Bayou Catholic Magazine July 2019 by Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

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Bishop Shelton J. Fabre celebrates five ye ars in Houma-Thibod aux OCTOBER 201

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July 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 3

Contents

Features 32 Three diocesan priests retire

By Janet Marcel

St. John celebrates 100 years

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

Readings Between the Lines

By Father Glenn LeCompte

A Deacon’s Wife’s Confessions

By Angie Lefevre

Reading With Raymond

By Raymond Saadi

50 Overtime

By Ed Daniels

In Every Issue 6 From the Editor 16 Scripture Readings 22 Heavenly Recipes 27 Youth In Action 38 Diocesan Events Announcements 28 Diocesan Awards presented 38 Catholic Foundation Update 41 Deacon Andrew Dragna dies at age 87 42 St. Anne Novena begins July 17 43 Rite of Candidacy On Our Cover LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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

Newly ordained priests Father Brett Lapeyrouse and Father Patrick Riviere pose with Bishop Shelton J. Fabre and Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs after the priestly ordination at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.

Bayou Catholic Heavenly Recipes

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

18 Carolyn Dupre BY FAX: (985) 850-3232

BY E-MAIL: bayoucatholic@htdiocese.org

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

Carolyn makes a:

LIGHT DESSERT 22

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

Lemon Yum Yum INGREDIENTS:

Lawrence Chatagnier

editor and general manager

1 cup all-purpose flour Janet Marcel 1-1/2 stick butter softened staff writer/administrative assistant 1 cup chopped pecans Brooks Lirette 16 oz. Cool Whip advertising accounts executive 1 cup powdered sugar 8 oz. pkg. softened Philadelphia Cream LisaCheese Schobel Hebert 3 cups milk graphic designer 2 small boxes Lemon Instant Pudding Meridy Liner 13” x 9” glass baking dish

accounts receivable/payable assistant

This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Carolyn Dupre, a ng time parishioner of St. Gregory Church parish in Houma. arolyn’s light summer dessert is lemon yum yum. It’s a essert that has been in her family for years. “I got this recipe om my cousin’s wife. It has been in the family for 25 years. ur children and grandchildren love it.” Carolyn says that she learned to cook from her mother. learned to cook from my mother mostly while we were njoying time at the camp. Now that I am older and our hildren and grandchildren are adults, I enjoy cooking at the amp that we own near Lake DeCade. My husband and I go here often. It’s also a place where we gather with our children nd grandchildren. It’s a great place to get away and enjoy shing and the outdoors.” Carolyn and her husband Deacon Dennis Dupre are former ducators and both served in administration as principal and ce principal in the Terrebonne Parish public school system. he couple met at Nicholls University in Thibodaux. “He was he president of the Newman Club when I met him. Then ne day I saw him at the Way of the Cross at St. rancis de Sales; I knew then he as right for me.” After the couple married, they

DIRECTIONS: First Layer: Mix flour, softened butter, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Place in ungreased baking dish. Bake at 350 Like us on Facebook degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Cool. or Second Layer: Find us on the web Mix half of the Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and www.bayoucatholic.org cream cheese. Spread over first layer. Third Layer: Where to find Bayou Catholic Mix 3 cups cold milk with the two boxes of your pudding. Bayou Catholic magazine can be found Spread over second layer. at all Catholic churches and Catholic schools Allow pudding to solidify inthroughout refrigerator for of a Houma-Thibodaux. few the Diocese To pick up a copy, you may also visit the minutes. merchants who advertise in our issue. Those Topping: wishing to receive the magazine by mail can Spread the other half of the Cool Whip overatpudding call Janet Marcel (985) 850-3132 or write to Bayou Catholic, P.O. Box and top with 1/2 cup of pecans. 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Note: Other flavors can be used such as chocolate Subscription price is $35 pudding. annually. For the online edition,

go to www.bayoucatholic.com

Church parish. July After parish was formed theyCatholic • 5 2019 the • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou immediately became involved. “We taught CCD classes, were members of the choir, liturgical ministers, on the

From the Editor

Let’s remember those who are hungry this summer

We are now in the middle of summer and for many it means time for a vacation. A few days to get away from work for an extended period of time is usually commonplace for many. It is good to take a break from the work routine and enjoy time with family or friends without having to be concerned about time or a work schedule. Many families plan their vacation months ahead of the appointed time off. Some may even put money aside during the year in order to have some spending money for vacation expenses. While for many the summer months are a time for relaxation and fun, there is a large segment of people that live among us who struggle financially during the summer. Families who have children and who work at low income jobs have it especially hard during the summer. These families may be accustomed to having a reduced lunch rate for the children while they are in school. This could include breakfast and lunch served at school with little or no cost to the parents. However, when the summer months roll in, families that are already strapped financially find it increasingly difficult to make

ends meet. There are not only more meals to fix for the children, but utility bills and household expenses generally cost more in the summer. Our local food banks see an increase in numbers of families with children during the summer months. Kristin LaFleur, manager of the Good Samaritan Food Bank in Thibodaux, says that while they serve more families during the summer months it is also a time when the food bank receives the least amount of donations. “People are used to giving to the food bank during the holidays, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. The summer months are very busy for us because children are home and parents are having to come up with more meals for the children than usual. We try to offset the extra meals parents have to provide by offering bag lunches with snacks for low income families during the summer months in addition to the food and household items that the food bank provides. I encourage everyone to donate food and household items to the food bank at this time of year.” There are food banks and food pantries all across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux that help the needy all year round. The food banks operate with the help of many volunteers who give of their time. These organizations also rely on food and monetary donations from the general public. During these summer months let’s not forget the less fortunate of our area. When planning your vacation include plans that will benefit those who need help the

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

most. Here’s an idea: Let’s say there is a family of four, two parents and two children. A family vacation is planned for five days. What if that family’s plan included donating food items that would supply one meal a day for another family of four to one of the local food banks? It would be a great way to teach your children the importance of giving to the less fortunate. Let’s remember all those who will not have the opportunity to travel on a vacation this summer. Let’s remember all those who have no vacation plans, who can’t afford to attend a summer camp, who won’t be taking a trip to the beach this year. Let’s not forget that for many summertime is just another season of the year that includes a daily struggle to make ends meet and provide a family with nutritious meals. We should also remember to be thankful for all of the blessings that we receive and to share those blessings with those who need it most. In doing so, while vacationing on a beach with a beautiful blue sky you will know you are doing your part to help a family experiencing the summertime blues. 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

r o i v a S HV olyB S acation

ible

chool

“Roar, Life is Wild, God is Good,” was the theme for Holy Savior Church’s vacation Bible school that was held recently. Eighty youth from the age of three to the fifth grade took part in the week-long event which included Bible story skits, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and much more. Over 40 youth and adults from the Lockport church parish helped with the vacation Bible school.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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

Comment

What a joy! Looking back at 30 years of priesthood Comfort For My People Bishop Shelton J. Fabre

On Aug. 5, 2019, I will celebrate my 30th anniversary of ordination as a priest. How quickly time flies!!!! On Saturday, Aug. 5, 1989, I was ordained at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge by Bishop Stanley Ott. I was ordained with Father Nicholas John “Jack” Nutter III. Ordinations usually took place in May or June, but since my academic year while studying at the American College of Leuven in Belgium did not conclude until the middle of June, and since I also had to move home from Belgium at the completion of my formation and academic studies that year, our ordination did not take place until early August. Bishop Ott offered to ordain Father Jack in May or June so that he would not have to wait for me, but Father Jack opted to wait until I returned home so that we could be ordained together. I was touched by Father Jack’s patience and generosity, and remain grateful to him to this day for his kindness. Father Jack Nutter is older than I am, and is now a retired priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. I wish him all God’s blessings as he celebrates 30 years of priestly ordination as well! I can remember as a young priest celebrating such anniversaries with priests who had long served the Lord and the church, and I wondered what it would be like when I would celebrate such a significant anniversary of ordination. Well, here I am, and I would simply like in the limited space of this article to share a few thoughts at this point in my life as a priest.

First, priesthood is a wonderful life!! I have always been fulfilled as a priest, and joy has been by far the largest experience in my years of priesthood. I do not deny that there have been times of challenge, suffering and adversity. However, even in the difficult times I still experienced fulfillment in my priesthood. I have never looked upon my life as a priest from the perspective of what I do not have in life, but only from the perspective of the grace and blessing that priesthood has been to me. When I pause as a priest to count my blessings, the list is very long. In my priesthood, I have always been fulfilled, I have known great joy, and I am thankful to God and the church for the gift of my vocation to be a priest. Second, I have in the past and continue now to stand in awe of the faith of the people of God! There were so many times in my priesthood when religious or laity exhibited faith that was far deeper and stronger than my own. I continue to be humbled by the faith of people whom I am blessed to encounter in life, and to serve as a priest and bishop. There have been countless times in my life as a priest when I was called upon as a priest to lead people in prayer, worship or service, and while I was blessed and happy to do so, I was nonetheless humbled because the faith of those I was leading seemed far deeper and stronger than my own. In such instances, I was and am called to deeper faith because of the people who I was blessed to serve. Third, I am so grateful for the support of those whom I have been blessed to serve as a priest for 30 years. I am grateful for the many parishioners and others who have supported me throughout my priesthood. Serving as a priest in a parish is a unique grace and blessing, and I am grateful for the years I was blessed to serve as a parish priest, and miss this experience still today. While serving as a bishop has its own grace, blessings and peace, there is

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

nothing that compares to serving as a parish priest. It is a joy to encounter today those whom I served as a parish priest in the past. It is wonderful to meet couples whose marriage vows I witnessed, or those whom I baptized, or gave their first Communion, or mourned with at the time of the death of a loved one, or was blessed to serve in so many others ways. I recently met a woman whose wedding I celebrated 25 years ago, and it was a joy to visit with her for a moment to simply remember. She shared with me that she and her husband have three children who are in high school and college. What a grace to encounter her! Fourth, I have not come this far by faith, nor will I continue to grow in faith in the future, without the assistance of others. The prayerful and practical support of so many people have enabled me to reach this point in my service to the Lord, and I stand on the shoulders of those who have helped me throughout these years in ministry in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Houma-Thibodaux. I can only hope that I have given to others the support that has been given to me. I am blessed to have longtime friends who are priests, religious and lay faithful. They have enriched my life and made me the priest and bishop that I am today. Even though we may live at some distance from one another, the ties that bind us enable us to renew our friendship often by way of phone calls or occasional visits. I am grateful to so many who have made me the priest that I am today. There are so many other things that I could share, but the final one will be that God has always been faithful. When I have trusted God, things that seemed overwhelming have always worked out in a manner that surprised and astounded me. As I promise my ongoing prayers for you, I ask your prayers for me at this joy-filled time of my 30th anniversary in service as a priest. To God be the glory! BC

