Bayou Catholic Magazine November 2020 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

INSIDE:

Bayou

Life and Legacy

Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Death is not the final victor because love is eternal NOVEMBER 2020 ~ VOL. 41 NO. 5 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Contents

Features 18 Grief to Grace

By Janet Marcel

Columns 8 Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Pope Speaks

Questions of Faith

Readings Between the Lines

Reading With Raymond

Pope Francis I

By Father Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L. By Father Glenn LeCompte By Raymond Saadi

46 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 16 Scripture Readings 26 Heavenly Recipes 32 Youth In Action 34 Daily Prayer for Priests,

Deacons and Seminarians

By James Rome

Guest Columns 28 Normalizing vocations 30

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Black Catholic History Month

Season of gratitude

By Dr. Nicole Bourgeois, LMFT By Christine Streams

By Father Patrick Riviere

Announcements 38 #iGiveCatholic, Dec. 1 41 St. Martin de Porres Mass, Nov. 5 41 American Indian Mass, Nov. 20 On Our Cover

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

The tombs at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux are a reminder that someday we will face death. As Bishop Shelton J. Fabre mentions in his monthly column Comfort For My People, November in the church bears the title “Month of the Dead.” November is the month when we remember and pray for all of our beloved dead.

November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 3

Bayou

Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

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INSIDE

Mardi Gras

Bayou

Catholic

The official magazine of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration FEBRUARY 2020 ~ VOL. 40 NO. 8 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

www.bayoucatholic.org |

@bayoucatholic |

COLLECTION

will be the weekend of November 14-15 or mail contribution to Bayou Catholic P.O. Box 505 Schriever, LA 70395 www.htdiocese.org

Catholic Press Association: 100 Years of Good News

4 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

Bayou Catholic Heavenly Recipes 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

Amy Pons

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux 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.

Amy makes

Lawrence Chatagnier

Fish Tac

editor and general manager

TACOS

INGREDIENTS: April LeBouef

Fresh fish fillet (we use bass but business manager

Ole Bay Seasoning Janet Marcel EVOO staff writer/administrative assistant Medium tortilla (to make healthi choose wheat tortilla) Lisa Schobel Hebert Pre-shredded cabbage graphic designer Sesame oil Meridy Liner pre-sliced to save time Mango, accounts receivable/payable assistant 1 red bell pepper 3/4 bunch Cilantro This month’s heavenly recipe, fish tacos with mango salsa, 1/2 red onion comes from Amy Ponson, who has been the executive director 1 cup mayo (we use light mayo of Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana for the past three 1-2 tbsp. sriracha years. She and her husband David and their three children 1 tbsp. lime juice are parishioners of St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Like us on Facebook Dash of sea salt Mathews. “We have very young children. Michael is in first

grade, Abby in pre-k and Matthew just turned one this month.” Find us on the web www.bayoucatholic.org DIRECTIONS: Because of a busy life schedule Amy does her grocery Lay your fish on a plate and shopping on an app, usually picks up her grocery order on Seasoning top of the fish. Drizzl the weekend and prepares her family’s meals for the busy Where to find your BayouonCatholic your pan and Lay the fish sea week on Sunday. “My kids always give me ideas of what to Bayou Catholic magazine can heat. be found at all Catholic churches and oil, Catholic the olive thenschools sprinkle the othe cook. Most things I cook are fresh. I tend to not use processed throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Ole Bay Seasoning while in the pa food. I learned to cook from my mom and my grandmother To pick up a copy, you may also visit the side for about 4 minutes per side o who was my dad’s mom. I love cooking with my kids. My kids merchants who advertise in our issue. Those Sauce: Put by 1 cup wishing to receive the magazine mail of canmayo in a bo are always involved in the cooking at our house.” call Janet Marcelofatsriracha (985) 850-3132 or write consistency. for desired Amy, a native of Belle Chasse, says she moved from “down to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box Cabbage: Place about 2 cups o the river” to “down the bayou.” An interesting aspect of Amy’s 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Drizzle 1 tbsp. of sesame oil on top life is that she has a fraternal twin sister, Ashley. Subscription price is $35 annually. For the online edition, Salsa: Remove the pre-sliced ma “It is special to have someone who is your best friend that to www.bayoucatholic.com and chop the slices up into small you could love and hate at the same time. We both wentgoto chop up 1 red bell pepper and 1 Urseline Academy in New Orleans. While it’s a large school, Novembercloser 2020 • Diocese • BayouCombine Catholic • 5mango, b small pieces. we were in the same classes. Oddly, we became when of Houma-Thibodaux onion into a bowl together and we graduated high school. After high school we were able to

From the Editor

Be thankful As I was preparing to write this editor’s welcome I hit a mental roadblock. Those of you who have written know what it’s like to try to put thoughts down on paper and sometimes it just doesn’t come to you. Whether it’s distractions, not being “in the zone” or the mood to write something worthy, it is very frustrating when you just can’t seem to come up with the right words. I researched previous welcomes that I have done and found this one from a few years ago. Surprisingly with a few additions it fit well with what’s happening in today’s world. It’s November, the month of giving thanks. It seems that this year in particular we have much to be thankful for in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. We were very fortunate that we were spared from personal injury and property damage during this hurricane season, which was an active one. We live in an area where nature’s beauty abounds. Within our diocese is one of the richest estuaries in the country. It is an area that has a vast supply of oil and gas resources. This Thanksgiving Day when we are gathering with our families and

friends and it is time to give thanks to God for our many blessings, let’s not forget these things to be thankful for. Be thankful that you live here in the USA. We have much to be thankful for in this country. Although Americans may be sharply divided in political views, we should all be thankful that we live in a democracy that allows us to assemble and express our opinions, viewpoints and ideals in a peaceful manner. We should also be thankful that we have the right express our views by voting in elections. Thank God you’re an American. Be thankful if you are gainfully employed. There are many people especially in our area who will be unemployed this Thanksgiving. Thank God that you are employed. Be thankful if you have your health. Hundreds of thousands of people in America lost their lives due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this year. Many are still experiencing lingering effects from the virus. There is much that is not known about the virus. Thanksgiving Day will be different for many, many families this year. Some people will be spending this Thanksgiving Day in the hospital. Thank God you’re healthy. Be thankful if you have a home to live in. Many people were victims of hurricanes and wildfires this year; for some being homeless is a way of life. Thank God that you have a home that is safe. Be thankful if you have a family to celebrate events with. There are

6 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

some people who have no family. Many will be home alone without contact with anyone else. Thank God that you are surrounded by a loving family. Be thankful if you haven’t suffered the loss of a loved one this year. Death is a part of life. This Thanksgiving Day there will be loved ones missing from the dinner table. Thank God you haven’t experienced the loss of a parent, child or sibling this year. As Thanksgiving approaches at the end of this month, we all have the opportunity to thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed on us. Everyone has challenges in life. We all experience difficulties and no one is immune to death. Thankfully, we have a loving and merciful God who blesses us with the gift of life and the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. Therein lies what we should be most thankful for this year and every year. At the Bayou Catholic we are very thankful for our loyal readers, advertisers and those who support the publication. Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News! BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Church Life

Blue Mass

The Blue Mass honoring firefighters, law enforcement, emergency responders and military personnel, was celebrated recently at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the celebrant of the Mass, which usually takes place on or near the feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Red Mass

The annual Red Mass was celebrated recently at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile, AL, was the homilist. This Mass, which is usually celebrated near the opening of the judicial season, is open to all legal professionals, their staffs, their families and the public. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the presider.

November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7

Comment

Death is not the final victor because love is eternal

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

On more than one occasion in the past few years, I have shared that the season of fall is my favorite season of the year. November is upon us again, and it is the month which I believe best expresses all the many opportunities that the fall presents to us. Two of these things are remembering to pray for the dead, as the beginning of November invites us, and approaching God with thankful hearts, as the end of November calls us to do. Perhaps one of the most noticeable things that occurs during November is that nature begins to slip deeper into its winter slumber, and many living things begin to take upon themselves the ‘death’ that is winter. Taking its cue from this ‘death’ of the world of nature that surrounds us, November in the church bears the title the “Month of the Dead.” Ushered in by the celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, November is the month during which the church invites us to remember and to pray for all of our beloved dead. We recently celebrated All Saints’ Day, which focuses on the countless known and unknown saints who are in heaven and enjoy God’s presence. However, there are those who have died and are being purified of the last vestiges of sin before entering into heaven, and the focus of All Souls’ Day is our responsibility to pray for all of those who are in the final stage of purification before entering heaven. The Order of Christian Funerals

states, “We believe that all the ties of friendship and affection which knit us as one throughout our lives do not unravel with death” (No. 87). Therefore, during the month of November, we are all called to offer special prayers for all of our beloved dead in the final stage of purification from the imperfection of sin so that they might enter into the perfection that is heaven. Though our prayer and good works offered for them, we can hasten them on their way as they are purged to enter upon the perfection of heaven. To pray for the dead is one aspect of our call during November. Another aspect is to pass on our wonderful memories and stories of departed family members to the generations that follow us. To pass on stories of the faith lived by those who have died is to pass on the faith that has been entrusted to us by these very same people. To pass on to future generations the memories of departed family members is to recognize that death is not the final victor because love is eternal. To pass on these stories is to give future generations the important knowledge of their family and their faith. The “Month of the Dead” invites us to begin or to continue telling these stories of departed loved ones to those who have not heard them, or to recall these stories with those who lived alongside them. To remember and to pray for the dead is a powerful thing, and in it peace, love and joy can be found. The end of the month of November focuses our attention on our call to approach God with thankful hearts, even amidst challenges. The fourth Thursday in November is our national day of Thanksgiving to God. I remember reading somewhere that the one of the keys to being happy in life is to always be thankful. The more I thought and prayed about this, the more I realized it to be true. Those who find great joy in life, in spite of the challenging and

8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

difficult circumstances they face, are those who are nonetheless always thankful for all the many blessings God has poured into their lives. We have faced many challenges during this year 2020. However, we must never forget that we have all received greatly from the kindness of the Lord, and for this we must always be thankful. Our national day of Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to thank God for our faith, for our family and friends, for our country, and for all the many blessings that he bestows upon us. Perhaps this year due to COVID-19, the number of people at our gathering might be fewer, but I nonetheless wish for all a joyful and Happy Thanksgiving!!! BC

“

To pray for the dead is one aspect of our call during November. Another aspect is to pass on our wonderful memories and stories of departed family members to the generations that follow us.

