Bayou Catholic Magazine April 2019 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

INSIDE

Bayou Wellness

Bayou

Catholic

Rite of Election

‘Church of God, chosen people: Sing your praise to God!’ APRIL 2019 ~ VOL. 39 NO. 10 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

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2019 Annual Bishop’s Appeal

2019 Annua

‘To whom is much given, much will be required.’ Luke 12:48. Thank you for your loving support.

2019 Annual

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Lord has given me many blessings throughout my life, especially the gift of serving as the Bishop of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you and our diocese, and Luke of 12:48. for the prayers and generosity so many.

Ways Give: Bishop’s Appeal 2019toAnnual

‘To whom is much given, much will be required.’

By Mail: Complete the enclosed pledge form and return it with your generous gift to :

of Houma-Thibodaux Thank you for your loving Your giftsupport. to the 2019 AnnualDiocese Bishop’s Appeal will directly assist: Annual Bishops Appeal Office

or many years we have prayed for vocations, and the Lord has and continues o answer our prayers with many young men here in our diocese. As we mbark on our 2019 Annual Bishop’s Appeal, we are focusing this year’s ppeal on our retired priest, vocations and religious education across our iocese.

Post Office Box 505

My Dear Brothers and SistersSeminarian in Christ,

70395 EducationSchriever, LASupport of our Retired Priests Or contact us at 985-850-3122 or aponson@htdiocese.org Today, support this year’s Annual Bishop’s Schools Religious Education gs I am asking for your prayerful The Lord has for given meCatholic many blessings Appeal for these specific ministries. Through your support, we together, can

my life, especially the gift of serving ng to strengthen our call tothroughout work through our seminarians, asvocations the Bishop of the Diocese of religious Houmaducation in our parishes andThibodaux. in our Catholic to thank all maI amschools. deeplyI want grateful for the who share of their blessings opportunity with the people of God through the Annual to serve you and our diocese, and he Appeal. Bishop’s for the prayers and generosity of so many.

Please make checks payable to Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

Ways to Give: Ways to Give: Ways to Give:

nd By diocese, Mail: Complete the pledge form and the returnenclosed it with Byenclosed Mail: Complete lease pray for me and our as I will pray for you and your families.

For many years we have your prayed for vocations, generous gift to and : the Lord has and continues o answeryours our prayers with many young men heregenerous in our diocese. we : your giftAsto aithfully in Christ, embark on our 2019 Annual Appeal, we are focusing this year’s DioceseBishop’s of Houma-Thibodaux appeal on our retired priest, and religious Annualvocations Bishops Appeal Office education across our ues Post Office Box 505 Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux diocese. Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre we Schriever, LA 70395 Annual Bishops Appeal Office Bishop of Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Today, for this year’s Annual Bishop’s r’s I am asking for your prayerful supportPost Office 505can Appeal for these specificOr ministries. Through your support, weBox together, contact us at 985-850-3122 or aponson@htdiocese.org ur to strengthen our call to vocations through work our seminarians, religious Schriever, LA 70395 Please payable to Annual Appeal. education in our parishes andmake in ourchecks Catholic schools. I wantBishop’s to thank all who share of their blessings with the people of God through the Annual Online: Visit our secure giving site Oronline contact us atat 985-850-3122 Bishop’s Appeal. www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal p’s Please pray for me and our diocese, as I will pray for you and your families.

Online: Visit our secure online giving site at www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal By Mail: Complete the enclosed pledge form and return it with your generous gift to : At your Parish: Place youritenvelope pledge form and return with in the In-Pew collection Sunday Diocese ofonHouma-Thibodaux Annual Bishops Appeal Office Your key505 to continued growth in Postpledge Office isBox ministries Schriever,that LA strive 70395to live the Lord’s Mission. Or more contact us at 985-850-3122 or aponson@htdiocese.org For information on how your gift can make an impact please call 985-850-3122 Please make checks payable to Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Online: Visit our secure online giving site at www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal

or aponson@htdiocese.org

At your Parish: Place your envelope in the In-Pew

collection on Sunday Please make checks payable to Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

At your Parish: Place your envelope in the In-Pew

2019 Annua

Contents

Features 24 Labor of Love

By Christine Bordelon

Columns 7 Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Pope Speaks

Pope Francis I

Questions of Faith

By Father Wilmer Todd

Readings Between the Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

A Deacon’s Wife’s Confessions

By Angie Lefevre

Thoughts For Millennials

By Ryan Abboud

Reading With Raymond

By Raymond Saadi

42 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 16 Scripture Readings 20 Youth In Action 22 Heavenly Recipes 35 Diocesan Events Announcements 30 Catholic Foundation Update 32 Respect Life Dinner, April 30 34 New diocesan executive director

34 37

named for Catholic Charities

Steubenville on the Bayou, June 14-16 Holy Week services in the diocese

On Our Cover LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

4 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Catechumen Vivian Eichler of St. Genevieve Church parish in Thibodaux signs the Book of the Elect during the Rite of Election held on the first Sunday of Lent at St. Joseph CoCathedral in Thibodaux.

Bayou Catholic Heavenly Recipes

How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

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

Nam

The Bayou Catholic is published monthly, for the people of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux by the H-T Publishing Co., P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Subscription rate is $35 per year.

Ron cooks a: SOUTH LAFOURCHE

CLASSIC

Seafood Past

Lawrence Chatagnier

editor and general manager

INGREDIENTS:

Janet Marcel diced 4 onions, staff writer/administrative assistant 3 stalks celery, diced 1/2Lirette bell pepper, diced Brooks advertising 1 accounts executivemushroom soup, 1 can golden 1 can cream of shrimp soup, 10.5 Lisa Schobel Hebert 1 can cream of celery soup, 10.5 graphic designer 1 bunch green onions Meridy Liner 1 can Rotel, 10.5 oz. accounts receivable/payable assistant 1 lb. shrimp, peeled 1 lb. crawfish, peeled Larose native and resident Ron Bailleaux, a parishioner Granulated garlic and seasoning of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish, shares his recipe Serving-size spoon of Worcesters for seafood pastalaya. Ron has been cooking for large events 1 container of seafood stock, 32 for the past 20 years. “My older brother is a good cook and link of smoked sausage Like us1on Facebook he tutored me along the way about how to cook. He taught (optional on Fridays during Le or me how to cook, especially for large events. I don’t cook that Find us the web 1 on piece of Tasso, chopped often on a small scale. Most of the events I cook for typically www.bayoucatholic.org (optional on Fridays during Le feed 600 people.” 1 12 oz. package of penne pasta Ron is involved with the Larose French Food Festival. “I Where to find your Bayou Catholic usually cook the seafood pastalaya for that festival. I get a lot DIRECTIONS: Bayou Catholic magazine can be found of good feedback from the pastalaya dish.” at all Catholic churches and onions; Catholic schools Brown add bell pepper an throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Ron’s family includes his wife Bridget and his son Brock browned and softened. Add Rotel a To pick up a copy, you may also visit the who is a senior at South Lafourche High School in Galliano. Tasso; cook a few min merchants whosausage advertise inand our issue. Those “I have been cooking all the pre-game meals for the football soups and cook for can 15-20 minutes. wishing to receive the magazine by mail call Janet Marcel at (985) or write and bring850-3132 to a slow boil. Add seaso team since my son Brock has been on the team.” to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box add shrimp and crawfish. Bring to Ron has been the manager of Roger’s Parts, a NAPA dealer, 505, Schriever, LA 70395. pasta isand$35 green onions. Cook until Subscription price for the past 35 years. “I have been working with the public annually. For the online edition, Community Outreach stirring every few minutes. Once t in the Larose community for the past 35 years. People know go to www.bayoucatholic.com turn the fire off, and let it sit me from work and from my cooking for community events.” the pot for five minu Ron has also cooked for the annual Wild Game Supper April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic 5 Makes• approxima which is held in Larose. “I enjoy cooking for the Wild Game Supper. I like to cook game. I cooked

The Bayou Catholic is a member of the Catholic Press Association, the National Newspaper Association and an associate member of the Louisiana Press Association.

Bay u Wellness

From The Editor

The month of April is upon us and with it comes days lasting a little longer, weather conditions being a little warmer and outdoor activities that pick up during this spring month. It’s a great time to be outdoors and take in all that nature has to offer. Part of our outdoor activities should be time spent exercising in some manner. This month’s Bayou Catholic magazine has a wellness special which includes many topics geared to helping us live happier, healthier lives. Three major medical centers of the area, Ochsner St. Anne, Terrebonne General Medical Center and Thibodaux Regional Medical Center have all contributed articles concerning healthy lifestyle choices we should be making and how each institution has benefited the area with its community outreach. Exercise and a healthy diet are key ingredients which will help one feel better and enjoy life more fully. In South Louisiana we are blessed

with a climate that allows one to take part in many outdoor activities year round. However, spring really is the best time to take hikes along nature trails or go bicycling through the neighborhood. It is also a great time to take a walk in the afternoon or a quick jog first thing in the morning to get your day off to a good start. There are many educational articles in our wellness section covering topics such as diabetes, hearing loss, spiritual wellness, cancer and smoking cessation, to name a few. If an employer offers some type of wellness program to its employees it is important that the employees take part in that program and monitor whatever health issues they may have. Through annual health screenings, the odds of detecting a problem, if there is one, is greatly improved. Everyone knows that early detection of cancer, heart disease or other major health concerns is key to recovery. Living a healthy lifestyle by exercising and following a nutritious diet can prevent or slow down the onset of many illnesses. If one practices thinking positive thoughts, has a good relationship with God, and promotes a healthy lifestyle through exercise, it could be said that this person is whole in mind, body and spirit.

6 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

There are many self-help books, professionals in the field of psychology, advances in medicine and experts to help one achieve a balance in their life to have a sense of mental wellbeing. There are also people who specialize in spiritual guidance for those who need encouragement and direction as to where God is leading them in life. There are also many ways to promote physical activity. One can join a fitness center, a workout group, take on a hobby such as jogging or even a favorite sport that one enjoys playing. Spring is a time for newness. This can also mean a new start for those of us who need a little encouragement to be more active and healthy. Let’s use this time of the year as a starting point to being a healthier person in mind, body and spirit; the person that we would like to see when we look into the mirror and the person that God wants us to be when we take a deep look inside ourselves. Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News! BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Comment

Catholic Relief Services’ efforts in Kenya offer hope and healing for many adults and children Comfort For My People Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

I have long been an admirer of the good work accomplished by Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Perhaps best known for their “Lenten Rice Bowls,” when I was a child CRS captured my attention during Lent by way of the Rice Bowl Campaign, which cried out for our Lenten fasting and penitential practices to provide assistance to our brothers and sisters in faraway places. My admiration of the work of CRS as a child continued into adulthood, and I am pleased and honored to now serve on the Board for CRS, which recently provided me the opportunity to travel with CRS. There are travels that we embark upon that we prayerfully know will enlighten and renew us in our faith, and I recently made such a journey over the course of a week with CRS to Kenya. While traveling with CRS to sites where they are working in Kenya, I visited the Lonyonge Smallholders Farmers Group in Turkana County. There I was able to witness the efforts of CRS and other partners to assist in offering technical and practical support to small farmers who are now through irrigation growing high value agricultural vegetables for their own consumption and for sale. The farmers are obviously quick learners, as testified to by the lush green vegetables that I saw growing. These vegetables have improved the diet of the people, and also provided them with a cash crop to sell at market. Even more importantly,

the dedication that the farmers had for their efforts and for the crops was inspiring, and their joy was contagious! We also visited the nearby Kaiatese Dispensary, which is providing birth assistance to women as well as other health services to people in the area. The Dispensary also provides sanitation services by way of an adequate latrine, which directly addresses the sanitation needs of patients and those in the area. Moving to another part of the Kenya, we visited the CRS WASH Project, which was one of four current water kiosks/wells that are providing clean drinkable water in the communities where they are found. Water is life, and there was great activity around the water kiosk, which simply manifested the importance of this water kiosk and the great need in the community. To witness the community easily getting clean drinkable water from the water kiosk was heartwarming. While I was deeply impressed with these efforts that are giving assistance to agriculture, sanitation, and water needs, the MWENDO OVC Project is one that was most poignant and inspiring to me. The MWENDO Project focuses on assisting Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) of HIV/ AIDS. Along with other partners, CRS is giving valuable assistance to children and their families whose lives have been so tragically affected by HIV/ AIDS. The MWENDO Project gives emergency assistance to children and adults who are living as HIV positive. Assisting with stabilizing their lives, helping them to get the necessary HIV medications and to understand and grow in the practice of regularly taking the medicine, CRS is giving renewed hope to children and adults whose lives have been tragically affected by the AIDS epidemic. These efforts of CRS and their partners are yielding great results in Kenya! The children and

families whom I was truly privileged, honored and deeply humbled to meet through the MWENDO Project are really ‘living in the positive,’ as the saying goes, and truly a testimony to the recovery taking place in Kenya after the great tragedy of the AIDS epidemic. For these children and adults there was hope, excitement, joy and a renewed sense of what is possible with the assistance of others and some self-discipline. Knowing the tragedy that HIV has caused in so many places, the hope and health that I witnessed in these adults and children was truly quite simply inspiring; and CRS is directly involved in achieving these results. Along with these site visits, we also enjoyed dinner with two local Catholic bishops who were very appreciative of the work of CRS, and went on a short safari that exposed to us the true beauty and wildlife of Kenya. Sometimes it is difficult to convey in words a hopeful and wonderful experience that has occurred in our lives. My journey to Kenya with CRS is such an experience. What I have shared in this article captures a very small part of the hope and healing that I witnessed through the good work of CRS, but there is so much more that cannot be put into words but will live in my mind and my heart forever. The outstanding work of CRS, and the generous members of the staff of CRS and their families, will forever be a reason for me to strive to willingly share my blessings with my brothers and sisters who live far away from me, but live very close to the mind and heart of Jesus Christ. I am grateful to CRS for providing for the needs of so many people so very well, and allowing me to witness the good work they accomplish. BC

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7

Catholic Relief Services

Bishop Fabre with the Lonyonge Smallholders Farmers Group in Turkana County

Bishop Fabre with the women and children of Turkana County

Bishop Fabre at the St. Teresa Pastoral Centre in the Diocese of Lodwar 8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Kenya Mission

One of four current water kiosks/wells that are providing clean drinkable water

Community members gather water in containers for home use.

The farmers grow lush green vegetables which improves the diet of the people.

A woman stands at one of the water kiosks/wells. April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 9

Comentario

Los esfuerzos que ofrecen Catholic Relief Services en Kenia esperanza y sanación para muchos adultos y niños Durante mucho tiempo he sido un admirador del buen trabajo realizado por Catholic Relief Services (CRS). cuando yo era niño lo que más conocí fue sus “Platos de Arroz de Cuaresma”, que captó mi atención durante la Campaña del que pedía a gritos nuestro ayuno de Cuaresma y nuestras prácticas penitenciales para brindar ayuda a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en lugares lejanos. Mi admiración por el trabajo de CRS cuando era niño continuó hasta la edad adulta, y me complace y me honra de servir ahora en la mesa directiva de CRS, que recientemente me brindó la oportunidad de viajar. Hay viajes en los que nos embarcamos y que sabemos en oración que nos iluminarán y renovarán en nuestra fe, y recientemente hice un viaje de este tipo en el transcurso de una semana con CRS a Kenia. Mientras viajaba con CRS a lugares donde están trabajando en Kenia, visité el Grupo de Pequeños Agricultores de Lonyonge en el condado de Turkana. Allí pude ser testigo de los esfuerzos de CRS y otros socios para ayudar a ofrecer apoyo técnico y práctico a los pequeños agricultores que ahora, a través del riego, cultivan hortalizas agrícolas de alto valor para su propio consumo y para la venta. Obviamente, los agricultores aprenden rápido, como lo atestiguan los exuberantes vegetales verdes que vi crecer. Estos vegetales han mejorado la dieta de la gente, y también les han proporcionado una cosecha comercial para vender en el mercado. Aún más importante, la dedicación que los agricultores tenían por sus esfuerzos y por las cosechas era inspiradora, y su alegría era contagiosa. También visitamos el cercano Dispensario de Kaiatese, que ofrece asistencia en el parto a las mujeres, así como otros servicios de salud a la

población de la zona. El Dispensario también proporciona servicios de higiene a través de una letrina adecuada, que atiende directamente las necesidades de higiene de los pacientes y de los habitantes de la zona. Al trasladarnos a otra parte de Kenia, visitamos el Proyecto WASH de CRS, que era uno de los cuatro pozos de agua que proporcionan agua potable limpia en las comunidades donde se encuentran. El agua es vida, y había una gran actividad alrededor del pozo de agua, lo que simplemente manifestaba la importancia de este pozo de agua y la gran necesidad de la comunidad. Fue muy reconfortante ver a la comunidad obtener fácilmente agua potable limpia del pozo de agua. Aunque me impresionaron profundamente estos esfuerzos que están dando asistencia a la agricultura, la higiene y las necesidades de agua, el Proyecto MWENDO OVC es uno de los más conmovedores e inspiradores para mí. El proyecto MWENDO se centra en la asistencia a los niños huérfanos y vulnerables del VIH/ SIDA. Junto con otros socios, CRS está brindando una valiosa ayuda a los niños y a sus familias cuyas vidas se han visto tan trágicamente afectadas por el VIH/ SIDA. El Proyecto MWENDO brinda asistencia de emergencia a niños y adultos que viven con el VIH. Ayudando a estabilizar sus vidas, ayudándoles a obtener los medicamentos necesarios para el VIH y a entender y crecer en la práctica de tomarlos regularmente, CRS está renovando las esperanzas para los niños y adultos cuyas vidas han sido afectadas trágicamente por la epidemia del SIDA. ¡Estos esfuerzos de CRS y sus socios están dando grandes resultados en Kenia! Los niños y las familias a quienes realmente tuve el privilegio, el honor y la profunda

