Mary, Mother of God - May 2023

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Mary, Mother of God

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone

EDITOR

Kirsten Shrewsberry

CONTRIBUTORS

Msgr. Matthew T. Long

Kim Long

Mary Arcement Alexander

Karen Dill

Mike Van Vranken

Julia Pettiette Doolin, Ph.D.

Lucy Medvec

Delia Barr

Kathy Schimschock

Karla Alvarez

Polly Maciulski

Trey Woodham

Jordan Harris

Amy Fakhre

Jill Wier

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

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SUBMISSIONS

Contact: Blanca Vice Email: bvice@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.

To My Mother

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editor

from the editor

Being a mother means finding a new level of strength you didn’t have before. There’s something about how a mother bears down and grits her teeth through the pains and the tribulations that only a mother can do. I’ve endured a lot of hard and painful things in my life, and motherhood has been no exception. Since becoming a mother, I’ve been in many situations where I think to myself, “I can’t do it. It’s too hard. I’m not strong enough.” Yet somehow when my children need me, I become more than myself. I find the extra strength needed to overcome the insurmountable, to endure the impossible. I suddenly become more than I ever was before.

MY MOM IS A FORCE OF NATURE. For as long as I can remember, my mom has always been fearless, bold, and most importantly, kind. My mom served in the US Navy for 27 years as a naval officer. She had a distinguished career in the military and even now at 21 years old (she’ll always be 21 in my eyes) she still works full time, jet-setting across the globe for her job. I grew up watching my mom board submarines, take charge of events full of foreign dignitaries, and create magic in the most unassuming places.

My mom gave me many gifts, her poor eyesight, her need for early orthodontia, but she also gave me her laugh, her ability to make magic in the mundane, and her strength.

One Christmas we were in Italy, and she took my sister and me to see the “Presepe” or Italian nativity scenes. Before leading us down a crammed street full of vendors she knelt and whispered, “do you want to see real live magic?” I never doubted her for a second that what we were about to see was truly miraculous. My mom has a way of seeing the world as if everything shines, even when it seems dull or gray to everyone else. When we turned down that street, we were suddenly surrounded by hundreds of tiny nativity scenes. Some with twinkling lights, some with miniature streams trickling through Bethlehem, all unique and beautiful in their telling of the birth of Jesus Christ. She was right, it was real live magic.

As a mother myself I frequently find myself looking for advice from other mothers. Constantly looking for mothers who came before me to help guide me. Besides my own mother, I frequently turn to Mary, Mother of God. When I feel overwhelmed or scared or unsure, praying the words of the Hail Mary remind me of Mary and her Fiat, her faith, her devotion to her son, Jesus Christ. I find a renewed strength and encouragement to keep pushing forward when I pray for her intercession and reflect on her strength.

I pray during this beautiful month of Marian devotion you find time to pray a daily Hail Mary, place flowers at the feet of Our Lady, call your mother and tell her you love her. Tell her thank you and thank God for the mothers in our lives.

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

Where Did You Learn That?

MY CHILDHOOD HOME SEEMED LARGE

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP. Of course, I was just a child, and everything seemed large back then –at least in my memory. Our house was two stories, actually three stories if you include the basement –but it was the same as all our neighbors’ homes. These were called “Row Homes,” as they were attached, one to the other nine in a row, separated by an eightinch fire wall. They were narrow and long, with a downstairs (the main floor) where everything seemed to happen, and an upstairs, with three bedrooms and a bathroom. Mathematically and structurally, it was perfect, the nine of us were divided: the four girls in the front room, the four boys in the middle room, and my parents with the baby in the back room. There was an upstairs hallway that spanned from the front room down to the back room, and it was there that our first lessons in prayer took place. At the end of the day, after we had been put to bed, my mother sat in her chair downstairs praying her night prayers in

quiet. Upstairs was a different scene: my father walked from one end of the upstairs to the other praying out loud, all the while instructing us in how to pray. His words would become our words, and his prayers became our prayers. We prayed the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Memorare, and a special prayer called, “Take my Body, Jesus.” To this day, almost 70 years in passing, I still say those same prayers every night. I can hear my father’s voice, “Francis, I don’t hear you in there!” But in addition to learning these prayers and having them become second nature to how I would close out my day, I learned that within them I learned how the Blessed Mother was mentioned over and over again. When dad finished those prayers, he walked into the room where on top of the chest of drawers were two statues: one of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the other of His Blessed Mother. In the dark, I could see him stop before each image and pray some quiet prayer, and then kiss the head of each statue. I knew, and came to appreciate as I grew older, his love for Jesus – but I also learned the prayerful lesson of invoking the name of Mary, our Blessed Mother, at the close of day.

The month of Mary always gives me a reminder of those childhood memories: learning how to pray –but most especially, the importance of Mary to my life – to our lives. And you know, for those of us who do not have these kinds of memories, or practices, it’s never too late to start. Hidden so powerfully in the “Memorare” are the words, “never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.” She has been that for me all my life, thanks to my dad. Now I pass that onto you in this month dedicated to her. Begin to say that prayer along with your spouse, and most importantly, with your children, and experience the powerful, grace-filled presence of our heavenly Mother.

The Many Titles of Mary

Very Reverend Msgr. Matthew T. Long, Vicar General of the Diocese of Shreveport

AS A CONVERT TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH FROM A BAPTIST TRADITION, I BEGAN MY JOURNEY WITH MARY LATER THAN MOST PEOPLE WHO ARE CATHOLIC. This journey with her has been very enriching to my faith life. As I have learned to appreciate her wisdom, her faith, and her commitment to Jesus Christ, she has made me a better follower of her Divine Son. When I look back on my journey with her, it began in the Rosary. During my RCIA classes, we were encouraged to reflect upon the mysteries of the rosary through the eyes of Mary. This gave me a more personal connection with the Lord and His earthly life.

Every one of us have been blessed with a mother. We know that our pain is her pain, and our joys are her joys. And we know that her primary concern in life is that of her children, so it is very easy to understand the relationship between Mary and Jesus. Because of this, we could have a more personal and intimate relationship with Jesus whenever we know His Blessed Mother.

As I have made this journey, different titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary have reflected different phases of my life in Christ and my priesthood. The first title that gave me grounding in my Catholic faith was Our Lady of Guadalupe. She is the patroness of the Americas, and I felt an immediate connection to her, because I knew that in a particular way she had not only appeared for the benefit of the people of Mexico, but to all the peoples of the Americas, those living at the time of her appearance, and all of us who would call the Americas our home. She reminded us that we were as important to her Son’s church as the peoples of other parts of the world.

The second title that I found great comfort in was the Immaculate Conception. When I began my work as Vocation Director, I kept hearing the word “Immaculata, Immaculata“ over and over again in my prayer and I knew that she was calling me to dedicate my work of assisting men to find their vocation in life to her patronage. I felt an even greater connection to her under this title, because it is under this title that she is the patron of our country and of our diocese.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor also played an important role in my vocation work as well. Making a pilgrimage to her national shrine in New Orleans each time I visited the seminarians at Notre Dame became a common practice. Every time that I traveled there, I would light a candle, and pray the prayer to Our Lady of Prompt Succor for an increase in vocations to the priesthood for the Diocese of Shreveport. And Our Lady of Prompt Succor, the patroness of Louisiana, did not let me down. Through her prayers we saw an increase in the number of Seminarians and ultimately an increase in priestly ordinations in our diocese.

The title that I hold most dear for Our Lady, however, is that of Honor of our Race. This is not a title that has been bestowed upon her by poets or saints, but by God. She is truly the exemplar of what it means to be a Christian. She is the greatest member of our race as human beings, and she reveals to all of us under this title of who we are called to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ, obedient sons and daughters of God, and willing temples of the Holy Spirit. And so, as we journey through the month of May, let us all call upon Our Lady to continue to guide us, to inspire us, and to help each and every one of us become better followers of her Divine Son.

The National Catholic Prayer Breakfast Sponsors Screening of The Five Priests Documentary at the Museum of the Bible

Cheryl H. White, Ph.D.

ON TUESDAY, MARCH 14, THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC PRAYER BREAKFAST SPONSORED

A NATIONAL SCREENING OF THE FIVE PRIESTS DOCUMENTARY FILM AT THE MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Following the film’s showing in the museum’s theatre that afternoon, there was a panel discussion featuring the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Bishop Francis Malone, Father Peter Mangum, Dr. Cheryl White, and the film’s director, Chris Charles Scott.