“

Comfort For My People

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 9

Comentario

La muerte no es la victoria final porque el amor es eterno en su etapa final de purificación de la imperfección del pecado de tal manera que puedan alcanzar la perfección que es el cielo. Aun cuando nuestras oraciones y buenas obras son ofrecidas por ellos, podemos adelantarlos en su camino al estarse purgando para entrar en la perfección del cielo. Orar por los difuntos es uno de los aspectos de nuestro llamado durante noviembre. Otro aspecto es pasar a las generaciones que nos siguen nuestros maravillosos recuerdos e historias de los miembros de la familia que han fallecido. Compartir las historias de la fe que vivieron de aquellos que ya han muerto es compartir la fe que se nos ha confiado por estas mismas personas. Compartir a las generaciones futuras los recuerdos de nuestros familiares difuntos es reconocer que la muerte no es la victoria fina porque el amor es eterno. Compartir estas historias es dar a las futuras generaciones el conocimiento importancia de su familia y de su fe. El “Mes de los Muertos” nos invita a empezar o continuar diciendo estas historias de nuestros seres queridos fallecidos a aquellos que no los escucharon, o recodar aquellas historias con quienes vivieron junto a ellos. Recordar y orar por los difuntos es algo poderoso, y en esto podemos encontrar paz, amor y alegría. Al final del mes de noviembre se enfoca nuestra atención en nuestro llamado a acercarnos a Dios con corazones agradecidos, en medio de los desafíos. El cuarto jueves de noviembre es nuestro día nacional de Acción de Gracias a Dios. Recuerdo haber leído en alguna parte que la clave para ser feliz en la vida es ser siempre agradecidos. Cuanto más pienso y oro acerca de esto, más me doy cuenta que es cierto. Aquellos quienes encuentran gran alegría en la vida, a pesar de los desafíos y circunstancias difíciles que enfrentan, son aquellos que sin importar nada están agradecidos por todas las muchas bendiciones que Dios

10 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

ha derramado en sus vidas. Nos hemos enfrentado a muchos desafíos en este año 2020. Sin embargo, nunca debemos olvidar que todo lo que hemos recibido grandemente por la bondad del Señor, y por esto debemos estar siempre agradecidos. Nuestro día nacional de Acción de Gracias es un tiempo maravilloso para agradecer a Dios por nuestra fe, por nuestra familia y amigos, por nuestro país, por todas las muchas bendiciones que Él ha derramado en nosotros. Quizás este año debido al COVID-19, el número de gente en nuestras reuniones será menor, pero no obstante, les deseo a todos un alegre y ¡feliz día de Acción de Gracias! BC

“

Orar por los difuntos es uno de los aspectos de nuestro llamado durante noviembre. Otro aspecto es pasar a las generaciones que nos siguen nuestros maravillosos recuerdos e historias de los miembros de la familia que han fallecido.

“

En más de una ocasión de estos años pasados, he compartido que la estación del otoño es una de las estaciones favoritas del año. Noviembre está nuevamente sobre nosotros, este es el mes en el cual creo es el que expresa mejor las muchas oportunidades que el otoño nos presenta. Dos de estas cosas son recordar de orar por los difuntos, tal como se nos invita al principio del mes, y acercarnos a Dios con corazones agradecidos, así como al final de noviembre se nos llama a hacerlo. Quizás uno de las cosas más evidentes durante el mes de noviembre es que la naturaleza empieza a caer más profundamente en sueño del invierno, y muchas cosas vivientes empiezan a tomar sobre ellos mismos “la muerte” que es el invierno. Tomando su señal de esta ’muerte’ del mundo de la naturaleza que nos rodea, la Iglesia da el título de “Mes de los Muertos” al mes de noviembre. Recibido por las celebraciones de Todos los Santos y Fieles los Difuntos, noviembre es el mes durante el cual la iglesia nos invita a recordar y orar por todos nuestros seres queridos difuntos. Recientemente celebramos el día de Todos los Santos, el cual se enfoca en innumerables santos conocidos y desconocidos quienes están en el cielo gozando de la presencia de Dios. Sin embargo, hay aquellos que han muerto y están siendo purificados de los últimos vestigios de pecados antes de entrar al cielo, y el enfoque del día de los Fieles Difuntos es que es nuestra responsabilidad rezar por todos aquellos quienes están en su etapa final de purificación antes de entrar al cielo. El Rito de Funerales Cristianos dice: “Creemos que todos los lazos de amistad y afecto que nos unen como uno a través de nuestras vidas no se desatan con la muerte (No. 87). Por lo tanto, durante el mes de noviembre, estamos llamados a ofrecer oraciones especiales por nuestros seres queridos difuntos

Binh luan bang loi

Tử thần không chiến thắng sau cùng vì tình yêu vĩnh cửu vết nhơ tội lỗi để các ngài được vào thiên quốc hoàn toàn trong sạch. Qua lời cầu nguyện và việc bác ái dành cho các linh hồn, chúng ta có thể giúp họ nhanh chóng ra khỏi lửa luyện tội và vào nơi tuyệt hảo là thiên đàng. Cầu nguyện cho các linh hồn là lời mời gọi chúng ta làm trong tháng 11. Cách thứ hai là truyền lại những việc tốt đẹp và hương thơm của những người đã ra đi trước chúng ta cho thế hệ sau này. Truyền đạt đức tin của tiền nhân chính là chu toàn bổn phận được ủy thác rao truyền đức tin mà các ngài đã sống. Rao truyền cho các thế hệ con cháu hương thơm của tiền nhân tức là nhận ra rằng sự chết không phải là chiến thắng cuối cùng vì tình yêu vĩnh cửu. Truyền đạt hương thơm cho thế hệ sau này là giúp cho thế hệ sau hiểu được giá trị của gia đình và đức tin họ đã sống. “Tháng Các Linh Hồn” mời gọi ta bắt đầu hay tiếp tục chia sẻ những hoa trái của người thân cho những phần tử chưa từng nghe họ, hay gợi lại những câu chuyện hay của người quá cố đã từng sống với họ. Nhớ và cầu nguyện cho người quá cố cả là sức mạnh, và trong sự an bình tình yêu và niềm hân hoan được tìm thấy. Cuối tháng 11 chúng ta chú tâm vào trọng điểm nhắm tới sự mời gọi đến với Chúa qua tâm hồn biết ơn, mặc cho có nhiều thử thách. Thứ năm cuối tháng quốc gia ăn mừng Lễ Tạ Ơn Thiên Chúa. Tôi nhớ đã đọc chỗ nào đó một trong những yếu tố của hạnh phúc là luôn luôn biết ơn. Mỗi khi suy nghĩ về điều này và cầu nguyện, tôi càng nhận ra nó thật tình đúng. Những ai tìm được niềm vui trong đời, mặc cho gặp nhiều thử thách và gian truân,

là những người luôn biết sự biết ơn vì mọi ơn lành mà Chúa đã ban cho họ trong đời. Chúng ta đang đối diện với nhiều thử thách trong năm 2020. Tuy nhiên, chúng ta đừng quên rằng chúng ta cũng đã lãnh nhận quá nhiều từ Chúa, và vì thế chúng ta luôn biết ơn Ngài. Ngày Lễ Tạ Ơn quốc gia là cơ hội tốt cảm tạ Chúa vì niềm tin của mình, gia đình, bạn bè, quốc gia và muôn vàn ơn lành mà Ngài đã ban cho chúng ta. Có lẽ năm nay do dịch cúm Covid-19, số người tụ tập ít hơn, nhưng tôi cũng chúc anh chị em niềm vui Lễ Tạ Ơn trọn vẹn!!! BC

“

Cầu nguyện cho các linh hồn là lời mời gọi chúng ta làm trong tháng 11. Cách thứ hai là truyền lại những việc tốt đẹp và hương thơm của những người đã ra đi trước chúng ta cho thế hệ sau này.

“

Đã hơn một lần trong mấy năm qua, tôi đã chia sẻ với anh chị em là tôi thích nhất mùa thu mỗi năm. Một lần nữa tháng 11 lại đến với chúng ta và đó là tháng mà tôi tin rằng nó thể hiện tất cả cơ hội mà mùa thu mang lại cho chúng ta. Hai trong những cơ hội đó là cầu nguyện cho người quá cố, như tháng 11 kêu gọi, và đến gần Chúa với lòng biết ơn, như cuối tháng kêu gọi chúng ta thực thi. Có lẽ một trong những điểm nổi bật nhất xảy ra trong tháng 11 là thiên nhiên từ từ đi vào giấc ngủ đông, và nhiều sinh vật bị hủy giệt do thời tiết băng giá. Do bởi sự chết của thiên nhiên bao quanh chúng ta, tháng 11 trong Giáo Hội còn mang cái tên “Tháng Các Linh Hồn.” Cùng hiện diện dâng Thánh Lễ Các Thánh và Lễ Cầu Hồn, trong tháng 11 này Giáo Hội mời gọi chúng ta luôn nhớ và cầu nguyện cho những anh chị em đã ra đi. Chúng ta vừa cử hành Lễ Các Thánh, kính nhớ muôn vàn các Thánh hữu danh cùng vô danh mà các ngài đang hiện diện với Chúa trên quê trời. Tuy nhiên, còn những ai đã chết và đang được thanh luyện những vết nhơ tội lỗi trước khi lên thiên đàng, và điểm chính trong Lễ Các Linh Hồn là chúng ta có bổn phận cầu nguyện cho họ trong giai đoạn thanh luyện cuối cùng trước khi vào thiên quốc. Nghi thức Lễ An Táng nhắc nhở, “Chúng ta tin rằng mọi sự liên đới do tình huynh đệ và cảm thông với nhau trong đời sống không bị mất đi do cái chết” (no. 87). Vì thế, trong tháng 11 chúng ta được kêu gọi dâng lời cầu nguyện cho anh chi em đã ra đi mà trong giai đoạn thanh tẩy cuối cùng vì

November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 11

Comment

Pope Francis praises ‘great’ St. Hildegard of Bingen The Pope Speaks

Vatican City, (CNA) Pope Francis hailed the “great” Doctor of the Church St. Hildegard of Bingen in a message to a Vatican women’s group recently. In the message the pope compared the 12th-century visionary to St. Francis of Assisi, the inspiration for his new encyclical, “Fratelli tutti.” “Like St. Francis of Assisi, she composed a harmonious hymn in which she celebrated and praised the Lord of and in creation,” he said on the feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, another female Doctor of the Church. “Hildegard united scientific knowledge and spirituality. For a thousand years, she has masterfully taught men and women through her writings, her commentaries and her art.” The pope noted that the German Benedictine abbess, composer and philosopher challenged prevailing restrictions on women. He said: “She broke with the customs of her time, which prevented women from study and access to libraries, and, as abbess, she also demanded this for her sisters. She learned to sing and compose music, which for her was a means of drawing nearer to God. For Hildegard, music was not only an art or science; it was also a liturgy.” The pope made the comments in a message to members of the Women’s Consultation Group of the Pontifical Council for Culture taking part in a webinar. He noted that the group, established in 2015, was a “novelty” within the

