September Catholic Connection

Connection The Catholic

Vol. 29 No. 2 Sept 2019

St. Matthew Gener ations of Service to the Faithful

Contents

12 FEATURES

20 Exploring the History of St. Matthew

by John Mark Willcox

22 Director of Pastoral Ministry

by Randy G. Tiller

11 FROM THE POPE

26 Around the Diocese

from the Vatican Press Office

28 School News

12 Hopelessly Devoted

Icons - Showing Me a Way....

30 September Calendar

by Kim Long

13 Hispanic News

Parroquias con Ministerio Hispano en la Diócesis de Shreveport por Rosalba Quiroz

24 Request Made for an Inquiry into

the Sanctity of Five Priest-Martyrs of 1873 Epidemic

by Cheryl H. White, PhD. 18 Mary’s Mission

How God Called me Home

COLUMNS

4 MIKE’S MEDITATIONS Your Personal Salvation History

by Mike Van Vranken

5 LIBRARY NOTES

by Kate Rhea 6 FAITHFUL FOOD Traveling Mercies

by Kim Long

7 SECOND COLLECTIONS

Second Collections for September

by Father Rothell Price

8 VOCATION VIEWS

by Nicholas Duncan 2 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

20

15

On the Cover

by Mary Arcement Alexander

NEWS 10

ACROSS THE NATION

from the USCCB

14 Labor of Love

by Kate Rhea

15

St. Joseph School Kicks Off the School Year

by Polly Maciulski

16 Fiftieth Anniversary of

Restoration of Reception of Holy Communion in the Hand

by Dianne Rachal

19 Meet the Newest Seminarian A Q&A with Tristan Frisk

St. Matthew has been a prominent feature in downtown Monroe for over 160 years.

Throughout their history they have been able to serve countless people within their community.

FROM THE EDITOR

H

Repeating History

istory has a funny habit of repeating itself. That is what makes it entertaining to study and understand. Each time you walk in to a new place you are becoming a part of its history and it becomes a part of you.

Twelve years ago, our diocese was waiting for news of its second bishop and a brand new editor was at the helm of The Catholic Connection. Weirdly enough, we are in the same boat once again, a new editor waiting along with the diocese for news of a third bishop.

As we await this much anticipated news, a few additions have occurred which will move The Catholic Connection forward. For starters, we have added a new columnist. I would personally like to introduce Mary Arcement Alexander and welcome her to the Connection. Mary will be focusing on life and family in her column, Mary’s Mission. She will be filling a much needed spot and will hopefully be able to reach each of you through her writing.

The next important aspect I want to note is the addition of Mark Loyet who is our new Director of Pastoral Services; you can read the full story on page 22. With Mark at the helm we will be able to increase the information coming out about each section of pastoral services.

To honor this repeat of history, and our new additions, I asked our amazing writers to look to their past, and the church’s past, to help understand their Catholic faith. In turn, I hope this issue of The Catholic Connection will help you understand your faith, and potentially who you are as a person.

If there is anything you would like to see featured in an upcoming edition of The Catholic Connection, please email me at smaiette@dioshpt.org.

Prayer for a New Bishop

for the Diocese of Shreveport

Connection The Catholic

Publisher Fr. Peter B. Mangum Editor Samantha Maiette Contributors

Pope Francis Mary Arcement Alexander Nicholas Duncan Kim Long Polly Maciulski Fr. Rothell Price Rosalba Quiroz

Dianne Rachal Kate Rhea Katherine Stringer-Davis Randy G. Tiller Mike Van Vranken John Mark Willcox Cheryl White, PhD.

Editorial Board Lisa Cooper Kim Long Fr. Matthew Long Dianne Rachal Melina Sanchez Randy G. Tiller Deacon Mike Whitehead John Mark Willcox 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 diocesan faith community.

Subscriptions & Address Changes Contact: Samantha Maiette, Editor Email: smaiette@dioshpt.org Write: Catholic Connection 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 Call: 318-868-4441• Fax: 318-868-4609 Website: www.thecatholicconnection.org

All glory to You, Lord our God, our eternal Shepherd and Guide.

In your faithfulness, grant to the Diocese of Shreveport a shepherd whose watchful care and kindly zeal will be a constant witness of faith and love to the people entrusted to his care. In Your love for us, may he strive to live more and more each day with holiness of life and heroic virtue so that he will lead Your holy people in all truth by being Christ's heart of mercy, voice of hope, and mind of justice.

Prepare him, we humbly pray, to fill our minds and hearts with the truth of the Gospel, the power of the sacraments, and the desire to actively work to build up your holy Church.

Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’s 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 Glennda Lawson.

Hotline is 318-294-1031 and your local law enforcement agency.

SEPTEMBER 2019 3

MIKE’S MEDITATIONS

Yo u r P e r s o n a l S a l v a t i o n H i s t o r y

By Mike Van Vranken

O

ne could say that reading the bible is a study of the salvation history of God and his creation. At the same time, our personal narratives, the stories of our individual experiences of life are our own personal salvation history. Throughout the existence of education, people have found it important to study manVan Vranken kind’s history. And as important as this has been to our evolution as a species, an even greater importance exists in our study of salvation history. How do we take the message of the bible, integrate it with our own personal narrative, and study salvation history as it pertains to the entire universe, as well as to us as individuals in that universe?

One question we might ask ourselves is: “How has God approached me in my salvation history?” When we are willing to take the time to research and study this history, we will begin to see who we are in God. At the top of a sheet of paper, write the words: “People in my life who have reflected God’s face to me.” Now ask God for the grace to be reminded of all the people from ages one through 12 in your life who reflected His face to you. Maybe you think of your parents, grandparents, priests, religious sisters, siblings or teachers. Talk to God about theses people and pay attention to what is stirring inside you as you remember them. Now, who were the people who reflected God’s face from ages 13 to 20?

What about in your 20’s, then your 30’s, your 40’s and each decade of your adult life? Who are the people reflecting God’s face to you? As the feelings and memories stir inside you, continue your conversation with God. Ask him to show you how these people contributed to your salvation history.

Now, on another sheet of paper, write: “What were the religious images that are important to me throughout my life?”

4 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Again, look at them through the ranges of ages one through 12, then 13 through 20, and so on. What movements are going on within you as you remember these? How have the images changed as you matured?

Which images, if any, are still very important to you?

Ask God what all of this is saying to you about your own history with him and his experiences with you.

On another sheet, which events in your life seem to show in the clearest ways how God has approached you? Use the same age segments as you rediscover all the events of God in your life that have been so important. Talk to God about these events. What is he saying to you about them?

Let’s keep going. Do the same practice that we’ve done with people, images and events, with “songs or music” that have shaped your relationship with God. Continue the exercises examining how God was approaching you as you recall “favorite virtues,” “enemies or troublesome persons in your past,” “places,” “books,” “tasks or work” and “gifts” you been given by God and/or shared with others.

A spiritual exercise like we’ve been discussing here could, and probably should, take about a month or more to complete.

This is not a quick and easy, once and done activity. It requires a disciplined study of your personal history. And, this is not an intellectual exercise. This is about entering in to your experiences with God throughout your life and recalling all he has done for you. This is about taking the time to reminisce with God and recall his blessings by paying attention to all that he has used to approach you, to be with you, to love you. This is about listening to God and to what he has been saying to you throughout your life; and what he is saying now.

As you peruse your own salvation history throughout this month, allow your eyes to be opened a little to see who you are to God; or as St. Paul would say, “who we are in Christ.” Do you recognize how he sees you as his beloved daughter or son? Who has he been calling you to be? Who is he calling you to be right now? Do you see yourself as his beloved? Do you recognize you have been his beloved since before the world began?

Yes, studying human history is an important way to grow in our understanding of God’s creation. Along with that study, a discovery of our own, personal salvation history helps us grow in our relationship with God and recognize who we are to him.

Then we can discover the roles he is calling us to play, right now, in helping him build the kingdom of God.

Mike is a spiritual director, author, speaker and teacher. You can contact him at mikevanvranken@comcast.net

LIBRARY NOTES

Classics Help Readers to Understand their Catholic Faith

By Kate Rhea

Slattery Library News & Notes What's New?

W

ith more than 120 volumes, the Classics of Western Spirituality collection presents readers with a comprehensive library of historical texts on Christian spirituality, and a representative collection of works on Jewish, Islamic, Sufi, and Native American spirituality. This library contains multiple genres of spiritual writing, including poetry, songs, essays, theological treatises, meditations, mystical biographies and philosophical explorations.

Collections such as these are essential to exploring the discipline of Christian spirituality. As Sandra Schneiders, professor emerita in the Jesuit School of Theology explains, “the spirituality of Catholic Religious Life, both monastic and ministerial, as it developed in the Christian tradition, was actually rooted historically and mystically in the commitment of the consecrated virgins in the first three centuries,” making collections featuring voices from this time period crucial to understanding the foundational ideas of the Catholic Church. Such volumes include: · ·

The writings of Pseudo-Macarius, a Syrian monk of the 4th century.

Conferences, a study of the Egyptian ideal of the monk by John Cassian, a monk in 4th century Bethlehem and Egypt. · Selections from the writings of one of the most influential shapers of the western theological tradition, Augustine of Hippo of the 4th century. · The Life of Anthony by Athanasius, 3rd century Bishop of Alexandria, spiritual master and theologian, was a major figure of fourth-century

Christendom. · Life of Moses, by Gregory of Nyssa which brings to light his complex identity as a 4th century mystic and one of the Greek Cappadocian Fathers, along with St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory Nazianzen.

Beyond these early works, The Classics of Western Spirituality also features selected translations by well-known authors such as Vincent de Paul, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola and more. This remarkable collection was donated to Slattery Library & Resource center by The Most Reverend William Benedict Friend, first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Shreveport.

