October 2021

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

NFP is at the Heart of the Feminist Movement for Equality: Fertility Awareness isn’t just about pregnancy and women’s health; it’s about equality.

Table for One: Advice and encouragement for empty nesters

Catholics

Supporting Mothers: How Mary’s House Supports Local Women through Every Step of Pregnancy

Cultivating an Atmosphere of Life

This Month from Kierstin

The Pro-Life/Pro-Choice debate has been pretty much at a stalemate since Roe v. Wade. Although every woman’s situation is different, we can address one thing both sides generally have in common here. And that is that women deserve adequate support and representation in the most challenging moments of their lives. The question is: what kind of support?

Let’s face it. The world is a difficult place for mothers. We’re Catholic, so let’s take the fight for equity a step further. If we want to fight the symptoms of a bigger problem, we have to start from the beginning by creating a culture and an atmosphere that is understanding and supportive of all mothers. We could consider fighting for affordable maternity care, advocacy for sexual assault victims, affordable mental health counseling, affordable childcare, paid family medical leave, access to safe housing, and a reformed foster care system. If we want to reduce abortions, we have to reduce the demand for them.

So, here at home, what else can we do?

Although we only have four abortion facilities in Louisiana, we have 37 lifeaffirming pregnancy care centers. But these centers need help to give help. When you donate to Pro-Life organizations, you provide resources to these pregnant women who need them most.

Mary’s House provides counseling services, free ultrasounds, baby showers through Embrace Grace, and support for local mothers. You can donate baby clothes and contribute to the second collection beginning October 16th. (See pg. 10 for more information.)

You can also donate to Gabriel’s Closet, a ministry of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana. Gabriel’s Closet offers resources such as “pack ‘n play cribs, baby beds, high chairs, car seats, strollers, walkers, and more, as well as a large selection of gentlyused or brand-new clothing, diapers, ointments, bottles, and pacifiers.” (https:// ccnla.org/gabriels-closet/). They offer parenting and budgeting classes and other educational resources in exchange for supplies, which is a part of their mission to offer a “help-up, not a handout.”

This is the time to focus all of our energy on supporting pregnant women here at home. It’s not enough to repost Pro-Life statuses on Facebook and contribute to the endless digital chatter. What pregnant women need is practical support from society as a whole. So let’s not just fix a law. Let’s fix a culture.

PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone

EDITOR

Kierstin Richter

CONTRIBUTORS

Mike Van Vranken

Kim Long

Mary Arcement Alexander

Patti Underwood

Rosalba Quiroz

Jori LaCour

Polly Maciulski

Mark Loyet

Samantha Povlock

Kate Rhea

L’Anne Sciba

Benjamin Luckett

Greg Laroux

Amy Fakhre

EDITORIAL BOARD

Deacon Mike Whitehead

John Mark Willcox

Kim Long

Kate Rhea

Rosalba Quiroz

Fr. Matthew Long

Dr. Carynn Wiggins

SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES

Contact: Blanca Vice

Email: bvice@dioshpt.org

Write: The Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71104

Call: 318-868-4441

Fax: 318-868-4609 www.thecatholiconnection.org

SUBMISSIONS

Contact: Kierstin Richter

Email: krichter@dioshpt.org

*Submissions are due the first Friday of the month before.*

The Catholic Connection is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’ Protecting God’s Children program. Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call your local law enforcement agency and Mary Katherine Arcement, Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister, at 318-584-2411.

MISSION STATEMENT

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

My cousin’s super cute son, Theo

from the bishop

The New Life of Fall

Do you have a favorite season? A favorite Month of the year? I have always been drawn to October. I guess there are several reasons: first, summer has given way to fall – the mornings have a crisp air about them, replacing the heat of the summer; the leaves in the trees have new and brilliant colors, football season is full of activity, and the Church reminds us that a special focus of ours should be on “life.” I am a little prejudiced about life, especially life fully alive in the womb. My mother had at least ten pregnancies. She lost one child at birth, but when I think of her, I always see her as a pregnant woman. For that reason, and others, I believe the most beautiful women in the world are expectant mothers. Their fullness reminds me of a quote I heard many years ago: “a newborn child is a sign from God that life will go on!” From the moment of their conception,

throughout the pregnancy, and at the moment when they see the sunlight for the first time, new life is always a precious thing to see, and recognizing that an unborn child is first and always a gift from God, their presence among us is a pre-eminent gift – the most important and valued gift from Him.

Unfortunately, we live in a world that does not always share our values when it comes to life. It has always come as a point of irony to me that people, in general, breathe in the new and fresh air with the coming of fall. That they are drawn to the sight of flowers, or puppies, or a sunset aglow in the western sky, but way down on the list, at least for some, is the invaluable gift of human life in the womb.

The month of October has a special emphasis on reminding us that there is nothing more sacred than an innocent life. Last month we remembered the thousands of innocent lives lost on 9/11. The end of America’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan

underscored the many innocent civilian and military personnel who were sacrificed in a terrible war. The daily news is almost always replete with stories of a tragedy in our communities, and especially touching when it involves the innocent and the young. The COVID virus which has killed thousands is all the more disturbing to us when we focus on the loss of our innocent loved ones...

I live in hope that together – and soon – we will champion with added fervor the cause of the innocent, especially the unborn, having taken seriously their irreplaceable lives. May this new fall with the signs of life that fill the trees be a reminder that God is constantly at work bringing about new life among us and charging us to be the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves.

May your fall be colorful, your autumn bright, and your heart full of awe at the gift of life from the Lord! And may this become your favorite season too!

It has always come as a point of irony to me that people, in general, breathe in the new and fresh air with the coming of fall - that they are drawn to the sight of flowers, or puppies, or a sunset aglow in the western sky, but way down on the list, at least for some, is the invaluable gift of human life in the womb.

NFP is at the Heart of the Feminist Movement for Equality

Samantha Povlock, FemCatholic

It’s Natural Family Planning Awareness week - which means you may see a lot of women promoting NFP because “my body isn’t broken,” “children are a gift,” and “cycles are part of being a woman.”

Maybe you agree with those things. Maybe you don’t.

If you’re a feminist, maybe it doesn’t matter; because those arguments are all missing the point. Feminism by definition is “the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” What does NFP have to do with equality?

Well, the main ‘difference’ between men and women is that women carry and bear children, and the way our body is designed and functions is largely oriented around this capacity.

Oh, and sex has different ramifications for women. MAJORLY different ramifications. So it’s not surprising that feminists have so consistently been focused on women’s health and reproductive rights. These issues are rooted in the most significant difference between the

sexes, and therefore, the most common starting point for sexism and oppression of women.

The increasing forms and prevalence of birth control have seemingly enabled women to live and work side-by-side with men in all the same ways, without having to worry about or make accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, and everything that comes with it, like breastfeeding. But there’s a problem.

This apparent state of “equality” for women still hinges on us censoring our difference - our capacity to get pregnant. Oh and sometimes, birth control fails. So then women’s equality actually hinges not on birth control, but on abortion. Anne Bailey, who works as a field organizer for NARAL (National Abortion Rights Action League), affirmed: “we can never have gender equality if we don’t have access to legal and affordable abortion care.”

You know why most women get abortions? Because having a baby would dramatically change their life. A sentiment often due to lack of support from men (whether financial,

Fertility Awareness isn’t just about pregnancy and women’s health; it’s about equality.

day to day support for work/school, or state in life, such as that of a single mom). So even with birth control and abortion, women are left to deal with fertility on their own. That doesn’t sound like equality to me.

NFP isn’t feminist because it allows women to embrace their motherhood. Or have more babies.

Or preserve their femininity.

Or even know their body better (although this is a close second).

These can be good things. But they’re not the fundamental point here.

NFP is feminist because it invites men into the conversation on fertility.

NFP invites men to be equally aware, and responsible, of what can happen when you have sex. And equally intentional about their actions.

It’s not just the day to day awareness of whether or not it’s a “fertile day.” The process of learning NFP requires men to learn how a woman’s body functions, and how different it is from their own.

That knowledge is powerful. Just ask any man who’s learned it.