Comentario

! Qué alegría! Recordando 30 años de sacerdocio El 5 de agosto de 2019, celebraré mi 30 aniversario de ordenación sacerdotal. ¡Qué rápido vuela el tiempo! El sábado 5 de agosto de 1989, fui ordenado en la Catedral de San José en Baton Rouge por el Obispo Stanley Ott. Me ordené con el Padre Nicholas John “Jack” Nutter III. Normalmente Las ordenaciones se realizaban a en mayo o junio, pero como mi año académico mientras estudiaba en el Colegio Americano de Lovaina en Bélgica no concluyó hasta mediados de junio, y como también tuve que mudarme a casa desde Bélgica cuando terminé mi formación y mis estudios académicos ese año, nuestra ordenación no se llevó a cabo hasta principios de agosto. El Obispo Ott se ofreció a ordenar al Padre Jack en mayo o junio para que no tuviera que esperarme, pero el Padre Jack optó por esperar hasta que yo regresara a casa para que pudiéramos ser ordenados juntos. Me conmovió la paciencia y generosidad del Padre Jack, y le sigo agradeciendo hasta el día de hoy por su amabilidad. El Padre Jack Nutter es mayor que yo, y ahora es un sacerdote retirado en la Diócesis de Baton Rouge. Le deseo todas las bendiciones de Dios al celebrar también 30 años de ordenación sacerdotal! Recuerdo cuando era un joven sacerdote que celebraba tales aniversarios con sacerdotes que habían servido durante mucho tiempo al Señor y a la iglesia, y me preguntaba cómo sería cuando celebraría un aniversario tan significativo de ordenación. Bueno, aquí estoy, y me gustaría simplemente, en el espacio limitado de este artículo, compartir algunos pensamientos en este momento de mi vida como sacerdote. Primero, el sacerdocio es una vida maravillosa. Siempre me he sentido realizado como sacerdote, y la alegría ha sido, con mucho, la experiencia más grande de mis años de sacerdocio. No niego que he tenido momentos de desafío, sufrimiento y adversidad. Sin embargo, incluso en los momentos

difíciles, todavía experimentaba la satisfacción en mi sacerdocio. Nunca he visto mi vida como sacerdote desde la perspectiva de lo que no tengo en la vida, sino sólo desde la perspectiva de la gracia y la bendición que el sacerdocio ha sido para mí. Cuando hago una pausa como sacerdote para contar mis bendiciones, la lista es muy larga. En mi sacerdocio, siempre he estado realizado, he conocido una gran alegría, y estoy agradecido a Dios y a la iglesia por el don de mi vocación a ser sacerdote. Segundo, en el pasado y ahora sigo asombrado por la fe del pueblo de Dios. Hubo tantas veces en mi sacerdocio en que los religiosos o laicos mostraron una fe mucho más profunda y fuerte que la mía. Continúo siendo humillado por la fe de las personas con las que tengo la bendición de encontrarme en la vida, y de servir como sacerdote y obispo. Ha habido innumerables ocasiones en mi vida como sacerdote en las que he sido llamado como sacerdote para guiar a la gente en la oración, el culto o el servicio, y aunque fui bendecido y feliz al hacerlo, no obstante me sentí humillado porque la fe de aquellos a los que guiaba parecía mucho más profunda y fuerte que la mía propia. En tales casos, fui y soy llamado a una fe más profunda debido a la gente a la que fui bendecido para servir. Tercero, estoy muy agradecido por el apoyo de aquellos a quienes he tenido la suerte de servir como sacerdote durante 30 años. Estoy agradecido por los muchos feligreses y otras personas que me han apoyado a lo largo de mi sacerdocio. Servir como sacerdote en una parroquia es una gracia y bendición única, y estoy agradecido por los años que tuve la bendición de servir como párroco, y echo de menos esta experiencia aún hoy. Aunque servir como obispo tiene su propia gracia, bendiciones y paz, no hay nada que se compare con servir como párroco. Es una alegría encontrarme hoy con aquellos a quienes he servido como párroco en el pasado. Es maravilloso

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

conocer parejas de los que fui testigo en el sacramenTo del matrimonio o que he bautizado, o a quienes he dado su primera Comunión, o con los que me he lamentado en el momento de la muerte de un ser querido, o con los que he sido bendecido por servir de tantas otras maneras. Recientemente conocí a una mujer cuya boda celebré hace 25 años, y fue una alegría visitarla para recordar grandes momentos. Ella compartió conmigo que tienen tres hijos que están en la escuela secundaria y en la universidad. Qué gracia encontrarla! Cuarto, no he llegado tan lejos por fe, ni seguiré creciendo en fe en el futuro, sin la ayuda de otros. El apoyo orante y práctico de tanta gente me ha permitido llegar a este punto en mi servicio al Señor, y me apoyo en los hombros de aquellos que me han ayudado a lo largo de estos años en el ministerio en Baton Rouge, Nueva Orleans y HoumaThibodaux. Sólo espero haber dado a los demás el apoyo que me han dado. Tengo la bendición de tener amigos de muchos años que son sacerdotes, religiosos y fieles laicos. Ellos han enriquecido mi vida y me han convertido en el sacerdote y obispo que soy hoy. Aunque vivamos a cierta distancia unos de otros, los lazos que nos unen nos permiten renovar nuestra amistad a menudo por medio de llamadas telefónicas o visitas ocasionales. Estoy agradecido a tantos que me han hecho el sacerdote que soy hoy. Hay tantas otras cosas que podría compartir, pero la última será que Dios siempre ha sido fiel. Cuando he confiado en Dios, las cosas que parecían abrumadoras siempre han funcionado de una manera que me ha sorprendido y asombrado. Mientras prometo mis oraciones continuas por ustedes, les pido sus oraciones por mí en este tiempo lleno de alegría de mi 30 aniversario de servicio como sacerdote. A Dios sea la gloria! BC

Binh luan bang loi

Vui mừng thay! Nhìn lại 30 năm Linh mục Vào ngày 5 tháng 8 năm 2019, tôi sẽ mừng kỷ niệm 30 năm chịu chức linh mục. Thời gian trôi qua thật nhanh!!!! Thứ Bảy, ngày 5 tháng 8 năm 1989, Đức cha Stanley Ott đã truyền chức linh mục cho tôi tại Nhà thờ chính tòa St. Joseph ở Baton Rouge. Tôi được chịu chức cùng với Cha Nicholas John “Jack” Nutter III. Dịp lễ truyền chức thường diễn ra vào tháng Năm hoặc tháng Sáu, nhưng vì năm học của tôi, khi đang học tại Đại học Leuven ở Bỉ, đã không kết thúc cho đến giữa tháng Sáu, và vì tôi cũng phải trở lại Mỹ sau khi hoàn tất việc đào tạo và học vấn của mình vào năm đó, nên việc chịu chức của chúng tôi đã không diễn ra cho đến đầu tháng Tám. Đức cha Ott đã đề nghị truyền chức linh mục cho Cha Jack vào tháng 5 hoặc tháng 6 để ngài không phải đợi tôi, nhưng Cha Jack đã chọn chờ đến khi tôi trở về để chúng tôi có thể được truyền chức chung với nhau. Tôi cảm động trước sự kiên nhẫn và bao dung của Cha Jack, và vẫn biết ơn ngài cho đến ngày nay vì lòng tốt của ngài. Cha Jack Nutter lớn tuổi hơn tôi, và hiện là một Linh mục đã hưu trí trong Giáo Phận Baton Rouge. Tôi cầu chúc cho ngài được tất cả các ơn lành của Chúa khi ngài kỷ niệm 30 năm thụ phong linh mục! Tôi có thể nhớ khi còn là một linh mục trẻ kỷ niệm những ngày thụ phong linh mục như vậy với các linh mục đã phục vụ Chúa và Giáo hội lâu năm, và tôi tự hỏi sẽ như thế nào khi tôi tổ chức một lễ kỷ niệm ngày chịu chức quan trọng như vậy. Vâng, tôi đây, và tôi chỉ đơn giản muốn trong trang giấy hạn hẹp của bài viết này để chia sẻ một vài suy nghĩ lúc này trong cuộc đời của tôi với tư cách là một linh mục. Trước tiên, chức vụ tư tế là một cuộc sống tuyệt diệu!! Tôi luôn luôn được thỏa mãn và niềm vui cho đến nay là kinh nghiệm lớn nhất trong những năm tôi làm linh mục. Tôi không phủ nhận rằng đã có những lúc thử thách, đau khổ và nghịch cảnh. Tuy nhiên, ngay cả trong những thời điểm khó khăn, tôi vẫn trải nghiệm sự thỏa mãn trong chức vụ tư tế của mình. Tôi chưa bao giờ nhìn cuộc đời của mình là một linh mục từ khía cạnh của những

gì tôi không có trong cuộc sống, mà chỉ từ cái nhìn của ân sủng và phúc lành mà chức vụ tư tế đã dành cho tôi. Khi tôi dừng lại như một linh mục để nhìn lại những phúc lành của tôi, một danh sách thật dài. Trong chức vụ tư tế của tôi, tôi luôn luôn được thỏa mãn, tôi có được niềm vui khôn tả và tôi biết ơn Chúa và Giáo hội vì món quà ơn gọi trở thành một linh mục. Kế đến, từ quá khứ và tiếp tục đến bây giờ, tôi luôn cảm phục đức tin của dân Chúa! Đã có rất nhiều lần trong chức vụ tư tế của tôi, khi các tu sĩ hoặc giáo dân thể hiện đức tin sâu sắc và mạnh mẽ hơn nhiều so với đức tin của tôi. Tôi tiếp tục khiêm tốn trước đức tin của những người mà tôi may mắn gặp được trong cuộc sống, và phục vụ trong chức vụ linh mục và Giám mục. Đã có nhiều lần trong đời linh mục, khi tôi được kêu gọi dẫn dắt mọi người cầu nguyện, thờ phượng hoặc phục vụ, và trong khi tôi được diễm phúc để làm như vậy, tôi vẫn luôn khiêm tốn vì đức tin của những người đó dường như sâu sắc và mạnh mẽ hơn nhiều so với đức tin của tôi. Trong những trường hợp như vậy, tôi đã và đang được kêu gọi đào sâu đức tin hơn vì những người mà tôi được phúc để phục vụ. Hơn nữa, tôi rất biết ơn sự hỗ trợ của những người mà tôi đã được diễm phúc phục vụ với tư cách là một linh mục trong 30 năm qua. Tôi biết ơn rất nhiều giáo dân và những người khác đã hỗ trợ tôi trong suốt cuộc đời linh mục. Phục vụ với tư cách là linh mục trong một giáo xứ là một ân sủng và phúc lành cao cả, và tôi rất biết ơn vì những năm tôi đã được diễm phúc khi là một linh mục quản xứ, tôi vẫn còn nhớ đến cảm nghiệm này cho đến ngày hôm nay. Mặc dù phục vụ như một Giám mục tràn đầy ân sủng, phúc lành và an lạc riêng, nhưng không có gì có thể so sánh với việc phục vụ như một linh mục quản xứ. Thật là một niềm vui khi gặp gỡ những người mà tôi đã phục vụ trong quá khứ. Thật tuyệt vời khi gặp những cặp vợ chồng mà tôi đã làm phép hôn nhân, hoặc những người mà tôi đã rửa tội, cho rước lễ lần đầu, thương tiếc vào lúc một người thân yêu qua đời, hoặc được ban phúc lành theo nhiều cách thức khác. Gần

đây tôi đã gặp một phụ nữ mà tôi đã làm đám cưới cách đây 25 năm, và thật vui khi được đến thăm cô ấy trong một khoảnh khắc để ôn lại quá khứ. Cô chia sẻ với tôi rằng cô và chồng có ba đứa con đang học trung học và đại học. Thật là một ân sủng để gặp lại cô ấy! Sau cùng, nếu không có sự trợ giúp tận tình của những người khác, tôi đã không có được đức tin mạnh mẽ đến thế và tôi cũng sẽ không tiếp tục phát triển đức tin trong tương lai. Sự hỗ trợ cầu nguyện và thiết thực của rất nhiều người đã giúp tôi đạt được điểm này trong sự phục vụ của mình với Chúa và tôi sánh vai với những người đã giúp đỡ tôi trong suốt những năm tháng mục vụ ở Baton Rouge, New Orleans và Houma-Thibodaux. Tôi chỉ có thể hy vọng rằng tôi đã dành cho người khác sự hỗ trợ đã được dành cho tôi. Tôi may mắn có những người bạn lâu năm là linh mục, tu sĩ và giáo dân. Họ đã làm phong phú cuộc sống của tôi và giúp tôi thành linh mục và Giám mục mà tôi có ngày hôm nay. Mặc dù chúng tôi có thể sống ở một khoảng cách xa gần với nhau, nhưng mối quan hệ ràng buộc chúng tôi làm mới tình bạn thường xuyên bằng cách gọi điện thoại hoặc ghé thăm thường xuyên. Tôi biết ơn rất nhiều người đã giúp tôi trở thành linh mục mà tôi có ngày hôm nay. Có rất nhiều điều khác nữa mà tôi có thể chia sẻ, nhưng điều cuối cùng sẽ là Thiên Chúa luôn luôn trung tín. Khi tôi tin cậy Chúa, những điều dường như quá sức mình luôn diễn ra cách lạ lùng khiến tôi sửng sốt và kinh ngạc. Như tôi đã hứa những lời cầu nguyện liên tục của tôi dành cho Anh Chị Em, thì tôi cũng xin Anh Chị Em cầu nguyện cho tôi vào ngày mừng kỷ niệm 30 năm phục vụ của tôi là một linh mục. Nguyện danh Chúa được vinh quang! Dịch thuật do Lm. Francis Bui, SDD và Thầy Paul Vu, SDD. Tu Đoàn Tông Đồ Giáo Sĩ Nhà Chúa BC

