Bayou Catholic August 2015 issue by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Bayou

Catholic

Social Media

Diocese launches new website, more HOUMA, LA ~ AUGUST 2015 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

e n Tu To... In

Quality Family Programming for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ~ Channel 10* on Comcast of Houma and CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS of Terrebonne Parish ~ Channel 10* on CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS in Thibodaux ~ Channel 10* on VISION COMMUNICATIONS of South and Central Lafourche ~ Channel 10* AT&T U-Verse *Channel 10 is provided by and in cooperation with HTV of Houma. ~ Channel 71, ALLEN’S TV CABLE of Morgan City

SUNDAY

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Closer Walk Comfort For My People

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live with Passion Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

6:30 9:00 9:30 8:30

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary

A.M. A.M. A.M. P.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M. 11:00 P.M.

6:30 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 9:30 A.M.

Closer Walk Live With Passion Comfort For My People

THURSDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Focus Spotlight Spotlight

FRIDAY

Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary Live With Passion Comfort For My People

SATURDAY Proclaim the Good News/The Rosary The Choices We Face Spotlight

Programs produced by the Diocesan Office of TV Communications. We reserve the right to make program changes. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Seminarian Education Burses

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

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

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

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

Completed Burses of $15,000 each

Note: those wtih a number stipulates the number of completed burses* - Anonymous - Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu - Harry Booker - Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)* - Mr. Eledier Broussard - Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet - Rev. James Louis Caillouet - Bishop L. Abel Caillouet - Judge/Mrs L. P. Caillouet - Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet - Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais - Harold & Gloria Callais Family - Paul A. Callais - Peter W. Callais - Vincent & Fannie Cannata - Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie - Maude & Edith Daspit - Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)* - Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis

- C. Remie Duplantis - Marie Elise Duplantis - Warren J. Harang, Jr. - Msgr. Raphael C. Labit - Msgr. Francis J. Legendre - Rev. Charles Menard - Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Fly - Donald Peltier, Sr. (3)* - Harvey Peltier (30)* - Richard Peltier - The Peltier Foundation (4) - Orleans & Louella Pitre - Msgr. Joseph Wester - Robert R. Wright, Jr. - Rev. Kermit Trahan - St. Bernadette Men’s Club - Diocesan K of C - Leighton Delahaye - Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

June 2015 Burse Contributions Peltier Foundation #4 ................................... $15,000.00 Leighton Delahaye ....................................... $15,000.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee .................................... $1,100.00 James J. Buquet Jr. .......................................... $1,000.00 Catholic Daughters ............................................ $625.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ............................................. $200.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ................................... $150.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ............................. $100.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .......................................... $100.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ..................................... $100.00 Rev. Peter Nies .................................................... $90.00 Elie & Dot Klingman ........................................... $40.00 Rev. Henry Naquin .............................................. $30.00

Open Burses with Balance as of 6/30/15 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis ........... $13,000.00 Donald Peltier, Sr. #4 ............................ $13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial ...................... $12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit #2 .................. $11,080.00 Harvey Peltier #31 .............................. $10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,720.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $8,300.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Mrs. Shirley Conrad ............................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $6,165.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,900.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $5,300.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................. $5,000.00 Anonymous #2 ...................................... $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Fmly.#4..... $5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ........................ $5,000.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..................... $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ..................... $4,839.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee ........................... $4,830.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,786.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $4,705.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $4,400.00

Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,281.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $4,250.00 Harry Booker #2 .................................... $4,138.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................... $3,610.96 J. R. Occhipinti ...................................... $3,400.00 Anawin Community ............................... $3,100.00 Msgr. James Songy ............................... $3,075.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ........................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ................................................. $3,000.00 Diocesan K of C #2 ............................... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ........................ $2,600.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 St. Joseph Society ................................. $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Alfrances P. Martin ................................. $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,600.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier ........................... $1,545.00 Dr. William Barlette, Sr........................... $1,525.00 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................ $1,525.00 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande .................... $1,500.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ........................... $1,450.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .......................... $1,200.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ........................ $1,150.00 Rev. John Gallen .................................... $1,100.00

Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................. $1,100.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ...................... $1,050.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Jacob Marcello ....................................... $1,000.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Ruby Pierce .............................................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Ronnie Haydel .......................................... $685.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ........................ $625.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins .............. $600.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ................................... $280.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Bernice Harang ......................................... $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ................................ $100.00 Joseph Waitz, Sr. ...................................... $100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,529,731.02 www.bayoucatholic.com

Contents

FEATURES

31 Anawin: Promoting Vocations By Janet Marcel

32 Social Media By Janet Marcel

COLUMNS

Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

12 Pope Speaks

By Pope Francis I

13 Question Corner By Father Kenneth Doyle

14 Readings Between The Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

24 Seeing Clairely By Claire Joller

25 Reading with Raymond By Raymond Saadi

Bayou

Catholic

74 Overtime By Ed Daniels

IN EVERY ISSUE

6 Editor’s Corner 11 Diocesan Events 16 Scripture Readings 22 Heavenly Recipes GUEST COLUMNS

28 Katrina: Our Calling By Rene Rhodes

ANNOUNCEMENTS

39 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

5 201 ball ot o F

34 Educators Conference Father Joseph Pilola speaks

37 Aniversary couples

prayer service

Oct. 18, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales

37 Food for the Journey Father Andre’ Melancon speaks

On Our Cover Bishop Shelton J. Fabre visits the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux’s new website while Father Mitchel Semar, diocesan manager of Social Media, checks out the diocesan Facebook page. Janet Marcel, website manager, shows the bishop the diocesan App on her iPad. The new website was unveiled Aug. 1. Cover Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

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

Index to Advertisers Acadian Total Security .......................34 Advanced Eye Institute ......................64 Barker Honda .....................................50 Bueche’s Jewelry ...............................33 Cannata’s ...........................................23 Cardinal Place .....................................36 Cenac Marine Services, LLC .............65 Channel 10 ...........................................2 Charles A. Page & Sons ....................68 Chauvin Funeral Home ......................71 Courtesy Automotive Group ..............59 Daigle Himel Daigle ...........................70 Diocesan Outreach Line ....................35 Diocesan Website ..............................41 Duplantis Design Group ....................69 Falgout Funeral Homes, LLC .............46 Family Vision Clinic ............................48 Felger’s Footwear ..............................49 God’s Promises Books & Gifts ...........58 Haydel Memorial Hospice .................37 Haydel Spine Pain & Wellness............15 Headache & Pain Center ...................38 Houma Digestive Health Specialists .. 36 Houma Orthopedic Clinic ..................62

HTeNews..............................................61 KEM Supply House, Inc. ....................53 Lafourche Motors ...............................76 Landry’s Funeral Home .....................51 Lewis & Company ..............................25 Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival ..........................19 Maison Jardin .....................................25 Office of Youth Ministry ......................53 Re-Bath................................................33 Rod’s Superstore ...............................21 Samart Funeral Home ........................63 Seminarian Education Burses .............3 Southland Dodge ...............................57 Spotlight .............................................32 St. Joseph Manor ...............................32 Synergy Bank .....................................75 Taco Bell #1 .......................................43 Taco Bell #2 .......................................69 Terminix ..............................................71 Thibodaux Funeral Home ..................45 Thibodaux Physical Therapy ..............42 Thibodaux Regional Medical Center...55 Vision Communications .....................67

Bayou Catholic Vol. 36, No. 2 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 The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of HoumaThibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year. The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association. National and world-wide news service and photos by National Catholic News Service.

Louis G. Aguirre

editor and general manager

Lawrence Chatagnier managing editor

Glenn J. Landry, C.P.A. business manager

Peggy Adams

advertising manager

Anna C. Givens

advertising accounts executive

Janet Marcel staff writer

Pat Keese

secretary and circulation

Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer

Meridy Liner

accounts receivable/payable assistant

First Place Winner 2013-2014 General Excellence

www.bayoucatholic.com

Welcome

St. John Paul II, left, greets Deacon Jim Swiler as a beaming Archbishop Hannan looks on. Deacon Swiler served as deacon to his holiness at the Lakefront Mass in New Orleans in September of 1987.

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

Gentle Giant

Deacon Jim Swiler, who was called by the Lord this past June 26, was a gentle giant in the church. Although he was a tall man with an imposing figure, the “giant” adjective refers not so much to his stature as it does to his devoted – even relentless – work for both the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Deacon Jim served under four archbishops and two bishops: Archbishops Philip Hannan, Francis Schulte, Alfred Hughes and Gregory Aymond in New Orleans and Bishops Sam Jacobs and Shelton Fabre in Houma-Thibodaux. A permanent deacon for over 39 years, Deacon Jim spent 32 years in archdiocesan administration, including director of the permanent diaconate and secretary of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission. In Houma-Thibodaux he served as chancellor since July 1, 2010. He was the first deacon to serve as president of the National Association of Deacon Directors and was the first deacon to serve as a regional Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

representative for the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. He built the permanent diaconate of the archdiocese to one which is recognized as one of the premier programs in the United States. He and his wife, Bonnie, conducted retreats and workshops in over 40 dioceses and archdioceses throughout the country. The couple had four children and seven grandchildren. For his indefatigable work he received numerous awards including the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice from Saint John Paul II for his outstanding service to the church. I had the privilege to work alongside Deacon Jim during his ministry here in Houma-Thibodaux. In fact, his office was right next to mine. Although we all knew he endured a number of ailments, his demeanor, his smile and his love of life never allowed us to see his suffering. Toward the end, even as he struggled to walk, he overcame those difficulties and made sure to come to work cheerfully. I remember him looking pale and weak – but proud – at the ordination of six deacons at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux just this past May. His loss will be felt by many, including his beloved family and his co-workers. His work, however, will endure for generations to come. No doubt, when this gentle giant arrived at the pearly gates, St. Peter already had some important assignments for him to carry out in heaven. Farewell, Deacon Jim … may you be enjoying the fruits of your labor and of your love for all humankind!

Deacon Jim Swiler dies at age 76 Deacon Jim Swiler, who served as chancellor of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, died June 26, after a brief illness. The funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by Archbishop Emeritus Alfred Hughes and priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Deacon Gerry Martinez, a fellow classmate, delivered the homily.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment Comfort For My People Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

G 8

Gathering to enjoy a meal on many levels can be a powerful experience. We can all think of occasions when two people who were considered enemies came together to share a meal, and after encountering one another and sharing food together, they emerged with a better understanding of one another and more willing to work to resolve their differences. Greater understanding of one another is always the result of meals that provide us with a certain amount of joy in life, a certain amount of challenge to growth, and a certain amount of support to help us. These meals serve to nourish us physically with the food that we share, but in a deeper way they also nourish and nurture our spirits and allow us to deepen the ties that bind us. Formal dinner parties, large or small receptions, picnics, a summer barbeque, or even last minute unexpected friends who show up requiring that more water be poured into the soup, in all of these and in countless other ways that involve food and fellowship, we deal with our basic need to come to new insights, to share camaraderie and to nourish ourselves both physically and spiritually. These experiences are part of the fabric of our lives, and we should recognize the special nature of all such gatherings. We can certainly offer thanks to God for times when we are able to gather for food and friendship to nourish our bodies and spirits,

and we look forward to the next gathering where recent and old memories can be shared, and new ones forged by the encounter. The Eucharist, the sacrificial memorial of Jesus Christ and of his body the church, encompasses all that is stated above about meals and so much more. Our

gathering for the eucharistic meal is the highest form of worship that we enter into as Catholics. We are fed, joy-filled, challenged and supported each and every time we come together to celebrate the Eucharist. The Eucharist invites us to come to new insight in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and to seek to become what we receive – as we receive the Lord Jesus, we desire to become more and more a reflection of his love to others. On most of the Sundays of the month of August this year, our Gospel readings will be taken from the Gospel of St. John. During the month of August, we will be in that the portion of Cycle B of the Lectionary when the shortness of St. Mark’s Gospel is so wonderfully and powerfully “filled in” for a number of weeks of Ordinary Time with passages from St. John’s Gospel known as the “Bread of Life Discourse.” In these passages, Jesus reveals himself as the Bread of Life come down from heaven to nourish and sustain each and every one of us on our journey to his eternal banquet. Jesus’ notion of hospitality far outshines anyone else’s notion of what it means to provide hospitality in providing a meal and food for others. Unlike all others, Jesus will feed his guests with his real presence, his own body and blood. Worthily receiving the Lord in the Eucharist joins us to Jesus Christ, and we remain in Jesus, and Jesus remains in us. Jesus reminds his listeners in the Bread of Life Discourse that even though earthly meals are wonderful, those who share in these meals will still die. Earthly meals temporarily save us from earthly death. However, those who share in the meal Jesus offers, the meal of himself in the holy Eucharist, will live forever. It is the Eucharist that saves us from death. As you hear again the Bread of Life Discourses during the month of August, reflect and pray about the role that the Eucharist plays in your life and faith.

Gathering for the eucharistic meal is the highest form of worship

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Comentario

Reunirse para el banquete eucarístico es la forma más alta de adoración

Reunirse para gozar un banquete puede ser una experiencia intensa. Podemos pensar en las veces que dos personas enemigas se reúnen para compartir una cena y después de encontrarse uno con otro y compartir juntos surgen comprendiéndose mejor y con más disponibilidad para reconciliarse. Mayor comprensión de cada uno es el resultado de banquetes que nos proveen un poco de felicidad en la vida, nos hacen el llamado a crecer y nos dan un poco de ánimo que nos ayuda. Estas cenas alimentan nuestros cuerpos con el alimento que compartimos y de manera más profunda alimentan y nutren nuestras almas y nos permiten fortalecer los lazos que nos unen. Cenas formales, reuniones informales, meriendas, barbacoas o hasta amistades que nos visitan a ultima hora y nos obligan a echarle más agua a la sopa, en todas estas situaciones y en muchas otras que se tratan de alimentar a nuestras amistades, tratamos con la necesidad básica de descubrir cosas nuevas, compartiendo en el compañerismo y nutriéndonos nosotros mismos de manera física y espiritual. Estas experiencias son parte de la textura de nuestras vidas y debemos reconocer la naturaleza especial de estas reuniones. Podemos definitivamente agradecer a Dios por las veces que cuando podemos reunirnos para comer con nuestros amigos alimentamos nuestros cuerpos y almas y anticipamos la siguiente cena en la que compartiremos nuestras experiencias y recuerdos como también crear nuevas al reunirnos con nuestros amigos. La Eucaristía, el sacrificio que rememora a Jesucristo y su cuerpo que es la Iglesia, abarca todas las cosas que he mencionado sobre las cenas y mucho más. Nuestra cena eucarística es la forma más

alta de adoración que celebramos los católicos. Nos alimentamos, llenos de felicidad, nos apoyamos y nos alentamos cada vez que nos reunimos para celebrar la Eucaristía. La Eucaristía nos invita a tener un nuevo entendimiento en la relación de Jesucristo y tratar de convertirnos en lo que recibimos – recibiendo al Señor Jesús queremos

convertirnos más y más en la reflexión de su amor por los demás. La mayoría de los domingos del mes de agosto este año tendremos lecturas provenientes del Evangelio de San Juan. Durante el mes de agosto estaremos en la sección del Ciclo B del Leccionario cuando el cortísimo Evangelio de San Marcos es complementado de manera maravillosa y poderosa con los pasajes del Evangelio de San Juan que se conocen como «El Discurso de la Vida del Pan.» En estos pasajes Jesús se presenta como el Pan de la Vida que ha descendido del cielo para alimentarnos y sustentarnos a cada uno de nosotros en nuestro viaje a su banquete eterno. El concepto de hospitalidad que proviene de Jesús es mucho más brillante que cualquier otro sobre lo que es proveer hospitalidad y proveer una cena a otros. Diferente a los demás Jesús alimenta a sus invitados con su presencia verdadera, su propio cuerpo y sangre. Recibiendo dignamente al Señor en la Eucaristía nos unifica con Jesucristo y permanecemos en Jesús y Jesús permanece en nosotros. Jesús les hacer recordar a sus oyentes en el Discurso del Pan de la Vida que aunque los banquetes terrenales son maravillosos, aquéllos que comparten el alimento en estas cenas aun morirán. Banquetes terrenales nos salvan solamente de la muerte temporalmente. Sin embargo, aquéllos que comparten la cena que Jesús nos ofrece, el alimento que es Él mismo en la Santa Eucaristía vivirán para toda la eternidad. Es la Eucaristía que nos salva de la muerte. Cuando escuchen nuevamente el Discurso del Pan de la Vida durante el mes de agosto, les pido que oren y reflexionen sobre el papel que desenvuelve la Eucaristía en sus vidas y su fe. Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la Iglesia Católica Annunziata. www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

