Bayou Catholic Magazine April 2016 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

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There is no joy like Easter joy! HOUMA, LA ~ APRIL 2016 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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Contents FEATURES

24 Centennial celebrations By Janet Marcel

26 Bayou Patrons By Janet Marcel

31 The Bridge House saved my life By Lawrence Chatagnier

COLUMNS

Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

12 Pope Speaks Pope Francis I

13 Question Corner By Father Kenneth Doyle

14 Readings Between The Lines By Father Glenn LeCompte

28 Seeing Clairely By Claire Joller

29 Reading with Raymond By Raymond Saadi

55 Overtime By Ed Daniels

IN EVERY ISSUE

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6 Editor’s Corner 16 Scripture Readings 22 Heavenly Recipes 34 Young Voices 54 Diocesan Events GUEST COLUMNS

18 Corporal Works of Mercy By Father Michael Bergeron

20 Spiritual Works of Mercy By Father Robert Rogers

36 Steubenville on the Bayou By Shawn Lapeyrouse

ANNOUNCEMENTS

47 Diocesan chaplain for Hispanic Ministry

Ba ou

44 Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

wellness

HOUMA, LA

Father Fernando Anaya Maida named

52 New moderator of the curia ENTARY

6 ~ COMPLIM

~ APRIL 201

Father Simon Peter Engurait appointed

52 Food the for Journey Father Alex Gaudet speaks

On Our Cover The Easter lily is symbolic of purity and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In his column this month Bishop Shelton J. Fabre says, “Easter is about living again the joy-filled reality that God has called us by name and claimed us as his own in baptism, and we are eternally changed by this relationship.” 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 10 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

Bayou Catholic Vol. 36, No. 10 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.

Lawrence Chatagnier

acting editor and general manager

Louis G. Aguirre editorial consultant

Index to Advertisers Bishop’s Appeal 2016 ........................... 2

HTeNews ............................................ 37

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

Peggy Adams

advertising manager

Anna C. Givens

advertising accounts executive

Brickhouse Cardio Club ....................... 31

LeBlanc & Associates, LLC ................. 25

Bueche’s Jewelry ................................ 41

Re-Bath .............................................. 46

Camp Stanislaus ................................. 39

Rod’s Superstore ................................ 33

secretary and circulation

Cannata’s ........................................... 23

Seminarian Education Burses .............. 35

Lisa Schobel Hebert

Cardinal Place ..................................... 39

Spotlight ............................................. 39

Catholic Home Missions Appeal ............ 7

St. Joseph Manor ................................ 53

Catholic Relief Services-Thank You ..... 25

Superintendent Position Available ........ 21

Channel 10 ......................................... 45

Synergy Bank ...................................... 19

Diocesan Outreach Line ...................... 47

Terminix .............................................. 53

Diocesan Website ............................... 11

Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair ..................... 49

Flood Collection .................................. 43

Vision Communications ......................... 3

God’s Promises Books & Gifts ............ 15

WW & E Attorneys at Law ................... 41

Janet Marcel staff writer

Pat Keese

graphic designer

Meridy Liner

accounts receivable/payable assistant

Awards

CPA First Place General Excellence 2013 - 2014 LPA First Place General Excellence 2015 www.bayoucatholic.com

Welcome Editor’s Corner Lawrence Chatagnier Acting Editor & General Manager

Changing seasons, changing trends

There’s no doubt about it, spring is here. New life can be found all around. The trees are now full of green foliage. Nature has transitioned from winter with cold fronts that pass through the area bringing chilly temperatures and a north wind to milder days with a warm gulf breeze from the south. It’s a time of change in the seasons. Perhaps Longfellow describes it best.

Ah, how wonderful is the advent of the Spring!—the great annual miracle ... which no force can stay, no violence restrain, like love, that wins its way and cannot be withstood by any human power, because itself is divine power. If Spring came but once in a century, instead of once a year, or burst forth with the sound of an earthquake, and not in silence, what wonder and expectation would there be in all hearts to behold the miraculous change! Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Kavanagh, 1849 The church season has changed also from the 40 days of Lent, a time for penance, fasting and reflecting on the Passion and death of Jesus Christ, to Easter, a time of new life and joy in the resurrection. Christ’s resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil, sin and death. It is the singular event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead. The 50 days of the Easter season are a time when we renew our baptismal promises and fully embrace the promise of eternal life. Both spring and Easter are times of change; a change from dormancy to growth and from death to life. There is change in our lives every day. Like the seasons, we are constantly changing. In our own diocese, we have been experiencing a trend that is calling for a change. When the diocese was conceived in 1977, our population was 67 percent Catholic. You could say that Catholics made up the majority of the population in south Louisiana, especially in our diocese. Today we are Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

48 percent Catholic. We can no longer say “Cajun Country” is Catholic. The change or trend goes even deeper. In 2004, the Mass count or attendance figures show that 24 percent of the Catholics in the diocese attended Mass or 13 percent of the total population. In 2015, the attendance figures show 21 percent attended Mass or 10 percent of the total population. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre and diocesan leaders are in the process of developing a strategic plan for our diocese, a directed plan for the future. Very Rev. Mark Toups and members of the strategic plan committee are asking for everyone’s help and input. I invite our readers to visit www.htdiocese. org, go to the Strategic Planning tab on the home page and view the video presentation by Father Toups. With everyone working together we can foster a change so that Catholics become more engaged with their faith and change the current trend of Catholics leaving the church. We can all agree a change in the current trend would be a change for the better! After reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s a great way to do your part in spreading the Good News!

THE

CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL

STRENGTHENING THE CHURCH AT HOME

The collection will be held April 23 and 24, 2016. Thank you for your generosity. Copyright © 2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo credits: © 123RF, Getty Images, iStock, Lightstock.

Comment Comfort For My People Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

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There is no joy like Easter joy!! Happy Easter!! And this joy overflows beyond the single day of Easter Sunday and fills the Easter season and every day that we live. There is no love like Jesus Christ’s love for us as witnessed in his complete surrender to the Father’s will and because of this surrender his complete victory over sin and death. In the presence of such love, the love that Jesus Christ has for us, the power that sin and death has over us is now conquered. Alleluia!!! Alleluia!!! Alleluia!!! On Easter Sunday, we focus and rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, who lay down his life so that we might one day know complete victory over death. To paraphrase St. John’s Gospel, “how deep the Father’s love for us in that he gave us his only Son not to condemn the world, but so that the world might have life through him.” Easter is about living again the joy-filled reality that God has called us by name and claimed us as his own in baptism, and we are eternally changed by this relationship. For those born of water and the Holy Spirit, these days of the

Easter season are experienced as days of rejoicing in the risen Lord, who by his own dying and rising has set us free from the power of sin and death. The entire Easter season, which begins on Easter Sunday and continues through the Solemnity of Pentecost, invites us to rejoice in the fact that having been faithful to our Lenten observance, we are again renewed in the promises of our baptism. Our great attention to our penitential practices during the Lenten season has given way to these weeks of the Easter season during which we rejoice in the Father’s love that is offered to us in baptism. Our fidelity to prayer, fasting, almsgiving and other works of charity and mercy have brought us again to that place

where we rise from sin and are empowered again to live the call of our baptism. Properly entered into, the Lenten practices we embraced refocus our lives, and in a sense bring us to “new” life, a deeper relationship with the risen lord Jesus Christ. There is another celebration of our faith during the Easter season that it is very appropriate to recall during this Year of Mercy. In the year 2000, St. Pope John Paul II declared the Second Sunday of Easter as “Divine Mercy Sunday.” God’s great love and mercy shine

forth in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and from this mercy we have all received abundantly. With regard to God’s mercy, the decree establishing Divine Mercy Sunday states: “Merciful and gracious is the Lord (Psalm 111:4), who, out of great love with which he loved us (Ephesians 2:4) and (out of) unspeakable goodness, gave us his only-begotten Son as our redeemer, so that through the death and resurrection of the son he might open the way to eternal life for the human race, and that the adopted children who receive his mercy within his temple might lift up his praise to the ends of the earth. In our times, the Christian faithful in many parts of the world wish to praise that Divine Mercy in divine worship, particularly in the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, in which God’s loving kindness especially shines forth.” This Year of Mercy is another opportunity for us to remember the Father’s great love and mercy shown for us in the death of his Son on the cross. It pleases God when we rely on his mercy to be patient with us as we seek to become more and more faith-filled persons, and to share God’s mercy with others. I pray that our Easter joy is still echoing in the words of the faith that we profess with our lips, and also still evident in the actions that we undertake with our hands. In this manner we give praise and honor to Jesus Christ, who broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave. May all the hope and joy of Easter be yours in great abundance now and throughout the Easter season. Happy Easter!!

There is no joy like Easter joy!

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Comentario

¡No hay regocijo como el regocijo en la Pascua!

¡No hay regocijo como nuestro regocijo en la pascua! ¡Felices Pascuas! Este regocijo nos colma en la Pascua más allá del Domingo de Resurrección porque también nos colma de regocijo cada día que vivimos. El amor de Cristo por nosotros es inigualable ya que somos testigos de su sacrificio total por la voluntad del Padre y somos testigos de su victoria plena sobre el pecado y la muerte. También presenciamos cómo este amor, el amor de Jesucristo por nosotros, ha conquistado el poder que tiene el pecado y la muerte sobre nosotros. ¡¡Aleluya!! ¡¡Aleluya!! ¡¡Aleluya!! Durante el Domingo de Resurrección enfoquemos y regocijémonos en el Señor Jesucristo que da su vida para que podamos algún día vencer la muerte. Podemos parafrasear el Evangelio de San Juan de la siguiente manera: «Vean qué amor singular nos ha dado el Padre que nos ha entregado su Hijo único, no para condenar el mundo, sino para que el mundo tenga vida a través de Él. » La Pascua es para vivir de nuevo la realidad colmada de gozo porque Dios nos ha llamado y nos ha reclamado como suyos en el bautismo, una relación que nos ha cambiado por siempre. Aquéllos que han nacido en el agua y el Espíritu Santo deben regocijarse en estos días de Pascua por el Señor resucitado, que con su muerte y su resurrección nos ha libertado del poder del pecado y la muerte. Durante toda la Pascua, comenzando con el Domingo de Resurrección y continuando hasta la Solemnidad de Pentecostés, debemos regocijarnos por el hecho que hemos con fe observado la Cuaresma y porque hemos renovado las promesas del bautismo. Nuestra fuerte observación de la penitencia durante la Cuaresma nos ha guiado en estas semanas de Cuaresma a la vez que regocijamos el amor

del Padre que nos ofrece en el bautismo. Nuestra fidelidad por la oración, el ayuno, la limosna y otras obras de caridad y misericordia nos han acercado al potencial de poder resucitar del pecado y somos empoderados nuevamente para vivir el llamado de nuestro bautismo. Profundizándonos de manera apropiada en las costumbres de la Cuaresma y aplicándolas en nuestras vidas, podemos entrar a una vida «nueva» y a una relación más profunda con Jesucristo resucitado. Existe otra celebración en nuestra fe durante la Cuaresma que es importante mencionar en este Año de Misericordia. En el año 2000, San Juan Pablo II nombró el Segundo Domingo de Pascua el «Domingo de la Misericordia Divina.» El gran amor de Dios y su misericordia es evidenciado por la resurrección de Jesucristo y todos hemos recibido esta misericordia con abundancia. El decreto que establece el Domingo de la Misericordia Divina, en relación a la misericordia de Dios, declara: «Misericordioso y clemente es el Señor (Salmo 111:4), que, por su gran amor por nosotros (Efesios 2:4) y su gran bondad nos ha entregado a su único Hijo engendrado, que es nuestro redentor, para que por medio de la muerte y resurrección del Hijo pueda abrir el camino a la vida eterna para la raza humana y para que los niños adoptados que reciben su misericordia dentro de su templo puedan alzar sus alabanzas hasta los confines de la tierra. En nuestros tiempos, los cristianos fieles en muchas partes del mundo desean alzar sus alabanzas para que en la Misericordia Divina en

adoración divina, especialmente durante la celebración del Misterio Pascual, brille el amor clemente de Dios. » Este Año de Misericordia es otra oportunidad que tenemos para recordar el gran amor y la misericordia que el Padre nos ha demostrado por medio de la muerte de su Hijo en la cruz. A Dios le complace nuestra súplica por su misericordia y para que Él tenga paciencia con nosotros mientras buscamos ser personas con más fe y mientras compartimos la misericordia de Dios con nuestros semejantes. Ruego que nuestro regocijo en la Pascua siga voceando las palabras de la fe que profesamos con nuestros labios y también se siga evidenciando en los actos que forjamos con nuestras manos. De esta manera adoramos y expresamos nuestra honra a Jesucristo, que rompió las cadenas de la muerte y resucitó triunfante de entre los muertos. Qué toda la esperanza y el regocijo de la Pascua sea suya en gran abundancia ahora y durante la Pascua. ¡¡Felices Pascuas!! Traducido por Julio Contreras, feligrés de la iglesia católica Annunziata en Houma www.bayoucatholic.com

Binh luan bang loi

Không niềm vui nào như niềm vui Phục Sinh!