Not to mention, learning NFP is oriented around educating people on how women work. Honestly, how often can we say that’s the case elsewhere?

NFP sets the tone that sex is different for women, and it serves as a constant reminder to both men and women that it includes a kind of vulnerability for women, that sex doesn’t require from men.

Now, some of you might be wondering - can’t all this be true with birth control, too? Not quite.

Because NFP is not just “Catholic approved” birth control - and that is a really important distinction.

People may try to use NFP methods as just a “natural” contraceptive, but without discernment - that’s not actually NFP.

The purpose and power in NFP is the constant discernment and conversation between spouses. Saint Pope John Paul II puts it like this:

“In deciding whether or not to have a child, [spouses] must not be motivated by selfishness or carelessness, but by a prudent, conscious generosity that weighs the possibilities and circumstances, and especially gives priority to the welfare

of the unborn child. Therefore, when there is a reason not to procreate, this choice is permissible and may even be necessary. However, there remains the duty of carrying it out with criteria and methods that respect the total truth of the marital act in its unitive and procreative dimension, as wisely regulated by nature itself in its biological rhythms. One can comply with them and use them to their advantage, but they cannot be ‘violated’ by artificial interference.”

To summarize - whether you want to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy, you need to discern it, discuss it, and then consciously choose your actions accordingly.

Which is why if you use NFP but aren’t communicating, or your husband resents or blames you for your cycle - something needs to change. Because that’s not mutually taking responsibility, it’s still the woman bearing the burden of fertility by herself.

But don’t be discouraged! Using a natural method is half the battle, because in my experience, out of necessity it prompts a lot of the discernment conversations you need to be having. It really forces you to confront what you or your husband said you’ve discerned, and just how seriously you’ve discerned it.

“NFP sets the tone that sex is different for women, and it serves as a constant reminder to both men and women that it includes a kind of vulnerability for women, that sex doesn’t require from men.”

Those conversations aren’t easy. But, to really follow NFP and receive its fruits, you have to dive in, and face the feelings, fears, and frustrations you’re both having. I promise you’ll grow closer in the process. Be not afraid.

In the tough times especially, I think a lot of women start feeling like a “burden” to their husbands and their marriage. That’s a dangerous liebecause it’s still rooted in this idea that a woman alone is responsible for fertility. But it takes two; and through NFP, we need to invite and allow men to step up to their proper, equal role.

The more men learn about NFP, the more empowered they are, too. Because they can see for themselves how cycles are changing, what today’s forecast is, and what to expect based on what you’ve both discussed. They

can also better support women through their erratic cycles, PMS, or challenges conceiving. But they need the knowledge to do so.

For too long, men’s bodies and the way they work has been upheld as the “gold standard.”

Birth control sustains this idea by providing women “equality” through attempting to conform their bodies to this “standard.” Which leaves women alone as responsible to control their fertility, and deal with the ramifications of it.

True equality requires that we first acknowledge how women’s bodies work. And then that we invite men to be equally aware of how fertility works as a couple. That’s what NFP does.

It’s time we stop underestimating men. It’s time we ask more of men. It’s time for equality.

But ladies, we are in control. It’s time to invite men into this part of ourselves, of our lives, of our relationships.

Be not afraid.

This article was first published on July 27, 2017 by FemCatholic. Learn more at http://femcatholic.com.

mary’s house: catholics reaching pregnant women

L’Anne Sciba, Director of Mary’s House

There isn’t a place for Pro-Life Catholics to volunteer and reach women in unplanned pregnancies.” In 2013, a Catholic Pro-Life woman who prayed on the sidewalk at Hope Medical Group made that comment to me. She was very concerned about abortion in Shreveport and that there were more abortions here than in Baton Rouge or New Orleans.

Thinking and praying about that comment, I took a tiny step and asked for an appointment with Bishop

Duca. He encouraged me to research and get more information. The idea of Mary’s House was born.

In 2015, the vision for Mary’s House Pregnancy Care Center was cast to the attendees at the Bishop’s ProLife Banquet. I described the emotional rollercoaster a young woman feels when she finds out she’s pregnant and it’s not good news to her or her boyfriend.

Or the teenager who is afraid to tell her parents. She thinks if she can get an abortion, the whole mess will go away, and no one will know.

Then there are the parents of a young woman in college. They are proud of their daughter, everything is going great, but then she drops the bombshell – she’s pregnant. The conflicting emotions of embarrassment, what’s the right thing to do, and how to help their daughter is so stressful.

What about a single mom with two children whose husband just left her and she’s pregnant. Not only is she brokenhearted, but she’s also afraid and angry.

Imagine the stress, fear, anger, and broken dreams that you might feel with the news that you’re pregnant and in one of those situations. The emotions are overwhelming and everything you always believed goes out the window because you’re afraid. You just want to get out of the situation – you think, abortion is the answer, and no one needs to know.

But God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. We know He loves us. The staff and volunteers at Mary’s House help people in these pregnancy situations find much-needed hope and peace. God can make this

baby the best gift ever even though at present this pregnancy seems like a huge mistake.

At Mary’s House, detailed information about the two abortion processes and adoption are shared. The counselor and woman discuss the resources available to her when choosing life and becoming a mom.

Our volunteers know that each woman is a child of God, made in His image. We respect that she has free will and that having facts and a calm place to talk about her fears and thoughts can help her move through fear into hope. That’s when many women can choose life – when they have hope.

Mary’s House is a non-profit organization. While the Diocese of Shreveport donates to Mary’s House, Catholic individuals and businesses also support the vision to help women in these stressful circumstances. With your help and support, we strive to make abortion unthinkable in Shreveport.

For more information, visit www.maryshouseofla.org.

“Most Reverend Francis I. Malone, Bishop of Shreveport, has authorized a second collection during the month of October in alternating years, for the benefit of the good work and outreach ministry which has been done through Mary’s House Pregnancy Care Center. This is an approved second collection and will be collected on alternating years beginning with the weekend of October 16/17, 2021.”

The staff and volunteers at Mary’s House help people in these pregnancy situations find muchneeded hope and peace. God can make this baby the best gift ever even though at present this pregnancy seems like a huge mistake.

Expanding Pro-Life Ministry: Welcome Dorothy Reece, Diocesan Pro-Life Coordinator/Liaison!

Mark Loyet, Director of Pastoral Ministry

Dear friends and pro-life leaders across the diocese, I am excited to announce that Bishop Malone appointed Mrs. Dorothy Reece our Diocesan Pro-Life Coordinator/ Liaison!

For the past two years, I have been blessed to serve in ProLife ministry as part of my responsibilities as Director of Pastoral Ministry and it is a ministry that is very important to me. Given my desire to grow Pro-Life ministry in our diocese, I have envisioned adding someone to our team to help give this ministry even more attention. So I pitched the idea of recruiting a new team member for this role, Bishop Malone gave his blessing, and on September 1, it became a reality. Thank you Bishop Malone for affirming this need and being a staunch witness to the Catholic teaching on the sanctity of human life.

Dorothy is truly culturally competent having lived in Hawaii on Lanai (the “Dole Pineapple” island) and Oahu, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina and Louisiana where much of her family resides.

She graduated from Delhi High School and ULM (formerly NLU) where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing after which she had a diverse and successful career for 40 years as a staff and later administrative nurse.

Dorothy told us, “As long as I can remember, I’ve had a desire to serve or help others - it was ingrained in me as a child as I helped care for my younger siblings; I believe it is a great honor and a blessing. The Nursing Theorist, Jean Watson, who proposed the ‘Theory of Human Caring’ was a big influence in my career. But I was also influenced by one CEO who demonstrated the virtues of being a ‘Quiet Leader’; he happened to have worked with Jean Watson in using her theory to reshape the mission and vision of a hospital system in Louisiana. One component of Watson’s four major concepts: The human being is defined as ‘…..a valued person in and of himself or herself to be cared for, respected, nurtured, understood and assisted’. I feel truly honored and blessed to now serve as the Pro-Life Coordinator/Liaison for the Diocese of Shreveport, and I will endeavor to do my best in God’s service.”

