Bayou Catholic Magazine July 2018 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Bayou

Catholic

Rejoice!

Two ordained to priesthood

JULY 2018 ~ VOL. 39 NO. 1 ~ COMPLIMENTARY

2018

celebrates july 4th on june 30th, 2018

Captain A J delaHoussaye (2018 Honored Veteran)

2018

Martin Folse and HTV houma celebrates TITLE SPONSOR

Patriots july Terrebonne 4th on june 30th, 2018 Host Organization

houma celebrates july 4th on june

2018 houma celebrates july 4th on june 30th, 2018 Thanks to Danny Picou and our patriotic volunteers for 10 years of support!

Captain A J delaHoussaye (2018 Honored Veteran)

Thanks to Danny Picou and our patriotic volunteers Dr. D and SEECA for 10 years of support! FOUNDER

Thanks to Danny Picou and our patriotic volunteers for 10 years of support!

Martin Folse and HTV TITLE SPONSOR

Terrebonne Patriots Captain A J delaHou Host Organization

Captain A J delaHoussaye (2018 Honored Veteran)

Dr. D and SEECA FOUNDER

® Martin Folse and HTV TITLE SPONSOR

Terrebonne Patriots

Martin and HTV HostFolse Organization TITLE SPONSOR

Please donate new school supplies to help Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish students thrive and excel!

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www.ptcenter-la.com July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 3

Contents

Features 18 Ministry in Action

By Janet Marcel

Lou Conner retires

By Janet Marcel

Advertisers Spotlight

By Janet Marcel

Columns 8 Comfort For My People

By Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

Pope Speaks

Pope Francis I

Questions of Faith

By Father Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

Readings Between The Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

Thoughts for Millennials

By Ryan Abboud

Reading with Raymond

By Raymond Saadi

50 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

Guest Column 34 Farbenfroh Fratt

By Father Gregory Fratt

In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 16 Scripture Readings 22 Heavenly Recipes 42 Diocesan Events Announcements 26 Pastoral appointments announced 43 St. Kateri Mass July 13 43 St. Anne Novena begins July 17 44 Holy Rosary School principal named On Our Cover LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

4 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Two men were recently ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Many wellwishers gathered for the ordination of Father Paul Birdsall and Father Joey Lirette.

Bayou Catholic How to reach us: Heavenly Recipes BY PHONE: (985) 850-3132

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

Gwen Eato

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.

Gwen prepares:

BAKED CHICKEN

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

Baked Chicken in Wine Sa

Lawrence Chatagnier

editor and general manager

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

INGREDIENTS: Janet Marcel

2 packages of chicken breas staff writer/administrative assistant

substituted) Brooks Lirette bouillon cubes 2 chicken advertising accounts executive 2 tbsp. Lee and Perrin Sauce 1 can Hebert of Golden cream of mushr Lisa Schobel graphic designer 1 can of cream of mushroom sou 1/2 stick of butter Meridy Liner 1/2 cup olive oil accounts receivable/payable assistant 3/4 cup of white cooking wine This month’s heavenly recipe, baked chicken breasts in 1-1/2 tsp. Accent seasoning wine sauce, comes from Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary 1 envelope of onion soup mix parishioner Gwen Eaton. She got the recipe from her motherDash of Tabasco sauce in-law Peggy Eaton. “This recipe has been a family favorite for Dash of black pepper years. It is served for special occasions and family gatherings. Like us on Facebook 1 package of egg noodles I have also made it as part of condolence for friends and or Find us on the web family during the time of the death of a loved one,” says www.bayoucatholic.org DIRECTIONS: Gwen. She says she loves to cook, adding that cooking is a Remove skin from chicken and a form of therapy for her. “I absolutely love to cook. My mother pan. Melt butter and pour over chi Where to find your Bayou Catholic Betty, my grandmother and mother-in-law taught me how to other ingredients in a large bowl Bayou Catholic magazine can be found cook. My mother-in-law taught me how to enjoy cooking. It at all Catholic churches and Catholic schoolspieces. Bake mixture over chicken also helps to have a husband who eats anything.” throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. two hours covered, basting occa Growing up on the east side of Houma, Gwen attended To pick up a copy, you may also visit the boiled egg noodles. Serves approxim Holy Rosary School from first to seventh grade, wentmerchants to who advertise in our issue. Those

Vandebilt Catholic High School for a few years then wishing to receive the magazine by mail can Janet Marcel at (985) 850-3132 or write graduated from South Terrebonne High where she met call to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box her husband Greg. The Eatons own ERG Window and 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Screen Company. They have a son, Christopher and a Subscription price is $35 annually. For the online edition, daughter-in-law Shannon. go to www.bayoucatholic.com Gwen and her husband are active members of Holy Rosary Church parish. “I am part of the condolence July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 5 committee, involved with the Come, Lord Jesus! group, the Come Listen ministry for children during the 11

From The Editor

A life cut short: Trying to understand suicide

There are some shows on TV that appeal to me so much that I look forward to watching them weekly. One of those is CBS’s Sunday Morning. It is a morning talk show that airs at a different pace and focuses much of its attention on the performing arts. After a quick update of the day’s news and national weather, correspondents offer longer-length segments on a variety of topics, from architecture to ballet to music to pop culture to politics. I always record the program because sometimes it interferes with a particular event that I have to cover for the Bayou Catholic. A recent show had a segment on suicide entitled A Life Cut Short: Trying to Understand Suicide. A life cut short by a person in despair is a reality that is happening with increasing frequency across our country. The recent two celebrity suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain call into focus this public health crisis. And so what we are left with are questions: How could two people with so much have nothing to live for? What becomes of their children? And most important perhaps, what could anyone have done to stop it?

Many of us know someone who has taken their own life. I remember when I was younger my best friend’s brother took his life. I was with him the night before he killed himself. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. No one would have imagined that he would be found the next morning hanged in his bedroom. It wasn’t something that was talked about much after either. I expressed my feelings of sadness for my friend and his family but there was no deep discussion or comforting conversation to help him during this terrible time of his life. I also had a cousin who took his own life. Perhaps some things will never be understood. It is impossible to know how someone can feel so desperate and hopeless and see ending their life as the only solution to end pain and despair. High profile suicides make for busy days at the national suicide prevention lifeline. Twelve and a half million people contemplate suicide each year. The national lifeline received about two million calls last year alone, according to executive director John Draper. “If you are worried about someone and you think something is going on or that they are contemplating suicide, ask them if they are thinking about suicide. Research shows that asking that person doesn’t scare them, they feel relief,” says Draper. Suicide takes the lives of more people annually than car accidents and twice as many as murder. It is also on the rise. It is up 25 percent since 1999. In half the country the spike is more than 30 percent.

6 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

“Our country has an inadequate and dysfunctional health care policy when it comes to mental healthcare,” says Dr. Jeffery Lieberman, chair of the psychiatry department of Columbia University. Because suicides have trended up through both good economic times and bad, researchers are still trying to find the causes. Some factors are constant. Suicide does not happen spontaneously or abruptly or out of the blue. Ninety percent of individuals who commit suicide have a pre-existing mental disorder, whether it has been diagnosed, treated or not. Most individuals who commit suicide have been thinking about it for a long time. The question is when does it reach a threshold that makes them impelled to do this? Often it happens impulsively, immediately after something happens in their life. The largest spike in suicide is among people 45 to 64. The suicide rate for white women between the ages of 45-64 has spiked to 80 percent since 1999. Dr. Lieberman says we are better equipped today to prevent suicides than ever before. Death should not become an outcome of mental illness. Remember, after reading Bayou Catholic, pass it on to a friend or relative who might not be attending Mass. It’s one of the great ways to do your part in spreading the Good News! BC

Lawrence

Lawrence Chatagnier Editor & General Manager

Church Life

Blessing on the Bayou, adoration and rosary The third annual Blessing of the Bayou, adoration and rosary, in thanksgiving that Bayou Dularge was spared from destructive storms, floods and hurricanes in the past year was held recently down Bayou Dularge. The two and a half hour procession was 20 miles long. Father Dean Danos, pastor of St. Eloi Church parish in Theriot, processed down Bayou Dularge with the Blessed Sacrament. The Terrebonne Parish Sherriff’s Office and the Bayou Dularge Volunteer Fire Department led the procession.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 7

Comment

We must find new opportunities that allow our youth to encounter the love of Jesus personally

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

I would like to take the opportunity to express my desire and hope for the youth of our diocese. Since arriving here as bishop, I have been blessed to interact with the youth of our diocese on different occasions, but especially in my travels to Washington, DC, for the annual March for Life. I am always amazed at how hopeful and enthusiastic our young people truly are. Their enthusiasm and outlook is always uplifting to me. Additionally, I would say that as a bishop, it has been a great privilege to confirm in the faith so many wonderful young men and women each year. All of these young people are a great gift to the church, a gift for which I am very grateful. As I have listened to them, it is evident to me that our young people often experience particular difficulties that perhaps were not present even a decade ago. I think we can all agree that we are facing new and very real challenges in our culture. I think that the case can be made to support the fact that in the present age secularization often has more of an influence on our youth than does the Gospel. There is a rapid acceleration of the use and influence of technology. There is more and more of a rejection of a common moral code held by community as a whole. There are complex issues within the family. All of this is impacting our young people. A recent CARA study surveyed U.S. participants ages 15 to 25 who were raised Catholic but who no longer

identify as such, as well as another group of self-identified U.S. Catholic adults 18 and older. Nearly two-thirds of participants in the youth and young adult study reported “losing the faith” between the ages of 10 and 17. A startling number – 23 percent – stated that they had ceased believing the Catholic faith before the age of 10. Half of the surveyed group now self-identify as atheist, agnostic or without any religious affiliation.

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I would ask that you pray for the young people of our diocese and ask God to bring forward more adults in every parish to help accompany our young people on their journey of faith.

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Comfort For My People

All of this can seem daunting. However, I believe we always have hope in Jesus Christ and can look to him to guide us in our response to the current challenges. Youth formation has been an area of focus for our strategic planning process. We sought the Lord’s guidance in identifying how we can best reach our young people in every church parish and accompany them to becoming mature missionary

8 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

disciples of Jesus Christ. I believe the situation we are facing with our young people demands that we produce an appropriate response. It is clear that there is a need to find new ways to engage our young people. We must find new opportunities that allow them to encounter the love of Jesus personally. We must be ever more creative so that they take steps forward and grow in that relationship. In short, our efforts to reach young people in the parish and in the area of catechesis must be renewed and adapted. We must help our young people discover the meaning of life. This means we must find ways to present the timeless Gospel message – the authentic, unchanging, fully Orthodox Truths of the Catholic Church. But, we must find new methods for presenting this Gospel message. We must present the message in such a way that allows our youth to see the Gospel within their real-life circumstances. We must discover ways that allow them to be excited about the richness of our Catholic faith. In a certain sense, we need to “learn their language” so that we can then speak it back to them. And, we need to grow in our capacity to truly listen to them and their needs. I have great trust in our ability to work together and creatively discover new ways of engaging and forming our youth. I am encouraged as we begin formation with adults in our diocese, a critical first step if we are to then equip our adults to accompany our youth. I would ask that you pray for the young people of our diocese and ask God to bring forward more adults in every parish to help accompany our young people on their journey of faith. As Jesus said in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9 verse 37: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few, so ask the master of the harvest to send out more laborers for the harvest.” May we ask and trust He will respond. BC

‘We must help our young people discover the meaning of life.’