A sculpture of Hildegard of Bingen by Karlheinz Oswald at Eibingen Abbey in Hesse, Germany. Roman Curia. “For the first time, a dicastery has involved a group of women by making them protagonists in developing cultural projects and approaches, and not simply to deal with women’s issues,” he said. He observed that the group’s latest gathering would be devoted to reflection on three of his major documents: the 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii gaudium, the 2015 encyclical “Laudato si’,” and the 2019 “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together.” “These works are devoted, respectively, to the themes of evangelization, creation and fraternity,” he said. He thanked the group for engaging with his work, with the goal of creating “a dialogue between intellect and spirituality, between unity and diversity, between music and liturgy, with one fundamental goal, that of universal friendship and trust.” “You do this with a feminine voice

12 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

that desires to help heal an ailing world,” he added. The pope concluded by highlighting the central role of women in Christianity. He said: “In the history of salvation, it was a woman who welcomed God’s Word. Women too kept alive the flame of faith in the dark night, awaiting and then proclaiming the Resurrection. Women find deep and joyful fulfillment in precisely these two acts: welcoming and proclaiming.” “They are the protagonists of a Church that goes forth, listening and caring for the needs of others, capable of fostering true processes of justice and bringing the warmth of a home to the various social environments where they find themselves.” “Listening, reflection and loving activity: these are the elements of a joy ever renewed and shared with others through feminine insight, the care of creation, the gestation of a more just world, and the creation of a dialogue that respects and values differences.” BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

Guidelines for receiving Communion At several recent family funerals, a number of my family members who are not Catholic insisted on receiving Communion despite my explaining they should not and the priest inviting only practicing Catholics to come forward. How can I better explain our practice of limiting Communion and are there dangers with them receiving? Funerals and weddings are often liturgies where non-Catholics are in attendance to support family and friends during these important moments. The rituals can be inspiring for non-Catholics who may be unfamiliar with them, but participating in the liturgies can also make for awkward moments, especially when it comes to the reception of Communion. In explaining our practice, we should know the official guidelines on the reception of Communion given by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Just because I am Catholic does not necessarily mean that I am able to receive. “In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, (Catholics) should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour (before receiving Communion). A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this

case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible.” For non-Catholic Christians, they are welcomed to the celebration of the Eucharist; however, “because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 §4).” However, the guidelines do permit members of certain non-Catholic Orthodox and Eastern Churches to receive Communion. Canon 844 §4 allows, “if there is a danger of death or if, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or of the episcopal conference, there is some other grave and pressing need, Catholic ministers may lawfully administer these same sacraments (penance, Eucharist, and anointing of the sick) to other Christians not in full communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and who spontaneously ask for them, provided that they demonstrate the Catholic faith in respect of these sacraments and are properly disposed.” Other Christian denominations hold various beliefs regarding the Eucharist. In 1 Corinthians 10:16, St. Paul reaffirms Jesus’s teaching at the Last Supper, “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?” As Catholics, we believe in transubstantiation, that the Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Christ; however, other denominations may not believe this. As the guidelines propose, the reception of holy Communion is not just an expression of belief in the real presence of Christ but also an indication of membership or “communion” in a particular church that shares “oneness of faith, life and worship.”

The Catholic Church holds that to receive Communion we must believe all that she officially teaches as coming from Christ through the apostles. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus himself commissions the 11 disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” In the Catechism of the Catholic Church 1355, St. Justin Martyr reminds us, “No one may take part in (the Eucharist) unless he believes that what we teach is true, has received baptism for the forgiveness of sins and new birth, and lives in keeping with what Christ taught.” Does the nonCatholic believe the faith stated in the Creed we pray at Mass on Sunday and the teachings that have been handed down throughout the ages? At Masses where non-Catholics are present, it is beneficial for the priest to give instructions for receiving the Eucharist before Mass begins or at Communion. If he does not, you can find the official guidelines in the inside cover of the missalettes located in the church pews. It would be helpful to show this to any friends or family members attending before Mass begins. Consideration should also be given to include these guidelines in programs printed for funeral or wedding Masses. Nevertheless, we can only do so much to inform, guide and instruct. Despite all our best efforts, there may be times when someone who is not properly disposed or a non-Catholic receives Communion. In the end, ultimate responsibility for worthy reception of Communion belongs to the individual communicant. As St. Paul reminds us, “Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup” (1 Corinthians 11:27-28). We can trust that God knows the communicant’s mind and heart better than we can and will respond to that person accordingly. Until the day arrives, our prayer should be that one day we will all be united around the one altar and the one sacrifice. BC

November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 13

Reflections

Why is Wisdom 3:1-9 a popular choice for funerals? Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

“The souls of the righteous are in God’s hand, and torment shall not touch them. They seemed in the eyes of foolish people to have died, and their going forth is thought to be mistreatment, and their journey away from us destruction. But they are in peace. For even if in the sight of human beings they should be punished, their hope is full of immortality. Even if disciplined a little, they will be greatly benefitted, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself. As gold in a smelting-furnace, he tested them, and as whole burnt offerings, he received them. And in the appointed time of their visitation they will shine, and as sparks amid reeds they will run through. They will judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will be their king forever. Those who have put trust in him will know truth, and the faithful in love will remain with him, because grace and mercy are with his chosen ones” (Wisdom 3:1-9, translation by Father Glenn D. LeCompte). In November we celebrate the feasts of All Saints and All Souls, days to remember all of the faithful departed, whether canonized or not. Also during November many parishes celebrate memorial Masses to remember their deceased ones, and in particular those who have died within the last year. Therefore, I thought it appropriate that I should comment upon a Scripture reading, Wisdom 3:1-9, which is often chosen for funerals. The book of the Wisdom of Solomon begins with an exhortation to those who judge the earth to “love righteousness.” An important aspect

of biblical wisdom is discerning what attitudes and behaviors put people in a right relationship with God. The opposite of wisdom is folly, and the latter is a characteristic of those who live wickedly. In 1:12 the author exhorts the reader not to desire death on account of a straying way of life. Then, beginning a new section at 1:16, the author asserts that the wicked invite death upon themselves on account of their words and deeds. “Death” here is to be understood in a broad sense which includes misfortune as well as physical and, worst of all, spiritual death. The wicked reckon that humans live in this world for a time but when they die it will be as if they had not been born (2:2). This is an interesting idea of death for a culturally Greek person, for Greeks generally believed in the passing of the soul from one creature to another. Nevertheless, the wicked reason that since the benefits of existence are limited to one’s lifetime in this world, the best thing people can do is to live seeking pleasure. The wicked however are bothered by the just, who live according to ethical principles. Musing on the situation of the just, the wicked acknowledge that the just believe that God favors and protects them. The wicked then desire to put the beliefs of the just to the test. They scheme to subject just people to torture and death to see if God will indeed maintain his goodness and

14 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

watchfulness over them. To subject the just to violence, torture and a shameful death (2:19-20), without God’s intervention, would imply that the just do not enjoy God’s favor. Victims of untimely or violent death were often thought to have fallen out of favor with God. But the author maintains that the reasoning of the wicked is errant (2:21). Wisdom 3:1-9 is one response that the author of the book of Wisdom makes to the faulty thinking of the wicked. First of all, humans possess an immortal soul that survives when the body lies in death. Nevertheless, the fate of the soul for Greek Jews is not the traditional notion of immortality, which asserts that the soul passes into another body. Rather, those who embrace wisdom and live justly are in a state of “righteousness” in relation to God. Therefore, “the souls of the righteous are in God’s hand, and torment shall not touch them” (Wisdom 3:1). Rather than having suffered affliction because they were tormented and killed violently, the just are in a state of peace in God’s presence (3:3). The state of peace in which the just find themselves after death in fact begins when people seek a right relationship with God during earthly life. The foregoing assertion is confirmed by Wisdom 1:15, a short verse which reads “justice (or righteousness) is undying.” When one is in a right relationship with God, that relationship is not severed by death.

Reflections

Far from viewing it as abandonment by God, the author of Wisdom sees the worldly suffering of the just as divine “discipline.” In other words, suffering provides an opportunity for one’s faith to be tested, confirmed and strengthened. The author compares the trials of the just to the way the smelting of gold burns off its impurities and makes it even more valuable. To show that their death is not in vain, the author also likens the demise of the righteous to holy sacrificial offerings. Through their deaths, the just are a pleasing offering to God. Everyone will endure an “appointedtime visitation” by God. A “visitation” refers to an intervention by God into a person’s life, either to bestow favor upon or to chastise the person. In the context of Wisdom 3:1-9, the former intention is apparent. The time of the visitation of the just is not random, but is rather an intentional action by God. The curious imagery by which the

F S

just are described as “shining” or as “sparks running through reeds” refers to triumph for those who have suffered. God will grant them a share in his reign over all people. Life-after-death in the Bible is portrayed as vindication of the righteous dead in time of trial. While Daniel 12:1-3 depicts a future resurrection for martyrs who died fighting in revolution against the Greek rulers who persecuted the Jews in the 2nd Century B.C., the book of Wisdom depicts immortality as vindication of ordinary righteous people who are persecuted. I suppose that so many people are attracted to Wisdom 3:1-9 for funerals because its descriptions of the faithful departed being “in God’s hands” and “at peace,” and assertions that the just triumph over death and share in God’s reign are comforting. But let us be careful! There is no concept in Wisdom of an

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immortality that is merely a matter of individual survival of the person. The persistence of the life of the soul is based upon being in a right relationship with God both now and in the hereafter. BC

Reflection Questions v How does Wisdom 3:1-9 speak to you in your grief over deceased loved ones? v How do people who seek to live in relationship with God sometimes suffer persecution today? v The faithful departed belong to “the church in heaven” while we belong to “the church on earth.” How would you describe the relationship between these two modes of the 205church? Venture Boulevard

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November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 15

Scripture Readings and a listing of Feast days and saints

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 November

Weekday Philippians 3:17— 4:1 Luke 16:1-8

Weekday Philippians 4:10-19 Luke 16:9-15

Solemnity of All Saints Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12a

Weekday The Philippians 2:5-11 Commemoration Luke 14:15-24 of All the Faithful Departed (All Soul’s Day) Wisdom 3:1-9 Romans 6:3-9 John 6:37-40

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 6:12-16 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 1 Corinthians 3:9c11, 16-17 John 2:13-22

Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the church Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 Luke 17:7-10

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 Matthew 25:14-30

22 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28 Matthew 25:31-46 29 First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:33-37

Weekday Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5 Luke 18:35-43

23 Weekday Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5 Luke 21:1-4

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 Luke 19:1-10

24 Memorial of Saint Andrew DũngLạc, priest, and companions, martyrs Revelation 14:1419 Luke 21:5-11 1 December

Feast of Saint Andrew, apostle Romans 10:9-18 Matthew 4:18-22

16 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

Memorial of Saint Weekday Charles Borromeo, Philippians 3:3-8a bishop Luke 15:1-10 Philippians 2:12-18 Luke 14:25-33

11 Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, bishop Titus 3:1-7 Luke 17:11-19

18 Weekday Revelation 4:1-11 Luke 19:11-28

25 Weekday Revelation 15:1-4 Luke 21:12-19

12 Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr Philemon 7-20 Luke 17:20-25

19 Weekday Revelation 5:1-10 Luke 19:41-44

26 Thanksgiving Day Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a Luke 21:20-28

Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin 2 John 4-9 Luke 17:26-37

Weekday 3 John 5-8 Luke 18:1-8

Weekday Revelation 10:8-11 Luke 19:45-48

Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Revelation 11:4-12 Luke 20:27-40

Weekday Revelation 20:1-4, 11—21:2 Luke 21:29-33

Weekday Revelation 22:1-7 Luke 21:34-36

November

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Universal Artificial Intelligence. We pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 17

Life and Legacy

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier The Grief to Grace ministry that is offered at Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux was formed out of a desire to assist individuals and families through any situations in life which cause grief, and to comfort and care for all those who are grieving. Cindy Ordoyne, the parish’s office manager, says with Grief to Grace, the emphasis is on helping people to heal. She also points out that most of the time when we talk about grief, we do so with respect to loss of life, but Ordoyne reminds us that people lose many things in life that cause them grief, and Grief to Grace can help someone deal with all of the facets of grief. “The idea of broadening our grief support was brought to Father Mark Toups in the fall of 2015 after one of our parishioners lost her husband. That idea continued to grow under the pastorate of Father Mitch Semar. The ministry has flourished in the years since with the participation of Dwight Boudreaux and Beth Marcello who facilitate our book study, special topic nights, annual retreat and oneon-one pastoral support,” says Ordoyne. “The idea brought forward in the fall of 2015 by a concerned parishioner has evolved into a thriving ministry that reaches every corner of our diocese as well as outside the boundaries of our diocese from Donaldsonville to Gretna, and beyond.” The Grief to Grace ministry incorporates specific aspects to move individuals and families through the stages of grief. Participation in the ministry is completely free; there are no fees involved and participants do not have to be parishioners of Christ the Redeemer. One may choose to participate in any one or all of the components offered. A book study, discussion groups, hot topic nights, one-onone support, a one-day retreat, and a memorial Mass are part of the ministry. Grief to Grace volunteers also help with funeral hospitality, as well as funeral planning and preparation. n On Grief & Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss by Elisabeh Kubler-Ross, M.D., and David Kessler is the book used in the ministry. Discussion groups are held twice per year in the spring and fall. These groups meet weekly for a seven-week session on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. in the parish’s Family Life Center. Ordoyne says the groups are limited to about 10-12 people so that it allows for more sharing and more personal interaction. n Hot Topic Nights – These gatherings are offered two or three times per year to provide information on relevant topics. Presentations are made by professionals with expertise on the topic being presented. n One-on-One Support – If someone is having trouble coping or just needs someone to talk with, pastoral support in a one-on-one setting is available by appointment. n Grief to Grace Retreat – A one-day retreat beginning with Mass is facilitated by a team of volunteers and includes personal prayer time, large group presentations, small group discussion, and question and answer sessions. 18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

Grief to Grace ministry

helps individuals and families understand grief and move forward n Funeral Liturgy Planning – Compassionate volunteers will walk with the grieving through the process of planning all of the decisions and details of the funeral Mass. When someone in the church parish dies, the funeral home director notifies church parish personnel and they, in turn, contact the next of kin or the person responsible for making the arrangements. The goal of the volunteer is to offer support during this difficult time. n Funeral Hospitality – A Grief to Grace volunteer hostess/host is there on the day of the funeral to support and assist the family with any last minute questions and to take care of any last minute details. “Our team of funeral planners and funeral hostesses assist our parish staff by being present to our families to prepare the liturgies and provide funeral day hospitality,” says Ordoyne. “We have a team of approximately five volunteers who work in conjunction with our three acolytes to be sure the sanctuary is prepared for the funeral liturgy. Through their presence our families are greeted with dignity and respect.” Ordoyne adds that with regard to hospitality, they don’t cook meals. “We provide a presence for our families from the time we get the call from the funeral home all the way through the burial; then they follow up with all the other aspects of Grief to Grace. A hostess is there to offer hospitality on the day of the funeral, to assist the family throughout the service and to offer refreshments for their guests.” This year, explains Ordoyne, the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and regulations have really altered the way they are able to serve people through this ministry. “We are still able to offer funeral planning, but because we no

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Life and Legacy

longer are allowed to offer visitation at the church, the hospitality piece looks a lot different. A hostess is still available to greet the family and be with them throughout the funeral service. We are asking if someone needs help that they stop by our office and pick up a copy of the book. When we are able to start back up with the book study groups and the rest of our offerings, we will call them. So we are still trying to stay connected.” n Annual Memorial Mass – Families who have suffered a loss within the year are invited by personal invitation to participate in the presentation of candles at a special Memorial Mass on All Souls Day, Nov. 2, followed by a reception. Because of the restrictions that need to be followed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ordoyne says this year there will be two Memorial Masses. Families are asked to reserve a space at one of the Masses. Mike Ordoyne lost his wife Stephanie in February 2019. The couple was married for 48-1/2 years and they have three children and seven grandchildren. Stephanie was active at St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux for many years where she and Mike were parishioners. Mike knew about Grief to Grace through Beth Marcello, who was good friends with him and his wife. He was invited to participate in the ministry two weeks after his wife died.

“Grief to Grace got me ‘over the hump.’ It was a life changing event.” Mike Ordoyne

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Life and Legacy

You do the living ~

“I knew I had to go on with my life, so I said to myself I’m going to go. When I sat in that group next to an old schoolmate of mine who had lost his wife in January and started talking to him, I began to understand that I wasn’t alone in my suffering.” Mike says the book they use gives you guidelines to follow, and you can discuss the chapters that apply to your life. “There are so many examples in the book. You really need the book; it is a multipurpose tool and helps you to understand your own blessings. The cohesion of the group was molded by the administrators – they were excellent team builders. The circumstances for each individual in the group were different, but they showed us how to accept other people’s different feelings and approaches to grief.” Without Grief to Grace, Mike says he would probably still be in the remorse stage. “Grief to Grace got me ‘over the hump.’ It was a life changing event. Once you get over the hump, you mentally accept that things have changed. It enlightened me to the fact that there is more in life. I still have difficulty; it’s a day by day thing. But Grief to Grace helped me to better understand that I need to carry on with my life. It was an excellent start to adjusting to the rest of my life.” Kara Dumond’s husband Devin passed away in May 2019, at the age of 40. The couple has two boys who were four

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November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21

Life and Legacy

and seven at the time of his death. They were not parishioners of Christ the Redeemer, but Kara found out about the ministry through Father Mark Toups. She began the program six months after her husband died. “Grief to Grace has helped me learn how to move forward and be verbal about what grief is, and it taught me how to be brave. I never thought in a million years that I would be dealt this hand and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without Grief to Grace. It helped me to grow in my faith and allowed me to accept my loss and to feel normal with others going through the same thing. Everyone had a different story, but we were all in it together. We were like a family. We could all be angry or crying or happy, and it was all okay. Where I started and where I ended was day and night.” Kara says she never even knew what grief was or all the feelings and emotions that went with it. The Grief to Grace ministry helped her learn about all the emotions and taught her that what she was feeling was normal, that she was going to be okay and how to grow from the experience. “Being able to reflect on and understand what each emotion truly meant, to just understand the whole grief experience and all the details of what I was going through ... that was huge. The book was wonderful. We took notes, we journaled, we dissected the book … every quote …

“This ministry opened my eyes to viewing grief in a different way. I learned that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.” Kara Dumond

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22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

Life and Legacy

and looked at the meaning of every word. Those words are so powerful and you have to keep reiterating those words to yourself to grow … to figure out a new beginning and to move forward with grace, with strength, with positivity and with faith.” She says before her husband died, she was afraid of death, but Grief to Grace taught her not to be afraid. “My love for my husband will always be there and I know he will always be with us. I still relive it; I still go through all of the emotions and I probably always will, but this ministry opened my eyes to viewing grief in a different way. I learned that there is no right or wrong way to grieve.” Grief to Grace guides you throughout the whole grieving process, she says. “I don’t know if I’d be where I am today without this ministry. By the end of it, I had a whole different understanding of grief. By the time I came out of that program I had gained so much knowledge and strength and bravery,” says Kara. Brandi Boudreaux has been a Grief to Grace volunteer for almost four years. She is part of the funeral liturgy planning where she meets with the family to plan the funeral Mass, by helping them choose the readings, songs, and find a musician, etc. Brandi also does funeral hospitality which entails helping to set up before the Mass, staying for Mass and helping to clean up afterwards.

“It has been such a beautiful experience for me. My faith and my hope has been strengthened so much.” Brandi Boudreaux

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Life and Legacy

She says this is not something she ever saw herself being a part of, but it has been life changing for her. “I have gotten so much more out of it than I could have ever imagined. I met so many wonderful people and even though it’s emotionally draining, it has been such a beautiful experience for me. My faith and my hope has been strengthened so much.” After her mother passed away six years ago, she says that she felt a lot of sorrow and grief. “Then all of a sudden the Lord took all that sorrow and turned it into joy and I just had a heart that was overflowing with gratitude. I felt called to give back somehow, even if it was in a small way.” She was involved in another ministry at the time and some of the volunteers from Grief to Grace came to talk to them because they were looking for more volunteers. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it; the Lord just put it on my heart. But I really struggled with it because I didn’t think I could do it.” Brandi started off by shadowing other volunteers and says ultimately the Lord gave her the grace to do this. “My participation in this ministry and dealing with this on a daily basis has made me much more aware of my own mortality and has taught me that I need to be prepared because at any moment this could be me facing my final judgement. It’s just been such a grace for me.”

