Bayou Catholic Magazine | April 2013 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Bayou

Catholic

The magazine for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Pope Francis

Insid

Ba ou

wellness 2013

A Man of the People HOUMA, LA ~ APRIL 2013 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

PLEASE JOIN ME IN CELEBRATING A

Mass of Healing and Thanksgiving IN HONOR OF THOSE IN NEED

The Most Reverend Bishop Sam G. Jacobs WILL LEAD THE CELEBRATORY MASS AT

St. Francis de SalesCathedral 400 VERRET STREET HOUMA, LA 70360

Sunday, April 21, 2013 AT

3:00 p.m. I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS CELEBRATION WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Dr. D

A J delaHoussaye, MD, FACS

Contents

On Our Cover

Jesus Is Lord The Seven Sacraments

Pope Francis has already made quite a stir with his simple style and friendly ways. We have special coverage on this Man of the People.

22 Heavenly Recipes

Our Organizations

Our Churches

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Annunziata Church celebrates 50 years

Blessed John Paul II

Bayou Wellness 2013

Exhibit ready for viewing in New Orleans

Our special gets you fit and healthy

• Bishop’s Message

• Question Corner

Shrimp Curry

7 17

• Reflections

• Young Voices

How to reach us: BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132 BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 BY FAX: (985) 850-3232 BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

Bayou Catholic Vol. 32, No. 10 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of HoumaThibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year. The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association. National and world-wide news service and photos by National Catholic News Service.

• Seeing Clairley

• Overtime

Louis G. Aguirre editor and general manager Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager Peggy Adams advertising manager Janet Marcel staff writer Pat Keese secretary and circulation Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer Janet B. Eschete accounts payable assistant Meridy Liner accounts receivable assistant

Where to find us Bayou Catholic magazine can be found at all Catholic churches in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and at the three Catholic high schools in Houma, Morgan City and Thibodaux. You may also visit the merchants listed in the Advertisers’ Index to pick up your copy. Those wishing to receive the magazine by mail can call Pat Keese at (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription price is $35 annually.

Index to Advertisers ABA .............................................................. 9 Bueche’s Jewelry ....................................... 26 Camp Abbey .............................................. 19 Cannata’s ..................................................... 2 Cardiovascular Institute of the South ........ 52 Catholic Home Missions Appeal ............... 23 Cenacle Retreats ........................................ 32 Channel 10 ................................................. 39 Daigle Himel Daigle ................................... 61 Diocesan Outreach Line .............................. 5 Diocesan Website ...................................... 29 Dr. Neil Maki ............................................... 71 Family Doctor Clinic ................................... 58 Family Vision Clinic .................................... 54 Gilsbar ........................................................ 63 God’s Precious Word and Gifts ................. 21 Haydel Family Chiropractic Inc. ................. 77 Haydel Spine and Pain .............................. 48 Headache and Pain Center ........................ 51 Holistic Health Medical Center Dr. Mike Flynn .......................................... 62 Houma Physical Therapy ........................... 50 John Paul II Exhibit .................................... 31 Journey Hospice ........................................ 49 La Terre Physical Therapy .......................... 60 LeBlanc and Associates, Inc. ..................... 44 Maison Jardin Senior Living Center ........... 50 Manceaux-Arcement Pizzolato-Thompson ................................ 57 Mass of Healing for Dr. D ............................. 3 Mpress ....................................................... 42 Office of Family Ministries .......................... 68 Oral Facial Surgery Center ........................ 56 Re-Bath ...................................................... 46 Rod’s Superstore ....................................... 35 SEECA ........................................................ 79 Seminarian Burses ..................................... 25 Southland Mall ........................................... 80 Spotlight ..................................................... 27 St. Bernadette Day Camp .......................... 33 St. Joseph Hospice/STAT Home Health .... 67 St. Joseph Manor ....................................... 78 Sterling Wellness Solutions ....................... 78 Synergy Bank ............................................. 43 Terminix ...................................................... 38 Terrebonne General Medical Center ......... 47 Terrebonne Physical Therapy Clinic .......... 69 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ..................... 53 Thibodaux Regional Medical Center Sports Medicine Center ........................... 55 Thibodaux Women’s Center ...................... 59

Diocesan Outreach Line

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026. For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org. Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de HoumaThibodaux. El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental. Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada. Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026. Vea el detallado procedimiento de informes en: www.htdiocese.org. Haga clic en Safe Environment y luego S.E. Forms and Links.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän

Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026. Caàn bieát theâm chi tieát veà caùch baùo caùo xin vaøo trang web cuûa ñòa phaän laø www.htdiocese.org. Baám vaøo muïc Safe Environment, sau ñoù tôùi muïc S.E. Forms vaø Links. www.bayoucatholic.com

Welcome Pope Francis Jorge Mario Bergoglio Is the first pope…

Editor’s Corner Louis G. Aguirre Editor & General Manager

• From the Americas • From Jesuit order • To take name Francis

Is known to…

• Take the bus and subway • Cook his meals • Have strong devotion to Mary • Visit the poor • Be very spiritual • Have low-key style • Love soccer and tangos

Speaks

Simplicity

Francis I, our new Holy Father, is making quite a stir at the Vatican and throughout the world with his ways. Eschewing ornate pectoral crosses, boarding the bus with other cardinals, paying his own way at the hotel, bowing to the crowd and asking for their prayers … these are the signs he wishes to be identified with. Simplicity, it seems, will be the new order in this pontificate. And I, for one, suspect this is just the beginning of a revitalized, streamlined, rejuvenated and reorganized Vatican. It is no easy task reforming and “cleaning up” the Holy See. But if there is someone who seems up to it, it is Francis I. Bishop Sam G. Jacobs says the selection of the new Holy Father is “an affirmation and recognition of the growing church in Latin America. It is likewise significant that they sought a spiritual man, a humble man and a man of the people.” That is the gist of who Francis I is: Spiritual, Humble, Man of the People. May his pontificate be long and fruitful. Prayer for Francis I O God, who in your providential design willed that your church be built upon blessed Peter, whom you set over the other apostles, look with favor, we pray, on Francis our pope and grant that he, whom you have made Peter’s successor, may be for your people a visible source and foundation of unity in faith and communion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Spanish, Italian, English, French and German

“Now let's begin this journey, bishop and people… a journey of brotherhood, love and trust among us.”

Then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio poses with young soccer players from the San Lorenzo soccer club, of which he is known to be a fan.

Dec. 17, 1936

1957

March 11, 1958

March 12, 1960

1960

1961-1963

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents

Takes first vows as Jesuit

1964-1965

Teaches high school literature and psychology at Jesuit secondary school in Santa Fe

At age 21, falls gravely ill; eventually severe pneumonia is diagnosed, right lung partially removed

Studies humanities in Padre Hurtado, Chile

Enters novitiate of the Society of Jesus

Studies philosophy at San Miguel Seminary, Buenos Aires

1966

1967-1970

Teaches at prestigious Colegio del Salvador secondary school in Buenos Aires

Studies theology at San Miguel seminary

Dec. 13, 1969

1970-1971

Is ordained priest

Spends “tertianship,” or Third Probation period of Jesuit formation in Spain

1971-1973

Serves as master of novices and vice chancellor, San Miguel seminary

1973

Takes perpetual profession as Jesuit

1973-1979

1979-1985

1986

June 27, 1992

June 3, 1997

Feb. 28, 1998

2001

Feb. 21, 2001

Serves as superior of Jesuit province of Argentina and Uruguay

Is ordained auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires

Co-presides over Synod of Bishops

2005-2011

Serves as president, Argentine Bishops Conference

Serves as rector of Colegio Maximo and theology teacher

Is named coadjutor archbishop

Is elevated to cardinal

Goes to Germany to finish doctoral thesis

Is installed as archbishop of Buenos Aires

2005

Receives second-highest number of votes in conclave that elected Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as pope

March 13, 2013 Is elected pope by conclave of 115 cardinals

Sources: Catholic News Service, Vatican Radio, Jesuit Conference of Argentina and Uruguay, Archdiocese of Buenos Aires. TIM MEKO FOR THE CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

Bishop’s Message

What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? For the church it is the central, culminating miracle that Jesus manifested proving who he was: the Son of God, God become Man. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, as Paul tells us, then we have believed in vain and we are fools. The resurrection of Jesus is the foreshadowing of our own body’s resurrection at the Last Day. This is our faith which we profess every Sunday in the Creed. The resurrection of Jesus is what we participate in when we are baptized. We die to sin and rise in the new life of the risen Christ. This Easter is our annual celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and our on-going and hopefully future resurrection. For Jesus, his resurrection was the ultimate manifestation and celebration of his divinity now shared with his body. For us, the resurrection will occur. Whether it will be a sharing in the divine life of God eternally or in eternal life alienated from God will depend on whether we continue to die to sin and live in Christ each day. Happy Easter.

•

¿Qué significado tiene para usted la resurrección de Jesús? Para la Iglesia es el milagro fundamental y culminante que Jesús manifestó para comprobar lo que era: el Hijo de Dios y Dios convertido en Hombre. Si Jesús no resucitó de entre los muertos - como Pablo nos dice - entonces hemos creído en vano y hemos sido tontos. La resurrección de Jesús es un presagio de la resurrección de nuestro propio cuerpo en el Último Día. Esto es la fe que profesamos todos los domingos cuando decimos el Credo. Participamos en la resurrección de Jesús cuando somos bautizados. Morimos por el pecado y resucitamos en la vida nueva de Cristo resucitado. La Pascua es nuestra celebración anual de la resurrección de Jesús y esperamos que sea nuestra resurrección continua y la resurrección que vendrá. La resurrección fue para Jesús la manifestación y celebración culminante de su divinidadque ahora comparte con su cuerpo. Para nosotros, la resurrección sucederá. Podremos compartir la vida divina de Dios para toda la eternidad si vivimos en Cristo todos los días. Igualmente, podríamos vivir en eterno alejamiento de Dios si continuamos muriendo en el pecado. Felices Pascuas.

•

Sự sống lại của Chúa Giêsu có ý nghĩa gì đối với anh chị em? Đối với Giáo Hội, đó chính là trọng tâm của phép lạ, chứng tỏ rằng Ngà là ai, là Con Thiên Chúa, là Chúa giáng trần. Nếu Chúa Giêsu không sống lại từ cõi chết, như thánh Phaolô nói thì chúng ta tin vào tuyệt vọng và là những người ngu đần. Sự sống lại của Chúa Giêsu là cánh cửa mở đường cho sự sống lại của chúng ta trong ngày sau hết. Đây chính là đức tin mà chúng ta hằng tuyên xưng trong kinh tin kính. Chúng ta được tham dự vào sự sống đó khi chịu phép rửa. Chúng ta chết cho tội và sống lại trong sự sống phục sinh của Chúa. Phục Sinh là ngày lễ hằng năm của Chúa Giêsu và chính là niềm tin mà chúng ta cưu mang cho ngày phục sinh của chúng ta. Đối với Chúa Giêsu, phục sinh là mặc khải tối hậu và là sự kết hiệp hoàn toàn giữa thân xác và Thiên Tính. Còn đối với chúng ta phục sinh sẽ đến. Được kết hiệp với Ngài vĩnh viễn hay không là tùy theo sự chọn lựa chết cho tội và sống cho Chúa hay không mỗi ngày. Chúc Mừng Phục Sinh.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Easter • Pascuas • Phuc sinh www.bayoucatholic.com

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, April 9, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Rev. Michael Bergeron, speaker. n Adult Faith Formation, Wednesday, April 10 and 17, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Topic, “Liturgy.” Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, speaker. n Man of God Gathering, Thursday, April 11, diocesan Pas-

MAY

n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business course beginning in May through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. This free course is designed to help people who are interested in starting a small business. It will be held one evening a week for nine weeks. A different business topic will be discussed each week. Anyone who is interested in participating

JUNE

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, June 4, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m. Rev. Glenn LeCompte, speaker. n Diocesan Leadership Awards, Tuesday, June 4, Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux. n Marriage Preparation Day, pre-registered couples,

DIOCESAN

APRIL

toral Center Conference Hall. Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event; all men over 18 years of age are invited. n Marriage Preparation Day, pre-registered couples, Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Contact your church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985)8503129 for registration details.

Additional information available on line at www.htdiocese.org/fm. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, April 17, St. Joseph Church, Chauvin, 7-9 p.m. n ADORE, Wednesday, April 24, Houma Municipal Auditorium, 7 p.m. n Liturgical Music Workshop, Saturday, April 27, Sacred Heart, Cut Off, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

may call Brooks Lirette at (985)876-0490 to schedule an orientation appointment. n Marriage Preparation Day, pre-registered couples, Sunday, May 5, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Contact your church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985)8503129 for registration details. Additional information available

on line at www.htdiocese.org/fm. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, May 7, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Rev. Clyde Mahler, speaker. n aNew Experience, Wednesday, May 15, Maria Immacolata, 7-9 p.m. n Priesthood ordination, Simon Peter Eugurait, Saturday, May 25, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall. Contact your church parish or call the Office of Family Ministries at (985) 850-3129 for registration details. Additional information is available on line at www. htdiocese.org/fm.

n aNew Experience, Wednesday, June 12, St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland, 7-9 p.m. n Steubenville on the Bayou, Friday, June 14 through Sunday, June 16, Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, Houma. Registration is now open.

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

EVENTS

United in Faith and Mission

...they gathered the church together and reported all God had done for them and how he had opened the door of faith... Acts 14:27

By Being United in Faith and Mission, the Annual Bishop’s Appeal Can Provide the Pastoral, Spiritual and Educational Works Needed in Our Diocese.

Each of us has the Christian responsibility of sharing his or her blessings with others. Since the establishment of our diocese, this tradition of giving has been a hallmark and a strength of our spiritual family, enabling the church in South Louisiana to accomplish the Lord’s work.

Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

After reviewing the important and indispensable works of education, charity, outreach, and formation through the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, please help by reviewing the giving guide below to prayerfully make your commitment.

All gifts will be acknowledged.

Total Commitment

Down Payment

7 Monthly payments

Commitments are payable over 8 months and commitment reminders will be mailed monthly.

Checks are made payable to Annual Bishop’s Appeal. For online credit card gifts visit: www.htstewardship.org

www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment Jesus Is Lord Bishop Sam G. Jacobs

T 10

The easiest way to answer this question is to say it stands for the truth revealed by God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit both in the Scriptures and in its authentic teachings. Here is Part II of these teachings. (This is not meant to be comprehensive.) n The Seven Sacraments: baptism, penance, Eucharist, confirmation, anointing of the sick, marriage and holy orders. a. Baptism is the first of three sacraments which initiates one into the life of God and the faith community of believers (Matthew 28:19). 1. Water baptism is the norm for salvation; even though we acknowledge baptism in blood (in the case of martyrs) and baptism of desire (those who had never heard the Gospel message but seek to do the will of God). 2. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus when one is baptized the person is freed from all sin: original and personal. Baptism is primarily God’s sign of love and secondarily the individual’s response. 3. Because of this we believe that since God wills all men to be saved and to experience God’s personal love, a person should be baptized as an infant. 4. Baptism can occur through immersion in water, pouring of water over the head, or sprinkling, but the formula invoking the persons of the Trinity is essential for validity.

Baptism LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

5. Baptism imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual sign. 6. Baptism is administered only once. (“I believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sin.”) 7. The baptized person assumes the role of disciple of Jesus Christ. b. Penance or reconciliation is the sacrament for the forgiveness of sins committed after baptism. 1) The authority to forgive sins was given to the Apostles and those they empowered through the laying on of hands (John 19, 22-23). This is why we confess our sins to God through the ministry of a priest. 2) There is serious sin leading to separation from God and ultimately the second death (mortal sin) and sin that affects our relationship with God but does not sever it (venial sin). 3) To be forgiven by God one needs to recognize what sin does

in one’s relationship with God, to truly repent of sin, to confess sin with the firm resolution to avoid sin in the future, and to make some reparation. 4) If I am separated from God by my actions or thoughts, I need to receive the sacrament of reconciliation before receiving the Eucharist. 5) The second precept of the church requires that each baptized person receive this sacrament at least once a year. c. Eucharist is both sacrifice, offered to God in thanksgiving, and sacrament, received to strengthen our union with God. Along with baptism and confirmation it is one of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation. 1) As sacrifice we are fulfilling the Third Commandment (“Keep Holy the Lord’s Day”) and the Commandment of Jesus at

What does the Catholic Church stand for? Part II Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

the Last Supper (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do this in memory of me.â&#x20AC;?) Each eucharistic celebration includes proclaiming and hearing the Word of God, the offering of bread and wine which, with the words of consecration, become the body and blood of Jesus, the reception of this miracle by the participants in communion. 2) We believe in the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the real and true body and blood of Jesus. This is not a representation or a symbol (Matthew 26:26-29). 3) The Eucharist makes present at this moment the perfect, eternal sacrifice of Jesus to the Father, begun at the Last Supper and the cross and continues for all time. 4) Since this is the body and blood of Jesus, the person who receives must be in the state of grace (not separated from God through mortal sin) and recognizes the reality of Jesus under the appearance of bread and wine (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). 5) The reception of the Eucharist should be part of every eucharistic celebration. At the minimum, a person should receive the Eucharist at least once a year. This should be done during the Easter season. d. The sacrament of confirmation, the third sacrament of full initiation into the life of God and the church, is the sacrament of Pentecost, the sacrament of baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, 8; 8:14-17). 1) Confirmation perfects the grace we received in baptism. In baptism we received the gifts of the Holy Spirit for our sanctification. In confirmation we receive the further gifts of the Holy Spirit for the up building of the community of believers. 2) Like baptism, confirmation is received only once and confers a

special, indelible character. 3) With this sacrament, the person who is a disciple from baptism now takes on the responsibility of being a witness for Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. e. The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is rooted in the words found in the Letter of James 5:1415. 1) This is primarily a sacrament

man and a woman as well as the openness and nurturing of life. 3) A marriage can be declared null and void if proven beyond a shadow of doubt that no sacramental bond before God was established at the time of the public commitment between the man and the woman. 4) If a couple is in a marriage that is not sacramentalized, they are not in the state of grace that is needed to receive the sacrament of Eucharist. 5) Unlike the other sacraments, the man and the women confer the sacrament on each other with a priest and two others as witnesses of their covenant bond. g. The sacrament of holy orders set aside men to serve the community of believers as deacon, priest or bishop. 1) Though all through baptism exercise the universal or 11 common priesthood of the faithful, some are called by God and the church to the ministerial priesthood. These are called to exercise the sacred service of teaching, divine worship and pastoral governance. 2) According to Divine Law, only baptized men are called to serve the people of God LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC in sacred orders. of healing for those who are seri3) The bishop exercises the fullously ill. ness of holy orders, pastoring a 2) Like the sacrament of penance, particular church called a diocese only the priest can administer this in the universal church. As such sacrament. the bishop is a successor of the f. The sacrament of marriage is apostles under the authority of the an indissoluble nuptial covenant Holy Father. between God, the man and the 4) Priests are co-workers with woman. the bishop, exercising their sacer1) This covenant was the first to dotal ministry under the authority be established by God with man of the bishop. and woman (Genesis 1:26-28). This 5) Deacons are called to the sercovenant was sealed as a sacravice of charity, word and worship ment by Jesus and acknowledged under the authority of the bishop. by Paul in Ephesians 5:21-33. 6) The bishop is the conferring 2) The two-fold purposes of marminister for each of the three deriage are the love union between a grees of sacred orders.

Reconciliation

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Comentario

¿Qué defiende la Iglesia Católica? Segunda Parte

L 12

La manera más sencilla de contestar esta pregunta es expresando que la Iglesia defiende la verdad revelada de Dios bajo la guía del Espíritu Santo en las Escrituras y en sus enseñanzas auténticas. He aquí la segunda parte de estas enseñanzas. (Esta explicación no es exhaustiva). n Los Siete Sacramentos: el bautismo, la penitencia, la Eucaristía, la confirmación, la unción de los enfermos, el matrimonio y el sacramento del orden religioso. a. El bautismo es el primero de los tres sacramentos que nos introduce a la vida de Dios y a la comunidad de fe de los creyentes. (Mateo 28:19). 1. El bautismo de agua es la norma de la salvación; aunque también reconocemos el bautismo de sangre (en el caso de los mártires) y el bautismo del deseo (aquéllos que nunca han escuchado el mensaje del Evangelio pero que procuranllevar a cabo la voluntad de Dios). 2. A través de la muerte y la resurrección de Jesús, en el bautismo somos liberados de todos los pecados: original y personal. El bautismo es la señal primordial del amor de Dios y secundariamente la respuesta de los fieles. 3. Por esta razón creemos que porque Dios quiere la salvación de todos los hombres y desea que vivan el amor de Dios, todos debemos ser bautizados durante la niñez. 4. El bautismo puede hacerse con la inmersión en el agua, derramando agua en la cabeza o salpicando agua, pero la práctica de invocar al trio de la Santa Trinidad es esencial para que tenga validez. 5. El bautismo graba en el alma una señal espiritual inquebrantable.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

6. El bautismo se administra solamente una vez. («Creo en un sólo bautismo para el perdón de los pecados.») 7. El bautizado desenvuelve el papel de discípulo de Jesucristo. b. La penitencia o reconciliación es el sacramento para el perdón de los pecados cometidos después del bautismo. 1) La autoridad de perdonar los pecados fue otorgada a los apóstoles y a aquéllos que ellos empoderaron con la imposición de sus manos (Juan 19, 22-23). Es por eso que confesamos nuestros pecados a Dios a través del ministerio de un sacerdote. 2) El pecado mortal es un pecado serio que nos conduce a la separación de Dios con nosotros y

finalmente a la segunda muerte y el pecado venial es un pecado que debilita nuestra relación con Dios pero que no la rompe. 3) Para recibir el perdón de Dios necesitamosreconocer cómo el pecado afecta nuestra relación con Dios, debemos arrepentirnos verdaderamente de los pecados, debemos confesar nuestros pecados con la firme resolución de evadir el pecado en el futuro y debemos hacer algunas reparaciones. 4) Si mis actos o pensamientos me separan de Dios, necesito recibir el sacramento de la reconciliación antes de poder recibir la Eucaristía. 5) El segundo precepto de la Iglesia requiere que todas las personas bautizadas reciban este sacramento al menos una vez

Eucharist LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

al año. c. La Eucaristía es ambos sacrificio —ofrendado a Dios en acción de gracias— y sacramento recibido para fortalecer nuestra unión con Dios. Es uno de los tres sacramentos de la Iniciación Cristiana junto al bautismo y la confirmación. 1) Nuestro sacrificio es llevar a cabo el Tercer Mandamiento («Recuerda santificar el Día del Señor») y el mandamiento de Jesús dictado en la Última Cena («Hagan esto en conmemoración mía.») Cada celebración eucarística consiste en proclamar y escuchar la Palabra de Dios, ofrendar el pan y vino que con las palabras de consagración se convierten en el cuerpo y sangre de Jesús, y la aceptación de este milagro por los participantes en comunión. 2) Creemos en la transubstanciación del pan y vino en el real y verdadero cuerpo y sangre de Jesús. Esto no es una representación o símbolo (Mateo 26:26-29). 3) La Eucaristía presenta en el momento el perfecto y eterno sacrificio de Jesús para el Padre, iniciado en la Última Cena y en la Cruz y que continúa por los siglos de los siglos. 4) Ya que esto es el cuerpo y la sangre de Jesús, el que lo recibe debe encontrarse en estado de gracia (no estar separado de Dios por el pecado mortal) y debe reconocer la realidad de Jesús en la forma de pan y vino (1 Corintios 11:27-29). 5) La Eucaristía debe recibirse en todas las celebraciones eucarísticas. Al menos, el sacramento de la Eucaristía debe recibirseuna vez al año. Debe llevarse a cabo durante la Pascua. d. El sacramento de la confirmación —el tercer sacramento de iniciación plena a la vida con Dios y la Iglesia— es el sacramento de Pentecostés, el sacramento de bautismo en el Espíritu Santo (Hechos 1:5, 8; 8:14-17). 1) La confirmación perfecciona la gracia que hemos recibido en el bautismo. En el bautismo hemos recibido los dones del Espíritu Santo para nuestra santificación. En la confirmación recibimos dones adicionales del Espíritu Santo para edificar la comunidad de creyentes.

2) Como el bautismo, la confirmación se recibe solamente una vez y confiere un carácter especial e indeleble. 3) Con este sacramento, el convertido en discípulo por el bautismo, ahora tiene la responsabilidad de dar testimonio de Jesús con el poder del Espíritu Santo. e. El sacramento de la unción de los enfermos se basa en las palabras que leemos en la Carta de Santiago 5:14-15. 1) Esto es primordialmente un sacramento de sanación para aquéllos que están seriamente enfermos. 2) Como el sacramento de la penitencia, solamente el sacerdote puede administrar este sacramento. f. El sacramento del matrimonio es una alianza nupcial inquebrantable entre Dios, el hombre y la mujer. 1) Esta alianza fue la primera establecida por Dios con el hombre y la mujer (Génesis 1:26-28). Jesús selló esta alianza como sacramentoy San Pablo habló de este en Efesios 5:21-33. 2) Los dos propósitos del matrimonio son la unión amorosa entre hombre y mujer y su globalidad y nutrimento en la vida. 3) El matrimonio puede declararse anulado si se comprueba sin duda alguna que no se haya establecido ningún lazo sacramental ante Dios en el momento del compromiso público entre el hombre y la mujer. 4) Si la pareja se encuentra en un matrimonio que no haya recibido el sacramento, entonces no se encuentra en el estado de gracia que se requiere para recibir el sacramento de la Eucaristía. 5) A diferencia a los demás sacramentos, el hombre y la mujer se confieren el sacramento el uno al otro ante el sacerdote y dos testigos durante su alianza de unión conyugal.

Confirmation LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

g. El sacramento del orden sacerdotal es reservado para los hombres que quieran servir a la comunidad de fieles como diáconos, sacerdotes u obispos. 1) A pesar de que a través del bautismo todos ejercitamos el 13 sacerdocio común o universal de los fieles, hay quienes reciben el llamado de Dios y la Iglesia a servir en el ministerio del sacerdocio. Ellos son llamados a ejercitar el servicio sagrado de la enseñanza, la adoración divina y el pastoreo administrativo. 2) Según la Ley Divina solamente los hombres bautizados reciben el llamado a servir al pueblo de Dios en el orden sacerdotal. 3) El obispo ejercita la plenitud del orden sacerdotal, el pastoreo de una iglesia singular llamada diócesis en la Iglesia universal. El obispo es el sucesor de los apóstoles bajo la autoridad del Santo Padre. 4) Los sacerdotes son consocios del obispo, ejercitando el ministerio sacerdotal bajo la autoridad del obispo. 5) Los diáconos reciben el llamado al servicio de la caridad, palabra y adoración bajo la autoridad del obispo. 6) El obispo es el ministro que asigna cada uno de los tres grados del orden religioso. Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Católica Annunziata, Houma. www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

Ñaâu Laø Choã Ñöùng Cuûa Giaùo Hoäi? (phaàn II)

M 14

Moät caâu traû lôøi deã daøng nhaát cho caâu hoûi ñoù laø Giaùo Hoäi ñöùng treân neàn taûng chaân lyù do Thieân Chuùa maëc khaûi vaø döôùi söï dìu daét cuûa Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn qua Kinh Thaùnh vaø nhöõng giaùo huaán chaân thaät cuûa Giaùo Hoäi. Chaân lyù ñoù laø nhöõng ñieàu gì? (khoâng theå noùi heát ñöôïc). Baûy bí tích: Röûa Toäi, Giaûi Toäi, Mình Thaùnh Chuùa, Theâm Söùc, Xöùc Daàu Thaùnh, Hoân Phoái vaø Truyeàn Chöùc Thaùnh. a. Röûa Toäi laø moät trong 3 bí tích khai taâm, môøi goïi ngöôøi Kytoâ tham gia vaøo söï soáng vôùi Thieân Chuùa vaø trong coäng ñoàng ñöùc tin (Matthew 28:19). 1. Nöôùc röûa laø tieâu bieåu cho söï cöùu roãi, maëc daàu chuùng ta chaáp nhaän pheùp röûa baèng maùu (khi noùi ñeán töû ñaïo) vaø pheùp röûa trong öôùc muoán (daønh cho nhöõng ai khoâng bieát Tin Möøng, nhöng soáng theo yù Chuùa. 2. Qua söï cheát vaø phuïc sinh cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu thì nhöõng ai chòu pheùp röûa ñöôïc tha thöù toäi toå toâng vaø caù nhaân. Ñieåm chính cuûa pheùp röûa laø tình yeâu cuûa Chuùa vaø thöù hai laø phuùc ñaùp cuûa ta. 3. Bôûi vì ta tin raèng Chuùa muoán chuùng ta ñöôïc cöùu roãi vaø muoán chuùng ta caûm nhaän ñöôïc tình yeâu Ngaøi, neân chuùng ta caàn chòu pheùp röûa khi coøn laø treû thô. 4. Pheùp röûa theo ba caùch, hoaøn toaøn dìm döôùi nöôùc, ñoå nöôùc treân ñaàu, hay raûy nöôùc, nhöng nhaân danh Chuùa Ba Ngoâi laø ñieàu caàn thieát ñeå cho Bí tích ñöôïc thaønh söï. 5. Pheùp röûa in daáu tín treân linh hoàn laø daáu chæ khoâng phai môø. 6. Pheùp röûa chæ ñöôïc nhaän moät laàn. (“Toâi tin pheùp röûa ñeå tha toäi.”) 7. Ngöôøi chòu pheùp röûa laõnh nhaän ôn goïi cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu. b. Giaûi Toäi hay Hoaø Giaûi laø bí tích tha toäi maø mình ñaõ phaïm sau khi röûa toäi. 1. Quyeàn tha toäi ñaõ ñöôïc ban cho caùc Toâng Ñoà vaø nhöõng ai qua nghi leã ñaët tay (John 19: 22-23). Bôûi lyù do ñoù, chuùng ta xöng thuù toäi loãi vì muïc vuï cuûa linh muïc.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

Anointing of the Sick

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

2. Toäi troïng laøm ta xa lìa Chuùa vaø cuoái cuøng cheát trong tuyeät voïng vaø nhöõng toäi nheï tuy coù aûnh höôûng ñeán söï lieân heä vôùi Chuùa nhöng khoâng cheát trong tuyeät voïng. 3. Ñeå ñöôïc thöù tha toäi chuùng ta caàn bieát noù aûnh höôûng ñeán söï lieân heä vôùi Chuùa nhö theá naøo, aên naên thoáng hoái, xöng toäi vôùi taâm hoàn thoáng hoái vaø traùnh toäi trong töông lai, vaø laøm vieäc ñeàn toäi. 4. Neáu bò xa lìa Chuùa vì haønh ñoäng vaø tö töôûng nghieâm troïng thì neân ñi xöng toäi tröôùc khi röôùc Mình Thaùnh. 5. Luaät Giaùo hoäi ñoøi hoûi chuùng ta xöng toäi moät naêm ít laø moät laàn. c. Mình Thaùnh Chuùa bao goàm hy leã daâng leân Chuùa Cha trong tri aân, vaø laõnh nhaän Mình Thaùnh ñeå keát hieäp vôùi Chuùa. Cuøng vôùi Pheùp Röûa vaø Theâm Söùc laø moät trong ba bí tích khai taâm. 1. Laø Hy leã, chuùng ta chu toaøn boån phaän ñieàu raên thöù ba, giöõ ngaøy Chuû nhaät vaø Leà luaät cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu truyeàn trong böõa Tieäc ly (“laøm ñieàu naøy maø nhôù ñeán ta”) Trong moãi Thaùnh leã ñöôïc bao goàm coâng boá lôøi Chuùa vaø

laéng nghe, daâng baùnh röôïu vaø qua lôøi truyeàn pheùp, baùnh vaø röôïu trôû neân Mình vaø Maùu Thaùnh, laõnh nhaän pheùp laï naøy laø röôùc Mình Thaùnh Chuùa. 2. Chuùng ta tin vaøo söï bieán ñoåi baùnh vaø röôïu trôû neân Mình vaø Maùu Thaùnh. Ñaây khoâng phaûi laø töôïng tröng (Mt 26:26-29). 3. Hy leã laø laøm soáng laïi Hy Leã hoaøn haûo cuûa Chuùa Gieâsu daâng leân Chuùa Cha, baét ñaàu baèng böõa Tieäc Ly vaø Thaäp Töï vaø tieáp noái qua moïi thôøi ñaïi. 4. Bôûi vì ñaây laø Mình vaø Maùu Thaùnh Chuùa, moãi ngöôøi Coâng giaùo khi laõnh nhaän khoâng ñöôïc vöôùng toäi troïng vaø tin raèng Chuùa Gieâsu hieän dieän trong Baùnh vaø Röôïu (1 Corintoâ 11:27-29). 5. Tham gia vaøo röôùc Mình vaø Maùu Thaùnh laø phaàn quan troïng trong khi tham döï hy leã. Hoaëc toái thieåu röôùc Mình vaø Maùu Thaùnh ít nhaát moät laàn trong muøa Phuïc Sinh. d. Bí Tích Theâm Söùc ñöùng thöù ba trong ba bí tích khai taâm, laø bí tích leã Chuùa Thaùnh Thaàn hieän xuoáng, laø bí tích thanh taåy trong Thaùnh Thaàn (Toâng Ñoà Coâng Vuï 1:5,8; 8:14-17). 1. Theâm söùc kieän toaøn ôn

thaùnh trong Bí Tich Thanh Taåy khi röûa toäi ta ñaõ laõnh nhaän ôn Thaùnh Thaàn ñeå thaùnh hoaù. Trong Theâm Söùc ta laõnh nhaän theâm ôn Thaùnh Thaàn ñeå giuùp ta xaây döïng coäng ñoàng cuûa nhöõng ngöôøi tin. 2. Nhö Thanh Taåy, ta chæ laõnh nhaän Theâm Söùc moät laàn, vì chuùng ta nhaän aán tín khoâng theå phai môø. 3. Vôùi Theâm Söùc, vì laø moät moân ñeä Chuùa khi laõnh nhaän Bí Tích Thanh Taåy, baây giôø hoï laøm chöùng taù cho Tin Möøng trong quyeàn naêng cuûa Thaùnh Thaàn. e. Bí Tích Xöùc Daàu Thaùnh coù nguoàn goác töø saùch Giacoâbeâ ñoaïn 5 caâu 1415. 1. Muïc ñích cuûa bí tích laø tha thöù toäi loãi cho nhöõng ai bò beänh naëng. 2. Nhö Bí Tích Hoaø Giaûi chæ linh muïc môùi coù quyeàn ban. f. Bí Tích Hoân Phoái laø giao öôùc khoâng theå phaân ly giöõa Thieân Chuùa, moät nam vaø moät nöõ. 1. Giao öôùc naøy do Thieân Chuùa thieát laäp laàn ñaàu tieân daønh cho moät nam vaø moät nöõ (Khôûi Nguyeân 1:2628). Giao öôùc naøy ñöôïc ñoùng aán bôûi Chuùa Gieâsu vaø chaáp nhaän bôûi thaùnh Phaoloâ göûi giaùo ñoaøn EÂpheâsoâ trong ñoaïn 5 caâu 21-33. 2. Coù hai muïc ñích trong hoân nhaân laø töông trôï laãn nhau vaø môû loøng ñoùn nhaän vaø giaùo duïc con caùi. 3. Hoân nhaân coù theå khoâng thaønh söï vaø bò huûy neáu chöùng minh ñöôïc raèng Bí Tích Hoân Nhaân khoâng thaønh tröôùc maët Chuùa khi hai ngöôøi trao lôøi höùa hoân vôùi nhau giöõa coäng ñoàng daân Chuùa. 4. Neáu hoân nhaân cuûa hai ngöôøi khoâng ñöôïc Giaùo hoäi coâng nhaän thì hai ngöôøi ñoù khoâng soáng trong aân suûng thì khoâng ñöôïc röôùc Leã. 5. Khoâng nhö nhöõng bí tích khaùc, moät nam vaø moät nöõ cuøng ban bí tích cho nhau qua lôøi chöùng cuûa linh muïc vaø hai ngöôøi khaùc nöõa. g. Bí Tích Truyeàn Chöùc trao cho moät soá öùng vieân nam nhö thaày saùu, linh muïc vaø giaùm muïc. 1. Tuy moïi ngöôøi Kytoâ soáng ñôøi soáng linh muïc phoå quaùt, chæ moät soá ngöôøi nam do Chuùa vaø Giaùo hoäi keâu goïi soáng ñôøi linh muïc rieâng bieät. Hoï ñöôïc keâu goïi vôùi söù vuï giaûng daïy, daâng leã vaø haønh giaùo. 2. Chieáu theo luaät Chuùa, chæ nhöõng nam Kytoâ môùi ñöôïc keâu goïi trong söù vuï linh muïc. 3. Ñöùc giaùm muïc thi haønh nghóa vuï linh muïc hoaøn toaøn baèng caùch cai quaûn giaùo hoäi ñòa phöông goïi laø ñòa

Marriage LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

phaän. Giaùm muïc laø ngöôøi keá vò caùc toâng ñoà döôùi quyeàn bính cuûa Giaùo Hoaøng. 4. Linh muïc laø coâng söï vieân cuûa giaùm muïc, thi haønh muïc vuï döôùi quyeàn bính cuûa ñöùc giaùm muïc. 5. Thaày saùu ñöôïc keâu goïi thi haønh thöøa taùc vieân baùc aùi, coâng boá lôøi

Chuùa vaø thôø phöôïng döôùi quyeàn bính cuûa giaùm muïc 6. Giaùm muïc coù quyeàn ban caùc bí tích nhö giaùm muïc, linh muïc vaø thaày saùu. Dòch thuaät: Linh Muïc Pheâroâ Leâ Taøi, Chaùnh sôû nhaø thôø Our Lady of the Isle.

Holy Orders LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

www.bayoucatholic.com

Scripture Readings Monday

1 April

Tuesday

Wednesday

and a listing of Feast days and saints.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Solemnity of Easter Saturday Acts 4:13-21 Mark 16:9-15

Solemnity of the Second Sunday of Easter Acts 5:12-16 Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 John 20:19-31

Easter Weekday Solemnity of the Acts 4:32-37 Annunciation John 3:7b-15 of the Lord Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38

Easter Weekday Acts 5:17-26 John 3:16-21

Memorial of Stanislaus, bishop and martyr Acts 5:27-33 John 3:31-36

Easter Weekday Acts 5:34-42 John 6:1-15

Easter Weekday Acts 6:1-7 John 6:16-21

Third Sunday of Easter Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41 Revelation 5:11-14 John 21:1-19

Easter Weekday Acts 6:8-15 John 6:22-29

Easter Weekday Acts 7:51—8:1a John 6:30-35

Easter Weekday Acts 8:1b-8 John 6:35-40

Easter Weekday Acts 8:26-40 John 6:44-51

Easter Weekday Acts 9:1-20 John 6:52-59

Easter Weekday Acts 9:31-42 John 6:60-69

Fourth Sunday of Easter Acts 13:14, 43-52 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 John 10:27-30

Easter Weekday Acts 11:1-18 John 10:1-10

Easter Weekday Acts 11:19-26 John 10:22-30

Easter Weekday Feast of Mark, Acts 12:24—13:5a evangelist John 12:44-50 1 Peter 5:5b-14 Mark 16:15-20

Easter Weekday Acts 13:26-33 John 14:1-6

Easter Weekday Acts 13:44-52 John 14:7-14

Fifth Sunday of Easter Acts 14:21-27 Revelation 21:1-5a John 13:31-33a, 34-35

1 May

Memorial of Catherine of Siena, virgin and doctor of the church Acts 14:5-18 John 14:21-26

Easter Weekday Acts 14:19-28 John 14:27-31a

Easter Weekday Acts 15:1-6 John 15:1-8

Memorial of Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the church Acts 15:7-21 John 15:9-11

Feast of Philip and James, Apostles 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 John 14:6-14

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Jesus as ‘Son of Man’; Responsibility of godparents

Q A

Q. We refer to Christ by various titles: the Messiah, the Lamb of God, Son of the Father, etc. But I have never understood why, in the Scriptures, Jesus refers to himself as the “Son of Man.” That sounds, to me, a little less than divine. Why does Christ call himself that? (San Francisco, Calif.) A. Your question is an insightful one and has been the subject of considerable discussion by Scripture scholars. Pope John Paul II (on April 29, 1987) devoted one of his weekly audience talks to explaining what Jesus meant when he called himself “Son of Man.” That title is used in the four Gospels, always within the sayings of Jesus; and depending on the context, it can refer either to Christ’s humanity or to his divinity. At certain times, the pope pointed out, Jesus seems to be highlighting the fact that “he took his place with that same name as a true man among men, as a son of a woman, Mary of Nazareth,” one who shares entirely our earthly condition and suffering. An example comes in Matthew’s Gospel (8:20) where Jesus says, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.”

In other passages, though, Jesus uses the title with clear reference to the prophecy of Daniel (7:13-14), which was viewed by all as messianic: “I saw coming with the clouds of heaven one like a son of man. ... He received dominion, splendor and kingship; all nations, peoples and tongues will serve him.” When Jesus cures the paralytic who has been lowered through the roof, for example, he ascribes divinity to himself by first saying to those looking on, “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth ...” (Mk 2:10). Even more patently, when on trial before the Sanhedrin he was asked, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus answers, “I am; and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mk 14:61-62). So the one title, Son of Man, had a dual purpose: to lay claim to Christ’s unique nature, which was both human and divine.

Q. Several years ago, my wife and I were asked to be the godparents of five children whose parents were joining the Catholic Church at the time. We willingly agreed. Later, the couple had four more children; we were asked to be their godparents as well and were proud to do so. Two years ago, though, the parents decided to leave the Catholic faith. Their children are now ages two through 13, and we are wondering what are our responsibilities to those children now? (Colfax, Ind.)

A. What pleases me, with your question, is how seriously you view your responsibilities as godparents. That is the ideal the church seeks to achieve, although many sponsors fall short. The church’s Code of Canon Law in Canon No. 872 states that a godparent “helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it.” So a continuing relationship is clearly envisioned. Even in the circumstances you describe, you can continue to

fulfill some of the responsibilities -- mainly, to continue to serve as examples of faith-filled Catholics by the tenor of your lives and sacramental practice and by praying regularly for the children you have sponsored. You might even consider sending them a card or note each year on the anniversaries of their baptism, but this would depend on how that would be viewed by the children’s parents and you are in a better position to measure that than I. If you lived in the same vicinity and if the parents had simply fallen away from Catholic practice through laziness or the general busyness of family life, you might even offer to take the kids to church and to religious education classes. But what I suspect from your question is that the parents made a conscious decision to withdraw from the Catholic faith -- in which case you might drive them (and their children) further away by pressing too hard. If you are still friendly with the parents, you might consider having an honest discussion with them -explaining to them that you still feel some personal responsibility 17 for the children’s growth in the faith but that you don’t want to do anything that would offend, and asking the parents what they would be comfortable with. 2013 Catholic News Service

Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@ gmail.com and 40 Hopewell St., Albany, N.Y. 12208

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Reflections Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Jesus is truly risen

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Part of the power of the Lucan resurrection narratives is the impact they make on the lives of those who come to believe that Jesus is truly risen. In Luke 24:1-11, the female followers of Jesus who go to the tomb on Easter morning are puzzled by its emptiness rather than being moved to believe that Jesus has been raised. Their confusion is a result of their view of what has happened to Jesus. As they saw it the mission and work of Jesus, in whom they had placed their hopes, had tragically ended with his death. They were going to the tomb in sadness to anoint the dead body of one they loved dearly and to whom they had committed their lives. It was the last act of kindness they could do for their dear departed one. With Jesus dead and buried, with their dreams dashed to pieces, they would have to redirect their lives. But then two men in dazzling apparel offer them a different way of looking at the empty tomb. Maybe Jesus’ body was not stolen; maybe he is not dead as they presume; maybe he has been raised! “Why do you seek for the living one among the dead?” they ask, meaning that it is ridiculous to look for Jesus in a cemetery, because without a doubt he is alive. They remind the women that it was all part of a predetermined plan, of which Jesus himself was aware. He had told them that he would suffer, die and be raised from the dead. In 24:8, Luke makes a significant narrative comment when he tells

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

us that the women, “remembered his [Jesus’] words.” In other words, the women are starting to see the bigger picture by combining their current experience with an event earlier in the story. One important aspect of coming to faith involves pulling the story together, thus, the process of coming to faith is beginning for them. But would the other disciples believe the women’s report? In 24:11, Luke tells us that, upon hearing the initial report, they did not. The two disciples walking to Emmaus in 24:13-35 appear to have been among this group who received the women’s report, but did not believe it (24:22-23). The Emmaus episode depicts the first post-resurrection experience by disciples in Luke, but the two disciples who have left Jerusalem for Emmaus in sadness are restrained from recognizing Jesus. Nevertheless, the first stirring of resurrection faith happens when these two disciples encounter the risen Lord in the breaking of the bread (24:30-31). Immediately they return to Jerusalem and, somehow, the group that did not believe the women now confesses its faith in the Lord’s resurrection (24:33-34), whereupon the two disciples from Emmaus confirm that faith statement by their own experience (24:35). Earlier in the Emmaus episode, Jesus explained how the Scriptures pointed to his Messianic suffering and death (24:25-27). By “putting the story together” the Emmaus disciples confirm their conjecture that the stranger with whom they dined was indeed the risen Lord. The next section of the Lucan resurrection narrative (24:36-49) finds the disciples dining once again on resurrection day. However, these disciples who supposedly corroborated their faith in Jesus’

resurrection with the two disciples from Emmaus react strangely when the risen Lord appears to them and they panic because they think they are seeing a ghost. The presence of Jesus, whom they had deeply loved and sorrowfully lost, should have been an occasion of joy, peace and comfort. There seems to be something still amiss in their ability to arrive at resurrection faith. When Luke depicts Jesus showing them his hands and feet, the purpose is more than an attempt to prove that Jesus was not a ghost or a hallucination. Luke wants to make certain that we know that the risen Christ is one and the same with Jesus of Nazareth. This shows that everything that happened to Jesus throughout his passion and death leading to his resurrection was all part of a divine plan of salvation. Jesus opened their minds to understand that his suffering and death were necessary means to achieve salvation for the whole world. As victorious risen Lord, Jesus sends forth those who believe in his resurrection to proclaim forgiveness of sins in his name. The Lucan resurrection narrative ends with the ascension scene (24:50-53), where Jesus completes his transit to the Father. The disciples, for their part, return to Jerusalem, the city of destiny, the city where Jesus achieved the great events of salvation, and from where the preaching of repentance he commissioned the disciples to do will commence. As we observe the changes that occur to the characters who encounter the risen Lord in Luke’s story, we must consider our own encounter and response to his presence in our lives.

d by estions u nfirme he o c Q d r n o of t tio nL he rise larger story Reflec th in t e

h th r fai n is you ry wit iples i n How ing Jesus’ sto us disc o your o t i c r e a n v et he con ompar ey of t ures? -journ narratives c Script h t i a f e n does th rrectio y n How n post-resu he Hol ca nt of t wide e c s e the Lu h–journey? d er rld it the lat ed their wo he gift own fa r t n and i o d p i s s n n a n i e ples state i s’ asc c d u s for the s e i e fi d k J i r n o wo ’ glor n the t s o u p u s o u e y J t does spire Spiri you in n . How missio irit within Sp of the m? o Kingd

Julie Billiart 1751-1816 April 8

Crosiers

Born in Picardy, in France, the pious Julie was allowed to make a vow of chastity at age 14 and did manual labor when her family suffered financial reversals. In her early 20s, she became paralyzed after an attempt on her father’s life; at 30 she was an invalid, dispensing catechism lessons and spiritual advice from her bed. Forced to leave home during the French Revolution, she settled in Amiens, where she co-founded the religious institute that later became the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. In 1804, during a parish mission, she walked for the first time in 22 years. From then until her death, she traveled constantly in France and Belgium to expand one of the great teaching congregations of the church.

Bernadette Soubirous 1844-1879 April 16

CNS

As a child in a poor French family in the Hautes-Pyrenees town of Lourdes, Bernadette suffered both asthma and cholera. Uneducated, she had not made her first Communion by 1858, the year she experienced 18 visions of a beautiful lady calling herself the Immaculate Conception and calling for penance and pilgrimage. Bernadette was unchanged by this extraordinary experience, and in 1866 became a member of the Sisters of Charity, taking the name Maria-Bernarda. Chronically ill after 1875 with worsening asthma and tuberculosis of the bones, she died at age 35. When she was canonized in 1933, it was not for being the Lourdes visionary, but for her simple life of prayer, devotion and obedience.

George died circa 303 April 23

Crosiers

This popular Christian saint is venerated in the Eastern and Western churches and respected as a prophet in Islam. George may have been a soldier martyred at Lydda (now Lod, Israel) when the persecution of Roman Emperor Diocletian began in 303. But he is famous for exploits published about 1260 in “Golden Legend,” in which he slays a dragon attacking a princess and her city, which leads to a mass conversion and a wedding. Crusaders may have spread this story after seeing an image in Constantinople of Constantine destroying the devil in a dragon’s form. George is the patron saint of England, Portugal, Slovenia, Catalonia, Venice and Genoa, as well as knights, soldiers, farmers and Boy Scouts.

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Guest Columnist Shawn Lapeyrouse

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The lights drop down to near nothingness as the clock strikes 6:59 p.m. Three thousand voices fill the air as they count down with the clock ticking away the seconds until “10 … 9 … 8 … 7 … 6 … 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … ” and, at the top of their lungs “1!” The stage lights pop on; the strum of a guitar fills the air as the first notes of the first song of the first night of the Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic youth conference kick off the spirit-filled weekend. For many of the youth present, this has been a year in the making, counting down not just the last minute of the wait, but having been counting down for the last year, until “the next Steubenville conference.” For half, the weekend will be their first experience of a Steubenville youth conference and they may be a little apprehensive, unsure of what to expect. But for the other 50 percent there is a true anticipation, excitement of things to come, a chance to worship Jesus Christ in a way that meets their needs in this day and age. This year’s Steubenville on the Bayou will be held at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center June 14-16. People will ask, “What is a Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic youth conference?” At first, we give the typical answer, “… a nationwide conference series co-sponsored by Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH, and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s Conference Office. This year is the eighth Bayou conference.” But to get a true idea of what a Steubenville conference is, you have to ask the teens that have experienced it.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Joseph Folse, a high school sophomore, says, “Steubenville is an eye-opening example of how God works in our lives. Saturday night adoration is the highlight of the weekend, showing God’s desire for us.” Allie Casey, a high school junior, explains, “It’s the perfect opportunity to unite with other young Catholics you will have as friends for life. It is the best foundation for your relationship with God.” The youth participants, those

in 8th through 12th grades, come away from the weekend with a sense of knowing God loves them for who they are. They realize that, though we are imperfect humans, God will forgive us our sins when we are truly sorry for the wrong we have done. The youth are offered this experience through praise and worship music, dynamic speakers, Mass and the opportunity to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation. Youth participants are supported by their group leaders and group team

Steubenville on the Bayou is June 14-16

members – adults who attend the conference within the group as the chaperones. All participants attend the conference as a group, supported by their church parish. If a youth is not linked with a church parish attending the conference, then someone from the Conference Office will assist him or her in finding a group to attend with. It is through this support system of adult participants that the youth are better able to walk away from the conference weekend with a sense of fulfillment. Many groups will also have participants ages 18-24 attending with them; thus offering an opportunity to these young adults to experience the conference weekend. While still attending the main sessions of the conference with the group, special sessions are held specifically for this age group, so that the presentations are ageappropriate. By doing this, the conference is better able to meet

the needs of the various stages of life without throwing these “new adults” into the role of chaperone; however they are not expected to still behave as youth. For young adults wanting to go deeper, the conference offers them the chance to be a part of Mercy Crew which is a retreat experience that leads up to the conference weekend. During the retreat, the young adult participants are invited to learn what the true meaning of “The Heart of a Servant”

conference. However a volunteer must be available and committed to working the entirety of the conference weekend. More information about the conference can be found on www. SteubenvilleOnTheBayou.com. This year’s conference includes worship by More Than Sunday featuring local musicians Lonnie Lapeyrouse, Matt Bourgeois, Mark Duplantis and Doug Hamilton. Dynamic speakers for the weekend will be Bishop Sam G. Jacobs of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, Father Louis Merosne of Haiti, and Spirit & Song artists Matt Maher and Jackie Francois. Brian Kissinger will be the host for the weekend. Everyone is invited to watch the conference via live feed by going to the website or finding us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SteubieBayou). This is a great way to experience the conference and to see what the youth of the church are receiving from this powerful event.

Visit www.steubenvilleOnTheBayou.com is and to experience being the true servant throughout the conference weekend. We invite young adults to learn more about Mercy Crew by visiting www.BayouMercyCrew. org. For those over 21 years of age wishing to be part of the conference but not wanting to attend with a group, volunteers of every capacity are needed in a variety of areas throughout the

Shop Early for the Best Selection of Confirmation Gifts ROSARIES V BRACELETS V BIBLES V CARDS V CROSSES PHOTO FRAMES V ALBUMS V COMMUNION NECKTIES PLAQUES V KEEPSAKE BOXES V GIRL & BOY RING SETS FIRST COMMUNION VEIL V PURSE SETS V ROSARY BOXES God’s Promises Books & Gifts

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(985) 449-0618 Thibodaux

Donald & Tammy Plaisance, owners Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9-6

Serving the Diocese since 1991

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Heavenly Recipes Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier This month’s heavenly recipe comes from the Far East. Shrimp Curry is prepared using authentic ingredients from India. Father Baby “Philip” Kuruvilla, I.M.S., pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Church parish in Kraemer, submitted the recipe which his housekeeper/cook Leeann Cortez prepared. There is a long history of involvement with Cortez’s family working at St. Lawrence. “My grandmother Vivian Martinez used to clean the church and take care of the flower arrangements in the church and the flowers and plants on the church grounds. My mother Nell Tregre sang in the choir, was involved with the Ladies Altar Society, cleaned the linens in the church and also took care of the flowers as her mother did. I was a volunteer in the parish for many years, president of the Ladies Altar Society, eucharistic minister and I still teach fifth grade CCD. My daughter Mechell Pitre, who is the parish secretary, is keeping up 22 the tradition of a family member working in the church parish. Cortez says she enjoys cooking as long as she knows what she is going to cook beforehand. “I didn’t know anything about cooking Indian food before Father Kuruvilla came to the parish. He tells me what ingredients to put in the dishes and he stands by when I add the spices, especially when I add the hot spices. In the past six months he has let me cook ‘on my own’ without him watching me add the spices.” Father Kuruvilla says Shrimp Curry is one of his favorite dishes. “You can substitute shrimp with chicken or fish. People in the parish often bring me fish. I eat fish mostly. I have also prepared alligator and deer curry. I marinate the alligator and deer the night before,” says the pastor. “Where I come from in India the men do not cook. However, when I was in the seminary the seminarians would take turns cooking once a week to give the cook a day off. That is where I learned to cook. I enjoy cooking now. It is a hobby for me,” says Father Kuruvilla. Cortez likens the curry dish to a sauce piquante. “The spices are a Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

p m i r y h r r S u C

Shrimp Curry 1/4 cup olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 10 fresh curry leaves 1 tbsp. fresh garlic 1 tomato, chopped 2 tsp. fish masala 2 tbsp. coconut milk 2 tsp. fresh ginger 2 lbs. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/2 tsp. mustard seed 1 green chili pepper, chopped 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric 2 tsp. ground red chili pepper 1/2 cup coconut, chopped 1-1/2 cups water

Heat oil in a wok or large saucepan over medium/high heat. After oil is heated, add mustard seed. Sauté onions, ginger, garlic, green chili pepper, curry leaves. Cook until tender. Add tomato and cook until tender. Season with turmeric, chili powder and fish masala. Then add 1-1/2 cups water. Add salt and bring to a boil; then add shrimp and chopped coconut. Reduce heat and cook for seven to eight minutes until shrimp are cooked. Add coconut milk. Cook three minutes. Taste and adjust salt and chili powder if necessary. Serve with flat bread or rice. little different but it is similar in taste.” Father Kuruvilla had to learn that in America men also clean up the mess made in the kitchen after cooking. “There is a cultural difference here in America. In India the men do not wash dishes. I had to learn that I must help with cleaning up also, especially after

my Indian priests gather here and we cook a large meal,” says the pastor. Father Kuruvilla says he enjoys Cajun dishes such as jambalaya and sauce piquante. Perhaps the distance between India and the United States has been lessened a little in a kitchen in Kraemer.

Strengthen the Church at Home Support the Catholic Home Missions Appeal

Catechesis ✝ Aid to Parishes ✝ Seminarian Formation ✝ Lay Ministry Training

The collection will be April 27 and 28, 2013. Thank you for your generosity. Catholic Home Missions Appeal | Office of National Collections 202-541-3346 | www.usccb.org/nationalcollections Copyright © 2013, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo credits: (left) Robert Harding Picture Library/Superstock; (right) © Anderson Ross/Blend Images/Corbis; (bottom) Diocese of El Paso. Artwork by Br. Michael McGrath, OSFS

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Young Voices

In what way has attending Catholic retreats and conferences strengthened your faith? Attending Catholic retreats has strengthened my faith because they have inspired me to preach the word of God to others. A way I do this is through singing. When I attended TEC (Teens Encounter Christ), I was able to sing with the praise and worship band. This has shown me what God is truly calling me to: praise him with the gift of music that he’s given me. Mary-Beth Blanchard, 15 years old St. Joseph the Worker Church parish, Pierre Part Central Catholic High School

Attending Catholic retreats not only deepened my faith but changed me into the happy person I am today. I was never the one to want to go to any retreats outside of the retreats we had at school. I have always been involved in sports and my social life ever since I was in elementary school. In my eyes, I guess I believed those things were more important than God. It was not until November 2012 that I decided I needed to take time away from sports and my social life and go to a retreat. A couple of my friends had mentioned to me the TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) retreat. Everyone that I talked to that had gone there told me of what an experience they had. I was ready for my experience. God was telling me that I had to go to this retreat. TEC changed my life completely. I’ve learned to be open with my faith. I can tell people about my God, and not have any doubts. I now know that God does the things he does for certain reasons, and it is only because he cares about me. I will never in my life forget that weekend at TEC. Olivia Crawford, 17 years old Holy Cross Church parish, Morgan City Central Catholic High School

Attending Catholic retreats strengthens my faith in Catholicism in many ways. The retreats that I’ve attended strengthen my faith in God whether it’s through eucharistic adoration, witness talks or even Mass. God always wants us to get to know him a little better; retreats and conferences are just one of his many ways to strengthen us in our faith journey. Joe Folse, 17 years old St. Hilary Church parish, Mathews Vandebilt Catholic High School

Attending Catholic retreats and conferences has always been a big part in keeping my faith strong. When I go to these retreats I put my heart in and let God touch me in the way he wants to. Even these one-day conferences are a big role in keeping my faith strong. When I attend these retreats and conferences it allows me to strengthen my faith, but also strengthen my relationship with God. When I attended Steubenville on the Bayou last year I wasn’t as strong in my faith as I would have liked to be. But attending that conference allowed me to strengthen my faith and keep it as strong as I keep it today. Garrett Vogt, 16 years old Annunziata Church parish, Houma Vandebilt Catholic High School

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Seminarian Education Burses

What is a seminarian burse fund? A seminarian burse fund is an invested sum of money where the interest is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

How does someone establish a seminarian burse fund? Very simply, a burse may be established and named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, religious, etc.

When is a seminarian burse complete? A seminarian burse fund is complete once it reaches $15,000. If you choose to continue to contribute, a new burse will be created for you.

Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a burse fund? To contribute or establish a burse, send funds to Pastoral Center, Attn: Seminarian Burse, P. O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or call Jeremy Becker, Director of Stewardship and Development, at 985-850-3155 for more information.

Completed Burses of $15,000 each

Note: those wtih a number stipulates the number of completed burses* - Anonymous

- Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu

- C. Remie Duplantis

- Harry Booker

- Marie Elise Duplantis

- Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)*

- Warren J. Harang, Jr.

- Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet

- Msgr. Raphael C. Labit

- Rev. James Louis Caillouet

- Msgr. Francis J. Legendre

- Bishop L. Abel Caillouet

- Rev. Charles Menard

- Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet

- Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)*

- Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet

- Harvey Peltier (30)*

- Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais

- Richard Peltier

- Harold & Gloria Callais Family

- The Peltier Foundation

- Paul A. Callais

- Orleans & Louella Pitre

- Peter W. Callais

- Msgr. Joseph Wester

- Vincent & Fannie Cannata

- Robert R. Wright, Jr.

- Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie

- Rev. Kermit Trahan

- Maude & Edith Daspit

- Diocesan K of C

- Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)*

- Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

February 2013 Burse Contributions Donald Peltier, Sr. #3 ...................................... $1,000.00 Msgr. James Songy ......................................... $1,000.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .......................................... $100.00 Mr. Eledier Broussard ........................................ $100.00 Jacob Marcello .................................................. $100.00 Rev. Henry Naquin .............................................. $30.00

Open Burses with Balance as of 2/28/13 Mr. Eledier Broussard ................. $12,500.00 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $10,800.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $10,720.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 St. Bernadette Men’s Club ................... $10,100.00 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $6,900.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $5,935.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,810.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $5,120.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................ $4,050.00

Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $3,936.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $3,900.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,490.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $3,330.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $3,295.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Anawin Community ............................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,500.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $1,200.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $1,075.00

Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,100.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 St. Joseph Italian Society ...................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $1,000.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................. $950.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................... $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Jacob Marcello .......................................... $100.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ........................ $ 50.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,372,267.39 www.bayoucatholic.com

Our Organizations

The St. Vincent Thrift Store offers useable, recycled items at reasonable prices to help families stretch budgets.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

As of December 2012 the allvolunteer staff of the St. Vincent de Paul Tri-parish Community Pharmacy has filled 118,840 free prescriptions at a retail value of $7,657,237.08.

Thrift Store • Pharmacy • Relief efforts • more Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

In 1833, Frederic Ozanam, a young French student, saw many people in need and chose to help. With the aid of the Daughters of Charity, he began to serve the poor. Ozanam named the organization after St. Vincent de Paul because he admired his works of charity. Today, it is an international Catholic organization of lay men and women enhancing their own spirituality through their dedication to helping those in need regardless of creed, opinion, race, caste or origin, thereby. The diocesan council of St. Vincent de Paul Societies is made up of seven diocesan conferences in the following church parishes in Houma: the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Annunziata, Maria Immacolata, St. Bernadette and St. Gregory, and Our Lady of the Rosary in Larose and St. Bridget in Schriever. There are approximately 89 members, called Vincentians, in the seven conferences. Norman Simon, president of the diocesan council Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

since 2001, says their goal is to have a conference in every church parish in the diocese. A conference is only allowed to assist the poor and needy within the boundaries of a church parish that has a conference, he says.

First Communion & Confirmation Gifts 730 Grand Caillou Rd. Houma • 985.868.9611 Mon. - Fri. 9-5 • Sat. 9-1

Bueche’s Jewelry

“Because the society is part of an international network of organizations, we have the ability to get more funding, especially in times of disasters, like after hurricanes,” says Simon. “For instance, after one of the recent hurricanes, I appealed to our national organization and was able to get $200,000 to help some of the lower lying parishes who didn’t have a conference.” A St. Vincent de Paul Conference cannot be formed in a church parish unless the pastor approves and there are a small group of parishioners willing to make home visits in pairs to assure that the request is valid. This service takes the burden from the priest so he is free to serve in other ways, says Simon. All cases are handled in utmost confidence in order to preserve the dignity and integrity of the person seeking assistance. Some of the services provided by the conferences include help with utilities, food, clothing and partial rent. Conferences typically receive funding from the poor boxes located in churches, from a special collection held each November, and from the St. Vincent Thrift Store which is one of the special works of the society in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The St. Vincent Thrift Store is located on 107 Point Street in Houma. The store, which opened Sept. 23, 1963, offers useable, recycled items at reasonable prices to help families stretch budgets and still be able to provide for themselves. Clothing, furniture, appliances and other miscellaneous items are available for purchase, some of which have been donated by local merchants. Anyone can shop at the store; one doesn’t have to be poor or needy. The store’s only source of income is from the resale of donated usable items people no longer want or need. Simon asks that if anyone has anything usable they would like to dispose of, please consider donating it to the thrift store. Another successful project of the society is the St. Vincent de Paul Tri-parish Community Pharmacy which opened its doors Sept. 25, 2001, at 7385 Main Street in Houma. Organized locally, the pharmacy was established to relieve suffering in the community by offering free medication to those who do not qualify for Medicaid, prescription insurance or veteran’s benefits and who are on limited incomes. This pharmacy of last resort will serve those who qualify regardless of race or creed, in the tradition of its founder and patron. Much of the medicine distributed by the pharmacy is donated by nursing homes in the tri-parish area or comes from physician’s samples. In addition, $14,000 a month is spent to purchase other medicine the pharmacy needs. Only vital medicine is provided; no controlled narcotics or birth control pills are dispensed. The pharmacy is regulated by the State Board of Pharmacy and all medicine is dispensed by registered pharmacists. Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux schedules all the appointments for new clients to be screened at the pharmacy. As of December 2012, 11 years and three months of operation, the allvolunteer staff of pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and screeners has filled 118,840 free prescriptions at

a retail value of $7,657,237.08. In 2012, the pharmacy added 166 new clients. The pharmacy is a United Way Agency. It is supported by the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, which pays all of its operating expenses. The pharmacy also receives grants, donations from businesses, individuals, St. Vincent de Paul Conferences, church parishes and memorial donations, all of which are used to purchase needed medication. Another large project the St. Vincent de Paul Society has dealt with over the years has been hurricane relief efforts. The society has spent thousands of dollars helping victims recover from Hurricanes Isadore, Lily, Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike by distributing appliances, building materials, ramps, decks, food, clothing and clean-up supplies. “All of the victims we helped had no other means of recovering. These are what we call ‘unmet needs cases.’ All of their resources had been used up. They had exhausted their insurance proceeds, FEMA, Red Cross, etc., so they had to depend on church parishes and non-profit organizations for funding,” says Simon. “The St. Vincent de Paul Society played a huge part in helping these victims recover and get back into their homes.” The thrift store and pharmacy are the culmination of the efforts of local St. Vincent de Paul conferences to serve the community. All of the conferences welcome new members interested in joining them to serve others.

Diocesan Programs This Month “Revival”

Host: Bishop Sam G. Jacobs Co-Host: Regina Thibodeaux Wednesday 8:30 p.m. Friday 9:30 a.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. HTV/VISION COMMUNICATIONS, CHARTER COMM. & COMCAST CHANNEL 10 ALLEN’S TV CABLE MORGAN CITY CHANNEL 71 (Digital Channel 30.1-UHF & Channel 7.1-VHF) Mondays - 9:30 a.m. Thursdays - 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 p.m. Saturdays - 9:30 p.m.

“Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guests: Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

Diocesan Director of Vocations Rector of Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales of Houma

Roch Gernon

Vocations Office Program Director If you are not receiving these programs in your area, please contact your local cable provider.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Entertainment

Seeing Clairely

M 28

Claire Joller

My name was Dr. Alice Leader of Lewiston, ME. I was returning home from a holiday in Europe with New York as my destination. Although I was only 49, I had retired from my pediatric practice after my husband died five years before. Since I had no children, the holiday in Europe seemed to be a good idea. I was traveling first class and boarded ship at Southampton on April 10, 1912. I was assigned cabin D-17 in the enormous liner that was the pride of the White Star Line, the Titanic. This was my identity according to details on the boarding pass I received when my husband and I attended a Titanic Exhibition in St. Petersburg, FL, last November. The passes allowed each viewer to identify with one particular passenger, and to discover, at the end of the exhibit, the fate of that passenger when the ship collided with an iceberg and sank into frigid Atlantic waters on April 15, 1912—only five days into the vessel’s maiden voyage. With the intention of making the visitor’s voyage as vivid as possible, there were replicated passenger cabins from each class. The opulent first-class cabins had fine mahogany furnishings, walls padded in lush fabrics, and other luxurious amenities. I tried to imagine Alice’s stay in such a cabin for the five days of her journey. Huge photographs detailed the sumptuous dining room and sun room, and sample menus for all three classes’ meals aboard ship. Recordings broadcast forth arcane facts about tonnages, numbers of workers, and shipping innovations the Titanic introduced.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

Titanic

Setting right the grand vision

Rooms displayed cases full of artifacts retrieved from the sunken ship. China from all levels of dining rooms, parts of the grand staircase balustrade, silver candlesticks, passengers’ pillboxes, rings, compacts, medicine bottles, diaries, letters, journals. Only 700 of more than 2,000 people aboard survived the disaster that continues to fascinate the world. This was not supposed to happen. After all, its builder proclaimed it unsinkable. There were not enough lifeboats for everyone on board. Scions of industry and society as well as lowly laborers perished. In an early March Associated Press newspaper article with the lead paragraph “What could possibly go wrong?” reporter Eileen AJ Connelly announced that an Australian millionaire will soon begin to build the Titanic II, a replica of the ship that sailed for only five days. Clive Palmer announced in New York that the new ship could sail as early as 2016, and that more than 40,000 people have already shown a desire for tickets for the maiden voyage that will take the original route from Southampton to New York. Plans are for passengers to don the fashion of the 1912 period and eat dishes from the original menu. Public spaces such as dining rooms will replicate those of the original Titanic. Although diesel-powered, the ship will bear four purely decorative smoke stacks in

imitation of the original coalpowered ship. A representative of the Finnish designer said it will meet current navigation and safety requirements, and that the Titanic II will be “the safest cruise ship in the world.” Sounds rather familiar, doesn’t it? Hasn’t the term “unsinkable” echoed mockingly through the world for a century? But I would like to think that sole funder Mr. Palmer, rather than exercising hubris, is following the human desire to set right a grand vision that went terribly wrong. Oh, and if you’re wondering about Dr. Alice Leader, you’ll be gratified to hear that she was one of the fortunate who survived the sinking of the first Titanic. (For comments or inquiries about this column, Claire Joller can be contacted by email at clairely1@ comcast.net)

Father Thomas Byles, a Catholic priest aboard the Titanic when it struck the iceberg acted bravely in his capacity as a spiritual leader of men. Descending to the third class and calming the people, Father Byles gave them his priestly blessing, heard confessions, recited the rosary and gave absolution. He then helped load the lifeboats, and gave words of consolation and encouragement to the women and children as they got into the boats. By all accounts, Father Byles was twice offered a seat in a lifeboat but refused.

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Special Events

St. Ann, Bourg Parish Center groundbreaking

An artist’s rendering of the new parish center which will be constructed at St. Ann Church parish in Bourg is shown above. The 10,150 square foot building will house the administration offices, the pastor’s office, a youth ministry office, CCD classrooms, a meeting room, an assembly area and a kitchen. The groundbreaking for the center was held on St. Joseph’s Day. Architects, construction representatives, Father Ty Van Nguyen, St. Ann pastor, diocesan and parish staff, and parishioners were on hand for the groundbreaking.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

Food for the Journey is May 7, features Father Clyde Mahler The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month at the Quality Hotel on Hollywood Road in Houma across from Vandebilt Catholic High School. The speaker for May 7 is Kraemer native Father Clyde Mahler. Father Mahler, pastor of Maria Immacolata Church parish in Houma since June 2004, attended St. Joseph Seminary in St. Benedict and Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. He was ordained to the priesthood May 22, 1999. He has served as associate pastor of St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux and St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma. He is

a member of the priests council, diocesan chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, and diocesan assistant master of ceremonies. Those who plan to attend the May 7th event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, May 2. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@ htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503178. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at Noon with the speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m. Cost is $13 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted. All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”

Rev. Clyde Mahler

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Special

Blessed John Paul II exhibit ready for viewing now until June 16 By Peter Finney Jr. The Archdiocese of New Orleans, in association with the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas, will host “Portrait of Faith: John Paul II in Life & Art,” now until June 16 at the New Orleans Museum of Art. The exhibit, which will include personal items of Blessed John Paul II, never-before-seen photographs of his historic 1987 visit to New Orleans and sacred artwork from three contemporary artists, has been designed to reach people of all faiths on many different levels, said Wendy Vitter, archdiocesan coordinator. “I was here when we welcomed Blessed John Paul to the archdiocese, and it’s an honor for us to have him come back in a different way and a spiritual way,” Archbishop Gregory Aymond said. “This will allow us to relive his visit here and recall the great blessing of his being the chief shepherd of the Catholic Church.” 32 Vitter said the exhibit will have something for everyone. “If you love history, you will be looking at history through the photographs from 25 years ago,” she said. “If you love art, there will be many pieces of sacred art. If you’ve lost your faith along the way, come and try to be inspired. If you already have faith, hopefully it will be deepened through this exhibit.” Given the way the civic and ecumenical communities in New Orleans rallied to welcome the pope in 1987, Vitter said Archbishop Aymond wanted to make sure that the museum exhibit was designed to encourage interfaith dialogue. Faith leaders of every major religion eagerly accepted an invitation to be co-hosts, Vitter said. “This is not just a Catholic exhibit,” Vitter said. “We have leaders of many faiths to serve as co-hosts, and we encourage their congregations to join with them out of respect for this man. He was a great man who opened his arms to all, and we’d like to do the same.” The exhibit will focus on the art of Gib Singleton, Frederick Hart and Fred Villanueva. The Shrine of John Paul II in Washington is loaning items from its personal collection, including vestments, miters and other items he used during his papacy. Also, the 1938 Eucharistic Congress monstrance will be on display at the museum, both to renew ties between NOMA and the archdiocese and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of that event. The archdiocese has never before displayed photographs of the 1987 visit, Vitter said, and photographers Mike Posey, David Spielman and Mitchel Osborne have made their works Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

FRANK J. METHE/CLARION HERALD

Pictured above is the artwork of one of the featured artists, the late Frederick Hart, of Atlanta. He is best known for his bronze work and his work in clear acrylic resin, which he called “sculpting with light.”

Retreats At The Cenacle April, May and June 2013

April 12-14

June 7-9

April 19-21

June 21-23

April 26-28

June 22

April 27

Ongoing Programs

Heroic Discipleship Presenter: Rev. Joseph Krafft Healing Through the Great Parables of Jesus Presenter: Rev. Matt Linn, SJ Jesus Yesterday, Today and Forever Resurrection Presenter: Rev. Richard Buhler, SJ Young Adult Ministry Vince Liberto (504) 250-9697

Staying Awake Presenter: Rev. Donald Blanchard The Breath of Life: Honoring the Mystic Within Presenter: Rev. Joseph Nassal, CPPS Young Adult Ministry Vince Liberto (504) 250-9697

Cenacle Prayer Enrollment

Staying Awake Presenter: Rev. Donald Blanchard

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Phone: (504) 887-1810 Fax: (504) 887-6624 Email: cenacleprayer@aol.com

May 24-26

Hospitality Groups Welcome

May 3-5

Handicapped Encounter Christ Phuong Pham (504) 312-9278

May 25

Young Adult Ministry Vince Liberto (504) 250-9697

May 31 - June 2

Jesus Yesterday, Today and Forever Pentecost Presenter: Rev. Richard, Buhler, SJ

Serving God’s People Since 1958

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available, along with photographs from The TimesPicayune. Video will introduce exhibit The exhibit also will include a 15-minute video that will air three times an hour and be used as an introductory part of the tour. It will offer reflections from Archbishop Aymond, Dr. Norman Francis of Xavier University of Louisiana, Rabbi Edward Cohn, a member of the St. Augustine Marching 100, which played for the pope, and many others. “This undertaking has been a gift to me that I can’t even express in words,” she said. “I was in the crowd at the UNO Mass in 1987, but I was young and I don’t think I fully realized the impact he had. What particularly struck me in meeting the leaders of all the different faiths was the far-reaching impact of this pope, and that touched me all over again. Anyone who comes to the exhibit will be touched again. I’ve been renewed.” The exhibit will be open six days a week (closed Mondays): Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, active military personnel and members of groups of 10 or more; $6 for children ages 7-17; and $5 for students, teachers and chaperons on a school tour. Groups are allowed in on their own from 9 to 11 a.m., every day except Monday. The cost includes the video screening and an audio tour. For information, call toll free 1 (866) 608-4799, visit www.JPIIinNOLA.com or email Vitter at wvitter@ archdiocese-no.org.

Registration in Gym (youth room) Ages 5 to 13 or 4 & starting Preschool 2nd registration - April 13th 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. (if any openings)

Camp Dates:

May 27th - July 26th Monday - Friday Non-Refundable Fees:

$50 registration fee & 1st week of camp due @ registration (Includes 2 camp shirts) Additional shirts $10 each

Parishioner rates as follows: $95 per week for one child $180 per week for 2 children

Non-parishioner rates as follows: $115 per week for one child $220 per week for 2 children

FRANK J. METHE/CLARION HERALD

The Shrine of John Paul II in Washington is loaning items from its personal collection, including vestments, miters and other items the pope used during his papacy. Also, the 1938 Eucharistic Congress monstrance will be on display at the museum, both to renew ties between NOMA and the archdiocese and to celebrate the 75th anniversary of that event.

St. Bernadett Day Camp 20 e 13 Camp Hours:

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Before care - 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - $2 per child After care - 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - $3 per child

T-shirt & packet pick-up May 11th 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Late registration - $10 additional charge (if any openings)

Part time Minimum 3 days per week

Must commit to 7 of 9 weeks Parishioner $70 Non-parishioner $90 www.bayoucatholic.com

Year of Faith

Guest Columnist Father Eric Leyble

Decree on the Media of Social Communication

W 34

What’s on your mind? And with this question from the opening page of the social giant Facebook, one immediately feels the power to define himself to the whole world within his grasp. In as few as a word to a couple of sentences, he can control how he wants the world to revolve around him. I’m not just talking about ‘FB.’ Twitter taught us to be concise and direct with the message we want to say, in 140 words. Instagram now literally brings to life the adage: ‘a picture paints a thousand words.’ Then there are the Pinterest, Tumblr, e-readers, foursquare, blogs, etc. etc. etc. Am I exaggerating? Well, if I had said this a few years ago, the answer would be yes. But now, with the continuing evolution and revolution of our socio-digital means of communications, I would probably say ‘nope,’ sit back and LOL (laugh out loud). The world has so much to offer now when it comes to reaching out to people. You can encourage people halfway around the globe with what you say; or you can cause divisions and conflicts. With ‘location’ capabilities, your friends and your friends’ friends, and the friends of your friends’ friends can follow up on your every move. As one friend said it, stalking becomes the fad. This explosion has reached every corner of the world that even the church is not spared. And I’m glad we are not because

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

we have found a possible ally, an instrument to help us to reach out further. We now have a better means at evangelization, so to speak. This is why I am not surprised to learn that exactly 50 years ago, the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council came up with a revolutionary and (at that time) highly progressive document at the onset of the sessions, which dealt with the role and the relevance of media in the ministry of the Catholic Church and tried to speculate on how the church should reply to it. The document was called Inter Mirifica (Decree on the Media of Social Communication), taken from the first few words of the opening paragraph, which goes “among the wonderful … ” The decree was drafted with four sections. It started with an introduction, followed by the church’s teaching on media. The next major section dealt with the apostolate of the church in this field, and the last group of sections was categorized as appendices. The decree was one of the first two documents to emerge from the Council. Pope Paul VI promulgated it on Dec. 4, 1963. The opening statement of the Vatican II decree said that the church “is obliged to preach the Good News” (IM 3) and thus considers it a right “to have at its disposal and to employ any of these media insofar as they are necessary or useful for the instruction of Christians and all its efforts for the welfare of souls” (IM 3).

After the initial reminders of the relevance of social media in the church’s missionary work of evangelizing, the Church Fathers then decided to apply some ‘break’ into the momentum by talking next about the need for an awareness of the importance of the norms of morality in the use of media. Paragraph four spoke of the necessity to look first into the different aspects involved in the act of communication, i.e. the nature of the message, the circumstances surrounding it, and the manner by which the medium achieves its effects. The Fathers have recognized the immense influence of media on humanity that “if they are unprepared, can scarcely become aware of it, govern its impact or … reject it” (IM 4). The next two paragraphs (IM 5, 6) tried to shed light on two vital questions arising from a consideration of the previous chapter. The first question had to do with the “information” presented. The argument of this paragraph is that man has a right to know. Therefore, the proper exercise of this right demands that the information disseminated must be true and complete, within the bounds of justice and charity, decent and must adhere to the laws of morality and the dignity of the individual. The other question dealt with the need to balance between the ‘art’ or aesthetics of presentation and the moral norms. In this regard, the Fathers proclaim that the objective moral order

must have absolute primacy over human affairs, arts included. As with other documents of the Council, Inter Mirifica underscores the chief responsibilities the laity has in this realm. The decree acknowledges the element of choice but further notes that choice is tempered by duty. The decree said that “special duties bind those readers, viewers or listeners who personally and freely choose what these media have to communicate” (IM 9). Parents were told of their responsibility to see that the faith and good morals of children are not jeopardized by degrading materials – an admonition that parents still struggle to implement, with increasing difficulty especially today. From the confines of the homes, the decree now looks into the wider world and points out that the “principal moral responsibility for the proper use of media” (IM 11) falls on those who play a part in the production and transmission of mass presentations. They are reminded never to forget the common good above their economic,

political or artistic needs. The decree also urged civil or public authorities to always be mindful of their special responsibilities in view of the common good, while at the same time affirming the freedom of the press (IM 12). The second chapter of the decree now looks into the pastoral efforts of the church and calls on the laity to generously support both a “Catholic press worthy of name” (IM 14) and efforts by both laypeople and ecclesiastical authority to foster all types of media with Catholic teachings. The decree also challenged the church in the field of social communication. It especially challenged the pastors, priests, religious and laity, especially stressing their need for professional training and formation (IM 15-16). This was followed by the demands for establishing structures and offices for communication and the celebration of World Day of Communication. The decree concludes with the hope that “all the sons of the church will cordially welcome and religiously observe this program

of precepts and guidelines” and will thus “season the earth as its salt, and illumine the world as its light” (IM 24). The council further encouraged those who have control of social media communication to strive to apply them for the good of mankind. Despite the negative comments during and after the Council, Inter Mirifica produced a lot of developments and also clarifications in the understanding and handling of social communication. It has become a prophetic voice as well, especially in these so-called ‘postmodern’ days where innovations in media tools seem to strip away more and more layers of goodness and charity in the area of information dissemination. Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI has continued to expound on this every year in his World Day of Communication messages. It will always be a good moment to return to the decree every now and then and recognize where we as Christians stand in being instruments of evangelizing the Gospel to all peoples.

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Special Report

Thousands participate at inauguration Mass March 19.

CNS PHOTO

At inauguration

Pope pledges to protect church, dignity of people, beauty of creation By CINDY WOODEN

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis formally began his ministry as bishop of Rome and as pope by pledging to protect the Catholic Church, the dignity of each person and the beauty of creation, just like St. Joseph protected Mary and Jesus. “To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love is to open up a horizon of hope,” he told between 150,000 and 200,000 people gathered under sunny skies in St. Peter’s Square and the nearby streets. With representatives of other Christian churches and Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

communities, delegations from 132 countries, Jewish and Muslim leaders as well as Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Jains present, Pope Francis preached the Gospel, but insisted the values it espouses are essentially human, “involving everyone.” While the rites and rituals of the inauguration of his ministry as pope took place immediately before the Mass, the liturgy itself was a celebration of the feast of St. Joseph, patron of the universal church and “also the name day of my venerable predecessor,” Pope Benedict XVI, the former Joseph Ratzinger. The retired pope was not present at the liturgy, but the crowds

applauded enthusiastically when Pope Francis said, “We are close to him with our prayers, full of affection and gratitude.” The new pope stood at a lectern to read his homily, sticking to the text he had prepared in advance. At times his voice was extremely soft and other times it was quite loud; he punctuated with clenched fists his remarks about the strength required to be tender and compassionate to others. “In the Gospels,” he said, “St. Joseph appears as a strong and courageous man, a working man, yet in his heart we see great tenderness, which is not the virtue of the weak, but rather a sign of strength of spirit and a

capacity for concern, for compassion, for genuine openness to others, for love.” “We must not be afraid of goodness, of tenderness,” Pope Francis said. The new pope said exercising the role of protector as St. Joseph did means doing so “discreetly, humbly and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he finds it hard to understand.” The Gospels present St. Joseph as a husband to Mary, “at her side in good times and bad,” and as a father who watched over Jesus, worried about him and taught him a trade, the pope said. St. Joseph responded to his called to be a protector “by being constantly attentive to God, open to the signs of God’s presence and receptive to God’s plans, and not simply his own,” the pope said. Fidelity to God’s word and God’s plan for individuals and for all of creation makes the difference, he said, calling on everyone to be sensitive and loving toward those in their care, especially toward children, the aged, the poor and the sick. “In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it,” he said. “Be protectors of God’s gifts.” When people fail to respect creation, when they ignore “God’s plan inscribed in nature,” or when they treat each other with disrespect, he said, “the way is opened to destruction, and hearts are hardened.” “Tragically, in every period of history there are ‘Herods’ who plot death, wreak havoc and mar the countenance of men and women,” he said. Pope Francis asked the government leaders present and all those with responsibility in the field of economics, politics and social life to stand firm when destruction and death threaten human dignity, human life and the environment. He met with the heads of the government delegations after the Mass. Caring for others, he said in his homily, must begin with watching over one’s own heart, mind and actions, resisting “hatred, envy and pride” and emotions that can tear

Papal ring is placed on Francis I

others down. Pope Francis told the people he realized his new ministry included “a certain power,” but it is the same power Jesus conferred on St. Peter, which was the “power of service” seen in Jesus’ charge to St. Peter: “Feed my lambs. Feed my sheep.” “Let us never forget that authentic power is service and that the pope, too, when exercising power, must enter ever more fully into that service which has its

Happy Francis I waves at crowds

CNS PHOTO

radiant culmination on the cross,” he said. “He must be inspired by the lowly, concrete and faithful service which marked St. Joseph and, like him, he must open his arms to protect all of God’s people and embrace 37 with tender affection the whole of humanity, especially the poorest, the weakest, the least important,” Pope Francis said. “Only those who serve with love are able to protect,” he said.

CNS PHOTO

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Special Report

Pope makes great impression By FRANCIS X. ROCCA Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis had been pope for less than six days when he was formally installed March 19, but he had already made a distinctive and overwhelmingly favorable impression on the world. That is an especially remarkable accomplishment given that, until his election, the former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio had been practically unknown to the public outside his native Argentina. His abrupt change in style from the previous pontificate has overwhelmingly charmed the press and the public. But among the hierarchy, off-the-record sentiments seem to be more mixed: admiration at the ease with which Pope Francis has assumed his new role, alongside doubts that he can or should keep up such an unconventional approach for long. The new pope made an immediate impact with his extraordinary gestures of humility: bowing and asking the crowd’s blessing on election night, paying his own hotel bill and eschewing papal regalia such as red shoes and a gold pectoral cross; and with his displays of spontaneity, such as straying from prepared texts and stopping to greet the crowd on a Rome street. Especially within the Vatican, there are surely many who inwardly regret the clear signs that informality will be the rule in this pontificate. After all, honors 38 and decorations are among the few worldly rewards legitimately available to those in the hierarchy. More importantly, anyone who understands the significance of appearances in Italian and thus in Vatican culture understands that Pope Francis’ changes indicate a threat to something more vital than vanity. Of the widely acknowledged priorities among the cardinal electors in the run-up to the conclave that chose Pope Francis, none was more prominent than the need to reform the Roman Curia, the church’s central administration. Sensational leaks to the press in 2012 documented corruption and mismanagement inside the Vatican, and in a speech during the cardinals’ preconclave meetings, then-Cardinal Bergoglio himself is reported to have denounced the practice of ecclesiastical “careerism.” If the cardinals chose Pope Francis in part to play the role of curial reformer, they ignored a common argument that an Italian would be best prepared to deal with that largely dysfunctional culture. But as he reminded the crowd attending his first Angelus March 17, the new pope is of Italian origin. Though Argentina is a Spanish-speaking country, in other respects its culture owes as much to Italy as to any other European country. At least in terms of his heritage, Pope Francis is obviously better prepared to understand and oversee his new collaborators than his Polish and German predecessors were. As pastor of the universal church, a pope must consider how his gestures, statements and decisions will be received by the widest possible audience. Pope Francis’ shows of humility and accessibility plainly underscore his avowed desire that the church be close to Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

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the poorest and least powerful, a message he reinforced explicitly in the homily at his installation Mass. To a more restricted and disproportionately powerful group of spectators, the new pope’s departures from Vatican protocol also send another, no less revolutionary message: that he knows what he thinks is right and will not hesitate to defy precedent or the instructions of others to act accordingly.

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Annunziata in

Our Churches

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

n Houma

50 Years of Faith

On a helicopter ride in the early 1960s over the area that would later become the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, coadjutor Archbishop John P. Cody of New Orleans spotted three locations in Houma where he wanted to place churches. Annunziata Church parish was canonically established Aug. 16, 1963, with Father Ivern M. Bordelon as its founding pastor. The parish is allegedly named after one of the archbishop’s own biological sisters, who was also a religious sister. The church, originally built to be a gymnasium for school activities, was completed with an altar and pews. Traditional church art, stained glass, ornately framed Stations of the Cross acquired from St. James Mission in Choctaw and refurbished statues from the old St. Margaret chapel in Ashland, adorn the building. A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe made in Merida, Mexico, was donated for the Hispanic community. The theme for the church parish’s 50th anniversary is “Annunziata: 50 Years of Faith.” Kick off weekend is April 6-7, the weekend right before the Annunciation. There will be a light social after every Mass. A tree is being painted on the wall near the entrance to the church (next to the Jerusalem cross) where family photos can be placed and changed periodically. It will become a permanent 50th anniversary icon. On the weekend of Aug. 17-18, Bishop Sam G. Jacobs will celebrate the 4 p.m. Mass which will be combined with the Hispanic Mass. There will be a Family Fun Day Sunday, Aug. 18. From April through August, former priests, religious, deacons and seminarians will be invited to celebrate or concelebrate Masses in the parish and be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Rev. Jerry Daniels, administrator of the parish since June 2012, says there are approximately 800 families currently in the parish, mostly between the ages of 40-60. Some organizations/ministries in the parish include an active youth ministry – one of the mainstays of the parish; Ladies Altar Society, Knights of Columbus and Ladies Auxiliary, an active St. Vincent de Paul Society, a men’s group called “Lead by the Holy Spirit,” a monthly Sharing Prayer Adoration (SPA) for youth, a three-day voluntary youth retreat, novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help after the Tuesday morning Mass, First Friday adoration and Mass, First Saturday Mass, and a growing Hispanic ministry with sacramental preparation classes and a CCD program. The parish serves as one of four centers of Hispanic Ministry in the diocese and Mass is

42 celebrated in Spanish each weekend. Father Joseph Tregre, associate pastor, says, “It’s been a great joy for me in my first year of priesthood to be here at Annunziata. I have been a first year confirmation teacher and it’s been a great joy to my priestly heart to see the growth of my teens.” One unique aspect of Annunziata parish is its neighborhood feel. “Once somebody is associated with the parish, even if they move to another part of Houma, for the most part they keep coming back every Sunday. The people here are very faithful,” says Father Daniels. “I think that the key to the success of the parish is its strong sense of community.” Deacon Raymond Bourg Jr., who has been serving at Annunziata since being ordained to the permanent diaconate in 2005, says there is a lot of parishioner interaction before and after Mass each Sunday. “Fifteen minutes after the Mass is over people are still visiting.” The parish debt has always been significant in the history of the parish, and it was because of the parish debt that the church building planned for the large tract at the corner of Oaklawn and Acadian Drives was never built. However, according to the parish’s history, “the huge hallway which encircles the gymnasium/church has been a source of community, as parishioners stand around visiting, sharing, loving and supporting each other. And while the church service is important, it is in that hallway that the Kingdom of God is built up.” Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

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Annunziata Staff

Annunziata Church parish staff are from left Judy Trahan, sacristan; Chloris Caillouet, youth minister; Heather Hartwell, office manager; Deacon Raymond Bourg Jr., Father Jerry Daniels, administrator; Father Joseph Tregre, associate pastor; Elgin Thibodeaux, maintenance; Megan Scott, religious education coordinator/Safe Environment; and Dora Delancey, receptionist.

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Sports

Overtime

A 44

Ed Daniels

Astros: It’s a whole new ballgame

As another major league baseball season approaches, I have a question. “Hey, weren’t you once the Houston Astros?” When the Houston Colt 45’s began play in the National League in 1962, they began to cultivate a fan base in Louisiana. That fan base multiplied many times over when the Astrodome and the Astroworld amusement park were built. As a kid, the Astrodome made quite an impression. So, did the number of Z’s on the giant outfield scoreboard when Houston favorite Jose Cruzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz would launch a home run. The Astros would reach their zenith in 2005 with their first World Series appearance. Those were the salad days of Houston baseball. Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman were the middle of a formidable order. Roy Oswalt, who pitched very briefly with the Zephyrs in 2001, was that season’s National League Championship series Most Valuable Player. In 2007, the Astros drew over 3 million fans. Six years later, the Houston Astros look anything like a major league club. Their best player is a five foot, five inch infielder. Can you name him? The Astros won a putrid 56 games in 2011. Last season, they were worse. The Astros won 55 games. Houston’s home attendance cratered at 1.6 million fans. At WGNO TV, I work alongside one of the biggest Astros fans on the planet. When he stopped watching, I knew the baseball was bad. And, watching games on TV and seeing all of those empty seats at Minute Maid Park was truly depressing. Minute Maid is a great place to watch a game. The park has many signature features. They include the Crawford boxes in leftfield and Tal’s Hill in centerfield. Minute Maid doesn’t get a lot of chatter for being one of baseball’s best venues. But, it is. Not only has good baseball left Houston, but so has the National League. New owner Jim Crane got a $70 million discount on the franchise purchase price by agreeing to move to the American League. So, instead of Astros vs. Dodgers it will be Astros against Angels. When the Astros travel to Missouri, they’ll head west to Kansas City, not east to St. Louis. Former Astros outfielder Jimmy Wynn (the Toy Cannon) told the Houston Chronicle that another team,

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2013

not the Astros should have moved to the American League. “Milwaukee came from the American League,” said Wynn. “The National League team is the Houston Astros.” A Chronicle poll said that 76 percent of Astros fans preferred to remain in the National League. The Rangers, Red Sox and Yankees visiting will likely boost attendance. But, there’s something just not right about Houston, the designated hitter and the American League in the same sentence. It’s like Bill Clinton announced one day he would be joining the Republicans. And, on the same day, Rush Limbaugh said he would be switching to the Democrats. This season, the Astros slogan is “It’s a whole new ballgame.” Yikes.

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