Comentario

Debemos encontrar nuevas oportunidades que permitan a nuestros jóvenes encontrar personalmente el amor de Jesús. auto identifica como ateo, agnóstico o sin ninguna creencia religiosa. Todo esto puede parecer desalentador. Sin embargo, creo que siempre tenemos esperanza en Jesucristo y podemos mirarle para que nos guíe en nuestra respuesta a los actuales desafíos. La formación de los jóvenes ha sido un área de interés para nuestro proceso diocesano de planificación. Buscamos la guía del Señor en la

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Pido que oren por los jóvenes de nuestra diócesis y pidan a Dios que traiga más adultos en cada parroquia para ayudar y acompañar a nuestros jóvenes en su viaje de fe.

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Me gustaría aprovechar la oportunidad para expresar mi deseo y esperanza a todos los jóvenes de nuestra diócesis. Desde que vine como Obispo, he tenido la bendición de interactuar con los jóvenes de nuestra diócesis en diferentes ocasiones, especialmente en mis viajes a Washington, DC, para la Marcha anual por la Vida. Me asombra el optimismo y el entusiasmo de nuestros jóvenes. Su entrega y actitud siempre me edifican. Además, diría que como Obispo, ha sido un gran privilegio confirmar cada año en la fe a tantos jóvenes extraordinarios. Estos jóvenes son un gran regalo para la Iglesia, un regalo por el cual estoy muy agradecido. Cuando les he escuchado, es evidente que nuestros jóvenes a menudo experimentan dificultades particulares que tal vez no estuvieron presentes hace una década. Creo que todos podemos estar de acuerdo en que nos enfrentamos a retos nuevos y muy reales en nuestra cultura. Pienso que en realidad la actual secularización tiene más influencia en nuestra juventud que el Evangelio. Hay una rápida aceleración del uso y la influencia de la tecnología. Hay más y más rechazo a un código moral común que sostiene la comunidad en su conjunto. Hay problemas complejos dentro de la familia. Todo esto está impactando a nuestros jóvenes. Un reciente estudio de CARA entrevisto a jóvenes estadounidenses de 15 a 25 años de edad que fueron criados católicos pero que ya no se identifican como tales, así como otro grupo de adultos autoidentificados católicos de los Estados Unidos mayores de 18 años. Casi dos terceras partes de los participantes en el estudio de jóvenes y adultos jóvenes respondieron “perder la fe” entre las edades de 10 y 17 años. Un número sorprendente – 23 % – afirmó que habían dejado de creer en la fe católica antes de los 10 años. La mitad del grupo encuestado ahora se

identificación de cómo podemos alcanzar mejor a nuestros jóvenes en cada Iglesia parroquial y acompañarlos a convertirse en discípulos misioneros comprometidos en Jesucristo. Creo que la situación que enfrentamos con nuestros jóvenes exige que presentemos una respuesta adecuada. Es evidente que es necesario encontrar nuevas formas de comprometer a nuestros jóvenes. Debemos encontrar

10 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

nuevas oportunidades que les permitan encontrarse personalmente con el amor de Jesús. Debemos ser cada vez más creativos para que tomen pasos adelante y crezcan en esa relación. En resumen, nuestros esfuerzos para llegar a los jóvenes en la parroquia y en el área de la catequesis deben ser renovados y adaptados. Debemos ayudar a nuestros jóvenes a descubrir el sentido de la vida. Esto significa que debemos encontrar formas de presentar el fiel mensaje del evangelio – las verdades auténticas, inmutables y completamente ortodoxas de la Iglesia católica. Pero, debemos encontrar nuevos métodos para presentar este mensaje evangélico. Debemos presentar el mensaje de tal manera que permita a nuestros jóvenes ver el Evangelio dentro de sus circunstancias de la vida real. Debemos descubrir caminos que les permitan estar entusiasmados con la riqueza de nuestra fe católica. En cierto sentido, necesitamos “aprender su idioma” para que podamos hablarles. Y, necesitamos crecer en nuestra capacidad para escucharles y descubrir sus necesidades. Tengo una gran confianza en nuestra capacidad para trabajar juntos y descubrir creativamente nuevas formas de involucrar y formar a nuestra juventud. Me siento alentado a medida que empezamos la formación con adultos en nuestra diócesis, es crítico el primer paso, si queremos capacitar a nuestros adultos para que acompañen a nuestros jóvenes. Pido que oren por los jóvenes de nuestra diócesis y pidan a Dios que traiga más adultos en cada parroquia para ayudar y acompañar a nuestros jóvenes en su viaje de fe. Como dijo Jesús en el Evangelio: “«La cosecha es abundante, pero los trabajadores son pocos. Rueguen, pues, al dueño de la cosecha que envíe trabajadores a recoger su cosecha.»” Mt. 9,37- 38. Pidamos y confiemos que Él nos responderá. BC

Binh luan bang loi

Chúng ta phải tìm những cơ hội mới cho phép giới trẻ của chúng ta tiếp cận tình yêu của Chúa Giêsu một cách cá vị họ đã không tin vào đức tin Công giáo trước lúc 10 tuổi. Phân nữa nhóm được khảo sát hiện nay tự xác định là vô thần, bất khả tri hoặc không có bất kỳ liên hệ nào với tôn giáo. Tất cả điều này có vẻ khó khăn. Tuy nhiên, tôi tin rằng chúng ta luôn luôn có hy vọng nơi Chúa Giêsu Kitô và có thể nhìn vào Ngài để ngài hướng dẫn chúng ta ứng phó trước những thách đố hiện tại. Sự đào tạo thanh thiếu niên là một lãnh vực chính cho quá trình kế hoạch học

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Tôi xin Anh Chị Em cầu nguyện cho giới trẻ trong giáo phận của chúng ta và cầu xin Thiên Chúa gởi thêm nhiều người trong mỗi giáo xứ để giúp đỡ giới trẻ trên hành trình đức tin của họ.

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Tôi muốn nhân cơ hội này để bày tỏ mong muốn và hy vọng của tôi đối với giới trẻ trong giáo phận của chúng ta. Từ khi đến đây với tư cách là Giám mục, tôi đã được diễm phúc để tiếp xúc với giới trẻ của giáo phận chúng ta vào những dịp khác nhau, nhưng đặc biệt là trong chuyến đi của tôi đến Washington, DC, dịp Diễn hành cho Cuộc sống hằng năm. Tôi luôn ngạc nhiên trước niềm hy vọng và sự nhiệt tình của giới trẻ. Sự nhiệt tình và triển vọng của họ luôn nâng đỡ tôi. Thêm vào đó, tôi muốn nói rằng với tư cách là Giám mục, đây là một đặc ân cao cả để củng cố đức tin cho nhiều giới trẻ tuyệt vời mỗi năm. Tất cả những người trẻ này là một món quà quý báu cho Giáo hội, một món quà mà tôi rất biết ơn. Như tôi đã được nghe họ nói rõ ràng rằng giới trẻ của chúng ta thường gặp những khó khăn đặc biệt mà có lẽ chưa hiện diện ngay cả một thập niên trước. Tôi nghĩ tất cả chúng ta đều có thể đồng ý rằng chúng ta đang đối diện với những thử thách mới và rất thực tế trong nền văn hóa của mình. Tôi nghĩ rằng phương thế có thể được thực hiện để hỗ trợ sự kiện trong thời đại hiện nay, thế tục thường có nhiều ảnh hưởng đến giới trẻ của chúng ta hơn là Tin Mừng. Có sự gia tăng nhanh chóng của việc sử dụng và ảnh hưởng của kỹ thuật. Ngày càng có nhiều sự khước từ luân thường đạo lý được nắm giữ bởi cộng đồng nói chung. Có những vấn đề phức tạp trong gia đình. Tất cả điều này đều ảnh hưởng đến giới trẻ của chúng ta. Một nghiên cứu nhóm CARA gần đây đã khảo sát một số người Mỹ tham dự, tuổi từ 15 đến 25, những người được nuôi dưỡng theo đức tin Công giáo nhưng không còn căn tính người công giáo nữa, cũng như một nhóm người lớn tuổi từ 18 trở lên cũng tự xác định là người Công giáo Hoa Kỳ. Gần hai phần ba số người tham gia trong nghiên cứu thanh thiếu niên đã báo cáo việc “mất niềm tin” trong độ tuổi từ 10 đến 17. Một con số đáng ngạc nhiên - 23% - nói rằng

hỏi của chúng ta. Chúng tôi tìm kiếm sự hướng dẫn của Chúa trong việc xác định cách chúng ta có thể tiếp cận tốt nhất giới trẻ trong mỗi giáo xứ và đồng hành với họ để trở thành những môn đệ truyền giáo trưởng thành của Chúa Giêsu Kitô. Tôi tin rằng tình huống chúng ta đang đương đầu với giới trẻ đòi hỏi chúng ta phải tạo ra sự hưởng ứng thích hợp. Rõ ràng là cần phải tìm cách mới mẻ để thu hút giới trẻ. Chúng ta phải tìm những cơ hội mới cho phép họ tiếp cận với tình

yêu thương của Chúa Giêsu. Chúng ta phải sáng tạo hơn bao giờ hết để họ tiến tới và phát triển trong mối quan hệ đó. Tóm lại, những nỗ lực của chúng ta để tiếp cận giới trẻ trong giáo xứ và trong lãnh vực giáo lý phải được canh tân và thích nghi. Chúng ta phải giúp giới trẻ khám phá ý nghĩa của cuộc sống. Điều này có nghĩa là chúng ta phải tìm cách trình bày sứ điệp Tin Mừng vượt thời gian - những Chân Lý đích thực, không thay đổi, hoàn toàn chính thống sự thật của Giáo Hội Công Giáo. Nhưng, chúng ta phải tìm ra những phương pháp mới để trình bày sứ điệp Tin Mừng này. Chúng ta phải trình bày sứ điệp theo cách cho phép giới trẻ thấy Phúc âm trong hoàn cảnh thực tế của họ. Chúng ta phải khám phá những cách cho phép họ vui mừng về sự phong phú của đức tin Công giáo. Theo một nghĩa nào đó, chúng ta cần phải “học ngôn ngữ của họ” để chúng ta có thể nói chuyện với họ. Và, chúng ta cần phải lớn lên trong khả năng của mình để thực sự lắng nghe họ và những nhu cầu của họ. Tôi rất tin tưởng vào khả năng làm việc cùng nhau và sáng tạo khám phá ra những cách thức mới để thu hút và đào tạo giới trẻ của chúng ta. Tôi được khích lệ khi chúng ta bắt đầu chương trình đào tạo với những người lớn trong giáo phận, một bước quan trọng đầu tiên nếu chúng ta sau đó trang bị cho người lớn cùng đồng hành với giới trẻ. Tôi xin Anh Chị Em cầu nguyện cho giới trẻ trong giáo phận của chúng ta và cầu xin Thiên Chúa gởi thêm nhiều người trong mỗi giáo xứ để giúp đỡ giới trẻ trên hành trình đức tin của họ. Như Chúa Giêsu đã nói trong Phúc âm thánh Matthêu, chương 9 câu 37-38: “Lúa chín đầy đồng, mà thợ gặt lại ít. Vậy anh em hãy xin chủ mùa gặt sai thợ ra gặt lúa về.” Chúng ta hãy cầu xin và tin rằng Ngài sẽ ban cho. Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa BC