Kate Rhea, administrative assistant for the library and cemetery, is available to help patrons research information, search and select reading material, and even host group meetings in the library. With themed displays each month and many newly cataloged materials ready to borrow, our library is revitalized and ready to serve our patrons.

To sign up for the newsletter featuring topical and seasonal collections, information on newly catalogued books, book and movie reviews, information on book clubs, and more, please e-mail Kate at krhea@dioshpt.org.

Visit the Slattery Library Visit the Slattery Library inside the Catholic Center!

The library is open Monday Friday from 9am to 4:30 p.m.

3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 318-868-4441

SEPTEMBER 2019 5

FAITHFUL FOOD

A

Traveling Mercies

By Kim Long

s one of three children of a working-class father and a stay at home mother, money was not something we treated with frivolity. Often times, summer vacations were more “imagined” than real.

As a young girl our local library served as my international port of call offering the world for my taking, via the printed page. Mr. Owen, my high school English teacher, who was so fond of Emily Dickinsin’s work often quoted this famous, and his favorite, passage“there is no frigate like a book to take us lands away.”

Of the few trips we did take we visited family. One trip I sojourned “all the way” to Alabama to stay with a cousin near my own age whose family, unlike my own, lived a very rural lifestyle. When my family came to bring me home we left laden with eggs and Long produce in styrofoam coolers and a “picnic” for the road. The bread was buttered and loaded with thick slabs of roast beef and strawberry milk in mason jars with the lids screwed on tight so they would be ready for us when thirst overtook us. We traveled by night with the windows down in my grandmothers huge Impala. It felt like a time machine. Sleep overtook us and soon we were being gently carried to our own beds. When we woke up the next morning we were home again, Aunt Dean’s home seemed “a world away.”

When my children were young we traveled when possible and I tried to make every trip regardless of destination an occasion. We always began with a prayer, sometimes hurried, sometimes forced and sometimes very natural for safe travel. Like my own childhood destinations, a trip to visit family was often an overnight one. Upon arrival, all the uncle, aunts and cousins would welcome us into another land. I am grateful that my grown children and I have this shared experience with family and a real lesson in traveling.

God has blessed me with some amazing travel opportunities. On my first overnight flight, I did wake up in another land, longing for coffee and the adventure which awaited me. The feeling of being in a time machine remained.

Traveling, whether real or imagined, always changes us; the degree of change often depends on the degree of openness.

When we enter an unknown land, arrive at our destination, or even when we put both feet on the floor each morning it is not uncommon to ask the Lord to be with us. These prayers, known as traveling mercies, are mentioned in both testaments. Who among us has not prayed for safe travels for friends, family or self? Who among us has not “invited” God to come with us and protect us on our way?

6 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

On my most recent trip, I began to question not only the “what to bring back” to the family, but I also began to consider what changes are being made within me by this excursion and its experiences.

Often I leave things behind in order to bring home what seems to matter most in the moment. In Russia it was clothing to make room for icons, in Ireland, toiletries to make a weight limit because I was bringing home knitting yarn and jigsaw puzzles, and in Israel I ditched some doubts in order to bring home a real sense of reconnection. This led me to examine whether or not I invite God on a daily basis. It seemed normal to ask for traveling mercies when going a distance but not so much in daily life. Please do not misunderstand; I know God is always with me but I became aware that my invitation was not always forthcoming in the way it was when the pilot is taking us over the ocean or miles of land. This awareness, which was welcomed, also shocked me. How could I have been so inhospitable?

The psalmist states “you enlarge my steps underneath me and my feet do not slip.” Traveling anywhere can enlarge our worldview whether in appreciation of beauty and art or in the case of my pilgrimage to Israel, a trip to our spiritual home, as well as a walk around the block, a visit with a friend. What am I taking with me, leaving behind, what am I making room to bring home, are my travel questions now regardless of my destination.

Kim Long is the director of Religious Education at St. Mary of the Pines Parish in Shreveport, LA.

SECOND COLLECTIONS

Second Collections for September

by Father Rothell Price

Second Collection for September 2019 The Catholic University of America Collection Dates: September 7th & 8th Announcement Dates: August 25th & September 1st

T

Price

he Catholic University of America Second Collection helps fund college for Catholics across our nation. Our Catholic voice needs to be heard, more than ever, in our nation. Our Catholic values need to be championed. The light of Christ needs to be held aloft for all to see, know and follow Him. Catholic men and women in all levels of the marketplace are an essential part of the Church’s missionary activity. They are front-line evangelizers. I encourage you to join with the Catholic faithful across our country to make Catholic higher education possible.

You may not have anyone at Catholic University, but every student at CUA is your child, grandchild, brother and sister in the Lord Jesus. Participate gladly in the Second Collection for The Catholic University of America.

The Catholic University of America Collection prepares and strengthens the now and future proclaimers and explainers of the Catholic faith. You, by helping them afford a Catholic education, ensure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the social teaching of the Church are carried to all levels of our economic society, from the bluest to the whitest collar.

Support scholarships for students who need financial assistance. Please support the now and next generation of Catholic leaders for our Church and nation.

Since its establishment in 1903, The Catholic University

of America has been greatly blessed by the generosity of parishioners across our nation through this national collection. We know that many families in our country want and desire a higher education for their children. It is a heavy but worthwhile challenge to cover the cost of education. I ask you to willingly contribute to the sacrificial giving of Catholics across our country to spiritually and academically prepare the future generations of students, particularly those who have financial need.

More than 12,000 priests and religious are proudly identified as alumni of CUA. Hundreds of priests and religious attend CUA each year furthering their charge to engage in ongoing priestly and religious formation. The Catholic University of America’s mission centers on the discovery of knowledge and truth through excellence in teaching and research, all in service to the Church – a service that is greatly needed today. University faculty and scholars promote Catholic Social teaching and through their research and discourse, help form the Church’s response to challenging social issues of our time.

Please give generously to The Catholic University of America collection. Your heartfelt participation in the second collection is joined to the generosity of CUA alumni, friends, faculty and staff. Your donation strengthens The Catholic University’s mission. Catholic University is uniquely “our” university. It is Catholic through-and-through. Daily Masses, departmental Masses, special occasion Masses, other devotional services and Christian service to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area are just some of the tangible fruits of your participation in the second collection for The Catholic University of America. Your contribution helps “our” national university move forward, ensuring that current students and future graduates can continue to be God’s light in our world.

Help aspiring men and women. Help Catholic families.

Help spread the Good News and build-up the kingdom of God on earth. Give generously to the second collection for The Catholic University of America.

Sincerely, Very Rev. Rothell Price

Father Rothell Price, Moderator of the Curia, is the Director of Second Collections for the Diocese of Shreveport.

SEPTEMBER 2019 7

VOCATIONS VIEW

Called to Obedience

By Seminarian Nicholas Duncan

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his summer I was assigned to a pastoral internship at Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish in Monroe. I was active in Vacation Bible School, youth ministry, and serving the Holy Mass. The parishioners have often thanked me for assisting in their parish. This gave me a weird feeling because they thanked me as if I chose to come to their parish this summer out of all the parishes in the diocese. But, I didn’t choose to go there. I was assigned to the parish. If you want to thank somebody, thank Father Jerry Daigle, the Vocation Director and my boss. He’s the one that makes the assignments. The academic year comes and goes at seminaries like it does at any other institution of higher education. It has fall/ spring semesters with winter/summer breaks. However, these "breaks" may be time away from the seminary, but they are not free. It is not time off to do whatever your heart desires. The diocese that sponsors you gives you an assignment. These may include Spanish immersion in Mexico, or summer school at the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) in Omaha Nebraska. My assignment just happened to be a parish assignment this summer.

I frequently get asked what am I planning to do once I finish seminary: "Will I remain in the Diocese of Shreveport?" or “Do I plan to come back to their area possibly to their church?" What they don't realize is that I have already made my decision. I have already chosen to be a seminarian for the Diocese of Shreveport, and, God willing, in three years I will be ordained a priest. The future Bishop of Shreveport will decide what my first assignment will be, as well as the second, third, and fourth. I might be consulted on what I would like to do or what I believe my strengths are in ministry, but these decisions will ultimately be made by the bishop and his successors. The promise of obedience that is taken is actually quite freeing. I will not have to worry about where I see myself in five to 10 years or how the demographics of the business/industry are changing. I just have to discern whether God is calling me to become a priest for the Diocese of Shreveport and trust in the Holy Spirit from thereafter.

This decision is not to be made lightly. In seminary you are given a lot of time to determine what your calling is, four to five years is the minimum sometimes it is more than a decade. This is part of the reason I get so angry when I hear about priests abandoning the priesthood, such as the celebrity priest who is a contributor to Fox News, Father Jonathan Morris. He announced that he

8 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

was leaving the priesthood last May after being a priest for 17 years. Many in the media and blogosphere have praised Father Morris for following his heart, but I don’t agree with that at all. It makes me angry.

This response might seem to be lacking in compassion. But, if a young married man with a baby and a four year old child leaves his family because he, “doesn't feel called” to family life and needs time to find himself, I would hope that no one would praise him for following his heart. I would like to think that as a society we would proclaim that he has a responsibility to his wife and kids, and that we should expect young men to keep the promises/vows they've made and to take responsibility for their actions.

People would understandably be angry with a man that has abandoned their wife and kids. I feel Father Morris, a 47 year old priest with 10 years in formation should be held be held to a higher standard. I feel compassion for those who have been affected by his public actions.

I feel upset when I hear of a priest leaving the priesthood, or when I meet people that say they know someone that "used" to be priest. I feel people do not understand the damage that is caused when people break the vows they have made to God. As I prepare to make my promises to God at my ordination, I pray that the Lord will give me the strength to be faithful and keep the promises I have made.