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Không niềm vui nào như niềm vui Phục Sinh!! Chúc Mừng Lễ Phục Sinh!! Và niềm vui này không chỉ ở lại trong ngày lễ Phục sinh mà còn bao trùm cả mùa Phục Sinh và mỗi ngày chúng ta đang sống. Không có tình yêu nào như tình yêu của Chúa Giêsu Kitô dành cho chúng ta như đã chứng tỏ trong sự vâng phục hoàn toàn của Ngài trước ý muốn của Chúa Cha và vì sự vâng phục này, sự chiến thắng hoàn toàn của Ngài đã vượt trên tội lỗi và sự chết. Trong sự hiện diện của tình yêu như vậy, tình yêu mà Chúa Giêsu Kitô dành cho chúng ta, quyền năng mà tội lỗi và sự chết đã chế ngự trên chúng ta giờ đây đã bị thống trị. Alleluia!!! Alleluia!!! Alleluia!!! Vào ngày Chúa Nhật Phục Sinh, chúng ta tập trung và vui mừng trong Chúa Giêsu Kitô, Đấng đã hy sinh mạng sống của mình để chúng ta có ngày được biết sự chiến thắng hoàn toàn trên sự chết. Để diễn giải Tin Mừng của thánh Gioan, “Thiên Chúa quá yêu thế gian đến nỗi đã ban Con Một của mình đến thế gian, không phải để lên án thế gian, nhưng là để thế gian nhờ Con của Người mà được cứu độ.” Phục Sinh nói về sự sống lại một thực tại tràn đầy niềm vui mà Thiên Chúa đã kêu gọi chúng ta bằng tên và công nhận chúng ta là con cái của Ngài qua phép rửa tội, và chúng ta không ngừng được thay đổi bởi mối quan hệ này. Đối với những người được sinh ra bởi nước và Thánh Thần, những ngày này của mùa Phục Sinh được cảm nghiệm như ngày vui mừng trong Chúa Phục Sinh, Đấng qua sự chết và sống lại của mình đã giải thoát chúng ta khỏi quyền lực của tội lỗi và sự chết. Trọn mùa Phục Sinh, bắt đầu vào Chúa Nhật Phục Sinh và tiếp tục cho tới ngày Lễ Hiện Xuống, mời gọi chúng ta hãy vui mừng qua sự kiện chúng ta đã trung thành tuân giữ các nghi thức và phụng vụ Mùa Chay, chúng ta một lần nữa được lập lại những lời hứa trong ngày rửa tội của mình. Sự quan tâm hàng đầu cho những thực hành sám hối của chúng ta trong Mùa Chay đã nhường chỗ cho những tuần lễ của mùa Phục Sinh, thời gian qua này, chúng ta vui mừng trong tình yêu của Chúa Cha đã ban cho chúng ta trong phép rửa tội. Sự trung thành của chúng ta qua sự cầu nguyện, ăn chay, bố thí và các công việc từ thiện

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

và lòng thương xót khác đã đưa chúng ta trở lại nơi mà chúng ta chỗi dạy từ tội lỗi và một lần nữa được trao quyền để sống ơn gọi phép rửa của chúng ta. Nói đúng hơn là các việc thực hành mùa Chay, chúng ta đã chú tâm việc tái định hướng đời sống chúng ta, và trong cùng một ý nghĩa, đưa chúng ta đến sự sống “mới”, một mối quan hệ sâu sắc hơn với Chúa Giêsu Kitô Phục Sinh. Còn có một dịp lễ kỷ niệm khác của chúng ta trong mùa Phục Sinh này, rất phù hợp để nhắc nhở trong suốt Năm Thánh Lòng Thương Xót này. Trong năm 2000, Thánh Giáo Hoàng Gioan Phaolô II đã công bố Chúa Nhật II Phục Sinh là “Chúa Nhật Lòng Chúa Thương Xót.” Tình yêu và lòng thương xót tuyệt vời của Thiên Chúa tỏa ra trong sự sống lại của Chúa Giêsu Kitô, và từ lòng thương xót này, chúng ta đã nhận lãnh tất cả mọi ơn lành phúc đức. Đối với lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa, sắc lệnh thành lập ngày Chúa Nhật Lòng Chúa Thương Xót nói rằng: “Chúa là Đấng từ bi nhân hậu” (Tv 111:4), Đấng hết lòng yêu thương chúng ta (Eph 2:4) và với lòng nhân hậu không kể xiết, đã ban cho chúng ta người Con duy nhất của Ngài làm Đấng cứu chuộc chúng ta, để nhờ cái chết và sự phục sinh của người Con, Ngài có thể mở ra con đường dẫn tới sự sống đời đời cho nhân loại, và được nhận làm nghĩa tử, những người đón nhận lòng thương xót của Ngài sẽ cất lên lời ca ngợi của mình

cho đến tận cùng trái đất. Trong thời đại chúng ta, các tín hữu Kitô giáo ở nhiều nơi trên thế giới muốn ca ngợi rằng Lòng Thương Xót Chúa trong sự thờ phượng Thiên Chúa, đặc biệt là trong việc cử hành Mầu Nhiệm Vượt Qua, trong đó lòng nhân hậu khoan dung của Thiên Chúa đặc biệt tỏa sáng.” Năm Thánh Lòng Thương Xót này là một cơ hội khác cho chúng ta nhớ đến tình yêu cao cả của Chúa Cha và lòng thương xót được thể hiện cho chúng ta trong cái chết của Con Ngài trên thập giá. Thiên Chúa hài lòng khi chúng ta cậy dựa vào lòng thương xót của Ngài, Đấng kiên nhẫn với chúng ta khi chúng ta ngày càng tìm cách trở thành những người tràn đầy đức tin, và để chia sẻ lòng thương xót của Thiên Chúa với những người khác. Tôi cầu xin rằng niềm vui Phục Sinh sẽ còn vang vọng trong những lời mà chúng ta tuyên xưng bằng môi miệng, và cũng vẫn thể hiện trong các hành động mà chúng ta thực hành với đôi tay của chúng ta. Theo cách này, chúng ta khen ngợi và tôn vinh Chúa Giêsu Kitô, Đấng đã phá đổ xiềng xích của sự chết và đã sống lại khải hoàn. Nguyện xin niềm hy vọng và niềm vui Phục Sinh luôn ở cùng Anh Chị Em tràn đầy sung mãn bây giờ và trong suốt mùa Phục Sinh. Chúc mừng Lễ Phục Sinh!! Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chú

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Comment The Pope Speaks

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -Serving others, helping them without making a show of it, “that’s amore,” Pope Francis said. “Amore,” or love, “is the concrete service we render to one another,” the pope said March 12 during a special general audience for the Year of Mercy. “Love isn’t words, but works and service, a humble service performed in silence” without seeking acclaim, the pope told tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square. The audience began with the reading of St. John’s account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, which Pope Francis said was “an unexpected and moving gesture, so much so that Peter did not want to accept it.” Jesus told the disciples that if he, their lord, washed their feet, they must do the same for others. “In this way Jesus indicates service as the path to follow if they want to live their faith in him and give witness to his love,” the pope said. “Washing the apostles’ feet,” he said, “Jesus wanted to reveal the way God acts toward us and give an example of his new commandment of loving one another as he loved us, that is, by giving his life for us.” Loving service also involves placing the gifts God has given one at the service of the community so it can grow, he said, but it also is expressed “in

CNS photo/Alessandro Bianchi, Reuters

Pope Francis waves as he arrives to lead a jubilee audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

the sharing of material goods so that no one is in need.” Members of other religions, he said, also see “this sharing and dedication to those in need” as a command of God and a path of true humanity. “When you forget yourself

and think of others, that’s love,” Pope Francis said. “And with the washing of feet, the Lord teaches us to be servants.” To be “merciful like the Father,” which is the theme of the Year of Mercy, means “to follow Jesus on the path of service,” the pope said.

Humble service, now ‘that’s amore,’ pope says at audience Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Question Corner Father Kenneth Doyle

Annulment process and Communion

Q. I was raised Catholic -received baptism, first Communion and confirmation -and there was never a problem with my taking holy Communion. Now I am told that, because my husband was previously married, I can no longer take Communion. What kind of nonsense is this -that he would have to go through a whole process of annulment that could possibly cost umpteen thousands of dollars and would drum up for him headaches from 20 years ago? My husband is livid because of this, and I am angry and humiliated. Why should I be shunned and not permitted to take Communion when I had nothing to do with his previous marriage problems? Sorry for venting, but why do they make some of us feel guilty when I don’t think that I did anything wrong? (City of origin withheld)

A. Your letter reflects the deep disappointment felt by many who are currently considered ineligible to share fully in Catholic sacramental life. It has been the church’s longheld teaching that reception of the Eucharist is a privilege reserved to those considered in good standing -- i.e., if married, in a marriage that is valid in the church’s eyes. Whether that standard should change (meaning, for example, full sacramental participation should be open to those doing

their best in their present situation to live according to Gospel values) is a matter of considerable discussion at the present time. As we await the outcome, let me reduce your worries by one, and that is your fear that an annulment of your husband’s first marriage might cost “umpteen thousands of dollars.” For years, in my diocese, the suggested offering was $350 -- to help cover consultations with psychologists, etc., and that fee was regularly waived if it seemed to be a hardship. Now, as of three weeks ago, that fee has been eliminated entirely in my diocese and in many others, and with strong encouragement from the pope.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Hymns, readings at funeral

Q. I would like to know who sets the guidelines for scriptural readings and hymns at a funeral Mass. I have written out a list of readings and hymns that I would like to have used at my own

funeral. Do the families have the final word, or does each diocese and parish make its own rules? (Winchester, Virginia)

A. The Order of Christian Funerals, which is the church’s official text and “rulebook” in such matters, lists a wide variety of scriptural readings from which a family may choose. There are 19 different Gospel texts, 19 others from the New Testament and seven Old Testament passages. There is also a provision (No. 344) that says, “As a general rule, all corresponding texts from sacred Scripture in the funeral rite are interchangeable,” which I have always taken to mean that families may choose alternate biblical passages beyond those specifically listed. As for hymns, most dioceses include in their guidelines a provision that only liturgical music be used at a funeral. (This helps to forestall requests -- though they still come -- to use the deceased’s college fight song or the ballad to which 13 the deceased and her husband danced at their wedding!) Many dioceses also specifically encourage music that highlights not just the sorrow of loss but the promise of eternal joy with the Lord. Particular parishes may have their own guidelines as well: Some, for example, specify that music be chosen from their parish hymnal so as to encourage congregational singing at the Mass. What you might want to do in your own case is to show your selections to your parish priest or musician and get their view in advance. Catholic News Service

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

Mercy and Christ’s resurrection

B 14

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy gave us new birth toward a living hope procured for us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a birth for an imperishable, undefiled and unfading inheritance preserved in heaven for us and guarded by means of the power of God through faith in salvation which is about to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice a little for now, even if it is necessary that you suffer various trials, in order that the testing of your faith, more precious than gold, which can perish through fire, may be found proven for praise, glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. It is he in whom, though not having seen, you love, and though you do not see him now you believe in, you rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy. You are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your selves” (1 Peter 1:3-9, my translation). “God’s justice is his mercy given to everyone as a grace that flows from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ” (Pope Francis, The Face of the Father’s Mercy, No. 21). In this quote, Pope Francis demonstrates a connection between the resurrection of Christ (the divine mystery upon which the Easter season centers) and mercy. The same can be said of 1

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Alexander Ivanov’s Christ’s appearance to Mary Magdalene after the Resurrection

