Bayou Catholic Magazine January 2019 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

INSIDE:

Bayou

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic

The baptism of the Lord JANUARY 2019 ~ VOL. 39 NO. 7 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

2019 Annual Bishop’s Appeal

2019 Annua

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

2019 Annual

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

Ways Give: Bishop’s Appeal 2019toAnnual

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

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

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

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

My Dear Brothers and Sisters Seminarian in Christ,

Post Office Box 505 education Retired priests Schriever, LA 70395 Or contact us at 985-850-3122 Catholic Diocesanor aponson@htdiocese.org youth formation Today, support this year’s Bishop’s education gs I am asking for your prayerful The Lord has for given me Annual many blessings

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

Please make checks payable to Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

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

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

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

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

or aponson@htdiocese.org

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

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

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

2019 Annua

The collection will be held January 26 and 27. Thank you for your generosity.

Contents

Features 18 Local craftsmen design monstrance

By Janet Marcel

Annual Bishop’s Appeal

By Janet Marcel

Advertisers Spotlight

By Janet Marcel

Laity in Action

By Janet Marcel

Columns 8 Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Pope Speaks

Pope Francis I

Questions of Faith

By Father Wilmer Todd

Readings Between the Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

Thoughts For Millennials

By Ryan Abboud

Reading With Raymond

By Raymond Saadi

42 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 16 Scripture Readings 20 Youth in Action 22 Heavenly Recipes 40 Diocesan Events Announcements 28 Catholic Foundation Update 34 Pastoral appointments 35 #iGiveCatholic recap 36 Vandy girls capture state titles 37 Women’s Cursillo weekend On Our Cover LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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

This stained glass window depicting the baptism of the Lord can be found at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. See page six for the answer to why Jesus was baptized.

Bayou Catholic Heavenly Recipes

How to reach us: BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132 BY MAIL: P.O. Box 505 Schriever, LA 70395

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

Gina Bakes:

FESTIVE COOKIES 22

This month’s heavenly recipe, gingerbread cookies, comes om Gina Dupuis, part-time secretary at Sacred Heart hurch parish in Morgan City. Gina has been working there or the past two years. “My friend Julie Delaune retired as ecretary here a couple of years ago. She told me about the b opening and suggested that I apply. I wasn’t looking for job at that time. I think that God was calling me here to o this. It’s a perfect job. I have the time off to take care of my family and still work. Julie has come back part-time and ogether we take care of the secretarial duties at the parish.” Gina says that she has loved baking since she was a eenager. “My grandfather and dad would make fudge. I elieve that got me started baking. I remember reading ecipes and saving them as a teenager. It was always recipes here baking was involved. I love to bake. I found this recipe n Southern Living. I tweaked it a little for my own taste. made it initially so that my children could decorate the ookies after they were baked. It became an activity or me and the kids. Everyone likes them. They’re fun o make; they’re pretty, and they taste great. All my iends have the recipe.” Gina and her husband Mike are Morgan City

Gingerbread Cookies

Lawrence Chatagnier

editor and general manager

INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup water 1/2 cup shortening 1/4 cup margarine 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda Pinch of salt 5 tsp. ground ginger 3 tsp. cinnamon 1-1/2 cup molasses

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

Janet Marcel

staff writer/administrative assistant

Brooks Lirette

advertising accounts executive

Lisa Schobel Hebert graphic designer

Meridy Liner

accounts receivable/payable assistant

DIRECTIONS:

Combine first three ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, Like usuntil on Facebook shortening melts. Combine flour, soda, salt, ginger or Find us on the web and cinnamon; add shortening mixture, stirring well. www.bayoucatholic.org Stir in molasses; chill three or four hours. Divide dough in half. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with cookie cutter and place on a Where to find your Bayou Catholic lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for Bayou Catholic magazine can be found 10 minutes. Cool cookies two minutes on churches cookie sheet; at all Catholic and Catholic schools remove to wire racks, and cool completely throughout the Diocesebefore of Houma-Thibodaux. To pick up a copy, yousoft). may also visit the decorating. (Cookies will be merchants who advertise in our issue. Those Repeat procedure with wishing to receive the magazine by mail can remaining dough. call Janet Marcel at (985) 850-3132 or write

Jan. 27 - Feb. 2

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box 505, Decorating Schriever, LA icing: 70395. Subscription price is $35 Mix confectioners annually. For the online sugar with a edition, small go to www.bayoucatholic.com

amount of milk or water, coloring January 2019 • Diocesemay of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 5 also be added. Add sprinkles or

From The Editor

Why was Jesus baptized?

While looking at a calendar of feast days in January one feast day stands out, the baptism of the Lord. I haven’t given it any critical thought before but the question came to mind: Why was Jesus baptized? I’m sure it’s a question that has puzzled Christians all down through the ages. It even puzzled John the Baptist, who performed the baptism. We all know what baptism does. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: The fruit of baptism, or baptismal grace, is a rich reality that includes: n forgiveness of original sin and all personal sins, n birth into the new life by which man becomes an adoptive son of the Father, a member of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit. By this very fact the person baptized is: n incorporated into the church,

the Body of Christ, and n made a sharer in the priesthood of Christ (CCC 1279). Why, then, was he baptized? Why did he insist on it, even when John the Baptist resisted? To find an answer to this question I went to Catholic.com, and found an explanation given by Father Charles R. Grondin from Rhode Island. He explains that Jesus did not need to be baptized. The baptism by John the Baptist was a baptism of repentance, and the sacrament of baptism removes original sin. Since Jesus had neither original sin nor actual sin, he did not need to undergo baptism. However, Jesus also had no need to be born, to suffer or to die as a man. He did so out of love for humanity. John the Baptist appears to recognize the strangeness of Jesus asking to be baptized (Matthew 3:14) yet obeys Jesus’ request. The baptism of Jesus began his public ministry and gave the first example that we are to follow. For if Jesus, who had no need of repentance or cleansing, humbled himself, then we all the more need to humble ourselves. Jesus not only gave the example for us to follow, but many Fathers

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

of the Church commented that in the baptism of Jesus the sacrament of baptism was born. It was a symbolic action that, though the grace of Christ, was changed into an ontological action. When we receive a sacrament, the grace flows to us from the sacrament, but in the baptism of Jesus the grace of Christ flowed into the sacrament. In salvation history, the Jordan River was very important. It was through the Jordan River that Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Jesus chose this spot to be baptized so that through his immersion and emergence from the Jordan River all humanity could be led to heaven. Ultimately, the reason Jesus chose to be baptized in the Jordan by John was not for him, but for us. 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

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Comment

Let’s make our New Year’s resolutions with hope

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

At the beginning of each New Year, we usually prepare New Year’s resolutions for ourselves that will help us to change for the better. Even as we prepare these resolutions, the disappointment of past failed resolutions haunt most of our attempts. As we are a few days into this current New Year, perhaps some have already forgotten or abandoned their resolutions, while others may already be finding them difficult. However, a few fleeting moments of success with our resolutions can be all we need to push on into the latter parts of the year. I want to focus on the hope that these resolutions inject into our hearts and into our outlook for the year. Every year we set up rules and objectives for ourselves because we believe that the resolutions can with some effort make us better. I have shared with you about the meaning of hope in the past. By hope, I do not mean the naive feeling that everything will turn out the way I hope simply because I want it bad enough. In contrast to this, for me the term hope references the implicit belief that tomorrow can be at least better and different from today if we actively do things differently. This kind of hope is opposed to despair, which is a generic feeling that things are as good as they are going to get, or that they can only get worse, or even that they do not matter at all. Also opposed to hope is a form of naive laxity where we believe that things will get better if we do nothing. Christian, supernatural hope is founded in the trustworthiness of God’s promise; particularly, God’s

promise of the resurrection and an eternal life of glory with him in heaven. For Christians, the ups and downs of earthly life are not of great importance because knowing and loving God comes before everything else. We have only to look at the lives of the martyrs for the faith. They are the first of many brothers and sisters who found life with God worth more than their earthly lives. What little comparison there is between the loss or gain of a day of an earthly lifetime to the unsurpassable joy of friendship and eternal life with God. I do not mean to minimize the real pain, loss and purpose associated with the sufferings of ordinary life, but I do want to emphasize that the martyrs really found Jesus more important than their sufferings, sufferings which were great and many. They placed their hope and trust in the promises of the savior. This is good news of the highest caliber. Jesus Christ offers us his friendship, and offers eternal life to his friends. In Jesus Christ, our ordinary hopes and dreams take on a whole new context. The conditions we put on ourselves, the plans we make, and dare I say the resolutions we set, can be reevaluated in the light of the Gospel. The pressure to be self-made is eliminated, and we find ourselves free to pursue the things of faith that inspire us. Following the example of the martyrs, Jesus invites us to make him the great focus of our lives. Radically reinterpreted in the light of the Gospel, we can establish our New Year’s resolutions based on becoming the kind of person who strives to be a good friend of Jesus; the kind of person that can freely pursue an authentic life of fulfillment in and with Jesus Christ. Much of why our past resolutions that failed were so disappointing was that they tended to be about things we thought would make us happy as goals in themselves, and they also tend to be open-ended. When our resolutions become goals in themselves, we can choose goals that do not matter much

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

to us in the long run. However, if our resolutions become means to a better end, they can have lasting results. For example, instead of resolving not to eat junk food, resolve to eat better for improved health, or to fast more for better spiritual endurance. Also, open-ended resolutions cannot be accomplished because there can be no successes. Instead, set a specific, achievable number of iterations. For example, I will fast once a week for a month or I will eat a salad as one meal a day. In this way, each instance becomes a little victory, moving you toward your goal rather than simply toward another endurance lap. If we make our New Year’s resolutions with hope, our 2019 can be our best year yet! May all the joy and peace of this New Year and what remains of the Christmas season be yours in great abundance! God’s blessings on you in this New Year!! BC

“

For me the term hope references the implicit belief that tomorrow can be at least better and different from today if we actively do things differently.

“

Comfort For My People

2 0 things you O W T n o p u t c Ref le ast year. learned this p

1 Wri te a bout hope to ONE thing you learn th is year.

If you could Z ERO in on o ne thing to imp rove on this year. What would it be? Why?

9 ive List NINE things that g year. you hope for the new

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

Comentario

Preparemos nuestro Año Nuevo Propósitos con esperanza Dios está por encima de todo lo demás. Sólo tenemos que mirar las vidas de los mártires por la fe. Son los primeros de muchos hermanos y hermanas que encontraron que la vida con Dios vale más que su vida terrenal. Hay una pequeña comparación entre perder o ganar un día de vida terrenal con el gozo insuperable de la amistad y la vida eterna con Dios. No quiero minimizar el verdadero dolor, la pérdida y el propósito asociados con los sufrimientos de la vida ordinaria, pero sí quiero enfatizar que los mártires realmente encontraron a Jesús más importante que sus sufrimientos, sufrimientos que eran grandes y muchos. Pusieron su esperanza y confianza en las promesas del salvador. Son buenas noticias del valor más alto. Jesucristo nos ofrece su amistad, y ofrece vida eterna a sus amigos. En Jesucristo, nuestras esperanzas y sueños ordinarios toman un contexto completamente nuevo. Las condiciones que nos imponemos, los planes que hacemos, y me atrevo a decir los propósitos que establecemos, pueden ser reevaluados a la luz del Evangelio. La presión para ser hechos por nosotros mismos se elimina, y nos encontramos libres para perseguir las cosas de fe que nos inspiran. Radicalmente reinterpretados a la luz del Evangelio, podemos establecer nuestros propósitos de Año Nuevo basados en convertirnos en el tipo de persona que se esfuerza por ser un buen amigo de Jesús; el tipo de persona que puede seguir libremente una vida auténtica de realización en y con Jesucristo. Gran parte de la razón por la que nuestros propósitos anteriores fracasaron y fueron tan decepcionantes fue que tendían a ser sobre cosas que pensábamos que nos harían felices como metas en sí mismas, y también tienden a ser abiertas. Cuando nuestros propósitos se convierten en metas en sí mismas, podemos elegir metas que no nos importan mucho a largo plazo. Sin embargo, si nuestros propósitos se convierten en medios para

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

un fin mejor, pueden tener resultados duraderos. Por ejemplo, en vez de decidir no comer comida chatarra, decida comer mejor para mejorar su salud, o ayunar más para tener una mejor fortaleza espiritual. Además, los propósitos abiertos no pueden lograrse porque no puede haber éxitos. En su lugar, establezca un número específico y alcanzable a realizar. Por ejemplo, ayunaré una vez a la semana durante un mes o comeré una ensalada como una comida al día. De esta manera, cada acción se convierte en una pequeña victoria, moviéndolo hacia su meta en lugar de simplemente hacia otra vuelta de resistencia. Si hacemos nuestros propósitos de Año Nuevo con esperanza, nuestro 2019 puede ser nuestro mejor año hasta ahora! ¡Que toda la alegría y la paz de este Año Nuevo y lo que resta del tiempo navideno sean suyos en abundancia! ¡Las bendiciones de Dios sobre ti en este Año Nuevo! BC

“

Para mí el término esperanza hace referencia a la creencia implícita de que el mañana puede ser al menos mejor y diferente de hoy si hacemos las cosas de manera diferente.