The Five Priests tells the story of our Shreveport martyrs of 1873 – Servants of God Father Isidore Quemerais, Father Jean Pierre, Father Jean Marie Biler, Father Louis Gergaud, and Father Francois Le Vezouet. The film has received much critical acclaim, winning over 30 separate laurels, including the Cannes World Film Festival for independent film makers, the Barcelona Film Festival, the Rome Prisma Independent Film Festival, the New York Film Awards, and many other national and international awards. The documentary attracted the attention of the organizers of the National Catholic

Prayer Breakfast, who wanted to use the event as an opportunity to share the message of the Shreveport Martyrs. The Museum of the Bible organized the panel discussion, incorporating the Biblical theme of “No Greater Love.” The books, Shreveport Martyrs of 1873 and Servant of God Father Louis Gergaud are also now featured in the museum gift store. Questions from the audience explored some of the historical significance of the 1873 Yellow Fever Epidemic, the details of the canonization cause, and how the lives of the five priests serve as contemporary models of sanctity today. Among the special guests at the film’s screening were members of the Museum of the Bible’s National Catholic Advisory Board.

On the eve of the Prayer Breakfast, the Apostolic Nuncio hosted a special reception at the Vatican Embassy in honor of the tenth anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. Bishop Malone, Father Mangum, and Dr. White were among the invited guests for the occasion.

The Baptism of Katherine Alice

WE

HIT IT OFF RIGHT AWAY.

Her name is Katherine Alice Shrewsberry. Her parents are Kirsten and Garrett and she was just born into the world less than two months ago. Her mother is ever so happy to put this photo in the Catholic Connection because Kirsten is the new editor of the Catholic Connection The photo was taken on the day of Katherine’s baptism in the Cathedral Church, March 4th. Other than when I poured some of the baptismal water over her eyes, she was perfectly still and quiet and seemingly ready to be consecrated to God in her baptism. Someone asked me how many baptisms I have performed over the years. My head tells me that it was actually Jesus who baptized her through me, but I think they were asking about which number she is – over three thousand, I am sure. We had originally scheduled her baptism for Easter Sunday, but Katherine had a medical procedure that had us move the date up a couple of

days – she’s fine now and recovering nicely. So, when I was sent this photo of the two of us, I knew her mom wouldn’t mind if we posted it in the Catholic Connection . I have looked at this photo every day and it has made me aware of all of our new brothers and sisters who, at the Easter Vigil, received the same baptismal sacrament, and became as pure and as holy as little Katherine did on this day, how together with all the newly baptized she became an adopted child of God, sealed with an indelible mark as a Christian, and forever changed from the inside out. I think the photo tells it all: we hit it off right away! May all those who joined her at the Easter Vigil and beyond experience the grace of knowing that they now belong to God!

Sister Bernie Will Be Missed

Meg Goorley, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN TO LAKE PROVIDENCE, LOUISIANA, YOU’VE HEARD OF SISTER BERNIE. Sister Bernadette (Bernie) Barrett, SHSP, has been living in Lake Providence for the past 21 years helping the poor and vulnerable by preventing homelessness, helping with work readiness, and providing hope. She has been running the Catholic Charities office in East Carroll Parish since the day it opened in August 2013. It is with much sadness that I am announcing her departure from Louisiana at the end of May, but also much joy to share her good news of being appointed an administrator at her Mother House, Sisters of the Holy Spirit and Mary Immaculate, in San Antonio, TX.

Born in Dublin (number six of 10 children), this energetic scholar left Ireland after high school in 1962 to attend college. She attended Incarnate Word College in San Antonio and studied to become a teacher. Ultimately, she graduated from Our Lady of the Lake and taught in a couple of schools in Houston before taking her final vows in 1967.

Sr. Bernie taught at many poor African American schools in south Louisiana where she felt comfortable with the friendly people. Her Irish brogue may have broken the ice when she spoke as

an apostolic teacher. It is probably because of the trust she gained with people of all races and faiths that led her to northeast Louisiana.

She is a tiny hard-headed mastermind who figures out how to solve a problem her way.

In September 2002, the Region 5 Leadership Conference of Women Religious assigned four sisters to a poor town in Lake Providence, Louisiana, for a project to make a difference with their presence.These sisters, two African Americans from the Holy Family

order out of New Orleans, one from the Daughters of Charity, and Sr. Bernie were to live in community (all in a trailer) as an example to everyone, and they were to use their talents to bring the community together and work with women and children to bring them hope. All of them were educators and three of them volunteered at schools and one volunteered at a nursing home. Eventually, all of them left but Sr. Bernie—she spent eight of the 21 years there by herself.

Did she get lonely? If she ever felt she needed to talk to anyone, she would simply go outside and spend time with the people of Lake Providence. Everyone knew who she was. It was also helpful that her Mother House would send her back to Ireland every couple of years to visit her family.

Flowers, Family, and Faith

St. Ann Ebarb-Zwolle

It has been a privilege for me to get to know Sr. Bernie. She is the “favorite” among all the staff of Catholic Charities. She is a tiny hard-headed mastermind who figures out how to solve a problem her way. She is hard on our clients while she is teaching Money $chool®, yet she is compassionate with them because she understands that “things happen” and everyone needs help with their challenges. God put Sr. Bernie in my life for a reason---and I am a better person for knowing her.

Four sisters from St. Ann-Ebarb visited 15 Catholic churches on a recent 750 mile round-trip to enjoy the bluebonnets in the Texas Hill Country! Each church was unique in its own way. Attending Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Fredericksburg Texas was a highlight of the sister trip during this Lenten Season!

THE ACCIDENTAL PILGRIM

Karen Dill, Spiritual Director

IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014 I WAS PRIVILEGED TO GO ON A TOUR OF IRELAND WITH FR. SIMEON GALLAGHER AND A GAGGLE OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS. Here is an excerpt from my journal on the day before embarking:

I am woefully unprepared! I was in a lazy funk all summer—sleeping late, watching TV, gaining weight and generally wasting time when I should have been reading up on Irish history. So, I know I will learn a lot in the next few days!

After spending the first leg of our journey in Galway, Fr. Gallagher announced at breakfast that we would be visiting Knock that day. “What’s Knock?” I wondered out loud. My fellow travelers gasped. Fr. Gallagher kindly explained to me that Knock was a small village nearby where the Virgin Mary had appeared to 15 people between the ages of 7 and 75 in August of 1879. I had no idea that I had been scheduled to visit the site of a Marian apparition!

In his reflection on the Fourth Station of the Cross, Bishop Robert Barron describes Mary as “a theologian par excellence, the one who understands.” He explains that Mary’s mission as Queen of Heaven is identical to her mission while she was here on earth. She is our mediator and intercessor with her Son. She wants to draw all people into a deeper fellowship with Him. Many times, throughout history she has broken into our world “strikingly and visibly” with words of comfort, strength and sometimes dire warnings.

Since my conversion years ago I have always revered Mary as the mother of our Lord, but I didn’t know much about her appearances. I knew about Lourdes, Fatima, and Guadalupe but had no idea that she has appeared in many other places to multitudes of followers. Some of these apparitions have been investigated and approved by the Church as being authentic. Others are considered private revelations. Her appearance at Knock is officially endorsed by the Church. Many features about it differ from other encounters that have taken place.

In all of her other official appearances, Mary has given messages. At Knock, she was silent. In her other appearances, she was alone. At Knock, she was accompanied by St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist. A lamb on an altar also appeared. Rain poured down the evening of the apparition. The people who witnessed this were soaked, but the outer wall where the scene appeared for nearly three hours remained dry.

Within a few days of this occurrence, miraculous healings began to take place. As word spread, people began to come from neighboring villages to pray and petition. Today, over a million and a half people visit each year. Now I can say I have been to visit Mary there, too.

On that beautiful fall morning, our bus drove through a small Irish village and parked at the site of a large white church surrounded by manicured grounds. As I stepped onto the parking lot, I experienced a sense of profound peace and reverence. Our group spent over an hour exploring the gardens, visiting the Stations of the Cross, praying at the grottoes. Then we filed in to the sanctuary where statues depicting the scene of the apparition adorned the wall behind the altar. We were joined by many others and several priests who had come to say Mass. I noticed the sick, blind, and lame people who were processing up the aisle to receive the host. I reflected on the many ways that I, too, was spiritually sick, blind, and lame. I knew I was in a holy place where healing was being received.

