Bayou Catholic Magazine December 2019

INSIDE:

Bayou

Christmas

Catholic

Adore

‘O COME LET US

HIM’

DECEMBER 2019 ~ VOL. 40 NO. 6 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

Special Collection for Diocesan Priests Retirement Fund December 7 and 8, 2019

“On the weekend of December 7 and December 8, I pray that everyone will support the collection for the retired priests of the diocese.�

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Contents

Features 24 Perpetual Adoration Chapel

By Janet Marcel

28

Assisi Bridge House therapy dog

By Lawrence Chatagnier

Columns 8 Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

12

Pope Speaks

13

Questions of Faith

14

Readings Between the Lines

34

A Deacon’s Wife’s Confessions

35

Reading With Raymond

Pope Francis I

By Father Wilmer Todd

By Father Glenn LeCompte

By Angie Lefevre

By Raymond Saadi

40 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

Guest Column 18 Symbols of Advent

By Father Michael Bergeron

In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 16 Scripture Readings 22 Heavenly Recipes 27 Youth In Action 33 Daily Prayer for Priests,

Deacons and Seminarians

36 Diocesan Events Announcements 32 Catholic Foundation Update 41 Deacon Irving J. Daigle dies at age 95 41 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, Dec. 12 43 Christmas Mass and confession times On Our Cover

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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

The new Two Hearts Perpetual Adoration Chapel located next to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Thibodaux on the NSU Campus is open for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The chapel was paid entirely with funds raised through the 2018 #iGiveCatholic campaign. See pages 24-26 for cover story.

Bayou Catholic Heavenly Recipes

How to reach us:

BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

18 Suzanne Troxclair

7

BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505 Schriever, LA 70395

BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

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

Subscription rate is $35 per year.

Suzanne bakes a:

FRUITCAKE 22

This month’s heavenly recipe, mother’s fruitcake, comes rom Suzanne Troxclair, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools. Suzanne says as long as she can remember she has had memories of her mom’s fruitcake at Christmas. “My earliest memory of the Christmas season includes my mom making fruitcakes. She enjoyed baking. I would get excited to walk into the kitchen and see her mixer on the countertop. I knew it was that time.”

Family and friends would gather at their house for Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day. “Growing up our home was the gathering place for Christmas. We would all attend midnight Mass as a family, then after Mass there was always a gathering of extended family, aunts and uncles. Then ater that day another gathering with more extended family which included meals.”

Growing up, sacrifices were made by her parents Charles Jr. and Shirley Delaune. “We were rich in love, not money. Those eceiving the fruitcakes my mom made looked forward to them because they were unique. With limited finances this was an opportunity for her to give a gift to friends and family.”

Suzanne says that her parents were huge supporters of Catholic education and made sacrifices to make sure all five of heir children went to Catholic school.

It was through her parents’ actions that the importance

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

Mother’s Fruitcake

Lawrence Chatagnier

INGREDIENTS:

editor and general manager

April LeBouef 2/3 cup butter, softened business manager 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. nutmeg Janet Marcel 2 tsp. cinnamon staff writer/administrative assistant 1 tsp. baking powder Brooks Lirette 1/2 tsp. baking soda advertising accounts executive 1/2 tsp. salt 2/3 cup brown sugar Lisa Schobel Hebert 1/4 cup molasses graphic designer 1 cup fruit juice or wine 1 cup raisins Meridy Liner accounts receivable/payable assistant 1 cup chopped pecans 2 cups flour 16 oz. diced mixed fruit Like us on Facebook A few pecan halves for top of cake

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or Find us on the web www.bayoucatholic.org

DIRECTIONS:

Cream butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and beat well. Add eggs and mix. Add sifted dry ingredients (holding 1/2 cup flour in reserve to dredge fruit, raisins, Where to find your(fruit Bayou Catholic and nuts before adding to mixture).

Add liquid magazine juice or wine) and molasses. Mix.Bayou Fold Catholic in dried fruits, can be found at all Catholic churches and Catholic schools chopped pecans, raisins and remaining flour. Mix. Pour throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. in greased, waxed paper-lined tube To pick up aloaf copy,oryou may also visit the pan. merchants Lay pecan onour issue. Those who halves advertise in top of to cake mixture. wishing receive the magazine by mail can call Janet Marcel at (985)for 850-3132 or write Bake at 275 degrees to hours.

Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 2-3 505, Schriever, LA 70395.

Note: A pan with water Subscription price is $35 can be placed the oven annually.

For theinonline edition, to go add moisture to the to www.bayoucatholic.com cake. Remove cake from oven and cool completely December 2019 before • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 5 removing from pan.

Yields 3-lb. fruitcake.

42

From the Editor

‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’

Ready or not December is here and with it comes the seasons of Advent and Christmas. We all know that the season of Advent is a time of preparation. In Father Glenn LeCompte’s monthly column he tells us that in Advent we prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus and then the celebration of his First Coming (Christmas).

During the Christmas season we obviously think of the birth of Jesus. The theme of peace on earth is also widely thought of during the Christmas season. We see the theme of peace on earth on Christmas cards and we often hear people say that they want peace on earth for Christmas.

In the 1950s, the husband and wife songwriting duo Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller wrote the popular Christian hymn, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” It was written as a reminder to be the change you want to see in the world: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

The Millers wrote the tune during a mountain retreat with a diverse group of teens, but Jill was inspired a decade earlier after emerging from a dark period in her life.

She explained the following to NPR’s Humankind: “When I attempted suicide in 1944 and I didn’t succeed, I knew for the first time unconditional love - which is God. You are totally loved, totally accepted, just the way you are. In that moment I was not allowed to die, and something happened to me, which is very difficult to explain. I

had an external moment of truth, in which I knew I was loved, and I knew I was here for a purpose.”

Later in 1971, Sy Miller explained how the song spread from the mountain tops of the retreat to the world. “One summer evening in 1955, a group of 180 teenagers of all races and religions, meeting at a workshop high in the California mountains locked arms, formed a circle and sang a song of peace. They felt that singing the song, with its simple basic sentiment - ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me’ - helped create a climate for world peace and understanding.

When they came down from the mountain, these inspired young people brought the song with them and started sharing it. And, as though on wings, ‘Let There Be Peace on Earth’ began an amazing journey around the globe. It traveled first with the young campers back to their homes and schools, churches and clubs. Then the circle started by the teenagers began to grow. Soon the song was being shared in all 50 states - at school graduations and PTA meetings, at Christmas and Easter gatherings and as part of the celebration of Brotherhood Week. It was taped, recorded, copied, printed in song books and passed by word of mouth.”

The song spread to overseas and has been sung in countless countries. Several other artists have also covered the song.

This simple but powerful song reminds us that peace begins with each one of us. With God guiding us as our father we are all brothers and we are to live in perfect harmony with one another.

Is this message of peace beginning with each one of us being taken seriously in our lives today?

We can become peacemakers in everyday life. There are many opportunities to spread peace in the world today. We can begin in our families. We all know families or

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

may be in a situation where family members such as siblings, parents, sons or daughters are not at peace with one another. Life is short. It can be heartbreaking for someone to lose a family member suddenly or unexpectedly and have a past grievance that was unresolved. “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

Many know and experience the pain and frustration that comes with being at odds with coworkers.

It doesn’t take long for a peaceful workplace to become a toxic environment where there is no peace; and people become resentful with one another, chaos reigns and gossip is rampant. “Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.”

It seems there is absolutely no peace when it comes to politics these days. We are living in a climate where love, understanding and respecting someone’s difference of opinion is being replaced with hate, intolerance and an unwillingness to compromise. “Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.”

As we celebrate this Christmas season let us be reminded of how each one of us can bring peace to the world through our interactions with our families, our cooperation with our coworkers and our civility with one another in the realm of politics.

“To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”

Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News! BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Church Life

St. Martin de Porres Mass Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the Mass for Black Catholics recently at St. Lucy Church in Houma. The Mass was celebrated in conjunction with the feast of St. Martin de Porres.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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

Comment

The Jesus we see represented in manger scenes is truly present in the nearest tabernacle

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Christmas decorations have been in the stores since October, but as we welcome December they begin appearing in people’s homes and yards.

There is probably no more enduring image of Christmas than a creche; the scene of Mary and Joseph quietly watching over the swaddled baby Jesus in the manger. It is easy to place ourselves in this scene as we imagine the crisp night air, the low murmur of the animals, the peaceful quiet after the turmoil of travel and the birth of a child. The scene declares the powerful truth of the Incarnation: God born as a helpless infant, the very intertwining of omnipotence and weakness. It is easy to love the little babe, and we can begin to see how God loves us as much as we easily love the baby.

But there is far more to the story.

The same God-Baby that Mary placed in a manger resides in tabernacles throughout the world because Jesus gives us his real presence in the most holy Eucharist. In the gift of the Eucharist, Jesus is never far away. Among the many reasons for the Incarnation, which we celebrate at Christmas, is the fact that God knew it is difficult for us to love an invisible God, so God became visible and remains visible in the Eucharist.

In the Eucharist, we experience Jesus as he is now: Victorious, in the state of glory, and wanting to forgive our sins.

Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, and present to us in the Eucharist.

However, believing that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist is only part of fully appreciating the gift that is the Eucharist. The most important way to appreciate the Eucharist is to receive it worthily and often. The Eucharist is true food. It nourishes us and strengthens us to face the challenges of life. Before receiving the Eucharist, take time to make sure you are worthily welcoming the Lord. If you

“

The same

God-Baby that

Mary placed in a manger resides in tabernacles throughout the world because Jesus gives us

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Comfort For My People

his real presence in the most holy Eucharist.

are conscious of serious sin(s) in your life, go to confession. Seek reconciliation with God and with others. Another way to appreciate the Eucharist is to learn more about it by picking up a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and reading sections 1322 through 1419 on the Eucharist. We also show appreciation for the Eucharist through the ancient Catholic practice of

8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • December 2019

genuflecting, if we are physically able to do so, when passing in front of the tabernacle, or the exposed Eucharist, and upon entering or exiting a pew. In this simple and brief form of adoration, we place our right knee to the ground preferably while looking at the tabernacle or the Eucharist. If we are physically unable to genuflect, a simple bow expresses the same adoration.

This supports and strengthens our belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Finally, another way we appreciate the gift of the Eucharist is through the many opportunities for eucharistic adoration. There are several adoration chapels where the Eucharist is exposed all the time for the prayer and adoration of the faithful, or we can pray and adore in our parish church before the tabernacle, and reflect on the person who is housed there. In all these ways, we can fully appreciate the gift of the Eucharist. These spiritual practices have the power to foster and strengthen our faith and devotion. What we do in our bodies really matters, and can have a deep impact on what happens in our interior life. What we do impacts what we believe, and what we believe should impact what we do. If we are not grounded in the truth, we run the risk of being swept off by whatever new idea blows past us. We risk forgetting all that the Lord has done for us, or we compromise on what we believe to accommodate what we want to believe.

So during these days of Christmas, remember that the same sweet baby Jesus that we see represented countless times in manger scenes is really and truly present – body, blood, soul and divinity – in the nearest tabernacle.