Quy tụ để tham dự bữa tiệc Thánh Thể là hình thức thờ phượng cao quý nhất

V 10

Việc quy tụ lại để thưởng thức một bữa ăn trên nhiều phương diện có thể là một kinh nghiệm độc đáo. Tất cả chúng ta có thể nghĩ về những dịp khi hai người được xem là kẻ thù với nhau đã đến chia sẻ một bữa ăn, và sau cuộc gặp gỡ và dùng cơm với nhau, họ hiểu biết nhau hơn và sẵn sàng cộng tác để giải quyết những khác biệt của họ. Việc hiểu biết nhau hơn luôn luôn là kết quả của các bữa ăn, đem lại cho chúng ta một số niềm vui nào đó trong cuộc sống, một số thách đố để vươn lên, và một số khích lệ để trợ giúp chúng ta. Các bữa ăn này nhằm phục vụ để nuôi dưỡng chúng ta về mặt thể lý với lương thực mà chúng ta hưởng dùng, nhưng trong chiều hướng sâu đậm hơn, các bữa ăn này cũng nuôi dưỡng và bổ sức tinh thần chúng ta và giúp chúng ta thắt chặt các mối dây liên kết chúng ta lại. Các bữa tiệc trang trọng, tiếp tân long trọng hay đơn sơ, những buổi tiệc ngoài trời, một dịp nướng thịt mùa hè, hay thậm chí vào giờ phút chót những người bạn không mời cũng đến, cần phải cho thêm nước vào nồi súp cho đủ ăn, trong tất cả những điều này và trong vô số cách thức khác đều liên quan tới lương thực và tình bằng hữu, chúng ta giải quyết các nhu cầu căn bản của chúng ta để đi tới những hiểu biết mới, để chia sẻ tình thân và để nuôi dưỡng chính chúng ta cả phần xác lẫn phần hồn. Những kinh nghiệm này là một phần cơ cấu của đời sống chúng ta, và chúng ta có thể nhận ra bản tính đặc biệt của tất cả sự quy tụ như thế. Chắc hẳn chúng ta cám tạ Thiên Chúa cho những lần chúng ta có thể quy tụ lại với nhau để ăn uống và cho tình bạn hữu hầu nuôi dưỡng tinh thần và thể xác chúng ta, và chúng ta cũng mong đợi cho cuộc gặp gỡ lần tới, những nhớ nhung quá khứ và hiện tại đã được chia sẻ, và những cuộc gặp gỡ mới được tiến triển nhờ sự gặp gỡ. Thánh lễ, cuộc tưởng niệm hy tế của Chúa Giêsu Kitô và nhiệm thể của Ngài là Giáo hội, bao gồm tất cả những

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

gì đã được nói ở trên về bữa tiệc và còn hơn thế nữa. Việc quy tụ của chúng ta cho bữa tiệc Thánh Thể là một hình thức thờ phượng cao quý nhất mà chúng ta thông phần tham dự như là những tín hữu Công giáo. Chúng ta được nuôi dưỡng, tràn đầy niềm vui, được thách đố và khích lệ mỗi lần và mỗi khi chúng ta quy tụ lại với nhau để cử hành Thánh lễ. Thánh lễ mời gọi chúng ta tới sự hiểu biết mới trong mối quan hệ của mình với Chúa Giêsu Kitô, và tìm cách để trở nên những gì chúng ta đã lãnh nhận – khi chúng ta rước Chúa Giêsu, chúng ta ước

Ngài. Ý niệm mến khách của Chúa Giêsu vượt xa mọi ý niệm khác mang ý nghĩa lòng hiếu khách trong việc cung cấp bữa ăn và lương thực cho người khác. Không giống như người ta, Chúa Giêsu sẽ nuôi dưỡng các vị khách của mình với sự hiện diện thật sự của mình, là Mình và Máu của chính Ngài. Việc đón nhận Chúa trong phép Thánh Thể cách xứng đáng kết hợp chúng ta với Chúa Giêsu Kitô và chúng ta ở lại trong Chúa Giêsu và Chúa Giêsu ở lại trong chúng ta. Chúa Giêsu nhắc nhở những người nghe trong Diễn từ Bánh Hằng Sống

ao càng ngày càng trở nên phản ảnh tình yêu của Ngài cho người khác. Hầu hết các Chúa Nhật trong tháng Tám năm nay, các bài đọc Phúc âm sẽ được trích từ Tin mừng của thánh Gioan. Trong suốt tháng Tám, chúng ta sẽ ở trong một phần của sách các bài đọc Chu kỳ năm B khi tin mừng ngắn nhất của thánh Máccô rất tuyệt vời và uy quyền “lại được thay thế” cho vài tuần lễ của mùa Thường Niên bằng các đoạn từ Tin mừng của thánh Gioan, được biết đến như là “Diễn từ Bánh Hằng Sống.” Trong các bài đọc này, Chúa Giêsu mặc khải chính mình là Bánh Hằng Sống từ trời xuống để nuôi dưỡng và duy trì mỗi người và mọi người chúng ta trên cuộc hành trình tới bữa tiệc vĩnh cửu của

rằng mặc dù các bữa ăn trần thế là tuyệt vời, nhưng những ai dùng các bữa ăn này sẽ vẫn chết. Các bữa ăn trần thế tạm thời cứu chúng ta khỏi cái chết ở trần thế. Tuy nhiên, những ai dùng bữa ăn của Chúa Giêsu ban cho, bữa ăn của chính Ngài trong Bí tích Thánh Thể, sẽ được sống đời đời. Chính Thánh Thể sẽ cứu chúng ta khỏi sự chết. Khi anh chị em nghe lại Diễn từ Bánh Hằng Sống trong suốt tháng Tám này, hãy suy gẫm và cầu nguyện về vai trò của Bí tích Thánh Thể hoạt động trong đời sống và đức tin của mình. Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chú.

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Sept. 1, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Father Andreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Melancon. n Spirituality, Wednesdays, Sept. 2, 9 and 16, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Jimmie Danos. n Blue Mass, Thursday, Sept. 10, Cathedral of St. Francis de

OCTOBER n Red Mass, Thursday, Oct. 1, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, 11:30 a.m. n Respect Life Mass, Sunday, Oct. 4, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, 11 a.m. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Oct. 6, Quality Hotel, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Deacon Cody Chatagnier.

Houma, 10:45-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Father Joseph Pilola. n Spirituality, Wednesdays, Aug. 5, 12 and 19, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Jimmie Danos. n Acadian Mass, Friday, Aug. 14, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews, 6 p.m. n Institution of Acolyte, Saturday, Aug. 15, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 11:30 a.m. n Woman of God Gathering, Tuesday, Aug. 18, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall.

Meal served at 6 p.m.; events begin at 6:30 p.m. Free event, all women over 18 years of age are invited. n RCIA Workshop, Saturday, Aug. 22, diocesan Pastoral Center, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. n Mass honoring Father Roch Naquin for 50 years of faithful service to the Cursillo Movement, Tuesday, Aug. 25, St. Genevieve, 7 p.m. Reception will follow in the Family Center. n Adore, Wednesday, Aug. 26, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 7 p.m.

Sales, 11 a.m. n Here I am Lord, Please Help! Thursday, Sept. 10, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, John Collins. n The Call to Holiness, Thursday, Sept. 17, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Father Simon Peter Engurait.

n Revelation, Tradition and Magisterium, Thursday, Sept. 24, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Father Simon Peter Engurait. n Liturgy, Wednesday, Sept. 30, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue.

n Liturgy, Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14 and 28, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Very Rev. Josh Rodrigue. n God and the Human Person, Thursday, Oct. 8, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Father Mitchel Semar.

n The Old Testament, Thursday, Oct. 15, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Deacon John Pippenger. n Jesus in the Gospels, Thursday, Oct. 22, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Deacon John Pippenger.

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

DIOCESAN

n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business Course beginning in August through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. This free course is designed to help people who are interested in starting a small business. It will be held one evening a week for nine weeks. A different business topic will be discussed each week. Anyone who is interested in participating may call Brooks Lirette at (985)876-0490 to schedule an orientation appointment. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Aug. 4, Quality Hotel,

EVENTS

www.bayoucatholic.com

Comment The Pope Speaks

A 12

ASUNCION, Paraguay (CNS) -- “Stir things up, but then help organize what you have stirred up,” Pope Francis told about 220,000 young people gathered on this city’s waterfront on July 12. In his last major event before ending a weeklong trip to Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay, the pope spoke about service, solidarity, hope and freedom of heart. Abandoning his prepared text, he based his remarks on the testimonials of two young people who asked him questions. He also told the crowd that the young man who had read the Gospel, whom he identified only as Orlando, had asked him to pray “for freedom for each of us, for all of us.” “Freedom is a gift from God, but we have to know how to receive it,” Pope Francis said. “Our hearts must be free.” Liz Fretes, 25, told the pope how she put her life on hold to care for her mother, who had dementia, and her sick grandmother. Strained by studying in the evening and caring for her family by day, she found support among young people in her parish youth ministry. Highlighting Fretes’ care for her mother and grandmother, Pope Francis emphasized two themes that he raised often during his trip, service and solidarity.

CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING

Youths wait for Pope Francis’ arrival for a meeting with young people along the waterfront in Asuncion, Paraguay, July 12.

“Liz is fulfilling the fourth commandment, honor your father and your mother,” he said. “Liz is setting aside her own life in the service of her mother. That is an extremely high degree of solidarity, of love -- a witness.” When Manuel de los Santos Aguilar was a child, his parents turned him over to a family in the city -- a practice not uncommon among rural families who hoped their children would get an education. Instead, the 18-year-old told Pope Francis, he was forced to work and fell into substance abuse. He, too, found support in parish youth ministry, “where I met God, my strength,” he said. “Life wasn’t easy for Manuel,” the pope told the crowd, but “instead of going out to steal, he went to work. Instead of seeking revenge for his life, he looked to the future.” Those who have loving families can study and have what they need to live should give thanks to God, he said, leading the crowd in a prayer of “Thank you, Lord.” Several times during his speech, the pope urged the young people to

repeat his words. “A free heart,” they chanted back. “Solidarity. Work. Hope. Effort. Knowing Jesus. Knowing God, my strength.” Fretes’ and de los Santos Aguilar’s stories showed that hope and strength come from knowing Jesus, the pope told the crowd. “We don’t want young people who tire easily, who are tired and have bored faces. We want young people with hope and strength,” he said. “But that means sacrifice and swimming against the tide.” He recommended reading the beatitudes, which he called “Jesus’ plan for us,” and echoed his exhortation from World Youth Day, when he told young listeners to “stir things up.” He noted, however, that a priest had complained that when they stir things up, young people often make a mess that others have to fix. “So before I leave,” he said, “first, pray for me. Second, keep stirring things up. Third, help organize the things you stir up, so nothing gets destroyed.”

Pope tells young Paraguayans: Stir things up, then help fix things

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Doomed by Scripture?

faith, not on the particular circumstances of our birth. (“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works.”) And John 3:16 says that “God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life,” which seems to say clearly that no one is excluded from salvation based on how he was conceived. For you to decide that your present situation, your recent failings and your future fate were predetermined 33 years ago is selling yourself short. Why not talk to a chaplain or a counselor who, I am sure, would remind you of your value and your potential?

Q. In the Book of Wisdom (3:17-18 and 4:3) it indicates that children born of a forbidden union will suffer a miserable fate and not amount to anything. They are illegitimate and can never lay a firm foundation with values that are deeply rooted. I was born out of wedlock; my Dad’s family called off the wedding because they didn’t like the area where my mother had grown up. (She was pregnant with me at the time.) My life ever since has been full of disappointments and misfortune, and I am now incarcerated. With all of my Godgiven talents, at the age of 33 I have not accomplished anything. The Scripture says that I am doomed. Am I? (Georgia)

A. The Book of Wisdom (3:17-18) does say of children of adulterers that “should they attain long life, they will be held in no esteem” and “should they die abruptly, they have no hope nor comfort in the day of scrutiny.” Whatever those passages may have meant in their Old Testament context, I will leave for others wiser than I to determine. What I do know is that your reading of these verses conflicts sharply with a host of New Testament passages that reflect the teaching of Jesus. Paul indicates in Ephesians 2:8-9, for example, that our salvation is based on God’s grace through

natural disasters or for the conversion of radical groups? I know that we do include such petitions in the prayer of the faithful, but I think that if we offered parish Masses for such purposes it would also serve to instruct Catholics (by seeing such intentions in their Sunday bulletins) that our concern (and our prayers) should have wider horizons. (San Francisco)

A. I have chosen to publish your question not because of any insight I can add, but simply to endorse your suggestion. Every day people come into our parish office to request Masses. Most often, they are in remembrance of someone recently deceased or for departed family members on the anniversary of their death, and this is a long and valued tradition in the church. Occasionally a Mass is requested for someone who is living -- to honor a wedding anniversary or, less frequently, a birthday. But never, in my experience, has a parishioner requested a Mass for “the success 13 of the peace process in the Middle East” or for “the protection of human life at all its stages.” As you say, we do pray for such intentions during the intercessions (prayer of the faithful). But to have a Mass offered for a single such intention would not only apply the inestimable value of the Eucharist, it might also prompt parishioners’ private prayers. 2015 Catholic News Service

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Masses for broader intentions?

Q. When people request Masses, why are they always offered for relatives or friends (living or deceased) but never for broader intentions -- e.g., for countries which have suffered

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

Reflections

Readings Between The Lines

Father Glenn LeCompte

Having life in Jesus through the Eucharist

On the Sundays between July 26 and August 23 this year the liturgy will detour from our regular readings from Mark’s Gospel during this liturgical year to provide us with readings from the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel. John 6:22-71, commonly called by Scripture scholars, “The Bread of Life Discourse,” is really another of John’s “dialogs,”

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

wherein Jesus converses with either an individual or a group whose misunderstandings of his responses provide the occasion for Jesus to go into deeper detail on the topic of conversation. Several years ago, I participated in a mission experience in Mexico with a group of about 30 people. We were housed at a parish rectory where we slept on the floor in sleeping bags. The priest who organized the trip made arrangements for our meals with a local restaurant owner, who generously opened his doors to us and served us three meals a day. The trip organizer warned us, however, that we were not to rush into the restaurant, hurriedly gobble our food, and dart out as if we were in an American fast food dining establishment, lest we insult our hosts. “These people,” said the trip organizer, “believe that relating to one another is an important part of dining.” One of the many points Jesus makes about the Eucharist in John 6:51-58 is that the sacrament is a source of a life-giving relationship with him. In John 6:41-51, Jesus speaks of himself as “the bread of life.” In that context, however, his use of the phrase alluded to his status as God’s revealing Word.

Those who believe in him by accepting his teaching will have life. In 6:51-58, however, he uses the phrase “bread of life” to refer to himself as the source of spiritual nourishment through the Eucharistic meal. Nine times in the eight verses of John 6:51-58 does Jesus use some form of the word “life.” Verse 51 is a powerful verse that in a compact way summarizes Jesus’ mission in John’s Gospel. He comes down from heaven to recreate and renew the world. Life has a heavenly origin; it is an attribute that Jesus shares with the Father. Jesus is God’s agent who shares this divine life with us. He shares it first of all through his word (the first half of verse 51 is part of the earlier section of the discourse), but also in the eucharistic food he will give (second half of verse 51). Jesus’ reference to “giving his flesh” (a very graphic term, cf. Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19 all of whom use “body”) probably also refers to his sacrificial death, whereby a person may receive life. Jesus makes clear to his audience that his flesh and blood are real food and drink. Those who eat of his flesh have life now, but they will also share in the resurrection life on the last day (6:54). The

life that partakers of the Eucharist share in now is that of an intimate communion or relationship with Jesus. No magic is implied here, as if a person might obtain life by just eating and drinking the eucharistic elements without having a real spiritual communion with Jesus. The person who feeds on Jesus’ flesh and blood “remains” in him. A significant phrase in John’s Gospel, “remain in me” will be used by Jesus in his instructions to the disciples at the Last Supper to exhort them to stay in a spiritual relationship with him even after he is gone (15:4-10). There, the idea of “remaining in Jesus” is clarified by his comparison of the relationship between himself and his disciples to that of a vine to its branches. The branches live only because, attached to the vine, they draw lifegiving sap. Similarly, disciples can receive the food of spiritual life only from Jesus. At the end of the first century, when John was written, a sacramental means of reminding followers of Jesus, who was long

gone, of the need to stay in lifegiving communion with him would have been an utter necessity, even as it is for us today. The physical absence of Jesus in the flesh might be an occasion for fervor for such a relationship to wane. The life Jesus shares through the Eucharist enables those who partake of it to share an intimate communion with the Father as well, for life is an attribute of the Father (6:57). The idea of having “life in Jesus” is a vague one, but perhaps we

can clarify it in the following way. When people enter into a spiritual communion with Jesus their lives are shaped by his values, and they draw strength for living those values because they are intimately united to him. Moreover, those who remain in Jesus share in his love and in an enduring relationship with Jesus and the Father. Death cannot sever this relationship, for the life Jesus shares with those who eat his flesh and drink his blood is eternal.

on n Questi o i t c e fl e R

te n intima fe from a li w a r d you n How do Jesus? ment ion with the sacra n i n commun o ti pa sus”? r partici ain in Je es regula o m d e r “ w o to H n elp you ce in the charist h s’ audien of the Eu su e J s a d esh to on e us his fl who resp v i se g o n th a o m T n can this d: “How Gospel di you say? t would a h w ” t, ea