Peter 1:3-9, which I, contrary to most commentators who see a new section beginning at verse 6, consider to be a literary unit. The entire passage is one long run-on sentence, which in Greek grammar can be acceptable grammatically. Usually in a first century GrecoRoman epistle, (cf. Paul’s epistles), after the author(s) identifies himself and the addressee(s), there is usually a thanksgiving section. 1 Peter 1:3-9, however, is a doxology, an offering of praise or blessing to God for some good God has done for the addressees. In fact, the passage unfolds something like an overture to an opera as it introduces some of the letter’s primary themes: hope (1 Peter 1:21; 3:15), Christ’s resurrection (1:21; 3:21), salvation (1:10; 2:2), suffering (2:19-20; 3:14, 17; 4:12, 15, 16, 19) and faith (1:21; 2:7 [2 times]; 5:9). The interconnected clauses of the passage are like individual steps forming a complete staircase ascending to a plateau. At the first “step” the author tells us that God the Father, through Jesus Christ, has caused us to be born anew (1:3), an image which reflects the addressees’ experience of baptism. The Greek tense of the verb “to be born anew” indicates a completed action, an action definitively accomplished, which means that the new state of life that results as a consequence of Christ’s resurrection is already being experienced by the Christian. “Peter” does not envision a rebirth from a sinful existence to a righteous one, rather the contrast is between a life with or without hope. What has effected this rebirth unto a “living” hope

is Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Just as Christ lived a human life before his death then entered into resurrection life after it, so the Christian, through baptism has entered into a new and different form of existence. The hope that will result from this newfound life, however, is something to be realized in the future. Specifically, it is a birth to an imperishable, undefiled and unfading inheritance. By calling this hope an “inheritance,” Peter suggests that new birth has given the Christian the status of an heir, one who has rights to a share of an estate, as when children inherit their deceased parents’ property. This inheritance is described as “imperishable,” which suggests that it is a matter of coming into possession of eternal life. It is also “undefiled.” The word “defilement,” which originates from the same root as “undefiled” in 2 Peter 2:20, refers to the “ungodly world,” that is, “pagan practices” (F. Hauck, miaino, et al, in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, abridged by G. W. Bromiley, eds. G. Kittel, G. Friedrich, p. 593). A similar word also meaning “defilement” in 2 Peter 2:10 refers to “licentious passion that defiles” (Ibid.). The concept of defilement refers to one’s status of purity with regard to worship, and seems to suggest here that the reborn person possesses the right cultic quality to stand before God in praise for eternity. Lastly, it is an inheritance which is “unfading,” a rare Greek word which probably connotes that the inheritance is not subject to decay or

corruption. This inheritance is preserved for the reborn person “in heaven,” a phrase that probably refers to the “final time,” (1:5), that is, the consummation of God’s Kingdom. The future hope just mentioned is cause for rejoicing. Yet that rejoicing may be tempered by the fact that Peter’s addressees currently are experiencing suffering and persecution. In any age, people of faith are inclined to wonder why God allows them to experience affliction, and though no adequate explanation to this paradox has ever been offered, the Scriptures attempt to explain it in different ways. Peter takes the position that God allows his people to suffer in order that the quality of their faith be not simply tested, but verified, so that his addressees will be able to stand worthily before the revelation of Jesus Christ at his second coming. Peter, who has seen Jesus in both his pre- and post-resurrection states, offers an implied commendation to his addressees for their love and faith. When they

were first evangelized they had not seen Jesus, but came to love him. They continue to believe in him whom they still do not see (at the time of the letter’s composition). Immersed in that love and faith, the addressees experience inexpressible and glorious joy, because they are in the process of receiving the goal of their faith, their personal salvation. Let’s return now to the beginning of the passage. All the positive benefits listed after verse 3, such as undying hope, the proving of the addressees precious faith,

the joy in which they share, and their gradual progress toward ultimate salvation are the result of the new birth founded in Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death. Peter characterizes this gift of new birth as an act of mercy on God’s part. It is mercy in the sense that through Jesus’ resurrection God did for us something we could not do for ourselves, namely, God gave us the opportunity to enter into a new form of existence which is not subjected to the hopelessness of death, but is oriented to the hope of an imperishable inheritance.

Questions n o of i t c e fl e R new birth” after the “

cs of life aracteristi ch t a h W n ience? solidify o you exper baptism d g helped to in er ff su nce of the experie n How has ? to have your faith oes it mean d s, rm te l ble practica imperisha n What, in toward an d te en ri o ope “a living h ”? inheritance 15

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April

Saints

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Benedict the Moor Image © Zinclair Studios

1526 - 1589 feast – April 4

Born near Messina, on the Italian island of Sicily, Benedict was the son of African slaves who, as their eldest son, was given his freedom. Growing up, he was nicknamed “il moro sante” (“the holy Moor”) for his piety and good works. He became a hermit and then the community’s superior; but, after the pope ordered them to disband in 1562, Benedict became a Franciscan lay brother. He served as cook, but drew many visitors and supplicants with his reputation for holiness and miracles. Despite his illiteracy, Benedict was chosen as superior and also as novice master, before being allowed to return to his kitchen refuge. He is a patron saint of Palermo, Sicily, and of blacks in the United States.

Saints

Blessed Savina Petrilli 1851 - 1923 feast - April 18

Universal Small Farmers. That small farmers may receive a just reward for their precious labor.

Born in Siena, Italy, this foundress had a lifelong devotion to St. Catherine of Siena. As a young member of a Marian sodality, she taught catechism to street children and gradually felt called to serve abandoned children and the poor. At 22, she began the work of establishing the Congregation of the Sisters of the Poor of St. Catherine of Siena, which received papal approval in 1877. Somewhat impulsive and impatient, Savina made a special vow never to deliberately refuse God anything. She counseled her sisters, “Whoever looks at us must see Jesus in us.” She died of cancer and was beatified in 1988. Her congregation serves today in Italy, South America, Asia and the United States.

Saints

Simeon of Jerusalem Wikipedia, public domain

Evangelization African Christians. That Christians in Africa may give witness to love and faith in Jesus Christ amid politicalreligious conflicts.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

died circa 107 feast – April 27

The son of Clopas, who is mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and John, and a cousin of Jesus, Simeon became bishop of Jerusalem after the martyrdom of St. James about 62. During his episcopate, Christians fled Jerusalem for Pella, on the far side of the Jordan River. Arrested during the reign of Emperor Trajan, Simeon was tortured “for being a descendant of David and a Christian,” according to the historian St. Hegesippus, who witnessed Simeon’s crucifixion at the age of 120. Another early Christian writer, Eusebius, said Simeon’s advanced age probably meant that he “saw and heard the Lord”; he considered Simeon an important figure in the early church. Several European cities claim to hold his relics.

Saints

CNS www.bayoucatholic.com

Corporal Works

2016 YEAR OF MERCY 2015 By Father Michael Bergeron The following is the fourth article in a seven-part series on the Corporal Works of Mercy. 4) Shelter the Homeless There are different definitions of homelessness. Generally, homelessness is defined as a person who “lacks a fixed, regular and adequate night-time residence.” The statistics for world-wide homelessness are astronomical. So, perhaps, we should limit discussion to homelessness in the United States. Despite our abundant resources to aid the homeless, 18 we still have an estimated 2.3 to 3.5 million people experiencing homelessness in this country each year. Fifty-eight percent of them live in shelters or transitional housing and 42 percent are unsheltered. One out of 50 homeless people are children. Forty percent of homeless men are veterans, although veterans compose 34 percent of the general adult male population. Louisiana ranks ninth in the percentage of homelessness (.28 percent - almost three-10ths of one percent). New Orleans ranked second among major metropolitan areas in homelessness, after Tampa, FL. Perhaps that is due to the milder weather conditions. “If any of your Israelite relatives fall into poverty and cannot support themselves, support them as you would a resident foreigner and allow them to live with you. Do not demand an advance or charge interest on the money you lend them. Instead, show your fear of God by letting them live with you as your relatives” (Leviticus 25:3536). Many people ignore the homeless, partly because they believe there is little they can do to “fix” them. And Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Shelter

the homeless

they are absolutely right. In fact, it is not God’s intention that we “fix” them any more than it is God’s intention that they “fix” us. St. Paul is arguably one of the most famous Christians of all time, and in 1 Corinthians he writes about how he was brutally treated and homeless. Even while in rags he preached the Gospel. And in that Gospel, Jesus tells us that we are one body in Christ. That is everyone – rich, poor, every race, every age. The homeless offer us an opportunity for charity and for self-reflection. We must help each other grow into the body Christ envisioned from the beginning of time. We will see how much we have in common when we knock down the false boundaries we have thrown up. Our commonality with the homeless is that every Christian is spiritually homeless, living in temporary shelters waiting to take our places in the Lord’s mansion. We are one body. And God doesn’t play favorites. God loves you just as much as he loves that person holding the sign “will work for food.”

Homeless shelters help people, but there are not enough of them. On particularly cold nights, in the news we see the shelters in New Orleans overflowing with people – even having to turn people away. We sometimes read of homeless people who died frozen in the streets. The need is not only for more homeless shelters, but for church-sponsored homeless shelters. The reason is simple. Non-church shelters often require a police check before someone is allowed to spend the night. This is problematic because some people, including the undocumented cannot undergo a police check. As a result, they sleep under bridges in Houma or quietly get help from sympathetic pastors. The homeless situation in this diocese has not been adequately addressed. Pope Francis has a special place in his heart for the homeless. He recently installed showers in the bathrooms at St. Peter’s Square so the homeless can have a place to wash up. Other church parishes in Rome have been encouraged to do the same. Every Monday,

local barbers offer free haircuts once the homeless men and women have showered. There are laundry services and a free clothes bank so they can get clean clothes. It is reported that Pope Francis sometimes leaves the Vatican at night dressed like an ordinary priest to join Archbishop Konrad Krajewski on his nightly rounds to meet with the homeless. It has also been reported that more and more people are moving at night to the Via Conciliazione at St. Peter’s Square to bed down in one of the hundreds of Vaticanissued sleeping bags which Pope Francis ordered to be handed out. A Romanian nicknamed Joey was quoted as saying, “We are all moving here. Everyone else spits on the homeless. But not here.” One of Pope Francis’ first gestures as pope was to invite four homeless men to celebrate his 77th birthday at the hotel where he lives inside the Vatican. On his 78th he did it again. He ordered an 80 year old German homeless man who went to Mass every morning to be buried in the cemetery inside Vatican City.

To follow the Pope’s example and to avoid his “sin of omission,” donate to charities that care for displaced persons, support disaster relief programs, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity or donate items to their stores, advocate for legislation to provide housing for poor and disabled persons, offer your love and hope as a foster parent, provide temporary housing for undocumented persons, welcome newcomers in your school or community, provide others with a sense of belonging to fulfill that basic human need, or support Covenant House. “And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head (Luke 9:58). What we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for him. In the May issue of Bayou Catholic, the fifth Corporal Work of Mercy, Visit the Sick, will be highlighted. (Father Michael Bergeron is the pastor of St. John the Evangelist Church parish in Thibodaux.) 19

Dr. Pedro Cuartas

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Spiritual Works

2016 YEAR OF MERCY 2015

By Father Robert Rogers The following is the fourth article in a seven-part series on the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Human suffering is part of life, and it can be difficult to bear. We have all been affected by suffering in various ways. These experiences can test our faith and wear us down to the point of despair. Alternatively, these moments in life can be times of spiritual and psychological growth leading to deeper faith and forging friendship with God and neighbor. When touched by human affliction, suffering and pain can be an opening to God’s mercy and love along with the need to turn to people for comfort and consolation. Our physical, psychological and spiritual pain calls out for healing, conversion, wholeness and newness of life. We look to the holy Scriptures for the many examples where God has shown mercy to his people. He is the Father of mercies to the House of Israel who keeps his covenant forever. The Gospels show Jesus to be the face of the Father who lives among his people healing, consoling and caring. Jesus is sent to bring the Good News and loving mercy to a hurting and wounded world. His love and compassion is so great that he enters into the lives of sinners, the sick and the outcast. Unlike the love of other human beings, the consoling Jesus looks into the eyes of those he encounters with a pure and holy love that draws the wounded into his very power and life. Let us turn now to some practical ways that we are called and sent as disciples into the lives of people bringing consolation to the afflicted in daily living. In justice our living faith is expressed in concrete ways Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Comforting the Afflicted

when we personally invest our time to accompany those who need us. Praying for another is a powerful way to assist the hurting to carry his or her cross. In the face of shattered lives and desperation, prayer unites and lifts the burdens of life up to God. Jesus is the suffering servant taught by the prophets and having been baptized into his life, death and resurrection, we seek the healing and strength of Christ not only for ourselves but for those we love, befriend and encounter. We lift up the afflicted to the Lord Jesus in the Mass, at eucharistic adoration, in our rosaries and contemplation. Our prayer life stirs us into action. We are called and sent to accompany those who are in need of material and spiritual goods. We are powerful witnesses to faith when we freely and willingly pray with those in distress. Can

we offer a prayer with them to seek the grace and mercy of God? When we encounter the hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:31-46), can we reach out in loving support? We know that we cannot always remedy suffering, but what we can do is help one find hope in suffering and through prayer help them to experience the compassion of God. Bringing consolation to the afflicted can be challenging. We are called into action and good works. We move toward people, setting aside our plans and agendas to be present to the lonely and forgotten. Our faith shows us that we have been sent by Jesus to bring the blessings of God to our brothers and sisters who desire life and goodness. We are that powerful witness to hope when we visit those in distress who live on the margins of society.