Come, let us adore him! Merry Christmas and may all the blessings of a New Year come to you and those whom you love! BC

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 9

Comentario

Al Jesús que vemos representado en las imágenes de pesebres está verdaderamente presente en el sagrario más importante de apreciar la Eucaristía es recibirla digna y frecuentemente. La Eucaristía es verdadera comida. Nos alimenta y fortalece para enfrentar los desafíos de la vida. Antes de recibir la Eucaristía, tómate un tiempo para asegurarte que recibirás al Señor dignamente. Si eres consciente de un pecado grave en tu vida, ve a confesarte. Busca la reconciliación con Dios y con los demás. Otra manera

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El mismo

Dios-Bebé que

María puso en un pesebre reside en el sagrario en todo el mundo porque Jesús nos da su

“

Las decoraciones navideñas han estado en las tiendas desde octubre, pero al recibir diciembre estas empiezan a aparecer en las casas y jardines de la gente.

Probablemente no hay imagen más prevaleciente en Navidad que la del nacimiento; la escena de María y José contemplando silenciosamente al niño Jesús envuelto en el pesebre.

Es fácil ponernos en esta escena al imaginarnos el viento frío de la noche, el suave murmullo de los animales, la silenciosa paz después del bullicioso viaje y el nacimiento de un niño. La escena declara la poderosa verdad de la Encarnación: Dios nace como un niño indefenso, el mero entre enlace de la omnipotencia y la debilidad. Es fácil amar a un pequeño bebé, y podemos empezar a ver cómo Dios nos ama así de mucho como tan fácilmente amamos al bebé.

Pero hay más de la historia. El mismo Dios-Bebé que María puso en un pesebre reside en el sagrario en todo el mundo porque Jesús nos da su presencia real en la sagrada Eucaristía. En el regalo de la Eucaristía, Jesús nunca está lejos.

Entre las muchas razones de la Encarnación, la cual celebramos en Navidad, está el hecho de que Dios sabía que sería difícil para nosotros amar a un Dios invisible, de ahí Dios se hizo visible y permanece visible en la Eucaristía. En la Eucaristía, experimentamos a Jesús como lo que es ahora: Victorioso, en un estado glorioso, y esperando perdonar nuestros pecados. Jesús es el Emanuel, el Dios con nosotros, y está presente para nosotros en la Eucaristía.

Sin embargo, creer que Jesús está realmente presente en la Eucaristía es solamente una parte de apreciar completamente el don que es la Eucaristía. La manera

presencia real en la sagrada Eucaristía.

de valorar la Eucaristía es aprender más sobre ésta tomando el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica y leyendo las secciones del 1322 al 1419 sobre la Eucaristía. También mostramos nuestra apreciación por la Eucaristía con la antigua práctica católica de la genuflexión, si físicamente podemos hacerlo, cuando pasamos delante del sagrario o ante el Santísimo expuesto, y al entrar o salir de la banca.

En esta simple y breve forma de

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

adoración, ponemos nuestra rodilla en el piso de preferencia mirando hacia el sagrario o la Eucaristía. Si físicamente no podemos hacer la genuflexión, una sencilla reverencia expresa la misma adoración. Esto ayuda y fortalece nuestra creencia en la presencia real de Jesús en la Eucaristía. Finalmente, otra manera en que valoramos la Eucaristía es a través de muchas oportunidades de la adoración eucarística. Hay varias capillas de adoración perpetua donde la Eucaristía está expuesta todo el tiempo para la oración y adoración de los feligreses, o podemos hacer oración y adoración en nuestra parroquia ante el sagrario, y reflexionar sobre la persona que habita ahí. En todas estas maneras, podemos plenamente apreciar el don de la Eucaristía.

Estas practicas espirituales tienen el poder de alimentar y fortalecer nuestra fe y devoción. Lo que hacemos con nuestros cuerpos realmente importa, y podemos tener un impacto profundo de lo que sucede en nuestra vida interior. Lo que hacemos impacta lo que creemos, lo que creemos impacta lo que hacemos. Si no estamos enraizados en la verdad, corremos el riesgo de ser arrastrados por cualquier viento que nos sople.

Nos arriesgamos olvidando todo lo que el Señor hizo por nosotros, o nos comprometemos en lo que creemos para acomodar lo que queremos creer.

Durante este tiempo de Navidad, recuerda que el mismo tierno niño Jesús que vemos representado en innumerables imágenes de pesebres está realmente y verdaderamente presente – cuerpo, sangre, alma y divinidad – en el sagrario más cercano. ¡Vengan, adorémosle! ¡Feliz Navidad y que todas las bendiciones del Año Nuevo lleguen a ti y a tus seres queridos! BC

Binh luan bang loi

Chúa Giêsu mà chúng ta thấy tượng trưng trong máng cỏ thật sự hiện diện trong nhà tạm Bí tích nuôi dưỡng chúng ta và củng cố chúng ta đối mặt với những thách thức của cuộc sống. Trước khi tiếp nhận Bí tích Thánh Thể, hãy dành thời gian để chắc chắn rằng bạn đang chào đón Chúa một cách xứng đáng. Nếu bạn ý thức mình đang mắc tội trọng, hãy đi xưng tội. Hãy hòa giải với Thiên Chúa và với những người khác. Một cách khác để đánh giá Bí tích Thánh Thể là tìm hiểu thêm bằng cách kiếm một cuốn Giáo lý Giáo hội Công giáo và đọc các số 1322

“

Cùng một Hài

Nhi-Thiên Chúa mà Mẹ Maria đặt trong máng cỏ, ngự trị

trong các nhà tạm trên khắp thế giới, bởi vì Chúa Giêsu ban cho chúng ta sự hiện diện thực sự của

“

Đồ trang trí Giáng sinh đã trưng bày trong các cửa hàng từ tháng 10, nhưng khi bước vào tháng 12, chúng bắt đầu lộ diện nơi những ngôi nhà và sân vườn của mọi người. Có lẽ không có hình ảnh Giáng sinh nào quen thuộc hơn một hang đá; hình ảnh Mẹ Maria và thánh Giuse lặng lẽ nhìn ngắm hài nhi Giêsu đang được quấn khăn nằm trong máng cỏ. Thật dễ dàng để hòa mình vào khung cảnh này khi chúng ta tưởng tượng một bầu trời đêm tối giá lạnh, tiếng xì xào của những con vật, sự thinh lặng yên tĩnh bất chấp những tiếng ồn ào của người bộ hành và sự ra đời của một hài nhi. Cảnh tượng nói lên thực tại hùng vĩ của việc Nhập Thể: Thiên Chúa sinh ra như một hài nhi bất lực, xen lẫn giữa tính toàn năng và yếu đuối. Thật dễ dàng để yêu thương một em bé, và chúng ta có thể bắt đầu nhận thấy Thiên Chúa yêu thương chúng ta thế nào, cũng như chúng ta dễ dàng yêu thương em bé.

Nhưng câu chuyện còn đi xa hơn thế nữa. Cùng một Hài Nhi-Thiên Chúa mà Mẹ Maria đặt trong máng cỏ, ngự trị trong các nhà tạm trên khắp thế giới, bởi vì Chúa Giêsu ban cho chúng ta sự hiện diện thực sự của Ngài trong Bí tích Thánh Thể rất thánh. Trong hồng ân của Bí tích Thánh Thể, Chúa Giêsu không bao giờ ở xa. Trong số những lý do cho việc Nhập Thể, mà chúng ta cử hành vào mùa Giáng sinh, là sự kiện Thiên Chúa biết rằng thật khó cho chúng ta để yêu mến một Thiên Chúa vô hình, vì vậy Thiên Chúa đã trở nên hữu hình và duy trì tình trạng hữu hình nơi Bí tích Thánh Thể. Trong Bí tích Thánh Thể, chúng ta cảm nghiệm Chúa Giêsu như Ngài hiện có: Khải hoàn, trong trạng thái vinh quang và muốn tha thứ tội lỗi của chúng ta. Chúa Giêsu là Emmanuel, Thiên Chúa ở cùng chúng ta và hiện diện với chúng ta trong Bí tích Thánh Thể.

Tuy nhiên, tin rằng Chúa Giêsu thực sự hiện diện trong Bí tích Thánh Thể chỉ là một phần của việc đánh giá đầy đủ hồng ân đó là Bí tích Thánh Thể.

Cách quan trọng nhất để đánh giá Bí tích Thánh Thể là tiếp nhận bí tích này một cách xứng đáng và thường xuyên. Bí tích Thánh Thể là lương thực đích thực.

Ngài trong Bí tích Thánh Thể rất thánh.

đến 1419 về Bí tích Thánh Thể. Chúng ta cũng thể hiện sự đánh giá cao về Bí tích Thánh Thể thông qua tập tục truyền giáo của Công giáo cổ đại, nếu chúng ta có thể làm được điều đó, khi đi qua trước nhà tạm, hoặc khi Bí tích Thánh Thể được cung nghinh, và khi bước vào hoặc ra khỏi ghế ngồi. Trong hình thức tôn kính đơn giản và ngắn gọn này, tốt nhất là chúng ta bái đầu gối phải xuống đất trong khi nhìn vào nhà tạm hoặc Bí tích Thánh Thể. Nếu chúng ta không thể

quỳ gối được, thì hãy cúi đầu thể hiện sự tôn kính tương tự. Điều này hỗ trợ và củng cố niềm tin của chúng ta vào sự hiện diện thật sự của Chúa Giêsu trong Bí tích Thánh Thể. Cuối cùng, một cách khác mà chúng ta đánh giá cao hồng ân của Bí tích Thánh Thể là qua những giờ chầu Thánh Thể. Có một số nhà chầu, nơi Bí tích Thánh Thể được cung nghinh mọi lúc để cho các tín hữu có thể cầu nguyện và tôn kính, hoặc chúng ta có thể cầu nguyện và tôn thờ trong nhà thờ giáo xứ của chúng ta trước nhà tạm, và suy gẫm về Đấng đang hiện diện ở đó.

Trong tất cả những cách thức này, chúng ta hoàn toàn có thể đánh giá cao hồng ân của Bí tích Thánh Thể. Những thực hành thiêng liêng này có sức mạnh để nuôi dưỡng và củng cố đức tin và sự tôn sùng của chúng ta. Những gì chúng ta làm nơi thân xác chúng ta thật sự là quan trọng, và có thể có tác động sâu sắc đến những gì xảy ra trong đời sống nội tâm của chúng ta. Những gì chúng ta làm tác động đến những gì chúng ta tin và những gì chúng ta tin sẽ tác động đến những gì chúng ta làm. Nếu chúng ta không có căn cứ nào vào sự thật, chúng ta có nguy cơ sẽ bị cuốn hút theo các trào lưu mới tác động tới chúng ta. Chúng ta có nguy cơ quên tất cả những gì Chúa đã làm cho chúng ta, hoặc chúng ta thỏa hiệp với những gì chúng ta tin để phù hợp với những gì chúng ta muốn tin.

Vì vậy, trong những ngày Giáng sinh này, hãy nhớ rằng cùng một hài nhi Giêsu đáng yêu mà chúng ta thấy tượng trưng trong máng cỏ nhiều lần cũng thật sự và thật sự hiện diện – cả thân xác, máu huyết, linh hồn và thiên tính - trong nhà tạm. Hãy đến, chúng ta hãy thờ lạy Ngài! Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh và cầu mong mọi ơn lành của một Năm Mới sẽ đến với Ông Bà Anh Chị Em và những người thân yêu!

Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa BC

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

Comment

Prison ministry includes helping people after incarceration, Pope Francis says The Pope Speaks

Vatican City, (CNA) - In addition to looking after the physical and spiritual needs of those in prison, Catholics have an obligation to recognize the humanity of those who have left the prison system and to help them get back on their feet, Pope Francis said recently.

“As Christian communities, we must ask ourselves a question” about those who have been released from prison, the pope said, addressing Catholics involved in prison ministry around the world.

“If these brothers and sisters have already paid the penalty for the wrongdoing, why is a new social punishment placed on their shoulders with rejection and indifference? On many occasions, this social aversion is one more reason they run the risk of repeating their own faults,” he said.

Often when a person leaves prison, he or she finds themselves in a world which is foreign to them and which, at the same time, does not trust them, the pope continued. This can make it very difficult for them to find work and to make a decent living.

“By preventing people from regaining the full exercise of their dignity, they are once again exposed to the dangers that accompany the lack of development opportunity, in the middle of violence and insecurity,” Francis stated.

“True social reintegration,” he argued, begins with access to decent work, education, self-development opportunities, and health care.

But it is often easier and more comfortable to ignore or deny the

Pope Francis addresses participants in a meeting on prison pastoral care in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall. injustices present in society than to try to create equal opportunities for all citizens, he said, calling it “a way of discarding.”

He said this is the same reason many places choose incarceration as a solution over trying to fix the root societal problems which lead people to crime.

Especially today, he said, societies are called to overcome the stigmatization of people who have served time in prison for their mistakes.

“Because instead of offering the right help and resources to live a dignified life, we have become accustomed to rejecting,” he underlined, and people do this instead of looking for and noticing what effort a person might be making to respond to the love of God in his or her life.

Pope Francis spoke about ministering to the imprisoned during an audience with participants in a two-day conference on Catholic prison ministry, organized by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

The pope said he entrusted to the dicastery the task of making evident the Church’s concern for those in situations of suffering, including the imprisoned, but added that “it is not a task indicated only for the dicastery,

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

but it is for the whole Church in fidelity to the mission received from Christ.”

The Church “is called to act permanently the mercy of God in favor of the most vulnerable and helpless in whom Jesus himself is present,” he said. “We will be judged on this.”

The conference took place at the Vatican and was held to learn more about diocesan and local prison ministry in countries around the world, so that they can strengthen and improve through sharing ideas and experiences.

Pope Francis argued that prisons themselves also fail to properly reintegrate people into society, because they lack the resources to address the social, psychological, and relational problems imprisoned people often face.

Prison overpopulation is also a problem, he noted.

Pope Francis thanked those who serve the incarcerated, noting Christ’s words that “what they did to one of the least of my brothers, they did to me.”

“With the inspiration of God, each Church community is taking its own path to present the Father’s mercy to all these brothers, and to make resonate a permanent call, so that every man and society seeks to act firmly and decisively in favor of peace and justice,” he said. BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Wilmer Todd

I am a parishioner who attends Mass regularly on Sundays. I know that Christmas will be here soon and with it will be Christmas Mass with babies crying and standing room only. I will be lucky if I can find my favorite pew. Why are there so many “Christmas and Easter Catholics?”

First, I would like to acknowledge the problems we Catholics have with Christmas and Easter Masses. At Christmas, many families in our society have adopted the custom of being with their immediate families to open gifts on Christmas morning. Therefore, they want to celebrate the Christmas Eucharist on Christmas Eve. The earliest Masses on Christmas Eve (4 p.m. is the earliest a parish can celebrate Mass) are the most crowded.

Later Masses like the Midnight Mass (or some earlier time) are not as well attended as they use to be. The Christmas morning Masses also suffer from a lack of worshipers.

Easter celebrations have a different scenario. The Vigil Mass for Easter cannot begin before sunset because of the lighting of the Easter fire. Thus, the Mass usually does not start before 8 p.m. The Easter Vigil Mass has more parts to it than an ordinary Vigil Mass and takes at least two and a half hours to celebrate the ceremonies properly. This discourages people who are looking for a 50-minute Vigil Mass. Many elderly parishioners, who regularly attend the weekly Vigil Masses, celebrate Mass on Easter Sunday morning.

With this background let us talk about Christmas and Easter Catholics.

Catholics, overall, have lost the idea that we are the Body of Christ. Vatican

Christmas and Easter Catholics II said, “God does not make people holy and save them merely as individuals, without bond or link between one another. Rather it has pleased the Almighty to bring humans together as one, those people who acknowledge the Lord in truth and serve the Creator in holiness.”

When I celebrate Mass in a church that is half empty, people’s body language says a lot to me – “Don’t get too close.” I think of portraits of the Last Supper and compare that with our celebrations of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus is at the table and everyone is gathered around him. The priest, taking the place of Jesus, is at the Lord’s table but the congregation is scattered. (Why?) Many Catholics think of the church as another social group like the Lions Club, the Rotary, fraternities or sororities, etc. People want to belong because some good people are involved in the church. The church provided good services especially for weddings and funerals and big feasts like Christmas and Easter when the choir usually practices special hymns.

However, sacraments and church ceremonies without faith are meaningless. If we do not believe what we are doing has the purpose of changing our lives, then we make a mockery of the holy activity we are attending. We are playing games with holy things.

In 1958, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger who became Pope Benedict XVI talked about the state of the church in strong terms, “The outward shape of the modern church is determined essentially by the fact that, in a totally new way, she has become the church of pagans, and is constantly becoming even more so.

“She is no longer, as she once was,

a church composed of pagans who have become Christians, but a church of pagans, who still call themselves Christians, but actually have become pagans. Paganism resides today in the church herself, and precisely that is the characteristic of the church of our day.”

Ratzinger goes on to say, “The church was a community of believers, who had adopted a definite spiritual choice, and because of that, they distinguished themselves from all those who refused to make this choice . . . If we want to bring the country back to Christianity, then it will happen only through the witness of small, zealous communities.

In many places, it is probably necessary to begin all over again.”

Our Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has started to “begin all over again” with its strategic planning and Office of Parish Support. The overall goal is conversion – turning our lives over to Christ and then inviting others to a change of heart. Hopefully, this will reach the hearts of Christmas and Easter Catholics so that we will fill our churches every Sunday. BC

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

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

Reflections

Isaiah’s prophecies direct us toward a disposition of hope during Advent Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Advent is here again, a season that points first to the Second Coming of Jesus and then to the celebration of his First Coming (Christmas). The link between Advent and Christ’s Second Coming and our celebration of his First Coming is hope. During Advent we are invited to anticipate joyfully God’s positive intervention into our lives.

The spirit of hopeful anticipation is communicated in the first readings for the Advent season of the current liturgical cycle (Cycle A), all of which come from Isaiah of Jerusalem (chapters 1-39). He is distinguished from two other unnamed disciples of his whose prophetic words are recorded in Isaiah 40-55 and 56-66 respectively.

Beginning in the year King Uzziah of Judah died (742 B.C., Isaiah 6:1), Isaiah engaged in prophetic ministry during the reigns of three kings of Judah: Jotham (742-735), Ahaz (735-715) and Hezekiah (715-687). Due to differing political and religious circumstances during the reigns of these three kings the topics of Isaiah’s prophecies vary.

I will briefly discuss each of the four Old Testament readings for Advent Sundays this year and point out how they direct us toward a disposition of hope.

Isaiah 2:1-5 (Dec. 1, 2019) is paralleled in Micah 4:1-4. Isaiah of Jerusalem and Micah were contemporaries. It is hard to say to which prophet the oracle should be attributed or if both got it from a common source. This passage differs from the judgment oracles in Isaiah 2-4 and points to a

time of universal salvation. If it is original to Isaiah of Jerusalem, its lifesetting is most likely the beginning of Hezekiah’s reign, in which Isaiah saw the promise of a new day of fidelity to the God of Israel. Hezekiah purified the Temple of the Assyrian sanctuary furnishings his father Ahaz had placed in it to appease the Assyrians, and led a reform movement to re-emphasize worship of the Lord. Paired with the Gospel reading this lection from Isaiah encourages us to anticipate the “Day of the Lord,” Christ’s return, as a day of hope, despite the tumult that will precede it. Jesus’ admonition to “be prepared, for at an hour you do not know the Son of Man will come” should be anticipated with joy and hope, virtues which are at the heart of the Advent mystery.

Isaiah 11:1-10 (Dec. 8, 2019) anticipates the coming of a king of Judah who shows himself to be wholly devoted to using his God-given authority to carry out the divine will.

Consequently, he will establish justice among the people, and hostility both among the Israelites and between the Israelites and other peoples will cease.

When that happens even the Gentiles will seek association with the God of Israel, and peace and justice will reign on the earth. The image of this ideal king stands in contrast to Judahite rulers such as Ahaz who depended

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

on their own resources or looked to help from other nations rather than depending on God in the face of military threats, and whose reigns were riddled with tumult and injustice. As was the case with Isaiah 2:1-5, 11:1-10 may well reflect Isaiah’s anticipation of a new spirit of faithfulness with the emergence of Ahaz’ son, Hezekiah.

Christian tradition has seen Jesus as God’s spirit-empowered leader who would bring lasting justice and consequent peace to the earth by proclaiming a kingdom of love, peace and justice.

On the third Sunday (Dec. 15, 2019) the Advent chord of joy is struck in Isaiah 35:1-10, which is in the form of an Oracle of Salvation, many of which are found in chapters 40-55. In fact, some biblical scholars think that Isaiah 35:1-10 actually belongs to the prophet of chapters 40-55. One fact that might lend credence to this opinion is that Isaiah 35:10 is repeated in 51:11.

The salvation oracle usually contains an exhortation by God to “fear not,” for God is about to intervene in the addressees’ distress. The addressees here are characterized as having “feeble hands” and “weak knees” (35:3).

God is coming with vindication and divine recompense (35:4). God’s specific intervention will consist of healing those with physical disabilities, and removing obstacles to safe

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Reflections

passage (such as wild beasts and desert terrain). Isaiah 35:8 depicts a “highway” (maslûl), which parallels that in Isaiah 40:3 (měsillāh = highway) which the prophet who speaks in 40:3 calls for that the Lord and the Babylonian Exiles might return without hindrance to their homeland. If the life-setting of Isaiah 35:1-10 is the end of the Babylonian Exile, the images of healing and removal of obstacles would symbolize the exiles’ restoration, not only physically as they return to their land, but spiritually and emotionally as well. In the Gospel reading Jesus affirms to John the Baptist’s disciples that his credentials as Messiah are manifested in his healing of maladies in fulfillment of Isaiah 35:1-10.

Isaiah 7:10-14 (Dec. 22, 2019) constitutes the prophetic passage that Matthew (1:23) uses to shape his image of Jesus as “Emmanuel” or “God-withus.” For Isaiah, however, the child he tells Ahaz will be born is more than

likely Ahaz’ son, Hezekiah. The latter can aptly be referred to as “God-withus” because Hezekiah, at least in part, carried out his reign as the agent of the Lord, especially by engaging in the religious reform mentioned above.