“

Al comienzo de cada Año Nuevo, por lo general preparamos propósitos que nos ayudarán a cambiar para mejor. Incluso mientras preparamos estos propósitos, la desilusión de los propósitos no cumplidos del año pasado persiste en la mayoría de nuestros intentos. Como estamos a pocos días de este Nuevo Año, quizás algunos ya han olvidado o abandonado sus propósitos, mientras que otros ya los encuentran difíciles. Sin embargo, unos pocos momentos fugaces de éxito con nuestras propósitos pueden ser todo lo que necesitamos para seguir adelante en lo que falta del año. Quiero centrarme en la esperanza que estos propósitos inyectan en nuestros corazones y en nuestras perspectivas para el año. Cada año intentamos con normas y objetivos porque creemos que los propósitos pueden, con un poco de esfuerzo, hacernos mejores. He compartido con ustedes el significado de la esperanza en el artículo pasado. Por esperanza no me refiero al sentimiento ingenuo de que todo saldrá como espero, simplemente porque lo deseo lo suficiente. En contraste con esto, para mí el término esperanza hace referencia a la creencia implícita de que el mañana puede ser al menos mejor y diferente de hoy si hacemos las cosas de manera diferente. Este tipo de esperanza es opuesto a la desesperación, que es un sentimiento inestable de que las cosas son tan buenas como van a ser, o que sólo pueden empeorar, o incluso que no importan en absoluto. También se opone a la esperanza una forma de debilidad ingenua en la que creemos que las cosas mejorarán si no hacemos nada. La esperanza cristiana y sobrenatural está fundada en la confiabilidad de la promesa de Dios; particularmente, la promesa de Dios de la Resurrección y una vida eterna de gloria con él en el cielo. Para los cristianos, los altibajos de la vida terrenal no son de gran importancia porque conocer y amar a

Binh luan bang loi

Hãy thực hiện các quyết tâm của chúng ta trong Năm Mới với niềm hy vọng thứ khác. Chúng ta chỉ cần nhìn vào cuộc sống của các vị tử đạo vì đức tin. Họ là những người đầu tiên trong số nhiều anh chị em đã tìm thấy sự sống với Thiên Chúa đáng giá hơn cuộc sống trần gian của mình. Sự so sánh nhỏ bé ở đây có là gì giữa sự mất mát hoặc có được của một ngày trong cuộc đời trần thế với niềm vui khôn tả của tình bằng hữu và cuộc sống vĩnh cửu với Thiên Chúa. Tôi không có ý giảm thiểu nỗi đau khổ, mất mát và mục đích thực sự liên quan đến những đau khổ của đời thường, nhưng tôi muốn nhấn mạnh rằng các vị tử đạo thực sự nhìn thấy Chúa Giêsu quan trọng hơn tất cả những đau khổ của họ rất nhiều. Các ngài đặt niềm hy vọng và tin tưởng vào những lời hứa của Đấng cứu thế. Đây là tin mừng lớn lao nhất. Chúa Giêsu Kitô ban cho chúng ta tình bằng hữu của mình, và ban sự sống đời đời cho các bạn hữu. Trong Chúa Giêsu Kitô, những hy vọng và ước mơ tầm thường của chúng ta có một cái nhìn hoàn toàn mới. Những điều kiện chúng ta đặt ra cho bản thân, những kế hoạch chúng ta lập ra và tôi dám nói rằng những quyết tâm chúng ta đặt ra, có thể được đánh giá lại dưới ánh sáng của Tin Mừng. Áp lực tự mình tạo ra được loại bỏ, và chúng ta thấy mình được tự do theo đuổi những điều của đức tin thúc đẩy chúng ta. Theo gương của các vị tử đạo, Chúa Giêsu mời gọi chúng ta làm cho Người trở thành trọng tâm chính trong cuộc sống của mình. Căn bản được giải thích lại dưới ánh sáng Tin Mừng, chúng ta có thể thiết lập các quyết tâm của Năm Mới dựa trên việc trở thành loại người cố gắng trở thành người bạn tốt của Chúa Giêsu; loại người có thể tự do theo đuổi một cuộc sống đích thực trong và với Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Phần lớn lý do tại sao các quyết tâm trong quá khứ của chúng ta đã thất bại, rất đáng thất vọng, là chúng có xu hướng về những điều chúng ta nghĩ sẽ khiến chúng ta hạnh phúc như những mục tiêu tự bản chất, và chúng cũng có xu hướng kết thúc mở. Khi các quyết tâm của chúng ta trở thành bàn thắng tự bản chất, chúng ta có thể chọn các mục tiêu không ảnh hưởng tới chúng ta về lâu

về dài. Tuy nhiên, nếu các quyết tâm của chúng ta trở thành phương tiện có kết thúc tốt hơn, có thể chúng sẽ có kết quả lâu dài. Ví dụ, thay vì quyết tâm không ăn vặt, hãy quyết tâm ăn lành mạnh hơn để cải thiện sức khỏe, hoặc nhịn ăn nhiều hơn để tinh thần có sức chịu đựng tốt hơn. Ngoài ra, các quyết tâm có kết thúc mở không thể hoàn thành bởi vì không thể có sự thành công. Thay vào đó, hãy đặt ra một số lần lặp đi lặp lại cụ thể và khả thi. Ví dụ, tôi sẽ nhịn ăn một tuần một lần trong một tháng, hoặc tôi sẽ ăn rau sà lách như một bữa ăn trong ngày. Theo cách này, mỗi trường hợp trở thành một chiến thắng nhỏ, hướng chúng ta tới mục tiêu của mình thay vì chỉ đơn giản là hướng tới một vòng đua kéo dài khác. Nếu chúng ta thực hiện các quyết tâm về Năm Mới với niềm hy vọng, năm 2019 của chúng ta có thể là năm tốt lành nhất! Cầu mong tất cả niềm vui và sự bình an của Năm Mới này và những gì còn lại của mùa Giáng sinh sẽ đến với tất cả Anh Chị Em thật nhiều! Xin Thiên Chúa chúc lành cho Anh Chị Em trong Năm Mới này!! Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa BC

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đối với tôi thuật ngữ hy vọng hướng tới một niềm tin ngấm ngầm rằng ngày mai ít nhất có thể tốt hơn và khác với ngày hôm nay, nếu chúng ta tích cực làm những điều khác biệt.

“

Vào đầu mỗi Năm Mới, chúng ta thường chuẩn bị những quyết tâm của Năm Mới cho chính mình, điều này sẽ giúp chúng ta thay đổi tốt hơn. Ngay cả khi chúng ta chuẩn bị các quyết tâm này, sự thất vọng của các quyết tâm thất bại trong quá khứ cứ ám ảnh hầu hết các nỗ lực của chúng ta. Còn vài ngày nữa là bước vào Năm Mới, có lẽ một số người đã quên hoặc từ bỏ các quyết tâm của họ, trong khi những người khác có thể nhìn thấy chúng với sự khó khăn. Tuy nhiên, một vài khoảnh khắc thành công thoáng qua với các quyết tâm của chúng ta có thể là tất cả những gì chúng ta cần để thúc đẩy cho năm tới. Tôi muốn nhấn mạnh vào sự hy vọng rằng những quyết tâm này sẽ thấm nhập vào trái tim và vào cách nhìn của chúng ta trong năm nay. Mỗi năm chúng ta thiết lập các quy tắc và mục tiêu cho chính mình vì chúng ta tin rằng các quyết tâm có thể với một số nỗ lực sẽ giúp chúng ta nên tốt hơn. Tôi đã chia sẻ với Anh Chị Em về ý nghĩa của niềm hy vọng trong quá khứ. Nói tới hy vọng, tôi không có ý nói cảm giác ngây thơ rằng mọi thứ sẽ diễn ra theo cách tôi hy vọng đơn giản chỉ vì tôi muốn nó như vậy là đủ rồi. Trái lại, đối với tôi thuật ngữ hy vọng hướng tới một niềm tin ngấm ngầm rằng ngày mai ít nhất có thể tốt hơn và khác với ngày hôm nay, nếu chúng ta tích cực làm những điều khác biệt. Loại hy vọng này trái ngược với sự tuyệt vọng, là một cảm giác chung chung cho rằng mọi thứ sẽ tốt như chúng là, hoặc chúng chỉ có thể trở nên tồi tệ hơn, hoặc thậm chí là chúng chẳng đáng quan tâm. Cũng trái ngược với niềm hy vọng là một hình thức lỏng lẻo ngây thơ nơi chúng ta, tin rằng mọi thứ sẽ trở nên tốt hơn nếu chúng ta không làm gì. Người tín hữu, niềm hy vọng siêu nhiên được thiết lập trong sự đáng tin cậy của lời hứa của Thiên Chúa; đặc biệt, lời hứa của Thiên Chúa về sự phục sinh và một cuộc sống vinh quang vĩnh cửu với Người trên Thiên Đàng. Đối với các Kitô hữu, những thăng trầm của cuộc sống trần gian không có tầm quan trọng lớn bởi vì việc nhận biết và yêu mến Thiên Chúa ưu tiên hơn mọi

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

Comment

Pope Francis: The path to peace requires humility The Pope Speaks

Vatican City, (CNA/EWTN News) In a recent speech, Pope Francis called for humility as a path to world peace, urging world leaders and citizens of every nation to work for an end to violence and a greater respect for human dignity. “There is a need for leaders with a new mentality,” the pope said. “Those who do not know how to dialogue and exchange with each other are not leaders of peace: a leader who does not try to meet the ‘enemy’, to sit with him at the table as you do, cannot lead his people to peace. To do this we need humility, not arrogance.” The pope’s words came in a Dec. 3 address to members of the Citadel of Peace Association, on the 20th anniversary of its founding. The organization, established by Franco Vaccari, has transformed the abandoned Tuscan town of Rondine into a center for study of conflict resolution, earning a nomination for the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize. Young people from areas of conflict in the world come to the center to study. “Your educational commitment is to host young people who, in various parts of the world, live stranded in cultures poisoned by pain and hatred, and to offer them a bold challenge: to verify in person whether the other, he or she who is beyond a closed boundary, of barbed wires or impassable walls, is really what everyone claims: an enemy,” Pope Francis told members of the association. “In these 20 years you have developed

PHOTO/VATICAN MEDIA

Pope Francis meets with members of the Citadel of Peace Association. a method capable of transforming conflicts, of bringing young people out of this deception and restoring them to their peoples for a full spiritual, moral, cultural and civil development: generous young people who, innocent, are born with the burden of the failures of previous generations.” The pope noted that peace and those in poverty were close to his heart when he chose the name Francis. Poverty and war are linked to suffering and hatred, he said. “By choosing to dedicate yourselves to young people, you also commit yourselves to fighting poverty and building peace, as a work of justice and love.” He noted that members of the Citadel of Peace Association will present an appeal at the United Nations next week, for the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Pope Francis offered his support for the appeal, saying it “contains and proposes a concrete vision.” “Listening to a young Palestinian and a young Israeli who together ask the governments of the world to take a step that can reopen the future, transferring the cost of a weapon from the defense budget to the education

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

budget to form a peace leader, is a rare thing, it is a bright thing!” The pope said that his upcoming message for the World Day of Peace on Jan. 1 stresses “that political responsibility belongs to every citizen, in particular to those who have received the mandate to protect and to rule.” Emphasizing that “trust is created only in dialogue” and “peace is the responsibility of every person,” Pope Francis urged, “With the efforts of everyone, we must definitively remove war from the planet and from the history of humanity.” Those who have been formed at Rondine, the pope said, have learned trust and are now young leaders who are ready to accept professional and political duties for the sake of the common good. He encouraged the association as it moves forward to break down barriers and maintain a sense of wonder and humility, working for a greater respect of human dignity. “Dear young people of Rondine, safeguard the trust you have gained among you and transform it into a generous task of service to the common good,” he said. BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Wilmer Todd

What happens when we “forget” about God? When we forget about God, do things go bad? When I was on sabbatical years ago, one of my professors taught me that religion was all about relationships with God and others. When a lawyer asked Jesus, which commandment in the law is the greatest? He answered, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment, and a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:3639). Like any relationship, we must cultivate our union with God and keep it alive. God always takes the initiative in dealing with us. St. John reminds us, “God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:9-11). Our vocation in life as Catholic Christians is to respond to God’s love by loving God and our neighbor. So what happens when we “forget” about God? First of all, God does not become angry with us and send some terrible calamities into our lives. This would go against the very nature of God whom St. John tells us very clearly that “God

is Love.” An all loving God cannot and will not send evil into the life of a person who does not respond to God’s divine love. The big question is what happens to us when we fail to respond to the love God has for us or we cut ourselves off from the divine energy? Many spiritual writers have used the metaphor that we human beings have a hole in our hearts that only God can fill. When we try to get along without that divine power in our hearts, many things can go wrong. We can feel that emptiness in our hearts and try to fill it with some type of addictive behavior. We can turn to drugs, alcohol, abuse of sex, buying things, money, status, eating disorders, power, other people, experiences, gambling, etc., in the hope that these things will fill the emptiness we feel. Of course, no material thing or person can replace God. St. Augustine came to this conclusion 1,500 years ago after he tried to find happiness in everything except God. He said in his confessions, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church echoes this statement when it says, “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because humans are created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw us to himself.

Only in God will we find the truth and happiness we never stop searching for (CCC 27). When we fail to make God a part of our life, what we are really saying explicitly or implicitly is: “I can stand on my own two feet. I don’t need God.” When we cut ourselves off from the divine energy, we are not taking advantage of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, courage, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts can guide us through life’s difficulties. When we try to do it on our own and not with God, we lose that divine impetus and vices like laziness, procrastination, fear, doubt, instant gratification, indecision, escapism, pride, self-deception and tension become part of our lives. We become less than God intended us to be. Yes, things can go wrong when God is not part of our lives but it’s not God’s fault, it’s ours. BC

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

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

Reflections

Promoting Christian unity Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

“Not concerning those alone do I pray, but concerning those who believe in me on account of their word, in order that all may be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, in order that they also may be one in us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory which you have given me, in order that they may be one as we are one. I in them and you in me, in order that they may be complete as one, in order that the world may know that you sent me, and you loved them as you loved me. Father, those you have given me, I wish that where I am they might be with me, in order that they may see my glory which you have given me, because you loved me from the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, even the world does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I also have made known to them your name, and I will make it known, in order that the love with which you loved me might be in them and I in them” (John 17:20-26, translation by Father Glenn LeCompte). In this tender passage from John’s Gospel Jesus interweaves the concepts of faith, love, unity and glory as he prays for his disciples and those who will believe in them because of their word. But notice that there are a lot of “in order that” phrases in the passage. In other words, the prayer expresses a desire that certain things will happen; one such thing is unity. Therefore, there is an implicit tension in this passage, a tension regarding the unity of John’s community in the last decade of the first century. In other words,

Pope Francis preaches unity at the World Council of Churches. this prayer for unity implies that the oneness of the community is in danger of being compromised. 1 John 4:4-8, written perhaps 10 years after the Gospel of John, suggests that a schism has occurred in the community. A sect of the community which disagrees with the author’s sect on the doctrine of the reality of the incarnation, has separated itself from the latter sect. This disunity the author claims is a failure regarding love. Love and unity are so important in the Johannine literature that they are essential to a believer’s relationship with God. People cannot love the God they do not see without loving the neighbor they do see (1 John 4:20-21). Additionally, love and oneness is very important for the Johannine Christians, who by this time are a religious group distinct from Judaism, if they are to survive. Several commentators see in the tensions in the Gospel and Letters of John the seedlings of the bitter disputes between the Gnostic sect and the group that earned the stamp of orthodoxy in the second century. “In order that they may be one.” Pope John Paul I, in his radio message of August 27, 1978, commented on these words from John 17:21 by saying: “We wish to continue the ecumenical thrust, which we consider a final directive from our immediate predecessors. We

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

watch with an unchanging faith, with a dauntless hope and with endless love for the realization of that great command of Christ: ‘That they may all be one’ (John 17:21). His heart anxiously beats for this on the eve of his sacrifice on Calvary. The mutual relationships among the churches of the various denominations have made constant and extraordinary advances as anyone can see; yet division remains a cause for concern, and indeed a contradiction and scandal in the eyes of non-Christians and non-believers. We intend to dedicate our prayerful attention to everything that would favour union.” Building upon Pope John Paul I’s statement of ongoing commitment to the ecumenical movement, Pope Saint John Paul II expounded on it in his encyclical, In Order that they May be One. John Paul II’s successor, Benedict XVI, at an ecumenical meeting in Cologne, Germany, said, “... immediately following my election as Bishop of Rome, I declared, as the Successor of the Apostle Peter, my firm commitment to making the recovery of full and visible Christian unity a priority of my Pontificate.” Finally, Pope Francis, last summer at a gathering of the World Council of Churches in Geneva stated, “I wanted to take part personally in the celebrations

Reflections

marking this anniversary of the World Council, not least to reaffirm the commitment of the Catholic Church to the cause of ecumenism and to encourage cooperation with the member churches and with our ecumenical partners.” The dedication of the Holy Fathers to ecumenism represents their fidelity in carrying out the decisions of the Second Vatican Council to engage in ecumenical dialog in the interest of Christian unity, as expressed in its Decree on Ecumenism. Since the council ended in 1965 much has been done in the interest of ecumenism. There have been ecumenical dialogs with Orthodox Christians, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Evangelical Churches. The levels of agreement reached with each one of these religious sects differs and in no case has it reached perfection. Yet the concord among these churches is now greater than it was before the ecumenical movement began.