Dorothy is now the main diocesan contact for all things Pro-Life and she will communicate and collaborate with the Office of Pastoral Ministry as well as all of the various pro-life ministries accross the diocese. If you have ideas or would like to communicate with Dorothy, her email address is prolifedioshreveport@dioshpt.org.

I believe having Dorothy in this role is going to help us take our Pro-Life efforts to a new level!

prayer: not what we do, but who we are

Kim Long, Saint Mary of the Pines DRE

For many years of my Catholic life, a friend and I have enjoyed an ongoing conversation of rote prayer vs. spontaneous prayer.

One of us takes a position in favor of spontaneous prayer, praying in the spirit or praying from the heart. As a former Baptist and happy Catholic for the last thirty-plus years, I’m totally at ease with this form of communication with God. On the other side of the conversation, I am there, waiting with my praise of

rote or memorized, formulaic prayers. At times in my life, these have assembled at the perimeter of my prayers as beacons or markers, guiding me when I am less than sure.

At the end of the conversation, we usually retreat to the corner that offers a “both/and” approach.

I’m going back now in my memory to my grandmother’s home, which was a quiet, peaceful, serene, and uncluttered haven. It was in this environment that prayer

was first set deep in my heart. I grew up in a family of praying Baptist women. The men were always at work, so it was modeled by the women. My grandmother was widowed at a fairly early age and never remarried. She was quite happy to go to Sunday school, church, prayer meetings, and work in the community. She had two grown daughters and grandchildren, and I am certain she spent a good portion of her time praying for all of us. She prayed from the heart, speaking to God as if he were in her living room balancing a cup of tea and having a heart-to-heart with her. And as if this were not inspiring enough, our church choir warbled away enjoining the congregation to “take it to the Lord in prayer.” What choice did I have but to pour my heart out to God?

My longest-lived friendship is with a woman who was my across-the-street neighbor. Her family was Catholic. Our mothers worked in the same office. She and I were in the same class in school. But we prayed so differently.

Once when I was visiting, she had a set of beads in her hand. What are those I asked. This? Oh, it’s a rosary, don’t you have one? A lengthy conversation ensued. I remember asking her to teach me the Hail Mary prayer. I felt as though I was learning another language, one which seemed foreign and clandestine. This was my introduction to rote prayer. Later in my life and in my conversion experience, this scene played out many times in my head and found its way to my RCIA prayer journal.

Later still I learned about novenas, chaplets, and finally began to understand that the Mass is a prayer, as well as our lives. On days I can focus, these seem clear as a bell, and other days when I feel more chaotic, they seem clear as mud. I was grateful when I discovered that part of the discipline of Catholicism is that my prayer life was not predicated solely on emotion or even on me and what I felt. Rather it rests on God and his generosity, in particular the gift of my very life and the faith that forms me as surely as bone and tissue do (another both/and). I attempt to recognize and embrace his other gifts as well. My very life and the gift of faith which I spend my life trying to recognize and embrace.

I am someone who very much embraces a “both/and” approach to prayer. Many a day I have found myself walking and talking to God as though he were my literal, physical traveling companion beside me physically every step of the way. I stop just short of turning to ask “what do you think, Lord.” Then there are the days when I find myself praying a memorized prayer from my RCIA days, the Hail Holy Queen, an early favorite is still a “go-to.”

These days, I hear people complain about either not knowing how to pray, not knowing what to say to God, not, not, not until they are tied up in knots. Well, we have a prayer for that too, “Our Lady Undoer of Knots,” which, by the way, is not a prayer for the hurried or the faint of heart.

If my thoughts form words, my words form prayers, my prayers inform my heart, and my heart directs my actions, then our lives can be seen as prayers in action. The adage “you better be careful what you ask for” certainly holds true.

When I pray, I put myself “out there,” opening up my thoughts, words, deeds, and my heart for him to see, and hopefully I accept divine direction sooner than later.

I have begun to close my eyes at various times during Mass. It’s not in an attempt to catch a little sleep, but to close my eyes and mind to any distractions relying on my sense of hearing, with both my ear and my heart, so I can truly listen and begin to apply God’s message to all of my life.

In his book, The Practice of the Presence of the Lord Brother Lawrence says, “We should establish ourselves in a sense of God’s presence, by continually conversing with him.”

Seeing life and all it contains as a potential prayer is a game-changer bringing home in a powerful way “be doers of the word, not hearers only.” James 1:22.

So, be it heartfelt or hard-won, perhaps prayer is not so much what we do as who we are.

mary’s mission

valuing all life

“Although it is sinful, many people are prejudiced against others who are different from them. When prejudices come into focus, many will choose to lessen the life of that person based on how they perceive him or her.”

Mary Arcement Alexander, LPC

Abortion has been a hot-button topic for decades now. In today’s time, it seems to be the main political talking point. People on either side of the Right for Life debate are very passionate about their beliefs, myself included. When I hear a pro-abortionist speak about the “pros” of abortion, it makes my head spin!

I know I have the choice to either get mad/hateful or take a deep breath, say a prayer and approach the conversation from a rational place. I am choosing the latter.

Today, however, I want to have a conversation about what it means to value life. All of it. This conversation is not just about abortion, it’s about capital punishment, homicides, abusive behavior, neglect, and various forms of self-harm. We tend to emphasize the focus on abortion when we speak of the right to life, but valuing life encompasses all of it. One of the main reasons we have so many deaths by homicides, abuse, neglect, and self-harm is because too many people do not value life. They see it as disposable or they have a “who cares” attitude. To some extent, mental illness is a factor for all of the above mentioned, but it is never an excuse. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed

in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Ps.34:17-20. The Lord will indeed deliver us out of all of them; we, however, must humble ourselves and ask Him.

What does it mean to value life? To answer this question, I want to look at it from the lens of both humans and God. First, let’s see it from our human eyes. Although it is sinful, many people are prejudiced against others who are different from them. When prejudices come into focus, many will choose to lessen the life of that person based on how they perceive him or her. This reminds me of a story I heard on the Ascension Press YouTube channel several years ago. A monk talked about his experience doing mission work in India. While there, it came to his attention that an entire group of people dwelled below ground. He was horrified, to say the least. The community in which they lived shunned them and regarded them as “subhuman.” According to some who lived in this region, those who dwelled below the ground literally did not matter. Only certain human lives were deemed valuable. Now let us look through God’s eyes:

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:27

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31

God will always see our value and worth because He loves us more than we can fathom, more than we deserve. I am so grateful He sees beyond my sinful nature and loves me regardless. If only we could do the same for all people. Despite the number of people who do not value life, I believe there are more of us in the world who do. We have more good than evil. Unfortunately, evil is more newsworthy or oddly inviting to us. The news media, social media, and television shows will talk ad nauseam about all that is wrong or bad about humans. Investigation

Discovery is a very popular television channel. The whole premise of the show, in essence, is about people who do not value life. Yet we consume hours and hours of it! I too am guilty of going down the rabbit hole of all things related to true crime, evil, and people doing bad things. I get it. However, I also know if we are not careful, desensitization will happen before we even realize it. Let us all do what we can to prevent this from happening.

Brothers and sisters, if you struggle to value all life I encourage you to first earnestly ask God to guide you with his love in this matter. Secondly, take a moment to evaluate how you value your own life. Lastly, when you are seeing through your lens and passing judgment, close your eyes and picture Jesus before you.

Despite the number of people who do not value life, I believe there are more of us in the world who do. We have more good than evil. Unfortunately, evil is more newsworthy or oddly inviting to us.

No MaN’s LaNd

“Connie” Aycock, one of our newest American citizens!

catholic charities

We at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana take pride in the work our legal practitioners do—aiding immigrants and asylum seekers with interpreting legal documents to fulfill requirements necessary to become working-class citizens of our community. received numerous calls from angry individuals accusing our organization of helping illegal immigrants—when that is far from what we do.

Jori LaCour, Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Development Director

“No Man’s Land” is an indeterminate or undefined place or state. Our pride has allowed us to deem this land as our land—when in fact, it is no man’s land. The America we know today is the mere product of years of hard labor by millions of migrants—some tragically uprooted and others forced to flee from tragedy.