Hezekiah attempted to restore Israelite faith, but later ended up falling back on his own means and ignoring Isaiah’s advice when the powerful Assyrian military leader, Sennacherib (ca. 705 B.C.), later threatened Judah and Jerusalem. The ideal king of Judah would act as an agent of the true king, God, by using his authority to carry out God’s will for his people. Not many of the Judahite kings did so. In the Gospel reading (Matthew 1:18-24), however, the evangelist draws upon Isaiah 7:14 to characterize Jesus as the most faithful heir to David’s throne, the true king who made God present to his people through the constant fidelity to the divine will he would embrace in his public ministry.

Isaiah’s prophecies, then, prepare us for Christmas because Jesus fulfills the divine will expressed in them in a way no other Israelite leader did. He is the one whose coming was once expected and is anticipated again! BC

Reflection Questions v How can we make ourselves “spiritually transparent” so as to allow God to accomplish his will through us? v In what ways do you experience God as being “with you” in your life? v Into what situations of fear, unrest or disillusionment in your life are you anticipating God’s intervention?

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December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 15

RETAILER LOGO

Scripture Readings and a listing of Feast days and saints

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 30 November Feast of St. Andrew, apostle Romans 10:9-18 Matthew 4:18-22

1 December First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 2:1-5 Romans 13:11-14 Matthew 24:37-44

8 Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 11:1-10 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12

15 Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11

22 Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-14 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-24

2 Advent Weekday Isaiah 4:2-6 Matthew 8:5-11

9

3 Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, priest Isaiah 11:1-10 Luke 10:21-24

10

Advent Weekday Solemnity of Isaiah 40:1-11 the Immaculate Matthew 18:12-14 Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Luke 1:26-38 16 Advent Weekday Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a Matthew 21:23-27

23 Advent Weekday Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24 Luke 1:57-66

17

4 Advent Weekday Isaiah 25:6-10a Matthew 15:29-37

11 Advent Weekday Isaiah 40:25-31 Matthew 11:28-30

18

Advent Weekday Advent Weekday Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Jeremiah 23:5-8 Matthew 1:1-17 Matthew 1:18-25

24 Advent Weekday 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Luke 1:67-79

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

5 Advent Weekday Isaiah 26:1-6 Matthew 7:21, 24-27

12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Zechariah 2:14-17 Luke 1:26-38

19 Advent Weekday Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a Luke 1:5-25

25

26

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Isaiah 52:7-10 Hebrews 1:1-6 John 1:1-18

Feast of Saint Stephen, the first martyr Acts 6:8-10; 7:5459 Matthew 10:17-22

6 Advent Weekday Isaiah 29:17-24 Matthew 9:27-31

7 Memorial of Saint Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the church Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Matthew 9:35— 10:1, 5a, 6-8

13

14

Memorial of Saint Lucy, virgin and martyr Isaiah 48:17-19 Matthew 11:16-19

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the church Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

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21

Advent Weekday Isaiah 7:10-14 Luke 1:26-38

27 Feast of Saint John, apostle and evangelist 1 John 1:1-4 John 20:1a, 2-8

Advent Weekday Song of Songs 2:8-14 Luke 1:39-45

December

You do the living ~

We do the rest.

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Universal The Very Young. That every country resolutely commits to taking the necessary measures to make the future of the very young, expecially those who suffer, a priority.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

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

Advent

Symbols of Advent Guest Columnist Father Michael Bergeron

Long before anyone decorated a Christmas tree or heard about Santa Claus, the church had the season of Advent. From at least the fifth century, the weeks before Christmas have been a time for special prayers and Scripture readings at Mass, all pointing to the birth of the Christ child at Bethlehem.

Like the overture of an opera or the parade that opens a circus, this season aims to put us in the right mood.

Four weeks may seem like a lot of time to spend generating the right mood for a single holy day. It is less time, however, than some merchants spend stirring up enthusiasm for the holiday they still call Christmas. Christmas displays show up in late August. And that is all Christmas means to many people today – a holiday of giving and getting, fun and feasting. For some, it has no more religious significance than the mid-winter revels celebrated by the pagans of ancient Rome.

Precisely because the pagans of today are so loud in their preparations for the biggest spending splurge of the year, many of us find it hard to concentrate on what actually happened at Bethlehem.

How can we drown out the hoopla of a commercialized Christmas and fix our attention on its original meaning?

Advent is the church’s way of helping us do that. Advent comes from the Latin word adventus (Greek parousia), which means “coming” or “arrival.” It is a period of preparation for the coming of

Christ at Christmas and for the Second Coming of Christ. This year advent begins on Dec. 1. The traditional color used in the church during this season is purple, except on the third Sunday (Gaudete Sunday) when pink or a rose color is used. In Jesus’ time, purple was the color of royalty and anyone wearing purple other than royalty risked the punishment of death. On the third Sunday, our word Gaudete comes from the first word of the entrance antiphon at Mass: “Gaudete in Domino semper: Iterum dico, gaudete.” “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.”

Thus, the pink reminds us that on this day, we pause in our penitential spirit and rejoice that He is near.

The Advent season is filled with symbols and symbolism, many of which go by without much understanding.

means persecution and suffering. The pine, holly and yew signify strength and healing. The holly’s prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns while the berries remind us of Christ’s precious blood. The pine cones which decorate the wreath symbolize death and resurrection. The wreath as a whole is meant to remind us of both the immortality of our souls and God’s promise of everlasting life to us through Christ.

The shape of the wreath also has significance. Besides eternal life, the circular construction represents the eternity of God because God has no beginning or end.

The Advent Candles

The Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath originated among the Germans in the 16th century although it took 300 years to take its current form. Traditionally the wreath is made of fir. It can be decorated with pine cones, holly, yew, laurel, mistletoe or pine – each having a meaning of its own. The evergreen fir represents eternal life. The laurel

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

There are actually various meanings attributed to the Advent candles. One says they each represent 4,000 years from Adam and Eve to the coming of Christ. Another says they represent the patriarchs, the prophets, John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus.

There are several other interpretations as well.

The first purple candle is called the Prophecy Candle in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This candle represents “hope” or the expectation felt in anticipation of the Messiah.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

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Advent

The second purple candle is called the Bethlehem Candle. It is a reminder of the manger, and Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. This candle represents “faith.”

“And this will be a sign for you: You will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).

The third candle, which is pink, is called the Shepherd’s Candle. It is pink because pink or rose is the liturgical color for joy. It is meant to remind us of the joy the world experienced at the birth of Jesus as well as the joy we feel because we have reached the midpoint of Advent. With the lighting of that candle, the light has won out over the darkness (three candles lit vs. the one that remains unlit). Thus, this candle represents “joy.”

“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord’” (Luke 2:8– 11).

The fourth candle, which is purple, is called the Angel’s Candle. This candle represents love and peace.

“And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests’” (Luke 2:13–14).

A later addition to the Advent candles is the Christ Candle. It is a white candle in the center which is lit on Christmas eve and represents the life of Christ which has come into the world. He is the center of everlasting life represented by the wreath. Sometimes, all the other candles are removed and replaced with white candles. Of course, the color white represents purity and those who are washed of their sins are made whiter than snow.

“Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as

snow; though they be red like crimson, they may become white as wool” (Isaiah 1:18).

The flames of the candle represent the Christmas light approaching and bringing hope and peace. It is also a symbol of the struggle of light over darkness. The light of the candles invites us to quiet ourselves during this busy time and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas

The Alpha and the Omega

In the New Testament Book of Revelation, God says, “I am Alpha and Omega,” meaning that he is the beginning and end of all things (Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13). In the Greek alphabet, alpha is the first letter and omega is the last.

Advent is a two-sided season. While we prepare our hearts for the birth of the Christ Child, we must realize that we prepare for his return as well.

This is the season when the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the past and the future rub elbows with each other in Christ. You see, Christ promised that he would return.

The Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is named for Jesse the father of King David whose line can be traced to St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. It is used as a symbol to explain the Old Testament generational connection between Adam, Abraham and Jesus as explained in Gospels Matthew and Luke. It is a very old tradition that started in medieval times.

The three components of the Jesse Tree are the tree (which can be a branch or a poster board), the ornaments, and the Scripture passage. Each day a portion of the Old Testament is read and a symbol added to the Jesse Tree to represent that passage.

The Jesse Tree was inspired by a Scripture passage from Isaiah.

“But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: A spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:1-2).

The Jesse Tree is a way of telling the story of God’s plan from the beginning of time to redeem his people by sending a Savior. It follows the lineage of Christ’s family and key people in the Old Testament that God uses to tell his story from creation through Christ’s birth. It is a daily countdown to Christmas, and each ornament acts as a visual reminder of the story.

Some of the symbols used represent the creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Jesse, David, Solomon, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, John the Baptist, Joseph, Mary, and so forth.

It is a journey through the history of salvation.

The Giving Tree is a variation of the Jesse Tree that became popular in the late 20th century. The custom has communities decorate a tree with tags indicating gifts for children in need at Christmas. It is intended to remind Christians of the teaching of Jesus “what you do to the least of these, you do to me” (Matthew 25:40).

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

Advent

The Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are a popular way of involving children in the advent season.

They most often take the form of a card or poster with many tiny windows or doors for each day of Advent that are opened to reveal a picture, a symbol,

a poem or a Scripture passage. They provide activities and reflections on the season to draw children deeper into the faith. The calendar traditionally has 24 days but there are some which have 25 days. December 24 is usually a scene of the Nativity.

Advent calendars can be traced back to the 19th century, when families made a chalk line for every day of December until Christmas Eve. The first known calendar which was made by handwork is from the year 1851.

However, it was not until 1908 that a German printer produced the first printed calendar. Throughout the early 20th century, Advent calendars were exchanged as gifts around the Thanksgiving holiday to prepare for the Christmas countdown. In 1958, Cadbury produced the first Advent calendar with chocolates to the delight

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

of children. Today, there are an endless variety of Advent calendars.

The symbols and traditions of Advent help to put Christ back into the season. “Put Christ back in Christmas” is a slogan we have heard so often it sounds trite. But it expresses more succinctly than most Sunday homilies on the purpose of Advent. We want to restore the word “holiday” to its original meaning of “holy day.”

Without forfeiting announcement of its traditional merriment (and remember that holiness and merriment are not enemies, but old allies), Christmas should be one of the holiest days of the year. To make sure it will be just that, four weeks of putting ourselves into the mood are hardly too many. To properly do that, we must also understand the rich traditions and symbols that surround us. BC

We are committed to great beginnings.

Ochsner St. Anne Hospital understands the critical importance of human milk in infant development that cannot be duplicated by formula. We are proud to announce that we are the first in the region to open a Milk Depot for the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Louisiana.

Mothers’ own milk is the gold standard of infant nutrition and is designed specifically to meet infant growth and developmental needs. For vulnerable preterm infants whose mothers cannot provide enough milk, pasteurized donated milk is the next best option.

Please contact the Mother’s Milk Bank of Louisiana at 504.842.2101 to learn how you can become a donor.

Heavenly Recipes

Suzanne Troxclair

Suzanne bakes a:

FRUITCAKE Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe, mother’s fruitcake, comes from Suzanne Troxclair, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools. Suzanne says as long as she can remember she has had memories of her mom’s fruitcake at Christmas. “My earliest memory of the Christmas season includes my mom making fruitcakes. She enjoyed baking. I would get excited to walk into the kitchen and see her mixer on the countertop. I knew it was that time.”

Family and friends would gather at their house for Christmas Eve and again on Christmas Day. “Growing up our home was the gathering place for Christmas. We would all attend midnight Mass as a family, then after Mass there was always a gathering of extended family, aunts and uncles. Then later that day another gathering with more extended family which included meals.”

Growing up, sacrifices were made by her parents Charles Jr. and Shirley Delaune. “We were rich in love, not money. Those receiving the fruitcakes my mom made looked forward to them because they were unique. With limited finances this was an opportunity for her to give a gift to friends and family.”

Suzanne says that her parents were huge supporters of Catholic education and made sacrifices to make sure all five of their children went to Catholic school.

It was through her parents’ actions that the importance of sacrifice, a Catholic education and giving to others was taught. “We learned growing up that serving our church and community was something important, and we did it as a family.”

Suzanne says that she and her husband Allen also value the importance of a Catholic education. “Personally for me, having been a product of Catholic education in this diocese, I wanted to afford my children that opportunity, also. That was not ever in question. The benefits of learning in a faith filled environment every day is something that you cannot put a price tag on.”

22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • December 2019

Mother’s Fruitcake INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup butter, softened 2 eggs 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 2/3 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup molasses 1 cup fruit juice or wine 1 cup raisins 1 cup chopped pecans 2 cups flour 16 oz. diced mixed fruit A few pecan halves for top of cake

DIRECTIONS:

Cream butter until smooth. Add brown sugar and beat well. Add eggs and mix. Add sifted dry ingredients (holding 1/2 cup flour in reserve to dredge fruit, raisins, and nuts before adding to mixture). Add liquid (fruit juice or wine) and molasses. Mix. Fold in dried fruits, chopped pecans, raisins and remaining flour. Mix. Pour in greased, waxed paper-lined loaf or tube pan. Lay pecan halves on top of cake mixture.

Bake at 275 degrees for 2-3 hours.

Note: A pan with water can be placed in the oven to add moisture to the cake. Remove cake from oven and cool completely before removing from pan.

Yields 3-lb. fruitcake.

“My parents would be proud to know that all three of our children are alumni of our Catholic schools. As an alumnus, as a parent of alumni, and as superintendent of Catholic schools, I understand and appreciate the sacrifices that our families make to afford their children the opportunity to be educated in a Christ centered environment. I know my mother would agree that it is an investment which reaps rewards not just here on earth but in eternity.” BC

In the Spirit of this Holy Season the Christmas Collection on December 24 and 25 supports Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

Thank You and God Bless

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.”

- Isaiah 9:6

December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 23

Cover Story

Two Hearts Perpetual Adoration Chapel opens at St. Thomas Aquinas on the NSU campus Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier The Two Hearts Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish on the Nicholls State University campus in Thibodaux opened its doors to the public with a blessing and dedication Sunday, Oct. 13. The chapel took exactly five months to build, with the first wall going up May 13 of this year. All of the money needed to build the chapel was raised through the 2018 #iGiveCatholic online giving day campaign.

Father Mitchel (Mitch) Semar, director of Campus Ministry and pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas since January 2018, says when the Catholic Church was hit by the scandals last year, the parish’s response was to talk about it, cry about it, pray about it, and do whatever they could as people of God to help each other get through it.

“It was at that time we decided that God was calling us as a community to build a perpetual adoration chapel … a place where people could go 24 hours a day, seven days a week to see Jesus and be with Jesus exposed in the Blessed 24 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • December 2019

Sacrament to receive healing, mercy and protection. The reason for this sort of response,” explains Father Semar, “is that we, as a church parish, wanted to pray and intercede for a three-fold intention: First, for the sanctification of priests and religious and an increase of vocations to priesthood and religious life; second, for the sanctification and protection of families; and third, for the president of Nicholls State University, its faculty, staff and all students. We desired to have Jesus exposed 24 hours a day so that we could pray for these intentions.”

The Catholic Church teaches that there is no greater devotion than to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “Many of our students have devotions to the Sacred Heart and have made their own personal consecration to Jesus through Mary. We believed that the one thing we wanted at St. Thomas was for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary to reign on the campus, in the parish, and in the hearts of all students and parishioners,” says Father Semar.

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Cover Story

“So we thought there would be no better name than the Two Hearts Perpetual Adoration Chapel … it says everything that we are trying to do as a parish and campus ministry.”

Some of the incredible artwork in the chapel includes images of St. Joseph as “The Caretaker of the Immaculate Hearts of Jesus and Mary” and “The Priestly and Pierced Heart of Saint John” that were painted by a local artist.

There is also a six-foot statue of Mary from Spain, an oil painting of Jesus from Spain; an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Mexico City, Mexico; an image of the Divine Mercy—Jesus with Saint Faustina; a three-foot circular glass mosaic created by parishioner Dr. Ann Boudreaux that portrays “Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant”; and an ancient monstrance covered with gems which is flanked by angels.

There are also six stained glass windows, each measuring two feet by eight feet – from 1800s Germany – that depict the Nativity of Jesus, Jesus healing the woman that was hemorrhaging, Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the Crucifixion, Jesus being taken down from the cross, and the Ascension.

Father Semar says there are literally hundreds of people adoring Jesus every day in the chapel. “This is the goal of the church, to bring people to Jesus and draw them into relationship with him. Having Jesus exposed 24 hours a day and available to the students and parishioners any time

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The Two Hearts Perpetual Adoration Chapel is located next to St. Thomas Aquinas Church on the NSU campus in Thibodaux.

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

Cover Story

they need him is the most important thing that we can do for people.”

A person can go into the chapel any time they want to, 24 hours a day. But there are adorers who have signed up for a committed holy hour each week so as to ensure that Jesus is adored each hour. Father Semar says that every hour – Monday through Friday – is covered, but the challenge has been the weekends. Between Saturday and Sunday, there are about 13 hours/slots that still need to be filled.

The door is electronically locked from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m., Monday through Sunday. Other than those times, the chapel is unlocked. If a person wants to go to the chapel during the times it is locked they need a code to enter. If someone wants the code or to sign up as a committed adorer, they should call the church parish office at (985) 446-6201 for more information.

“It took many people to come together with their various gifts to make this chapel as beautiful as it is. My heart is moved with gratitude for all these generous people every time I go into the chapel. It is incredible to see so many people, especially our college students, praying in the chapel any time, day or night. This beautiful chapel is a gift, not only to St. Thomas and the NSU campus, but it is a gift to the whole diocese,” says Father Semar. “Anyone is welcome to come and adore Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament, as well as become a committed adorer.” BC

Father Mitchel Semar, pastor of St. Thomas, incenses the Blessed Sacrament during the dedication ceremony of the Two Hearts Perpetual Adoration Chapel.

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Youth

in action Hunter LeBlanc

School: Central Catholic School, Morgan City Graduate: May 2019 Church parish: St. Andrew, Amelia Describe your family unit: Mother: Wendy; Father: Rodney Favorite Hobby: Bowling and playing drums Favorite Movie: Fireproof Favorite T.V. Show: Heartland Favorite Genre of Music: Christian rock

How has the meaning of Christmas changed for you through the years from a child’s view to who you are now?

How will you celebrate Christmas this year?

When I was a little child, Christmas was about Santa, Jesus, presents and decorations. I was like most kids who had a huge wish list and I couldn’t wait for Santa to come. I knew that it was Jesus’ birthday and we had to visit him on his special day, but I also loved waking up to see what Santa left me. I loved all the Christmas movies and the music. I loved putting up the blowups, the ribbons and the lights. My mom really loved decorating our home and yard for Christmas and I couldn’t wait to help her with everything. One of my favorite things to put out was our Kneeling Santa statue and our many Nativity sets. I was taught that without Jesus there would be no Christmas.

The Kneeling Santa showed me that Jesus is the real gift, that we need to take time to be with him and show him how much we love him.

I loved giving gifts, but as a kid I really love getting gifts even more.

As I got older, I learned even more that Christmas was about Jesus and giving more than about getting. I still loved making a wish list and all the decorating, but I started to really learn more and more about Advent and the importance of preparing for Christmas.

I looked forward to putting up our Advent wreath and reading “The Word Among Us” each day with my family.

Christmas to me now is about reminding people that the real

meaning of the season is the birth of Jesus Christ. We put up a Nativity in all the rooms of our home. We have three in our living room. My room has six that stay up all year. I really love Nativity sets.

I plan to spend Christmas day with my whole family like we do every year.

Lots of food, fun, love and gifts. I like seeing their faces when they open what I picked out for them. I also plan to start Christmas by going to Christmas Eve Mass and seeing baby Jesus being put in the manager, which is my favorite part. Christmas to me is the best time of the year! BC

December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 27

Feature

Tex’s unconditional love helps Assisi Bridge House clients learn responsibility Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier He had been living on the streets in Texas when he was found. He was skin and bones, starving, fending for himself and all alone. He was down and out, and needed medical care and attention. This depiction could be used to describe many residents that have passed through the Assisi Bridge House and Independent Living Program in Schriever. However, it doesn’t apply to a typical client who is battling drug or alcohol addiction. This stranger from Texas is a black Labrador Retriever named Tex. He was a stray that was found and taken to the Lafourche Parish Animal Shelter. He became a HOPE for Animals rescue and resided at HOPE’s kennel.

“I have been working on the idea of getting a dog for the Bridge House for years. I approached Dr. Nicole Bourgeois, the executive director of Catholic Charities, about the idea and she liked it. She owns two therapy dogs and thought a therapy dog could be an asset in our clients’ recovery process,” says Billy Degeyter, LPC, LAC, counselor at the Assisi Bridge House.

The clients take care of the dog. They are the ones responsible for feeding him and making sure that his needs are met. As far as staff goes, Degeyter is the main caretaker for the dog.

“Tex was wild when we first got him. He wasn’t mean. He would just jump on everyone. He is still a puppy at a little over a year old. Cathy Stephens, a local trainer, is helping us to train him. No part of the training advocates that we hit the animal. It is strictly through verbal and hand signal commands. The key is to have him listen to both. It is reward based (treats). All of the training is done here at the Bridge House. The trainer gives us homework assignments. She leaves and we work on it here. If a situation comes up I can call the trainer and she gives advice.”

Having someone/something to care for has taught the clients of the Bridge House about responsibility. “Tex gives the clients the opportunity to care about something else beside themselves. It gives them responsibility and the dog gives them love and support. The guys are detached from their kids and family. The responsibility of having a dog is like having a toddler. It helps them to be prepared for when they are back with the family. The dog gives them unconditional love. Even those who say they are not dog people are warming up to Tex,” says the counselor.

Monique Albarado, LPC, Bridge House director/counselor, says, “Tex adds a calming presence in our facility from happily greeting everyone with a tail wag at the front door to laying at the clients’ feet during group therapy to watching TV with 28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • December 2019

them. I have witnessed clients’ anxiety and irritability ease as they have spent time during their stay working with Tex. When clients become more stable in their moods, they are better able to focus on their treatment work. Tex is playful and energetic so he adds a spirit of fun and exercise. He encourages these guys to engage in play and take him out for walks and runs around the property. Tex has also given our clients the opportunity to learn responsibility, compassion and caring for another being. We hope they will take these assets home with them when they complete our program.”

Tex is with the clients of the Bridge House every minute of the day. “Tex is with the clients even in our group sessions.

He is taught not to distract the members during group discussions. He is a member like the residents. He picks up on people’s energies. He senses emotions in people. I have seen him go to someone in group sessions that may be crying and lay at their feet. He hasn’t been trained to do that yet. He is developing that skill,” says Degeyter.

“I am happy that we have Tex. I love him. I am grateful that we have this opportunity. He is just like one of the guys now.

In the beginning there were a lot of ups and downs. Much like the residents of the Bridge House, he needed rehabilitation.

He is doing much better now. You can see the compassion that many of the residents have for him. It is something that we haven’t seen before. Many of the residents are saying that they want a dog when they get back to normal life. I would say with 100 percent confidence that having Tex here is helping the clients learn responsibility,” Degeyter adds.

It’s no small wonder that the Assisi Bridge House is a haven for Tex. The facility’s patron saint is known for his love for animals.

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Feature

What the clients are saying about Tex “Tex has aided my recovery by making me feel at home while I’m here at the Bridge House because I own two dogs myself that I treat like children. I was really missing my puppies. I can decompress by playing with Tex when I am having a bad day or am upset. I can play with him and get in a better mood.

Taking care of him takes me out of myself and helps me focus on something other than what I am facing.”

“Tex has taught me how to be patient and tolerant especially during his training. He has also taught me how to love and how to be gentle and how to care for something/someone besides myself. It will be very beneficial for me when I get out to stay outside of myself and be cautious of other people’s needs.

I am learning how to help someone other than myself. It will help me learn to give back to society instead of taking.”

“My experience in my drug addiction

has always been being judged by others.

Even by other addicts. Upon arriving at Assisi Bridge House those feelings were more prevalent than ever. I needed something different. Tex was that difference. Tex doesn’t judge. Tex loves unconditionally. I believe that God’s love is shown through animals. It comes naturally. Tex doesn’t care what we’ve done but only that we see him and whether we feed him or not.”

“God has shown me that everyone gets second chances. Every man in this program, and Tex. I don’t want to know all the things this animal had to endure while alone on the streets. What matters is that he is here and he is loved. I don’t see a better gift in my recovery at this point. God comes in many ways to help us. He sent Tex.” “Drug addiction is the single most selfish disease in the world. Nothing can be more important when living in

bondage like that. With Tex there can be no selfishness. He depends on me solely. Teaching him good behaviors and feeding him are the same as raising a child. That animal is no different than your own child. It’s up to us to care for him and teach him. To me the amazing thing about an animal and a child is that the one thing you don’t have to teach them is how to love. That comes as natural as only God can be, and that is a priceless gift.”

“We can all learn from taking in an animal such as Tex. The lessons that he is teaching me now, I will apply to my own children and my friends. AGAPE love is God’s love … unconditional love … love given freely with no expectations in return. If I can ever love as this animal loves, then I have reached a point in my life that only God can bring you. That is success. We all deserve second chances.” BC

Billy Degeyter, LPC, LAC, counselor at the Assisi Bridge House, practices simple commands with Tex, a black Labrador Retriever being trained as a therapy dog.

December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 29

Special

VETERANS DAY

30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • December 2019

Special

2019

Students at St. Bernadette Catholic School in Houma and St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Thibodaux held Veteran’s Day ceremonies at their respective schools. Students wore patriotic red, white and blue colors that day. The students also sang patriotic songs and paid homage to those who served our country bravely in the military.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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

Announcement

Six ways to benefit from a year-end gift Catholic Foundation Update Amy Ponson

The final months of the year are traditionally considered the season of giving. In addition to the gifts we give to the important people in our lives, this season of generosity is also the prime time to show support for the causes we love. When you support your parish or school through the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana (CFSL) this year, not only will others benefit, but so will you.

Explore Your Options Although there may still be time to make several different types of charitable gifts, based on your unique situation and tax considerations, some gift types may be more practical than others. Following are a number of popular options.

1. Make an immediate impact.

Cash is an easy way to give each year. You can receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full value of the gift. If you write a check for

less than $250, a copy of the check will suffice as a record of the gift. You should obtain a receipt for gifts of $250 or more.

2. Save taxes on appreciated stock.

When you donate stocks through the CFSL that are worth more than what you originally paid for them, you can claim deductions for their full fair market value and eliminate any tax on the appreciation.

3. Avoid the hassles and costs associated with selling real estate.

Like securities, if you try to sell appreciated property, you will be subject to capital gains tax on the appreciation. By donating the property to charity, you can enjoy tax savings and relieve yourself from the hassles of selling or maintaining it.

4. Earn income from your gift.

Gifts such as a charitable remainder trust or a charitable gift annuity provide you, or a beneficiary of your choice, with payments for life or a period of years, and your parish or school through the CFSL with support thereafter.

If you use appreciated securities to fund the gift, you will be entitled to an income tax deduction based, in part, on the charitable portion of the securities’ full value, in addition to eliminating

up-front capital gains tax.

5. Put an insurance policy to good use.

An old policy you no longer need can make a big impact on our work. To qualify as a deductible gift, the CFSL must become the policy owner. For most types of insurance policies, your tax deduction is usually the cost basis or the fair market value of the policy— whichever is less.

It is more common for policies to still require premiums to be paid. When you donate these, the future premiums are tax-deductible as you pay them.

6. Repurpose special personal items.

Perhaps you have tangible items, such as artwork or other collectibles, that you would like to give to your parish or school to support its mission.

Please contact us so that we can help you determine the charitable deductions for your personal property gift.

(The information in this publication is not intended as legal or tax advice.

For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.) BC

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December Daily Prayer for Priests, Deacons and Seminarians

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 December

2

3

4

5

6

7

Rev. Peter Tai Le

Rev. Glenn LeCompte

Very Rev. Eric Leyble, J.V.

Rev. Jacob Lipari III

Rev. Joey Lirette

Rev. Aurelio Luzon

Rev. Clyde Mahler

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Deacon Jesse LeCompte

Rev. Fernando Anaya

Rev. John David Matherne

Rev. Andre Melancon

Very Rev. John Nambusseril, V.F.

Rev. Jean-Marie Nsambu

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Seminarian James Rome

Rev. John Bosco Tai Van Pham

Rev. Joseph Pilola

Deacon James Lefevre

Rev. Benie Rebosura

Rev. Patrick Riviere

Seminarian Wayne Romero

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Rev. Robert Rogers

Rev. Blair Sabaricos

Rev. Henry Sebastian

Rev. Mitchel Semar

Deacon Linwood Liner

Rev. Antonio Maria Speedy

Rev. Carlos Talavera

29

30

31

Deacon John Mattingly

Rev. James Thien Van Nguyen

Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs

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

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

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

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

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

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December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 33

Commentary

Invisibility A deacon’s wife’s confessions Angie Lefevre

A few months ago, I went shopping at a discount store on Hollywood Road. As I was walking toward the store, I noticed a weathered gentleman sitting in front of the store. He was using the electrical outlet to charge his phone. I thought about him while I was shopping. I wondered what sort of problems he faced in his life. What kind of living situation?

What was his health status? Did he have family?

As I left the store with my packages, I looked at all the things I was able to afford – and felt gluttonous. So I walked over to talk to this man. He politely introduced himself and asked my name. He told me a little about himself and that he was an out of work welder (which was not surprising considering our local economy at the time). Wanting to help him, I asked if I could go inside and buy anything that he needed. Sheepishly, he asked if I could buy him some cigarettes, explaining that he hadn’t had one in a couple of days and really craved one. Here comes my confession – I had never bought a cigarette in my life. I despise cigarettes, their addictive quality, and the horrible effect on people’s health.

But here was this man, asking me for help. Not the kind of help I was anticipating, but I did offer anything in the store.

So I rehearsed a few times as he told me what to ask the sales clerk. Then I went inside and bought my first pack of cigarettes. I didn’t feel guilty giving this man something so unhealthy, because in his hard life it was going to give him a tiny bit of pleasure. It could make him feel normal - instead

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of his usual outcast status. I have never forgotten Bobby. I look for him when I am passing through the parking lot off of Martin Luther King Boulevard. I have seen him a couple of times. He doesn’t remember me, but I call him by name and his face lights up. The fact that someone sees him instead of making him feel invisible.

I struggled for a long time with being a woman, a petite woman, who wants to help those in need, but also concerned for my safety. I believe it was my husband who told me that if I was unable to safely help someone, then I could certainly say a prayer for them instead. And if you don’t feel comfortable giving a stranger money, you can just stop and talk for a while. Learn their name. Being homeless can make you feel invisible. People pass by all day long and ignore your presence. No one makes eye contact. No one speaks to you.

And no one knows your name. Even a friendly wave or smile can be a gesture of love.

My husband made friends with Harry who lives in his small pickup truck in the Walmart parking lot. He will sometimes bring a chair and a couple of cigars to the parking lot. He and Harry enjoy some conversation and a cigar. (I don’t know why this confession keeps bringing up smoking!)

We won’t know the reason for a person’s homelessness unless we stop and ask them. Try not to ignore people. Don’t automatically assume they are drug addicts or alcoholics. If you don’t feel comfortable giving money, then pack a paper bag of items you can easily give to someone on the street (filled with protein bars, soap, socks, water, toothbrush, etc.)

And if you don’t feel safe interacting with a homeless person, remember to pray for them, because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ!

(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

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Book Reviews

Reading With Raymond Raymond Saadi

Marley

By Jon Clinch Atria $27 As Christmas Day is dawning, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts of his past, most recently by his onetime friend and partner, Jacob Marley, who had only recently died. That’s about all we really knew about Marley until author Finch fills us in about his childhood relationship with Scrooge, their meeting in a school without a curriculum or teacher. Marley is a crafty one, drawing Scrooge in to multiple treacherous affairs, profiting mainly from transporting slaves from Africa to America. Scrooge and Marley part finally as bitter enemies. BC

Louisiana Night Before Christmas

By Rickey E. Pittman Illustrated by Alexis Braud River Road Press $17.99 Oh no! Christmas is in danger! Papa Noël hit his head and has forgotten who he is. How will the good boys and girls of Louisiana get any presents this year? Not to worry, the nutrias, raccoons, pelicans, and even the Catahoulas are making sure that Christmas still comes to Louisiana this year. So, put out pralines and a plate of red beans (or maybe a hot bowl of gumbo) for Santa, and pass a good Christmastime. BC

A Living Gospel Reading God’s Story in Holy Lives

By Robert Ellsberg ORBIS $22 Ellsberg, author and publisher of many religious books, turns his attention to contemporary “models of holiness that speak to the needs of our time.” Notable persons such as Thomas Merton, Flannery O’Connor and Mother Theresa. The lives of these holy persons who personify the teachings of Christ prove one could live saintly lives while living. And as Ellsberg cautions, “It is a mistake to think that only officially canonized saints can open our hearts to the sacred or inspire us to love our neighbors or stand up for a just cause.” BC

The 19th Christmas A Women’s Murder Club Novel

By James Patterson & Maxine Paetro Little, Brown $29 Author Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club never seems to get a holiday. Only a few days before Christmas, Detective Lindsay Boxer arrests a “hit and run” thief grabbing and running away with an old man’s bag of gifts. Once captured he offers to tell about a major crime planned for the next day in exchange for mercy. His story convinces Boxer and her team his story is true which leads them to devote all their resources to stop what could be an unbelievable massacre. More current Patterson thrillers are Unsolved and Killer Instinct. His fans will love you. BC

Tell Me a Story: My Life with Pat Conroy

By Cassandra King Conroy William Morrow $24.99 It was one of those serendipitous meetings when Cassandra King met Pat Conroy, the best-selling author of The Prince of Tides. It was at a publishers’ party and when he left he said he’d call, which she doubted. He did call, and call, and call, virtually every day for weeks and eventually they met again and that was that. Filled with warm and humorous anecdotes of their years together, sadly only 18 years before he passed at 70. It’s a love affair that’s both sad and delightful. BC

December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35

Diocesan Events

www.bayoucatholic.com

December

n #iGiveCatholic giving day, Tuesday, December 3. n A Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m., at Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off.

January 2020

n Altar server’s retreat for the Hispanic community, Jan. 4, diocesan Pastoral Center, Schriever, 10 a.m.—2 p.m. n A Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sunday, Jan. 19 at 8:15 a.m., St. Lucy

Church, Houma, will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. n A Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sunday, Jan. 19 at 10:30 a.m., St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Thibodaux, will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. n Catholic Schools Week, with its theme “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead.

Succeed,” will be celebrated Sunday, Jan. 26 to Saturday, Feb. 1.

February

n Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s VITA Program is offering free income tax preparation and e-filing every

Tuesday (Feb. 4 – April 14) from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., on the second floor of the Terrebonne Parish Main Library in Houma, for wage earners making less than $60,000 a year. n Mother Teresa Women’s Giving Circle Valentine’s Tea, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2-4 p.m., Charlotte Bollinger’s Barn, 8847 Hwy. 308, Lockport. n Extraordinary ministers of holy Communion retreat for the Hispanic community, Feb. 15, diocesan Pastoral Center, Schriever, 9 a.m.—1 p.m. n Hispanic Family Day, Feb. 22, diocesan Pastoral Center, Schriever, 9 a.m.—4 p.m. n Hispanic Ministry workshop for choir members, Feb. 29, diocesan Pastoral Center, Schriever, 9 a.m.—1 p.m.

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36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • December 2019

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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 (2) 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 Leon “Ponoke” and Marlene Champagne Sem. Endowment-$2,225.00 Society of St. Joseph-$100 Father Patrick Riviere Sem. Endowment-$27,018.24 Parker Conrad Sem. Education-$15.000.00 Father Brett Lapeyrouse Sem. Education-$3,000.00

October 2019 Burse Contributions Claude & Lucy Mahler Family......................$300.00 Dean Joseph Chiasson .......$100.00

Open Burses with Balance as of October 31, 2019 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 .........................................$13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial .......................................$12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 .............................$11,560.00 Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ..............................$11,400.00 Joseph Waitz Sr. .......................................................$11,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ................................$10,900.00 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 ............................................. $7,900.00 Catholic Daughters .................................................... $7,080.00 Rev. Victor Toth .......................................................... $7,000.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee ............................................. $6,850.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ..................................................... $6,686.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ....................... $6,598.00 Rev. Peter Nies ............................................................ $6,000.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ..................................................... $6,000.00 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 Preston & Gladys Webre ........................................ $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 ..................................... $2,800.00 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 ............................................... $1,300.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield ............................................ $1,200.00

Dean Joseph Chiasson ............................................. $1,100.00 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 ........................................................... $1,000.00 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 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: $1,758,843.02 ~ CFSL Seminarian Endowments Total: $4,105,187.64 December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

Announcement

Holy St. Josaphat!

Mrs. Kathy Abboud’s second graders hold 26 pumpkins — one for each of the Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the church in Rome — on the Feast of St. Josaphat ... the first formally canonized saint from the Byzantine Catholic Church.

38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • December 2019

Announcement

Local Catholic schools exceed state ACT results The Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is in receipt of the District ACT College Readiness Results for the 2019 graduating class in the diocese. In comparison to statewide results, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux has yet again exceeded the state average in all areas, and have increased as a diocese in math, science and English.

“Our district composite score of 23.5 exceeds the 18.8 state average composite by 4.7 points,” says Suzanne Troxclair, diocesan superintendent of schools. “These results are the tangible proof of the dedication and hard work of a great many teacher- ministers, staff and students.”

The ACT report reflects the

achievement of graduates on the ACT over time, and is an indication of the extent to which they are prepared for college-level work. All 344 graduating seniors from the two diocesan high schools, E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux and Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma, as well as Central Catholic School in Morgan City, took the ACT exam and their results in all testing categories (English, mathematics, reading and science) exceeded the state averages by a minimum of three points.

As stated in the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, “The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops affirms the message of

the Congregation of Catholic Education that intellectual development of the person and growth as a Christian go forward hand in hand. Rooted in the mission of the church, the Catholic school brings faith, culture and life together in harmony.”

“A Christ-centered environment that fosters academic success is the collaborative effort of all of our schools.

We look forward to the intentional work of preparing our students for their colleges and careers, embracing our responsibility to form our students so that they are prepared to continue the mission of the Catholic Church as adult members of society,” adds Troxclair. BC

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

Sports

Tigers triumphant in Tuscaloosa! Surreal, indeed Overtime Ed Daniels

On the drive back Sunday morning from Meridian, MS, a reporter wondered.

What is the definition of surreal?

Because, that is what happened on a Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, AL. LSU had not scored a point in its last two games against Alabama in Baton Rouge.

But, on their first possession, the Tigers drove six plays, 92 yards to score the first TD of the game.

The drive was routine, almost easy.

Something LSU had done, a lot this season.

But, not against, Alabama.

In 2018, LSU rushed for 12 yards against Alabama.

One year later, LSU rushed for 166.

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow threw the ball, with impunity, over the middle of the field, against the Alabama defense.

LSU’s receivers won, time and again, against Alabama defensive backs.

LSU receivers ran uncovered, wide open, in a confused Alabama secondary.

Against Alabama, LSU actually had the better quarterback. And, that’s no knock on Tua Tagavailoa, who is a tremendous talent.

But, so is Joe Burrow.

LSU had the best running back on the field in Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

And, that’s no knock on Najee Harris, a very talented runner, who was the heart and soul of Alabama’s comeback in the second half.

The LSU offensive line, completely overmatched in last November’s meeting, stood up physically against the Tide defensive front.

If that is not enough surreal, here’s some more.

When Alabama, called a “dynasty” by Joe Burrow after the game, made their inevitable comeback, LSU answered with a pair of touchdown drives in the fourth quarter.

For much of the game, an Alabama crowd, who had watched their team win 31 games in a row at home, was hushed.

The silence, as they say, was deafening.

And, what a reporter heard after the game were things you just couldn’t

comprehend a year ago.

“I got tired of hearing from all of the fake Alabama fans in Louisiana,” said center Lloyd Cushenberry.

“It was great to shut them up.”

The coach at Alabama then actually said this about the LSU offense.

“It was challenging to defend,” said Nick Saban.

“Look, they have no weaknesses on offense.”

“I can’t give them enough credit for what they do.”

And, from LSU. A reporter asked LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.

“What’s the difference in this offense from one year to the next?”

“Coaching,” said Chase.

And, he paused and said the same thing again for some added emphasis.

“Coaching.”

And, the head coach of the LSU Tigers said this.

And, after he said it, no one looked around the room, and thought, does Ed Orgeron really mean it?

“We told our guys on Monday, that we were the better team.”

“But, we had to prove it.”

And, they did.

Surreal, indeed. BC

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40 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • December 2019

Announcements

Deacon Irving J. Daigle

Deacon Irving J. Daigle dies at age 95 Deacon Irving J. Daigle, a native of Schriever and resident of Thibodaux, died Monday, Oct. 21, at the age of 95. He was ordained a deacon by Archbishop Philip Hannan in 1980 and served his parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus in New Orleans, for 25 years.

After Hurricane Katrina destroyed his church and his home in 2005, he moved to Thibodaux, where he continued his ministry as a deacon at St. Genevieve Church parish. Deacon Daigle served his country in the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) during World War II. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Genevieve Church in Thibodaux with interment in St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux. BC

Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, Dec. 12 The Hispanic community of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux invites everyone to the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass which will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Cut Off. The rosary will be prayed beginning at 6:30 p.m. Following Mass, there will be a procession to the Cut Off Youth Center where there will be food, music, folklore, dancing and more. BC December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 41

Bishop's Message Merry Christmas

The Advent season invites us to prepare to welcome the Lord Jesus Christ when he comes in glory, and the Christmas season invites us to remember and celebrate the wonder, joy and humility of Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem. During this special time of the year, our hearts and memories turn in a special way to our family and friends, to those whom we love and those who love us. They are God’s gift to us, and we should always cherish and love them. It is my prayer that during the Christmas season the peace of Jesus Christ will reign in our hearts, and that the hope Jesus gives will be born again in our lives in the coming New Year. May all the blessings of Christmas be yours in great abundance! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Feliz Navidad

El tiempo de Adviento nos invita a prepararnos a recibir al Señor Jesucristo cuando venga en gloria, y el tiempo de Navidad nos invita a recordar y celebrar la maravilla, alegría y humildad del nacimiento de Jesús en Belén. Durante este tiempo especial del año, nuestros corazones y recuerdos se dirigen de una manera especial a nuestra familia y amistades, a aquellos quienes amamos y aquellos quienes nos aman. Ellos son el regalo de Dios para nosotros, y deberíamos siempre quererlos y amarlos. Rezo para que, en este tiempo de Navidad, la paz de Jesucristo reine en nuestros corazones, y que la esperanza que Jesús da nazca de nuevo en nuestras vidas en la llegada del Año Nuevo. ¡Que todas las bendiciones de Navidad las reciban en abundancia! ¡Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!

, Giang Sinh Chuc Mung ‘ ‘ ‘

Mùa Vọng mời gọi chúng ta chuẩn bị chào đón Chúa Giêsu Kitô khi Ngài đến trong vinh quang, và mùa Giáng Sinh mời gọi chúng ta nhớ lại và cử hành sự giáng sinh kỳ diệu, phấn khởi và khiêm nhường của Chúa Giêsu tại Bêlem. Trong thời gian đặc biệt này trong năm, tâm hồn và ký ức của chúng ta hướng về một cách đặc biệt đến gia đình và bạn bè của chúng ta, đến những người chúng ta yêu thương và những người yêu thương chúng ta. Họ là món quà của Thiên Chúa dành cho chúng ta, và chúng ta phải luôn luôn trân trọng và yêu thương họ. Tôi nguyện xin rằng trong mùa Giáng sinh, sự bình an của Chúa Giêsu Kitô sẽ ngự trị trong tâm hồn chúng ta và hy vọng Chúa Giêsu sẽ tái sinh trong cuộc đời chúng ta trong Năm Mới sắp tới. Ước mong tất cả các phúc lành của Giáng sinh đến với Anh Chị Em thật nhiều! Chúc mừng Giáng sinh và Chúc mừng Năm Mới!

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Christmas Mass and confession times throughout the diocese Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 9, 11 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6 p.m.-until; MondaysThursdays, 5-5:20 p.m.; Fridays, 11:35-11:55 a.m.; Saturdays, 8-8:20 a.m., 3-3:45 p.m.; Sundays, 6:30-6:50 a.m., 8:30-8:50 a.m., 10:30-10:50 a.m., 5-5:20 p.m.

St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6:15-7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 3-3:55 p.m.; 30 minutes before all other Masses, walk-ins/ appointments at the church office anytime Annunziata, Houma Christmas Eve: 4, 11 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Confession: 30 minutes before all Masses Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 7, 9 a.m.; 1 p.m. Spanish Mass Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; Dec. 21, 1-4 p.m.; Dec. 23, 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Community of St. Anthony, Gheens Christmas Eve: 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Holy Cross, Morgan City Christmas Eve: 4 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; Dec. 23, 6-7 p.m.; Dec. 24, 9-11 a.m.

St. Rosalie Chapel, Morgan City Christmas Eve: 4 p.m.

Holy Family, Grand Caillou Christmas Eve: 4, 11 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Confession: Dec. 24, 3-4 p.m., 10-11 p.m.; Dec. 25, 9-10 a.m.

Holy Savior, Lockport Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3:30 p.m.

Advent Mission: Dec. 9, 6-7:30 p.m. Speaker, Father Darius Magunda Maria Immacolata, Houma Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 10:30 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9:30 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; one hour before Sunday vigil, 30 minutes before all other weekend Masses

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 11 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.

Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow Christmas Eve: 5, 10 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m., with Mass and adoration; 30 minutes before all weekend Masses Advent Mission: Dec. 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Speaker, Father P.J. Madden Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle Christmas Eve: 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Confession: Before all Masses Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma Christmas Eve: 4, 8 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8, 11 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 17, 6-8 p.m.

Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose Christmas Eve: 4, 6:30 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.

Advent Mission: Dec. 8-10, 7 p.m., Speaker, Father Duc Bui Sacred Heart, Cut Off Christmas Eve: 5 p.m., Spanish Mass, 9 p.m.; Midnight; Children’s Christmas play, 3 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8, 10 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6 p.m.; daily before weekday Masses and Saturdays, 3:15-3:45 p.m.

Advent Mission: Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Speaker, Father Antonio Speedy Sacred Heart, Montegut Christmas Eve: 4 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8:30 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; Saturdays, 3:30-3:55 p.m.; Sundays, 8-8:25 a.m.; anytime by appointment Sacred Heart, Morgan City Christmas Eve: 4:30, 8 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, 4 p.m.; Monday-Friday, before 6:30 a.m. Mass Advent Mission: Dec. 17, 6-7:30 p.m., Speaker, Father Antonio Speedy St. Andrew, Amelia Christmas Eve: 4 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; Dec. 21, 3-3:30 p.m.; Dec. 22, 7-7:30 a.m.

Advent Mission: Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Healing Mass, anointing of the sick; Speaker, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

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December 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 43

Christmas

Mass schedules cont.

St. Ann, Bourg Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 10 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; 30 minutes before every Mass Advent Mission: Dec. 5, 6-7 p.m., Speaker, Deacon Rusty Bruce; Dec.12, 6-7 p.m., Speaker, Father Cody Chatagnier; Dec. 19, 6-7 p.m., Speaker, Deacon Daniel Duplantis St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.

St. Bernadette, Houma Christmas Eve: 4 p.m. in church; 4:05 p.m. in Father Pat O’Brien Center; 6 p.m. in church, Midnight Christmas Day: 8, 10 a.m.

Confession: Mercy Nights, Dec. 4, 11, 18, 7-8 p.m.; “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 4-6 p.m.

Advent Mission: Dec. 5, 6:45 p.m. Speaker, Father Paul Birdsall St. Bernadette School Live Nativity: Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m.

St. Bridget, Schriever Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 11 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6 p.m.; Monday-Friday, 7:30-7:55 a.m.; Saturdays, 3-3:50 p.m.; Sundays, 7:30-8:20 a.m.; 9:50-10:20 a.m.

Advent Mission: Dec.11, 6-8 p.m., Speaker, Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait, V.G. St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes Christmas Eve: 4, 10 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m.

Confession: Thursdays, 8:30-9 a.m.; Fridays, 8:30-9 a.m.; by appointment.

St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 4-8 p.m.

St. Eloi, Theriot Christmas Eve: 4:30, 6:30 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Penance Service: Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Confession: Dec. 23, 6-8 p.m.

Advent Mission: Dec.1-4, 7 p.m. Speaker, Father Shenan J. Boquet

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Christmas

Mass schedules cont.

St. Genevieve, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 10 p.m.; 4 p.m., Lafourche Nursing Home Christmas Day: 8:30 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; Saturdays 3:15 p.m. until Mass time; Sundays 9:45 a.m. until Mass time and 5:15 p.m. until Mass time; First Wednesdays immediately after 7 a.m. Mass Advent Mission: Dec.1 at the 6 p.m. Mass, Dec. 2-3, 6:30 p.m. Speaker, Father P.J. Madden St. Gregory, Houma Christmas Eve: 4, 9 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: 30 minutes before each Mass St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 7, 9 a.m.

Confession: Advent Mercy Nights/Adoration, Dec. 5, 12, 19, 6:30-8 p.m.

St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; 30 minutes before each Mass

St. Joseph, Chauvin Christmas Eve: 4, 11 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; Dec. 4, 6 p.m.

Advent Mission: Dec. 2-4, 6 p.m. Speaker, Andi Oney St. Joseph, Galliano Christmas Eve: 4 p.m. in the parish center, Midnight Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; 30 minutes before each weekend Mass St. Lawrence, Chacahoula Christmas Eve: 4:30 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9:30 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.

St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer Christmas Eve: 4 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.

St. James Chapel, Choctaw Christmas Eve: 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Day: 7:30 a.m.

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Christmas

Mass schedules cont.

St. Louis, Bayou Blue Christmas Eve: 4, 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8, 10:30 a.m.

Confession: One hour before all weekend Masses Dec. 21-22; Dec. 21 from 3-5 p.m.; Dec. 22, 5 p.m.; Dec. 24, 10 a.m., and by request

St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 5, 7 p.m., Midnight Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.; 30 minutes before every Mass

St. Lucy, Houma Christmas Eve: 7 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8:15 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, all day Advent Mission: Dec. 9-11, 6 p.m. Speaker, Father Tony Ricard

Thanh Gia, Amelia Christmas Eve: 10 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 7 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 19, Noon-5 p.m.; before all Masses Advent Mission: Dec. 3-4, 6:30 p.m., Speaker, Father Glenn LeCompte St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland Christmas Eve: 4, 6, 11 p.m.

Christmas Day: 9 a.m.

Confession: “The Light is On for You,” Dec. 18, 6-8 p.m.

Vietnamese Community, Houma Christmas Eve: 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Day: Noon Vietnamese Community, Larose Christmas Eve: 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m.

Vietnamese Community, Thibodaux Christmas Eve: 7:30 p.m.

Christmas Day: 8 a.m. BC

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Christmas

Adopt-a-Family

Bring happiness to the needy Doing without the things that most of us take for granted is a way of life for some families in our community. Jennifer Gaudet, associate director of Individual and Family Assistance for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, says that some children cannot go to social events, cannot expect certain toys for Christmas or their birthday, or even have a Christmas tree because their families cannot afford these things.

At Christmas time, there are organizations such as Catholic Charities Adopt a Family program that strive to help children make their dreams come true.

“Since I have an understanding of what it feels like to live in poverty conditions, I am extremely grateful to the businesses and families that call upon us to ‘adopt’ families for Christmas. I am not sure if they fully understand how deeply their gifts reach into the human soul. It is more than just a toy that is being given. A gift helps children’s selfesteem and lessens the financial stress the parents feel as the holiday season approaches,” says Gaudet.

Gaudet sees children receive some things that go beyond the joy of receiving a toy. “This program is more than just giving and receiving. It is mainly about sharing one’s love and strength with someone else who feels tired and run down. By participating in this type of program, the strength of the loving Christ child becomes present to both parties and joy fills the air,” Gaudet says.

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

How to Adopt a Family for Christmas Businesses and families who wish to interact directly with a family in need may participate in the Adopt a Family program.

Once a group knows how much money they have available to assist a family, they need to decide how they wish to help – with food, badly needed items for the home, clothes for the family or toys for the children. Once this decision is made, the group may call Catholic Charities in Houma at (985) 8760490. Gaudet will help match the group with a needy family.

Once a decision is made, the group will deliver the gifts to the family or if they prefer to remain anonymous, they can have Catholic Charities’ staff distribute the gifts to the adopted family.

In lieu of purchasing gifts, cash donations may be made to the program by sending checks to Catholic Charities Christmas Drive, 1220 Aycock St., Houma, LA 70360. Any small donations will be combined and used to assist a family (or families depending on the amount received) with gifts when a donor does not wish to adopt an entire family themselves.

Gaudet says that Catholic Charities cooperates with the Salvation Army, First United Methodist Church, and Faith Ministries in the area to ensure names of the needy are not duplicated and that as many children in need as possible are helped. BC

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Christmas

Pope Francis: Make space for wonder this Christmas

By HANNAH BROCKHAUS Vatican City, (CNA) - Make space for wonder and surprise this Christmas, Pope Francis urged recently explaining that the first Christmas had many surprises – including that God came into the world as a tiny baby.

The Blessed Virgin Mary was surprised by the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation and Joseph was surprised by the angel in his dream, which told him to take Mary as his wife, the pope says.

To welcome the Savior there are no powerful people, no ambassadors, just simple shepherds, surprised by the angels while working at night.

“But it is on the night of Christmas that the biggest surprise comes: The Most High is a small child,” he says. “To celebrate Christmas, then, is to welcome the surprises of Heaven on earth.”

Speaking at his weekly general audience, Pope Francis reflected on the surprising elements of Christ’s birth, and the way each Catholic can replicate the feelings at the first Christmas in his or her heart by making room for silence.

“Christmas is preferring the silent voice of God to the noisiness of consumerism. If we can be silent in front of the crib, Christmas will be a surprise even for us, not something seen before,” he says.

“Be silent in front of the nativity,” he advises. “This is an invitation for Christmas, take some time. Go before the nativity and stay in silence.”

Francis noted that since the beginning of Advent, the Gospel warned against becoming weighed down by the “anxieties of daily life.” “These days we rush, maybe as we never have during the year. But this is the opposite of what

Jesus wants,” he says.

We blame the fast-pace of the world, but Jesus did not blame the world; Jesus asked his followers to keep watch and pray.

It is easy to get wrapped up in consumerism and in parties this time of year, preferring “the usual things of the earth over the news of Heaven,” he warns. “If Christmas is just a nice traditional holiday, where we are at the center and not Him, it will be a lost opportunity.”

We will celebrate Christmas well, “if, like Joseph, we will give space to silence; if, like Mary, we say ‘here I am’ to God; if, like Jesus, we will be close to those who are alone; if, like the shepherds, we will leave our enclosures to be with Jesus,” Pope Francis says.

“It will be Christmas, if we find the light in the poor cave of Bethlehem.” BC

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