When our bus departed a few minutes later, I knew that I would never forget my “accidental” encounter with Mary. I visited her at Knock, but she visited me as well. I resolved to learn more about her so that I would come to know her and appreciate her role in my salvation. Two excellent resources helped me do this, True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort and the St. Paul Center video Bible study “The Bible and the Virgin Mary.” The book by de Montfort is considered the premiere treatise on Marian prayer practices. The Bible study explores the many passages in the Bible, both Old and New Testament, that confirm her role in Catholic Tradition. Both have inspired me to grow closer to her in my own prayer life. I want to make her “fiat” mine: Let it be done to me according to Thy word.

Encountering Christ

Mike Van Vranken, Diocese Of Shreveport Spiritual Advisor

SOMEONE RECENTLY ASKED ME HOW WE FIND THE AWE IN GOD THAT WE USED TO FEEL.

We discussed liturgy, Eucharist, adoration, the sacraments, and sacramentals like candles, statuary, paintings, icons, and even our own postures of kneeling, standing, and making the sign of the cross. We both agreed that all of these can help us find awe and wonder in God, but they are not what produces the awe and wonder. They are only a vehicle or a means to an end. It must be something else; something deeper. We finally, and simultaneously, realized we experience awe and wonder when we encounter Christ. The liturgies and sacraments and postures do not create awe. They do, however, offer us the opportunity to encounter God in all of these and more. And the encounter we have is always with the entire Holy Trinity, and at the same time, uniquely with the risen Christ.

“I pray . . . that they may all be one, as you Father are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us . . . So that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me, . . . and that you loved them even as you loved me” John (17: 21-23).

When we read these verses in the context of precrucifixion and pre-resurrection, they may appear to offer a prescription or something we must do to be one with Christ or one with God. I believe the meaning is deeper. Post-resurrection, the risen Christ said he’d always be with us (Mt. 28:20). Always means all the time.

When Jesus prayed that we “be” one, I don’t think He was implying we had to do something before we could be one with Him. Jesus was praying that we “be” one. In other words, to be so conscious of our already oneness with Christ that we act like what we already are. That we live what we already are. That we “be” in every sense of the word – one. Because we are always one with Christ. We know the image of God is imprinted in every person. We also know that Christ is the visible “image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15). Consequently, we can find

Christ in everyone, all the time.

Now, back to the awe and wonder. If we find reverence, awe, and wonder when we encounter Christ, and Christ is preeminent in all things (Col 1:18), then we can experience this reverence, awe, and wonder everywhere we look by consciously and lovingly encountering Christ in everyone and everything. This stimulates some questions we can ask ourselves.

• Am I willing to encounter Christ in a nonChristian?

• Am I willing to encounter Christ in science?

• Am I willing to encounter Christ in every person in the LGBTQIA+ community?

• Am I willing to encounter Christ in the prisoner?

• Am I willing to encounter Christ in the lonely?

• Am I willing to encounter Christ in myself?

• Am I willing to encounter Christ in creation?

Awe and wonder come from the encounter. Love and mercy come from the encounter. Relationships and healing come from the encounter. Everything holy, even grace itself comes from an encounter with Christ. Can we listen for Christ in others and find awe and wonder? Can we see and touch Christ in others and find awe and wonder? This is what our journey with God is all about. He so loved the world (His creation) that He sent His son. And all we must do is be conscious of His presence, conscious of our union with Christ and we can have an experience of encounter with Christ.

These encounters are encounters of love – the love of God. Once we experience God’s love for us and His creation in the encounter, we are struck with such awe and wonder, we desire to fall madly, passionately, and intimately in love with God. Once this happens, something in us changes. We stop being judgmental. We start forgiving. We welcome everyone. And we love all of God’s creation because it is anywhere in creation that we may encounter Christ.

ĐuC ME LAvANG, OuR LADy Of LAvANG

Karla Alvarez, Director of Multicultural Ministries

eliminate any representation of Catholicism by burning churches, villages, and taking land from the Christians. It was ordered to brand all Catholics with two words on their cheeks “ta dao” which means “heretics”.

I FIRST HEARD ABOUT OUR LADY OF LAVANG IN NOVEMBER 2022 WHEN MY MOTHER AND I VISITED THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. I was in awe upon entering the chapel dedicated to Our Lady. The ceiling of the chapel was covered with blue glass and the walls had mosaics depicting villagers seeking the intercession of Our Lady and of the Martyrs of Vietnam.

The first apparition of Our Lady of Lavang occurred in 1798 during the reign of the emperor Tu Đu’c. Catholics were seen as heretics for not practicing Buddhism and Emperor Tu Đu’c forbade Catholicism out of fear of a rebellion. Thousands of Catholics were then tortured, punished, and even executed for not renouncing their faith. Tu Đu’c wanted to

During this tragic time in Vietnam, the persecuted villagers sought refuge in the rain forest of the Quang Tri Province. Many of these villagers were fleeing from persecution and at the same time were battling illness. Every evening the villagers that were hiding in the rainforest would gather under a particular tree to pray. One night the villagers recount the apparition of a woman holding a baby in her arms. The woman and the baby were both wearing traditional Vietnamese clothing and with them were two angels, one on either side. It was understood that the woman and child were Mary, our mother, and baby Jesus. The villagers that were praying received comfort as well as healing for the illness that many were suffering from. You may be wondering how the villagers were healed and the answer is simple. Our Lady told them to gather the leaves from the trees around and to boil them for medicine. The news of the apparition spread, and more and more people came to pray at the site to receive comfort. Although this was not the end of the persecution, it was the beginning of a newfound hope for the future.

Today Our Lady of Lavang is venerated and recognized by our Catholic Vietnamese brothers and sisters and is an essential part of their faith and culture. Our mother Mary, once again, demonstrates the love and care she has for us, her children, and she reminds us that we are not alone even in the darkest hours of our suffering. Let us encourage one another to always seek her intercession and comfort.

Đu’c Mẹ Lavang, xin cầu nguyện cho chúng con Our Lady of Lavang, pray for us

LIvING OuR LIvEs LIkE MARTHA AND MARy

I’M A MARTHA. I like to keep busy, I putter around, I multi-task, I worry about many things, and I have a hard time just sitting still. My prayers usually happen on the fly or when I fall into bed at night just before falling asleep. My husband, Mark, on the other hand, lives his life – his spiritual life – just like Mary. He takes the time to do his readings and prayers twice a day, prays the rosary, goes to adoration, and truly enjoys just sitting and spending time with Jesus. If Jesus were to come to our house, I would be running around, preparing something to for Him to eat, shoving items into spare closets and bedrooms, and doing anything but taking the time to just sit and listen. My frenzied hospitality would be my version of honoring Jesus. Meanwhile, Mark would be sitting beside Jesus, truly just sitting there, instead of helping me in the kitchen.

Who is the better follower? Would it surprise you if I said both? The different personalities of Martha and Mary can be found in all of us and that is a

Lucy Medvec, Diocesan Director of Development

good thing when it comes to our involvement within the life of our Church. The important thing is to know as stewards of our faith is just when we need to be busy and when is the time for us to sit still.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42

Each parish in our diocese needs to have both Martha’s and Mary’s in order to thrive. (And for the sake of this article, Martha and Mary applies to our male readers as well). It is important to have the workers (or the worriers) who help with events, assist with faith formation, participate in the Mass, and other things that make a parish come alive. But just as important is to have the parishioners who sit in the pews, go to adoration, show up to missions and bible studies, and take the time to listen and absorb the Word of God. While each of us can identify with one of these roles, we can also be both in the life of our parish.

If we are constantly busy, but don’t take the time to listen, we are missing the opportunity to improve our faith life by truly listening to God. We need to remember to stop, take a breath, and just listen.

On the other hand, if we are a passive parishioner by only attending weekly Mass (which is important) and not taking the time to engage with our fellow parishioners, then we miss out by not being a more active member of the Church family. Sometimes, attending Mass is all that we have time to do, but if we look around for opportunities to become more involved – more engaged – in our parish, then we all benefit.