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 11

Comment

Pope Francis: The church is not just the bishops - it’s everyone The Pope Speaks

Vatican City, (CNA/EWTN News) Pope Francis said recently that the sacrament of confirmation is a gift meant to be shared with other people, both inside and outside of the church, which he stressed is not only the hierarchy, but is made up of all baptized faithful. In his June 6 general audience speech, the pope said the sacrament of confirmation unites candidates more closely to the church, and gives them a stronger identity as “a living member of the mystical body of Christ.” “The mission of the church in the world proceeds through the contribution of those who are a part of it,” he said, noting in off-the-cuff comments that when it comes to how the church is understood, “some think that there are only bishops, the bosses, and then there are the workers.” “No, the church is all of us, everyone, each person has their role in the church, but we are all the church,” he said, adding that “we must think of the church as a living organism, composed of people who we know and with whom we walk, and not as an abstract and distant reality.” “The church is us who walk, us who are here in the square. It’s everyone,” he said. Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square for his weekly audience address, which is currently dedicated to a series of catechesis on the sacrament of confirmation. The gift of the Holy Spirit, he said, helps candidates mature in the faith and allows them to in turn become a gift for others. “It is precisely the Holy Spirit who de-

centers us from our ‘I’ in order to open ourselves to the ‘we’ of the Christian community, as well as to the society in which we live,” he said, adding that the soul is not a “warehouse,” and that as Christians, “we are not the center, we are an instrument to give to others.” Confirmation is linked to the universal church and actively involves candidates in the life of the local churches where they come from, he said, and since the bishop is the head of the local church, this is why he is the ordinary minister of the sacrament. This incorporation of the candidate into the church, he said, is signified by the sign of the peace which takes place at the end of the rite of confirmation, when the bishop says “peace be with you.” When a candidate receives this sign of peace from the bishop, it commits them to working for greater communion “inside and outside of the church, with enthusiasm and without being paralyzed by resistance.” “To receive peace means committing to work toward improving harmony in the parish, encouraging understanding with others, including, rather than discarding or marginalizing.” It also means being able to recognize and appreciate differences, because “the Holy Spirit is creative and not repetitive. His gifts

12 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

arouse a symphony and not monotony!” Francis closed his address reiterating that confirmation is a gift meant not only for the recipient, but also for the spiritual good of others. Only by “opening ourselves and going out of ourselves to encounter our brothers can we truly grow and not just fool ourselves,” he said, adding that when Catholics receive the Holy Spirit, “it must in fact be given so that it bears fruit and is not buried because of our selfish fears.” Quoting his exhortation on holiness Gaudete et Exsultate, the pope said Catholics need to be prompted by the Holy Spirit, “lest we be paralyzed by fear and excessive caution, lest we grow used to keeping within safe bounds.” “Let us remember that closed spaces grow musty and unhealthy,” he said, and urged confirmation candidates not to “cage the Holy Spirit” by resisting his inspiration or suffocating “the burning fire of charity which consumes his life for God and for others.” “May the Holy Spirit grant each of us the apostolic courage of communicating the Gospel, with words and works, to all those we meet on our path.” BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

Conversations before Mass A lot of people at the Saturday evening Masses come early and socialize with other parishioners. This is disturbing to some people who want to pray. What should we do? This situation seems to be common. Sitting in the confessional before Mass, I have gotten to know a lot about the goings on of my parishioners, but it was not from the confessions themselves. It was instead from the conversations I easily overheard while sitting and waiting for the next penitent. I would even overhear parishioners accusing me of trying to kill them by freezing them to death with the air conditioner. I then smiled, suppressed a chuckle, and shook my head before continuing my prayers. Before answering the “what to do,” we must first look at the “why.” Why should we have quiet prayer time before Mass? In the fast-paced world today, we can often be confronted with much noise from our work, school or home. Most people look forward to some moment throughout the day or at some point in the week to just stop, breathe, and bask in the peace. As a teenager when I would return from school, often I needed to get on my bike, ride in the sugar cane fields, and sit in peace and quiet by the canal near the swamps. I think I was truly able to hear the Lord speak to my heart and the call to the priesthood in the quiet. For many of us, coming early to Mass allows us to get out of the noisy world to enter into silence and encounter God. Quiet and silence are necessary

for us to enter a relationship with God. Taking time to prepare for that encounter is essential. Any person who participates in some physical exercise usually stretches and warms up before beginning, which is especially necessary as we get older, so as to lessen the possibility of injury or soreness. In preparing to enter spiritual exercises, the same holds true. It is necessary for us to “warm up” and stretch the heart and soul to enter into union with our God. Unfortunately the mouth can get more stretching and warming up before Mass than the heart. In his Wednesday General Audience on Nov. 15, 2017, Pope Francis seemed to address this very question about talking before Mass and the need for quiet preparation. He explained, “And when we go to Mass, perhaps we arrive five minutes early and we begin to chit-chat with the one who is next to us. However, it’s not the moment to chit-chat: it’s the moment of silence to prepare oneself to dialogue. It’s the moment to recollect oneself in the heart to prepare oneself for the encounter with Jesus. Silence is so important! Remember what I said last week: we are not going to a show; we are going to an encounter with the Lord, and silence prepares us and accompanies us.” Our weekly coming together is first and foremost an encounter with our Lord, but it is also an opportunity to strengthen our communal bonds. Church should be a place where we are able to both pray and socialize; however, the keys are place, timing and content. First, where do we socialize? The church is God’s house, the dwelling place of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and “a place of prayer” (Matthew 21:13). There are gathering spaces outside the main body of the church (i.e. a church foyer or hall) where socializing is possible while respecting the quietude for our brothers and sisters to pray. Second, when do we socialize? Think about watching a golf match on television. The fans are gathered around the player and are quiet while the player prepares to hit the ball. After the ball is hit, cheers and words of encouragement are often resounding. At many parishes, families and friends stay after Mass is over talking in the

parking lot, the plaza, or parish hall and catching up with one another, strengthening the communal bonds. After the preparation and action of the Mass are complete, then the resounding words of encouragement and concern are heard. Finally, what do we talk about? Unfortunately the content of conversations before Mass can be less than community building and easily lend to gossip, detraction (tearing down the reputation of another), or trivial and unnecessary talk that does not build up the body of Christ. So now for the “what”; what can an individual do if disturbed by the conversations before Mass? Reach out. Reach out to your pastor and discuss this with him. Perhaps a notice in the bulletin, reminders at the entrance to the church, announcements at Mass may help. If one brings this to the attention of those guilty of the conversations, always address it with charity to your brothers and sisters. Reposition oneself. If the church has a side or Blessed Sacrament chapel or more isolated corner that is usually quieter, moving to that place can be a better solution. Just know that this may mean moving from your usual pew. Recollect oneself. Realizing the whole point of prayer is recollecting, we can fail to understand that the problem of recollection lies just as much within ourselves as in our environment. At some point, even when our surroundings are chaotic, we ought to be able to have an inner peace. Our emotional responses to the noise, the anger and frustration, become a greater impediment to our prayer. We may actually find some peace in praying for those who are annoying us. Remember, a pearl is formed from something that was first an irritation to the oyster. Pearls of grace may come to us, also. BC

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

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 13

Reflections

St. Paul: Build up the body of Christ Readings Between The Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

Between July 15 and Aug. 26 this year we will read from the Letter to the Ephesians. Ephesus, situated near modern-day Kusadasi, Turkey, was a very large, prominent, cosmopolitan and commercially-thriving seacoast city during St. Paul’s time. Some time between 54 and 58 A.D., Paul traveled to Ephesus which he made the home base of his missionary activity for about three years (Acts 20:31). From Ephesus he wrote letters to the Philippians, Philemon and five to the Corinthians, of which only two have survived (J. Fitzmyer, “Paul” in New Jerome Biblical Commentary, eds. R. Brown, S. S., J. Fitzmyer, S. J., R. Murphy, O. Carm., p. 1336). Ephesians may not have been written specifically to the Ephesian Church. It is addressed to “the holy ones who are (in Ephesus) faithful in Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:1). The phrase “in Ephesus” seems to have been a later addition. The letter may have been a circular letter intended for several churches in the region of Asia Minor; later copyists may have sought to associate the letter with the most prominent church in the area. Overall, the purpose of the letter is: 1) To recall the exaltation of Christ and the church over all heavenly and earthly powers, 2) To recall the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles in the church under the headship of Christ, 3) To exhort the readers to celebrate their unity by appropriate conduct. Ephesians 1:3-14 is a blessing formula, an unusual element for a Pauline letter or even a Greco-Roman letter in general. The blessing is directed to the “God and Father of our

Lord Jesus Christ” for the divine plan through which he saved us. This divine plan consists of God’s choice of us and continues to unfold with God’s adoption and redemption of us through Christ’s blood. To his adopted and redeemed children God reveals the “mystery” which has unfolded throughout the various stages of God’s plan of salvation, a plan which culminates in Christ. In the Thanksgiving (1:15-23), which follows the blessing, the author expresses gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith and love, and wishes that they might possess the gifts of wisdom and revelation in order to comprehend the mystery. In the first segment (2:1-10) of the letter’s Doctrinal Section (2:1—3:21) the author speaks of the transformation of the believers by using resurrection imagery. The readers, who were dead in sin, have been raised to life with Christ. Part of the experience of death was the division among Jews and Gentiles, because circumcision made Jews part of the Covenant People, but Gentiles were excluded. The outpoured blood of Christ has “brought the Gentiles near” so that, now eligible to be part of the Chosen People, they are one with, that is, reconciled, with the Jews. Yet, the Jews have also been given a new status through Christ’s blood. Both Jews and Gentiles are part of the “new humanity” Christ has established. The redemption, adoption

14 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

and reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles as members of the new humanity in Christ is the outcome of the unfolding mystery of God’s plan of salvation (3:112). The next major section (4:1—6:20) might be called the “Hortatory Section” of the letter. As is the case in other Pauline letters, the Hortatory Section encourages certain behaviors which are consistent with the beliefs expressed in the letter’s doctrinal section. In the case of the Letter to the Ephesians, the readers’ behavior must reflect everything that has been said above about their new humanity, which is manifested in the reconciled status of Jews and Gentiles. Certain virtues must be manifest in their lives, namely, humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another, and striving to preserve the one bond of unity in Christ (4:1-6). The goal of practicing these virtues is the maintenance of a complete unity within the community. The old cultural mores which separated Jews and Gentiles must be abandoned. Reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 12:131, the author talks about the variety of roles within the community, namely, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. In 1 Corinthians 12, the importance of each distinct gift is emphasized so that the diversity of gifts would not become an occasion for dividing the community. In Ephesians 4, however, the author

Reflections

aims to demonstrate how the various roles within the community are necessary to the process of “building up the body of Christ” (4:12), that is, to maintaining the community’s unity. As the Ephesian community solidifies its unity it grows in maturity of faith and knowledge (4:13). The author is using a metaphor of human growth here, as he depicts the mature Christian community as being like a full-grown adult, and not any adult, but Christ himself. By contrast, he says they should not be like infants who are easily influenced by one set of doctrines or another. The author uses this contrast in order to warn the readers not to be swayed by false teaching. To be fully mature in faith and knowledge is to have a mature, adult kind of confidence in the truth they have been taught so they are not easily carried away from it. In Ephesians 4:25—5:5, in contrast to the virtues mentioned in 4:1-6, the

author mentions a number of vices to be avoided. Such vices “grieve the Holy Spirit,” in other words, the practice of such vices is inappropriate for one in whom the Holy Spirit now dwells. Instead they should imitate God, inasmuch as they are his beloved children (5:1), even as Christ, God’s Son, perfectly manifested the love of the Father in his life through offering himself in sacrifice. Again, in contrast to the practice of vice, the offering of loving sacrifice is appropriate for one in whom the Holy Spirit dwells, even as sacrifice was offered to God in the Temple. In Ephesians 5:6-20 the author resorts to another contrast, that is, existence in darkness vs. existence in light. Existence in darkness refers to the time before they embraced the Gospel and therefore lived in ignorance and sin. Now they have been raised from death and Christ has given them light. Finally, in 5:21—6:9 the author adapts

a typical cultural code of conduct for family members to the Christian life as an illustration of what it means to “live in the light” in an everyday situation. They should be subservient to and respectful of one another, “as to Christ.” BC

Reflection Questions v What do you perceive your role to be within the Christian community? How can you collaborate with others so as to build up the unity of the community? v What does it mean to be a “mature Christian”? v What philosophies or ideas in society today which contrast with Christianity may be alluring to one who is not fully mature in his or her faith?