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Scripture Readings

and a listing of Feast days and saints

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

1 August

Memorial of Alphonsus Liguori, bishop and doctor of the church Leviticus 25:1, 8-17 Matthew 14:1-12

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Exodus 16:2-4, 12-15 Ephesians 4:17, 20-24 John 6:24-35

Weekday Numbers 11:4b-15 Matthew 14:13-21

Memorial of John Vianney, priest Numbers 12:1-13 Matthew 14:22-36

Weekday Numbers 13:1-2, 25—14:1, 26-29a, 34-35 Matthew 15:21-28

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 2 Peter 1:16-19 Mark 9:2-10

Weekday Deuteronomy 4:3240 Matthew 16:24-28

Memorial of Dominic, priest Deuteronomy 6:413 Matthew 17:14-20

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 19:4-8 Ephesians 4:30— 5:2 John 6:41-51

Feast of Lawrence, deacon and martyr 2 Corinthians 9:610 John 12:24-26

Memorial of Clare, virgin Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Weekday Deuteronomy 34:112 Matthew 18:15-20

Thursday, Aug. 13 Weekday Joshua 3:7-10a, 11, 13-17 Matthew 18:21— 19:1

Memorial of Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr Joshua 24:1-13 Matthew 19:3-12

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Revelation 11:19a, 12:1-6a, 10ab 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Luke 1:39-56

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Proverbs 9:1-6 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58

Weekday Judges 2:11-19 Matthew 19:16-22

Weekday Judges 6:11-24a Matthew 19:23-30

Weekday Judges 9:6-15 Matthew 20:1-16

Memorial of Bernard, abbot and doctor of the church Judges 11:29-39a Matthew 22:1-14

Memorial of Pius X, pope Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14b16, 22 Matthew 22:34-40

Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11, 4:13-17 Matthew 23:1-12

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b Ephesians 5:21-32 John 6:60-69

Fest of Bartholomew, apostle Revelation 21:9b-14 John 1:45-51

Weekday 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 23:23-26

Weekday 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:27-32

Memorial of Monica 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 Matthew 24:42-51

Memorial of Augustine, bishop and doctor of the church 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Matthew 25:1-13

Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 Mark 6:17-29

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Deuteronomy 4:12, 6-8 James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

1 September 2

Weekday 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Luke 4:16-30

Weekday 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11 Luke 4:31-37

Weekday Colossians 1:1-8 Luke 4:38-44

Weekday Memorial of Gregory the Great, Colossians 1:15-20 pope and doctor of Luke 5:33-39 the church Colossians 1:9-14 Luke 5:1-11

August

Saints

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Lydia Image © The Crosiers

first century feast - Aug. 3

Lydia’s name is taken from her place of origin, Thyatira in the province of Lydia (now Turkey). Paul’s first convert in Philippi, Lydia is mentioned once in the Bible: Acts 16:13-15. Luke calls her “a dealer in purple cloth” and “a worshipper of God.” After listening to Paul, she and her household were baptized. One of the few women in Luke to speak, she says to Paul and his companions, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home.” Luke adds that “she prevailed on us.” This patron saint of dyers may have been a merchant in luxury goods or a former slave working in a textile guild, but her household’s income could support guests.

Saints

Stanislaus Kostka Image © The Crosiers

Universal Volunteers. That volunteers may give themselves generously to the service of the needy.

1550 - 1568 feast - Aug. 15

Born in the family castle in Poland, Stanislaus was educated privately, then at a Jesuit college in Vienna, Austria. After having visions during a serious illness, he decided to enter the Jesuits. His father, a Polish senator, opposed this; he wanted Stanislaus to become a diplomat. Rejected by the Vienna Jesuits, Stanislaus walked to the Upper Germany province, where Peter Canisius took him in, then sent him to Rome. In 1567, the father general accepted Stanislaus into the Society of Jesus; for the nine months before his death in Rome, he lived a life of mortifications, ecstasies and holiness. A patron saint of Poland, he was canonized in 1726 with another Jesuit novice, Aloysius Gonzaga.

Saints

Tarsicius Image © The Crosiers

Evangelization Outreach to the Marginalized. That setting aside our very selves we may learn to be neighbors to those who find themselves on the margins of human life and society.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

third century feast - Aug. 26

Tarsicius was likely an acolyte, a deacon or even a layman in Rome during the time of Emperor Valerian’s persecution. He was martyred while taking the Eucharist to Christian prisoners, beaten to death with sticks and stones by a mob of pagans on the Appian Way when he would not surrender the Communion he was carrying. One tradition claims he was buried in the cemetery of St. Callistus. Pope St. Damasus I suggested an early cult by describing his martyrdom in a fourth-century poem. His legend was further embellished in the 19th-century novel “Fabiola.” Tarsicius is the patron saint of first communicants, altar servers and the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament.

Saints

CNS www.bayoucatholic.com

A special message from

Bishop Fabre

The recent downturn in oil and gas prices has affected the lives of many in our area. These are challenging financial times for many people. This downturn in oil and gas prices has also affected our expected diocesan income from oil and gas revenues that fund a part of our operating expenses on a diocesan level. One of the most daunting tasks that I have as bishop is the responsibility to deal prudently with finances. I assure you that it is not a responsibility that I take lightly, and certainly not one that I undertake without 18 consultation with others, including the priest and lay members of our diocesan Finance Council. Due to the decrease in expected diocesan income from oil and gas revenue, it was necessary that we eliminate several positions here at the Pastoral Center. Financial decisions such as this that I am called upon to make as bishop are not easy. I am deeply grateful for all who work here at the Pastoral Center, and to eliminate these positions was a difficult task. However, the other option was to spend money that clearly we were not going to receive, which I am sure you understand is not a wise thing to do. Therefore, there was recently a reduction in staff here at the Pastoral Center so that the diocese might operate within a balanced budget. I wanted to make this information on the Pastoral Center known to you, and to ask your prayers for all who are struggling financially in this economy. In light of these financial realities and challenges, I remain even more grateful for your ongoing financial sacrifice offered to the church. Thank you. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Obispo Fabre

La caída reciente de los precios de petróleo y gas natural han afectado las vidas de muchos en nuestras zonas. Estos son tiempos difíciles financieros para muchas personas. Esta caída de precios en el petróleo y gas natural han también afectado los ingresos diocesanos procedentes de las ganancias de petróleo y gas natural que suministran parte de nuestros costos operativos en la diócesis. Una de las responsabilidades más difíciles que tengo como obispo es tratar con el presupuesto y las finanzas diocesanas. Les aseguro que no es una responsabilidad que tomo con ligereza y no es una que tomo sin consultar con otros incluyendo a los sacerdotes y laicos de nuestro Consejo Financiero Diocesano. Debido a la caída de ingresos diocesanos provenientes de las ganancias del petróleo y gas natural fue necesario descartar varios puestos de empleo en el Centro Pastoral. Decisiones financieras como esta no son fáciles para mí. Agradezco mucho a todos los empleados del Centro Pastoral y eliminar estos empleos ha sido una decisión muy difícil. Sin embargo, ha habido un recorte reciente de empleados en el Centro Pastoral para que la diócesis pueda operar dentro de un presupuesto balanceado. Quiero que ustedes estén enterados de esta situación en el Centro Pastoral y les pido que rueguen por todos aquéllos que sufren de manera financiera en esta situación económica. Debido a estas realidades financieras y desafíos, estoy aún más agradecido por el continuo sacrificio financiero que ustedes ofrecen a la Iglesia. Gracias.

_ `, Cha Duc Fabre

Sự suy thoái của giá dầu và khí đốt gần đây đã ảnh hưởng đến cuộc sống của nhiều người trong khu vực của chúng ta. Đây là những thách đố tài chánh đối với nhiều người. Sự suy giảm giá dầu và khí đốt này cũng đã ảnh hưởng đến sự thu nhập đã dự định của giáo phận chúng ta từ nguồn thu dầu khí tài trợ, mà một phần hoạch định chi phí của giáo phận dựa vào tài khoản này. Một trong những trách nhiệm khó khăn nhất mà tôi là Giám mục đối phó cách thận trọng với tài chính. Tôi bảo đảm với anh chị em rằng nó không phải là trách nhiệm mà tôi xem nhẹ, và chắc chắn không phải là trách nhiệm tôi thực hiện mà không tham khảo ý kiến với những người khác, bao gồm cả Linh mục và các thành viên giáo dân của Hội đồng Tài chánh giáo phận của chúng ta. Do sự sụt giảm ấn định lợi tức của giáo phận từ nguồn thu nhập dầu mỏ và khí đốt, nên thật là cần thiết cho chúng tôi cắt giảm một số công việc tại Trung tâm Mục vụ. Các quyết định tài chánh như thế này mà tôi là Giám mục được kêu gọi để thi hành thì không phải dễ dàng. Tôi biết ơn sâu xa đối với tất cả những nhân viên làm việc tại Trung tâm Mục vụ, và để cắt giảm các công việc này là một nhiệm vụ khó khăn. Tuy nhiên, các lựa chọn khác đã phải tiêu tiền mà rõ ràng chúng tôi đã không nhận được, mà tôi tin chắn anh chị em hiểu đó không phải là một điều khôn ngoan để làm. Vì vậy, gần đây đã có sự cắt giảm nhân viên tại Trung tâm Mục vụ giáo phận để giáo phận có thể sinh hoạt với khoản ngân sách cân bằng. Tôi đã muốn đưa mẩu tin này về Trung tâm Mục vụ để anh chị em biết, và tôi xin anh chị em cầu nguyện cho tất cả những ai đang gặp khó khăn về tài chánh trong nền kinh tế này. Trong ánh sáng của những thực tế về tài chính và các thách đố, tôi vẫn biết ơn nhiều hơn về sự hy sinh tài chánh hiện nay của anh chị em dâng cúng cho Giáo hội. Xin cám ơn tất cả anh chị em.

Bayou Catholic wins 12 state, national awards

VERY REV. VICENTE DE LA CRUZ/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre poses for a photo with Bayou Catholic’s award winning staff and columnist. They are, front row (from left) Louis G. Aguirre, editor and general manager; Bishop Fabre, Lawrence Chatagnier, managing editor. Second row (from left) Lisa Schobel Hebert, graphic designer; Pat Keese, administrative assistant; Father Michael Bergeron, guest columnist; Janet Marcel, staff writer, and Peggy Adams, advertising manager.

Bayou Catholic Magazine was the recipient of 12 state and national awards from the Louisiana Press Association (LPA) and the Catholic Press Association (CPA) for 2015. From LPA, the magazine garnered four first place awards, one second place award, and two third place awards. The Bayou Catholic was awarded first place for General Excellence, with the judges saying, “Overall excellent publication. Nice variety and creativity really shows. The layout and design makes this section very appealing to readers. Although there seems to be a large amount of information provided in these pieces, the formatting and smart use of imagery helps break it up and feel inviting to readers. Well done.” The Fall Bayou Outdoor Guide received first place for best special section, editorial and advertising; Lawrence Chatagnier received first place for Individual Photo Color for his Ash Wednesday photo, Lawrence Chatagnier received second place for Individual Photo Color for his Easter Vigil photo; Lawrence Chatagnier received third place for Best Feature Photo for his Ash

Wednesday photo; and the Catholic Directory was awarded third place for In-Paper Promotion – Peggy Adams and Lisa Schobel Hebert. From CPA, the magazine received one first place award, two second place awards, one third place award and one honorable mention. 19 Lawrence Chatagnier received first place for Best Photo Story Originating with a Magazine: News Photo Story, for his “Holy Week, Easter observances, ‘From Darkness to Light’”; Father Michael Bergeron received second place for Best Essay Originating with a Magazine: Diocesan Magazine, for his article entitled “New Year’s Resolutions with a twist”; Peggy Adams and Lisa Schobel-Hebert received second place for Best Local Retail Campaign Originating with the Publication, for their God’s Promises, Books and Gifts advertisement; Peggy Adams and Lisa Schobel-Hebert received third place for Best Ad Copywriting for their 12 Days of Christmas advertisement; and honorable mention went to the 2014 Diocesan Directory in the category Diocesan Directory.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Church Alive

Diocesan Leadership Awards Recipients honored at Mass, banquet Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier The Diocesan Leadership Awards, sponsored annually by the Office of Youth Ministry for over 28 years, recognize youth who have demonstrated exceptional character, leadership skills, service and Catholic identity in their church parish or school. It is the highest honor and achievement that a high school junior, senior or college freshman can receive. The youth for this award are selected at the church parish and school level. A letter is sent to the pastor of each church parish, the DRE or CRE, and parish youth minister, as well as the principals and campus ministers at the three Catholic high schools. The qualifications for selection of each of the candidates are as follows: n must be a witness to others through their involvement with their church parish, school and family by sharing of their gifts of time, talent and treasure; n must share their leadership skills, dedication, responsibility and faith with others in their church parish, school and family; n should be involved in diocesan ministry such as Teens Encounter Christ (TEC), Christian Leadership Institute (CLI), aNEW, Youth Rally, Steubenville on Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

the Bayou, etc. Each young person receives a diocesan leadership medal comprised of a white and red banner, image of an eagle, a cross and the diocesan crest, which is symbolic of the award. The white in the banner represents one’s baptism; the red signifies the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus Christ. The image of the eagle signifies the many qualities of a leader such as courage, strength, loyalty, self-confidence, passion and perseverance. The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols of Catholic Christian faith. And, the diocesan crest represents the place where the recipients of the award were nurtured to become the outstanding young people they are today. Recipients of this year’s Diocesan Leadership Awards were honored at an appreciation banquet and Mass at St. Genevieve Church in Thibodaux. They are: Nora Cehan, Garrett Vogt, Annunziata, Houma; Sal Grizzaffi, Lindsee Case, Holy Cross, Morgan City; Nicholas Dion, Angelle Gregoire, Holy Family, Grand Caillou; Logan Alleman, Kelci Adams, Holy Savior, Lockport; Ryan Abboud, Allison Larose, Maria Immacolata, Houma; Jason Gautreaux, Mitch

Gautreaux, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma; Stanley Payne Jr., Cieralyn Callais, Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose; Ethan Guidry, Cody Chiasson, Our Lady of Pompt Succor, Chackbay; Kyle Williams, Bekah Crosby, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow; Cody Guidry, Samantha Hebert, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Stephanie Cohen, Nicole Cohen, Mark Tabor, Sacred Heart, Montegut; Sara Gaudet, Megan Picou, Sacred Heart, Morgan City; Sadie Theriot, St. Andrew, Amelia; Caleb Anderson, Jacob Lapeyrouse, St. Ann, Bourg; Samantha Clark, Kiley Breaux, St. Anthony, Gheens; Emma Espenan, Madalyn Beyer, St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black; Stephen Battaglia Jr., Nicole Boudreaux, St. Bernadette, Houma; Blaire Verdun, Traci Olin, St. Bridget, Schriever; Drew Matherne, Courtney Sylvest, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community; Katelin Billiot, St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes; Leeanne Whitney, St Eloi, Theriot; Joseph Lapeyrouse, Abigail Lirette, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma;

John Stafford, Milre Matherne, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; Ross Picou, Keely Diebold, St. Gregory, Houma; Julia Robichaux, Emilee Theriot, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews; Jacie Oubre, St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Julia Arceneaux, Mallory Robichaux, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Emily Doucet, Carley Duet, St. Joseph, Galliano; John Hue, Mimi Guidry, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux; Colin Cortez, Adrial Hotard, St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer; Brett Bergeron, Kayla Duplantis, St. Louis, Bayou, Blue; Breahn Wolfe, Kayla Yarwood, St Lucy, Houma; Julian Banks, Elizabeth Mack, St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Jessica Ledet, Ryan Breaux, St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland; Emily Legendre, Emma Bourgeois, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux; Garret LeBlanc, Brittany Longman, Central Catholic High School, Morgan City; Shelby Ellis, Jay Danos, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux; Allyson Domangue, Jonah Dupre, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma.