Unfortunately, most people are unaware of these dialogs, and I have to admit, I did not know the depth of them until I taught a class on ecumenism recently and had to do some research. In Louisiana, there is an ecumenical organization called the Louisiana Interchurch Conference, in which the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux participates. Working for unity is essential to the faith-life of every Christian. In this historical era, when Christian principles are being challenged by society, the unity of Christians will lend strength to the veracity of our common beliefs. Furthermore, we need not think that dialog with other churches is a threat to what we believe; hopefully it will help us understand our faith even better. The Decree on Ecumenism No. 4 set forth the following pastoral principles: 1) greater understanding of beliefs is needed, 2) cooperation in efforts for the common good, 3) common

prayer, 4) unity in essentials, diversity in what is not essential, 5) charity must prevail above all else. The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25. Let us join our recent popes in furthering the ecumenical effort in our particular corner of the world. BC

Reflection Questions v How can you put the pastoral principles mentioned above in to practice? v What special activity can you engage in during Christian Unity Week to advance the cause of Christian unity? v What common dialogs or shared experiences with people of other denominations or faiths have been spiritually fruitful for you?

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

Monday

ScriptureReadings Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

24 December 25

1 January

and a listing of Feast days and saints Saturday

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24 Luke 2:41-52

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God Numbers 6:22-27 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21

Memorial of Christmas Weekday Saints Basil the 1 John 2:29—3:6 Great and Gregory John 1:29-34 Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the church 1 John 2:22-28 John 1:19-28

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious 1 John 3:7-10 John 1:35-42

Memorial of Saint John Neumann, bishop 1 John 3:11-21 John 1:43-51

Weekday 1 John 3:22—4:6 Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

Weekday 1 John 4:7-10 Mark 6:34-44

Weekday 1 John 4:11-18 Mark 6:45-52

Weekday 1 John 4:19—5:4 Luke 4:14-22

Weekday 1 John 5:5-13 Luke 5:12-16

Weekday 1 John 5:14-21 John 3:22-30

Memorial of Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 2:18-22

Weekday Hebrews 2:5-12 Mark 1:21-28

Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Hebrews 6:10-20 Mark 2:23-28

Memorial of Saint Weekday Thomas Aquinas, Hebrews 10:1-10 priest and doctor of Mark 3:31-35 the church Hebrews 9:15, 24-28 Mark 3:22-30

Weekday Hebrews 2:14-18 Mark 1:29-39

Memorial of Saint Anthony, abbot Hebrews 3:7-14 Mark 1:40-45

Weekday Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Mark 2:1-12

Weekday Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 2:13-17

Weekday Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 Mark 3:1-6

Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the church Hebrews 7:25—8:6 Mark 3:7-12

Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, apostle Acts 22:3-16 Mark 16:15-18

Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops 2 Timothy 1:1-8 Mark 3:20-21

1 February

Weekday Hebrews 10:11-18 Mark 4:1-20

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

Memorial of Saint John Bosco, priest Hebrews 10:19-25 Mark 4:21-25

Weekday Hebrews 10:32-39 Mark 4:26-34

Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord 1 John 2:3-11 Luke 2:22-35

Seventh Day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord 1 John 2:18-21 John 1:1-18

Weekday Hebrews 1:1-16 Mark 1:14-20

Sunday

The Epiphany of the Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 Matthew 2:1-12

The Baptism of the Lord Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 Acts 10:34-38 Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 62:1-5 1 Corinthians 12:411 John 2:1-11

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Luke 1:1-4; 4:1421

January

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

Life is great ~

Get busy living.

Evangelization

Young People. That young people, especially in Latin America, follow the example of Mary and respond to the call of the Lord to communicate the joy of the Gospel to the world.

Independent Living Community

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Special

Local craftsmen design and fabricate unique ray burst monstrance Story by Janet Marcel

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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

After Father Antonio Maria Speedy was ordained a priest in December 2014, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre assigned him to the ministry of chaplain for the Office of New Evangelization. He and Paul Maclean, lay coordinator for that office, immediately began praying about new ways of evangelizing the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “When our community of the Little Friars and Little Nuns first came to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux with the dual charism of a contemplative prayer life and evangelization along the streets, we realized we had to stretch our creativity beyond the ‘typical European street’ that usually thrives with people walking from one place to another. Inspired by our ‘out on the streets charism,’ while at the same time recognizing the demographics of this diocese, we were regularly reminded of the local Catholic history that is so closely linked to the bayous. Priests such as Peré Charles Menard and Father Andrew Souby traveled tirelessly up and down these waterways in the establishment of the first parishes in this area,” says Father Speedy. Maclean knew that Father Dean Danos had organized small eucharistic processions for years along the bayous of the diocese traveling by boat. Father Speedy says the idea of bringing the eucharistic Jesus out onto the waterways sounded inspiring and appropriate. In 2017, they began planning the First Annual Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession. They discovered that Father Michael Champagne, C.J.C., from the Diocese of Lafayette, had organized such a eucharistic procession along Bayou Teche. “Father Champagne agreed to lend us the monstrance he uses for their procession, where we noted that he used a six inch host in a monstrance made by local craftsmen. When our 2017 plans had to be cancelled because of Hurricane Nate, we were given another year to pray and prepare for 2018 and began considering the possibility of making our own monstrance with local talent,” says Father Speedy. “Little did we expect to find so much talent, and little did we expect the final result to end up so very beautiful.” Having studied Father Champagne’s monstrance, Father Speedy says it was clear that they also needed one of a similar size: large enough to be seen from either side of the bayou as the boat passed. Knowing that Mervyn LeBlanc, of LeBlanc & Associates, had the steel cutting equipment and technology to cut something similar, Father Speedy approached him for advice. LeBlanc suggested that they visit Bobby Corte Jr., and soon, they were all enthusiastically brainstorming ideas about how and what

Special

to do to make the best monstrance possible given their limitations. Corte, founder and CEO of CORTEC, LLC, in Houma, says he and LeBlanc know from experience that successful results are best achieved by pulling the right people into the project. “When I was approached about participating in the project by Father Speedy and Mervyn LeBlanc, I knew immediately to ask Courtney Foret to work on the design. Foret is a mechanical designer employed by CORTEC who is also very artistically talented. The final design was definitely a collaborative effort with everyone participating and providing input. Father Speedy provided oversight and ultimately approved the final design rendering before production,” says Corte. There are multiple components in the monstrance assembly including a Luna, the housing, a decorative ray burst and the pole. Corte’s wife Ginny did research on the requirements for construction materials and finishes prior to starting the project. Once these were known they elected to purchase the Luna and housing from a specialty store, the F.C. Ziegler Company. Corte says it was important to Father Speedy to keep local content and utilize local resources, so rather than purchasing a completely finished monstrance, the ray burst and pole were manufactured at CORTEC, LLC. Multiple people employed by CORTEC, LLC were involved in the machining and fabrication process. The rays and pole were designed using Auto CAD 3D modeling software, allowing them to produce three-dimensional models with various design features for Father Speedy to consider. After having an approved design, the intricate features of the monstrance rays were cut from a brass plate using a water jet which produces a high-pressure jet of water mixed with abrasives to cut various grades of steel and alloys, explains Corte. “The monstrance pole, made from a combination of solid brass round bar and brass tubing, was machined using computer controlled (CNC) lathes and mills. It’s entirely original design work, designed and produced locally. After

Courtney Foret, a mechanical designer with CORTEC, LLC, worked on the design of the monstrance.

the cutting and machine work were done, I enjoyed the hours of hand deburring and sanding needed to prepare the monstrance for the desired surface finishes. I truly enjoyed the time spent on the finish work. Working on such a meaningful piece for the church was very fulfilling,” adds Corte. The entire project took about 11 weeks from start to finish including design and planning. The monstrance housing and the Luna are gold plated. The ray burst and pole are brass construction; after the deburring and sanding, the finish polishing and lacquer sealing was done by Zito’s Plating and Polishing of New Orleans. “I was pleased and excited to be part of a project that allowed all of us to express our skill, our faith, and our dedication to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. And in the end, we were all pleased at our ‘first effort’ for such an unusual task and are happy to share it all with our diocese. I love the entire final design, but the one feature most symbolic to me is the repeated wheat grain image arrayed around the ray burst; fortunately for me this was also a favorite of Father Speedy,” says Corte. “I was blessed to be able to share my God given talent on this project,” says Foret. “I’m elated that I was chosen for the design of the monstrance project. You never know when or where you will be called to do God’s work!” Father Speedy says they have not officially decided where the monstrance will be stored. However, as it was made primarily for the Annual Bayou Lafourche Eucharistic Procession and secondarily for any other diocesan event, it is most likely that it will be housed at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux where the eucharistic procession Bobby Corte Jr., Friar Volantino Verde, Courtney Foret and Mervyn LeBlanc ends. BC discuss the plating options for the monstrance. January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 19

Youth

in action Carlie Kay Christ School: Terrebonne High School Grade: 12th Church Parish: St. Bernadette, Houma Family: Nicole, mother; Charles, father; Gracie, older sister; and Elle, younger sister Favorite Hobbies: Dancing, reading, talking, smiling and praying Favorite Movie: Dirty Dancing Favorite Genre of Music: Christian, Country, Pop, all kinds!

What do you think is the biggest source of pressure for teenagers today? It has been said that we as teenagers are the most vulnerable humans of the entire race. This is the age where we’re allowed to make our own decisions in order to find our purpose here on Earth. However, I can attest that it is not as easy as it sounds, because we are constantly faced with obstacles that manipulate our feelings. The most dominating of these obstacles is social media. If you were to view any teenager’s Instagram or Twitter page, you would find that about 30 percent of the accounts they are “following” are people they know—peers, relatives and friends. Whereas the other 70 percent is composed of accounts belonging to people they have never met, such as: celebrities, models, athletes or

makeup artists. Teens are increasingly becoming more interested in these people and are bombarded with their flawless photographs, edited selfies, and their thousands of “likes” or “retweets.” However, social media allows these “famous” people to only expose the impressive aspects of their identity; they are able to conceal their impurities. And because teenagers do not know the person that they are seeing, they cannot truly assess their full being. This allows teens to form the belief that these people are perfect, and they begin to idolize them. They desire to have the same style, buy the same products, and act the same way as they do. Most teens are unaware that they are conforming to these strangers’

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

ways; they just wish to be as flawless as they appear to be on the media. But, these people are far from perfect, and they do not deserve to be idolized. Though their lives may seem complete and put-together, they actually face the same struggles as we do. They sin; they cry; they get angry; and they are not flawless—social media just makes it seem like they are. We should not feel pressured by this. We are sons and daughters of God, and he is the only one who is perfect. Once we realize this great truth, we will see that Jesus Christ is the one we should be yearning to follow, not the celebrities we see online. In doing this, we will be able to stay true to ourselves when discerning our Father’s will for our life. BC

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

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

Completed Burses and CFSL Named Endowment Funds

November 2018 Burse Contributions

Note: Numbers stipulate the amount of completed burses.*

Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. C. Thomas Bienvenu Harry Booker Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux (3)* Mr. Eledier Broussard Rev. Adrian J. Caillouet Rev. James Louis Caillouet Bishop L. Abel Caillouet Judge & Mrs. L.P. Caillouet Msgr. Lucien J. Caillouet Abdon J. & Ada B. Callais Harold & Gloria Callais Family Paul A. Callais Peter W. Callais Vincent & Fannie Cannata Minor Sr. & Lou Ella Cheramie Maude & Edith Daspit Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis family (3)* Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis C. Remie Duplantis Marie Elise Duplantis

Warren J. Harang Jr. Msgr. Raphael C. Labit Msgr. Francis J. Legendre Rev. Charles Menard Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Family Donald Peltier Sr. (3)* Harvey Peltier (30)* Richard Peltier The Peltier Foundation (5) Orleans & Louella Pitre Msgr. Joseph Wester Robert R. Wright Jr. Rev. Kermit Trahan St. Bernadette Men’s Club Diocesan Knights of Columbus Leighton Delahaye Mrs. Shirley Conrad Bishop Shelton J. Fabre Elizabeth Hebert Callais Family Fund Rev. Joseph Tu Tran

Society of St. Joseph Endowment Fund - $119,136.90 James J Buquet Jr Julius & Marie Pauline St. Amant Elie & Dot Klingman Bishop Sam Jacobs Endowment-$32,840.43 Giardina Family Foundation Sem. Endowment-$4,337.62 James J. Buquet, Jr. Family Sem. Endowment-$27,979.95 Diocesan Seminarian Endowment-$3,502,699.11 Mary and Al Danos Foundation Sem. Endowment-$38,621.30 Msgr. Amedee Sem. Endowment-$314,838.43 The Peltier Foundation-$14,482.97 Leo & Ethel Hebert Jane and John Dean Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis

Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis .......$2000.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ......................................$300.00 Rev. Michael Finnegan ..............................$50.00

Open Burses with Balance as of November 30, 2018 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 ...........................$13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial .........................$12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 ................$11,440.00 Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ................$10,700.00 Harvey Peltier No. 31 ...............................$10,486.91 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier ..................$10,400.00 Joseph Waitz Sr. .........................................$10,100.00 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 Society of St. Joseph ................................. $7,500.00 Msgr. William Koninkx ............................... $7,400.00 Rev. Victor Toth ............................................ $7,000.00 Catholic Daughters ..................................... $6,800.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ......... $6,598.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes ....................................... $6,286.00 Rev. Peter Nies .............................................. $6,000.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue ....................................... $5,900.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee ................................ $5,350.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ................... $5,000.00 Anonymous No. 2 ........................................ $5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Family No. 4 .....$5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming ............................ $5,000.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ........................ $5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski .......................... $4,839.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta ................................... $4,450.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ...................................... $4,311.00

Harry Booker No. 2 ..................................... $4,138.00 Msgr. James Songy ..................................... $4,075.00 Anawin Community .................................... $3,700.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ..................................... $3,610.96 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ..................... $3,500.00 J. R. Occhipinti .............................................. $3,400.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ............................ $3,060.00 St. Jude ............................................................ $3,000.00 Diocesan Knights of Columbus No. 2 ....... $2,894.62 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ............................. $2,600.00 Warren J. Harang Jr. No. 2 ........................ $2,600.00 Preston & Gladys Webre ........................... $2,350.00 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 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 Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski ................... $1,525.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ ............................... $1,450.00 Jacob Marcello .............................................. $1,400.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso ................................. $1,250.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield .............................. $1,200.00