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

Comment

Pope Francis says missionary mandate is rooted in baptism The Pope Speaks

Vatican City, (CNA) Pope Francis, in his message for World Mission Day, asked the Church to remember her ‘missionary awareness and commitment,’ rooted in the grace of baptism. He emphasized “the importance of renewing the Church’s missionary commitment and giving fresh evangelical impulse to her work of preaching and bringing to the world the salvation of Jesus Christ” in his message, released June 9. The 93rd World Mission Day will be held Oct. 20. The title of the pope’s message and October’s missionary month is “Baptized and Sent: The Church of Christ on Mission in the World.” Pope Francis asked that in October the Church commemorate the centenary of Maximum illud, Benedict XV’s apostolic letter on the propagation of the faith throughout the world. “Celebrating this month will help us first to rediscover the missionary dimension of our faith in Jesus Christ, a faith graciously bestowed on us in baptism,” said Pope Francis. “Our filial relationship with God is not something simply private, but always in relation to the Church. Through our communion with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we, together with so many of our other brothers and sisters, are born to new life. This divine life is not a product for sale – we do not practice proselytism – but a treasure to be given, communicated and proclaimed: that is the meaning of mission.” “The Church is on mission in the

world,” Pope Francis stated. The theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity teach us how to be missionaries in the world. “Faith in Jesus Christ enables us to see all things in their proper perspective, as we view the world with God’s own eyes and heart. Hope opens us up to the eternal horizons of the divine life that we share. Charity, of which we have a foretaste in the sacraments and in fraternal love, impels us to go forth to the ends of the earth.” “The man who preaches God must be a Man of God,” Pope Francis wrote. “This missionary mandate touches us personally: I am a mission, always; you are a mission, always; every baptized man and woman is a mission. People in love never stand still: they are drawn out of themselves; they are attracted and attract others in turn; they give themselves to others and build relationships that are life-giving. As far as God’s love is concerned, no one is useless or insignificant. Each of us is a mission to the world, for each of us is the fruit of God’s love. Even if parents can betray their love by lies, hatred and infidelity, God never takes back his gift of life. From eternity he has destined each of his children to share in his divine and eternal life.” He said that baptism “gives us rebirth in God’s own image and likeness, and makes us members of the Body of Christ, which is the Church. In this sense, baptism is truly necessary for salvation for it ensures that we are always and everywhere sons and daughters in the house of the Father, and never orphans, strangers or slaves.” Baptism “remains the vocation and destiny of every man and woman in search of conversion and salvation. For baptism fulfils the promise of the gift of God that makes everyone a son or daughter in the Son.” “In baptism,” according to Pope Francis, “we receive the origin of all fatherhood and true motherhood: no one

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

can have God for a Father who does not have the Church for a mother.” Hence, our mission “is rooted in the fatherhood of God and motherhood of the Church.” “The mandate given by the Risen Jesus at Easter is inherent in Baptism,” he said, and therefore “this mission is part of our identity as Christians.” In “today’s rampant secularism,” the pope said, “when it becomes an aggressive cultural rejection of God’s active fatherhood in our history, is an obstacle to authentic human fraternity, which finds expression in reciprocal respect for the life of each person. Without the God of Jesus Christ, every difference is reduced to a baneful threat, making impossible any real fraternal acceptance and fruitful unity within the human race.” Pope Francis notes that Benedict XV, given the universality of salvation, saw “that the Church’s universal mission requires setting aside exclusivist ideas of membership in one’s own country and ethnic group.” Today, the Church needs men and women “who, by virtue of their baptism, respond generously to the call to leave behind home, family, country, language and local Church, and to be sent forth to the nations, to a world not yet transformed by the sacraments of Jesus Christ and his holy Church.” Pope Francis noted the coincidence of World Mission Day with the Synod on the Churches in the Amazon, saying, “A renewed Pentecost opens wide the doors of the Church, in order that no culture remain closed in on itself and no people cut off from the universal communion of the faith. No one ought to remain closed in self-absorption of his or her own ethnic and religious affiliation. The Easter event of Jesus breaks through the narrow limits of worlds, religions and cultures, calling them to grow in respect for the dignity of men and women, and towards a deeper conversion to the truth of the Risen Lord who gives authentic life to all.” BC

Comment

Questions of Faith Father Joshua Rodrigue

Our clothes can often reveal more than what they are meant to conceal I have noticed especially in the summer months that people dress more casually when attending Mass. A good example is men and women wearing shorts and flip flops. What is the appropriate dress for Mass? Is there a standard to follow? Perhaps a man who has never been accused of being a slave to fashion by his daily wear of black slacks, black shirt, black shoes, black socks is the last person who should be giving advice on fashion. However, this answer is less about style and fashion and more about establishing certain principles to help guide a person in choosing “church clothes.” Our American society has developed over time into a more casual society compared to others cultures and countries. Even in traditionally formal business places, there may be a practice of “casual Friday” to seem more approachable, less uptight to others by wearing casual clothing. But still, we do dress differently according to the place, time and event. Invitations will often note the type of clothing expected for the occasion: formal, business, casual, athletic, costume, etc. The outfit worn is reflective to the activity in which one intends to participate. Would we dress in shorts and flip flops to meet the President of the United States or the

Queen of England? Of course not, we would dress in our best clothes for such an occasion and out of respect for the person and office. As Catholics, we are going to Mass not to encounter a president or earthly king or queen but someone greater, our Lord, the King of kings, at the wedding feast of the Lamb; nevertheless, some people would not convey that message by what they choose to wear. The manner in which we dress often has meaning to us and signifies a message to others. Our clothes can often reveal more than what they are meant to conceal. How would we respond if we were in an operating room and our surgeon approached us dressed in a clown’s costume? I guarantee you I would drag myself right out that room before he could even think of making an animal balloon out of his surgical gloves. Does our attire express our desire to be at Mass and that we understand what is actually happening? Just as we are to be spiritually prepared to celebrate and receive the Eucharist, our physical appearance can also be reflective of our inner disposition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. Bodily demeanor (gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this moment when Christ becomes our guest” (1387). When we come to Mass, we can say that there is an unwritten dress code that demands us to dress according to the respect, honor and reverence for the sacred and solemn celebration of the Mass, which is owed to both God and one another. Does our Mass attire convey to others that this celebration is important and that my modest dress upholds my dignity as a son or daughter of God? Regarding church clothes, some would say, “Does the Lord really care what people wear to church? At least they are at Mass.” Yes, at least they are at Mass, but do we settle just for

offering God the least? Just as Abel discerned his offering and gave the best lamb from his flock to God, are we not called to give the best, the most, to the Lord out of justice in return for all he has done for us, in other words, to put on our “Sunday best” both internally and externally. There will be days when our Mass attire is not what we would normally wear because we are attending another event before or after Mass (i.e. athletic event, parades, etc.) but know the importance of setting these events aside to attend Mass. These are the exceptional days, not the weekly norm. Modesty and dignity are key principles to keep in mind when dressing for Mass. The focus of our celebration is on the Lord. Too little or even too extravagant clothing can distract others from encountering the Lord. Do we strive to draw attention to ourselves, or do we desire to be a part of the worshiping community focused upon the Word and sacrament? In the end, perhaps an exhortation from the past can be true for the present. St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 195 A.D.) in The Instructor encourages, “The proper dress of the temperate man is what is plain, becoming and clean … . Let a woman wear plain and becoming dress, but softer than what is suitable for a man. Yet, it should not be immodest or entirely steeped in luxury. And let the garments be suited to age, person, figure, nature and pursuits. For the divine apostle most beautifully counsels us ‘to put on Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the lusts of the flesh’” (Book III, Chapter XI). BC

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

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

Reflections

For a way out of chaos, look to the heavens Readings Between the Lines Father Glenn LeCompte

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the face of the abyss, and the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And then God said, “Let light be,” and there was light. And then God saw that the light was good. And then God divided between the light and the darkness. And then God called the light, “day,” and the darkness he called night. And there was evening and there was morning, a first day. And then God said, “Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters.” And there was a divider between the waters. And then God made a dome, and then divided between the waters which were beneath the dome and waters which were above the dome. And it happened thus. And then God called the dome “heaven.” And there was evening and there was morning, a second day. And then God said, “Let the waters beneath the heavens be collected into one standing place, and the dry land appeared. And it was thus. And then God called the dry land “earth” and the collection “the waters.” And then God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:1-10). The foregoing Scripture passage is my translation of a biblical text that Apollo 8 astronauts, James Lovell, William Anders and Frank Borman read in turn and transmitted back to earth on Christmas Eve 1968, as for the first time earthlings orbited the moon. Only a few months later, on July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to walk on the moon. We celebrate the 50th anniversary of that milestone in human history this month.

Like many people today, I remember sitting around the TV with my family watching the progress of the Apollo 11 mission and awaiting the historic moment that a human being would walk on the moon for the first time. Back then, that event seemed unbelievable. But the Apollo 8 mission had its own intrigue. Borman’s, Lovell’s and Anders’ reading of part of the creation story from Genesis 1 took the event of the first lunar orbit by humans beyond science and history into the realm of theology and faith. Without downplaying the scientific or historic significance of the event, the Apollo missions put all humanity more deeply in touch with the reason we are here in the first place. God created everything, and the magnificence of God’s creation points to the one who created it, even as those who appreciate fine art are moved to know something about the artist behind the artwork. The Apollo 8 astronauts, as well as their counterparts in the other Apollo flights, saw creation from a perspective that no other human being had witnessed. They marveled at the wonders of the cosmos, even as our ancestors in faith did when they looked up from the Earth into the heavens. “When I see the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you fixed, what is man that you should remember him, or the

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

son of man that you should attend to him” (Psalm 8:4-5, translation by Rev. Glenn LeCompte)? According to Josh Graves, (www.foxnews.com/opinion/ findinggodonthemoon) Apollo 11 Lunar Module Pilot, Buzz Aldrin, a devout Christian whose celestial journey stirred the flame of faith within him, read the King James Version text of Psalm 8:4-5 during the Apollo 11 flight. Due to the Apollo 8 crew’s photographs from space, we earthbound people also saw our planet from the vantage point of the heavens. I am sure the astronauts would say that the awesomeness of what they saw could not be captured by the photographs. Nevertheless, those photographs gave us a visual perspective which could move our spirits to renewed reflection upon the creator and his work. That photograph of the Earth was a powerful symbol for the human race. To view the Earth as a single heavenly body and to realize that every living human being inhabits simultaneously that solitary planet causes us to contemplate the unity of all humanity. Indeed, as we look at that picture taken from space, we see no national or state boundaries. We can at once observe the multiple land masses that lay between the great oceans, and from the vantage point of space we realize that geography need not be a cause for setting people at enmity with

Reflections

one another. The concept of oneness that I am claiming that our extraterrestrial vision of the earth can move us toward was captured by President John F. Kennedy during his commencement address at the American University on June 10, 1963, when he said, “ ... in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.” Apollo 8 orbited the moon in December 1968, a year that had seen far too much social strife and violence. For the six days of the mission, everyone on the earth had something beyond their everyday concerns and political and social disagreements and hostilities to focus upon. Indeed, as the astronauts gazed into the heavens and quoted from the first chapter of Genesis, everyone on earth was reminded that at the heart of God’s creative activity

is the process of bringing order out of chaos. Genesis 1:2 depicts the cosmos in a disordered state prior to the beginning of God’s creative activity. By the time the chapter is over, God has transformed the universe into an entity that has form, wholeness and order. Even today, we experience many instances of chaos in our society: Our political bickering that prevents social progress and the escalation of intolerance that leads to unthinkable acts of violence. We need to look to the heavens and to the beauty of creation around us and see that our ultimate salvation from a degeneration into primeval chaos is to be found in the one who brought order to the cosmos in the first place. Borman, Lovell and Anders on that Christmas Eve 52 years ago left everyone with a message of good will when they radioed back to earth: “And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry

Christmas, and God bless all of you all of you on the good Earth” (https:// nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/ apollo8_xmas.html). BC

Reflection Questions v What chaos do you experience in everyday life? How might prayerful consideration of God’s act of ordering the cosmos give you confidence to face the chaos? v Look at and reflect upon a photo of the earth taken from space. What emotions does the photo evoke in you? How might that photo lead to a reflection on life, peace and international unity? v How might our observation of the heavens lead us to a desire for a deeper interpersonal knowledge of the creator?