10 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

humildad de conocer a través del Proyecto MWENDO están realmente “viviendo en lo positivo”, como dice el dicho, y un verdadero testimonio de la recuperación que está teniendo lugar en Kenia después de la gran tragedia de la epidemia del SIDA. Para estos niños y adultos había esperanza, emoción, alegría y un sentido renovado de lo que es posible con la ayuda de otros y algo de autodisciplina. Conociendo la tragedia que el VIH ha causado en tantos lugares, la esperanza y la salud que presencié en estos adultos y niños fue simplemente inspiradora; y CRS está directamente involucrada en el logro de estos resultados. Junto con estas visitas, también disfrutamos de una cena con dos obispos católicos locales que apreciaron mucho el trabajo de CRS, y fuimos a un breve safari que nos expuso la verdadera belleza y vida silvestre de Kenia. A veces es difícil transmitir con palabras una experiencia esperanzadora y maravillosa que ha ocurrido en nuestras vidas. Mi viaje a Kenia con CRS es una gran experiencia. Lo que he compartido en este artículo captura una parte muy pequeña de la esperanza y la sanación que presencié a través del buen trabajo de CRS, pero hay mucho más que no se puede expresar con palabras pero que vivirá en mi mente y en mi corazón para siempre. El trabajo sobresaliente de CRS, y los generosos miembros del personal de CRS y sus familias, serán para siempre una razón para que me esfuerce por compartir voluntariamente mis bendiciones con mis hermanos y hermanas que viven lejos de mí, pero que viven muy cerca de la mente y el corazón de Jesucristo. Estoy agradecido a CRS por satisfacer tan bien las necesidades de tantas personas y por permitirme ser testigo del buen trabajo que realizan. BC

Binh luan bang loi

Những nỗ lực của Cơ quan Cứu trợ Công giáo nước Cộng Hòa Kenya mang lại hy vọng và sự chữa lành cho nhiều người lớn và trẻ em Đã từ lâu, tôi rất ngưỡng mộ công việc tốt đẹp được thực hiện bởi Cơ quan Cứu trợ Công giáo (CRS). Có lẽ nổi bật nhất là chiến dịch “Bát Cơm Mùa Chay” của họ. Khi tôi còn là một đứa trẻ, CRS đã khiến tôi chú ý suốt mùa Chay qua cách thức của cuộc vận động Bát Cơm Mùa Chay, kêu gọi việc chay tịnh trong mùa Chay và những việc thực hành sám hối khác để đem lại sự trợ giúp các anh chị em của chúng ta ở những nơi xa xăm. Sự ngưỡng mộ của tôi đối với công việc của CRS khi còn là một đứa trẻ, tiếp tục đến tuổi trưởng thành, và giờ đây tôi rất vui mừng và vinh dự được cộng tác trong Hội đồng quản trị cho CRS, mà gần đây đã cho tôi cơ hội đi tham quan với CRS. Có những chuyến đi chúng tôi bắt đầu bằng lời cầu nguyện mà chúng tôi biết sẽ khai sáng và canh tân chúng tôi trong đức tin, và gần đây nhất, tôi đã thực hiện một cuộc hành trình trong suốt một tuần với CRS đến nước Cộng Hòa Kenya. Trong khi đi tham quan với CRS đến các địa điểm nơi họ đang làm việc ở Kenya, tôi đã đến thăm Nhóm tiểu nông dân ở Hạt Turkana. Ở đó, tôi đã có thể chứng kiến những nỗ lực của CRS và các cộng sự viên khác để hỗ trợ thực hành và kỹ thuật cho những người tiểu nông dân hiện đang tưới tiêu trồng rau nông nghiệp có giá trị cao để tự tiêu thụ và bán. Nông dân rõ ràng là những người học hỏi nhanh, bằng chứng là những loại rau xanh tươi tốt mà tôi thấy đang phát triển. Những loại rau này đã cải tiến việc giảm cân của người dân, và cũng cung cấp cho họ một vụ mùa để bán ở chợ. Quan trọng hơn nữa, sự cống hiến mà người nông dân dành cho những nỗ lực của họ và cho các vụ mùa đã đem lại cảm hứng, và niềm vui của họ được lan tỏa! Chúng tôi cũng đã đến thăm Trạm y tế Kaiatese gần đó, nơi cung ứng hỗ trợ

sinh đẻ cho phụ nữ cũng như các dịch vụ y tế khác cho người dân trong khu vực. Trạm y tế cũng cung cấp các dịch vụ vệ sinh bằng một nhà vệ sinh tương xứng, trực tiếp giải quyết các nhu cầu vệ sinh của các bệnh nhân và những người trong khu vực. Chuyển đến một nơi khác của nước Kenya, chúng tôi đã đến thăm Dự án CRS WASH, một trong bốn trạm giếng nước hiện tại đang cung cấp nước uống trong sạch trong các cộng đồng lân cận. Nước là sự sống và có sinh hoạt tuyệt vời xung quanh trạm nước, điều đơn giản thể hiện tầm quan trọng của trạm nước này và nhu cầu lớn trong cộng đồng. Chứng kiến cộng đồng dễ dàng có được nước uống sạch từ trạm giếng nước thật ấm lòng. Mặc dù tôi rất ấn tượng với những nỗ lực hỗ trợ cho nông nghiệp, vệ sinh và nhu cầu nước, nhưng Dự án OVC MWENDO là một dự án tuyệt vời và truyền cảm hứng nhất cho tôi. Dự án MWENDO tập trung vào việc hỗ trợ trẻ em mồ côi và dễ bị tổn thương (OVC) về bệnh HIV/ AIDS. Cùng với các cộng sự viên khác, CRS đang hỗ trợ đắc lực cho trẻ em và gia đình của họ, những người có cuộc sống bị ảnh hưởng nặng nề bởi bệnh HIV/ AIDS. Dự án MWENDO cung cấp hỗ trợ khẩn cấp cho trẻ em và người lớn, đang mắc bệnh HIV. Hỗ trợ ổn định cuộc sống, giúp họ có được các loại thuốc điều trị HIV cần thiết và hiểu và phát triển trong việc thực hành thường xuyên dùng thuốc, CRS đang mang lại hy vọng mới cho trẻ em và người lớn bị ảnh hưởng nặng nề bởi dịch AIDS. Những nỗ lực này của CRS và các cộng sự viên của họ đang mang lại kết quả tuyệt vời ở nước Kenya! Những trẻ em và gia đình mà tôi thực sự được đặc ân, vinh dự và vô cùng khiêm tốn để gặp gỡ thông qua Dự án MWENDO, thực sự

‘sống tích cực’ như đã nói, và thực sự là một bằng chứng cho sự phục hồi đang diễn ra ở nước Kenya sau thảm kịch lớn của đại dịch AIDS. Đối với những đứa trẻ và người lớn này, quả thật có niềm hy vọng, sự phấn khởi, niềm vui và ý thức mới về những gì có thể với sự giúp đỡ của người khác và một số kỷ luật tự giác. Biết được thảm kịch mà HIV đã gây ra ở rất nhiều nơi, niềm hy vọng và sức khỏe mà tôi đã chứng kiến ở những người lớn và trẻ em này thực sự khá truyền cảm; và CRS ảnh hưởng trực tiếp đến việc đạt được những kết quả này. Cùng với những chuyến viếng thăm này, chúng tôi cũng thưởng thức bữa tối với hai giám mục Công giáo địa phương, những người rất đánh giá cao công việc của CRS, và đi trên một chiếc xe safari nhỏ cho chúng ta thấy vẻ đẹp trung thực và động vật hoang dã của nước Kenya. Đôi khi rất khó để truyền đạt bằng lời một kinh nghiệm đầy hy vọng và tuyệt vời đã xảy ra trong cuộc sống của chúng ta. Hành trình đến nước Kenya với CRS là một trải nghiệm như vậy. Những gì tôi đã chia sẻ trong bài viết này nắm bắt một phần rất nhỏ của niềm hy vọng và sự chữa lành mà tôi đã chứng kiến qua công việc tốt đẹp của CRS, nhưng có rất nhiều điều không thể diễn tả thành lời nhưng sẽ sống mãi trong tâm trí tôi và trái tim tôi. Công việc đáng phục của CRS và các thành viên hảo tâm của toán nhân viên CRS và gia đình họ sẽ mãi là lý do để tôi cố gắng chia sẻ những ơn lành của mình với anh chị em sống xa tôi, nhưng sống rất gần gũi tâm trí và trái tim của Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Tôi biết ơn CRS vì đã cung cấp cho nhu cầu của rất nhiều người một cách tốt đẹp và cho phép tôi chứng kiến công việc tốt đẹp mà họ thực hiện. Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa BC

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 11

Comment

Pope Francis: Be bold in responding to the Lord’s call The Pope Speaks

Vatican City, (CNA) It takes courage and boldness to trust in God’s promises and follow the vocation he has set out for you, Pope Francis said in a message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, released recently. “Responding to the Lord’s call involves putting ourselves on the line and facing a great challenge. It means being ready to leave behind whatever would keep us tied to our little boat and prevent us from making a definitive choice,” the pope said. “We are called to be bold and decisive in seeking God’s plan for our lives,” he continued. “Gazing out at the vast ‘ocean’ of vocation, we cannot remain content to repair our nets on the boat that gives us security, but must trust instead in the Lord’s promise.” “Every vocation is a summons not to stand on the shore, nets in hand, but to follow Jesus on the path he has marked out for us, for our own happiness and for the good of those around us.” Pope Francis’ message was released in advance of the 56th World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be celebrated on May 12. This year’s theme is “The courage to take a risk for God’s promise.” In his message the pope reflected on the passage from the Gospel of Mark, when Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to be his disciples. At the time, the two pairs of brothers were going about their daily work as

Pope Francis with religious sisters and brothers fishermen, Francis explained, noting that fishing is demanding work which sometimes produces results and sometimes does not. “Much of life is like that,” he said. Each person, in trying to realize his or her deepest desires, puts out into a “‘sea’ of possibilities” and “sometimes we enjoy a good catch, while at others, we need courage to keep our boat from being tossed by the waves, or we are frustrated at seeing our nets come up empty.” But, he emphasized, the Gospel is about an encounter with a person, Jesus Christ. “That day, by the sea of Galilee, Jesus drew near to those fishermen … and he immediately made them a promise: ‘I will make you fishers of men.’” This is how God calls each person: through an invitation, he explained. “The Lord’s call is not an intrusion of God in our freedom … On the contrary,

12 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

DANIEL IBANEZ/CNA

it is the loving initiative whereby God encounters us and invites us to be part of a great undertaking. He opens before our eyes the horizon of a greater sea and an abundant catch.” Francis also noted the importance of a person’s vocation for not just in his or her life, but for the community and for the growth of God’s kingdom on earth. “These vocations make us bearers of a promise of goodness, love and justice, not only for ourselves but also for our societies and cultures, which need courageous Christians and authentic witnesses of the kingdom of God,” he said. On the coming World Day of Prayer for Vocations, he concluded, “let us join in prayer and ask the Lord to help us discover his plan of love for our lives, and to grant us the courage to walk in the path that, from the beginning, he has chosen for each of us.” BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Wilmer Todd

A reader’s question concerning confession Why do we have to confess our sins to a priest? The church still insists that Catholics confess their sins to a priest. Why can’t we do as the Baptists and Methodists do? If we can pray to God anywhere we are, why can’t we also confess to God? If God can hear our prayers, surely he can also hear our confessions! First, this is not an either/or proposition but a both/and. We can and should confess our sinfulness to God whenever we are sorry for our sins. We know that God will always forgive us. We also need to tell another person whom Jesus has given the power to forgive sins. When Jesus appeared to his disciples after his resurrection, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20:2223). Jesus gave human beings the power to forgive sins. We ought to take advantage of this tremendous gift and power. The sacrament of reconciliation or penance is not just a question of making a list of sins and reciting them to the confessor. It’s about genuine spiritual growth. It is about declaring honestly how we have failed and talking about how we can improve and become more Christlike. In Jesus’ ministry he used ordinary

‘The Light is On for You’ All church parishes in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will participate in “The Light is On for You” this year during Lent as a means to encourage all Catholics who are eligible to come back to a regular and renewed celebration of the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. The sacrament of reconciliation will take place in most church parishes across the diocese Wednesday, April 10, from 6 – 8 p.m. Please check your church parish bulletin for the date and time in your own parish. BC

things to bring about healing and reconciliation with God. He used bread and fish to feed the multitudes; he used words and touch to heal; he also used mud, spit and water to heal; he used bread and wine at the Last Supper. Jesus used common everyday elements to bring God’s grace to us. In each sacrament, God’s grace – it is really the almighty’s grace that is at the heart of every sacrament – comes to us through the action of people and things. Jesus comes to us in the Eucharist through bread and wine. We enter the family of God in baptism through water and the Holy Spirit. We complete our full initiation into the Body of Christ in confirmation by the anointing with oil and calling down the Holy Spirit. In the sacrament of matrimony the man and the woman receive special graces to live out their commitments to each other by the words they pledge to each other in their vows. Oil and the laying on of hands to ask for God’s healing are used to bring healing in the sacrament of the sick. The laying on of hands and calling down the Holy Spirit comprises the sacrament of holy orders. God wants to channel his love for us through visible ordinary things. This is also true in the sacrament of reconciliation. God forgives through the ministry of a priest. This gives the sacrament a very warm and human aspect as we hear the words of absolution pronounced officially and authoritatively by a priest who not only represents Christ, but the whole

church. We are human beings with senses and emotions. The mediation of God’s graces speaks to our need to hear and sense his words of forgiveness. The basic requirement for a good confession is to have the intention of returning to God like the “prodigal son” and to acknowledge our sins with true sorrow before the priest. Modern society has lost a sense of sin. As Catholic followers of Christ, we must try to recognize sin in our daily actions, words and omissions. Pope Francis in a general audience in preparation for this Lent said, “Some say, ‘I confess only to God.’ Yes, you can say, ‘God forgive me,’ but our sins are also against our brothers and sisters, against the church called to be holy. This is why it is necessary to ask forgiveness from our brothers and sisters and from the church in the person of the priest. “If much time has passed since your last confession, don’t lose even one more day. Go; the priest will be good. Jesus will be there and he’s even nicer than the priest. Be courageous. Go to confession!” BC

Readers are encouraged to send their questions to our local Bayou Catholic columnists by email to bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org.