Rev. Joseph Tu Tran No. 2 ........................ $1,094.00 Msgr. John G. Keller .................................... $1,050.00 Rev. Clemens Schneider ............................ $1,000.00 Bishop Warren L. Boudreaux No. 4 ....... $1,000.00 Edna W. DiSalvo .............................................. $950.00 Bernice Harang ................................................ $800.00 Deacon Willie Orgeron ................................. $800.00 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 Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Cannata ...................... $500.00 Robert Walsh .................................................... $500.00 Dean Joseph Chiasson .................................. $500.00 Paul & Laura Duet ......................................... $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: $1,729,868.02 ~ CFSL Seminarian Endowments Total: $3,698,292.89 January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21

Heavenly Recipes

Gina Dupuis

Gina Bakes:

FESTIVE COOKIES Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe, gingerbread cookies, comes from Gina Dupuis, part-time secretary at Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City. Gina has been working there for the past two years. “My friend Julie Delaune retired as secretary here a couple of years ago. She told me about the job opening and suggested that I apply. I wasn’t looking for a job at that time. I think that God was calling me here to do this. It’s a perfect job. I have the time off to take care of my family and still work. Julie has come back part-time and together we take care of the secretarial duties at the parish.” Gina says that she has loved baking since she was a teenager. “My grandfather and dad would make fudge. I believe that got me started baking. I remember reading recipes and saving them as a teenager. It was always recipes where baking was involved. I love to bake. I found this recipe in Southern Living. I tweaked it a little for my own taste. I made it initially so that my children could decorate the cookies after they were baked. It became an activity for me and the kids. Everyone likes them. They’re fun to make; they’re pretty, and they taste great. All my friends have the recipe.” Gina and her husband Mike are Morgan City natives. They have three children, two girls and one boy. The couple met when they were young adults. They were both attending morning Mass during Lent at Sacred Heart when they noticed each other as casual acquaintances at church. They began dating a year after they met. After dating they both knew they were meant for each other. It was later that her husband told her that he had prayed a novena for them to get together. Gina enjoys working at Sacred Heart. “I love the peace and quiet of working here. I have learned a lot about the Mass and how a church parish works. I have also learned computer 22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

Gingerbread Cookies INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup water 1/2 cup shortening 1/4 cup margarine 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda Pinch of salt 5 tsp. ground ginger 3 tsp. cinnamon 1-1/2 cup molasses

DIRECTIONS: Combine first three ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until shortening melts. Combine flour, soda, salt, ginger and cinnamon; add shortening mixture, stirring well. Stir in molasses; chill three or four hours. Divide dough in half. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut with cookie cutter and place on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool cookies two minutes on cookie sheet; remove to wire racks, and cool completely before decorating. (Cookies will be soft). Repeat procedure with remaining dough. Decorating icing: Mix confectioners sugar with a small amount of milk or water, coloring may also be added. Add sprinkles or colored sugar before icing dries. Yields about four dozen cookies.

skills by going to the diocesan workshops concerning parish software. Father Freddie, our pastor, married me and my husband years ago when he was assigned here. He is very good to work for. He is a great boss.” BC

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Special

Partners in Hope

Annual Bishop’s Appeal underway Story by Janet Marcel “Partners in Hope,” is the theme of the 2019 Annual Bishop’s Appeal (ABA), which will be introduced in church parishes on the weekend of January 26-27. The 2019 diocesan goal is $900,000. The funds received from the 2019 ABA will support the seminarian education, diocesan youth formation, Catholic education, and retired priests of the diocese. “These ministries play a vital role across our diocese. I invite you to serve the mission God has given us, renew your support this year as a Partner in Hope and prayerfully consider a gift to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. May you receive the blessings of the Lord and know that you have my deepest appreciation and grateful prayers,” says Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. Seminarian Education The ABA supports seminarians by ensuring that while in school they can focus on their vocation and not worry about the financial burden of their education. The diocese covers the cost of each seminarian’s tuition, books, room and board, and in some cases health insurance. On average it costs approximately $40,000 a year to educate one seminarian. Diocesan Youth Formation The diocese is in the process of developing a new approach to religious education and CCD programs in the church parish. In addition, parishes are receiving hands-on training

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

and development of youth ministers, resources for parishes to work with youth in small groups, and certification of parish lay ministers. Office of Catholic Schools One of the largest ministries in the diocese is Catholic education. Twelve Catholic schools serve over 5,000 students. Preparing students for fulfilling and faith-filled lives through education in Catholic schools is a vital part of the diocesan mission. Retired Priests The ABA supports retired priests of the diocese who have devoted their lives to serve the Lord, and have been instrumental in identifying the gifts of the faithful and forming missionary disciples, by assisting in their health and long-term care needs through cancer and intensive care policies, as well as supplementing their retirement income. For all church parishes that surpass their goal, a financial rebate will be returned to the parish to support parish needs. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is grateful to all of its generous donors – at every level – who support the work of the diocese. The 2019 Bishop’s Leadership Giving Circles consist of a community of benefactors who have taken a leadership role in the work of the diocese through their support of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Members of the

Special

Bishop’s Society of Giving recognizes those who have made a special commitment of $250 or above to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Bishop’s Partners in Hope are those donors who give at the $250 to $499 level. The Bishop’s Circle are those donors who give at the $500 to $2,499 level; the Mitre Society are those donors who give at the $2,500 to $4,999 level; the Crozier’s Society Bishop’s Guild are those donors who give at the $5,000 to $9,999 level; the Society of the Good Shepherd are those donors who give at the $10,000 and above level. Those who wish to contribute to the 2019 ABA can choose to make a one-time gift or use the pledge system in which they can make eight monthly contributions. Donations can also be made on-line by visiting www.htdiocese.org/ bishopsappeal. A video which includes the bishop’s message and how the funds will be used is available to view on the diocesan website. For more information about the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, call (985)850-3122. BC

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

Commentary

Adjusting to the noise Thoughts For Millennials Ryan Abboud

As January moves into full swing, we find ourselves beginning a new year once again. Due to the fundamental nature of the excitement that a new year brings, we may find ourselves in a whirlwind of New Year’s resolutions, pressures of creating a “fresh start” and the anxiousness that accompanies preparing for 2019. This time of year can lead to a lot of “noise” in our life. These external worries, tasks and events can cloud our focus in many aspects of our lives, including our spirituality. It can often be hard for us to listen and hone in to God’s voice when we’re constantly being rammed by life’s racket. In order to hear

God’s subtle knock, we must learn to adjust to life’s volume or noise. I once heard in a homily a beautiful explanation of why it may be hard for us to hear God’s voice sometimes. During the homily, the priest explained that our sense of hearing is one of the most dynamic or constantly changing aspects of our daily lives. Father went on to explain that when we’re in our car, listening to music, the radio starts at a comfortable volume. As soon as we hear a song we like, we raise the volume. Say the next song is a song that we really like, we may begin singing along, so we bump up the volume once again. Then, the next song is our favorite song! So we crank the volume all the way up and next thing we know, we’re giving everyone around us in traffic a front-row concert to our karaoke session! However, during the course of the song, say that we reach our destination. We may go knock out our grocery list, head to class, or even head home for the night. All is fine and dandy, until we get back in our car after our tasks are completed. We get back in the car, turn

it on, and we’re met by a wall of sound blaring in our ears. Our initial reaction is “Wow! This is so loud!” However, this obviously wasn’t our same reaction before we turned our car off. This just goes to show that our ears and sense of hearing adjusts to the noise around us. Therefore, when our lives get “noisy” and busy with activities, schoolwork, work and our social lives, the “volume” of our lives increases slowly as time goes on. We don’t always realize it since our ears just adjust. It’s due to this reason that we may simply not hear the Lord trying to talk to us. The Lord does not always adjust to the noise of our lives; he does not always come on rolling clouds and in fire, but rather he often speaks to us in a still, small voice. That’s why we must ensure that we keep the “noise” of our lives under control so we can hear Him, especially in this new season in our lives as we begin the New Year. (Ryan Abboud is a 2015 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma and a senior at LSU in Baton Rouge.) BC

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

Book Reviews

Reading With Raymond Raymond Saadi

Target By James Patterson Little, Brown $29 In this current thriller, Alex Cross is faced with five or more unknown but deadly terrorists bent on assassinating members of Congress and the Cabinet, perhaps even the president and other top officials. Dr. Cross, who has been consigned to the FBI, faces incredible odds despite the involvement of Capitol Police and Secret Service as the terrorists utilize high tech killing devices most unknown to our own military. Cross must use every conceivable strategy and implement every weapon at hand to overcome the attempted coup. BC

Elevation By Stephen King Scribner $19.95

The big mystery in this incredibly short 145 page novel is why Scott Carey is losing weight every day, without any change in his appearance or fitness. He also has a problem with his new neighbors, two women whose lifestyle is not acceptable in Castle Rock even though the women have created an excellent upscale Mexican restaurant. Furthermore their two dogs use his lawn for a bathroom. Reading how these problems are all resolved make this a delightful way to spend an hour or two. BC

Pieces of Her By Karin Slaughter William Morrow $21.99

Andrea Oliver is celebrating her 31st birthday with her mother in a mall restaurant when a man began shooting and killing diners eventually aiming directly at her mom’s chest. Instead of being paralyzed and terrorized, her always-gentle mom reaches out to the gunman and says calmly, “Shoot me.” This can’t be her mother of 31 years, no way. But now, this woman is someone else, someone with a past her family never knew, and readers must wait until the puzzle unravels. BC

The Big Empty By Stan Jones and Patricia Watts SOHO Crime $26.95 When the plane carrying Evie Kavoonah and her fiancé’, Dr. Todd Brenner, crashes into an Alaskan mountainside killing them both, it’s classified as accidental. But Cowboy Decker who taught Evie to fly and suspects foul play convinces Chukchi police chief Nathan Active to investigate. He indeed finds that the plane was tampered with and several locals are immediately identified as suspects. A vintage investigation with real detective work and no fluff. BC

Soul Seeing: Light, Love, Forgiveness By Michael Leach and Friends Orbis $22 From Leach’s I Know There Will Always Be Kindness to Brian Doyle’s last visit with his dying brother, We Talked about Love, But We Used Hawk Words. From James Martin’s Facebook Can Be a Conduit of Grace to Leonard Cohen’s How the Light Gets In, and 52 more inspirational thoughts that readers will find helpful to get through the day and perhaps, life. BC

Juror #3 By James Patterson with co-writer, Nancy Allen Little, Brown $28 For lagniappe, something extra: a suspenseful trial with you on the jury deciding the guilt or innocence of the accused. The evidence is there and you must vote. BC

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

Announcement

Good stewardship: Supporting the vision of the diocese and church parishes Catholic Foundation Update Glenn Vice

“The renewal of parish life” was Bishop Shelton J. Fabre’s response several years ago when asked what he would like to accomplish as bishop. To help realize that goal, the diocese, with the help of many parishioners, developed an extensive strategic plan with the theme, a future filled with hope. This plan, which was three years in development, is beginning to be implemented in parishes across the diocese. It is an exciting time because the plan truly seeks to do what Jesus commissioned all of us to do. Jesus instructed all of us to “Go, therefore, and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19), and that’s exactly what the parishes and their parishioners will be equipped to do through the initiatives laid out in the strategic plan. As any initiative would, these parish initiatives require funding. To help

gather this funding, most parishes will begin a stewardship campaign in 2019. The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana has offered training opportunities and program materials to the priests and parish staff on increasing planned giving and offertory giving. These trainings and materials are going to help parishes reach out more consistently and with more information, but most importantly, these stewardship campaigns are going to offer wonderful opportunities for you to partner with your church to help renew parish life and truly fill the future with hope. When giving comes up, most parishioners wonder just how much money they should be giving to the church. As with all life questions, we can look to the Bible for guidance. “Tell the rich in the present age not to be proud, and not to rely on so uncertain a thing as wealth but rather rely on God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good works and generous, ready to share, thus accumulating as treasure a good foundation for the future, so as to win the life that is true life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). How much we give should be guided

by generosity and readiness to share the earthly treasure we have. Giving is an important part of a Christian life and is a responsibility that all Christians should take seriously. The diocese and parishes have an exciting plan that will fulfill Bishop Fabre’s goal of renewing parish life, and you are invited to invest in that plan through the resources God has given you – your energy, your prayers and your money. It is through our combined sacrificial giving that we both support our churches and help to fulfill the great commission. An additional benefit to offering monetary gifts to the church is that gifts to a church parish are tax deductible and will reduce the income tax you pay if you itemize on your tax return. Contact the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana or your church parish for more information on giving and stewardship. Call Amy Ponson (985)850-3116 or email aponson@ htdiocese.org for a confidential conversation today. (Glenn Vice is a member of the CFSL Advisory Council and the diocesan Pastoral Council). The information in this publication is not intended as tax advice. For such advice, please consult a tax advisor. BC

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Advertisers Spotlight

Dr. Quemtin D. Falgoust and Dr. Richard Arceneaux

Dr. Quentin D. Falgoust and Advanced Eye Institute at the forefront of new technology Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Dr. Quentin D. Falgoust opened Advanced Eye Institute in 1974, immediately after completing his medical training at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. He began practicing out of two little rooms in downtown Thibodaux. He explains that the Thibodaux Medical Plaza was under construction at the time and he moved to that location in 1976. He was the first doctor to move there and says his office is the last one left in the building. They now have about 40 employees on staff (including part-time staff) with offices in Houma, Thibodaux and Vacherie; the doctors also visit optometry offices in Morgan City and Franklin. Dr. Falgoust feels that what built his practice the most is innovations. He was always quick to learn new ways of doing things and tried to be at the forefront of new technology. 30 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

When phacoemulsification, a modern cataract surgery, came along he was quick to start using that procedure. In fact, Dr. Falgoust says he flew up to Monroe to watch another ophthalmologist perform his first few phacoemulsification cases, and the rest is history. Dr. Falgoust was the second doctor in the state to buy a phacoemulsification machine, which he purchased himself for $25,000; and since then, he has purchased five more of these machines. Dr. Falgoust was also the first LASIK surgeon in the Houma-Thibodaux area, as well as the first doctor in the area to offer laser-assisted cataract surgery. “A lot of doctors, in big cities especially, where they have a great deal of competition, tend to push patients toward surgery earlier than they need to. From day one,” says Dr. Falgoust, “I have always let the patient decide if they

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wanted to be operated on. I tell them, ‘if you think your vision is affecting your everyday life, then make a decision to be operated on.’ But I never push anyone for surgery! To me, it’s an elective operation, except in very rare cases. I think my Catholic faith – I was educated by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Baton Rouge – taught me to be honest and truthful, and I always have been.” Dr. Richard Arceneaux, who has been working with Dr. Falgoust for almost five years, says what drew him to Advanced Eye Institute was Dr. Falgoust’s honesty and his faith, which was apparent when he interviewed with him. “In medicine, there can be a lot of smoking mirrors and doctors can lead patients down whatever road they want to; being honest is at the core of what a physician should be, but it’s also about being Catholic and having faith, and just doing what’s right for the patient. So, I always try to be honest with my patients, too.” Several years ago, when Dr. Falgoust was still working full-time, he instituted what he called “Mission Cataract Day.” He says he would travel to all the churches in Houma, Thibodaux and Morgan City and find out if they knew of anyone that maybe had fallen between the cracks insurance wise and needed cataract surgery, but couldn’t afford it. Various companies would donate needed items and he would do anywhere from 10 to 20 surgeries on that day in

his surgery center in Thibodaux. When treating his employees and his patients, Dr. Falgoust says he just uses common sense and like a Good Samaritan tells them the truth. “I have some employees who have worked for me for over 35 years,” says Dr. Falgoust. “The good ones just seem to stay.” Dr. Falgoust, who is “partially” retired – he goes to the office every other week to see patients and still performs LASIK surgery – says he may retire one day. When asked what the future holds for him, he says, “Grandchildren, Grandparents Day at their schools, spending time with family, fishing at Grand Isle, and hunting.” There are currently five doctors on staff at Advanced Eye Institute including Dr. Falgoust and Dr. Arceneaux, who are both LASIK and cataract specialists; Dr. Edward Stahel, general ophthalmology; Dr. Darby Chiasson, doctor of optometry specializing in glasses and contact lenses; and Dr. Richard Apt, an ocular plastic surgeon. Looking toward the future, Dr. Arceneaux says he plans to continue Dr. Falgoust’s tradition of innovation by continuing to be on the forefront of technology in the treatment of cataracts and glaucoma, and just making sure that the eye care of the people of this community is taken care of. “I know I have some big shoes to fill,” says Dr. Arceneaux. BC