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Heavenly Recipes

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Marion Babin, a parishioner of St. Gregory Church parish in Houma. Marion is known for her spicy carrot cake which she often bakes for church functions. She has even been called the “cake lady.” Marion and her husband Eddie, who is now deceased, were founding members of St. Gregory. The couple met in high school and was very happy together for many years. “We were not fortunate enough to have children. However my husband and I took care of our parents when they got older. Between the two of us we had 28 godchildren. Hopefully we fulfilled our obligation toward them. Neither one of us come from large families; we each had a brother,” says Marion. Her husband was drafted and served his country in the Korean Conflict. When he returned he continued to work for Halliburton, the same company he worked for before he was drafted; and he retired with that company many years later. The couple became active at St. Gregory, in particular with the Knights of Columbus. Eddie was a grand knight for eight years. Marion, an extraordinary minister, hospitality minister and money counter, also sewed the baptismal garments for the newly baptized babies at St. Gregory. In addition to her church life she also worked in the construction business for 26 years. One might say she was a woman ahead of the times. While she worked for Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Lionel J. Favret Construction Company she was the estimator for materials. “Lionel Favret Construction Company built many churches in the diocese as well as most of the schools, hospitals and other municipal buildings. I learned how to read the blue prints and would estimate the cost of materials for the buildings being constructed. I would go to the jobsites with the building superintendent. I respected the workers and in return earned their respect,” she says. Throughout their married life the couple did everything together. “We used to enjoy going fishing, taking vacations and traveling together. He was a very positive person, always giving. When he was told that he had cancer and had six months to live, his reply was ‘I had a good life,”’ says Spicy Carrot Cake 2 cups sugar 2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 3 cups grated carrots 4 eggs Combine all dry ingredients and mix well. Add eggs and oil and mix well. Add grated carrots and beat on medium speed for approximately two minutes. Spray two nine inch pans with Pam and line bottom of pans only with wax paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Marion. Since her husband passed away she is as busy as ever. “I believe in keeping busy. The key is to stay busy. Don’t stay in the recliner and do nothing. It’s not easy. You put your faith in the good Lord and you deal with it. I do things outside of the church parish life. I help with the annual toy drive at Catholic Charities. I also have friends who are couples that come over every weekend. They are friends that we have made through the years from the KCs. I bake something every weekend for them,” she says. Marion says that trusting in God has helped overcome life’s many struggles. “My husband and I both relied heavily on our faith. He was ready when it was his time. I am in good health and I thank the Lord for that.” and bake for 25-30 minutes. Layers should be cool before frosting. Frosting: 1 eight ounce package cream cheese 1 stick butter 5 cups confectioners powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) Cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add sugar gradually until well mixed. Add vanilla and pecans. This is enough frosting for between layers, top and sides.

Entertainment

Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

I 24

I’m sitting in our small courtyard, a steady breeze keeping me cool in the shade of a tree behind me on the other side of an open-air gate. Water splashes and gurgles in the fountain against the ivy-studded brick wall to my right. Shadows of the leaves dance across slate pavers, and every now and then the blossoming bougainvillea on the table near me bobs a small nod to the sweet breeze. This change of scenery from my busy office desk gives me the shadow of an idea for a possible column topic for which I’ve been waiting all morning. Staring into space certainly didn’t help me. Reading writing prompts didn’t do it either. The deadline looms near. So, just maybe, I think as I sit here, I could write about small preferences that cause us to make important decisions. When we were looking at house plans for our “retirement” home (read that “older-age-friendly” home), one of the primary reasons that drew me to this one was the partiallyroofed courtyard that opens from the dining room’s French door and windows. We’re enjoying the courtyard both from the inside and outside, but for the life of me, I know I can’t conjure up enough significant other examples from my life to hang a column on. So . . . should I write instead about our six-year-old granddaughter’s sparkles? Two nights ago she rose from a sitting position, and began to look upward and around her, her eyes focused on something I couldn’t see. Emilie said, “Janou, can you see the sparkles, too?” as she slowly turned around. Of course I asked her what they

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Possible ideas looked like (“just sparkles”) and if she’d seen them before. Sure, she’d seen them before. Her theory: “I think it means that angels are here.” The sparkles soon went away, but then she turned to me with a troubling thought I could read on her face and in her wide blue eyes. “If it’s not angels, do you think that maybe something serious is wrong with my eyes?” Quite a grown-up question. I reassured her that all sorts of innocent things could be the source of her sparkles. Later, she walked in on me as I looked up vision anomalies online, and ran across an article about why we see stars. A picture on the screen showed that phenomenon, and she said that it was sort of what she was seeing. When I read a couple of benign things that can cause her sparkles, she looked relieved, but also a little disappointed. I wish I had just let her continue thinking it was the presence of angels. But that is the extent of that episode. So, should I write instead about my weird relationship with chocolate? Almost every day—no, every day—I have several pieces of dark chocolate after lunch. I’ve been doing this for years, you understand. But every afternoon, when my ears begin to ring in a high-

pitched screech, I remember why I shouldn’t eat too much chocolate. The caffeine in the chocolate makes my ears shriek within an hour, and each day the loudness of the ringing sort of surprises me. Call me a slow learner . . . or maybe just a weak chocolate addict. But that’s sort of embarrassing, so should I write instead about some of the things I am left with when I wake from dreams? In that half-sleep that precedes full wakefulness, I am conscious of words following one upon another, some of them related in meaning but most of them random. Since language has always been the implement of my lifelong work, it’s no real wonder to me that words would lurk just below my consciousness. However, it is puzzling when I awaken from a dream with a leftover sentence floating in my head. A sentence I read this morning reminded me of one such sentence from last year. The sentence I read was, “The bittersweet autumn of the body.” The sentence I awoke with after dreaming about someone who had died was, “And the music of his body became a symphony.” Rather lovely, but I can’t really claim it, can I?

Book Review

Reading with Raymond Raymond Saadi

The Wright Brothers By David McCullough Simon and Schuster $30.00 If all you remember about the Wright Brothers, Wilbur and Orville, is what you were taught in school: that two unknown brothers solved the mystery of flight by being the first to fly a machine with a man aboard on the Outer Banks of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. If that’s all you know you’re in for an incredibly researched and beautifully written portrait of a most interesting family. Their father was a bishop in the United Brethren Church and their sister Katharine, a teacher, was their strongest supporter. When bicycling became a craze, the boys were first in America to build their own model, which they named “Van Cleve” after a great, great, great grandmother. That first flight at Kitty Hawk was in a glider with Orville at the controls on Dec. 17, 1903, but it was Wilbur’s flight at Le Mans, France, on Aug. 8, 1908, in the “first practical airplane,” their “Flyer” that was hailed as “A triumph of aviation” by newspapers around the world. While the U. S. government dragged their feet on purchasing their planes, the French couldn’t wait, especially after Wilbur’s many dramatic demonstrations. Meantime, Orville made a number of extraordinarily difficult demonstrations of the plane for Washington brass and excited crowds, until a propeller broke sending the plane crashing to the ground and killing his passenger, Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge, the first military fatality of the aviation age. Orville survived but in critical condition with a broken

leg, hip and four broken ribs. Despite that, the government moved forward to buy the Wright’s p l a n e s . Katherine stayed constantly at Orville’s side and when he was well enough the two joined Wilbur in E u r o p e where they were hailed and feted everywhere, not to mention being $200,000 richer. This is a wonderful story told as only McCullough can. Oh, if only history was this interesting in school. 25

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Bayou Spirit

Steubenville on the Bayou Thousands attend three-day event

The 10th annual Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference was held recently at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Keynote speakers gave inspirational talks to thousands of youth from across the country. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the closing Mass which was concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs, visiting priests, and priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Praise and worship music was provided by More Than Sunday.

Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ August 2015

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

www.bayoucatholic.com

Guest Columnist Rene Rhodes

T 28

There are few milestone events that happen to us that we know “where we were” and “how the event impacted us.” Hurricane Katrina was one of those events. It was devastating to see the damage, the thousands of people that were stranded and/ or homeless and the loss of 1,800 lives. In the days that followed, thousands of people in our diocese “were called” by our heavenly Father, through the Holy Spirit to do “his work.” Many of you, after reading this article will for the first time realize “I was called.” I know this because it took three years after the shelter I was running had closed down for me to realize that God had equipped me to do his work. In my experience of running the shelter at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma, I had insight into the inner workings. I was amazed at the number of people who were coming in to volunteer. On weekends, we would have 500 to 600 people, and on weekdays 300 to 400 people. This was just in the shelter I was running. I know that throughout the diocese there were six or seven shelters. I knew from talking to the other shelter directors, that they were experiencing the same thing … hundreds of volunteers … all with a “calling.” God’s people went to work: Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs and the priests of our diocese shepherded their new flock. Doctors and nurses set up a hospital in the shelter to restore people’s health. Pharmacists came in and set up a pharmacy to fill lost prescriptions. Optometrists helped replaced loss contacts and

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Katrina:

Our calling

eyeglasses. Counselors and social workers started the job of helping people work through the trauma they had experienced. Bishop Jacobs, Father Mark Toups, pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church parish in Thibodaux, and Paul George, who worked for the Vocation Office at the time, started the ADORE Starfish project, which went to work purchasing bus, train and plane tickets to reunite families.

Father Mark Toups will celebrate Mass, Friday Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma to give glory to God for “calling us” to serve his people. Thousands of people donated everything that they knew the evacuees would need. There were tons of clothing, toothbrushes, personal items and baby goods. When we closed the shelter I worked at, we loaded up three 18 wheelers full of goods and shipped it to Florida where another hurricane had made landfall. Can we say food? There was so much food. Volunteers cooked for our guests and others cooked to feed the volunteers. Teachers showed up every day

to tutor children who had started school. There was a laundry brigade … families came in, picked up dirty clothes and returned them the next day, washed and folded. Volunteers drove our guests cross country to reunite with other family members who had been displaced by the hurricane. Volunteers brought our guests to Mass with their own family and then out to eat Sunday lunch. Our volunteers did a lot of things, but the most important thing they did was hold the hands of those affected by the hurricane and pray with them. It was simply amazing, just like the Holy Spirit which moved everyone’s soul to step forward and do their part. I have set-up Katrinacalling05@ yahoo.com for volunteers to share their own Katrina story of the day they were called. Let us know what you did and how it impacted your life. I will compile all of the stories and put them in a booklet form. Copies will be given to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to be put in the diocesan Archives, and a copy will be sent to Southdown Plantation. Copies will be distributed to anyone who requests one. Father Mark Toups will celebrate Mass, Friday Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma to give glory to God for “calling us” to serve his people. There will be a reception at the Youth Center immediately following the Mass for everyone to visit and share their stories. (Rene Rhodes was a pharmaceutical sales representative in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina made landfall in Southeast Louisiana. He was the shelter director at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center.)

足Katrina: +10

Volunteers from across the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux were in full force with relief efforts immediately after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 2005. The Nicholls State University Campus was one of many shelters in the diocese for evacuees from the New Orleans area.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier www.bayoucatholic.com

Church Alive

Saint Kateri Mass The annual Native American celebration honoring Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was held recently at Holy Family Church in Grand Caillou. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass which was concelebrated by priests of the diocese.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ August 2015

Our Organizations

Anawim: Promoting vocations 31

Story by Janet Marcel Anawim is a women’s vocation group in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux that consists of Catholic women who are concerned about vocations to the priesthood, as well as vocations of men and women religious. Formerly known as the Theresians, the group was founded in 1967 by the late Bishop Gerard L. Frey of Lafayette, who at the time was serving as pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church parish in Houma. The group received its charter in January 1967. “The original purpose of the organization,” says Evelyn Ruckstuhl, president, “was to encourage, promote and support religious vocations to the Sisterhood. In keeping with the expanding roles of the laity since Vatican Council II, the group’s updated declaration of purpose states: ‘We are to foster appreciation, encourage, promote and support the vocation of the Christian women in all facets of life; in the religious life and in the lay state, both married and single.’” Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L., spiritual director of the group since June 2012, says, “One of the key components to vocation work is not recruiting or vocation programs to help young men and women discern, but about prayer. Praying for hearts to be open to God’s calling is essential. The members of Anawim faithfully gather monthly before the Blessed Sacrament to pray specifically for vocations for our

diocese. They take to heart our Lord’s words in Matthew’s Gospel, ‘The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest’ (9:38). I am grateful to Anawim for the continued prayerful support for our current seminarians and those who will answer the Lord’s calling in the future.” Vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate and religious Brotherhood also share in the group’s prayers, adds Ruckstuhl, who has been a member of the group since 1986. Members promise to pray one hour a week for vocations; and when called upon the group assists with projects that promote vocation awareness. “Anyone wishing to join us in praying for vocations is welcome to come together before the Blessed Sacrament for Holy Hour at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales. Members receive a schedule of dates and times of the Holy Hours,” says Ruckstuhl. “At the Holy Hour, a collection is taken for a burse for the seminarians.” The Anawim community sponsors a Spring Banquet each year where they gather to honor priests and religious brothers and sisters who are celebrating silver and golden jubilees in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux that year. At this event, the members present the burse for the seminarians to the bishop. Membership dues are $10 per year. For more information, contact Ruckstuhl at (985) 868-5625. www.bayoucatholic.com

Social Story by Janet Marcel

A new content-driven, more layperson-friendly website was recently launched for the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “It is easily understood that technology can be a wonderful tool in our efforts to advance the

mission of the church and to strengthen people’s relationship to Jesus Christ. I am confident that the launch of our new diocesan website will serve as an important evangelization tool. The new website in an enhanced way will continue to assist those who need information about the diocese, as well as offer information about all that we offer to those who seek to deepen their relationship with Jesus

Diocesan Programs This Month “Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guests: Rev. Mitchel Semar

Diocesan Manager of Social Media

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Christ through the many faith opportunities that are provided. I invite all to visit the new website often,” says Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. Some time ago, Bishop Fabre met with Louis Aguirre, diocesan director of the Office of Communications, to discuss the diocese’s vision for social communications. “We aim to do the best we can in God’s name,” says Aguirre. “If we are going to proclaim, educate and excite people about their faith, then we have to be where they are.” In light of the relevance of Social Media in today’s society, it was decided that Father Mitchel Semar,

Media

New website, more who has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from McNeese University in Lake Charles, would join the diocesan Office of Communications as the new manager of Social Media. After getting the diocese established in the more popular forms of Social Media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and developing a diocesan app, Father Semar began exploring the diocesan website and found that it was in need of updating in order to make it the best tool for evangelization that it could be. Father Semar recalls something that Pope Francis said to a group of journalists about the importance of Social Media. “Pope Francis says the church is always an evangelizing church. When the church goes into a new country, it has to learn the language of that country; and in today’s world the language is Social Media and we, as a church, must learn the language of Social Media.” An advisory committee was formed to articulate more specific ideas about what should be included on the website. Members of the committee, Father Semar, Holly Becnel, diocesan director of the Office of Computer Operations and Technology; Mike DiSalvo, diocesan director of the Office of Youth Ministry;

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Shawn Lapeyrouse, conference director; and Kayla Arceneaux, former secretary for Social Media, met several times over the course of a few months. The website project took approximately six months to complete, according to Charles Gaiennie, CEO, whose company, The W.L. Gaiennie Company, was given the task of reinventing the existing diocesan website. The website will have a completely different look as far as the way it is organized. It will be much easier to navigate and to locate information that is being sought. Some of the new features include an “I want to” tool that will take you to some of the most frequently asked questions with answers; a “stay inspired” section where someone is given an option to subscribe to one or more ministries to receive information, updates and/or newsletters by e-mail; a “search tool”; a “find a Mass” tool where you can search for a Mass by time; and a diocesan calendar of events which will be updated periodically. Visitors to the website can still watch diocesan events and conferences live, view past diocesan shows and events, read archived Bayou Catholic magazines and watch Food for the Journey presentations. Diocesan offices, schools and church parishes will still have their own webpages within the website. Everyone is invited to visit the new website, www. htdiocese.org, as well as to like us on Facebook (facebook.com/htdiocese); follow us on Twitter (twitter. com/htdiocese); and download our App – search for ht diocese.

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Father Joseph Pilola

By Janet Marcel Father Joseph Pilola, pastor of Maria Immacolata Church parish in Houma, will be the keynote speaker 34 for the 30th annual diocesan Catholic School Educators Conference, as announced by Marian Fertitta, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools. The conference will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma. This year’s conference will focus on the methodology and educational philosophy of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Father Pilola, who is part Filipino, Spanish, Chinese and Italian, was born in Fort Dix, NJ, the seventh of nine children, six boys and three girls. He has a master’s degree in theology from Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and was ordained to the priesthood by the late Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux May 30, 1987. Father Pilola has served as associate pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, Holy Rosary in Larose, Sacred Heart in Cut Off, Holy Savior in Lockport, Holy Family in Grand Caillou and St. Eloi in Theriot. He has served as pastor of St. Andrew in Amelia, St. Genevieve in Thibodaux, St. Eloi in Theriot, and St. Thomas Aquinas in Thibodaux. During his years as a priest he has been intensely involved in the lives of the people of the diocese in many different ways including in the areas of education, music, art and language. He has worked with Hispanic Ministry and been intensely involved with the various retreat movements in the diocese in which he has the opportunity to minister to people all over the diocese. Father Pilola has studied 27 different languages including American Sign Language, in which he is fluent and is the liaison between the deaf community and the diocese. Approximately 400 Catholic school educators

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Bishop Fabre’s statement on court’s ruling on marriage As all are aware, in July we received the decision of the Supreme Court regarding marriage. At the time the decision was handed down, I made the following statement and wish to repeat it here: “Rooted in the fact that God has created each person in his image and likeness, church teaching proclaims and calls for respect for the human dignity of each and every person. With regard to marriage, the church also roots its teaching on marriage in the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ, who taught that from the beginning, marriage is a union between one man and one woman. The decision by the Supreme Court regarding marriage disappoints me, but along with others I know that a narrow majority of the justices of the Supreme Court will not change this understanding of the true nature and the true beauty of marriage. As church, while always respecting the human dignity of each person, we will nonetheless continue to proclaim this truth, beauty and goodness of marriage.” May the Lord be with us as we continue as the church to proclaim the truth to all people.