Ordoyne says Grief to Grace is truly a team effort and a vital ministry for Christ the Redeemer. “Although the Covid-19 pandemic regulations have the ministry restricted at the present time, we are looking forward to re-engaging our team under the leadership of Father Alex Gaudet, our new pastor. We are always looking to add people to our volunteer team, so we welcome inquiries about our Grief to Grace ministry.” For more information or to become a volunteer, please contact the church parish office at (985) 447-2013. BC

Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, Or a lack of faith … it is the price of love.

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~ Unknown Author

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Mahogany and Maple cremation urns also available. Pictures, pricing, and additional information can be found at saintjosephabbey.com/caskets or call 985-867-5161 for more info.

November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 25

Heavenly Recipes

Amy Ponson

Amy makes

TACOS Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe, fish tacos with mango salsa, comes from Amy Ponson, who has been the executive director of Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana for the past three years. She and her husband David and their three children are parishioners of St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews. “We have very young children. Michael is in first grade, Abby in pre-k and Matthew just turned one this month.” Because of a busy life schedule Amy does her grocery shopping on an app, usually picks up her grocery order on the weekend and prepares her family’s meals for the busy week on Sunday. “My kids always give me ideas of what to cook. Most things I cook are fresh. I tend to not use processed food. I learned to cook from my mom and my grandmother who was my dad’s mom. I love cooking with my kids. My kids are always involved in the cooking at our house.” Amy, a native of Belle Chasse, says she moved from “down the river” to “down the bayou.” An interesting aspect of Amy’s life is that she has a fraternal twin sister, Ashley. “It is special to have someone who is your best friend that you could love and hate at the same time. We both went to Urseline Academy in New Orleans. While it’s a large school, we were in the same classes. Oddly, we became closer when we graduated high school. After high school we were able to have our own identities and flourish. People see you as one when you are always with your twin. Now we are very close. A day doesn’t go by that we don’t talk to each other.” Amy says that she loves working with people and connecting their passions with the mission of the Catholic church. “There are so many good things happening in the diocese right now. I also enjoy working with the priests of the diocese. They are okay that their expertise is not development but pastoral. They are willing to learn and accept help in the areas of development.” BC 26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

Fish Tacos INGREDIENTS: Fresh fish fillet (we use bass but any fish can work) Ole Bay Seasoning EVOO Medium tortilla (to make healthier choose wheat tortilla) Pre-shredded cabbage Sesame oil Mango, pre-sliced to save time 1 red bell pepper 3/4 bunch cilantro 1/2 red onion 1 cup mayo (we use light mayo with EVOO) 1-2 tbsp. sriracha 1 tbsp. lime juice Dash of sea salt

DIRECTIONS: Lay your fish on a plate and sprinkle Ole Bay Seasoning on top of the fish. Drizzle a tbsp. of EVOO in your pan and heat. Lay the fish seasoning side down in the olive oil, then sprinkle the other side of the fish with Ole Bay Seasoning while in the pan. Cook fish on each side for about 4 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Sauce: Put 1 cup of mayo in a bowl and add 1-2 tbsp. of sriracha for desired consistency. Cabbage: Place about 2 cups of cabbage in a bowl. Drizzle 1 tbsp. of sesame oil on top and mix. Salsa: Remove the pre-sliced mango from container and chop the slices up into small pieces. Additionally, chop up 1 red bell pepper and 1/2 of red onion into small pieces. Combine mango, bell pepper and red onion into a bowl together and mix. Finely chop up cilantro. Combine cilantro, lime juice and a dash of sea salt. Layer fish on tortilla; layer cabbage, then salsa and drizzle sauce to finish off. Take a bite and enjoy.

Commentary

The Catholic case for voting yes on the Love Life Amendment By SOPHIE TRIST When Louisianians go to the polls on Nov. 3, the first ballot measure, if passed with a majority vote, will add the following language to the state’s constitution: “To protect human life, nothing in this constitution shall be construed to secure or protect a right to abortion or require the funding of abortion.” Amendment One, also known as the Love Life amendment, will not ban abortions directly, but it will protect current and future pro-life legislation in our state, including the 2006 trigger law that will ban abortion in all but the rarest of cases if Roe vs. Wade is overturned. Catholics have a moral duty to vote yes to Amendment One on Nov. 3. The Bible speaks with reverence of unborn life: “Before I formed thee in the womb, I knew thee” (Jeremiah 1:15). Scriptures make it perfectly clear that John the Baptist and Jesus Christ lived fully in their mothers’ wombs. The Catechism of the Catholic Church declares abortion an intrinsic moral evil, something that can never be justified under any circumstances except to save the mother’s life. It states, “Since the first century, the church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable ... The inalienable right to life of every innocent human individual is a constituted element of a civil society and its legislation ... These human rights depend neither on single individuals nor on parents ... They belong to human nature and are inherent in the person by virtue of the creative act from which the person took his origins” (CC 2271, 2273). St. Pope John Paul II repeatedly wrote about the sanctity of every human life. In his 1995 encyclical Evangelium Vitae, or The Gospel of Life, he states, “Where life is involved, the service of charity must be profoundly consistent. It cannot tolerate bias and discrimination, for

human life is sacred and inviolable at every stage and in every situation; it is an indivisible good ... It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop. A society lacks solid foundations when, on the one hand, it asserts values such as the dignity of the person, justice and peace, but then, on the other hand, radically acts to the contrary by allowing or tolerating a variety of ways in which human life is devalued and violated, especially where it is weak or marginalized” (No. 87, 101). Opposition to abortion is such a key component of Catholic social teaching because it combines the Christian reverence for human life, made in the image and likeness of God, with the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable. Pope Francis also calls for a consistent ethic of life, saying, “The life we are called to promote and defend is not an abstract concept, but always manifests itself in a person in flesh and blood: A newly conceived child, a poor marginalized person, a sick person alone and discouraged or

in a terminal state, one who has lost his job or is unable to find it, a rejected and ghettoized migrant.” Pope Francis has previously compared abortion to hiring a hit man to solve a problem and eliminate a more vulnerable person, and he stresses the current relevance of Evangelium Vitae. Catholics are called to participate in the political process guided by our conscience and in a manner that upholds God’s call to defend the least of those among us. Voting yes to Amendment One on Nov. 3 is an easy way to stand for Christ’s love and a Catholic commitment to social justice. Catholic influence has always been and continues to be very strong in Louisiana, making it one of the most pro-life states in the nation. On Election Day, all Catholics should speak up for the sanctity of human life when they enter the voting booth by voting yes to the Love Life Amendment. (Sophie Trist is a lifelong Louisiana native, practicing Catholic, and recent graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans who is currently working as a volunteer writer for Louisiana Right to Life.) BC

November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 27

Special

Normalizing vocations Guest Columnist James Rome

This year the Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), Nov. 1-7. During this week, dioceses across the U.S. lead the effort in church parishes and Catholic schools to uphold and encourage the fostering of vocations among the faithful and to pray for those currently discerning a call to ordained ministry and consecrated life. My name is James Rome. I am a seminarian from Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow who has been discerning to be a priest for the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Apart from simple acknowledgement of National Vocation Awareness Week, I petition you as one of your own, to foster, promote and pray for vocations regularly. It was through the efforts of the diocese to ‘normalize vocations’ that I came to understand a second meaning for vocation. Up until that point, my perspective of vocations involved what I was going to be when I grew up, i.e., what career/job was going to support me. I believed my vocational career choice was who I was; therefore, I was an accountant. However, for those of you, who through no fault of your own think as I thought, the word vocation means a “call,” which presumes someone calling and someone called. As Catholics, we identify the caller of a vocation as God himself. Through a vocational call, God is calling us ‘to be’ and not just ‘to do.’ Different from merely a job, we believe God has a plan for each of us where he invites us, to consider and hopefully to accept, that which includes much more than just financially supporting oneself

and family. Even though my father was an accountant, it was not the result of him or anybody else calling me that I chose an accounting career: An easy means of a good paycheck is not exactly a calling. Rather, God’s call “to be” in a personal relationship, in which one speaks and the other listens, is not always easy when one’s objective is an earthly payment. God’s plan involves being a part of the holy Body of Christ functioning in order to best save souls. Notice I said “holy” Body of Christ. NVAW works from the basis that all have consciously accepted God’s primordial call to holiness. No one ‘does’ holiness as a job, but only ‘becomes’ holy by cooperating with God’s plan through his grace. Therefore, assuming one has accepted holiness as their primordial vocation, the second layer in God’s vocational plan for each of us involves celibacy versus non-celibacy. Married life and the love of husbands and wives is the vocational form which God calls most to live out holiness in a non-celibate way. NVAW focuses on the less common call to holiness, which is a call of celibacy through the ordained ministry or through the consecrated life. In ordained ministry, priests and deacons are called to minister in the person of Christ, the high priest and servant. In consecrated life, each member is called to live out Christ’s love through a particular charism. Because this type of vocational call is less common, it is easily misunderstood. As a way to ‘normalize vocations’ and bring awareness to one’s primordial vocation to holiness that may lead itself to an ordained or consecrated life vocation, I ask for you to participate in National Vocation Awareness Week within your church parish and continue to pray for holy vocations. I recently learned that in the 1980s, which was during my college years, my home parishioners of Golden Meadow began to include a vocations prayer between each decade of the rosary before daily Mass. For years I have been also including that prayer within

28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

my rosary. And although the response to the faithful of Golden Meadow’s prayer was not instant, for the first time in history, that little down the bayou parish has two seminarians on the current diocesan vocations poster. Coincidence?!? What can you do to promote the consideration of holy vocations? n Through our Blessed Mother and her Son ask, “God our Father, please send us holy priests, all for the Sacred and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, all for the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, and in union with St. Joseph.” n Ask God to jump and scream a little louder to those he is calling, but remember we are the arms and legs and mouths of God’s body here on earth. So be prepared that your prayers will be affecting you to ask a youth or anyone who does not seem to have found their meaning in life, “Hey, have you ever thought about being a sister or a nun, or a priest or a deacon?” n Look for signs of spirituality in others that maybe inklings of a vocational call trying to surface. If you truly love that person, you will want them to find the plan that will make them most joyful in this pilgrim journey to our Lord. n Financially support the Annual Bishop’s Appeal (ABA) which is the primary funding source for seminarian education and formation. As a local seminarian, I thank you for your prayers and financial support throughout my own discernment. I ask that you continue to persist in your prayers for holy vocations to ordained priesthood, consecrated life, and even holy marriage. God has not stopped calling. Have we stopped asking? Ask and you shall receive, for what good father would give their son a snake if he asked for a fish? (James Rome is a third year theology student at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans studying to be a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Golden Meadow native is a parishioner of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Golden Meadow.) BC

Special

Catholic Campaign for Human Development aims to help people help themselves Catholic Campaign for Human Development to continue this mission throughout the church. Rather than imposing an outsider’s idea of what the solution to unjust systems and chronic poverty should be, CCHD works with those who are impacted by these very systems to help them develop programs to break the cycle of poverty in their communities. CCHD provides a hand up, not a hand out, to programs that are working with and in low-income communities to empower the people in addressing and overcoming the unjust systems and structures that perpetuate poverty. In addition to the grants program, CCHD also aims to educate the church

Guest Columnist Dr. Nicole M. Bourgeois, LMFT

In the Gospel of Luke (4:18), Jesus tells us his mission: “To bring glad tidings to the poor,” “proclaim liberty to captives,” “recovery of sight to the blind,” and “let the oppressed go free.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops developed the

on poverty and the causes of poverty in our communities. CCHD provides concrete opportunities for the faithful to act on our call to love our neighbor through education, advocacy and action. The work of CCHD is made possible through the annual parish collection that will be happening in our diocese on Nov. 21-22. Please prayerfully consider helping this important ministry of our church. Twenty-five percent of all of the funds raised will go to anti-poverty efforts in our diocese. (Dr. Nicole M. Bourgeois, LMFT, is the executive director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.) BC

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30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

CCHD Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Working on the Margins www.usccb.org/cchd Copyright ÂŠ 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photos: Getty Images, Brian Payne, No Boundaries Coalition of Central West Baltimore, Dana Dillehunt and Willa K. Johnson, Opportunity Threads, CCHD archives.