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

Drop oﬀ your donation to any Synergy Bank location. /BayouPackTheBus July 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 15

Monday

1 July

ScriptureReadings Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

and a listing of Feast days and saints

Friday

Saturday

29 June

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21 Galatians 5:1, 13-18 Luke 9:51-62

Weekday Genesis 19:15-29 Matthew 8:23-27

Feast of Saint Thomas, apostle Ephesians 2:19-22 John 20:24-29

Weekday Genesis 22:1b-19 Matthew 9:1-8

Weekday Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 Matthew 9:9-13

Weekday Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29 Matthew 9:14-17

Weekday Weekday Genesis 28:10-22a Genesis 32:23-33 Matthew 9:32-38 Matthew 9:18-26

Weekday Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a Matthew 10:1-7

Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5 Matthew 10:7-15

Weekday Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 Matthew 10:16-23

Weekday Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a Matthew 10:24-33

Weekday Weekday Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12 Exodus 3:13-20 Matthew 11:25-27 Matthew 11:28-30

Weekday Exodus 11:10— 12:14 Matthew 12:1-8

Weekday Exodus 12:37-42 Matthew 12:14-21

Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene Song of Songs 3:1-4a John 20:1-2, 11-18

Memorial of Saint Martha Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34 John 11:19-27

Weekday Exodus 2:1-15a Matthew 11:20-24

Weekday Exodus 14:21— 15:1 Matthew 12:46-50

Weekday Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5b, 28 Matthew 13:36-43

Weekday Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 Matthew 13:1-9

Feast of Saint James, apostle 2 Corinthians 4:715 Matthew 20: 20-28

Memorial of Saints Weekday Joachim and Anne, Exodus 24:3-8 parents of the Matthew 13:24-30 Blessed Virgin Mary Exodus 20:1-17 Matthew 13:18-23

1 August

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest Exodus 34:29-35 Matthew 13:44-46

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

Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, priest and doctor of the church Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 Matthew 13:47-53

Weekday Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37 Matthew 13:54-58

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, apostles Acts 12:1-11 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 Matthew 16:13-19

Weekday Genesis 18:16-33 Matthew 8:18-22

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the church Exodus 1:8-14, 22 Matthew 10:34— 11:1

Sunday

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 66:10-14c Galatians 6:14-18 Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Deuteronomy 30:10-14 Colossians 1:15-20 Luke 10:25-37

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Genesis 18:1-10a Colossians 1:24-28 Luke 10:38-42

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Genesis 18:20-32 Colossians 2:12-14 Luke 11:1-13

July

Holy Father’s prayer intentions

You do the living ~

We do the rest.

Universal

Justice. That those who administer justice may work with integrity and that the injustice which prevails in the world may not have the last word.

See www.apostleshipofprayer.org

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

Cover Feature

Jubilation:

Two ordained to priesthood

Cathedral is filled for joyous celebration Rev. Brett Lapeyrouse and Rev. Patrick Riviere 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 Calling of the candidates

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

Cover Feature

While the morning became very hectic very quickly, after taking some time to pray, there was a great deal of peace that was on my heart as I prepared to drive to the cathedral. The Lord confirmed over and over by many signs that this was his will and that he would provide, and so amidst a little nervousness, there was a profound contentment and peace on my heart, rooted in trust that the Lord called me to this point and that he would provide for me and for his people through me. Father Brett Lapeyrouse Laying on of hands and prayer of ordination

Investiture of newly ordained priest

On the morning of my ordination, there was definitely some anticipation of what was about to happen - could I do it? Was I ready or worthy to receive this gift that the Lord was offering? But deeper than that, there was a definite joy and peace at finally receiving the vocation that God had created me for. I remember thinking as I headed to the cathedral, “This is why He made me!” And there was a sense that if God had provided the grace that got me to this point, then he would continue to provide the graces I needed to serve him and the people faithfully as a priest. Father Patrick Riviere Investiture of newly ordained priest

Laying on of hands and prayer of ordination

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

Cover Feature

Litany of supplication

Liturgy of the Eucharist

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

Jubilation:

Two ordained to priesthood

Ordinands give a blessing to the bishops

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

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

Completed Burses and CFSL Named Endowment Funds Note: Numbers stipulate the amount of completed burses.*

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

Msgr. Francis J. Legendre Rev. Charles Menard Dr. & Mrs. M.V. Marmande & Family Donald Peltier Sr. (3)* Harvey Peltier (30)* Richard Peltier The Peltier Foundation (5) Orleans & Louella Pitre Msgr. Joseph Wester Robert R. Wright Jr. Rev. Kermit Trahan St. Bernadette Men’s Club Diocesan Knights of Columbus Leighton Delahaye Mrs. Shirley Conrad Bishop Shelton J. Fabre Elizabeth Hebert Callais Family Fund Rev. Joseph Tu Tran Society of St. Joseph Endowment Fund - $119,136.90 James J Buquet Jr Julius & Marie Pauline St. Amant

Elie & Dot Klingman Bishop Sam Jacobs Endowment-$32,840.43 Giardina Family Foundation Sem. Endowment-$4,337.62 James J. Buquet, Jr. Family Sem. Endowment-$27,979.95 Diocesan Seminaria Endowment-$3,502,699.11 Mary and Al Danos Foundation Sem. Endowment-$38,621.30 Msgr. Amedee Sem. Endowment-$314,838.43 The Peltier Foundation-$14,482.97 Leo & Ethel Hebert Jane and John Dean Sidney J. & Lydie C. Duplantis Msgr. Stanislaus Manikowski Leon “Ponoke” and Marlene Champagne Sem. Endowment-$2,225.00 Society of St. Joseph

May 2019 Burse Contributions Society of St. Joseph..............................$7500.00 Catholic Daughters.....................................$180.00 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2...............$120.00 Dean Joseph Chiasson.............................$100.00

Open Burses with Balance as of May 31, 2019 Donald Peltier Sr. No. 4 ................................$13,000.00 Joseph Strada Memorial ..............................$12,642.63 Msgr. Raphael C. Labit No. 2 ....................$11,560.00 Claude & Lucy Mahler Family ....................$11,100.00 Joseph Waitz Sr. ..............................................$11,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. George C. Fakier .......................$10,700.00 Harvey Peltier No. 31 ....................................$10,486.91 Clay Sr. & Evelida Duplantis No. 2 ...........$10,000.00 C. Remie Duplantis No. 2 .............................$10,000.00 Marie Elise Duplantis No. 2 ........................$10,000.00 Maude & Edith Daspit No. 2 ......................$10,000.00 Msgr. George A. Landry ...............................$10,000.00 Msgr. William Koninkx .....................................$7,700.00 Rev. Victor Toth ..................................................$7,000.00 Catholic Daughters ............................................$6,980.00 Msgr. Francis Amedee .....................................$6,850.00 Brides of the Most Blessed Trinity ..............$6,598.00 Rev. Gerard Hayes .............................................$6,286.00 Rev. Peter Nies ....................................................$6,000.00 Rev. Guy Zeringue .............................................$6,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Love W. Pellegrin ........................$5,000.00 Anonymous No. 2 ..............................................$5,000.00 Mr. & Mrs. Caliste Duplantis Family No. 4 .....$5,000.00 Rev. William M. Fleming .................................$5,000.00 Mrs. Ayres A. Champagne ..............................$5,000.00 Rev. Kasimir Chmielewski ...............................$4,839.00 Joseph “Jay” Fertitta ..........................................$4,450.00 Rev. Henry Naquin ............................................$4,311.00 Anawin Community ..........................................$4,200.00

Harry Booker No. 2 ...........................................$4,138.00 Msgr. James Songy ...........................................$4,075.00 Kelly Curole Frazier ............................................$3,610.96 Mr. & Mrs. John Marmande ..........................$3,500.00 J. R. Occhipinti .....................................................$3,400.00 Mr. & Mrs. Galip Jacobs ..................................$3,060.00 St. Jude ...................................................................$3,000.00 Diocesan Knights of Columbus No. 2 .......$2,894.62 Preston & Gladys Webre ................................$2,850.00 Warren J. Harang Jr. No. 2 .............................$2,700.00 Rev. Peter H. Brewerton ..................................$2,600.00 Willie & Emelda St. Pierre ..............................$2,000.00 Rev. John Gallen .................................................$1,950.00 Rev. H.C. Paul Daigle ........................................$1,900.00 Deacon Connely Duplantis ............................$1,700.00 Alfrances P. Martin ............................................$1,650.00 Msgr. Francis J. Legendre No. 2 ...................$1,645.00 Rev. Robert J. Sevigny ......................................$1,600.00 Jacob Marcello ....................................................$1,600.00 Rev. Hubert C. Broussard ................................$1,550.00 Judge Louis & Shirley R. Watkins ...............$1,550.00 Msgr. Emile J. Fossier .......................................$1,545.00 Ronnie Haydel .....................................................$1,535.00 Dr. William Barletta Sr. .....................................$1,525.00 Deacon Robert Dusse’ .....................................$1,450.00 Rev. Anthony Rousso .......................................$1,300.00 Msgr. John L. Newfield ....................................$1,200.00 Rev. Joseph Tu Tran No. 2 ..............................$1,094.00 Msgr. John G. Keller ..........................................$1,050.00

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

Overall Seminarian Burses Total: $1,756,693.02 ~ CFSL Seminarian Endowments Total: $4,028,245.59 July 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 21

Heavenly Recipes

Carolyn Dupre

Carolyn makes a:

LIGHT DESSERT Story and Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

This month’s heavenly recipe comes from Carolyn Dupre, a long time parishioner of St. Gregory Church parish in Houma. Carolyn’s light summer dessert is lemon yum yum. It’s a dessert that has been in her family for years. “I got this recipe from my cousin’s wife. It has been in the family for 25 years. Our children and grandchildren love it.” Carolyn says that she learned to cook from her mother. “I learned to cook from my mother mostly while we were enjoying time at the camp. Now that I am older and our children and grandchildren are adults, I enjoy cooking at the camp that we own near Lake DeCade. My husband and I go there often. It’s also a place where we gather with our children and grandchildren. It’s a great place to get away and enjoy fishing and the outdoors.” Carolyn and her husband Deacon Dennis Dupre are former educators and both served in administration as principal and vice principal in the Terrebonne Parish public school system. The couple met at Nicholls University in Thibodaux. “He was the president of the Newman Club when I met him. Then one day I saw him at the Way of the Cross at St. Francis de Sales; I knew then he was right for me.” After the couple married, they both soon learned that neither enjoyed working in the business world. Dennis was first to go back to Nicholls and get certification in education. “A few years later, and with three children under the age of 12, I went back to Nicholls and received a degree in education, and a master’s degree in school administration, plus 30 hours. We both enjoyed being educators and school administrators.” Carolyn and Dennis were part of the founding of St. Gregory 22 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2019

Lemon Yum Yum INGREDIENTS: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1-1/2 stick butter softened 1 cup chopped pecans 16 oz. Cool Whip 1 cup powdered sugar 8 oz. pkg. softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese 3 cups milk 2 small boxes Lemon Instant Pudding 13” x 9” glass baking dish

DIRECTIONS: First Layer: Mix flour, softened butter, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Place in ungreased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Cool. Second Layer: Mix half of the Cool Whip, powdered sugar, and cream cheese. Spread over first layer. Third Layer: Mix 3 cups cold milk with the two boxes of pudding. Spread over second layer. Allow pudding to solidify in refrigerator for a few minutes. Topping: Spread the other half of the Cool Whip over pudding and top with 1/2 cup of pecans. Note: Other flavors can be used such as chocolate pudding. Church parish. After the parish was formed they immediately became involved. “We taught CCD classes, were members of the choir, liturgical ministers, on the parish council and are still involved with the parish’s implementation team for the diocesan strategic plan. We love our church parish so much the we named our son Gregory after the church parish.” Deacon Dennis was ordained in 2006 and has served at St. Gregory since then. The couple also served as co-directors of the diocesan RCIA program in the past. “We are blessed. We have a blessed life. We have a shard faith. The basis of everything in our life is connected to our faith in God. It is also a blessing to have a husband who is a deacon.” BC

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Church Life

Transitional diaconate ordination Daniel Duplantis and Rusty Bruce were ordained as transitional deacons recently at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. In the photo above, the newly ordained deacons pose with Bishop William Muhm, Auxiliary for the Archdiocese of Military Services, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, and Bishop Emeritus Sam G. Jacobs.

Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

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

Church Life

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

Church Life

Transitional diaconate ordination

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

Youth

in action Race Ordoyne

School: University of Louisiana at Lafayette Grade: Sophomore Church Parish: Maria Immacolata, Houma Describe Family Unit: Michelli, mother; Floyd, father; Kayla and Kasie, sisters. Favorite Hobby: Playing video games or board games; listening to music and playing music. Favorite Movie: Any of the three Lord of the Rings movies. Favorite TV Show: The Last Kingdom on Netflix Favorite Genre of Music: Somewhere between hard rock and hip hop, with a little country in there, too.

How do you stay active in your faith during the summer months? I stay active within my church parish by singing in the band at church and helping out where I am needed. I am also a member of the Knights of Columbus and stay involved in their activities, such as cooking for local diocesan events and helping people within our community. In my personal life I strive to stay close to God by going to church every week and helping out when I can. The way that I have found to stay active in my faith is to just get involved with things at church and try to stay close to God. BC

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

Church Life

Diocesan Service and Youth Leadership Awards presented 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: Gloria Haydel, Allen Trahan, Youth Award: Alicen Buquet, Dominick Clement, Annunziata, Houma; Diocesan Award: Johnny Gonzalez, Geraldine LaGraize, Youth Award: Morgen Pitre, Landon Zeringue, Christ the Redeemer, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Brenda Breaux, Community of St. Anthony, Gheens; Diocesan Award: Colleen Hunter, Keith Thibodeaux, Youth Award: Sinclair Callais, Caitlyn Picou, Holy Cross, Morgan City; Diocesan Award: Georgianna Lapeyrouse, Jennifer Scott, Youth Award: Natalie Rodrigue Holy Family, Grand 28 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2019

Caillou; Diocesan Award: Lotty Cantrelle, Vorace Loupe, Youth Award: Jennifer Espejo, Caleb Jungina, Holy Savior, Lockport; Diocesan Award: Paul Boudreaux, Carolyn Detiveaux, Youth Award: Cassidy Nguyen, Kristopher Trosclair, Maria Immacolata, Houma; Diocesan Award: Larris Bourgeois, Marie Borne, Youth Award: Kristian Townsend, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Chackbay; Diocesan Award: Louise Adams, Greg Terrebonne, Youth Award: Gunnar Cheramie, Adriane Saucier, Our Lady of Prompt Succor, Golden Meadow; Diocesan Award: Betty Ledet, Percy Rhodes, Youth Award: Carlo Dupre, Juliette Smith, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Houma; Diocesan Award: Hannah Plaisance, Mark Thibodaux, Youth Award: Laurel Chiasson, Elizabeth Sanamo, Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose; Diocesan Award: Alfred Archer, Ashley Archer, Youth Award: Dylan Breaux, Addison Duet, Sacred Heart, Cut Off; Diocesan Award: June Bergeron, Bernard Dupre, Youth Award: Kristi Naquin, Kirstin Trosclair, Sacred Heart, Montegut; Diocesan Award: Paul Governale, Veronica Governale, Youth Award: Victoria Rideau, Derek Stewart,

Church Life

Youth Leadership Award

Diocesan Service Award

Sacred Heart, Morgan City; Diocesan Award: Monica Hoffman, Dianne McAllister, Youth Award: Hunter LeBlanc, Coy Ribardi, St. Andrew, Amelia; Diocesan Award: Randolph Bascle, Constance Neil, Youth Award: Bailey Dupre, Caleb Lapeyrouse, St. Ann, Bourg; Diocesan Award: Melanie Davis, Edward Richard Jr., Youth Award: Sarah Massey, Devan Naquin, St. Anthony of Padua, Bayou Black; Diocesan Award: Allen Collins Jr., Sally Pertuit, Youth Award: Carlie Christ, Emma Foret, St. Bernadette, Houma; Diocesan Award: Irvin (Peter) Babin, Doris Samanie, Youth Award: Belle Bourgeois, Madeline Malbrough, St. Bridget, Schriever; Diocesan Award: Junius Plaisance, Helen Plaisance, Youth Award: Lindsey Dupre, St. Charles Borromeo, Pointe-aux-Chenes; Diocesan Award: Greg Navarre, Katina Navarre, Youth Award: Katie Sylvest, St. Charles Borromeo, St. Charles Community; Diocesan Award: Hilda Lyons, Robert Champagne Jr., Youth Award: Kamron Lirette, Shelby Whitney, St. Eloi, Theriot; Diocesan Award: Carla Exnicious, Mark Lapeyre, Youth Award: Anissa Holekamp, Braeden Parfait, Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma; Diocesan Award: Dana Chiasson, Chris Knobloch, Youth Award: Nathan Rachal, Gracie Rodrigue, St. Genevieve, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Mark Belanger, Carolyn Dupre, St. Gregory, Houma; Diocesan Award: Abel Orgeron, Youth Award: Gary Griffin III, Josie Oliva, St. Hilary of Poitiers, Mathews; Diocesan Award: Hilton Chiasson, St. James Chapel,

Choctaw; Diocesan Award: Leland Hoffmann, Teresa Hoffmann, Youth Award: Blair Gross, Catherine Hubbell, St. John the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Anita Boudreaux, Allen Eschete, Youth Award: Jacques Dupre, Samuel Robert, St. Joseph, Chauvin; Diocesan Award: Rosa Callais, Kurt Crosby, Youth Award: Jenna Bourgeois, Nicholas Martin, St. Joseph, Galliano; Diocesan Award: Gary Hebert, Raetta (Sis) Roger, Youth Award: Ethan Clapp, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Rachel Albinson, Youth Award: Jeremy Pellegrin, St. Lawrence, Chacahoula; Diocesan Award: Jeanne Loupe, Lucy Mahler, Youth Award: Kaitlyn Lester, St. Lawrence the Martyr, Kraemer; Diocesan Award: David Baudean, Peggy Levron, Youth Award: Payton Poincon, Abigail Stewart, St. Louis, Bayou Blue; Diocesan Award: Harriet Fitch, Larry Pete, Youth Award: Marcus E. Beauty, St. Lucy, Houma; Diocesan Award: Craig Sparks, Gloria Woods, St. Luke the Evangelist, Thibodaux; Diocesan Award: Robert Barrilleaux, Bethel Barrilleaux, Youth Award: Lauren Gervais, Sonny Hanson Jr., St. Mary’s Nativity, Raceland; Diocesan Award: Ivy Cavalier, Mary Cavalier, Youth Award: Evan Thibodeaux, Sydney Zaner, St. Thomas Aquinas, Thibodaux; Youth Award: Kerrilyn Luc, Christopher Templet, Central Catholic School, Morgan City; Youth Award: Faith Hebert, Nathan Rachal, E.D. White Catholic High School, Thibodaux; Youth Award: Nancy Haydel, Corey Hebert, Vandebilt Catholic High School, Houma. BC July 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 29

Commentary

Losing my temper A deacon’s wife’s confessions Angie Lefevre

I’m sure that no one reading this has ever lost their temper. Never yelled at a loved one. Never screamed at another driver. And never said a bad word when you stubbed your toe! So I’ll just tell you about my experiences. I am a hot head! Ask anyone who knows me, and they can tell you a story about me losing my temper. Sometimes it’s for valid reasons, but most of the time, it’s not. One valid story is when I lived in New Orleans and happened to be standing on my front porch. I witnessed an older man driving a truck past my house. This is the bad part; you may not want to read what happened next! I saw him point and tell the child in the passenger seat to throw her trash out

of the window! (Now, full disclaimer – I hate littering, I love recycling and taking care of this beautiful planet.) In the two seconds that followed “the incident,” my mind raced – thinking that he was not only littering, but teaching this child that it was the right thing to do! That’s when my temper flared and I leaped down the steps and across the lawn, yelling at the top of my lungs! “How dare you teach this child to litter!?! This is my yard! How could you do such a thing?” Thank you God that cell phone videos were not available at that time, because my manic outburst would have been very embarrassing! I’ll let you decide if that was a valid hot head moment or not. In more recent years, I have discovered a fabulous way to combat my temper. In fact, it has made my whole life better. I am such a happy person now! Not that angry, bitter hot head I once was. This is what I realized: I am not in control of my life. God is in control. Then the pressure was off. I was so stupid to think that I could control all aspects of my life. Then got angry when things did not

go my way. I’m not saying that I don’t get disappointed when I back up the car into a post. But now I realize that it was God’s will. There must be a reason for hitting the post! I just have to get my husband to understand (even deacons get angry). What really makes your life easier, is realizing that the life we live here on Earth is only preparation for our life after death. So to put things in perspective – the color of paint you use for the front of your house is insignificant. It’s not worth a huge argument with your spouse. Let him pick it! It’s just a material thing here on earth. All of these material things have no value to us in the afterlife. However – being overly complacent in our choices does have a downside. I didn’t argue with my husband over the stain for our new fence, and now I have to live with a badly colored fence. But it’s a small price to pay for peace. (Angie Lefevre is the wife of Deacon James Lefevre, who was ordained to the permanent diaconate in May 2018. They are parishioners of St. Bernadette Church parish in Houma.) BC

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

Book Reviews

Reading With Raymond Raymond Saadi

Furious Hours By Casey Cep Knopf $26.95

This is the book Harper Lee wanted to write and for which she spent a year in the small town of Alexander City, AL, in research. For whatever reason it just never got done. Now, author Cep, who had access to Harper’s notes and with her own diligent research, assembled a three-part narrative of the goings on in that town. It centers on Rev. Willie Maxwell, pastor of three black churches, who is charged with the murder of five members of his own family to collect insurance. Maxwell had discovered he could buy insurance on anyone even without his or her knowledge. Undoubtedly guilty, his white lawyer known fondly as Big Tom got him off scot-free. Big Tom, however, couldn’t keep him from being shot to death at a family funeral for another insured. But he got that killer off, too. Finally, the best part of the book addresses Harper Lee’s life following the overwhelming success of her book, To Kill A Mockingbird. Fascinated by the Alabama preacher’s story, she imagined a true crime book like the one she helped Truman Capote write, In Cold Blood, but couldn’t get it to work. Her story alone makes this a must read for fans. BC