Conference Cont. from pg. 34

will attend the conference this year. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will celebrate Mass to begin the conference. Those who have completed 25 years in Catholic education in the diocese will be recognized after the Mass. Teachers will also be awarded mini-grants. “Beginning this school year, participation in the educator’s conference will fulfill the new requirement that all Catholic school teachers receive a minimum of three hours of religious education per year,” says Fertitta.

Diocesan Outreach Line

In response to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is offering an Outreach Line (formerly known as the Child Protection Contact Line). The Outreach Line is an effort to continue the diocesan commitment to support healing for people who have been hurt or sexually abused recently or in the past by clergy, religious or other employees of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line operates from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A trained mental health professional responds to the line. Individuals are offered additional assistance if requested.

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026. For detailed reporting procedures see: www.htdiocese.org. Click on the Safe Environment tab, then on S.E. Forms and Links.

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

Con el fin de cumplir con las Políticas de Protección de Niños y Jóvenes de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Los Estados Unidos, la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux ofrece una Línea de Comunicación (antes Línea de Contacto para la Protección de los Niños). La Línea de Comunicación es parte del esfuerzo diocesano de comprometerse con el mejoramiento de aquéllos que han sido lastimados o abusados sexualmente recientemente o en el pasado por miembros del clero, religiosos u otros empleados de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux. El horario de la Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux es de 8:30 a.m. a 4:30 p.m., de lunes a viernes. El encargado de esta línea es un profesional capacitado en salud mental. Se ofrece asistencia adicional al ser solicitada.

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026. Vea el detallado procedimiento de informes en: www.htdiocese.org. Haga clic en Safe Environment y luego S.E. Forms and Links.

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

www.bayoucatholic.com

Lydia Landry is new principal at St. Bernadette School, Houma

Lydia Landry

Lydia Landry has been named as the new principal for St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School in Houma for the 2015-2016 school year, Marian B. Fertitta, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, announced recently. Landry is a graduate of Thibodaux High School in Thibodaux. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. She taught at Schriever Elementary School in Schriever for four years and at St. Bernadette Elementary School for 15 years. Landry has been the assistant principal at St. Bernadette Elementary School since August 2009.

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She has been married to Mike Landry for 15 years. She has one daughter, Billie Jean Lajaunie, 35. She and her husband are parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux. “I am very pleased to welcome Mrs. Landry as principal of St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary School. She assumes the position with extensive experience at the school, a passion to continue to move the school forward and a great love for the entire school community. I wish her much success and grace as she assumes this tremendous responsibility as a Catholic school principal,” says Fertitta.

Food for the Journey Sept. 1 LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre addresses the wedding anniversary couples at last year’s prayer service at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.

Prayer Service for Anniversary Couples

Couples married in the Catholic Church who are celebrating 25, 40, 50, 60 and beyond years of marriage this year will be honored Sunday, October 18. There will be a prayer service at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma followed by a reception in the courtyard. Couples wishing to participate in this program should contact their church parish before August 24 to register. All registered anniversary couples will receive an inscribed diocesan certificate in their own church parish during a scheduled parish celebration.

The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month at the Quality Hotel on Hollywood Road in Houma across from Vandebilt Catholic High School. The speaker for Sept. 1 is Thibodaux native Father Andre’ Melancon. Father Melancon, pastor of St. Father Andre’ Thomas Aquinas Church Melancon parish in Thibodaux, is also diocesan director of the Office of Vocations. Those who plan to attend the Sept. 1st event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Aug. 27th. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@htdiocese.org or call (985) 850-3178. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m. Cost is $17 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted. All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”

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Contents Nicholls State University Colonels

44 E.D. White Catholic High School Cardinals

50 H.L. Bourgeois High School Braves

Central Catholic High School Eagles

47 South Lafourche High School Tarpons

52 Morgan City High School Tigers

Vandebilt Catholic High School Terriers

48 Thibodaux High School Tigers

54 South Terrebonne High School Gators

56 Terrebonne High School Tigers

62 Louisiana State University Tigers

68 Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ August 2015

58 Ellender Memorial High School Patriots

64 Tulane University Green Wave

60 Central Lafourche High School Trojans

66 New Orleans Saints

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Football

2015 Louisiana College Team Schedules Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Sat. Sept. 5......................................SOUTHERN JAGUARS Thurs. Sept. 10......................................... Western Kentucky Sat. Sept. 19...................................................... Kansas State Sat. Sept. 26.......................... FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL Sat. Oct. 3................................................... UL-LAFAYETTE Sat. Oct. 10..................... University Of Texas-San Antonio* Sat. Oct. 17..................................................Mississippi State Sat. Oct. 24.......................................MIDDLE TENNESSEE Fri. Oct. 30...................................................................... Rice* Sat. Nov. 7.................................................. NORTH TEXAS* Sat. Nov. 21...............................University of Texas-El Paso Sat. Nov. 28..............................SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Conference USA games

UL Lafayette Rajun Cajuns Sat. Sept. 5.............................................................. Kentucky Sat. Sept. 12.............................. NORTHWESTERN STATE Sat. Sept. 26.............................................................. AKRON Sat. Oct. 3.......................................................Louisiana Tech Sat. Oct. 10...................................................TEXAS STATE* Tues. Oct. 20.................................................Arkansas State* Sat. Oct. 31....................... University of Louisiana-Monroe* Sat. Nov. 7................................................................ Georgia* Thurs. Nov. 12..............................................South Alabama* Sat. Nov. 21.....................................NEW MEXICO STATE* Sat. Nov. 28.............................................Appalachian State* Sat. Dec. 5.................................................................... TROY* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southwestern Athletic Conference games

McNeese Cowboys Sat. Sept. 5................................. Louisiana State University Sat. Sept. 12..................................... UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD* Sat. Sept. 19............................................ Stephen F. Austin* Sat. Sept 26...................................MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE Sat. Oct. 3.................................... Nicholls State University* Sat. Oct. 10.......................SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA* Sat. Oct. 17........................ University of Central Arkansas* Sat. Oct. 24.............................. NORTHWESTERN STATE* Sat. Oct. 31...............................................Abilene Christian* Sat. Nov. 7....................................SAM HOUSTON STATE* Sat. Nov. 21................................................................ Lamar* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southland Conference games

Southern Jaguars Sat. Sept. 5.....................................................Louisiana Tech Thurs. Sept. 10.............................. Mississippi Valley State* Sat. Sept. 19........................................... JACKSON STATE* Sat. Sept. 26............................................................... Georgia Sat. Oct. 10....................................................Alabama State* Sat. Oct. 17...................................... PRAIRIE VILLE A&M* Sat. Oct. 24.................................................. Texas Southern* Sat. Oct. 31............................................... ALCORN STATE* Sat. Nov. 7..........................................Arkansas –Pine Bluff* Sat. Nov. 14...............................................ALABAMA A&M* Sat. Nov. 28.......................................GRAMBLING STATE* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southwestern Athletic Conference games

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Grambling Tigers Sat. Sept. 5.......................................University of California Sat. Sept. 12.................................... BETHUNE-COOKMAN Sat. Sept. 19..................................................Alabama State* Sat. Sept. 26........................................... Prairie View A&M* Sat. Oct. 3....................................................... Jackson State* Sat. Oct. 10................................................ALABAMA A&M* Sat. Oct. 17........................................................Alcorn State* Sat. Oct. 24........................MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE* Sat. Nov. 7................................................... Texas Southern* Sat. Nov. 14...................University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff* Sat. Nov. 28......................................... Southern University* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southwestern Athletic Conference games

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

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104 East Bayou Rd. (Hwy 308) Thibodaux, LA 70301 (985) 446-3736 www.thibodauxpt.com

About our

sports writers Ed Daniels has been sports director at WGNO Channel 26 in New Orleans since 1993. A native of New Orleans, Daniels graduated from Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie and later received a degree from Loyola University in New Orleans. Daniels started in television in 1977 as first sports intern at WVUE Channel 8 in New Orleans. In 2001, Daniels created “Friday Night Football,” the first high school football show in New Orleans. He was named Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association in 1997. Jeremy Becker, a native of Thibodaux and resident of Schriever, graduated from Nicholls State University in 1995 with a degree in marketing and in 1997 with a master’s of business administration. While working on his master’s, he was a graduate assistant with the Nicholls Colonel Club and is currently president of the Colonel Athletic Association. Becker is director of the Office of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Steve Caldarera, a native of Vacherie, has been the Bayou Catholic’s Tulane columnist for many years. He graduated from Nicholls State University with a degree in communications. Caldarera has experience in announcing sports for radio and doing play-by-play for Nicholls State University. He was the first advertising manager for the Bayou Catholic and currently works in insurance and investments with the Steve Caldarera Group.

Wil Touchet, a native and resident of Houma, LA, graduated from Vandebilt Catholic High School in 1997 and received a bachelor of arts in mass communication from Nicholls State University in 2001. He has been a sports correspondent for The Courier and Daily Comet since 2008 and a Bayou Catholic contributor since 2009. Touchet currently teaches and coaches at West Thibodaux Middle School.

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Football

Nicholls State University Colonels

Coach Tim Rebowe

Sat. Sept. 12.............................................University of Louisiana-Monroe Sat. Sept. 19....................................................................... Incarnate Word Sat. Sept. 26................................................................................... Colorado Sat. Oct. 3.....................................................................McNEESE STATE* Sat. Oct. 10....................................................................Stephen F. Austin* Sat. Oct. 17..............................................................HOUSTON BAPTIST* Sat. Oct. 24..................................................................Sam Houston State* Sat. Oct. 31.................................................... NORTHWESTERN STATE* Sat. Nov. 7........................................................................................Lamar* Sat. Nov. 14......................................................... CENTRAL ARKANSAS* Sat. Nov.19.......................................................... Southeastern Louisiana* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southland Conference games

Rebowe brings new attitude to Nicholls

By Jeremy Becker hen the search began late last fall for the next football coach at Nicholls State University, Nicholls President Dr. Bruce Murphy was given many suggestions on the type 44 of coach that Nicholls should hire. Many Colonel supporters conveyed the importance of hiring a coach who would be active in the community, aggressively recruit local and regional student athletes, and build a competitive program on a tight budget. Above those qualities, fans wanted a coach who would be the right fit and many feel that Tim Rebowe not only exceeds those qualities but is also that right fit. In addition to his 20 years of coaching on the college level, Rebowe brings many ties to Nicholls and the community. His connections to Nicholls date back to his youth as he was born in Norco and would attend Nicholls games to watch his brother Rusty, who was an All-American linebacker for the Colonels and who still holds the records for number of tackles in a game, season and career. Following college, Rebowe began his coaching career at his alma mater, Destrehan High School, where he would eventually become the head coach at the age of 29 and would lead DHS to the Louisiana State Championship Game in his second season. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

On top of his brother playing at Nicholls and being a fan from a young age, Rebowe would create more ties to Nicholls when he began his college coaching career at Nicholls in 1995 as defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator. Rebowe’s prior experience at Nicholls not only prepared him for what to expect when he came back as head coach, but it also prepared him for turning around a program. Rebowe’s first year as an assistant at Nicholls, just like last year’s team, was winless for the Colonels; however, his second year made NCAA history as it was considered one of the greatest turnarounds in FCS history with the Colonels finishing with a 8-3 regular season record. Rebowe’s defensive backs were credited as the seventh best unit in the country for pass defense efficiency. Rebowe would stay at Nicholls for six seasons until heading to Louisiana-Monroe for three seasons. Following his years at ULM, Rebowe moved back to south Louisiana by going to LouisianaLafayette where he would stay for 11 seasons, work under three different head coaches and see the Cajuns go from a program winning only a couple of games a year to a program that has had four straight winning seasons along with four straight bowl wins. Now that he is back at Nicholls, Rebowe faces a steep uphill battle

in getting the Colonels to a level of respectability not only nationally, but even within the state. Earning respect comes from winning games and Rebowe’s first year schedule will do him no favors as once again, Nicholls has one of the most difficult schedules in all of the Football Championship Subdivision. With only four home games including the first three games on the road, the Colonels will need to be both physically and mentally prepared for all of the travel. Nicholls will open the season at Louisiana-Monroe, followed by their Southland Conference opener at University of Incarnate Word and finally at FBS Pac 12 opponent Colorado. The Colonels will finally play their first home game on Oct. 3 as they host McNeese State for Homecoming. After traveling to Stephen F. Austin, Nicholls will alter home and road games with Houston Baptist, Northwestern State and Central Arkansas visiting Guidry Stadium and the Colonels journeying to Sam Houston State, Lamar and Southeastern Louisiana. Turning around a program will surely rely on the quality and depth of players and Rebowe has not been shy in stating that he does have concern about the depth of the team, but that the cupboard is not bare as there are many quality players. Arguably, the most talented group of players can be found at the running back

position with seniors Michael Henry, Tobias Lofton and Reggie Wilson leading the way. In 2014, Henry was one of the only bright spots as he became the third Colonel to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season while being named Second Team All-SLC. Dylan Ledet, a senior from E.D. White, will get the nod as starter at fullback. Adding to what might be a potent running attack will be likely starter at quarterback in junior Tuskani Figaro who redshirted last season; but in 2013 he started eight games and set new Colonel football records by becoming the second Colonel to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. He also set a record mark for rushing yards in a game with 281 and rushing yards in a season with 1,103, while also throwing for over 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns. Staying healthy will be a big key to Nicholls’ offensive line’s success, as three probable starters missed most, if not all, of spring practice due to injury which at least allowed the Colonels to gain depth at the line due to the starters being

injured. Anchoring the offensive line will be senior Brandon Holmes, who is considered by many as one of the best centers in the SLC, with junior Jared Breaux from Central Lafourche and sophomore Hunter Alleman from Assumption fighting to hold down starting spots. Success in the passing game was not very prevalent last season but a quartet of seniors in Xavier Marcus, Terry Lucas, Darryl Watson and Kyron King will look to improve the position with ULLafayette transfer Jarrel Rogers and sophomore Jared Richard, from Thibodaux High, pushing for playing time. Adding to the passing game will be tight ends senior Dorian Donald along with sophomores Stephen LeBouef, from E.D. White, and Cody Morales splitting duty at the position. To say that Nicholls’ defense struggled last year can be an understatement as they finished with the worst defense in FCS last season. The Colonels do have some talent returning from last year, with the best group being the backfield. Junior safety B.T. Sanders is one

of the better safeties in the SLC and sophomore Joel Dullary will be a good counterpart at the other safety. The cornerbacks will have a number of players competing for the two spots with Colorado transfer Jeff Hall looking to be a special player. Another strong group will be with the Colonel linebackers with senior Kameryon Brown and juniors Seth Keller and Ronnie Walker leading the way at the inside positions. The outside linebackers will also benefit from some experienced players in junior Chris Lorden and sophomore Geoffrey Hebert, from E.D. White, with junior Jeremiah Thomas, from Terrebonne, returning from injury. The key to the defense making improvements will be along the defensive line where the Colonels are currently lacking some depth. Currently, sophomore Larazus Ona with redshirt freshmen Tyler Johnson and Devin Simoneaux will likely start with sophomore Sean Eppinette and junior Ja’Michael Edwards-Lott adding depth. All in all, can Rebowe turn around the Nicholls

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Nicholls

football program? Yes. Will Rebowe turn around the Nicholls football program? Yes. Will the turnaround happen this season? That question is more difficult to answer. Nicholls showed some flashes of being a decent team last year, but injuries and an overall lack of enthusiasm and desire and an overall poor attitude greatly weighed the team down. Rebowe has already brought up the overall moral of the team and if he can get them to believe in themselves and that they can be successful, then success on the field should follow. Rebowe has already been a part of turning around the Nicholls football program when not many people thought it was possible and it should be fun watching a person with so many ties to Nicholls do it again.