The collection will be held on November 21 & 22, 2020 Thank you for your generous support.

Youth

in action

Wesley Templet School: E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux Grade: 11th Church parish: Our Lady of Peace, Vacherie Describe your family unit: Tammy, mother; Daniel, father; Alex, brother; Aiden, brother Favorite Hobby: Swimming & Netflix Favorite Movie: Hamilton Favorite T.V. Show: Grey’s Anatomy Favorite Genre of Music: Country

If you couldn’t talk about your Catholic faith for one week, describe how your actions would show others that you love Jesus. A common teaching of the Catholic Church, especially to younger people, is that your faith is not just on Sunday mornings in a pew, but it is every second of your life. It is taught that faith is not just words and a cover, but it is actions and a lifestyle. It has to be genuinely believed, felt, and shared throughout and with your thoughts, words and actions. Faith should be evident as a major factor in your life. This being said, the goal is that your actions should reflect that you are Christian, without it even having to be said. Hopefully my life resembles this from everything I do. Some bigger things might be more obvious signs of my faith, such as participation in

Pro-Life events, weekly Sunday Mass, the sign of the cross being made right before I get on the block to swim a race, and volunteering in projects like Blessed By Downs swimming lessons. These are the large things that probably scream Catholic, but these are also not the everyday things. The smaller daily actions show just as much faithfulness as the large ones, if not more. Some examples are the sign of the cross when passing a church, the small silent prayers throughout the day, and many other little things. However, above all these things, I believe there is one thing that should be the most obvious Christian sign, even if we fail to do it to the fullest

32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

all the time. It is love. Our love as followers of Jesus should reflect his. This love should know no bounds, just like his love does not. This love should be abundant, just like Jesus’ is. This love should affect how you see others and how others see you, just as his continues to do. This idea is well summed up in a line from a church hymn stating “Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” So if I would not be able to speak of my Christian faith for a week, I hope all my actions would show it for me. Most importantly though, I hope my love is what makes it the most obvious that I am Catholic. BC

Seminarian Education Burses What is a seminarian burse/endowment fund? A seminarian burse/endowment 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 HoumaThibodaux. How does someone establish a seminarian burse/endowment fund? Very simply, a burse/endowment fund may be established and

named for anyone you choose, be it family, friend, bishop, priest, deacon, religious, etc. Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a fund? To contribute to or establish a burse/endowment fund, send funds to the Pastoral Center, Attn: Catholic Foundation, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395 or contact the Catholic Foundation office at 985-850-3116 or aponson@htdiocese.org for more information.

All completed Seminarian Education Burses can be viewed online. Please visit www.htdiocese.org/vocations. September 2020 Endowment/Burse Contributions CFSL Seminarian Fund .....................................$1,300.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider Fund ...........................$75.00 Dean J. Chiasson Fund .........................................$225.00

Open Burses/Endowment Funds with Balance as of September 30, 2020 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 ..................................................$13,000.00

Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ...................................................$3,060.00

Richard Peltier No. 2 ..............................................................$300.00

Joseph Strada Memorial ................................................$12,642.63

St. Jude ....................................................................................$3,000.00

Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier .........................................$11,700.00

Diocesan Knights of Columbus No. 2 ........................$2,894.62

Claude Bergeron .....................................................................$250.00

Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 ......................................$11,680.00

Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ...................................................$2,600.00

Joseph Waitz Sr. ................................................................$11,500.00

Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...............................................$2,000.00

Rev. Michael Finnegan ..........................................................$200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin ...................................................$150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals .............................................................$100.00

Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ......................................$11,400.00

Rev. John Gallen ..................................................................$1,950.00

Harvey Peltier No. 31 ......................................................$10,486.91

Rev. H.C. Paul Daigle .........................................................$1,900.00

Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis No. 2 .............................$10,000.00

Deacon Connely Duplantis .............................................$1,700.00

C. Remie Duplantis No. 2 ...............................................$10,000.00

Alfrances P. Martin .............................................................$1,650.00

Deacon Nick Messina .............................................................. $50.00

Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................................................$100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................................................. $50.00

Marie Elise Duplantis No. 2 ..........................................$10,000.00

Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins ................................$1,650.00

Dean J. Chiasson Fund ......................................................$1,725.00

Maude & Edith Daspit No. 2 ........................................$10,000.00

Msgr. Francis J. Legendre No. 2 ....................................$1,645.00

Msgr. George A. Landry .................................................$10,000.00

Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................................................$1,600.00

Fr. Brett Lapeyrouse Fund ...............................................$3,000.00

Msgr. William Koninkx ......................................................$8,700.00

Jacob Marcello .....................................................................$1,600.00

Catholic Daughters .............................................................$7,260.00

Rev. Hubert C. Broussard .................................................$1,550.00

Rev. Victor Toth ...................................................................$7,000.00

Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................................................$1,545.00

Msgr. Francis Amedee ......................................................$6,850.00

Ronnie Haydel ......................................................................$1,535.00

Rev. Gerard Hayes ..............................................................$6,686.00

Dr. William Barlette Sr. ......................................................$1,525.00

Jane & John Dean Fund .................................................$15,509.20

Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ...............................$6,598.00

Deacon Robert Dusse’ ......................................................$1,450.00

Lena “Bobbie” Sere’ Fund ....................................................$550.00

Rev. Guy Zeringue ..............................................................$6,300.00

Rev. Anthony Rousso ........................................................$1,300.00

Leon ‘Ponoke’ & Marlene Champagne Fund .........$2,800.00

Rev. Peter Nies .....................................................................$6,000.00

Msgr. John L. Newfield .....................................................$1,200.00

Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin .........................................$5,000.00

Rev. Joseph Tu Tran No. 2 ...............................................$1,094.00

Mary and Al Danos Fund ...............................................$85,535.02

Anonymous No. 2 ...............................................................$5,000.00

Msgr. John G. Keller ...........................................................$1,050.00

Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Family No. 4 .............. $5,000.00

Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux No. 4 .............................$1,000.00

Rev. William M. Fleming ..................................................$5,000.00

Edna W. DiSalvo ..................................................................$1,000.00

Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ...............................................$5,000.00

Bernice Harang ....................................................................$1,000.00

Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ................................................$4,839.00

Deacon Willie Orgeron .........................................................$900.00

Joseph “Jay” Fertitta ...........................................................$4,450.00

Ruby Pierce ................................................................................$800.00

Richard Peltier Fund ........................................................$47,048.54

Rev. Henry Naquin .............................................................$4,311.00

Deacon Roland Dufrene ......................................................$750.00

Anawin Community ...........................................................$4,200.00

Juliette & Eugene Wallace ..................................................$700.00

Society of Joseph, Husband of Mary Fund ..................$100.00

Harry Booker No. 2 ............................................................$4,138.00

Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ..............................................$700.00

Msgr. James Songy ............................................................$4,075.00

Deacon Raymond LeBouef .................................................$550.00

Kelly Curole Frazier .............................................................$3,610.96

Paul & Laura Duet ..................................................................$550.00

Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ...........................................$3,500.00

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .............................................$500.00

J.R. Occhipinti .......................................................................$3,400.00

Robert Walsh ............................................................................$500.00

Preston & Gladys Webre .................................................$3,400.00

Anne Veron Aguirre ...............................................................$380.00

Harry and Karen David Fund ........................................$10,043.60

Warren J. Harang Jr. No. 2 ..............................................$3,100.00

Deacon Harold Kurtz .............................................................$300.00

CFSL Seminarian Fund ............................................. $3,702,891.10

Fr. Patrick Riviere Fund ...................................................$29,171.93 Grant J. Louviere Fund ..........................................................$100.00 Harold and Gloria Callais Family Fund .....................$53,983.03 James J. Buquet Jr. Family Fund .................................$52,716.74

Mary Timothy Everett Fund ................................................$500.00 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph J. Cefalu Sr. Fund ..........................$5,000.00 Parker Conrad Fund .........................................................$15,000.00 Paul and Laura Duet Fund ..................................................$825.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider Fund .......................................$1,125.00

The Peltier Foundation Fund .......................................$62,754.27 Viola Ann Wallace Vosbein Memorial Fund ............$1,000.00 Bishop Sam Jacobs Fund ...............................................$32,508.24 Giardina Family Foundation Fund ...............................$4,293.73 Msgr. Amedee Fund .....................................................$304,908.16

TOTAL Open Burses/Endowment Funds: $4,739,244.68 November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 33

November Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 November

Rev. Rajasekar Karumelnathan

Rev. Noas Kerketta

Rev. Thomas Kuriakose

Rev. Baby Kuruvilla

Rev. Brett Lapeyrouse

Deacon Dennis Dupre

Rev. Alex Lazarra

Rev. Peter Tai Le

Rev. Glenn LeCompte

Very Rev. Eric Leyble

Seminarian Ian Verdin

Rev. Jacob Lipari III

Rev. Joey Lirette

Rev. Aurelio Luzon

Rev. Clyde Mahler

Rev. Fernando Anaya

Deacon Randall Jennings

Rev. John David Matherne

Rev. Andre Melancon

Rev. John Nambusseril

Rev. Jean-Marie Nsambu

Rev. Joseph Pilola

Deacon Gary Lapeyrouse

Rev. Benie Rebosura

Rev. Patrick Riviere

Seminarian James Rome

Rev. Henry Sebastian

Rev. Michael Bergeron, retired

Msgr. Frederic Brunet, retired

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

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.