So take a moment to ask yourself, “Am I more like Martha or Mary?” There is no wrong answer – only the inspiration to live our lives more fully as we seek to grow closer to God.

AT STELLAR VBS, KIDS DISCOVER HOW THEY CAN SHINE JESUS’ LOVE AND HOPE

IN EVERYDAY LIFE! Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make and devour yummy treats, experience one-of-a-kind Bible Adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them of Jesus’ light, and test out Science-Fun Gizmos they’ll take home and play with all summer long. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Each day concludes with a Cosmic Closing that gets everyone involved in living what they’ve learned. Family members and friends are encouraged to join in daily for this special time at 12 PM.

Stellar is for kids from PreK-3 to 6th grade, (7th –12th graders as volunteers) and will run from 9 AM to 12 PM each day. For more information, call 318-2215296 ext. 118. https://sjbcathedral.org/vbs2023/

From Greco Institute to Franciscan at Home

Delia Barr, Director of Faith Formation

ON MY FIRST DAY AT THE CATHOLIC CENTER AS I WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS OF THE OFFICE SUITE, I SAW THE SIGN THAT READ GRECO INSTITUTE. I learned that the Greco Institute was established by Bishop Friend to offer quality adult religious education. He saw that without a Catholic college or retreat house nearby our diocese needed adult formation in our Catholic faith.

The core curriculum was 12 courses, which were offered in any given semester in 25-30 locations! Each course was equal to one credit hour of college work. Tuition was covered by the diocese and students paid for books and materials. I read that since the faithful are scattered across Northern Louisiana it was vital that the program was carried to them in their locations. They could not be expected to travel 100 miles for this formation.

The classes offered a basic introduction to theology and often produced a hunger for more formation. This gave many people in leadership, across the diocese, a solid catechetical foundation. It was a win/win for diocesan formation.

Fast forward to 2020 and through COVID-19 to a new world of online learning, Zoom calls, FaceTime, and all the new ways of sharing and learning globally about our faith. While the Greco Institute was groundbreaking and an incredible experience for its students, we now have new opportunities for adult catechetical formation. Programs designed to meet people where they are on their faith journey using new technology and online platforms.

Last year the diocese introduced the Franciscan at Home online platform for catechetical formation for our catechists, parishioners, and families. The diocese pays the fee for the service for everyone!

The catechetical formation for the leaders in our parishes is very important to Bishop Malone and this platform truly serves the needs of so many of the faithful in our diocese. The workshops offered are for the teachers in our Catholic schools, those teaching in Parish School of Religion, leaders in RCIA/OCIA, for families, and those who thirst for knowledge about our faith. There is even a Eucharistic Renewal track that was developed at the

onset of the National Eucharistic Revival.

The workshops are divided into several sections that begin with a short presentation from a professor from Franciscan University or someone who works in ministry in the area of the workshop. They offer a brief 5-10 minutes of teaching and then you are called to do a “Task” by reflecting on what you heard and how it might resonate in your own faith journey. The workshops may be viewed at home, or you may gather as a group and work through it together with sharing and discussion. Most workshops consist of 6-8 presentations and tasks following.

Franciscan at Home literature states, “All of the Catechetical Institute’s online formation is designed to support and complement the formation being undertaken locally and personally, in parishes, families, schools, and communities. Never forgetting that formation in the faith is always first and foremost God’s attentive presence to us as individuals, our workshops address various aspects of what best fosters local competency. This includes encouraging personal accountability to excellence and creating tasks that demonstrate the effectiveness of soul-to-soul persuasion, dialogue, and genuine openness to others.”

While working in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, I was fortunate to be close to Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio and received formation through their Franciscan at Home Catechetical Institute. I found the level of formation to be outstanding. The professors and catechists who teach the workshops are well formed and often have hands-on experience on the parish level in ministries. I was most moved by how it was not only informative about the faith but more importantly it gave me the chance to discern the spiritual formation side of the learning. As a catechist myself, I understand how easy it is to get lost in the doctrine or presentation of the subject matter and to miss out on personal spiritual formation. Without that personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is impossible to truly invite others into relationship with Christ. This program from Franciscan University will be sure to form the participants into catechists and disciples of Jesus Christ.

Franciscan At Home Sign Up

Go to the following link: https://franciscanathome.com/diocese-shreveport

On the right of this web page is a large blue button

By clicking on this button, you are taken to “Welcome to Franciscan at Home”

Click on “create a new account”

“User Account” page will appear to set up a personal account Type in your name and e -mail, create a unique password, set your time zone, upload a profile picture, enter your phone number and mailing address

Under Diocese, scroll down and choose Diocese of Shreveport

Complete your Demographic Information, Parish Name and Location

Enter your ministry area as it applies to you. (Ministry experience is not required to take a course.) Click on C Create an Account box at the bottom

“Sign Up for Free Through Your Institution” page will appear

Choose C Country United States , Diocese Diocese of Shreveport , and Institution Your Church Name and click S Sign Up box at the bottom

You will be directed to your personal page … where you can start your first workshop by searching by track or title.

THE WONDERfuL MONTH Of MAy

Kim Long, Director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines

WHEN I THINK OF THE MONTH OF MAY I OFTEN HEAR VANESSA REDGRAVE’S VOICE AS SHE WARBLES AWAY WITH A SONG FROM LERNER AND LOWE’S CAMELOT SCORE, THE LUSTY MONTH OF MAY. Though we did not understand the words and sentiment of the song we understood that mom, who had worked all week was home and we engaged in adventures which ran the gamut from house cleaning, to yard work, or if the weather was cold and yucky we worked jigsaw puzzles all while something good smelling was simmering on the stove and above us floated the timeless story of the search (and the understanding) of the elusive grail. Sounds idyllic but it was true.

Memory is a funny thing. If my mother were here to ask she might not see that Ash Street memory the way I do; she might have just played a stack of records to get through the Saturday chores, she might have seen it as an extension of her work week, whereas her presence was so primary to me that her being home and without the constraints of work and school schedules, is remembered through a beautiful, blurry, magical lens.

As a Catholic, May has become synonymous with thoughts that this is one of Mary’s months - August and October being the other two. Visions other than Vanessa Redgrave, jigsaws and sunny days on Ash street dance through my head today- rosaries, sacrament celebrations, lengthening days, the temperatures warming so as to release the fragrances our roses and other sweet smelling flowers contain.

As a mother, May brings thoughts of birthdays to consider as well as Mother’s Day celebrations to orchestrate, especially now that two of my daughtersin-law are also mothers. I don’t think of Mother’s Day as a Hallmark-inspired event. I not only think of the births of each of my children, but also the memories we share, and the good men they have grown to be and I am once again grateful I am their mother. None of that happened in a vacuum, however, so I am beyond thankful to Mother Mary for taking my prayers and concerns which were often tearfully and frantically thrown skyward in moments I would rather forget, and easing me with the assurance only she gives.

My sons and I share many memories and they are seldom retold verbatim. One such memory evokes a very similar feeling as the Saturday memories I share here. This is the memory of a day that was on the tail end of their shared childhood; soon high school and its own set of norms would descend on us but for today the three of them were united. The day dawned cool, almost cold, rain made its way into the picture, a ladder from the attic was pulled down and that became their “headquarters” for the day. As they played I enjoyed pulling together the week’s leftovers for soup or a casserole, making a loaf of bread or a dessert deposited in the oven to bake as I finished up my own chores including laying out their church clothes for Sunday. We did listen to Lerner and Lowe’s score on the same vinyl record, the bumps and scratches only adding to the sweetness, although I must share with you gentle reader that they were much more interested in “Wondering What The King Was Doing Tonight” than in the May song!

In those days before heavy teenagehood, we held one another close and there was a sweetness of mother-son relationship I am so grateful I did not miss. The energy of those Saturdays was as palpable on Wilkinson Street for us as it had been on Ash Street for my siblings and our mother.

Time passes, sometimes memories fade but I think the really important ones, ones which are both a lesson and a blessing, stay with us, secreted away until we need their wisdom and love. In retrospect, the grail may not be as elusive as previously thought for those with eyes to see and ears to hear, and hearts large

“For where your heart is there also is your treasure.”

Matthew 6:21

enough to hold all that is dear, all that is truly important.