The Damascus Road A Novel of Saint Paul By Jay Parini Doubleday $27.95 In this fanciful and imaginative story, author Parini brings the adventures of Paul (formerly Saul) and his close friend, Luke, to life in the first days of Christianity. Told throughout in alternating chapters by Paul and Luke, we see the difficulties and misunderstandings, which existed, at the beginnings of the WAY. Questions of whether Greeks actually require circumcision to join the WAY and can Jews eat with, consort with, and even marry Gentiles to remain in the circle. The two are in constant danger, often imprisoned and beaten by Roman authorities and ruthless thugs, yet remain determined to promote the faith. Readers familiar with the biblical accounts of the Acts of the Apostles must remind themselves this is fiction based on historical truths and is a very fascinating read. BC

Greek to Me

Adventures of the Comma Queen By Mary Morris W.W. Norton $25.95 From the splendid writer who brought us the excellent guide to pronunciation and grammar in her humorous and educational, Between You and Me, comes a study of all things Greek; the language, customs, foods, mythology and sightseeing musts for visitors. Among the discoveries she shares is how the Greeks added vowels to the all-consonant Phoenician alphabet as well as the history and meaning of the Greek letters used by fraternities and sororities. Delightfully educating. BC

The Cornwalls Are Gone By James Patterson Little, Brown $28 Captain Amy Cornwall finds herself with the dilemma of ransoming her husband and son by finding an unknown man and delivering him to the kidnappers, all the while dodging AWOL charges. BC

The 18th Abduction By James Patterson Little, Brown $29 The Women’s Murder Club’s, Lindsay Boxer and journalist Cindy Thomas, are investigating the mysterious disappearance of three Night School teachers but when a body turns up, they take a new approach to the case that leaves them stunned. BC July 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 31

Special

Three diocesan priests retire this year

Father P.J. Madden

Father Freddie Decal

Father Charlie Perkins

Together, pastors served in areas all across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier Father Wilfredo (Freddie) Decal, who has been serving as pastor of Sacred Heart Church parish in Morgan City since July 2016, Father Patrick (P.J.) Madden, who has been serving as pastor of St. Hilary of Poitiers Church parish in Mathews and the Community of St. Anthony in Gheens since July 2015, and Father Charles (Charlie) Perkins, who has been serving as pastor of St. Mary’s Nativity Church parish in Raceland since July 2014, 32 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2019

retired at the end of June. Father Decal, Father Madden, and Father Perkins, have a combined total of almost 100 years of service to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux spanning from its western most boundary in Morgan City, in Thibodaux, along Bayou Petit Caillou in Chauvin, Houma, Kraemer, Raceland, and all the way down Bayou Lafourche in Golden Meadow.

Special

Father Freddie Decal The Quezon, Philippines, native was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 17, 1977, and has served as a priest for over 41 years. He came to the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux in 1984 and was incardinated here in March 1989. He says his family moved to Chicago, IL, in 1978, and after his first winter there, he decided he wanted to serve where snow was not a regular part of winter. Father Decal says he enjoys the relaxed tempo of life here in the diocese; the people are nice, and the weather is good. Father Decal says that his home town in the Philippines has a monastery, a Catholic school, and a high school/college seminary, so he was exposed to priests and nuns his whole life. “I was impressed by their lifestyle and the service they provided to the community. They had a very good presence and influence in the community. It just seemed like a very inviting way of life.” What Father Decal says he has enjoyed most about being a priest is the ministry aspect. “Knowing that I have tried my best to be present and available to people gives me peace and joy. I have witnessed and shared the joy and excitement of weddings, baptisms, confirmations and anniversaries. I have shared the struggles, doubts and anxieties of many people in counseling and in the sacrament of reconciliation. I have also shared in the pain and sorrow of the sick, terminally ill, the dying and the bereaved. All of these moments of grace that I have been privileged to experience were because of my priesthood.” Father Decal says the most challenging aspect of being a priest is the management of the church parish, the building repairs and maintenance, and the financial aspect of running a parish. “The seminary doesn’t prepare you for that, but I learned as I moved on. It just takes a lot of time.” If he had not become a priest, Father Decal says his parents wanted him to be a doctor or a lawyer. With regard to his life as a priest, Father Decal says there is nothing he would do differently if given the opportunity. “I have never regretted anything about my life as a priest.” Father Decal says he is most looking forward to just having more freedom after he retires. He explains that he would like to have more time to do mission appeal work, lead pilgrimages, which he finds very rewarding; and help in parishes here and in the Philippines, without having the pressure of administration. He also plans to travel more and visit his family. He has one brother in the Philippines and the rest of his siblings,

three brothers and two sisters, live throughout the United States. Some of his hobbies include watching movies, especially foreign films; reading and traveling. He says he loves to learn about each country’s culture and language before he visits. Father Decal says he has studied five different languages and visited almost 100 countries. He also enjoyed playing tennis, but is not able to do it anymore since having surgery. Father Decal served as associate pastor and pastor of Sacred Heart, Morgan City, and as pastor of St. Gregory in Houma, Annunziata in Houma, Holy Family in Grand Caillou, and Sacred Heart in Cut Off.

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

Special

Father P.J. Madden The Ballinasloe, Ireland, native was ordained to the priesthood May 14, 2004, at the age of 58, and served as a priest for 15 years. Father Madden says the greatest influence on his decision to become a priest was his “wife Mary in heaven.” He entered the seminary when he was 15 years old and stayed there for three years before leaving and eventually marrying Mary Mitchell. After Mary died of cancer, Sister Miriam Mitchell, S.H.Sp., his sister-in-law who was serving as chancellor for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux at the time, spoke to Bishop (Emeritus) Michael Jarrell about asking him to become a priest for this diocese. “Bishop Jarrell sent me an email and I told him I was grieving my wife and wanted nothing to do with becoming a priest,” says Father Madden. “Three months later he sent me another one, which I ignored. A month after that, Sister Miriam invited me to come to the diocese for a visit and speak to the vocations director. After that, Bishop Jarrell persisted until I finally ended up in the seminary again.” He says during his time in the seminary, he had many doubts. He prayed daily telling his wife that if God wanted him to be a priest he needed her to help form him, and every day it got a little easier. “Now I am thankful that Bishop Jarrell was so persistent,” says the priest. Witnessing the deep faith of the Cajun people and their culture, which he says parallels the faith and culture of the people of Ireland, has been one of the aspects of 34 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2019

being a priest that Father Madden has enjoyed most. Both cultures, he says, had their Catholic faith and their language suppressed, so they have a lot in common. “I have found nothing challenging about being a priest; I found everything about being a priest rewarding,” says Father Madden. “Because I entered the priesthood with so much life experience, I was in a position to be relaxed, and I learned so much and was given so much by the people I served. The high point of my joy in the priesthood is every time I celebrate the sacrament of first holy Communion … to be able to share the innocence of those children and see the hope it provides for them. The greatest blessing of my priesthood is that whatever parish I have served in the people took me in as their own.” Father Madden was involved in church ministry his entire life, and has a lot of experience helping people. He also served as chairman of a local bank for 14 years. All of his experiences, he says, were instrumental to his success as a priest. He believes all men should enter the seminary with some life experience … at least a basic college degree and experience of relationships with others. “I was able to bring my life experiences to discussions with other seminarians which broadened their thinking. And, I was able to draw upon my own life experiences and be more tolerant, more compassionate, and a better listener; as well as non-judgmental, which I believe is the key to being a good pastor,” he says. Reading all the books he bought and hasn’t had time to finish is what he is most looking forward to about being retired. “And,” he adds, “spending the rest of my life in thanksgiving for all of the blessings I have received, in particular the blessings of my marriage to Mary and the ministry of priesthood.” He also plans to continue helping with the diocesan strategic plan, because he believes it is a good plan. Some of his hobbies include reading, traveling to Mississippi to walk the Natchez trail, and getting lost in Barnes and Nobles. Father Madden plans to stay here in the diocese for at least two more years until he turns 75, then return to Ireland where all of his siblings are. “I have had the privilege of serving the last four years in the most dynamic, active, faith-filled parish which has many young families, a wonderful staff and a great parish council,” says Father Madden. “The reason I’m retiring now is because this parish needs a young, dynamic pastor who will feed these young families and grow them in their faith. I’m extremely grateful to Bishop (Shelton J.) Fabre for bringing me back to this diocese and for allowing me to serve here as pastor.” Father Madden served as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary in Larose, and St. Bernadette in Houma. He also served as pastor of St. Genevieve in Thibodaux.

Special

Father Charlie Perkins The Thibodaux native was ordained to the priesthood Feb. 25, 1978, and has served as a priest in this diocese for 41 years. Father Perkins has the distinction of being the first priest ordained for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, less than a year after it was established. Father Perkins says the priests in his local church parish of St. Joseph in Thibodaux as well as the Brothers of the Sacred Heart who taught him at school had the greatest influence on his decision to become a priest. “The spirituality of the brothers and being able to see them in relationship with God really affected me,” says Father Perkins. “When I was an altar server, I’d see them at Mass every morning. They were not only my teachers, but we got to know them one-on-one and saw their lifestyle.” Father Perkins says he has really enjoyed working with young people in the Catholic schools, and young adults while serving at St. Thomas Aquinas on the NSU campus in Thibodaux. “Just watching young people grow in the faith, embrace and live their faith and see how it makes a difference in their lives has been gratifying. Seeing young people growing in faith gives me hope for where we are and where we are going in the future. I was also a hospital chaplain for 10 years and really enjoyed that type of ministry, also.” Trying to keep up with computer technology, the paperwork and the administration part of being in a parish has been the most challenging aspect of being a priest for Father Perkins. “The seminary doesn’t prepare you for the administration and financial part of running a church parish. I tell people all of the time one of the things I’m most looking forward to about retirement is being able to just be a priest.” Looking back over his 41 years as a priest, Father Perkins says there is nothing he would change, even if he was given the opportunity. “I would not change my relationship with God; I have enjoyed my life as a priest. Being a priest is who I am. I had opportunities to minister in many different ways. It was challenging at times, but also fulfilling. I see myself as an instrument that God uses to help people grow in their faith. I always tell people when they’re doubting themselves, don’t take a look at the ‘instrument’ and decide ‘I’m not good enough.’ You present the instrument to God and let him blow into it and what’s going to come out is beautiful music. And to be that instrument that God uses is what we’re called to be.” Father Perkins says what he is most looking forward

to about being retired is just getting out of his office … all the paperwork and the administration stuff. He adds that he just wants to be able to relax, be available to help out in the parishes, and visit his sister, and his nieces and nephews. He plans to stay in Raceland, because he says that has become home now. “The people here have become like family.” He says he also loves photography. He took pictures, developed and printed them while he was a senior at E.D. White Catholic High School in Thibodaux. He even turned a small bedroom at home into a darkroom. He enjoys taking photos, especially of nature, and wants to do more of that after he retires. Father Perkins served as associate pastor of St. Joseph in Galliano, St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, and St. Joseph in Chauvin. He also served as pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr in Kraemer, St. Thomas Aquinas in Thibodaux, St. Andrew in Amelia, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Houma, and as co-pastor of St. Bernadette in Houma. BC July 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 35

Special

St. John the Evangelist celebrates100 years Story by Janet Marcel Photos by Lawrence Chatagnier