I pray that those who have discerned out of the priesthood will come back into the loving arms of the Church. I also pray to the Father that I will learn how to forgive those that have abandoned the call as He forgives.

If you would like more information on the priesthood, contact Fr. Jerry Daigle: jdaigle@dioshpt.org, or call 318-868-4441.

What’s Taking So Long?

The Steps which Determine a New Bishop from the USCCB

Stage 1: Bishops' Recommendations Every bishop may submit to the archbishop of his province the names of priests he thinks would make good bishops. Prior to the regular province meeting (usually annually), the archbishop distributes to all the bishops of the province the names and curricula vitae of priests which have been submitted to him. Following a discussion among the bishops at the province meeting, a vote is taken on which names to recommend. The number of names on this provincial list may vary. The vote tally, together with the minutes of the meeting, is then forwarded by the archbishop to the apostolic nuncio in Washington.

Stage 2: The Apostolic Nuncio By overseeing the final list of names forwarded to Rome, the apostolic nuncio plays a decisive role in the selection process. He not only gathers facts and information about potential candidates, but also interprets that information for the Congregation. Great weight is given to the nuncio's recommendations, but it is important to remember that his "gatekeeper" role, however, does not mean that his recommendations are always followed.

The diocesan bishop prepares the terna, or list of three candidates, for his requested auxiliary and forwards it to the apostolic nuncio.

The nuncio then conducts his own investigation of the priests on the diocesan bishop's terna, sending the names to Rome with a report and his own recommendations. On average, this part of the process may take two to six months.

Stage 3: Congregation for Bishops Once all the documentation from the nuncio is complete and in order, and the prefect approves, the process moves forward. If the appointment involves a bishop who is being promoted or transferred, the matter may be handled by the prefect and the staff. If, however, the appointment is of a priest to the episcopacy, the full congregation is ordinarily involved.

A cardinal relator is chosen to summarize the documentation and make a report to the full congregation, which generally meets twice a month on Thursdays. After hearing the cardinal relator's report, the congregation discusses the appointment and then votes. The Congregation may follow the recommendation of the nuncio, chose another of the candidates on the terna, or even ask that another terna be prepared.

Stage 4: The Pope Decides At a private audience with the pope, usually on a Saturday, the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops presents the recommendations of the Congregation to the Holy Father. A few days later, the pope informs the Congregation of his decision. The Congregation then notifies the nuncio, who in turn contacts the candidate and asks if he will accept. If the answer is "yes," the Vatican is notified and a date is set for the announcement.

It often takes six to eight months—and sometimes longer—from the time a diocese becomes vacant until a new bishop is appointed.

Seminarian Burses

For more information on donating to seminarian burses or the support of educating men in formation for the priesthood for our diocese, contact Fr. Jerry Daigle at 318-868-4441, or jdaigle@dioshpt.org.

Thanks to Our Recent Donors

(011) Nancy & Elton Farrar ($500) (015) P. E. Carney ($100) (018) Charles & Nadalie Thomas ($50)

Completed Burses

(001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (010) Memory of Rita Scott from the John Scott Family ($10,000) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #1 ($10,000) (012) Jack E. Caplis, Jr., Memorial Burse ($10,000) (013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10,000)

Incomplete Burses

(001) Fr. Mike Bakowski Memorial Burse #2 ($1,100) (002) Joseph & Antoinette Bakowski Memorial Burse ($2,500) (003) Sam R. Maranto Memorial Burse ($1,400) (004) Kathryn Atherton Cook Memorial Burse ($350) (005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans ($450) (006) Msgr. J. Carson LaCaze Memorial Burse #2 ($3,082.12) (007) Dr. Carol Christopher Memorial Burse ($1,300) (008) St. Jude Parish ($5,718) (009) St. John Berchmans Knights of Columbus Council 10728 ($550) (011) Rev. David Richter Memorial Burse #2 ($2,104) (014) Bob & Peggy Semmes Memorial Burse ($6,500) (015) Bishop’s Seminarian Burse ($360) (016) Elaine Malloy Frantz Memorial Burse ($1,000) (017) Msgr. George Martinez Knights of Columbus Council 1337 ($7,521) (018) Knights of St. Peter Claver Council 144 ($850) (019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($1,250)

SEPTEMBER 2019 9

ACROSS THE NATION from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation Has Released a New Agreed Statement on the Vocation and Mission of the People of God

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he North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation has released a new agreed statement entitled, The Vocation and Mission of the People of God: “A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation.” The document was finalized at the most recent meeting of the Consultation which took place in late May of this year at the Saint Methodios Faith and Heritage Center in Contoocook, New Hampshire. The Consultation is co-chaired by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, the Catholic Archbishop of Newark, and by Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Methodios of Boston.

More than five years in the making, this new text is an example of a different approach to ecumenical dialogue: instead of addressing together an issue that has prevented full communion between the churches, here the Catholic and Orthodox theologians examine together challenges that affect both churches, in this case the role of the laity in the two traditions and the problem of clericalism.

The document begins with a summary of earlier statements by the Consultation on these and similar themes. It goes on to develop an ecclesiology that sees the sacrament of Baptism as the foundation of the vocation and ministry of every Christian, clergy and laity alike. Thus all the People of God together constitute a single community. Some members have received a special role of leadership within the community, but all of the members have received specific charisms that are to be exercised for the building up of the whole body. Within this context, the ordained clergy are set apart from the body of believers but are not above or separate from that body. All of this is expressed most clearly in the celebration of the Eucharist where the diversity of gifts and roles is made clear in the gathered community’s single act of praise.

The document goes on to reflect on the mission of the laity in the Church, and the implications of this ecclesiology for the practice of synodality at all levels of the Church’s life. In a final section, the agreed

10 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

statement considers certain challenges to the People of God, namely clericalism, individualism and ecumenical reunion. The Consultation concludes that “our focus in thinking about the Church, and in celebrating its reality, must be on the unity of the People of God that is grounded in our common baptism and on a corresponding understanding of the diversity of roles and charisms within that radically united people.”

Like most dialogue agreed statements, this new text does not speak officially for either Church.

However, it has been drafted by a highly competent group of theologians from both traditions and submitted to all the members of both Churches for their prayerful reflection and discussion.

The North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation is sponsored jointly by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, the Bishops' Committee for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the USCCB, and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Since its establishment in 1965, the Consultation has issued some 30 agreed statements on various topics.

Another body, the Joint Committee of Orthodox and Catholic Bishops, has been meeting annually since 1981 to discuss pastoral issues between the two churches.

To read more on this topic, you can view it at www.usccb.org or the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America at www.goarch.org

August 7, 2019

FROM THE POPE

I

Catechesis of the Holy Father

n the Acts of the Apostles, the preaching of the Gospel is not entrusted solely to words, but also to concrete acts that bear witness to the truth of the proclamation. These are “prodigies and signs” (Acts 2: 43), which take place through the work of the Apostles, confirming their word and demonstrating that they act in Christ’s name. It thus happens that the Apostles Pope Francis intercede and Christ “worked with them”, confirming His word by the signs that accompany it (Mk 16: 20). So many signs, so many miracles that the Apostles worked were precisely a manifestation of Jesus’ divinity.

Today we find ourselves before the first account of healing, before a miracle, which is the first account of healing in the Book of the Acts. It has a clear missionary purpose, which seeks to inspire faith. Peter and John go to pray in the Temple, centre of the experience of faith of Israel, to which the first Christians are still strongly linked. The first Christians prayed in the Temple in Jerusalem. Luke notes the time: the ninth hour, that is three o’clock in the afternoon, when the sacrifice was offered as a holocaust as a sign of the communion of the people with their God; and it is also the hour at which Christ died, offering Himself “once for all” (Heb 9: 12; 10: 10). And at the Temple gate called “Beautiful” – the Beautiful gate – they see a beggar, a man paralytic since birth.

Why was he at the gate, that man? Because the Mosaic Law (see Lev 21: 18) forbade the offering of sacrifice by those with physical impairments, considered to be the consequence of some fault. Let us remember that, faced with a man blind since birth, the people had asked Jesus: “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (Jn 9: 2).

According to that mentality, there was always blame at the origin of a malformation. And subsequently he was even denied access to the Temple. The lame man, paradigm of so many people excluded from and rejected by society, is there to beg, as he does every day. When something unexpected happens: Peter and John arrive and this triggers an exchange of looks. The lame man looks at the two to beg, instead the apostles stare at him, inviting him to look at them in a different way, to receive another gift. The lame man looks at them and Peter says, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”

(Acts 3: 6). The apostles established a relationship, because this is the way in which God likes to manifest Himself, in relation, always in dialogue, always in apparitions, always with the inspiration of the heart: they are God’s relations with us; through a real encounter with people that can take place only in love.

The Temple, besides being the religious centre, was also

a place of economic and financial exchanges: the prophets and even Jesus Himself had protested against this reduction several times (see Lk 19: 45-46). But how often do I think of this when I see a parish where they think money is more important than the sacraments! Please! A poor Church: let us ask the Lord for this. That beggar, meeting the Apostles, does not find money, but finds the Name that saves man: Jesus Christ the Nazarene. Peter invokes the name of Jesus, orders the paralytic to stand up, in the position of the living: standing, and he touches this sick man, that is, he takes him by the hand and he lifts him up, a gesture in which Saint John Chrysostom sees “an image of the resurrection” (Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles, 8). And here there appears the portrait of the Church, who sees those who are in difficulty, who does not close her eyes, who knows how to look humanity in the face to create meaningful relationships, bridges of friendship and solidarity instead of barriers. There appears the face of “a Church without frontiers” (Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, 210), who knows how to take one by the hand and to accompany in order to lift up, not to condemn.