There will always be conflict, arguments, hurts, and tears, that is just how life goes for most of us; but in this wonderful month of May let us invite one another to pray a rosary or two, sing something our hearts delight in as we wash the dishes or fold the laundry, relish Saturday as more than a catch up and work day, cherish those memories that are dear to your heart and if they bring a tear to your eye bring the blessing of it forward, glory in the confidence that God is making all things new. Pray for all mothers everywhere. Say a little thank you to Mary for hearing our prayers, frantic or otherwise.

My mom loved gingerbread and gingersnaps. Here is a recipe for lemon sauce that mom always made to dress up her gingerbread from the box.

Mom’s Lemon Sauce for Gingerbread

Works well on anything lemony or plain pound cake (this will dress up “store bought” cake too!

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

• 1 cup boiling water

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

• 1 lemon, juiced

In a large pot, stir together sugar, cornstarch, salt and nutmeg. Gradually stir in boiling water, then simmer over low heat until thick, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat; stir in butter, lemon zest and lemon juice and serve.

Dear Daughter

be a mother someday. I did not realize how soon that day would come nor did I realize how my child would be conceived.

AS MAY APPROACHES, MOST WOMEN ARE EITHER THINKING OF WHAT TO DO FOR THEIR MOMS ON MOTHER’S DAY OR WHAT THEY WANT TO DO FOR THEIR OWN MOTHER’S DAY. But for a few of us, the childless women, May comes with a bit of sadness and heartache for the children we long to have or the children we never had. Since May is also the month of Mary, our Blessed Mother, I started to think about what she would say to us, her childless daughters. In my heart and mind, I envision her writing this to us:

My Dearest Daughters,

Oh how my heart aches for you. I know this time of year can be a challenge. I do not know what you are feeling, for God did bless me with a Son, but I do understand the heartache of no longer having a living child. The three most important and impactful days of my life involved my beloved Jesus. The day I was visited by St. Gabriel, the day He was born, and the day I laid Him to rest. When I look back on my life, I always knew I wanted to

Much like you, I too met and fell in love with a wonderful godly man, my sweet Joseph. At the time of St. Gabriel’s visit, Joseph and I were betrothed to be married. We were young, in love and ready to begin the rest of our lives together. We knew we definitely wanted to fulfill God’s wishes, to be fruitful and multiply. Although I did not yet know how many children I wanted, I did know within the depths of my soul that I was called to be a mom, even if just for one. God knew before the day of my own conception that I would be the mother of His Beloved Son. He knew Joseph would be my husband and the earthly father of Jesus. He knew I would have just one child. He knew I would fall madly in love with my Son and devote my entire life, both my earthly life and my heavenly life, to my one and only Son. He knew it all: the good, the pain, the suffering, and the ultimate joy. He never allowed me to be alone in any of it. He gave me Joseph until his death, Jesus until His death, and then the disciple John until my Assumption into heaven.

My sweet daughter, He knows all the same about you. He knew you before you were ever conceived. He knit you in your mother’s womb. He knew who you would spend your life with and for how long. He knew how many children you would have or not have at all. He also knew that you would not be alone in any of it: the good, the pain, the suffering and the joy. If you are in the midst of trying to conceive and it is taking too long, I encourage you to keep your faith and hold tightly to hope despite the pain of it all, despite the frustration of it all, despite the uncertainty of it all. He is walking in this barren desert of infertility with you. He not only hears your cries, He cries with you. He is not doing this to you, rather He is allowing it to happen

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

while simultaneously longing for you to stay near Him. I understand you may not understand this. Trust me, daughter, there were many times in my own earthly journey with God that I did not understand. Why did He allow me to experience the fear and panic of not knowing where my Son was for three days? Why did He allow my precious Son to suffer so very much during those last few days of His life? As I said, I understand it all. Remember, I was fully human. I felt it all!

With all of this being said, I know there are many of you who have spent many years longing for a child only to be left feeling disappointed and forgotten by our Father when you did not have one. While I cannot directly relate to you because I am a mother, I can give you my words of love and encouragement. My childless daughter, I may not know your pain and grief but I do know pain and grief. I may not know what you are feeling but I do understand your feelings. I understand you are forever grieving the child/children you never had. I understand you feel a missing piece of your heart that only a child can fill. I understand that you have questioned and perhaps still do question God about why He did not give you a child. I understand the tears you have shed over the life you never conceived, the role of motherhood you’ve never experienced, the name of “Mom” you never heard called out to you. I understand.

Sweet daughters, as yet another Mother’s Day approaches, instead of looking at your reality of not being a mother yet or at all, I encourage you to instead look to my Son. He is your brother, your Savior, your hope, your refuge, your safe place to land. Allow Him to show you all that you do have in your life. Allow Him to comfort you in a way that no one else can. Although this may not bring you much comfort, know that I give my Son to you. He was never mine to keep long term. He may not be your child, but you are His. I love you, sweet daughter of mine. Remember I am your forever heavenly mother. When you are struggling to find comfort, speak to me. Along with my Son and my Father, I too am listening.

Always, Blessed Mother Mary

Updates From Mary’s House

YOU HELP MARY’S HOUSE GIVE PREGNANT WOMEN HOPE, ENCOURAGEMENT AND A DOCTOR. OVER 800 WOMEN CAME TO MARY’S HOUSE FOR PREGNANCY HELP IN 2022. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR MOMS AND THEIR BABIES RIGHT IN OUR OWN COMMUNITY!

ĐuC ME LAvANG

NuEsTRA sEñORA DE LAvANG

Karla Alvarez, Directora del Ministerio Multicultural

LA

PRIMERA VEZ QUE OÍ HABLAR DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LAVANG FUE EN NOVIEMBRE DE 2022, CUANDO MI MADRE Y YO VISITAMOS LA BASÍLICA DEL SANTUARIO NACIONAL DE LA INMACULADA CONCEPCIÓN. Al entrar en la capilla dedicada a Nuestra Señora, me quedé maravillada. El techo de la capilla estaba cubierto de cristales azules y las paredes tenían mosaicos que representaban a campesinos pidiendo la intercesión de la Virgen y de los mártires de Vietnam.

La primera aparición de Nuestra Señora de Lavang tuvo lugar en 1798, durante el reinado del emperador Tu Đu’c. Los católicos eran considerados herejes por no practicar el budismo y el emperador Tu Đu’c prohibió el catolicismo por miedo a una rebelión. Miles de católicos fueron entonces torturados, castigados e incluso ejecutados por no renunciar a su fe. Tu Đu’c quería eliminar cualquier representación del catolicismo quemando iglesias, pueblos y arrebatando tierras a los cristianos. Se ordenó marcar a todos los católicos en las mejillas con dos palabras “ta dao” que significa “herejes”.

Durante esta época trágica en Vietnam, los habitantes perseguidos buscaron refugio en la selva tropical de la provincia de Quang Tri. Muchos de estos lugareños huían de la persecución y, al mismo tiempo, luchaban contra una enfermedad. Todas las noches, los habitantes escondidos en la selva se reunían bajo un árbol para rezar. Una noche, los habitantes cuentan que se les apareció una mujer con un bebé en brazos. La mujer y el bebé vestían ropas tradicionales vietnamitas y junto a ellos había dos ángeles a cada lado. Se entendió que la mujer y el niño eran María, nuestra madre, y el niño Jesús. Los habitantes de la aldea que rezaban recibieron consuelo y curación para la enfermedad que muchos padecían. Quizás te preguntes cómo se curaron los habitantes de la aldea y la respuesta es sencilla. La Virgen les dijo que recogieran las hojas de los árboles y las hirvieran como medicina. La

noticia de la aparición se extendió y cada vez más gente acudía a rezar al lugar para recibir consuelo. Aunque esto no fue el fin de la persecución, fue el comienzo de una nueva esperanza para el futuro.

Hoy en día, Nuestra Señora de Lavang es venerada y reconocida por nuestros hermanos y hermanas vietnamitas católicos y forma parte esencial de su fe y su cultura. Nuestra madre María, una vez más, demuestra el amor y el cuidado que tiene por nosotros, sus hijos, y nos recuerda que no estamos solos ni siquiera en las horas más oscuras de nuestro sufrimiento. Animémonos unos a otros a buscar siempre su intercesión y su consuelo.