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 13

Reflections

A way to understand the Gospels Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

You may be familiar with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride.” A comparison of the poem with historical accounts of that famous journey reveals some glaring contrasts. The poem focuses solely on Revere as its hero, but fails to mention the fact that Revere stopped and met with fellow patriots, Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Neither does the poem recount the fact that Revere was joined by riding partners Samuel Prescott and William Dawes, that Revere was captured by the British Regulars between Lexington and Concord and that only Dawes and Prescott made it to Concord. These are but a few of the discrepancies between the poem and the actual historical account. What explains these differences? Composed in 1860 with the U. S. Civil War imminent, “The poem was meant to appeal to Northerners’ sense of urgency and, as a call for action, noted that history favors the courageous” (https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Paul Revere). Additionally, Longfellow’s maternal grandfather had served with Revere in the colonial navy, and thus Revere’s character was probably of interest to Longfellow. Hence Longfellow focuses exclusively on Revere in the warning expedition in order to stir Northern U.S. residents to imitate his courage urgently. The difference then between the poem and the historical report is a matter of literary form. The poem and the historical report are not only structured differently but have different purposes regarding communication. I offer this example of distinction of literary forms, because understanding

such a distinction is important to our interpretation of the Scriptures. In his encyclical Divino Afflante Spiritu, Blessed Pope Pius XII stated the importance of paying attention to the form of the literature in our quest to understand what the sacred authors were communicating to us. “Hence the Catholic commentator, in order to comply with the present needs of biblical studies, in explaining the Sacred Scripture and in demonstrating and proving its immunity from all error, should also make a prudent use of this means, determine, that is, to what extent the manner of expression or the literary mode adopted by the sacred writer may lead to a correct and genuine interpretation; and let him be convinced that this part of his office cannot be neglected without serious detriment to Catholic exegesis” (No. 38). The fathers of the Second Vatican Council reiterated Blessed Pius XII’s teaching when they stated, “To search out the intention of the sacred writers, attention should be given, among other things, to ‘literary forms.’ For truth is set forth and expressed differently in texts which are variously historical, prophetic, poetic or of other forms of discourse. The interpreter must investigate what meaning the sacred writer intended to express and actually expressed in particular circumstances by using contemporary literary forms in

14 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

accordance with the situation of his own time and culture” (Dei Verbum No. 12). What does a knowledge of the literary form contribute to our understanding of a particular passage of Scripture? First, we know that many biblical passages have comparable literary patterns. By comparing these similar passages we identify the pattern, and thus get an idea as to how to read the particular passage, what to look for in it, what are the most critical elements in it, what are the supporting elements, and what it intends to communicate. Another important aspect of studying the literary form of a passage is to determine its “life-setting,” in other words the situation in life that gave rise to that literary form. Knowing the lifesetting informs us as to why the passage was structured as it was and what might be its purpose in communication. Consider again “Paul Revere’s Ride.” The life-setting of “Paul Revere’s Ride” is characterized by a need to call Northern U.S. residents to action with the Civil War looming. Longfellow, then, writes a poem that depicts an ordinary citizen of Revolutionary War days, Paul Revere, taking urgent action in the cause of advancing his fellow colonials’ quest for independence. Longfellow wants to rouse individuals of his own time to a similar type of patriotic action. In order get his message across, he chooses to recount the story of the “warning

Reflections

ride” by focusing on one character, using the power of poetry to depict him valiantly, that he might inspire imitation of Revere’s character. What we see here is the relationship between form and function. In order to convey not only the content of what Longfellow wants to communicate but also the urgency of a call to action, the author uses the literary form of poetry. A drier historical account would not have achieved his purpose. The casting of information into literary forms also serves to preserve it. How many students know and can speak about Paul Revere because they had to memorize or study “Paul Revere’s Ride.” Because of the poetic elements of rhyme and meter, it is easier to memorize a poem than a prose historical report. I have heard of people today teaching young children to memorize their name, telephone number and home address by putting this information into a song that a child can easily learn. As for myself, I can remember one of my

teachers in elementary school playing a record on which multiplication tables were sung. While educators today might deem such a tactic antiquated (it is not my aim to discuss this issue here), it served the purpose for which it was intended. In other words, memorization of multiplication tables was more easily achieved by casting them into the form of a song. Music has often been used to teach truths about Catholic faith. For example, the hymn, “Sing Praise to our Creator” teaches us about the Divine Trinity not only by its lyrics, but by its very structure. The hymn has three verses, one dedicated to each person, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, of the Holy Trinity. The refrain speaks of them collectively as a Trinity, undivided, united, holy, mighty, immortal and divine. This hymn is a shorthand form of Trinitarian theology. Having described literary forms and the relationship between form and function, in subsequent articles I plan

to discuss literary forms in the Gospels and how our study of them helps us to comprehend better the message the evangelists want to communicate to us. BC

Reflection Questions v Have you ever noticed similarities in the way different Gospel stories are told? What curiosities did this raise for you? v Think of your daily newspaper. What different kinds of literature do you find there? v On the Third Sunday of Lent this year we will read Luke 13:1-9. Two different literary forms appear between verses 1-5 and 6-9. Can you identify them? How are they different? How do the two sections relate to each other?

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Monday

ScriptureReadings Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

25 March 26

1 April

and a listing of Feast days and saints Saturday

Sunday

Lenten Weekday Hosea 6:1-6 Luke 18:9-14

Fourth Sunday of Lent Joshua 5:9a, 10-12 2 Corinthians 5:1721 Luke 15:1-3. 11-32

Lenten Weekday Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54

Lenten Weekday Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 John 5:1-16

Lenten Weekday Isaiah 49:8-15 John 5:17-30

Lenten Weekday Ezekiel 32:7-14 John 5:31-47

Lenten Weekday Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Lenten Weekday Fifth Sunday of Lent Jeremiah 11:18-20 Isaiah 43:16-21 John 7:40-53 Philippians 3:8-14 John 8:1-11

Lenten Weekday Daniel 13:1-9, 1517, 19-30, 33-62 John 8:12-20

Lenten Weekday Numbers 21:4-9 John 8:21-30

Lenten Weekday Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 John 8:31-42

Lenten Weekday Genesis 17:3-9 John 8:51-59

Lenten Weekday Lenten Weekday Jeremiah 20:10-13 Ezekiel 37:21-28 John 10:31-42 John 11:45-56

Monday of Holy Week Isaiah 42:1-7 John 12:1-11

Monday within the Octave of Easter Acts 2:14, 22-33 Matthew 28:8-15

Tuesday of Holy Week Isaiah 49:1-6 John 13:21-33, 36-38

Tuesday within the Octave of Easter

Memorial of Saint Easter Weekday Catherine of Siena, Acts 4:32-37 virgin and doctor of John 3:7b-15 the church Acts 4:23-31 John 3:1-8

Wednesday of Holy Week Isaiah 50:4-9a Matthew 26:14-25

Holy Thursday Exodus 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-15

Good Friday Isaiah 52:13— 53:12 Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1—19:42

Holy Saturday Genesis 1:1—2:2 Genesis 22:1-18 Exodus 14:15—15:1 Isaiah 54:5-14 Isaiah 55:1-11 Baruch 3:9-15; 32—4:4 Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 Romans 6:3-11 Luke 24:1-12

Acts 2:36-41 John 20:11-18 Wednesday within the Octave of Easter Acts 3:1-10 Luke 24:13-35

Thursday within the Octave of Easter Acts 3:11-26 Luke 24:35-48

Friday within the Octave of Easter Acts 4:1-12 John 21:1-14

Saturday within the Octave of Easter Acts 4:13-21 Mark 16:9-15

1 May

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

16 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the church Acts 5:27-33 John 3:31-36

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

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Luke 19:28-40 Isaiah 50:4-7 Philippians 2:6-11 Luke 22:14—23:56

Solemnity of Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Colossians 3:1-4 John 20:1-9

Divine Mercy Sunday Acts 5:12-16 Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19 John 20:19-31

April

Protect your world Auto • Home • Life • Retirement

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Universal

Workers in War Zones. For doctors and their humanitarian collaborators in war zones, who risk their lives to save the lives of others.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

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18210 West Main Suite 13 (985) 632-3040 Galliano Hours: Tues.-Fri. 9-5 Closed Mon. & Sat.

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(985) 876-1283 Houma Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-4

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(985) 449-0618 Thibodaux Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-4

Donald & Tammy Plaisance, owners

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 17

vw Church Life

Bishop Shelton Fabre greets 33 catechumens and 39 candidates Celebration held at Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bishop Shelton J. Fabre greeted 33 catechumens and 39 candidates of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux at the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates ceremony on the first Sunday of Lent at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. The catechumens, those who have not been baptized, are called forth by name. Pastors, godparents,

catechists and members of the faith community give witness to the bishop that the “chosen” catechumens are appropriately prepared for the Easter sacraments. The catechumens are then invited to sign their name in the Book of the Elect. The “elect” keep the Lenten season as their final preparation before they come forward at the Easter Vigil to accept the sacred mysteries of the Easter sacraments.

18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

This is called the “Period of Purification and Enlightenment.” n Catechumens from the church parishes of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux are: Julius Ogendi, St. Bridget, Schriever; Brooke Plaisance, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community; Hailey Baradell, Bradley Broussard, Jordan Daigle, Holly Grabert, Kadyn Michelle Brooks, St. Thomas

vw Church Life

Aquinas, Thibodaux; Adrian Barnett, Vivian Eichler, Vanessa Tran, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; Lauren Bishop, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux; Eliana Lizbeth Diaz, Brandon Joseph Mickel, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Christopher Lee Mayeur, St. Joseph, Galliano; Roland Billiot, Nicole Lafayette, Yajaira Munoz, Holy Savior, Lockport; William Bryant, Dylan Zechman, Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle; Amari Mitch, Shanoa Mitch, Zain Mitch, St. Gregory, Houma, Josie Blanchard, Seline Hernandez, Bethanie Tinker, Bobby Williams, Annunziata, Houma; Alyssa Carrie Miller, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma; Kile Lapeyrouse, Maria Immacolata, Houma; Lexie Dozier, Blaise Gremillion, India Gremillion, Dylan Tillett, St. Bernadette, Houma; John

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre greets catechumen Bobby Williams of Annunziata Church parish at the recent Rite of Election.

Allen Pellegrin, St. Ann, Bourg. The candidates are those who are already baptized in another Christian tradition and desire to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church or those uncatechized Catholics completing their Christian initiation. In a process of formation similar to the catechumenate, these candidates who have been prepared within the parish are presented to the bishop and he celebrates with them the Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion to be enacted in their parish during Lent to become full members in the Catholic Church. n Candidates from the church parishes of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux are: Louis Hebert, Norma Iris Ramirez– Calderone, Tamara Harrington Stevens, Sacred Heart, Morgan City; Collin Degueurce, Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux; Cameron Curole, Elizabeth Daigle, John Kopfler, Brittany Prevost, Stephanie Pridgen, Sydney Morgan Sadowski, Lars Curry, Ramona Naquin, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux; Artie Orgeron, Graham Harvey, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; Offneil Martin Coleman, John Walker Jones Jr., St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux; Mallory Renee Matherne, Cynthia Lee Mayeur, Wesley Hunter Mayeur, St. Joseph, Galliano; L’Oreal Barker, Roy Brown, Victoria LeBoeuf, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow; Earline Bergeron, St. Louis, Bayou Blue; Ra-Ticha Mitch, LeBron Steward, Ramahd Steward, St. Gregory, Houma; Holli Pellegrin, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Keith Bergeron, Taylor Billiot, Jenna Ward, Maria Immacolata, Houma; Isabella Bergeron, Riley Cancienne, Lindsey Doucet, Christopher Gautreaux, Wanda Jensen, Sarah Russell, St. Bernadette, Houma; Victoria Comeaux, Louis Liner, Cade Falgout, St. Ann, Bourg. Those who participated in the ceremony were Deacon Stephen Brunet, master of ceremonies; Deacon Linwood Liner, assisting master of ceremonies; Deacon Joseph Bourgeois, Deacon Martin Dickerson, bishop’s

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre greets candidate L’Oreal “Lolly” Barker of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Church parish in Golden Meadow at the Rite of Election at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. deacons; Deacon Malcolm Andry, deacon of the Gospel; Don Meyers, cross bearer; Ulyse “Woody” Louviere, book bearer; Hernan Roger, thurifer; Al Hargis and Teddy Neil, candle bearers; Samuel Robert, miter bearer; Jacques Dupre, crozier bearer; Catherine Butler, book of the elect; Cathy Smith, commentator; Judge Jude Fanguy and Jody Duet, readers; Amy Adams, psalmist; Father Glenn LeCompte, Father Joseph Pilola, Amy Adams, Amy Baudoin, Francis Bourgeois, Ellen Heidenreich, Becky Plaisance, music ministry/ intercessions; parishioners of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, hospitality ministers; Deacon William Dunckelman, Upper Lafourche Deanery; Deacon Dennis Dupre, South Lafourche Deanery; Deacon James Brunet Sr., Terrebonne Deanery; calling of the names. BC

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 19

Youth

in action Robert Loupe School: Thibodaux High School Grade: 10th Church parish: Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux Describe your family unit: Melissa, mother; Robert, father; Scott, stepfather; Joey, Caroline, Austin, Russell, siblings. Favorite Hobby: Theatre Favorite Movie: The Truman Show Favorite T.V. Show: Survivor Favorite Genre of Music: Alternative/Rock

In what ways do you continue to grow in your faith? I continue to grow in my faith in many ways. I attend Sunday Mass, and I am involved with what I can in my church. But there is more than just Mass. I recently went on my first retreat over this last summer, CLI, which has given me an opportunity to see other people around my age who are on their journey with their faith. I have also been able to meet other seminarians and priests throughout the years that have told me life experiences on how they have come closer to Christ in their faith. Seeing

these people walking through life in faith, and continuing to grow, gives me an example of what a close and evergrowing relationship with God is, and how it is needed in life. With those new formed connections, my knowledge of teenagers involved in their faith has drastically expanded, and has created many new strong friendships. Also, I am an altar server at a youth focused Mass that follows our youth formation program. Since I have started serving, my relationship has strengthened even

20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

more than I possibly imagined. Being up on the altar serving God strengthens my faith. My family is very new to our church parish, and we know now that this is what was meant for us. Our new church family and friends have been so supportive of what is going on in our lives, and their kindness opened my eyes to their faith. They are one of the reasons why I continue to grow into my faith. No matter where I am or who I’m talking to, my faith can be seen through me, and it never ceases to stop. BC

Seminarian Education Burses What is a seminarian burse/endowment fund? A seminarian burse/endowment fund is an invested sum of money where the interest is used in perpetuity to help fund the education of men to the priesthood in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. How does someone establish a seminarian burse/endowment fund? Very simply, a burse/endowment fund may be established and

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

Completed Burses and CFSL Named Endowment Funds Note: Numbers stipulate the amount 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 & Family Donald Peltier Sr. (3)* Harvey Peltier (30)* Richard Peltier The Peltier Foundation (5) Orleans & Louella Pitre Msgr. Joseph Wester Robert R. Wright Jr. Rev. Kermit Trahan St. Bernadette Men’s Club Diocesan Knights of Columbus Leighton Delahaye Mrs. Shirley Conrad Bishop Shelton J. Fabre Elizabeth Hebert Callais Family Fund Rev. Joseph Tu Tran Society of St. Joseph Endowment Fund - $119,136.90

James J Buquet Jr Julius & Marie Pauline St. Amant Elie & Dot Klingman Bishop Sam Jacobs Endowment-$32,840.43 Giardina Family Foundation Sem. Endowment-$4,337.62 James J. Buquet, Jr. Family Sem. Endowment-$27,979.95 Diocesan Seminarian Endowment-$3,502,699.11 Mary and Al Danos Foundation Sem. Endowment-$38,621.30 Msgr. Amedee Sem. Endowment-$314,838.43 The Peltier Foundation-$14,482.97 Leo & Ethel Hebert Jane and John Dean Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski

February 2019 Burse Contributions

Open Burses with Balance as of February 28, 2019 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 ................................$13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial ..............................$12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 ....................$11,440.00 Joseph Waitz Sr. ..............................................$11,000.00 Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ....................$10,900.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier .......................$10,700.00 Harvey Peltier No. 31 ....................................$10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis No. 2 ...........$10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis No. 2 .............................$10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis No. 2 ........................$10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit No. 2 ......................$10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...............................$10,000.00 Msgr. William Koninkx .....................................$7,700.00 Society of St. Joseph .......................................$7,500.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................................$7,000.00 Catholic Daughters ............................................$6,800.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ..............$6,598.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes .............................................$6,286.00 Rev. Peter Nies ....................................................$6,000.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue .............................................$6,000.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee .....................................$5,350.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ........................$5,000.00 Anonymous No. 2 ..............................................$5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Family No. 4 ...$5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming .................................$5,000.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..............................$5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ...............................$4,839.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta ..........................................$4,450.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ............................................$4,311.00

Anawin Community ..........................................$4,200.00 Harry Booker No. 2 ...........................................$4,138.00 Msgr. James Songy ...........................................$4,075.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................................$3,610.96 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ..........................$3,500.00 J. R. Occhipinti .....................................................$3,400.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ..................................$3,060.00 St. Jude ...................................................................$3,000.00 Diocesan Knights of Columbus No. 2 .......$2,894.62 Warren J. Harang Jr. No. 2 .............................$2,700.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ................................$2,650.00 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ..................................$2,600.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ..............................$2,000.00 Rev. John Gallen .................................................$1,950.00 Rev. H.C. Paul Daigle ........................................$1,900.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ............................$1,700.00 Alfrances P. Martin ............................................$1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre No. 2 ...................$1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny ......................................$1,600.00 Jacob Marcello ....................................................$1,600.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ................................$1,550.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins ...............$1,550.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier .......................................$1,545.00 Ronnie Haydel .....................................................$1,535.00 Dr. William Barletta Sr. .....................................$1,525.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ .....................................$1,450.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso .......................................$1,250.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield ....................................$1,200.00 Rev. Joseph Tu Tran No. 2 ..............................$1,094.00