Jesus always reaches out His hand, always tries to raise up, to act in order to heal people, to make them happy, to let them encounter God. It is the “art of accompaniment”, that is characterized by the delicacy with which it approaches the “sacred ground of the other”, giving the journey a pace that is “steady and reassuring, reflecting our closeness and our compassionate gaze which also heals, liberates and encourages growth in Christian life” (ibid., 169.) And this is what the two apostles do with the lame man: they look at him, they say, “Look at us,” they reach out their hand, they make him get up and they heal him. This is what Jesus does with us all. Let us think about this when we are in bad moments, moments of sin, moments of sadness. There is Jesus who says to us, “Look at me: I am here.” Let us take Jesus’ hand and let ourselves get up.

Peter and John teach us not to trust in means, which are also useful, but in true wealth which is the relationship with the Risen One. Indeed we are, as Saint Paul would say, “poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Cor 6:10). Our everything is the Gospel, which manifests the power of the name of Jesus, which performs wonders.

And we – every one of us – what do we possess? What is our wealth, what is our treasure? With what can we make others rich? Let us ask of the Father the gift of a grateful memory in recalling the benefits of His love in our life, to give to all the witness of praise and recognition. Let us not forget: the hand always reaching out to help the other to get up; it is the hand of Jesus that, through our hand, helps others to get up.

SEPTEMBER 2019 11

Hopelessly Devoted

Icons - Showing Me a Way....

By Kim Long joked, half-heartedly, about my upcoming trip to Russia and my growing from it. plan to ditch optional clothing in order to have more room in my The whole luggage to bring back icons. I did exactly that-two tee shirts, a image was sweater, and one pair of leggings later my suitcase barely closed. vibrant with I have not always appreciated icons. When I encountered my life and was first one in the 1980s, I dropped it like a hot Irish potato. They were glowing and too severe, too elegant, too honest, too much. Not understanding slightly the point of iconography I defaulted to the familiar images holy backlit. I would cards sported...the manly Jesus and the almost child-like images unpack this of Mary, and the earnest and careworn saints, weary from all that symbolism later interceding. but for now, In our parish gift shop, the icons were suspended on invisible I felt a smile hooks, lining an entire wall. They were beginning to speak to me. break across my Later, I bought a triptych I was particularly fond of. In the early face and I held days, I was still not completely comfortable with them so I the image there relegated them to the Easter season, hauling them out and using gazing upon it, them to guide me through the fifty days. They have turned out to feeling peace be very good travel companions as we navigated our return to being restored ordinary time. A lovely silver one of the Blessed Mother which to my soul, my could not find a home now rests in the center of my icon wall, my mind and my nod to the elaborate and holy iconostasis in all Orthodox churches. heart.

Twenty years later, I began to listen as the icons tried I cannot know how long or short a time I sat this way. When I whispering again. opened my eyes the icon seemed to beckon me, this time I did not My mother and I had a very difficult relationship as adults; a hesitate. The peace I felt remained with me throughout the day, for dynamic I fervently want to avoid with my own children. After her weeks and several months. The icon’s beauty, however, remains. This death, I realized we had left some things too late and they would is what I wanted to bring home from Russia. I searched high and never be resolved here in this plane of existence. Therapy helped, as low and showed the image via screenshot on my phone to everyone. did confession, both with a priest and my girlfriends complete with No one seemed to have seen or even heard of it before. appetizers and glasses upon glasses of red wine.

One of our last tours was to the oldest active monastery in Then, something happened. I don’t recall the nature of the Russia, Sergei Posad. I asked the tour guide if she had ever seen this trigger, it could have been a song, the feel of the day, even the icon. She immediately turned to our local guide and I saw a smile of particular way the wind brushed my check, once surfaced, it could recognition fall over the woman’s face. Yes, she knew the icon. It was not be ignored. The wounded emotions, the heavy heart, my mouth dear to the hearts of Russian Orthodox in countries outside of quickly filling with the taste of ashy regret all ganged up on me and Russia, very popular she said. I asked if she knew if I might find the day became unbearable. In an effort to regain control, I it and she smiled and said perhaps--ask in the shops. Later, we refocused and dialed down on work. were given “free time” to shop or explore or walk around with our Often I seek inspiration from other church’s bulletins, my effort mouths hanging open, slack-jawed at the immensity of Russia’s to think outside the box, to see what the rest of the “God business” beauty and stumble from one gilded onion dome to the next. I has going on, which is exactly what I was thinking when I pulled ducked into one of the shops. No luck. Then like Hansel and up the online bulletin of St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church in Gretel, I followed a breadcrumb trail to the next shop which was Shreveport. In it was a small blurb informing all that a stuffed with icons of all shapes, sizes, and prices. I had nothing to miracle-working icon was to be traveling through the area and that lose with yet another inquiry “Do you have this icon?” I offered my very day it would be in Shreveport for only a couple of hours. I phone with the screenshot of the longed-for icon. “Da Da. Yes.” bolted with no hesitation and soon I walked through the door of “Spasiba-thank you," I said. And there it was, the same beautiful St. Nicholas. image which haunted my prayers.

The priest recognized me as a visitor, welcomed me, and gave At home, I hung my new icons on my “icon wall.” Prayers of me information on this icon, known as the Kursk Root Icon, the thanksgiving floated around me. Not only for the appreciation of single most beautiful item I had ever seen; sky blue enamelwork and icons and their whispered lessons but also gratitude for the faith of ornate trim framed the blessed Mother and child whose eyes seemed the people who still engage in this timeless practice. The to rest on me alone. iconographer writes the icon, as the creative process is called. Icons Suddenly the weight of this burden was completely are a window into heaven, the doorway to the mystery. The icons unwelcome. I asked, begged, entreated, the Blessed Mother to help have my full attention now; no longer are they too much. Instead, ease it. Concentrating on the sound of my breathing, an image they center me, reminding me of the sacred wonder. Please God, formed in my mind’s eye-a strong, thick, green stem with tiny leaves never let me lose that. AMEN.

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12 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

HISPANIC NEWS

Parroquias con Ministerio Hispano en la Diócesis de Shreveport Por Rosalba Quiroz

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ste segundo artículo de esta Calendario Diocesano serie, nos presenta la parroquia de Septiembre, 2019 de Sta. María de los Pinos. La primer 1 Último día de retiro Misa en español en Búsqueda; regreso de Scottsesta parroquia se ville, TX celebró en 1987, solo un año después de la fundación de 21 Delegados del V Enla diócesis de cuentro a New Orleans.

Shreveport. Su primer Misa fue celebrada por el 28 Reunión en prepaentonces Obispo de ración para Experiencia CrisShreveport, el Reverendo Monseñor William B. Friend y por el Padre Mario to#9. Parroquia Cristo Rey, Vizcaíno, sacerdote religioso Escolapio originario de Cuba, quien “conquistó” las 9-12p.m. diócesis del Sureste para que abrieran Misas en español y Director de la oficina Regional del Sureste para el Ministerio Hispano (SEPI) por más de 30 años.

Esta comunidad, al igual que la comunidad de San Pascual, ha tenido varios cambios: por algunos años celebraba la Misa solo una vez al mes; además tuvo que mudarse a la catedral donde permaneció por diez años; también estuvo un tiempo sin sacerdote – buscaban sacerdote diferente cada fin de semana para celebrar la Misa; ahora con más estabilidad, está de regreso en Santa María ya hace más de 10 años.

Entre los fundadores y voluntarios que han servido en Santa María se encuentran el Padre Murray Clayton, el Padre Rothell Price, la Sra. Carmen Taylor, Yvonne Talbert, Don Manuel y Josie Ángeles, Armando y Susy Canales, Herwin y Lucy Rivero, José Luis García, Carmen Bradford y Socorro Trejo entre muchos mas. Algunos de ellos ya no viven o se han mudado a otros lugares pero todos ellos han sido la base y los pilares para que esta comunidad tenga la fortaleza y los servicios que ahora tiene. A partir del mes de julio se puso al cuidado pastoral del padre Rigoberto Betancurt mientras que continúan bajo el cuidado también del párroco de Sta. María.

Una de las riquezas de esta comunidad es que han establecido y mantienen un grupo de baile folclórico que ha ambientado muchos de sus festejos e inclusive sido invitado y alagado a muchos espectadores con sus bailarines infantiles. Que nuestro Señor los siga bendiciendo con feligreses activos y alegres para que siga creciendo en fe y en amor.

MINISTERIO HISPANO CATOLICO - DIOCESIS Rosalba Quiroz, Directora (318) 219-7265; rquiroz@dioshpt.org Melina Sanchez, Secretaria (318) 219-7257; msanchez@dioshpt.org Cristo Rey: Bossier City

425 McCormick Street P. Rigo Betancurt P. Mark Watson (318) 221-0238 Domingo-1:00pm Lunes y Martes-7pm Sabado-6pm

Santo Tomás Aquino: Ruston

810 Carey Avenue P. Tony Posadas (318) 243-0115 Domingo-1:30pm

Sta Maria de los Pinos: Shreveport

1050 Bert Kouns Ind. Loop P. Fidel Mondragon (318) 455-2300 Domingo-11:30am

Vicario General para la Diocesis de Shreveport Padre Rothell Price, V.G. (318)219-7259; rprice@dioshpt.org Coordinador de la Vicaria del Este Padre Luis Jost, OFM (318) 243-0115; pluisofm@yahoo.com

San Pascual: W. Monroe

711 North 7th Street P. Luis Jost (318) 243-0115 Domingo-4:00pm Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro: Farmerville

600 East Water Street P. Luis Jost (318) 243-0115 Sábado-7:00pm

San Juan Bautista: Many

1130 San Antonio Ave. P. Francis Kamau (318) 256-5680 1er Domingo de Mes-5pm

Sagrado Corazon: Oak Grove

201 Purvis St. P. Joseph Kallookalam (318) 559-2876 Domingo-5:00pm

SEPTEMBER 2019 13

Labor of Love

By Kate Rhea

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ne important facet of restoring and preserving cemeteries involves the physical upkeep of the stones and markers representing the interred. St. Joseph Cemetery is over 125 years old and features thousands of beautiful, but timeworn gravestones in need of periodic restoration.