Sometimes just sitting with someone and listening to them can be a great help to bring courage in the face of fear and danger. A suffering soul can readily be found in a hospital, nursing home, retirement facility, jail cell, private home, halfway house or storm shelter. Because distress comes in many forms, loneliness or confusion can be found even on college campuses, on city streets, in the office next door, or the person standing at the checkout line. We often do not need to look hard to find those in difficult circumstances that need our compassion. They are often in our midst. Whenever we find people we find affliction. It might be impossible to make a personal visit when we have knowledge of such circumstances. Sometimes it can be as simple as a phone call, letter or meal to make someone feel loved and appreciated. Many times what others are feeling is disconnection and left out of life’s activities and joys. In the face of serious sickness or even death, financial troubles, joblessness, broken friendships, work issues, strained family

relationships, or loss of home, we can become very anxious and hopeless. Our reaction can be debilitating and discouraging. Presently many people live in depression. Here, family members and acquaintances need the reinforcement of friendship to walk the journey of life. These are moments when our Christian charity can be very beneficial for those in pain. Reaching out toward others can be very healing, consoling and comforting. Words may be limited, but the gift of self can be a wonderful support. I once heard that true friends often help to distract us away from our troubles. The human mind can become fixated on suffering, causing anxiety. We can reach out to friends and family to help them to refocus their lives on new things in life. We can help them to see new horizons and new endeavors to change the direction of their lives. We cannot totally escape suffering until we experience the joy of resurrection, but we can console our friends by helping to distract them toward a new vision in life. Distractions can take the form of hobbies, movies,

shopping, a fishing trip, sporting events, laughter, listening to music or taking physical exercise. Such activities redirect our thoughts and begin to ease hopelessness. Those who suffer can also be invited into service projects. Moving out toward another is often times a great remedy for affliction. Serving others in need heals our broken hearts. When serving others we find meaning in life. We begin to see ourselves as gifted and sent by God into the lives of others. Soon we will celebrate Easter and Pentecost. Let us be renewed in our Catholic faith by the promises and joys of the risen Lord. Suffering is a mystery and is part of life. Each of us experiences troubles to varying degrees. As we enter into the mystery of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, let us both pray for those in great suffering and reach out to them in the power of Christ the healer and savior. May you have a very happy and holy Eastertide. (Father Robert Rogers is the pastor of St. Louis Church parish in Bayou Blue.)

POSITION AVAILABLE Superintendent of Catholic Schools Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux ~ Schriever, Louisiana The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (www.htdiocese.org) in southern Louisiana is seeking a visionary, faith-filled leader to serve as Superintendent. This position requires an innovative and strategic thinker who will collaborate with Bishop Shelton J. Fabre in setting the overall direction for the Catholic schools. The Diocese has 5,540 students in three Diocesan high schools and ten parish elementary schools. The Superintendent will participate in a Diocesan-wide strategic planning process and lead the implementation of a plan designed to ensure the long-term viability of the Catholic schools. The Superintendent will ensure the faith formation and academic accomplishment of students while addressing challenges in enrollment, affordability, and funding. He/she must work collaboratively with pastors, school presidents, principals, school advisory councils, the Diocesan School Advisory Council and Diocesan staff, and possess excellent communication skills and an ability to engage others in support of Catholic education. The Office of Catholic Schools encompasses responsibility for curriculum, accreditation, administrator development, and legal matters, collaborating with Diocesan staff on matters of human resources and finances. The Superintendent must be skilled in instructional leadership, administration, human relations, problem-solving, and planning. A successful applicant must be a practicing Catholic and possess a master’s degree and experience in Catholic school administration. A doctoral degree, teaching experience, and knowledge of school law are preferred. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position is available on July 1, 2016. Applicants must submit electronically a letter of introduction; resume; a statement addressing “Priorities for the Leadership of Catholic Schools in a Small and Diverse Diocese;” and names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five professional references to: Superintendent Search – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Catholic School Management, Attn: Jennifer C. Kensel, at office@catholicschoolmgmt.com. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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Heavenly Recipes

Ann’s

e e f f u o t E Crawfish

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe, crawfish etouffee, comes from Ann Tregre, a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church in Bayou Black. Ann is an only child who was born and raised in New Orleans. “My mother attended Mt. Carmel in Thibodaux and she wanted me to continue that tradition so I attended Mt. Carmel Academy in New Orleans.” The Tregre’s have two children, a daughter named Cherie who teaches Spanish at Brother Martin 22 High School in New Orleans, and a son Joseph who is a priest for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Ann says that she learned to cook a little in home economics in school. She enjoys cooking healthy meals. Her husband Carl is an avid hunter and she is open to trying different wild game and learning how to cook what he brings home. “I have cooked bear burgers, bison burgers, ducks, geese and lots of different deer. The latest I have tried is sheep. We grill the back strap, make stews and have sausage made.” She says her daughter is a very good cook. “My daughter is actually a better cook than me. She enjoys the science of cooking. She experiments with recipes.” Ann is retired from the Social Security Administration. “I worked at the Social Security Office for 38 years. I enjoyed working with the public. I was a field representative in the 1980s. Dealing with the public made it interesting,” she says. The mother of two has an adventurous spirit. “My passion is adventure travel and photography. I enjoy presenting a story of my Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

travels to distant lands through travel books I have created. I have been to Russia, the Ukraine, Greece, Turkey and many more countries. I travel to learn the history and the different cultures of countries. I have traveled to India which is mostly Hindu and Myanmar which is Buddhist. I will be a guest lecturer at Vandebilt Catholic High School’s world history class to share my experiences of these countries during the world religions lessons. I have also been to Kenya. The Brothers of the Sacred Heart have a school there and I met a student that I sponsor. That was a great experience. I am in the process of organizing a pilgrimage to Rome for Pentecost.” If all the travel isn’t enough to keep her busy she leads a book club called “Soul Sisters” which is a group of about 20 Catholic women who meet weekly for fellowship. The Tregres became parishioners of St. Anthony when Ann was pregnant with her son Joseph. “We moved here when I was pregnant for Joseph. Father Gerard Hayes was such a spiritual father at St. Anthony. It was then I became more involved with my faith. I began attending adult faith formation classes there and became part of the confirmation team. Father Hayes was all about enrichment through adult education in the church parish. All through the years the Lord was preparing Joseph at St. Anthony. He is a product of St.

Anthony.” The Tregres are very proud parents. “We are proud of both of our children. It is very humbling to be the parent of a priest. We didn’t think we would be part of the spotlight as parents. It makes my heart feel good when people come to me and tell me how much Joseph has touched them in their lives and helped them in their spiritual life. He has a spirit of evangelization which helps him share his faith with others.” Ann’s Crawfish Etouffee 4 lbs. peeled crawfish 1/2 cup flour 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup oil 1 can tomato paste Parsley flakes 1 large onion chopped 1 bunch shallots, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped 1 tsp. garlic, chopped 3 tsp. hot sauce 2 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper Melt butter; add oil and flour to make a roux. Add onion, shallots and celery. Saute’ until wilted. Add tomato sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, hot sauce and crawfish. Add water to cover. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Skim off scum and rising oil. Sprinkle with parsley flakes and serve over cooked brown rice. Note: Salt, pepper and hot sauce are for store bought frozen crawfish tails. Use less if using left over crawfish from a crawfish boil.

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Church Life

Centennial celebrations Mass and Blessing of the Fleet April 16-17 for Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow, which began as a mission of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose in 1916, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with its theme, “Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church: A century of believing, praying and caring people in Golden Meadow, Louisiana.” According to the history of the church parish, many of its parishioners are descendants of those who fled the coastal village of Cheniere Caminada after it was destroyed by a devastating hurricane in 1893. The survivors of the hurricane are said to have moved further north along Bayou Lafourche to find a safer place to settle. France native Father Yves Grall was assigned to 24 the mission; and because it was unnamed, he called it St. Yves, after his own patron. Two years later, Father Euclid J. Blanchet became the mission’s resident pastor and is credited with renaming the church in honor of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. The current church, a rectangular structure made of brick, steel and concrete, was built in 1959. The LaSalette Fathers served the parish from 1938 until 1989 and during this time period a shrine was built to Our Lady of LaSalette. Currently, the parish has 500 active families. Father J. Henry Sebastian, M.S.F.S, pastor since June 2012, says the anniversary celebration began on Jan. 8, which is the Feast of Our Lady of Prompt Succor. The Centennial Mass will take place exactly 100 days later on Sunday, April 17 at 9 a.m., with Bishop Shelton J. Fabre as the main celebrant. The Mass will be concelebrated by other priests who have served the parish over the years. Throughout these 100 days, the parish will be celebrating the following groups during special liturgical celebrations: liturgical ministers, social ministries, employees, pastoral council members, finance council members, building and grounds committee members, money counters, sacristy cleaners, veterans and service professionals, youth organizations, altar servers, Children of Mary, Bible Camp, retreat teams, parish organizations, past and present; CCD teachers, DREs, CREs, CCD secretaries and helpers, RCIA teachers, FOCCUS couples, baptism class leaders, schoolteachers, school Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

administrators, past admirals, super bulls, Bull Club organizers and church fair workers. Father Sebastian says, “The parishioners are very generous people that go out of their way to support those in need. They are also caring and helpful people; if there is someone in need the parishioners will come together to support them. The closely knit families here care about their church and are proud of it.” One example of the generosity of the people there is the annual Lenten Gumbo that is held every Friday in Lent. All the money raised goes toward helping the poor; last year it made $24,000. The Ladies of LaSalette are active in the parish and the acolytes can always be counted on to support the priest and the parish, notes the pastor. Looking forward to the next 10 years, Father Sebastian says the price of the oil will determine the survival of the parish. If there are no jobs, the young people will have to move away to make a living, something he is already beginning to see happen now. Irby “Roy” Eserman, 83, one of Our Lady of Prompt Succor’s oldest parishioners, and his wife Jeanette Collins Eserman, have been serving the church parish in many different capacities for the past 67 years. They have also served many different priests during that time. Roy says the parish has meant everything to him and his wife through the years. “God is everything,” he says. Roy was raised strictly Catholic and even went to the seminary for a short time at age 19. He served as the parish bookkeeper and was a member of the Pastoral Council four times. His wife was the CCD coordinator for many years. At age eight, Roy was already singing in the church parish choir. He became the director of the choir for the 5 p.m. Mass, a position he had for many years until November 2015. He adds that he directed the choir for 301 funerals. “I just love music and I can’t see celebrating the liturgy without it,” says Roy, adding that, “St. Augustine says, ‘When you sing, you are praying twice.’” In conjunction with the parish’s centennial celebration, it is also celebrating the 100th annual Blessing of the Fleet. The parish’s first annual Blessing of the Fleet was held in 1916 to ask God for a safe and successful shrimping season. Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish holds the distinction of hosting the longest consecutively held Blessing of the Fleet in North America. “Shrimping was the livelihood of the people in the olden days,” says Father Sebastian, “and much

of the time their success depended on the weather. They needed God’s blessing when they went out to sea and that’s how it all started. In the beginning there were hundreds of boats that participated; today there are not nearly as many boats as there were in the past.” The Blessing of the Fleet starts with a prayer with the parish’s acolytes, Knights of Columbus and altar servers all participating. The bishop or a priest blesses the boats and the parade follows going up and down the bayou for about four miles. This year there will be a contest for the best decorated boat. The boat blessing will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, followed by a Fisherman’s Mass to honor the 100th anniversary of the Blessing of the Fleet at 5 p.m. 25

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Bayou Patrons

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

‘The Mother of the Savior of the world’

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Continuing our Bayou Patrons series, this month we are featuring the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which the Catholic Church celebrates on the fixed date of Sept. 8, (Feast of the Nativity of Mary) nine months after the Dec. 8 celebration of her Immaculate Conception. According to Catholic News Service, the details of Mary’s birth are unknown. Her parents, who are not mentioned in the Bible, are called Joachim and Anne in the apocryphal Gospel of James. This book claims that Joachim went into the desert to lament their childlessness and learned in a vision or dream that he and Anne would have a daughter. In 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception – that Mary, as the mother of the second person of the Holy Trinity, was free of original sin at the moment of her conception. Mary was born to be the mother of the Savior of the world,

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

the spiritual mother of all men, and the holiest of God’s creatures. Because of her Son’s infinite merits, she was conceived and born immaculate and full of grace. Saint Augustine described the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary as an event of cosmic and historic significance, and an appropriate prelude to the birth of Jesus Christ. “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley,” he said. Very Rev. Charles Perkins, V.F., pastor of St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland (December 2003 until June 2010) and reappointed July 2014, says Mary has a special place in his life. “Many years ago, someone told me of a way to pray by asking Mary to be a part of that prayer. This is the way I see Mary in my life. Imagine you are walking in a field and as you walk you see Mary coming to you. She stops and talks to you and tells you that she

would like to take you to meet her Son. All of a sudden you see Jesus walking toward you. Mary takes you by the hand and says ‘don’t be afraid.’ When you are standing in front of Jesus, Mary says to you, ‘I want to introduce you to my Son,’ and she says to Jesus, ‘I want you to meet this young person.’ Jesus says ‘I already know him but now I want him to come and really know me.’ You end up walking and talking to Jesus as you go. Mary stays behind. Ever since I first heard this, I have asked Mary to walk with me and pray with me to her Son, Jesus. I don’t pray to Mary; I ask for her help, her prayers in talking to Jesus. Mary is my real prayer partner.” According to a parish history, a corporation named the “Congregation of the Roman Catholic Church of Sainte Marie Pamela” was formed in 1840 to maintain the land which was being used as a cemetery since 1797. Under the direction of Pere Charles Menard, the St. Mary’s Nativity Chapel was built and blessed on Aug. 3, 1850. The parish history states that it is unknown why or how the name St. Mary Pamela was chosen as the title for the church because “there is no saint by that name and the Blessed Virgin Mary is nowhere honored under that title, as far as it can be ascertained.” Confusion about the names lasted until the time of the dedication of the new church building in 1966 when the name of St. Mary Pamela was changed to St. Mary’s Nativity in keeping with the title, “The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin,” that was given to the church in 1880. The church’s round construction with 12 points can be interpreted as Mary’s Crown. Because of Father Perkins’ special relationship with Mary and because the school and church are both named after Mary, the parish celebrates Mary with special Masses and prayer devotions throughout the year. The parish celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a special school Mass in church and at all weekend Masses nearest to the feast day. The parish also sponsors a May Crowning and prays the rosary before Mass as a community during the months of May and October. The Blessed Virgin Mary may be taken as a patroness of any good activity, for she is often cited as the patroness of all humanity. Mary is also associated with protecting many occupations and locations. In art, Mary is traditionally portrayed in blue. Her other attributes are a blue mantle, a crown of 12 stars, a pregnant woman, roses, and a woman with child. Hundreds of thousands of pieces of Marian artwork and sculptures have been created over the years from the best and most brilliant artists, like Michelangelo and Botticell to simple peasant artists.