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34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

Special

November is National Black Catholic History Month Guest Columnist Christine J. Streams

On July 24,1990, the National Black Clergy Caucus of the United States named November as Black Catholic History Month. They designated this month to be a time to celebrate the long history and heritage of Black Catholics. During the same year, the first celebration of Black Catholic History Month began in November in various cities in the United States with the celebration of St. Martin de Porres’ Feast Day. On Nov. 3 of that year, a liturgy celebrated the 150th anniversary of St. Martin’s transition to eternal life. St. Augustine’s (Augustine of Hippo) birthday is also celebrated on Nov. 13. He was a theologian, philosopher and the bishop of Hippo Regius in Numidia, Roman North Africa. We not only pray for souls and saints during November, we also remember saints and souls of Africa and the African Diaspora. In the world today there are more than 200 million people of African descent in the Roman Catholic Church. There are currently five active Black Catholic bishops in the United States: Most Rev. Roy Edward Campbell Jr., Most Rev. Fernand J. Cheri III, O.F.M.; Most Rev. Shelton J . Fabre, Most Rev. Wilton V. Gregory, and Most Rev. Joseph N. Perry. There are seven retired Black Catholic bishops: Most Rev. G o r d o n D. Bennett, S.J., Most Rev. Edward K. Braxton, Ph.D., S.T.D.; Most Rev. Edward Curtis Guillory, S.V.D.; Most Rev. Martin D. Holley, Most Rev. John H. Ricard, S.S.J.; Most Reverend Guy Sansaricq and Most Rev. J. Terry Steib, S.V.D. The National Black Catholic Congress is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Black Catholics across the United States. A congress (or conference) is held every five years. The next congress is in 2022. Some of the more noteworthy Black Catholic Organizations include the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus (NBCCC), the National Black Sisters’ Conference (NBSC), the National Black Lay Catholic Caucus (NBLCC), the National Association of Black Catholic Administrators, the Black Catholic Theological Symposium (BCTS), the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS), the National Black Catholic Apostolate for Life, the National Black Catholic Seminarians Association, and the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver.

Xavier University of New Orleans is the only private historically Black Roman Catholic university in the state of Louisiana. The university hosts the Institute for Black Catholic Studies Program (IBCS) every summer. The IBCS offers a master’s degree, and continuing education and enrichment, that educates and forms priests, seminarians, deacons, religious and lay ministers for Catholic ministry in black Catholic communities. Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Before the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was established, it was part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, at which time there were three Black Catholic parishes, St. Luke the Evangelist in Thibodaux and St. Lucy in Houma (which both had schools), and Holy Eucharist in Morgan City. All three parishes were closed in 1967. Under the guidance of Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux, founding bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, two of the closed parishes ( St. Luke and St. Lucy) reopened under the pastoral leadership of the Josephites, a congregation of priests and brothers whose exclusive mission is to serve the African American community. This year on Oct. 18, both of these parishes, w h i c h a r e c u r r e n t l y pastored by Msgr. Cletus (Frank) Egbi and Deacon Martin Dickerson, celebrated 35 years of reestablishment. Currently there are about 3,500 registered Black Catholics in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Black Catholics attend the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, St. Bernadette and Holy Rosary in Houma, St. Joseph CoCathedral, Christ the Redeemer, St. Genevieve and St. John the Evangelist in Thibodaux, St. Bridget in Schriever, Holy Rosary in Larose, Holy Savior in Lockport, St. Mary’s Nativity in Raceland, and Sacred Heart in Morgan City. Black Catholics share not only their ethnicity, culture and leadership, but also their spirituality, the gift of song, praise and welcome with the universal Catholic Church. (Christine J. Streams is the diocesan liaison for Black Catholic Ministry.) BC

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Special

On the road

Presently there are six African American Venerable Pierre Toussaint (1776-1853) was born a slave in Haiti. He was brought from Haiti to New York and apprenticed under a popular hairstylist in the city. He eventually became the most sought after hairdresser of high society women. Upon the death of his master, he gained his freedom and was very successful as one of the country’s first black entrepreneurs. He became quite wealthy supporting the church and the poor. He sheltered orphans, refuges and other street people in their home. He founded one of New York’s first orphanages and raised money for the city’s first cathedral. Toussaint risked his life to help others by nursing the sick and praying with the dying during yellow fever epidemic. Venerable Pierre Toussaint

Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange (1784-1882) was the foundress and first Superior General of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first congregation of African American women religious in the history of the Catholic Church. She was born Elizabeth Lange, a native of the Caribbean, believed to be Cuban born of Haitian descent. Her congregation educated and evangelized African Americans and provided a home for orphans. Slaves who had been freed were educated and at times admitted into the congregation. They nursed the terminally ill during the cholera epidemic of 1832, sheltered the elderly, and even served as domestics at St. Mary’s Seminary. Mother Mary Lange practiced faith to an extraordinary degree. In fact, it was her deep faith which enabled her to persevere against all odds, in close union with Jesus. She lived through disappointment and opposition until God called her home in 1882 at the St. Frances Convent in Baltimore, Maryland. Mother Mary Elizabeth Lange

Venerable Henriette Delille (1813-1862) was born in New Orleans, LA, where she lived all of her life. She was determined to help those in need for the love of Jesus and for the sake of the Gospel. Henriette suffered as she made her way through life, bearing crosses. She taught us that sanctity can be attained in following the path of Jesus. Some of the troubles Henriette met were the resistance of the ruling population to the idea of a black religious congregation; the lack of finances to do the work; the lack of support from both the church and civil authority, and poor health. However, Henriette practiced heroic virtue; had faith, lived in hope and love, was compassionate, forgiving and merciful. She believed in justice and was not afraid to do what was right in the eyes of God. God blessed her efforts, and in 1842, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family. Venerable Henriette Delille 36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

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Julia Greeley (1833 and 1848-1918) was born into slavery, in Hannibal, MO, sometime between 1833 and 1848. Freed by Missouri’s Emancipation Act in 1865, Julia subsequently earned her keep by serving white families in Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming and New Mexico—though mostly in the Denver area. Julia entered the Catholic Church at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver in 1880, and was an outstanding supporter of all that the parish had to offer. The Jesuits who ran the parish considered her the most enthusiastic promoter of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus they had ever seen. A daily communicant, Julia had a rich devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin and continued her prayers while working and moving about. She joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1901 and was active in it till her death. Julia Greeley

Father Augustus Tolton (1854-1897) was the first Roman Catholic priest in the United States publicly known to be black when he was ordained in 1886. A former slave who was baptized and reared Catholic, Tolton studied formally in Rome. He was ordained in Rome on Easter Sunday at the Cathedral Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. Father Tolton led the development and construction of St. Monica’s Catholic Church as a black “national parish church,” completed in 1893. Tolton’s success at ministering to black Catholics quickly earned him national attention within the Catholic hierarchy. “Good Father Gus,” as he was called by many, was known for his eloquent sermons, his beautiful singing voice and his talent for playing the accordion. He is the subject of the 1973 biography From Slave to Priest by Sister Caroline Hemesath. Father Augustus Tolton

Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA (1937-1990) was a self-proclaimed, “old folks’ child.” Bowman was the only child born to middle-aged parents, Dr. Theon Bowman, a physician and Mary Esther Bowman, a teacher. At birth she was given the name Bertha Elizabeth Bowman and reared in Canton, MS. As a child she converted to Catholicism through the inspiration of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity who were her teachers and pastors at Holy Child Jesus Church and School in Canton. During her short life (52 years), many people considered her a religious Sister undeniably close to God who lovingly invited others to encounter the presence of God in their lives. She is acclaimed a “holy woman” in the hearts of those who knew and loved her and continue to seek her intercession for guidance and healing. Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

Announcement

#iGiveCatholic giving day is Tuesday, Dec. 1 By JANET MARCEL The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL) have joined forces with other dioceses and archdioceses in the United States to host its fifth annual #iGiveCatholic giving day on #GivingTuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. #iGiveCatholic is a 24-hour online giving challenge that celebrates the work of Catholic schools, ministries, church parishes and other charitable organizations affiliated with the participating dioceses and also helps to celebrate all those who give throughout the diocese. Throughout the giving day, from midnight on Dec. 1 until the stroke of midnight on Dec. 2, Catholics can go to houma-thibodaux.igivecatholic.org and click on a specific ministry listed there to make a donation with their credit card. Last year’s campaign resulted in

1,637 donors giving $461,368 for the local community. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux raised the second highest figure of all Louisiana dioceses and was ranked within the top 10 nationally. “Over the past several years our Catholic community has embraced our church parishes and Catholic schools through #iGiveCatholic and has helped to raise over $1 million for our local parishes and schools,” says Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. “Your generosity has helped us to replaces roofs, build fences to keep our children safe at school, advance technology in the classrooms, and even build an adoration chapel. None of these things would have been possible without the prayers and generosity of our Catholic faithful. The 2020 #iGiveCatholic giving day is an important campaign for our diocese this year as we look to bring our Catholic

community together as one united in faith. This year has brought about many challenges for our parishes and schools and together with the support of our community through #iGiveCatholic we will be able to accomplish great things in our local community!” #iGiveCatholic is held each year in conjunction with #GivingTuesday, celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the United States) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. The Advanced Giving Day Phase begins Nov. 16 and continues through Dec. 1. For more information about #iGiveCatholic, go to www.igivecatholic. org, email cfsl@htdiocese.org or call (985) 850-3116. BC

December 1, 2020 Advanced day giving is November 16 - December 1. To donate, visit iGiveCatholic.org and search for: Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

* S AV E T H E DAT E * It’s easy as For more information about how you can get involved with #iGiveCatholic, contact us at 985.850.3122 or houma-thibodaux.igivecatholic.org 38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

Announcement

Bishop Fabre thanks all who supported church parishes, diocesan causes during difficult times Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your faith and financial generosity during these times of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainty, and the number of hurricanes that we have had to navigate. Your prayers and financial support for your church parish as well as diocesan causes, such as the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, Seminarian Education and Catholic Charities, have helped us to change lives. Your financial gifts are a way of serving Jesus and showing your love for his church and his people. Thank you for sharing your blessings and trusting our parishes and the diocese to be good stewards of your financial gifts. May God bless you for your giving!

Thankful This Thanksgiving season, we are joyful for life’s blessings and grateful for our family, friends, and customers.