Đu’c Mẹ Lavang, xin cầu nguyện cho chúng con Nuestra Señora de Lavang, ruega por nosotros

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

¿DÓNDE APRENDISTE ESO? Por el Obispo

LA CASA DE MI INFANCIA ME PARECÍA GRANDE CUANDO ERA

PEQUEÑO. Por supuesto, yo era sólo un niño, y todo parecía grande en aquel entonces - al menos en mi memoria. Nuestra casa tenía dos plantas, en realidad tres si incluimos el sótano, pero era igual que todas las casas de nuestros vecinos. Se llamaban “fila de casas”, porque estaban unidas, una a la otra, nueve en una fila, separadas por un muro contra incendios de ocho pulgadas. Las casas eran alargadas y angostas, con una planta baja (el primer piso) donde todo parecía suceder, y la planta de arriba, con tres habitaciones y un baño. Era perfecta desde el punto de vista matemático y estructural; los nueve estábamos divididos: las cuatro chicas en la habitación de delante, los cuatro chicos en la de en medio y mis padres con el bebé en la de atrás. Había un pasillo en el piso de arriba que se extendía desde la habitación delantera hasta la trasera, y fue allí donde tuvimos nuestras primeras lecciones de oración. Al final del día, después de que nos hubieran acostado, mi madre se sentaba en su silla en el piso de abajo y rezaba sus oraciones en silencio. Arriba, la escena era diferente: mi padre se paseaba de un lado a otro del piso de arriba rezando en voz alta, mientras nos daba instrucciones sobre cómo rezar. Sus palabras se convertían en nuestras palabras, y sus oraciones en nuestras oraciones. Rezábamos el Padre Nuestro, el Ave María, el Memorare y una oración especial llamada: “Toma mi Cuerpo, Jesús”. Hasta el día de hoy, casi 70 años

después, sigo rezando las mismas oraciones cada noche. Todavía oigo la voz de mi padre: “ ¡Francis, no te oigo desde aquí!”. Pero además de aprender estas oraciones y hacerlas una parte natural de mi manera de cerrar el día, aprendí que en ellas se menciona una y otra vez a nuestra Santísima Madre. Cuando mi padre terminaba sus oraciones, entraba al cuarto donde, sobre una cajonera, había dos Estatuas: una del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús y la otra de su Santísima Madre. En la oscuridad, podía ver que se paraba ante cada imagen y rezaba en voz baja, y después besaba la cabeza de cada estatua. Conocí, y llegué a apreciar con los años, su amor por Jesús, y también aprendí a invocar el nombre de María, nuestra Santísima Madre, al final del día.

El mes de María siempre me trae recuerdos de mi infancia: el aprendizaje de la oración y, sobre todo, la importancia de María en mi vida, y en nuestras vidas. Y para quienes no tienen este tipo de recuerdos o prácticas, no es tarde para empezar. En el “Memorare” se encuentran las palabras: “que jamás se ha oído decir que ninguno de los que han acudido a vuestra protección, implorando tu auxilio, haya sido desamparado”. Ella ha sido eso para mí toda mi vida, gracias a mi padre. Ahora se los paso a ustedes en este mes dedicado a ella. Empiecen a rezar esta oración con su pareja y, sobre todo, con sus hijos, y sientan la gran presencia llena de gracia de nuestra Madre celestial.

Obispo Malone

To Jesus Through Mary

Delia Barr, Director of Faith Formation

AS WE CONTINUE THIS JOURNEY OF THE EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL AS A DIOCESE, BISHOP MALONE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK TO MOTHER MARY DURING THE MONTH OF MAY ASKING FOR HER INTERCESSIONS FOR OUR DIOCESAN COMMUNITY. He is asking our parish communities to intentionally pray the rosary in community, Catholic schools, or Parish School of Religion, while in front of the Blessed Sacrament, before daily or Sunday Mass, and especially reaching out to our homebound community. There are special intentions for each decade of the rosary as we pray for these special intentions during this month dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

Rosary Guides with the intentions (below) will be distributed to parishes and available online.

T he F irs T M ys T ery :

• For an increase of belief in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

T he s econd M ys T ery :

• For families to cultivate the planting of the spirit for vocations in their children through prayer and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

T he T hird M ys T ery :

• For greater attendance and participation in the sacrifice of the Mass.

T he F ourT h M ys T ery :

• For a greater awareness and understanding of the Blessed Mother’s role in our lives of faith through an increase in devotion to her.

T he F i FT h M ys T ery :

• For our parish communities to become true Disciples of Christ, in word and deed, as we give witness of our faith to others.

The challenge for all of us is to make a sacrifice of at least a daily devotion of the rosary during the month of May!

As a church community, if you pray the rosary before daily or Sunday Mass, count the number of people who prayed the rosary, and record it. If Eucharistic Adoration is offered, leave the cards with the

mysteries and intentions in the pews and encourage other adorers to pray the rosary with the special intentions during their time. Catholic Schools and PSR programs may offer a rosary in your classrooms then tally the numbers. For those who are homebound, our most fruitful prayer warriors, may pray the rosary daily with these special intentions. Collectively or individually, rosaries may be reported via the form on the Eucharistic Revival website (https://www.dioshpt. org/Eucharistic-revival), by phone (318-219-7266), or by email (Eucharistic-Revival@dioshpt.org).

Prayer works! We know it and if we gather with our intentions as a diocese, the graces will be bountiful. Our prayers in community and in private will be lifted, heard, and answered.

How many rosaries will the Diocese of Shreveport pray during May- 100, 1000, 10,000, 15,000 or more?

Will you join in the sacrifice, pray the rosary, and see God’s grace abound?

As we complete the month of May in prayer, we will move into the Corpus Christi Novena for the Eucharistic Revival beginning on Friday, June 2nd and concluding on The Feast of Corpus Christi on Sunday, June 11th. Prayers for this Novena will be distributed to parishes and available online. Look for the many parish communities celebrating Eucharistic Processions on that special feast day on the Eucharistic Revival webpage (https://www.dioshpt.org/Eucharistic-revival) or sign up to receive the bi-weekly Diocesan Newsletter (https://www.dioshpt.org/newsletter).

As a reminder, the Feast of Corpus Christi starts the second year of the National Eucharistic Revival- Year of Parish Revival. The National Eucharistic Congress registration is now open for registrations (https:// www.eucharisticcongress.org). Let us be witnesses of our faith and sharers of the truly Good News both locally and nationally.

Saint Joseph Catholic School

Polly Maciulski, Middle School Religion

SJS Servant Leaders Starting Young

ST JOSEPH SCHOOL’S K3 AND K4 CLASSES PARTICIPATED IN THE ST. JUDE TRIKE-A-THON TO RAISE MONEY FOR A GREAT CAUSE. The students came to school with their bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and helmets. They all had a great time making laps around the gym and showing off their skills. Our students and their generous families reached deep during this Lenten season and donated a total of $5,430.00, all of which will go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

7th graders, and 20 for 8th graders. Students who are in National Junior Honor Society and Student Council are to earn at least five hours above their grade’s requirement. This year, based on the student population of the entire middle school, the minimum number of hours that should be given in service to others earn is 1,440, but our total to date is 2,894! Service projects include serving at the altar, volunteering at soup kitchens, setting up or cleaning up at church or school events, and many more.

Kudos and Memories

We are so pleased to share some great news about some of our students who have represented SJS in our local community, and across the state:

• Eighth grader Reagan Locklear won the Literary Juror’s Choice Award at ArtBreak for her short story, “The Test.”

Middle School Students Also Lead By Serving

FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW, THE ENTIRE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT BODY HAS BEEN REQUIRED TO GIVE OF THEIR TIME IN SERVICE TO OTHERS, IN OUR EFFORTS TO TEACH THEM TO SERVE AS JESUS DID,TO BE HIS HANDS AND FEET TO OTHERS. The requirement begins with 10 hours for 6th graders, 15 hours for

• Four of our seventh graders who competed at the Regional Science Fair advanced to the State Science Fair in Baton Rouge on April 3-4: John Foret, Lang Lawson, McKenzie Meiki, and Eric Morgan. That was exciting, .but there’s more: two of our students at the state level won second place in their respective divisions: Lang Lawson and McKenzie Meiki!