Michael S. Haydel, M.D. FIPP, ABIPP • Michael P. Charlet, M.D., FAAN Daniel R. Clayton, PA-C • Donovan J. Matherne, FNP-C • Brandi B. Degruise, FNP-C

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July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 15

Monday

ScriptureReadings Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

and a listing of Feast days and saints

Friday

Saturday

25 June

Weekday Feast of Saint Amos 2:6-10, 13-16 Thomas, apostle Matthew 8:18-22 Ephesians 2:19-22 John 20:24-29

Weekday Amos 5:14-15, 21-24 Matthew 8:28-34

Weekday Amos 7:10-17 Matthew 9:1-8

Weekday Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 Matthew 9:9-13

Weekday Amos 9:11-15 Matthew 9:14-17

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24 2 Corinthians 8:7, 9, 13-15 Mark 5:21-43

Weekday Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 Matthew 9:32-38

Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 Matthew 10:1-7

Weekday Hosea 11:1-4, 8c-9 Matthew 10:7-15

Weekday Hosea 14:2-10 Matthew 10:16-23

Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin Isaiah 6:1-8 Matthew 10:24-33

Weekday Micah 6:1-4, 6-8 Matthew 12:38-42

Weekday Jeremiah 13:1-11 Matthew 13:31-35

Weekday Isaiah 7:1-9 Matthew 11:20-24

Weekday Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Matthew 12:46-50

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest Jeremiah 14:17-22 Matthew 13:36-43

Weekday Isaiah 10:5-7, 13b16 Matthew 11:25-27

Weekday Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 Matthew 11:28-30

Weekday Isaiah 38:1-6, 2122, 7-8 Matthew 12:1-8

Weekday Micah 2:1-5 Matthew 12:14-21

Feast of Saint James, apostle 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Matthew 20:20-28

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary Jeremiah 2:1-3, 7-8, 12-13 Matthew 13:10-17

Weekday Jeremiah 3:14-17 Matthew 13:18-23

Weekday Jeremiah 7:1-11 Matthew 13:24-30

1 August

Memorial of Saint Weekday Alphonsus Liguori, Jeremiah 18:1-6 bishop and doctor of Matthew 13:47-53 the church Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21 Matthew 13:44-46

16 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Weekday Jeremiah 26:1-9 Matthew 13:54-58

1 July

Weekday Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 Matthew 8:5-17

Weekday Hosea 2:16, 17b18, 21-22 Matthew 9:18-26

Weekday Isaiah 1:10-17 Matthew 10:34— 11:1

Sunday

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Ezekiel 2:2-5 2 Corinthians 12:710 Mark 6:1-6a

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Amos 7:12-15 Ephesians 1:3-14 Mark 6:7-13

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jeremiah 23:1-6 Ephesians 2:13-18 Mark 6:30-34

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Kings 4:42-44 Ephesians 4:1-6 John 6:1-15

July

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

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Evangelization

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July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 17

Ministry in Action

Roxane Haydel visits with homebound parishioner Jane Bergeron.

St. Francis Food for the Spirit delivers joy to the homebound Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

Antoinette Benton delivers a meal to Anita Schexnayder. 18 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

The Food for the Spirit ministry at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma came about almost five years ago when a parish prayer group decided they wanted to do something more than just pray. Roxane Haydel, a St. Francis parishioner for 27 years, spearheaded the Food for the Spirit project. “Our prayer group would meet once a week to pray and that was great, but we started questioning ‘where are our works,’ and we decided we wanted to do something more. I had always wanted to do some type of soup kitchen to feed the homeless,” she says. “I talked to our pastoral council president and he brought it to the council. They thought we should do something with our homebound, the people who were receiving Communion in their homes, so we decided to try that and it has been amazing.” Haydel says there are about 10 to 12 people who consistently come every month to help with the ministry. She explains that they deliver the meals to people in their homes and just visit with them, sometimes up to an hour

Ministry in Action

or so. Along with the meal, they bring prayer cards, prayer booklets, holy water, a copy of Bayou Catholic magazine, puzzle books or something else fun for them to do. They also deliver a big meal to the residents of the Louis Infant Crisis Center. Haydel sends out an email each month to the people who have signed up to participate in the ministry to tell them what the menu is going to be for that month and ask for volunteers to do whatever they can. She says somehow it always works out that they have all parts of the menu covered; and if not, they go to Bella Cosa Catering in Houma and fix the meal there. Rene Rhodes, a St. Francis parishioner who owns the business, lets them use his kitchen once a month to prepare meals or get everything ready for delivery. “Food for the Spirit allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The Holy Spirit guides and directs many conversations that you are not expecting to have,” says Rhodes. The people who receive the meals are very grateful not only for the meals, but for the conversation and companionship, says Haydel. “These people are the ones who came to daily Mass and used to be active in the parish, but for whatever reason, they aren’t able to anymore. They still long for this contact with the parish.

We don’t want them to be forgotten so we need to keep including them in the parish and let them know we still care and we love them. The ministers have formed relationships with all of these people and it’s been such a blessing for all of us.” Shawn Naquin, ministry volunteer, says, “Food for the Spirit does more than just provide a meal for the homebound. We have been told more than once, that the meals are

Rene Rhodes, Roxane Haydel and Shawn Naquin look over menu options for the Food for the Spirit Ministry.

delicious but the people look forward to our visits and time with them the most. My experience with this ministry has been one of joy and sadness. Joy in the relationships I have made not only with the recipients but also the volunteers, and sadness in not realizing that some would pass, which has happened since the ministry started almost five years ago. I can only pray that I have brought a small touch of the love and kindness to these people that I have received from them.” The volunteers make approximately 40 deliveries on the second Saturday of every month. Some of the meals they have prepared in the past are spaghetti, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and pulled pork sandwiches. The students at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School participate in the ministry also by making prayer cards, personal cards or Valentines, and even spiritual bouquets for the recipients. Haydel would love to help other church parishes start a ministry like this. If anyone is interested she asks that they call her at (985)381-3573 and she will help them in any way she can to get this ministry going in their parish. BC

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 19

Cover Feature

Rejoice! Two ordained to priesthood Rev. Paul Birdsall and Rev. Joey Lirette were ordained to the priesthood recently at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the ordaining prelate. Concelebrants were Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs, priests of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and friends of the candidates.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

20 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Cover Feature

What was on my heart the morning of my ordination was “finally!” I felt the love of Christ and his holy Mother Mary and a calm anticipation to begin ministry as a priest. I wasn’t nervous, but tense, almost in disbelief that something so amazing could happen to me. I felt a readiness, but also an unworthiness shrouded by immense happiness and peace of heart. Father Paul Birdsall

When I woke up the morning of my ordination, it seemed just like every other morning. I said my morning prayers and went to check on my mother as I do every morning when I am staying with her. She was getting dressed and at that moment it hit me that it was my ordination day. A flood of nerves overcame me. Once I got everything I needed together, I left, and while driving a feeling of peace came over me. I usually worry about everything but the Spirit told me, “I lead you to this, please know that I will take care of you.” As I drove and my mind cleared, all concerns left. While waiting for the ceremony to start I knew that I was ready to become a priest. Father Joseph (Joey) Lirette

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21

Heavenly Recipes

Gwen Eaton

Gwen prepares:

BAKED CHICKEN Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe, baked chicken breasts in wine sauce, comes from Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary parishioner Gwen Eaton. She got the recipe from her motherin-law Peggy Eaton. “This recipe has been a family favorite for years. It is served for special occasions and family gatherings. I have also made it as part of condolence for friends and family during the time of the death of a loved one,” says Gwen. She says she loves to cook, adding that cooking is a form of therapy for her. “I absolutely love to cook. My mother Betty, my grandmother and mother-in-law taught me how to cook. My mother-in-law taught me how to enjoy cooking. It also helps to have a husband who eats anything.” Growing up on the east side of Houma, Gwen attended Holy Rosary School from first to seventh grade, went to Vandebilt Catholic High School for a few years then graduated from South Terrebonne High where she met her husband Greg. The Eatons own ERG Window and Screen Company. They have a son, Christopher and a daughter-in-law Shannon. Gwen and her husband are active members of Holy Rosary Church parish. “I am part of the condolence committee, involved with the Come, Lord Jesus! group, the Come Listen ministry for children during the 11 a.m. Sunday Mass, an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist and homebound ministry, and we are part of the building and grounds committee. Greg is a member of the parish implementation team for the diocesan strategic plan.” Gwen says her father C.J. Dupre was an influence on her to become active in the church. He is still an active parishioner at Holy Rosary. When she was first asked to become a eucharistic minister she felt that she was not worthy to be a minister of the 22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Baked Chicken Breasts in Wine Sauce INGREDIENTS: 2 packages of chicken breasts (thighs can be substituted) 2 chicken bouillon cubes 2 tbsp. Lee and Perrin Sauce 1 can of Golden cream of mushroom soup 1 can of cream of mushroom soup 1/2 stick of butter 1/2 cup olive oil 3/4 cup of white cooking wine 1-1/2 tsp. Accent seasoning 1 envelope of onion soup mix Dash of Tabasco sauce Dash of black pepper 1 package of egg noodles

DIRECTIONS: Remove skin from chicken and arrange in a baking pan. Melt butter and pour over chicken pieces. Add all other ingredients in a large bowl, mixing well. Pour mixture over chicken pieces. Bake at 325 degrees for two hours covered, basting occasionally. Serve over boiled egg noodles. Serves approximately eight people.

Eucharist. “I approached Father Jerry Villarrubia about my thoughts of not being worthy. Father Jerry told me that none of us are. That stuck with me and really touched me. I know that we are not called to be perfect. We are called to be obedient. I can lean on the Father. He has always been there for me; and so has Mary.” BC

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

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

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

Who do I contact to contribute to or establish a burse fund? To contribute to or establish a burse, send funds to the Pastoral Center, Attn: Seminarian Burse, 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 of $15,000 each 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

May 2018 Burse Contributions

Note: Numbers stipulate the amount of completed burses.*

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

Rev. Gerard Hayes ...................................$100.00 Society of St. Joseph .........................$7,500.00

Open Burses with Balance as of May 31, 2018 Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis .........................$13,000.00 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 .......................................$13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial .....................................$12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 ...........................$11,320.00 Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ..........................$10,500.00 Harvey Peltier No. 31 ............................................$10,486.91 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier .............................$10,200.00 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 ............................................$7,200.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..........................................................$7,000.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ....................$6,598.00 Rev. Peter Nies ............................................................$6,000.00 Catholic Daughters ...................................................$5,995.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue .....................................................$5,900.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes .....................................................$5,686.00 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 ....................................$2,500.00 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 ............................................................$900.00 Leo & Ethel Hebert ......................................................$862.83 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 Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Naquin ........................................$150.00 Deacon Pedro Pujals ...................................................$100.00 Rev. Michael Finnegan ...............................................$100.00 Rev. Warren Chassaniol .............................................$100.00 Deacon Eldon Frazier ....................................................$ 50.00 Deacon Nick Messina ...................................................$ 50.00

Overall Seminarian Burses Total: $1,711,305.85

** For a complete listing for all Seminarian burses, please visit our website www.htdiocese.org/seminarianburse July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 23

