September 2023 Advocating for Peace

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

CATHOLIC CONNECTION

PUBLISHER

Bishop Francis I. Malone EDITOR Kirsten Shrewsberry

EDITORIAL BOARD

September 2023

Volume 33, Number 2

ADVOCATING FOR PEACE

CONTRIBUTORS

Reverend Mark Watson

Nathan Lirette

Tristan Frisk

Laurie Nick

Karla Alvarez

Mike Van Vranken

Reverend Raney Johnson

Rosalba Quiroz

Mary Arcement Alexander

Amie Lee

Lucy Medvec

Karen Dill

Jordan Harris

Amy Fahkre

Cassie Key

Stephanie Haney

Polly Maciulski

Suzanne Beadles

SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADDRESS CHANGES

Contact: Blanca Vice

Email: bvice@dioshpt.org

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

Call: 318-868-4441

Fax: 318-868-4609

SUBMISSIONS

Contact: Kirsten Shrewsberry

Email: doseditor@dioshpt.org

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

The Diocese of Shreveport complies with Virtus’ Protecting God’s Children program. (www.virtus.org) Classes are offered every second Wednesday of the month at the Catholic Center in Shreveport. Online sessions are also available. To report child sexual abuse by a cleric or church worker in the Diocese of Shreveport, call your local law enforcement agency and Mary Arcement Alexander, Diocesan Victim Assistance Minister at 318-588-2120. Thank you for helping to keep our children and vulnerable adults safe.

MISSION STATEMENT

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

Very Rev. Msgr. Matthew T. Long

Dcn. Charles Thomas OFS Karla Alvarez

Rev. Kevin Mues Rosalba Quiroz

SEEKING PEACE IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editor and Diocesan Director of PR

BELIEVING IN PEACE SOMETIMES FEELS

LIKE A NOVEL IDEA. I think as every year passes it’s easy to think peace is fictional as we continue to live through “unprecedented times” over and over again. A quick scroll through local media outlets doesn’t help either - shootings, car-jackings, people using divisive and hateful rhetoric, the list goes on.

On a global level the idea of “peace on earth” feels even more insane. We live in a constant state of alarm, constant panic, countries constantly in civil unrest or threatening nuclear weapons, no wonder so many people feel hopeless! When we see international conflicts that last for years on end, or cultural clashes that have gone on for generations, it’s hard not to feel helpless.

So how do we make it stop? How do we choose peace when faced with a constant barrage of negativity,

destruction, and conflict? We fix our eyes on Jesus. Our strongest tool to build the path to peace is prayer. When you find yourself overwhelmed with the influx of negative news I urge you to pause and instead pray to the One who always offers comfort and peace.

This month’s magazine is full of many topics that I hope will help you reflect on peace and find ways to advocate for peace internally, locally, and worldwide. From an insightful explanation on Just War to stories about how our Catholic schools perform corporal acts of mercy, I pray this magazine helps you discern how we can all advocate for peace. My prayers are for you, our faithful readers. Peace and blessings to you.

Cover photo is Sr. Cicily, OLS at the Our Lady of Sorrows Convent in Shreveport. Photo by Benjamin Luckett, Diocesan Director of Digital Evangelization.

THOSE OF US OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER BLACK AND WHITE TELEVISION IN THE 1950S WILL ALSO REMEMBER SOME OF THE FAMOUS SHOWS THAT KEPT US ENTERTAINED UNTIL COLOR TELEVISION BECAME THE NORM. Actually, some of our best memories of childhood were those that kept our eyes fixed on our favorite television shows, cartoons, variety shows, news programs, etc. And when “color” came along, the whole experience of watching television changed. Some of us still watch our favorites of the past in black and white to this day. One of my best memories of television in my youth was the weekly show featuring Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He was SO popular, that he won an Emmy for his broadcast, and he drew from a widespread audience, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. So many of his episodes in the post WWII and Korean eras were educational, as he had an uncanny way of making complicated issues of the day simple enough to understand, even for children. I still recall some of those lessons, and how we arrived at where we were well into the 20th century.

One lesson he taught so well was the impact that the Communist and Industrial Revolutions had on our

from the bishop

economy, our way of life, and the way we lived out our faith. For example, he demonstrated with clarity how the Communist philosophy moved us away from care for the poorest in our society, to how a new emphasis on the State rather than the person was more important. As a result, Communist countries focused on how more important the State was over the individual person. And his demonstration of the Industrial Revolution changed the way we lived our lives in a much different way than we had before. For example, prior to the Industrial Revolution, young boys grew up learning the trade of their fathers. Their fathers became also their mentors, teaching their sons how to use their hands in carpentry, how to farm, how to build. When industry came along, fathers went TO work outside the home, and young boys lost the presence of their fathers in the home and in their trades. As a result, the family suffered.

The point Archbishop Sheen made so well was that these two revolutions had a way of attacking the integrity and centrality of the family over culture and our way of life.

It should not come as a surprise that these two social revolutions also prompted the Church in the late 1800s to address the importance of the “work of our hands,” and the dignity of labor. In fact, much of the social teachings of the Church today have their foundation in how the Church taught us about the dignity of work. Pope Leo XIII wrote his encyclical, “Rerum Novarum” in 1891 to address these issues, and to teach us about the dignity of the human person through the work that we do. And because much of what we as a Church teach regarding work reminds us that the work of our hands is sacred, of God, and a part of His creative plan.

May you rejoice in the labor of your life, for it IS of God, and in doing so, you and I become partners with Him as we go about our lives day after day.

BUILDING A WORLD OF PEACE

Rev. Mark Watson, St. Mary of the Pines Pastor

AS I WRITE THIS ARTICLE, THE WARS AND CONFLICTS THAT ARE TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ARE VERY MUCH ON MY MIND. In this article I will present Catholic teaching concerning war and peace. I hope this teaching

will help you form your conscience concerning your response to the wars that rage in our world. This letter relies greatly on the 1983 letter of the USCCB, The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response.

The New TesTameNT

Jesus calls us to a love which goes beyond family ties and bonds of friendship to reach even those who are our enemies. Such a love does not seek revenge but rather is merciful in the face of threat and opposition. As disciples of Christ our task is to seek ways of making the forgiveness, justice, mercy and love of God present in our world.

The JusT-war CriTeria

Catholic teaching calls on all to defend peace. This comes for some in the form of bearing arms against unjust aggressors. Catholic teaching holds that members of the Armed Forces, who risk their lives to establish peace, act in a noble way. Those who resist unjust aggressors without bearing arms, as a result of their belief in Jesus Christ, also act in a noble way.

just-war theory is the main theory which deals with the criteria through which a nation can decide to enter war and how war can be fought. This theory begins with a presumption against the taking of even one human life. Thus, the value of all human life is the starting point of Catholic teaching concerning war. In current wars thousands of individuals are being killed and tens of thousands are being displaced. Each of these individuals have God-given dignity and should never be seen as mere statistics.

Just war teaching has evolved over the centuries as an effort to prevent war. Only if war cannot be rationally avoided, does the teaching allow war and only then seeks to restrict and reduce its horrors. It does this by establishing a set of rigorous criteria which must be met in order that a war can be considered morally permissible. Such a decision, especially given today’s technology, requires extraordinarily strong reasons for overriding the presumption against war. Thus, valid justwar teaching makes provision for conscientious dissent. It is presumed that all sane people prefer peace, never want to initiate war, and accept even the most justifiable defensive war only as a sad necessity.

Jus ad Bellum

Jus ad Bellum is Latin for “Law toward War” and is the area of just war theory which discusses why and when recourse to war is possible. The Bishops of the United States list the following criteria within Jus ad Bellum

a. Just Cause – War is permissible only to confront “a real and certain danger,” i.e. to protect innocent life, to preserve conditions necessary for decent human existence and to secure basic human rights. Given the risks of modern warfare retribution nor merely taking land are not justifiable reasons to enter a war.

b. Competent Authority – The use of force is undertaken only to do what is in the best interest of society as whole. Thus war must be declared by those with responsibility for public order, not by private groups or individuals. This is not to say that an oppressive government cannot lose its claim to legitimacy which would allow a “just revolution.”

c. Comparative Justice – This criterion asks “which side is sufficiently ‘right’ in a dispute, and are the values at stake critical enough to override the presumption against war?” The question in its most basic form is: Do the rights and values involved justify killing? For whatever means used, war, by definition, involves violence, destruction, suffering and death.

d. Last Resort – For resort to war to be justified, all peaceful alternatives must have first been exhausted.

e. Proportionality – The damage to be inflicted and the costs incurred by war must be proportionate to the good expected by taking up arms. This may include the spiritual “damage,” “cost,” and “good expected.” In today’s interdependent world even a local conflict can affect people globally; this is especially true when nuclear powers are involved. Hence a nation must consider the effects of going to war on other nations and on the international community.

Jus iN Bello

This area of Just-War theory covers the morality of actions within a war.

a. Discrimination - The lives of innocent civilians must not be taken directly. Just response to aggression must be discriminate: it must be directed only against unjust aggressors, not against innocent civilians.

b. Proportionality – The response has to be proportionate to the attack. A nation can only use enough force to restore peace.

May we follow Christ in our response to war and may we pray for peace in our nation and in our world.

WORLD YOUTH DAY 2023

Nathan

World Youth Day was a unique experience in the universality of the Church. I was blown away by the amount of youth and people that had come to gather for one thing and that is our Catholic Faith. It was an especially unique experience as it was my first time in Europe and my first time outside the United States in general. It was really remarkable to see how our Church has spread throughout the world. Being in an old city as Lisbon where Catholicism has shaped so much of it was a beautiful reminder for how old the Church is and yet how it still is very much the same. I also had the unique opportunity to visit Fatima where Mary did and still continues to show us her Son. Visiting that holy site is something I will keep with me for the rest of my life. I am truly thankful for everyone that made this possible and everyone who gave me the opportunity to experience this great gathering of Catholics from around the world.

Attending World Youth Day had always been a dream of mine and now that I have attended, my smile has gotten bigger. Participating in Mass with thousands of people and listening to the responses in different languages brought tears to my eyes several times, as we were all there for Jesus. I know the pope’s message was to everyone in attendance, but I felt he was talking specifically to me when he said, “keep walking without fear, walk without fear.” I hope to encourage others with my life so that they may live their life without fear as we follow Jesus.

Lirette, Diocese of Shreveport Seminarian

Karla Alvarez, Diocesan Director of Multicultural Ministries

Seminarian Tristan Frisk with fellow World Youth Day attendees and the president of Portugal!

Seminarian Nathan Lirette at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs in Lisbon

Making a pilgrimage to Portugal to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima and participate in World Youth Day was an impactful experience. Participating in Mass and praying in Fatima was a powerful prayer experience as I thought about how St. Francisco, St. Jacinta, and Venerable Lucia made sacrifices for sinners and prayed the Rosary at that site. World Youth Day is the global Catholic gathering of young people. This year, 1.5 million Catholics from all over the world gathered in Lisbon to worship God. The theme of this World Youth Day was “Mary arose and went with haste” (Luke 1:39). When Mary was told by the Angel that her elderly cousin Elizabeth was expecting a child, Mary immediately went to aid Elizabeth. Mary was a missionary as she brought Christ’s love to her cousin. Like Mary, Pope Francis encourages “young people’s evangelization to be active and missionary, for this is how they will recognize and witness the presence of the living Christ.” I look forward to sharing my pilgrimage experience with those of all ages in the Diocese!

World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal was an extraordinary event that showed the Catholic Church in a unique way. To see and meet with the youth of the Church from all around the world such as France, South Korea, and Argentina was an exciting experience. Not only was it incredible to hear and see the richness of the cultures that make up the Church but also the warm and joyful encounters of all young people that showed the vision of not only Pope Francis but what Christ Jesus envisioned as he said, “ You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). One could truly see how the Church, though not having every answer, is alive and well by its young members going out prepared to and already sharing the Joy of the Gospel by being accepting of themselves and their neighbor.

Laurie Nick, Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry

Tristan Frisk, Diocese of Shreveport Seminarian

Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry, Laurie Nick, with seminarian Nathan Lirette at World Youth Day.

JESUS OFTEN EXAGGERATED TO MAKE HIS POINT

ANSWERING PETER’S QUESTION OF HOW OFTEN WE SHOULD FORGIVE, JESUS SAID “SEVENTY-SEVEN TIMES,”

(MT. 18:21-22). Seven is the ancient number for infinite completion or wholeness. In this case, we believe Jesus is asking us to forgive every time and in every instance. Is this an exaggeration? As hard as it sounds to do, I’m confident Jesus is saying it would be ideal for all of us to forgive unceasingly. But why is it so hard to do? Maybe because we have never accepted God’s mercy and forgiveness towards us to be able to even forgive ourselves. How can I forgive someone else if I’ve never forgiven myself? Maybe we look at God as the great and eternal punisher rather than the great forgiver. Maybe we have never experienced in our own heart Psalm 103 about God’s kindness, mercy, and compassion. Without that personal experience, how can I be expected to forgive someone else?

Jesus then follows his response to Peter with a story using simile and analogy, and it sounds like a parable. In other words, it’s not to be taken as a literal historical report, but a story that should cause us to ask more questions; more internal questions about our own ability to both receive and show mercy. The Church uses scriptures like this one to formulate what it calls the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Pope Francis reminded us in a teaching back in 2016 that we are called by one of those Spiritual Works of Mercy to pardon the offenses of others. And he’s not exaggerating either.

In responding to Peter, Jesus describes a master who forgave one of his servants. Then, that servant went out and showed no mercy or forgiveness to one of his fellow slaves. The master became irate at the lack of the first servant’s mercy and handed him over to torture. Here’s the punch line: Jesus then says his heavenly father will do the same to us. Of course, we don’t believe that for one minute. If we did, we would always be forgiving –seventy-seven times. But we don’t always forgive. Why? Again, maybe it’s because we have never accepted and experienced God’s forgiveness for us.

About thirty-five years ago, my friend and neighbor, Jim, and I were waxing eloquently about how we forgive others. I mentioned that one of our biggest tragedies is

Mike Van Vranken, Diocese of Shreveport Spiritual Advisor

capital punishment. Killing another human being for something they’ve done has to be our most horrific act of violence. With a wry smile and a sideward glance of his eyes, he responded: “No, our worst sin is torturing another human being with the violence and degradation of life in prison without parole.” We looked at each other in dead silence for what seemed like an hour. He was not exaggerating and somehow, we both knew it. His words had obviously touched us in ways we needed to process.

The gospel stories are filled with times that Jesus associated with sinners and outcast persons, but he never seemed to condemn or punish them. Did he condemn Pilate, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery? He did condemn a fig tree once. And yes, he ran some money changers out of the Temple area. Maybe those were exaggerations! But he doesn’t seem to want to condemn any people. I picture him on the cross, arms wide open saying: “I forgive you all, I don’t return your hatred with hatred of my own. In fact, the violence stops here.” He breathes his last and dies. Enough said. Show mercy, not violence.

This month, I invite you to spend time in silence praying for the grace to, first of all, accept the hardcore fact that God forgives anything you’ve ever done. God loves you as you are and as his own.

Next, examine how you might practice forgiveness and mercy. I ask you to imagine your own comfort with our prison system. Are we called to punish and even torture someone’s wrongdoing? Or are we called to advocate peace through forgiving, nurturing, and bringing them back to health? Do we practice those works of mercy with consoling and pardoning? This is our calling.

Finally, Jesus speaks about his heavenly Father torturing us if we don’t forgive. I think the torture of not forgiving is the bondage it places on us. It keeps us in a prison where we can only imprison others. It is never freeing, and it is never consoling for us or others. This bondage is so harmful and painful for us, it feels like God is torturing us for not showing mercy and forgiveness. It’s not from God. Yet it’s truly painful for all the people of God. And that’s no exaggeration at all.

Mary’s House

THERE IS SO MUCH GOODNESS, KINDNESS, AND LOVE OF GOD SHOWN BY THE PEOPLE IN THIS DIOCESE!

Abortion is illegal in Louisiana and women who would have previously chosen abortion are now considering other options. Mary’s House, located in Shreveport, provides early prenatal care, education, and guidance to pregnant women in an atmosphere of God’s love.

To you and me, it seems like pregnancy is a happy time and no big deal to find a doctor, clothes for the baby or even a car seat. We have many people who care for us and want to celebrate with us.

When a woman is in an unexpected pregnancy situation, it can be scary. Not having support means the mom feels alone and afraid.

You volunteer time, purchase baby items as gifts and donate money for the operation of Mary’s House. Because of your support, Mary’s House can collaborate with churches that host Embrace Grace for single and pregnant women. Unmarried pregnant moms are encouraged at their Mary’s House appointments to join Embrace Grace during pregnancy.

Have you been to an Embrace Grace Baby Shower yet? At the conclusion of the twelve weeks of classes, the young women who have attended the classes are blessed by the parishioners of the church hosting the classes. It’s wonderful for these young women to receive so many needed gifts, but what makes it so special is when people they don’t even know arrive at the shower to celebrate them and their babies!

This baby shower leaves a lasting impression of God’s love through his followers on the hearts of these young women. Not only do they learn about Jesus’ love for them, they experience God’s love during Embrace Grace.

That’s why you’re so important!

When she is loved at Mary’s House and guided to people who continue to love her, she learns that she is not alone. Your support of Mary’s House makes it possible for single pregnant women to take the first step toward a changed life with God and in our community.

To learn more about Mary’s House, visit MarysHouse.net

CAMP LITTLE FLOWER

THIS PAST JULY, THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT HOSTED THE FIRST EVER SESSION OF CAMP LITTLE FLOWER. The first session of camp had 71 campers from around the diocese. Campers took part in traditional camp activities, such as archery, swimming and canoeing.

They also had the opportunity to go to Mass each day, pray the rosary, and participate in the Little Way Program to learn about the camp’s patroness, St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower.

Through the spiritual programming at Camp Little Flower, the campers learned how to follow the Little Way of St. Therese and do the ordinary things of life

well so they may grow in holiness. Jared Simoneaux, the Co-Director, and I would like to thank all the counselors and members of the leadership team who helped us throughout the week. We also want to thank all of our donors who made it possible for our campers to have a fun week at Camp Little Flower.

We look forward to next summer, and we are actively planning for camp next year. Please be looking out for more information about Camp Little Flower 2024 throughout the year.

Rev. Raney Johnson, Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Administrator

THE DIGNITY OF WORK: A Conversation with Catholic Charities of North Louisiana

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Diocese of Shreveport Editor and Director of PR

MEG GOORLEY IS NO STRANGER TO HARD WORK FOR WORTHY CAUSES.

Having worked over three decades in the non-profit sector, Meg Goorley, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of North Louisiana, is a seasoned pro when it comes to caring for those in need. When she reflected over the past seven years at Catholic Charities working with her board of directors and the CCNLA staff she says, “I have the dream job.” Catholic Charities serves our community through many avenues, but their most prominent is the Money $chool ®. Members of the community can attend Money School and learn the valuable tools to manage their personal finances, achieve gainful employment, and create better future opportunities for themselves. When considering the work being done at CCNLA, Meg says, “what we do here are the divine mercies!” Clients sometimes come to CCNLA in tears, but almost every client leaves feeling uplifted. The staff at CCNLA have an incredible gift of listening empathetically and ensuring every person feels heard. Meg says these interactions with her staff and clients are the most humbling

experiences of her job. To serve the needy, the poor, the hungry, this is truly the work of Christ. Thank you to Meg Goorley and her entire team at Catholic Charities of North Louisiana for their unending work to serve our community!

“Together we alleviate poverty, distress, and injustice”

THE PEACE OF CHOOSING LIFE

ST.

JOHN PAUL II ADDRESSED CHRISTIANS GATHERED AT THE BASILICA OF SAINT FRANCIS REGARDING “THE CHALLENGE OF PEACE…” AT A CONFERENCE THAT TOOK PLACE ALMOST 40 YEARS AGO, THAT STILL RESONATES WITH US TODAY. The Pope spoke about a world in need of peace. In his remarks, he urged his audience and all Christians to be workers for peace. In the same lines, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) works diligently to promote peace and to defend life from conception to natural death, through programs like the Rachel Project, which helps women found in an unplanned pregnancy.

Our diocese joins in this effort with organizations like Mary’s House, a pregnancy help center for women who face an unplanned pregnancy, and through programs like the Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, a healing weekend for those who have been victims of abortion. Carrying the pain of a lost child, who was denied the opportunity we all were given of being born, can consequently produce a spiritual death that needs to be addressed – and it’s never too late!

The next Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat in our diocese will be October 20-22. If you or someone you love is hurting from an abortion, please call 318-588-1064 and register for this wonderful weekend. You can also visit the website at www.rachelsvineyard.org For more resources and retreats in other cities.

To read the full article from St. John Paul II, regarding the World Day Prayer for Peace, go to the Vatican website or directly to:

Rosalba Quiroz, Diocese of Shreveport Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop

PEACE. It is such a simple word to understand yet so many struggle to find it. I will be blunt here, I do not believe there is such a thing as world peace. Before you get angry and quit reading, hear me out please. The reason I say there is no such thing as world peace is because a vast number of people do not have peace within, or at least they appear to have little to no inner peace. I feel confident saying this both as an observation within my private practice as well as what is on various social media platforms and in the news. We cannot expect the world to have peace when so many individuals do not have peace. In order for us to actually have any semblance of world peace, we must first seek inner peace. When you are peaceful, you automatically spread your peace to another and then

PEACE BE WITH YOU

they spread peace to another and thus the ripple effect begins. Having said that, I will primarily be speaking to you as a mental health professional for this particular article. I want to do so because quite frankly, mental illness and mental instability are both on the rise and a great deal of it has to do with a lack of peace. A large number of people are so incredibly anxious, angry, bitter, uncomfortable in their bodies, restless in their lives and overall unhappy. Before I go any further I want to acknowledge one truth, and it is this, we have been an anxious, angry, bitter, uncomfortable, restless and unhappy people for centuries. Our world today is not reinventing the wheel. The lack of peace happening currently is not new, rather it is simply different.

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

I believe a good question to ask now is why? Why are so many people living with little to no inner peace? Once again I can answer this question with many whys but one I see the most is unresolved trauma. A great deal of my clients struggle with some form of trauma. In the therapy world we divide trauma into “Little t” trauma and “Big T” trauma. An example of “Little t” trauma would be a non-fatal car accident. “Big T” trauma is more widely seen as vets who were in combat, people who have been sexually assaulted or abused in some manner, and extreme poverty to name a few. It does not matter as much whether you have little or big trauma. What does matter is have you dealt with your trauma in a healthy way? Have you sought professional help? Have you talked with your priest? If the answers are no, then you have unresolved trauma and if you have unresolved trauma, you have little to no peace within you. With this truth, please note, this does not mean you are walking around angry or sad or bitter or disgruntled. Instead, it means that the peace you may think you have could be passivity or codependency or denial in disguise. These particular traits can sometimes masquerade as peace. The mind is very powerful. It is quite amazing what a person’s mind will have them believe all in the name of self-protection. God is awesome for many reasons but one I am most blown away with as a counselor is how He created our brains to first protect us. I will be bold

and say the only way (outside of Jesus of course) you will have true, sincere peace is to first deal with any and all of your traumas in a healthy way.

In case you are now wondering how to do it all, the answer is simple: ask God. Brothers and sisters, God knows your hurts, your pains, your traumas. Yes it’s true He allowed it all to happen, but that does not mean He was not with you through it all. It does not mean that it was a punishment of any kind. I do not know your traumas nor your pains, but I do know there is hope, there is freedom, there is peace when you acknowledge your traumas, seek proper help and actively begin the process of healing. I can promise you the peace that comes from your healings will sustain you all the days of your life and as a result, you can begin the ripple effect of spreading your peace to the world in which you currently live. Lastly, no matter where you are on your journey for peace, make sure you are stopping along the way and thanking God. Thank Him now before you begin your healing. Thank Him while you are still dealing with any anxiety, anger, bitterness, uncomfortableness, restlessness and/or unhappiness. Thank God in all things, through all things and because of all things.

Peace be with you brother and sisters and with your spirit.

Safe Environment Corner

Amie Lee, Admin. Asst and Safe Environment Coordinator

Safe Environment Training Update

The Diocese of Shreveport has changed the frequency of VIRTUS training from monthly bulletins to annual modules. You will receive an email when your annual training module is due. The annual module will be sent to you on the anniversary of the date that you originally took Protecting God’s Children.

You will still be able to login to VIRTUS and access all the great resources VIRTUS has to offer, this change

will just help our diocese to remain in compliance with the Charter. Please log in to VIRTUS and ensure that your email address is up to date. This is very important because this is how VIRTUS communicates training requirements.

Thank you for your time and talent as a volunteer and thank you for making our churches, schools, and communities safer places for all our children and vulnerable adults.

AIN’T GONNA STUDY WAR NO MORE

Karen Dill, Spiritual Director

FALL, 1965. I’m in ninth grade. Each evening, as my family eats dinner, we watch the 6:00 news. Walter Cronkite narrates scenes of helicopters in a place called Viet Nam. We see wounded soldiers being treated in makeshift medical tents. We see wooden caskets being unloaded off of cargo planes. This idea of war is abstract to me. I’m more interested in attracting boyfriends and getting good grades. I couldn’t find Viet Nam on a map.

One night our doorbell rings. My classmate Ed is standing on my front porch, crying. I put on my coat and go sit with him on our steps. He explains that he just received word that his older brother Bill was killed over there. I hold his hand and cry with him. The war just became real.

WINTER, 1969. I am a college freshman. My English professor announces a peace rally being held that afternoon outside the Student Union. One of my classmates asks what this is all about. “It’s to protest the war,” my professor explains. “What war?” my classmate asks. A few months later, I sit in my boyfriend’s apartment along with several of our friends as we watch a man on television posts dates on the screen. The draft lottery has begun. Some of the guys are jubilant; their numbers are low. One of them is frantic; his birthday was one of the first ones picked. My boyfriend’s birth date fell somewhere in the middle. He feels relieved. The only number he has to worry about now is his grade point average. If it falls, he loses his S-1 deferment and he, too, will be drafted. The war just became more real.

SPRING, 1991. My husband and I are attending a wedding reception. One of our friends sits down next to me. He’s crying. “What’s wrong?” I ask. “I’ve killed people,” he answers. “I can’t stop thinking about it.” I know he’s talking about his war experience. The term PTSD is a new phenomenon that therapists are beginning to treat. I promise to help him find someone who can work with him. The aftermath of the war just became real.

SUMMER, 1997. I’m in Washington, D.C. for the first time, accompanying my husband and a group of farmers and their wives who have come to meet with lawmakers and discuss agricultural concerns. I have a long list of places I want to visit: the Lincoln Memorial; the Holocaust Museum; the National Gallery; the Viet Nam Memorial Wall. We reach the wall late in the afternoon. Many tourists are walking slowly past it in silence. We stop to watch a man who is filming his wife as she points to their 19-year-old son’s name engraved in black granite. They are crying. We are crying. I think of my own 19-yearold daughter in college at LSU. I see a big book that gives directions to each name on the wall. I look up Ed’s brother’s name and find it on the wall, a few steps away. The cost of the war just became real.

I grew up a child of the ‘60s. Our anthems were, “Make love, not war!” “All we are saying is give peace a chance!” “Everybody gets together, try to love one another right now!” Here we are, decades later, facing the continuous

threat of war. Jesus’ messages of love and peace are still falling on deaf ears, mine included at times. On the morning news today, North Korea is proudly displaying new weapons of mass destruction. Three people were killed in gunshot violence in Shreveport last night. I pray for a peaceful future for my children and grandchildren. The concept almost seems impossible until I remember the words we sing at the end of Mass occasionally, “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.”

Jesus gave us specific instructions on how to accomplish this mission in Matthew 25. As He described the judgment of nations, He implored His followers to feed the hungry, host the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick, visit the prisoner. If we do these things, He promises we will possess His kingdom, a peaceable kingdom that Isaiah described where the wolf will lie down with the lamb and warriors will beat their swords into plowshares.

Opportunities abound. We can donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at our parishes. We can help serve food at the Rescue Mission. We can take the Eucharist to homebound or hospitalized parishioners. We can donate clothes to any number of organizations in our area. We can volunteer at Holy Angels. We can support Kairos missions for prisoners. We can love our neighbors, no matter what they look like. The possibilities are endless. Each one of us can take a small step towards creating a peaceable kingdom in our homes, our parishes, our diocese, our community, our world. Let’s start today.

THE IMPACT OF AN ENVELOPE

Lucy Medvec, Diocesan Director of Development

ENVELOPES COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES. They have many uses, can deliver good news (letters, birthday cards) or necessary news (bills), and can change lives.What? How can a folded piece of paper change lives? If you look to your right, you will see what I mean. The envelope attached to the inside of this month’s Catholic Connection will carry a donation – your donation – to our offices and then the possibilities are endless. Each donation to the 2023 Catholic Service Appeal changes lives for thousands of people throughout North Louisiana. I’m not being dramatic when I say that – the gifts that we receive every day strengthen the ministries and in turn, the faith of Catholics throughout the Diocese of Shreveport.

How is this so? Let me give you some examples: Vocations – Not only does your gift support our seminarians in their education and formation, but it also pays for events and resources to recruit future seminarians in our diocese.

Retired Priests – Our retired priests continue to be a part of our diocesan family and receive our support through supplemental health insurance, long-term care needs, and other services.

College Campus Ministry – When students go away to college, we provide opportunities for them to continue

their Catholic faith. Our Campus Ministry program covers seven campuses in our diocese (including the LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine) and help students with activities, retreats, study sessions, holy hours and more. Catholic Connection Magazine – Did you know that every registered Catholic family in the Diocese of Shreveport receives the Catholic Connection free of charge? This award-winning publication reaches over 10,000 homes 11 months during the year to give information about our faith on the international, diocesan, and parish level. This is solely possible because of donations to the Catholic Service Appeal.

These are just a few of the many ministries that are possible through your donation to the Catholic Service Appeal. Donations that came to us in an envelope. Changing lives.

So please take a moment to write your check and send in your donation in the attached envelope. If you are of the age that does not write checks, make your donation by using the QR code on the envelope or give online at www.dioshpt.org/stewardship. It’s so easy to do.

Flood our post office box with your gift. It will change a life and brighten your day. And it all starts with an envelope.

Taste of OLBS

Featuring a multicultural explosion of foods

Sunday, September 24, 11 AM - 2 PM

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

1558 Buena Vista Street, Shreveport, LA

Come sample many dishes at the taste of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish fundraiser.

Adults: $20 donation/person

Children 6-12 years old: $10 donation

Children 5 years old and under: Free

Contact OLBS Office for tickets: 318-222-3791

CRISTO REY: BOSSIER CITY

Rev. Fidel Mondragon

318.221.0238 Oficina

Domingo 1:00pm

Lunes 7:00pm

Sabado 6:00pm

Coordinador Oscar Gomez

972.567.2710

SAN PASCUAL: W. MONROE

Rev. Luis Jost, OFM

Domingo: 4:00pm

Coordinadora: Lorena Chaparro

318.267.4018

SANTO TOMAS AQUINO: RUSTON

Rev. Kevin Mues

318.225.2870 Oficina

Domingo 1:30pm

Coordinadora: Luz Martinez 318.224.0980

NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL PEPETUO

SOCORRO: FARMERVILLE

Rev. Luis Jost, OFM

Sabados 7:00 pm

Coordinadora: Paola Gonalez

817.801.3499

STA MARIA DE LOS PINOS: SHREVEPORT

Rev. Mark Watson

318.687.5121 Oficina

Domingo 12:30 am

Coordinador: Sergio Seinos

318-393-2331

SAGRADO CORAZON: OAK GROVE

318.428.2983 Oficina, Domingo 1:00pm

Rev. John Bosco

318-402-1585

SAN JOHN THE BAPTIST, MANY

Rev. Tim Hurd

Oficina: 318-256-5680

primer domingo 1:00pm

SAN PABLO: MINDEN

Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt

2do Domingo 4:00pm

Coordinadora: Dora Rodriguez 870-904-9137

SAN JOSE: MANSFIELD

Rev. Rigoberto Betancurt

305 Jefferson Street

Mansfield, LA 71052

3er Domingo 3:00pm

Por el Obispo

Una de las lecciones que enseñó fue el impacto que tuvieron las revoluciones comunista e industrial en nuestra economía, nuestra forma de vida y nuestra manera de vivir la fe. Por ejemplo, demostró con claridad cómo la filosofía comunista nos alejó de la ayuda al más pobre de nuestra sociedad, para dar más importancia al Estado que a la persona. En consecuencia, los países comunistas centraron su atención en lo más importante que era el Estado en lugar de la persona individual. Su demostración de la revolución industrial cambió la forma en que vivíamos nuestras vidas. Por ejemplo, los niños aprendían el trabajo del padre antes de la revolución industrial. El padre se convertía en su mentor y le enseñaba a usar las manos en carpintería, a cultivar la tierra y a construir. Cuando llegó la industria, los padres empezaron a trabajar fuera de casa y los niños perdieron la presencia de sus padres en el hogar y en la artesanía. Como resultado, la familia sufrió.

LOS QUE RECORDAMOS LA TELEVISIÓN EN BLANCO Y NEGRO

EN LOS AÑOS 50 TAMBIÉN

RECORDAMOS LOS PROGRAMAS POPULARES QUE NOS ENTRETENÍAN HASTA QUE LLEGÓ

LA TELEVISIÓN A COLOR. De hecho, algunos de nuestros mejores recuerdos de la infancia eran de nuestros programas de televisión favoritos como, caricaturas, programas de variedades, noticieros, etc. Y cuando llegó el “color”, la experiencia de ver televisión cambió por completo. Hoy en día, algunos de nosotros seguimos viendo nuestros programas favoritos en blanco y negro. Uno de los mejores recuerdos de mi juventud era ver el programa semanal del arzobispo Fulton Sheen. Era TAN popular que ganó un premio Emmy por su programa, y su audiencia era muy amplia, tanto católica como no católica. Varios de sus episodios de la época posterior a la Segunda Guerra Mundial y de Corea eran educativos, ya que tenía una manera increíble de hacer que los temas complicados de aquella época se entendieran de manera sencilla, hasta para los niños. Aún recuerdo algunas de sus lecciones y cómo llegamos a la situación en que nos encontrábamos en el siglo XX.

Lo que el arzobispo Sheen señaló claramente fue que estas dos revoluciones atacaron la integridad y centralidad de la familia en la cultura y en nuestra forma de vida.

No debería sorprendernos que estas dos revoluciones sociales también causaran que la Iglesia a finales del siglo XIX hablara de la importancia del “trabajo manual” y la dignidad del trabajo. De hecho, gran parte de las enseñanzas sociales que hoy nos ofrece la Iglesia tienen su fundamento en la forma que la Iglesia nos enseñó sobre la dignidad del trabajo. En 1891, el Papa León XIII escribió su encíclica “Rerum Novarum” para hablar de estos temas y enseñarnos sobre la dignidad del ser humano a través del trabajo que realizamos. La Iglesia nos enseña que el trabajo de nuestras manos es sagrado, de Dios, y forma parte de su plan creador.

Alégrense en el trabajo de su vida, porque es de Dios, y de este modo, ustedes y yo nos convertimos en socios de Él, cada día de nuestras vidas.

PRESENTANDO A LOS NUEVOS SACERDOTES: El padre Kelby Tingle y el padre Gabriel Cisneros Campos

Kirsten Shrewsberry, Editora Diocesana y directora de Relaciones Públicas

EL SÁBADO

24 DE JUNIO DEL 2023

EL OBISPO FRANCIS MALONE ORDENÓ A LOS DIÁCONOS KELBY TINGLE Y GABRIEL CISNEROS CAMPOS AL SACERDOCIO PARA LA DIÓCESIS DE SHREVEPORT. La ordenación se celebró en la Catedral de St. John Berchmans, donde se llenó de fieles hasta el punto que sólo quedaban asientos de pie. Los dos hombres fueron celebrados por los fieles de la Diócesis, así como por sus familias cercanas y lejanas. Al final de la ordenación, el Obispo Malone tenía una sorpresa guardada: ¡un conjunto de mariachis! En México, las ordenaciones frecuentemente incluyen una banda de mariachis, y para honrar al Padre Gabriel hizo que una banda de mariachis concluyera la Misa.

Después de la ordenación, los dos nuevos sacerdotes fueron a una recepción que se celebró en la escuela Loyola College Prep, donde hubo comida, música y los sacerdotes ofrecieron sus primeras bendiciones.

Al día siguiente, los dos sacerdotes celebraron su Misa de Acción de Gracias - el P. Kelby en la Catedral de St. John Berchmans con el P. Peter Mangum y el P. Gabriel en la Iglesia de Cristo Rey con el P. Fidel Mondragón. Les deseamos a los dos sacerdotes mucha suerte en sus primeros puestos. El P. Kelby se unirá con el Monseñor Matthew Long como pastor asociado en San Judas en Benton y el P. con el P. Jerry Daigle como pastor asociado en San José en Shreveport.

Catholic Charities of North Louisiana Bingo on the Bayou 2023

“Catholic Charities of North Louisiana has helped more than 27,302 individuals since our doors opened in August of 2010. Most of them are single African American mothers between the ages of 26-51 who are underemployed and living in poverty, 96% of which are NOT Catholic. We help them because we ARE Catholic.”

-Charlie Olivier, new CCNLA Board President

This year’s Bingo on the Bayou raised over $55,000 for CCNLA’s Family Strengthening Programs. We thank the priests and Deacon Nash for calling Bingo games, those who purchased tickets as well as those who sent in donations. A BIG thank you to our dedicated staff and most of all our table sponsors.

Jesus the Good Shepherd School

Amy Fakhre, Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic School Development Office

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

JGS Preschool teachers, Mrs. Katherine (Pre-K3) and Mrs. Jane (Pre-K4), attended the Frog Street’s Splash 2023 Conference at the Gaylord in Grapevine, TX. The Splash conference, themed “Follow Your Yellow Brick Road,” is a unique, professional learning experience and celebration in honor of all heroes in early childhood education! Our teachers attended conference sessions and curriculum training on cutting-edge strategies and the latest research-based educational trends to enhance their preschool classroom experience and improve student outcomes. They are excited to bring all they learned into the classroom for the new school year! Thank you, ladies, for loving your job and always wanting the best for your students!

ORGANIC GARDENING: LEARNING RESPECT, LOVE AND MERCY

Our very successful organic school garden taken care of by JGS Garden Coordinators, Mrs. Allison Cook and Mr. Billy Burton, serves as a wonderful outdoor classroom for our PreK 3-6th students to learn obvious aspects of science, but also moral teachings of religion. JGS School partners with the LSU Ag Center to provide this amazing opportunity to our students, who last year enjoyed planting, cultivating, and eating the “fruits of their labor.” On top of the many scientific lessons learned through gardening, our students also learn to show respect and mercy for God’s creation. School gardens not only improve children’s overall health and well-being, but also help children understand how critical our natural world is to our existence as a species. Concepts such as a lack of pollinators equals no pollination, and no pollination equals a loss of the delicate balance of God’s ecosystem which would drastically affect global food supplies. Through organic gardening our students learn to respect and show mercy for some of God’s smallest creatures that help our world exist as it should.

Two of our JGS rockstars, Mrs. Southwell and Mrs. Rocconi, having a great time at “Get Your Teach On!” Lavar Burton from the “Reading Rainbow” was a guest speaker at the conference! We are proud of you ladies for always striving to be better for your school and your students!

Loyola College Prep

Jordan Harris, Loyola College Prep Director of Communications

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

student-led and feature opportunities for students to give back to our community, grow closer to their peers, and have fun! From athletics and spirit groups to clubs, SGA, and Flyers Aiding the Hungry (F.Ai.T.H.), our students are well rounded and seek any chance to be more involved at school and in the community.

Academic Excellence

Our students strive for excellence in everything they do and most especially in their academic success. The Flyer Faculty establishes a superior learning environment for all students, and with a 10:1 student to teacher ratio, teachers are able to meet their individual needs. Approximately 98% of Loyola students attend college after graduation.

Faith in Action

As the region’s only Catholic private high school, we integrate faith and our Catholic identity into all we do. With weekly Mass, religion courses for each grade, and giving back to our community through service hours, we are committed to our mission of creating men and women of conscience, character and compassion, continuing the Jesuit Catholic tradition of discipline, academic excellence, student involvement, and faith in action for the Greater Glory of God.

Schedule your private tour today to experience the Loyola Difference for yourself!

loyolaprep.org/admissions

Student Involvement

Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities and organizations. These organizations are

Cathedral of St. John Berchmans School

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

CARING IS SHARING AT SJB

At the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School, we promote the corporal and spiritual acts of mercy through our Caring is Sharing program. On the first Thursday of every month, over the course of the school year, our St. John Berchmans school family celebrates Caring is Sharing Thursday. Different nonprofit organizations in the Shreveport/Bossier area are selected to be the beneficiaries of collection drives. Each grade level chooses a local nonprofit organization and is responsible for collecting needed items and delivering them to their chosen organization. Students learn about the service the organization provides and how they help our community. They learn about the needs faced by many in our community, and they learn how service to others is an integral part of the Christian faith. While Caring is Sharing takes place on the first Thursday of the month, the mission of service and giving is an everyday occurrence at SJB. Students put in time and effort to select an organization and spend weeks collecting donations. They see the fruits of their efforts once the donations have been received. The program was started around 15 years ago by Mrs. Barbara Funk, former Beta Club faculty sponsor. In 2015 Mrs. Amy Vitacca, NJHS faculty sponsor, began to oversee the program.

Then during the 2022-23 school year, Ms. Maddie Bodden, 1st grade teacher, began overseeing the program and expanded it to the entire school, so it would be more of a whole school effort rather than just one single student, club, or organization.

Below is a list a few of the organizations that have benefited from Caring is Sharing Thursday:

• Providence House

• Loyola’s F.Ai.T.H. Club

• Catholic Charities – Gabriel’s Closet

• Geaux 4 Kids

• Holy Angels

• Cathedral Outreach – Lenten Almsgiving

• Humane Society

“It has been truly incredible to watch our entire student body, from our three-year-old’s up to eighth grade, come together in support of our local community. As Catholics, we are called to serve and make disciples, and that is exactly the magic happening at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans. Kindness is truly practiced here.”

Maddie Bodden

St. Frederick High School Capital Improvement Campaign Underway

St. Frederick High School's capital improvement campaign is underway to raise $3 million needed to expand, renovate and improve critical infrastructure and upgrade existing facilities. This summer, we began Phase 1 and have completed three classroom renovations, new gymnasium bleachers and basketball goals, a new roof and campus fencing. Phase 1 is 73% completed, and over 93 members of the St. Frederick community have donated the money raised to date. We celebrate the money raised in the six months, making a noteworthy dent in the funds needed to complete Phase 1 of the project. We have stepped out in faith, but we need a final push to the end zone to secure the remaining $200,000 to complete Phase 1. Please help St. Frederick reach its full potential and be a place that all students, faculty, alums, and families can be proud to call OUR School! Anyone interested in learning more about the schools new developments are invited to attend SFHS Alumni, Family & Friends event on September 14, 2023 at Bayou Desiard Country Club.

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School

Stephanie Haney, Our Lady of Fatima Principal

that we, as adults, have to get our mental health in check before we can start to help the children.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA SCHOOL IS COMBATING THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES STUDENTS FACE. LET’S BRING PEACE BACK!

Many of us don’t stop and think about a child’s mental health; that’s more of an adult problem, right? Not anymore. Unfortunately, since Covid, and even before, children are suffering from mental health disorders and these are going undiagnosed. Mental health is an important part of a child’s overall health and well-being. A child’s mental health affects their behavior, emotional state, and how they make choices.

According to the CDC’s survey on mental disorders in US children, ADHD, anxiety problems, behavior problems, and depression are the most common mental disorders diagnosed in children. The CDC’s survey was based on children ages 3-17 years of age. They determined that 9.8% were diagnosed with ADHD, 9.4% with anxiety, 8.9% with behavior problems and 4.4% with depression and many of these children hadtwo2 or more disorders. This is alarming! These disorders do not discriminate. It can happen to any one of our children. Any child can be a victim of mental disease. Our children deserve to be happy and carefree!

This summer the faculty and staff at Our Lady of Fatima School had several professional development classes on mental health. Thanks to Ascent in Monroe, our staff were enlightened about all that happens with the brain as the child develops. We uncovered several techniques to help our students that are struggling. We learned

Our Lady of Fatima is taking action to make sure that we are making every effort for our students to be in good mental health. Each day the students will complete a fun check-in with teachers and administration to let us know how they are feeling. Once we know how they are feeling, it will determine how we interact with him/her throughout the day and let us know what they need from us. We are implementing the Zones of Regulation. This is a program that teaches children to recognize how they are feeling and ways to deal with those feelings. A special thanks to Tessa Hoff for all her research on Zones of Regulation and her dedication to our students’ well-being. Not only will we be using this for students but teachers and staff as well. Everyone needs someone to check on them.

We are also adopting a PBIS (positive behavior interventions and support) Program. We are going to be highlighting the good behavior instead of the bad. Let’s face it, our students have enough negativity in their lives with social media, let’s bring the positive back!

Our main focus is and has always been on the children. It is our mission to reach each child’s needs spiritually, emotionally, and academically. OLF is extremely excited for all the good things to come this school year!

“Under His wings, soaring to new heights, we are Fatima Falcons!”

Saint Joseph Catholic School

Polly Maciulski, St. Joseph Catholic School Middle School Religion Teacher

SJS RINGS IN NEW SCHOOL YEAR WITH CLASSROOM BLESSINGS, AND SOME NEWAND NOT SO NEW - FACES.

There is something special about having a campus blessed on the very first day of school each year. This year’s blessing came after our first school Mass of the year, celebrated by our new pastor, Fr. Jerry Daigle. It’s always a treat to have our priests in our classrooms, and this was a perfect opportunity for students, faculty and staff to see Fr. Jerry in action!

fill with a graduate of SJS (Class of 2015), Ms. Rebecca Pippin! Ms. Pippin graduated from Louisiana Tech in May with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education/1-5 SPED, and is teaching in the room that was her third grade classroom in 2009-10. “I am so excited to be given the opportunity to be a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School,” says Pippin. “I have always felt called to teach and it is so special that I get to teach at the school I went to when I was younger. I hope to make an impact on my students’ lives and help each one of them grow closer to God.” Her siblings, Alexis and Charles, are SJS graduates, as well. Welcome back, Ms. Pippin!

Making his first appearance on our campus this year is Mr. Colt Brister, who will be teaching Middle School History. Mr. Brister comes to us from Avoyelles Parish and has three years’ experience in this subject. “I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a Biology minor from LSU at Alexandria and my Alternative Teacher Certification in Middle School Social Studies from Northwestern State University,” says Brister. “I have 1.5 years of experience in the public system and four (not including this year) in the Catholic school system. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at St. Joseph this year and look forward to helping my students succeed academically and spiritually. As a product of the Catholic school system, I choose to work in Catholic education because I know my students will be surrounded by academic excellence and strong values. I look forward to serving as a positive role model and helping my students have a great school year.” We are happy to have you with us, Mr. Brister!

Speaking of new faces, there are only a couple of new ones this year, and one of them is not exactly new. First, we have Mrs. Katie Walker, who is moving up from fourth grade math and science to teach Middle School Science. She has been with SJS since 2007, minus a brief time when she taught at Starbase. Mrs. Walker’s departure from fourth grade left a vacancy that we are thrilled to

As we begin our fifth annual journey through the Virtues of the Year and of the Month, we shift our focus for the school year from Faith to Hope, and our first Virtue of the Month is Kindness. The Education in Virtue program has become an integral part of our daily routine, beginning with our daily news program - KJOE - and continuing throughout the day with regard to our discipline, but also in our efforts to recognize and reward students who show evidence of living these virtues in their words and actions. Virtues are now an ever-increasing aspect of our

vocabulary, and the students and faculty are far more comfortable with the concept now than when we began in 2018. A student in each grade level is recognized each month for living that month’s virtue, and they are also being recognized weekly for embodying any virtue that a teacher sees in them. Faculty and staff even started voting on a peer each month who does the same. These “Christian Witness” awards have played a major role in encouraging virtuous behavior in all our students, including those who often do not garner such positive attention. The program has also provided additional opportunities to learn from that great “cloud of witnesses” that we have, as each virtue we study is connected to a saint who exemplified that virtue and is associated with a number of scripture passages to further our knowledge of God’s Word, as well.

As the Memorial of St. Vincent de Paul approaches at the end of September, we hope to announce the new leaders of our school conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the MiniVinnies. A new year offers many new opportunities to serve the poor, and we look forward to sharing those efforts with you in the coming months. We hope to see you at Falcon Fest on October 21st from 5-8 PM at our school!

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Suzanne Beadles, Society of St. Vincent de Paul

THIS SUMMER HAS TRULY BEEN A BLESSED TIME FOR THE SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL (SVDP) IN THE DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT. As this season ends, Father Raney Johnson, Cathedral Administrator, will celebrate a Mass honoring the Society’s namesake on Monday, September 25, 2023, at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans at 5:30 PM and all are welcome. Father Dhanraj Lourduswamy Narla and Father Mark Watson will be con-celebrants with Father Mark, SVdP West District Council Spiritual Advisor, as the homilist. Vincentians will have an opportunity for fellowship immediately following the Mass in the Parish Hall.

The month of May ushered in summer days with exceptional generosity for the Society from parishioners throughout the Western Deanery. The 2023 Give for Good promotion sponsored by the Community Foundation had 209 participating nonprofits and the Society placed 8th overall in the total amount of donations received ($65,632). SVdP also received an additional prize amount in recognition of the number of donors who gave to its campaign. This amazing support allowed the 12 SVdP Conferences in the Shreveport/Bossier area to increase the Society’s support to its Friends in Need as many experience increased utility costs.

The end of the summer will also usher in new leadership for the Society at the diocesan level. Jim Beadles, Diocesan Council President for the Diocese of Shreveport, and a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Shreveport, will complete his term on September 30, 2023, after six years of dynamic leadership and exemplary service to the Society. The nominating and election process have been completed and the Commissioning Ceremony for Corey Arcement as the new president will take place during the month of October. Corey is also a parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Shreveport.

SEMINARIAN BURSES

Thanks to our Recent Donors:

(08) Charles and Beverly Bennett $100

(035)2 Rosemary Ward $500

(036)2 Mr. Samuel G. Renda $50

(023) Van or Patricia McGraw $100

(023) Joseph L Cassiere $180

(023) Van or Patricia McGraw $100

(005) Anonymous $50

Completed Burses:

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

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

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

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

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

(013) Mary Evans Caplis Burse ($10000)

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

(019) Margaret Glenn Memorial Burse ($10000)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Incomplete Burses:

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

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

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

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

(005) Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Burse ($1475)

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

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

(008) St. Jude Parish Burse ($6418)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(023) Msgr. Edmund J. Moore Memorial Burse ($3400)

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

(025) Kathleen Hightower Memorial Burse ($600)

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

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

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

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

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

(035) Dr. James V. & Rosemary C. Ward Burse #2 ($5500)

(036) Msgr. Earl Vincent Provenza Burse #2 ($3250)

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

(038) The Malone Family Burse ($250)

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

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

(046) Domestic Church Burse ($5000)

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

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

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

Around the Diocese...

Amaree M. Lynch, great-grandson of parish

Sylvia

Williams, was baptized on June 11, 2023

Faith Brown made her First Holy Communion on June 18, 2023. Father Joseph Ampatt administered the sacrament.

Introducing Mr. T.C. Veit – New Principal at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School

“I’m thrilled to have been selected to lead the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School into a bright, new future. I’m originally from Palmyra, NY, and first landed in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. I taught Moral Theology, Apologetics, Ecumenism, and Scripture at Loyola College Prep. for 8 years. In 2024, the Cathedral parish will celebrate an important milestone! Although the Cathedral parish has supported a school for 120 + years, the current SJB building (built in 1949) will celebrate 75 years of Catholic education! It’s such an honor to be principal at a school with such a rich history and tradition. I look forward to the next few years of growth, faith, and academics! Please pray for me and for our students and faculty, as we begin the 2023-24 school year.” -

T.C. Veit

bookkeeper,

LaCour

-Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Shreveport

-Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Shreveport

Father Kelby Tingle surprised the congregation at St Ann Chapel in Ebarb by celebrating mass on Sunday, July 23. He was warmly welcomed back by all. Pictured here with John C. Ebarb. -St. Ann Chapel, Ebarb

Graduation Recognition: Bryce Britnell

Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Shreveport

Sunday, May 21, 2023, Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Shreveport recognized and honored through their Graduation/Scholarship program, Brice Britnell, Graduating senior of C.E. Byrd High School for his outstanding services to Sacred Heart and his commitment to education.

Bryce is an active practicing member of Sacred Heart where he attends Mass and serves as an altar server, greeter, and usher and is active in numerous youth programs. He was in attendance at the Diocesan Youth Summit.

In addition, Bryce won the essay contest at the diocese and the Knights of Columbus Council 3779 level in Shreveport under the direction of Steve Morton, KOC Youth Director. His essay was titled “Catholic Citizenship”. It consisted of how to bring Catholics back and the importance of the sacraments. He attended the KOC family day and participated in the soccer tournament. Bryce also won the Council CYLA Board for outstanding seniors at C.E. Byrd High School.

Our sincere gratitude to his mother Courtney Rachal, for the gift of her son to our parish, the council, and diocese. The parishioners of Sacred Heart of Jesus would like to congratulate Bryce for his outstanding achievements. We ask God to protect, guide and bless him as he continues his education at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Three priests, Fr. Mark Watson, Fr. Michael Thang’wa, and Fr. John Paul Crispin, lead 34 pilgrims to Israel in June. The group was met in Jerusalem by Father Peter Vasko, OFM, who served as the official guide. The pilgrims toured incredibly beautiful churches, experienced a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, renewed wedding vows at the church in Cana, and renewed baptismal promises at the Jordan River.

-Donna Grimaldi, parishioner at Mary, Queen of Peace, Bossier City

left to right: Fr. Raney Johnson, Bryce Britnell, Steve Morton (KOC) and Deacon Clary Nash

SEPTEMBER 8

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

SEPTEMBER 9

Saint Peter Claver, Priest

SEPTEMBER 12

The Most Holy Name of Mary

SEPTEMBER 13

Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

SEPTEMBER 14

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

SEPTEMBER 15

Our Lady of Sorrows

FEASTS & SOLEMNITIES

SEPTEMBER 16

Saints Cornelius, Pope, and Cyprian, Bishop, Martyrs

SEPTEMBER 19

Saint Januarius, Bishop and Martyr

SEPTEMBER 20

Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Priest, and Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions, Martyrs

SEPTEMBER 21

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

SEPTEMBER 23

Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest

upcoming events

SEPTEMBER 22- 25

SEPTEMBER 26

Saints Cosmas and Damian, Martyrs

SEPTEMBER 27

Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest

SEPTEMBER 28

Saint Wenceslaus, Martyr; Saint Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, Martyrs

SEPTEMBER 29

Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

SEPTEMBER 30

Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Come & See Weekend @ Community of Jesus Crucified CJC Sister Servants

Register by emailing cjcppbsvocationdirectress@gmail.com or call 337-394-6550

SEPTEMBER 24, 11 AM - 2 PM

TASTE OF OLBS @Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

Come sample many dishes at the Taste of OLBS. For more information or tickets call 318-222-3791

SEPTEMBER 24, 12:30 - 4 PM

GATHER EAST @ Jesus the Good Shepherd, Monroe

Open to all diocesan 6th - 12th grade students. For more information contact your parish office

SEPTEMBER 30, 6 - 9:30 PM

GATHER WEST @ St. Jude, Benton

Open to all diocesan 6th - 12th grade students. For more information contact your parish office

OCTOBER 1, 2 - 5:30 PM

GATHER SOUTH @ St. Joseph, Zwolle

Open to all diocesan 6th - 12th grade students. For more information contact your parish office

OCTOBER 20 - 22

Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat (English)

To register or for more information please call 318-588-1064 or email rquiroz@dioshpt.org

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH

St. Francis Medical Center Board of Directors meeting, Monroe; 11:30 AM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH

Mass; Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, Shreveport; 11:00 AM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH

Mass honoring the 150th Anniversary of Father Isidore Quémerais’ Death; Calvary Mound at St. Joseph Cemetery, Shreveport; 5:30 PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH

Mass honoring the Death of Father Jean Pierre; Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport; 4:00 PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH

Premiere of “A Tribute to Holy Trinity” Symphony Concert honor composed by Johnum Palado; Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport; 5:30 PM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH

St. Mary of the Pines Parish 50th Anniversary Mass; St. Mary of the Pines Church, Shreveport; 10:00 AM

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18THTHURSDAY, 21ST

Catholic Extension Mission Bishops’ Conference; Oak Brook, Illinois

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH

Mass honoring the Death of Father Jean-Marie Biler and Daughters of the Cross; Holy Trinity Church, Shreveport; 12:00 PM

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH

Diocese of Shreveport Pastoral Plan Workshop; St. Paschal Church, West Monroe; 6:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH

Diocese of Shreveport Pastoral Plan Workshop; St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Shreveport; 6:00 PM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH

Presbyteral Council Meeting; Catholic Center, Shreveport; 2:00 PM

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CATHOLIC CONNECTION

DIOCESE OF SHREVEPORT

3500 Fairfield Ave. • Shreveport, LA 71104

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

PHOTO OF THE MONTH: Diocesan Director of Multicultural Ministries, Karla Alvarez, and Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry, Laurie Nick, at World Youth Day in Portugal!