• Our students submitted some amazing artwork of St. Joseph for our St. Joseph art contest. Four winners were selected to have their artwork displayed on the St. Joseph Altar. Special congratulations to these students: 1st Place - Roslyn McInnis; 2nd Place - Sloan Cazes; 3rd Place - Ellie Bicol (pictured); 4th Place - Avery Aldrich

• Our second graders have had a very memorable April, as they received the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation for the first time on Wednesday, April 5, and received their First Holy Eucharist on Saturday, April 16th. To make it even more memorable, several of our First Communicants’ siblings served at the altar.

• The ugly weather on Good Friday did not stop the MiniVinnies from supporting the Social Justice Way of the Cross, led by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Held indoors at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, this year’s Way had as its emcee SJS alum Ellie Franks, and the first Station was led by our own MiniVinny President, Parker Suckle.

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans School

Trey Woodham, Principal of Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School

Gratitude - Expanding Our Hearts in Love and Service

AS WE ENTER THE MONTH OF MAY AND REFLECT ON THIS SCHOOL YEAR, WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL THE MANY BLESSINGS BESTOWED UPON THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT JOHN BERCHMANS CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND THE PARISH COMMUNITY. The readers of SB Magazine voted us the best private school and best principal in the Shreveport / Bossier City area. Our enhanced curricula in math and language arts and the addition of a resource teacher increased the students’ mastery of math skills, reading fluency, and reading comprehension. The results were well beyond our expectations. The students excelled this year, with so many of them competing on the local, regional, and state levels across a variety of disciplines, including essay contests sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars, art competitions, and science and social studies fairs, resulting in our students winning a Silver Cup from the State Science Olympiad and achievements in basketball and soccer. Our own Brooke Bullock was named 8th Grade Diocesan

Student of the Year. With the generosity of our school and parish community, we enhanced our Outdoor Learning Center to bring the beauty of God’s creation into the learning experience. New wrought iron fencing was installed around the southern fields, Promethean Interactive Boards were placed in all classrooms that needed upgrades, and the locks in our beautiful seventy-five-yearold building were replaced. Amid so much happening on campus, it would have been easy to fall into the trap of being “too busy for that,” as so often happens with kids and grown-ups alike, with matters of the soul.

As principal, I am most proud of how we encounter God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the angels and saints in our daily activities. Our approach is reflected in all that we think, say, and do … from morning prayers to the daily Angelus, weekly Mass, opportunities for confession, and liturgical traditions like Living Stations, First Communion, and Confirmation. Our Catholic faith is reflected in the outward signs of our love for God and kindness toward others. As servants of God, we are reminded of sacred scripture’s charge, “Amen, amen I say to you, whatever you did for these least of mine, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:24). Each month, our students serve to the least among us through our Sharing is Caring initiative, in which SJB classes identify and support a local organization through donations and site visits. Our motto, “Kindness is Practiced Here”, echoes in our hallways and on our walls and

shines through in the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

At Grand Coteau, where our patron saint performed his second miracle, a sign hangs in the stairwell that says, “Step lightly, for angels and saints have walked where you now tread.” I like that message; it is a good reminder of the two-hundred-plus pairs of feet I hear going up and down the stairs every day. It is good to note that the saints were people like us who became holy and more like Christ in their daily Catholic lives. Our own Saint John Berchmans once stated, “If I do not become a saint when I am young, I shall never become one.” Our students strive to become scholars and saints as they grow in stature, wisdom, and holiness….even though they are still young.

Our personal and communal relationship with God continues to flourish for students and staff at the Cathedral’s school. Our gratitude for His love and forgiveness expands our hearts and leads us to a desire to share the Good News with others as we live out our Catholic faith through love and service. At SJB, we prioritize God in our relationships as the most important person(s) in our lives. As the principal, it is my privilege and responsibility to keep the words of our mission before me to ensure that our sacred ministry is always guiding us toward God.

Loyola College Prep

Jordan Harris, Loyola College Prep Director of Communications

SINCE 1902, LOYOLA COLLEGE PREP HAS REMAINED ONE OF THE TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE REGION. Guided by three student pillars, Academic Excellence, Faith in Action, and Student Involvement, graduating students are able to distinguish themselves from their peers and call upon their Catholic education as they move forward in their life pursuits.

Students of all faith backgrounds join as a student body for weekly Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans just footsteps away from the campus. Of the 35 student organizations available at Loyola, there are countless opportunities to serve the community and show the love of Jesus Christ.

John LeBlanc ‘84, Loyola’s Principal, has served in nearly every capacity at the school. From math instructor to head baseball and head football coach to Athletic Director to Assistant Principal of Academics

to Director of Advancement, he brings tremendous knowledge and experience as the head of school.

“Serving at Loyola for over 30 years has been the greatest experience,” he said. “As a student, I never realized the impact of walking through our campus hallways knowing nearly everyone. As an administrator at the school, I fully understand that our small class sizes, teachers who treat their career as vocation rather than a job, innovative faith-based course curriculum, dynamic athletic programs, dozens of student involvement opportunities, and caring community truly distinguish us from other high schools.”

Loyola also uniquely provides quality individualized advising and preparation for college and offers 15 Advanced Placement courses, several dual enrollment courses and the Ray Dass standardized test preparation.

Loyola has a dedicated Director of College Placement, Anna Beth Clark ‘07, who begins working with students their Freshman year on what is called “The Road to College.” The Road to College begins with creating a Naviance account Freshman year, career exploration and aptitude assessments Sophomore year, college readiness boot camps and personalized college consultations Junior year, and one-on-one family consultations for college applications, financial assistance, and scholarship applications during Senior year. This process has led our students to average $10.5 million in scholarships before the addition of TOPS over the last 9 years.

“Our goal is to not only see our students succeed once they leave high school, but we also want to help alleviate the stress of planning and preparing for college,” Mrs. Clark said. “We are proud that 99% of our graduates start college the following fall. We work hard to ensure they are successful and achieve their goals.”

Loyola features extensive tuition assistance programs for incoming and current families. Once admitted and enrolled, families will be able to apply for tuition assistance through a third-party application process. Each year, roughly 25% of all families at Loyola receive some form of tuition assistance.

From 9-month, 12-month or personalized payment plans, Loyola’s Finance Office will work with each individual family to ensure their student’s enrollment. Families may schedule a confidential financial assistance conversation with the Loyola Finance Office by calling (318) 226-6293.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to create men and women of conscience, character and compassion, continuing the Jesuit Catholic tradition of discipline, academic excellence, student involvement, and faith in action for “The Greater Glory of God.” (Ad majorem Dei gloriam) A.M.D.G.

To schedule a tour or for more information, call 318-626-6285 or visit www.loyolaprep.org.

FLYER ACADEMICS

• 10:1 faculty to student ratio

• $10.6 million (before TOPS) in scholarships earned by the class of 2020

• 12 AP courses offered

FLYERS’ ROAD TO COLLEGE

9th Grade

• Students learn how to explore Naviance College Engagement Tool

• ACT-Aspire test (periodic in October and February, and summative in April)

10th Grade

• Students have a chance to uncover career paths and examine college majors and programs

• All sophomores take the PSAT test in October and pre-ACT test in March

11th Grade

• Students attend college readiness bootcamps with our College Placement Counselor and have personalized consultations

• All Juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT test in October and ACT in March

12th Grade

• College Placement Counselor works with seniors one-on-one with college applications, financial assistance, and scholarships

FLYER ATHLETICS

• 18 sports and club sports available for students at each athletic level

• 92% of students are involved in at least one sport

FLYER INVOLVEMENT

• Loyola offers 30 different clubs and organizations for students to participate

TUITION ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

• Schedule your confidential financial assistance conversation by calling 318-226-6293

• 25% of LCP students receive need-based financial assistance

Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Amy Fakhre, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Development Office

Living Stations of the Cross

OUR JGS 5TH AND 6TH GRADE STUDENTS

WORKED TIRELESSLY IN THEIR ANNUAL PRESENTATION OF THE LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS. The students performed four student viewings for the entire JGS 1st through 6th grade on Wednesday, April 5. There were four public performances on Thursday, April 6 to a packed house. The Living Stations of the Cross is one of our school’s most precious traditions. Each year students, faculty and parents alike, all look forward to this moving performance.

Thank you to the teachers who worked hard to make this presentation possible: Mrs. Kerri Frantz, Mrs. Megan Medlin, Mrs. Lori DiGiulian, Mrs. Ellen Galligan, Mrs. Allene Worley, Mrs. Madison Guy.