Msgr. John G. Keller ..........................................$1,050.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ..................................$1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux No. 4 .............$1,000.00 Edna W. DiSalvo .................................................$1,000.00 Bernice Harang ...................................................... $900.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ....................................... $900.00 Ruby Pierce ............................................................... $800.00 Deacon Roland Dufrene .................................... $750.00 Juliette & Eugene Wallace ................................ $700.00 Deacon Edward J. Blanchard ............................ $700.00 Deacon Raymond LeBouef ............................... $550.00 Paul & Laura Duet ............................................... $550.00 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata ........................... $500.00 Robert Walsh .......................................................... $500.00 Dean Joseph Chiasson ........................................ $500.00 Anne Veron Aguirre ............................................. $380.00 Deacon Harold Kurtz ........................................... $300.00 Richard Peltier No. 2 ............................................ $300.00 Claude Bergeron ................................................... $250.00 Rev. Michael Finnegan ........................................ $200.00 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin ................................. $150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ........................................... $100.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol ...................................... $100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier .............................................$50.00 Deacon Nick Messina .............................................$50.00 Grant J. Louviere .......................................................$50.00

Overall Seminarian Burses Total: $1,746,543.02 ~ CFSL Seminarian Endowments Total: $3,880,296.61 April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21

Heavenly Recipes

Ron Bailleaux

Ron cooks a: SOUTH LAFOURCHE

CLASSIC

Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Larose native and resident Ron Bailleaux, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish, shares his recipe for seafood pastalaya. Ron has been cooking for large events for the past 20 years. “My older brother is a good cook and he tutored me along the way about how to cook. He taught me how to cook, especially for large events. I don’t cook that often on a small scale. Most of the events I cook for typically feed 600 people.” Ron is involved with the Larose French Food Festival. “I usually cook the seafood pastalaya for that festival. I get a lot of good feedback from the pastalaya dish.” Ron’s family includes his wife Bridget and his son Brock who is a senior at South Lafourche High School in Galliano. “I have been cooking all the pre-game meals for the football team since my son Brock has been on the team.” Ron has been the manager of Roger’s Parts, a NAPA dealer, for the past 35 years. “I have been working with the public in the Larose community for the past 35 years. People know me from work and from my cooking for community events.” Ron has also cooked for the annual Wild Game Supper which is held in Larose. “I enjoy cooking for the Wild Game Supper. I like to cook game. I cooked buffalo at the supper. Buffalo is something that tastes very good if you cook it a long time and mix some pork for fat content and plenty of onions.” Ron also cooks on occasion for the church parish. Typically he will cook 10-20 gallons of jambalaya or pastalaya for church events. Bridget has been teaching religious education in the parish for over 11 years and is a lector for Sunday Mass. BC 22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Seafood Pastalaya INGREDIENTS: 4 onions, diced 3 stalks celery, diced 1/2 bell pepper, diced 1 can golden mushroom soup, 10.5 oz. 1 can cream of shrimp soup, 10.5 oz. 1 can cream of celery soup, 10.5 oz. 1 bunch green onions 1 can Rotel, 10.5 oz. 1 lb. shrimp, peeled 1 lb. crawfish, peeled Granulated garlic and seasoning to taste Serving-size spoon of Worcestershire sauce 1 container of seafood stock, 32 oz. 1 link of smoked sausage (optional on Fridays during Lent) 1 piece of Tasso, chopped (optional on Fridays during Lent) 1 12 oz. package of penne pasta

DIRECTIONS: Brown onions; add bell pepper and celery. Cook until browned and softened. Add Rotel and cook down. Add sausage and Tasso; cook a few minutes. Add creamed soups and cook for 15-20 minutes. Add seafood stock, and bring to a slow boil. Add seasonings to taste. Next, add shrimp and crawfish. Bring to a boil, and add the pasta and green onions. Cook until the pasta is tender, stirring every few minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, turn the fire off, and let it sit with the cover on the pot for five minutes. Stir and serve. Makes approximately 12 servings.

Join nearly 14,000 faith communities in 180 dioceses around the U.S. 31 APRIL

SUN A STORY OF HOPE

MON 12 MON 1

JOURNEY TO SIERRA LEONE

This week, we pray for Kumba, and all students in Sierra Leone. Watch her story in the app. GIVE $4 to your CRS Rice Bowl for the fourth week of Lent.

MEET KUMBA

LEARN WITH CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

MON

A STORY OF HOPE

JOURNEY TO GAZA

This week, we pray for Ona, and all those in Gaza who cannot find work.

Did you know? Gaza is only 25 miles long and at most 6 miles wide, but has a population of almost 2 million people. It is a small strip of land at the southeast end of the Mediterranean Sea that is surrounded by Israel to the north and east, and Egypt to the south.

Read her story in the app. GIVE $5 to your CRS Rice Bowl for the fifth week of Lent.

MEET ONA

SUN

TUE TEACHINGS FROM THE POPES

“Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfillment.” —Pope Francis, Laudato Si‘

MON

TUE

FRI

SAT

CALLED TO FAST

SHARE THE JOURNEY

By fasting, we clear away the things that can distract us from serving our neighbor. Today, try Ground Nut Stew from Sierra Leone.

When families are forced to flee, children cannot attend school, making their future uncertain.

education.

WED

PRAY WITH THE SAINTS

GIVE Don’t forget to put the money you save by eating simply into your CRS Rice Bowl.

COOK THE RECIPE

THU

FRI

How do you show gratitude for your education? MAKE YOUR WEEKLY DONATION IN THE APP

LISTEN TO WAISA

SAT

STAND WITH COURAGE

ENCOUNTER SCRIPTURE

CALLED TO FAST

SHARE THE JOURNEY

Ona took advantage of the opportunity she was given to create her own business. Because of her courage, she now provides for her family.

Psalm 34:19–20 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

By fasting, we clear away the things that can distract us from serving our neighbor. Today, try Shakshouka, a meatless recipe from Gaza.

The unemployment rate is high in Gaza. Gazans struggle to find opportunity to support themselves and their families.

How has your courage benefited those in your life?

GIVE 25¢ to your CRS Rice Bowl for each time you have turned to God for help.

GIVE 50¢ for every chore you do, or job you have had.

THU

ENCOUNTER SCRIPTURE Proverbs 31:8–9 “Open your mouth on behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute; Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor!” GIVE 50¢ for every year of your

STAND WITH WAISA

LEARN WITH CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

VISIT GAZA

WED

STAND WITH COURAGE Despite most girls not attending school in Sierra Leone, Waisa—Kumba’s grandmother—insists all her children and grandchildren go to school. When have you had the courage to do the right thing even when it went against what was normal?

—St. John XXIII, Pacem in Terris

GIVE 50¢ for every right you have in your life.

VISIT SIERRA LEONE

SUN

TUE TEACHINGS FROM THE POPES “Man has the right to live. He has the right to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper development of life”

Did you know? Sierra Leone was named by the Portuguese explorer Pedro de Sintra. He named the country Serra Leoa, meaning “lion mountains,” because of the impressive mountains he saw.

STAND WITH ONA

WED

PRAY WITH THE SAINTS

THU

GIVE Don’t forget to put the money you save by eating simply into your CRS Rice Bowl.

FRI

What opportunities helped you to be where you are today? MAKE YOUR WEEKLY DONATION IN THE APP LISTEN TO CRS GAZA STAFF

COOK THE RECIPE

SAT

PALM SUNDAY

HOLY WEEK

HOLY THURSDAY

GOOD FRIDAY

HOLY SATURDAY

As Lent comes to a close, let us reflect on our journey through the desert. What have you sacrificed this Lent? What have you offered up? What good things have you done?

This week, we prepare to journey with Christ through his Passion to the Resurrection.

“Lord Jesus, we adore your cross which frees us from sin … we await your coming in glory, which will bring to fulfilment your kingdom of justice, joy and peace.”

We reflect on the courage of Jesus: the courage he had throughout his ministry to speak against injustice; the courage he had to face the crowds as they turned against him; the courage he had to carry his cross to Calvary.

John 13:14–15 “If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do.” GIVE 25¢ for each of the Apostles’

On this, one of the holiest days of the year, we commemorate the great sacrifice Jesus made to save us. We honor Jesus’ suffering on the cross. May we give of ourselves as Jesus did.

Today, we anticipate our final steps out of the desert to encounter the hope of the Resurrection.

GIVE 50¢ for each cross in your life and the lives of your family members.

—Pope Francis, Prayer for Peace

GIVE $6 to your CRS Rice Bowl for the final week of Lent.

WATCH WHAT IS LENT? WITH THOMAS AWIAPO

SUN

LISTEN TO A LENTEN SONG FROM GUATEMALA

MAKE A LENTEN RETREAT

MAKE YOUR WEEKLY DONATION IN THE APP

DON’T FORGET TO TURN IN YOUR CRS RICE BOWL!

feet that Jesus washed.

REFLECT ON THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

LISTEN TO A REFLECTION

REFLECT ON THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

WATCH GOOD SAMARITAN RESURRECTION VIDEO

EASTER SUNDAY JESUS IS RISEN, ALLELUIA! May the risen Christ, who brought us forth from the desert, reside with us during the Easter season, inspiring us to reach out to all those we encounter!

WE GIVE THANKS

How are we inspired by the courage of Jesus?

THIS EASTER SEASON,

let us not forget our journey through the desert. Let us continue to bring the hope of the Resurrection to all those we encounter, reminding them of God’s love. Don’t forget to turn in your CRS Rice Bowl to your parish or school, or give online at crsricebowl.org/give. Photo by Eric Clayton/CRS

•Through prayer, we encounter Christ, present in the faces of every member of our human family, so often still walking that long road to Calvary. •Through fasting, we encounter our own obstacles, those things about ourselves that prevent us from loving God and neighbor. •Through almsgiving, we encounter our brothers and sisters around the world, asking what we can give up so that others might have life to the fullest.

Please visit crsricebowl.org or call Agnes Bitature at Catholic Charities - 985-876-0490 for additional resources Building the culture of encounter as missionary disciples this Lent!

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Special

Labor of By CHRISTINE BORDELON Clarion Herald

The loss of a stillborn baby several years ago has turned into a full-time Catholic ministry for families with a similar loss. It all began when Maria Payne, caretaker for Monday Night Disciple member Donald Sampey’s son, Alex Boudreaux, lost her grandchild and didn’t know what to do. Sampey said Joe Catalanotto, a fellow Monday Night Disciple, knew of a group that could help with the burial of the baby. Then Payne asked, “Mr. D (Donald), why don’t you build a casket for me?” While not a woodworker, Sampey and other members of the Monday Night Disciples at St. Clement of Rome figured out how to make a small casket and have made approximately 110 for babies of families in need of burial assistance or babies who are abandoned. The ministry is called “Skylar’s Project,” named after Payne’s grandchild. Tiny caskets The youngest baby buried in one of the group’s caskets was eight weeks old, the oldest two years old. Families from as far away as Lafayette have obtained a casket, and one father insisted on building the casket for his child himself. “We showed him how to do it, and he did it,” Sampey said. “It was rough (for everyone involved).” He said the hardest ones to make are the little ones. Not only do the men make the caskets but they also can provide music for free at a funeral service by request. The Monday Night Disciples recently

While not woodworkers, members of the Monday Night Disciples at St. Clement of Rome in the Archdiocese of New Orleans figured out how to make a small casket and have made approximately 110 for babies of families in need of burial assistance or babies who are abandoned. consulted with the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Cemetery Office to pay for a quadruple tomb for unborn babies in St. Patrick No. 1 Cemetery’s Holy Innocents Prayer Garden. Inscribed on the tomb are the words, “All God’s Babies.” The tomb was dedicated and blessed by Archbishop Gregory Aymond in a special ceremony in January. “We’ve been touched by the Lord, and he drives us,” Sampey said. “We didn’t know where it was going, but we put trust in the Lord, and he provided.” Payne has remained involved as well. She makes baby burial gowns, caps and blankets for the babies and lines each casket out of donated wedding dresses. Remains busy Once word got out that the Monday Night Disciples, founded in 1985, were making the cypress caskets, requests came in regularly, requiring Sampey and his fellow disciples to close in his porch and expand his backyard pool

24 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

house to give them space to make and store the caskets, equipment and materials needed. Most equipment has been donated over the years by members, but the disciples are in the process of buying a new carving and engraving tool with a flexible shaft to make it easier for engraving specialist Ken Martinez, a fellow disciple, to engrave names. “We kept extending the space, and we’re about to extend it again,” said Sampey. Other members store materials and caskets. “We like to keep our inventory built up (12 of each size) in case we get an order for a certain size. That way we just have to put a name on it.” The men use the choicest and priciest of woods – cypress – for the caskets and engrave every one with a cross painted in gold and the baby’s name, Sampey said. Only white wedding gowns are used to line the caskets, representing the purity of the babies.

Special

“We’ve got the best of all for these babies,” Sampey said. For the past two years, the wood has been donated. “We’ve had people buy the wood for us,” he said. Parents get a choice of a casket with a natural cypress finish or one that is stained. It takes a day or two to complete a casket from start to finish. The Monday Night Disciples are working with St. Joseph Abbey Woodworks and their cypress casket-making operation, organized by Deacon Mark Coudrain, to take the scrap pieces of wood they can’t use. In a test project, the Abbey also will be a place where parents on the Northshore who have lost their babies can pick up a casket for burial. “This has become another part of our ministry,” said Sampey. “All of us are pro-life. … I can’t even think of not burying babies who may, at one point, be thrown into the trash by a hospital or whatever. No baby should be treated that way.” For more information about this ministry, email mondaynightdisciples@ gmail.com or visit mondaynightdisciples.org. For casket information, call (504)454-6094. Christine Bordelon can be reached at cbordelon@clarionherald.org. BC

A woodworker holds the covers of the caskets before they are individually cut.

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 25

Commentary

I was a ‘Sunday Catholic’ A deacon’s wife’s confessions Angie Lefevre

Why on earth would you want to read my confessions? I’ll get to that in a minute … My husband and I have been married for over 25 years, but for the first 18 years, we were “Sunday Catholics.” We attended Mass on Sundays, but forgot that we were Catholics for the rest of the week. As a child, my family attended Mass on most Sundays, but vacation was another subject. My parents believed that being on vacation was a valid reason to miss Mass. However, when I got married, my husband’s family taught me that vacation Mass was required. In those early years of marriage, my in-laws helped to show me how to be more than a Sunday Catholic. This new family prayed before meals, went to daily Mass and encouraged us to pray the rosary! Even though it was many years before my husband and I experienced our conversion of faith and had our eyes opened, we could observe Catholic faith in practice through his family’s example. This is what I hope to do for you. I pray that reading my confessions will help you to become a better Catholic and a better person. Most people are very content with being a Sunday Catholic. Why would you want to do more than the minimum required by the church? You are a busy person! Who has time for extra commitments? Well, these are all things I have said or thought!

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26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

My husband and I have a daughter who attended St. Bernadette Catholic School in Houma. She took religion as a subject in school and we were amazed at the level of faith and knowledge in our child. She knew more about our faith than we did! That’s pretty embarrassing (but I did say you were going to hear my confessions). This child knew more about our faith because she studied it! She was more than a Sunday Catholic, but her father and I were still left behind. Traditionally, parents are the ones to educate their children in practicing their faith. But here we were – learning from our daughter! Thanks be to God, my husband and I had some life changing events that led us to permanent deacon formation, and we will hopefully never be the same! In these articles, I will expose actual confessions of my own, and how I overcame them. I pray that my solutions will inspire you to be an everyday Catholic! Distraction How many of you have ever been bored during Mass? Lost focus or daydreamed? I certainly have! But like any good Catholic, I blame others for my sinning … the man coughing on my neck behind me, the crying baby in the back of church, the uncomfortable pew, my pants are too tight (I have to remember to put these in the Goodwill pile at home). I could go on forever … . But I’m sure you can relate. We all get distracted; our brains just shoot from one thought to another. How many times have I said to myself “I’m really going to pay attention to this homily”? And then a couple of minutes later, I’m thinking about what we will have for lunch! One time in particular, I remember hearing the Gospel about The Parable of the Yeast. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” Then I started thinking about baking bread for Piotrek, our seminarian! The problem is our brains are crazy. We are not always in control of our thoughts. Have you ever had some really terrible thoughts? And then, shook your head to get those thoughts out of there!?! We can’t be blamed for wandering thoughts, especially when “the evil one” is working against us. But what we can do is stop the train of thought that’s falling off its rails and refocus on the task at hand! So, don’t feel bad if you miss a little of the homily, just refocus and keep listening. (My big confession today is that I’ve even lost focus when my husband is the homilist – but don’t tell him!) (Angie Lefevre is the wife of Deacon James Lefevre, who was ordained to the permanent diaconate in May 2018. They are parishioners of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma.) BC

The collection will be held April 27 and 28, 2019 Thank you for your generosity.