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

Laity in Action

St. Louis

parishioner finds fulfillment in parish ministry

Stacie Lirette

Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Stacie Lirette, parishioner of St. Louis Church parish in Bayou Blue for the past 24 years, loves her church and enjoys participating in many different ministries that involve both the young and the old of the parish. Following her example, over the years her whole family has also become involved in parish ministry. Lirette has been a CCD teacher for the past 19 years. She currently teaches second grade and says she loves preparing the second graders to make their first Communion. “I enjoy being able to explain to them what the Eucharist really is 32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

and opening their eyes to what they are going to receive. They ask a lot of questions, so that’s a good thing.” She is also a member of the CCD core team where she helps the CRE with decision making, policies and procedures regarding the parish religious education program. Lirette has been a eucharistic minister for 15 years and also serves as a lector and commentator. For the past two years, she has served as sacristan, where she is responsible for preparing the church for the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass

Laity in Action

each week by putting out the ciborium and chalice, making sure the hosts are in the sacristy and the gifts for the offertory are in the back of the church. Lirette is also the baptismal seminar coordinator and conducts the meetings for those wishing to have their child baptized. She is the head of the bereavement committee, prepares the weekly church parish bulletin, is a member of the Ladies Altar Society and has been on the parish finance council for the past eight years. Lirette is a member of the confirmation retreat team where she helps plan the

parish needs it to work. This parish is made up of mostly older people. We have very few youth and young adults, so we really need this. I pray that it comes together for us … and all of the parishes of the diocese.” Lirette says that she has learned so much about religion and her Catholic faith from Father Robert Rogers, pastor of St. Louis Church parish. “I admire him so much. He has deepened my faith; guided me and helped me to understand more about my faith.” When asked why she chooses to be so involved in church parish ministry, Lirette says, “I want to meet my Lord and savior in the end. That is my only goal. Hopefully everything I do right outweighs what I do wrong.” She and husband Mark have been married for 33 years and they have two children, 24 year old Heather and 19 year old Holden. She has worked for Performance Foodservice-Caro for 29 years and is currently the marketing manager there. BC

Lirette is a member of the parish’s strategic planning implementation team.

“

This parish is made up of mostly older people. We have very few youth and young adults, so we really need this. I pray that it comes together for us … and all of the parishes of the diocese.

“

confirmation retreats. She also assists her daughter Heather, who is the youth minister, with planning activities for the youth. Her entire family is on the church cleaning team. Lirette is a member of the parish’s strategic planning implementation team. “We are currently working on our parish S.M.A.R.T. goals and objectives in three different areas – youth formation, adult formation and Sunday ministry. It’s a great plan. It will be phenomenal if it works; our January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 33

Announcements

Bishop Fabre announces pastoral appointments

Rev. Michael Bergeron

Rev. Antonio Maria Speedy

In order to provide pastoral care for the people of God of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre has announced the following pastoral appointments, effective immediately. The Rev. Michael Bergeron, who has been serving as spiritual administrator of Holy Family Church parish in Grand Caillou since July 2018, has been granted permission to take a leave of absence to care for family. Father Bergeron, a native of Houma, LA, was ordained to the priesthood June 8, 1996. The Rev. Antonio Maria Speedy, who has been serving in specialized ministry since December 2014, has been appointed administrator of Holy Family Church parish in Grand Caillou. Father Speedy, a native of Adelaide, South Australia, was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 6, 2014. BC

Judge David M. Richard inducted into E.D. White 2018 Hall of Fame

Judge David M. Richard

E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux recently inducted Judge David M. Richard into its 2018 Hall of Fame. Richard is a 1963 graduate of Thibodaux College. He earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting in 1967 from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux and a juris doctorate degree from Louisiana State University Law School in Baton Rouge in 1970. He has engaged in the general practice of

law since September 1970. Richard served as city attorney for the City of Thibodaux from January 1974 to November 1976, and was elected Thibodaux city judge where he served from November 1976 until his retirement Dec. 31, 2008. He is a member of the Louisiana Retired Judges Association, Louisiana State Bar Association and Lafourche Parish Bar Association. He was president of the Lafourche Parish Bar Association, vice president of the St. Genevieve school board, and vice president of the E.D. White school board. Richard received Thibodaux’s Outstanding Young Man Award in 1976; NSU College of Business Administration Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1977; James Lynn Powell Outstanding Alumnus of NSU Award in 1978; was named an E.D. White

34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

Cardinal Great in 2001; was recognized as a Knight in the Equestrian Order of St. Gregory the Great in 2002; was named E.D. White Alumnus of the Year in 2003; and received the Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year Award in 2012. He also served as stadium announcer for all E.D. White varsity football games for 37 years from 1973 to 2010. He and his wife Connie Percle Richard reside in Thibodaux. They have three children who are all graduates of E.D. White: Lisa R. Richard ‘85; Michelle R. Chiasson ‘86; and Celeste R. Fontz ’93, and seven grandchildren. The Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those who have exhibited outstanding Christian values in their contribution to their profession and in their religious, civic, business or educational involvement. BC

Announcements

on #GivingTuesday raises over iGiveCatholic.org

$340,000 in diocese The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux recently participated in #iGiveCatholic, a 24-hour online giving challenge that celebrates the work of Catholic Church parishes, ministries, schools and other charitable organizations affiliated with the participating dioceses. Over 1,330 donors gave $343,588 for participating entities within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux,

according to Amy Ponson, executive director of the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana. “I want to thank the generous people of our diocese for their outstanding response to #iGiveCatholic,” says Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. “I am humbled by the number of people that gave so graciously to support our local ministries. What a great indication of the generosity and faith of our people. Thank you for coming together to help build up the kingdom of God here in our diocese by assisting so many of our ministries. I am profoundly thankful for all who participated. Be assured of my prayers for all.” The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was part of the nationwide giving day that resulted in $5.6 million being collected for more than 1,353 ministries

in 29 archdioceses and dioceses. Out of all 29 dioceses, the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux was third in the most funds raised. Of the amount raised in this diocese, $23,000 was donated by local businesses and used as incentive funds to magnify donations. The CFSL would like to thank the following sponsors: CORTEC, LLC, Block Law Firm, Meyer Financial Group and Bollinger Shipyard. #iGiveCatholic is held each year in conjunction with #GivingTuesday, which is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday; #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. BC

Office of Worship has new web page Father Glenn LeCompte, diocesan director of the Office of Worship, and Nicole Mezquita, administrative assistant, examine the new webpage of the Office of Worship. The webpage will provide resources, news and information as well as informative links concerning liturgical matters for both clergy and laity.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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

Announcements

Vandy girls capture state titles Girls Volleyball The Vandebilt Catholic High School girls Volleyball Team won its second consecutive state title by defeating E.D. White Cathoic High School in the 2018 Division III championship game LHSAA State Volleyball Tournament at the Pontchartrain center in Kenner. Members of the team are Lauren Fitch, Brittany Theriot, Katelyn Hall, Myra Berthiaume, Alexis Porche, Brianna Pullaro, Meghan Hymel, Sierra Duncan, Catherine Cobb, Annelise Henry, Bailey Theriot, Angelle Buquet, Dakota Reinhard, Madeline Benoit, Logan Guillot, Raegan Stroud, Tiffany Boudreaux, Anne-Morgan Simmons, Logan Barthelemy and Abigail Benoit. Head coach, Greg Castillo.

Cheerleading team Vandebilt Catholic High School Competition Cheer Team won its sixth consecutive LHSAA Division II State Championship. Members of the squad are Brooklyn Alston, Emma Authement, Savannah Blanchard, Vanessa Bonner, Sarah Brown, Hailey Cazenave, Grace Chesnut, Gemi Detiller, Jazmine Ezell, cocaptain; Katelyn Hall, Olivia Hebert, Addie Landry, Morgan Landry, Kayla LeBoeuf, Nicole Marmande, Annabelle Matherne, Monica Morales, Emery Prentice, Sabryn Richoux, Janie Rhymes, Katie Ross, Sydney Schwab, captain; Maria Smith, Katie Thompson and Hale Greer. The coach is Kayla Vicknair.

Girls Cross Country The Vandebilt Catholic High School girls Cross Country team won the Class 4A state title at the championship meet held in Natchitoches. Members of the team are Brynn Kelso, Leanna Teuton, Caroline Lindsay, Laura Hamilton, Kate Cazayoux, Ella Chesnut and Amelia Viator. Coaching staff, David Malone, head coach; and Jeremey Ezell, assistant coach.

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

Announcement

Women’s Cursillo weekend Feb. 7-10 at Lumen Christi Retreat Center The diocesan Cursillo Movement is sponsoring a Women’s Cursillo weekend Feb. 7-10, at the Lumen Christi Retreat Center in Schriever. The Cursillo is designed to help faithful Catholic participants to have a blessed, faith-filled and formative experience. The Cursillo Weekend offers Catholics an opportunity to receive exceptional faith formation from speakers who will address relevant topics of faith, catechesis, education, theology, prayer and ministry. Participants will walk together in faith this weekend, experiencing breakout sessions, participating in Mass and prayer sessions, and encountering Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit in a fresh and enlightening way. The Cursillo provides an opportunity for ongoing formation that can rejuvenate those working in the church today as they assist others to more deeply understand their Catholic faith and grow in spirituality. Any woman who has not experienced the Cursillo spirituality is encouraged to attend this three day gathering of ministry and faith formation. For more information, contact Janell Chiasson (985)232-4324 or Kathy Louviere (985)438-0664. BC

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The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is currently seeking a full-time employee for the ministry of

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer This position serves as financial and administrative officer of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux to ensure the safe-keeping and proper stewardship of all assets, both financial and non-financial and provides financial and administrative service to the departments, offices, programs, parishes, schools and affiliated entities of the diocese. This position is eligible for full benefits. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: (Other duties may be assigned) • Management, budgeting, and financial reporting and recordkeeping for all diocesan offices and programs, affiliated entities and trusts, including but not limited to, the diocesan wide centralized programs of payroll, employee benefits, deposits and loans, liability/property insurance, safety, risk management, building and construction, communications, personnel, catholic charities, cemeteries, computer operations, catholic schools, safe environment, and parish support. • Administrative, business, and financial advisor to bishop. • Deliver financial statements, budgets and other information to the diocesan finance council and other affiliated entities/trusts, boards. • Liaison with attorneys for all diocesan, parish and school legal matters. • Maintain professional relationships with external business contacts (bankers, auditors, investment managers, actuaries, insurance brokers, consultants, contractors). • Calculation of Cathedraticum, Christmas and Easter quotas, priest retirement assessment, accumulated priest retirement benefits, property/liability insurance billing. • Must have ongoing continuing education in areas of administration. OTHER OR SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES: • Review quarterly consolidated financial report for parishes and schools. • Administrative, business, and financial advisor to parishes and schools. THIS POSITION SUPERVISES: • All diocesan staff and oversees operations of approximately 20 ministries Education and Experience Qualifications: • BA/BS degree in accounting, finance, business administration. • At least 10 years progressive experience in executive level financial management or public accounting. • Administrative leadership experience, preferably in the Catholic Church or non-profit, including working with consultative bodies, supervision, accounting, investing and borrowing. • CPA, MBA or DFM preferred • Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the church Other Qualifications: • Strong professional and interpersonal skills demonstrating the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others on all levels both orally and in writing; excellent presentation skills. • Must be able to multi-task and set priorities. • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, finance, recordkeeping, budgeting and cost control principles. • Must have excellent computer skills and experience in Microsoft Office Software and accounting software packages. • Experience required in the following areas: property management, investments, employee benefits and insurance. • Familiarity with the Code of Canon Law related to temporal goods preferred. • Ability to establish and maintain friendly and cooperative relations with employees, clergy and parishes, schools, and other organizations the diocese supports. • Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, and travel. The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees by reason of race, color, religion*, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information of any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

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Bayou

Office of Human Resources & Employee Benefits 2779 Highway 311 • Post Office Box 505 • Schriever, LA 70395 Phone (985) 850-3115 • Fax (985) 850-3215

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*The diocese, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to require “practicing Catholic” to be a qualification for a position. For consideration please submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to hr@htdiocese.org. Applications being accepted until position filled.