After his installation, Pope Francis’ first trip from the Vatican was to the Italian island of Lampedusa to visit with migrants and refugees. Pope Francis says there are four things we must do for migrants: Welcome, Protect, Promote and Integrate.

For months, Louisiana correctional centers have housed asylum-seekers. During the waiting period, these individuals undergo vaccination before being taken to their new homes. Asylum-seekers are individuals seeking international protection –whose claim has not been finalized in the receiving country—in this case, America. As we welcome our foreign brothers and sisters, our concern should be the safe and legal routes for migrants and refugees, and an orderly process respecting the laws of each country involved – the sending, transit, and receiving country.

The Haitian asylum-seekers from Winn Correctional Center and Jackson Parish Correctional Center unexpectedly

arrived on unfamiliar lands Thursday, July 15th. Threatened at the thought of getting left behind, they had no choice but to board the bus without a single word to relatives. After arriving, some received plane tickets from their loved ones, while others were provided air transportation by a local nonprofit, Miles for Migrants. All of these individuals have since reunited with family and friends but, the effect of the hate spewed at numerous individuals and organizations left a loud reminder that all are not stewards of God’s word. Since the arrival of our brothers and sisters in Shreveport, organizations like Louisiana Advocates for Immigrants in Detention, Freedom for Immigrants, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and several other groups filed a civil rights complaint against ICE. Their complaint calls out, “blatant violations of the ICE Performance-Based National Detention Standards 2011 regarding release protocols in Louisiana and Mississippi, causing serious harm to the well-being and safety of those being released.” Impressively, local advocates have aided over 400 immigrants from 42 countries to reunite with their families.

News reports mentioned Catholic Services as an organization affiliated with this unexpected event. However, many mistook this bit of information as Catholic Charities of North Louisiana. As a result, Catholic Charities has

We at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana take pride in the work our legal practitioners do—aiding immigrants and asylum seekers with interpreting legal documents to fulfill requirements necessary to become working-class citizens of our community. It would have been an honor to assist the asylum-seekers with their transition into our society. Within the last year alone, our team of three women assisted 717 immigrants.

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana recieves partial funding from the Louisiana Bar Foundation and Community Foundation of North Louisiana.

To donate to our immigration program, visit www.cnla.org, click DONATE NOW and add immigration to the memo, or contact development@ccnla.org for more information on becoming a donor or volunteer.

Above: Andrew Bedai, one of our newest American citizens!

faithful food table for one

[An empty nest] was not a beginning I had spent too much time considering so wrapped up I was in being the sole provider and parent. The house, which I joked many times about reaching critical mass, now felt big and loose like an ill-fitting garment.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

In my life, the line “table for one” was usually heard in the movies. The scene always looked the same; a woman who tried to cover her anxiety by a dress that looked great at home but in the eyes of strangers not so much bravely entered a posh restaurant and came face to face with a starched and

ironed maître d who sized up her situation with a single glance. And while he may have felt some sympathy for this woman he was not allowed to deviate from the script. He intoned “table for one madam.” The actress always seemed to follow him with a downtrodden step.

I have been widowed for some time but even that did not “empty my nest,” as I still had children of varying ages living with me. But in the natural order of things they

Kim Long, Saint Mary of the Pines DRE

left, one by one. I was spinning like a top when the last box was taken to the car’s already bugling trunk. With a smile plastered on my face and tears behind eyes that were too bright, I waved goodbye as my youngest reversed his car and drove forward into the next phase of his life. While this was a new beginning for both of us, and I was excited for him, the truth is I had no idea what to do with myself.

Squaring my shoulders I shut the door and defaulted to my ultimate crisis (of any kind) behavior…I made a pot of coffee. I have wondered why that is my “go-to” move and my conclusion is that it is the most normal behavior I can think of. It’s a bit like Schubert’s Ava Maria - equally appropriate served with joy or sorrow. This was a bit of both; I was happy for my son to leave for new opportunities and the next phase of life and terrified that my life was over. This was not a beginning I had spent too much time considering so wrapped up I was in being the sole provider and parent. The house, which I joked many times about reaching critical mass, now felt big and loose like an ill-fitting garment. As usual, I was too dramatic and not nearly pragmatic enough. He did well and I got along.

I realized in the months after my nest was empty and too large that I had let down on some of my standards. This was emphasized again during the pandemic. I mean it isn’t like I was going to entertain anyone so things slipped. Clean laundry seemed to occupy a basket rather than neatly hung in my once color-coded closet (this is actually true!), cups with coffee and tea dregs greeting me in the afternoons, and I even found myself eating standing up since I had just come in from the garden and suddenly realized I was hungry. I began to realize things had gone too far. I wondered if all the years of trying to set a good example daily were a dream. I certainly felt like I was in a fog. Gradually things reached a stage of what my friends called “a new normal.”

Today, table for one, it is a reality for many people. One certainly does not have to be widowed for this to be true; the pandemic and quarantine showed us this could be standard fare.

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.” Psalm 73:23

I cannot tell you the day or time that the fog began to lift but it did. I stopped being aimless and began to be more

mindful. I made it a point to sit down for meals which was not easy at first. Just like any task repeated over time, it begins to be second nature.

Monday was a rare day off work for me and for a change I did not try to cram too much into it. I made coffee, cooked my breakfast, and set the table. I sat down to enjoy rather than gobble my breakfast. I recommend this unreservedly-please don’t wait as long as I did! There was no rush, less acid reflux from eating on the run, and there was a real sense of peace and contentment. After all, I too am a child of God, created by Him for a specific time and a lifetime of purpose, not just a couple of odd jobs. So now, years later, I am ready to begin this part of my life. May it be so with each of you!

table for one

• Put on some music.

• Decide what to cook.

• Set the table.

• Sit down.

• Ask not only the Lord’s blessing, but be aware that we are never truly alone.

• Take slow bites. Enjoy the food.

• Clean the dishes (no one wants to wake up to a sink full of last night’s supper).

• Enjoy the rest of your evening knowing you treated yourself to the same wonderful meal that you have given others countless times.

• I was grateful to realize I really am NOT too busy to “smell the coffee.

Gregory Laroux: My Call to Spiritual Direction

Gregory Laroux, Spiritual Director

First, I must admit, I never dreamed that I would be a Spiritual Director. It all began in March 2018. It was a rainy and cold day and most of my activities were inside. As I scanned the Catholic Connection magazine, I came across an article, “Reflection on Spiritual Direction.” I read the article and this strong desire to explore spiritual direction consumed me. I would later come to realize this was God calling me. Days and weeks went by, and my strong desire had not waned. The next informational meeting was in Monroe on April 12, 2018. My calendar was open, so I penciled in the date and time. My wife, Donna, and I were living in Zwolle, and it had been decades since my last visit to Monroe. On the day of the

meeting, I decided to take the scenic route. As I traveled down the mostly two-lane winding highway, I took in the scenery. God’s beautiful creations were displayed in front of me. I saw clear blue sky, blooming wildflowers along the shoulders of the road, the majestic trees in the Kisatchie National Forest, and the colorful Red River, creeks, and bayous along the way. In the middle of all this creation were His people. I remember stopping at a convenience store in Winnfield. The cashier’s friendly smiling face was welcoming and contagious. As I approached Monroe, it was evening and there was a beautiful sunset. I arrived at Catholic Charities and was greeted by Joe and Katherine Bernal. I recognized their names from the article that contributed to the strong desire to come to the meeting.

My thought was, “God, I did what you asked,” but I felt that the likelihood of being selected was slim.

Soon others arrived who were seeking information, and a Spiritual Director named Dianne Rachal walked in. Dianne would later become my Spiritual Director and instrumental in me becoming one. The meeting lasted late into the evening. As I traveled home, I kept thinking about the conversations and how through spiritual direction, people’s relationship with God blossomed. I wanted the same. The next day, I emailed Dianne and asked if she would consider being my Spiritual Director. Our first meeting was in April 2018. For the next 12 months, my relationship with God flourished and blossomed.