Commentary

The beauty of sacrifice Thoughts For Millennials Ryan Abboud

As Lent begins, like most Catholics, we set out to abstain from meat on Fridays, give up something that we enjoy, and grow closer to Christ. However, if you’re anything like me, the sacrifices of Lent slowly become less prominent in our day-to-day lives as time goes on. By this point in our Lenten journey, we may have accidentally eaten meat one Friday, we may have justified sneaking one little piece of candy even if gave up sweets, or we may have even altogether forgotten that we’re in Lent. This can be a struggle that resonates with many Catholics due to the sheer nature of humanity. We are imperfect beings that forget sometimes, so we should never beat ourselves up over a true mistake. However, we must never forget a few very important truths about our Lenten journey. We must always remember that the reason why we give up habits and abstain from meat is not because “that’s how it’s always been.” Although it is

a traditional practice, we must delve deeper into Jesus’ journey in the desert for 40 days and strive to walk alongside him during that time. We must also realize that we give something up because Jesus gave everything up. Our sacrifice of sweets or soda is an invitation for us to connect with Jesus’ sacrifice that he endured on Calvary’s hill. It’s not simply just because that’s what Catholics do for 40 days of the year. I can remember a long string of years not too long ago where I would “reach the finish line” of Lent and look back on my sacrificing through the last 40 days and have such a lackluster view on the subject. In my feeble human mind, I failed to see how my sacrificing strengthened and nourished my personal relationship

with Christ. I lacked the ability to fully and deliberately use my sacrifice as an invitation into prayer and supplementing my own spiritual life. And I truly believe that many Catholics can struggle with this during this season of sacrifice. Brothers and sisters, as we approach the Easter Season and as Lent comes to a close, I invite you to delve deeper into the spirituality of your sacrifice. Do not grow complacent in this sacrificial practice, but rather forge on with great courage. By dying to ourselves and practicing great sacrifice, only then can we learn how live for Him. (Ryan Abboud is a 2015 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma and a senior at LSU in Baton Rouge.) BC

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Many are Called, Few are Chosen This Easter season, there will be a Diocesan Collection for Education to Ministry April 20 and 21, 2019

Announcement

Leave a legacy through your will Catholic Foundation Update Amy Ponson

Naming the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana as a beneficiary in your will, restricted for your favorite ministry, is one of the simplest and most popular ways to provide lasting support for your church parish, school or ministries. It only takes a few sentences to protect the people you love and the values you cherish. The Benefits of Leaving a Legacy Through Your Will n Protects those you love: A properly drawn will is something that every Catholic should have. Without a will your wishes can never be known and the state may distribute your assets in ways that do not meet your family’s needs or reflect your Catholic faith. It is also a common misconception that joint ownership is sufficient. Leaving things to chance can be traumatic - and costly - to those you love. n Flexible: Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime. Since the average person will live for many years after retirement, this is one of the most important and useful features of wills. n Cost-effective: Wills are a way that everyone – regardless of age or circumstances – can provide lasting support for their church parish, school or ministry. Making a bequest in your will costs little or nothing during your lifetime and may provide significant estate tax savings, depending on the size of the estate. n Revocable: If your plans change, your gift can be modified at any time.

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n Membership in the Catholic Foundation’s Legacy Society: A bequest restricted to your parish/school through the Catholic Foundation entitles you to recognition in the Catholic Foundation’s Legacy Society, which is Bishop Fabre’s way of honoring those who are providing for the future of our church parishes, schools and ministries. Getting Started Before making your gift, we encourage you to discuss your plans with your tax, legal or financial advisor. We also encourage you to contact the professionals at the Catholic Foundation, who are specialists in the areas of planned giving and philanthropic advising and can refer you to accounting, legal and financial advisors, if needed. Prepare Your Will A will is straightforward and easily executed with an attorney. If you already have a valid, up-to-date will, you do not have to rewrite it to include the Foundation. Instead, you can add the Foundation to your will by making an amendment called a codicil. Choose Your Gift Amount Once you have taken care of yourself and your loved ones, we hope you will remember the good work of our church parishes, schools and diocese. You can name any ministry as a beneficiary in your will in a number of uncomplicated ways. n You can specify a dollar amount that you wish to leave to your church parish/school. n You can specify a percentage of your estate. n You can name the church parish/school as the remainder beneficiary of your estate. Your church parish/school would receive the residual amount only after specific sums have been paid to individual beneficiaries. Please use the following bequest language in your will: “I, (name), of (city, state, ZIP), give, devise and bequeath to (Foundation/Church Parish Name), (Address) (written amount or percentage of the estate, insurance policy or IRA, or description of property) for the Parish Endowment Fund. Let Us Know After you have taken care of your loved ones, your first thoughts will naturally be of your church parish. Your spiritual home plays an intimate role in your relationship with Christ, and we hope you will make your church parish a significant part of your personal estate plans. We hope you’ll tell us when you have named your church parish/school/ministry in your will. Bishop Fabre would very much like the opportunity to thank you for your generosity by welcoming you as a member of the Legacy Society. Please be assured that the amount of your gift will never be publicly disclosed. Want to Learn More? Please contact Amy Ponson, executive director, (985)8503116 or aponson@htdiocese.org to learn more about our Legacy Society. BC

Book Reviews

Reading With Raymond Raymond Saadi

Where the Crawdads Sing

Diary of a Dead Man on Leave

This achingly, poignant story of six year old Kya Clark, known to many in the town of Barkley Cove, NC, as the “Marsh Girl,” opens as she sees her Ma walk away, never to return. Soon, her siblings follow, one by one, leaving Kya alone with her drunken, abusive father. When two town boys discover her, she believes her life will change. Until one day, the dead body of one of the boys is found and Kya is immediately suspected. This gripping story is haunting and very hard to put down. BC

It’s 1938 and the signs of war are felt throughout Germany. Enter Josef Hofmann, a communist spy, who returns to his German homeland, settling in the railroad center town of Hamm. His assignment: find former ex-members of the party who may still hope to stop Hitler’s war machine. Hoffman finds lodging with a widow where he befriends her 11 year old son, William, who, 50 years later, finds the diary the spy has hidden in the wall of his attic room. In it he reveals his care for the widow’s family as well as the knowledge he may well be discovered and executed. His diary tingles with suspense and fear for himself and William’s family. BC

By Delia Owens Putnam $26

Between Midnight and Dawn

By David Downing SOHO Crime $27.95

Compiled by Sarah Arthur Paraclete Press $18.99 Although Lent is halfway over, there’s time enough to make the most of it with this “Literary Guide to Prayer for Lent, Holy Week and Eastertide.” This collection of writings of psalms, poems and prayers from time immemorial to the present is divided into sections, of which remaining are: Eight sections for Holy Week and the three holy days of Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter itself as well as seven for Eastertide or the seven weeks following Easter. BC

The White Darkness By David Grann Doubleday $20 Those familiar with the extraordinary exploits of explorer Ernest Shackleton who tried but failed to be the first to successfully reach the South Pole, will cheer Henry Worsley who succeeded. In 2008, Worsley, with two other Shackleton descendants of Shackleton’s crew, set out across Antarctica battling the freezing, desolate landscape, enduring life-threatening physical exhaustion and hidden crevasses. Their ordeal is painful enough to read about as to imagine what they endured. A small compact book with many extraordinary photographs makes for a chilling reading experience. BC

The Chef By James Patterson Little, Brown $28 The prolific Mr. Patterson has penned a novel you can enjoy three ways; as a terrorist plans to wipe out New Orleans’ Mardi Gras; or as a tour guide of Crescent City’s restaurants, famous and food truck versions; or, as an illicit romance between the novel’s protagonist and his competitor’s beautiful wife. Take one or all and you’re sure to find something to please your taste. BC

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 31

Announcement

Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center’s Respect Life Dinner, April 30 Louisiana native Abby Johnson will be the guest speaker for Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center in Thibodaux’s Respect Life Dinner, which will be held Tuesday, April 30 at The Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional. “Having been born and raised in Louisiana and knowing that it is the most pro-life state in our nation, I am really excited to be headed your way soon. I hope that everyone will prioritize the Respect Life dinner and consider how they may more fervently serve the least of these through local pro-life efforts,” says Johnson. Johnson has always been fiercely determined to help women in need. This desire is what led her to a career with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, and caused her to flee the organization, becoming an outspoken advocate for the pro-life movement. During her eight years with Planned Parenthood, Johnson quickly rose through the organization’s ranks and became a clinic director. However, she became increasingly disturbed by what she witnessed. Abortion was a product Planned Parenthood was selling, not an unfortunate necessity they were fighting to decrease. Still, Johnson loved the women that entered her clinic and her co-workers. Despite a growing unrest within her, she stayed on and strove to serve women in crisis. All of that changed Sept. 26, 2009, when Abby was asked to assist with an ultrasound-guided abortion. She watched in horror as a 13 week baby fought for, and ultimately lost, its life at the hand of the abortionist. At that moment, she fully realized what abortion was and what she had dedicated her life to. As that realization washed over her, a dramatic transformation occurred. Desperate and confused, Johnson sought help from a local pro-life group. She swore

Abby

Johnson

that she would begin to advocate for life in the womb and expose abortion for what it truly is. Planned Parenthood did not take Johnson’s departure sitting down. The organization is fully aware the workers who leave are their greatest threat. They took immediate action to silence Johnson with a gag order and brought her to court. The lawsuit was quickly seen as the sham it was and it was ultimately thrown out of court. The media was, and continues to be, interested in Johnson’s story as well as her continued efforts to advocate for the unborn and help clinic workers escape the abortion industry. She is a frequently requested guest on Fox News and a variety of other shows. She is also the author of the nationally best-selling book, Unplanned, which chronicles both her experiences within Planned Parenthood and her dramatic exit.

32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Today, Johnson travels across the globe sharing her story, educating the public on pro-life issues, advocating for the unborn, and reaching out to abortion clinic staff that still work in the industry. She is the founder of “And Then There Were None,” a ministry designed to assist abortion clinic workers in transitioning out of the industry. To date, this ministry has helped over 430 workers leave the abortion industry. Johnson lives in Texas with her husband and seven children. Cost for the Respect Life Dinner is $35 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds from the dinner will benefit Crossroads Pregnancy Resource Center, a non-profit Christian ministry that promotes the sanctity of life by providing caring service to pregnant women in crisis. Call (985)446-5004 for more information. BC

Announcements

New executive director for local Catholic Charities named

Nicole Bourgeois, Ph.D., LMFT

Nicole Bourgeois, Ph.D., LMFT, has been named as the new executive director for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, effective April 1. She will replace Robert Gorman, who is retiring June 30, 2019, after 37 years of service to the diocese.

The Raceland native graduated from Central Lafourche High School and went on to attend the Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University where she earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology, the University of Louisiana at Monroe where she earned a master of arts degree in marriage and family therapy, and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX, where she earned a doctor of philosophy in marriage and family therapy. Her former employment includes marriage and family therapist and owner of Beehive Behavioral Health, LLC; therapist at the Teche Action Clinic; adjunct professor at Northcentral University, Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Xavier University in New Orleans and Texas A&M–Central Texas.

She is a parishioner of St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in the St. Charles Community. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to help serve the people of our area and beyond through the many different ministries that Catholic Charities has to offer. I am honored and humbled to be chosen to follow Rob Gorman as he retires, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from his experience in this transition,” says Bourgeois. “I am also looking forward to working with the staff and volunteers to answer the call to meet the needs that are currently being unmet in our diocese. By working together, we can truly make a difference in our world. As Dr. Seuss’ Lorax says, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.’” BC

Steubenville on the Bayou Conference is June 14-16 By SHAWN LAPEYROUSE It’s that time of year again … when we all start to look back on our relationship with Christ … a time for reflection, it’s Lent! And as we prepare to celebrate Easter, the day of our risen Lord, the pinnacle of our Christian Catholic faith, we must also look into the future and consider what our faith journey will look like beyond the Easter Season and the rest of our life. How can we make sure our relationship with God remains strong? What is something we can do or experience, to keep that faith? In June, Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, and Lift 3:16, Inc. of Houma, will offer the Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference and in September, Lift 3:16, Inc. will offer the Lift Adult Conference. Both of these events will offer the participants opportunities to encounter Christ in a deeper, more fulfilling way. The Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference will be held June 14-16 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center in Houma. This conference will feature speakers from all around the country who have made it their life’s mission to reach out to the youth today, to make sure they each have a chance to truly know the love of God our Father! The 2019 Bayou speakers include: Chris Stefanick, Sarah Swafford, Father Rick Martignetti, Brian Greenfield and Michael Gormley. The worship band, More Than Sunday, will lead attendees into deeper worship throughout the weekend. Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs will also be present throughout the weekend and Bishop Shelton Fabre of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux will preside over the 34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

closing Mass on Sunday. This dynamic group of speakers, musicians and religious will lead the youth through a unique journey to build their relationship with Christ, sending them home with tips on how to continue to keep that relationship vibrant and relevant. Those interested in attending the Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference should reach out to their church parish’s youth minister to register, as each attendee must register with a group. If your church parish is not sending a group, we encourage you to reach out to the Lift 3:16, Inc. office to find out which parishes near you are attending – many groups are willing to take any youth interested in attending this event. Registration is limited so we strongly recommend that you register sooner than later! Any youth ministers or parents wishing to register a group can do so via our website! The Lift Adult Conference will be held Sept. 27-29 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. This event will be similar to the youth conference’s schedule and is open to anyone 18 years of age or older. Adults may register individually or we encourage church parishes to form groups: Register a dozen people and we’ll make it a “baker’s dozen” for the same price … for every 12 people registered with your one group, you’ll register the 13th person at no charge! More information will be coming soon, but mark your calendars for this amazing lifechanging event! You can reach the Lift 3:16, Inc. office at info@lift316.com. We also invite you to visit our website at www.Lift316.com. BC

Diocesan Events

www.bayoucatholic.com

April

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, April 2, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Father Joey Lirette. n St. Lucy Child Development Center’s annual Easter Egg Hunt/ Community Outreach Day, April 17, 1–3 p.m., Houma.

May

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, May 7, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, TBA. n The National Association of Letter Carrier’s Annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive, Saturday, May 11, benefitting the local food banks. n Women’s Giving Circle Celebration Mass and Check Presentation, Tuesday, May 14, 2 p.m., Pastoral Center, Schriever. n E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux, graduation ceremony, Friday, May 17. n Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma, graduation ceremony, Saturday, May 18.

June

n Priesthood Ordination, Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, June 4, Ellendale Country Club

n Chrism Mass, Thursday, April 18, 10:30 a.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma. n Women’s Giving Circle Sip & Learn, Tuesday, April 23, 4:30 p.m., Maria Immacolata Church, Houma.

n Central Catholic School, Morgan City, graduation ceremony, Saturday, May 18. n Transitional Diaconate Ordination, Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m., St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux. n “You, Me and Christ,” a Hispanic retreat for married couples, Saturday, May 25, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sunday, May 26, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever. Registration fee, $50. Call (985)850-3133 for more info. n Diocesan Leadership Awards/Liturgy of the Word, Sunday, May 26, 2 p.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma. n St. Lucy Child Development Center’s graduation ceremony, May 30, Dumas Auditorium, Houma, 7 p.m.

Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, TBA.

Advertise in the Bayou Catholic and help spread the Good News. Call (985)850-3136 for more info. April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35

Announcements

Leah Jones named a distinguished graduate of St. Joseph Leah Carrier Jones was recently named a Distinguished Graduate of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Thibodaux. A native of Thibodaux, Jones attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School and graduated from E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux 1997. Jones earned a bachelor of science degree in human ecology, family, child and consumer sciences with a concentration in nursery school and kindergarten teaching (early childhood education – birth to age eight) from Louisiana State University in May 2001. She received a master’s degree in education from the University of New Orleans in May 2007 specializing in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in early childhood education. Jones has been teaching for 18 years and is currently a pre-K teacher at St. Joseph Elementary. Her prior teaching positions include first grade aide at St. Joseph, a three-year-old teacher at The Little School, a three-year-old-teacher at University Baptist School, pre-K and kindergarten teacher at Stuart Hall School for Boys in New Orleans, and kindergarten and special education teacher at Coteau Bayou Blue. Jones is a current member of Femmes Natales, where she was awarded outstanding member in 201314 and most enthusiastic member in 2014-15. She was a former Thibodaux Service League member from 2011-16,

Leah Carrier Jones, a distinguished graduate of St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School is pictured with Suzanne Troxclair, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools, Gerard Rodrigue, St. Joseph principal; and Father Aurelio D. Luzon, associate pastor of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral. and a Habitat for Humanity volunteer in 2004-05. She is a parishioner of St. Joseph Co-cathedral parish and a weekly committed adorer at the Christ the Redeemer adoration chapel. She currently serves as the Parent Teacher Club (PTC) vice president at St. Joseph Elementary, was PTC president from August 2016 to May 2018, and has been a member since 2015. Jones’ other achievements include

having a playground named in her honor (The Leah Jones Playground at Stuart Hall School for Boys). She was a presenter at the National Education for Young Children in Chicago, IL, in 2007, a Terrebonne Association for Educators representative in 2003, and was nominated for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2004. Leah is married to Josh Jones they have two children Harrison, 10, and Georgia, 7. BC

Information session for Xavier University of Louisiana’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies April 13 The diocesan Office of Ethnic Ministries is sponsoring an information session for anyone interested in learning more about the continuing education and enrichment programs offered through Xavier University of Louisiana’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies. The session is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. until Noon at the diocesan Pastoral Center in Schriever. Sister Eva Marie Lumas, SSS, D.Min, who is currently serving as the interim director for Xavier University of Louisiana’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies, will be the presenter. This program provides ongoing education and formation 36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

for the laity, as well as pastoral ministers. The areas of study center on the development of the whole person: spiritually, psychologically and emotionally. The program also offers a unique opportunity for individuals to grow in their understanding of Black Catholicism and its impact, not only on the wider church, but also on themselves. Those who have participated in the program in the past will share their experiences during the information session. For more information about this session, contact Christine Streams, diocesan liaison for Black Catholic Ministry at (985)446-0487, ext. 202. BC

Holy Week

Holy Week services throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma Holy Thursday, April 18: Chrism Mass, 10:30 a.m.; Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m.; Way of the Cross, 6 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 9, 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., followed by adoration in the Life Center until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross, 10 a.m.; Passion and Veneration, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m., No 6 p.m. Mass Annunziata, Houma Monday, April 15: 8 a.m. Mass; 6 p.m. Living Way of the Cross (by confirmation students), and reconciliation Tuesday, April 16: 8 a.m. Mass; 6 p.m. Mass Wednesday, April 17: 8 a.m. Mass; 6 p.m. Seder Meal Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m.; Adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Service, 3 p.m., followed by Way of the Cross Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 9, 11 a.m.