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

Announcement

Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference scheduled Jan. 10-12 in Kenner

By Christine Bordelon Clarion Herald

Seeking ways to cultivate unity in today’s mixed up world? Find inspiration Jan. 10-12 at the 2019 Go! Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference at the Pontchartrain Center, 4545 Williams Blvd., in Kenner. Themed “Go Forth: That All May Be One,” taken from the Gospel of St. John (17: 20-21), the conference aims to foster a welcoming presence in the Catholic Church through its keynote speakers and break-out sessions. “We decided to focus on those who are disenfranchised or who don’t feel like they are part of the church,” said Aline Harbison, director, Gulf Coast Faith Formation Conference, and associate director of Catechetical Leadership with the Archdiocese of New Orleans’ Office of Religious Education. “We need to first ask ourselves, ‘Where are we on our faith journey?’” Harbison said conference speakers will reach out to those who don’t feel included in the church, perhaps due to being disabled, impoverished, suffering from racism or even abuse. “We are all the body of Christ,” she said. Something new, uplifting The conference opens on a Thursday, which was formerly clergy day but now has become more inclusive, with a preconference performance and educational liturgy session in the morning and a

“leadership afternoon.” World Library Publications is sponsoring performances by Catholic music composers Lorraine Hess, John Angotti, Craig Colson and James Wahl. Hess is the conference’s musical director and composer of the “One Lord, One Faith” theme song. The composers will share their work and offer best practices for catechetical leaders and liturgical ministers. “People who work with music in parishes and schools will benefit as well as those who enjoy music,” Harbison said. “They will go through parts of the Mass and show new ways of doing music and how to correctly choose music for the different parts of the Mass. So, it’s a workshop and a concert all together. It’s really going to be beautiful.” Leadership Thursday afternoon explores the journey of a spiritual leader and will reveal how to incorporate Catholic identity into one’s daily work. The grand-opening/happy hour of the Exhibit Hall follows. Another new attraction on Jan. 10 will be a daylong (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) seminar presented by the McGrath Institute for Church Life of the University of Notre Dame, “Teaching at the Interface Between Science and Religion.” Mass and lunch are included. McGrath Institute professors will address topics on science and religion. Speakers include: Stephen Barr, Ph.D, professor of physics and astronomy,

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

University of Delaware; Chris Baglow, Ph.D., director, Science and Religion Initiative, McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame; and Cory Hayes, Ph.D., senior professor of philosophy and theology, St. Joseph Seminary College. Schools are invited to send science and religion teachers. Harbison said this session was inspired after a fifth grader she met at a school asked, “How can I believe what I hear in science class and religion class?” “I thought, ‘Fifth grade, and they are already questioning this?’” Harbison said. Keynoters focus on theme On Jan. 11, Jason Angelette will speak on “First We Come, Then We Go.” “We have to have a relationship with Christ ourselves, then we can foster unity in the world,” Harbison said about the talk. Breakout sessions on Jan. 11 include what catechists need to know; being a welcoming community; the Ignatian way; the Catholic Church and immigration; discussions about St. John Paul’s “feminine genius”; faith and beauty; oneness in the church amid diversity; becoming a peacemaker; how sacred music can heal; engaging youth as missionary disciples; reaching Hispanics in the church; “Theology of the Body”; and having empathy for the poor. On Jan. 12, keynoter

Announcement

Ann Paradise will discuss living the theme of “That They May Be One” in our divided world and divided church. Saturday’s breakout sessions include how to create engaging and dynamic parish religion programs; how the Eucharist continues the faith of the apostles; proclaiming faith through social media; the spirituality of aging; talks on the local church’s substance abuse ministry; connecting faith taught in school to home and getting parents involved in sacramental preparation; using love and mercy to be bridge builders; the beauty of art in the Catholic Church; discovering and answering God’s call; invitational evangelization; and how Catholic youth can change the world. Harbison said the conference theme is timely, considering everyone today is suffering in some way. “Whether someone had experiences with the church or with poverty, immigration – all the things happening in the world – how can we find some purpose and how can we work to help others who are part of the body of Christ?” she said. The conference is not just for people in catechetical ministry in churches and schools, Harbison said. “It’s all about helping people support their personal journey and formation (with relevant issues) so they can grow in faith and happiness by becoming more a part of the body of Christ,” Harbison said. “It’s a positive, uplifting opportunity from the keynotes to the breakouts … to give people hope in a world where there’s lots of suffering and brokenness.” For conference details, go to https:// go4th.faith/2019-conference-schedule/. Three-day registration is $155; Thursday-only leadership afternoon with lunch is $55; Thursday Faith and Science Institute is $65; Friday or Saturday only is $100. The preconference event and Exhibit Hall Happy Hour Jan. 10 are included with any conference registration. Knights of Columbus scholarships are available. PayPal, credit cards or checks are accepted. Call (504) 861-6255 or email aharbison@archdiocese-no.org BC January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39

Diocesan Events

www.bayoucatholic.com

January

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Jan. 8, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Jimmie Danos. n Jr. High Faith Experience, Saturday, Jan. 12, E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux, 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. n The 2019 National March for Life will be held in Washington, D.C., Friday, January 18. n A Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sunday, Jan. 20 at 8:15 a.m., St. Lucy Church, Houma, will be celebrated by Bishop

February

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, Feb. 5, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Rob Gorman.

March

n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, March 12, Ellendale Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311, Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Speaker, Roch Gernon.

Shelton J. Fabre. n A Mass honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sunday, Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m., St. Luke the Evangelist Church, Thibodaux, will be celebrated by Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. n Louisiana March for Life, Saturday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.-Noon, Baton Rouge. Call (985)804-3390 for more info. n Catholic Schools Week, with its theme “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed,” Sunday, Jan. 27 to Saturday, Feb. 2.

n Free income tax preparation and e-filing is available every Tuesday (Feb. 5 – April 9) from 9 a.m.–3 p.m., on the second floor of the Terrebonne Parish Main Library.

n Rite of Election, Sunday, March 10, 3 p.m., St. Joseph CoCathedral, Thibodaux.

Advertise in the Bayou Catholic and help spread the Good News. Call (985)850-3136 for more info. 40 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

Announcement

Robert Gorman to speak at Food for the Journey Feb. 5

Robert Gorman

The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux sponsors a monthly lunchtime speaker series on the first Tuesday of the month at the Ellendale Country Club Restaurant located at 3319 Highway 311 in Houma. The speaker for Feb. 5 is Robert Gorman, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux. Gorman will be speaking about the Catholic Social Teachings on Care for Creation and Stewardship of the Earth, a presentation entitled “The Cool of the Day,” which is taken from Genesis 3:8: “They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”

Gorman began his career with the diocese as assistant director for Catholic Charities in 1982 and was promoted to executive director in 1999. He earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina in 1977. Those who plan to attend the Feb. 5 event should RSVP with their name, phone number and church parish by Thursday, Jan. 31. To RSVP, email FoodForTheJourney@htdiocese.org or call (985) 850-3178. Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. The program begins at Noon with the speaker’s presentation from 12:10-12:45 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes meal, drink and tip. Only cash or checks will be accepted. All are invited to come “eat and be fed.” BC

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

Sports

Overtime Ed Daniels

South Louisiana recruiting has paid off for Rebowe’s Colonels The Nicholls Colonels checked plenty of boxes in 2018. The Colonels got their first ever home FCS playoff win. They won a playoff game for the first time in 32 years. And, won the Southland Conference football championship for the first time since 2005. At the end of the 2014 season,

after a 62-3 drubbing at the hands of Southeastern Louisiana, many wondered if Nicholls had any football future. Now, the future is as far as you can see down Louisiana Highway 1. Head coach Tim Rebowe said the school’s athletic program has great support, including from University President Dr. Jay Clune. “He is committed to upgrading our facilities,” said Rebowe. “He understands the value of athletics.” Plans are being formulated for a new end zone facility that would include a new locker room, weight room, and press box renovation at Guidry Stadium. Home has been good to the Colonels. In 2018, Nicholls won all six games played at Guidry Stadium. “Winning at home is priority,” said Rebowe. He notes that the Colonels have 10 straight regular season games in Thibodaux. A south Louisiana based recruiting philosophy has paid off, with a sprinkling of junior college players and transfers. “We have taken kids that some think aren’t tall enough or a step slow, and they have turned out to be very good players.” He said his second recruiting class, one that included quarterback Chase Fourcade of Rummel, defensive tackle Sully Laiche of Lutcher, and

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linebacker Evan Veron of Riverside were key to changing the trajectory of the football program. And, he praised linebacker Allen Pittman of Destrehan, who redshirted in 2015, his true freshman season. Building the team from the inside out has also been key. The Colonels started three seniors on the offensive line, including center Ryan Hanley and left tackle Eddie Houston. “In our area, you have more skill guys, slot receivers, defensive backs, and linebackers who can run,” said Rebowe. “Everyone has those.” The ability to project players to a different position from the one they played in high school and have them be successful is also important. “We make sure all of our guys get repetitions in practice,” said Rebowe. “Some of our guys are not ready as 19 or 20 year olds, and some are,” said the Colonels head coach. “We live in an instant society. But, some guys need to time to get into the weight room, and get stronger.” The Colonels 2019 pre league schedule includes a game in Manhattan, KS, against Kansas State. Nicholls will also play Texas State, and Prairie View. So, what’s the next step for Nicholls football? “Not making what happened this year, a rare occurrence.” BC

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Chris Knobloch

Deacon Vic Bonnaffee

E.D. White

Maria Immacolata

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Jeremy Gueldner

Lydia Landry

Cathy Long

Dr. Cindy Martin

Gerard Rodrigue Jr.

Amanda Talbot

Tricia Thibodaux

Michelle Chiasson

St. Bernadette

St. Joseph

Holy Rosary

Central Catholic

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

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January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 45

Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools: Learning, Serving, Leading and Succeeding in ministry From the Superintendent Suzanne D. Troxclair

During his 2015 papal visit to the United States, Pope Francis - ever the teacher - inspired students, teacher-ministers, and parents alike, reminding them of the importance of the ministry of Catholic education. In his speech to students in a Catholic elementary school in East Harlem, NY, he encouraged all, stating, “Today we want to keep dreaming. We celebrate all the opportunities which enable you, and us adults too, not to lose the hope of a better world with greater possibilities. … I know that one of the dreams of your parents and teachers, and all those who help them ... is that you can grow up and be happy.” Indeed, the ministry of Catholic education in the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux fosters an environment that does just that - forming students each and every day through words, deeds and actions - in hopes of working to continue to build a better world for all. On Jan. 27-Feb. 2, we have an important opportunity to share the uniqueness of the ministry of Catholic education and its rich value with others during National Catholic Schools Week. The theme of Catholic Schools Week, sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” In the spirit of Pope Francis’ words to those students in Harlem, NY, our schools work each and every day in a purposeful way to help students Learn, Serve, Lead and Succeed. Our Catholic schools work to

foster learning in a Christ-centered environment through the many opportunities afforded our students. Students at Maria Immacolata Catholic School learn to pray novenas during daily prayer, and St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School students’ learning is enhanced through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) enrichment classes. The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program is completed by both fifth and eighth grade classes at St. Mary’s Nativity School to arm students with the tools needed to avoid the dangers of alcohol and drugs. Through all aspects of learning - academic, religious and the arts, for example - the message of Christ is interwoven in our schools. Service, a critical component in the education of the whole child, is evident in our Catholic schools through a wide array of ministries, including service to those less fortunate. As Pope Francis described Catholic schools as one of the most important civic “bridges” we have as Catholic Americans, our schools historically have been purposefully effective in breaking the cycle of poverty for families that are marginalized. Through the efforts of E.D. White Catholic High School, for example, a school who led a 50th year anniversary fundraiser for tuition assistance for students in need, our schools are working to build bridges from poverty to opportunity and from fear of isolation to a true community. Working in their newly unified role of a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade institution, Central Catholic School provides tuition assistance to families in need from the lower school who seek a Catholic high school education for their children but are unable to provide such without financial assistance. The holidays is always a special time to assist others. Holy Rosary Catholic School, along with many others in

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

the diocese, helps to make Christmas magical for the children of St. Lucy’s Child Development Center in Houma, an affordable day care option for those in need. As students graduate from our Catholic schools, they have experienced service in an ongoing and deliberate way, forming them into citizens who understand the importance of helping others. Catholic schools work to foster in each child a willingness to “give something back” to others through those service opportunities. Catholic schools work to help students become leaders in their schools, their churches, their communities and their world. Each year, groups of students from Vandebilt Catholic High School, as well as other high school students in the diocese, participate in a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., to attend the National March for Life, taking a stand to promote the dignity of every human life from conception to natural death. Students in our elementary schools, such as St. Gregory Catholic School, learn to lead through service in the National Beta Club, performing service projects and attending leadership opportunities with others. At St. Genevieve Catholic Elementary, fifth, sixth and seventh grade students participate in Student Commission, a unique leadership opportunity designed to teach students how to facilitate change and represent their school community. Leaders and future leaders abound in our Catholic schools family. Catholic school graduates are formed as true leaders who go on to lead others in their professions and communities. Reaping the benefits of a rigorous Catholic education in a Christ-centered environment, our students succeed in various aspects of their lives, both in school and beyond. First through eighth grade students at Holy Savior Catholic School utilize their skills and talents each year in a

Catholic Schools Week

major theatrical performance. This year’s play, Peter Pan, was a huge success for the school community. Additionally, many seventh grade students at St. Bernadette Catholic Elementary and St. Joseph Catholic Elementary qualify to participate in the Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) each year by their high ACT Aspire standardized test scores. In the spring of 2018, three St. Bernadette students received state recognition honors, and two students received grand recognition as a result of their success on the ACT as seventh graders. Three St. Joseph seventh graders received state recognition honors this year as well. These students are invited to participate in accelerated courses and learning opportunities in the summers at various universities in the United States. Catholic school students understand that success is the result of dedication, diligence and utilization of our God-given gifts.

This theme, Catholic Schools: Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed has given us the opportunity to rejoice in the many blessings our Catholic schools are able to share with our church, our communities, our nation and our world. What better way to celebrate our children and the collaborative effort of the church, our schools and our parish families than with a diocesan celebration of the deep commitment to Catholic education that

exists in our diocese? As this week-long celebration approaches, there are many opportunities for the larger community to come together and express our commitment and devotion to the ministry of Catholic education in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Please explore our schools and the many opportunities we have during National Catholic Schools Week to celebrate the uniqueness of our dedication to forming missionary disciples of Christ. As we begin a new year, I prayerfully ask our Lord for the ongoing strengthening of Catholic education in our diocese and throughout the world. May we use the many gifts God has given us as we work together to form missionary disciples of Christ. Thank you for all you do for Catholic education in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. May our Lord, Jesus Christ bless your family as you grow and share your gifts this new year! BC

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

Catholic Schools: E. D. White Catholic High School Edward Douglas White Catholic High School’s legacy can be traced back to 1855 when Father Charles Menard, assisted by the Sisters of Mount Carmel, opened Mount Carmel Academy for girls. In 1861, St. Joseph Parish acquired the all-boys Thibodaux College and later contacted the Brothers of the Sacred Heart to run the school. The two schools merged 52 years ago. For 163 years, E. D. White Catholic and its predecessor schools have been building communities of faith, knowledge, and service by offering a holistic education, rooted in Christian values, structured through friendly discipline, nurtured by personal attention and dedicated to academic excellence.

“E. D. White truly poses a unique environment to all who enter its campus. The education provided for students is exceptional, and it is evident that the teachers care. The classroom experience has equipped me with the tools to succeed in college studies and professional life. E. D. White has not only taught me how to lead, but how to follow. I spend most afternoons with my friends at practices, meetings, and service projects on, near, or around campus. From being the club president of one group to being an honorary member of another, this school has given me so many opportunities to use my God-given gifts to serve others. What really stands out, made obvious by the many faith-oriented events, is the love that the students and teachers have for Christ. It is truly beautiful that we have the ability to attend daily morning Mass and pray as a school family. E. D. White truly prepares us to move from high school into the real world by feeding us educationally and spiritually to insure that we are all successful brothers and sisters in Christ.” - Brennan Arcement ‘19

How We Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed • • • • • • • • • •

88 Masses offered in the school’s chapel for the year Active campus ministry program Weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament ACT scores consistently above the state and national averages Renowned music program Outstanding athletic program with 45 state championships Over 20 clubs and organizations Students contribute over 14,000 hours of community service annually 85% of graduates qualify for the TOPS program An academic enhancement program for students with dyslexia and other learning differences

2019-2020 Registration:

E. D. White Catholic High School is open to all students and does not discriminate on the basis of race or national origin.