St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland

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Entertainment

Seeing Clairely Claire Joller

Prayers

from Bayouland

W 28

We just returned from a boat ride through bayous, lakes, and bays. It was one of your beautiful, cool and clear springtime days, Lord, and everywhere we went, we encountered water hyacinths, their pale violet flowers bobbing above glossy green leaves. In some canals and bayous, we had to glide carefully through chokes of hyacinths so thick they appeared to be solid ground. These “escapes” from another continent are both beautiful and terrible in their plenitude, blocking sunlight to submerged vegetation, destroying the forage of underwater life. As we rode, they prompted thoughts of appearances, and what can lie beneath the most appealing surface. Teach me, Father, to avoid judging only on appearances, on the untested, unstudied surface nature of people and situations. Instruct me as only you can, Lord, to navigate through hidden hazards with the eyes of spiritual discernment and truth. Help me to assess rightly the far-reaching consequence, the deceiving comeliness, the submerged agenda. Admonish my spirit in analysis of persons’ and situations’ fruit as evidence of their goodness and rightness. I pray this in the name of Jesus, the Truth who reveals all unseen truths.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Sometimes I picture myself as a crab holding on by one claw at the end of a crabber’s line—holding on stubbornly to the enticing bait, even as the capturing net approaches. I see myself this way tonight, Father God, because I’m feeling fragile and sad. I’m remembering hurtful experiences from years past, and I’m surprised at the pain they still produce in my heart. I thought I had dealt with all of this long ago, and was free from the effects of it. I’m like that crab, clinging to the tempting bait of self-pity and unforgiveness. I pray for the gift of letting go of those temptations which seem so enticing, so difficult to release. I don’t want to be entrapped in the net of remembered pain and its destructive effects in my life. I ask my compassionate Lord to pry open my claws, to release me from my dangling posture, and to help me glide comfortably back into the safe waters of his tender mercies, where he can heal the wounds of past hurts and wash away any lingering unhealthy effects in my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus, the Healer.

Tonight I remember, Lord, my dad’s descriptions of the feu follet. Since he was not superstitious, he didn’t believe the stories of these small, hovering fires in the marsh being “the souls of unbaptized children” or some other old folks’ supernatural descriptions. Instead, he explained their appearances as the fascinating phenomenon of South Louisiana’s natural gas richness as they really were—and are. I invite you, God the Father, to give to me more of the Holy Spirit’s fire, so that I may have zeal for your work and your word, unmindful of the World, as long as it is your will. I ask this in the name of Jesus, Spirit-Announcer. Spanish moss hung from every tree on a country road we recently traveled. Stirring gently in the breeze, some of the trailing gray stalactites reached lengths of five to six feet. These “Spaniards’ beards” suspended from grand old trees evoked in me as a child a sense of both serenity and mystery. Later science classes about its classification as a plant needing only structural support just served to alter its appeal, as a gentle survivor taking only what it needs from the host without damaging the tree—a happy synergy creating visual beauty. What I desire in my relationship with You and with other people, dear God, is that satisfying synergy. Sometimes I am the structurallyneedy moss clinging to spiritual advisors and friends who see me through times when I am too weak to stand on my own. Sometimes I am called upon to be “host” for others who require to be lovingly draped from my metaphorical branches, my own surplus of freelygiven grace. But always You are the Divine Catalyst, dear God. I pray for deeper revelations of your will for balance in my life, in the name of Jesus, Power and Wisdom of God.

Book Reviews

The Best of Peter Finney, Sportswriter Reading with Raymond Raymond Saadi

By Peter Finney Jr. LSU Press $29.95 Back in the days of the Daily States Item and Picayune newspapers, sports fans eagerly read the daily perceptive writings of Peter Finney, the legendary New Orleans sportswriter. Now, we can enjoy again the best of them, collected by his son, including his description of Billy Cannon’s punt return to beat Ole Miss in 1959; Tom Dempsey’s 1970 record 63-yard field goal and, of course, the Saints Super Bowl victory. Writing in colorful, conversational language, Finney gave fans the straight scoop on their favorite teams. Live them again in this enjoyable collection.

What Did Jesus Ask?

Edited by Elizabeth Dias Time Books $21.95 More than 70 leaders, both religious and secular, respond to questions asked by Jesus, many, if not most, rhetorical … Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Father James Martin deliberates on Jesus’ saying to two blind men asking for sight; Do you believe I am able to do this? Martin says that Jesus’ question comes in the middle of four different healings. One secular writer, Grammy winner, Michael W. Smith, took exception to this question; If a man owns 100 sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the 99 on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? Smith says while he can’t support the logic of that decision, risking 99 sheep to save one, he can stand behind the results. “See, I was the one” he says … “the sheep who lost my way. And, I’m so grateful that God was reckless enough to come find me.” For him, and us, seems the shepherd was right.

After the Crash By Michel Bussi Hachette $27 When a plane with 169 passengers aboard crashed into a mountainside of the Swiss Alps, all aboard were killed except incredibly, a three-month old infant girl found unhurt, several yards always from the burning wreckage. A miracle baby? There were two infant girls of that age aboard the plane and two sets of grandparents both claiming the miracle baby was theirs. Enter Credule Grand-Duc (a name he despised), a successful private detective, who was hired to solve the mystery, but after 18 frustrating years, on the verge of giving up and suicidal, he suddenly discovers a secret hidden in plain view.

Flight of Dreams By Ariel Lawhon Doubleday $25.95 There’s little chance that someone picking up this book doesn’t already know that it ends with the crash of the German dirigible airship, Hindenburg. Using the names of actual passengers and crew, the author imagines what might have occurred on the fateful flight. It is historical fiction at its best; real people, their names at least, but what happens aboard is all the imagination and creativity of the author who suggests the airship was sabotaged. Even knowing the ending doesn’t diminish the suspense. www.bayoucatholic.com

Special

Strategic Planning testimonials Come together

As the 40th anniversary of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux approaches in 2017, I would like to thank Bishop Shelton J. Fabre Caillouet for initiating the Strategic Planning process which is presently underway and Very Rev. Mark Toups for handling the task of implementing the process. This is a great opportunity for all of us to come together, as laity and clergy, to share our ideas and concerns about how our diocese will move forward. The diocese needs our input, help and wisdom. Since the creation of our diocese in 1977, there have been 30 many changes in the world. Just one example is how the world communicates and how we have moved into the fast-paced world of information and social media. Our diocese has changed, too. A major trend in our diocese which gives me concern is that in 1977, Catholics were 67 percent of the total population in our diocese and in 2015 it has decreased to 48 percent. Additionally in 2015, only 21 percent of Catholics in our diocese attended Mass on Sunday and less than 18 percent attended Mass every Sunday. The Caillouet family has lived in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes since the 1800s and we have always been strong in our Catholic faith. This faith and devotion has been our backbone and carried us through life’s events, good and bad. At this point in time in the history of our diocese, I think it is important to find out how our diocese can reverse the downward trend and how our church parishes can experience a comprehensive and faith-filled renewal. This Strategic Planning process is providing all of us the opportunity to answer some important questions: Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Where is God calling us to go as a diocese? How can our diocese grow? How can we bring people back to the Catholic Church? What is important to each of us at Mass? How can the Catholic Churches in our diocese to be more welcoming, nurturing and appealing to all of us and for all ages? I encourage all of you to have your voice heard through this Strategic Planning process. Our diocese wants honest responses and feedback. The diocese has gathered information through the listening

sessions conducted in February and March. If you were unable to attend any of the listening sessions you can still participate by going to the website at www. htdiocese.org/sp to complete an online survey or volunteer to serve on one of the commissions which have been established based on the information obtained. I am very excited about this process and I know with help from all of us it will be very successful and our diocese will again flourish in accordance with the will of God. Sincerely, Charles Caillouet

Let’s do it

I recently participated in a prayer group where we sang and meditated on the holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As I listened to the comments of the group and reflected on the meditations, my heart was filled with gratitude for the blessings in my life, but more importantly, the realization of doing my part to further the mission and vision of our church community. There is a passage in the book Rediscover Jesus that reads “Two thousand years of Christianity and yet the wisdom of living out the Gospel in any age is unchanged. Get close to Jesus and stay close to him.” This is at the forefront of Bishop Fabre’s vision. As a diocesan community, we are identifying areas that need special attention … our youth, reconnecting with Catholics who are no longer practicing, reinforcing our faith through stronger formation, our schools, etc. I encourage you to get involved with one of the 15 Planning Commissions (visit www.htdiocese. org/sp). This is an exciting and, yes, challenging time for our diocese. As the saying goes, it takes a village … We are the community that will help lead this. We all share in its future. Allons – let’s do this together! Blanca Robinson

I moved to Houma nearly 18 years ago when my husband and I married. Being a cradle Catholic, I immediately became a member of his Robinson church parish (St. Lucy) … a small tight-knit community that at once made me feel welcome and one in which I found peace and healing. I embraced it and feel very much at home there. Last fall, I learned of the Strategic Planning process that was getting underway for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, a process that I very much wanted to be involved with. I have since become a part of the team that is working closely with Bishop Shelton J. Fabre on his vision for the future of the diocese and its 39 parishes. I support the bishop’s strategic plan. Is it doable? Absolutely! Will it be easy? Not without a lot of hard work and strong commitment. There is much work to be done to ensure that we are truly unified as a diocese, as well as ensuring that each of the parishes remains vibrant and stable.

Walter McIntyre retiring, calls his work a ‘life saver’ Story and Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier To credit one’s occupation as a life saver is a bold statement. Walter “Tommy” McIntyre says that if it wasn’t for the Assisi Bridge House and having worked there for over 30 years he might not be alive today. McIntyre, a recovering alcoholic, filled in as a tech at first, at the Bridge House then became night manager in 1986. “Alcoholics Anonymous, the Bridge House and God helped me through some tough times. The Bridge House opened just after I got sober. These guys here helped me more than they know. This place helped me stay sober and become more spiritual. The Bridge House saved my life.” McIntyre will be leaving at the end of this month to move back home to North Carolina where he has family that hasn’t been part of his life for a long time. As a night manager McIntyre was on hand in case there were any emergencies and to make sure there was order in the house. “There is a house man, a guy who is the leader of the residents here. In some instances if there would be a situation he couldn’t handle with the guys he would come to me for help and advice,” says McIntyre. Through the years at the Bridge House he has met many men struggling with addiction. “Meeting different people and seeing them stay sober or off of drugs is what makes this job worthwhile. I have seen some of my friends die because of drugs or alcohol and that makes me sad.” McIntyre takes pride in the fact that he has remained at the Bridge House for a long time. “My being here for so long is important to me. I will miss the people that are here. There is a great staff here and I enjoy the company of the residents. Sometimes at night the guys want to talk; other times they just want to wind down,” he says. During his employment at the Bridge House he had the opportunity to work with different individuals. He has fond memories of Brother John Olsen who was the associate director there at one time. “I still miss Brother John. We talked a lot. He was a laid back person, cool as a cucumber. He shared a lot of his personal life with me. He was a great leader. I also thank Rob Gorman. He has been a wonderful boss. I thank God for him. I thank him for giving me a chance at the Bridge House. He is a great guy.” In addition to working at the Bridge House, McIntyre has been working as grounds keeper at Terrebonne General Medical Center for the past 14 years. He hopes to do some volunteer work at a hospital in North Carolina when he gets back home, but he mostly wants to spend time with his son and his grandchildren and be a part of their lives. Looking back through the years he has seen a change

Walter McIntyre prays the rosary during a quiet moment at the Bridge House.

in his life and how the Bridge House has been such a huge part of that change. “When I was younger I was blaming things on God but realized after I became sober that some of the things I was mad at were just part of life. I started to change and became aware of what life is all about. Working at the Bridge House has been a journey for me, a wonderful journey.” It’s a Party, Not a Workout! • Group Fitness studio with a supportive and fun atomosphere • Zumba, Body Pump and more ... • Glow Parties