Holy Savior, Lockport Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6:30 p.m., followed by eucharistic adoration until midnight; confession, 8-9 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Walking Way of the Cross, 10 a.m. around the streets of Lockport to church; Veneration of the Cross and holy Communion, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 10 a.m.; Easter egg hunt after 10 a.m. Mass Maria Immacolata, Houma Wednesday, April 17: Seder Meal, 6:30 p.m. Must call to register. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m.; adoration, 8-11 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m.; Way of the Cross, 6 p.m.; followed by guided view of the Passion. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8:30, 10:30 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 10 a.m. followed by baptism; No 5 p.m. Mass

Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux Monday, April 15: Mass, 7:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.; Confession 5–7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16: Mass, 7:30 a.m., 5:30 p.m.; Confession 5–7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17: Mass, 7:30 a.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m.; Adoration, Tenebrae and confession, 8 p.m.-midnight Good Friday, April 19: Hike for Christ, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Solemn Service and Veneration of the Cross, 3–5 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Confession, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: Sunrise Mass, 6 a.m., 9, 11 a.m. Community of St. Anthony, Gheens Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 9 a.m. Holy Cross, Morgan City Wednesday, April 17: Seder Meal, 6:30 p.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., adoration until 11 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion and Veneration, 3 p.m.; Way of the Cross, 5:30 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10:30 a.m. St. Rosalie Chapel, Morgan City Easter Sunday, April 21: 9:30 a.m. Holy Family, Grand Caillou Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m.; adoration, 7 p.m. - midnight Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross, 2:30 p.m.; Passion, 3 p.m.; Live Way of the Cross, 3:45 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 10 a.m.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

Holy Week

Services Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m.; Eucharistic adoration until 9:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Eucharistic adoration, 8 a.m. until; Passion, 3 p.m., followed by Way of the Cross Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10 a.m. Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m., followed by adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross, 2:30 p.m., Passion, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 9, 11 a.m. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Solemn Service, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 11 a.m. Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose Monday, April 15: Mass, 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 16: Mass, 7:30 a.m.; Holy Rosary Catholic School Passion Play, 2, 6:30 p.m.; Lenten Mission, 6:30 p.m., Speaker: Father Rholando Grecia Wednesday, April 17: Mass, 7:30 a.m.; Holy Rosary Catholic School Mass, 9 a.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., adoration 8–11 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Prayer Service, 9 a.m.; Way of the Cross, 2:30 p.m.; Passion, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Morning Prayer, 9 a.m.; Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 10 a.m. and Easter Egg hunt Sacred Heart, Cut Off Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m.; Adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Outdoor Way of the Cross, Tarpon Heights subdivision, 10 a.m.; Passion/Veneration, 3 p.m., Way of the Cross, 6 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 9, 11 a.m.; 1 p.m. Spanish Mass

Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m., followed by Way of the Cross Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 9 a.m. St. Ann, Bourg Palm Sunday, April 14: 8, 10 a.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross (indoor and outdoor)/Veneration, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10 a.m. St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black Monday, April 15: 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 16: 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17: 6:30 a.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m.; Exposition beginning at 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross, 2:30 p.m.; Veneration, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10:30 a.m. St. Bernadette, Houma Wednesday, April 17: Mercy Night, 7-8 p.m. in church Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in the gym youth center until midnight; Vigil for youth 11 p.m. – midnight; Teen Event, 6:30 p.m. – midnight in gym youth center, includes Mass, Tenebrae service, pancakes, reconciliation and adoration Good Friday, April 19: Street Way of the Cross, Noon; Veneration of the Cross, 3 p.m.; Way of the Cross in church, 6 p.m.

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Sacred Heart, Montegut Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8:30 a.m. Sacred Heart, Morgan City Palm Sunday, April 14: Blessing of the Palms, 8, 11 a.m.; 6 p.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., followed by adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Service, 3 p.m., followed by a viewing of the statue of Jesus under the altar; Way of the Cross, 6:30 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Viewing of the statue of Jesus under the altar, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. St. Andrew, Amelia Monday, April 15: Mass, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16: Mass, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17: Mass, 8 a.m.; “The Light is On for You,” 6 – 8 p.m., adoration and confession Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., followed by adoration until 10:30 p.m. 38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Dan Foster

Coach Seth

Billy Foster

Terminix of Houma is a proud supporter of Nicholls Athletics.

Holy Week

Services Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 9, 11 a.m.; 5:30 p.m. St. Bridget Schriever Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., followed by eucharistic adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Outdoor Way of the Cross, 10 a.m.; Veneration, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8:30, 10:30 a.m. St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross in church, 10:30 a.m.; Walking Way of the Cross, 10:30 a.m., from Pointe-aux-Chenes Fire Station to church Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 10:30 a.m. St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community Monday, April 15: No Mass Tuesday, April 16: 7:30 a.m. Mass Wednesday, April 17: 7:30 a.m. Mass Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m., followed by adoration Good Friday, April 19: Passion/Outdoor Way of the Cross, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: Sunrise Mass under the church dome, 6 a.m., 10 a.m. St. Eloi, Theriot Wednesday, April 17: “The Light is On for You,” 5 – 8 p.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Outdoor Way of the Cross in Cemetery Garden, Noon; Passion, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. St. Genevieve, Thibodaux Palm Sunday, April 14: Mass with Blessing of the Palms, 8, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Confessions, 9:45 – 10:15 a.m., 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. Monday, April 15: Mass, 7 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 16: Mass, 7 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, April 17: Mass, 7 a.m. and 12:05 p.m., St. Genevieve School Mass, 8:45 a.m.; School Way of the Cross, 3 p.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m.; followed by adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Outdoor Way of the Cross, Noon at Mary’s Garden; Veneration of the Cross/Passion 3 p.m.; Confession, 5–7 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Confession, 1-4 p.m.; Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Easter Egg hunt after 10:30 a.m. Mass in the parish gardens St. Gregory, Houma Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion Service followed by Way of the Cross, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8:30, 10:30 a.m. St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m., Youth Way of the Cross, 7 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 9, 11 a.m.

St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m.; followed by adoration until 10 p.m. in church Good Friday, April 19: Service, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: Outdoor Sunrise Mass, 6:30 a.m., 8:30, 11 a.m. St. Joseph, Chauvin Monday, April 15: 7 a.m. rosary; 7:30 a.m. Mass Tuesday, April 16: 5:30 p.m. rosary; 6 p.m. Mass Wednesday, April 17: 8 a.m. rosary; 8:30 a.m. Mass; Seder Meal, 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Center ($5 registration required) Holy Thursday, April 18: No 7:30 a.m. Mass; Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., followed by eucharistic procession and adoration in the cafeteria until midnight; scriptural rosary, 10:30 p.m.; Divine Mercy chaplet and benediction, 11:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: No 8:30 a.m. Mass; Live Way of the Cross, 2:15 p.m.; Passion Service, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10 a.m. St. Joseph, Galliano Wednesday, April 17: Confession, 6-8 p.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m.; Way of the Cross, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7, 10 a.m.; No 5 p.m. Mass

You do the living ~

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April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39

Holy Week

Services St. Lawrence, Chacahoula Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Service, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 9:30 a.m. St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6:30 p.m., followed by holy hours Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross, 2:30 p.m.; Passion, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 9 a.m. St. James Chapel, Choctaw Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross, 5:30 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 7:30 a.m. St. Louis, Bayou Blue Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10:30 a.m. St. Lucy, Houma Palm Sunday, April 14: 8:15 Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Service, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8:15 a.m.

Mercy, 3 p.m., followed by Veneration of the Cross/Passion/Reflections. Holy Saturday, April 20: Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 9:30 p.m.; Easter Vigil, 10 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 9:30 a.m.; Mass, 10 a.m. Hispanic Community Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 8 p.m., diocesan Pastoral Center, Schriever Vietnamese Community, Houma Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 8 p.m.; adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Walking Way of the Cross, 10 a.m.; Veneration of the Cross/ Passion/Reflections, 6 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 10 a.m. Vietnamese Community, Larose Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 5 p.m.; adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Walking Way of the Cross/Veneration of the Cross/ Passion/Reflections, 10 a.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: Noon Vietnamese Community, Schriever Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 5 p.m.; adoration until 9 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Outdoor Way of the Cross, 10 a.m.; Veneration of the Cross/Passion, 5 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8 a.m. BC

St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux Palm Sunday, April 14: 10:30 a.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m. Good Friday, April 19: Service, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 10:30 a.m. St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland Monday April 15: Mass, 6 a.m.; Youth adoration with confession, 3 until 5:30 p.m.; Confession, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16: Mass, 6 a.m.; School Mass with anointing of sick parishioners, 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 17: Mass, 6 a.m.; Adoration in the chapel, 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m., with church remaining open until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Passion, 3 p.m.; Way of the Cross, 6 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10 a.m.; No 7 p.m. Mass St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux Tuesday, April 16: ADOREMUS – Confessions, 6-7 p.m.; adoration/praise and worship, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17: Seder Meal, Nicholls Ballroom, 6 p.m. (Call (985)446-6201 to reserve tickets.) Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m., eucharistic adoration, 7:30 p.m. - midnight Good Friday, April 19: Way of the Cross, 2 p.m.; Liturgy, 3 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 20: Visitation of the Lord’s Tomb, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Easter Vigil, 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21: 8, 10:30 a.m. No evening Masses Thanh Gia, Amelia Holy Thursday, April 18: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7 p.m.; adoration until midnight Good Friday, April 19: Outdoor Way of the Cross, 10 a.m.; Chaplet of Divine 40 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Life is great ~

Get busy living.

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Special

10 ways to prevent

child abuse and neglect 1. Make children a priority. Make sure the children you know are safe and healthy. 2. Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special and loved. 3. Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy and can be isolating. Offer to take care of children so parents can rest. 4. Help yourself. When the big and little

problems of everyday life pile up, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and out of control; take a time out. Don’t take it out on your child. 5. Call KIDLINE, 1(800) 244-5373, a free telephone line offering parenting information, phone counseling, referrals to community resources and help for victims of child abuse. KIDLINE counselors are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 6. Pay attention to what the children around you say and do. Children need to know that someone is looking out for them. 7. Support prevention policies, legislation and education. Teaching prevention strategies to

parents, educators and the public can help keep children safe. 8. Share our social media posts. Help spread our prevention message on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 9. Donate. Your investment in our organization supports statewide initiatives to prevent child abuse and neglect before it begins. Call (225) 925-9520 or visit www.pcal.org to find out how you can help. 10. Take a parenting class. You might hear some new ideas, and your experiences might help other parents.

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 41

Sports

Many purple and gold loyalists rally for Will Wade Overtime Ed Daniels

Well, you can’t have it both ways, or can you? The same LSU fans who cried foul when Ole Miss defeated LSU two of three years in football, with some players allegedly bought and paid for, are many of the same ones who are defending LSU basketball coach Will Wade in the wake of a very salacious allegation. Yahoo sports said that the FBI intercepted a phone conversation between the LSU basketball coach and a recruiting middle man, Christian Dawkins. Wade, on the recorded conversation, lamented the inability to get a commitment from a recruit, believed to be current LSU guard Javonte Smart. “I went to him with a strong &&$#@

offer, about a month ago,” said Wade, according to Yahoo Sports. Wade, according to the report, complained that a go-between wanted a bigger piece of the pie, and that most of the offer would instead go to the player and his mother. So, on the night LSU won its first Southeastern Conference basketball championship in a decade, with Wade on indefinite suspension, many LSU fans instead derided LSU director of athletics Joe Alleva. “Joe must go,” they chanted. Among other things. Many of those who were chanting for Alleva’s dismissal were the same who were blaming LSU for caving to pressure from the national media, to part ways with Will Wade. Wade, after all, is immensely popular. In two seasons, LSU basketball went from two wins, 16 losses in the SEC, to 16 wins, two losses. After an overtime win over Tennessee, Wade grabbed the microphone and told LSU fans, “Boot up, baby!” The sellout crowd at the Maravich Assembly Center roared. In a state that loves personality

almost as much as it loves its seafood, Will Wade appeared to be the perfect fit. But, there’s the issue of the wiretap. It is hard to walk that back, and even harder to dismiss. When LSU officials wanted to get some clarification from Wade, he would not provide. And, who knows what Wade will say, when he is expected to testify under oath in an April trial for Dawkins and another key figure allegedly related to widespread corruption in college basketball. At that trial, Dawkins’ attorney told Yahoo Sports he plans to “pull back the curtains” in regards to corruption in the college game. Yet, many in purple in gold, who loved to speculate about how Auburn allegedly paid former Heisman trophy winning quarterback Cam Newton, and reveled in the demise of Ole Miss football under the crush of NCAA sanctions, defend their coach. “Everybody cheats,” they say. “Free Will Wade,” they chant. So much for right and wrong in the context of the educational experience. BC

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42 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Bay u Wellness

Community Outreach

Bayou Wellness Contents

STAY IN TOUCH

On Ou r C ove r Mae Hitt, RN, CDE, Diabetes and Community Educator for Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland, instructs Joseph Triche as he performs CPR on a training manikin during a training session for the Lafourche Council on Aging transportation staff.

INSIDE Marriage

Bayou

Catholic

Do this in remembrance of me MARCH 2018 ~ VOL. 38 NO. 9 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Cover photo by Lawrence Chatagnier

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44 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Commit to Quit

Discover how Ochsner Primary Care keeps you and your family healthy. At Ochsner St. Anne, our primary care team delivers the attention and personalized care you and your family needs to get well and stay well. We are dedicated to providing you with quality care to meet your exact health needs, including annual check-ups, immunizations and care for acute and chronic conditions.

With same-day and next-day appointments, making an appointment that fits your schedule is easy.

The care you and your family needs is right here in Raceland.

Rely on a team that shares your single medical record and provides safe and personalized care.

Stay connected 24/7. Schedule appointments online, message your doctor or request a refill at my.ochsner.org.

Bayou Wellness

Education is the key to being proactive with your health Guest Columnist Mae Hitt, RN, CDE

There are different variations of the saying, “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and he will be fed for a lifetime.” At Ochsner St. Anne, through our Community Outreach Department and our Mother Baby Department, we strive to teach our community to be proactive with their health by enhancing their knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to promote healthy living during their lifetime. Giving the community the information that they need to be proactive will help to diagnose a disease in its early stages; thereby, helping to prevent long term health problems or possibly even prevent the disease

from ever occurring. We offer monthly educational programs on various medical and nutritional topics and additional educational presentations when requested by schools, businesses and civic organizations, all free of charge. Whether it is presenting to a five-year-old audience or to an audience over 65 years, each presentation is individualized to meet their educational level. Our Hello Health programs are monthly presentations given by one of our physicians or nurse practitioners. During these presentations, attendees are taught to recognize early warning signs of different diseases, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Attending one of these presentations will only take an hour of your time but could be the difference of suffering a lifetime of disability from a heart attack, stroke or uncontrolled diabetes. Nutritional seminars are presented by our registered dietician, which include a variety of topics such as the pros and cons of fad diets, healthy

46 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

eating to reduce high cholesterol levels, carbohydrate counting to control diabetes and healthy eating during the holidays. Remember, eating healthy doesn’t necessarily mean giving up all of your favorite foods, but learning portion control and how to balance meals can help you along your journey of wellness and being proactive. The baby friendly designated Mother Baby Department educates expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy by providing a variety of free classes, such as the Birthing and Beyond class, Breastfeeding classes, and the Bayou Moms Support Group. Sibling classes are also offered to educate and prepare children for the birth of their new brother or sister. Excited expectant grandparents are offered the Grandparent 101 class, which is designed to familiarize them with their new role as “cheerleaders” as they watch their own children parent for the first time. During economic hard times, people will push aside taking care of their health because putting food on the table and/or providing a home

Bayou Wellness

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Transportation staff members of the Lafourche Council on Aging participate in a CPR training session provided by Ochsner St. Anne Hospital’s Community Outreach Department in Raceland.