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

: Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed “Even though everyone wants to say that it’s the biscuits, the reason that E. D. White is such a wonderful place is because of the Christ-like love and support that the teachers, students, and faculty have for one another. E. D. White is not just a school. It is a family. We care for and help each other through every circumstance. We are always growing, always changing, and always learning. Sometimes, we step out of our comfort zone so that we can learn to be the best version of ourselves, and we learn to embrace the talents we have and share the gifts God gives us with others through the many activities and clubs the school offers. Through service projects and volunteer work, we learn how to give from our hearts, to serve with our hands and feet, and to be transformed in the likeness of Christ. E. D. White not only challenges our minds academically in each classroom, but it also encourages our growth spiritually. We are constantly being nurtured into young men and women whose hearts are completely for the Lord. In both the classrooms and the chapel, E. D. White prepares the hearts and minds of its students to face the challenges of this ever-changing world, overcome difficulties, and be the salt and light of this earth.” - Karishma Nathaniel ‘22

“Each day I find myself at home at E. D. White. I feel surrounded by Christ’s love for me in the prayerful atmosphere of the campus. With diverse and accelerated courses, I feel prepared to learn and succeed outside of E. D. White. E. D. White’s focus on community service has shown me what joy is in life through serving others. The vast array of clubs offers a plethora of leadership opportunities. Being a leader at E. D. White, you truly make a difference through working with the administration and faculty to provide the student body with a better school experience. With a strong foundation in Christ and unique opportunities, E. D. White truly prepares you to succeed in all aspects of life as you enter the next phase of life.” - Jacob Duplantis ‘19

“E. D. White Catholic High School has provided me with priceless opportunities throughout my high school career. I have faced academically rigorous courses, and in them, I have found a passion for learning. E. D. White has also allowed me to form relationships with inspiring teachers that have made a positive impact on my life and shaped my character and faith. Through school organizations and religious education, I have cultivated a passion for service to my school, church, and community. As I have grown in knowledge and love for service, E. D. White has given me the courage to step up as a leader in my school. I could not be happier at E. D. White. I know that I am ready to succeed in life and stay rooted in Christ because of my E. D. White Catholic High School foundation. I will be forever thankful for my Catholic education at E. D. White.” - Adele Boudreaux ‘19

February 25 - March 15, 2019 and does not discriminate on the basis of race or national origin.

January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 49

Students LEARN through academic programs that integrate technology and engages students utilizing: l

S.T.E.M. experiments Critical thinking activities

SERVE

Students at Central Catholic SERVE over 35,000 hours annually through a multitude of schoolsponsored service programs as well as individual service outside of school: ŸPrayer visits to

neighbors ŸCoats for Kids

Project-based learning

ŸThanksgiving Food

Art classes - PreK3-5th

ŸToys for Tots

Digital interactive educational environments Extended curriculum through virtual, dual enrollment, and AP classes

Advancl ACCREDITED

SACS

Drive ŸOperation

Christmas Child ŸChristmas gifts to

local nursing homes and needy children ŸOperation Lent ŸMite Boxes for Holy

Childhood

LEAD

Central Catholic prepares students to become contributing LEADERS of society by imparting: ŸGood decisionmaking in academic, athletic, and social situations ŸMorally-sound choices that enrich the school community ŸFaith formation that includes: §Daily prayer §Weekly mass/ rosary/adoration §Class retreats §Remembering deceased loved ones in quiet moments §A living rosary annually

L C AT A R

LIC

LEARN

.... HO

Having served the Morgan City area for over 125 years, Holy Cross Elementary School and Central Catholic High School have unified to their mission to foster a Christ-centered atmosphere with a focus on faith formation, academic excellence, and service development. Central Catholic, grades pre-K3 through 12, provides students, faculty and parents with opportunities to learn, serve, lead, and succeed. Central Catholic provides an environment in which each student is viewed as a unique gift from God and is educated with an academic program that adheres to National standards and is steeped in excellence.

CE N T

CENTRAL Catholic

Faith Formation

Academic Excellence

AN CITY, LA MORG Service to Others

SUCCEED

Central Catholic’s enhanced academics prepare students to SUCCEED: ŸACT scores consistently above state/national averages ŸMillion Word Readers ŸGeography Bee Winners ŸHometown Spirit art winners ŸVFW Citizenship city/parish/state winners ŸDistrict/state Literary Rally winners ŸDistrict/state championships in athletic endeavors ŸAcademic AllDistrict/All-State recipients

If you want your child to receive spiritual formation and academic excellence in a safe, family-oriented environment, consider Central Catholic. Your children and your family will be enriched by the experience of a Central Catholic education!

Mrs. Amanda Talbot, Elementary Principal (985) 384-1933 50 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

2100 Cedar Street Morgan City, LA 70380

Deacon Vic Bonnaffee, High School Principal (985) 385-5372

LEARN, SERVE, LEAD, SUCCEED We see SUCCESS in our alumni who have taken what they have LEARNED at Central Catholic and now SERVE and LEAD!

Dr. Bill Cefalu, M.D., Class of ‘01 Dean Listi, Banker, Class of ‘02

Dr. Abby Braus Cefalu, DVM., Class of ‘04 Lee Romaire, Artist, Class of ‘84

Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi, Class of ‘84

Part of a $100,000 Christmas display created by Lee Romaire donated to his home town, the City of Morgan City

CONTACT US NOW FOR A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL OR SPEND A DAY EXPERIENCING BEING PART OF THE CENTRAL CATHOLIC FAMILY! January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 51

LEARN • Over 50 students earned the Sacred Heart Scholars Award during the 17-18 school year for scoring a 30 or higher on their ACT. • Two semifinalists and one commended student were awarded as part of the 2019 National Merit Scholarship program. They join 46 others, along with 2 Presidential Scholars who represent Vandebilt Catholic.

For over fifty years, Vandebilt Catholic High School has been committed to spiritual formation and academic excellence in an environment rooted in Catholic values and in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Our school’s rich history began in 1870 when the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross opened Sacred Heart Academy for girls. Boys were admitted for the first time in 1890 and the name was changed to St. Francis de Sales Academy. With the arrival of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in the early 1950s, the school divided into St. Francis de Sales Boys’ and St. Francis de Sales Girls’ High Schools. The two schools merged in 1965 under the name Houma Central Catholic High School. In 1966 the school was dedicated as Vandebilt Catholic High School, named in the memory of Fr. August Vandebilt who was a longtime pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish. Vandebilt Catholic offers a college preparatory curriculum and stresses a personal approach to the education of the whole student through diverse spiritual, academic, athletic, and co-curricular programs.

The mission of Vandebilt Catholic High School is to provide students with a holistic education that is rooted in religious values, structured through friendly discipline, nurtured by personal attention, and committed to academic excellence. 52 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

“Vandebilt Catholic has helped me learn how to be disciplined in my faith and studies. Now I am teaching my students what I have learned and demonstrating to them that all things are possible through Christ Our Lord Jesus.” - Jeremey Ezell, Class of 2006, current faculty member

PLACEMENT TEST January 26, 2019

SERVE

LEAD

• Students contributed some twenty thousand service hours to the school, the Church, and the community during the 17-18 school year.

• Vandebilt Catholic was recently voted Bayou’s Best of the Best for Best Private School in the Bayou Region for the second year in a row.

• The graduating class of 2018 was offered a reported $6.2 million in scholarships from colleges, universities, and from the TOPS program.

• The annual Christmas Project raised over $12,000, which was dedicated to the students of Terrebonne Parish Head Start Program.

• Each year a group of students and faculty attend the National March for Life in Washington, D.C. to take a stand and promote the dignity of every human life, born or unborn.

• In 2018, the VCHS composite ACT score was almost 4 points higher than the state average. Composite ACT scores invariably rank well about the local, state, and national averages.

“I have known and been influenced by the Marianites of Holy Cross all my life, and encountered the Brothers of the Sacred Heart when I arrived at Vandebilt. The spirit of joyful service I witnessed through the sisters, brothers, and teachers who embraced Vandebilt’s mission encouraged me to spend my life in service too. The idea of witnessing the great Joy of the Gospel and of God’s love for us all through service to others was nurtured in my youth, and I pray that the value of joyful service continues to inspire young people today.”

– Sr. Renee Daigle, MCS, Class of 1981, 2017 Alum of the Year

SUCCEED

“During my five years at Vandebilt Catholic I was taught that academic or monetary excellence is not the goal. It would have been easy to fall into the trap of setting goals that are self-serving and empty. However, what I was taught was that having goals that are altruistic in nature are the true bench marks of success. I was taught the importance of setting goals that not only serve me, but that benefit others. This ensures that success is not a solo accomplishment, but one that can be shared. That type of success is priceless!”

– Daniel Donovan, Class of 2019

REGISTRATION February 1-22, 2019

If you would like a private tour, please contact Mrs. Kayla Vicknair, Dean of Admissions at 985-876-2551. For more information, please visit www.vandebiltcatholic.org. Vandebilt does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity.

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

Catholic Schools Week

Holy Savior Catholic School

A compassionate and nurturing environment Holy Savior Catholic School has been providing generations of families in the Central Lafourche area a Catholic education since 1879. Nursery one through eighth grade students from Lockport and the surrounding areas are provided a compassionate and nurturing environment where all students are encouraged to learn, serve, lead and succeed. The school’s mission teaches the students to live the principles of Catholic tradition which is deeply-rooted in the Gospel of Jesus. This allows students to learn to serve God and others, to strive for academic excellence, and to become successful lifelong learners. Holy Savior’s faith formation and Catholic identity are lived out daily by the faculty, staff and students in order to prepare them for their future spiritual life. Our students attend daily religion lessons, weekly Masses and monthly rosaries. While our faculty and staff are committed to offering opportunities for students to succeed academically, we also work together to ensure that each child’s spiritual, social, physical and academic needs are met. Teachers use various teaching strategies and integrate technology using interactive Promethean Boards and Chromebooks to develop a student’s critical thinking skills. Besides the major subjects, Holy Savior offers music, choir, computer, library and physical education classes. Students are offered a variety of extracurricular and co-curricular activities such as 4-H, Beta and cross country. The importance of service and charity are stressed at Holy Savior. Our students are encouraged to live out the Gospel values Jesus taught and make a positive impact on those in our community. Various service activities take place throughout the year, such as collecting toiletries for The Haven and supplies for the PACT Place. Called by our mission as a Catholic school to serve others, service projects are a part of everyday life at our school. 54 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

Holy Savior is grateful for the dedication and support of

those who believe in Catholic education and our mission. It is because of you – and God’s grace – that Holy Savior students will continue to Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed. BC

HOLY SAVIOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL 201 Church Street ~ Lockport, Louisiana 70374 Phone: (985) 532-2536 ~ Fax: (985)532-2269 http://plusportals.com/holysavior

Established in 1879

State Approved Curriculum ~ Grades K-8 State Certified Teachers ~ Grades K-8 Full and Part-Time Structured State Approved Nursery and Pre-K Program for one, two, three and four year olds Strong Family Oriented Daily Religious Instruction & Weekly School Masses Children’s Choir Band/Music Program Pre-K4-8th Bi-weekly P.E. & Computer Classes Weekly Library Class Instruction with Certified Librarian Academic Enhancement, Tutoring Program Before & After School Care Program Reasonable Tuition Rates Gym Facilities, Cross Country Art, Caritas, 4-H, Beta & Student Council Clubs Parent/Teacher Activities Committee For more information or to request a tour of our facility, please contact Tricia Thibodaux, Principal ~ tthibodaux@htdiocese.org Terri Vedros, Bookkeeper ~ tvedros@htdiocese.org Holy Savior does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national or ethnic origin

Excellence in Academics + a God-Loving CATHOLIC Environment = Success

Catholic Schools Week

Holy Rosary Catholic School

Integrates faith, social and physical development

children has proven to be a formula for success. Through the collaborative efforts of staff, parents and all stakeholders, HRCS joins Catholic schools across our nation as we continue to assist our students to learn, serve, lead and succeed. BC

Holy Rosary Catholic School

Holy Rosary Catholic School (HRCS) in Larose is blessed to be covered with the Mantle of Mary, our mother in heaven. Through her intercession and by teaching the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, HRCS recognizes students’ talents and abilities and strives to develop their highest potential. Quality academics in a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered environment is offered to students three years old through the eighth grade. Holy Rosary Catholic School continues to carry out the mission of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception who began offering a Catholic education to the South Lafourche community in 1963. The current administrator, Cathy Long, and a united teaching staff, are dedicated to providing a quality education that combines our Catholic faith and teachings along with academic excellence. The school sets high standards for achievement and assists our students in developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. Selective enrichment programs help to provide a balanced foundation which integrates faith, social and physical development along with service opportunities which focus on the seven Catholic Social Challenges and Directions presented by the U.S. Catholic Bishops. The goal of these programs is to help students grow in faith and wisdom while preparing them to be productive citizens and leaders. Programs include: DARE, social studies and science fair, geography bee, Math-A-Thon, award-winning 4-H and Jr. Beta Club, Altar Servers’ club, Christ-like Citizens, Hawks SOAR, school choir, Reading Counts, Spring Fiesta, Passion Play, Nativity Play, cross country and basketball teams, cheerleading squad, Literary Rally, along with numerous art and essay contests. Holy Rosary recognizes Christ as the heart of its mission. Traditions of an active and exemplary religious program are professed through weekly liturgies, monthly adoration, and daily instruction in the Catholic faith, service clubs, and service projects for families, faculty and students. Through its mission work, HRCS is recognized as an instrumental supporter of Veterans, the Holy Childhood Association, Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul Society, to name a few. The school expands its faith experiences in the school chapel, Jesus Prayer Garden, Faith Filled Fridays, and a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. The combination of a caring staff working with the support of parents in the faith and academic formation of their

OFFERING TRADITIONS OF CHRIST-CENTERED, CHALLENGING ACADEMICS SINCE 1963

COME GROW WITH US www.holyrosary.org 985-693-3342 12925 E Main St • Larose, LA 70373

HRCS adheres to the non-discriminatory policy set by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

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

Catholic Schools Week

Maria Immacolata Catholic School

Living the Catholic faith Maria Immacolata Catholic School (MICS) in Houma serves a very diverse community; hence, promoting Catholic identity helps us to get to the heart of what it means to be Catholic. Our students learn and practice our faith each day, with morning and afternoon prayers during announcements. During the months of October and May, we pray a decade of the rosary each morning. We celebrate weekly Mass with our students, parents and guests on Friday mornings. Mass is presented by a different class each week. Parents also participate in Mass by bringing up the gifts along with their students. Service projects are an important part of MICS – we want our students to realize why we serve others, and why it is important to do so. n Geaux Pink Day – proceeds go to the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. MICS raised $650 on this year’s “Geaux Pink Day!” n Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish animal shelters – Students bring in items to help the local animal shelters during the month of October. n “Pennies for Patients,” sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – collecting pennies to help children in need from our area. n During the holidays, we participate in the Coats for Kids Drive and collect canned goods and nonperishable items for the local food bank. n Our entire week of Catholic Schools Week is dedicated to service – local nursing homes, books for local hospitals and doctor’s offices, The Haven, Regional Military Museum, our seminarians, and Team Gleason ALS Foundation. How we treat one another and how we think about the value of each person is shown when we celebrate our special Masses. We learn to lead and become leaders as we honor our community first responders at Blue Mass, celebrated on the Feast Day of the Archangels. We honor St. Francis of Assisi with our Mass and Blessing of the Animals. Veteran’s Day is a special celebration where our students learn and appreciate the sacrifices of these men and women. At our annual Grandparents’ Mass, we give honor and respect to our older generation as they are a source of wisdom on how to live a life of faith. Each month, we focus on a virtue to learn about and practice. We also include a Bible verse and saint to go along with the particular virtue. Our hope is that if we give our students opportunities to practice that Catholic attitude, it will become a natural part of them. At the end of the month, a student from each class is recognized at Mass for being the best example of that virtue – our “Disciples of the Month.” 56 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

In union with Vandebilt Catholic High School, we have the beginnings of our Seeds of Hope program, which provides a Catholic education environment for special students who are high functioning Down’s Syndrome and autistic. We encourage cooperation, compassion and respect for all among our general population of students. We strive for all to succeed at MICS! BC

Maria Immacolata Catholic School 324 Estate Drive, Houma • 985.876.1631 www.micsbluejays.org

Come Join Our MICS Family! PreK3 - 7th grade Open House: January 29 New Student Registration: February 18 Academic Excellence Within a Christian Setting

Maria Immacolata Catholic School is open to all students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, nationality or ethnicity.