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Special

Robert D. Gorman named 2016 Social Worker of the Year Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Robert D. Gorman, LCSW, ACSW, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, recently received the 2016 Social Worker of the Year award from the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA) for the state and region. 32 “The Social Worker of the Year Award honors a National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana, (NASW-LA) member who exemplifies the best of the profession’s values and achievements through specific accomplishments,” says Carmen D. Weisner, LCSW, ACSW, executive director of the NASW-Louisiana Chapter. “In honoring the Social Worker of the Year, NASW-LA highlights superb accomplishments in the practice of social work in the member’s career.” A candidate for the award must make a demonstrable difference is areas such as advocacy for clients, impact on social policy, exceptional practice, program creation, administration development and innovative research; demonstrate outstanding leadership; contribute to a positive image for his profession; and take risks to achieve outstanding results. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre offers the following words of congratulations to Gorman on this outstanding recognition. “I am delighted to know that the many gifts of Rob Gorman have been recognized by the National Association of Social Workers in awarding him the 2016 Social Worker of the Year Award. I admire Rob and his enthusiastic Catholic faith. Rob also has a great dedication to the mission of Catholic Charities, to the social teachings of the church and to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Rob has a sincere devotion to meeting the needs of the poor and marginalized. I am so grateful for his service to Catholic Charities and I certainly offer my congratulations to him on receiving this award.” Gorman received a bachelor of arts degree in social work and sociology from Loyola University in New Orleans and a master’s degree in social work from the Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Karen Schilling, LCSW, presents Robert Gorman, LCSW, ACSW, with the 2016 Social Worker of the Year award from the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter, for the state and region.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to attending graduate school, he helped establish the Dixon Research Center for Black on Black Crime in New Orleans and developed a program to assist mentally handicapped workers find employment through the Louisiana Association for Mental Health. He also worked as coordinator of ConsultationEducation for Smoky Mountain Area Mental Health in North Carolina from 1977–1982, where he designed training programs for business and industry, conducted mental health education programs and created the area’s first Employee Assistance Program in addition to doing clinical counseling and crisis intervention. Upon returning to Louisiana in 1982, he started his career at Catholic Charities Diocese of HoumaThibodaux (CCH-T), where he developed many programs that are still in operation, including Catholic Housing Services, Coastal Entrepreneur’s Net to Success (C.E.N.T.S.), the Foster Grandparent program, and the legislative action network called A Catholic Voice for Justice. Under his direction, CCH-T took over St. Lucy Day Care, which was on the verge of closing its doors and turned it into the St. Lucy Child Development Center. He also took on the project of turning a struggling addiction facility in Houma into the Assisi Bridge House and Independent Living program now located on Bull Run Road in Schriever. Following Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Gorman helped to create the Terrebonne Readiness and Assistance Coalition (TRAC), the longest continuously operating community-based disaster relief/preparedness organization in the nation. When Hurricane Katrina devastated this region, he created the Matthew 25 Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry to organize Catholic parishioners into response teams. Gorman is a shining example of the specialized area of community based organizing. He is the founding chair of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and continues to be an advocate for this cause.

An additional organization that emerged from his work is Bayou Interfaith Shared Community Organizing (BISCO), a multifaith, multi-ethnic community organization concerned with social justice issues like poverty, illiteracy and racism in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. He has presented workshops throughout the state regarding the importance of protecting the environment, which has served to reinforce his passion for environmental justice and stewardship issues not only in the state, but on the national level, as well. Gorman’s work on social justice issues has now emerged in his work through the Louisiana Interchurch Conference with the formation of the Bread or Stones Campaign for child well-being, which focuses on areas dealing with maternal and child health, school readiness and school dropout, marriage and family, and child poverty. This organization was recently awarded a $50,000 grant to mobilize the campaign throughout Louisiana in

‘

Being recognized by my fellow social workers is something special because they understand what I do.

2016. Gorman says when Cathy Stack, a retired social worker who nominated Gorman for this award, called his wife to tell her that he was being nominated for this award, his wife Carolyn told her that he doesn’t do this work for the recognition. “And that’s certainly true, but here’s a secret – it’s really fun to get it,” says Gorman. “Being recognized by my fellow social workers is something special because they understand what I do. I remember someone came to our house when our daughter Kathleen was about seven years old. She overheard them ask me what I do. Rolling her eyes and repeating in a singsong voice a phrase she’d obviously heard me say one too many times, she answered, ‘If you want peace, work for justice.’” Gorman says he’s grateful to Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for the opportunity to work for the past 34 years in such a great agency where what they all do makes such a difference in people’s lives. 33

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Young Voices During this year, I am making my confirmation. Confirmation is the sacrament that gives young people courage to do what they know is right, even if others mock their beliefs, the courage to defend the truth even when others deny that such a thing as truth exists. In the year to come I will be starting my walk of faith. I will be God’s hand of mercy by living more like Jesus, spreading the word of God and taking up my own crosses. I will finally get the courage to do all of these things through Jesus. Abigail Frazier, 16 years old Our Lady of the Isle Church parish Grand Isle School

As the many years of preparation for confirmation come to an end and I make this huge leap into my faith, I plan on continuing as God’s hands of mercy in this year to come! Post confirmation, many teens stop going to church or only pray sometimes; as a confirmed Catholic I plan on continuing daily prayer, and attending Mass with my family every Sunday. Also, I will continue to spread the Word of God to everyone around me, young and old; at Bible camps, school, etc.! Grace LeBlanc, 17 years old St. Joseph Church parish, Galliano South Terrebonne High School

h t i a f r u o y t u p o t you s l l a c n o i t a m r fi n Co ands h ’s d o G e b u o y l l wi into action. How e? m o c o t r a e y e h t n of mercy i Confession to me is taking on the responsibilities of being Catholic and knowing right from wrong in God’s eyes. It is also making you an adult in the church, giving you the responsibility to spread the knowledge and wisdom of Jesus. It will be great to bring the good news of Jesus to those who never heard of him or who needs a savior to free them from their struggles. Just think how great it will be when you get to heaven and a familiar face walks up to you thanking you for helping him get into the kingdom of God. Dylan Malbrough, 17 years old St. Bridget Church parish Houma Christian School

I think that the journey I am about to take in confirmation is a great experience as a Catholic. Confirmation to me means that you are reborn in the Catholic Church as a true believer of your faith. And it also means that you are ready to walk the journey that God has laid out for you until you are ready to face his mercy in heaven. Seth Naquin, 17 years old St. Louis Church parish Central Lafourche High School

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

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 - Mrs. Shirley Conrad - Bishop Shelton Fabre - Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

February 2016 Burse Contributions Ronnie Haydel ................................................... $100.00 Jacob Marcello .................................................. $100.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso .......................................... $50.00 Edna W. DiSalvo ................................................. $50.00 Rev. Henry Naquin .............................................. $30.00 35

Open Burses with Balance as of 2/29/16 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 Joseph Waitz, Sr. ................................. $10,100.00 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis #2 .......... $10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis #2 ........................ $10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis #2 ..................... $10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit #2 .................... $10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...................... $10,000.00 Elie & Dot Klingman .............................. $8,960.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................. $8,500.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................... $7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $6,165.00 Rev. Peter Nies ..................................... $5,900.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ........................... $5,500.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee ........................... $5,150.00 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 Rev. Gerard Hayes ................................ $4,786.00 Catholic Daughters ................................ $4,705.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ................................ $4,400.00

Joseph “Jay” Fertitta .............................. $4,350.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ................................. $4,331.00 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 Warren J. Harang, Jr. #2 ......................... $2,100.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ...................... $2,000.00 St. Joseph Society ................................. $2,000.00 Rev. H. C. Paul Daigle ........................... $1,900.00 James J. Buquet, Jr. ............................... $1,650.00 Alfrances P. Martin ................................. $1,650.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ........................ $1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre #2 ................ $1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny .......................... $1,600.00 Rev. John Gallen .................................... $1,600.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ...................... $1,550.00 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 Deacon Connely Duplantis ..................... $1,175.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ............................. $1,150.00 Jacob Marcello ....................................... $1,100.00 Ronnie Haydel ....................................... $1,035.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ....................... $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux #4 ........... $1,000.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .............................. $1,000.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins .............. $950.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ............................. $800.00 Ruby Pierce .............................................. $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene ........................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ......................... $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ................... $660.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ...................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata .................... $500.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ................................... $380.00 Edna W. DiSalvo ....................................... $350.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ................................ $300.00 Richard Peltier #2 ..................................... $300.00 Bernice Harang ......................................... $300.00 Claude Bergeron ...................................... $250.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin .......................... $150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ................................ $100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................. $ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................. $ 50.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ........................... $ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burse Totals: $1,567,471.02 www.bayoucatholic.com

Special Events

Guest Columnist 36

Shawn Lapeyrouse

This year’s Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference with its theme, “Thirst,” will be held June 24-26 at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center in Houma. We are excited to host this 11th annual conference and are looking forward to bringing this nationwide conference, co-sponsored by Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, to our diocese once again. Approximately 2,500 people will travel from all over the south to attend the conference this year. This sprit-filled weekend event will feature lots of talks, time before the Blessed Sacrament, a chance to partake in the sacrament of reconciliation, praise and worship music and opportunities to attend workshops that will enhance the young people’s faith. This year’s ministry team consists of: Paul George, host, is the director of the campus ministry

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

program at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette/Our Lady of Wisdom Church parish and theology professor at the Aquinas Institute on campus. He holds a master’s degree in theological studies from the University of Dallas. More Than Sunday, featuring Lonnie Lapeyrouse, Matt Bourgeois, Mark Duplantis, Doug Hamilton and Kayla LeBlanc, will be leading worship for the weekend. David Calavitta, head of design and marketing for Life Teen International, is a Catholic speaker who has served the church through youth ministry in various ways since 2000. Rachel Leininger is a chastity educator for The REAP Team, a retreat ministry of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, MO, where it’s her full-time job to speak to teens and adults about love, sex, marriage, dating and relationships. She is also the author of a Life Teen book titled, The Next Step: A Catholic Teen’s Guide to Surviving High School. Daniel Bernal Jr. has been ministering to middle/high school students, young adults and adult groups since 2008. He teaches on the necessity of obtaining a real relationship with Jesus Christ and the need to have healthy, lasting relationships with others through Theology of the Body. Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs, third bishop of Houma-Thibodaux,

who sits on the Board of Trustees and the Committee for Conference Outreach for Franciscan University, will speak at the conference, facilitate adoration and celebrate Saturday morning Mass. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre will celebrate the closing Mass Sunday morning. This event is open to youth currently in grades 8-12. The youth participants must register with a group, preferably their church parish group. Youth who are not currently linked with a church parish should call the office for assistance. Young adults are invited to apply for Mercy Crew, which is a six-day young adult mission of service that includes a retreat prior to the conference weekend and service during the conference in any capacity needed. Adults are needed to volunteer to work in many areas, including ushers, prayer ministers, security, food service, first aid, stage crew, etc. Volunteers must be in compliance with the USCCB policy on the Protection of Children and Young People. Anyone who is interested in volunteering should contact our office at (985) 8503171 or visit the website at www. SteubenvilleOnTheBayou.com for more information. (Shawn Lapeyrouse is the conference director for the diocesan Conference Office.)