Church Life

Transitional diaconate ordination St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux was filled for the ordination of two transitional deacons: Brett Lapeyrouse and Patrick Riviere. In the photo above, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre poses with the newly ordained transitional deacons after the ordination.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

24 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Church Life

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 25

Announcement

Bishop Fabre announces pastoral appointments In order to provide pastoral care for the people of God of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre has announced the following pastoral appointments, effective immediately. The Rev. Michael Bergeron, who has been retired since January 2018, has been appointed administrator of Holy Family Church parish in Grand Caillou. Father Bergeron, a native of Houma, LA, was ordained to the priesthood June 8, 1996. The Rev. Paul Birdsall has been appointed associate pastor of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma. Father Birdsall, a native of Cut Off, LA, was ordained June 2, 2018. The Rev. Evelio (Toto) Buenaflor, who has been on a sabbatical to study through the East Asian Pastoral Institute since December 2017, has been appointed associate pastor of Holy Cross and Sacred Heart Church parishes in Morgan City. Father Buenaflor, a native of M’lang, Cotabato, Philippines, was ordained to the priesthood May 24, 1985. The Rev. Duc Bui, who has been serving as pastor of St. Andrew Church parish in Amelia since July 2017, has been appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose for a six year term. He will remain diocesan coordinator of Hispanic Ministry. Father Bui, a native of Tan Phuoc, Vietnam, was ordained Nov. 24, 2004. The Rev. Joseph Chacko, I.M.S., who has been serving Chaplain of Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma since July 2017, has been appointed pastor of Our Lady of the Isle Church parish in Grand Isle for a six year term. Father Chacko, a native of Karikulem Kottayam, Kerala, India, was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 22, 1980. The Rev. Robert-Joel Cruz, who has been serving as pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Montegut since July 2015 and St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Pointe-aux-Chenes since July 2017, has been appointed pastor of

Rev. Michael Bergeron

Rev. Paul Birdsall

Rev. Evelio Buenaflor

Rev. Duc Bui

Rev. Joseph Chacko, I.M.S.

Rev. Robert-Joel Cruz

Rev. Sovi Devasia

Rev. Rajasekar Karumelnathan, M.S.F.S.

Rev. Noas Kerketta I.M.S.

Rev. Glenn LeCompte

Rev. Joseph Lirette

Rev. Carlos Talavera

26 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Announcement

Rev. Joseph Tregre

Rev. John Bosco Tai Van Pham, C.R.M.

St. Andrew Church parish in Amelia for a six year term. Father Cruz, a native of Lucban, Quezon, Philippines, was ordained June 8, 1996. The Rev. Sovi Devasia, who has been serving as Chaplain of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center in Thibodaux, has been appointed Chaplain of Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma. Father Devasia, a native of the Philippines, was ordained Dec. 29, 2003. The Rev. Rajasekar Karumelnathan, M.S.F.S., who has been serving as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Montegut and St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Point-aux-Chenes since July 2017, has been appointed administrator of both parishes. Father Karumelnathan, M.S.F.S., a native of India, was ordained April 27, 2009. The Rev. Noas Kerketta, I.M.S., who

Rev. Ronilo Villamor

has been serving as associate pastor of Holy Cross and Sacred Heart Church parishes in Morgan City since June 2009, has been appointed associate pastor of St. Hilary Church parish in Mathews. Father Kerketta, a native of Rewra Village, Tharkland, was ordained May 8, 1994. The Rev. Glenn LeCompte, who has been serving as pastor of St. Anthony Church parish in Bayou Black since January 2018, has been appointed fulltime director of the diocesan Office of Worship and theological consultant to the bishop. Father LeCompte, a native of Houma, LA, was ordained to the priesthood May 24, 1986. The Rev. Joseph (Joey) Lirette has been appointed associate pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off. Father Lirette, a native of Chauvin, LA, was ordained June 2, 2018. The Rev. Carlos Talavera, who

has been serving as pastor of Our Lady of the Isle Church parish in Grand Isle since June 2015, has been appointed pastor of St. Anthony Church parish in Bayou Black for a six year term. Father Talavera, a native of Iriga City, Philippines, was ordained May 31, 1997. The Rev. Joseph Tregre, who has been serving as associate pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux, Chaplain to Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma and E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux since July 2017, has been appointed Chaplain of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center in Thibodaux and medical ethicist for the diocese. He will remain Chaplain to E.D. White and Vandebilt. Father Tregre, a native of Houma, LA, was ordained to the priesthood May 26, 2012. The Rev. John Bosco Tai Van Pham, C.R.M., who has been serving the Congregation of the Mother Redeemer in Carthage, MO, has been appointed associate pastor of Thanh Gia Church parish in Amelia. Father Van Pham, a native of Vietnam, was ordained to the priesthood in June 1994. The Rev. Ronilo Villamor, who has been serving as pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose since June 2012, has been granted permission to return to the Philippines to provide care for his 85 year old mother. Father Villamor, a native of Mlang, Cotabato, Philippines, was ordained Aug. 13, 1983. BC

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July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 27

Youth

13th Annual

Steubenville

on the Bayou The Steubenville on the Bayou Catholic Youth Conference was held recently at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center with its theme “Revealed.” Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of the closing Mass. Catholic speakers along with More Than Sunday inspired hundreds of participants.

28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Photos by Jeffery Miller

Youth

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THANK YOU PARTNERS July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 29

Commentary

Come as you are Thoughts for Millennials Ryan Abboud

Human. Hu·man. (h)yo͞omən. Noun. A bipedal mammal often characterized by its imperfect nature and eternal dependency in God’s mercy. Obviously, we won’t find that definition in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary; however, that doesn’t mean that it’s false. As humans, we know that we are not creatures of perfection, but instead we are creatures of struggle, trial and strife. A lot of times, our lives are not the beautiful masterpiece that we wish them to be. Often, life is muddy, sloppy and filthy. There will be days where we look in the mirror and see our souls marred by dust and sin. There will be days when we trip over our humanity and take a dive into a deep, murky pool of sludge. But guess what? That’s okay. Our human nature will immediately disagree. Our humanity will tell us that it’s not okay. We’ll want to hide, avoid the church, and live in shame. We’ll feel unworthy to step foot into the presence of God. We’ll justify to

ourselves that “God doesn’t want someone like me. I need to be clean before he could ever love me again.” Brothers and sisters, I remind you that when the Lord speaks to us in our brokenness, he beckons us to “come as you are.” He does not care if we’re pristine. He does not care if we’re perfect. His first and primary concern is that we’re there; not if we’re dirty. Remember, no one (especially God) ever promised us that life would be squeaky clean or free of trial and tribulation. No one ever promised that we’d make it through this life without heartbreak, hurt or loneliness. But, we have been promised that we’ll never be forsaken or abandoned (Hebrews 13:5) and we know that all things will work together for the good of God’s faithful (Romans 8:28). We can cling to these promises with steadfast certainty when we feel sunken into our sins and shortcomings. Now that we’ve established that it’s “okay” to be dirty with sin and error, it’s equally as important to note that this period of acknowledgement of our sins must also be followed by a period of change, repentance and spiritual growth. We must first “come as we are,” but that doesn’t mean that we should “stay as we are.” After we bring our dirt and sin to the altar, then the purification will begin. Only then are we able to stand before the Lord and surrender to his will. The sooner we set down our image of what we want our life to look like, the sooner

the good Lord can fix us up into the masterpiece he desires for us. The best exemplification of this process comes to us in C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity: “Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what he is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.” Obviously, as Lewis implies, this purification process is not going to be a fun little “summer project.” It will hurt at times. It will sting; but it will be worth it. Take heart, siblings. Prepare your canvas. Our artist is waiting. “Come as you are,” said He. “But I love you, so I will not let you stay there. I will move you, and it will hurt, but I promise I won’t leave you” – sum.c. (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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Book Reviews

Reading with Raymond Raymond Saadi

Something Wonderful Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Broadway Revolution By Todd S. Purdum Henry Holt $32 As soon as I opened this book I swear I could hear: “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” (Oklahoma); “Some Enchanted Evening,” (South Pacific); “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” (Carousel). The stories, music and lyrics of Rogers and Hammerstein began with their breakthrough musical, Oklahoma, creating a Broadway Revolution. Author Purdum has filled this duo bio with colorful stories and anecdotes particularly on the working relationship of these two musical geniuses. With pages of personal photos and show scenes, it’s an absolute delight for any lover of Broadway musicals. BC

Macbeth By Jo Nesbø Hogarth Shakespeare $27 If you thought you’d left Macduff, Duncan, Macbeth and his Lady back in high school, think again. They’re back! Nesbø creates their counterparts in a modern thriller. Here Police Commissioner Duncan, who determinedly attempts to rid his industrial town of drugs and dealers, is murdered by his friend, Macbeth, whose ambition to replace him is driven by his wife, “Lady” who runs the only casino in town. Rough, gritty, inventive and any similarities to the original are purely intentional. BC

Natural Causes By Barbara Ehrenreich 12 Twelve $27 Take a closer look at the cover image of death on the treadmill. That’s an image the author uses to describe her theory that we work too hard to live longer, rather than better. What’s the point she seems to ask? Why not just enjoy the time allotted to you and exit when called? Now, I don’t believe she intends you throw out your pills, cancel doctor appointments and gym classes, etc. Ms. Ehrenreich, as I understand her theory, is all for living a healthy and enjoyable life, while it lasts, naturally, foregoing all drastic measures to set a longevity record. BC

The Ghost Notebooks By Ben Dolnick Pantheon $25.95 When Nick and Hannah, in love and engaged to marry, find themselves “burned out” in New York City, they jump at the chance to move to a tiny town where Hannah lands a job as director of the local museum dedicated to the rich old man who founded it and who left behind a trove of notebooks describing appearances of ghosts. Ha! Who believes in ghosts? Hannah begins to believe when she hears them at night. One morning, Nick awakens to find Hannah gone and a search begins following clues in those notebooks. It’s a perfect prep for Halloween. BC

Buildings of New Orleans By Karen Kingsley & Lake Douglas University of Virginia $29.95 The only thing better than a guidebook to a city is one that not only describes where things are and how to get there, but also identifies what they are and, perhaps, who occupies them. So instead of asking, “What’s that building?” you pick up this guide, incredibly filled with information on every interesting building, commercial and residential, in and about the city. Next time you visit New Orleans, take one with you. BC July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 31

Church Life

Diocesan Service and Youth Leadership Awards presented

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, along with the pastors, recently presented the Diocesan Service and Youth Leadership Awards to lay men, women and youth in each of the church parishes in appreciation of their many unselfish contributions of time and talent to the life of the parish. Each pastor was asked to nominate two adult and two youth recipients for this award, which is modeled after the diocese’s two patron saints and their charisms: St. Joseph (hidden service) and St. Francis de Sales (spirituality of the laity). The recipients of this year’s diocesan service and youth leadership awards are as follows. Diocesan Award: Roy Burns Jr., Anne Voisin, Youth Award: Reed

Deroche, Sarah Clement, Annunziata, Houma; Diocesan Award: Curtis Hue, Carolyn Hayward, Youth Award: John Paul Perez, Olivia Bergeron, Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Dwayne Barbier, Linda Jo Arceneaux, Youth Award: Gavin Wisdom, Holy Cross, Morgan City; Diocesan Award: Eiffel Levron, Susie Levron, Youth Award: Jackson Fabre, Holy Family, Grand Caillou; Diocesan Award: Kevin Gaubert, Annette Arcement, Youth Award: Trey Thibodaux, Taylor Hebert, Holy Savior, Lockport; Youth Award: Race Ordoyne, Allison Galinsky, Maria Immacolata, Houma; Diocesan Award: Travis Chiasson, Sharon Rodrigue, Youth Award:

32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Sarah Oubre, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay; Diocesan Award: James Rodrigue, Peggy Duet, Youth Award: Mia Bouzigard, Maegan Dardar, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow; Diocesan Award: TiJoe Augustin, George Dinsmore, Our Lady of the Isle, Grand Isle; Diocesan Award: Paul Luke, Lloyd LeBouef, Youth Award: Macey Bourg, Lindsey Ugas, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma; Diocesan Award: Darby Chiasson, Nicole Chiasson, Youth Award: Jacob Griffin, Owen Callais, Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose; Diocesan Award: Keith Lafont, Gloria Danos, Youth Award: Adrian Banos, Heidi Hebert, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Diocesan Award:

Church Life

Youth Leadership Award

Diocesan Service Award

Louise Price, Delora Simoneaux, Youth Award: Lauren Parrott, Kelsie Clement, Sacred Heart, Montegut; Diocesan Award: Larry Bergeron, Gregory Hamer Sr., Youth Award: Rochele Bergeron, Natalie Bourgeois, Sacred Heart, Morgan City; Diocesan Award: Ronald Verdin Sr., Pamala Benoit, Youth Award: Jonathan Spinella, Peyton Falcon, St. Andrew, Amelia; Diocesan Award: Donald Naquin, Peggy Prosperie, Youth Award: Hannah Porche, Madison Ard, St. Ann, Bourg; Diocesan Award: Gavin LeBlanc, Virdie Breaux, St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black; Diocesan Award: Anthony Miocchi III, Amanda Rodriguez, Youth Award: Caleb Boudreaux, Chase Dryden, Victoria Battaglia, St. Bernadette, Houma; Diocesan Award: Robert Ardoin, Linda Ardoin, Youth Award: Tyler Bonvillain, Bella Bourgeois, St. Bridget, Schriever; Diocesan Award: Eura Dupre, Anna Dupre, Youth Award: Ian Verdin, St. Charles, Pointe-aux-Chenes; Diocesan Award: Calvin Boudreaux Sr., Judy

Theriot, Youth Award: Matthew Rodrigue, Taylor Thibodaux, St. Charles, St. Charles Community; Diocesan Award: Burton Porche Sr., Germaine Theriot, Youth Award: Shelby Whitney, St. Eloi, Theriot; Diocesan Award: Murke Trahan Jr., Mary Daigle, Youth Award: Ethan Henry, Taylor Eues, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma; Diocesan Award: Drew Clements, Woody Falgoust, Youth Award: Philip Benoit, Marianna Nguyen, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Francis Boudloche Jr., Henriella Theriot, St. Gregory, Houma; Diocesan Award: Frank Barker, Mary Beth Clark, Youth Award: Bryce Whittington, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews; Diocesan Award: Inez Aysen, Ruby Blanchard, Youth Award: Catherine Hubbell, St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Curtis Constrantiche, Mary Ann Griffin, Youth Award: Lane Robichaux, Laura Anderson, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Diocesan Award: James Labit,

Margaret Labit, St. Joseph CoCathedral, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Scott Autin, Thelma Guidry, Youth Award: Arnold Nguyen, Madison Lefort, St. Joseph, Galliano; Diocesan Award: Eddie Besson, Kathy Dickerson, Youth Award: Hannah Albinson, Jewell Wheeler, St. Lawrence, Chacahoula; Diocesan Award: Paul Samanie, Staci Ann Lirette, Youth Award: Gabriella DeHart, Savanna Bourg, St. Louis, Bayou Blue; Diocesan Award: Kevin Richard, Sherryl Freeman, St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Roland Griffin Sr., Paula Zeringue, Youth Award: Cameron Richard, Mackenzie Bourgeois, St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland; Diocesan Award: Rodney Landry, Jennifer Landry, Youth Award: Jacob Duplantis, Courtney Hull, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux; Youth Award: Nicholas Robichaux, Julianne Hull, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux; Youth Award: Landon Andre, Alaina Maoirana, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma. BC

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 33

Special

Farbenfroh Fratt Guest Columnist Father Gregory Fratt

The name of the exciting exhibit is “Colorful-Farbenfroh,” or “ColorfulColorful” when translated from the German. At the heart of the exhibit are 15 of my mother’s paintings and so the title of the exhibit is very appropriate. My mother, Dorothy Fratt, was primarily a colorist. The exhibit opened on Feb. 18 in Donaueschingan, Germany, and will remain up until Jan. 20, 2019. Museum Art Plus is the prestigious setting for the exhibition that houses the collection of Lutz and Margit Biedermann. With an exceptional eye, the Biedermanns have assembled a

Dorothy Fratt

collection that is worthy of international status. I was invited to give a talk about my mother at the museum on May 3. It was a great tribute to my mother who passed away in July 2017. I was joined by a long-time family friend Lillian Barker, also an artist and former student of my mother. Having been almost entirely unfamiliar to Europe, the museum

Veronica’s Veil 34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

considers my mother’s paintings a “real discovery.” As the museum states, my mother’s work “should be seen in the context of the Washington, DC, Art School, a group of abstract artists active in Washington, DC, from the late 1950s to the late 1960s. Parallel to the Abstract Expressionism and Color Field Painting of the New York School, they created large-format paintings that were less concerned with gesture than with the plane, and developed a formal language that explored the interplay of colours and their effect on the viewer.” My mother “left Washington, DC, for Arizona in 1958 and she remained true to the style, developing and refining it until her death in the summer of 2017.” The exhibition is the first in Europe to show a representation of my mother’s work ranging from the 1960s to the present. The museum owns some of my mother’s best work. Upon arriving in Donaueschingan, Lillian Barker and I walked out of the train station only to see a big image of my mother’s painting “Laban’s Staves” which has been the iconic painting reproduced to represent the exhibit. This painting was always one of my mother’s favorites and mine as well. It was a good choice to represent her work. In the book that was published

Special

Jacob’s Ladder

to represent the museum’s collection, her painting entitled “Odyssey” represents her work in the museum’s collection. The Museum Art Plus has been devoted to collecting a full scope of my mother’s work over 30 years and presents a rich, nuanced view of a great American painter. Thanks to the keen eye of Margit Biedermann, who has been collecting my mother’s work for a number of years, the endeavor has been in part, personal, because she recognized a talent that she wanted to be exposed internationally. I think Margit Biedermann would agree that my mother was a painter of originality who invented a new kind of Colour Field Painting as well as a completely original modern pictorial space, while confronting different solutions to the visual issue, becoming an artist who never stopped moving and exploring her own unique path and spacial vision. My mother’s artistic journey was very much an interior one. There was

no guide book other than her classical art education, talent, intellect, intuition and disciplined approach. As was mentioned in a show catalog from the Yares Gallery in 1995, “Fratt describes her creative process as a search for a solution which is unpredictable. In painting there arrives a time when all knowledge and well laid plans seem to be of no assistance and a satisfactory solution can only be achieved through intuition. She paints in the centuriesold expressive color tradition of Rubens, Delacroix and Matisse. Following the examples of Kandinsky and Albers, she has developed a unique color mastery which allows her to express the human condition without the necessity of figurative description.” The end result of my mother’s paintings was never predictable but inevitable. Although not a painter of religious art, my mother was an expert on Renaissance art. She made a special trip to Italy just to see the mosaics in

Ravenna and the famous Arena Chapel painted by Giotto. She held that Uffizzi Gallery in Florence, which houses the Famous Cimabue Cross, was one of the best and sensitively hung galleries in the world. She understood that if there had never been a Cimabue, there never would have been a Giotto; if there had never been a Giotto there never would have been a Fra Angelico; and if there had never been a Fra Angelico there never would have been a Michelangelo. The first time I went to Rome my mother told me to go to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva to pay my respects to Fra Angelico where he is buried. My mother was thrown out of the Sistine Chapel for jumping up and down trying to see Michelangelo’s brush strokes on the wall of the Last Judgement. Her favorite church in Florence was always Santa Croce where Giotto painted the life of St. Francis. When I first visited Paris, my mother told me if I didn’t go to Saint Chapelle she would never speak to me again and insisted I visit the Matisse Chapel in southern France. In providing new colour experience and consciousness as an artist, my mother was not an illustrator. The difference being that an illustrator tells you something you already know but an artist tries to tell you something you don’t know. In viewing Jacob’s Ladder, Laban’s Staves (which is a reference to the pile of rocks and sticks or ‘staves’ constructed as a symbol of the covenant made between Laban and Jacob to do no harm to each other) and Veronica’s Veil, my mother allows the viewer to see and experience these religious things in a new way. Just as a religious person cannot see and experience creation without giving a nod to the creator, the experience of seeing her paintings so beautifully and perfectly displayed at the Museum Art Plus, was also a deep experience of my mother’s presence (for you cannot separate the art from the artist). Besides being a “Colorful-Colorful” experience as it is for all who visit the Museum, for me it was a deeply personal and religious one. (Father Gregory Fratt is the pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Cut Off.) BC

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35

Feature

Lou Conner retires after serving for years on parish and diocesan level Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Lou Conner, office manager for Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux since May 2015, retired from that position at the end of June. The Kaplan native began working for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in November 1988 as the housekeeper at St. Gregory Church parish in Houma, after she 36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

and her husband Joel moved to Houma in 1987. In 1992, Father Wilfredo Decal, pastor at the time, asked her to serve part-time as the parish’s development director in addition to serving as housekeeper. In 1995, Father Decal named her as the full-time pastoral associate. And in

Feature

2005, she became the bookkeeper, a position she held until 2015, when she began working at Catholic Charities. While serving the church parish, she also taught CCD, was the confirmation coordinator, facilitated adult faith formation classes to help CCD teachers become certified, and served as director of RCIA. In addition to her work in the parish, Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs asked her and her husband Joel to be codirectors of the diocesan RCIA program, a position they held for one year. She says what she has enjoyed most about working for the diocese is that it enhanced her spirituality and her faith foundation. “When Father Freddie named me as pastoral associate for the parish, I received a pamphlet from Dr. Marian Schwab, (diocesan director of the Office of Pastoral Planning and Lay Ministry Development at the time) which listed all of the positions that should be participating in the Loyola Institute for Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX), and one of them was pastoral associate. Looking back now, LIMEX was one of the most wonderful things that ever happened to me. It seems like if I wouldn’t have worked for the church and participated in LIMEX, I wouldn’t have become the director of RCIA for the parish … or for the diocese.” Of all the titles she’s held in the diocese, she says working with the parish RCIA program is what she will remember most. She enjoyed working with the people in that process and being able to share her faith with them and help them to become fully initiated in the Catholic Church. What she will miss most are her co-workers. “I still miss the people I worked with at St. Gregory, and those of us here at Catholic Charities have such a special bond. I will miss seeing them every day.” When asked what she plans to do now, she says, “Anything I want. I love my job … that’s not why I’m retiring. I’m retiring because I’ve been working since I was 16 and it’s time for a break.” She says she will continue doing everything she’s doing now, just in her own time. She’s an artist; she enjoys exercising, reading, refinishing the furniture her husband builds, traveling with her husband who’s semi-retired and spending time with her family. She and her husband have been married for 43 years, and they have two children – Ada Leboeuf and Chris Conner – and six grandchildren. She would also like to do some volunteer work for the diocese. Lou recalls a life-changing experience involving Msgr. William Koninkx, who died in February 2006. Although she never worked for him, she recalls him filling in at the parish from time to time while she was working there. She remembers him being a kind man and very smart. She says she and a friend went to visit him when he was dying. “I remember he grabbed a hold of my hand and pulled me down toward him so my face was right next to his, and he said ‘I want to see Jesus.’ And he had the biggest smile on his face … and he was so, so happy … that was lifechanging for me. That moment helped me to accept death and to realize that’s what it’s all about. It’s not just dying; it’s going to see Jesus. That affected how I live my life very profoundly.” BC