Catholic Schools Week

St. Bernadette Catholic School

A place to learn, serve, lead and succeed During the week of Jan. 27-Feb. 2, St. Bernadette Catholic School in Houma will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week. The theme this year is “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” This theme seems to sum up the complete journey of a St. Bernadette School student. It was the dream the Dominican nuns had for their students years ago and the vision the faculty and staff today hold dear to their hearts to learn, serve, lead then succeed. Learn. Learning at St. Bernadette Catholic School entails many aspects. Although we became a National Beta School of Distinction this year and are very active in the Duke Tip Program, we also focus on attaining spiritual growth. We want our students to know God and have a relationship with him. Collaborative learning promotes engagement, which we have embraced schoolwide. As seventh graders leave our halls, we always hope that they advance into the world as lifelong learners. Serve. Many service opportunities are available to all students. Our upper grade students are required to complete community service hours each nine weeks. Community service provides students with the opportunity to make a difference in society. It not only allows the students to help those in need, it allows them to support the very community that often supports them with school and sports activities. We want them to learn that they can make a difference in changing the world. Lead. We instill in our students a belief that we should always lead by example. We encourage them to behave in a manner reflective of our Christian values. St. Francis of Assisi once stated, “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.” Succeed. Our profile of a St. Bernadette Catholic School graduate is one filled with success. Periodically as a faculty, we look upon the qualities of our students as they leave us and commence their journey into high school. The character of our students as they depart is one that resonates a personal relationship with God and one who pursues academic excellence. Our students prove to be spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially wellrounded among their generation. We pray that all of our students continue to experience joy in their lives, trusting in God’s plan for their futures. BC

FOSTERING SPIRITUAL GROWTH & ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE! Open House for New Families Thursday, January 31, 2019 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Registration for New Families Monday, February 18, 2019 - Friday, February 22, 2019 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

St. Bernadette CatholiC SChool

985-872-3854 309 Funderburk Avenue • Houma, LA 70364 www.saintbernadettepandas.org St. Bernadette School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex or religion January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 57

Catholic Schools Week

St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School

A Catholic community at worship, work and play For generations St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School in Houma has established a tradition of excellence by fostering the love of God and providing its school family with the experience of a Catholic community at worship, work and play. By placing an emphasis on Catholic faith and respecting the uniqueness of each child, St. Francis provides a Catholic education with a strong academic curriculum and a variety of co-curricular activities that allows students to learn, serve, lead and succeed. The opportunities to learn and live out the Catholic faith at St. Francis are endless. From daily prayers to weekly Masses, living and mediated rosaries and religion classes, students not only learn about God but are able to live out his Word. Throughout the day students are immersed in engaging, hands-on collaborative learning activities that foster both academic and spiritual growth. Teachers stay on top of the latest educational trends in order to provide a variety of effective teaching methods to ensure student success. In striving to live as Jesus would, St. Francis students give of themselves through service. This year the student council sponsored a Geaux Pink Day to raise funds for the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and collected canned goods for the local food bank. The 4-H club had “Socktober” and a snack sale to raise money for the Assisi Bridge House. The Christian Leadership club collected coats and blankets for the Kiwanis Club, and study items to make care packages for our seminarians. Leaders from Student Council, Christian Leadership, and 4-H served breakfast to our Coast Guard neighbors for Veterans Day. Through active participation in learning the Catholic faith and serving others, St. Francis students are immersed in leadership opportunities. Students lead both class and weekend Masses, and the living rosary. Seventh grade students serve as morning greeters, office helpers and teacher assistants. Many students also serve as club officers and altar servers. Student also have daily jobs in their classrooms. St. Francis students are successful learners of both academics and faith. Through every opportunity that students are given at St. Francis to learn, serve, lead and succeed, they are able to continue to live their lives as missionary disciples. BC 58 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

OPEN

A Tradition of Excellence   

Creating Missionary Disciples Sustaining High Academic Standards Engaging Classrooms

HOUSE Januar y 30

PRE-K 3 PRE-K 4 Kindergarten 1 ST — 7 TH

Tours begin every 15 minutes.

St. Francis de Sales School is proud to announce the opening of our Pre-Kindergarten 3 Year Old Program in the fall of 2019! All classes are taught by certified teachers. Space is limited therefore enrollment will be on a first come, first served basis.

300 Verret Street

Call us at

Visit us on the web:

Houma, Louisiana 70360

985-868-6646

www.stfrancishouma.org

Catholic Schools Week

St. Genevieve Catholic School

A community of faith, knowledge and service This year’s theme for Catholic Schools Week, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed,” is a perfect description of St. Genevieve Catholic School in Thibodaux. Our students, faculty and families are united in the effort to create an atmosphere that promotes a community of faith, knowledge and service. Through this unity, we achieve success. Our primary mission is the teaching of the Catholic faith. We offer a quality Catholic education for families in our area. We seek to know Christ in our daily school experiences and honor him in each individual. Our students are nurtured in all developmental areas – spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. Christ is the center of our school as evidenced by the deep spirituality that is developed here. The traditions that promote our faith and nurture our children are easily recognized when you walk through our doors. Our students know they are loved and share that love as they greet visitors in a warm and caring way. The traditions that we continue to honor keep us rooted in our faith and help to maintain the essence of our school. We are dedicated to providing a quality education for our children while developing in our students an obligation of service to those in need, and to the community. We believe in ourselves and in our community. We want to be all that we can be. We are thankful for and grateful to all those who will help us on our journey, most especially, our Lord. BC

St. Genevieve Catholic School “Lord, it is good that we are here.”

2019-2020 Registration February 18 - February 22 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM “My interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there.” - Charles F. Kettering Ponder a moment this quote from an elementary student’s point of view. How seriously we must take our role in their future! We are here to touch that future, dramatically. We hope that you see our school as an investment in the future. 807 Barbier Avenue • Thibodaux, Louisiana 70301 (985) 447-9291 stgenevieveschool.us St. Genevieve Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of reace, sex, religion, national, or ethnic origin and is open to students who share our values and traditions.

January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 59

Catholic Schools Week

St. Mary’s Nativity School

A tradition of learning, praying, serving and leading Learn: St. Mary’s Nativity School in Raceland has long been an educational leader in Lafourche Parish. The faculty and administration base their philosophy of teaching on the biblical virtues. St. Mary’s teachers not only teach; they learn, instituting latest practices, updating certifications and furthering degrees. Our students show the positive results, demonstrated by the awards they’ve won for achievements in writing, art and content matter, their scores on ACT Aspire and placement tests, and their success in high schools and colleges. Serve: Service is a byword at St. Mary’s. Teachers, staff and students strive to serve others, to help those Pope Francis points out are always on the peripheries. Morning prayers begin with a remembrance of those asking for help. Hope for Animals, Chez Hope, St. Jude, Mary Byrd Perkins, TARC, The Blue Shed (Covington), and the seminarians have all felt our helping hands. The school assists and recognizes veterans, community workers and underprivileged children. It collects donations for disaster relief, holiday baskets, food for the poor, and coats for children. All this demonstrates St. Mary’s boundless generosity. Lead: Students not only learn and serve, they embrace chances to lead. In our daily opening prayers, in weekly prayer circles and Masses, and in monthly “family” meetings where children of various ages are grouped, students lead others in prayers and projects. Club officers and volunteers in 4-H, Beta, Caritas and Junior Firemen take leadership roles. Leaders are grown through the sports of basketball, cross-country, soccer, volleyball, and cheering. Students are altar servers at Mass and for funerals. The choir leads in singing, and older students lead younger during rainy-day recesses and at Mass. Succeed: St. Mary’s students realize that learning, serving and leading applied together will mean success. They are taught to apply self-discipline and persistence, and see the results of doing so. Alumni often return and say their success began with St. Mary’s training and caring. Many of them enroll their own children to continue the traditions of learning, praying, serving and leading. St. Mary’s Nativity School’s motto is “Believe, Achieve, Succeed with Christ!” and repeating it daily is an enthusiastic reminder of the purpose of our faith-filled journey. BC 60 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

St. Mary’s Nativity School 3492 Niles Street • Raceland, Louisiana 70394 (985)537-7544 • https:www.plusportals.com/StMarysNativity

2019-2020 Registration Current Students February 4-15, 2019 New Students February 18-22, 2019 Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.

Pre-K 3 through 8th grade

St. Mary’s Nativity School is open to all students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or ethnic origin.

Catholic Schools Week

St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School

Building God’s kingdom one day at a time This year’s theme at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Thibodaux is “Under Construction: God at Work.” It takes every member of the school community working together to help build God’s kingdom one day at a time. Our goal is to help nurture and guide each child in becoming the best missionary disciple he/she can become. As a school family, we profess our faith openly and invite others in our community to join us in worship, respect and prayer. Each morning a student led prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance echoes the halls of our buildings and can be heard by all passing near our school. A decade of the rosary is recited on Mondays over the intercom led by students in grades 4-7. Faculty members gather in the meditation garden for morning prayer and reflection. Each Friday morning, students, faculty, staff, family and friends gather for our weekly liturgy to praise God and thank him for the blessings and knowledge attained throughout the week. Monthly school liturgies are celebrated at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral to remind us that our school is just a small part of our larger faith community. Through professional development, faculty and staff members embrace new methodology and technology to ensure students are prepared young adults acclimated to the demands and rigor set for them so they can meet success in the larger world. Students learn to work together in small groups and communicate by expressing themselves verbally and in writing. Academic excellence is a strength we continue to nurture. We are fortunate to have a full-time school counselor and a full-time curriculum specialist on staff. Pro-social behavior and positive outcomes of interactions are recognized and promoted through our Paws-i-tive Prints recognition program. Random acts of kindness and service to others is acknowledged and the student recipients are pictured along the hallway on a paw print in recognition of their kindness and compassion. Some of our school clubs and classes such as builders club and student council sponsor activities to promote service and giving from the heart whether it be student council food, toiletry and sock drives, rock-a-thons, builders club members volunteering at local community projects such as the St. Francis Garden, art classes making cards for patients at TRMC, religion classes participating in the Giving Tree project at the Co-Cathedral,

as well as collecting for the missions in third world countries. Our soccer, basketball, volleyball and swim teams demonstrate good sportsmanship and team building while physically engaging in competitive play activities with students from other civil parishes and Catholic schools. These are all living examples of our mission which states we strive to educate the whole child while promoting social interaction in a safe, Catholic, Christ centered environment. BC

St. Joseph Elementary School OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW FAMILIES FEBRUARY 7th - 6:00 P.M.

Class visitation Thursday, February 14th - 8:30 - 9:30 A.M.

Catholic Education Rooted in Faith

Continuing the Tradition of Providing a Quality Catholic Education since 1855

A Values-Oriented Curriculum Fostering Individual Growth Spiritually, Morally, Academically & Socially • Nationally Accredited by AdvancED • Committed to Academic Rigor and Technology Integration • Dedicated, caring, certified Faculty & Staff • Promethean Classrooms, Computer Lab, & Library • A.C.T./Aspire Assessment Program • Full-Day Pre-K for Four-Year-Olds • Daily Prayer & Weekly School Liturgies • Student Clubs, Sports Teams, • Music, Band & Art • Attention to Special Academic Needs • Optional Before & After School Care

501 Cardinal Drive • Thibodaux, LA 70301 (985) 446-1346 • FAX (985) 449-0760

www.stjosephcesthibodaux.org St. Joseph C.E.S. does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national, or ethnic origin and is open to students who share our values and traditions.

January 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 61

Catholic Schools Week

St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School

A safe, interactive Catholic learning environment At St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School in Houma, we develop a community to learn, serve, lead and succeed. We learn. St. Gregory offers a Catholic education to children age three through seventh grade, and provides a learning environment whereby research-based methodologies are implemented to meet the varied learning styles and levels of students. All students are challenged in a safe, interactive, Catholic learning environment. In support of the notion that parents are the first educators of their children, we encourage parents to have an active role in the education of their children. The faculty and staff are dedicated, caring, spiritual and effective in the education and social growth of the children. Teachers are continually encouraged to participate in professional development and set goals for reaching high standards of teaching. We serve. Student-lead service projects have increased an awareness of the needs of others in the community and other areas around the world. We have a “baby shower” and donate items to a local shelter. The students do neighborhood scavenger hunts for canned goods to donate to families at Thanksgiving. They bring gently used coats for children. The students also participate in many other charitable activities that range from making cards, painting inspirational rocks, and donating food items, to fundraising to make monetary donations. Our students also minister to the sick in the community. Our students are involved in giving of themselves just as Jesus taught us. We lead. Students exhibit leadership qualities through their daily classroom experiences. The upper grade students are involved in our mentoring program for the younger students. As mentors, they lead by example as well as help with activities/learning. Students also serve as officers/ leaders in various clubs such as 4-H, Beta, yearbook, and Royal Ministers of Christ – a campus/community ministry. Our students also play an active role in our school mass. They commentate, read, altar serve, and sing in the church choir. We succeed. Every student has learning opportunities that promote individual success. We provide individualized instruction each day in addition to our whole class environment. All students set personal academic goals in various areas and receive the support to attain those goals. Our students have opportunities to prepare them in religious, academic, social, personal and service areas to become wellrounded, spiritual, successful individuals. BC 62 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • January 2019

Building God’s Kingdom. One Child At A Time!

ST. GREGORY BARBARIGO CATHOLIC SCHOOL School Tours

Week of February 18, 2019 Call for appointment

Current Student Registration February 4-15, 2019

New Student Registraton

begins February 18, 2019 Educating students age 3 through 7th grade

Principal: Dr. Cindy Martin, NBCT

Small Class Sizes Morning and Midday Prayer Time Family-Oriented Environment SmartBoard Technology iPads and Kindles Computer Lab & Library

Weekly School Mass Monday School Assembly Music Ministry STEM Program/Robotics Yearbook Club Art Classes

Royal Ministers of Christ Parent Teacher Organization Award Winning Junior BETA Club Award Winning 4-H Club Buddy Programs Before/After School Care Program

441 Sixth Street ~ Houma, LA 70364 ~ (985) 876-2038 www.stgregoryschool.org

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