Jesus the Good Shepherd Summer Camp 2023 Is Around The Corner!!

Summer camp information will come home in April.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 30-Friday, July 28

WHO: Registered JGS Students (PreK3-6th grade)

TIME: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

WHERE: JGS School

HOW MUCH: $120 per week

Saint Frederick High School

Adam Ryland, Director of Student Success

Spring Is The Season Of Academic Competitions

ST. FREDERICK STUDENTS HAVE DONE WELL AT REGIONAL AND STATE TOURNAMENTS.

Sixteen Warriors placed at the Tech Rally, with 11 first place finishes. Students earned accolades in virtually every category entered, from science and math to history, English, and Spanish. Those students went on to compete at the state level with three coming out in the top five in their subject areas: Jett Bernard placed 3rd in World Geography; Cris Torres placed 2nd in Government; and Kaylee Rogers took the top prize in Spanish IV, finishing 1st in her division.

St. Frederick was well represented in the regional and state science fair competitions, as well. Twelve of our 8th grade students won at the ULM Region III Science and Engineering Fair, with ten 1st place and two 2nd place awards. Addison Maciaszek earned Best in Show for her project, “Bubbles Be Gone” – a test comparing silicone and oil-based defoamers (silicone-based works better). Addison took her experiment to LSU and was awarded 4th place at the Louisiana State Science and Engineering Fair April 3-5. Go Warriors!

Congratulations to St. Frederick High School 2023-24 Discipleship Team. The SFHS Discipleship Team has taken on a vital role in the spiritual life of the student body at school. Their primary responsibility is to plan, organize, outline, and coordinate retreats offered to each class throughout the school year. The goal of the retreats is to build stronger relationships and enrich students’ faith journey.The team is comprised of 12 senior students each year who serve from August until May. Juniors who are interested in serving apply in February and members are chosen based on an essay application, recommendations from faculty and leaders of their church, and an interview. Once selected, the team hits the ground running in August, planning and organizing a retreat. They decide on a theme for the school year and they design posters, t-shirts, props, skits, video productions, and activity options. The team then facilitates six retreats throughout the first semester of the school year, one for each class. They want each class to experience the retreat as early as possible to have a better bonding experience with their classmates throughout the remainder of the school year.

Congratulations to the St. Frederick High School Lady Warriors, who, for the first time in 23 years, won the District Championship!

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

JULY 10-14, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM Registration opens April 1st for participants and volunteers. Sign up at:

www.vbspro.events/p/jgsvbs

Stations of the Cross was led by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul on Friday, March 31st. Our Lenten Mission with Deacon Art Miller, processing in at Mass, and with Fr. Duane Trombetta and Deacon Charles Thomas. Submitted by Sylvia LaCour-Williams, Secretary Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church

The youth group of Mary, Queen of Peace sponsored an Easter Egg hunt and Po Boy Lunch on Palm Sunday. All proceeds from the Po Boy lunches will help with expenses for the students’ trip to the Steubenville Retreat this summer.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT CORNER

Amie Lee, Admin.Asst and Safe Environment Coordinator

What Is Happening In Our Diocese To Protect The Most Vulnerable?

•We report all allegations of abuse directly to law enforcement and cooperate with civil authorities on all investigations.

•Our diocese has a designated Victim Assistance Coordinator whose primary role is to accompany survivors and provide resources for their healing journey.

•We also have an independent review board, consisting primarily of lay members. The role of the review board is to review allegations and make a recommendation to the bishop regarding the suitability for ministry.

•We train adults on how to maintain a safe environment and how to report concerns.

•We train minors in parish religious education programs and in Catholic schools to identify warning signs of abuse and inappropriate behavior, as well as how to report abuse.

•By following all our diocesan policies and procedures to create safe environments, we can maintain a culture of protection and healing.

To Report Child Sexual Abuse by a Cleric/Church Worker in the Diocese of Shreveport Call: Mary Katherine Arcement at (318) 588-2120 and your Local Law Enforcement Agency.

SEMINARIAN BURSES

Thanks to Our Recent Donors:

(028) Terri Culpepper ($300)

(023) Van or Patricia McGraw ($100)

(023) Van or Patricia McGraw ($100)

(035) Mrs. Rosemary C. Ward ($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)

(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 ($4300)

(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.

MAY 1

Saint Joseph the Worker

MAY 2

Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

MAY 3

Saints Philip and James, Apostles

MAY 10

Saint John of Avila, Priest and Doctor of the Church; Saint Damien de Veuster, Priest

MAY 12

Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs; Saint Pancras, Martyr

MAY 13

Our Lady of Fatima

FEASTS & SOLEMNITIES

MAY 15

Saint Isidore

MAY 18

Saint John I, Pope and Martyr

MAY 20

Saint Bernardine of Siena, Priest

MAY 21

The Ascension of the Lord

MAY 22

Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious

MAY 25

Saint Bede the Venerable, Priest and Doctor of the Church; Saint Gregory VII, Pope; Saint Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, Virgin

upcoming events

MAY 5, 9:00 AM

Red Mass @ Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport

MAY 26

Saint Philip Neri, Priest

MAY 27

Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop

MAY 28

Pentecost Sunday

MAY 29

The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

MAY 31

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Music at 8:30 AM, Mass at 9:00 AM. Principle celebrant, Bishop Francis Malone, Homilist, Bishop Robert Marshall Jr., Master of Ceremonies, Father Duane Trombetta. Red Mass 2023 Celebrated in Honor of Highland Center Ministries.

MAY 6, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

St. Jude Catholic Church Women’s Day Retreat @ 4700 Palmetto Rd, Benton, LA

“Meditations With Mary” Come and learn how to paint a rosary on canvas with Harleigh Leonards. Our day will consist of 1st Saturday Mass, adoration, confession, and activities to deepen your relationship with Mary. Lunch is included. Event cost is $40, register online at stjudebossier.org

JUNE 24, 10:00 AM

Ordination to the Priesthood for Deacon Kelby Reece Tingle and Deacon Gabriel Cisneros

Campos @ St. John Berchmans Cathedral

AUGUST 4

7th Annual Bingo on the Bayou Shreveport

Save the Date, more information to follow!

WHERE IS BISHOP MALONE THIS MONTH?

TUESDAY, MAY 16TH

St. Frederick High School

Baccalaureate Mass; Jesus The Good Shepherd Church, Monroe; 5:00 PM

TUESDAY, MAY 16TH

St. Frederick High School

Graduation; Jesus The Good Shepherd Church, Monroe; 6:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17TH –

THURSDAY, MAY 18TH

Episcopal Support Pause Days; Archdiocese Of New Orleans Retreat Center, New Orleans

FRIDAY, MAY 19TH

Cathedral School 4th Grade Class Presentation; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 10:00 AM

TUESDAY, MAY 2ND

Confirmation; St. John The Baptist Church, Many; 6:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3RD

St. Francis Medical Center Board Of Directors Meeting, Monroe; 11:30 AM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3RD

Confirmation; Jesus The Good Shepherd Church, Monroe; 6:00 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 5TH

Red Mass; Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport; 9:00 AM

SATURDAY, MAY 6TH

Confirmation; St. Joseph Church, Shreveport; 4:00 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 7TH

Confirmation; St. Mary Of The Pines Church, Shreveport; 12:30 PM

TUESDAY, MAY 9TH

Loyola College Prep Board Of Directors Meeting; Loyola College Prep, Shreveport; 5:15 PM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10TH

Confirmation; St. Paul Church, Minden; 6:00 PM

THURSDAY, MAY 11TH

Loyola College Prep Baccalaureate Mass, Cathedral Of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 6:00 PM

FRIDAY, MAY 12TH

Loyola College Prep Graduation Ceremony; Bossier Civic Center, Bossier City; 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 13TH

Confirmation; St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ruston; 5:00 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 14TH

Confirmation; Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport; 12:00 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 20TH

Confirmation; Mary, Queen Of Peace Church, Bossier City; 4:00 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 21ST

Confirmation; Cathedral Of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 11:00 AM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24TH

Confirmation, St. Ann Church, Stonewall; 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 27TH

Confirmation; St. Paschal Church, West Monroe; 5:30 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 28TH

Pentecost Sunday Mass; Cathedral Of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 8:00 AM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 31ST

Confirmation; St. Joseph Church, Zwolle; 6:00 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: Bishop Malone presiding over the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans