBLE STUDY TEACHER, I SOMETIMES USE A “VISIO DIVINA” METHOD TO GIVE A BIBLE PASSAGE EVEN MORE PROFOUND MEANING. Visio divina invites the Holy Spirit to draw my attention to details in a painting or photograph of a Biblical event then use my imagination to flesh out a message as it applies to the present place in my spiritual life. Just as God inspired the written words in the Bible, He also inspires human artists to illustrate spiritual truths through art and music. So, as I began to meditate on the wonderful person of St. Joseph, I looked up various artists’ depictions of him to see how these spoke to my soul.
I quickly found a myriad of paintings depicting scenes of St. Joseph: dreaming in the cave at Bethlehem, working in his carpentry shop, and finding twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple. The one I felt drawn to was created in the 17th century by one of my favorite artists, Rembrandt van Rijn. He painted St. Joseph sleeping almost upright in the cave shortly after Jesus was born, as Mary reclines peacefully beside him. Squinting closely, I could see the baby bundled up at her side. The picture's focal point is an angel. Bathed in glorious light on the left side of the painting, the angel is tapping Joseph’s shoulder, warning him in a dream of Herod’s evil plan to kill all baby boys in the area and thus eradicate the newborn king reported by the Magi.
I imagine he felt an enormous responsibility for his young wife and new baby, a role model for all fathers and husbands to emulate. " "
responsibility for his young wife and new baby, a role model for all fathers and husbands to emulate. He must have been dazed and confused by the many unusual events of recent days — a star in the East, a visit fromlowly shepherds and wise men alike, and now, another vivid and surprising dream. He clasps his hands as if in prayer. I can only imagine the graces he probably begged for –protection for his family, discernment for God’s will in his life, and a deeper trust in God’s providence as he accepted his role to parent this child that wasn’t his own.
What is this painting saying to me about my relationship with God? How is He communicating the mission He has for me to follow?
Can I be as dutifully obedient as Joseph in my vocation as a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and spiritual director? Through Rembrandt’s painting I was helped to reflect upon the Holy Family, to feel their wonder and appreciate their faith.
As I ended my visio divina meditation, such an enormous sense of peace washed over me that I wanted to pat each one of the figures gently and whisper, “And to all, a good night!”
Joseph had several prophetic dreams recorded in the gospels. Goodness, he took these dreams seriously! He followed the angel’s instructions, migrated with his family to Egypt, and patiently waited until he received a message in a later dream that it was safe to return to Nazareth. His obedience and patience were two of his most outstanding virtues.
What can I admire about St. Joseph as I meditate on him sleeping there in “such mean estate,” as the old Christmas carol describes it? Rembrandt painted him looking fatigued. I imagine he felt an enormous
Karen Dill is a spiritual director for the Diocese of Shreveport and a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Diocesan Youth Summit 2025 - ALIVE!
THE OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY is thrilled to host the 2025 Diocesan Youth Summit (DYS25) — a day filled with faith, fellowship, and fun!
Join us for an inspiring experience featuring dynamic keynote speaker Kathleen Higgins, musical guest Josh Blakesley, small group discussions, games, prayer, Adoration, and Mass.
DYS 25 is a special time for the youth of our diocese to come together and celebrate our Catholic faith. This year’s theme, ALIVE, is inspired by one of Jesus’ most powerful miracles — the resurrection of Lazarus. With just three words, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43), Jesus called His friend from the tomb revealing His power over life and death. Like Lazarus, we, too, are set free and made ALIVE when we hear and respond to His voice!
Keynote Speaker
Kathleen Higgins – A Louisiana native and dynamic speaker, Kathleen brings faith to life through storytelling, humor, and real-life experiences. Rooted in the rich Catholic culture of the South, she inspires others to walk with Christ in their daily lives.
Musical Guest
Josh Blakesley – A talented musician who resides in Houston, TX, alongside his wife, Heather, and their two children, Sophie and Sutton. Josh’s mission is simple: To make music that moves people into prayer and action.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to grow in faith and community! Register today with your parish youth minister.
"God Will Increase" the Blessings of Fatherhood
IF YOU COME FROM A TRADITIONAL CATHOLIC FAMILY, CHANCES ARE YOU WERE NAMED AFTER SOMEONE FROM THE OLD OR NEW TESTAMENT. If that applies to you, you automatically have a connection with someone interceding on your behalf in heaven. On top of that, most biblical names have a rich meaning that can motivate or inspire us. Even if you’re not named after a biblical figure, one saint can intercede for all of us: Saint Joseph. He is the patron saint for over 40 professions and causes, including fathers, families, and workers. As we prepare to celebrate St. Joseph’s feast day, we can tap into his intercessory gift by reflecting on the meaning of his name: “God Will Increase.”
