Bayou Catholic Magazine August 2023

You Deserve the Best Healthcare, So We Are Constantly Growing to Meet Your Needs

• Physicians – Recruited more than 100 physician specialists growing the medical staff to more than 250 physicians, with more than 350,000 patient visits to Thibodaux Regional physician clinics

• Services – Addition and enhancement of many services so you don’t have to travel out of town to receive quality care

• Facilities – Tripled the size of our facilities to include state-of-the-art Cancer Institute, Wellness Center, Sports Complex, 30-bed acuity adaptable Critical Care Unit and more

• Technology – Acquired the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technology available

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS MAEGAN

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

ALAINA MAIORANA

PAST MANAGING EDITOR/ CONTENT COORDINATOR

JANET MARCEL

BUSINESS MANAGER

ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST

BECKY THIBODEAUX

ON THE COVER

Bishop Dorsonville preforming the laying on of hands over Father Matthew Prosperie, ordaining him a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral.

I would like to take this opportunity to let our readers know that I announced last month that I have accepted the position of Advancement Administrative Lead for the Nicholls (State University) Foundation in Thibodaux.

I began my service to the diocese as administrative assistant for the diocesan Office of Catholic Schools 25 years ago in October 1998, a position I held until June 2016. In 2000, I began working part-time as proofreader for Bayou Catholic and in August 2005, my duties were expanded to include staff writer. In July 2016, my responsibilities for the publication were once again expanded as I became the administrative assistant to the editor. In January 2023, I was named acting editor and general manager of the Bayou Catholic. In response to changes in the structure of the communications department, I began serving as managing editor and content coordinator for the diocesan Office of Communications on May 1.

There are so many things I have enjoyed about working for the diocese, but the best thing was the family atmosphere at the Pastoral Center and the importance placed on family by diocesan leadership.

Having the flexibility to take time off to attend my daughter’s school activities and events, and now being able to do the same for my grandson means the world to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the school personnel as administrative assistant in the Catholic Schools Office, and I am so proud to have been on the staff of such an outstanding, award-winning publication as the Bayou Catholic for over 23 years.

I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing people over the years in my various roles with the diocese.

Leaving the diocese is bittersweet. I always thought I would be here until I was ready to retire, but sometimes God has other plans. I will miss the friendships I have with my co-workers at the Pastoral Center and the connections I made with so many other people in the schools, satellite offices and church parishes throughout the diocese.

I have been a lifelong parishioner of St. Bridget

The

Church parish in Schriever, and even though I won’t be employed by the diocese anymore, I will forever be part of the faithful here. My daughter, Kelsi Mason, teaches eighth grade at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma where my grandson Carter will be starting his freshman year. And, my niece, Christie Foret, teaches at St. Mary’s Nativity School in Raceland, where her daughter Adelynn will be starting second grade.

I obtained my bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration from Nicholls State University, and I really enjoyed the time I spent on campus as a student worker and a graduate assistant in the Placement Office.

My decision to accept the position with the Nicholls Foundation was made after much prayer and discernment. I have always felt at home on the campus of Nicholls State University, and I am excited to be part of a team whose mission is to ‘enable the university to continue providing students with access to the academic and financial resources necessary to succeed.’

Janet Marcel | Managing Editor

Diocese of

Houma-Thibodaux

wishes Janet all the best in her new position and thanks her for her many years of service to the diocese.

LOOKING AHEAD...

Friends,

After several months of prayer and discernment, some change of staff, and a deeper clarity of vision, I am excited to share with our new and loyal readers what you can expect from the Bayou Catholic in the future. After the August issue, the Bayou Catholic magazine will be published on a seasonal basis. After much discernment, the Office of Communications will be moving to a publishing schedule that follows the natural flow of the life of a parish. Readers can expect issues for Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Summer, and Back to School moving forward, with the first edition coming out Advent 2023. The content for the magazine will contain timeless stories and resources for one’s walk with Christ, in addition to some timely news and coverage of diocesan events, which will also be housed on our website and social media platforms.

In an effort to serve the faithful of our diocese, we hope and pray that these modifications will aid in your personal journey of faith. We are incredibly excited about the upcoming advancements to our diocesan publication and hope that you will be too. Please pray for us as our ongoing discernment continues and know of our ongoing prayers for you and your families!

Peace in Christ,

Maegan Martin Director of Communications Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

FROM BISHOP DORSONVILLE

One of the most important tasks of the Church is to evangelize, to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all the world. The Bayou Catholic is one very important way that our diocese seeks to bring the Gospel to the good people of our communities. I am so grateful for all the work that has been put into this important ministry over many years. It is important that we are doing all that we can to invite each person to learn more about Jesus. As our culture continues to change, it is important that the way that we evangelize adapts to meet the needs of the people of today – both young and old, single persons and families. The changes we are implementing to the Bayou Catholic aim to help us do just that – to speak most effectively to the people of today about how Jesus can change their lives. Through the updated Bayou Catholic, as well as our use of social and electronic media, we hope to meet the needs of all people of every generation. I look forward to the good fruit that God will bring from this ministry.

SENT TO SERVE A REAL, PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS CHRIST

As we prepare to begin a new school year this month, we enter into a time of new beginnings. Families begin a new rhythm after the summer months. Students begin classes with new teachers and subjects to learn. Some may even be starting a new school or moving away for the first time. As we focus on the beginning of the new school year in this month’s issue, I would like to focus my reflection on how powerful and important education can be – particularly education and formation in our Catholic faith. The purpose of all Catholic education – whether in a Catholic school or in a parish youth formation program – is not simply to teach our young people about Jesus or simply the knowledge of the faith. While that is very good and incredibly important, if it stops there, we have missed the very heart of Catholic education, which is to bring students into a real, personal encounter with Jesus Christ. When we know Him, it brings a new life to all of the things that we learn about Him. Rather than learning about some man who lived 2,000 years ago, we are learning about our intimate friend and Savior. And beyond simply knowing the teachings of our Church, we have the opportunity to live them out in the decisions we make every day.

That encounter is not something that should just remain at school. It is meant to change every aspect of our lives, and it should especially impact our family. It is within the family more than anywhere that our young people are formed to be impactful men and women in our world. Schools do not exist to replace parents. Rather, they exist to support them in their calling to form their children in the faith and in virtue. Parents, as well as teachers, have an opportunity to be important role models for our young people, both by what they say but especially by what they do. When the things that are said and taught are lived out in their lives, it has a profound impact in the world. Pope St. Paul VI wrote very beautifully that men and women today “listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if they do listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.” The power of witness, of living out what is taught at school and at home, has the power to change the world. The lives of our teachers and the lives of parents encourage our young people to more fully follow Jesus Christ.

We see this especially in the young people who have discerned a special calling to the priesthood and religious life. We are blessed in our diocese to have this fruit being born from our own schools and our own parishes. It is so important that we strive to create a culture of vocations in our Catholic schools and parish youth formation programs, where we always ask the question “What is God calling me to? Could He be calling me to be a priest?” Our schools have produced great fruit for the Church, and God will continue to

Most Reverend Mario E. Dorsonville

grow this fruit in abundance. More than anything, our students should be encouraged to follow Jesus Christ above all else, to follow whatever it is He is calling them to, and to seek whatever it is He wants for them. When we do that, we find true happiness, which is what we all long for.

The result of this kind of education – where we form our young people to know and follow Jesus above all else – results in a new generation that understands that love is much more about giving than it is about receiving. It results in a generation that is not afraid of commitment, because their faith allows them to trust in God’s plan for them beyond what they can see. It results in a generation that brings new hope to the world by the witness of

their faith. As this faith grows, and as we follow the Lord’s call in our lives, we see that following Him is neither boring nor is it something that takes away our happiness. Rather, we discover that it is the greatest adventure of our lives. We find a deeper happiness than we ever thought possible, if only we follow Him. The deepest joy is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ, and He longs to give it to us if we follow Him. That is my prayer for each of our students and their families.

As we begin this school year, I invite you to pray for all of our students and teachers as they embark on this essential endeavor, that they may come to know the person of Jesus not as an abstract idea but as an intimate friend whom they encounter every day. May God bless all of our students, teachers, and families as we continue this journey together.

‘

We find a deeper happiness than we ever thought possible, if only we follow Him.

’

Trung thực, gặp gỡ trung thực

với

Chúa Giêsu Kitô

Để chuẩn bị khai giảng một niên học mới trong tháng này, chúng ta bước vào giai đoạn với nhiều thử thách mới. Nhiều gia đình bắt đầu nhịp điệu mới sau những tháng mùa hè. Học sinh khởi sự các lớp học với giáo viên và môn học mới. Một số thậm chí có thể bắt đầu một trường học mới hoặc thay đổi chỗ ở lần đầu tiên. Để có thể tập trung vào niên học mới được chia sẻ trong tờ báo tháng này, tôi muốn đào sâu vào vài ý tưởng của tôi về việc giáo dục với sức mạnh và tầm quan trọng của nó như thế nào - đặc biệt là giáo dục và đào tạo đức tin Công giáo của chúng ta. Mục đích của tất cả nền giáo dục Công giáo - cho dù trong một trường Công giáo hay trong một chương trình giáo lý của giáo xứ - không chỉ đơn thuần là dạy cho giới trẻ biết về Chúa Giêsu hay chỉ đơn giản là kiến thức về đức tin. Trong khi điều đó rất tốt và vô cùng quan trọng, nếu nó dừng lại ở đó, chúng ta đã bỏ lỡ chính trọng tâm của nền giáo dục Công giáo, đó là đưa con em của mình vào một cuộc gặp gỡ trung thực, cá biệt với Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Khi chúng ta nhận ra Ngài thì nó mang lại một cuộc sống mới cho tất cả những gì mà chúng ta học về Ngài. Thay vì học hỏi về một người đàn ông nào đó đã sống cách đây 2.000 năm, chúng ta đang học về một tri kỷ và là Đấng Cứu Độ của mình. Và ngoài việc chỉ biết những giáo lý của Giáo Hội, chúng ta còn có cơ hội sống theo những lời giảng dạy đó trong những quyết định mà chúng ta đưa ra mỗi ngày.

Gặp gỡ không chỉ giới hạn nơi môi trường học vấn. Nó có nghĩa là thay đổi mọi khía cạnh trong cuộc sống của chúng ta, và đặc biệt ảnh hưởng đến gia đình mình nữa. Chính trong phạm vi gia đình hơn bất cứ nơi nào đó mà con em của chúng ta được hình thành để trở thành những người đàn ông và phụ nữ có

tầm vóc trong thế giới của chúng ta. Các trường học không tồn tại để thay thế phụ huynh. Thay vào đó, chúng tồn tại để hỗ trợ phụ huynh trong ơn gọi đào tạo con cái của họ về đức tin và nhân đức. Cha mẹ, cũng như giáo viên, có cơ hội trở thành những tấm gương quan trọng cho con em của chúng ta, không chỉ bằng lời nói nhưng đặc biệt hơn bằng những gì họ làm. Qua những điều được nghe và giảng dạy mà lối sống được đi kèm, thì nó có ảnh hưởng sâu rộng trên thế giới. Thánh Giáo Hoàng Phaolô VI đã nói rất hay về con người ngày nay rằng “sẵn sàng lắng nghe các chứng nhân hơn là các giáo viên, và nếu họ chịu lắng nghe các giáo viên là vì họ muốn làm những chứng nhân”. Sức mạnh của chứng nhân, tức là sống theo những gì được tào tạo ở học đường và tại nơi ở, có sức mạnh để thay đổi thế giới. Lối sống của các giáo viên và cuộc sống của phụ huynh sẽ giúp con em mình theo sát chân Chúa Giêsu Kytô một cách trọn vẹn hơn.

Chúng ta cảm nhận đặc biệt điều này nơi các bạn trẻ, những người đang tìm hiểu ơn gọi cá biệt đối với thiên chức linh mục và đời sống tu sĩ nam nữ. Chúng ta được chúc phúc trong giáo phận nếu hoa trái này được sinh ra từ các trường học và giáo xứ của mình. Điều quan trọng là chúng ta cố gắng tạo ra một nền văn hóa ơn gọi trong các trường Công giáo và các chương trình đào tạo giới trẻ giáo xứ, nơi mà chúng ta luôn đặt câu hỏi “Thiên Chúa đang kêu gọi tôi làm gì? Ngài có thể kêu gọi tôi làm linh mục không?” Các trường học của chúng ta đã sinh hoa trái tuyệt vời cho Giáo Hội, và Thiên Chúa sẽ tiếp tục ban cho chúng ta hoa trái này dồi dào. Hơn bất cứ điều gì, học sinh của chúng ta nên được khuyến khích noi theo Chúa Giêsu Kytô trên hết mọi sự, tuân theo bất cứ điều gì Ngài đang kêu gọi họ, và tìm kiếm bất cứ điều

gì Ngài muốn cho họ. Khi chúng ta làm điều đó, chúng ta tìm thấy hạnh phúc thực sự, đó là điều mà tất cả chúng ta đều khao khát.

Kết quả của chương trình giáo dục này – nơi mà chúng ta đào tạo những bạn trẻ biết và theo Chúa Giêsu trên hết mọi sự – kết quả là có một thế hệ mới hiểu được rằng cho đi tình yêu thì cao sang hơn là nhận lại. Nó tạo ra một thế hệ không sợ dấn thân, bởi vì đức tin của họ cho phép họ tin tưởng vào kế hoạch của Thiên Chúa dành cho họ, vượt quá những gì họ có thể nhìn thấy. Nó dẫn đến một thế hệ mang lại niềm hy vọng mới cho thế giới bằng chứng tá đức tin của họ. Khi đức tin này phát triển, và khi chúng ta tuân theo sự kêu gọi của Chúa trong cuộc sống của mình, chúng ta sẽ thấy rằng việc noi theo Ngài không phải là nhàm chán cũng không phải là điều gì đó lấy đi hạnh phúc của chúng ta. Thay vào đó, chúng ta khám phá ra rằng đó là cuộc phiêu lưu vĩ đại nhất trong cuộc đời chúng ta. Chúng ta tìm thấy một hạnh phúc sâu sắc hơn mà chúng ta chưa bao giờ nghĩ tới, nếu chúng ta noi theo Ngài. Niềm vui sâu thẳm nhất chỉ được tìm thấy trong Chúa Giêsu Kytô, và Ngài mong muốn ban nó cho chúng ta nếu chúng ta theo Ngài. Đó là lời cầu nguyện của tôi dành cho mỗi học sinh và từng gia đình.

Để khai giảng cho năm học này, tôi mời gọi anh chị em cầu nguyện cho tất cả các học sinh và giáo viên của chúng ta khi họ bắt tay vào nỗ lực thiết yếu này, để họ có thể nhận biết con người của Chúa Giêsu không phải như một ý tưởng trừu tượng mà là một người bạn thân thiết mà họ gặp gỡ hàng ngày. Xin Chúa ban phép lành cho tất cả học sinh, giáo viên và mọi gia đình để chúng ta cùng nhau tiếp tục sứ mạng quan trọng này.

Un encuentro real y personal con Jesucristo

Mientras nos preparamos para comenzar un nuevo año escolar este mes, entramos en un tiempo de nuevos comienzos. Las familias comienzan un nuevo ritmo después de los meses de verano. Los alumnos empiezan las clases con nuevos profesores y materias que aprender. Algunos incluso empiezan un nuevo colegio o se mudan por primera vez. Al enfocarnos en el comienzo del nuevo curso escolar, en el número de este mes, me gustaría centrar mi reflexión en lo poderosa e importante que puede ser la educación, especialmente la educación y la formación en nuestra fe católica. La finalidad de toda educación católica -ya sea en una escuela católica o en un programa parroquial de formación de jóvenes- no es simplemente enseñar a nuestros jóvenes acerca de Jesús o simplemente el conocimiento de la fe. Si bien, eso es muy bueno e increíblemente importante, si se detiene ahí, hemos perdido el corazón mismo de la educación católica, que es llevar a los estudiantes a un encuentro real y personal con Jesucristo. Cuando lo conocemos, todas las cosas que aprendemos sobre Él cobran nueva vida. En lugar de aprender sobre un hombre que vivió hace 2000 años, aprendemos sobre nuestro íntimo amigo y Salvador. Y más allá de simplemente conocer las enseñanzas de nuestra Iglesia, tenemos la oportunidad de vivirlas en las decisiones que tomamos cada día.

Este encuentro no es algo que deba quedarse sólo en la escuela. Está destinado a cambiar todos los aspectos de nuestras vidas, y debería afectar especialmente a nuestra familia. Es en el seno de la familia, más que en ningún otro lugar, en donde nuestros jóvenes se forman para ser hombres y mujeres de impacto en nuestro mundo. Las escuelas

no existen para sustituir a los padres. Al contrario, existen para apoyarles en su vocación de formar a sus hijos en la fe y en la virtud. Los padres, al igual que los profesores, tienen la oportunidad de ser modelos importantes para nuestros jóvenes, tanto por lo que dicen como, sobre todo, por lo que hacen. Cuando las cosas que se dicen y se enseñan se viven en sus vidas, tienen un profundo impacto en el mundo. El Papa San Pablo VI escribió muy bellamente que los hombres y mujeres de hoy “escuchan con más gusto a los testigos que a los maestros, y si escuchan a los maestros, es porque son testigos”. El poder del testimonio, de vivir lo que se enseña en la escuela y en casa, tiene el poder de cambiar el mundo. La vida de nuestros profesores y la vida de los padres animan a nuestros jóvenes a seguir más plenamente a Jesucristo.

Lo vemos especialmente en los jóvenes que han discernido una llamada especial al sacerdocio y a la vida religiosa. En nuestra diócesis tenemos la bendición de que este fruto nazca en nuestras propias escuelas y parroquias. Es muy importante que nos esforcemos por crear una cultura vocacional en nuestras escuelas católicas y en los programas parroquiales de formación de jóvenes, donde siempre nos hacemos la pregunta: “¿A qué me está llamando Dios? ¿Podría estar llamándome a ser sacerdote?”.

Nuestras escuelas han producido grandes frutos para la Iglesia, y Dios continuará haciendo crecer este fruto en abundancia. Más que nada, hay que animar a nuestros alumnos a seguir a Jesucristo por encima de todo, a seguir aquello a lo que Él les llama y a buscar lo que Él quiere para ellos. Cuando hacemos esto, encontramos la verdadera

felicidad, que es lo que todos anhelamos. El resultado de este tipo de educación, en la que formamos a nuestros jóvenes para que conozcan y sigan a Jesús por encima de todo, es una nueva generación que entiende que el amor consiste mucho más en dar que en recibir. El resultado es una generación que no tiene miedo al compromiso, porque su fe les permite confiar en el plan de Dios para ellos, más allá de lo que pueden ver. El resultado es una generación que trae nueva esperanza al mundo mediante el testimonio de su fe. A medida que crece esta fe, y seguimos la llamada del Señor en nuestras vidas, vemos que seguirle no es aburrido ni es algo que nos quite la felicidad. Más bien, descubrimos que es la mayor aventura de nuestras vidas. Encontramos una felicidad más profunda de la que jamás creímos posible, si sólo le seguimos a Él. La alegría más profunda sólo se encuentra en el Señor Jesucristo, y Él anhela dárnosla si le seguimos. Esta es mi oración para cada uno de nuestros estudiantes y sus familias.

Al comenzar este curso escolar, los invito a rezar por todos nuestros alumnos y profesores mientras se embarcan en esta tarea esencial, para que lleguen a conocer a la persona de Jesús no como una idea abstracta, sino como un amigo íntimo con el que se encuentran cada día. Que Dios bendiga a todos nuestros alumnos, profesores y familias mientras continuamos juntos este viaje.

POPE SPEAKS

BY PETER PINEDO (Washington, D.C., CNA)

Speaking to members of the U.S. bishops’ committee for the National Eucharistic Congress recently, Pope Francis said that the congress “marks a significant moment in the life of the Church in the United States.”

The pope also blessed a large monstrance that will be used to house Our Lord during the National Eucharistic Congress.

Pope Francis praised the committee’s “efforts to contribute to a revival of faith in, and love for, the holy Eucharist,” which he called the “source and summit of the Christian life.”

“The Eucharist is God’s response to the deepest hunger of the human heart,” Pope Francis said. “The hunger for authentic life, for in the Eucharist Christ himself is truly in our midst, to nourish, console, and sustain us on our journey.”

Members of the organizing committee for the U.S. bishops’ upcoming National Eucharistic Congress met with the pope at the Vatican.

The bishops’ three-year eucharistic revival campaign, aimed at increasing devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist, is in its second year now and major national events are planned for 2024.

The decision to undertake the initiative followed a 2019 Pew survey that revealed that only 31 percent of Catholics believe in a basic tenet of their faith — that the Body and Blood of Christ are truly and substantially present in the Eucharist.

The National Eucharistic Congress, one of the revival’s culminating events, will take place July 17–21, 2024, in Indianapolis. Organizers expect 80,000 faithful from across the country to gather for the congress, which they say will be “a defining moment in our generation.”

“Sadly, nowadays, there are those among the Catholic faithful who believe that the Eucharist is more a symbol than the reality of the Lord’s presence

and love,” Francis lamented.

Francis also stressed the importance of eucharistic adoration in the life of the Church. “I believe that we have lost the sense of adoration in our day,” he said. “We must rediscover the sense of adoration in silence. It is a form of prayer that we have lost. Too few people know what it is.”

“It is up to the bishops to catechize the faithful about praying through adoration,” the pope told the committee, adding that the Eucharist “is more than a symbol; it is the real and loving presence of the Lord.”

“In the Eucharist, we encounter the One who gave everything for us, who sacrificed himself in order to give us life, who loved us to the end,” Francis said. “It is my hope, then, that the Eucharistic Congress will inspire Catholics throughout the country to discover anew the sense of wonder and awe at the Lord’s great gift of himself and to spend time with him in the celebration of the holy Mass and in personal prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.”

Devotion to the Eucharist, Francis said, will inspire “the faithful to commit themselves with ever greater zeal to being missionary disciples of the Lord Jesus in the world.”

“The love we celebrate in this Sacrament cannot be kept to ourselves but demands to be shared with all,” Francis said. “You go to the celebration of Mass, receive Communion, adore the Lord, and then what do you do after? You go out and evangelize.”

The pope called for evangelization and love to be shown especially toward the elderly, whom he called “the wisdom of a people,” and the sick, “who are the image of the suffering Jesus.”

Francis also reminded the committee of the need to foster vocations to the priesthood, quoting the words of St. John Paul II that “there can be no Eucharist without the priesthood.”

In concluding his address, Francis assured the committee of his prayers and entrusted them to the intercession of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States.

“May all that you are doing be an occasion of grace for each of you and may it bear fruit in guiding men and women throughout your nation to the Lord who, by his presence among us, rekindles hope and renews life,” the pope said.

Lastly, as he often does in concluding his addresses, the pope asked the committee to pray for him.

Speaking to reporters after the pope’s address, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, chair of the National Eucharistic Congress, called the meeting a “very emotional experience for all of us,” adding that “you really sensed his passion for what we’re doing in the Eucharistic Revival.”

Cozzens said the National Eucharistic Congress will be a “great moment in the United States” and an “opportunity to come together and encounter the Lord together and then to be set on fire (for love of God).”

In a press release from the U.S. bishops, National Eucharistic Congress Executive Director Tim Glemkowski said that it was “a wonderful gift to meet with Pope Francis and ask for his blessing,” adding that it “was truly a unique spiritual opportunity as part of our country’s preparation for such a historic moment in our Church’s life.”

“It was so important to gather together as a team in the presence of Pope Francis and ask him to bless the event, the monstrance, and the work we are doing to prepare tens of thousands of people to encounter Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist,” Glemkowski said.

Pope calls National Eucharistic Congress ‘a significant moment in the life of the Church’

QUESTIONS OF FAITH

I have a confession to make. I write this answer on a Monday, two days after my last final exam for the semester. (Yes, that means my exam was on Saturday. Yes, we’re a little crazy here at the Pontifical Biblical Institute.) Finals were hard. I was busy. But I noticed something. The busier I got, the more time I spent on Instagram. Some days I was at my normal fifteen-minute limit. On other days, it was thirty. Sometimes, it was forty-five. How is it that the more stressed I got, the more time I wasted?

The thing is that we fallen human beings tend to grasp at what is easy rather than doing what is effective. There’s nothing wrong with social media in itself, but there are very, very few instances when using it for more than thirty minutes in a day adds value to my life. I feel the difference between those days when I use it for more than fifteen minutes because there are many interesting things from my real friends who I know in person (effective) as opposed to using it as an escape from the busyness of my life (easy). I feel the difference between watching a show or a movie and then moving on with my life in the joy that comes from legitimate entertainment (effective) and watching multiple episodes of a show or a whole movie plus all of the YouTube commentary on it because I’m just trying to soothe my stress (easy). Substitute whatever it is for you: the news, the paper, blogs, books, whatever. Give some serious thought to where you are most often tempted to choose something because it’s easy rather than because it’s effective.

Sometimes, the thing that works is, in fact, easy. Thanks be to God! The idea, “The harder thing is always the holier thing” is not from Jesus; it’s from either the world, the flesh, or

Father, I’m busy. How do I make time for prayer

FATHER BRICE HIGGINBOTHAM

the Devil. But if, before I make a decision—especially when I’m busy and/or stressed—I ask myself, “Am I doing this because it’s effective or just because it’s easy?” I find that I usually make better decisions.

But what does all this have to do with prayer? If we’re honest, y’all, we waste a lot of time. Let me be clear: the fifteen minutes I spend on Instagram every day is not a waste of time. But if I spend an extra fifteen minutes like I often did during finals season, it usually is. Whatever you often grasp at for an easy but ineffective fix to your stress is probably like that too— too much of something that’s good in small doses.

Now, what if I had taken those fifteen minutes to sit in my chair, take a deep breath, and talk to Jesus—to tell him how I feel, what I need from Him, and that I love Him? What if, after I did that, I had picked up my Bible? I could’ve said, “I’ll start at Psalm

1 and read the Psalms until I’m a little less stressed.” Or I could’ve done the same with one of the Gospels. I might have read three verses or thirty. The point isn’t productivity, but communion with God. What if I had gone for a walk, praying the Rosary as I did so?

stress. I begin to live just a little bit more in freedom rather than fear. I begin to stop randomly at the Adoration chapel, or the open church for just a few minutes of quiet prayer. Before I was a priest, celebrating Mass every day, I sometimes decided on a whim to head over to Daily Mass and—in a state of grace—receive Jesus in Holy Communion. Encountering Jesus in the Eucharist is the best thing to do when we’re busy. It doesn’t have to be long, but making the effort to go see Him in Adoration, in the Tabernacle, or— the best option—at Daily Mass will transform your life. Guaranteed.

I know what would have happened because I know what happens when I actually do those things. I encounter God and my stress at least begins to melt away. I’m still

So, how do I make time for prayer when I’m busy? The answer, my friends, which I give to you and to myself is to stop wasting the time we have and, as a question for us to ask ourselves to perhaps help us on our journey, I propose this one: “Am I doing this because it’s effective, or just because it’s

READINGS THE LINES BETWEEN

Peter, the leader among Jesus’ apostles, appears in three of the four Sunday Gospel passages we will read this month. Peter’s interactions with Jesus in Matthew 14:22-33; 16:13-20 and 17:1-9 reflect the essential relationship between the Church and Jesus, its Lord and Messiah.

In 14:22-33, Matthew embellishes Mark’s (6:45-51) episode of Jesus walking on the sea and calming it by adding a narrative about Peter. Having been sent by Jesus to precede him by boat to the Sea of Galilee’s opposite shore, the disciples encounter rough seas and strong winds resisting their progress. The scene reflects the situation of the Church facing turbulence and opposition from the world. The disciples’ reaction to their situation will constitute a test of their faith. When they see Jesus walking on the stormy sea,

their first reaction is panic. Before telling them to stop fearing, Jesus says egō eimi (Greek), literally, “I am.” This use of the divine name along with his traversing the tempestuous waters parallels him with God who tames chaotic seas (Psalm 77:20). At verse 28, Peter enters the scene by requesting that the Lord allow him to come to him on the sea, whereupon Jesus summons him. Yet, Peter succumbs to fear, sinks in the water and cries out to Jesus, “Lord, save (me)!” Jesus points out that the disciples’ fearful reaction to the situation is a symptom of “littleness of faith.” Matthew means to teach us here that the Church must always trust in the saving presence of Jesus who wields divine power to tame the threatening forces of chaos the Church faces.

The disciples’ declaration of Jesus as Son of God in Matthew 14:33 anticipates Peter’s confession of Jesus as such in 16:16, which is in the context of another passage (16:13-20) we will hear proclaimed this month. As in the case of 14:2233, Matthew takes an episode from Mark (8:27-30) and adds an event singling Peter out. In response to his question to the disciples concerning their perception of the identity of “the Son of Man,” Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. The title “Son of Man” in Matthew is used in reference to Jesus as a healer (e.g. 9:6) and end-time judge (25:31-46). Peter’s response to Jesus’ question reflects the central concepts of Jesus’ identity for Matthew. All at once, Jesus is Son of Man, Messiah and Son of God.

Peter’s profound confession warrants a response by Jesus, who first acknowledges that Peter has received a deep insight by means of divine grace. Consequently, Peter has demonstrated a “rock-like” faith that would qualify him to lead his fellow disciples as overseers of the “Church,” the new Israel which will emerge from Jesus’ death and resurrection (see Matthew 21:33-

FATHER GLENN LECOMPTE

Peter’s interactions with Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew

43). Again, the interaction between Peter and Jesus reflects the close connection between the Church and its Lord. The Church trusts in its Lord as regal heir to David’s throne, one who wields power over evil forces, end-time judge and one who shares the life-giving power of God. While the risen Lord will promise to be with his Church always (28:20), he declares here that he will entrust to Peter the power of the keys. “The power of the keys is therefore the power to teach the right way to enter the Kingdom, the authority to teach the way correctly, the way to do the will of God ... ” (J.P. Meier, The Vision of Matthew: Christ, Church and Morality in the First Gospel, p. 113). In addition, Peter is authorized to “bind and loose,” to apply Jesus’ teaching to new situations the Church encounters.

Finally, in Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus takes three of his closest disciples, one of whom is Peter, to witness his transfiguration in the presence of Moses and Elijah who appear shrouded in glory as well. In awe of the glorious vision, Peter responds by offering to erect three “tents” or “booths,” as was done during the Feast of Tabernacles, which recalled Israel’s sojourn in the desert. Peter’s earlier declaration of Jesus as God’s Son is confirmed by the divine voice in this passage.

In sum, the interactions between Jesus and Peter in these Gospel passages model for us the close association between the life of the Church and its faith in its Lord.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

- What kinds of resistance does the Church face today? How can we deepen our trust in the Lord’s ability to stabilize the Church in troubled times?

- What are some examples of applying Jesus’ teaching to new challenges the Church meets? How do we make an application consistent with Jesus’ teaching?

- How can we help today’s world understand that Jesus is still relevant to it?

SCRIPTURE READINGS

And a listing of Feast days and saints

Matthew 17:1-9

Exodus

13:3643

1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

Romans 9:1-5

Matthew 14:2233

Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, priest and martyr

Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Matthew 17:2227

36

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1 Chronicles 15:34, 15-16; 16:1-2

1 Corinthians 15:54b-57

Luke 11:27-28

Weekday

34:29-35

13:4446 Weekday

15:2128

of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr

Weekday

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Matthew 18:1520

Weekday

Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17

Matthew 18:21—19:1

Weekday

Joshua 24:1-13

Matthew 19:3-12

20 21 22 23 24 25

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Matthew 15:21-28

Memorial of Saint Pius X, pope

Judges 2:11-19

Matthew 19:1622

27 28

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 22:19-23

Romans 11:33-36

Matthew 16:1320

Memorial of St. Augustine, bishop and doctor of the church

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10

Matthew 23:1322

16 DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Judges 6:11-24a

Matthew 19:2330

29

Memorial of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist

1 Thessalonians

2:1-8

Mark 6:17-29

Weekday

Judges 9:6-15

Matthew 20: 1-16

30

Weekday

1 Thessalonians 2:9-13

Matthew 23:2732

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, apostle

Revelation 21:9b14

John 1:45-51

31

Weekday

1 Thessalonians 3:7-13

Matthew 24:4251

Weekday Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b16, 22

Matthew 22:3440

Weekday

Joshua 24:14-29

Matthew 19:13-15

Weekday

Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17

Matthew 23:1-12

Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, priest, and Paul Chong Ha-sang and companions, martyrs

1 Timothy 3:14-16

7:31-35

Holy Cross

Lady

Memorial of Saints Cornelius, pope, and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs

Memorial of Saint Vincent de

Feast of Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:9-13

Weekday

1 Timothy 6:2c-12

8:1-3

Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, priest

1 Timothy 6:13-16 Luke 8:4-15

Weekday Haggai 1:1-8

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 John 1:47-51

Memorial of Saint Jerome, priest and doctor of the church

Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a

9:43b-45

Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and companions, martyrs

HEAVENLY RECIPES

Stephanie makes Italian Zucchini

Boats

This month’s Heavenly Recipe, Italian Zucchini Boats, comes from Berwick native, Stephanie Stanley, who has worked for the diocese in various roles for almost 20 years. Stephanie worked in the church office at Holy Cross for 10 years, taught at Central Catholic for 3 years, and is currently starting her 4th year in the office at Central Catholic Elementary. Stephanie is married to Casey Stanley, and they have a 10-year-old son named Reid.

Stephanie’s connection to Central Catholic goes far beyond her years as a student and employee there. Her husband, Casey, who is the Voya representative for the diocese, also graduated from Central as well as her parents and several aunts and uncles. Reid is going into 5th grade at Central Catholic, and her grandmother attended school at Sacred Heart in Morgan City when it was open.

The Stanley’s are parishioners at Holy Cross, and Stephanie loves just how close-knit her community is. She enjoys seeing people that she went to school with start families and send their kids to Central Catholic like they did. She says, “Reid has a lot of kids in his class whose parents and I went to school together.”

Stephanie comes from a big Italian family that loves to get together and cook things like fig cookies and stuffed artichokes. She says, “Italian food can be heavy with plenty of carbs so a lot of times I like to make a healthier version.” Her Italian Zucchini Boats are just that.

Stephanie says her Italian Zucchini Boats are the perfect weekday meal because they are easy to make and reheat, making them something you can prepare after a long day at work or before a busy week. She also says it’s a great recipe to get the kids involved with and she lets Reid scoop out the zucchini.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey

3-4 large zucchinis, washed

2 cups marinara or pasta sauce

3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella

1 cup shredded parmesan salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste

DIRECTIONS:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat/juices. Season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.

Mix in about 2 cups of tomato sauce with the chicken and turn the heat to low so it can simmer and absorb the sauce for a bit. Your sauce should be thick and not runny.

While the chicken and sauce are simmering, cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise. I like to leave the stems on to help moving them to the baking dish and serving plate. Use a spoon to remove the zucchini center and then chop the zucchini center into small pieces. Season the hollow zucchini boats with salt, pepper, garlic powder & onion powder. Optional - put 1 cup of the chopped zucchini in the meat mixture or save for another dish.

Mix in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of parmesan to the chicken and sauce mixture; stir until melted.

Spoon the mixture onto your zucchini boats, and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan over top.

Bake uncovered on the center rack for 30 minutes, and then switch your oven to broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese.

Serve hot and enjoy

A FAMILY’S JOURNEY TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

HEARTS OF CONVERSION

BY MAEGAN MARTIN

There are moments in our lives that change us forever. Maybe not all at once, but over time the impact can be seen and felt. For Devin and Ashley Owens, this change began back in 2019 as they encountered the beauty of the Catholic Church for the first time.

Devin and Ashley were both raised in Christian homes, Devin, Baptist and Ashley, Methodist. They grew up going to church on Sunday and even spent time in youth groups and serving on overseas missions, but during the later years of college and throughout medical school the couple became busy, and their faith fell through the cracks. Ashley even mentions that when she met Devin, she would have probably identified herself as agnostic.

During medical school, Devin and Ashley were married in the Methodist Church and started their family. In their fourth year of medical school, they welcomed their first child, Evelynn. “We started residency right after that,” Ashely shares, “and during that time frame we went to church only a handful of times.” During residency, Ashley and Devin welcomed their son, Peairs. “We read books and Bible stories with them,” Devin says, “we had the idea that we would get them involved slowly later.” But even then, faith was never something the family would talk about with much intentionality. This incredibly busy season of life leant itself to putting their faith on the back burner.

After medical school, the Owens family moved to North Carolina. During that time, they got plugged into a group of families mostly from Louisiana who were also in North Carolina for medical training. The Muller’s, a young Catholic family, began to befriend the Owens family. Over time this new friendship became the starting

point of asking some bigger questions about the Catholic faith. While Ashley went to work, Devin stayed home with their children and was part of a homeschool co-op with Leah Muller and her children. “Thankfully, Leah was so bold about her faith,” Ashley shares, “She and her husband Sam are so instrumental in our conversions.”

When the Owens family walked into the Muller’s house for the first time, they saw different things all around their home that pointed to their faith. “I think the first thing we noticed is that they had daily practical routines of living liturgically,” Devin says, “They celebrated feast days, they finished meals with traditional Catholic prayers, they shared stories about popes and Saints, and I could see how effective that was for the kids to have something every day.”

Devin and Ashley began to seek out more and more information about the Catholic faith after encountering the Mullers’ witness. Devin attributes their journey into RCIA to a Father Mike Schmitz YouTube Video, Why Be Catholic and Not Just Christian? But everything changed after a visit with Sam and Leah Muller about the foundation of their faith. Ashley recalls the very moment, “Leah told us, ‘Jesus started the Catholic Church,’ and I thought ‘Why didn’t I know that before?’” At that point nothing else mattered. The Owens family knew that if Jesus Christ established the Church then any questions or hang ups they may have had with the Church could be answered in time, but they had to become Catholic.

After wrapping up their time in North Carolina, Devin and Ashley packed up their family and settled in Houma, Louisiana in the Summer of 2020. Upon their arrival, they googled “Catholic Church in

PHOTO BY TYLER NEIL

Houma” and ended up attending Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church. “We walked in the wrong door, we were a couple minutes late, we weren’t sure what to do or when to do it, and we were nervous,” Devin remembers. “But even with all that,” Ashley shares, “I remember tears just kept rolling down my cheeks and I just couldn’t understand why I was so overcome.” Devin shares that his experience of attending Mass was striking because it was nothing like his past experience of going to church, “it was about Jesus and him being present. Leaving Mass, I thought, ‘that’s something completely different.’” The couple enrolled in RCIA that week and were brought into the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass on April 3, 2021. Sam and Leah Muller were their sponsors. “Early on I remember thinking, I’ve always needed this. Physically Jesus providing his body, blood, soul, and

divinity every time we’re in Mass was a game changer,” Devin says. Since coming into the Church in 2021, the life of the Owens family has never looked the same. They have become active in the community and in their home. The family attends Mass as often as possible, prays at several points during the day, lives more liturgically, frequents the Sacraments, and makes decisions based on prayer. The couple has also found a community thanks to retreat experiences with organizations like Domestic Church. Devin and Ashley even take their children to Eucharistic Adoration and different nights of prayer in their parish. One night in particular, “Father Mitch [Semar] was doing a Eucharistic Procession at St. Thomas Aquinas, and we’d never seen that before,” says Devin, “Evelynn (their oldest child) was sitting on my lap when they came up

and the graces from just being there with Evelynn and praying with her were awesome.”

The family expressed just how much their mindset has shifted from the hustle and bustle of two busy careers in medicine to embracing a slower pace of life that is centered on Jesus. The couple has decided to classically homeschool their two children and teach them through a Catholic worldview. Evelynn received her First Communion this past Spring and likes to remind the family when it’s time to go to Confession. Peairs, their youngest child, can’t wait to be able to receive the Eucharist and take part in the Sacraments. The family encourages those around them that find themselves struggling in their faith or with life in general to pray for fervor and vigilance and to spend time in Adoration. “When you spend time in front of the Eucharist, it will change you,” says Ashley, “it can’t not.” When encountering those who have questions about the faith, Devin and Ashley advise them to seek out resources online or council from trusted priests or like-minded community.

Dr. Devin Owens practices family medicine at Family Doctor Clinic in Houma and Dr. Ashley Owens will be changing her job description to full-time mom and part-time physician to stay home with their growing family. The Owens family is expecting the arrival of a baby girl in September of this year.

PHOTO BY TYLER NEIL

“Remember, when you gather others into the People of God through Baptism, and when you forgive sins in the name of Christ and the Church in the Sacrament of Penance; when you comfort the sick with holy oil and celebrate the sacred rites, when you offer prayers of praise and thanks to God throughout the hours of the day, not only for the People of God but for the whole world – remember then that you are taken from among men and appointed on their behalf for those things that pertain to God. Therefore, carry out the ministry of Christ the Priest with constant joy and genuine love, attending not to your own concerns but to those of Jesus Christ.”

-Bishop Dorsonville in his homily for the Mass of Ordination on July 15th at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral

ORDINATION 2023

BACK TO SCHOOL 20232024

BY DR. MARK WILLIAMS SUPERINTENDENT OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Looking into the rear-view mirror, we see a challenging path behind us. Turning forward, we face the 2023-24 academic year, and its sight is breathtaking. We are aimed directly at the intersection of clarity and opportunity. The moment provides us with a feeling of immense purpose; our eyes are steadfastly fixated on our objectives.

Are the objectives numerous? Yes, but each is rooted in the centuries old Catholic traditions of academic excellence. The moment is at hand for the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to rise to the occasion and follow in the traditions of those who have gone before us. At the very core, we aim to build disciples, creating opportunities for our communities to encounter Jesus Christ in all

things, big and small. John 10 tells us, “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.” Pursuing academic excellence will provide our students with a deeper understanding of truth, allowing them the opportunity to experience life at its fullest as they grow under the tutelage of their educators and parents. Our journey this year will make many stops, building character based on the Gospels of Jesus Christ is certainly a primary destination. Our educators will journey to many academic destinations for the benefit of our students; the Holy Spirit working along the entire route. Many times during the academic year, we will be reminded that God loves us without condition and God is present in all things.

Trumpeting the American educational landscape postpandemic is the idea of socialemotional learning. As Catholic schools, we do this well, teaching the virtuous lessons of the Gospels. This academic year, virtue will be a primary theme. Pay close attention, our schools will be using positive reinforcement to reward our most virtuous students with hopes of attracting peers to model similar behaviors. We are confident that our schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux are authentically Catholic, making all decisions through the lens of our mission. Walking into our schools, you will experience much more than a crucifix on a wall; you will see the presence of the living God who is among us in all things, big and small.

Every journey begins with a plan. Our 2023-24 academic journey is shaped by student performance. We measure what we treasure. Hence, we use the following assessments to measure student performance:

1. BEACON Interim AssessmentsGrades 3-7

2. Terra Nova Summative Assessments - Grades 3-7

3. Pre-ACT Summative Assessments - Grades 8-10

4. ACT - Grades 11-12

5. Assessment of Religious Knowledge - Grades 2-12

Let the words you speak always be filled with grace.

We treasure knowledge. The data we glean from the aforementioned assessments provides us with a picture of student performance, allowing us the ability to see clearly the path towards mastery. Consequently, this year will contain a focus on writing and the skill of written communication. With the emergence of artificial intelligence, we will use our precious instructional minutes under the watchful tutelage of our teachers, encouraging our students to write effectively and creatively. We believe strongly in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are so important to the future journey of our society. Mathematics allows us to see the order of God’s universe. We plan to take a more zealous approach to Mathematics, using data informed platforms for the benefit of our educators and students. Targeted areas specifically include geometrical concepts in all grades as well as statistical analysis in upper middle and high school. We are heavily invested in our journey, and we seek dividends from our investments.

‘

’

As we travel forward with conviction, we ask for your prayers. While we are not in possession of confusion regarding the task at hand, the clarity of the moment acknowledges the challenges in our way. Our mission, vision, and core values require both hands on the wheel as we navigate the pathways and avenues necessary for spiritual and academic growth. By the grace of God, may our quest for truth in all things bear fruit.

Our school communities traveled together in the following pathway of preparation:

July 25 - School Leadership Meeting

July 26 - Elementary Data Meeting

Hosted by Data Recognition Corporation

July 26 - Consultative Boards (All Schools) Collaborative Meeting

July 27 - New Teacher/Staff Orientation

July 29—August 3 - School Based Professional Development and Faculty Retreat

August 4 - Educators’ Convocation

Our Educators’ Convocation brings each of our administrators, faculty and staff together for our opening liturgy with Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville. The day will progress with the theme: “Personal Attention: Partnering With Parents in 21st Century Catholic Education.”

Our special guest and keynote speaker is author and renowned spiritual director Becky Eldrege. Not only is Becky an accomplished author; she is a mother! We are seeking her perspective as we begin our journey. Ultimately, our goal is to facilitate a positive partnership with families that will lead to exponential student growth and student learning 24 hours per day.

Finally, but so importantly, we have chosen a Scripture passage for our academic year. On June 1, 2023, our administrative teams gathered for retreat at the Pastoral Center in Schriever. Through prayer and reflection, our school administrators reached consensus and chose Colossians 4:6: “Let the words you speak always be filled with grace.”

As we begin our instructional days in prayer and song, know of our love and prayers for each of you. We are the school faith communities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and we personally invite you to join us in our parishes for Mass. We will keep you informed of our progress, and may God bless you abundantly.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mass for People of French Heritage St. Hilary of Poitiers Church, Mathews

August 15 | 6:00 p.m.

Mass for Racial Harmony in Commemoration of St. Peter Claver

Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma

September 9 | 11:00 a.m.

Diocesan Blue Mass

Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma

September 27 | 11:00 a.m.

Respect Life Mass

Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma

October 1 | 11:00 a.m.

Diocesan Red Mass

Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma

October 11 | 12:00 p.m.

St. Luke Mass for Medical and Mental Health Professionals

All Church Parishes

October 14-15 or October 21-22

Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Liturgy of the Word Celebration for couples celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th, and beyond

Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma

October 22 | 3:00 p.m.

St. Martin de Porres Mass for African American Catholics

Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma

November 4 | 11:00 a.m.

American Indian Mass of Thanksgiving

St. Charles Borromeo Church, Pointe-aux-Chenes

November 17 | 6:30 p.m.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass

Sacred Heart Church, Cut Off December 12 | Rosary at 6:30 p.m., Mass at 7:00 p.m.

**Dates, times and places are subject to change. Please check the diocese’s Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/htdiocese for the most up-to-date news

CONGRATULATIONS ABBOT GREGORY BOQUET

Very Reverend Gregory Boquet, O.S.B., was elected Abbot of Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College on July 14, 2023. Abbot Boquet, native of Bourg, Louisiana, is only the 6th abbot to be elected since the monastic community was established 134 years ago. Abbot Gregory succeeds Abbot Justin Brown, O.S.B. who is also a native of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Prior to being elected as the 6th abbot of Saint Joseph, Abbot Gregory served as the President-Rector of the Seminary College for the past 25 years. Join us in congratulating Abbot Gregory Boquet and praying for his ministry.

Brother Carl Evans, S.C., who spent approximately 20 years of his ministry teaching, coaching and counseling at Vandebilt Catholic High School (VCHS) in Houma, passed away Saturday, July 8 at age 92.

Brother Carl was always a welcoming ear in the counseling center and loved to hatch alligators each year with the biology classes. He was inducted into the VCHS Hall of Fame in 199798. In 2019, the school’s new elevator was dedicated to him and Brother Eldon Crifasi. Each year at the Senior Athletic Convocation, the “Brother Carl Evans Award” is presented in his honor to a young woman who captures the spirit of what it truly means to be a “fighting terrier” and demonstrates the qualities found in the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Brother Carl made a lasting impact on the Vandebilt Catholic community and will forever be remembered.

A memorial Mass in his honor was celebrated July 22, 2023, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.

Announcements

ST. VINCENT 500 FUNDRAISER SCHEDULED FOR AUG. 11-12

Story by Janet Marcel

A fundraising event sponsored by F3 Thibodaux is being held August 11-12 to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Tri-Parish Community Pharmacy, which is located at 201 Canal St. in downtown Houma, one block off of Main Street between Barataria Avenue and Canal Street.

The pharmacy, which opened Sept. 25, 2001, is open every Tuesday from 9 – 11 a.m., to serve residents of Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Mary parishes who do not qualify for Medicaid, prescription insurance or veteran’s benefits, and who are on limited incomes. Interviews to determine eligibility for service are conducted at the pharmacy on an individual basis.

With the help of an all-volunteer staff of pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and screeners, the pharmacy has filled 186,478 free prescriptions at a retail value of $15,953,216.22. On average, the pharmacy spends $10,000 – $14,000 a month to purchase medicines not donated by nursing homes and physician samples.

For more information about the pharmacy’s services, call (985)872-2253 during pharmacy hours.

On Friday, Aug. 11, there will be an outdoor Community Cookout from 6-8 p.m. at the Settlement at Live Oak neighborhood’s greenspace on Highway 308 in Thibodaux. There will be live music and family friendly games/activities. Jambalaya plates provided by Bourgeois Meat Market will be sold in advance, as well as during the event. There will also be some fun kids’ competitions to get the kids involved “F3” style.

On Saturday, Aug. 12, beginning at 7 a.m. will be The St. Vincent 500, a two-man race event that will follow the structure of an F3 boot-camp style workout but with a unique race component. The stations are sponsored by local businesses or individuals and each station will have options for points on various reps of an exercise. The event is open to all men and will be held outdoors (rain or shine). It will be free to participants, but they are recommending a donation of $40/participant. It will be up to you and your teammate to decide what level of points you will strive for at each station.

PASSING OF BROTHER CARL EVANS

The course total will equal a near impossible 500 points, and the highest point total wins.

The registration page for the St. Vincent 500 event, https://f3thibodaux.regfox.com/the-stvincent-500-2023, allows you to register, donate and have your family and friends pledge money to your specific two-man team. There are multiple options for donations as well as sponsorships.

F3 is a national network including 3,274 free, peer-led workouts for men in 252 regions. Its mission is to plant, grow and serve small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership. The three Fs in the name stand for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith.

ST. KATERI MASS

On Friday, July 14th the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux celebrated the 28th Annual Native American Liturgical Celebration of the Memorial Mass of St. Kateri Tekakwitha presented on behalf of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Holy Family Kateri Circle, and the planning committee. The memorial Mass was celebrated by Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville and concelebrated by Friar Nathaniel Maria Gadalia, associate pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church and Father Roch Naquin, a retired Native American priest for our diocese.

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 or (985) 850-3172

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 Houma-Thibodaux.

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 o (985) 850-3172

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; (985) 850-3172

DIOCESE OF HOUMA-THIBODAUX FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2021-2022

Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I am pleased to continue the practice of sharing with you the annual financial report for our diocese here in the Bayou Catholic.

Again this year, we are publishing an accounting of the financial operations of the diocese, which are taken directly from the Audits of Consolidated Financial Statements of the Central Administrative Offices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, offices and institutions – fiscal year July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. These are independently audited financial statements, performed again this past year by LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors. The full report is available on our website at www.htdiocese.org on the Finance Office page.

The report indicates that our current financial position is stable, continuing a positive trend with proper controls in place to effectively monitor, manage and report on the financial health of our diocese. In the opinion of the auditor, our financial statements “present fairly our financial position, change in net assets and cash flows for the years ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

This report is just one element of the accountability and transparency that the diocese strives to practice on a continuing basis. I would like to assure each of you that our diocesan staff is committed to the most ethical and prudent fiscal management of the resources to which you have entrusted us.

Of note, is that this report is as of the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. We are approximately one year behind in our normal flow of reporting due to circumstances outside of our control. We experienced delays with transition within our audit firm coupled with delays with third party actuarial calculations. We do not anticipate these same delays this year and are currently closing the financials for the June 30, 2023, fiscal year. That report should be available in the coming months.

Additionally, these financials present a very different picture than the norm. As a result of Hurricane Ida, we received $50 million in insurance proceeds in early 2022 and spent nearly $20 million in remediation expense by the close of the fiscal year. The impact of these will skew a year-to-year comparison whereby most of these revenues will be reflected in the June 30, 2022, financials with the expense reflected in subsequent years as the rebuild process continues. The financial impact of Hurricane Ida on normal diocesan operations has been very minimal. We continue to work towards full restoration of our facilities with the long-term financial impact still unknown.

I once again ask for God’s blessing on each of you, and thank you once again for your ongoing and generous support of our current leadership and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Respectfully submitted,

William (Bill) J. Barbera Chief Operating & Financial Officer Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Assets

Assets:

Cash and investments

$102,490,666

Other current assets $1,251,206

Parish loans $1,723,991

Property, plant & equipment, net $9,573,285

Other assets $2,694,241 $117,733,389

Some notes regarding the diocese’s assets:

The diocese’s assets are comprised primarily of investments and property, plant and equipment. The source of the invested funds stems mainly from the Diocesan Central Finance program. Deposits and endowments in the Central Finance program account are included in investments. Property, plant and equipment includes property received from the Archdiocese of New Orleans upon the formation of our diocese in 1977. Also, it includes the cost of fixed asset additions made since the formation of the diocese (exclusive of replacements), net of depreciation.

Liabilities: Accounts payable and other current liabilities $11,662,235 Endowments held for others $17,734,549 Insurance program reserves $469,811 Priests' postretirement benefits liability $11,894,614 Central finance deposits $37,672,700 $79,433,909

Some notes regarding the diocese’s liabilities and accruals: Seventy percent (70%) of the liabilities of the Diocese result from the inclusion of deposits in the diocese’s Central Finance program and endowments in the liability category. The liability for priests’ postretirement benefits other than pensions (mainly health insurance and long-term care) have historically been paid and will be paid in the future through the diocese’s normal annual budgetary process.

Central Finance Deposits: Parishes $10,258,302 Cemeteries $5,114,723 Schools and other deposits $22,299,675 $37,672,700

Some notes regarding Central Finance Deposits: Deposits from schools are comparatively larger at June 30 than they are at most other times during the year. This is due to the prepaid tuition program in which most schools in the diocese participate. Approximately 76% of the deposited funds for schools will be drawn by the schools during the year to pay for their operations. Cemetery deposits do not include St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux, which is owned by the diocese.

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Some notes regarding the net assets of the diocese:

Net assets represent the difference between the diocese’s assets and liabilities. Net assets are also commonly referred to as “net worth.” The net assets of the Diocese are segregated into net assets that are restricted as to use by donors and those that are not. For those net assets that are not restricted, the diocese has designated net assets to fund diocesan programs and projects. The remaining net assets not designated are classified as “unrestricted, undesignated.” “Unrestricted, undesignated” does not mean that the diocese has this amount in reserves. Rather, this figure represents total assets minus total liabilities and net assets that are restricted and/or designated.

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Chart Data

2022

CHART 2 - LIABILITIES

DAILY PRAYER

Rev. Alex Gaudet Rev. Rholando (Rholly) Grecia Rev. Rajasekar Karumelnathan, M.S.F.S.

Rev. Francis Kayaye Rev. Noas Kerketta, I.M.S.

Daily Prayer for Clergy and Religious

Lord Jesus, hear our prayer for the spiritual renewal of bishops, priests, deacons, brothers, sisters, lay ministers and seminarians of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. We praise You for giving their ministry to the Church. In these days, renew them with the gifts of Your Spirit.

You once opened the Holy Scriptures to Your disciples when You walked on this earth. Now renew Your ordained and chosen ones with the truth and power of Your Word.

In Eucharist you gave Your disciples renewed life and hope. Nourish Your consecrated ones with Your own Body and Blood. Help them to imitate in their lives the death and resurrection they celebrate around Your altar.

Give them enthusiasm for the Gospel, zeal for the salvation of all people, courage in leadership and humility in service.

Give them Your love for one another and for all their brothers and sisters in You. For You love them, Lord Jesus, and we love and pray for them in Your Holy Name, today especially for _______________________. Amen.

Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville

Rev. Rusty Bruce Rev. Toto Buenaflor

Rev. Duc Bui Rev. Stephen Castille

Deacon Stephen Brunet Rev. Fernando Anaya

Rev. John David (J.D.) Matherne Very Rev. Andre Melancon, V.F.

Very Rev. Thankachan (John) Nambusseril, V.F.

Rev. Jean-Marie Nsambu Seminarian James Silk

Rev. Joseph Liem Van Than, C.R.M.

Rev. Joseph Pilola

Rev. Patrick Riviere Rev. Robert Rogers Rev. James Rome Deacon Larry Callais Rev. Mitch Semar Rev. Carlos Talavera Rev. Joseph Liem Van Than, C.R.M.

Rev. James Thien Van Nguyen, C.R.M.

Sister Mary Bernadette Trang-Tien Nguyen, FMSR

Rev. Mark Toups Rev. Mike Tran Rev. Joseph Tregre

Rev. Josekutty (Joe) Varghese

Rev. Romeo (Billy) Velasco

Deacon Lee Crochet Rev. Shenan Bouquet Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs

GENERAL HEALTH SYSTEM

For over 65 years, Terrebonne General Health System has evolved our care to better serve the patients we call neighbors. Through an advanced array of medical and technological resources, we offer incomparable specialized care with a proactive and preventative focus.

We’ve received prestigious awards and accreditations from many of the nation’s most prominent healthcare entities, but that isn’t why we strive for excellence every day. This is a true calling for all the physicians, nurses, and staff who make up our proud family.