In the early part of March 2019, I heard this call, “Will you help me with my people through spiritual direction?” At first, my thoughts were, I am dreaming. Why would God ask me to be a Spiritual Director? A week passed, and I heard the question again. I said, “I will explore the idea with my Spiritual Director.” Dianne was very supportive. She gave me the information to contact Sr. Dorothy Trosclair. We spoke and she sent me the application for the next Spiritual Direction internship. It was due by April 1. I procrastinated. But I kept hearing, “will you help my people?” The completed application arrived in New Orleans a couple of days before it was due. I received an email confirming receipt. My thought was, “God, I did what you asked,” but I felt that the likelihood of being selected was slim. The number of interns selected was small. I received an email requesting that I meet with the selection committee in May. As I later found, the selection committee was comprised of Sr. Dorothy, Sr. Jeanne, and Mike Van Vranken. I met with them for an hour and I

remember Sr. Dorothy’s final comment, “we will let you know.” Once again, I said, “God, I did what you asked.” Weeks passed and I gave very little thought about the internship. On June 17, I came home for lunch and in the mail, there was a letter from the Archdiocese of New Orleans Spirituality Center. I felt like a college student anxious about an admission letter. I put the letter on my desk, where it sat for two days. I heard the call, “open the letter.” I opened the letter and as I read, I found my answer in line six, “We are happy to welcome you into the 2019-2021 Internship in Spiritual Direction.” At that moment, my body, mind, and soul were consumed with awe: God is calling me to help Him as a Spiritual Director.

Since that day in March 2018, my relationship with God has been transformed. God’s call from that one Catholic Connection article led me to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. This intimate relationship flows into the spiritual direction sessions with His people. In these sacred conversations, with God’s grace, I accompany the individual on their spiritual journey. I listen with an “ear from the heart” to help them discern God’s actions, movements, and will. That “ear from the heart” is that deep, rich, intimacy: God. On the evening of August 17, 2021, my fellow interns and I graduated and became certified Spiritual Directors. I felt God’s presence in all His glory in that deep rich intimacy saying, “Now go forth and help me with my people.”

mike’s meditations respecting all life may require conversion

On March 24, 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated with a gunshot to the heart. To make the purpose of the assassination clear, now St. Oscar Romero had just finished his homily in a Mass he was saying at an El Salvadoran hospital for the terminally ill. His preaching by this point in his life was aimed at the deplorable and even murderous treatment his military government and the right-wing political party showed the poor and the vulnerable of El Salvador. The day

before his murder, his homily included these words: “In the name of God, in the name of this suffering people whose cries rise to Heaven more loudly each day, I implore you, I beg you, I order you in the name of God: Stop the repression!” A day later he was dead.

But St. Romero was not always this brave, this outspoken, this protective of the poor and abused. In his early priesthood and even his time as bishop, Romero defended his government and its mercenaries. His strict obedience and patriotism to his

Mike Van Vranken, Spiritual Director

country silenced his mouth and actions even when his heart was yelling: “NO!” But something changed. His heart of stone became a heart of flesh. Looking at his entire life, we find conversion was happening early in his childhood. But it took time. It took pain and suffering. It took dedication to church teachings, as especially espoused by St. Paul VI and Vatican II’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, all enveloped in a deepened and intimate personal relationship with Jesus. Although unaware, ongoing conversion developed this saint’s heart and soul to such great magnitudes, when coupled with his personal experiences of Christ in the poor, vulnerable, and abused, he shed his loyalty to a civil government and gave everything, even his life, to Christ.

This is a great month to ask God to show us our blind spots where respecting all life is concerned. Are there any lives that seem less important to me? Who are they? Can I identify some common thread that runs through these people and their lives? Do I really live the belief that every person is created by and in the image and likeness of God?

The U. S. Catholic bishops address the “Option for the Poor and Vulnerable” on their website.

Here’s what they say:

A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

The scripture reference mentioned is the familiar when I was hungry, thirsty, naked . . . you fed, clothed, and gave me drink.

This

Whatever you do to these, you do to me. Finally, one group is sent to eternal punishment while the other blissfully enjoys eternal life. The bishops are saying that our Catholic tradition of helping our poor and vulnerable is biblical and straight out of Jesus’ mouth.

Another moral test you might take is to pay attention to what happens in you when you read the phrase: Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable? Repeat it slowly several times. Be aware of each word. Consider that Louisiana has the secondhighest poverty rate in 2019. What should your personal Preferential Option for them look like?

St. Oscar Romero was blind to the plight of the poor, outcast, and abused of El Salvador until, as Archbishop, he listened to them, he walked with them, he moved into solidarity with their plight. Then, his eyes were opened, and his heart was changed. He had a new perspective. His heart shifted and his actions were centered on their pain and suffering. He found himself ministering to Jesus in the suffering, just as Jesus ministered to the suffering in his day. As Catholics, we are encouraged to emulate the saints; to emulate Jesus. Are you ready to listen to the poorest around you as St. Oscar Romero did? Would you agree to walk with them, feel their plight, and then challenge political, business, and even church leaders to make the poor their Preferential Option? Finally, will you dare to pray for the grace of God to ignite conversion in you as he did St. Oscar Romero of El Salvador?

To respect all life is something we all agree on. And if you are like me, it takes some conversion to live it to the fullest.

Are there any lives that seem less important to me? Who are they?

is a great month to ask God to show us our blind spots where respecting all life is concerned.

daughters of the cross series

reconstruction & renewal

Patti Underwood

The year is 1874. Much of Louisiana is still staggering from the one-two punch of the Civil War and Reconstruction, which has left her economy wrecked and many of her citizens disoriented and disheartened. In addition to that, Shreveport suffers from the loss of nearly half the population to death or flight during the recent Yellow Fever Epidemic. The city also has acquired a reputation for “bad air,” widely thought to be the cause of the epidemic, which discourages many citizens and skilled workers from returning. All these factors combine to cut enrollment at St. Vincent’s by more than half, and three boarders are orphans. St. Mary’s is down from a high of 80-90 in 1865 to 11. Presentation Academy, which was moved to Marksville in 1871, and St. Hyacinth’s

in Monroe each have 30-40 students; but St. Joseph’s in Isle Brevelle is struggling with fewer than ten, and St. Francis de Sales in Alexandria was forced to close in 1868 after a valiant effort to rise from the ashes of the War.

Although no one can pay board in advance, the schools are opened in the hope that a good crop will increase attendance. To provide for their needs, the Sisters raise cattle, hogs, chickens, geese, and turkeys. They plant corn, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables in their gardens and gather fruits and nuts from their orchards and from the surrounding woods. The leather from their cows is used to mend shoes, and they make their own laundry soap and other necessities. In 1876, the sale of 35-40 barrels a day of spring water to federal troops stationed between Fairfield Hill and Shreveport augments their income. Transportation often depends on the vagaries of the weather. In September, the Sisters assigned to Monroe and Isle Brevelle travel by stagecoach to open the schools, a journey of two days and a night each. Those destined for Marksville, however, must wait until the water rises enough for the river to be navigable. The trip from Shreveport to Marksville by boat and stagecoach takes up to nine days. Two Sisters have remained there during the summer to care for the convent and garden, and they operate the school until the other Sisters arrive.

St. Joseph’s Novitiate at Lambezellec, where Mother Hyacinthe is stationed as Mother Superior for Life, from Across Three Centuries by Sister St. Ignatius, D. C.

On September 29, 1875, Bishop Martin dies, leaving Mother Hyacinthe and the Daughters of the Cross without their spiritual father. His replacement, Bishop Francis Xavier Le Ray, directs the Sisters to speak and pray only in English. This is hard for Mother Hyacinthe, whose English is adequate for reading and writing, but not for conversation. At St. Vincent’s, she has overseen the grounds and garden, allowing the younger Sisters who are more proficient in English to handle the academy.

By 1882, a new era is dawning. The completion of the railroad cuts travel time between St. Vincent’s and Presentation to two days. A new priest who will have a great impact on St. Vincent’s is assigned to Holy Trinity: Father Napoleon Joseph Roulleaux. And Bishop Le May sends Mother Hyacinthe back to France as Superior for Life at the French novitiate, which has been moved from Relecq to Lambezellec, near Brest, and boasts a beautiful new convent and academy.