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Central Catholic Eagles Thurs. Sept. 3................................................................................ St. John* Fri. Sept. 11...................................................................Opelousas Catholic Thurs. Sept. 17.................................................. ASCENSION CATHOLIC Fri. Sept. 25................................................................ Lafayette Christian* Fri. Oct. 2.................................................................................. Centerville* Fri. Oct. 9...............................................................HIGHLAND BAPTIST* Thurs. Oct. 15................................................ VERMILLION CATHOLIC* Fri. Oct. 23............................................................ HANSON MEMORIAL* Fri. Oct. 30.................................................................................... Gueydan* Fri. Nov. 6....................................................... ASCENSION EPISCOPAL* Coach Tommy Minton

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-1A games

Central Catholic looking for big plays this season

By Wil Touchet he Central Catholic Eagles made a run to the Division IV quarterfinals last season. This year they are looking for another deep playoff run, but will try and do so with even more speed. “I feel like it’s our team speed,” Eagles coach Tommy Minton said of this team’s top strength. “We have really good speed at the skill positions. We have a returning all-state running back in Stefano Guarisco. We have a couple of alldistrict wide receivers in Jalen Johnson and Samarick Paul. Those kids are all back. I think they will give us a big play element on offense.” Also looking to contribute on offense for the Eagles (9-3 overall last season, lost to state champion Ouachita Christian in quarters) will be four returning starters along the offensive line along with junior quarterback Blake Byrne. “Our offensive line was really young last year,” Minton said. “Those kids are back. They worked hard in the weight room. I really look for us to be 100 percent improved in that area up front. I look at our quarterback Blake Byrne, who started as a sophomore last year. It was his first year playing quarterback, and he gained a lot of valuable experience. You

can see it this summer. He’s making his reads quicker and throwing the ball better. I look to see him being a lot better this year too.” The Eagles, who have 50 players heading into the fall, lost nine seniors from last year and have six seniors this year, also have some key defensive players returning in senior nose guard T.J. Ruffin (all-state honorable mention) and senior middle linebacker Tanner Wiggins (all-district first team). Minton said the team has put in some major work over the summer. “We’ve made a lot of positive strides this summer as far as strength and conditioning and putting our offensive and defensive systems in,” Minton said. He added that the Eagles secondary is inexperienced but it has performed well over the summer and that the kicking game will be inexperienced, but important. “One area that was hit very hard by graduation was our secondary,” Minton said. “We’re working a lot of young kids there this summer with our 7-on-7 and all. In that scenario, we’ve seen constant improvement, and I want to see that carried on as we get into the season. We always put a big emphasis on the kicking game. We lost both our punter and placekicker. We have to shore that area up and make sure that we can

be good again in the special teams area.” Minton also said staying healthy will be important. “At the 1A level, No. 1 is staying healthy,” Minton said. “We’re going 47 to do a good job of playing kids. If we get one or more crucial injuries, then you get more kids playing both ways. You want to try to stay away from that if you can.” The Eagles will compete in District 7-1A this season with Ascension Episcopal, Centerville, Gueydan, Hanson Memorial, Highland Baptist, Lafayette Christian and Vermilion Catholic. “When you look at it, Vermilion Catholic is always a perennial contender for the state championship,” Minton said. “Last year, Ascension Episcopal really turned a corner and ended up in the quarterfinals also along with us and Vermilion Catholic. So we had three teams from our district in the quarterfinals. That tells you we’re in a tough district. You look at some other schools. Lafayette Christian has a ton of good athletes, and they can put it together to be a contender at any time. You’ve got to play every week. I think it’s still going to come down to Vermilion Catholic and us. That ballgame will be the biggest determining factor.” www.bayoucatholic.com

Football

Vandebilt Catholic Terriers Fri. Sept. 4............................................................................... E.D. WHITE Fri. Sept. 11.................................................................... Central Lafourche Fri. Sept. 18................................................................................ St. Charles Fri. Sept. 25....................................................... COVENANT CHRISTIAN Fri. Oct. 2........................................................................... Isidore Newman Thurs. Oct. 8..................................................................South Terrebonne* Fri. Oct. 16.............................................................SOUTH LAFOURCHE* Fri. Oct. 23......................................................................... ASSUMPTION* Fri. Oct. 30.............................................................................. Morgan City* Fri. Nov. 6............................................................................... ELLENDER* Coach Jeremy Atwell

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Terriers hoping team unity carries them a long way in 2015

By Wil Touchet he Vandebilt Catholic football team has 109 players heading into 2015, but that has not stopped it from becoming a tight-knit group. “This is not a coaching cliché,” Vandebilt 48 coach Jeremy Atwell said. “I feel team unity is our strength. In January, when we got back from holiday break and started our offseason program, you could feel a vibe throughout the team that was it was a closer group. There were kids up here working all the time. This team has a different camaraderie. They believe in themselves. The players are handling issues themselves without the coaches having to handle it. That’s what you look for. Our team unity and being a family could really bode well for us, especially once we get into district and the season gets longer.” Vandebilt, which has 10 seniors and lost 12 last year, went 4-6 overall last season and 3-1 in District 7-4A and fell to De La Salle in the first round of the Division II playoffs. Atwell said with so many players, the Terriers should have great competition for spots and playing time. “This year we have more players out, which brings more competition at each position. There’s not a sense of entitlement with the guys who played the position the last two years or whatever,” Atwell said. “We’re going to have more competition at more positions with very capable players. That’s going to help us improve there with the depth.” Atwell added that he is pushing for the Terriers to make more game-changing plays on defense and tally longer drives on offense and for them to finish with big plays. “Another area we have to fix is that we gave up too many plays on the defensive side last year that were game changers,” Atwell said. “Not necessarily in terms of wins and losses but definitely in terms of momentum. Offensively, we have to convert more first downs and Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

keep the ball longer. We want to be a good defensive team, so we have to carry the ball longer on offense and don’t leave them out there as much. We need to finish drives, convert more first downs and stay on the field. We also really didn’t have many big plays. We

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only had a few explosive plays for touchdowns. That’s something we’ve got to improve on offensively.” On offense, the Terriers return four starters along the offensive line and other key players will be senior quarterback David Yancey and senior running back O’Shawn Henderson. On defense some of the key players returning will be senior defensive end/outside linebacker Grant Stevens, senior linebacker Sam Nunnally, junior linebacker Alex Rios and senior defensive back Claude Thompson, who will help lead a secondary which returns all four starters. Atwell said he is looking forward to the start of the season, which is the next step in the process for the Terriers. “As coaches, we’ve put in a lot of time this summer as a staff, mainly going back to look at the things we can improve on,” Atwell said. “You’ve got to learn from your mistakes. Our non-district schedule was extremely tough but I think we used that as an excuse. We didn’t execute like we should have. I hope we were able to look at the first half of the season and see what we did wrong and learn from that. And then take a look at the second half of the season where we had some success and look at what we did differently. I think there will be some positive carry over at the beginning of this season. It’s a learning process and 90 percent of our 109 have been here every day. I think in our society, we look for instant gratification but we’re trying to build a program here. I think this group of young men that we are fortunate to coach understand that and want to be

part of that process.” The Terriers join Assumption, Ellender, Morgan City, South Lafourche and South Terrebonne in District 7-4A this season. “It’s a tough district. Even the teams that have been down the last couple of years have improved,” Atwell said. “They have talent. Each week you have to compete. South Terrebonne was a class ahead of everybody last year. They were the better team with the talent they had and the coaching job they always have. I think some of their losses create a little more parity in the district, but it’s still tough. South Lafourche was competitive in the 5A district they were coming from. That brings an unknown factor and throws a different wrinkle into it. I’m excited about it. I think there are some teams on the upswing. I think we could possibly be one of them. Ellender is a real talented team and Coach (Terry) Washington does a great job. South Terrebonne is always there year in and year out. Morgan City and Assumption have improved. South Lafourche is going to come in and make noise in the district.”

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E.D. White Cardinals Fri. Sept. 4.................................................................................... Vandebilt Fri. Sept. 11........................................................................... LAKESHORE Fri. Sept. 18.................................................................................St. James* Fri. Sept. 25.....................................................................................Kaplan* Fri. Oct. 2.................................................................................FRANKLIN* Sat. Oct. 10...................................................................... Thomas Jefferson Fri. Oct. 16............................................................................ PATTERSON* Fri. Oct. 23............................................................NORTH VERMILLION* Fri. Oct. 30..................................................................................... Berwick* Fri. Nov. 6.......................................................................................... Erath* Coach Chris Bergeron

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 8-3A games

Skill players to lead EDW in 2015

W 50

By Wil Touchet hen asked about the strengths of the 2015 E.D. White Catholic football team, its head coach Chris Bergeron was quick to point out one set of players.

“We definitely think one of our strengths this year is our skillposition players,” Bergeron said. “We feel pretty good about them. We return most of them from last year’s team. We feel comfortable with those skill guys. We have a good group of young skill guys

ready to step in and make their mark on this year’s team.” The Cardinals, who have around 75 players and went 7-3 overall last season and made the Division II quarterfinals where they fell 41-7 to Notre Dame of Crowley, will be led on offense by quarterback

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Ben Sposito, running back Jeremy Rounds and receiver Karion Brooks. “Those are really the three guys at the skill positions who are going to lead us along the way,” Bergeron said. While the Cardinals, who lost 26 seniors from last season, return some top skill players on offense, they lost nine defensive starters from last year and will look to linebackers Trey St. Pierre and Haden Theriot, and Rounds and Brooks in the secondary for leadership on defense. “They (St. Pierre and Theriot) played a lot last year, so they understand what we’re looking for,” Bergeron said. “They may not have been classified as starters, but those guys played a lot. We’re looking for Jeremy, not only on the offensive side of the ball, but Jeremy and Karion on the defensive side of the ball to take some leadership roles in the secondary to help us grow up back there quickly.” Bergeron added that the Cardinals defensive front will lack varsity experience but not talent. “We definitely have to improve on our front eight,” Bergeron said. “We lost seven of our front eight from graduation, and another two guys in the secondary. We’re definitely going to have to grow up on defense pretty quick. We had a good spring on defense. We’re going to have a good group of, maybe not experienced guys, but kids who are ready to step into bigger roles on the team. That’s probably going to be the biggest key for us.”

For the Cardinals to reach their goals, Bergeron said staying healthy and playing consistently along the offensive and defensive lines will be important. “We want to have high expectations,” Bergeron said. “Obviously, if your goal at the end of the season is not to be in the (state championship in the Superdome), then I think you have the wrong goal. We understand that if we are fortunate enough to get there that it’s going to be a tough road. But that’s the goal for the end of the season. You want to be one of those few teams playing for a state championship. We know there are some things that have to happen along the way. We are prepared for those things. You try to make your program as successful as you can. At our place, we have a long standing tradition. We’re looking to carry that tradition on.” The Cardinals will play in a new district this season – District 8-3A with Berwick, Erath, Franklin, Kaplan, North Vermilion and Patterson. “Obviously, the travel is going to change and being unfamiliar with the three new opponents,” Bergeron said. “We feel like it’s one game at a time. It’s about controlling what we can control and not so much being concerned about who we have to play and who we don’t have to play. In district they tell us who to play. So we’re just going in with the mindset that we’re going to control what we can control and try to be playing our best football throughout the district season.” 51

Best Wishes for a safe and winning season!!

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Football

South Lafourche Tarpons Fri. Sept. 4..................................................................................... Bonnabel Fri. Sept. 11....................................CARVER COLLEGIATE ACADEMY* Fri. Sept. 18............................................................................THIBODAUX Fri. Sept. 25.................................................................... Central Lafourche Fri. Oct. 2................................................................................. Plaquemine* Fri. Oct 9...........................................................................MORGAN CITY* Fri. Oct. 16...................................................................................Vandebilt* Fri. Oct. 23.....................................................................................Ellender* Fri. Oct. 30......................................................................... ASSUMPTION* Fri. Nov. 6...........................................................SOUTH TERREBONNE* Coach Dennis Skains

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Big change ahead for Tarpons in 2015

T 52

By Wil Touchet here will be a big change ahead for the South Lafourche Tarpons in 2015. After years of playing in Class 5A, South Lafourche has moved down to Class 4A and will compete in District 7-4A with Assumption, Ellender, Morgan City, South Terrebonne and Vandebilt Catholic. “We’re moving down a class but it doesn’t mean that life gets easier for us,” Tarpons coach Dennis Skains said. “All it does is it puts us where we need to be as far as population. South Terrebonne has been such a great team over these last few years. They’re so wellcoached. We play them Week 10 so that gives them plenty of time. I know they lost some kids but by the time we play them, they’ll have them coached up and ready to go.” Skains said the rest of the district will also be strong. “Vandebilt will be a solid team,” Skains said. “They’re a lot of athletes at Ellender. There’s Morgan City and Assumption, of course. It’s going to be a challenge for us. One good thing about it is I haven’t coached against these teams, since I’ve been here but I know that traditionally these teams have been part of South Lafourche’s history. It’ll be good to be part of that and let that be part of the tradition again. It’s certainly

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

going to be a challenge and our kids are excited about it.” The Tarpons have 32 seniors returning in an 80-man roster after losing 14 seniors from a team that went 4-7 overall and lost in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. “We are returning with a lot of experience,” Skains said. “Last year, we had a small senior class. A lot of your juniors have to step up and play, even some sophomores. Sometimes some kids have to play before they’re ready to play. With the district we were in last year, I think that took its toll over time. You had some kids that weren’t really ready to go, but we had to use them because of the small senior class and a few injuries.” Skains said last year provided positives and negatives for his team. “They got that valuable experience,” Skains said. “That’s the good part of it. The bad part of it is, when you’re in the district we were in last year, which in my opinion was the best one in the state last year, you can have a season like we had. You take your lumps. This season we have more experienced players, guys that have been in the fire a little bit. When you’re in such a talented district and you start to lose games by a large margin, even though those kids are getting experience, they’re getting experience losing. You’ve got to be careful. We try to make

sure that they’re confident. Our kids are smart. They understand the situation. Hopefully, we’ll just have some kids with a bunch of experience.” On offense, the Tarpons will be led by senior quarterback Harvey Allen, who had over 2,000 allpurpose yards and 23 touchdowns last season. His top target will be receiver Shakerrin Dillon and the team’s top running back is expected to be Corbin Allen. Senior defensive linemen Jacob Jackson and Charlie Smith will lead the Tarpons up front. At linebacker, Daniel Griffin and Nikali Lombas are three-year starters and South Lafourche will also count on Henri Terrebonne as well. Skains said it will be important for the Tarpons to get used to winning. “This group isn’t like any other I’ve had,” Skains said. “They care about what we’re doing. They just have to get used to winning. They have to get that attitude or confidence or swagger, whatever you want to call it. We’ve been working on them getting that back. The first two years I was here we had that at all times. Last year, you take your lumps and we lost some of that. We have to make them realize that they can be as good as they want to be, that they do have a special senior class. Try and get that confidence back.

But they’ve got to win. Get a few under their belt and realize that last year is last year and this year is this year.” He added that coming together as a team will be key for the Tarpons. “Our goal is always to win. Hopefully, that’s every coach’s goal. We’re not embarrassed to say we want to win. That’s what we’re here to do,” Skains said. “We want to make a run in the playoffs. For us to get there, the senior class has got to come together. Sometimes it’s harder with that many, with 32 kids with different personalities. I think they’re working towards that. You can see the

‘

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We’re moving down a class but it doesn’t mean that life gets easier for us.

process. Sometimes it doesn’t happen as quickly as you want but you can tell that they’re going through the process of being in a leadership position they haven’t been in before. They’re taking ownership of it and holding each other accountable. The closer that group gets and their ability to understand their roles on the team and how to lead this team. That will determine how far we go. We have the talent to have a special season, but it’s all dependent on how we can come together.”

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Football

Thibodaux Tigers Fri. Sept. 4............................................................................ ST. CHARLES Fri. Sept. 11........................................................................East Ascension* Fri. Sept. 18............................................................ SOUTH LAFOURCHE Fri. Sept. 25...................................................................... TERREBONNE* Fri. Oct. 2.............................................................................. East St. John* Fri. Oct. 9..........................................................CENTRAL LAFOURCHE* Fri. Oct. 16.......................................................................... H.L. Bourgeois* Fri. Oct. 23..................................................................... ST. AUGUSTINE* Fri. Oct. 30................................................................................. Destrehan* Fri. Nov. 6............................................................................. HAHNVILLE* Coach Chris Dugas

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-5A games

Tigers looking for more in 2015

By Wil Touchet he Thibodaux High football team went 10-2 last season and had one of the best seasons in school history. But the team is looking for more in 2015. It has 75 players, including 25 seniors and lost 26 seniors off a team that fell to Scotlandville in 54 the second round of the Class 5A playoffs “We can’t be complacent and we can’t be happy with what we have done in the past,” Tigers coach Chris Dugas said. “We have to play for today and play for the future. It was great that we won 10 games last year and it was exciting and a great run, but that’s over now. This group of seniors has to take ownership over this year. Last year was fun, but this year can be fun too if those guys want to leave a legacy. We want to be the gold standard now. That is what they have to work toward and we need to keep the family mentality we have. A lot of the success is because these guys play for each other. We have seen the intensity in the spring and over the summer and I don’t think they want to be mediocre. First goal is to make the playoffs, second goal is to win district and the third goal is to play in that climate controlled building (the Superdome in New Orleans) in December.” Dugas said he expects the Tigers to be in excellent shape this fall. “I think we are going to be in great shape,” Dugas said. “We had coach Boo Schexnayder come in this summer and work with us and he worked with some Olympians at LSU. He is a world renowned strength coach. He has been a part

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

of helping revamp our strength and conditioning program, which is now run by our defensive line coach Michael Young. We are going to be a lot stronger and in better shape than we were last year, which is key for us because of the tempo of our offense. We need to be in better condition than the teams that we play. We want to wear people out in the fourth quarter. Hopefully we can outlast those teams early in the season when it’s really hot.” The Tigers lost nine of 11 starters on offense and Dugas said he is relying on senior quarterback Trey LeBlanc, junior tight end Chase Hollis, senior wide receiver Rontrell Sandolph, senior wide receiver Ronald Lemon, senior running back and wide receiver Jonathan Carter, running back Donnel Adair, running back and junior receiver Amik Robertson, who will also return kicks and punts and play defensive back, to lead the offense this year. “The big thing for us is that we are replacing all five offensive linemen,” Dugas said. “We had some skill guys last year who were backups but who were just as good as some of our starters. That won’t be as big of an issue, but replacing those five guys will be key. We need to improve on our offensive and defensive lines up front. We need them to work together as a cohesive unit. I think the rest will take care of itself.” The Tigers lost four starters on defense, and top players this season are expected to be safety/ outside linebacker Blair Brooks, an all-state player last year who has college offers from Tulane, Nicholls,

Southeastern, Western Kentucky, Kansas and others; senior linebacker Joey Guillot, senior linebacker Kailin Joseph, senior defensive lineman Devin Hebert, sophomore defensive lineman Darius Richard, junior defensive lineman Brennon Garman, junior defensive lineman Anthony Sigue, senior defensive back Trymaine Samanie, junior defensive back Dwayne Coleman and Robertson. “I think the strongest part of our defense is our secondary,” Dugas said. “But I really feel good about everyone we have returning on defense.” The Tigers will play in District 7-5A this season with Central Lafourche, Destrehan, East St. John, H.L. Bourgeois, Hahnville and Terrebonne. “The River guys are going to be good year in and year out,” Dugas said. “When you talk about East St. John, Destrehan and Hahnville, you have teams that have over 100 kids out every year just on the varsity teams. You know they have depth there. I think we have done a good job of competing with those guys the last few years. We were an eyelash away from beating all three of those guys last year and I think our kids are confident we can compete with them. I think this group has a goal of continuing to get better. They want to win 11 or 12 games. I also think some teams are going to be talking about Central Lafourche, H.L. Bourgeois and Terrebonne this year too because they are improving. We know the district will still be tough. So will the entire area.”

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H.L. Bourgeois Braves Fri. Sept. 4............................................................SOUTH TERREBONNE Fri. Sept. 11.................................................................................... Ellender Fri. Sept. 18........................................................ SOUTH PLAQUEMINES Fri. Sept.25......................................................................EAST ST. JOHN* Fri. Oct. 2...................................................................... Central Lafourche* Fri. Oct. 9....................................................................................... Westgate Fri. Oct. 16............................................................................THIBODAUX* Fri. Oct. 23........................................................................... DESTREHAN* Fri. Oct. 30.................................................................................. Hahnville* Oct. Nov. 6................................................................................Terrebonne* Coach Carey Melvin

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-5A games

Melvin excited to take over at Bourgeois

F 56

By Wil Touchet ormer Thibodaux High defensive coordinator is the new head coach at H.L. Bourgeois and he is already busy at work. Carey Melvin, who spent the last two seasons at Thibodaux, is a 17-year assistant coaching veteran who has stops in college and in high school, said he is excited to have his first head coaching job with the Braves, who were led by Daron Franklin the last two seasons. Melvin was hired in early April. “This is a job I really wanted because I know this team has all the potential in the world to not just win, but win and move forward and go to the playoffs,” Melvin, a native of Powder Springs, Georgia, said. “The truth is it will take some time and it will be a process, but I think Coach Franklin did a good job of getting things turned around and got them going the right way. The kids are excited and I am excited. We did some good things over the summer with some 7-on-7s. We hit the weight room hard and have been running. Their bodies are changing and their attitudes are changing.” The Braves, who went 2-8 last season, have around 70 players on their varsity squad with 20 seniors on this team. Melvin said team speed and defense will be two strengths. “Team speed is definitely a strength and our main strength will probably be our defense,” Melvin said. “We pretty much have everybody coming back on defense again, but it will be a new defense so they are learning. We will be able to go into games knowing our defense will be pretty good. We have some really good athletes here.” Some of the defensive leaders for the Braves will be senior linebacker Nick Langford, senior linebacker Tevyn Johnson, senior cornerback Xavier Walker, junior defensive lineman Krist-yown Dalbany and junior defensive lineman Lester Batiste. On offense, leaders for the Braves are expected to be junior quarterback Jude LeCompte, junior running back Blaise LeCompte, senior wide receiver Adam

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Scheffler, junior wide receiver Kane Matthews and senior wide receiver Desean Walker. “From an offensive standpoint, we need to work on throwing and catching the ball,” Melvin said. “We are working at the quarterback spot and we are working to find those guys on offense that we as a staff can count on. We need to build that cohesiveness on offense. It’s a new offense, but once it clicks it will help us win some games. Overall offensively, we will do a good job of keeping everyone involved and we will keep it balanced and that will help us.” Melvin said understanding how to practice and coming together as a team will be important for the Braves. “We need to learn how to practice and get the mental toughness part down,” Melvin said. “The kids will have to learn different schemes and how to come together as a team. I think 7-on-7s have helped us in that. Seeing them grow pretty quick, that is going to help us, and we need to understand our depth and in some cases lack thereof. We just need to stay mentally tough. We are also putting a big emphasis on special teams, which is something we can take advantage of. I think the kids, coaches and school are really hungry. I expect us to win games and bring the tradition back.” The Braves will compete in District 7-5A with Central Lafourche, Destrehan, East St. John, Hahnville, Terrebonne and Thibodaux. “Everybody knows we are in a tough district with Destrehan, East Jefferson and Hahnville,” Melvin said. “But the Bayou schools are getting better. You have better coaching and the schools are adamant about getting good coaches in and the schools are getting good coaches in. You have to have athletes who can run. I think this is one of the top 5A districts in the state. It’s tough because you can’t let down from week to week. I look forward to the challenge and the kids are looking forward to the season. It’s getting closer and it’s getting closer quickly.”

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Football

Morgan City Tigers Fri. Sept. 4...................................................................................BERWICK Fri. Sept. 11...............................................................SOPHIE B. WRIGHT Fri. Sept. 18..................................................................NORTH CENTRAL Fri. Sept. 25.......................................................COHEN COLLEGE PREP Fri. Oct. 2................................................................ Westminster Christian Fri. Oct. 9......................................................................... South Lafourche* Fri. Oct. 16.............................................................................. ELLENDER* Fri. Oct. 23.....................................................................South Terrebonne* Fri. Oct. 30.............................................................................VANDEBILT* Fri. Nov. 6................................................................................ Assumption* Coach Scott Tregle

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Tigers moving toward success in 2015

M 58

By Wil Touchet organ City High School football coach Scott Tregle could not be happier with a major aspect of his football team heading into the 2015 season. “The strength of our team is our

kids’ attitude,” Tregle said. “They want to get better. Anything we tell them to do, they do it. It’s a great group of kids to work with. I couldn’t ask for a better group. We’re just going to be young.” The Tigers are coming off a 2-8 season in which they lost 10

seniors. The team has 10 seniors this season and around 65 players. “We’re going to have a young squad,” Tregle said. “We’re just trying to build. This year our strengths will be offensive and defensive lines. Our skill players will be young.”

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Morgan City will work to improve at its offensive skill positions heading into the season. “We have three quarterbacks that are all going to be sophomores. We’re not sure who’s going to be the starter yet,” Tregle said. “We definitely have to get better at the quarterback position along with our skills people – running backs and wide receivers. Special teams are going to be a big part. We have a lot of guys who played special teams back. Basically our offensive backfield and our receiving core have to get that experience and by Week Six have to grow up. After Week Five, we have five district games in a row.” Some of the top players for the Tigers this season will be Clifton Escort (fullback/linebacker), Makye Richard (receiver), Hunter Vinning (center), Andre Welsh (linebacker), Zack Hillen (linebacker), Dezin Young (linebacker/defensive line), Lloyd Singleton (linebacker) and Scott Comeaux (defensive back). Tregle said he expects his senior players to lead the way. “It will be key for our 10 seniors

to stick it out the whole year and step up to provide leadership like they did last year as juniors,” Tregle said. “They need to show the way for these younger kids through these 10 weeks of football. You’ve got to be all in. You can’t be halfin and half-out. You’ve got to work hard every day and get better. We get that going every year, our program will get better and better and we’ll see those results in the future.” The Tigers will play against Ellender, South Terrebonne, South Lafourche, Vandebilt Catholic and Assumption in District 7-4A this season. “It’s going to be a battle in district every week. Hopefully, we can win some nondistrict games and that gives us some momentum for district,” Tregle said. “I think South Lafourche is going to be real strong. They’ll probably be the leader. Vandebilt was young last year and has a lot of kids back. They’re going to be on the up and up. South Terrebonne did lose like 24 seniors but they have their program in place over the

last 20 years so they just reload. Assumption had a young team last year, too. Ellender has a lot of talent coming back as well. So everyone in our district is going to be better. Every game is going to be tough. We need to be prepared. We just have to get into the mix, fight and battle.”

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South Terrebonne Gators Fri. Sept. 4..................................................................... H.L. BOURGEOIS Fri. Sept. 11................................................................................Terrebonne Fri. Sept. 18.................................................................... Central Lafourche Fri. Sept. 25................................................................................ Dutchtown Fri. Oct. 2......................................................................................St. Amant Thurs. Oct. 8................................................................................Vandebilt* Fri. Oct. 16............................................................................... Assumption* Fri. Oct. 23.............................................................................. Morgan City* Fri. Oct. 30.....................................................................................Ellender* Fri. Nov. 6........................................................................ South Lafourche* Coach Richard Curlin

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Young Gators looking to grow into 2015 season 60

By Wil Touchet key number for the South Terrebonne football team heading into this season is 18. That is how many starters the Gators lost off an 11-2 team last season that beat Lakeshore and Franklin Parish in the first two rounds of the Class 4A playoffs and lost to Plaquemine in the quarterfinals. So there will be lots of new faces contributing for the Gators this season. They have 55 players and 20 of them are seniors. “The key is the work our kids put in during the offseason,” Gators assistant coach David McCormick said. “The work they put in during the weight room, the work they put in during 7-on-7s, the work they put in on their days off. It’s about dedication and hard work. We know if kids bust their tails in the weight room over the summer, they will give us everything they have during the games.” McCormick said the team’s strength again will be its defensive line. “Defensively, we have four returning starters,” McCormick said. “We have (junior) Louis Blanchard (the district defensive MVP last year as sophomore)

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

coming back on the defensive line and we are looking for a couple other kids to step up. We have (senior) Troy Narcisse who played for us there too last year, so I think our defensive line will be our strong point again.” Other key players on defense for the Gators will be senior defensive back Brett Franks, senior linebacker Chris Duplantis (the team’s leading tackler last season) and junior linebacker Kaleb Voisin. On offense, Duplantis will work at quarterback, Franks and Voisin will play at running back and Blanchard will see time at fullback. “We lost a lot of starters offensively,” McCormick said. “We only have one starter coming back on the offensive line (senior Spencer Dupre) and we will have some guys in the backfield going both ways. We spent the summer during 7-on-7 working on our timing and working on our routes. The guys are starting to gel as a unit. We have some young guys coming in who can hopefully surprise some people.” The Gators will play against Assumption, Ellender, Morgan City, South Lafourche and Vandebilt Catholic in District 7-4A this season. “Our district is going to be competitive this year with South

Lafourche coming in,” McCormick said. “They are a hard-nosed bunch of guys. They are always physical and they are going to be one of the favorites. Coach (Anthony) Paine at Assumption always has athletes. The skill guys at Ellender look like they are in college; and Coach (Jeremy) Atwell at Vandebilt and his staff are doing a great job and they are always ready to play. Coach (Scott) Tregle at Morgan City had those guys competitive last year so it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.”

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Terrebonne Tigers Fri. Sept. 4...................................................................................... Ellender Fri. Sept. 11..........................................................SOUTH TERREBONNE Fri. Sept. 18......................................................................... ASSUMPTION Fri. Sept. 25............................................................................... Thibodaux* Fri. Oct. 2............................................................................. DESTREHAN* Fri. Oct. 9.............................................................................. HAHNVILLE* Fri. Oct. 16................................................................................... Lakeshore Fri. Oct. 23............................................................................ East St. John* Fri. Oct. 30.................................................................... Central Lafourche* Fri. Nov. 6.....................................................................H.L. BOURGEOIS* Coach Gary Hill

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-5A games

Terrebonne hoping to bounce back in 2015

By Wil Touchet he Terrebonne High football team had one of its worst seasons in years in 2015, but the Tigers are looking to bounce back this season. The Tigers went 2-8 overall last year and 0-7

in District 7-5A, and lost 18 seniors from that team, but have around 75 players out and 16 seniors on this year’s team. Terrebonne coach Gary Hill said the Tigers will lean heavily on an experienced offensive line.

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“We’re counting on Martin Chaisson and Nick Johnson to come back as seniors and lead that offensive line group along with two capable juniors in Bryce Terrio and Everett Rodrigue,” Hill said. “Those guys are going to play together and play solid. They have to realize that they’re the core of the team. On both sides of the ball, the lines are going to have to get it done. Mason Turner (sophomore) is going to be the guy who’ll be pulling the trigger for us.” The Tigers will look to learn quickly on defense. “Defensively, we’re going to be asking some seniors who were injured in the past and didn’t get to play much last year to step up and make a lot of plays this year,” Hill said. “Guys like (linebacker) Trenton Johnson and (defensive tackles) Jordan Cook and De’onta Walters.” Hill said the Tigers will have a number of young, but capable players this season. “Sticking with the program and the kids trying to find a belief in themselves will be key,” Hill said. “Young kids have to do so much before they can actually do things without having to think about them or worry about them and just going out and play. We’re young in the skill position. We’re young at the quarterback (with Turner). Senior (running back) Joseph Alvis is going to have to do a lot to carry us in the run game. Seniors (receivers) Blake Verrett and Anthony Walls are going to have to do a lot to carry us in the passing game.” Hill added remaining healthy and getting his younger players ready for the rigors of varsity football will be

big for the Tigers. “We’re going to have to avoid injuries. That’s number one. Our older guys are going to have to lead these younger guys and show them what it’s like to go through a 10-game season of 5A football and get them ready for Monday through Thursday every week,” Hill said. “We’ve been young before and we’ve been successful and other times we weren’t able to accomplish what we did in the past. It’s going to be important for us to just go out there, play some football and have some fun.” Terrebonne will be back in District 7-5A with Central Lafourche, Destrehan, East St. John, Hahnville, H.L. Bourgeois and Thibodaux. “I think everyone is improving. Seeing a lot of teams in the summer – H.L. Bourgeois has a lot of kids back off their improvement from last year,” Hill said. “Thibodaux definitely has athletes again. They lost some lineman so the line will determine their season. Central Lafourche has some athletes back. They lost their two running backs but they should be solid with their quarterback play and a lot of guys back on defense. On the River, Hahnville has got just about everyone back. Destrehan lost a lot but they always reload. East St. John has a new coaching staff. They lost a few but like Destrehan they reload quickly, too. So the River has a lot of athletes ready to step up for their teams. Thibodaux is looking to build off of what they did. The rest of us are trying to catch that momentum and have a solid season.” 63

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Football

Ellender Memorial Patriots Fri. Sept. 4.......................................................................... TERREBONNE Fri. Sept. 11................................................................... H.L. BOURGEOIS Fri. Sept. 18................................................................................... Bonnabel Fri. Sept. 25.................................................................................. Patterson Fri. Oct. 2................................................................... ST. MARTINVILLE* Fri. Oct. 9................................................................................. Assumption* Fri. Oct. 16.............................................................................. Morgan City* Fri. Oct. 23.............................................................SOUTH LAFOURCHE* Fri. Oct. 30..........................................................SOUTH TERREBONNE* Fri. Nov. 6....................................................................................Vandebilt* Coach Terry Washington

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-4A games

Ellender’s depth expected to be a strength this season 64

By Wil Touchet n the past, depth has been one of the issues hampering the Ellender High School football team.

But in 2015, depth could work to the team’s advantage. After going 3-7 overall and 1-3 in District 7-4A last season and missing the playoffs, Ellender

worked in a number of players who gained valuable experience. Coach Terry Washington said that could be a positive for the Patriots this season.