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Germaine Jackson leaving after almost 20 years Attorney plans to increase legal work Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Germaine Jackson, J.D., director of Social Services faith and also gave her more of an appreciation for the for Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, is Catholic social teachings. “I will carry that appreciation leaving her position April 30 after 19 and a half years and knowledge with me wherever I go. I never felt like I with the agency. was lacking in my faith because I did get a strong faith Jackson, a native of Thibodaux, received a bachelor’s from my parents, but being here has also deepened my degree in business administration from Northwestern faith. My father was a cradle Catholic; and my mother State University in Natchitoches and a juris doctorate grew up Baptist, but converted to Catholicism, mostly from Louisiana State University Law Center in Baton because of the influence of Father McShane. So she had Rouge. a thirst for knowledge about the Catholic faith. She When she started working for the diocese in October was a true evangelist because she got a lot of people to 1996, she hadn’t even been sworn in as an attorney yet join the Catholic Church.” and she promptly asked to have that day off. Jackson says what she has enjoyed most about After she graduated from law school, she says she working for Catholic Charities has been meeting and wasn’t really interested in working for a big law firm getting to know so many people throughout the diocese. so she decided to come back to Thibodaux. That’s when “I have been able to visit most of our programs, meet so she saw an advertisement for the assistant program many of the volunteers and learn about their lives and manager for Catholic Charities’ Catholic Housing and their experiences. I really want to thank all of C.E.N.T.S. programs. 38 She had previously worked with a few people to help them start a business so the C.E.N.T.S. program really appealed to her and she thought a program to help first time homebuyers was a great idea. “When I took the job,” says Jackson, “I was told they were working on a grant for the programs that would probably last about a year and a half to two years, and that sounded perfect for me. I thought would be able to work on this, explore some other options and then move on after a couple of years. And here it is almost 20 years later and both programs are still being offered; and I’m still here.” Jackson says working for Catholic Charities has increased Germaine Jackson packs a collection of photos taken over the years which she had displayed on the wall of her office. Two of her hobbies are gardening and photography. her knowledge of the

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

the volunteers for the very important service they provide and the stories they have shared with me.” She says she will really miss her coworkers and the volunteers who care so much about the people and the programs they serve. There isn’t necessarily one accomplishment that Jackson is most proud of with regard to her job, but says she is pleased that they have been able to keep busy adding different aspects to the existing programs and making them better. Although it may sound strange, Jackson says what she will remember most are the times after natural disasters, because those were times when everyone had a common goal and a common purpose and everyone worked together to help those who needed it the most. From 2002 to 2012, she did some legal work for the City of Thibodaux, such as adoptions and small successions, things that didn’t require her to be in court. She left the City of Thibodaux at a time when she had some family obligations to take care of, but now those obligations are not as prominent as they were, so she says she feels like “now is a good time to start working on me.” Jackson plans to increase the amount of legal work she has been doing. “I don’t feel like I have a long work life left and there are other things I want to do with my law degree. And, the only way I can do them is if I’m not working full-time elsewhere.” Robert Gorman, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, says that

Diocesan Programs This Month “Spotlight on the Diocese” Host: Louis Aguirre With Guests: Father Andre’ Melancon

when Jackson started at the agency it was immediately obvious that she is very bright and has great judgement that is especially apparent during disasters. “Where I tend to run around the diocese organizing responses, Germaine takes the time to think through the right questions and then suggest solutions. She’s been a colleague and a friend. Germaine is an informed and committed Catholic with a real understanding of Catholic social teachings,” says Gorman. “She has the well-being of the entire diocese in mind. I expect that she will continue to be involved in our diocese and, I hope, in the work of Catholic Charities … make note of that Germaine, because I’ll be calling.”

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Special

Robert Gorman presented the 2016 Public Citizens of the Year award from the National Association of Social Workers Louisiana Chapter, to Deacon Lloyd and Faie Duplantis during an awards ceremony at the Ellendale Country Club Restaurant in Schriever recently.

Deacon Lloyd and Faie Duplantis awarded 2016 Public Citizens of the Year Couple are founders of Haiti Mission, Inc. Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Deacon Lloyd and Faie Duplantis, founders of Haiti Mission, Inc., were recently awarded the 2016 Public Citizens of the Year award from the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter (NASW-LA). According to Carmen D. Weisner, LCSW, ACSW, executive director of the NASW-Louisiana Chapter, this award honors an outstanding member of the Bayou Catholic â&#x20AC;˘ Houma, LA â&#x20AC;˘ April 2016

community whose accomplishments exemplify the values and mission of professional social work, but who is not a social worker. Candidates for the award must make a significant contribution to an area or populations of concern to social work such as at risk or vulnerable populations, quality of life in communities, or social issues. They must act with courage, demonstrate outstanding leadership and exemplify social work values and ethics. Robert Gorman, executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, says he

nominated Deacon Lloyd and his wife Faie for the award because, “their passion for the Haiti Mission combined with their empowering approach to the ministry which builds the leadership of the local people fits exactly with social work values, and of course, the Catholic social teaching principles of the Dignity of the Human Person, Solidarity and the Option for the Poor. They truly deserve this award for their 16 years of volunteer work on behalf of, and alongside, vulnerable people.” Gorman explains in his nomination that in 2000, Lloyd Duplantis had just opened his new pharmacy in Gray. He and his wife Faie had also just started training for Lloyd to become a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. Already thinking about mission, Lloyd saw an advertisement for a pharmacist to join a volunteer group going to Haiti, so he signed up. That trip changed his life. Seeing the great need of the people in Haiti, Deacon Lloyd enlisted his wife Faie and together they recruited nine members of St. Bridget Church parish in Schriever to make a return trip to Haiti in 2001. The Catholic bishop in Haiti asked them to go to Our Lady of the Assumption Church parish near the town of Jeremie on the northwest coast of Haiti - a remote and mountainous area that is difficult to access by poor roads. After meeting the local villagers who formed a steering committee led by the local Catholic priest, Father Jomana “Joe” Eustache, they identified the following issues to work on: education, clean water, housing, livestock husbandry and rebuilding the church. The Duplantis’ created Haiti Mission, Inc. (HMI) approximately 15 years ago and serve as the lead directors and visionaries of the organization. Their focus has always been to provide basic humanitarian aid to this region. When HMI first began, people in Jeremie were having to walk one to two miles to fetch buckets or containers of potable water. The initial goal was to drill water wells which would be able to provide potable water within 500 feet of every person and family in this area. As a pharmacist, Lloyd understood the need for safe, potable water, and its benefits in eradicating cholera, dysentery and deydration. To date, there have been 42 wells drilled and three are in progress. Over the past 15 years they have worked hard to implement other types of aid to the people of the area including distributions of basics such as rice, beans, sugar, cooking oil, personal items and $20 vouchers; providing educational opportunities by building three schools for the children and hiring and training teachers; and constructing a bakery and paying to operate the bakery which provides a hot meal for children at the school. Another initiative of HMI has been the building of simple basic slab homes constructed of cement blocks and a tin roof for the people of the Jeremie area to improve their health and safety. Between 2013 and 2015, 43 homes were built. Currently two homes per month are being built. A prison ministry encompassing team members who visit the jail in Jeremie and provide hot meals to the

inmates located in an extremely overcrowded facility was also established by HMI. Deacon Lloyd and Faie have had to create four volunteer teams who now travel to Haiti at different times of the year and serve about 160 families per trip. To date, over 300 people have volunteered in Haiti through HMI. “We are very honored and humbled to receive the award and we want to thank all the people who have helped along the way. We don’t feel like we’ve done anything except that we saw a need, invited hardworking, generous people to help us with the need and then with the help of many others, put Matthew 25 into action in places that seemed to have fallen through the cracks or were just overlooked,” says Deacon Lloyd and his wife Faie. “We’re grateful that we have been able to listen to what others needed and empower them to help themselves. Something that really drove us on was (Pope Paul VI’s 1967 Encyclical Letter) Populorum Progressio, which states that ‘development is another word for peace’ and we truly believe that the world needs peace,” adds the deacon. While it is not always easy to assist people in another country, the Duplantis’ have been able to demonstrate the best of humanity, adds Weisner. Their passion for this work is contagious and the mission teams continue to travel with them to Haiti to assist however possible.

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Special

What a Life!

By Janet Marcel What a Life! is a compilation of the columns and articles written by Father Wilmer Todd, pastor of St. Joseph Church parish in Chauvin, over the past 17 years. Since the book was released a year ago, 3,000 copies have been sold; he still has 1,000 left to sell. The money from the sales of the book goes to The Father Willie Todd Foundation for new projects for church parishes and schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. When he wrote his first weekly column in December 1998, he stated his intentions for the articles: “What a Life! is a weekly religious column intended to make people think about issues that are important to people today. I hope to give my readers material that will deepen their lives and make 42 them more aware of the God of life. I invite readers’ responses and participation.” He says people have responded with encouragement, ideas and materials that he has used in his columns over the years. The advantage of having these writings in a book form is that you can use it as a meditation book and talk about the daily message with others who have purchased the book. It also can be used for discussion groups or a prayer group reflection. Following are two testimonies that Father Todd received about his book: Dear Father Todd, I attended Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas a couple of months ago, which I rarely do because I am a parishioner at St. Joseph and usually attend Mass there. I really enjoyed the Mass at St. Thomas. At the end of that Mass, you were selling your book, What a Life! and I purchased one. My husband and I really enjoy the daily readings. They are very insightful! I feel like God sent me to St. Thomas that particular day so I could buy that book! W.B. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Get your copy now Dear Father Todd, I wanted to write you this brief note to thank you for sending me your book, What a Life! I would have sent this earlier but I now keep it in a place where I can read each essay on the calendar day to which it belongs. Your writings contain interesting anecdotes, some fascinating history, good advice and always a reference in some way to our spiritual life. The subjects change frequently which makes me look forward to a new one each day. They are like little prayers but without the monotonous repetition of the same words. You write well. Keep up the good work. Sincerely, S. L. You can purchase What a Life! at God’s Promises Books and Gifts in Houma, Galliano Religious Supply House in Galliano, God’s Precious Word and Gifts in Thibodaux, Betty White Jewelers in Houma, St. Joseph Church in Chauvin,

St. Bernadette Church in Houma, Sacred Heart Church in Morgan City, the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever, St. Joseph the Worker Church in Pierre Part, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, Bella Cosa in Houma, Terrebonne General Medical Center’s Gift Shop, Annunziata Church in Houma, Christ the Redeemer Church in Thibodaux, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church in Chackbay, Our Lady of the Isle Church in Grand Isle, St. Charles Borromeo Church in the St. Charles Community, St. Gregory Church in Houma, and St. Louis Church in Bayou Blue. If you wish to contact Father Todd personally, he will mail a copy of his book to anywhere in the United States. His mailing address is 267 Klondyke Road, Bourg, LA 70343. My e-mail is: willietodd@ juno.com. “For those who have bought books, I thank you for your support,” says Father Todd. (Raymond Saadi reviewed Father Wilmer Todd’s book What a Life! in the March 2015 issue of Bayou Catholic.)

Bayou Spirit

Man of God

Brian Greenfield was a featured speaker at the Man of God Conference held recently at the Pastoral Center in Schriever. The diocesan Conference Office sponsored the event with its theme “Mercy.”

Woman of God

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

Meg Hunter-Kilmer was a featured speaker at the Woman of God Conference held recently at the Pastoral Center in Schriever. The diocesan Conference Office sponsored the event which was attended by women from across the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.

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Special Events

Food for the Journey

Food for the Journey, the monthly lunchtime speaker series sponsored by the diocesan Office of Religious Education, is now being held at the Ellendale Country Club Restaurant located at 3319 Highway 311 in Schriever. Father P.J. Madden, pastor of St. Hilary Church parish in Mathews, was a featured speaker recently.

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Diocesan Outreach Line

Rev. Fernando Anaya Maida, a priest from the Diocese of Sonsonate in El Salvador, has been named diocesan chaplain for Hispanic Ministries, effective immediately. He is in residence at Annunziata Church in Houma. He ministers to Hispanics at Annunziata, Christ the Redeemer in Thibodaux, Sacred Heart in Cut Off, Sacred Heart in Morgan City and St. Andrew in Amelia.

Sacred Heart School reunion Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City is holding a Sacred Heart School reunion Saturday, April 19 beginning with the 4:30 p.m. vigil Mass. Alumni from Sacred Heart Academy, which under the direction of the Marianites of Holy Cross served elementary through high school students; and from Sacred Heart Elementary School (kindergarten through sixth grade) which reopened in the ‘60s under the direction of the St. Joseph Sisters of Medaille after the establishment of Holy Cross Church parish, are invited and urged to attend. The event will continue after Mass with food, fun and “remember when” conversations in St. Joseph Hall, 318 Third Street. For registration forms and/ or more information email sacredheartreunion1@gmail. com, go to the parish’s website at sacredheartmc.org, or in the rear of the church or in the rectory office.

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

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Outreach Line Telephone number is (985) 873-0026 or (985) 850-3172

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

Línea de Comunicación de la Diócesis de Houma-Thibodaux Número de teléfono (985) 873-0026 o (985) 850-3172

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Ñeå höôûng öùng Hieán chöông Baûo veä Treû em vaø Giôùi treû töø Hoäi ñoàng Giaùm muïc Hoa kyø, Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux ñang chuaån bò ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp (luùc tröôùc laø ñöôøng daây lieân laïc baûo veä treû em). Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp laø moät söï coá gaéng cuûa giaùo phaän nhaèm cam keát haøn gaén naâng ñôõ nhöõng ai ñaõ bò toån thöông hoaëc bò laïm duïng tính duïc hoaëc gaàn ñaây hoaëc trong quaù khöù bôûi giaùo só, tu só hoaëc caùc coâng nhaân vieân cuûa Giaùo phaän Houma-Thibodaux. Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän hoaït ñoäng töø 8:30 saùng ñeán 4:30 chieàu, thöù hai ñeán thöù saùu. Moät nhaân vieân chuyeân nghieäp veà söùc khoûe taâm thaàn traû lôøi treân ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi. Nhöõng caù nhaân seõ ñöôïc trôï giuùp naâng ñôõ theâm neáu caàn.

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Soá ñieän thoaïi: (985) 873-0026; (985) 850-3172

www.bayoucatholic.com

Special

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

The sacred relic of St. Valerie, sealed in a waxen statue representing a young woman, is displayed in a coffin-like reliquary of oak and glass at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux.