Regular maintenance provided by the diocese has always included grounds maintenance; road maintenance, straightening of stones, cutting grass, planting and caring for trees and other plants that have grown over time.

But more recently, the diocese has been implementing a more meticulous aspect of maintenance at St. Joseph by having stones professionally cleaned.

Over the years, grave markers have been composed of different materials, each of which has a specific need when it comes to being cleaned. Marble, granite, limestone, and sandstone each require a different cleaning technique and while some family members are able to tend to the stones of their departed loved ones themselves, many markers of those interred at St. Joseph have been left needing a bit of help to stay tidy.

One need only stroll down the paths of St. Joseph to understand the importance of the beauty and reverence that emanates from a well-loved Catholic cemetery. These holy spaces were selected with care and intent by the hard-working Catholic faithful of decades past. Keeping their markers intact, legible, and clean is a duty the diocese takes seriously and with great honor.

With the ongoing restoration of the Yellow Fever priests’ graves, the diocese is still managing to develop a plan for cleaning more of the headstones in the coming months and years. Donations which specifically target this new project will be applied accordingly. The diocese is grateful for all of the support for the ongoing projects in connection with St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. To stay informed of the progress and to be notified about upcoming events and initiatives, please e-mail Kate Rhea at: krhea@dioshpt.org to be added to our email list.

The average cost for cleaning a stone and/or statue is $100.00 while double slab stones are $150.00.

When we have to call in stone experts to re-erect or re-attach a tombstone the cost rises.

If families wish to cover the cost of these cleanings and repairs it will allow us to focus on those that do not still have family in the area. If you would like to help support these efforts please make your tax deductible donation to Diocese of Shreveport, St. Joseph Cemetery and mail to 3500 Fairfield Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71104.

14 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

St. Joseph School Kicks Off the School Year

By Polly Maciulski

Diocesan Retired Priests’ Fund: SJS begins school-wide collection in 2019-20

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his month, St. Joseph Catholic School will begin a collection at the second school Mass of each month to benefit the Diocesan Retired Priests’ Fund in the Diocese of Shreveport. Students, faculty and staff learned about the purpose of the collection in Religion classes and during faculty meetings, especially as it relates to virtues, as part of the school’s Education in Virtue program. Parishioner Ron Looney has trained students to serve as ushers, responsible for passing the baskets among their classmates and teachers.

When asked why we should give to such a fund, SJS 7th grader Teresa Franks replied, “they teach us about God, they let us receive Jesus in the Eucharist, they heal our hearts...I think we should have a collection for retired priests because they help bless us in sacraments and they say Mass for us, and they don’t get paid much.” As Jesus tells us in the Gospel of Matthew, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (MT 6:21). It is our hope that when the official collection is taken up throughout the Diocese of Shreveport the weekend of May 2-3, 2020, it will show that the hearts of our students and faculty at SJS will be with our retired priests this school year.

St. Joseph Catholic School hosts NCEA President during Teacher Inservice Shreveport-area Catholic schools come together to celebrate Mass

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By Polly Maciulski

n Monday, August 5th, one week before the first school bells sounded to ring in the 2019-20 school year, the faculty and staff of the three Catholic schools in Shreveport gathered at St. Joseph Catholic Church to celebrate Mass and to welcome the President of the National Catholic Educators Association (NCEA), Tom Burnford. Reverend Matthew Long, Pastor of St. Joseph Church, was the main celebrant, but was joined by his brother priests: the Very Rev. Peter Mangum, Diocesan Administrator and Rector of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans; the Very Rev. Rothell Price, Moderator of the Curia and Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish; and Rev. Fidel Mondragon, Pastoral Administrator of Christ the King Parish. Also in attendance were Diocesan Schools Superintendent Sr. Carol Shively, OSU, and Associate Superintendent for Child Nutrition and Curriculum, Sr. Ann Middlebrooks, SEC. In his homily, Fr. Long reminded those gathered that those of us ministering in Catholic schools today cannot move forward if we continue to dwell in the past: the “good ol’ days” of Catholic education that many of us remember fondly - classrooms bursting at the seams, led by Jesuits and nuns. Today’s Catholic school days are different, and we must look forward, not backward, and appreciate the advantages and opportunities that lay before us.

Following the Mass, Mr. Burnford addressed the group at a brunch held in the St. Joseph Family Life Center. He encouraged faculty and staff to remember the family atmosphere that makes our Catholic schools so unique.

“What a great first day back at SJS: beginning the day with Mass for all faculty of St. Joseph’s, St. John’s and Loyola was truly special,” said Hallie Franks, ELA Middle School teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School. “Mr. Burnford discussed the great impact of a Catholic School education...

I already believed that a Catholic education is an amazing thing: having Mr. Burnford reiterate all that I already believed was inspiring.” Hallie Franks, ELA Middle School teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.

SEPTEMBER 2019 15

Fiftieth Anniversary of Restoration of Reception of Holy Communion in the Hand

By Dianne Rachal

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n 1969, following the Second Vatican Council, the Holy See under Pope Paul VI began granting countries and regions permission to administer Holy Communion in the hand. Memoriale Domini, Instruction on the Manner of Distributing Holy Communion, of May 29, 1969 from the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship encouraged retaining Communion on the tongue, but outlined a process for individual conferences of bishops to vote and petition the Holy See for confirmation of Communion in the hand. The United States received an indult on June 17, 1977.

History At the Last Supper “Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, . . . [T]hen he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it,” Mark 14:22-23 Reception of Holy Communion in the hand prevailed until the 9th century. Several factors led to a change in Eucharistic piety at this time: • Increasingly, the Eucharist was becoming a rite performed by the clergy, as opposed to an action celebrated by the entire community.

• The rise of vernacular languages contributed to the distancing of lay people from the altar and sanctuary.

• Only clergy knew Latin and were therefore qualified to handle the Eucharistic species (concurrent with the rise of anointing a priest’s hands at ordination.)

• Distribution of communion moved from within the Mass to after Mass.

• Laity, reminded of their sinfulness, were receiving Holy Communion less frequently.

• There was a gradual removal of the Eucharistic cup from the laity.

The custom of anointing the priest’s hands—together with its interpretation as “power to consecrate the Eucharist”—contributed significantly to the change from communion in the hand to communion on the tongue for laity.

Lay people were gradually prohibited from touching the sacramental species. The evolution of the theology of concomitance, which affirmed the presence of the whole Christ in each species, solidified the practice of laity receiving only the Body of Christ—on the tongue—for a thousand years.

Following the Second Vatican Council Neither Sacrosanctum Concilium nor any of the other documents of the Second Vatican Council mention communion in the hand. Following Memoriale Domini in 1969, Fr. Annibale Bugnini wrote an article in L’Osservatore Romano in 1973 that considered the new practice of reception of communion in the hand to be better and more faithful to the ancient way of receiving the Eucharist. Redemptionis Sacramentum in 2004 speaks of the right of the faithful to receive Communion on the tongue, n.92, and also kneeling, n.90.

16 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Today The instruction of Memoriale Domini is still in effect: “The option offered to the faithful of receiving the Eucharistic bread in their hand . . .must increase in them a consciousness of the dignity of the members of Christ’s Mystical Body, into which they are incorporated by baptism and by the grace of the Eucharist. It must also increase their faith in the sublime reality of the Lord’s body and blood, which they touch with their hand. Their attitude of reverence must measure up to what they are doing.”

The U.S. indult to receive Communion in the hand has resulted in this being the experience of three generations of Catholics. In his General Audience of March 21, 2018, Pope Francis reminded us: “The faithful approach the Eucharist normally in the form of a procession and receive Communion standing or on the knees, as determined by the Episcopal Conference, receiving the Sacrament in the mouth, or, where allowed, in the hand, as preferred.”

Pope Francis gives us the true meaning of the reception of the Eucharist: “To receive the Eucharist means letting oneself be transformed into that which we receive. Nourished by the bread of life, we become a ‘living Eucharist;’we become what we receive.”

The Western District Society of St. Vincent de Paul Celebrates the Feast Day of Patron Saint, St. Vincent de Paul, during the month of September.

“For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me . . . I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”

Matthew 25:31-46 o You will be provided with a script to

St. Vi ncen t de Pau l use when taking calls as part of your Fe a st D a y: S e p tem b er 2 7 training.

The W estern Dist rict Soci ety of St. V incent de Pa ul

Invi tes you to join us in fulling the tw o grea t comm andme nts:

Associate M ember

SEPTEMBER 2019 17

St. Vincent de Paul Helpline Volunteer (urgent need currently) √

Commitment – 3-4 hours monthly

Active M ember

Mary’s Mission

How God Called Me Home

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By Mary Arcement Alexander

s a child I was constantly getting into trouble for both my attitude as well as my eye-rolling. It would typically entail my mother yelling at me and telling me to go to my room. Fast forward to my later 20’s and early 30’s, and I found myself once again having a bad attitude and rolling my eyes, only this time it wasn’t in my childhood home with my parents, but rather in God’s home with my Lord. He didn’t yell nor send me to my room, rather, He waited. He waited for my attitude to change and my eyes to once again focus on Him. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2Peter 3:9 I grew up the last of four children in a small South Louisiana town. Everyone was Catholic, or at least that is what my child’s mind thought. I attended Catholic school K through 12, went to Mass every Wednesday and, of course, every Sunday. My family never missed Mass. Never. We used to joke that we could vacation in the Sahara desert and my parents would find a Catholic church for us to attend. This way of thinking stayed with me throughout my struggles to remain Catholic.