St. Joseph’s Novitiate at Lambezellec proves a prolific source of novices for the Daughters of the Cross, sending 88 Sisters to Louisiana by 1903. In 1890, Mother Hyacinthe’s golden

jubilee is celebrated with Mass by the Bishop of Quimper and is attended by Daughters of the Cross from all over France, along with representatives of other religious orders in the area, many priests, and the superior of the Louisiana mission. On October 26, 1897, at the age of 80, Reverend Mother Marie Hyacinthe le Conniat, D. C., breathes her last, a smile on her lips and her lamp overflowing with oil. (Ref. Mt. 25:1-13)

Daughters of the Cross in Louisiana: 1855-1955, St. Vincent’s Academy and Convent Museum, Catholic Center, Shreveport, LA

Abbaye du Relec - Creative Commons; Wikipedia

El Cuidado de Nuestras Vidas

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora

En el artículo del mes pasado veíamos la importancia de cuidar nuestro planeta –nuestra hermana, madre y casa común, como amorosamente la llama nuestro Papa Francisco. Sabemos que Dios la creo para nuestro beneficio y administración. Este mes continuando en esa linea de cuidar nuestra casa común, recordaremos como nos dice Dios que debemos cuidarnos a nosotros mismos y a todos los seres humanos.

Desde el siglo pasado en su Encíclica de 1995 sobre El Valor y Carácter Inviolable de la Vida – Evangelium Vitae, el Papa San Juan Pablo II nos educa sobre el cuidado de la vida completa, desde su concepción hasta la muerte natural. El Santo Papa habló entonces del daño que podemos hacer y hemos hecho nosotros los humanos contra la vida humana. Nos advirtió y profetizó también sobre los peligros que hacecharían contra la vida en este siglo de tanta tecnología, experimentación y cómo todo esto nos dividiría si no aprendemos a cuidarnos mutuamente, especialmente cuidar de los mas vulnerables.

Que certera fue su advertencia en 1995 cuando nos dice: “... No se puede negar que los medios de comunicación social son con frecuencia cómplices de esta conjura, creando en la opinión pública una cultura que presenta el recurso a la anticoncepción, la esterilización, el aborto y la misma eutanasia como un signo de progreso y conquista de libertad, mientras muestran como enemigas de la libertad y del progreso las posiciones incondicionales a favor de la vida”.

En su Evangelio de la Vida el Santo Padre abogó y seguro sigue abogando desde el cielo con esta oración a la Santísima Virgen Maria, nuestra Madre celestial:

Oh María, aurora del mundo nuevo, Madre de los vivientes, a Ti confiamos la causa de la vida: mira, Madre, el número inmenso de niños a quienes se impide nacer, de pobres a quienes se hace difícil vivir, de hombres y mujeres víctimas de violencia inhumana, de ancianos y enfermos muertos a causa de la indiferencia o de una presunta piedad.

Haz que quienes creen en tu Hijo sepan anunciar con firmeza y amor a los hombres de nuestro tiempo el Evangelio de la vida. Alcánzales la gracia de acogerlo como don siempre nuevo, la alegría de celebrarlo con gratitud durante toda su existencia y la valentía de testimoniarlo con solícita constancia, para construir, junto con todos los hombres de buena voluntad, la civilización de la verdad y del amor, para alabanza y gloria de Dios Creador y amante de la vida. Leer encíclica completa en: https://www.vatican.va/ content/john-paul-ii/es/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_ enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae.html

Misas en Espanol

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. Edward Shea, OFM 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 11:30am

Coordinadora: Alma Mendoza 318.678.9306

SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE

318.428.2983 Oficina • Cada dos semanas, Domingo 5:00pm

SAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, MANY

Rev. Francis Kamau, FMH 318-256-5680 Oficina • primer domingo del mes Domingo 5:00pm

SAN PABLO: MINDEN

Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt

318-458-6045 Cell

2do Domingo 4:00pm

Coordinadora: Dora Rodriguez

870-904-9137

CONTACTO DIOCESANO:

Rosalba Quiroz, Directora

318.219.7265 rquiroz@dioshpt.org

Maria Ivelis Sanchez, Secretaria

318.219.7257 isanchez@dioshpt.org

por el bispo

¿Tienen un mes o una estación del año favorita? A mí siempre me ha encantado el mes de octubre. Creo que tengo viarias razones para que me guste este mes: primero, el verano ya ha dado entrada al otoño – las mañanas ya tienen un aire fresco que reemplaza el calor del verano; las hojas de los árboles tienen colores nuevos y brillantes, comienza la temporada de football y el mes en sí está todo lleno actividad. La Iglesia nos encarga también este mes que meditemos con un enfoque especial al cuidado de toda nuestra “vida”.

Yo soy un poco prejuicioso sobre la vida, especialmente a la vida completa en el vientre. Mi mamá estuvo embarazada por lo menos diez veces y sé que perdió un bebe al nacer pero cuando pienso sobre ella, siempre la recuerdo embarazada. Por esa razón y otras, para mí las mujeres más hermosas en el mundo son las que están esperando una vida. Ese momento me recuerda de una frase que escuché hace años que dice: “un bebé recién nacido es una ¡señal de Dios diciéndonos que la vida continuará!

Desde el momento de la concepción, durante los meses de embarazo y el momento en que los bebes ven la luz del día por primera vez, la nueva vida es siempre preciosa, una cosa hermosa a la que hay que ver y reconocer que un bebe que aún no ha nacido ya es primeramente y por siempre, un regalo de Dios, su presencia entre nosotros es un regalo ya apreciable – el de más valor e importancia que viene de Él.

Desafortunadamente, vivimos en un mundo que no siempre comparte nuestros valores referentes a la vida. Siempre ha sido un tema irónico ver gente, que por lo general aprecian el respirar el aire nuevo y fresco que

viene con el otoño, que se dejan llevar por la vista de las flores, o las pequeñas mascotas, o la puesta del sol brillante en el cielo del oeste, pero en su lista de maravillas, por lo menos para algunas se encuentra el invaluable y maravilloso regalo de la vida en el vientre.

El mes de octubre hace un énfasis especial al recordarnos que no hay nada más sagrado que la vida de un inocente. El mes pasado recordábamos las miles de vidas inocentes que se perdieron en la tragedia de 9/11. Así mismo, el fin de la participación de Estados Unidos en la guerra de Afganistán marcó las vidas de tanta gente inocente y personal militar que fueron sacrificados en esa terrible guerra. Las noticias diarias están casi siempre repletas de historias de tragedias en nuestras comunidades, y especialmente conmovedoras cuando incluyen a tantos inocentes y jóvenes. El virus del COVID que ha matado a millares de personas es aún más preocupante cuando nos enfocamos en la pérdida de las vidas de tantos de nuestros amados inocentes.

Vivo con la esperanza de que juntos – y pronto – podremos combatir con fervor la causa de los inocentes, especialmente los no nacidos, y que tomaremos seriamente su vida irremplazable.

Que este nuevo otoño con sus señales de vida que llena los árboles sean un recordatorio que Dios está trabajando constantemente para darnos nueva vida y encargándonos ser la voz de aquellos que no pueden defenderse por sí mismos.

¡Que su otoño este lleno de colorido y su corazón lleno de admiración por el regalo de vida que viene del Señor! Y que también para ustedes la temporada de otoño se convierta en su temporada del año favorita.

Our Lady of Fatima is so proud of third grader, Aniyah Samual, for scoring the highest possible score on the ELA LEAP test. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for her!

School News

Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans School News

Benjamin Luckett, SJB Director of Communications

Last September at St. John Berchmans Catholic School was such a momentum-filled month for us! At the beginning of the month, we inducted our newest student council members to lead and represent their student body. We also started this year’s annual service project of creating Blessing Bags (bags containing easily opened and preparable food) for the homeless led by our National Junior Honor Society. With service in mind, we also received toys, food, and other perishable donations from our students and families to give to the Department of Children and Family

Services of Louisiana for the victims of Hurricane Ida. On Friday the 10th, we celebrated a virtual Grandparents Day with our students, bringing home crafts for their families and singing songs to their grandparents via video (you can check it out on our Facebook). All around, last month has been full of love and celebration!