How is the meaning of St. Joseph’s name made manifest? What do we know about St. Joseph? His name is mentioned a mere 15 times in the Gospels, yet there are no recorded words of his in the Bible. How can so much be attributed to someone whom we know so little about? He is not known as a man of many words but rather a man of action. If we can imagine ourselves living at the time of Christ’s birth, we should ponder St. Joseph’s actions, which significantly contributed to salvation history. Though his demeanor may have seemed modest and humble, his bold and decisive actions had a lasting impact.
leader and epitomized the virtues of fortitude, integrity, perseverance, and love, among many others. It would be a worthwhile exercise for all fathers to take measure of our roles as head of the family, using St. Joseph’s example as a guide. Just as St. Joseph faced challenging situations, fathers of today face a barrage of attacks against their wives and children. What are these challenges, and how should fathers take action to safeguard their families?
Society has increasingly neutralized and diminished the role of fatherhood. The entertainment industry routinely “dumbs down” the image and role of fathers. I believe this portrayal of fathers as passive bystanders subconsciously trickles into the mindset of how our society perceives fatherhood. Lacking a strong father figure, the devil seizes the moment by bombarding our families with immorality at every turn – in our movies, commercials, music, sports, social media… the list goes on and on. How are fathers called to protect our families from these persistent attacks and preserve the sanctity of the family?
Proverbs 22:6" "
Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it.
St. Joseph persevered in times of tremendous uncertainty, with social and religious pressures mounting against him. Of course, I am referring to his courageous decision to lovingly accept Mary, already with child, into his home. The custom during those times was to stone adulterous women to death. After being visited by an angel in a dream and advising him to take Mary as his wife, St. Joseph put his trust in the Lord. Through his obedience, he protected Mary from shame and cruelty. After a second warning in a dream that his family was in danger, St. Joseph took immediate and decisive action to flee to Egypt. Without a doubt, St. Joseph’s actions preserved the nuclear family from the dangers of society; he was a true guardian and protector of the Holy Family.
These few accounts show how St. Joseph serves as a model for all husbands and fathers. He was a true servant
Like St. Joseph, fathers are called to be men of action. We must take active measures to safeguard our families from societal/spiritual pressures. First and foremost, we must start with ourselves by living our lives as men of Christ. Our actions will speak for themselves and will serve as an example for our family. We must become spiritual leaders by fostering an environment prioritizing prayer and spiritual formation every day. Charged with having proper authority over their families, fathers can (and should) bless their wives and children every day. Our actions help “put on the full armor of God” in the battle against evil. As Proverbs states: “Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not swerve from it.”
The gift of fatherhood can have a profound impact through our active participation and obedient cooperation with God’s will. Through small and modest steps and St. Joseph’s encouraging intercession, “God Will Increase” the blessings of fatherhood meant to protect the sanctity of the family, enrich our communities, and ultimately influence society by spreading God’s loving plan for the family. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph pray for us!
Michael Calveresi teaches OCIA and Adult Faith Formation and is the Director of Altar Servers at St. Jude Catholic Church in Benton.
Becoming a Family that Fosters
MOST OF US KNOW THAT ST. JOSEPH PLANNED TO DIVORCE THE VIRGIN MARY QUIETLY (Mt. 1:19). The same verse says that Joseph was a "righteous man," that is, a just or holy man; in modern terms, a contemplative man. Yes, a contemplative man in a difficult situation: he was about to reject his betrothed who was pregnant even though they had no relations. But he thought of keeping quiet to protect her and the child – what is wonderful about St. Joseph is his inclination to discern and avoid repercussions to his wife and the child, before the angel had calmed his heart. He was trying to avoid a scandal for her. And the Bible says more about his character: he assumed the roles of a loving husband and a father. He became a foster dad.
St. Joseph brought child and mother to distant cities seeking their safety. He taught Jesus how to be faithful to the God of Israel and continued quietly working as a gifted carpenter (Mk. 6:3) to support his family. He is indeed a model of virtues! And it was
not in vain – all generations have called him protector and patron. To his devotees, he exemplifies the virtues of love and dedication that are central to the vocation of parenting. His life offers profound insights for those called to care for children in need, those abandoned or unwanted by others.
Showing unwavering obedience to God's commands even as he hesitantly accepted his role, St. Joseph’s immediate and trusting response is a model for foster parents that highlights the importance of that trust in God's plan, even into the unknown. It took dedication to protect and provide for the Virgin Mary and the holy Child entrusted into his care. Foster parents, like Joseph, are called to safeguard their children from harm and ensure their well-being, providing physical, spiritual, and emotional support; fostering a sense of belonging and identity; and often making significant personal sacrifices.
St. Joseph's example opens hearts and homes to children in need. If you
feel called to foster a child in need, there are numerous ways to do so, but most important is the way to respond to that call: trust in God's providence. Then, like St Joseph, bring that child closer to God the Father.
For information on fostering or adoption, please consult a Catholic Foster and Adoption Support specialist and open your heart to love!
Noemi Saybe is the Director of Family Life at the Diocese of Shreveport.
Convirtiéndonos en una Familia que Acoge
LA MAYORÍA DE NOSOTROS
SABEMOS QUE SAN JOSÉ PLANEABA DIVORCIARSE DE LA Virgen María en secreto (Mateo 1:19). El mismo versículo dice que José era un “hombre justo”, es decir, un hombre recto o santo. Como diríamos en tiempos modernos, era un hombre contemplativo. Sí, una persona contemplativa y un hombre en una situación difícil: estaba a punto de rechazar a su prometida, quien estaba embarazada, a pesar de que no se habían reunido aún. Primero pensó en guardar silencio para protegerla a ella y al niño. Pero mostró algo maravilloso: su inclinación para discernir y evitar cualquier repercusión para su esposa y el niño. Dicho de esta manera, parece que principalmente intentaba evitar un escándalo. Pero la Biblia nos dice más sobre su carácter. Él asumió su papel como un esposo amoroso y un padre para el niño. Se convirtió en un padre adoptivo.
San José llevó al niño y a la madre a ciudades distantes buscando seguridad. En su travesía, enseñó a Jesús a ser fiel al Dios de Israel. Continuó trabajando
silenciosamente como un talentoso carpintero (Marcos 6:3) para mantener a su familia. Él es, sin duda, un modelo de virtudes. No en vano, todas las generaciones lo llaman protector y patrono. Para sus devotos, ejemplifica las virtudes de amor y dedicación que son centrales en la vocación de la paternidad. Su vida ofrece profundas enseñanzas para aquellos llamados a cuidar de los niños necesitados, abandonados o rechazados por todos.
La obediencia inquebrantable de San José a los mandamientos de Dios se hace evidente cuando aceptó su papel sin dudar. Esta respuesta inmediata y confiada sirve como un modelo para los padres adoptivos, destacando la importancia de confiar en el plan de Dios, incluso cuando nos lleva hacia lo desconocido. Sus acciones subrayan la dedicación necesaria para proteger y proveer para la Virgen María y el niño que le fue confiado. Los padres adoptivos, al igual que José, son llamados a salvaguardar a sus hijos del daño y asegurar su bienestar, proporcionando apoyo físico, espiritual y emocional, fomentando
un sentido de pertenencia e identidad en sus hijos, y a menudo haciendo sacrificios personales significativos.
El ejemplo de San José abre corazones y hogares a niños necesitados. Si estas sintiendo la llamada a acoger a un niño en necesidad, existen numerosas maneras de hacerlo. Pero lo más importante es saber cómo responder: confiando en la providencia de Dios. Y al igual que San José, acercando a ese niño a Dios Padre.
Para obtener más información sobre la acogida o adopción, por favor consulta con un especialista Católico de Acogida Parental y Adopción y ¡abre tu corazón al amor!
Noemi Saybe es la directora de Matrimonio y Vida Familiar de la Diócesis de Shreveport.
Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons
ST. JOSEPH, TERROR OF DEMONS, IS ONE OF THE MOST MYSTERIOUS FIGURES IN SCRIPTURE. THOUGH LITTLE IS RECORDED ABOUT HIS LIFE, WHAT WE KNOW SPEAKS volumes about his character and holiness. God entrusted His Son to a man who embodied righteousness, faith, and unwavering obedience. Joseph was not randomly chosen — his virtues and choices made him the man God called him to be.
We do not accidentally become good people. No single action makes us "great" or defines who we are. Rather, it is the sum of daily choices that shape our character. We become what we invest in. St. Matthew describes Joseph as a "righteous man" (Matthew 1:19), which means he chose to live a life of virtue. His faithfulness to God was not based on convenience but on conviction. He followed the Mosaic Law, upheld the Ten Commandments, and constantly pursued God's will.
One of the clearest demonstrations of Joseph's faith is his response to the angel's message:
"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home." (Matthew 1:20-24)
Joseph's response was immediate. He did not hesitate, question, or attempt to alter God's command to fit his plans. His obedience was not a momentary decision but the result of a lifetime of faithfulness. Joseph did not have to change who he was to fulfill God's will—he had already been living
in readiness, seeking God's heart every day of his life.
Joseph embodies true masculinity: strength in humility, leadership in service, and courage in obedience. He exalts God's will over his desires, emotions, impulses, and opinions. He protected the dignity of Mary, honored her femininity, and never acted out of selfishness. Joseph was hardworking, humble, and steadfast. He did not seek recognition or take pleasure in tearing others down but lived to serve and protect those entrusted to him.
We see this same obedience when God commands him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt and again when he is told to return. Each time, Joseph acts without hesitation, trusting that God will provide. He does not ask for explanations or question God's timing—he simply obeys, knowing that God's plan is always greater than his own. We can grasp why he is the terror of demons; St. Joseph shows his love for the Lord by obeying. God responds to obedience.
Joseph's life reminds us that holiness is a daily commitment. He shows us true greatness is found in faithful obedience, humility, and trust in God's providence. May we strive to follow his example, making choices that bring us closer to the Lord daily. May we choose to follow his example of love and obedience. St. Joseph, pray for us.
Karla Alvarez is the Director of Multicultural Ministry for the Diocese of Shreveport.
Building Our Faith One Ministry at a Time
MARCH IS THE MONTH OF ST. JOSEPH, AND WHEN I THINK OF HIM, I SEE NOT ONLY THE EARTHLY FATHER OF JESUS AND HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY BUT ALSO A carpenter who taught Jesus as they worked side by side in his workshop.
What better model and saint of the Catholic Church to represent this year’s Catholic Service Appeal theme, “Building Our Faith”? As we all come together to pray for and support this year’s Appeal, I’d like to highlight a few ways your donation supports and builds our faith, one ministry at a time.
Retired and Infirm Priests – Our retired and infirm priests dedicated their lives to the Church and to each of us through many years of service. The Appeal supports them through subsidies to help cover their living expenses.
Diaconate Formation – This year, we have a group of men who are discerning a path to become deacons in our diocese. This journey, for them and their wives, takes many years of dedication, education, and formation. Appeal donations help offset diaconate formation program costs.
Campus Ministry – Campus ministry in our diocese is growing and thriving across North Louisiana, supporting college students through retreats, bible studies, social
events, and adoration. College years are a turning point in one’s faith life, and Campus Ministry provides students with a strong Catholic community.
Faith Formation – Vital to our spiritual life, Faith Formation oversees confirmation and OCIA in our parishes, guides us through annual events like the National Eucharistic Revival and this year’s Jubilee Year celebration, and provides faith-filled learning opportunities for all age groups. It is the cornerstone to building our faith.
Marriage and Family Life – Whether it is our domestic family, our church family, or a family of friends, being together as One Church through worship, prayer, and community builds the foundation of our faith. Thus, Marriage and Family Life is another vital ministry for building our faith and, in turn, building our Church. It is also the ministry that oversees pro-life activities throughout parishes and the diocese as a whole.
Each month, we will highlight the many ministries that benefit from your prayers and support. Please give your support today to the Catholic Service Appeal!
Lucy Medvec is the Director of Development and Stewardship for the Diocese of Shreveport.
CULTIVATING THE GARDEN OF YOUR SOUL
WOMEN’S LENTEN DAY OF REFLECTION
Offered by Robin Hebert Spiritual Director, Diocese of Lafayette
EVENT DETAILS
April 12, 2025 | 8am - 2pm
Holy Angels | 10450 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport
EVENT INFORMATION
Make plans to join us for a series of reflective talks and music by Sarah Joubert and the Holy Angels Choir. Light breakfast and lunch included.
Seating is limited, register today.