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“One of our strengths is depth now,” Washington said. “We played a large number of young kids – freshmen and sophomores – last year. Depth is going to be the biggest thing for us moving forward. We haven’t had that since I’ve been at Ellender. Depth is the main thing.” Ellender had 65 players this spring and might have up to 80 for fall camp according to Washington. The team has 13 seniors this year after losing 17 last season. On offense, senior Curtis Anderson returns at quarterback and the team’s top two running backs are expected to be Edward Kennedy and Reginald Williams. At receiver, the Patriots will have a handful of options led by Richard Green and Daquirs Griffin. According to Washington, the key to the Ellender offense will be its skill players. Washington said stopping the run will be important to the team’s

defense. “The last couple of years we’ve given up a lot of yards in the running game,” Washington said. “We needed to shore up our defensive line. I think this year for the first time since I’ve been at Ellender, we have some experienced defensive linemen returning – the interior lineman on the defensive side of the ball. That was our main goal going into the spring. And I think we were able to shore that up. That was our main emphasis going into the season.” Some of the top defensive players for Ellender are expected to be defensive linemen Jace Ordone, Nicolas LaGarde, Evan LeBoeuf, Isaiah Williams, Jake LaGarde, Austin Chenier and linebacker Terrence Gray. Washington added that staying healthy and playing well for four quarters will be important for the Patriots. “Hopefully we can stay healthy,”

Washington said. “We want to be able to compete for 48 minutes and play as hard as we can play. At the end of the day we want to give ourselves the opportunity to be successful. We’re not counting wins and losses. We’re not even worried about that. We want to be able to put a good product on the field and compete.” Ellender is in District 7-4A this season with Assumption, Morgan City, South Lafourche, South Terrebonne and Vandebilt Catholic. “I think South Lafourche has to be the pre-district favorite,” Washington said. “They’re coming from a 5A district where they competed. A couple of years ago, they put up 10 wins. I would say South Lafourche and then after that any other team on any given night can beat anybody, but I think South Lafourche is the team to beat.” 65

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Football

Central Lafourche Trojans Fri. Sept. 4..............................................................................PATTERSON Fri. Sept. 11............................................................................ VANDEBILT Fri. Sept. 18.....................................................................South Terrebonne Fri. Sept. 25............................................................ SOUTH LAFOURCHE Fri. Oct. 2......................................................................H.L. BOURGEOIS* Fri. Oct. 9................................................................................... Thibodaux* Fri. Oct. 16................................................................................. Destrehan* Fri. Oct. 23............................................................................ HAHNVILLE* Fri. Oct. 30........................................................................ TERREBONNE* Fri. Nov. 6............................................................................. East St. John* Coach Keith Menard

HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes District 7-5A games

Trojans looking to lean on defense heading into 2015

By Wil Touchet he Central Lafourche Trojans have played numerous young players on defense over the last two seasons. Trojans coach Keith Menard said now is the time for that to start paying off. “I feel like we were really young the last two years defensively, and all those guys are going to be juniors and seniors this season,” Menard said. “At this point, we played well defensively in the spring, and we hope that carries over into the season, and we can step up and be the kind of defense we want to be. Now is the time defensively and it’s time to play the kind of defense we are looking for at Central Lafourche.” Central Lafourche went 4-6 overall and 2-5 in district last season. The Trojans, who missed the playoffs, lost 20 seniors last year and have 75 players this season, which includes 16 seniors. Menard said on this year’s defense senior linebacker Zach Bilbo, senior linebacker Dereon Thomas; and senior Anfernee Poindexter, who will also play on offense some and who has garnered some college interest; will be counted on as leaders. On offense, senior quarterback Austin Aucoin, junior athlete

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Jake Alleman, junior running back Nelton Allen and senior wide receiver Andrew Griffin will be the top players. “We lost two great running backs last year, and it will be all about who can take their places,” Menard said. “We think we found a couple of kids in the spring who can help us there, but we will see when the lights come on. We have three guys back on the offensive line, but it’s a matter of how fast we come together and get better up there because that dictates what you can do offensively. We are also looking to replace our punter and kicker from the last few seasons. It’s not so easy to find those guys these days.” Menard said staying healthy as a team will also be important for the Trojans this season. “I think health is the big thing right now,” Menard said. “I think every high school football coach would say, ‘If we can stay healthy, we can do some things.’ I also think we need to develop some more depth and adjust to those things that can happen in the middle of a game or the middle of a season. You have to be able to handle that.” The Trojans will join Terrebonne, H.L. Bourgeois, Thibodaux, Hahnville, Destrehan and East St. John in District 7-5A this season. “You have to look at Destrehan

and who they are. They just seem to reload each year. You have Hahnville and they have playmakers and East St. John has a new coach so that should be interesting,” Menard said. “Then you have H.L. Bourgeois, Terrebonne and Thibodaux who we have been playing forever. We look forward to competing against all those teams. You can’t take a week off in this district. We are working to be more consistent from week to week.”

‘

I think every high school football coach would say, ‘If we can stay healthy, we can do some things.’

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Football

LSU Tigers

Coach Les Miles

Sat. Sept. 5.................................................................... McNEESE STATE Sat. Sept. 12................................................................... Mississippi State* Sat. Sept. 19............................................................................... AUBURN* Sat. Sept. 26...................................................................................Syracuse Sat. Oct. 3.............................................................. EASTERN MICHIGAN Sat. Oct. 10.......................................................................... South Carolina Sat. Oct. 17.................................................................................FLORIDA* Sat. Oct. 24........................................................ WESTERN KENTUCKY* Sat. Nov. 7.................................................................................... Alabama* Sat. Nov. 14............................................................................ ARKANSAS* Sat. Nov. 21................................................................................ Mississippi Sat. Nov. 28...........................................................................TEXAS A&M* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes Southeastern Conference games

What is state of LSU football program?

A 68

By Ed Daniels s LSU fans eagerly await the start of fall practice, they may ask, is the football program in decline? It is an interesting question. The numbers say, no. The numbers say that last season’s eight wins is an outlier.

In 10 seasons in Baton Rouge, head coach Les Miles has won at least 10 games seven times. But, last season ended, ugly. The Tigers lost two games they should have won, Alabama and Notre Dame, and were shutout at Arkansas. Heading into the fall, quarterback play is

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again a huge question mark, even more so after presumed starter Anthony Jennings’ misdemeanor arrest during an incident at a campus apartment. Jennings or Brandon Harris don’t have to be great, but they have to be a lot better. As talented as LSU is at other positions, to turn a season from good to great, a quarterback has to make some big plays. And, as the 2014 season wore on, LSU’s passing game, poor in the beginning got worse. Against Alabama, LSU had 76 passing yards. At Arkansas, the Tigers had 87 passing yards. And, in a Music City Bowl loss to Notre Dame, 75 of LSU’s 151 passing yards came on a touchdown pass from Anthony Jennings to John Diarse. After the regular season, offensive coordinator Cam Cameron fell on his sword. “I have to do a better job,” said Cameron to the New Orleans quarterback club. Jennings is steadier than Harris. Harris has more big play potential. Head coach Les Miles will likely go with steady. And, steady may be good enough. LSU’s offensive line is a team strength, and so is the tailback spot, led by Heisman Trophy candidate sophomore Leonard Fournette. Fournette rushed for 1,034 yards in 2014. Three of his last six games, he rushed for 113 yards or more, including 143 in the bowl game against Notre Dame. Defensively, LSU returns a host of talented players, including safeties Jamal Adams and Jalen Mills.

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Football

LSU Tigers

Mills’ decision to return for his senior season gave an already talented LSU secondary a major boost. Defensively, the Tigers led the SEC in total defense at 316.8 yards per game allowed. LSU was ninth nationally. Coordinator John Chavis left in a highly publicized divorce after the Music City Bowl. In that game, LSU allowed Notre Dame to drive from its 15 to the LSU 14 to kick a game winning field goal. In the Alabama game, the Tide drove from their 35 to the LSU 10 in 47 seconds to kick a game tying field goal. Alabama won in overtime. Chavis was replaced by Alabama assistant Kevin Steele. So, if LSU can get off the field late, and their quarterbacks can convert some key third downs, the Tigers may reach double digit wins again. Since Paul Dietzel departed for Army after the 1961 season, LSU has had nine head coaches (not counting interim Hal Hunter). Who has the highest winning percentage? Hint: he wears a hat, and eats grass.

STEPHEN FRANZ PHOTO/LSU SPORTS

Leonard Fournette

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Football

Tulane Green Wave

Coach Curtis Johnson

Thurs. Sept. 3.....................................................................................DUKE Sat. Sept. 12............................................................................Georgia Tech Sat. Sept. 19.....................................................................................MAINE Sat. Oct. 3............................................................................................ UCF* Sat. Oct. 10......................................................................................Temple* Fri. Oct. 16................................................................................HOUSTON* Sat. Oct. 24...........................................................................................Navy Sat. Oct. 31.................................................................................. Memphis* Sat. Nov. 7.......................................................................CONNECTICUT* Sat. Nov. 14......................................................................................... Army Sat. Nov. 21................................................................. Southern Methodist Fri. Nov. 27.................................................................................... TULSA* HOME GAMES IN CAPS *Denotes American Athletic Conference games

Happiness is winning! Is a 6-6 season possible? 72

By Steve Caldarera n the first season of on campus home football games in 39 years, Tulane flat out disappointed. The Wave was 2-4 at brand, spanking new Yulman Stadium and a dismal 1-5 on the road. So, following a 7-6 bowl season in 2013, one can say that 3-9 (2-6 in the American Athletic Conference) was a “season that care forgot.” It is critical to lure the fans back to Yulman, what with the costs associated with constructing the facility. The excitement of on campus football may still be imminent, but Green Wave fans are anxious as they look for Tulane to “start over.” Heavy pressure to produce victories—victories that make the old cash registers ring—lands on the back of Coach Curtis Johnson. Johnson enters his fourth season at the helm. Tulane’s offense, often anemic when it really counted, had some Green Wave fans calling for changes in the offensive coaching staff. To no one’s surprise, Johnson made no changes. The heat is on. A transformed offense and improved kicking game is crucial. The offense will have a lot of holdovers beginning with QB Tanner Lee. Lee possesses a strong arm, but played too much like a

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

Tanner Lee

freshman last season. Granted his receiver corps was not top notch. His best receiver, Teddy Veal (40 catches in ’14) leads the pack, but others are going to have to step up and help this part of the offense. Tight end Charles Jones had an impressive first season and should

be even better. The backfield is loaded with talent with power (Lazedrick Thompson), speed (Sherman Badie), and balance (Dontrell Hilliard). Four starters return on the offensive line led by junior guard Chris Taylor, an Outland Trophy Watch List nominee. The concerns on offense are evident in Tulane having averaged only 16 points per game in 2014, 12.3 over the final six contests. Since the graduation of QB Ryan Griffin in ’12, the Wave has become less entertaining when it owns the football. An upgrade in offensive fire-power is mandatory. Co-defensive coordinators Lionel Washington and Jason Rollins (his first season as Co-DC) should see their group return to the opportunistic style of defenders as that of 2013, when the Wave was ranked 22nd in the nation in total yards allowed. Though the secondary loses all-AAC CB Leonard Doss, this area should be solid with depth. Safety Darion Monroe, a three-year starter, returns along with Tulane’s best DB, Parry Nickerson, a cornerback who picked off six passes last year. Junior Nico Marley, small in size, huge in character and aggressiveness, leads the linebackers, a unit that

Parry Nickerson

returns six letter-winners. Marley led the defense in tackles for losses. Defensive end Royce LaFrance notched six sacks in 2014 and will be the top charger along a line that includes tackles Tanzel Smart, a junior, and soph Sean Wilson. The defensive line aims to be stronger with ample depth on the ends. The ol’ kicking game ain’t what it used to be and simply cost the Green Wave its opener at Tulsa when Andrew DiRocco missed a chip shot in overtime to win it. That miss could have killed the confidence level of this Tulane team down the line. DiRocco improved over the second half of ’14. Coach Johnson recruited Zachary Block (a dubious name for a kicker/punter) to raise the competition factor this season. Block will go after Peter Piccerelli’s punting job after the senior saw his per kick average fall to 37.8. In Johnson’s three seasons he has used a number of kick returners. Tulane ranked second to last nationally in kickoff returns last year and needs marked improvement there. The season is set to begin with a Thursday night, nationally televised home clash with Duke, a new power in the ACC with an 18th-ranked (by Bleacher Report) recruiting class. First impressions are priceless, so one wonders why

Sherman Badie

Tulane might not start 2015 with the FCS’ Maine, who the Green Wave will host in Game Three. Sandwiched in between Duke and Maine is the return game at Georgia Tech, a favorite to win the ACC’s Coastal Division. Tulane’s first AAC encounter follows on Oct. 3 hosting Central Florida who again will contend for the conference crown despite losing a few key performers. It is then on to Temple where third year Coach Mark Ruhle has brought much promise to a former doormat program. Houston, a team the Wave defeated in 2014, is in for a Friday night tilt with a new coach, former Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman. Then, it’s a trip to Annapolis and the triple option offense of the Navy, the AAC’s newest member. Tulane stays on the road at Memphis, where Tiger fans are screaming for a repeat of last season’s 10-3 record. UCONN returns to Yulman for homecoming on Nov. 7, the Huskies, like the Wave, still struggling to make noise in the AAC. A non-conference meeting at West Point follows; Army was 4-8 in 2014. The Green Wave will, for the first time in AAC football, take on SMU in Dallas, a Mustang team

coming off of a 1-11 campaign and the firing of long-time head coach June Jones. The regular season ends on Nov. 27 with a Friday night 73 home date with Tulsa, with whom Tulane began last year’s season; the Wave owes Tulsa big time! Of the 12 teams in the AAC, the Wave will not play Cincinnati, East Carolina nor South Florida. All three are rated higher than Tulane in the preseason with Cincinnati figuring to be the best of the AAC East. To make this one a “season you won’t forget,” Tulane needs to put the points on the board, tilt the turnover rate in their favor significantly and kick like the second coming of Cairo Santos. It’s just not that easy for a school that still holds back its coaches from being able to recruit studentathletes and not just students who happen to be athletes. Still, head coach Curtis Johnson finds himself under the gun. The glow of a brand new stadium was tarnished by the 3-9 season. Happiness is winning and 6-6 makes you bowl eligible these days. Tulane fans will tolerate that kind of performance more than any losing record. In fact, that will make them downright happy. www.bayoucatholic.com

Football

New Orleans Saints

Coach Sean Payton

Sun. Sept. 13................................................................ St. Louis Cardinals Sun. Sept. 20............................................... TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS Sun. Sept. 27.................................................................. Carolina Panthers Sun. Oct. 4..................................................................DALLAS COWBOYS Sun. Oct. 11................................................................. Philadelphia Eagles Thurs. Oct. 15...........................................................ATLANTA FALCONS Sun. Oct. 25.................................................................... Indianapolis Colts Sun. Nov. 1............................................................... NEW YORK GIANTS Sun. Nov. 8............................................................. TENNESSEE TITANS Sun. Nov. 15............................................................. Washington Redskins Sun. Nov. 29.......................................................................Houston Texans Sun. Dec. 6........................................................... CAROLINA PANTHERS Sun. Dec. 13........................................................... Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mon. Dec. 21....................................................................DETROIT LIONS Sun. Dec. 27.................................................. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS Sun. Jan. 3.......................................................................... Atlanta Falcons HOME GAMES IN CAPS

Are the New Orleans Saints playoff contenders for 2015? 74

By Ed Daniels re the Saints playoff contenders in 2015? The answer is, of course. Any team that finishes one half game behind NFC South champion Carolina is certainly a playoff contender. Are the Saints a Super Bowl contender? Well, perhaps. The Las Vegas oddsmakers say only two NFC teams, Green Bay and Seattle, are significantly better than the New Orleans Saints. Both have over/under win totals of 11. Philadelphia and Dallas are at 9.5. The total for Saints victories stands at nine. As bad as the Saints were last season, they still scratched out seven wins. The inability to get a stop on the final drive in regulation cost the Saints three early road games. A 24-23 loss at Detroit was a particular head scratcher. The Saints lost despite leading 23-10 with 5:24 to play in the game. So, what did Sean Payton do? He was determined to fix his two biggest offseason issues, pass

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • August 2015

MICHAEL C. HEBERT/NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Drew Brees

defense and pass protection for Drew Brees. Payton dealt his second best player, tight end Jimmy Graham to Seattle for center Max Unger and a

first round pick. With the 31st pick, the Saints selected Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony. With the 14th pick overall, the Saints selected Stanford offensive tackle Andrus Peat. Payton also signed cornerback Brandon Browner in unrestricted free agency, and drafted cornerbacks PJ Williams and Damian Swann. Another way to fix the pass defense is to rush the other’s team passer, faster. The Saints hope that second round pick Hau’oli Kikaha of Oregon and fifth round pick Davis Tull of Tennessee-Chattanooga can contribute. Tull is already behind. He missed all of the offseason on-field work as he rehabbed a shoulder injury. One or both may have to contribute, early. Outside linebacker Junior Galette decided against having surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle injury suffered during offseason weightlifting. In June, Galette told reporters that he planned to practice in training camp. Offensively, the Saints

have some question marks. Can Marques Colston bounce back after a subpar season? If not, then who is the number two receiver behind Brandin Cooks? And, then there’s replacing Graham. He caught 355 passes the last four seasons. The Saints will miss him, and he might miss them. In 2014, Drew Brees completed 456 passes, four more than Seattle’s Russell Wilson attempted. The Saints also have a question at placekicker. Head coach Sean Payton cut veteran Shayne Graham, even though Graham was 19 of 22 and 15 of 15 on all kicks inside the 40 yard line. Rookies Zach Hocker and Dustin Hopkins headed to training camp to battle for the job. Neither has attempted a field goal in an NFL regular season game. We hear that the Saints are more focused in 2015. In 2014, they were the NFL’s biggest flop. So, Sean Payton took a scalpel to his roster. We soon find out if Dr. Payton’s offseason surgery was a success.

Brandin Cooks

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