For October, it won’t be as spooky as some think. Our 8th graders will be going on a Catholic Retreat to the Pines Camp where they will not only have fun in the sun and bonding with their classmates, but will also grow in their faith along the way. In terms of academics, we will have our first

round of report cards going out in the middle of the month, as well as our honor roll assembly taking place on October 22 where we will announce our newest honor roll students. Finally, to celebrate the spookiest of months, we will be holding our Monster Mash October 30 from 2 pm - 5 pm, where students will enjoy all sorts of games, candy corn throwing, and a very spooky haunted house! As I said, October won’t be too spooky, and we’ll have some fun along the way!

LEGACY WEEK

Jordan Harris, Loyola College Prep Director of Marketing & Communications

Loyola College Prep will host its first Legacy Week Oct. 13-16. Legacy Week is an opportunity for alumni and their families to visit Loyola’s campus during a typical school day.

“Legacy Week is another chance for our students and alumni to connect,” said John LeBlanc, Principal at Loyola College Prep. “The students can meet the people who helped make the school what it is today, and our alumni are able to see the changes, advances in technology, and how our campus might look a little different. More importantly, both alumni and students can see first hand how our mission and the importance of Catholic education has remained the same.”

In addition to the private tours, Legacy Week includes the Former Flyer Faculty reception that will honor the three teachers who retired during the 2020 school year, Mrs. Camille Meehan, Mrs. Cathy Kyle, and Mr. Tony Rinaudo.

The three veteran Loyola educators – with a combined 90 years of experience – each left the classroom behind for retirement at the end of the 2020 school year.

“It’s hard to put into words what these three have meant to our school,” said LeBlanc. “Their dedication for all these years is an example of what makes our school great. I am looking forward to finally having a chance to celebrate their dedication to our school.”

Legacy Week 2021 | Oct. 13-15

Legacy Week is centered around the Hall of Honor banquet and induction ceremony. This year’s Hall of Honor inductees are: Mark Hart ‘90, Jim Wells ‘73, Mike Spence (honorary)

The Hall of Honor Banquet is Oct. 14 at East Ridge Country Club with cocktails starting at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at www. loyolaprep.org/alumni. The Hall of Honor induction ceremony is during halftime of the Flyer Football game on Oct. 15. Kick off is at 7 p.m. at Messmer Stadium.

If you are interested in scheduling a private tour, call 318-226-6296!

THE 68TH ANNUAL LOYOLA COLLEGE PREP STYLE SHOW & LUNCHEON

Join the Loyola College Prep Class of 2022 for this year’s 68th Annual Style Show! The annual style show is sponsored by the Loyola Parents Association and will honor 97 graduating seniors who will model clothing provided by local vendors. The Style Show has a long history at Loyola College Prep dating back to 1952.

Loyola Seniors will take the stage for the main show where groups model clothes from local stores in

addition to the senior walk. A longstanding tradition at the Style Show is the Alumni Walk where seniors and their parents and grandparents who attended Loyola, Jesuit, St. Vincent Academy or Notre Dame High School.

All Flyer Alumni and Future Flyers are invited to join in the fun! With special seating available for each group, the Style Show is a great way to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones!

LOYOLA

COLLEGE PREP OPEN

HOUSE OCT. 25-29

Loyola College Prep invites middle school students for private tours of Loyola’s campus during the second Open House week scheduled for Oct. 25-29.

Tours are done in small groups, and registration is required. To schedule a tour, visit loyolaprep.org/openhouse.

“We are excited to welcome future Flyers and their parents, and walk them through a typical school day at

LCP. Guests will get to engage with current students, alumni, faculty and staff,” said John LeBlanc, Principal at Loyola College Prep. “Loyola offers a different high school experience that is grounded in our Catholic identity with opportunities for students to evolve in academic excellence, faith in action and student involvement.”

In addition to small group tours of the campus during a typical day, students and parents will have the chance

DATE

Wednesday, November 10

LOCATION

Bossier Civic Center

620 Benton Road

Bossier City, LA 71111

TIME

Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Show begins at 11:30 a.m.

TICKETS

$45 in advance

$50 at door

Tickets available at www. myschoolbucks.com

Shaver’s Catering will serve a delicious meal included in the ticket price.

Covid Mandate criteria will be followed to keep all present safe.

to learn about college placement, financial assistance, accommodations, admissions and more.

Loyola College Prep offers a faithbased high school experience grounded in Catholicism, with a focus on growing students in conscience, character and compassion.

Style Show Committee Members and their senior daughters.: Jolene Heard, Aidan Heard , Camille Jones, Annabelle Jones, Jennifer Roberts, Maureen Roberts

Happy 70th Birthday, Mr. Billy!

Amy Fakhre, Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Mr. Billy Burton celebrated his 70th birthday on July 30 and his 25th year of employment as the custodian of JGS School and Church. We are blessed beyond measure to have this dedicated gentleman on our campus. To go along with this month’s Catholic Connection theme of “Respect Life,” we would like to express our profound love and respect for

this faithful servant who works diligently to maintain our facilities. He strives to meet each and every request that is asked of him by faculty and students. Mr. Billy is our campus hero! We wish Mr. Billy many more years of health and happiness and ask the Lord to continue to bless him in every way.

Saint Frederick Catholic High School News

Throughout the week of September 7-10, Saint Joseph Catholic School assisted the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in offering aid to our neighbors in South Louisiana who were suffering the effects of Hurricane Ida. Students were encouraged to bring $2 for each day they wanted to participate in themed freedress days, or bring $5 for the whole week. On Tuesday, our theme was Louisiana; Wednesday is our usual SJS Spirit Shirt day, which is always a hit with students, faculty and staff; and Thursday's theme was heroes - saints, military personnel, first responders, athletes, celebrities, etc. In the first two days we had raised over $2,000 but our collection at school Mass on Friday helped us reach $3,300! We also asked for donations of individuallywrapped snacks to give our friends on the Louisiana coast, and the response was overwhelming.

Prior to the start of this school year the St. Frederick High School Class of 2022 made memories together on a day retreat at King’s Camp in Mer Rouge, LA.

Congratulations to St. Frederick High School’s very own Coach Bell for his Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a tremendous blessing to not only our student athletes but the entire SFHS community.

The Student Council of St. Frederick High School collected generous donations of various essential items from the student body for the communities in south Louisiana who were affected by Hurricane Ida.

Polly Maciulski, Saint Joseph School

Blessing of the Graves

The Church seeks to help the faithful departed, especially those souls in purgatory by earnest prayer to God, and in particular, by remembrance of them on All Souls Day and throughout the month of November. In the communion of Christ’s members with one another, the Church obtains spiritual help for those who have preceded us in faith. This spiritual communion brings the consolation of hope to us who pray for our dearly departed with gratitude, love and devotion. Our belief in Christ’s resurrection from the dead is the reason we commemorate our faithful departed on All Souls Day and bless their graves. We entrust them once again to the purifying, life giving love of the one eternal God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our priests and deacons will offer prayers at our local cemeteries on the weekends closest to All Souls Day, our annual commemoration of the faithful departed, on the following dates:

Western Deanery

saturday, october 23rd

Forest Park Cemetery - West – 11:00 AM

4000 Meriwether Road, Shreveport 318-686-1461

Meet at Mausoleum

Father Duane Trombetta

Father Raney Johnson

Deacon Jeff Chapman

Deacon Mike Whitehead

Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery –11:00 AM

6915 West 70th Street, Shreveport 318-603-3120

Meet at Office

Father Joseph Martina

Deacon Bill Roche

suNday, october 24th

Forest Park Cemetery – 2:00 PM

3700 St. Vincent Avenue, Shreveport 318-861-3544

Meet at Mausoleum across from Office

Father Matthew Long

Father Jerry Daigle

Father Kevin Mues

Deacon John Basco

Rose-Neath Cemetery – 2:00 PM

5185 Swan Lake Spur, Bossier City

318-746-9344

Meet at Statue in Catholic Section on Right

Bishop Francis Malone

Father Karl Daigle

Deacon Steve Lehr

Round Grove Memorial Gardens Cemetery – 2:00 PM

2869 Round Grove Lane, Shreveport

318-425-5852

Father Jean Bosco Uwamungu

Deacon Charles Thomas

saturday, october 30th

Centuries Memorial Park Cemetery–

11:00 AM

8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport

318-686-4334

Meet at Gazebo – North End of Property

Father Rothell Price

Father Mark Watson

Deacon Freeman Ligon

Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery –

11:00 AM

601 Highway 80 East, Haughton

318-949-9415

Meet at Mausoleum

Father Fidel Mondragón

Father James Moran

Deacon Ricardo Rivera

suNday, october 31st

Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery

– 2:00 PM

7970 Mike Clark Road, Keithville

318-925-0612

Meet at Committal Shelter

Father John Paul Crispin, FMH

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

Deacon Jack Lynch

tuesday, NoveMber 2Nd

St. Joseph Cemetery – 11:00 AM (With Mass)

2100 Texas Avenue, Shreveport

318-868-4441

Bishop Francis Malone

Msgr. Earl V. Provenza, VF

Deacon Danny Lemoine

Eastern Deanery

suNday, october 31st

St. Lucy Cemetery – Blessing – 10:00 AM

1100 South Second Street, Hodge

318-259-2326

Father George Thirumangalam, CMI

St. Paschal Cemetery – Blessing – 1:00 PM

1500 Arkansas Road, West Monroe 318-323-1631

Father Pike Thomas

St. Joseph Cemetery – Blessing & Rosary

6:00 PM

760 North Washington Street, Bastrop

318-281-4327

Father Tim Hurd

MoNday, NoveMber 2Nd

St. Matthew Cemetery – 1:00 PM –Blessing

314 North 11th Street, Monroe 318-323-8878

Father Mark Franklin

Deacon Scott Brandle

Deacon Tom Deal

Southern Deanery

saturday, october 30th

Immaculate Conception Cemetery & Rock Chapel, Carmel – 11:00 AM; followed by social

1822 Smithport Lake Road, Mansfield

318-872-1158

Father John Paul Crispin, FMH

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

suNday, october 31st

St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery –Blessing after 11:00 AM Mass

1130 San Antonio Avenue, Many 318-256-5680

Father Francis Kamau, FMH

Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery –2:00 PM - Blessing

7970 Mike Clark Road, Keithville

3188-925-0612

Father John Paul Crispin, FMH

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

Deacon Jack Lynch

St. John the Baptist Cemetery – 4:00 PM – Blessing

21527 Highway 175, Pelican

318-872-1158

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

St. Mary’s Cemetery – 5:00 PM – Mass, Blessing & Social

1009 Highway 346, Pelican 318-872-1158

Father John Paul Crispin, FMH

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

MoNday, NoveMber 1st

St. Ann Cemetery – 8:00 AM –Blessing

5272 Highway 482, Noble 318-645-6155

Father Keith Garvin

St. Joseph Cemetery – 12:00 PM –Blessing

305 Hammond Street, Zwolle

318-645-6155

Father Keith Garvin

St. Catherine Cemetery – 3:00 PM –Blessing

878 Highway 1218, Noble 318-645-6155

Father Keith Garvin

Old St. Joseph Cemetery– 4:00 PM -

Blessing

Bucky Murdock Road, Zwolle 318-645-6155

Father Keith Garvin

Mansfield Cemetery – 10:30 AM –

Blessing

303 Van Buren Street, Mansfield 318-872-1158

Father John Paul Crispin, FMH

Highland Cemetery – 10:30 AM –

Blessing

1500 Old Jefferson Highway, Mansfield

318-872-1158

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

suNday, NoveMber 7th

Riverside Cemetery – Blessing – 1:00 PM

3901 South Grand Street, Monroe

318-329-2415

Deacon Scott Brandle

Mulhearn Memorial Park – 3:00 PM

623 Highway 80 East, Monroe

318-343-1511

Father Paul Thunduparampil, CMI

Deacon Bill Goss

Deacon Scott Brandle

St. Francis Xavier Cemetery – 11:30 AM –

Blessing

611 Friendship Road, Frierson 318-872-1158

Father John Paul Crispin, FMH

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

tuesday, NoveMber 2Nd Allen Cemetery – 9:00 AM –Blessing Parish Road 551, Mansfield (road ends at cemetery)

318-872-1158

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

Bethel Cemetery – 10:00 AMBlessing

325 Bethel Road, Logansport

318-872-1158

Father John Paul Crispin, FMH

St. Ann Cemetery #2 – 5:15 PM –

Blessing

Jeanne Lane, Stonewall

318-872-1158

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

St. Ann Cemetery #1 – 6:00 PM – Mass & Blessing

2264 Highway 171, Stonewall

318-872-1158

Father John Paul Crispin, FMH

Deacon Bill Kleinpeter

St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery –6:00 PM – Outdoor Mass

1130 San Antonio Avenue, Many 318-256-5680

Father Francis Kamau, FMH

around the diocese

Sarpy and McKay Profess to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order

White Mass for Healthcare Workers October 17

The annual White Mass will be held Sunday, October 17 at the 11:00 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans. Bishop Francis I. Malone will preside. At this Mass, we will recognize and bless physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and all healthcare workers. This Mass highlights the importance of prayer and the bringing together of those in the medical field who have served us so well during the pandemic.

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat

November 5-7, 2021

If you or someone you love is hurting from an abortion, please call 318-588-1064 for information, or visit the website at www. rachelsvineyard.org. Absolute confidentiality is maintained by team members and participants prior to, during, and following a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat in Spanish is scheduled in the spring of 2022.

Mary Queen of Peace Carnival

October 24 12:30-3 pm

Free admission, food, trunk-or-treat, and raffle! Come on out for an afternoon of fun with the whole family!

Maxine Sarpy and Catherine McKay made their public Profession to the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order on Saturday, August 21, 2021. The celebrants of the Mass were Father Francis Kamau, FMH, Father Joseph Kallookalam, CMI, Father Mark Watson, Father John Paul Crispin, FMH, and Deacon Mike Whitehead.

Bishop Malone tours Holy Angels Residential Facility. He visited with some of the residents in the Angelworks program where they showed him pottery, jewelry and artwork they were creating. Right: Bishop Malone, Karen Dill, and Father Charles Glorioso.

Seminarian Burses

Thank you Recent Donors:

(020) Mrs. Rosemary C. Ward ($1000)

(018) Charles & Nadalie Thomas ($100)

(019) Mr. & Mrs. Salvador Castañeda ($500)

(032) Mr. Randy G. Tiller ($1000)

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)

(

Annual Diocesan Stewardship Appeal What shall I return to the Lord?

Please list below any special intentions or requests for which you would like prayer assistance:

Enclosed is a pledge payment of: $ for year 2021. Please make checks payable to Diocese of Shreveport

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

(013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10000)

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

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

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

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

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

Incomplete Burses:

(001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1250)

(002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($3050)

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

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

(005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($950)

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

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

(008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($6118)

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

(011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($3404)

(015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($2910)

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

(017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 Burse ($7521.57)

(018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 Burse ($1080)

(019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($7885)

(020) Dr. James V. Ward Memorial Burse ($7515)

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

(022) Rev. Blane O’Neil, OFM Memorial Burse ($600)

(023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($1020)

(024) Rev. Joseph Puthupally Memorial Burse ($1100)

(025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($400)

(028) Friends-n-Faith Burse ($300)

(029) Rev. Kenneth Williams Memorial Burse ($100)

(030) Ottis and Anne Krupa Littlejohn Memorial Burse ($3000)

(032) Madeline and Joe Tiller Memorial Burse ($1000)

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

contribution

by

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.

burse simply

designating its name when the

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.

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.

Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Sir Knights with Bishop Malone after making the ERE (Excellence in Religious Education) donation to the Diocese of Shreveport.