Early bird registration now through 3/31: $30
Registration 4/1 - 4/11: $35
Seminarian Burses
THANKS TO OUR RECENT DONORS:
(005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse
The Congregation of St. John's Roman Catholic Church
(006)2 Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 Anonymous
(008) St. Jude Parish Burse Anonymous
(011)2 Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2
Dorothy Jarzabek
(023)2 Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse #2
Patricia L. McGraw
(034) Joseph B. and Lucille Provenza Cordaro Burse
Mr. Christopher Cordaro Anonymous
(036)4 Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #4
Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Madden
James & Donna Barnard
Paul & Rosalyn Tuminello Libby Brossette
Mrs. Mary Guy
(036)5 Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #5 NEW
Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Madden
Linda F. Serio
(049) Rev. Philip Michiels Burse
Cheryl McGowen
(056) Hazel Iles and John Paul Woodley, Sr. Memorial Burse
The Woodley Family
To see an up-to-date list of incomplete and complete burses, please scan here
To donate to an established seminarian burse, please scan here
As children of Sicilian Catholic immigrants, our parents, Joseph Benedict Cordaro and Lucille Rita Provenza, met each other at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the 1930s. As a young teenager, our father was playing his violin at Mass when our dear mother saw him and knew that God meant them to be together. In their youth, our dad served as an altar boy, and our mother was in the altar society. They married on October 13, 1940, at Holy Trinity and raised all 11 children in the faith, having nine boys and two girls.
It was of utmost importance to our parents that we attend Catholic schools through high school, exemplifying their values. They were steadfast in their faith and support of the church, volunteering their time throughout the Diocese. Among other duties, our father served as head usher, and our mother was President of the Altar Society at Holy Trinity for over 30 years. Our father had a strong devotion to Saint Joseph, and our mother was devoted to the Blessed Virgin.
Our parents held the utmost respect for priests, encouraging them in their vocations and assisting them in their ministries, particularly our mother’s brother and our uncle, Msgr. Earl Provenza. Up until their deaths, our father went to his eternal rest in 1980 and our motherl in 1992, they were active members of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The heartfelt Catholic legacy from our parents is why it is fitting that our family memorializes Joseph B. and Lucille Provenza Cordaro with a Seminarian Burse for the Diocese of Shreveport.
It is our hope that you will prayerfully consider a burse in honor or in memory of your loved ones.
Cathedral of St. John BerC hmanS
CatholiC SC hool
SINCE 1974, NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK (CSW) HAS BEEN THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF Catholic education in the United States to increase awareness of the benefits of sending your child to a Catholic school. I like to think of Catholic Schools Week as the kickoff for the remainder of the school year. It may be wishful thinking, but CSW helps usher in the easy spring days of celebration and renewal.
We had a wonderful CSW here at SJB, celebrating different ways we practice our faith as we hosted exciting events, two of which I highlight here. Our annual Cardinal Krewes is a high-stakes, mixed-grade competition that showcases our school's pride in a unique SJB way, with the winning team getting to keep the highly coveted minitrophy! We also proudly host the annual, invitational Religion Scholars Bowl, which includes a competitive quiz bowl, dramatic play, and written assessment by teams from multiple Catholic schools in our diocese.
At SJB, we love to show pride in our faith, our families, and the uniqueness of our sweet school. Catholic Schools Week is only a glimpse of what makes SJB distinct and what truly makes a Catholic education special.
Cassandra Key is the Director of Communications and Development for the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Parish and School.
K4 Dress Like Faculty Day
5th grade visit to Catholic Charities of North Louisiana
The third grade students of the Diocese of Shreveport, winners of the 2025 Religion Scholar's Bowl
our lady of fatima CatholiC SC hool
AT OLFS, WE LOVE OUR COMMUNITY, OUR PRIESTS, OUR VOCATIONS, OUR students, our nation, and our faculty and staff!
Students and teachers shared an abundance of joy the week of January 27 - 31 — Catholic Schools Week. Fr. Raney Johnson celebrated Mass with Fr. John Paul Crispin on Tuesday, then spoke to the students about vocations, sharing that he was only in junior high when he felt the Lord calling his heart to the priesthood.
On Wednesday, students donated socks to a local shelter and celebrated a sock hop that afternoon, with cupcakes provided by the Catholic Daughters. In an outreach to the nation, students made beautiful prayer cards that we sent to the wildfire victims in California.
The whole school gathered on Thursday to watch the Religion Bowl and cheer for classmates before Fr. John Paul and Mrs. Stephanie Haney, with their respective teams, competed in an exciting basketball shootout. The loser was to get pied in the face by the winner. Although Mrs. Haney was the unfortunate loser, Fr. John Paul lost the next day when he kissed the pig.