#SynergyGivesThanks November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39

Book Reviews

Reading With Raymond Raymond Saadi

Days of Awe and Wonder By Marcus J. Borg Harper One $25.99 This is a splendid collection of 16 intriguing articles by Borg, answering questions and offering thoughts on “How to be a Christian in the 21st Century.” Titles such as “Jesus, Our Model for Being SpiritFilled”; “Is Jesus God?”; “Healing Our Image of God.” His arguments are so compelling we are persuaded to examine our way of living, and so clear as to make accessible the differences between faiths and how they reach the same conclusion. Although some subjects are perplexing, readers will find them very thought-provoking and very worthwhile. BC

A Private Cathedral

The Law of Innocence

A Dave Robicheaux Novel

By Michael Connelly Little, Brown $29 Mickey Haller, the Lincoln lawyer, so named for working from the back seat of his Lincoln town car, having given his driver the day off, is pulled over by a cop, arrested and charged with first degree murder. The dead body found in his trunk must have been the reason, but hardly deserved his having to post a $5milion bond, which meant spending time in jail. Author Connelly puts the reader in Haller’s shoes from the arrest to the courtroom facing a vengeful judge and malicious prosecutor, to a jail cell. Connelly delivers a powerful story with authentic trial procedures that will have courtroom fans clinging on for dear life. Add to that, help comes to Haller from his half-brother, Harry Bosch, now a private eye and still as formidable as ever. A powerful story with two of the best crime fighters ever. BC

By James Lee Burke Simon and Schuster $28 Dave is called on to solve the mysterious disappearance of two young teenagers who have fallen in love in defiance of their warring families, the two most notorious underworld criminals in New Iberia. If this sounds like Romeo and Juliette, it definitely is not. The Shondell and Balangie families will use any means to have their children return home where they will be kept separated. But as Robicheaux and his longtime partner get too close to the case, a New Orleans mafioso threatens them with a mysterious assassin who travels on a ghost ship and induces horrifying hallucinations. Don’t know if Dave’s faced anything like that but sure sounds like the Rougarou to me. BC

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Announcements

St. Martin de Porres Mass Nov. 5 at St. Luke The St. Martin de Porres Mass for African-American Catholics will be celebrated on Thursday, Nov. 5 at St. Luke Church in Thibodaux at 7 p.m. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will be the principal celebrant. Martín de Porres Velázquez, O.P., was a Peruvian lay brother of the Dominican Order who was beatified in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI and canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII. He is the patron saint of mixed-race people, barbers, innkeepers, public health workers, and all those seeking racial harmony. BC

American Indian Mass of Thanksgiving Nov. 20, at St. Charles, P.A.C. The American Indian Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated, Friday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Pointe-aux-Chenes. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will be the principal celebrant. November is National Native American Heritage Month. Each year in the United States, the month of November is dedicated to working toward a society that fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity of culture and history of the 574 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native nations in our country. BC

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Announcement

Excellence in Religious Education The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assemblies of the diocese recently presented a check in the amount of $2,900 to Bishop Shelton J. Fabre for the Excellence in Religious Education fund. The Fourth Degree Knights have been making a contribution to this fund since 1989. Representatives who presented the check to Bishop Fabre are Kell Luke, LA District Master and Judge A.J. Caillouet Assembly, Houma; and Rocky Bush, District Marshall and Judge A.J. Caillouet Assembly, Houma.

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Announcement

Legal support director named

Michael Monier Sr.

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre recently announced that Michael Monier Sr. has been named director of Special Projects and Legal Support for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The 58-year-old Thibodaux native is a 1981 graduate of E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in pre-law from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux in 1984, and a juris doctorate from Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans in 1987. He was the owner of SourceGroup CBO, LLC, a healthcare management company, for the past 25 years. Monier has been married to his wife Tami for 35 years. The couple has three children, Michele Broussard (32), Michael Jr. (30), and Lora Ledet (27), and four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joseph, Anna and Julia. Monier and his wife are parishioners of Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux. “I am pleased to have Mike join the leadership team of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux as director of Special Projects and Legal Support. In that capacity he will use his many years of business/legal experience to assist the diocese in its ongoing effort to modernize its business and administrative practices, and by offering in-house legal support services to its various offices, schools and church parishes,” says Jon Toups, chief operating and financial officer for the diocese. BC November 2020 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 43

Giving Thanks

Season of gratitude

Guest Columnist Father Patrick Riviere

For me, Thanksgiving always carries with it joy-filled memories of time with family. We would often gather on my mom’s side of the family with my cousins and share the day together. Thanksgiving was the day when my grandma would prepare the famous “Turkey While You Sleep,” which required someone (usually me when I didn’t sleep through it) to get up in the middle of the night to turn the oven off as the turkey cooked the rest of the night. We would spend the morning talking, eating together, usually sleeping through the football game after lunch, and enjoying each other’s company through the evening.

I have a vivid memory of my first Thanksgiving after I entered the seminary. I had just started regularly praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and I remember sitting outside the house praying morning prayer. The reading for that day, by God’s providence, particularly struck me. It came from Paul’s letter to the Romans: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking, but of justice, peace, and the joy that is given by the Holy Spirit. Whoever serves Christ in this way pleases God and wins the esteem of men. Let us, then, make it our aim to work for peace and to strengthen one another” (Romans 14:17-19). It’s all too easy for real thanksgiving to God to be relegated to a brief prayer before lunch or dinner as we focus on the things he has given us to enjoy rather than focusing on the one who has given them to us. Gratitude is a profound spiritual posture that we cannot afford to leave because it forms the heart of our interior life and our relationship with God. At that moment, the Lord reminded me

44 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • November 2020

of the importance of not letting the important virtue of gratitude get lost in the good yet superficial traditions of Thanksgiving Day. I’d like to highlight three important dimensions of the virtue of gratitude as we enter into the holiday season of Thanksgiving. First, true gratitude acknowledges that we receive something that we needed. And if we needed it, that means that we didn’t have it. If we don’t first stop to recognize our need, our weakness, our dependence on others – and ultimately the Lord – then we will never be able to truly foster the virtue of gratitude. Acknowledging our own poverty is something that goes against the natural human tendency. We feel the expectation to be selfsufficient, to have everything together, to be perfect. We often try to hide our areas of weakness, we don’t bring our areas of struggle to the light, and we feel shame when we come face-to-face with those areas. It is only when we first acknowledge our deep need for God that we can truly appreciate the gift that he freely (from the

Giving Thanks

Latin gratis) gave us in offering us salvation through Jesus Christ. If I can do it all on my own, then I don’t need anyone else and I have nothing that I really need to be thankful for. But if growth in holiness in the Christian life is truly relying more and more in Jesus Christ and the enduring grace he freely gives, then gratitude is the means by which I can more fully receive that gift. Because of my awareness of my deep need, I can see just how good the gift is and better appreciate it. Second, real gratitude can never only exist in our minds and hearts. The Latin for “thank you” is often rendered as “gratias tibi ago,” which literally means something like “I do gratitude to you.” Gratitude is something that needs to impact what we do and the way we live. If it only stays inside our minds but doesn’t actually manifest itself in our deeds, then it is empty. Now, this doesn’t mean I have to obsess myself

with saying “Thank you” over and over to anyone who does anything to me. Living out of a posture of gratitude, and living out of a posture of our deep poverty and weakness, fundamentally means living as if God is real. Of course, this includes showing thanks to God and to others he places in our lives, but it doesn’t stop there. It also means acting out of humility because we know we are fallen and imperfect. It also means acting out of trust in God’s providence rather than relying on my own plans and designs. Living the life of the virtues – all of them – increases my gratitude because it increases my awareness of just how much God is acting in my life. And the more I see that, the more fully I can respond in the only way possible – with gratitude. Finally, gratitude is actually modeled for us every single time we come to Mass. Gratitude is the source and summit of the entirety of the Christian

faith – in the Eucharist, which is Greek for “thanksgiving.” In the Eucharist, we experience the full gift of himself that Jesus gives for our sake. Jesus became man, suffered, died, and rose again so that he might offer us the best gift he could give us – eternal life with him. This is the highest reason for us to be grateful to him. Each time we participate in the Mass, we are brought to Calvary to be reminded of what Jesus did, and we receive the gift of himself in his flesh and blood. Wherever we are in life, whatever is on our hearts when we turn to him, he is with us and gives himself to us. In the difficulties of life, as well as in the joys of life, God is there. As he offers that incredible gift to us, so our gratitude moves us to make that same gift to each person we encounter. (Father Patrick Riviere is the associate pastor at Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City.) BC

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Sports

Brees washed up? Stats show otherwise Overtime Ed Daniels

I could hear the collective groan in the WGNO TV newsroom. In the first half, a Drew Brees pass was intercepted and returned to the Saints one-yard line. “I am not sure he (Brees) has it anymore,” said one colleague. “He should retire,” said another. Really? Hogwash. As September turned to October, Drew Brees was playing some of his best football. In the last three games before the bye, Brees had completed 81 of 108 passes for 859 yards. That’s a 75 percent completion percentage. Not bad for a quarterback, who for the first month and change of the season was missing the best wide receiver in the NFL.

Remember, Michael Thomas? Yes, him. Injury and a scuffle with a teammate cost him four games. And, in the season opener against Tampa Bay, Thomas was a non-factor with three catches. That was before he went to the sideline with a high ankle sprain. Drew Brees washed up? The idea is almost laughable. In the last four Saints possessions against the Chargers, Brees produced two touchdown drives and the game winning field goal drive in overtime. The game winning drive that Brees engineered was, according to Pro Football Reference his 7th game winning drive since the start of the 2018 season. Brees has more game winning drives in his career than John Elway or Joe Montana or Brett Favre. In the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers, Brees was 21 of 25, passing for 232 yards. Good luck on trying to replace that kind of production. Yet, some Saints fans seem to long for the day. Watch what you ask for. A quick jog of the standings tells you the importance of the quarterback in the NFL.

Tampa Bay was, after five weeks, tied for the lead in the NFC South. Thanks, Tom Brady. The Seahawks, with the MVP leader in the clubhouse, quarterback Russell Wilson, had won their first five games. On a Monday night against the Vikings, Wilson led yet another game winning drive. That’s what the greats do. The Chiefs are Super Bowl champs. The Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers are serious contenders. They have fine teams, led by superb signal callers. And, so the do the Saints. If New Orleans is going to contend for a title, their quarterback will have to have more second halves like he did against the Chargers. And, he is certainly capable. Earlier this season, some scoffed as Drew Brees told reporters how terrific he felt. “I feel borderline great,” said Brees. And, he’s playing like it. As the Saints headed to the bye week, time off was the only thing that would cool off their red hot 41-year-old quarterback. BC

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