St. John the Evangelist Church parish, located along Bayou Lafourche in Thibodaux, was established in 1919 with Father Jules Berthault as its first pastor. The parish is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a theme that revolves around the feast of Pentecost – the “beginning of the church” and celebrating 100 years of growth and caring as a “church community.” Even though the parish was officially established in 1919, it traces its beginning as far back as 1876 when Pere Charles Menard, the legendary “Apostle of Bayou Lafourche,” who was pastor of St. Joseph Church parish in Thibodaux at the time, thought the property across the bridge on Highway 1 was the perfect spot for a little chapel and school. He established “Ecole St. Jean,” or St. John School, which was run by the Sisters of Mount Carmel. Mass was celebrated once a month in the little chapel, which was eventually enlarged as the congregation increased. In 1922, the congregation of St. John was granted permission to establish a public bridge over Bayou Lafourche across from the church. Parishioners paid for the construction of the bridge and operated it for a fee until 1926 when it was leased to the Police Jury who eventually took over its operation. The Early American style church built in 1930 is the same structure that serves parishioners today. In 1955, the church building was actually cut in half and moved apart so that two sections could be added to the center of the church leaving the front of the church and the sanctuary intact. The exterior is white vinyl siding while the interior features the original wood vaulted ceiling and square columns. The original windows were replaced with stained glass windows in 1984. The chandeliers in the church came from St. Francis de Sales Church in Houma in 1955. The balcony of the 36 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2019

church was enclosed in glass and converted to a large cry room in 2012. Father Josekutty (Joe) Varghese, pastor of the parish since July 2016, says throughout this celebration year, parishioners have been praying their 100th anniversary prayer at each Mass. They also hung banners inside and outside of the church letting people know about their parish’s anniversary. The parish’s existing ministries/organizations include the Men’s Club, Ladies Altar Society, Bereavement Committee, Claiborne Nursing Home Ministry, food drives, Homebound Communion, and the Jessie Tree. There are currently 416 families in the church parish. “This year, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of our church parish,” says Father Varghese. “Imagine all those people who have come here to worship and to pray during the last 100 years. We are here because

Special

of them. As we enter into a new era of our church history, the baton has been passed on to our hands. It is absolutely necessary that we impart our faith and love for our church to our children and grandchildren so that it will remain for generations to come.” “Our ancestors had their own challenges in keeping their faith alive and keeping this church going as a place of worship. They made of lot of sacrifices to keep St. John the Evangelist alive and active all these years,” adds the pastor. “Now it is our time to take the lead and guide our church forward. May we continue to grow as a faith community and may our heavenly patron St. John the Evangelist constantly intercede for us.” Over the last 100 years, the parish has had 16 different pastors: Father Jules Berthault (1919–35); Father Armand Kerlec (1935–39); Father John J. Adams (February–March 1939); Father Joseph Coulombe (April-December 1939); Father Charles Murphy (1939-41); Father Cyril DeLaFuente (1941–62); Father Gerard Pelletier (1962–67); Father Maurice Gubler (1967–69); Father Hubert Broussard (1969–80); Msgr. Emile J. Fossier (1980-96); Father Patrick O’Brien (1996-98); Father John Gallen (1998–02); Father Florentino Santiago (2002–09); Father Guy Zeringue (2009–11); Father Michael Bergeron (2012– 16); and Father Varghese (2016–present). BC

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre was the main celebrant of St. John’s 100th anniversary Mass. Concelebrants were Father Michael Bergeron, Father Josekutty Varghese, pastor of St. John, Father Wilmer Todd and Father Roch Naquin. Very Rev. Alex Gaudet was master of ceremonies.

St. John’s 100th anniversary Mass was celebrated on Pentecost Sunday. After the Mass, 10 white doves symbolizing the Holy Spirit were released. July 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 37

Announcement

How to turn an annual gift into a forever gift Catholic Foundation Update Amy Ponson

Turn your annual gift into a forever gift. Annual gifts are a critical lifeline to your parish, school and diocese. Without them, the church couldn’t fund the many ministries and services we provide to our families. If you’re an annual donor, you know firsthand the satisfaction that comes from making a difference—and we deeply appreciate your generosity.

But as you look to the future, you may wonder what will happen to the programs made possible through your gifts once you’re gone. How can you make sure your generosity continues forever? One option is to make a gift in your will or trust to establish an endowment for your church parish, school or the diocese. Here’s an example of how that could work. Let’s say Jerry makes an annual donation of $1,000 to his church parish and would like to continue his support after his lifetime. His estate planning attorney suggests that Jerry include a provision in his will to fund an endowment for his parish with a gift of $25,000. Once funded, we will use a portion of the endowment each year to fund the program of Jerry’s choice. The remainder is reinvested, which allows

Protect your world

it to grow and support annual payouts indefinitely. This generous arrangement replaces Jerry’s $1,000 annual gift after his lifetime (assuming four percent ($1,000) is used by the fund annually). As a result, Jerry’s church parish receives the benefit of Jerry’s generosity forever. Give in their name. You can use an endowment gift to honor someone important to you who appreciates the work we do. Consider designating your endowment in his or her name as a way to celebrate the connection to your parish, school or favorite nonprofit. The Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana stands ready to help you in designing your legacy. For a confidential conversation, please call Amy Ponson at (985) 850-3116 or e-mail aponson@ htdiocese.org. BC

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Announcement

Institute for Priestly Formation marks 25 years of spiritual formation of priests and seminarians By ELIZABETH WELLS The Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) in Omaha, NE, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary during 2019. This Silver Jubilee is an opportunity to celebrate its longevity and the graces received originating from its commitment to the spiritual formation of diocesan priests and seminarians across North America and beyond. “It is both in celebration of and in thanksgiving for the many graces received during the past 25 years that we mark this anniversary year,” said Father Richard Gabuzda, executive director of IPF. “We are also asking God’s continued blessings for the future.” IPF’s mission continues to be to provide an intense spiritual formation for diocesan seminarians and priests, as well as resources to accompany clergy throughout their priesthood, such as its publications arm, retreats and spiritual direction training. IPF’s formation and training offer opportunities for diocesan priests to experience God’s love and taking on the Heart of Christ, which allows a priest to deepen and maintain his relationship with God and share this opportunity with others. “IPF and its programs have had a powerfully positive impact on the church these last 25 years,” said Tim O’Neill, event chair for the 25th Anniversary Celebration and Gala Banquet, July 12-13. “IPF is not a household name and most parishioners in the pew may not know their pastor’s or associate’s spiritual formation occurred at IPF, but the graces are definitely there, especially when their spiritual formation transfers to us as a deepening of our own relationship with God.” The Institute was founded by Father George Aschenbrenner, SJ, Father John Horn, SJ, Father Richard Gabuzda and

Kathy Kanavy. Father Horn served as spiritual director for Father Gabuzda and Kanavy when they participated in a 30-day Ignatian retreat on the campus of Creighton University in 1992. The graces from this retreat grew into the desire to support the idea of providing diocesan seminarians a time and place to “fall more deeply in love with God.” Father Aschenbrenner participated in conversations following the retreat and shared that 10 years before their retreat, he had called for this kind of program for diocesan seminarians. The training also offered an answer to then Pope John Paul II’s apostolic exhortation, Pastores Dabo Vobis, “I will give you shepherds after my own heart” (Jeremiah 3:15). Further discussions led to administrators at Creighton University allowing Kanavy, Father Horn and Father Gabuzda to hold the first Summer Spirituality Formation for Diocesan Seminarian Program with six seminarians in 1995. At the same time, a three-week seminar for seminary spiritual directors, directed by Father Joseph Kelly from the Archdiocese of New York, was also established. This program offers instruction and practical assistance for those who serve as spiritual directors in diocesan seminaries. A version of the Spiritual Exercises for priests and seminarians began in 2000. It has also been attended by some bishops. In 2002, a spiritual direction training program was created. Held on the campus of Mundelein Seminary/ University of Saint Mary of the Lake in suburban Chicago, this three-year program trains spiritual directors who work in dioceses and seminaries. Many of them also serve as a resource for IPF’s programs. Hundreds of priests have graduated from this program since

its inception and extend the mission of falling more deeply in love with God exponentially. At this time, the church is reviewing the way it trains seminarians and renewing its commitment to the spiritual formation of seminarians and priests as it works to implement Pope Francis’ Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis – The Gift of the Priestly Vocation. “A Reason for Your Hope” Celebration and Gala Banquet is a weekend event that begins Friday, July 12, with evening prayer and eucharistic adoration at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, NE. Special presentations by Deacon James Keating, Ph.D. (Finding God in Everyday Life) and Very Rev. Mark Toups, V.G. (Keeping the Main Thing, the Main Thing) will be offered the morning of July 13 at Hilton Omaha. Later that day, Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. at St. Cecilia Cathedral followed by the Gala Banquet at Hilton Omaha beginning with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. All activities associated with this event are complimentary, except the Gala Banquet for which tickets are $150 per person. Other events have been and will be held throughout the year and across the country as part of IPF’s anniversary celebration. While the gatherings and events are important, the most important part of the story remains the many graces that are the result of 25 years of intense spiritual formation of diocesan seminarians and priests and its positive impact on the church in North America. When men who answer the call to serve God’s people as priests are formed experiencing God’s deep love, and then maintain this personal relationship, grace follows. The priests’ parishioners are the ultimate beneficiaries. BC

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

Announcement

Former priest of the diocese, Father Scott Dugas, retires Father Rajasekar Karumelnathan appointed pastor

Father Scott Dugas

Father Rajasekar Karumelnathan

In order to provide pastoral care for the people of God of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre has made the following pastoral appointments, effective immediately. Father Scott J. Dugas, who has been on assignment outside of the diocese since June 2008, retired at the end of June 2019. Father Dugas, a native of New Orleans, was ordained to the priesthood May 21, 1977. Father Rajasekar (Raja) Karumelnathan, M.S.F.S., who has been serving as administrator of Sacred Heart Church parish in Montegut, and St. Charles Borromeo Church parish in Pointeaux-Chenes, since July 2018, has been appointed pastor of both parishes for a term of six years. Father Karumelnathan, a native of India, was ordained to the priesthood April 27, 2009. BC

July

Diocesan Events www.bayoucatholic.com

n St. Kateri Mass, Friday, July 12, 6:30 p.m., Holy Family Church, Grand Caillou. n Grant Writing seminar for parishes, schools, diocesan ministries, Wednesday, July 17, 8:45 a.m.-Noon, diocesan Pastoral Center, Schriever.

August

n Acadian Cultural Mass, Thursday, Aug. 15, 6 p.m., St. Hilary of Poitiers Church, Mathews.

September

n Women’s Giving Circle Mass, St. Teresa of Calcutta feast day, Thursday, Sept. 5, 9 a.m., St. Lucy Church, Houma. n Blue Mass, Thursday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m., Cathedral of St. Francis of de Sales, Houma.

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

Announcement

Deacon Andrew Dragna dies at age 87

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.

Deacon Andrew J. Dragna

Deacon Andrew J. Dragna, a native and lifelong resident of Morgan City, passed away on May 17 at the age of 87. Deacon Dragna was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in 1976, and served Holy Cross Church parish in Morgan City for more than 35 years. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at Holy Cross Church with interment in the Morgan City Cemetery. BC

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

Línea de Comunicación Diocesana

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

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

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

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

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

Announcements

St. Kateri Mass is July 12 The 25th annual Native American liturgical celebration for the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the “Lily of the Mohawks,” will be celebrated Friday, July 12, 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 Novena begins July 17

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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

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

Announcement

Rite of Candidacy

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

A Candidacy Mass was celebrated recently at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma. At the Candidacy Mass, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre invites seminarians into the body of candidates for Holy Orders. For all six of these men, this will be one of their first public commitments toward ordination after being accepted into the seminary. Pictured with the bishop from left are: Matthew Prosperie, Stephen Castille, Joseph Lapeyrouse, James Rome, Davis Ahimbisibwe, and Nick LeCompte.

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

Announcements

2019 Catholic Youth Leadership Award winners Knights of Columbus Houma Council No. 1317 recently presented its 2019 Catholic Youth Leadership Awards to Amelia Viator and Connor Hebert, 2019 graduates of Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma. Presenting the award is Houma Council No. 1317’s C.Y.L.A. chairman Jay Luke.