“

Education is the key to leading a proactive healthier lifestyle for you and your family. Knowledge is power! Take advantage of the wellness programs and health screenings offered to you.

for their love ones takes priority. As part of the Ochsner St. Anne Community Wellness Programs, we provide free health screenings. We offer three free health fairs a year to the community, with a focus on our Men’s Expo, Women’s Expo, and our Fall Health Fair, which includes the offering of Flu Vaccines to anyone over the age of 18. Not only do we administer the health screenings, we offer counseling to educate the participants as to what are acceptable ranges and if there is a need to follow up with physicians. During these screenings, we have found participants to have abnormal blood pressure readings, blood glucose

readings, cholesterol levels and PSA levels (screening men for prostate cancer). These participants followed up with their provider and have been diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and prostate cancer. They were started on medication and treatment. Remember early detection is the best protection to help prevent long term complications from these diseases. Let’s not forget the Ochsner St. Anne American Heart Association instructors, who offer free CPR and First Aid classes to community. Educating attendees on CPR, choking relief techniques, and first aid

techniques can help to prevent an emergent situation from becoming a fatal situation. Education is the key to leading a proactive healthier lifestyle for you and your family. Knowledge is power! Take advantage of the wellness programs and health screenings offered to you. If you would like more information on the Ochsner St. Anne educational offerings or would like to attend one of the free educational programs, contact the Community Outreach Department at (985) 537-8350. (Mae Hitt, RN, CDE, is the community outreach manager for Ochsner St. Anne in Raceland.) BC

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 47

Bayou Wellness

Altruism: The biblical antidote to anxiety the sight of her cousin’s pregnant womb. Before opening our heart to anyone, we need to read the visible signs. For us, it could be an image, rosary or clothing that indicates that the “child Jesus” may be growing within the hearts of those we meet. It is true, though, that “looks can be deceiving,” so before opening our hearts we need more … Thirdly, Elizabeth’s verbal recognition of the divine project carried within her helped Mary understand that this encounter was willed by God - for us, it could be our neighbor saying: “Thanks be to God we met!” etc. - for, as we know, “from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Finally, Mary witnessed Elizabeth’s child leap for joy: so our confirmation may be sealed with a divine joy springing up within the “womb of our heart.” It is only then that Mary opens her heart to Elizabeth and sings her Magnificat. Having said all this, we must note that Mary not only helps materially but, most importantly, she carries within her the Word of God. If we sincerely seek God’s will and frequently receive both confession and Communion in order to become – like Mary – living tabernacles (Revelation 12:17),

Guest Columnist Father Antonio Maria Speedy

One could say that modern Western culture considers hitchhiking to be insane (from the Latin: “in-sanus,” meaning “not-healthy.”) For most, simply entertaining the idea – filled as it is with so many ‘unknowns’ and so many factors seemingly beyond our control – spins their imagination helplessly toward the worst of their nightmares. Insane as it may seem (to the world), through the “lens” of Jesus, hitchhiking may be seen as an analogy for the trust we all need in God in order to receive or offer help, grace and blessing. Indeed, altruism (putting others before ourselves) is our biblical antidote to anxiety and fear (cf. Matthew 7:12; 26:38 / Luke 22:42-43); just as Mary soared up to “the hill country” to help her cousin Elizabeth, we as Christians are encouraged to step out of our darkness in search of an “authentic high” (Luke 39-55). Discerning well whom to “open the door” of our heart to is not a specialized skill restricted to us hitch-hiking friars – clearly we all need to learn this art in our life. On the one hand, not everyone who offers us a “ride” necessarily has the best of intentions… The Lord commands: “Do not … throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6). … on the other hand, wise Christians fear ignoring Christ when he knocks at our heart, and we must not allow our health, wealth or anxiety for our wellbeing prevent us from reaching out to those he puts in our path. 399 BAYOU GARDENS BLVD. With all these conflicting fears, how can our poor souls HOUMA, LOUISIANA 70364 TELEPHONE: 985.872.9470 Recognized discern when (and how much) to open our hearts? Through www.markbilellodds.com worldwide this following meditation taught by Friar Volantino, founder Dentistry for excellence of our community, we see the answer clearly spelled out in dentistry, for the Dr. Bilello’s within the Gospel with Mary who “ran in haste to the hill Entire 399 in BAYOU work has been country” in wisdom and in charity to help her cousin needGARDENS BLVD. Family published in the HOUMA, LOUISIANA 70364 (cf. Luke 1:39). U.S., Europe, TELEPHONE: 985.872.9470 Firstly, we know that Mary was a woman of biblical prayer. and Japan. www.markbilellodds.com The Magnificat she later sings is almost entirely constructed from Old Testament Scripture. We can deduce that she discerned God’s will mostly through Scripture. Scripture is our “map” to happiness. The more it is authentically lived, the more interior freedom (Matthew 13:6, John 8:31-31) we gain. Secondly, upon arrival, Mary did not open her heart www.markbilellodds.com immediately; instead, she waited for signs. The first was

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48 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Bayou Wellness

then when we carry the Word of God to our neighbor, we can be assured that the Lord will provide for us materially and spiritually– keeping us both safe and healthy, according to his will. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “‘Heal the sick!’ The church … believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies. This presence is particularly active through the sacraments, and in an altogether special way through the Eucharist, the bread that gives eternal life and that St. Paul suggests is connected with bodily health” (CCC 1509). St. John Bosco exhorted his spiritual children to visit the sick with the words: “If you get into the state of grace and refrain from committing mortal sins, I promise that not one of you will contract cholera … (Don Bosco, Teresio Bosco, Salesian Family Publication, pg. 223). And St. Francis of Assisi is

famous for ministering (unharmed!) among the lepers, confident in the fact that “the Lord himself led me among them” (Francis of Assisi, Celano First Life 17, in Omnibus of Sources). If it should even happen, however, that like the martyrs we are ill-treated while doing good, then we may say

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with the Apostle: “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24). Within the litany of ‘self-isms’; selfpreservation, self-reliance, etc., it is often hard for us to be selfless. We read: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Act 20:35). Indeed, through the “lens of Jesus” it is very sane to live a spirit of self-sacrifice out of love for others. Though most of us may not be called to hitchhike, all of us are called to die to our fears of losing one’s-self (cf. John 12:24), like so, the result will truly be an authentic “high.” (Father Antonio Maria Speedy, of the Little Friars and Little Nuns of Jesus and Mary, is involved in specialized ministry and serves as chaplain to the diocesan Office of New Evangelization). BC

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www.ptcenter-la.com April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 49

Bayou Wellness

Are you suffering from hearing loss? Guest Columnist Ashley DeLaune, AuD CCC-A

Do you hear ringing/humming that no one else seems to hear? Are you constantly asking friends and family to repeat themselves? Do you feel like everyone is mumbling when they are talking to you? These are some of the common signs of hearing loss. How we hear Sound waves travel into the ear canal until they reach the eardrum. The eardrum passes the vibrations through the middle ear bones or ossicles into the inner ear. The inner ear is shaped like a snail and is also called the cochlea. Inside the cochlea, there are thousands of tiny hair cells. Hair cells change the vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain through the hearing nerve. The brain tells you that you are hearing a sound and what that sound is. Hearing loss is a disruption in the flow of sound to the brain either from a conductive hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss.

There are two types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is a mechanical issue getting the sound from the ear canal to the inner ear. One of the common causes of this is fluid behind the eardrum that is trapped in the middle ear space. This fluid if left in the middle ear long enough can become infected

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which will then cause an ear infection. Another cause can be a hole in the ear drum or the bones of the middle ear space becoming broken. Conductive hearing losses are often treated with medication or surgery and the hearing will return to normal after treatment. Only a doctor can tell you if you need surgery and will explain what the surgery will entail at that time.

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Sensorineural hearing loss is caused by damage to the hearing nerve. Some of the most common causes of damage to the hearing nerve are: damage from loud noise exposure, genetic/family history, exposure to ototoxic medications or age related. Loud noises can kill the hair cells in the inner ear. Once these hair cells have died they cannot be regrown. This is why some people hear ringing or humming in their ears. Some people are born with hearing loss or develop it from their family history and not noise exposure; however, this type of hearing loss also cannot be fixed with medication or surgery. The only treatment for sensorineural hearing loss is a hearing aid.

“

Loud noises can kill the hair cells in the inner ear. Once these hair cells have died they cannot be regrown. This is why some people hear ringing or humming in their ears.

“

What are hearing aids? Hearing aids are small programmable devices that go in the ear or behind the ear with an earpiece in the ear. They are programmed to the person’s hearing loss and adjusted as needed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. A hearing test is the first step in knowing if you have hearing loss and what type of hearing loss it is. From there the next step in the treatment phase will be explained to you. (Ashley DeLaune, AuD CCC-A, is an audiologist with Southern ENT.) BC

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w w w. G e a u x O M S . c o m April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 51

Bayou Wellness

Committing to change: Roger’s story Guest Columnist Bevi Jimenez

At the age of 58, Roger Hernandez was taking an assessment of his current health through the wellness program at the City of Thibodaux. After smoking cigarettes for 37 years, he felt he had done undeniable and irreversible damage—so he saw no point in quitting. But after visiting a doctor, he quickly learned that there was still time to reverse the effects. “At that point, I knew I wanted to quit but didn’t think I had the power in me to do it,” he said. As the president of Thibodaux Playhouse, Roger is often in the public eye and spends most of his time face-toface with members of the community. “I knew I smelled like smoke, and people shied away from me because of it,” he explained. “I’d have to take cigarette breaks at rehearsals and felt like I had to separate myself from the group because of my smoking.” He was ready to quit and he was determined for this time to be different. “I had tried doing it on my own a few times and knew I needed help,” he said. He visited Cardiovascular Institute of the South in Thibodaux for the first time to enroll in CIS’s Commit to Quit program. He was smoking almost a pack a day at the time. Turning the Corner A CIS tobacco treatment counselor worked with Roger to formulate a personalized quit plan, including individual counseling, CIS provider visits and medication. He started with counseling and was prescribed medication in advance of his quit.

Roger Hernandez However, before his scheduled quit date, he chose to pass up his regular tobacco-buying spot on the way home from work one day. “I just drove by, waved and never looked back,” he smiled. When his counselor called to check in, he proudly announced he had already began his quit, ahead of schedule. Roger began this quit attempt with a more aggressive approach. “I decided for myself once and for all that I would

52 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

no longer be controlled by a substance,” he explained. “This time, I would not accept failure.” He took the prescribed cessation medication for only one week. He mainly relied on the counseling component of the program to remain committed to his quit. “My counselor prepared me for what changes I could expect in my mind and body as the poisons were leaving my body,” he said. “The whole team at CIS was very supportive.”

Bayou Wellness

A New Horizon Within just three days of quitting, Roger noticed his sense of smell sharpened drastically. Two months into his quit, he noticed he didn’t get winded as quickly. He also noted that the financial benefits of quitting were immediate and ongoing. Now, Roger has been tobacco free for about seven months. His cough has improved and will continue to improve over time, as will his overall health. Roger still has cravings, naturally. “After being a cigarette smoker for that long, I have to remind myself I don’t do that anymore.” He still has friends who smoke, but it does not bother him to be around them. Roger said the best advice he can give to others is that it’s easier to quit than you think. “The biggest fear I had was what’s going to happen if/when the cravings hit,” he recalled. “But when I drove by the tobacco store on that first day, that was the hardest step.” He encourages others to make the simple choice to quit. “Looking forward, it looks like a mountain; but looking back, it’s just a little pile of dirt. Why didn’t I do this before? It was so simple!” As time passes, smoking is a mere memory for Roger. This animated, jovial soul is now excited to continue his work at Thibodaux Playhouse, as well as his seasonal job as Santa Clause! “Santa doesn’t have his pipe anymore!” he laughed. “It’s the best acting job.” Roger did it, and so can you. Choose to make the change. “Do this for yourself, not because it is anyone else’s idea,” he said. Learn how the Commit to Quit Program at Cardiovascular Institute of the South can help you with a personalized quit plan. Services may be available to you for free through the Louisiana Smoking Cessation Trust. Call 1(877)288-0011 or visit www. cardio.com/smoking-cessation. (Bevi Jimenez is the public relations and marketing specialist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South.) BC

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April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 53

Bayou Wellness

Aspirin and health Guest Columnist Deacon Lloyd Duplantis

It has been known for many years now that taking low-doses of aspirin can help protect your heart. Evidence now suggests taking a low-dose aspirin (81 milligrams) daily may also protect you from developing many types of cancer, including those hardest to treat successfully, says Robert S. Bresalier, M.D., professor of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at MD Anderson. Colon cancer, rectal cancer and prostate cancer are among the most common and life-threatening cancers in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. But aspirin use could have a positive impact on your risks for these diseases. “Some studies show that long-term aspirin use lowers rates of precancerous colorectal polyps and prostate lesions,” Bresalier explains. In fact, taking a low-dose aspirin daily could reduce your colon cancer and rectal cancer risks by as much as 50 percent. The story is much the same for other common cancers such as breast, lung and stomach. Daily aspirin users for three to five years were substantially less likely to suffer from a recurrence of the disease. The aspirin swallowers also were far less likely to die as a result of these cancers. So, what’s so special about aspirin when it comes to cancer? Aspirin reduces the risk of cancer by fighting inflammation. Inflammation is an important part of your immune system’s healthy response to sickness, injury or disease but chronic or prolonged inflammation can create an environment in which cancer thrives. Put simply, if cancer is a

fire that’s spreading through your cells, chronic inflammation is helping fuel it. Aspirin blocks the production of the enzymes that increase inflammation in your body and speed the growth of cancer cells. Ultimately, this is what seems to help lower your cancer risks or slow the spread of the disease. This latest study is not the first to hail aspirin for its potential anticancer properties. In July 2014, Medical News Today reported on a study linking regular aspirin use to reduced risk of colon cancer in women, while a 2014 study from the University of Texas in Austin found regular aspirin use may halve breast cancer recurrence in overweight and obese women. That’s not to say everyone should start swallowing a daily aspirin. Aspirin comes with some very real drawbacks — most notably an increased risk for internal bleeding. That’s especially true among older adults who have a history of ulcers or who take anticoagulant drugs. The risk of bleeding may be too great to recommend an aspirin regimen. While bleeding risks are lower among people taking low-dose aspirin compared to those on full-strength versions, aspirin swallowers are still more likely to suffer from bleeding compared to those not on aspirin. (Low doses of aspirin or “baby aspirin” are generally 81 milligrams in the United States, while a regular-strength adult aspirin is typically 325 milligrams.) If you can’t take aspirin, there are many fruits, veggies and herbs that

54 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

contain natural aspirin that can also offer some health benefits without the possible side effects. Before you pop that pill, consider the many fruits, vegetables, and herbs that contain natural aspirin: apples, avocados, blueberries, broccoli, cauliflower, cherries, cucumbers, eggplant, figs, grapefruit, grapes, kiwi, paprika, peaches, plums and prunes, radishes, raspberries, spinach, strawberries, turmeric, zucchini are some of nature’s offerings that can help keep us healthy and more resistant to various illnesses. We must also remember that aspirin was originally discovered in white willow bark and is certainly one of the gifts and blessings that God promised in the book of Genesis. God also said: “See, I give you every seed-bearing plant on all the earth and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit on it to be your food (Genesis 1:29). Any living creature that moves about shall be yours to eat; I give them all to you as I did the green plants” (Genesis 9:3). A daily low-dose aspirin may make sense for people at high risk for certain types of cancer, but the drug’s potential side effects mean aspirin certainly isn’t for everyone. Always check with your doctor as you weigh the benefits against the risks. Never forget, however, that grace builds upon nature and nature usually has a simple answer to better health and happiness. (Deacon Lloyd Duplantis is a retired pharmacist, speaker and author focusing on physical and spiritual health and wellness.) BC

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April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 55

Bayou Wellness

Thyroid symptoms can sneak up on you for years, sometimes decades Guest Columnist Dr. David Sisam