For our CSW community theme, students raised money to help a local animal rescue organization called the “Zoo Crew.” We finished the week with the “Amazing Race,” where students in first through eighth grade answered religion questions and followed clues from one teacher to another – all 21 teams finished with 100% accuracy! Our Lady of Fatima loved Catholic Schools Week!
Elise Reis is the Math and 7th grade Social Studies teacher at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Monroe.
St. JoSeph CatholiC SC hool
ANY MAN WHO TRIES TO WRITE AN ARTICLE LIKE THIS, AFTER REFLECTING ON THE CALL OF FATHERHOOD, AND CLAIMS HE COULD COMPLETE THE TASK WITH DRY eyes is a liar. After finding the flesh of our flesh and bone of our bones, there is no greater calling on a man’s life than fatherhood. While I may take it out of context, I keep the Bible verse of Psalm 116:12 as a reflective reminder that I am forever in the Lord’s debt. The verse’s words are excluded so you can look them up yourself…
That exclusion sounds like something many of our own fathers would do. My loving and supportive father would have; he encouraged me to learn by doing. His likely goal was to teach me determination and resilience – what most call grit. Still, when I actually needed a helping hand, the man was there. I believe I am a dad of similar character, though my four children would prefer a little less of my opinion. I reflect on this from time to time because the love I share with my children should reflect the love of both my father and my Heavenly Father as well.
The Father sent Christ to the world to make the Father’s love known, but Jesus was also sent as His own person to complete the task to which He was called. He could have cried out to the Father to take it away. God could have said, “This is enough. I cannot bear to endure this suffering of my only Son.” He did not. He knew the greater plan and more significant purpose in the Son’s mission, and knowing the plan was perfect, He saw it to completion.
As a teenager and young adult (and maybe a few weeks ago…), I did not see eye-to-eye with my father. What was probably my most pleasing action to me in those years was marrying a beautiful woman to show him I wasn’t just wasting time. However, as I reflect on how he chose to show his love for me, I recognize that he was doing his best to imitate the love of the Father – Our Father. I did not appreciate this love until I needed to say something kind when he retired and I reflected on his life.
Like my father, many of us have much to imitate of the Father. I encourage all fathers, present company included, to provide spiritual support for their children. At the same time, we need not hover over them when they fail or may fail, but rather trust that the will of God is active in their lives, as we know it is in ours. If this is the case, they will have grace and grit in difficult moments to do what is good and pleasing in God’s eyes. As we help them according to what is in their best interest, let us be teachers of strength and compassion. And let us pray for them and support them. Maybe then, we are repaying the Lord for His goodness to us.
Clayton Cobb is the principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Shreveport.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF NORTH LOUISIANA
INVITES YOU TO AN
PEN H USE
Tuesday, March 4 | 8am or Noon
902 Olive St. Shreveport, LA 71104
PROGRAM TOUR • KING CAKE • COFFEE
APRIL’S STORY Rental Assistance Client
“People are having a really hard time financially right now, so I’m grateful for this place. They really lift a burden for us who are struggling.”
Around the diocese...
On Sunday, January 26, at St Mary of the Pines, the Daughters of St Brigid honored their patron, St Brigid of Kildare. Msgr. Earl Provenza celebrated the Mass, assisted by Deacon Bill Roche. The Mass, which featured a reading from scripture in the Irish language and beautiful Irish hymns, is an annual celebration and open to all, especially if you are Irish by birth or marriage!
Jackson Byorth and Kennedy Byorth were the two Parish Winners of the St. Jude Knights of Columbus “Keep Christ In Christmas” Poster Contest, and each was awarded $50.00 from our Council. Jackson won the Kindergarten Category and Kennedy won the FirstSecond Grade Category. They both moved up to the Diocese Level and won there as well, for an additional $50.00! Congratulations to both!
Jubilee OF YOUTH
Embark on a Pilgrimage to Italy with the Department of Multicultural Ministries!
The Diocese of Shreveport invites you to celebrate the Jubilee Year of 2025 with an unforgettable pilgrimage to Italy alongside thousands of young adults to rediscover the beauty of our Catholic faith!
On December 8, 2024, the
better way to celebrate the
JULY 26 - AUGUST 5TH,
choir of Little Flower of Jesus Parish in Monroe, Louisiana performed a Christmas Concert. What
birth of our Lord than with music, community, and Christmas carols!
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: Students at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA enjoy $1 lunch provided by the LA Tech Catholic Campus Ministry.