Devotion to St. Valerie Thibodaux Firemen’s Mass is April 24

By Janet Marcel Devotion to St. Valerie, who is considered to be the patron saint of Thibodaux especially invoked for protection from storms and floods, can be traced back to1868 when Pere Charles Menard procured part of the arm bone of Valerie from Cardinal Constantino Patrizi Naro while on a pilgrimage in Rome and brought it back to Thibodaux for the veneration of his parishioners. The prized relic was placed in a box of pasteboard, sealed in a waxen statue which represented a young woman and dressed in a robe of silk moire embroidered with gold and a crimson tunic of velvet and gold, then laid in a coffin-like reliquary of oak and glass. On the morning of April 18, 1868, the reliquary of Saint Valerie arrived from New Orleans on the steamboat Nina Simmes by way of Bayou Lafourche. Thibodaux firemen unloaded the reliquary in Donaldsonville and led a procession in her honor to the altar of St. Joseph Church. Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

On May 25, 1916, a fire began in the sacristy of St. Joseph Church. Cries of “Save St. Valerie! Save St. Valerie!” were said to have been heard from onlookers who watched the fire engulf the church. The reliquary, one of the few objects saved from the ruins, was brought to the Mount Carmel Convent Chapel until a new church was built (Cross, Crozier, and Crucible, Glenn R. Conrad, The Roman Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, 1993). In an article written for Bayou Catholic in 1991 by the late Lee A. Martin, author and historian, he recounted how the Thibodaux firemen responded quickly to the May 1916 fire with all of their equipment, but because of the town’s inadequate water system, the blaze was soon completely out of control. “The Thibodaux firemen were undoubtedly the saddest and most frustrated of the city’s residents. Most were Catholic and all were

dedicated firemen. … At a time when firemen were needed most and at a time when they most wanted to help, they were forced to watch helplessly as their venerated church burned to a mere shell.” The relic was transferred back to St. Joseph Church April 26, 1925, atop a fire truck belonging to Hook and Ladder Fire Co., as parishioners lined the streets to show their devotion to St. Valerie. The Thibodaux firemen, who also consider St. Valerie to be their patron, have always participated in the St. Valerie procession that is sponsored by St. Joseph CoCathedral on or near her Feast Day, which is April 28. A Firemen’s Mass is celebrated annually the weekend before the Firemen’s Fair at one of three churches in Thibodaux: St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Christ the Redeemer, and St. Genevieve. The Mass will take place this year Sunday, April 24 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Genevieve Church.

Memorial Mass LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

A memorial Mass honoring babies aborted at the Causeway Medical Clinic was celebrated recently at St. Genevieve Church in Thibodaux. Very Rev. Dean Danos, V.F., was the celebrant of the Mass. Dr. David Roy presented a reflection on the evil of abortion.

www.bayoucatholic.com

Exclusive

Century flood at St. Joseph Abbey and Seminary College

Story and Photos by Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L. St. Joseph Abbey in St. Benedict, LA, is situated in the piney woods on the banks of the Bogue Falaya River near Covington. When crossing the bridge onto the property, the river most often looks more like a shallow, footdeep creek. However, that shallow creek on Friday, March 11, was transformed into a raging river that swallowed the property. At 11:45 a.m., I walked to the bridge to see the river level and saw that the road was a makeshift levee. Water was pooling upstream in the picnic area as it was being funneled under the bridge, and on the downstream side of the road, where the two small lakes are, the water was starting to pour into the lakes from the river. Only 45 minutes later, the water level was rising too quickly and began pouring over the roadway into the lakes and overflowing its Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

banks from behind the seminary and monastery. Students and faculty moved their vehicles from the parking lots to higher ground under the raised Pius X Dorm. By 1 p.m., water began entering the monastery and then seminary buildings. After 2 p.m., no matter how many sandbags were put in front of the doors, the nearly 2024 inches of swiftly moving river water flowed where it wanted. The entire campus was a raging river, and no one was getting in or out of the property. The last time the river overflowed its banks and affected the monastery and seminary was nearly 100 years ago. Before entering the monastery foyer, a black mark and date on the lower left wall showed the visitor the water line of that previous flood. But the flood of March 2016 brought nearly 20-24 inches of

water into the buildings, two inches higher than the previous mark. Some students were not able to move their cars in time and had water up to the windshields. Even many of those parked under the dorm building would have water in their vehicles. While monks and students moved to the second floors of buildings, armadillos were seen swimming for safety, also. Carefully moving between various buildings, I waded through water that was chest deep at times. Night brought limited lighting from generators while the waters would rise until about 8 p.m. Ironically, with all the water around, there was no running water in the monastery because the water tank had floated up from its location. All thoughts were on the question, “What would tomorrow be like?”

Surprisingly when I woke at 6 a.m., the waters had receded off the property. The grass was seen again and it was as if yesterday was just a bad dream. However, the water, debris lines and dead fish around the Abbey Church reminded us of the reality of that flood. All of us there were safe, but there was loss of life: one goat, some fish, and nearly 300,000 bees that the abbey raised for honey production. The 138 seminarians were sent home for a couple of weeks and about 30 monks were displaced. The famous murals on the walls of the Abbey Church and monksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; refectory were not touched by the flood waters, but the church, the

seminary dorms, the gym, the library, the retreat house, the gift shop, the bakery where 2,000 loaves of bread a week are baked for the poor, the Abbey Woodworks where cypress caskets are made are all damaged by the flood. With no flood insurance, FEMA will help with some of the more than $3,000,000 in damages. Over the years, the monks of St. Joseph Abbey have persevered through fires, floods and hurricanes. As God provided for Noah after the great flood, God will provide for the abbey and seminary also as they continue to serve the community and form men for the priesthood. www.bayoucatholic.com

Announcements

New moderator of the curia announced Story by Janet Marcel Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, who has been serving as associate pastor of St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux since August 2015 and as associate director of the Office of Vocations since August 2014, has been appointed by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre to serve the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux as moderator of the curia. He replaces Very Rev. Jay L. Baker, V.G., who has been serving in that capacity since 2003. Bishop Fabre says: “I want to thank Father Baker for his many years of service as moderator of the curia. He will continue as vicar general of the diocese and in his many other capacities, especially as pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. At the same time 52 I thank Father Engurait for accepting this added responsibility and welcome him to our Pastoral Center family.” Father Engurait is a native of Ngora, Uganda in East Africa. Prior to his arrival in the United States, he worked for the Ugandan Federal Government for 11 years, specializing in the reform and

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre welcomes Rev. Simon Peter Engurait as the new moderator of the curia recently at the Pastoral Center in Schriever.

restructuring of public enterprises. In addition to his present assignments, Father Engurait will work approximately 20 hours per week at the Pastoral Center. Effective immediately, his responsibilities are to coordinate diocesan events and tasks (Pastoral Center Bulletin; Lent and Advent Days of Prayer; and quarterly staff and directors’ meetings), participate on Bishop’s Cabinet

and serve as a pastoral presence to the Pastoral Center staff. His new responsibilities will also include Coordinator of the Department of Formation Ministries which will become effective July 1, 2016. Louis G. Aguirre will continue to serve as Coordinator of both Formation Ministries and Catholic Charities until his retirement at the end of June.

Food for the Journey is May 3

Rev. Alex Gaudet Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

The diocesan Office of Religious Education sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month. The event is now being held at the Ellendale Country Club Restaurant located at 3319 Highway 311 in Schriever. The speaker for May 3 is Rev. Alex Gaudet. Father Gaudet, associate pastor of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales parish in Houma since July 2015, is a native of Thibodaux. He attended Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and was ordained to the priesthood May 30, 2015.

Those who plan to attend the May 3 event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, April 28. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@ htdiocese.org or call (985) 8503178. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at Noon with the speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted. All are invited to come “eat and be fed.”

Mother Teresa to be canonized Sept. 4 Pope Francis will declare Blessed Teresa of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) a saint at the Vatican Sept. 4. The date was announced March 15 during an “ordinary public consistory,” a meeting of the pope, cardinals and promoters of sainthood causes that formally ends the sainthood process. At the same consistory, the pope set June 5 as the date for the canonizations of Blessed Stanislaus Papczynski of Poland, founder of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, and Blessed Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad of Sweden, who re-founded the Bridgettine sisters.

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April 54

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, April 5, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Schriever, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Very Rev. Carl Collins, V.F. n Adore, Wednesday, April 6, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 7 p.m. n Adult Faith Formation: Session 14 – The Commandments 4-10, Thursday, April 7, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Deacon Vic Bonnaffee. n Sacred Heart School reunion, Saturday, April 9, Morgan

City. It will begin with 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Morgan City, followed by an evening of fellowship. For more information go to sacredhear treunion1@gmail. com. n Adult Faith Formation: Trinity, Wednesdays, April 13, 20 and 27, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Rev. Jules Brunet. n Annual Fishermen’s Mass, Saturday, April 16, Holy Family, Grand Caillou, 4:30 p.m. An evening of music and a social at the gymnasium will follow after

May n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, May 3, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Schriever, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Rev. Alex Gaudet. n Adult Faith Formation: Trinity, Wednesdays, May 11, 18 and 25, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, 6-8:15 p.m. Speaker, Rev. Jules Brunet. n Transitional Diaconate Ordination, Saturday, May 21, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 10 a.m. n Priesthood Ordination, Saturday, May 28, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 10 a.m.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • April 2016

june

DIOCESAN

www.bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

the Mass. n Boat blessing and parade, Sunday, April 17, Bayou Grand Caillou, 2 p.m. n Adult Faith Formation: Distribution of certificates and prayer service, diocesan Pastoral Center Conference Hall, Thursday, April 21, 6 p.m. n Boat Blessing, St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-Aux-Chenes, Sunday, April 24, 1:30 p.m., starting at the Wilson Dock. n Diocesan Leadership Awards, Wednesday, April 27, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma, 7 p.m.

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, June 7, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Schriever, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Rev. Michael Bergeron. n C.E.N.T.S. will be offering the Small Business Course beginning in June through Catholic Charities 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 should call Brooks Lirette at (985) 8760490 to schedule an orientation appointment.

EVENTS

Sports

The Vandebilt Catholic High School girls’ soccer team claimed the 2016 Division III state title with a 3-1 victory over Sacred Heart Academy of New Orleans in a championship game. Team members and coaches are Kayla Pitre, Emma Guidry, Maria Smith, Molly Thompson, Sarah Clement, Morgan Alston, Gabby Bergeron, Megan Blanchard, Jeanne Harson, Julia Hebert, Emma Domangue, Haley Collins, Hannah Cuneo, Sophia Bouzigard, Eleana Callejas, Grace Champagne, Celeste LeCompte, Reagan Chauvin, Julianne DeBlieux, Madeline Haydel, Alaina Maiorana, Katelyn Vanderkamp, Julia Wood, Cameron Beebe, Hannah Brien, Gillian Breaux, Caroline Calogne; Philip Amedee, head coach; Kevin Champagne, assistant coach; Julie Greenberg, assistant coach; and Mallory Patterson, manager.

The reality of LSU basketball Overtime

Ed Daniels

It is a small, but noisy group. They are the ones calling for the ouster of LSU men’s basketball coach Johnny Jones. And, that noise ramped up since the Tigers finished the SEC tournament with a 71-38 shellacking at the hands of Texas A&M. LSU’s win total stood at 19. It was supposed to be much higher. Especially with freshman Ben Simmons, the top player nationally in the class of 2015, leading the way. There are many reasons why LSU basketball was a big fizzle. You can debate the whys, and while you do, I will ask this question. Is LSU basketball a program that should win big or win big on occasion? Me? I am choosing door number

two. Why? Because history says so. LSU has one elite eight appearance since 1987. The most famous athlete in the history of LSU, Shaquille O’Neal never made it out of the second round of the NCAA tournament. Since Dale Brown left the bench 19 years ago, LSU men’s basketball has had four coaches. John Brady, who was chastised for his alleged thorny personality, had success. The 2000 Tigers reached the Sweet 16. Six years later, LSU would play in the Final Four for the first time since 1986. Then came Trent Johnson from Nevada, who with a team Brady and assistant Butch Pierre recruited, won 27 games and an SEC title. Three years later, Johnson was gone. So, LSU reached for one of its own in Jones. Jones was one victory shy of winning 20 games for three consecutive seasons. The last time that happened was under Brown, in 1993. Like Brown, Jones has the label of great recruiter and average coach. If, in the future, LSU is looking to hire a great coach, and a great recruiter, they had better open up

their checkbook. According to AL.com, Johnny Jones, at $1.5 million per season, is the 11th highest paid coach in the 55 Southeastern Conference. Alabama paid $2.8 million per season to acquire the services of New Orleans native Avery Johnson. High school basketball in Louisiana produces its share of good players. But, there isn’t a pipeline of talent. LSU must go out of state to recruit great players, the ones being recruited by all the big basketball schools. Which LSU isn’t. LSU football and LSU baseball can cast a net nationally and bring in some of the most talented. That hasn’t happened in basketball since the Dale Brown heyday in the early 80s. On the first day of spring football practice, dozens of reporters waited outside for a chance to go inside LSU’s practice just to watch individual drills. The presence of all those media types just to watch a few minutes spoke volumes about what is king on the LSU campus and what isn’t. In basketball, LSU is a middle tier entity. Which is just where they finished this season. www.bayoucatholic.com