Thyroid disease is the second most common problem I treat. I typically see about 15 patients a day that have some type of thyroid condition. I usually order an entire thyroid panel including a T4, T3 and TSH, as most of my patients already have thyroid symptoms. Primary care physicians will typically order just a TSH for screening. I tell patients my goal is more than a normal TSH because those ranges are so wide. An example would be the speed limit which is 40-70 miles per hour on the interstate. My goal is to find the optimal TSH or “speed limit” for that particular patient, which depends on many factors. I also noticed about 20 percent of my patients don’t convert to the active thyroid hormone which is T3; therefore, I need to replace that, also. When I first moved to Houma in 1994, I noticed that large numbers of my patients had family members who also had thyroid disease, so I started checking an anti-thyroid antibody titer looking for autoimmune or inherited thyroid disease. I was amazed how many were positive and I now know that seems to be the most common cause of an underactive thyroid in the patients I see. I also noticed that this percentage far exceeded that which was reported in the literature. It wasn’t long before I noticed that patients in the tri-parish area are different from those in the rest

of the country and the data reported in the literature does not necessarily match what I see locally. Another example is thyroid cancer. The percentage of my patients that seem to develop thyroid cancer seems to be much lower than what is reported in the rest of the country. Fortunately, with fine needle aspirations that are greater than 95 percent accurate, plus the newer developed genetic markers, surgery is very seldom needed in most of the patients. One of the reasons thyroid disease is frequently not thought of by the patient is that the symptoms can sneak up on the person for years and sometimes decades, not to mention the symptoms can be non-specific. For example, isn’t everyone tired? It is my job to make sure that I rule out any endocrine causes of that patient being tired or gaining weight. I also do neck exams on all of my patients to make sure there are no anatomical defects in the thyroid gland

56 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

itself. I try to explain the anatomy of the thyroid gland … where it is in the neck, so they can differentiate thyroid anatomical problems from other issues in the neck. The most common form of thyroid disease that I see is hypothyroidism which is an underactive thyroid. But a patient can also develop an overactive thyroid, which is called hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis is where patients develop pain and tenderness in the gland itself. Patients can also develop a goiter which is a diffusely enlarged gland or one or more nodules within the gland. There are other thyroid conditions but they are much less common. Fortunately all of these are readily treatable by an endocrinologist. (Dr. David A. Sisam studied osteopathic medicine and is certified in internal medicine and endocrinology. His practice is located in TGMC’s Medical Arts building in Houma.) BC

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www.Gulfcoastorthopedics.com • www.GCOphysicaltherapy.com April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 57

Bayou Wellness

Diabetes in children Guest Columnist Mae Hitt, RN, CDE

Many people don’t realize that diabetes is not just an adult disease. It can affect children as well. There are two different diabetes diagnosis for children. The most common diagnosis in children is Type 1 diabetes, which used to be called juvenile diabetes. The second diagnosis is Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that controls our blood sugar levels. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), there are over 1.25 million Americans with Type 1 diabetes. Over 200,000 of these are children under the age of 20. The cause of diabetes is unknown, but research shows that genetics or environmental factors may contribute

to the cause. There isn’t anything that anyone can do to prevent Type 1 and currently there is no cure. If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should have them tested by your physician: Frequent urination, increased thirst, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, itchy dry skin, increased appetite, unexplained weight loss, changes in vision, sleepiness and even unconsciousness. Testing will consist of blood work. Your physician may order a fasting blood sugar, a glucose (glucose is blood

sugar) tolerance test, or a hemoglobin A1c blood test (which is a three-month average of what their blood sugar was). These are the most common blood tests used to diagnose diabetes. Once the child has been diagnosed, treatment will consist of meal planning, insulin injections, home blood sugar monitoring, and exercise. Meal planning does not mean that the child will have to avoid all sugary foods. Parents and children will be taught how to balance meals, portion control and how to count

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58 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Bayou Wellness

carbohydrates (foods that raise blood sugar levels such as breads, pastas, rice, potatoes and sugars). How to give insulin injections will be taught to the parents and the child, if they are at an age of understanding. Caretakers, such as sitters and grandparents, can also be taught how to give injections. Home blood sugar monitoring is usually done four to six times a day, by pricking the child’s finger with a needle and placing the drop of blood in a glucose monitor to obtain a reading. Maintaining a record of all readings is very important and is one of the tools that the physician will use to prescribe the correct dose of insulin injection. Exercise is also important to maintain blood sugar levels. Diabetes does not prevent the child from participating in activities and they should be encouraged to engage in their favorite activities. It will require close monitoring of their blood glucose levels before and after activities to see if additional insulin

or a snack is needed to help maintain blood sugar levels at the desired goals set by the physician. Do not try to hide the child’s diagnosis of diabetes. It is important that their school, family and friends are aware. They should be informed of signs and symptoms of a low or high blood sugar, so the child can be treated as soon as possible. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin, or the body doesn’t use insulin as it should. Type 2 diabetes is usually seen in adults, but more and more children and teenagers are being diagnosed with Type 2. The two main contributing factors for Type 2 are: children are less active and/or over weight. Testing for Type 2 is the three basic blood tests that are done for Type 1, but more specific blood tests can be ordered to determine Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be the same as Type 1. Another symptom of

Type 2 in children can be a dark patch of skin that might appear on the neck, stomach, or other parts of the body. These are called Acanthosis Nigricans. It is a sign in children whose body is not using insulin well. Treatment of Type 2 consists of healthy meal planning, weight loss, exercise, blood sugar monitoring and medication if needed. Medication is given in pill form but is not insulin. The pills help the body to use insulin. It is important for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes’ patients to maintain blood sugar levels in acceptable ranges set by their physician to prevent complications from uncontrolled blood sugars. For more information contact the American Diabetes Association at 1(800)342-2383 or JDRF at 1(800)5332873. (Mae Hitt, RN, CDE, is the community outreach manager for Ochsner St. Anne in Raceland.) BC

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“Completing the Gift of Life” April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 59

Bayou Wellness

The Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional is helping thousands improve their health and wellness through lifestyle change Guest Columnist Greg Stock, CEO

The Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional is truly changing the health of the region. Thousands of individuals have started and are continuing their journey to improved personal health and wellness through lifestyle change, education and prevention. Pounds have been lost, blood pressure and A1Cs lowered and increased physical strength and stamina are just some of the immediate changes being seen as a result of the Wellness Center. Thibodaux Regional staff says witnessing these changes has been very exciting, and they never tire of hearing stories of success such as, “It has been a long time since taking care of my own needs. This center is giving me back my well-being. I’m losing weight and getting stronger every time I come here. When I first started I could not even climb the stairs, but now I can and it feels great. Thank you Wellness Center and your wonderful staff” – Maureen Griffin, 54. Since opening, more than one million people have utilized the services or visited the 242,000 square-foot, medically-integrated Wellness Center. The Fitness Center, an all-inclusive fitness facility located within the Wellness Center, has had more than 700,000 visits and has a membership of over 5,500. Integrating clinical care with wellness, a significant number of health care services are available in the Wellness Center including

rheumatology, endocrinology, cardiac rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation, imaging, orthopaedics, sports medicine and aquatic therapy. So far, more than 400,000 have received clinical care in the Wellness Center including treatment by physician specialists. A new initiative called WellFit integrates wellness into clinical care by providing a customized eight-week plan to help participants achieve their highest quality of life. This physician-referred program can be beneficial to those suffering from chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes, obesity, heart conditions, orthopaedic conditions, cancer, breathing disorders, after surgery or those seeking a lifestyle change to improve overall health. Awareness, education, detection and diagnosis are critical to improved health. The Wellness Center hosts multiple health and wellness events including free blood pressure and glucose screenings, prostate screenings, healthy cooking demos, healthy lifestyle classes, and more. The Wellness Center’s expansive blue print and attractive architectural design is inviting to many, making it an ideal venue for large and small gatherings. Several local and regional banquets,

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leadership development seminars, a national healthcare “innovation” conference, corporate meetings and other community service organization events have been held at the Wellness Center. Change is hard, yet we have seen so many become engaged in their journey and make progress toward improving their health and wellness. While it may have started with the building of an impressive facility, we believe that change is happening due to the culture we are building. By offering services that integrate education, prevention and clinical care, we are seeing progress. People are feeling better and living better. And they are in-turn inspiring others to do the same, encouraging others to join the journey for improved health and wellness. Why not consider taking up the journey. Join us, won’t you? For more information about the Wellness Center of Thibodaux Regional call (985)493.4400 or take a virtual tour of the Fitness Center at www. fitnesscenterofthibodauxregional.com. (Greg Stock is the chief executive officer for Thibodaux Regional Medical Center in Thibodaux.) BC

Bayou Wellness

American Cancer Society: ‘Attacking Cancer from Every Angle’ Guest Columnist Becky Breaux

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. Attacking as Activists: The American Cancer Society mobilizes grassroots activists and community leaders to lead the fight

against cancer. ACS CAN, the Society’s nonpartisan sister organization, works to make cancer a national, state and local public policy priority. Eighteen million people nationwide benefit from expanded access to health insurance. Partnering with more than 70 Louisiana health systems, hospitals and clinics to increase screening and other health interventions while supporting patients’ quality-of-life and survivorship needs. Congress approved increased funding for the National Institutes of Health, including $475 million for the National Cancer Institute for FY 2017.

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Attacking with Communities: The American Cancer Society is mobilizing communities to make sure patients can get to the treatment they need and raising awareness and funds through community efforts like Relay for Life, and more. In 2018, we provided 228 Louisiana patients 3,677 rides to treatment resulting in savings of more than $110,300 in treatment related transportation cost. In 2018, through our 20 hotel partners, we provided 247 patients with 1,667 nights with a savings of $340,068 on average in lodging. Since 2006, The Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge in New Orleans has provided more than 6,665 free nights of lodging to cancer patients and caregivers from Terrebonne Parish. Attacking with Breakthroughs: The American Cancer Society launches innovative research and develops revolutionary approaches to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We are currently funding 746 research grants totaling $410,152,249 nationwide. In Louisiana, the Society has funded 186 research grants

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totaling $20,204,030 to date and is currently funding $791,000. The Society has invested more than $4.6 billion over the years in cancer research and funded 47 eventual Nobel Prize recipients. Attacking with Direction: The American Cancer Society is empowering people with our 24/7 helpline and website, patient navigators and sciencebased guidelines and advice. The Society handled more than 1.34 million calls and live chats in 2017. Our website, cancer. org, had more than 106 million visits in 2017 for the latest information on virtually all cancer topics. Relay for Life Locally, we rally our community through Relay for Life. Relay for Life is the largest grass roots fundraising effort in the world. With over 3,500 Relay events across the globe, we are determined to save lives through our fundraising efforts. If you are interested in joining Relay for Life, please visit: www.relayforlife.org to join your local event. There are events in Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. James, Assumption, and most communities across our state. We are always looking for volunteers and creating partnerships that help save more lives. The American Cancer Society is fulfilling its mission each day to save lives, celebrate lives, and is the leader in the fight

for a world without cancer. Attacking cancer as activists, with breakthroughs, in our local communities, and with direction; “Together, we are getting closer to that goal every day and we are attacking cancer from every angle.” (Becky Breaux is the community development manager for Relay for Life of Terrebonne Parish.) Information contained in this article is provided by the American Cancer Society by visiting www.cancer.org. BC

Houma Physical Therapy Southern Orthopedic & Sports Therapy Inc.

Mark J. Kinnard, P.T. • Donald P. Kinnard, P.T. Luke T. Kinnard, P.T. 901 Verret St., Ste. B • Houma, Louisiana 70360 Phone: (985) 879-4388 • Fax: (985) 868-3805

Michael S. Haydel, M.D. FIPP, ABIPP Daniel R. Clayton, PA-C • Donovan J. Matherne, FNP-C • Brandi B. Degruise, FNP-C Interventional Pain Practice

Osteoporosis/Wellness Clinic

Neck Pain/Back Pain Herniated Disc Pinched Nerves Muscle/Arthritic Pain

Bone Density Bone Brittleness Compression Fractures General Well-being

The Region’s 1st & Most Comprehensive Spine & Pain Center

Office located in Houma

1022 Belanger Street • 985-223-3132 www.painspecialty.net

No ReFeRRAl NeeDeD

April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 63

Bayou Wellness

Discover a new way of health with TGMC Wellness for Life Guest Columnist Kirbie LeCompte, RN,BSN

The Wellness for Life department at Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) works with employers and older adults giving them the tools they need to live more productive, healthier lives. Interactive programs such as Wellness for Life and Well and Wise are designed to boost morale, improve health and empower individuals to make wellness a priority. Wellness for Life The TGMC Wellness for Life team works with your greatest asset, your employees, helping them to stay well. From comprehensive health screenings, and one-on-one consults with our nurse practitioner, to on-site flu shots, employees are given the tools they need to live longer, more productive lives. Corporate wellness screenings could be covered at 100 percent. We work directly with insurance providers so there is no cost to the company or its employees. Wellness for Life offers a comprehensive wellness screening, corporate fitness opportunities and even lunch and learns for your employees. TGMC Wellness for Life Screenings Include: n Health risk assessment n Glucose screening n Blood pressure evaluation and resting pulse n Body composition analysis n Complete cholesterol screening n Personal prevention plan with a nurse practitioner n Personal results delivered privately in real-time

One of the screenings TGMC’s Wellness for Life program offers for individuals is blood pressure monitoring. Biometric Screenings Biometric screenings have become a popular part of workplace health assessments. According to the Center for Disease Control, biometric screenings are physical measurements that can be taken at the workplace and used as part of an assessment to evaluate an employee’s health status over time and serves as part of their health management. Screenings are effective for identifying health risks and improving access to health care services. Biometric screenings encourage employees to improve their health and have a positive impact on employees. Corporate Fitness Corporate wellness programs have been shown to help control rising healthcare costs, increase employee productivity, reduce absenteeism and lower the rate of illness and injuries. TGMC Wellness for Life is pleased to offer onsite group fitness packages for your employees. Our certified health and performance specialists are dedicated to helping your employees reach their maximum potential by improving their health, increasing strength, reducing stress while also raising productivity and boosting morale. Corporate Lunch and Learns Lunch and Learns are designed to meet the needs of busy organizations

64 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

that would still like to offer their employees the opportunity to gain information on health related topics. The Lunch and Learn is a less formal, less structured training workshop. In 60 minutes, employees will be given tips and suggestions on how to live a healthier and happier lifestyle as well as ask our wellness expert questions. Incorporating a healthy lifestyle program into an employees’ daily workday has many benefits to the overall organization, including: n Reduced sick leave n Increased morale n Reduced employee absenteeism n Improved productivity and performance n Enhanced corporate reputation n Increased employee engagement n Strengthened teamwork and cooperation n Reduced overall stress n Reduced injuries n Increased employees overall wellbeing, self-image and self-esteem Well and Wise The Well and Wise program provides older adults with the resources and tools they need to keep healthy and maintain a higher quality of life. Well and Wise is a free, educational and inspirational program for adults age 60 and older. The six-month program meets

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on a monthly basis at TGMC’s Community Sports Institute. The initial meeting includes free preventative screenings, such as blood pressure, resting pulse and body composition tests measuring participants’ body fat percentage, muscle mass and water weight. Results are then compared at the end of the six-month period and participants are offered one-onone guidance for any questions. During monthly meetings participants receive instruction on low impact exercises using resistance bands and light weights and are taught stretching and breathing techniques which they can incorporate into their daily routine. A health specialist attends the monthly meeting to discuss age-related topics ranging from disease prevention to nutrition. The program also provides attendees with the necessary resources to set themselves up for success outside of the classroom. Members receive at home workouts and are encouraged to attend a biweekly walking group. Well and Wise delivers a new way of health to the community. It incorporates the three vital components to a healthy being physical, nutritional and emotional, and encourages everyone that no matter what age or stage you are in your life, being proactive in your health can only bring about positive change. Courses are held every January and July. Registration is now underway for the June-December 2019 course. Through collaborative programs such as Wellness for Life and Well and Wise, TGMC is a fitness leader in our region providing education, preventive wellness and proactive care to keep our community healthy and wise, thus providing a new way of health! For more information concerning the TGMC Wellness for Life programs please call (985)850-6206 or visit tgmc.com/wellnessforlife. (Kirbie LeCompte, RN, BSN, is the wellness for life manager for Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma.) BC

A happy participant has just finished the six month Well and Wise program at TGMC’s Community Sports Institute. April 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 65

A prayer for healing Lord, you invite all who are burdened to come to you. Allow your healing hand

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE. Sterling Wellness has been impacting health and well-being for the employees of Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since 2003.

to heal me. Touch my soul with your compassion for others. Touch my heart with your courage and infinite love for all. Touch my mind with your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim your praise. Teach me to reach out to you in my need, and help me to lead others to you by my example. Most loving Heart of Jesus,

STERLING WELLNESS SOLUTIONS | 800.838.0337 | STERLING-WELLNESS.COM

bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve you with all my strength. Touch gently this life which you have created, now and forever. Amen.

LA Terre Physical Therapy, Inc. 116 Twin Oaks Dr. • Raceland, LA 70394

Phone: (985) 537-7012 • Fax: (985) 537-4145

Luke T. Kinnard, P.T. • Donald P. Kinnard, P.T. Marci D. Ellender, P.T. • Mark J. Kinnard, P.T. Annette Rodrigue, P.T.A.

Haydel FAMILY PRACTICE

A Professional Medical Corporation 66 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • April 2019

Richard M. Haydel, M.D. Scott A. Haydel, M.D. Lisa B. Black, M.D. J. Matthew Watkins, M.D. 502 Barrow St. • Houma, LA 985.876.2150

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