My first memory of questioning whether or not to remain Catholic came during college. It was primarily due to living in North Louisiana where Catholics seemed few and far between. Also, I did not like standing out.

As I aged into my 20’s and 30’s my reasons shifted to the more common reasons people will give: The Mass is boring, I’m not getting anything out of this, the Church has too many rules, the homily is boring, I don’t like the priest (to name a few). And to make my case even stronger, it was during this same time that the first scandals in the Church came to light. This is when my struggles grew even stronger. Ironically, God used those years to slowly but surely ease me back home.

In my early 30’s I continued to attend Mass (almost) every Sunday, mainly due to my upbringing with a sprinkle of guilt. I would sit towards the back of church on the aisle and feel nothing but frustration and 18 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

boredom. This is when my bad attitude heightened (along with eye rolling) and judgment towards the Church and priest became evermore present. I recall sitting in church at various times and asking myself, “Why? Why am I here? All I need to do is stop coming. I have free will. I can go to any church I choose. So why am I still here?” I did not know it then, but I kept going back because of God. Because He wanted me there. He had a plan, a vision for me and He needed me to stay steady despite how I felt. During these same years I would attend different churches from time to time and not one of them ever felt like home. I tried so hard to make one particular church feel like home, but it just didn’t happen. Nothing seemed to be happening, until my fateful conversation with my brother Corey.

Corey and I were riding to our parents house for the weekend, just the two of us, so I thought I would take this opportunity to pick his brain. My brother had then recently renewed his commitment to the Catholic church. I felt desperate for answers then and wanted him to give me the magic answer. Of course, there is no magic answer. Or perhaps there was? When asked, he simply replied, “Pray, Mary. Ask God for help.” Really (I thought). That’s all you have for me, brother? It was both a disappointment and a revelation all at once. I decided to take his advice and simply pray. Pray more, pray differently, pray with more feeling. And lo and behold, it worked.

I don’t remember the exact day or time, but I do remember the feeling. The feeling of sitting in Mass one random Sunday in my mid-30’s and no longer having my bad attitude nor rolling my eyes. He had waited patiently for me to once again fix my eyes upon Him. I willingly did so and I haven’t looked away since.

Mary is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has her own practice in Shreveport, LA.

Meet the Newest Seminarian A Q&A With Tristan Frisk

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

A: I was born in Minden, LA but sent most of my time in Haughten, LA where I attended St. Jude Church in Benton with my family. I am 18 years old and have spent time volunteering at St. John Berchmans Cathedral helping them with whatever they might need.

The Diocesan Administrator, Very Reverend Peter B. Mangum has issued the following appointments.

• Reverend James Ferguson, J.C.L., Diocese of Alexandria, appointed Promoter of Justice to serve the Tribunal of the Diocese of Shreveport effective July 15, 2019.

• Reverend John Paul Crispin, F.M.H. relieved as Parochial Vicar of St. Mary of the Pines Parish effective August 11, 2019. Appointed Pastoral Administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Mansfield and St. Ann Church, Stonewall effective August 12, 2019.

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Reverend James Moran, C.O. relieved as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Mansfield and St. Ann Church, Stonewall effective August 12, 2019.

Appointed Chaplain at Barksdale Air Force Base and appointed Patoral Administrator of Mary, Queen of Peace Parish, and St. George Church, Coushatta effective September 1, 2019.

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Reverend Dariusz Pawlowski as of July 31, 2019 is relieved of the assignment and responsibility as Chaplain at Barksdale Air Force Base last Mass will be Sunday July 28, 2019.

Q: When did you realize you had a call to vocations?

A: It came to me in 8th grade, but I dismissed it the same year. It wasn’t until my freshman year of high school I began to understand the path God • Reverend Nicholas Onyack, FMH intended for me and once I accepted that my life started changing for the relieved as pastor of Mary, Queen better. I became kinder to people and did not feel as empty anymore.

of Peace Parish, Bossier City, and St. George Church, Coushatta, effective August 31, 2019to assume responsibly as Superior General of the Franciscan Missionaires of Hope Congregation.

Q: Who has helped you along this path?

A: I would speak with Fr. Jerry Daigle a lot since he was my spiritual director for two years, he would lead me to the tools I needed but allowed me to grow through my own research. When I told him about my calling towards the priesthood he took me under his wing and we began meeting almost every Wednesday for two years and we would use the time to discuss the faith.` From the Office of the Chancellor

Randy G. Tiller Tristan is now in his first year at St. Joseph Seminary College in Convingtion, LA

SEPTEMBER 2019 19

Exploring the History of St. Matthew Church

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By John Mark Willcox

xiting I-20 in downtown Monroe on Jackson Street you are met with a beautiful sight….the majestic spire of St. Matthew Church which has stood in downtown Monroe for nearly 120 years. Close observation reveals that all four of the clock faces of the spire are new. “They are working and tell perfect time,” comments Pastor Rev. Mark Franklin. “We refurbished every one and we have a man that comes twice a year to keep them oiled and in good working condition.” Spoken like a priest who loves his parish, and that has always been the case with St. Matthew Church and the generations of Catholics who have worshipped at the second oldest parish in the diocese. Walking through the Sanctuary with Fr. Mark as your guide takes one back to a former time and place, when North Louisiana was beginning to grow while facing the formidable challenges of frontier living.

During the mid 1800’s, Monroe was the principal city of Northern Louisiana and Shreveport was referred to as “that small village in the Northwest.” The Ouachita River was navigable and many times steam paddle wheelers counted the city of Monroe as their final destination northward in Louisiana.

Railroads had roared in from the East and Monroe was fast becoming a commerce center and the gateway to the northern reaches of a region that Spanish missionaries and explorers had been visiting for several centuries. Shreveport suffered with a useless main water artery in the Red River which was choked with logs and debris (the great raft) for many miles, heading into Natchitoches.

Fr. Patrick Canavan received the assignment to provide the faithful of the Monroe area a place to gather and worship in 1851. By 1856, St. Matthew had become an established parish and was pastored by now legendary Fr. Louis Gergaud who had migrated to the area from Britanny, France. Fr. Gergaud witnessed the arrival of steam ships on the Ouachita and the rapid growth of the rail industry while he shepherded his flock through the tragedy of America’s Civil War. He spent much of his waking hours tending to the wounded in makeshift hospitals and it is said that he brought over fifty soldiers into the Church as they lay on their deathbeds. In addition, Fr. Gergaud established a Catholic school for the parish in 1863 with a beginning roster of sixty pupils. The impact that Fr. Gergaud had on the foundational formation of St. Matthew’s faith community cannot be overstated as his tireless efforts produced a healthy, active parish.

20 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

In 1873, Fr. Gergaud answered the call for help from Shreveport which was mired in a devastating Yellow Fever epidemic which had already taken scores of lives on a daily basis. He knew he was going to his death and shared that feeling with the faithful before his departure from St. Matthew. Just five days after his arrival in Shreveport, Fr. Gergaud contracted Yellow Fever tending to the victims and died on October 1, 1873. After one year, his body was finally returned to his beloved Monroe where he was laid to rest in St. Matthew’s Cemetery. “He gave everything he had to God’s people including his life,” comments Fr. Franklin as he gazes on Fr. Gergaud’s crystal white grave marker. “The people of St. Matthew have always been proud that his grave is in our cemetery.” Fr. Gergaud was one of five Catholic priests and two women religious who lost their lives heroically caring for the stricken people of Shreveport during the famous Yellow Fever epidemic which took the lives of a quarter of Shreveport’s residents.

As the faith community increased in size, the earlier wooden structure that had served as the Church was replaced with the present sanctuary that was consecrated on December 27, 1905. A succession of dynamic pastors lead the faithful of St. Matthew through the next century beginning with Fr. N. F. Vandegaer who grew the number of families served by the parish to over one thousand by 1919. With the help of Bishop Charles P. Greco, Rev. John C. Marsh guided St. Matthew to the completed construction of a school gymnasium and rectory in 1950.

There is no more beloved priest of the Eastern Deanery than the legendary Msgr. George Martinez who served St. Matthew as Pastor from 1976 to 1990 before his retirement but he never severed his close connections to a parish he first began serving in 1948, with the St.

Vincent de Paul Pharmacy just down the street named in his memory.

Older structures require plenty of care, refurbishment and maintenance and St. Matthew Church is certainly no exception. It was only fitting that Fr. Joseph Puthuppally assumed the role of Pastor in 1997. It was Fr. Joe who led the way to renovate the exterior and interior of the church, including the now famous cobalt blue ceiling f of the nave apse ceiling.

“People use to draw a quick breath when they first saw the roof,” comments Fr. Mark. “But now, it seems like it has always been there.”

The parish has also recently reacquired its former school gymnasium and now has a large gathering space for parish and community events. When he is not using the space to build additional sacramental furniture for the church sanctuary, Fr. Mark is assessing what will be needed to make the space functional once more. “We have over 6,000 square feet in this structure,” comments Fr. Mark. “We are going to make it serve the parish effectively in the near future.”

The future looks bright for the faithful of St. Matthew as Mass attendance is strong and there is the benefit of new members joining the parish meaning that this beacon of the faith on Jackson Street will continue to share the light of Christ to the faithful of the region. “We have a beautiful worship space and a fine congregation of good Catholic people,” reminds Fr. Mark. “What more could you ask for at your place of worship!” *Many thanks to Chase E. Machen for his detailed history of St. Matthew Church in his 2001 book of the same name which chronicles the remarkable story of this unique faith community.