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July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

Advertisers Spotlight

Brothers in business

Billy and Dan Foster lead family-oriented pest control business Story by Janet Marcel Photo by Lawrence Chatagnier Terminix of Houma, a locally owned franchise of Terminix International, has been providing homeowners and businesses with professional pest control services since 1972. Billy Foster, president and franchise owner, says the business originated out of a New Orleans branch that had three partners, one from Houma and two from New Orleans. Billy joined the business in 1976, and in 1979, he bought out the Houma partner. In 1990, he bought out the other two partners and asked his brother Dan to be the general manager, which he says has been the best business decision he ever made. With regard to owning and operating a successful business, Billy says the two most important things to remember are always being honest and knowing how to 38 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

treat people. “We treat our employees and our customers the way we think Jesus would treat them. I think Jesus was this kind, gentle, fair person who was always trying to help people and that’s the philosophy we live by. We try to lead by example and we expect our employees to treat the customers and each other the way we treat them, so it carries over to everybody.” Dan echoes that sentiment. “We deal a lot with other people and other businesses and we know how we want to be treated when we’re spending our money, so we always treat others the way we want to be treated.” Dan says the best values that he and his brother share came from their mother who was a very spiritual person. “She guided us and watched us and made sure we did the

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right thing. Our mother was a very important motivational factor in our lives; she made us want to do good. She got real pleasure from coming here and seeing her two boys running this business.” Of working with his brother for the past 28 years, Dan says, “Billy and I see each other almost every day. We’ve never had a serious argument; we’ve never left this building upset with each other. We think so much alike when it comes to business and life, and people in general. I love working with him.” Dan, who is 71 years old, adds that he could retire anytime, but he doesn’t want to because he enjoys coming to work every day. Billy says, “There has never been any sibling rivalry between the two of us. We are family-oriented people. Family is very important to us.” Dan and his wife Annette have four daughters, one son, and four grandchildren. Billy and his wife Annette have two daughters and two grandsons. Terminix of Houma is headquartered in a grand house, formerly known as the Ann Carol, on West Main Street. When the Fosters were looking for a new location to accommodate their expanding business in the early 2000’s, they didn’t want a typical office building because they were already working out of a house, which they felt complimented the family-oriented feel of the business. The house was built using a lot of the original features including a grand staircase, crown molding and several fireplaces from the old Belle Grove plantation house that was located on Little Bayou Black. Terminix of Houma, which specializes in general pest control, termite control and insulation, offers its customers over 340 years of combined experience. Its team of highly trained and experienced technicians has the tools, skills and knowledge necessary to properly service household customers, commercial establishments and industrial businesses. Terminix of Houma is authorized to service the following geographic locations southeastern Louisiana: Terrebonne Parish, including Houma, Chauvin, Montegut, Bourg, Grand Calliou, Bayou Dularge, Gray, Schriever, Bayou Blue and Gibson; Lafourche Parish, including Thibodaux, Raceland, Lockport, Larose, Cut Off, Galliano, Golden Meadow, Port Fourchon, and the community of Grand Isle. In addition to being active members of the HoumaTerrebonne Chamber of Commerce, the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Lafourche and the Bayou Region, and the Tri-Parish Better Business Bureau, they are also members of the Cajun Pest Control Association, the Greater New Orleans Pest Control Association, the Louisiana Pest Management Association, and the National Pest Management Association. “Our customers and the community are very important to us. Dan and I are both very civic-minded,” says Billy. “We’re so thankful for the community’s loyalty and support, and we try to have an unselfish attitude toward the community. We appreciate everything we’ve achieved and everybody who has helped us along the way and we try to be very generous in return.” BC

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July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 39

Announcement

Give the Foundation an opportunity to say ‘thanks’ Catholic Foundation Update Amy Ponson

The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana recently learned that a longtime supporter had passed away and provided generously for one of the diocesan Catholic schools in their will. Sadly, there was never an opportunity to thank this good person while they were here with us on earth: The gift had come as a complete surprise to the school. Estate gifts that arrive unannounced sometimes can be misdirected or

otherwise fail to carry out donors’ intentions. In one legendary example, a donor’s hand-written will left a significant bequest to “the University of Southern California, also known as UCLA.” In another case, a donor left funds to a hospital in a retirement community – restricted to a nonexistent prenatal care program! Making the Foundation aware of how one would like his legacy to be fulfilled will help for many reasons, and we would love to be able to thank donors for their generosity and impact. Why do people include worthwhile causes and institutions in their estate plans – Personal satisfaction from leaving their mark on the future. This feeling of satisfaction can be magnified by communicating one’s own good news to the Foundation, and to ensure that: n The gift will go to benefit a particular area of interest, if desired;

n The Foundation can recognize donors appropriately (or determine if one wishes to remain anonymous); n The gift meets criteria for specific programs or purposes that are important to the donor; n The gift can encourage friends, colleagues and others to make their own gifts; n Donors will receive a most sincere “thank you,” either publicly or privately, for their thoughtful generosity. Sharing the good news of one’s bequest will also help the church parishes, schools and ministries of the diocese better plan for the future and evaluate the success of its planned giving program. A short note, e-mail or telephone call to the Foundation’s office will be much appreciated . . . and it’ll brighten everyone’s day! Please call me at (985)850-3116 for more information. BC

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Announcement

Deacon appointed to Co-Cathedral

Deacon Joseph Bourgeois

Deacon Joseph Bourgeois, who has been serving as deacon at St. Lawrence Church parish in Chacahoula, has been appointed deacon at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral Church parish in Thibodaux, effective immediately.

Spiritual advisor for Cursillo Movement announced

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

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

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

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

Ñöôøng daây ñieän thoaïi Cöùu giuùp Giaùo phaän Deacon Lloyd Duplantis

Deacon Lloyd Duplantis, who has been serving as deacon at St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland since January 2016, has been appointed to serve as spiritual advisor for the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. He will continue his current ministry at St. Mary’s Nativity. BC

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

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

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 41

Diocesan Events

www.bayoucatholic.com

July

n Holy Hour of Adoration for Men, Sunday, July 2, 7-8 p.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, July 10, Ellendale Country Club

August

n Holy Hour of Adoration for Men, Sunday, August 5, 7-8 p.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, August 7, Ellendale Country Club

September

n Holy Hour of Adoration for Men, Sunday, September 2, 7-8 p.m., Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. n Food for the Journey, Tuesday, September 11, Ellendale

Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311 in Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. n Kateri Mass, Friday, July 13, 6:30 p.m., Holy Family Church, Grand Caillou.

Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311 in Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. n Acadian Mass, Wednesday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m., St. Hilary of Poitiers Church, Mathews.

Country Club Restaurant, 3319 Highway 311 in Houma, 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

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42 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Bayou

Catholic

Announcements

St. Kateri Mass is July 13 The 24th annual Native American liturgical celebration for the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the “Lily of the Mohawks,” will be celebrated Friday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Holy Family Church in Grand Caillou. The Kateri Chaplet and excerpts of Kateri’s life will begin at 6 p.m. Kateri is the first Native American in the United States to be canonized. Fellowship will follow at the Grand Caillou Recreation Center, 106 Badou Drive. The recreation center is approximately one quarter mile south of Holy Family Church, the first street on the left after Grand Caillou Middle School, across from the Grand Caillou water tower. Doors to the recreation center open at 8 p.m. The reception will include Native American drumming, dancing, festive dress and food. BC

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

St. Anne’s Novena begins July 17

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

The St. Anne Association’s annual Novena in honor of Saint Anne will begin July 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Calvary Grotto Shrine in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Thibodaux with a Mass, followed by prayers and meditation. Each day thereafter prayer and meditation will begin at 6:30 pm. On the 10th day, which is the feast day of Sts. Anne and Joachim (July 26) a closing Mass is celebrated at the shrine. Saint Anne is the patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, women who desire pregnancy, women in labor and women who want husbands, to name a few. Countless miracles have been reported in the past which members attribute to the intervention of Saint Anne, including women who have found husbands and couples who conceived children. All are invited to attend. For more information, contact Joanie Lirette (985) 637-6906 or Connie Richard (985) 4476559. BC

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 43

Announcements

Holy Rosary Catholic School principal named

Cathy Long

The appointment of Cathy Long as principal of Holy Rosary Catholic School in Larose for the 2018-2019 school year was announced recently by Suzanne D. Troxclair, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Schools. Long earned a bachelor of science degree in education, a master’s degree in educational administration plus 30 hours, and a specialist in education degree in administration and supervision from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. During her career, she has served as an assistant professor at Nicholls State University, was a teacher in the East Baton Rouge Parish school district, and was the assistant principal at Cut Off Elementary School for seven years. She also owned and operated Educare Tutoring and Testing Center in Baton Rouge and served as the director of the

Placement Testing Center at the Baton Rouge Community College. Long has been selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and been recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education for her innovative team teaching techniques in East Baton Rouge Parish. She and her husband Tim reside in Cut Off and are parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Church parish in Larose. “We are very blessed to welcome Mrs. Cathy Long to the Holy Rosary family! Her commitment to both her faith and to the education of children will serve to foster a true collaborative effort for the formation of missionary disciples in this ever-important ministry of Catholic education in our diocese,” says Troxclair. BC

Hurricane season is upon us! Catholic Charities is now open to enrollments from parishes that would like to attend deanery workshops to organize (or re-organize) their Matthew 25 Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry. “Planning and preparing for a disaster can make a big difference in being safe and expediting recovery efforts in church parishes. As we thank God for sparing us any major disasters in our diocese for the last nine years, we don’t want to be complacent by not being prepared for this hurricane season,” says Agnes Bitature, associate director for the diocesan Matthew 25 Ministry. Please call Catholic Charities at (985)876-0490 to set up a Matthew 25 meeting in your deanery. Individual parish workshops are also available. We encourage church parishes to have their own Matthew 25 teams rather than hoping and praying that neighboring parishes will come to their rescue in the event of a disaster. Everyone has a role to play to prepare for a disaster. BC 44 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Announcements

VC Theatre starts off 2018-2019 season with two shows

VC (Vandebilt Catholic) Theatre in Houma is excited to start off its 2018-2019 season with two shows: Disney’s the Jungle Book KIDS and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty KIDS. Both plays are 30 minutes each with one 15 minute intermission in between. The productions feature a 20-plus member cast which holds roles in both shows. The Jungle Book’s cast features Brice Valure as Mowgli, Trent Ledet as Bagheera, Colette Clark as Baloo, and Bernadette Clark as Shere Kahn. Sleeping Beauty’s cast features Ellie Ramirez as Maleficent, Julia Bond as Princess Aurora, and Hayden Hohensee as Prince Phillip. Many new faces will be seen on the stage for the first time along with well-known VC Theatre members. The play will be presented at the Vandebilt Catholic Theatre Annex (215 S. Hollywood Rd. in Houma) on July 5-7 at 7 p.m. and July 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Tickets may be purchased online at www. vandebiltcatholictheatre.com or at the door. Get your tickets early to avoid a sellout! For more information, contact: (985)876-2551 or tledet@htdiocese.org. BC