Hurricane season is here! Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s Parish Social Ministry Outreach announces its Matthew 25 Disaster Preparedness and Response Ministry 2019 re-group and refresher meetings as follows: n St. Gregory KC Hall, Houma, Saturday, July 13, from 9:15-10:30 a.m. n St. Andrew Religious Education Building, Amelia, Thursday, July 18, from 6-7:30 p.m. “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 10 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. New volunteers are especially welcome. It’s not too late to join a Matthew 25 team in your parish. Please call (985) 876-0490 for more information. BC 44 • Bayou Catholic • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • July 2019

Announcement

JANET MARCEL/BAYOU CATHOLIC

‘Gumbo Gang’ food bank donation Representatives of St. Joseph Co-Cathedral’s Lenten Gumbo recently presented a check to the Good Samaritan Food Bank of Thibodaux for $30,000, bringing its total food bank donation to over half a million dollars over the past 30 years. Jim Labit, Lenten Gumbo chair, says the Gumbo is a year-long project involving numerous volunteers. Preparation for the annual event begins in the spring when volunteers grow, cut and freeze okra and shallots. The group also prepares vegetables in the fall. Shrimp and crabmeat for the gumbo is collected during the winter months. “It’s a huge undertaking,” says Margaret Orgeron, who oversees adult formation for the co-cathedral parish, “and we love doing it.” Volunteers from the parish also donate eggs, potatoes, cakes and pies for the event. Pictured in the photo above are Dr. Nicole M. Bourgeois, LMFT, executive director of Catholic Charites of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux; Kristin LaFleur, manager of the Good Samaritan Food Bank of Thibodaux; Margaret Orgeron, Jim Labit, and Father Vicente DeLa Cruz, pastor of the co-cathedral.

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Vatican News

Pope Francis connects Catholic charismatics to broader church with international service group By Hannah Brockhaus Rome, Italy (CNA) As several thousand Catholics belonging to the charismatic renewal gathered in Rome on Pentecost weekend, the Vatican officially launched a new international service to aid the ministry in its commitment to communion and service. Bishop Peter Smith told CNA that with the creation of CHARIS, “the Holy Father is trying to say okay, we’re part of a much bigger thing here, let’s not lose sight of that connection and let’s help one another to build the Kingdom and not just be focused on ourselves.” “This pope sees (the charismatic renewal) as a much broader thing,” he said. CHARIS is an abbreviation for Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service and fulfills a request of the pope that there be one charismatic service organism for all expressions of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. It does not have any legal authority over charismatic communities, but its purpose is communion, formation, and advice. It also has a doctrinal and canonical commission, which can study and give information on things such as baptism in the Holy Spirit, as CHARIS moderator Jean-Luc Moens told CNA. “We need to be sure that we serve the Church without going into our own ideas,” he said. Auxiliary bishop of Portland, Oregon, Peter Smith has been in the charismatic renewal since a young adult in the late 1970s. As CHARIS launches under the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, he is serving on the leadership team as one of two representatives for North America.

Rose petals shower from the ceiling of the Pantheon, a Pentecost tradition in Rome symbolizing the descent of the Holy Spirit.

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

Vatican News

Smith explained to CNA that the charismatic renewal is not an organized movement in the sense of having a founder or one overarching vision, but that it is very loosely organized. “The heart of the charismatic movement is a profound encounter with Christ and the Holy Spirit,” he said. “There’s sort of a deeper infusion of the Holy Spirit into our lives that transforms us, and so, people go forth from there.” “It deepens people’s lives of faith significantly,” he said, explaining that the way most Catholics would encounter the movement is likely through a prayer group at their parish, at conferences and retreats, or communities and ministries. He said there are an estimated 100 to 112 million active members of the charismatic renewal worldwide, many of whom are in Africa and Asia. Pope Francis met with around 3,000 or more Catholics of the charismatic renewal on June 8 in the Vatican’s Pope Paul VI hall. He told them that with the start of CHARIS “a new stage begins on this journey.” “A stage marked by communion among all the members of the charismatic family, in which the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit is manifested for the good of the whole Church,” he continued. The pope said he expects the movement to share Baptism in the Holy Spirit with everyone in the Church: “it is the grace that you have received. Share it! Do not keep if for yourself!”

He also asked them to serve the unity of the body of Christ and to serve the poor. “These three things: Baptism in the Holy Spirit, unity of the Body of Christ and service to the poor, are the necessary testimony for the evangelization of the world, to which we are all called for our Baptism,” he said. Smith described the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the context of Confirmation, which he said, “is a gift of a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit.” And just like any gift one receives, “it is worthless unless you do something.” “You have to take it, you have to open it, you have to see what it is, you have to make it part of your life,” he noted. “And when you do, that gift comes alive for you. The same thing happens with the gift of faith.” The charismatic renewal helps people to have a “vivified, living faith.” “God is not just a philosophical reality... God becomes like a close friend in the sense that you experience him,” he said. “This is all fundamentally part of our faith life.” “I’ve bumped into certain groups of Catholics who say, well (the renewal) is Protestant. My reaction to that is no, that’s been Catholic from the beginning,” Smith argued. While the Catholic Charismatic Renewal has been around for just 52 years, the bishop said what the renewal promotes can be seen even in the writings of the early Church Fathers and in the lives of saints.

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For Catholics who would like to have a deeper experience of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost, Smith said there is not a set formula except for simply placing one’s self in God’s presence. If there is some obstacle to communion with God, something one needs to repent of, do that, he said, and then “just ask God to reveal himself more closely to you, to make the Holy Spirit come alive within you.” “Countless people, myself included, we were good Catholics, always lived the Church’s teaching,” he noted, “but there comes a point where you can say, Lord, I want more.” Most people, he said, will never have one of “these St. Paul moments” where you are going about your life and “wham, you have this incredible experience.” For most people, “we begin to pray, you surrender your life to God, you ask the Holy Spirit to be more a part of your life, and you begin to see things happen.” It can be summed up by thinking about the universal call to live and proclaim the Gospel. “We can’t do that on our own, nobody can. We fall short,” he explained. “So, God in his mercy gives us the Holy Spirit, which makes Christ present in us in a much deeper way and strengthens us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit... so that we can live as he calls us to.” “That is why people who experience this often have their faith come alive,” he said. BC

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#BabinForTheBayou July 2019 • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Bayou Catholic • 47

International News

Professor: Catholic teaching invites us to radically reconsider the economy Philadelphia, PA (CNA) Among the greatest gifts the Church has to offer the secular world is a profound understanding of happiness, which does not rely on wealth, said a Villanova University economist in a recent speech. “We cannot think well about economic life, or the challenges to economic

justice and the environment that we confront, if we do not first think hard about the shape of human happiness and the proper role of wealth,” said Mary Hirschfeld. She said that the Church’s teaching is an invitation to radically reconsider how we view the economy and the purpose of wealth, but that teaching is

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

often misunderstood by society. “The Church’s vision of the relationship between wealth and happiness, and what that means for creation and the economy is not easily understood by those who were formed with the secular understanding of the world.” The economics and theology

International News

professor received the 4th International “Economy and Society” Award in the category of “Social Doctrine Publications” at a ceremony on May 29. The award is granted by the Centesimus Annus – Pro Pontifice Foundation. It was presented by Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising. The award was given in recognition of Hirschfeld’s recent book, Aquinas and the Market. Toward a humane Economy (Harvard University Press, 2018). In her speech at the award ceremony, Hirschfeld said that although she had a Ph.D. in economics, her entire view of social and economic development was transformed after she converted to the Catholic faith as an adult. After years of being successful by worldly standards, she found something missing in her life. It wasn’t until she found the Catholic Church that she discovered the “banquet” that would satisfy her hungry soul. In encountering and embracing the Catholic faith, Hirschfeld said, she found that true happiness lies in an infinite good that could not be found in an accumulation of finite goods. “No amount of money or prestige was going to alleviate that hunger,” she said. “Instead, I found that my true hunger was for God.” But the Church also gave her a new lens to see the finite things of the world around her – the goodness of the people in her life, the gift of community, and the importance of virtue. When Hirschfeld returned to school to study theology, she found herself struggling to reconcile her background in economics with her newfound Catholic faith. Upon reading St. Thomas Aquinas’ teachings on private property, she found what seemed at first to be a contradiction. On one hand, Aquinas seemed to say that “private property is fitting because it channels our propensity to work for ourselves in socially useful ways,” Hirschfeld said. This aligned perfectly with what she believed as an economist. “But then (Aquinas) said we are also to hold private property as if it is in common, that is ready to share with others the fruits of our labors. That read to me, as an economist, as a pure contradiction. On the one hand, private property is good because it gives us an incentive to work hard. On the other hand, we are supposed to turn around and give it all away. What sort of incentive is that?” Ultimately, she realized that the two different understandings of incentives and private property are due to radically different understandings of human happiness. Economists, she said, see happiness as acquiring wealth and goods, while Aquinas sees happiness as “something that is found in the higher goods of God, family, community, and virtue.” “The crucial difference lies in how we understand the role of material wealth in a good human life,” she emphasized. “For Aquinas, the ‘incentive’ is that we want to provide ourselves with what is reasonably necessary. But once our needs are secured, we would naturally wish to look to help others. Anything above what is necessary to us is, for Aquinas, superfluous.”

For economists, however, Hirschfeld said, the incentive to work hard is the desire to accumulate more wealth and possessions. “However much we have, we think a bit more would be helpful and so we work hard.” “But that same logic means we would not experience our wealth as abundance, and so we would find it hard to give to others,” she said. This distinction is important to recognize, the economist said, because when we discuss the economy with people who have fundamentally different assumptions about wealth and human happiness, misunderstandings are likely to arise. Hirschfeld suggested that much of the Church’s rich body of social thought has not had the impact on the world that it could have, in large part because people do not fully understand it. Her new book aims to help bridge the gap between the Church and the secular world, laying out a Catholic understanding of wealth and happiness in order to foster a dialogue that has significant implications in thinking about the economy. “Perhaps this is the gift of the convert,” she said, “to see what cradle Catholics may take for granted, and to build a bridge to bring the gifts of the Church to a world that desperately needs them.” BC

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

Sports

Overtime Ed Daniels

Can Saints and Tigers replicate the magic of 2011 season in 2019? On the way home from the Super Regional in Baton Rouge, at shortly after midnight, it was time to turn the page. It was football season. It is that time in south Louisiana. And, football fans of LSU and the Saints have much to anticipate. The Tigers won their first New Year’s Day Bowl game since 2013. The Saints were within one pass interference call of a Super Bowl berth. Last season’s total of 22 combined

regular season wins by the Tigers and Saints was the second best total since the Saints began to play in the NFL in 1967. In 2006, the two teams combined for 20 regular season victories. In 1987, LSU won nine regular season games. The Saints, in their breakthrough first ever playoff season, won 12. And, in 2011, both teams flirted with championships. The Saints were upset by the 49ers in San Francisco in the NFC divisional round. LSU was blanked by Alabama in the BCS championship game at the Superdome. On the weekend of November 5-6, 2011, both clubs made a turn for the postseason. Drew Alleman’s 25-yard field goal in overtime lifted LSU over Alabama 9-6. The win was LSU’s best on the way to a perfect regular season. In the Superdome, the Saints hosted Tampa Bay. New Orleans, coming off an upset loss at St Louis, defeated the Bucs 2716. The Saints reeled off eight straight wins to end the regular season. The Saints roster reflected its success on the field. Roman Harper, Malcolm Jenkins, Will Smith and Tracy Porter were in their prime years on defense. Offensively, so were wide receiver Marques Colston, and guards Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks. The Saints were stacked at running

back with Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas. Even their fourth back, Chris Ivory rushed for 374 yards. Drew Brees had one of his best seasons, completing 71.2 percent of his passes, 46 for touchdowns. LSU won with defense and special teams. The Tigers allowed 11.3 points per game and 171.4 total yards per game. LSU, with punter Brad Wing, was second in the nation in net yards per punt. Back then, it seemed like the salad days would go on for a long time. The Tigers and Saints both had talented rosters. But, the wheels slowly came off. LSU lost three games the following season, including a stunning 25-24 Chick-Fil-A bowl loss to Clemson. Clemson scored 12 unanswered in the fourth quarter. In the spring of 2012, Saints head coach Sean Payton was suspended for one season for his alleged role in bounty gate. The Saints, with two interim coaches, finished 7-9. Seven years later, the Saints and the Tigers have their best chance to replicate the magic of 2011. That’s when both were knocking on the door, but didn’t kick it in. BC

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