SEPTEMBER 2019 21

Director of Pastoral Ministry

D

By Randy G. Tiller

iocesan Administration, which is often referred to as “the Catholic Center,” has always been envisioned to be a resource and of assistance to our priests, parishes, missions, schools, and the faithful of the diocese. In the past, there have been paths that were pursued in an effort to fulfill the mission.

It is with pleasure, excitement and enthusiasm that we make the following announcement of a NEW path – a new structure for outreach and ministry in our Diocesan Administration.

As of August 5, 2019, after several discussions of what the future should hold and how it should look, we were fortunate to find an individual with the credentials and qualifications to step up to the plate and assist the Catholic Center as we begin our journey on this new path.

So what is this new role? Seeing the need for more efforts toward our Youth and Young Adults, Campus Ministry, Hispanic Ministry and other outreach ministries; such as, Prison Ministry, Rachel’s Vineyard, Family Life Ministries, Catechesis, Vocations, Prolife, Liturgy and Worship; it became obvious to the College of Consultors, the Diocesan Administrator, the Moderator of the Curia and the Chancellor that something new and different needed to happen.

Therefore, a new position of responsibility and organization was established to enhance all “pastoral ministries.” Mr. Mark Loyet, a staff member of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish in Monroe, will be joining the administrative team within the next month or so to take over the reins of “pastoral ministry.” First Mr. Loyet will be getting a firm handle on Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Campus Ministry and will then be moving into the other pastoral fields. He will have a wonderful opportunity to overlap with Mrs. Dianne Rachal, current Director of Worship, before her retirement in December 2019, and to establish a bond and relationship with Mrs. Rosalba Quiroz who will continue as the Director of Hispanic Ministry.

Mr. Loyet has years of experience as a Youth Minister of students in both high school and junior high and recruiting, training and managing teams of volunteers. He assisted with the March for Life in Monroe, youth leadership camps, directed Teen ACTS retreats, and organized and worked with youth leadership and advisory councils.

In the realm of Catechesis and teaching, Mark has written and implemented lessons and curriculums as well as coordinated Confirmation preparation programs and Protecting God’s Children classes. He has worked with business managers to maintain budgets in collaboration with pastors and has engaged in extensive fund raising for all youth events. He has taught Sunday School Catechism, been a 7th grade religion teacher, and a Confirmation catechist.

Other pastoral ministries Mr. Loyet has been involved with include Prison Ministry as a Juvenile Detention and Probation Officer, involving assessments which screen for abuse, making recommendations to Juvenile Court, and conducting audits to

22 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

ensure that they were in compliance with juvenile justice department standards.

Liturgy and worship involvement has included training altar servers, teaching RCIA, coordinating Youth Masses, conferring with church staff and other ministry teams.

All of this experience and these skills have been developed and honed in the workplace. His education has taken him to the University of Dallas to study Western Theology and Christology; he received a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of North Texas with relevant courses including Religions of the World, Micro-Counseling, Research Methods, and Human Behavior in the Social Environment.

Mr. Loyet has been accepted to pursue a Master’s Degree over the next several years from Holy Apostles College and Seminary while staying on the job and sharing his wisdom and expertise with the Diocese of Shreveport.

He has extensive musical training, audio/video engineering, extensive interior and exterior home remodeling, as well as, a youth band member and band leader.

Mr. Loyet was born and raised Catholic. He and his wife are proud parents of four sons and one daughter. Talking with Mark, you soon realize that he is a passionate and effective youth mentor, teacher, advocate and coordinator. “He feels his primary goals in this position should be to collaborate with, support, assist and empower priests and parishes, both their youth and youth ministers in the evangelization, formation, education and commissioning of young people to know, love and live the Gospel through evangelization, catechesis, advocacy, leadership development, service opportunities, pastoral guidance, prayer and reception of the sacraments.”

“There is an appointed time for everything…a time to plant and a time to uproot…a time to tear down and a time to build...a time to keep and a time to cast away…” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NAB).

The timing is right for the Diocese of Shreveport to begin this new journey with a fresh approach to our pastoral ministries.

Please welcome Mark Loyet!

Director del Ministerio Pastoral

L

Por Randy G. Tiller

a administración diocesana, que a menudo se conoce como “el Centro Católico”, siempre se ha concebido como un recurso y una ayuda para nuestros sacerdotes, parroquias, misiones, escuelas y los fieles de la diócesis. En el pasado, ha habido caminos que se esforzaron por cumplir la misión. A menudo, esos caminos se volvieron demasiado indirectos e incomodos que afectaron nuestra misión.

Es un placer y entusiasmo, dar a conocer el siguiente anuncio de un NUEVO camino: una nueva estructura para el alcance y el ministerio en nuestra Administración Diocesana.

A partir del 5 de agosto de 2019, después de varias discusiones sobre lo que debería de deparar el futuro y cómo debería verse, tuvimos la suerte de encontrar a una persona con las credenciales y calificaciones para dar un paso al frente y ayudar al Centro Católico a medida que comenzamos nuestro viaje en este nuevo camino.

Entonces, ¿cuál es este nuevo rol? Al ver la necesidad de más esfuerzos hacia nuestros jóvenes y Jóvenes Adultos, el Ministerio del Campus, el Ministerio Hispano y otros ministerios de alcance; tales como el Ministerio de Prisiones, el Viñedo de Rachel, los Ministerios de Vida Familiar, Catequesis, Vocaciones, Pro-vida, Liturgia y Adoración; Se hizo evidente para el Colegio de Consultores, el Administrador Diocesano, el Moderador de la Curia y el Canciller que algo nuevo y diferente tenía que suceder.

Por lo tanto, se estableció una nueva posición de responsabilidad y organización para mejorar todos los “ministerios pastorales”. El Sr. Mark Loyet, miembro del personal de la Parroquia Jesús el Buen Pastor en Monroe, se unirá al equipo administrativo dentro del próximo mes para tomar las riendas del “ministerio pastoral”. Primero, logrando un manejo firme de los Ministerios de Jóvenes y Jóvenes Adultos y el Ministerio del Campus, el Sr. Loyet pronto se mudará a otros campos pastorales. Tendrá una maravillosa oportunidad de trabajar con la Sra. Dianne Rachal, actual Directora de Adoración, antes de su retiro en diciembre de 2019, y establecer un vínculo y una relación con la Sra. Rosalba Quiroz, quien continuará como Directora del Ministerio Hispano.

El Sr. Loyet tiene años de experiencia como Ministro de Jóvenes estudiantes tanto en la escuela secundaria como en la preparatoria y en la contratación, capacitación y administración de equipos de voluntarios. Asistió con la Marcha por la Vida en Monroe, campamentos de liderazgo juvenil, dirigió retiros de Jóvenes (ACTS) y organizó y trabajó con los consejos de liderazgo y asesoramiento juvenil.

En el ámbito de la catequesis y la enseñanza, Mark ha escrito e implementado lecciones y planes de estudio, así como programas coordinados de preparación para la Confirmación y clases de Protegiendo a los Niños de Dios. Ha trabajado con

gerentes de negocios para mantener presupuestos en colaboración con pastores y se ha dedicado a recaudar fondos para todos los eventos juveniles. Ha enseñado catecismo, ha sido profesor de religión de séptimo grado y catequista de confirmación.

Otros ministerios pastorales con los que ha estado involucrado el Sr. Loyet incluyen el Ministerio de Prisiones como Oficial de Detención y Libertad Condicional Juvenil, que incluye evaluaciones sobre el abuso, hace recomendaciones al Tribunal de Menores y realiza auditorías para garantizar que cumplan con los estándares del departamento de justicia juvenil.

La participación en la liturgia y la adoración ha incluido la preparación de servidores del altar, la enseñanza del RICA, la coordinación de misas para jóvenes, la consulta con el personal de la iglesia y otros equipos ministeriales.

Toda esta experiencia y habilidades se han desarrollado y perfeccionado en el lugar de trabajo. Su educación lo ha llevado a la Universidad de Dallas para estudiar teología occidental y cristología; recibió una Licenciatura en Trabajo Social de la Universidad del Norte de Texas con cursos relevantes que incluyen Religiones del mundo, consejería, Métodos de investigación y Comportamiento humano en el entorno social.

El Sr. Loyet ha sido aceptado a obtener un título de maestría en los próximos años del Colegio y Seminario de los Santos Apóstoles mientras se mantiene en el trabajo y comparte su sabiduría y experiencia con la Diócesis de Shreveport.

Tiene una amplia formación en música, ingeniería de audio/ video, remodelación de interiores y exteriores, así como un ser miembro y líder de una banda juvenil.

El Sr. Loyet nació y se crió católico. Él y su esposa son orgullosos padres de cuatro hijos y una hija. Al hablar con Mark, pronto te das cuenta de que es un mentor, maestro, defensor y coordinador juvenil apasionado y efectivo. “Él siente que sus objetivos principales en esta posición deben ser colaborar, apoyar, ayudar y capacitar a los sacerdotes y parroquias con sus jóvenes y ministros en la evangelización, formación, educación y encargarse de los jóvenes para conocer, amar y vivir la Buena Nueva a través de la evangelización, la catequesis, la defensa, el desarrollo del liderazgo, el servicio, la orientación pastoral, la oración y la aceptación de los sacramentos.”

“Hay un tiempo designado para todo ... un tiempo para plantar y un tiempo para desarraigar ... un tiempo para derribar y un tiempo para construir ... un tiempo para conservar y un tiempo para desechar ...” Eclesiastés 3: 1-8 (NAB).