Grief Share group meets at St. Mary’s Nativity in Raceland After the funeral, when the cards and flowers have stopped coming, most of the people around you return to their normal lives. But your grief continues and you feel alone. That’s the reason for Grief Share. The Grief Share ministry at St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland is led by caring people who have experienced grief and have successfully rebuilt their lives. They understand how you feel because they’ve been in the same place. They will walk with you on the long path through grief toward healing and hope for the future. Grief Share is a support group that meets in the St. Mary’s Nativity Church office from July 2 through Oct. 2. The program is nondenominational and features biblical concepts for healing from grief. For more information, call the church office at (985)5373204, Marty Cortez at (985)227-0873 or Arvella Dupre at (985)414-4126. BC

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July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 45

Resolution

At the recent Louisiana State Council of the Knights of Columbus’ 113th state convention in Baton Rouge, the delegation passed a resolution reaffirming the group’s solidarity with the priests and bishops of the state. RESOLUTION NO. 2 BY: Elected State Officers and Past State Deputies PURPOSE: To pledge our total support and reaffirm solidarity with our priests, bishops and all our religious. WHEREAS: The brother knights of the Louisiana jurisdiction recognize that the great majority of our religious follow their vows in an honorable and righteous manner, exhibiting love for the Catholic Church and its teachings, dedication to the people they serve, loyalty to the Holy Father Pope Francis and their bishops, and WHEREAS: In addition to our four basic principles: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism, there exists a fifth principle that unites our members and is vital to the life and strength of our Order and that principle is respect for the priesthood, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Louisiana State Council, Knights of Columbus, convened in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on May 5-6, 2018, of their 113th Annual Meeting, and the members of the Louisiana Knights of Columbus reaffirm solidarity with our priests and bishops, and pledge our total support, our loyalty, and gratitude to these shepherds of our faith, and stand shoulder to shoulder with them; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: The State Council urges each council to publicly demonstrate its total support, loyalty and gratitude for our priests and bishops; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: This resolution be distributed to the bishops and diocesan newspapers within Louisiana. Respectfully submitted: /s/ Elected State Officers and Past State Deputies ACTION TAKEN Elected State Officers Past State Deputies Resolution Committee State Council

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46 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2018

Vatican News

What is the biggest threat young people face? Mediocrity, Pope says By ELISE HARRIS Vatican City, (CNA/EWTN News) Pope Francis said recently that the greatest danger modern youth face is not the array of problems that surround them, but rather, the temptation to mediocrity – preferring to stay immobile rather than making a leap toward the next step. Pointing to the Gospel reading from Mark in which a rich young man kneels in front of Jesus and asks how to obtain eternal life, the pope said this question “is the challenge of every existence: the desire for a full, infinite life.” Many young people today seek life, but end up destroying themselves by pursuing worldly desires, he said, noting that some people would say it is better “to turn this impulse off, the impulse to live, because it’s dangerous.” However, “I would like to say, especially to young people: our worst enemy is not concrete problems, no matter how serious or dramatic: the greatest danger is a bad spirit of adaption, which is not meekness or humility, but mediocrity, timidity.” A young person who is mediocre has no future, Francis said in off-the-cuff remarks, explaining that “they don’t grow, they won’t be successful” because they are “afraid of everything.” “We need to ask the heavenly Father for the youth of today to receive the gift of a healthy restlessness, the ability not to be satisfied with a life without beauty, without color,” he said, adding that “if young people are not hungry for an authentic life, where will humanity end up?” Pope Francis spoke to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square during his weekly general audience, during which he began a new series of catechesis dedicated to the Ten Commandments. The dialogue between Jesus and the rich young man in Chapter 10 of Mark’s Gospel, the pope said in his address, is “a pedagogical process” in which Jesus wants to guide the man from youth into

maturity, beginning with a question about the commandments, and ending with an invitation for the man to sell his belongings. This process of maturity, Francis said, can only take place “when one begins to accept their own limits. We become adults when we become aware of what is lacking.” When Jesus asked the man to sell everything he had and give it to the poor, the man could not do it, and was forced to recognize that what he was able to give could not go beyond a certain limit. The truth of mankind’s limits is one that has been rejected throughout history, often with “tragic consequences,” the pope said, noting that in the Gospels, Jesus offers his help, saying he did not come to abolish the law and the prophets, but to “fulfill them.” “Jesus gives fulfillment, he comes for this,” he said, adding that the rich man was taken to “the threshold of a leap, where the possibility was opened of ceasing to live for himself and his own

works, his own goods, and – precisely because he lacked eternal life – to leave everything to follow the Lord.” The invitation to the man to sell everything he owned was not a proposal of poverty, but rather “of wealth, the true kind,” Francis said, asking: “who, being able to choose between an original and a copy, would choose the copy?” “This is the challenge: to find the original, not the copy. Jesus does not offer surrogates, but true life, true love, true wealth!” In his closing remarks, Pope Francis also prayed for the beginning of the World Cup, which will take place June 14-July 15 in Russia. Francis offered his greeting to the players and organizers of the games, as well as those who will watch the matches on television or through social media. He prayed that the event would be “an occasion of encounter, of dialogue and fraternity between different cultures and religions, favoring solidarity and peace among nations.” BC

July 2018 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 47

Reflection

This man spent a week on the street with his homeless son ‘This experience has changed me for life.’ By PERRY WEST Denver, Colo. (CNA) As the parents of a homeless son struggling with a drug addiction, Frank and his wife Deloris have done everything they could think of to get their grown son into rehab. But it didn’t work. So Frank took it a step further – he spent a week on the streets with his son, Tommy. “You hear for years that with addictions there are three roads: rehab, jail, and death,” said Frank. “The jails won’t keep him. He doesn’t want to help himself. That doesn’t leave many roads…So what do I do?”

“I decided I’m just going to be with him and love him. I’m not going to try and talk him into rehab. I don’t even want to say that word. I’ve decided. I’m going to go be with my son.” Frank recounted his story in an essay that was read by Jerry Herships, a pastor for the homeless ministry AfterHours, June 5 at Denver’s Civic Center Park. The park is a major setting for the story, and a hub for the city’s homeless population. Tommy, 28, struggles with bipolar disorder, is addicted to heroin, and has frequently been in and out of jail. Frank requested their family’s last

48 48 •• Bayou Bayou Catholic Catholic •• Diocese Diocese of of Houma-Thibodaux Houma-Thibodaux •• July July 2018 2018

name not be used, but he wanted to share his encounter with homelessness and human dignity. The story begins when Frank is tending to his garden in San Diego, California, when he gets the idea to spend time with his son, no matter the circumstances. “One day, I’m outside doing yard work…I go inside, and I tell Deloris I have an idea. I’m going to Denver… and be homeless. She looks at me like I’m nuts. Maybe I am. But I love my son and to be honest, I think his days are numbered.” Frank flew to Denver with only

Reflection

a 50-pound backpack, which included a water bottle, small tent, first-aid kit, flashlight, 4X6 sheet of plastic, and some clothes. Arriving to Denver late, he slept in the airport and took a train downtown early the next morning. When he arrived at Civic Center Park, Frank inquired about Tommy and was directed by the some of his son’s acquaintances toward the needle exchange. Already high, his son was waiting in line to receive clean needles to shoot up drugs, but his father embraced him anyway. “I can see he can’t stand up without the support of the building. He would appear drunk to most people… I know from past experiences, sadly, he is on heroin,” said Frank. “I get up to him and he starts to turn his back on me. I don’t even care, I just grab him and squeeze him as hard as I can. I’m telling him over and over how much I love him. I tell him how much his family loves him.” In the essay, Frank gives details about the processes of finding campsites and food, interactions with other people who are homeless, and the struggles with Tommy’s drug addiction. The experience was extremely difficult, Frank said, recalling times when watching his son’s pain and crippling addiction brought him to tears. He could the see dominating force of addiction – the constant use of people and the singleminded focus on the drug. Because of a previous charge for bike theft, Tommy had to appear in court that week, pass a drug test, and provide evidence of attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, or he would automatically get 30 days in jail. But before the court case, he went into a grocery store, where he spent so long that Frank stated: “I’m sure it was to shoot up and fill his rear end with drugs. If they send him to jail he can be high and have a backup supply in jail. That’s what they do. This is all so sick. Most people couldn’t even imagine this world. I lived it. It is real.” In the end, Tommy was able to make a deal with the District Attorney’s office, delaying the court appearance and drug test for an additional week. Frustrated and exhausted by the end of the trip, Frank

complained about his son’s lack of appreciation and rude behavior. However, his wife reminded him that the mental illness and drug addictions were influencing Tommy’s behavior. Frank’s week-long visit with his son did not solve the problems of Tommy’s addiction or homelessness. But it gave Frank a chance to connect with his son in his suffering and to express his love. “This experience has changed me for life,” wrote Frank, noting the insight he has gained into the public’s reaction to homelessness and the hold of addictions. While taking public transportation or waiting in line to make a purchase, he said he was treated like a second-class citizen, both ignored and harassed because he appeared to be homeless. “What would God say? How many of these folks go to church every week?” he said. “Maybe they too, like myself, should change and respect our fellow man.” While Frank said that he does not give money to homeless people, he now makes a greater effort to talk to them and show them love and respect. “I treat them like I would treat somebody else. They deserve that. God made us all equal. We are still humans, show some respect.” BC

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July July 2018 2018 •• Diocese Diocese of of Houma-Thibodaux Houma-Thibodaux •• Bayou Bayou Catholic Catholic •• 49 49

Sports

The future is now for the black and gold Overtime Ed Daniels

As the Saints head into the summer break, some thoughts about a busy offseason. One that included running back Mark Ingram’s four game suspension for alleged use of a banned substance. Ingram is likely playing his final year in a Saints uniform. And, that was the case before the NFL announced the four game ban to start the season, and before Ingram skipped the team’s offseason workout program. Ingram is seeking a contract extension. But, those are very seldom given to a running back going into his 8th NFL season. Ingram can return in 2019, but only for a club friendly deal. It is good to see offensive lineman Jermon Bushrod back in a Saints uniform. Bushrod, a fourth round selection by the Saints in 2007, was a starter for the 2009 Super Bowl champions. He

can play both guard and tackle. And, he has playoff experience, something the Saints value in their year of the big push. The Saints infatuation with quarterback Taysom Hill continues. Hill is such a good athlete, he played special teams last season. His ability as a runner, especially at his position is unquestioned. But, can he read defenses, make good decisions, and deliver the football accurately, and consistently? There are only a handful of quarterbacks on the planet who check all of those boxes. And, Drew Brees is one of them. No one should be in a hurry to see what Hill can accomplish in an NFL regular season game. During OTA’s, backup quarterback Tom Savage, who was signed in free agency from Houston, was asked about Brees. His answer was succinct. “The guy (Brees) just goes out there and drops dimes all over the place,” said Savage. Not since the Super Bowl season have the Saints had more depth and talent on defense. The return of cornerback Patrick Robinson, and the additions of linebacker Demario Davis, and safety

Kirk Coleman give the Saints some added depth. First round pick, defensive end Marcus Davenport, looks great in a helmet and shorts, but ... let’s hope there is no but. Davenport is a great athlete. His ceiling is very high, enough for the Saints to trade next year’s first round pick to acquire him. Wide receiver Cameron Meredith could be a very big contributor. In 2016, Meredith put up big numbers in a struggling Chicago Bears offense. A major knee injury ended his 2017. But, Meredith fits the Sean Payton wide receiver profile. His stands six feet, three inches tall and figures to be very effective inside the opposition 20 yard line. Only a Minnesota miracle kept the Saints out of the NFC championship game. They have the talent to contend, and their personnel moves in the offseason, told everyone the future is now. But, the NFC is filled with good teams. There are no guarantees. However, the Saints appear to be a better team than the 2017 version, and that one was quite good. BC

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