Creo que este es el momento adecuado para que la Diócesis de Shreveport haga este cambio y nos presente a un nuevo obispo con un nuevo enfoque en nuestros ministerios. ¡Favor de darle la bienvenida a Mark Loyet!

SEPTEMBER 2019 23

Request Made for an Inquiry into the Sanctity of Five Priest-Martyrs of 1873 Epidemic

By Cheryl H. White, Ph.D.

L

ast year, the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Graphic Novel Series on marked the 145th anniversary of the 1873 Yellow Fever epidemic in Shreveport with a series of Shreveport 1873 Yellow Fever public presentations, articles in this publication and Epidemic Martyrs elsewhere, the development of a serial graphic novel, RIGHT: The Catholic Connection is running a graphic and the production of a limited podcast series entitled novel series each month, featuring the story of five priests No Greater Love: Shreveport 1873, all with the who gave their lives in service to others in the Shreveport purpose of chronicling the lives of five priests who Yellow Fever epidemic of 1873. The seventh page of this willingly sacrificed their own lives for the care and series shows Father Pierre succumbing to exhaustion and illness and sending for assistance. This graphic novel is welfare of others. Most of us know that among those provided courtesy of the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans and is counted among the dead were Fr. Isidore Quemerais, illustrated by Deacon Andrew Thomas.

Fr. Jean Pierre, Fr. Jean-Marie Biler, Fr. Louis Gergaud, and Fr. Francois Le Vezouet, all of whom died between September-October 1873 while caring for the sick and dying of Shreveport. Their sacrifice is well-documented in the earliest histories of the epidemic, and memorialized in the beautiful stained glass windows of Holy Trinity Catholic Church downtown, founded by Fr. Jean Pierre.

For the past three years, I have worked with fellow Cathedral parishioner William Ryan Smith and Fr. Peter Mangum to rigorously research the lives of these priests, initially for the purpose of producing a book-length manuscript, as well as the graphic novel and podcast. In addition to primary research with a diocesan delegation led by Fr. Peter to the French dioceses of St. Brieuc, Rennes, and Nantes last February, I have also personally conducted research through the Archdiocese of New Orleans, University of Notre Dame and the Jesuit archives in St. Louis. The effort to learn as much as we could about these priests has been exhaustive and comprehensive, leading us to the conclusion that their lives are not merely remarkable, but that they merit consideration as part of the formal Vatican process for the Causes of Saints.

Therefore, on June 1 of this year, Ryan Smith and I made a formal request to our Diocesan Administrator, Fr. Peter Mangum that a diocesan inquiry begin into the sanctity of these five priests. Our request is in accordance with the published Vatican guidelines, and constitutes a crucial first step in memorializing what we believe to be exemplary virtue and sacrifice. Indeed, in July 2017, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter entitled Maiorem hac Dilectionem (No Greater Love), which provides a new way forward for causes of saints, based on the free offering of one’s own life. We believe that these priests, deceased now for more than 145 years, not only have historically-documented reputations for sanctity, but that we can demonstrate their memory fostered popular devotion dating back to the time of their deaths.

Have you had a chance to read the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral letter against racism? If you haven’t had a chance, make some time this week. Read it at: http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf 24 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

SEPTEMBER 2019 25

AROUND THE DIOCESE Parishioners Celebrate August Birthdays

O

n Sunday August 11th. members of St. Helen Circle hosted the August birthday party for residents at The Toledo Retirement & Rehab facility in Zwolle. They enjoyed the delicious food and fellowship.

High School Seniors Recognized

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t. Thomas Aquinas Parish recognized seniors at the graduate recognition Mass this past month.

Spiritual Journey to the Benedictine Monks

T

he youth of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Monroe took a spiritual journey as they met the Benedictine Monks of Subiaco on Mt. Magazine in Arkansas.

26 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

St. Joseph - Zwolle Wraps Up Summer Activities Bible School Recap

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eam Leaders had just as much fun as the children at Vacation Bible School on July 22-26 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Zwolle.

Welcome Bash for Fr. Ampatt

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n August 3&4 the Council of Catholic Women hosted a “Meet & Greet� for Fr. Joseph Ampatt to welcome him to St. Joseph Catholic church in Zwolle

Boiled Crawfish and Fellowship

P

arish of S acred Heart Rayville, LA hosted

their Annual Crawfish Boil.

Parishioners were able to come together as a community and eat their fill of crawfish.

Send submissions to "Around the Diocese" to smaiette@dioshpt.org. Please include a photo that has not been resized and a brief description.

SEPTEMBER 2019 27

SCHOOL NEWS New Faces at St. John Berchmans School

S

t. John Berchmans School welcomes 3 new teachers. Mrs. Autumn Meserole in K3, Ms. Caroline Camden in first grade, and Ms. Melissa Bell for 5th-grade math, science, and religion. Mrs. Seva May will also be taking over the drama department. We wish the best of luck to each of them and the rest of the staff on an amazing school year.

Flyer Academy is Officially Open

F

lyer Academy is officially kicking off its first year. In partnership with Loyola College Prep, St. John Berchamns and St. Joseph 8th graders are eligible to take high school duel credit which will count towards a communications and geography course.

Pictured left is the ribbon cutting for the online academy and on the right are some of the first group of students learning the long-distance applications. All duel credit courses will be taken at each student’s respective school, but the course will be taught by a Loyola staff member.

28 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

Jesus the Good Shepherd School is Back to School

J

esus the Good Shepherd School welcomed families and students back to campus on the evening of August 8th with a successful Back to School Bash. The students explored their classrooms, met their teachers and visited with their classmates. The parents received first of the year instructions and reminders from Mrs. Patrick, JGS principal, and then visited with their student’s teachers and fellow JGS parents. The first day of school, August 12th, was met with much excitement and anticipation as students flooded the halls and classrooms! JGS also welcomed our very first PreK2 students to campus.

We are extremely excited to have these “Little Lambs” join our JGS family. It was a very successful first week of school for our students and teachers and we are looking forward to a safe, productive and exciting school year ahead.

First Day back to school at Loyola and St. Joseph School

SEPTEMBER 2019 29

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR Convention of Councils - January 2020

DIOCESAN EVENTS September 1

Protecting God’s Children 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. Paschal Parish 711 N. 7th Street West Monroe, LA 71291 318-868-4441

September 7

Reunion Mensual para Retiro de Emaus 9:00 a.m.

Christ the King Parish 425 McCormick St Bossier City, LA

September 5

FEAST DAYS September 3

St. Gregory the Great, pope & doctor of the Church

September 5

St. Teresa of Calcutta, religious

September 12

The Most Holy Name of Mary

September 13

St,. John Chrysostom, bishop & doctor of the Church

September 21

St. Matthew, apostle & evangelist

September 23

Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest

September 26

Sts. Cosmas & Damian, martyrs

September 27

St. Vincent de Paul, priest

September 28

September 14

St. Wenceslaus, martyr; St. Lawrence Ruiz & companions, martyrs

September 17

Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, Archangels

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop & doctor of the Church

September 29 September 30

September 19

Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

September 20

HOLIDAYS

St. Januarius, bishop & martyr Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest & Paul Chong Ha-sang, & companions, martyrs

30 THE CATHOLIC CONNECTION

September 2 Labor Day

Shreveport Catholic School Meeting 6:00 p.m.

Catholic Center, 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104

September 13

Protecting God’s Children 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 318-868-4441

September 14

Protecting God’s Children 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. John the Baptist Parish 1130 San Antonio Avenue Many, LA 71449

September 24

Shreveport Principals Meeting 9:30 a.m.

Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Avenue Shreveport, LA 71104 318-868-4441

MINISTRY EVENTS

PARISH EVENTS September 10

Catholic Women’s League Meeting The ladies of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church of Shreveport will host the luncheon/meeting of the Catholic Women’s League. Registration will start at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. The cost for the luncheon is $10.

522 East Flournoy Lucas Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71115.

October 13

Silent Auction 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

A Silent Auction will be held at St. Mary of the Pines to benefit local parish educational programs.

October 19

St. Paschal Herbal Harvest 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

West Monroe Convention Center 901 Ridge Ave. West Monroe, LA

November 3

September 10

January 11, 2020

10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Ave Shreveport, LA Want to know more about spiritual direction, or how to find a spiritual director? Come to the Spiritual Direction Informational Meetings on September 10 at the Catholic Center.

Special Mass 9:00 a.m.

St. Mary of the Pines will be hosting its third National Black Catholic History Month Mass

Convention of Councils 8:00 a.m.

The Diocese of Shreveport will be hosting the Convention of Councils on January 11. The purpose of this event is for parish councils to come together and swap ideas to improve mission effectiveness in each parish.

Catholic Center 3500 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71105

Spiritual Direction Informational Meeting

February 11, 2020

Mary’s House Pro Life Fête for Life Time to be confirmed – evening event Tuesday, February 11, 2020 Bossier Civic Center 620 Benton Road, Bossier City

Thursday Morning Greco Class: Scripture and Church History

Beginning on September 12, this class will meet Thursdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the Catholic Center. During the first hour Father Pat Madden will lecture on the Book of Tobit. Tobit is one of the books in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles that is not found in the sacred scriptures of our Protestant and Jewish friends.

One of the main characters is the Archangel Raphael, one of only three named angels in the Bible. During the second hour he will continue with an overview of Church History. He will also focus on the time from St. Thomas Aquinas to the Protestant Reformation. The final class of the Fall Semester will be on December 5.

SEPTEMBER 2019 31

Connection The Catholic

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT 3500 Fairfield Ave.

•

Shreveport, LA 71104

Fairfield

Catholic Medical Students from LSU Health pose for a photo after their meeting